The British Columbia Building Code | Notes to Part 3 | Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Pt 2
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Notes to Part 3
Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
A-3 Application of Part 3. In applying the requirements of this Part, it is intended that they be applied with discretion to
buildings of unusual configuration that do not clearly conform to the specific requirements, or to buildings in which processes are
carried out which make compliance with particular requirements in this Part impracticable. The definition of “building” as it applies to
this Code is general and encompasses most structures, including those which would not normally be considered as buildings in the
layman’s sense. This occurs more often in industrial uses, particularly those involving manufacturing facilities and equipment that
require specialized design that may make it impracticable to follow the specific requirements of this Part. Steel mills, aluminum plants,
refining, power generation and liquid storage facilities are examples. A water tank or an oil refinery, for example, has no floor area,
so it is obvious that requirements for exits from floor areas would not apply. Requirements for structural fire protection in large steel
mills and pulp and paper mills, particularly in certain portions, may not be practicable to achieve in terms of the construction normally
used and the operations for which the space is to be used. In other portions of the same building, however, it may be quite reasonable
to require that the provisions of this Part be applied (e.g., the office portions). Similarly, areas of industrial occupancy which may be
occupied only periodically by service staff, such as equipment penthouses, normally would not need to have the same type of exit
facility as floor areas occupied on a continuing basis. It is expected that judgment will be exercised in evaluating the application of a
requirement in those cases when extenuating circumstances require special consideration, provided the occupants’ safety is not
endangered.
The provisions in this Part for fire protection features installed in buildings are intended to provide a minimum acceptable level of
public safety. It is intended that all fire protection features of a building, whether required or not, will be designed in conformance
with good fire protection engineering practice and will meet the appropriate installation requirements in relevant standards.
Good design is necessary to ensure that the level of public safety established by the Code requirements will not be reduced by a
voluntary installation.
Firefighting Assumptions
The requirements of this Part are based on the assumption that firefighting capabilities are available in the event of a fire
emergency. These firefighting capabilities may take the form of a paid or volunteer public fire department or in some cases a
private fire brigade. If these firefighting capabilities are not available, additional fire safety measures may be required.
Firefighting capability can vary from municipality to municipality. Generally, larger municipalities have greater firefighting
capability than smaller ones. Similarly, older, well established municipalities may have better firefighting facilities than newly
formed or rapidly growing ones. The level of municipal fire protection considered to be adequate will normally depend on both
the size of the municipality (i.e., the number of buildings to be protected) and the size of buildings within that municipality.
Since
larger buildings tend to be located in larger municipalities, they are generally, but not always, favoured with a higher level of
municipal protection.
Although it is reasonable to consider that some level of municipal firefighting capability was assumed in developing the fire safety
provisions in Part 3, this was not done on a consistent or defined basis. The requirements in the Code, while developed in the
light of commonly prevailing municipal fire protection levels, do not attempt to relate the size of building to the level of
municipal protection. The responsibility for controlling the maximum size of building to be permitted in a municipality in relation
to local firefighting capability rests with the municipality. If a proposed building is too large, either in terms of floor area or
building height, to receive reasonable protection from the municipal fire department, fire protection requirements in addition to
those prescribed in this Code, may be necessary to compensate for this deficiency. Automatic sprinkler protection may be one
option to be considered.
Alternatively, the municipality may, in light of its firefighting capability, elect to introduce zoning restrictions to ensure that the
maximum building size is related to available municipal fire protection facilities. This is, by necessity, a somewhat arbitrary
decision and should be made in consultation with the local firefighting service, who should have an appreciation of their
capability to fight fires.
The requirements of Subsection 3.2.3. are intended to prevent fire spread from thermal radiation assuming there is adequate
firefighting available. It has been found that periods of from 10 to 30 minutes usually elapse between the outbreak of fire in a
building that is not protected with an automatic sprinkler system and the attainment of high radiation levels. During this period,
the specified spatial separations should prove adequate to inhibit ignition of an exposed building face or the interior of an
adjacent building by radiation. Subsequently, however, reduction of the fire intensity by firefighting and the protective wetting of
the exposed building face will often be necessary as supplementary measures to inhibit fire spread.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
In the case of a building that is sprinklered throughout, the automatic sprinkler system should control the fire to an extent that
radiation to neighbouring buildings should be minimal. Although there will be some radiation effect on a sprinklered building
from a fire in a neighbouring building, the internal sprinkler system should control any fires that might be ignited in the building
and thereby minimize the possibility of the fire spreading into the exposed building. NFPA 80A, “Protection of Buildings from
Exterior Fire Exposures,” provides additional information on the possibility of fire spread at building exteriors.
The water supply requirements for fire protection installations depend on the requirements of any automatic sprinkler
installations and also on the number of fire streams that may be needed at any fire, having regard to the length of time the streams
will have to be used. Both these factors are largely influenced by the conditions at the building to be equipped, and the quantity
and pressure of water needed for the protection of both the interior and exterior of the building must be ascertained before the
water supply is decided upon. Acceptable water supplies may be a public waterworks system that has adequate pressure and
discharge capacity, automatic fire pumps, pressure tanks, manually controlled fire pumps in combination with pressure tanks,
gravity tanks, and manually controlled fire pumps operated by remote control devices at each hose station.
A-3.1.2. Use Classification. The purpose of classification is to determine which requirements apply. This Code requires
classification in accordance with every major occupancy for which the building is used or intended to be used. Where necessary,
an application clause has been inserted in this Part to explain how to choose between the alternative requirements which multiple
occupancy classification may present.
A-3.1.2.1.(1) Major Occupancy Classification. The following are examples of the major occupancy classifications
described in Table 3.1.2.1.:
Group A, Division 1
Motion picture theatres
Opera houses
Television studios admitting a viewing audience
Theatres, including experimental theatres
Group A, Division 2
Art galleries
Auditoria
Bowling alleys
Churches and similar places of worship
Clubs, nonresidential
Community halls
Courtrooms
Dance halls
Daycare Facilities for Children
Exhibition halls (other than classified in Group E)
Gymnasia
Lecture halls
Libraries
Licensed beverage establishments
Museums
Passenger stations and depots
Recreational piers
Restaurants
Schools and colleges, nonresidential
Undertaking premises
Group A, Division 3
Arenas
Indoor swimming pools, with or without spectator seating
Rinks
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Group A, Division 4
Amusement park structures (not elsewhere classified)
Bleachers
Grandstands
Reviewing stands
Stadia
Group B, Division 1
Jails
Penitentiaries
Police stations with detention quarters
Prisons
Psychiatric hospitals with detention quarters
Reformatories with detention quarters
Group B, Division 2
Care facilities with treatment
Convalescent /recovery/rehabilitation centres with treatment
Hospices with treatment
Hospitals
Infirmaries
Nursing homes with treatment
Psychiatric hospitals without detention quarters
Respite centres with treatment
Group B, Division 3
Assisted/supportive living facilities
Care facilities without treatment
Children’s custodial homes
Convalescent/recovery/rehabilitation centres without treatment
Group homes
Hospices without treatment
Nursing homes without treatment
Reformatories without detention quarters
Respite centres without treatment
Group C
Apartments
Boarding houses
Clubs, residential
Colleges, residential
Convents
Dormitories
Hotels
Houses
Lodging houses
Monasteries
Motels
Schools, residential
Group D
Banks
Barber and hairdressing shops
Beauty parlours
Dental offices
Dry cleaning establishments, self-service, not using flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners
Laundries, self-service
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Medical offices
Offices
Police stations without detention quarters
Radio stations
Small tool and appliance rental and service establishments
Group E
Department stores
Exhibition halls
Markets
Shops
Stores
Supermarkets
Group F, Division 1
Bulk plants for flammable liquids
Bulk storage warehouses for hazardous substances
Cereal mills
Chemical manufacturing or processing plants
Distilleries
Dry cleaning plants
Feed mills
Flour mills
Grain elevators
Lacquer factories
Mattress factories
Paint, varnish and pyroxylin product factories
Rubber processing plants
Spray painting operations
Waste paper processing plants
Group F, Division 2
Aircraft hangars
Box factories
Candy plants
Cold storage plants
Dry cleaning establishments not using flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners
Electrical substations
Factories
Freight depots
Helicopter landing areas on roofs
Laboratories
Laundries, except self-service
Mattress factories
Planing mills
Printing plants
Repair garages
Salesrooms
Service stations
Storage rooms
Television studios not admitting a viewing audience
Warehouses
Wholesale rooms
Woodworking factories
Workshops
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Group F, Division 3
Creameries
Factories
Laboratories
Light-aircraft hangars (storage only)
Power plants
Salesrooms
Sample display rooms
Storage garages, including open air parking garages
Storage rooms
Warehouses
Workshops
A-3.1.2.3.(1) Arena Regulation. The use of an arena is regulated in the British Columbia Fire Code.
A-3.1.2.6. Group A, Division 2, Low Occupant Load. A suite of Group A, Division 2 assembly is permitted to be
classified as a Group D business and personal services occupancy provided the requirements of Article 3.1.2.6. are complied with.
This re-classification permits the suite to be located in a building to which Part 9 of the Code is applicable.
A-3.1.2.8. Daycare Facilities for Children. A daycare facility for children is typically occupied for a period of less than
24 hours each day (i.e., is not a residential facility). The term “daycare” is not meant to exclude facilities that provide short term care
during the night for a period of less than 24 hours each day. (See also A-3.3.2.17.)
A-3.1.4.1.(1) Combustible Construction and Materials Permitted. The permission to use combustible construction or
combustible materials stated in Articles 3.1.4.1., 3.1.5.5., 3.1.5.14. and 3.1.5.15. does not waive the requirements regarding
construction type and cladding stated in Article 3.2.3.7.
A-3.1.4.2. Protection of Penetrations. Where foamed plastics are required to be protected from adjacent spaces within a
building, the protection should be continuous so as to cover the foamed plastics so they are not exposed to the interior of the
building. However, minor penetrations of the protective covering by small electrical and mechanical components, such as electrical
outlets and fixtures, sprinkler piping, and mechanical vents, are acceptable because the penetrant and associated fittings and seals will
prevent the small amount of foamed plastic surrounding the penetration from being exposed to the interior of the building.
Foamed plastics that are penetrated by larger components or assemblies, such as windows, are unlikely to be exposed to the interior of
the building as they are protected by associated framing and finishes and/or the installation of a closure.
Small amounts of foamed plastics, such as air sealants used between major components of exterior wall construction, are not required
to be protected (see Sentence 3.1.5.2.(1)).
Penetrations of a fire separation or of a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating are
nevertheless required to be provided with a fire stop in accordance with Subsection 3.1.9.
A-3.1.4.2.(1) Concealed Space. The term “concealed space” includes any space that is not visibly apparent and that is
provided with an opening to allow access for repair and periodic inspections.
A-3.1.4.2.(1)(c) Thermal Barrier in Combustible Construction. Any thermal barrier that is accepted under the
requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.15.(2) for noncombustible construction is also acceptable for combustible construction.
A-3.1.4.2.(2) and 3.1.5.7.(3) Walk-in Coolers and Freezers. Sentences 3.1.4.2.(2) and 3.1.5.7.(3) are intended to apply to
walk-in coolers and freezers that are constructed as stand-alone structures within a building.
A-3.1.4.3.(1)(b)(i) Raceway Definition. The term raceway is defined in CSA C22.1, “Canadian Electrical Code, Part I,” and
includes both rigid and flexible conduit.
A-3.1.4.3.(1) Wire and Cable Equivalence. Electrical wires and cables that conform to the requirements of
Sentence 3.1.5.21.(1) are deemed to satisfy the requirements of Sentence 3.1.4.3.(1).
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.1.4.8.(1) Exterior Cladding. The requirements in Sentence 3.1.4.8.(1) are intended to limit the potential for fire spread
on the exterior cladding of buildings of combustible construction through the use of noncombustible finishes on the exterior of the
wall assembly or the use of a cladding/wall assembly that has been assessed with regard to its ability to resist flame propagation up the
outside of a building. These cladding and wall assembly combinations can be used as infill or panel-type walls between structural
elements, or attached directly to a loadbearing structural system. Note that these requirements apply independently of the provisions
contained in Subsection 3.2.3. regarding spatial separation and exposure protection.
A-3.1.5.4.(1) Skylight Spacing. The minimum spacing dimensions for skylight assemblies are based on the distance that
flame must travel along a flat ceiling surface. If ceilings have projecting beams or other features that would increase the distance the
flame would have to travel along the surface, the distances specified may be measured accordingly.
A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b) Combustible Cladding on Exterior Walls. The performance of the wall assembly is assessed with regard
to its ability to resist flame propagation up the outside of a building.
A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i) Flame-Spread Distance. The maximum flame-spread distance referred to in Subclause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i)
means the distance between the top of the opening and the highest observable instance of flaming along the wall assembly; thus,
intermittent flaming to a height of 5 m above the opening is acceptable.
A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii) Heat Flux Measurement. The heat flux to the assembly referred to in Subclause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii) is the
maximum one-minute averaged heat flux measured by transducers located 3.5 m above the top of the opening. The intent of this
criterion is to limit the spread of fire on the wall assembly to a height of 3.5 m above the opening.
