The Ontario Building Code | Venting to Aid Firefighting
3.2.6.6. venting ="http://thehandyforce.com/interior/bathroom-renovations/" title ="Toronto Bathroom renovation inspiration">venting to Aid Firefighting
(1) Means of venting ="http://thehandyforce.com/interior/bathroom-renovations/" title ="Toronto Bathroom renovation inspiration">venting each floor area to the outdoorref ="http://thehandyforce.com/doors/" title ="Toronto Door installer">doors shall be provided by windows, wall panels, smoke shafts or, except as provided by Sentence (5), the building exhaust system.
(2) Fixed glass windows shall not be used for the venting ="http://thehandyforce.com/interior/bathroom-renovations/" title ="Toronto Bathroom renovation inspiration">venting required by Sentence (1) if the breaking of the windows could endanger pedestrians below.
(3) Openable windows used for the venting ="http://thehandyforce.com/interior/bathroom-renovations/" title ="Toronto Bathroom renovation inspiration">venting required by Sentence (1) shall be permanently marked so that they are easily identifiable.
(4) Elevator hoistways shall not be designed for the venting ="http://thehandyforce.com/interior/bathroom-renovations/" title ="Toronto Bathroom renovation inspiration">venting required by Sentence (1).
(5) In a building that is not sprinklered,venting of floor areas required in Sentence (1) shall not be provided by the building exhaust system.
In Plain Language
This clause requires a fire command centre in high buildings, a dedicated room where firefighters can monitor and control fire alarm, communication, elevator, and smoke control systems during an emergency response.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.