The Ontario Building Code | Voice Communication Systems

3.2.4.23. Voice Communication Systems

(1) A voice communication system required by Sentences (7) to (10), Subsection 3.2.6. or Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) shall consist of,

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 3.2.4.23.(1) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by striking out "Subsection 3.2.6. or Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f)" in the portion before Clause (a) and substituting "Subsection 3.2.6., Clause 3.3.2.4.(14)(f) or Sentence 3.3.4.11.(12)". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 30)

(a) a two-way means of communication with,

(i) the central alarm and control facility, and

(ii) the mechanical control centre from each floor area, and

(b) except as provided by Sentence (8), loudspeakers that are,

(i) operated from the central alarm and control facility, and

(ii) designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligible as required by Sentence (2) in all parts of the building, except in elevator cars.

(2) The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be capable of broadcasting pre-recorded, synthesized or live messages with voice intelligibility meeting or exceeding the equivalent of a common intelligibility scale score of 0.70.

(3) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alarm signal in a single stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alarm signal has initially sounded for not less than 30 s.

(4) The voice communication system referred to in Sentence (1) shall include a means to silence the alert signal and thealarm signal in a two stage fire alarm system while voice messages are being transmitted, but only after the alert signal has initially sounded for not less than,

(a) 10 s in hospitals that have supervisory personnel on duty for twenty-four hours each day, or

(b) 30 s for all other occupancies.

(5) The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(b) shall be designed so that the alarm signal can be selectively transmitted to any zone or zones while maintaining an alert signal or selectively transmitting voice messages to any other zone or zones in the building.

(6) The voice communication system referred to in Clause (1)(a) shall be installed so that emergency communication devices are located in each floor area near exit stair shafts.

(7) Except for Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 major occupancies, a voice communication system shall be installed in a building where,

(a) a fire alarm system is required under Subsection 3.2.4.,

(b) a two stage fire alarm system is installed, and

(c) the occupant load of the building exceeds 1 000.

(8) A voice communication system required by Sentence (7) shall consist of loudspeakers that are,

(a) operated from the central alarm and control facility or, in the absence of a central alarm and control facility, from a designated area, and

(b) designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligble in all parts of the building, except in elevator cars.

(9) Unless staff trained to provide instructions over the voice communication system referred to in Sentence (8) are present at all times, a pre-recorded message shall be provided.

(10) The voice communication system required by Sentence (7) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences (3) to (5).

3.2.5. Provisions for Firefighting