SECTION 9.4 – HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
SECTION 9.4 HEALTH CARE FACILITIES
Subsection 9.4.1. Application and General
Application
9.4.1.1. (1) This Section applies to
(a) homes for special care regulated under the Homes for Special Care Act in which sleeping accommodation is provided for more than 10 residents,
(b) long-term care homes regulated under the Fixing Long-Term Care Act, 2021,
(c) private hospitals regulated under the Private Hospitals Act, or
(d) public hospitals regulated under the Public Hospitals Act.
(2) Revoked: O. Reg. 256/14, s. 337.
Definitions
9.4.1.2. For the purposes of this Section,
“1986 Building Code” means Ontario Regulation 419/86, as it read on February 11, 1987;
“existing” means in existence on February 11, 1987.
Subsection 9.4.2. Containment
Construction
9.4.2.1. (1) Fire separations required under this Section to have a fire-resistance rating shall comply with Subsection 3.1.5. and Articles 3.1.6.1., 3.1.6.2. and 3.1.6.3. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) If a fire-resistance rating of 1 h or less is required, existing wall assemblies, floor assemblies and ceilings and their supporting assemblies are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if they consist of lath and plaster or gypsum board.
(3) Heavy timber construction that complies with Article 3.1.4.4. of the 1986 Building Code is deemed to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating.
(4) Buildings with limited combustible components may be approved as noncombustible construction.
(5) Floor assemblies shall be constructed as fire separations with fire-resistance ratings in accordance with this Subsection.
Combustible construction up to 2 storeys
9.4.2.2. (1) Buildings of combustible construction shall comply with the provisions of Sentence (2) where the building is
(a) 1 storey in building height and not greater than 1000 m2 in building area, or
(b) 2 storeys in building height and not greater than 500 m2 in building area.
(2) Floor assemblies and walls, columns and arches supporting floor assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(3) Despite Sentence (2), where the building is sprinklered, a fire-resistance rating is not required for floor assemblies or for walls, columns and arches supporting floor assemblies.
Combustible construction up to 4 storeys
9.4.2.3. (1) Buildings of combustible construction shall comply with the provisions of Sentences (2) and (3) where the building is
(a) not more than 1 storey in building height and not greater than 2400 m2 in building area,
(b) not more than 2 storeys in building height and not greater than 1600 m2 in building area, or
(c) not more than 4 storeys in building height and not greater than 500 m2 in building area.
(2) Floor assemblies and walls, columns and arches supporting floor assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(3) Despite Sentence 9.4.4.2.(2), smoke detectors shall be provided in bedrooms, corridors, lounges and sitting areas.
(4) A building that is sprinklered is deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (2) and (3).
All other buildings
9.4.2.4. (1) Buildings not described in Articles 9.4.2.2. and 9.4.2.3. shall
(a) have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min for floor assemblies and walls, columns and arches supporting floor assemblies, and
(b) be sprinklered, where the building is of combustible construction.
(2) If only the roof assembly of a building is of combustible construction, the building is deemed to comply with Clause (1)(b) if
(a) the top storey and attic space are sprinklered, or
(b) the ceiling membrane has a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min and the attic space is fire stopped in accordance with Article 3.1.9.3. of the 1986 Building Code.
Fire separations between occupancies
9.4.2.5. (1) Fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between occupancies regulated under this Section and other major occupancies.
(2) Fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 30 min are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if
(a) the building is sprinklered and the sprinkler system complies with Article 9.4.5.2., or
(b) the part of the building containing the other major occupancy is equipped with heat detectors and connecting corridors are equipped with smoke detectors as part of the fire alarm system of the building.
(3) Existing wall or floor assemblies consisting of masonry or membranes of lath and plaster or gypsum board are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
Fire separations between bedrooms and corridors
9.4.2.6. (1) Bedrooms or compartments containing related rooms shall be separated from adjacent rooms by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Corridors serving bedrooms shall be separated from adjacent rooms, except sitting areas, lounges, nurses stations and washrooms, by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(3) Where the floor area is sprinklered, an existing fire separation is deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2).
(4) A fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 30 min is deemed to comply with Sentences (1) and (2) if
(a) smoke detectors are installed in bedrooms, sitting areas, lounges and corridors serving bedrooms on the floor area, and
(b) heat detectors are installed in other rooms opening onto corridors serving bedrooms.
Safe areas of refuge
9.4.2.7. (1) Floor areas containing rooms or areas used by the residents shall be separated into at least two zones by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Each zone required in Sentence (1) shall
(a) contain at least one acceptable exit, and
(b) be able to accommodate, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the adjacent zone, based on the requirements of 0.5 m2 of clear floor space per person, 1.6 m2 per person in a wheelchair, and 2.4 m2 for each bedridden patient as the occupancy requires.
