Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 3 — Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

Section 3.3. Safety within Floor Areas

3.3.1. All Floor Areas

3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to Sentence (4), a suite shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See also Subsection 3.3.3. for care, treatment or detention occupancies, Article 3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies, and Article 3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)

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1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to Sentence (4), aeachsuitein other than business and personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h. (See also Subsection 3.3.3. for care, treatment or detention occupancies, Article 3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies, and Article 3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the occupancies are

a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,

b) fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,

c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or

d) any combination of these occupancies.

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3) Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the occupancies are

a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,

b) fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,

c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or

d) any combination of these occupanciesoccupancies.

5) Each suite other than a residential suite, located at ground level and having direct access to the street shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating not less than 2 h.

3.3.1.2. Hazardous Substances, Equipment and Processes

1) Except as provided in Subsections 3.3.5. and 3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances shall be in conformance with the Fire By-law. (See Appendix A.)

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1) Except as provided in Subsections 3.3.5. and 3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances shall be in conformance with the Fire By-law. (See Appendix A.)

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a), the British Columbia Fire Code.

(See Appendix A.)

1) Except as provided in Subsections 3.3.5. and 3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances shall be in conformance with the Fire By-law. (See Appendix A.)

a) provincial or territorial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a), the NFC.

(See Appendix A.)

2) Cooking equipment, not within a dwelling unit, used in processes producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in conformance with Part 6. (See Appendix A.)

3) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.

3.3.1.3. Means of Egress

1) Access to exit within floor areas shall conform to Subsections 3.3.2. to 3.3.5., in addition to the requirements of this Subsection.

2) If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.

3) Means of egress shall be provided from every roof which is intended for occupancy, and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.

4) At least two separate means of egress shall be provided from a roof, used or intended for an occupant load more than 60, to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements regarding exit stairs stated in Section 3.4.

5) A rooftop enclosure shall be provided with an access to exit that leads to an exit

a) at the roof level, or

b) on the storey immediately below the roof.

6) A rooftop enclosure which is more than 200 m² in area shall be provided with at least 2 means of egress.

7) Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) if

a) the area is more than 200 m², or

b) the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25 m.

8) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.4.(5) and (6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one suite shall have

a) an exterior exit doorway, or

b) a doorway

i) into a public corridor, or

ii) to an exterior passageway.

9) Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in Sentence (8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exits.

3.3.1.4. Public Corridor Separations

1) Except as otherwise required by this Part or as permitted by Sentence (4), a public corridor shall be separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3) and Clauses (4)(a) and (b), the fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

3) If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public corridor and the remainder of the storey, provided the corridor does not serve a care, treatment or detention occupancy or a residential occupancy. (See A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) in Appendix A.)

4) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and

a) except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.5.(9) and 3.3.4.2.(1), and notwithstanding Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2), the remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more than 45 m,

b) a room or a suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence 3.3.1.9.(6) and Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or

c) a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection 3.7.2., provided the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.

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4) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and

a) except as required by Sentences 3.3.3.5.(9) and 3.3.4.2.(1), and notwithstanding Sentence 3.4.2.4.(2), the remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more than 45 m,

b) a room or a suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence 3.3.1.9.(6) and Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or

c) a space containing plumbing fixturesplumbingfixtures required by Subsection 3.7.2., provided the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.

3.3.1.5. Egress Doorways

1) Except for dwelling units, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could provide egress from the room or suite as required by Article 3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due to a fire which originates in the room or suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite

a) that is used for a high-hazard industrial occupancy and whose area is more than 15 m²,

b) intended for an occupant load more than 60,

c) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, and

i) the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.A, or

ii) the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.A, or

d) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and

i) the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or

ii) the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table 3.3.1.5.B.

2) Where 2 egress doorways are required by Sentence (1), they shall be placed at a distance from one another equal to or greater than one third of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area to be served, measured as the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the nearest required egress doors.

Table 3.3.1.5.B Egress in Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout Forming part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1)
Occupancy of Room or Suite	Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m2
Group A	200
Group B, Division 1	100
Group B, Division 2
sleeping rooms	100
other than sleeping rooms	200
Group B, Division 3
sleeping rooms not in suites	100
individual suites	150
other than sleeping rooms	200
Group C	150(1)
Group D	300
Group E	200
Group F, Division 2	200
Group F, Division 3	300

3.3.1.6. Travel Distance

1) If more than one egress doorway is required from a room or suite referred to in Article 3.3.1.5., the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum travel distances specified in Clauses 3.4.2.5.(1)(a), (b), (c) and (f) for exits.

3.3.1.7. [Deleted]

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3.3.1.7. [Deleted][Reserved]

(See Article 3.8.3.19. for Egress from Floor Areas for Person with Disabilities.)

3.3.1.7. [Deleted]Protection on Floor Areas with a Barrier-Free Path of Travel

(See Article 3.8.3.19. for Egress from Floor Areas for Person with Disabilities.)

1) Every floor area above or below the first storey that is not sprinklered throughout and that has a barrier-free path of travel shall

a) be served by an elevator

i) conforming to Sentences 3.2.6.5.(4) to (6),

ii) protected against fire in conformance with Clauses 3.2.6.5.(3)(b) or (c), and

iii) in a building over 3 storeys in building height, protected against smoke movement so that the hoistway will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from a fire floor during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis determined in conformance with Subsection 1.1.3.,

b) be divided into at least 2 zones by fire separations conforming to Sentences (2), (3)and (4) so that

i) persons with physical disabilities can be accommodated in each zone, and

ii) the travel distance from any point in one zone to a doorway leading to another zone shall be not more than the value for travel distance permitted by Sentence 3.4.2.5.(1) for the occupancy classification of the zone,

c) in the case of residential occupancies, be provided with balconies conforming to Sentence (5), except on the storey containing the barrier-free entrance required by Article 3.8.1.2.,

d) have an exterior exit at ground level, or

e) have a ramp leading to ground level.

