SECTION 9.6 – BUILDINGS HIGHER THAN 6 STOREYS IN BUILDING HEIGHT WITH RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
SECTION 9.6 BUILDINGS HIGHER THAN 6 STOREYS IN BUILDING HEIGHT WITH RESIDENTIAL OCCUPANCIES
Subsection 9.6.1. Application and General
Application
9.6.1.1. (1) This Section applies to buildings higher than 6 storeys in building height with residential occupancies and containing
(a) more than two dwelling units,
(b) sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons in one or more dormitories, or
(c) boarding, lodging or rooming accommodation for more than 10 persons.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), if a building containing a residential occupancy that is governed by this Section contains, in addition to its residential occupancies, one or more other occupancies that are not governed by this Part, this Section does not apply to the fire safety systems, devices or structural elements of any of the other occupancies that do not affect the life safety of the residential occupancy.
(3) If a building that is governed by this Section contains, in addition to its residential occupancies, one or more other occupancies that are governed by other Sections of this Part, the fire safety systems, devices and structural elements of all of the occupancies governed by this Part shall comply with the requirements of this Part that provide the greatest protection for life safety.
(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 256/14, s. 375.
Exemption for convents, monasteries and hotels
9.6.1.2. (1) This Section does not apply to convents and monasteries.
(2) This Section does not apply to a building or part of a building regulated under Section 9.9.
Definitions
9.6.1.3. For the purposes of this Section,
“1990 Building Code” means Ontario Regulation 413/90, as it read on October 9, 1992;
“existing” means in existence on October 9, 1992.
Subsection 9.6.2. Containment
Construction
9.6.2.1. (1) Fire separations required under this Section to have a fire-resistance rating shall comply with Subsection 3.1.7. and Articles 3.1.8.1., 3.1.8.3., and 3.5.4.2. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) If a fire-resistance rating of 1 h or less is required, existing wall assemblies, floor assemblies and their supporting assemblies are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if they consist of
(a) reinforced concrete,
(b) masonry,
(c) clay tile with plaster or gypsum board finish on both sides, or
(d) membranes of lath and plaster or gypsum board.
Floor assemblies
9.6.2.2. (1) Floor assemblies shall be fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(2) Walls, columns and arches supporting floor assemblies shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(3) Sentences (1) and (2) do not apply to floor assemblies between different levels of the same multi-level dwelling unit.
Combustible construction
9.6.2.3. (1) Buildings of combustible construction shall be sprinklered.
(2) Where only the roof assembly is of combustible construction, the building is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where
(a) the ceiling membrane has a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min and the attic space is fire stopped in accordance with Article 3.1.11.5. of the 1990 Building Code,
(b) the roof assembly is of heavy timber construction in accordance with Article 3.1.4.6. of the 1990 Building Code, or
(c) the top storey and attic space are sprinklered.
Fire separations between occupancies
9.6.2.4. (1) Fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between residential occupancies and other major occupancies.
(2) Existing fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 30 min are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if the other major occupancy is sprinklered.
Fire separations between dwelling units and corridors
9.6.2.5. (1) Each dwelling unit and sleeping room not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from adjacent rooms and areas by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(2) Public corridors shall be separated from adjacent rooms and areas by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min.
(3) Existing fire separations having less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating are deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2) where the floor area is sprinklered.
(4) Existing fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 30 min are deemed to comply with Sentences (1) and (2) if smoke detectors are installed in public corridors.
Protection of openings in fire separations
9.6.2.6. (1) Closures in fire separations shall be in accordance with Sentences 3.1.8.4.(2), 3.1.8.10.(1) and 3.1.8.11.(1) and Articles 3.1.8.13. and 3.3.4.5. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Openings in fire separations required to have a 30 min fire-resistance rating shall be protected with closures having a 20 min fire-protection rating.