(3) A fire separation is not required under Sentence (1) where
(a) the travel distance between exits does not exceed 9 m and the number of occupants on the floor area is not more than 10 persons, or
(b) the floor area is served by exterior exit doors leading directly to the outside.
Protection of openings in fire separations
9.4.2.8. (1) Closures in fire separations shall comply with the requirements of Sentences 3.1.6.4.(2), 3.1.6.7.(1) and 3.1.6.8.(1) and Article 3.1.6.9. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) Openings in a fire separation that is required to have a 30 min fire-resistance rating shall be protected with closures that have a fire-protection rating not less than 20 min.
(3) Where Sentences (1) and (2) require
(a) a 1.5 h fire-protection rating, existing hollow metal doors, with or without wired glass panels not exceeding 645 cm2, equipped with self-closing devices and existing hollow metal frames are deemed to be in compliance,
(b) a 45 min fire-protection rating, existing hollow metal or kalamein doors, with or without wired glass, equipped with self-closing devices and existing hollow metal frames are deemed to be in compliance,
(c) a 45 min fire-protection rating, existing wired glass screens set in fixed steel frames are deemed to be in compliance, or
(d) a 20 min fire-protection rating, existing 45 mm solid core wood doors equipped with self-closing devices and existing solid wood frames are deemed to be in compliance.
(4) Existing doors to bedrooms not conforming to Sentences (1) to (3) may be approved.
(5) Despite Sentence (1), and except as permitted in Article 9.4.2.9., door assemblies required to have a 20 min fire-protection rating shall be equipped with self-closing devices.
(6) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), fire dampers or fire-stop flaps are not required in ducts at penetrations of an existing fire separation.
Latches on bedroom doors
9.4.2.9. Where a door to a bedroom is not equipped with a self-closing device, a latch that can hold the door in the closed position shall be installed.
Fuel-fired appliance service rooms
9.4.2.10. (1) Fuel-fired appliances shall be enclosed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to a fuel-fired appliance that serves only one bedroom.
(3) Despite Sentence (1), if the required vertical fire separation to a service room is provided and it is not practical in the circumstances to install a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min above the service room, the service room area shall be sprinklered with a spacing not exceeding 9.5 m2 per sprinkler head.
Combustion air
9.4.2.11. Where a furnace room is separated to comply with the requirements of Article 9.4.2.10., sufficient combustion air shall be brought directly from the exterior for the proper combustion and safe operation of the appliance.
Transformer vaults
9.4.2.12. A transformer vault shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
Vertical service spaces
9.4.2.13. (1) Vertical service spaces shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Where openings in the vertical service space, including the top and bottom, are sealed with noncombustible materials having the same fire-resistance rating as the existing construction, the vertical service space is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
Refuse and linen chutes
9.4.2.14. (1) Automatic sprinklers shall be installed at the top and at alternate floor levels in each linen or refuse chute and in the room or bin into which the chute discharges.
(2) An existing linen chute installation is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where the room into which the linen chute discharges is sprinklered and at least one sprinkler head is installed at the top of the linen chute.
(3) Each room into which a linen or refuse chute discharges shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
Incinerator rooms
9.4.2.15. Incinerators shall be enclosed in a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
Subsection 9.4.3. Means of Egress
Access to exits
9.4.3.1. (1) Bedrooms or compartments containing related rooms on a floor area shall have a doorway leading to an interior corridor where it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of two separate exits.
(2) Access to exits through a dead end corridor is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where
(a) the number of persons served does not exceed 10 persons, and
(b) the travel distance does not exceed 6 m plus the width of the dead end corridor, to a point where a choice of two directions of exit travel is available.
(3) Where a bedroom or a compartment containing related rooms is served by an exit door leading directly to the outside or to an exterior passageway, a doorway leading to an interior corridor served by one exit is deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2).
(4) Where a dead end corridor does not satisfy the travel distance as described in Sentence (2), the existing corridor is deemed to be in compliance where additional fire protection measures are provided that are approved.
Number of exits
9.4.3.2. Each floor area used by patients or residents shall be served by not fewer than two exits.
Stairway separations
9.4.3.3. (1) Each exit stairway shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Closures in stairway fire separations shall conform to Article 9.4.2.8.
Door swing
9.4.3.4. (1) Each exit door shall open in the direction of exit travel and swing on its vertical axis.
(2) Existing door swing arrangements not in conformance with Sentence (1) may be approved.
Exit signs
9.4.3.5. (1) Signs for exits and access to exits shall comply with the requirements of Article 3.4.5.1. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), existing signs may be approved.