Fire tests have shown that flame does not spread on the exterior surface of a wall assembly where the heat flux is less than 35 kW/m
2
above the opening.
A-3.1.5.14.(5)(d) Foamed Plastic Insulation Protection. The standard fire exposure temperature in CAN/ULC-S101,
“Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials,” is the same as in CAN/ULC-S124, “Test for the Evaluation of
Protective Coverings for Foamed Plastic.” A thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, does not
exceed an average temperature rise of 140°C on its unexposed face after a period of 10 min satisfies this requirement.
A-3.1.5.21.(1) Wire and Cable Flammability. In regulating the flammability characteristics of electrical wires and cables
installed in a building, it is intended that the requirements of this Sentence and of other similar Sentences in the Code apply to wires
and cables that are essentially a part of the distribution systems for power or communications. These distribution systems will
normally include branch circuits that terminate at an outlet box in the space to be served and at that location cable terminators or
plugs for individual items of equipment will be plugged in.
A-3.1.6. Tents and Air-Supported Structures. The requirements in this Subsection are intended to be limited to certain
types of structure. For instance, the word “tent” as used in the Code is intended to refer to a temporary shelter which is used at an
open air event such as a fair or an exhibition. A tent will normally be constructed of a fabric held up by poles and attached to the
ground by ties. The requirements for tents, however, are not intended to be applied to fabric structures located on buildings.
The term “air-supported structure,” as used in the Code, refers to an envelope which is held up by air pressure alone and which is
erected on the ground or above a basement. The structure will usually require ballast or a positive ground anchorage system around
the entire perimeter to secure it to the ground or basement. To reinforce this intent, the Code prohibits the location of an
air-supported structure above the first storey of any building.
The requirements of Subsection 3.1.6. are not intended to apply to air-supported roof assemblies on buildings, such as domed stadia,
or to other types of air-supported structures, such as those over swimming pools situated on the roofs of buildings, which would not
be anchored at or near ground level. These assemblies or structures are normally designed and evaluated on the basis of alternative
solutions as permitted by Article 1.2.1.1. of Division A.
A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) Barrier to Control Smoke Spread. Although a fire separation is not always required to have a
fire-resistance rating, the fire separation should act as a barrier to the spread of smoke and fire until some response is initiated.
When choosing products for fire stopping, the physical characteristics of the material used at the joints as well as the nature of the
assembly and its potential movement should be taken into consideration.
If the fire-resistance rating of a fire separation is waived on the basis of the presence of an automatic sprinkler system, it is intended
that the fire separation will be constructed so that it will remain in place and act as a barrier against the spread of smoke for a period
of time until the sprinklers have actuated and controlled the fire.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.1.8.1.(2) Installation of Closures. Although there is no explicit performance statement in the British Columbia
Building Code that means of egress should be free of smoke, it is the intent that during the period when occupants are using a means
of egress to evacuate from a floor area, the smoke contamination should not reach levels that would inhibit movement to the exit.
This is particularly critical for persons with disabilities, who may not move at the same rate as other persons and who could be more
susceptible to the effects of smoke contamination. NFPA 80, “Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,” requires that a fire door
protecting a means of egress be designed to minimize the possibility of smoke passing through the opening.
Although self-closing devices are not required for all doors in a fire separation (see Article 3.1.8.13.), it is assumed that in a fire
situation every door in a fire separation is closed. Article 3.3.3.5. prohibits grilles and similar openings for certain doors in hospitals
and nursing homes with treatment.
Although fire dampers that release on the fusion of a fusible link will help to control the spread of fire, a substantial quantity of smoke
could have passed through the opening before that event. They are frequently located below the upper levels of a room and so the
release of the fusible link of the fire damper that protects an opening will be delayed until the temperature at the level of the opening
becomes high enough to fuse the link.
Similar concern has to be considered for other closure devices that are permitted to remain open on fusible links, and their location
should be restricted in accordance with NFPA 80 and the British Columbia Building Code, except where their installation in another
location will not allow the products of combustion to spread into means of egress.
A-3.1.8.3.(4) Fire Separation Continuity. The continuity of a fire separation where it abuts against another fire separation,
a floor, a ceiling or an exterior wall assembly is maintained by filling all openings at the juncture of the assemblies with a material that
will ensure the integrity of the fire separation at that location.
A-3.1.8.10.(1) Combination Smoke/Fire Dampers. A combination smoke/fire damper may be used in lieu of a fire
damper to meet the requirement of Sentence 3.1.8.10.(3).
A-3.1.8.10.(5) Damper Access. It is intended that an access door be provided in the duct and, if the duct is enclosed with an
architectural finish, that a second access door be provided through that finish.
A-3.1.8.18.(1) Wired Glass and Glass Block. The permission to include wired glass and glass block in doors and fire
separations between an exit and the adjacent floor area does not permit the inclusion of those items in fire separations between exits
and other parts of the building that are not included in the floor area. Examples include other exit facilities and vertical service spaces,
including those used for building services and elevator hoistways.
A-3.1.8.19.(1) Fire-Protection Rating for Doors. The provisions in Articles 3.1.8.17., 3.1.8.18. and 3.1.8.19. do not waive
a requirement for a door to have a fire-protection rating. To achieve this rating in a door test, it may be necessary to limit the area of
glass in the door. If this area is less than the area limits of Article 3.1.8.18., it is the governing criterion. Conversely, if the area limits of
Article 3.1.8.18. are less than the area required to achieve a fire-protection rating, then the area limits of this Article govern.
A-3.1.9. Penetrations. In the application of Subsection 3.1.9., a building service is considered to penetrate an assembly if it
passes into or through the assembly. In some situations a service item enters an assembly through a membrane at one location, runs
within the assembly, and then leaves the assembly through a membrane at another location.
The term “membrane penetration” usually designates an opening made through one side (wall, floor or ceiling membrane) of an
assembly, whereas the term “through-penetration” designates an opening that passes through an entire assembly. Fire stopping of
membrane penetrations involves installing a material, device or construction to resist for a prescribed time period the passage of flame
and heat through openings in a protective membrane caused by cables, cable trays, conduit, tubing, pipes or similar items.
Fire stopping of a through-penetration involves installing an assemblage of specific materials or products that are designed, tested and
fire-resistance rated to resist for a prescribed period of time the spread of fire through penetrations.
Products for fire stopping within a barrier are required to address movement of the assembly and to control smoke spread; as such,
the flexibility of the material used at the flexible joints as well as the nature of the assembly and its potential movement must be taken
into consideration.
A-3.1.9.1.(1)(b) Cast in Place Penetrations. The intention behind the use of the term “cast in place” is to reinforce that
there are to be no gaps between the building service or penetrating item and the membrane or assembly it penetrates. The term ”cast
in place” describes a typical means of fire stopping for a service penetration through a concrete slab or wall.
A-3.1.9.1.(1)(c) Tightly Fitted Penetrations. The intention behind the term “tightly fitted” is to reinforce that there are to
be no substantial gaps between the building service or penetrating item and the membrane or assembly it penetrates.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.1.9.2.(1) Penetration of Fire Separations by Electrical Boxes. The provisions dealing with outlet boxes assume
size, quantities and concentrations of partial depth penetrations that would not significantly affect the fire resistance of the assembly,
including the temperature rise on the unexposed side of a wall. Sentence 3.1.9.2.(1) is not intended to allow large electrical distribution
and control boxes to be recessed into an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating unless they were incorporated in the
assembly at the time of testing.
A-3.1.9.4. Outlet Boxes. For the purposes of Article 3.1.9.4., outlet boxes include, but are not limited to, electrical boxes,
junction boxes, high and low voltage outlets, switches, enclosures for electrical equipment, laundry boxes, and shower diverters.
A-3.1.10.2.(4) Firewall Construction. Inherent in the use of a firewall is the intent that this specialized wall construction
provide the required fire-resistance rating while also being designed to resist physical damage – arising out of normal use – that would
compromise the rating of the assembly. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by prescribing the use of noncombustible materials,
which was in fact restricted to concrete or masonry. Sentences 3.1.10.2.(3) and (4) are intended to retain both of the characteristics of
firewalls, while permitting greater flexibility in the use of materials and designs. The fire-resistance rating and damage protection
attributes of a firewall may be provided by a single fire- and damage-resistant material such as concrete or masonry, by a fire- and
damage-resistant membrane on a structural frame, or by separate components – one that provides the fire-resistance rating and
another one that protects the firewall against damage.
If the firewall is composed of separate components, the fire-resistance rating of the fire-resistive component needs to be determined
for this assembly on its own. In addition, if the damage protection component is physically attached to the fire-resistive component
(for example, as a sacrificial layer), then for the purposes of determining the overall performance of the assembly, it is also necessary to
determine through testing whether failure of the damage protection component during a fire affects the performance of the
fire-resistive component.
A-3.1.11.3.(3) Fire Blocks Between Nailing and Supporting Elements. Sentence 3.1.11.3.(3) addresses cases in
buildings or parts of buildings permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction where, in accordance with Sentence
3.1.18.12.(3), 10% of the ceiling finish within a fire compartment is permitted to have a flame-spread rating not more than 150.
Where such combustible ceiling finish is attached using nailing elements and a concealed space is formed above, exposed combustible
elements in this space would require fire blocks to limit fire spread in this area.
A-3.1.11.5.(1) Fire Blocks in Combustible Construction. Combustible construction referred to in Sentence 3.1.11.5.(1)
includes all types of construction that do not comply with the requirements for noncombustible construction or encapsulated mass
timber construction. All the elements within the concealed space can be combustible, unless required to be of noncombustible
materials (e.g., certain categories of pipework and ducts), but the value of the flame-spread rating of the combustible materials
determines the permitted extent of the concealed space between fire blocks. The materials to be considered include all construction
materials regulated by this Code, including the framing and building services that are located in the concealed space. When designing
fire blocking, consideration should be given to avoid restricting venting capabilities within concealed spaces. (See also Note A-5.6.2.1.)
A-3.1.11.5.(3) Fire Blocks in Concealed Spaces. To reduce the risk of fire spread in combustible concealed spaces
within the types of buildings referred to in Sentences
3.1.11.5.(3) and (4), fire blocking is required regardless of whether the horizontal
concealed space is protected by sprinklers or not, unless the space is filled with noncombustible insulation so that any air gap at the
top of the insulation is very small. See also Note A-3.1.11.5.(1) for roof venting.
A 5- or 6-storey building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.50. and buildings constructed in accordance with
Article 3.2.2.48EMTC., 3.2.2.57EMTC., or
3.2.2.58. are required to be sprinklered in accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of
Sprinkler Systems” (see Article 3.2.5.12.). NFPA 13 generally requires sprinklering of any concealed spaces of combustible
construction or where large amounts of combustibles are present. However, NFPA 13 allows combustible concealed spaces to be
unsprinklered in certain cases, including where concealed spaces are filled almost entirely with noncombustible insulation, where
spaces contain only materials with a low flame-spread rating, and where limited access or the size of the space makes it impractical to
install sprinklers. For certain types of construction in unsprinklered combustible concealed spaces, NFPA 13 mandates fire blocking
beyond the minimum specified in Sentence 3.1.11.5.(3).
A-3.1.11.7.(7
) Integrity of Fire Blocks. Sentence 3.1.11.7.(7) together with Article 3.1.9.1., is intended to ensure that the
integrity of fire blocks is maintained at areas where they are penetrated. This requirement is satisfied by the use of generic fire stops
such as mineral wool, gypsum plaster or Portland cement mortar, as well as rated fire stops.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.1.11.7.(8) Fire Blocks. Figure A-3.1.11.7.(8) shows the location of the semi-rigid fibre insulation board at the intersection
between walls and floors in wood-frame construction. The figure is intended to illustrate the fire block detail and not a design of a
fire separation.
Figure A-3.1.11.7.(8)
Fire block
A-3.1.13.2.(2) Folding Partition. Folding partitions used to divide a space into separate rooms are not considered as doors
for the purposes of this Sentence.
A-3.1.18.
Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction and Materials Permitted. The permission to use encapsulated
mass timber construction and other combustible materials stated in Articles 3.1.18.2., 3.1.18.3., 3.1.18.7. and 3.1.18.8. does not waive
the requirements regarding types of construction and cladding stated in Article 3.2.3.7.
A-3.1.18.3. Structural Mass Timber Elements. Structural timber elements may consist of any number of large
cross-section timber products, such as solid-sawn timber, glued-laminated timber (glulam), structural composite lumber (SCL),
cross-laminated timber (CLT), and nail-laminated timber (NLT).
The minimum dimensions required for structural timber elements in encapsulated mass timber construction were established so that
such elements will exhibit the fire performance characteristics of mass timber rather than those of lightweight, small-dimensioned
wood elements (e.g., lumber), including reduced ignition propensity and reduced average rate of fuel contribution. Note that the
dimensions stated in Table 3.1.18.3. do not reflect a specific fire-resistance rating; larger dimensions may be required to satisfy
fire-resistance rating requirements.
The reference to Article 3.2.2.16. means that heavy timber construction is permitted to be used for the roof assembly (and its
supports) in buildings of encapsulated mass timber construction that are sprinklered and not more than 2 storeys in building height.