(See Appendix A.)

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

3) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separations referred to in Clause (1)(b) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

4) A door acting as a closure in a fire separation referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be weatherstripped or otherwise designed and installed to retard the passage of smoke. (See A-3.3.3.5.(6) in Appendix A.)

5) A balcony required by Clause (1)(c) shall

a) have direct barrier-free access from the suite or floor area

b) be not less than 1.5 m deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and

c) provide not less than 1.5 m² of balcony space for each nonambulatory occupant and 0.5 m² for each ambulatory occupant.

3.3.1.8. Headroom Clearance

1) Except within the floor area of a storage garage, the minimum headroom clearance in every access to exit shall conform to the requirements of Article 3.4.3.4. for exits. (See also Sentence 3.3.5.4.(5).)

3.3.1.9. Corridors

1) The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1 100 mm.

2) Except as required by Sentence 3.3.3.3.(3), the minimum unobstructed width of a corridor used by the public or a corridor serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms shall be 1 100 mm.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project more than 100 mm horizontally into an exit passageway, a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms in a manner that would create a hazard for a person with a visual disability traveling adjacent to the walls.

4) The horizontal projection of an obstruction referred to in Sentence (3) is permitted to be more than 100 mm provided the clearance between the obstruction and the floor is less than 680 mm. (See Appendix A.)

5) If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than its required width.

6) If a public corridor conforming to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,

a) the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3 m at all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and

b) the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than 15 per cent of the area of the public corridor.

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6) If a public corridor conforming to Clause 3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,

a) the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3 m at all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and

b) the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than 15 per cent 15% of the area of the public corridor.

7) Except for a dead end corridor that is entirely within a suite or as permitted by Sentences 3.3.3.3.(1) and 3.3.4.4.(6), a dead end corridor is permitted provided it is not more than 6 m long.

3.3.1.10. Aisles

1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the Fire By-law.

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1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode.

1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the Fire By-lawNFC.

3.3.1.11. Door Swing

1) Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis.

2) Except as permitted by Article 3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to exit from a room or suite that is used or intended for an occupant load more than 60 or for a high-hazard industrial occupancy shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit.

3) Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit.

4) If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of travel to the exit.

3.3.1.12. Sliding Doors

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a sliding door provided in the locations described in Article 3.3.1.11. shall

a) be designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit when pressure is applied, and

b) be identified as a swinging door by means of a label or decal affixed to it.

2) In a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or in an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, sliding doors used in an access to exit need not conform to Sentence (1) and Article 3.3.1.11.

3) Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence (1) and Sentences 3.3.1.11.(1) and (2), provided the partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware

1) Except as required by Article 3.3.3.4., a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall

a) provide a clear opening of not less than 800 mm if there is only one door leaf,

b) in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 800 mm, and,

c) not open onto a step.

2) A door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism, except that this requirement does not apply to a door serving a contained use area, or an impeded egress zone, provided the locking devices conform to Sentence (6).

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation. (See also Clause (10)(c).)

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3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation. (See also Clause (10)(c).)

4) An egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware, provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized knowledge. (See Appendix A.)

5) Door release hardware shall be installed not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor.

6) An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be equipped with locking devices that can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with Sentence (7) or (8). (See Appendix A.)

7) Local locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.

8) Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be located in an area readily available to security personnel.

9) Locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) that are electrically operated shall be

a) designed to operate on emergency power, and

b) capable of manual release by security personnel.

10) Door assemblies providing access shall

a) conform to Clauses (1)(a) and (1)(b),

b) have a clear and level area

i) for manual doors swinging into this area, not less than 1 500 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 600 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

ii) for manual doors swinging away from this area, not less than 1 200 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 300 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

iii) for power operated sliding doors or power operated doors swinging away from this area, not less than 1 100 mm long by the width of the door assembly, and

iv) for power operated doors swinging into this area, not less than 1 100 mm long plus the arc of the door swing by the width of the door assembly,

c) be operable by devices which do not require tight grasping, or twisting of the wrist, as the only means of operation,

d) operate when a force of not more than 38 N for exterior doors and not more than 22 N for interior doors is applied at the handle, push plate or latch-releasing device, except for locations where greater pressures are required to ensure proper building function, and

e) if equipped with a closer, have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from the door in an open position of 70° to the doorway to a point 75 mm from the closed position measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.

(See Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(a) to Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(e) and Appendix Note A-3.8.)

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10) Door assemblies providing access shall

a) conform to Clauses (1)(a) and (1)(b),

b) have a clear and level area

i) for manual doors swinging into this area, not less than 1 500 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 600 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

ii) for manual doors swinging away from this area, not less than 1 200 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 300 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

iii) for power operated sliding doors or power operated doors swinging away from this area, not less than 1 100 mm long by the width of the door assembly, and

iv) for power operated doors swinging into this area, not less than 1 100 mm long plus the arc of the door swing by the width of the door assembly,

c) be operable by devices which do not require tight grasping, or twisting of the wrist, as the only means of operation,

d) operate when a force of not more than 38 N for exterior doors and not more than 22 N for interior doors is applied at the handle, push plate or latch-releasing device, except for locations where greater pressures are required to ensure proper building function, and

e) if equipped with a closer, have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from the door in an open position of 70° to the doorway to a point 75 mm from the closed position measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.

(See Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(a) to Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(e) and Appendix Note A-3.8.)

