SECTION 7.2  CHECKING, INSPECTION, TESTING, NOTIFICATION AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN FIRE EMERGENCY SYSTEMS

Subsection 7.2.1.  Intervals Between Tests

Intervals between tests

7.2.1.1.  Unless otherwise prescribed in this Part, tests shall be carried out at intervals of not more than three months.

Subsection 7.2.2.  Elevators

Testing

7.2.2.1.  (1)  Elevator door-opening devices operated by means of photo-electric cells shall be tested to ensure that the devices become inoperative after the door has been held open for more than 20 s with the photo-electric cell covered.

(2)  Key-operated switches located outside an elevator shaft shall be tested to ensure that actuation of the switch will render the emergency stop switch in each car inoperative and bring all cars to the street floor or transfer lobby by cancelling all other calls after the car has stopped at the next floor at which it can make a normal stop.

(3)  Key-operated switches in each elevator car shall be tested to ensure that actuation of the switch will

(a)   enable the elevator to operate independently of other elevators,
(b)   allow operation of the elevator without interference from floor call buttons,
(c)   render door protective devices inoperative, and
(d)   control the opening of power-operated doors only by continuous pressure on the door-opening buttons or switches, to ensure that if the “OPEN” button or switch is released while the door is opening, the doors will automatically close.

Out of service requirements

7.2.2.2.  (1)  If a firefighters’ elevator is not operational

(a)   the supervisory staff shall be notified, and
(b)   where the firefighters’ elevator is not operational for more than 24 hours, the fire department and the building occupants shall be notified by means of the procedure established under Sentence (2).

(2)  A procedure of notification shall be established that may be used when a firefighters’ elevator is out of service, and the procedure must include notifying the fire department and building occupants.

Subsection 7.2.3.  Venting to Aid Fire Fighting

Inspection

7.2.3.1.  (1)  Closures in vent openings into smoke shafts from each floor area shall be inspected sequentially over a period not to exceed five years.

(2)  Every closure in an opening to the outdoors at the top of a smoke shaft shall be inspected annually to ensure that it will open

(a)   manually from outside the building,
(b)   on a signal from the smoke or heat actuated device in the smoke shaft, and
(c)   when a closure in an opening between a floor area and the smoke shaft opens.

(3)  In addition to the procedures described in Sentences (1) and (2), elevators in an elevator shaft that is intended for use as a smoke shaft shall be inspected semi-annually to ensure that on activation of the fire alarm system they will return to the street floor and remain inoperative.

(4)  Where an air-handling system is used for venting floor areas in the event of a fire to comply with the requirements of the Building Code, the system shall be inspected annually to ensure that air is exhausted to the outdoors.

Subsection 7.2.4.  Central Alarm and Control Facilities and Voice Communication Systems for Life Safety

7.2.4.1.  The checking, inspecting and testing of central alarm and control facilities and voice communication systems for life safety shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.3.

Subsection 7.2.5. Maintenance

Maintenance of certain fire emergency systems

7.2.5.1.  (1)  In addition to the requirements of Part 6, components of fire emergency systems shall be maintained in accordance with Sentences (2) to (7).

(2)  The keys required to recall elevators and to permit independent operation of each elevator shall be kept in the location required by the Building Code.

(3)  Firefighters’ elevators shall be maintained in operable condition.

(4)  The firefighters’ elevator symbol shall be maintained in identifiable condition.

(5)  Access to windows and panels required to vent floor areas and vents to vestibules that are permitted to be manually openable shall be kept free of obstructions.

(6)  Windows and panels provided for venting floor areas shall be maintained so as to be openable without the use of keys.

(7)  Vents to vestibules that are permitted to be manually openable shall be maintained in operable condition.