It follows that the minimum dimensions stated in Table 3.1.4.7. would apply to those elements rather than the ones stated in
Table 3.1.18.3. Furthermore, the roof elements and supports made of heavy timber construction do not need to conform to the
encapsulation requirements of Article 3.1.18.4., nor are they limited by the flame-spread rating or maximum thickness or cut-through
requirements of Article 3.1.18.12.
A-Table 3.1.18.3. Minimum Dimensions of Structural Timber Elements. The minimum dimensions for floor
assemblies are also applicable to mezzanines and exterior balconies.
semi-rigid fibre
insulation board
fastened to one
set of studs
joist
joist
EG02044A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.1.18.4.(1) Encapsulation of Mass Timber Elements. The general intent of Sentence 3.1.18.4.(1) is that all exposed
surfaces of the mass timber elements be encapsulated, including the upper surface of a mass timber floor assembly, but some
exceptions do apply. The upper surface of a mass timber roof assembly need not be encapsulated when there is no concealed space
above it. As well, the exterior side of a mass timber exterior wall assembly need not be encapsulated, however, the provisions of
Article 3.1.18.7. and Subsection 3.2.3. for exterior walls still need to be considered. A number of concealed space arrangements are
also exempt from this general requirement of encapsulation (i.e. Sentences 3.1.18.3.(4) and 3.1.18.14.(2), Articles 3.1.18.5., 3.1.18.10.
and 3.1.18.15.).
A-3.1.18.4.(3) to (6) Fire-Resistance Rating of Mass Timber with Exposed Surfaces. Portions of mass timber
elements required to have a fire-resistance rating are permitted to be exposed in accordance with the permissions stated in
Sentences 3.1.18.4.(3) to (6); however, it is important to note that applying those permissions does not waive the requirement for these
elements to have a fire-resistance rating.
A-3.1.18.4.(4) Exposed Surfaces of Mass Timber Walls. The primary objective of encapsulating mass timber elements
is to limit the probability that these elements will significantly contribute to fire spread and fire duration in the event of a fire.
Since thick wood members require a source of imposed heat flux to burn, the stipulation in Clause 3.1.18.4.(4)(a) that the exposed
surfaces of mass timber walls face the same direction within a suite is intended to reduce the potential of re-radiation between burning
mass timber surfaces that face each other, which could sustain flaming combustion into the decay phase of a fire if the sprinkler
system failed to operate or to control the fire. Additionally, the maximum percentage of exposed surface area stated in Article 3.1.18.4.
is low so that it is not sufficient to sustain a ventilation-controlled fire that might provide the radiation required to sustain flaming
combustion into the decay phase of a fire if the sprinkler system failed to operate or to control the fire.
A-3.1.18.7.(1) and (2) Exterior Cladding. The requirements in Sentences 3.1.18.7.(1) and (2) are intended to reduce the
potential for fire spread on the exterior cladding of buildings of encapsulated mass timber construction through the use of
noncombustible finishes on the exterior of the wall assembly or the use of a cladding/wall assembly that has been proven to resist
flame propagation. These cladding/wall assembly combinations can be used as infill or panel-type walls between structural elements,
or attached directly to a loadbearing structural system. Note that the requirements in Article 3.1.18.7. do not supersede the provisions
in Subsection 3.2.3. regarding spatial separation and exposure protection.
A-3.1.19.2. Encapsulation Materials. Research has been conducted on different types of encapsulation materials, such as
gypsum board, gypsum concrete and cement board. The results of tests using an intermediate-scale furnace and of cone calorimeter
tests indicate that a combustible timber element protected with a 38 mm thick layer of gypsum-concrete topping or with two layers of
12.7 mm Type X gypsum board will not ignite or contribute significant heat to a fire until average temperatures of 325–380°C are
attained at the interface between the encapsulation material or assembly of materials and the combustible substrate. These
temperatures are consistent with the ignition temperatures of wood-based materials.
A-3.1.19.2.(2) Protection of Gypsum Board from Foot Traffic. Where gypsum board is used as the encapsulation
material on the top of a mass timber floor assembly, it should be protected from physical impact arising from normal pedestrian traffic
that could damage it and possibly compromise its encapsulation rating.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.1.1.(3) Mezzanine Area. The following sketches illustrate the intent of this Sentence.
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-A
Concept of Horizontal Plane
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-A
(1) The horizontal plane (A, the dashed line) is measured at the mezzanine floor finish line.
(2) At least 60% of the horizontal plane (B) must be open to the floorspace below.
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-B
Intersection Point
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-B
(1) This Figure describes Clause 3.2.1.1.(3)(a).
(2) The length of the horizontal plane (A) is taken from the rear of the mezzanine to the point at which it intersects a wall, ceiling, roof or other
major component.
A
B
100%
REAR OF
MEZZANINE
INTERSECTION
POINT
A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-C
Projections, Including Guards
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-C
(1) This Figure describes Clause 3.2.1.1.(3)(b).
(2) Projections should not be permitted below the horizontal plane (A, the dashed line). This includes large beams, trusses, the roofline, or any
other projection that will impede vision lines.
(3) Visual obstructions on the mezzanine may include 1 070 mm high guards, and columns, posts and other structural elements of a minor nature.
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-D
Enclosed Spaces within a Mezzanine
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(3)-D
(1) This Figure describes Sentence 3.2.1.1.(7).
(2) The horizontal plane is demonstrated by the dashed line, A.
(3) Up to 10% of the horizontal plane may be enclosed. This must be located so as to avoid contravening the open requirements of Clause
3.2.1.1.(3)(b); in effect no dead areas are permitted.
If a floor has more than one mezzanine, each may be treated individually. For example in a one storey building with five tenancies,
each tenant would be permitted to have a mezzanine up to the limits indicated, without the building being considered two storeys in
building height. However, should one of the mezzanines exceed any of the limitations, the building would then be considered to be
two storeys in building height.
Regarding the floor space under a mezzanine, there are no restrictions on partition construction in this area. The space on the floor
beyond the mezzanine, i.e. below the open portion of the horizontal plane, should, with discretion, be visually open to view from the
mezzanine.
GUARD
INTERSECTION
POINT
B
A
100%
A
B
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.1.1.(4) Mezzanines in Suites. The defined term “suite” in this case could be equally applicable to a suite in an
apartment or commercial building, or even an entire storey such as may occur in a curling rink. There may be more than one enclosed
mezzanine in the suite but in no instance can the combined total mezzanine area exceed 10% of the suite in which they are located.
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(4)-A
Mezzanines in Suites
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(4)-A
(1) This Figure describes Clause 3.2.1.1.(4)(b).
(2) Mezzanines up to 10% of area of a suite (A) may be enclosed.
(3) More than one mezzanine (B) is permitted in a suite provided the total area of mezzanines does not exceed 10% of the suite in which they
are located.
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(4)-B
Mezzanines in Multi-Room Suites
Notes to Figure 3.2.1.1.(4)-B
(1) This Figure describes Clauses 3.2.1.1.(4)(a) and (b)
(2) The curling rink has several ‘rooms,’ but should be regarded as ‘one suite.’ The enclosed mezzanine may be up to 10% of the area of the
entire suite.
SUITE 1 SUITE 2 SUITE 3
BAA
100%
MEZZANINE
CURLINGCURLING
10%
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Figure A-3.2.1.1.(4)-C
Mezzanines in Multi-Tenanted Suites
Notes to Figure A-3.2.1.1.(4)-C
(1) This Figure describes Clauses 3.2.1.1.(4)(a) and (b).
(2) In this example, the 10% of the suite area is of Suite ‘A’ as if it is part of that series of rooms, or suite. It has no user-of-tenancy relationship with
Suite ‘B.’ (Suite ‘B’ may also have 10% of totally enclosed mezzanines.)
A-3.2.1.1.(8) Accessible Service Space. These service spaces are often referred to as interstitial spaces and are designed to
allow service personnel to enter and undertake maintenance or installation within the space. Catwalks or flooring are usually included
to provide a walking or access surface. Even when flooring is included, it is not intended that the interstitial space should be
considered as a storey for the purposes of the Code unless the space is used for purposes other than servicing or the storage of
materials and equipment to be used for building services within that space.
A-3.2.2.2.(1) Special and Unusual Structures. Examples of structures which cannot be identified with the descriptions of
buildings in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.90. include grain elevators, refineries and towers. Publications that may be consulted to establish
good engineering practice for the purposes of Article 3.2.2.2. include the NFPA “Fire Protection Handbook,” Factory Mutual Data
Sheets, and publications of the Society for Fire Protection Engineering.
A-3.2.2.18.(2) Sprinkler Extent. A literal interpretation of Article 3.2.2.6. and Sentences 3.2.2.4.(1) and (2) could require
installation of an automatic sprinkler system throughout all storeys of a building regardless of options in Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.90.
to construct one or more storeys without installation of sprinklers. It is the intent of the Code that all storeys below a storey in which
an automatic sprinkler system is installed should also be protected by an automatic sprinkler system to ensure that a fire in a lower
storey does not incapacitate the automatic sprinkler system or overwhelm an automatic sprinkler system in an upper storey. Persons in
an upper storey in which waivers or reductions of other fire safety systems are permitted would be exposed to an increased risk from
a fire on a lower storey. This concept also applies to situations in which an automatic sprinkler system has been installed within a floor
area in order to modify other safety requirements applying within the floor area. If the uppermost storey or storeys of a building can
be constructed without the installation of an automatic sprinkler system it is not necessary that an automatic sprinkler system required
in a lower storey be extended into the upper storey or storeys.
A-3.2.2.35.(4) Sprinkler Requirements. Spaces in a building of Group A, Division 4 occupancy that are intended to be
equipped with sprinklers include, but are not limited to, dressing and changing rooms, concession stands and areas, toilet rooms,
locker rooms, storage areas, service rooms, offices and other spaces that provide service to the building. The enclosure of seating areas
with glazing needs special consideration in determining the requirements for sprinklers. For example, if the enclosed area is used for
the consumption of food and beverages, it should be classified as Group A, Division 2 and the appropriate requirements of that
classification applied. Enclosure of limited spaces above seating areas for press and media purposes is not considered to require the
installation of sprinklers.
MEZZANINE
SUITE ‘B’
SUITE ‘A’
100%
10%
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.2.48EMTC.(4) and 3.2.2.57EMTC.(3) Occupancy Combinations in Buildings of Mixed Construction.
Buildings conforming to the building height and area limits and the other fire protection requirements of Article 3.2.2.48EMTC. or
3.2.2.57EMTC. may be entirely constructed of encapsulated mass timber construction and incorporate the occupancies specifically
permitted by Sentence 3.2.2.48EMTC.(4) or 3.2.2.57EMTC.(3), for example, Group A, Division 2 major occupancies on the first to
third storeys, Group E major occupancies on the first and second storeys, and a parking garage on the first to fourth storeys.
Alternatively, the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.4. to 3.2.2.8. for superimposed major occupancies can be applied, resulting in
buildings of mixed construction conforming to the building height and area limits for encapsulated mass timber construction and in
which the lower storeys are of noncombustible construction and the upper storeys are of encapsulated mass timber construction.
For example, a Group A, Division 2 or Group B, Division 3 major occupancy could be located on the first 4 storeys of a 12-storey
Group C building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48EMTC., as long as these first 4 storeys were constructed of
noncombustible construction in accordance with Article 3.2.2.23. or 3.2.2.42., as applicable. (See also Articles 3.2.2.6. and 3.2.2.7.)
A-3.2.2.50.(5) and 3.2.2.58.(4) Occupancy Combinations in Buildings of Mixed Construction Hybrid
Structures. Buildings conforming to the building height and area limits, as well as the other fire protection requirements of
Articles 3.2.2.50. or 3.2.2.58. are permitted to
be entirely constructed of combustible construction and incorporate the occupancies
specifically permitted by Sentences 3.2.2.50.(5). or 3.2.2.58.(4)., for example
, Group A, Division 2 or Group E major occupancies on
the first to second storeys, and a parking garage on the first to third storeys. Alternatively, the requirements of Articles 3.2.2.4. to
3.2.2.8. for superimposed major occupancies can be applied, resulting in buildings of mixed (hybrid) construction conforming to the
building height and area limits for combustible construction where the lower storeys are of noncombustible construction and the
upper storeys are of combustible
construction. For example, a Group B, Division 3 or a Group A, Division 2 major occupancy could
be located on the first 4 storeys of a 6-storey Group C building constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.50., provided that these
first 4 storeys are constructed of noncombustible construction in accordance with Article 3.2.2.24. for a Group A, Division 2 major
occupancy or Article 3.2.2.42. for a Group B, Division 3 major occupancy. (See also Articles 3.2.2.6. and 3.2.2.7..)
A-3.2.3. Fire Protection Related to Limiting Distance versus Separation Between Buildings. Code provisions
that address protection against fire spread from building to building use the limiting distance (see the definition in Article 1.4.1.2. of
Division A) for a building rather than using the distance between adjacent buildings on separate properties, since this would result in
situations where the design and construction of a building on one property affects the design and construction of a building on an
adjacent property.
The Code requirements that deal with reducing the probability of building-to-building fire spread were originally developed based on
the assumption that the exposing building faces of adjacent buildings are of similar size and configuration, and are equidistant from
the shared property line. Where buildings are of different sizes, the smaller building may be subject to a higher heat flux in the event of
a fire compared to the larger building. Where buildings are closely spaced and not equidistant from the property line, the construction
of the building with the greater limiting distance does not recognize the proximity of the building with the lesser limiting distance.