10) Door assemblies providing access shall

a) conform to Clauses (1)(a) and (1)(b),

b) have a clear and level area

i) for manual doors swinging into when the door swing is towards this area, not less than 1 500 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 600 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

ii) for manual doors swinging when the door swing is away from this area, not less than 1 200 mm long by a width equal to the door assembly width plus not less than 300 mm clear space beside the latching jamb of the door,

iii) for power operated sliding doors or power operated doors swinging away from this area, not less than 1 100 mm long by the width of the door assembly, and

iv) for power operated doors swinging into this area, not less than 1 100 mm long plus the arc of the door swing by the width of the door assembly,

c) be operable by devices which do not require tight grasping, or twisting of the wrist, as the only means of operation,

d) operate when a force of not more than 38 N for exterior doors and not more than 22 N for interior doors is applied at the handle, push plate or latch-releasing device, except for locations where greater pressures are required to ensure proper building function, and

e) if equipped with a closer, have a closing period of not less than 3 seconds measured from the door in an open position of 70° to the doorway to a point 75 mm from the closed position measured from the leading edge of the latch side of the door.

(See Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(a) to Appendix Note A-3.3.1.13.(10)(e) and Appendix Note A-3.8.)

3.3.1.14. Ramps and Stairways

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), Article 3.3.1.16., and Article 3.3.4.7., ramps and stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the dimensional, guard, handrail and slip-resistance requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and 3.4.6.1. to 3.4.6.8.

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1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), Article 3.3.1.16., and Article 3.3.4.7., ramps and stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the dimensional, guard, handrail and slip-resistance requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and 3.4.6.1. to 3.4.6.8.

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), Article 3.3.1.16., and  and Article 3.3.4.7., ramps and stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the dimensional, guard, handrail and slip-resistance requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and 3.4.6.1. to 3.4.6.8.

2) Ramps and stairways that do not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) are permitted to serve service rooms and service spaces and in industrial occupancies, provided the ramps and stairways are intended only for occasional use for servicing equipment and machinery.

3.3.1.15. Exterior Passageways

1) An exterior passageway leading to a required exit shall conform to the requirements of Section 3.4. for exterior exit passageways.

3.3.1.16. Curved or Spiral Stairs

1) A curved or spiral stair is permitted in a stairway not required as an exit, provided the stair has

a) treads with

i) a minimum run not less than 150 mm, and

ii) an average run not less than 200 mm,

b) risers in conformance with Sentence 3.4.6.8.(2), and

c) a handrail on each side.

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1) A curved or spiral stair is permitted in a stairway not required as an exit, provided the stair has

a) treads with

i) a minimum run not less than 150 mm, and

ii) an average run not less than 200 mm, and

b) risers in conformance with Sentence 3.4.6.8.(2), and.

c) a handrail on each side.

3.3.1.17. Capacity of Access to Exits

1) The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.

2) In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than 1 in 8, doorways, and corridors shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person.

3) In an access to exit the required width of a ramps with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than 9.2 mm per person.

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3) In an access to exit the required width of a rampsramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than 9.2 mm per person.

4) In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients in a Group B, Division 2 occupancy or residents in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.

5) The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs in Sentences 3.4.3.2.(1) to (3).

3.3.1.18. Guards

1) Except as provided in Sentence (4) and Article 3.3.2.9., a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided

a) around any roof to which access is provided for purposes other than maintenance,

b) at openings into smoke shafts referred to in Subsection 3.2.6. that are less than 1 070 mm above the floor, and

c) at each raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior vehicular ramp, and at other locations where the difference in level is more than 600 mm.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.3.2.9.(4) and unless it can be shown that the size of openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there shall be no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 100 mm through a guard serving

a) an exterior balcony, or

b) a room, stairway, or space not within a suite of residential occupancy.

3) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, guards shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level protected by the guard facilitates climbing.

4) Sentence (1) does not apply to the front edges of stages or to loading docks.

5) Swimming pools greater than 450 mm deep shall be protected in conformance with Article 9.8.8.1.

3.3.1.19. Transparent Doors and Panels

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching non-transparent hardware, bars or other permanent fixtures to it.

2) A glass door shall be constructed of

a) laminated or tempered safety glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or

b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), transparent panels used in an access to exit that, because of their physical configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings.

4) Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during normal working hours need not conform to Sentences (1) and (3), provided the partitions are suitably marked to indicate their existence and position.

5) Glass in doors and in sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article 9.6.1.4.

6) A window in a public area that extends to less than 1 000 mm above the floor and is located above the second storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing to not less than 1 070 mm above the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards required by Article 4.1.5.14.

7) An openable window which has a width of 380 mm or less, is located less than 1 070 mm above interior floor level, and which opens to a space more than 600 mm below the level of the interior floor, shall be protected by a guard, in conformance with Article 3.3.1.18.

8) An openable window which has a width greater than 380 mm, is located less than 1 070 mm above interior floor level, and which opens to a space more than 600 mm below the level of the interior floor, shall be protected by

a) an opening mechanism that limits the unobstructed opening to no more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally, or

b) a guard in conformance with Article 3.3.1.18.

3.3.1.20. Exhaust Ventilation and Explosion Venting

1) An exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the appropriate requirements of Part 6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases, vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (See also Article 4.2.4.13.)

2) Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection 6.2.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.

3.3.1.21. Janitors’ Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial supplies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the room or space is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.22. Common Laundry Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in which the laundry room is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.23. Obstructions

1) No obstruction shall be permitted in any occupancy that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress from any part of a floor area to less than 750 mm unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible from, and plainly visible from the obstructed means of egress. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.1.24. Signs in Service Spaces

1) Illuminated signs conforming to Sentences 3.4.5.1.(2) and (6) shall be provided to indicate the direction to egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8).