(3) Where a 1.5 h fire-protection rating is required, existing closures consisting of hollow metal or kalamein doors in hollow metal frames, with openings, if any, protected by wired glass panels not exceeding 645 cm2, and equipped with self-closing and latching devices are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
(4) Where a 1 h or 45 min fire-protection rating is required, existing closures are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where they consist of
(a) hollow metal or kalamein doors in hollow metal frames, with openings, if any, protected by wired glass, and equipped with self-closing and latching devices, or
(b) wired glass screens set in fixed steel frames.
(5) Where a 20 min fire-protection rating is required, or in a fire separation required under Article 9.6.2.5., existing closures consisting of 45 mm solid core wood doors installed in solid wood or hollow metal frames and equipped with self-closing and latching devices are deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2).
(6) Where the floor area is sprinklered, existing closures in fire separations to which Article 9.6.2.5. applies are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (2) and Sentences 3.1.8.4.(2) and 3.1.8.10.(1) of the 1990 Building Code.
(7) Despite Sentence (1), garbage intake room doors that swing inward shall be acceptable without a latching device.
(8) Existing operable transoms and glass lights shall be fixed shut and shall meet the fire-protection rating requirements of Sentences (1) and (2).
(9) Despite Sentences (1) and (2), fire dampers or fire-stop flaps are not required in existing noncombustible ducts at penetrations of fire separations.
Storage rooms
9.6.2.7. (1) Storage rooms for the use of occupants, not contained within a dwelling unit or suite, shall be
(a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(b) sprinklered in accordance with Article 9.6.5.5.
(2) Despite Clause (1)(b), existing sprinkler systems or alternate fire protection systems that will control or extinguish fire and that are approved may be used.
Fuel-fired appliance service rooms
9.6.2.8. (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 1 h.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to fuel-fired appliances that serve only one dwelling unit or suite.
Incinerator rooms
9.6.2.9. (1) Incinerator rooms shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h.
(2) A fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h is deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if the incinerator room is sprinklered.
Combustion air
9.6.2.10. Where a service room is separated in accordance with Article 9.6.2.8., sufficient combustion air shall be brought directly from the outside for the proper combustion and safe operation of the appliances.
Refuse storage rooms
9.6.2.11. (1) Refuse storage rooms shall be
(a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
(b) sprinklered to provide a minimum average density of 6.5 L/m2 over the room area.
Vertical service spaces
9.6.2.12. (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
9.6.2.13. (1) 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.
(2) Automatic sprinklers shall be installed in each linen or refuse chute
(a) at the top,
(b) at alternate floor levels, and
(c) in the room or bin into which the chute discharges.
(3) An existing chute installation is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (2) where
(a) the chute outlet in the discharge room is protected by an automatic, self-latching closure held open by a fusible link,
(b) the room into which the chute discharges is sprinklered, and
(c) at least one sprinkler head with a minimum discharge rate of 66 L/min is located at the top of the chute.
Transformer vaults
9.6.2.14. Transformer vaults to which the Electricity Act, 1998 applies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h and shall be provided with heat detectors connected to the fire alarm system.
Storage garages
9.6.2.15. (1) A storage garage shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5 h.
(2) Underground storage garages shall be sprinklered.
(3) Sentence (2) does not apply to an underground storage garage that is equipped with heat detectors connected to the fire alarm system and that has vestibules located at points of access to the residential occupancy.
Smoke control measures
9.6.2.16. (1) Buildings where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and grade exceeds 18 m shall have smoke control measures in accordance with Article 3.2.6.2. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Buildings are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where
(a) all dwelling units have access to an exterior balcony,
(b) the length of public corridors does not exceed 30 m between exits,
(c) public corridors on each floor area are equipped with smoke detectors connected to the fire alarm system,
(d) public corridors on each floor area are subdivided in accordance with Sentence (3), or
(e) the building is fully sprinklered.