The Code has more stringent requirements for buildings with lesser limiting distance as regards the maximum area and spacing of
unprotected openings, and the construction, cladding and fire resistance of walls. This increased stringency recognizes that the fire
hazard is greater where buildings are closer together and that adjacent buildings may have exposing building faces of different sizes,
configurations or limiting distances, which could further increase the hazard.
The authority having jurisdiction may also address limiting distances through legal agreements with the parties involved that stipulate
that the limiting distance be measured to a line that is not the property line. Such agreements would normally be registered with the
titles of both properties.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.2.3.1.(4) Spatial Separation Design. In the application of Sentences 3.2.3.1.(3) and (4), it is intended that Sentence (3)
be used first to establish the basic requirements for the exterior wall in terms of fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of
cladding. The percentage of unprotected openings determined from the application of Sentence (3) would be unnecessarily restrictive
if the actual unprotected openings occur in a plane that is set back from the front of the building face.
Sentence (4) applies to the calculation of the allowable percentage of unprotected openings based upon projection onto a plane that is
in front of all unprotected openings. The application of these two Sentences is shown in Figure A-3.2.3.1.(4). The modifications
permitted by Article 3.2.3.12. would be applied, if applicable, to the area of unprotected openings derived from Sentence (4).
Figure A-3.2.3.1.(4)
Spatial separation design
A-3.2.3.1.(8) Intervention Time and Limiting Distance. The total time from the start of a fire until fire suppression by
the fire department depends on the time taken for a series of actions. Sentence 3.2.3.1.(8) is only concerned with the time from receipt
of notification of a fire by the fire department until the arrival of the first fire department vehicle at the building. It specifies a 10-min
time limit which must be met in more than 90% of the calls to the building served by the fire department. This reliability level and
provision for flexibility is essentially consistent with NFPA 1710, “Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations,
Emergency Medical Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments.”
Clause 4.1.2.1 of NFPA 1710 establishes “time objectives” for fire incidents as follows:
• 1 min (60 s) for turn-out of responders after receipt of notification of a fire, and
• 4 min (240 s) or less for arrival of the first arriving engine company at a fire suppression incident and/or 8 min (480 s) or less for
the deployment of a full first alarm assignment at a fire suppression incident.
The standard requires that the fire department establish a “performance objective” of not less than 90% for each response time
objective. This reliability level is referred to in NFPA 1710 as a “performance objective.”
Where the 10-min limit cannot be met by the fire department at least 90% of the time, Sentence 3.2.3.1.(8) specifies that a value
corresponding to half the actual limiting distance be used in requirements that depend on limiting distance to define other criteria.
For new subdivisions, legal agreements may be made for the construction of fire stations to serve those areas. The fire department
response time in those subdivisions may temporarily exceed 10 min until the fire station is constructed.
See also Sentences 9.10.14.3.(1) and 9.10.15.3.(1).
no unprotected openings in
front of this vertical plane
unprotected openings
vertical plane for the
purpose of determining
percentage of
unprotected openings
vertical plane for the
purpose of determining
construction, cladding and
fire-resistance rating
line to which limiting distance is measured
limiting distance
Sentence 3.2.3.1.(3)
limiting distance
Sentence 3.2.3.1.(4)
EC01200A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.3.4.(1) Party Walls. By definition, a party wall is a wall jointly owned and used by two parties under easement agreement
or by right in law, and is erected at or upon a line that separates two parcels of land that are, or are capable of being, separate real estate
entities. With the exception of some Part 9 residential occupancies, both Part 3 and Part 9 of the Code require that, where party walls
are constructed on property lines, they be constructed as a 2- or 4-hour firewall (see also Article 9.10.11.1.). Buildings on each side of
a party wall that is constructed as a firewall are considered as separate buildings (see Article 1.3.3.4. of Division A).
In a Part 9 residential building that has no dwelling unit above another, a party wall constructed on a property line between two
dwelling units need not be constructed as a firewall, but must be constructed as a continuous fire separation that extends from the top
of the footings to the underside of the roof, with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour (see Article 9.10.11.2.). These party walls do
not create separate buildings.
Where two parties share a party wall on a property line, each party is responsible for fire safety in their unit, but is still subject to
possible fire risks from activities in the adjoining units. The separating party wall is intended to provide a significant degree of fire
protection between the adjacent units, often exceeding even that required between suites in multiple-unit residential and
non-residential occupancies.
When a building spans a property line, constructing a party wall on the property line is not mandated by the Code, but subdividing the
building at the property line is an option the owner can consider. The Code permits a building constructed on more than one property
to be designed as a single undivided building, whether the properties have a common owner or not. However, if a subdividing wall is
constructed on the property line within the building for the purpose of separating the two real estate entities and is shared by two
different owners, the wall would, by definition, be deemed a party wall. As such, this party wall would need to meet the construction
requirements described above, depending on the building’s occupancy classification and size.
A building that spans two or more properties, but that does not have a party wall at the property line, may need to address the Code
requirements for party walls in the future.
A-3.2.3.6.(2) Protection of Roof Soffits Near Property Lines. Sentences 3.2.3.6.(2) to (5) and parallel
Sentences 9.10.14.5.(5) to (7) and 9.10.15.5.(5) to (7) provide requirements for the protection of soffits where the soffit of the subject
building is located close to the property line or to an imaginary line between two buildings on the same property. Fire from inside the
roof space of the subject building can exit unprotected soffits and expose the adjacent building to flames.
A-3.2.3.14.(1) Wall Exposed to Another Wall. The requirements of Article 3.2.3.14. are to ensure that the control of fire
spread by the interior fire separations between fire compartments is not defeated through the spread of fire by thermal radiation
outside the building. Minimum spatial separations are specified between the openings in separate fire compartments where the
exterior faces of these compartments are deemed to expose each other to a thermal radiation hazard. This situation may arise where
the angle,
, between the intersecting planes of the exposing building faces is 135° or less. Examples of situations that would be
addressed by this Article are shown in Figures A-3.2.3.14.(1)-A, A-3.2.3.14.(1)-B and A-3.2.3.14.(1)-C.
Figure A-3.2.3.14.(1)-A
Openings in walls at a right-angle corner
θ
=90°
fire compartment A
plan view
D
o
fire compartment B
plan view
interior
fire separation
EG01201A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Figure A-3.2.3.14.(1)-B
Openings in walls that are parallel to one another
Figure A-3.2.3.14.(1)-C
Openings in walls with an included angle of 45°
A-3.2.4. Fire Alarm System. The term “fire alarm system” used in this Subsection applies to fire alarm systems with or
without voice communication capability.
A-3.2.4.4.(1) Single Stage Fire Alarm System. This requirement, in combination with Article 3.2.4.22., is intended to
allow for the provision of voice communication capability as an integral part of a single stage fire alarm system.
A-3.2.4.4.(2)(c) Fire Alarm Alert Signal. In a 2-stage fire alarm system described in Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2), the alert signal may
be transmitted to audible signal devices in designated locations or to audible signal devices throughout the building. If actuated, the
second stage alarm signal in a 2-stage fire alarm system may sound throughout all zones in the building. All manual station key
switches would typically initiate the alarm signal.
Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2) also allows the implementation of a “zoned 2-stage” sequence of operation, whereby the alarm signal sounds in
the zone of key switch actuation (and perhaps in the adjacent zones, which may be the storey above and the storey below) and the alert
signal sounds throughout the rest of the building. This sequencing would be created automatically by the fire alarm control unit.
The key or special device referred to in Clause 3.2.4.4.(2)(c) should be immediately available to all persons on duty who have been
given authority to sound an alarm signal.
θ
=0°
D
o
fire compartment A
plan view
fire compartment B
plan view
interior
fire separation
EG01202A
θ
=45°
D
o
fire compartment A
plan view
fire compartment B
plan view
interior
fire separation
EG01203
A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.4.4.(2) Two-Stage Fire Alarm System. Sentence 3.2.4.4.(2), in combination with Article 3.2.4.22., is intended to
allow for the provision of voice communication capability as an integral part of a 2-stage fire alarm system.
A-3.2.4.6.(2) Access to Silencing Switches. This requirement is intended to prevent easy access to silencing switches.
The satisfactory operation of a fire alarm system to alert the occupants of a building to an emergency is predicated on the assumption
that the alarm signal will be silenced only after responsible staff have verified that no emergency exists. Details on the emergency
procedures to be used in case of fire are contained in the British Columbia Fire Code.
A-3.2.4.7.(4) Design and Installation of Fire Department Notification. In some jurisdictions, the fire department may
utilize, or have available, a municipal fire alarm system or equipment intended for receiving notification by means of a direct
connection. If used, it is expected that these systems and installations conform to the requirements of Sentence (4) so as to achieve
and provide a uniform and reliable level of service. It is also intended that a proprietary central station as well as a fire brigade used by
a large corporation, university campus or similar site comply with Sentence (4).
CAN/ULC-S561, “Installation and Services for Fire Signal Receiving Centres and Systems,” which is referenced in
Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4), and CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” which is referenced in Sentence 3.2.4.5.(1),
go hand-in-hand: conformity to CAN/ULC-S561 entails conformity with the fire alarm system components required in that standard,
which include the fire alarm transmitter (signal transmitting unit), the interconnections, and the communication path.
A-3.2.4.7.(5)(b) Emergency Telephone Number. In many municipalities an emergency telephone number, for example
911, is used for all emergency services and it is preferable to post that number.
A-3.2.4.8.(2) Fire Alarm Zones. Alarm initiating devices referred to in this Sentence include fire detectors, waterflow
switches and manual stations. If a room or space in a building extends through more than one storey of the building, as in the case of
multi-level dwelling units and machinery rooms, judgment must be exercised in the zoning and annunciation of the fire detectors in
that room or space. In general, the lowest storey on which access is provided into the room or space should be indicated on the
annunciator to avoid unnecessary delays for the responding firefighters. Consideration should also be given to the use of numbers or
letters on the annunciator that correspond to those used in the building elevators.
A-3.2.4.9.(3)(f) Supervision for Fire Pumps. Specific electrical supervision for fire pumps is stated in NFPA 20,
“Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection,” which is referenced in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems.”
A-3.2.4.11.(1) Smoke Detector Location. In the design and installation of the smoke detection system, consideration must
be given to all features which could have a bearing on the location and sensitivity of the detectors, including ceiling height, sloped
ceilings, diffusion from air conditioning and ventilating currents, obstructions, baffles, and other pertinent physical configurations that
might interfere with the proper operation of the system.
A-3.2.4.11.(3) Visible Signals. If staff located in each zone or compartment can see each sleeping room door, visible signals
may be located above each door. If staff cannot see every door, it is intended that the visible signals be provided at the loca
tion where
the staff are normally in attendance. The audible signal is intended to alert staff of the need to check the visible signals.
A-3.2.4.16.(1) Manual Station. Only one manual station need be provided near a group of doors serving as a principal
entrance or as a single exit facility. Egress facilities that are provided for convenience and that do not include all the features of
required exits need not be provided with a manual pull station.
A-3.2.4.18. Acoustic Measurement and Terminology. The following notes on acoustic measurement and terminology
are intended to assist in the application of the requirements for audibility of fire alarm system sounding devices.
The background or ambient measurement should be a spatial averaged A-weighted equivalent sound level measured for 60 s. This can
be obtained using an integrating sound level meter with the integration time set to 60 s. During the measurement period the meter
should be slowly moved about so as to sample the space uniformly but coming no closer than 0.5 m from any solid wall, floor or
ceiling. Alternatively, measurements can be made at 3 or more positions throughout the space and an energy average calculated.
The measurement of the alarm level depends on the type of alarm signal. If the signal is a continuous signal from a bell or siren,
the spatial averaged A-weighted equivalent sound level should be obtained. The integration time should be long enough to obtain a
reasonable spatial average of the space, but not less than 10 s.
If the alarm has a temporal pattern, then the A-weighted sound level should be measured using the ‘fast’ time constant during the ‘on’
part of the cycle. In this situation it is not appropriate to use an integrating sound level meter. Since the duty cycle of the alarm is only
37.5% at best, that type of meter would give a reading that is 4 or more decibels lower than the level while the alarm is ‘on.’ A number
of measurements should be made about the space in question and the average value used to obtain a good spatial representation.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Strictly speaking, the energy average of the measurements should be used; however, the frequency spectrum associated with most
alarms is of a type that should give little variation about the space. If the measured levels don’t vary by more than 2 to 3 dB, then an
arithmetic average rather than an energy average can be used.
Effect of Furnishings
The final inspection of a fire alarm system is seldom made when the building is furnished and ready for occupancy. This results in
measured levels which may be several decibels higher than will be found in the occupied building. The importance of this
difference depends on the situation.
If the building is complete except for furnishings, so that the sources of ambient noise are present, then the amount by which the
alarm signal exceeds the ambient level will not change appreciably with the introduction of furnishings. In this case both levels
will be reduced by about the same amount.
If the primary source of ambient noise will be office equipment and workers, as would be expected in an open plan office, then
measurements made prior to occupancy may differ substantially from those made afterwards. This may be true for both the
absolute sound levels and the difference between the alarm level and the ambient.