3.3.1.25. Welding and Cutting

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), welding and cutting operations shall be carried out in a room

a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, or

b) protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system.

2) Sentence (1) shall not apply to industrial occupancies where the welding and cutting operations do not present a fire or explosion hazard to adjacent areas.

3.3.2. Assembly Occupancy

3.3.2.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to assembly occupancies and to outdoor places of assembly.

2) Except as required in Sentence (3), provisions 12.2.3.2, 12.2.3.3, 12.2.5.4, 12.2.5.5, 12.2.5.6, 12.2.11.1, 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of Chapter 12 of NFPA 101, “Life Safety Code,” are permitted to be used in lieu of Articles 3.3.2.4., 3.3.2.5., 3.3.2.9., 3.3.2.10. and 3.3.2.11. (See Appendix A.)

3) The minimum clear width of aisle accessways between rows of seats shall be calculated according to provisions 12.2.5.5.2, 12.2.5.5.4.1 and 12.2.5.5.5.1 of Chapter 12 of NFPA 101, “Life Safety Code,” except that in no case shall the width be less than 400 mm.

3.3.2.2. Fire Separations

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), the seating area of a Group A, Division 1 occupancy shall be separated from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h if the occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena-type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.

3.3.2.3. Non-fixed Seating

1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the Fire By-law.

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1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the British Columbia Fire By-law Code.

1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the Fire By-lawNFC.

3.3.2.4. Fixed Seats

1) Except for the requirements of Article 3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by Sentence (2) and Articles 3.3.2.10. and 3.3.2.11., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be

a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser,

b) provided with arms and back, and

c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400 mm wide measured horizontally between plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.

2) For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400 mm required by Clause (1)(c) shall be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position provided

a) there are not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle,

b) the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and

c) the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position.

(See Appendix A.)

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), aisles shall be located so that there are not more than 7 seats with backs or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle.

4) The requirements of Sentence (3) do not apply if

a) egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats,

b) each doorway referred to in Clause (a) serves not more than 3 rows of seats, and

c) each row contains not more than 100 seats.

3.3.2.5. Aisles

1) Except as required by Articles 3.3.2.10. and 3.3.2.11., aisles leading to exits shall be provided in conformance with Sentences (2) to (17) in places of assembly which contain fixed seats.

2) The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less than 1 100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be reduced to not less than

a) 750 mm if serving not more than 60 seats, and

b) 900 mm if serving seats on one side only.

3) Except in the case of bleacher seats, the minimum clear width of aisles referred to in Sentence (2) shall be measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle or foyer and shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of distance toward the exit, cross aisle or foyer.

4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of the cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

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4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of the cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be not less than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

5) Dead-end aisles shall be not more than 6 m long.

6) The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not more than 45 m.

7) Side aisles shall be not less than 1 100 mm wide if seating is provided in conformance with Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4).

8) An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall not be stepped.

9) An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be stepped.

10) The passageway between rows of seats served by a stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line of travel.

11) The riser of a step in an aisle shall be

a) not less than 110 mm high, and

b) not more than 200 mm high.

12) Variations are permitted in riser height provided

a) the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and

b) the width of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.

13) Steps in an aisle shall

a) have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,

b) have a tread width not less than 250 mm,

c) extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and

d) have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

14) The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made apparent from both directions of travel by strategically placed lighting or contrasting marking stripes.

15) A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a slope not more than 1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that is not less than 430 mm wide in the direction of exit travel.

16) If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than 800 mm square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.

17) The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

3.3.2.6. Corridors

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the corridor is located is sprinklered throughout.

4) The requirement for a fire separation stated in Sentence (1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit does not exceed the travel distance permitted by Article 3.4.2.5.

3.3.2.7. Doors

1) A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that will release the latch and allow the door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Clause 3.3.1.13.(10)(d) is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit.

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1) A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that will release the latch and allow the door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Clause 3.3.1.13.(10)(d) is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit.

3.3.2.8. Fixed Bench-Type Seats without Arms

1) If fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the seat width per person shall be assumed to be 450 mm.

2) The centre-to-centre spacing between rows of bench-type seats shall be not less than 760 mm if back rests are provided, and not less than 550 mm if back rests are not provided.

3) A clear space of not less than 300 mm shall be provided between the back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind it.

3.3.2.9. Guards

1) Except as required by Sentences (2) to (4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in outdoor and indoor places of assembly with fixed seats so that

a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is not less than

i) 760 mm in front of the seats, and

ii) 920 mm if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of steps,

b) the height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery is not less than 660 mm, except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the front side of the aisle are not less than 600 mm above the floor of the aisle, and

c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between platforms is more than 450 mm, the height of guards is not less than 660 mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the platform.

2) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1 200 mm above the ground or floor that are not adjacent to a wall shall be protected with a guard

a) not less than 1 070 mm high above an adjacent aisle surface or foot rest, and

b) not less than 920 mm high above the centre of an adjacent seat board.

3) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600 mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard not less than 840 mm high above the front foot rest.

4) The size of any opening in a guard required by Sentences (2) and (3) shall not allow the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 300 mm.

3.3.2.10. Outdoor Places of Assembly

1) A Group A, Division 4 occupancy and each tier or balcony that has a capacity of more than

a) 1 000 persons shall have not less than  3 separate exits, or

b) 4 000 persons shall have not less than  4 separate exits.

2) In a Group A, Division 4 occupancy, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance is not more than 45 m measured along the path of travel from the seat to

a) the ground,

b) an exit,

c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or

d) a portal, a vomitory or any other opening through the seating deck structure.

3) Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than 25 m apart.

4) The capacity of a means of egress for a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(3).

5) Aisles in a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall

a) be located so that there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, and

b) be not less than 1 200 mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60 persons is permitted to be 750 mm wide.

3.3.2.11. Bleachers

1) Steps provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type shall

a) have risers not more than 250 mm high, and

b) have treads with a run not less than 280 mm.

2) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 280 mm, an intermediate step shall be provided the full width of the aisle and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms.

3) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 450 mm, 2 intermediate steps shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms.

4) If the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be provided so that

a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than three quarters of the centre-to-centre spacing between rows of seats, and

b) the spacing between footboard members shall be not more than 25 mm.

5) Openings above footboards and below the seats in rows of bleacher seats shall be provided with intermediate construction so that there is no opening that would permit the passage of a sphere of more than 100 mm in diameter.

3.3.2.12. Libraries

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a library book storage room that is not normally accessible to the public shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h if it

a) is more than 250 m² in area, or

b) contains book stacks that

i) are more than 10 m high, or

ii) penetrate more than one floor assembly.

2) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) is not required if the book storage room is sprinklered.

3) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height of the shelves is not more than 2.1 m but not more than 75 per cent of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or below the mezzanine floor assembly.

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3) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height of the shelves is not more than 2.1 m but not more than 75 per cent 75% of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or below the mezzanine floor assembly.

3.3.2.13. Stages for Theatrical Performances

1) A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be sprinklered.

2) A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (6), a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be separated from the seating area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, except for a proscenium opening protected with

a) a sprinkler deluge system conforming to the requirements of NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,”

b) an unframed fire curtain if the opening is not more than 20 m wide, or

c) a semi-rigid fire curtain if the opening is more than 20 m wide.

4) A fire curtain required by Sentence (3) shall be of a type acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and designed to close

a) automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system,

b) automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and

c) manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.

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4) A fire curtain required by Sentence (3) shall be of a type acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and designed to close

a) automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler systemsprinkler system,

b) automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and

c) manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.

5) At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall

a) have an aggregate area not less than one eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and

b) be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler system.

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5) At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall

a) have an aggregate area not less than one eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and

b) be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler systemsprinkler system.

6) The fire separation referred to in Sentence (3) is not required between a stage and a seating area in a building that is sprinklered throughout, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the stage and the seating area.

3.3.2.14. Risers for Stairs

1) In a Group A, Division 2 occupancy used for the serving of food and beverages, an interior flight of stairs with fewer than 3 risers is permitted provided it

a) is not less than 900 mm wide,

b) is illuminated at all times that occupants are on the premises, and

c) has a handrail on each side.

3.3.2.15. Storage Rooms

1) Where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the Fire By-law for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in assembly occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

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1) Where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in assembly occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

1) Where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the Fire By-law NFC for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in assembly occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

3.3.2.16. [Deleted.]

(See Appendix A.)

3.3.3. Care, Treatment or Detention Occupancies

3.3.3.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to care, treatment and detention occupancies. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.3.2. Separations between Care, Treatment or Detention Occupancies and Repair Garages

1) The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.5.(1) between a care, treatment or detention occupancy and a repair garage shall have no openings.

3.3.3.3. Corridors

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), a corridor used by the public or serving patients' or residents’ sleeping rooms shall have no dead-end portion.

2) Corridors are permitted to have dead-portions, where

a) the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress, or

b) the corridor serves a suite of care occupancy and the dead-end portion does not exceed 6 m.

3) Corridors shall be not less than

a) 2 400 mm wide in buildings of treatment occupancy where the corridors may be used to move patients or residents in beds,

b) 1 650 mm wide

i) in buildings of care or treatment occupancy where the corridors will not be used to move patients or residents in beds, and

ii) in buildings of care occupancy with more than 10 residents and where the corridors serve the residents, or

c) 1 100 mm wide in buildings of care occupancy with not more than 10 residents.

4) Paired doors in a corridor referred to in Clause (3)(a) shall

a) swing in opposite directions, the right-hand door swinging in the direction of travel, and

b) be not less than 1 100 mm wide.

3.3.3.4. Doorway Width

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and within individual suites of care occupancy, the minimum clear width of a doorway shall be 850 mm where it opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit for patients or residents in floor areas containing care or treatment occupancies.

2) The minimum clear width of doorways through which it is necessary to move patients in bed shall be 1 050 mm. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.3.5. Compartments and Fire Separations

1) Floor areas containing patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a care or treatment occupancy where overnight sleeping accommodation is provided for more than a total of 10 patients or residents shall conform to Sentences (2) to (14).

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a floor area described in Sentence (1) shall be divided into not less than 2 fire compartments, each not more than 1 000 m² in area.

3) The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.

4) Except as permitted by Sentence (5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence (2) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

5) The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence (4) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

6) A closure in a fire separation between fire compartments referred to in Sentence (2) shall be weatherstripped or otherwise designed and installed to retard the passage of smoke. (See Appendix A.)

7) The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) to a door to an adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than 45 m.

8) Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 2.5 m² per patient in the adjacent fire compartment.

9) Except as provided in Sentences (10) to (14), walls between patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms and the remainder of the floor area shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating unless one is required by other provisions in this Part. (See A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) in Appendix A.)

10) The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within a group of intercommunicating patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, provided the group of rooms does not

a) contain more than 5 patients or residents, or

b) include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms.

(See Appendix A.)

11) The fire separation requirements of Sentence (9) do not apply to walls within individual suites of care occupancy.