(3) The public corridor subdivision referred to in Clause (2)(d) shall
(a) separate the corridor into at least two compartments by a fire separation,
(b) be located so that no more than one of the required exit stairs is located in any one compartment and the distance of travel from any suite entrance door to an exit or adjacent compartment does not exceed 25 m, and
(c) include smoke-tight doors equipped with self-closing devices that act as closures in the fire separation.
Subsection 9.6.3. Means of Egress
Access to exits
9.6.3.1. (1) Each dwelling unit or suite in a floor area shall have a doorway leading to
(a) the outside at or near grade,
(b) an outside passageway where it is possible to go in opposite directions to separate exits, or
(c) a public corridor where it is possible to go in opposite directions to separate exits.
(2) Access to exits through a dead end public corridor is deemed to be in compliance with Clause (1)(c) where the distance of travel, measured from any door along the corridor to a point where a choice of two directions of exit travel is available, does not exceed 6 m plus the width of the corridor.
(3) Existing dead end public corridors are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (2) where additional fire protection measures are approved that, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official, will provide protection for life safety similar to the protection provided by compliance with Sentence (2).
(4) Despite Sentence (1), if a dwelling unit or suite has access to a second and separate exit, a doorway from the dwelling unit or suite may open onto
(a) an exit stairway,
(b) a public corridor served by a single exit, or
(c) an outside passageway served by a single exit stairway.
Number of exits
9.6.3.2. (1) Each floor area shall be served by a minimum of two exits.
(2) The minimum distance between exits shall be 9 m or half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, whichever is less.
Travel distance
9.6.3.3. (1) The travel distance to at least one exit shall not exceed
(a) 30 m in a floor area that is not sprinklered, or
(b) 45 m in a sprinklered floor area.
Stairway separations
9.6.3.4. (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 1h.
(2) Closures in stairway fire separations shall be in accordance with Article 9.6.2.6.
Door swing
9.6.3.5. Each exit door, except those serving a single dwelling unit, shall open in the direction of exit travel and swing on its vertical axis.
Exit signs
9.6.3.6. (1) Exit signs shall be installed in accordance with Subsection 3.4.5. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Each door opening into an exit stairway from a public corridor shall be identified on the stairway side with the number assigned to that floor in accordance with Article 3.4.6.17. of the 1990 Building Code.
Interior finishes
9.6.3.7. (1) Flame-spread ratings of interior wall and ceiling finishes within a means of egress shall be in accordance with Article 3.1.13.7. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), existing interior wall and ceiling finishes within an access to exit may be approved if, in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official, they will provide protection for life safety similar to the protection provided by compliance with Sentence (1).
Lighting
9.6.3.8. Public corridors and stairways that form part of a means of egress shall be adequately illuminated to allow for the safe evacuation of occupants.
Emergency lighting
9.6.3.9. (1) Emergency lighting shall be provided in exit stairways, public corridors and other principal access to exits.
(2) Emergency lighting required in Sentence (1) shall be
(a) designed to provide illumination for a duration of at least
(i) 2 h in buildings whose highest floor level is more than 18 m above grade, and
(ii) 30 min in buildings whose highest floor level is not more than 18 m above grade,
(b) supplied by a source of energy separate from the primary electrical supply for the building, and
(c) designed to be automatically actuated when the power to the building is interrupted.
(3) Illumination from emergency lighting shall be an average of at least 10 lx at floor or tread level, or 1 watt/m2 of floor space.
Subsection 9.6.4. Fire Alarm and Detection
Fire alarm requirements
9.6.4.1. (1) A fire alarm and detection system shall be installed in each building in accordance with Articles 3.2.4.1. to 3.2.4.14., 3.2.4.16. to 3.2.4.20., 3.2.4.22. and 3.2.7.8. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) An existing fire alarm system is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where the system
(a) complies with Articles 9.6.4.2. to 9.6.4.9., and
(b) operates in accordance with Article 3.2.4.4. of the 1990 Building Code.