A problem arises in trying to estimate what the absolute sound levels will be after the building is occupied.
In general, if the measurement is made in a totally bare room then the level will be about 3 dB higher than if the room were
carpeted, assuming a reasonable carpet with an underlay. In most cases this will account for most of the absorption in the room
and no further correction will be necessary. Adding heavy drapes and absorptive furnishings to a carpeted room can reduce the
sound level by a further 2 to 3 dB.
Commercial buildings are more problematic. For example, if an open plan office is measured before any office screens are
installed, there could be a substantial difference in the before and after levels, depending on the distance to the nearest alarm
device.
Glossary of Acoustical Terms
Audible: A signal is usually considered to be clearly audible if the A-weighted sound level exceeds the level of ambient noise by
15 dB or more.
Awakening threshold: The level of sound that will awaken a sleeping subject 50% of the time.
A-weighted: A frequency weighting network which emphasizes the middle frequency components similar to the response of the
human ear. The A-weighted sound level correlates well with subjective assessment of the disturbing effects of sounds.
The quantity is expressed in dBA.
Masked threshold: The level of sound at which a signal is just audible in ambient noise.
Sound level: A sound pressure level obtained using a signal to which a standard frequency-weighting has been applied.
Sound pressure: A fluctuating pressure superimposed on the static pressure by the presence of sound. The unqualified term
means the root-mean-square sound pressure. In air, the static pressure is barometric pressure.
Sound pressure level: Ten times the common logarithm of the ratio of the square of the sound pressure under consideration to
the square of the standard reference pressure of 20 mPa. The quantity obtained is expressed in decibels.
A-3.2.4.18.(1) Alert and Alarm Signals. Alert signals are part of a 2 stage fire alarm system. The intent of the first, alert,
stage is to notify persons in authority of a potential threat to building occupants. If a continuously staffed location is available, the alert
signal can be restricted to that location.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.4.18.(2) Alarm Signal Temporal Pattern. The temporal pattern of an alarm signal relates to the time during which
the signal is produced and the intervals between the individual signal pulses. The international standard ISO 8201, “Acoustics –
Audible emergency evacuation signal,” includes a pattern that is becoming widely used in different countries and it is appropriate for
this pattern to be adopted in Canada. The temporal pattern can be produced on most signalling devices. Most existing alarm systems
can be modified, and this pattern could be phased in when the systems require modification. The characteristic of the pattern is a
3-pulse phase followed by an off phase. The 3 pulses each consist of an on phase lasting for 0.5 ± 0.05 s followed by an off phase
lasting for 0.5 ± 0.05 s sounded for 3 successive on periods and then followed by an off phase lasting for 1.5 ± 0.15 s.
Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-A indicates the pattern that is intended.
Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-A
Temporal pattern for fire alarm signal
Although the diagram shows a square wave form, the wave can have other shapes that produce a similar effect.
If single stroke bells are to be used, the temporal pattern can be produced by having the bell struck three times at a rate of one stroke
per second followed by an interval of 2 s of silence. Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-B shows the pattern that results.
Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-B
Temporal pattern imposed on a single stroke bell or chime
Note to Figure A-3.2.4.18.(2)-B:
(1) The on phase represents the time that the striker mechanism is actuated. The sound produced by the bell or chime will continue at a level that
decreases until the striker mechanism is re-actuated.
A-3.2.4.18.(3) Audibility of Alarm Systems. It is very difficult to specify exactly what types of sound patterns are
considered to be “significantly different” from one another. The intent is to ensure that there is a noticeable or measurable difference
between the alert signals and the alarm signals such that it reduces the possibility of confusion.
A-3.2.4.18.(4) Sound Pressure Level. For the purposes of this requirement, an audible signalling device should not
produce a sound pressure level more than 110 dBA when measured at a distance of 3 m.
A-3.2.4.18.(5) Residential Sound Level. In a building in which corridors or hallways serve more than one suite or dwelling
unit, there will be situations in which an audible signal device cannot be placed in the corridor or hallway to alert persons sleeping in
suites and dwelling units, because the sound level in the vicinity of the device would exceed that permitted by Sentence 3.2.4.18.(4). In
these situations it will be necessary to supplement the building fire alarm system with an audible signal device in the suite or dwelling
unit. These devices could be piezoelectric devices similar to the sounding units in many smoke alarms, subject to the device emitting
the appropriate temporal pattern required by Sentence 3.2.4.18.(2).
A-3.2.4.18.(7) Disconnect Device for Dwelling Units. In order to minimize the annoyance caused by false and unwanted
alarms, the disconnect will permit a person to silence the local audible device within the dwelling unit. At that time the person would
be aware of sounds from devices in common spaces and could plan appropriate action. The disconnect will reduce the possibility of
tampering with the audible devices.
On
Off
One cycle
a b aba c a
Phase a: signal is on for 0.5 ± 0.05 s
Phase b: signal is off for 0.5 ± 0.05 s
Phase c: signal is off for 1.5 ± 0.15 s
Total cycle to last 4.0 ± 0.40 s
EG01204A
On
Off
0246
8
10 Time, s
EG01205A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.2.4.18.(8) and (9) Signal Circuits. Clause 3.2.4.18.(8)(a) permits Class A wiring, or Class B wiring with signal circuit
isolators located outside of the suites, to serve audible signal devices within residential suites.
Clause 3.2.4.18.(8)(b) permits a separate signal circuit to serve each suite without the need for signal circuit isolators or Class A wiring.
Open circuits and Class A and Class B wiring circuits are terms defined in CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems.”
A-3.2.4.19.(2) Visual Alarm Signal. CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems, Including
Accessories,” applies to visual signalling units. This document is referenced by the most recent standard for the installation of fire
alarm systems and would automatically apply. Current Canadian technology does not integrate visual and audible alarms to have the
same temporal pattern. Visual and audible alarms should have as close a temporal pattern as possible but without interference beats
that might have a deleterious effect on some persons. Visual signalling devices with the same temporal pattern as required for audible
devices are available from some sources and they should become available in Canada. Not all units that comply with the ULC standard
will have sufficient power to adequately cover large areas; care will have to be taken to specify units with adequate power when large
spaces are being designed.
A-3.2.4.20.(7)(a) Smoke Alarm Installation. CSA C22.1, “Canadian Electrical Code, Part I,”
which is adopted by the
Electrical Safety Regulation, permits a smoke alarm to be installed on most residential circuits that carry lighting outlets and
receptacles. It is the intent of the British Columbia Building Code that any other item on a circuit with a smoke alarm should be
unlikely to be overloaded and trip the breaker with a resultant loss of power that is not sufficiently annoying for the breaker to be
restored to the on position. It is considered that an interior bathroom light or a kitchen light fulfills this intent, but that circuits
restricted to receptacles do not fulfill this intent.
A-3.2.4.20.(8) Smoke Detectors in lieu of Smoke Alarms. It is intended that the smoke detector in this application will
function as per the requirements of a smoke alarm; specifically, it will be a localized alarm to that suite. The advantage of this type of
installation is that the detector would be monitored by the fire alarm panel, which would provide notification to supervisory personnel
and be inspected as per CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems.”
A-3.2.4.22.(1)(b) Voice Messages. The concept of intelligibility expressed in Clause 3.2.4.22.(1)(b) is intended to mean that
a person with average hearing and cognitive abilities is able to understand the messages that are transmitted into the space occupied by
the person. There is no absolute measure to predetermine the effect of loudspeakers and it may be necessary, once the building has
been furnished and occupied, to increase the number of loudspeakers to improve the quality of the messages.
The intelligibility of the message depends on the speech level, the background level, and the reverberation time of the space.
ISO 7731, “Ergonomics – Danger signals for public and work areas – Auditory danger signals,” addresses audibility. The standard
suggests that an A-weighted sound level at least 15 dBA above the ambient is required for audibility, but allows for more precise
calculations using octave or 1/3 octave band frequencies to tailor the alarm signal for particular ambient noise conditions. Design of
the alarm system is limited to ensuring that all areas receive an adequately loud alarm signal.
If a public address system is to be used to convey instructions during an emergency, then the requirements of the system are less
straightforward. In general, however, a larger number of speakers operating at lower sound levels would be required.
Additional guidance on how to design and evaluate the intelligibility of a communication system can be found in the following
documents:
• IEC 60268-16, “Sound System Equipment – Part 16: Objective Rating of Speech Intelligibility by Speech Transmission Index”
• ISO 7240-19, “Fire Detection and Alarm Systems – Part 19: Design, Installation, Commissioning and Service of Sound Systems
for Emergency Purposes”
• NEMA SB 50, “Emergency Communications Audio Intelligibility Applications Guide”
• Annex A.7.4.1.4 of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”
A-3.2.5.4.(1) Fire Department Access for Detention Buildings. Buildings of Group B, Division 1 used for housing
persons who are under restraint include security measures that would prevent normal access by local fire departments. These sec
urity
measures include fencing around the building site, exterior walls without openings or openings which are either very small or fitted
with bars, and doors that are equipped with security hardware that would prevent easy entry. These buildings would have firefighting
equipment installed and the staff would be trained to handle any small incipient fires. It is expected that appropriate fire safety
planning would be undertaken in conjunction with local fire departments in order that special emergencies could be handled in a
cooperative manner.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.5.6.(1) Fire Department Access Route. The design and construction of fire department access routes involves the
consideration of many variables, some of which are specified in the requirements in the Code. All these variables should be considered
in relation to the type and size of fire department vehicles available in the municipality or area where the building will be constructed.
It is appropriate, therefore, that the local fire department be consulted prior to the design and construction of access routes.
A-3.2.5.7.(1) Water Supply. The intent of Sentence 3.2.5.7.(1) is that an adequate water supply for firefighting be readily
available and of sufficient volume and pressure to enable emergency response personnel to control fire growth so as to enable the safe
evacuation of occupants and the conduct of search and rescue operations, prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, and
provide a limited measure of property protection.
The water supply requirements for buildings containing internal fire suppression systems, including sprinkler systems and standpipe
systems, are contained in specific standards referenced in the Code. Compliance with the referenced standard, including any variations
made by this Code, is deemed to satisfy the intent of Sentence 3.2.5.7.(1). However, it will be necessary to verify that an adequate
source of water is available at the building site to meet the required quantities and pressures.
For a building with no internal fire suppression system, the determination of the minimum requirements applicable to the water
supply for firefighting is relevant mainly to building sites not serviced by municipal water supply systems. For building sites serviced by
municipal water supply systems, where the water supply duration is not a concern, water supply flow rates at minimum pressures is the
main focus of this provision. However, where municipal water supply capacities are limited, it may be necessary for buildings to have
supplemental water supplies on site or readily available.
The sources of water supply for firefighting purposes may be natural or developed. Natural sources may include ponds, lakes, rivers,
streams, bays, creeks, and springs. Developed sources may include aboveground tanks, elevated gravity tanks, cisterns, swimming
pools, wells, reservoirs, aqueducts, artesian wells, tankers, hydrants served by a public or private water system, and canals.
Consideration should be given to ensuring that water sources will be accessible to fire department equipment under all climatic
conditions.
The volume of on-site water supply is dependent on the building size, construction, occupancy, exposure and environmental impact
potential, and should be sufficient to allow at least 30 minutes of fire department hose stream use.
For the purposes of calculating adequate water supply requirements for fire fighting, the following documents may be useful:
• Insurance Services Office (ISO), “Needed Fire Flow Guide,”
• NFPA 1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting,” and
• American Water Works Association, “Distribution Requirements for Fire Protection.”
A-3.2.5.9.(5)(c) Fire Department Pumping Equipment. Availability of appropriate pumping equipment from the local
fire department or, in the case of industrial plants or complexes, from their fire brigade, is considered sufficient to meet the intent of
this requirement.
A-3.2.5.11.(2) Hose Stations. A building that is partially sprinklered may have some floor areas where local sprinklers are
installed that do not cover the entire floor area. It is intended that hose stations be provided in these floor areas to allow emergency
responders to fight fires that cannot be controlled by local sprinklers.
A-3.2.5.12.(1) Sprinkler System Design. In NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” reference is made to other
NFPA standards that contain additional sprinkler design criteria. These criteria apply to industrial occupancies with high fire loads and
industrial occupancies intended for the use, manufacture or storage of highly flammable materials. Therefore, while only NFPA 13 is
called up directly by Sentence 3.2.5.12.(1), the additional criteria in the other NFPA standards are included automatically.
In some NFPA standards, certain aspects of sprinkler protection are dependent on the fire-resistance rating of the vertical structural
members. In these cases, the sprinkler system design options can be affected by the fire-resistance rating of these elements.
For example, in buildings used for the storage of rubber tires, sprinklers directed at the sides of a column are required if the column
does not have the required fire-resistance rating.
Other NFPA standards may require that certain occupancies be sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13, as in the case of some
garages. These requirements do not supersede the requirements in the Code. An occupancy is required to be sprinklered only when
this is specified in the Code, but when it is so required, it must be sprinklered in conformance with NFPA 13 and its referenced
standards.