12) A door in a fire separation required by Sentence (9) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch.

13) Except as permitted by Sentence (14), a fire separation required by Sentence (9) shall not have any grilles, louvres or other openings.

14) A door or wall separating a patient’s or resident’s sleeping room from an ensuite toilet room, shower room or similar ancillary space is permitted to incorporate grilles and louvres, provided

a) the adjacent rooms are not used to store flammable or combustible materials, and

b) the openings are located so that smoke cannot pass through these rooms to other parts of the building.

(See Appendix A.)

15) Walls between individual suites of care occupancy and the remainder of the floor area in buildings of care occupancy shall be constructed as fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified for residential occupancies in Sentences 3.3.4.2.(1) and (2).

16) Floor assemblies within individual suites of care occupancy need not be constructed as fire separations, provided the suites meet the conditions described in Clauses 3.3.4.2.(3)(a) and (b).

17) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is permitted to be waived if the fire separation is located between individual suites of care occupancy and an attached storage garage containing not more than 5 vehicles, provided the conditions described in Sentence 3.3.4.2.(4) are met.

18) Fire dampers in fire separations between fire compartments described in Sentence (2) shall be designed to close upon a signal from a smoke detector in either fire compartment. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.3.6. Areas of Refuge

1) Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms and intensive care units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be

a) separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and

b) provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another space, the compartments will not contain more than 1 per cent by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.

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1) Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms and intensive care units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be

a) separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and

b) provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another space, the compartments will not contain more than 1 per cent 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.

3.3.3.7. Contained Use Areas

1) A contained use area shall conform to Sentences (2) to (5).

2) A contained use area shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), a building that includes a contained use area shall be sprinklered throughout.

4) A contained use area, in a building for which Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.88. do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence (3) provided

a) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in the contained use area other fire compartments will not contain more than 1 per cent by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area,

b) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another part of the building the contained use area will not contain more than 1 per cent by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the building,

c) all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), and

d) the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.

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4) A contained use area, in a building for which Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.88. do not require the installation of an automatic sprinkler systemsprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence (3) provided

a) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in the contained use area other fire compartments will not contain more than 1 per cent 1% by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area,

b) the building is designed so that during a period of 2 h after the start of a fire in another part of the building the contained use area will not contain more than 1 per cent 1% by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the building,

c) all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6), and

d) the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.

5) A corridor serving a contained use area shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.4. Residential Occupancy

3.3.4.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to residential occupancies.

3.3.4.2. Fire Separations

1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy including secondary suites and lock-off suites shall be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

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1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy includingsecondary suites and lock-off suitesshall be separated from each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) Floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed as fire separations provided

a) the distance between the lowest floor level and the uppermost floor level within the dwelling unit is not more than 6 m, and

b) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

i) 1 h if the building is not sprinklered throughout,

ii) 45 min if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is not more than 3 storeys in building height, or

iii) 1 h if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is more than 3 storeys in building height.

4) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is permitted to be waived if the fire separation is located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage containing not more than 5 vehicles, provided

a) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered,

b) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3),

c) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,

d) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and

e) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is

i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes,

ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and

iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

5) The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage serving that dwelling unit only, provided

a) the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3),

b) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,

c) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and

d) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is

i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes,

ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and

iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

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5) The fire separation required by Sentence 3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage, serving that dwelling unit only, provided

a) the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentences (1), (2) and (3),

b) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,

c) the constructionconstruction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and

d) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is

i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust fumes,

ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and

iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms

1) Sprinklers shall be installed in a storage room provided for the use of tenants in a residential occupancy within a floor area but not contained within a suite.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), a storage room referred to in Sentence (1) shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.

3) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence (2) is permitted to be less than 1 h but not less than 45 min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1 h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

4) Except for the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids inside a single-family dwelling unit and garages or sheds attached to these dwelling units, where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the Fire By-law for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in residential occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

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4) Except for the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids inside a single-family dwelling unit and garages or sheds attached to these dwelling units, where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in residential occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

4) Except for the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids inside a single-family dwelling unit and garages or sheds attached to these dwelling units, where storage rooms are required by Part 4 of Division B of the Fire By-law NFC for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in residential occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

3.3.4.4. Egress from Dwelling Units

1) Single storey dwelling units in an apartment building need not lead to a public corridor or exterior passageway on the same storey provided the dwelling units are served by private stairways leading directly to a public access to exit on the storey

a) immediately above, and

b) immediately below.

(See Appendix A.)

2) Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), a dwelling unit containing more than one storey shall have an exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest storey of the dwelling unit so that each of these storeys is served by an exit or egress door located not more than 1.5 m above or below its floor level.

3) A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level and

a) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or

b) in a sprinklered building, it is not necessary to travel up or down more than two storeys to reach the exit door, provided the travel distance to a single exit door does not exceed 25 m, or

c) the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony no more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.

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3) A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level and

a) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or

b) in a sprinklered building, it is not necessary to travel up or down more than two storeys to reach the exit door, provided the travel distance to a single exit door does not exceed 25 m, or

c) the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony nonot more than 6 m above adjacent ground level.

4) An egress door from either the uppermost storey or the lowest storey of a dwelling unit, as required by Sentence (2), need not be provided if that storey is served by a stairway that

a) leads to a public access to exit,

b) has no direct access to any other storey in the dwelling unit, and

c) is separated from the other storeys in the dwelling unit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

5) In a building of residential occupancy not more than 3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.

6) If a dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress, one means of egress from a dwelling unit is permitted to pass through

a) an interior corridor served by a single exit,

b) an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or

c) an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway.