Automatic detection
9.6.4.2. (1) Automatic detection devices referred to in Sentences (2) and (3) shall be installed and connected to the fire alarm system required in Sentence 9.6.4.1.(2).
(2) Fire detectors shall be installed in storage rooms, locker rooms, service rooms, machinery rooms, heating rooms, incinerator rooms, linen and refuse chute intake compartments, janitors’ closets and refuse storage rooms, at the tops of elevator shafts and exit stair shafts and in any room or area where hazardous or combustible materials may be used or stored.
(3) Rooms or areas that are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.4.16. of the 1990 Building Code are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (2).
Manual pull stations
9.6.4.3. Manual pull stations shall be provided in accordance with Article 3.2.4.17. of the 1990 Building Code.
Electrical supervision
9.6.4.4. (1) The fire alarm system shall be electrically supervised.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), electrical supervision of the bell circuits is not required where bells operate on more than one circuit on each floor.
Annunciator panels
9.6.4.5. (1) An annunciator panel shall
(a) be located at the main street entrance to the building or a location that is accessible to the fire department and that is approved, and
(b) indicate all floors with not more than one floor per zone indicated.
(2) Despite Clause (1)(b), existing annunciator zone indication that is compatible with the fire safety plan required under Subsection 2.8.2. and that is approved may be used.
Signals to the fire department
9.6.4.6. Fire alarm systems in buildings where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and grade exceeds 18 m shall have provision for notifying the fire department in accordance with Sentences 3.2.4.7.(1) to (4) of the 1990 Building Code that a fire alarm signal or alert signal has been initiated.
Voice communication systems
9.6.4.7. (1) A voice communication system shall be provided where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and grade exceeds 36 m.
(2) The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall
(a) consist of loudspeakers operated from the central alarm and control facility or other location that is accessible to the fire department and supervisory staff required under Subsection 2.8.2. and that is approved,
(b) provide a clear verbal signal throughout the building, except for within elevator cars, and
(c) provide for automatic silencing of the fire alarm devices when the loudspeakers are in use.
(3) Approved existing public address systems compatible with the fire safety plan required under Subsection 2.8.2. and capable of communicating instructions to the building occupants are deemed to be in compliance with Sentences (1) and (2).
Emergency power
9.6.4.8. Fire alarm and voice communication systems shall be provided with an electrically supervised emergency power supply in accordance with Article 3.2.7.8. of the 1990 Building Code.
Shutdown of air handling systems
9.6.4.9. Recirculating air handling systems that serve more than one dwelling unit, suite or storey shall be equipped with a duct-type smoke detector that will automatically shut down the system upon actuation of the smoke detector.
Smoke alarms
9.6.4.10. (1) Smoke alarms shall be installed in each dwelling unit and in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit in accordance with Article 3.2.4.21. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Battery-operated smoke alarms are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence 3.2.4.21.(4) of the 1990 Building Code.
(3) Smoke alarms shall meet the requirements of
(a) CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke Alarms”, and
(b) CAN/ULC-S553, “Standard for the Installation of Smoke-Alarms”.
(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 256/14, s. 393 (2).
Subsection 9.6.5. Suppression
Access for fire fighting
9.6.5.1. (1) Access routes for fire fighting shall be provided in accordance with Articles 3.2.5.5. to 3.2.5.7. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply where the building is sprinklered.
Standpipe systems
9.6.5.2. (1) A standpipe and hose system in accordance with Subsection 3.2.9. of the 1990 Building Code shall be installed in each building.