Additionally, while Part 4 contains seismic force provisions that apply to the design of sprinklers, NFPA 13 contains other structural
requirements for sprinklers that are also required to be met.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.2.5.12.(2) Sprinklering of Residential Buildings above a Storage Garage Considered as a Separate
Building. For the purpose of determining whether NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential
Occupancies,” applies to a residential building constructed over a storage garage, it is not intended that a storage garage constructed as
a separate building in accordance with Article 3.2.1.2. be considered as a storey when determining the building height of the residential
building. Similarly, this would not preclude the use of NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family
Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,” for any one- or two-family home constructed above such a storage garage.
A-3.2.5.12.(6) Sprinklering of Roof Assemblies. Sprinkler protection for roof assemblies in lieu of fire resistance is based
on the assumption that the sprinklers will protect the roof assembly from the effects of fire in spaces below the roof. If a ceiling
membrane is installed, the sprinklers would have to be located below the membrane in order to react quickly to the fire. In certain
instances, however, sprinklers may be required within the concealed spaces as well as below the membrane. NFPA 13, “Installation of
Sprinkler Systems,” requires sprinklers in certain concealed spaces.
According to NFPA 13 and 13R, some small rooms and closets within a dwelling unit in a sprinklered building, including those that
may be in the storey immediately below the roof assembly, do not require sprinklers. However, the British Columbia Building Code
requires sprinkler protection within all rooms and closets immediately below the roof so as to control any fire that might start in that
space and thereby limit the probability of the fire spreading into the roof assembly.
Moreover, NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,” also allows
the omission of sprinklers in such rooms and closets under certain circumstances, provided the building is sprinklered in conformance
with this standard. In this case, the British Columbia Building Code concurs with the provisions of the NFPA 13D standard.
A-3.2.5.12.(7) Fast-Response Sprinklers. Several types of sprinkler will respond to a fire faster than a conventional
standard response sprinkler. The Response Time Index (RTI) is used to quantify the sensitivity of the sprinkler link for any given
sprinkler. The RTI for the group of fast-response sprinklers described below will on average range from 22 s0.5•m0.5 to 33 s0.5•m0.5.
RTI values for standard response sprinklers will typically be in the range of 83 s0.5•m0.5 to 110 s 0.5•m0.5.
Any confusion as to the appropriate type of fast-response sprinkler for different types of building should be alleviated by considering
the testing criteria described below and the reference to the appropriate NFPA installation standards.
Although the Code specifies where fast-response sprinklers are required, it does not prevent the appropriate use of fast-response
sprinklers in other occupancies.
Residential sprinklers are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL-1626, “Residential Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service.” They are
installed in accordance with NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four
Stories in Height,” with NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,”
and with Section 5-4.5 of NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” for residential occupancies and for dwelling units.
Quick-response sprinklers are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL-199, “Automatic Sprinklers for Fire-Protection Service.” They are
installed in accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” for spacing, density and location. They are acceptab
le for
limited use as described in NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories
in Height,” but are not permitted for use under NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes.”
Early-suppression fast-response sprinklers are tested in accordance with FM Approvals Class Number
2008, “Approval Standard for
Quick Response Storage Sprinklers for Fire Protection.” They are installed in accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler
Systems,” but are not accepted for use under either NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to
and Including Four Stories in Height,” or NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and
Manufactured Homes.”
Quick-response extended-coverage sprinklers are tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 199, “Automatic Sprinklers for Fire-Protection
Service.” They are installed in accordance with NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” for spacing, density and location.
They are acceptable for limited use as permitted by NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to
and Including Four Stories in Height,” but are not permitted for use under NFPA 13D, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and
Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes.”
A-3.2.5.12.(8
) Balconies and Decks. The intent of Sentence 3.2.5.12.(8) is to suppress or control the spread of a fire
originating from a balcony or deck to the roof assembly or other parts of the building.
A-3.2.5.12.(9
) Sprinkler Rating. The requirements of this Sentence can be met by using sprinklers with a rating of 79°C
to 107°C.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.5.13.(1) Hazard Classification for Sprinkler Selection. The reference to light hazard occupancies is based on the
descriptions of these occupancies given in NFPA 13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” and is intended only for use in the design of
sprinkler systems. These descriptions should not be confused with the occupancy classifications in the Code.
In NFPA 13, a light hazard occupancy is one in which the quantity or combustibility of contents is low and fires with relatively low
rates of heat release are expected. Typical buildings or parts of buildings include: churches; clubs; eaves and overhangs, if of
combustible construction with no combustibles beneath; educational buildings; hospitals; institutional buildings; libraries, except very
large stack rooms; museums; nursing or convalescent homes; offices, including data processing rooms; residential buildings; restaurant
seating areas; theatres and auditoria, excluding stages and proscenia; and unused attics.
Although NFPA 13R, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Low-Rise Residential Occupancies,” and NFPA 13D, “Installation of
Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes,” as referenced by NFPA 13, are concerned with
specific types of residential occupancy, namely apartment buildings up to four storeys, one and two family dwellings, and mobile
homes, for the purpose of acceptance of combustible sprinkler piping these occupancies are considered to be included in the category
of residential buildings under light hazard occupancies.
A-3.2.5.18.(1) Fire Pumps. In order to ensure an adequate water supply, it may be necessary to install a fire pump for a
building that has either a standpipe system or an automatic sprinkler system installed.
A-3.2.6. Smoke Control for High Buildings. Experience with high buildings has shown that the time required for
complete evacuation can exceed that which is considered necessary for the safe egress of all occupants. Studies of the “chimney
effect” and observations of smoke movement in actual fires have shown that fire compartmentation to contain a fire on any one
storey will not usually prevent the movement of smoke through elevator, stair and other vertical shafts to the upper floors of a high
building. Occupants of a high building in which an automatic sprinkler system is not installed, and particularly those on upper storeys,
could be faced with severe smoke conditions from fires occurring in storeys below them before their own evacuation is possible.
The requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. are intended to maintain safe conditions for occupants of a high building who may have to
remain in the building during a fire, and to assist the firefighters by providing efficient access to the fire floor. The Notes for
Subsection 3.2.6. are intended to assist a designer in complying with the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. The knowledge
requirements are well within the capabilities of a competent designer. The designer should appreciate, however, that successful
application requires a clear understanding of the principles that govern smoke movement. Subsection 3.2.6. contains only those items
that relate to the design and construction of a building; operation of the facilities and recommended actions to be taken by the
building owner, occupant and fire department are covered by the British Columbia Fire Code.
The designer is cautioned that the tabular and graphical information in the Notes for Subsection 3.2.6. was developed for buildings
having conventional configurations. The designer has to judge the extent to which the building under consideration has characteristics
that will allow the application of this information; this is particularly true of designs employing air-handling systems for which a
realistic assessment of the leakage characteristics of the enclosures of spaces may be critical.
It is assumed that buildings regulated by Subsection 3.2.6. will be in an area served by a fire department capable of an early response
and that all firefighting and rescue situations will be under the direct control of the officer-in-charge of the fire department responding
to the emergency. It is important that firefighters be provided with a smoke-free access to fire floors below grade. Provisions are
included to separate exit stairways serving storeys above grade from those serving storeys below grade, and to limit entry of smoke
into these shafts. Similarly, elevator hoistways and service shafts are required to be provided with a separation near grade, or be
designed to limit their functioning as paths of smoke movement into upper floor areas from storeys below grade.
It is assumed that in the event of fire, occupants of the floor on which the fire occurs will leave by exit stairs immediately following the
sounding of a fire alarm, and that occupants of the floor immediately above the floor on which the fire occurs will be advised to leave
by the first fire department officer on the scene or other person assigned this responsibility. Occupants of all other floors may remain
on their floors unless otherwise directed. It is also assumed that the owner of the building has complied with the Emergency Planning
Section of the British Columbia Fire Code by preparing a comprehensive fire safety plan to safeguard the building occupants and that
the building supervisory staff are familiar with the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. and with their responsibilities under the fire
safety plan.
The British Columbia Building Code requires that a check be made of the smoke control and mechanical venting systems. Testing will
indicate deficiencies caused by inexact estimates of the leakage characteristics or of air supply requirements and, in all but the most
extreme cases, will provide an opportunity for appropriate adjustments before the system is put into service.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.2.6.2.(2) Stairway Protection Below Lowest Exit Level. A stairway serving floors below the lowest exit level is
considered to comply with the intent of Sentence 3.2.6.2.(2) if the following conditions are satisfied.
1) The stairway has a vent or door to the outdoors at or near the top of the stair shaft that has an openable area of not less
than 0.1 m
2
for each storey served by the stairway, less 0.01 m
2
for each weatherstripped door and 0.02 m
2
for each door that is not
weatherstripped opening into the stairway.
2) The stairway is enclosed in a shaft that
a) does not pass through the floor above the lowest exit level and is separate from a shaft that contains a stairway serving
upper storeys, or
b) contains a stairway serving upper storeys, but is separated from that stairway at the lowest exit level by a fire separation
having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the shaft enclosure.
3) The stairway is provided with equipment capable of maintaining a flow of air introduced at or near the bottom of the
stair shaft, at a rate equal to 0.47 m
3
/s for each storey served by the stairway.
A-3.2.6.2.(3) Pressurization of Stair Shafts. The purpose of providing open doors and vents at the bottom of a stair shaft
is to create a positive pressure in the shaft relative to adjacent floor areas and thus keep it free of smoke. The pressure depends on the
temperature differential between the interior and the exterior of the building which is most pronounced during winter months when
stack effect is greatest. If a shaft does not have a direct opening to the exterior, alternative means must be provided to achieve smoke
control. If a corridor or vestibule is used as a link between the exit level of an interior stair shaft and the outdoors to provide a venting
system, it will be necessary to assess the reliability of the overall system. The probability of all doors or closures being opened at the
same time has to be addressed, as well as the size of the vestibule and its impact on the overall smoke control system.
If mechanical methods are used to develop a positive pressure in a stair shaft, a minimum pressure differential of 12 Pa is
recommended to prevent smoke migration from floor areas in a sprinklered building where fire temperatures are controlled and
smoke movement may be dominated by stack effect in a stair shaft. During a fire emergency, persons will be entering and exiting a
stair shaft as they move to a place of safety and under these conditions the number of doors open to the stair shaft cannot be
predetermined. The number will vary depending on the occupancy of the building, population density and the evacuation plan for the
building. It should be assumed that two doors are open. This is based in part as a practical level for most buildings and considers the
positive fire experience in sprinklered buildings.
The maximum pressure differential created by a mechanical system should not prevent doors to the stair shafts from being opened.
A specific maximum value cannot be given, as this value will depend on the door opening force and size of the door. These values
should be calculated for each specific case. Although a maximum value of 130 N is suggested by research as the force that can be
opened by the majority of people in most occupancies, this value is above the maximum value of 90 N generally specified in this Code.
The use of values below 130 N can create a practical problem in achieving effective smoke control as it is difficult to design for the
acceptable minimum and maximum pressure differential range. Special consideration may need to be given for doors located in an
accessible path of travel.
Care should be taken by designers and by building and fire officials in implementation of these requirements. Assumptions involved in
the design of a smoke control system may be different from final construction conditions. For this reason each system should be
tested after installation to ensure that the design intent is met. The minimum pressure differential is not intended to apply to locations
in stair shafts when doors in their proximity are open to adjacent floor areas.
A-3.2.6.2.(4) Limiting Smoke Movement. Measures to prevent the migration of smoke from floor areas below the lowest
exit storey into upper storeys include the following.
1) An elevator hoistway that passes through the floor above the lowest exit storey should not penetrate the floor of the
storey immediately below the lowest exit storey, unless there is a vestibule between the shaft and each floor area below the lowest
exit storey that
a) has a fire separation, with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, between the vestibule and any public corridor,
b) has a fire separation, with a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for an exit by Article 3.4.4.1., between the
vestibule and any stair or elevator enclosure or any part of a floor area, other than a public corridor, and
c) except for elevator hoistway entrances, has a self-closing device on any door through the fire separation required by
Clauses (a) and (b), with the door opening in the direction of travel from the floor area to the exit stairway.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-A
Vent to a vertical service space with no other pressurized shaft in the building
Notes to Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-A:
(1) Curve A applies to a vertical service space that is enclosed by unplastered unit masonry or by plaster and steel stud construction with all
openings in the shaft sealed to the degree required by Articles 3.1.9.1. to 3.1.9.5.
(2) Curve B applies to a vertical service space that is enclosed by monolithic concrete or by plastered unit masonry with all openings in the shaft
sealed tightly to minimize air leakage.
(3) A shaft having a vent that is 100% of the cross-sectional area of the shaft is acceptable for buildings up to 1.5 times the height shown by the
appropriate curve in Figures A-3.2.6.2.(4)-A and A-3.2.6.2.(4)-B.
(4) The total leakage area, based on measurements in typical high buildings, is assumed to be 0.025 m
2
for every 10 m
2
of shaft wall area in the
case of Curve A and 0.015 m
2
for every 10 m
2
of shaft wall area in the case of Curve B.