3.3.4.5. Automatic Locking Prohibition

1) Except for hotels and motels, a door opening onto a public corridor which provides access to exit from a suite shall be designed not to lock automatically. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.4.6. Sound Transmission

1) Sound transmission class ratings of building assemblies shall conform to Section 5.9.

3.3.4.7. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails and Guards for Dwelling Units

1) Except as required in Article 3.3.4.8., stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Section 9.8. and Sentences 9.8.8.1.(4) to (6).

2) Exterior stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards serving a single dwelling unit, and loads on guards serving not more than two dwelling units, shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Section 9.8.

3.3.4.8. Protection of Openable Windows

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), openable windows in suites of residential occupancy shall be protected by

a) a guard with a minimum height of 1 070 mm constructed in accordance with Article 3.3.1.18., or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than 100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally where the other dimension is greater than 380 mm.

2) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (1) where

a) the only opening having greater dimensions than those allowed by Clause (1)(b) is located higher than 1 070 mm above the finished floor, or

b) the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 1 800 mm above the floor or ground on the other side of the window.

3.3.4.9. Resistance to Forced Entry

1) Dwelling units shall conform to Article 9.7.2.1. and Subsection 9.7.5.

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1) Dwelling units shall conform to Article 9.7.2.1.theand applicable requirements of Subsection 9.7.5. and 9.7.5.3.

3.3.5. Industrial Occupancy

3.3.5.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to industrial occupancies.

3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems

1) In addition to other requirements in this By-law regarding automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area if required by the Fire By-law.

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1) In addition to other requirements in this By-law regarding Code for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor areato provide protection if required by the Fire By-law.

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) the British Columbia Fire Code, in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a).

1) In addition to other requirements in this By-law regarding Code for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor areato provide protection if required by the Fire By-law.

a) provincial or territorial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) the NFC, in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a).

3.3.5.3. Basements

1) A basement shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that generate explosive air-vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts.

2) Entrances and exits to a basement and to rooms containing building services shall be separate from the remainder of the building in a building in which

a) the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials can generate explosive air-vapour mixtures, or

b) processes occur that produce explosive dusts.

3) Basements and rooms referred to in Sentence (2) shall be separated from the remainder of the building with a vapour-tight separation.

3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages

1) If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence 3.3.5.7.(4).

2) Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to be free of accumulations of ice and snow.

3) A mechanical storage garage not more than 4 storeys in building height, in which no persons other than parking attendants are permitted above the street floor level, need not have a fire separation between the exits and the remainder of the building.

4) A garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with the requirements of Subsection 6.2.2. to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or flammable and toxic vapours.

5) The clear height in a storage garage shall be not less than 2 m.

6) A continuous curb not less than 150 mm high and a guard not less than 1 070 mm high shall be provided at every garage floor opening and around the perimeter of every floor where the exterior walls are omitted.

7) Except for open-air storeys, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall be sprinklered.

3.3.5.5. Repair Garage Separation

1) A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.

3.3.5.6. Storage Garage Separation

1) Except as permitted by Sentences 3.3.4.2.(4) and (5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.

3.3.5.7. Vestibules

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), if access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 1 or Group B occupancy, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).

2) If access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group B, Division 3 occupancy with not more than 10 occupants, access need not be through a vestibule, provided the fire separation complies with Clauses 3.3.4.2.(5)(b) to (d).

3) In a building more than 3 storeys in building height, access through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group A, Division 2, 3 or 4, or a Group C occupancy, shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence (4).

4) If access is provided through a vestibule, as required by Sentences (1), (3) and 3.3.5.4.(1), the vestibule shall

a) be not less than 1.8 m long,

b) be ventilated

i) naturally to outside air by a vent that has an unobstructed area of not less than 0.1 m² for each door that opens into the vestibule but not less than 0.4 m², or

ii) mechanically at a rate of 14 m³/h for each square metre of vestibule floor surface area, and

c) have openings between the vestibule and an adjoining occupancy provided with self-closing doors with no hold-open devices.

3.3.5.8. Dispensing of Fuel

1) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed above any space intended for occupancy.

2) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed in any building, except that this requirement does not apply to a canopy which is open on not less than 75 per cent of its perimeter.

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2) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed in any building, except that this requirement does not apply to a canopy which is open on not less than 75 per cent 75% of its perimeter.

3.3.5.9. Multiple Tenant Self Storage Warehouses

1) Unless the building is sprinklered throughout, each individual tenancy in a multiple tenant self storage warehouse classified as an industrial occupancy shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.

3.3.6. Design of Hazardous Areas

3.3.6.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to design and fire protection requirements for buildings or parts thereof used for the storage, handling, use and processing of dangerous goods, including flammable liquids and combustible liquids, in quantities in excess of those identified in Table 3.2.7.1. of Division B of the Fire By-law. (See Appendix A.)

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1) This Subsection applies to design and fire protection requirements for buildings or parts thereof used for the storage, handling, use and processing of dangerous goods, including flammable liquids and combustible liquids, in quantities in excess of those identified in Table 3.2.7.1. of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode. (See Appendix A.)

1) This Subsection applies to design and fire protection requirements for buildings or parts thereof used for the storage, handling, use and processing of dangerous goods, including flammable liquids and combustible liquids, in quantities in excess of those identified in Table 3.2.7.1. of Division B of the Fire By-lawNFC. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.6.2. Storage of Dangerous Goods

1) Solid and liquid Class 5 oxidizing substances shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

2) Reactive substances shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h. (See Appendix A.)

3) The design of buildings or parts thereof used for the storage of Class 1 dangerous goods shall conform to the “Explosives Act” and its Regulations, published by Natural Resources Canada.