(2) A wet or dry standpipe system is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where the system includes
(a) a minimum 150 mm diameter riser located in each stairwell, with 38 mm and 65 mm capped fire hose valves at each storey,
(b) capped 38 mm fire hose valves located in the public corridor so that any point on a floor area may be reached by 30 m of hose plus 3 m of hose stream from at least one hose valve,
(c) flow rates as required by Clauses 3.2.9.3.(4)(b) and (c) of the 1990 Building Code for buildings less than 84 m in height, measured between grade and the ceiling level of the top storey,
(d) flow rates as required by Clause 3.2.9.3.(5)(b) of the 1990 Building Code for buildings 84 m or more in height, measured between grade and the ceiling level of the top storey, and
(e) a water supply in accordance with Sentences 3.2.9.3.(1) and (2) of the 1990 Building Code.
(3) An existing standpipe and hose system capable of delivering a minimum flow rate of 265 L/min for at least 30 min at a minimum discharge pressure of 345 kPa (gauge) at the two highest and most remote hose valves is deemed to be in compliance with Clauses (2) (a), (c), (d) and (e) if not less than 132 L/min can be supplied from each of the two outlets simultaneously.
(4) Emergency power shall be provided for a standpipe system that is designed with at least one pressure zone located above another, such that the water supply for the booster pump in the upper zone must be supplied from the pump in the zone below.
Fire department connections
9.6.5.3. (1) A fire department connection in accordance with Sentences 3.2.9.5.(2) to (9) of the 1990 Building Code shall be provided.
(2) Despite Sentence (1), a fire department connection is not required where a booster pump equipped with emergency power is provided.
(3) Despite Sentence (1), existing fire department connections that are visible and accessible to the fire department and that are approved may be used.
Hydrants
9.6.5.4. (1) Hydrants shall be located within 90 m of the building face on which the principal entrance is located.
(2) A hydrant located within 45 m of a fire department connection, as required by Sentence 9.6.5.3.(1), is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
(3) Despite Sentence (1), existing hydrant locations that provide sufficient fire suppression capability in the circumstances and that are approved may be used.
Sprinkler systems
9.6.5.5. (1) Where a building or portion thereof is required to be sprinklered, the sprinkler system shall be designed and constructed in accordance with Articles 3.2.5.13. to 3.2.5.16. of the 1990 Building Code.
(2) Existing sprinkler systems in which the average sprinkler discharge density over the design area is at least equal to the minimum density corresponding to the area for light hazard classification as defined in NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems”, are deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1).
Firefighters’ elevators
9.6.5.6. (1) At least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters in accordance with Articles 3.2.6.8. and 3.2.6.9. of the 1990 Building Code in buildings where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and grade exceeds 18 m.
(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 every floor served by the elevator system,
(b) the elevator is identified on the street floor as an elevator provided for use by firefighters,
(c) the elevator satisfies the requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.8.(1) to (4) of the 1990 Building Code, and
(d) other elevator cabs in the same shaft as the elevator for use by firefighters satisfy the requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.8.(1) and (2) of the 1990 Building Code.
(3) An elevator system that requires transfer from one elevator to another to reach all floors above grade is deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where
(a) the elevators are identified on the street floor and the transfer floor as elevators provided for firefighters’ use,
(b) the elevators satisfy the requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.8.(1) to (4) of the 1990 Building Code,
(c) emergency power is provided capable of operating one elevator car at a time, in buildings where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and grade exceeds 36 m, and
(d) other elevator cabs in the same shaft as the elevator for use by firefighters satisfy the requirements of Sentences 3.2.6.8.(1) and (2) of the 1990 Building Code.
Emergency power supply
9.6.5.7. (1) Emergency electric power shall be provided in accordance with Articles 3.2.7.5. and 3.2.7.8. of the 1990 Building Code if the power is provided for
(a) fire alarm and detection systems referred to in Sentence 9.6.4.1.(1) and Article 9.6.4.8.,
(b) booster pumps serving standpipe systems referred to in Sentences 9.6.5.2.(4) and 9.6.5.3.(2), and
(c) elevators referred to in Clause 9.6.5.6.(3)(c).
(2) Despite Sentence (1), existing emergency electric power generators that will provide reliable and sufficient electric power and that are approved may be used.