2) A vertical service space, other than an elevator hoistway, that passes through the floor assembly above the lowest exit
storey, should be provided with a tight-fitting noncombustible seal or fire stop at the floor assembly of the storey immediately
below the lowest exit storey, unless
a) the vertical service space is vented to the outdoors at the top and the vent has an openable area that is not less than
i) that obtained from Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-A if the vertical service space is in a building in which other shafts are not
mechanically pressurized, or
ii) that obtained from Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-B if the vertical service space is in a building in which other shafts are
mechanically pressurized,
b) for a shaft that serves floor areas above the lowest exit storey, a vent is located
i) at or near the top of the shaft if the shaft is above the mid-height of the building, or
ii) at or near the foot of the shaft at or near the exit level if the top of the shaft is below the mid-height of the building,
or
c) for a shaft that serves floor areas below the lowest exit storey, a vent is located at or near the top of the shaft.
3) Any closure provided for a vent opening referred to in Sentence (2) must be openable:
a) manually,
b) on a signal from a smoke detector located at or near the top of the shaft, and
c) by a control device located at the central alarm and control facility.
curve A
curve B
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Height of shaft, m
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Minimum openable area of vent, % of
cross-sectional area of shaft
EG01222A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-B
Vent to a vertical service space with other pressurized shafts in the building
Notes to Figure A-3.2.6.2.(4)-B:
(1) Curve A applies to a vertical service space that is enclosed by unplastered unit masonry or by plaster and steel stud construction with all
openings in the shaft sealed to the degree required by Articles 3.1.9.1. to 3.1.9.5.
(2) Curve B applies to a vertical service space that is enclosed by monolithic concrete or by plastered unit masonry with all openings in the shaft
sealed tightly to minimize air leakage.
(3) A shaft having a vent that is 100% of the cross-sectional area of the shaft is acceptable for buildings up to 1.5 times the height shown by the
appropriate curve in Figures A-3.2.6.2.(4)-A and A-3.2.6.2.(4)-B.
(4) The total leakage area, based on measurements in typical high buildings, is assumed to be 0.025 m
2
for every 10 m
2
of shaft wall area in the
case of Curve A and 0.015 m
2
for every 10 m
2
of shaft wall area in the case of Curve B.
A-3.2.6.3.(1) Connected Buildings. The measures described here are intended to prevent movement of smoke from one
building to another. They are of particular significance for two buildings of unequal height that are joined together. The techniques
suggested are the provision of a large opening to the outdoors in a connecting vestibule so that smoke entering through leakage areas
around doors will be vented to the outdoors, or pressurization to maintain a higher pressure in the vestibule than in adjacent spaces,
as illustrated in Figures A-3.2.6.3.(1)-A, A-3.2.6.3.(1)-B and A-3.2.6.3.(1)-C.
The provisions for protection of openings are described in terms appropriate to a doorway. Openings other than doorways should be
avoided if possible. Openings should be protected by an airlock that gives the same standard of protection as the vestibule referred
to below.
The requirement of Article 3.2.6.3. that limits movement of smoke from one building to another may be met by incorporating in the
link between the buildings the provisions of Sentences (1) and (2).
1) A firewall conforming to Subsection 3.1.10. is constructed between one building and the other with any opening in the
firewall protected against the passage of smoke by a vestibule that has
a) a fire separation between the vestibule and a public corridor with a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min,
b) a fire separation between the vestibule and the remainder of the floor area, other than a public corridor, with a
fire-resistance rating not less than that required by Article 3.4.4.1. for an exit,
c) a fire separation between the vestibule and a stair enclosure or elevator hoistway with a fire-resistance rating not less than
that required by Article 3.4.4.1. for an exit, and
d) any door in the fire separation required by Clauses (a), (b) or (c), except for an elevator entrance, provided with a
self-closing device as required by Article 3.1.8.13. and opening in the direction of travel from the floor area to the
exit stairway.
curve A
curve B
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Height of shaft, m
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
Minimum openable area of vent, % of
cross-sectional area of shaft
EC01223A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
2) The vestibule referred to in Sentence (1) should have
a) a vent to the outdoors that has a net area of 10(0.023 d + 0.00045 a) m
2
, where ‘d’ is the number of doors having a
perimeter not more than 6 m that open into the vestibule, or if the perimeter of doors exceeds 6 m, the value ‘d’ is
increased in direct proportion to the increase in the perimeter, and ‘a’ is the area in square metres of enclosing walls,
floors and ceilings whose outer face is in contact with the outside air, except that where the outer face of a wall is in
contact with the ground or fill, it is assumed that there is no leakage through that portion, and the value of ‘a’ is assumed
to be zero, or
b) equipment capable of maintaining a supply of air into the vestibule sufficient to ensure that the air pressure in the
vestibule when the doors are closed is higher by at least 12 Pa than that in adjacent floor areas when the outdoor
temperature is equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5% basis.
Figure A-3.2.6.3.(1)-A
Buildings connected by a tunnel
Figure A-3.2.6.3.(1)-B
Buildings connected at a firewall
Figure A-3.2.6.3.(1)-C
Buildings connected by a bridge
A-3.2.6.5.(6)(b) Electrical Cable Protection. Electrical cables that provide continuous operation for 1 h when subjected to
the fire exposure of the time/temperature curve of CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials,”
do not need additional protection against exposure to fire.
A-3.2.6.6.(1) Venting to Aid Firefighting. The requirements of Sentence 3.2.6.6.(1) are met by incorporating in a floor area
windows or wall panels, as described in Sentence (1), by smoke shafts as described in Sentences (2) to (8), or by the use of building
exhaust systems as described in Sentence (9).
1) If windows or wall panels are used for venting, they must
a) be uniformly distributed along the exterior wall of each storey,
b) have a total area not less than 1% of the exterior wall area of each storey,
tunnel1
building A
building B
grade
1. Vestibule vented to outdoors
or pressurized
EC01224A
building A
building B
grade
1. Vestibules vented to outdoors
or pressurized
1
1
EC01225A
1
building A
building B
grade
1. Vestibule vented to outdoors
or pressurized
bridge
EC01226A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
c) be readily openable from the interior without the use of wrenches or keys,
d) be readily identified from the interior, and from the exterior where they are accessible to firefighters, and
e) be designed so that when opened they will not endanger persons outside the building during a fire.
2) If one or more smoke shafts or vertical service spaces are used for venting, they must
a) have an opening or openings into each storey with an aggregate area not less than that obtained from
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-A for the height of the building and the area of the largest floor area served by the smoke shaft, and
the leakage characteristics of the shaft wall and closures obtained from Tables A-3.2.6.6.(1)-B and A-3.2.6.6.(1)-C,
b) have an aggregate unobstructed cross-sectional area equal to that required by Clause (a), and
c) be designed to comply with the requirements of Sentence (3).
3) Each smoke shaft or vertical service space described in Sentence (2) must
a) be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation that has a fire-resistance rating not less than that
required for the floor assembly through which it passes, or be designed as a chimney conforming to Part 6, except that
flue liners need not be provided,
b) have an opening to the outdoors at the top that has an area not less than the cross-sectional area of the shaft, with the
opening protected from the weather,
c) terminate not less than 900 mm above the roof surface where it penetrates the roof, and
d) contain no combustible material, fuel lines or services that are required for use in an emergency.
4) Each opening required by Clause (2)(a) must be located so that the top of the opening is not more than 250 mm below
the ceiling, except that the opening may be above the ceiling if the ceiling freely allows passage of air.
5) The opening into the smoke shaft must be provided with a closure that
a) has a fire-protection rating conforming to Sentence 3.1.8.4.(2), except that the temperature on the unexposed face of the
closure shall be not more than 250 °C after 30 min during the fire test used to determine its rating,
b) is no closer to combustible material, except for paint or tightly-adhering paper covering not more than 1 mm thick
applied to a noncombustible backing, than the distances described in Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-D,
c) can be opened from a remote location such as a stair shaft, the storey immediately below, or the central alarm and control
facility, and
d) does not open automatically on any floor, other than the fire floor, when smoke and hot gases pass through the shaft.
6) Closures for openings described in Clause (3)(b) must
a) be openable from outside the shaft, and
b) open automatically
i) on a signal from a smoke detector in the shaft,
ii) by operation of the fire alarm system, and
iii) when the closure required by Sentence (5) opens.
7) A smoke shaft opening referred to in Sentence (2) that is less than 1 070 mm above the floor must conform to
Article 3.3.1.18.
8) If a closure is required to comply with Sentence (5), the leakage area between closure components and between closure
and frame must not be more than 3% of the openable area of the closure.
9) The building air handling system may be used for smoke venting, provided
a) the system can maintain an exhaust to the outdoors at the rate of 6 air changes per hour from any floor area, and
b) emergency power to the fans providing the exhaust required by Clause (a) is provided as described in Article 3.2.7.9.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-A
Minimum Size of Vent Openings into Smoke Shafts from Each Floor Area, m
2(1)(2)
Forming Part of Note A-3.2.6.6.(1)
Floor Area,
m
2
Leakage
Area, %
(3)
Building Height, m
18 37 73 110 146 183 220 256 293
200 0.10 0.11 0.13 0.15 0.16 0.18 0.19 0.20 0.22
500 0.22 0.25 0.29 0.32 0.36 0.37 0.39 0.41 0.43
1 000 0.43 0.48 0.53 0.59 0.63 0.67 0.71 0.75 0.77
2 000 0.83 0.91 1.01 1.08 1.16 1.22 1.29 1.34 1.39
3 000 0 1.21 1.33 1.46 1.55 1.67 1.75 1.82 1.90 1.97
4 000 1.62 1.75 1.90 2.02 2.15 2.25 2.35 2.44 2.53
5 000 2.01 2.17 2.34 2.46 2.63 2.74 2.86 2.88 3.07
6 000 2.39 2.57 2.76 2.91 3.10 3.23 3.37 3.47 3.58
200 0.10 0.12 0.15 0.19 0.22 0.27 0.35 0.43 0.55
500 0.23 0.27 0.35 0.40 0.49 0.57 0.69 0.83 1.04
1 000 0.44 0.50 0.71 0.72 0.86 1.01 1.19 1.43 1.73
2 000 0.85 0.97 1.15 1.33 1.56 1.81 2.10 2.48 2.95
3 000 1 1.26 1.42 1.67 1.91 2.23 2.56 2.97 3.47 4.08
4 000 1.66 1.88 2.18 2.49 2.37 3.28 3.79 4.40 5.16
5 000 2.07 2.32 2.69 3.05 3.51 3.99 4.60 5.32 6.21
6 000 2.47 2.76 3.18 3.59 4.14 4.68 5.37 6.20 7.23
200 0.10 0.13 0.18 0.24 0.37 0.61 1.28 4.60 89.57
500 0.24 0.29 0.39 0.52 0.75 1.13 2.10 6.11 94.50
1 000 0.46 0.55 0.72 0.94 1.30 1.90 3.27 8.29 102.11
2 000 0.88 1.05 1.34 1.73 2.32 3.28 5.36 12.14 116.80
3 000 2 1.31 1.53 1.95 2.47 3.29 4.58 7.28 15.63 130.83
4 000 1.73 2.01 2.55 3.20 4.23 5.83 9.12 19.97 144.03
5 000 2.15 2.49 3.13 3.92 5.15 7.05 10.90 22.15 157.05
6 000 2.57 2.96 3.73 4.63 6.07 8.26 12.65 25.39 169.29
200 0.11 0.14 0.21 0.37 0.88 2.06
500 0.25 0.31 0.47 0.76 1.58 9.00
1 000 0.47 0.59 0.86 1.33 2.60 11.99
2 000 0.91 1.12 1.60 2.41 4.47 17.46
3 000 3 1.35 1.64 2.31 3.43 5.21 22.48
4 000 1.79 2.17 3.02 4.43 7.91 27.29
5 000 2.22 2.68 3.71 5.42 9.55 31.95
6 000 2.65 3.20 4.40 6.39 11.18 36.47
200 0.11 0.15 0.28 0.70 24.83
500 0.25 0.34 0.58 1.33 29.18
1 000 0.49 0.63 1.06 2.27 36.07
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
2 000 0.95 1.21 1.97 3.99 48.56
3 000 4 1.41 1.78 2.84 6.63 60.15
4 000 1.86 2.34 3.70 7.22 71.15
5 000 2.21 2.90 4.55 8.79 81.81
6 000 2.75 3.46 5.40 10.33 90.05
200 0.11 0.16 0.36 3.33
500 0.28 0.36 0.76 5.09
1 000 0.500.691.377.67
2 000 0.99 1.31 2.54 12.35
3 000 5 1.46 1.94 3.65 16.75
4 000 1.92 2.55 4.75 20.99
5 000 2.40 3.16 5.84 25.11
6 000 2.87 3.74 6.92 29.11
Notes to Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-A:
(1) The minimum size of a vent opening into a smoke shaft is obtained from Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-A and is dependant on the floor area and total leakage area of the smoke
shaft walls and closures. This total leakage area may be estimated by adding the leakage areas for the shaft wall obtained from Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-B and for the
dampered openings obtained from Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-C, provided the cross-sectional area of the smoke shaft, the opening into the shaft and the opening to the outdoors
at the top of the shaft are equal.
(2) The size of the vent opening refers to the free or unobstructed area of the opening.
(3) Leakage area is the total of the leakage area of smoke shaft wall obtained from Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-B and the leakage area of openings in smoke shafts obtained from
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-C.