4) Where wiring or electrical equipment is located in areas in which flammable gases or vapours, combustible dusts or combustible fibres are present in quantities sufficient to create a hazard, such wiring and electrical equipment shall conform to the Electrical Safety Regulation.

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4) Where wiring or electrical equipment is located in areas in which flammable gases or vapours, combustible dusts or combustible fibres are present in quantities sufficient to create a hazard, such wiring and electrical equipment shall conform to the Electrical Safety Regulation.CSA C22.1, “Canadian Electrical Code, Part I,” for hazardous locations. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.6.3. Indoor Storage of Compressed Gases

1) Where required by the Fire By-law, cylinders of Class 2.1 flammable gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

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1) Where required by the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode, cylinders of Class 2.1 flammable gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

1) Where required by the Fire By-lawNFC, cylinders of Class 2.1 flammable gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 2 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

2) Where required by the Fire By-law, cylinders of Class 2.3 toxic or corrosive gases or Class 2.2 (5.1) oxidizing gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

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2) Where required by the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode, cylinders of Class 2.3 toxic or corrosive gases or Class 2.2 (5.1) oxidizing gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

2) Where required by the Fire By-lawNFC, cylinders of Class 2.3 toxic or corrosive gases or Class 2.2 (5.1) oxidizing gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

3.3.6.4. Storage and Dispensing Rooms for Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids

1) Fire separations for rooms where flammable liquids and combustible liquids are stored are required to be constructed with a fire-resistance rating in conformance with Subsection 4.2.9. of Division B of the Fire By-law.

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1) Fire separations for rooms where flammable liquids and combustible liquids are stored are required to be constructed with a fire-resistance rating in conformance with Subsection 4.2.9. of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode.

1) Fire separations for rooms where flammable liquids and combustible liquids are stored are required to be constructed with a fire-resistance rating in conformance with Subsection 4.2.9. of Division B of the Fire By-lawNFC.

2) Where Class IA or IB liquids specified in Subsection 4.1.2. of Division B of the Fire By-law are dispensed within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in NFPA 68, “Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting.” (See Appendix A.)

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2) Where Class IA or IB liquids specified in Subsection 4.1.2. of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-lawCode are dispensed within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in NFPA 68, “Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting.” (See Appendix A.)

2) Where Class IA or IB liquids specified in Subsection 4.1.2. of Division B of the Fire By-law NFC are dispensed within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage from an internal explosion in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in NFPA 68, “Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting.” (See Appendix A.)

3.3.6.5. Tire Storage

1) A tire storage area designed to contain more than 375 m³ of rubber tires shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h. (See Appendix A.)

3.3.6.6. Ammonium Nitrate Storage

1) Where Article 3.2.9.1. of Division B of the Fire By-law applies due to the quantity and nature of the stored product, and as stipulated in Sentences (2) to (6), buildings used for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be classified as medium-hazard industrial occupancies (Group F, Division 2).

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1) Where Article 3.2.9.1. of Division B of the British Columbia Fire By-law Code applies due to the quantity and nature of the stored product, and as stipulated in Sentences (2) to (6), buildings used for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be classified as medium-hazard industrial occupancies (Group F, Division 2).

1) Where Article 3.2.9.1. of Division B of the Fire By-law NFC applies due to the quantity and nature of the stored product, and as stipulated in Sentences (2) to (6), buildings used for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be classified as medium-hazard industrial occupancies (Group F, Division 2).

2) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be not more than one storey in building height.

3) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall not

a) have basements or crawl spaces, or

b) contain open floor drains, tunnels, elevator pits or other pockets that might trap molten ammonium nitrate.

4) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall have not less than 0.007 m² of vent area for each square metre of storage area, unless mechanical ventilation is provided.

5) All flooring in storage areas described in Sentence (1) shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

6) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be designed to prevent the ammonium nitrate from coming into contact with building materials that

a) will cause the ammonium nitrate to become unstable,

b) may corrode or deteriorate by reason of contact with the ammonium nitrate, or

c) will become impregnated with the ammonium nitrate.

(See Appendix A.)

3.3.6.7. Flooring Materials

1) Floors in areas where dangerous goods are stored shall be constructed of impermeable materials to prevent the absorption of chemicals.

3.3.6.8. Fire Separations in Process Plants

1) In process plants, areas where unstable liquids are handled or where small-scale unit chemical processes occur shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

3.3.6.9. Basements and Pits

1) Process plants where Class I and II flammable liquids and combustible liquids are handled shall not be constructed with basements or covered pits.

3.3.7. Building Security

3.3.7.1. Scope

3.3.7.2. Skylights

3.3.7.3. Doors

3.3.7.4. Sidelights to Doors

3.3.7.5. Exterior Sliding Windows

3.3.7.6. Security Gates for Storage Garages

3.3.7.7. Security for Storage Garage

3.3.7.8. Washrooms in Public Buildings

3.3.8. Public Storage Facilities

3.3.8.1. Egress From Storage Lockers

1) Despite the provisions of this By-law, an egress door from a storage locker in a public storage facility is not required to swing on a vertical axis if

a) the storage locker is equipped with its own sprinkler head,

b) the building is fully sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13,

c) the building is equipped with a fire alarm system in conformance with Subsection 3.2.4.,

d) each storage locker is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a solid wall assembly without openings,

e) the storage locker door is equipped with a failsafe locking mechanism,

f) the size of the storage locker does not exceed 50 m² and the travel distance to the egress door does not exceed 10 m,

g) the overhead door only serves a single storage locker, and

h) a continuous steel mesh is installed across the entire storage area and located no higher than 460 mm below the sprinkler head.