Fire escapes
9.4.3.6. (1) A fire escape shall not be erected on an existing building unless it is not practical in the circumstances to provide one or more exit facilities, described under Article 3.4.1.2. of the 1986 Building Code, and provided that the fire escape does not serve floor areas above the second floor.
(2) A fire escape permitted under Sentence (1) shall be constructed to comply with the requirements of Article 3.4.7.13. of the 1986 Building Code, except that the fire escape shall not be less than 1100 mm in width when serving floor areas with non-ambulatory residents.
(3) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), an existing fire escape may be approved.
Emergency lighting
9.4.3.7. Emergency lighting shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of Article 3.2.7.3. of the 1986 Building Code.
Subsection 9.4.4. Fire Alarm and Detection
Fire alarm requirements
9.4.4.1. A fire alarm and detection system shall be installed in each building.
9.4.4.2. (1) Fire alarm and detection systems shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 3.2.4. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), in buildings constructed prior to December 1, 1983, heat detectors may be installed in bedrooms, corridors and stair shafts to satisfy the 1986 Building Code, except where other detection is required by Sentences 9.4.2.3.(3), 9.4.2.5.(2) or 9.4.2.6.(4).
(3) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), where the Chief Fire Official is satisfied that the performance and reliability of an existing fire alarm system will provide an adequate early warning level, the existing system may remain, be modified or be extended, provided compatibility of components is maintained.
Signals to fire department
9.4.4.3. (1) Each fire alarm system shall be connected to the fire department headquarters by
(a) a direct connection, provided the fire department has the necessary facilities to accept such a connection, or
(b) a central station or proprietary control station.
(2) Where the provisions required in Sentence (1) are not available, a procedure for notifying the fire department shall be approved.
Shutdown of air handling systems
9.4.4.4. (1) Recirculating air handling systems that serve more than 1 storey or more than one zone as described in Sentence 9.4.2.7.(1) shall be arranged to shut down upon actuation of the fire alarm system.
(2) In buildings greater than 6 storeys in building height, air handling systems serving more than 1 storey or more than one zone as described in Article 9.4.2.7. shall be arranged to shut down upon actuation of the fire alarm system, except where continued operation of the air handling system serves as part of a smoke control system.
Subsection 9.4.5. Suppression
Access for fire fighting
9.4.5.1. (1) Access routes for fire fighting shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Article 3.2.5.2. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply where the building is sprinklered.
(3) Access routes that do not comply with Sentence (1) may be approved where available fire department equipment has access to the building or alternative provisions are made under Subsection 2.8.2. for such access.
Sprinkler systems
9.4.5.2. (1) Sprinkler systems shall be designed in conformance with Article 3.2.5.5. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), water supply requirements for sprinkler systems required in this Section may be based on
(a) the operation of at least three sprinkler heads spaced not to exceed 14.4 m2 per head, and
(b) a sprinkler discharge rate of not less than 100 L/min at any single operating sprinkler head for a duration of 30 min.
(3) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), existing sprinkler systems providing adequate protection may be approved.
Firefighters’ elevators
9.4.5.3. (1) In buildings greater than 6 storeys in building height, at least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters.
(2) An elevator is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where
(a) the elevator is capable of providing transportation from the street floor to each floor normally served by the elevator system,
(b) the elevator is identified on the street floor as an elevator for use by firefighters,
(c) the elevator satisfies the requirements of Article 3.2.6.3. of the 1986 Building Code, and
(d) other elevator cabs in the same shaft as the elevator for use by firefighters satisfy the requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.3.(1) and (2) of the 1986 Building Code.
Voice communication systems
9.4.5.4. (1) In buildings greater than 6 storeys in building height, a voice communication system shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Article 3.2.4.16. of the 1986 Building Code.
(2) A public address system compatible with the fire safety plan required under Subsection 2.8.2. is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
Sprinkler systems
9.4.5.5. (1) Buildings containing a home described in Clause 9.4.1.1.(1)(a) or (b) that is a care occupancy or a care and treatment occupancy shall be sprinklered in conformance with Sentences (2) to (5).
(2) Except as permitted in Sentence (3), an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”.
(3) In buildings not greater than 6 storeys in building height, sprinkler systems may be installed in accordance with NFPA 13R, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height”.
(4) Sprinkler systems shall be equipped with local electric waterflow alarms.
(5) If a fire pump is required by NFPA 13 or NFPA 13R, it shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 20, “Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection”, if it has a rated net head pressure greater than 280 kPa.
(6) Buildings described in Sentence (1) that are sprinklered in conformance with Article 9.4.5.2. on January 1, 2014 are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).