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-B
Leakage Area of Smoke Shaft Wall
Forming Part of Note A-3.2.6.6.(1)
Wall Construction Leakage Area as % of Wall Area
Monolithic concrete 0.5
Masonry wall unplastered 1.5
Masonry wall plastered 0.5
Gypsum board on steel studs 1.0
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-C
Leakage Area of Closures in Openings into Smoke Shaft
Forming Part of Note A-3.2.6.6.(1)
Type of Closure Leakage Area as % of Closure Area
(1)(2)
Curtain fire damper 2.5
Single-blade fire damper 3.5
Multi-blade fire damper 4.5
Notes to Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-C:
(1) Values include allowance for 0.5% leakage between frame and wall construction.
(2) These leakage data are based on clearances applicable to closures that have been tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S112, “Fire Test of Fire Damper Assemblies.”
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-A (continued)
Minimum Size of Vent Openings into Smoke Shafts from Each Floor Area, m
2(1)(2)
Forming Part of Note A-3.2.6.6.(1)
Floor Area,
m
2
Leakage
Area, %
(3)
Building Height, m
18 37 73 110 146 183 220 256 293
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.6.7.(1) Protection of Central Control Room. The design of a room provided for a central alarm and control facility
should take into account the nature and sensitivity of the electronic components of the equipment and the room should be adequately
protected from fire and smoke. The room should be ventilated with a supply of fresh air so that it has a clean environment and should
be provided with adequate lighting.
A-3.2.6.7.(2) Central Control Room Air Control. Depending on the method of mechanical venting and air control that is
selected for the building, additional controls may be required at the central alarm and control facility. These additional controls include
those with a capability of opening closures to vents in shafts, stopping air-handling systems, and initiating mechanical air supply to
stair shafts.
A-3.2.6.9.(1) Testing for Smoke Control. The efficiency of a smoke control system may be checked by measuring pressure
differences and the directions of airflow around doors and through separating walls of compartments. A pressure meter can be used to
measure pressure differences on either side of a door or partition. Where this is impracticable, a punk stick held near a crack will
indicate the direction of airflow. Measurements of airflow may be taken on the intake side of supply fans or in supply ducts to
determine whether the specified airflow is being provided. In general, airflow should be from the spaces which may be occupied for
various lengths of time during a fire emergency (e.g., vestibules, stair shafts, and elevator hoistways) toward the space in which the fire
is assumed to have occurred. Measurements may be taken at certain critical locations to check the overall efficiency of the smoke
control system.
In buildings where protection is obtained by venting corridors or vestibules to the outdoors, inspection of the building to determine
whether the requirements have been met should be sufficient. Where service shafts are vented to the outdoors at the top, a check may
be made of the wall between the shaft and the uppermost occupied floor areas, to ensure that the direction of flow is from each floor
area into the shaft, when the vent to the outside is open and the outdoor air temperature is significantly less than that indoors.
Where mechanically pressurized vestibules are used, a check may be made to ensure that the pressure in each vestibule or area of
refuge is greater than that in the adjacent floor areas at each floor level.
Doors to stair shafts, elevator hoistways and vestibules in locations subject to pressure differences that may interfere with normal
opening should be checked when the outdoor temperature is near the January design temperature, with the air injection system
operating and a number of windows open to the outdoors on each floor in turn.
A-3.2.7.4.(1) Emergency Power Reliability. In some areas power outages are frequent and may be of long duration.
These local conditions should be taken into account in determining the type of system for supplying emergency power for lighting.
This should be studied at the planning stage of a building project in conjunction with the local fire safety and building officials.
A-3.2.7.6.(1) Emergency Power for Treatment Occupancies. CSA Z32, “Electrical Safety and Essential Electrical
Systems in Health Care Facilities,” contains requirements for three classes of health care facilities – Class A, Class B and ClassC.
The intent of Article 3.2.7.6. is to apply specific requirements to emergency equipment for Class A facilities, which are designated as
hospitals by the authorities having jurisdiction and where patients are accommodated on the basis of medical need and are provided
with continuing medical care and supporting diagnostic and therapeutic services.
Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-D
Minimum Distance from Closure to Combustible Material
Forming Part of Note A-3.2.6.6.(1)
Area of Closure
(1)
, m
2
Minimum Distance in Front of or
Above Closure, m
Minimum Distance to the Sides or
Below Closure, m
0.5 0.35 0.20
1.0 0.50 0.25
1.5 0.60 0.30
2.0 0.70 0.35
2.5
(2)
0.80 0.40
Notes to Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-D:
(1) For closure areas between those given in Table A-3.2.6.6.(1)-D, interpolation may be used to determine the appropriate distances.
(2) For closure areas greater than 2.5 m
2
, the minimum distance in front of or above the closure shall be one half of the square root of the closure area, and the minimum
distance to the sides or below the closure shall be one quarter of the square root of the closure area.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.2.7.8.(3) Emergency Power Duration. The times indicated in this Sentence are the durations for which emergency
power must be available for a building under fire emergency conditions. Additional fuel for generators or additional battery capacity is
required to handle normal testing of the equipment, as indicated in the British Columbia Fire Code. If the operation of emergency
generators or batteries is intended for other than fire emergency conditions, such as power failures, fuel supplies or battery capacity
must be increased to compensate for that use.
A-3.2.7.9.(1) Emergency Power Reliability. In some areas power outages are frequent and may be of long duration.
These local conditions should be taken into account in determining the type of system for supplying emergency power for building
services. This should be studied at the planning stage of a building project in conjunction with the local fire safety and building
officials.
A-3.2.7.10.(2)(a) and (3)(a) Protection of Electrical Conductors. It is important to understand that electrical
conductors are part of a system that includes – among other components – raceways, conduits, splices, couplings, vertical supports,
grounds and pulling lubricants. When selecting electrical conductors to provide a circuit integrity rating, it is therefore important to
understand how they will be installed and to know if the fire performance of the system as a whole was tested.
A-3.2.7.10.(5)(b) Electrical Conductors in the Same Room. If the distribution panel and the equipment it serves are
within the same room, only the electrical conductors leading up to the distribution panel need to be protected. It is assumed that the
distribution panel and the equipment it serves are within sufficient proximity to each other such that a fire in the same area of origin
would affect both.
A-3.2.7.10.(7) Fire Alarm Branch Circuits. In order to ensure continuous operation of the fire alarm and voice
communication systems in a high-rise building for a sufficient duration of time to control and direct the evacuation of building
occupants, a level of protection is required by Sentence 3.2.7.10.(2) for those electrical conductors interconnecting the major elements
of the fire alarm system. Sentence 3.2.7.10.(7) permits the protection of electrical conductors to be waived for portions connecting a
transponder or fault isolation device to fire alarm input devices (fire detectors, manual stations, etc.) or a voice communication
transponder to a fire alarm audible signalling device, provided all circuits or portions of the circuits are contained within the
same storey.
A-3.2.8.2.(3) Special Protection of Opening. In manufacturing operations involving the use of conveyor systems to
transport material through fire separations, it may not be possible to use standard closure devices. NFPA 80, “Fire Doors and Other
Opening Protectives,” includes appendix information concerning protection of openings through vertical fire separations. NFPA 13,
“Installation of Sprinkler Systems,” includes methods of protecting openings through floor assemblies, however, it is assumed by that
standard that the remainder of the building would be sprinklered. Combinations of methods may be required to ensure that the level
of safety inherent in the requirements of the Code is maintained.
A-3.2.8.2.(6)(b) Restriction on Size of Openings Through Floors. The phrase “used only for stairways, escalators or
moving walks” is intended to restrict the size of a floor opening to what is necessary to accommodate the stairway, escalator or
moving walk.
A-3.2.8.2.(6)(c) Waiver of Occupancy Separation Continuity. The typical application of this Sentence is to buildings
with a mixture of occupancies that are randomly located throughout the building. Examples include shopping centres, podia of large
commercial and business complexes, and recreational buildings that are combined with mercantile and business operations.
A shopping mall with two interconnected storeys is an example that is frequently encountered in many jurisdictions. The permission
to breach the floor assembly between the storeys does not override requirements for separation of specific suites or occupancies.
For instance, although storage garages are Group F, Division 3 occupancies, the requirement in Article 3.3.5.6. for the storage garage
to be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation with at least a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating must be observed. In a similar
manner, a theatre or cinema (Group A, Division 1 occupancy) must be separated from other occupancies in accordance with
Sentence 3.3.2.2.(1) and seats in an arena-type building (Group A, Division 3) must be separated from space below in accordance with
Sentence 3.3.2.2.(3).
A-3.2.8.4.(1)(c) Contamination of Vestibule. The vestibule should have equipment capable of maintaining a supply of air
into the vestibule that is sufficient to ensure that the air pressure in the vestibule when the doors are closed is higher by at least 12 Pa
than the air pressure in the adjacent floor areas when the outdoor temperature is equal to the January design temperature on a
2.5% basis.
A-3.2.8.7.(1) Smoke Exhaust System. The mechanical exhaust system is intended as an aid to firefighters in removing
smoke and is to be designed to be actuated manually by the responding fire department. Although smoke is normally removed from
the top of the interconnected floor space, exhaust outlets at other locations may be satisfactory.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.2.9.1.(1) Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems. Building owners should verify that fire protection
and life safety systems and their components (i.e. fire alarm systems, sprinklers, standpipes, smoke control, ventilation, pressurization,
door hold-open devices, elevator recalls, smoke and fire shutters and dampers, emergency power, emergency lighting, fire pumps,
generators, etc.), including their interconnections with other building systems, are functioning according to the intent of their design.
CAN/ULC-S1001, “Integrated Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems,” provides the methodology for verifying
and documenting that interconnections between building systems satisfy the intent of their design and that the systems function as
intended by the Code.
Clause 6.1.5 of CAN/ULC-S1001 allows the Integrated Testing Coordinator to accept documented evidence of any tests that have
been performed on a system as part of its acceptance testing for the purpose of demonstrating compliance with the integrated testing
requirements of that standard, so as to avoid duplication of work.
A-3.3. Safety Within Floor Areas. Section 3.3. regulates safety within floor areas including rooms and other spaces within a
building. The requirements are grouped according to the occupancy of the floor area, room or space, which is not necessarily the same
as the major occupancy for which the building is classified. For example, a building may be classified by major occupancy as an office
building: therefore, the provisions for structural fire protection and fire protection equipment for office buildings prescribed in
Section 3.2. apply. However, within that building, a room or floor area may be used for mercantile, care, treatment, detention,
business, residential, industrial or other occupancy.
Life safety for the occupants of any floor area depends in the first instance on the use or occupancy of that floor area. The risks to the
occupants occur in the early stages of a fire. These special life risks differ from one occupancy to another and, consequently, must be
regulated differently. Section 3.3. regulates risks within floor areas: these requirements apply regardless of the major occupancy of the
building that contains the floor areas. For example, an assembly room must comply with the requirements for assembly occupancy
whether it is contained in an office building, hospital, hotel, theatre, industrial building or other major occupancy.
Since this Code regulates new construction, alterations and changes of occupancy, the construction of kiosks and similar structures in
public corridors must take into consideration all the requirements that apply to the remainder of the building, including structural fire
protection, construction type, finish materials, egress widths and sprinkler installations. Special activities of an occasional nature that
were not contemplated in the original design of a public corridor and that represent only a temporary change in occupancy are
regulated by the British Columbia Fire Code. These regulations include maintaining egress paths clear of obstructions, controlling
combustible contents and providing measures to ensure quick response for firefighting.
A-3.3.1.2.(1) Hazardous Substances. The term “hazardous substances” refers to dangerous goods that are regulated by
TC SOR/2008-34, “Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDGR),” or that are classified as “controlled products” under
the “Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)” established to meet the requirements of HC SOR/2015-17,
“Hazardous Products Regulations.” It also refers to materials and products that are not regulated by the TDGR or WHMIS, but that
pose a fire or explosion hazard due to their own properties or because of the manner in which they are stored, handled or used.
These include combustible products, rubber tires, combustible fibres, combustible dusts, products producing flammable vapours or
gases, etc.
A-3.3.1.2.(2) Cooking Equipment Ventilation. Cooking equipment manufactured for use in dwelling units and other
residential suites is often installed in buildings used for assembly and care, treatment or detention purposes. It is not obvious from the
Code requirements or those of NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations,” whether a
ventilation and grease removal system is required in all assembly and care, treatment or detention uses. If the equipment is to be used
in a manner that will produce grease-laden vapours that are substantially more than would be produced in a normal household
environment, then it would be appropriate to apply the requirements of NFPA 96. If the equipment is used primarily for reheating
food prepared elsewhere or is used occasionally for demonstration or educational purposes, there would be no expectation of applying
the requirements of NFPA 96. In all cases the circumstances should be reviewed with the authority having jurisdiction.
A-3.3.1.3 Means of Egress Serving Podiums and Terraces. The requirements for podiums and terraces in
Sentence 3.3.1.3.(2) and (3) are intended for areas situated on a level that is not at the highest elevation in a building, and where the
area can be accessed by a storey of the building. The requirements of Sentence 3.3.1.3.(4) to (9) are intended for roof-top areas,
including “terraces” where the area is at the highest elevation of the building, and there is no access to a storey of the building at
that level.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.3.1.7.(1) Temporary Refuge for Persons with Disabilities. These measures are intended to provide temporary
refuge for persons with disabilities. It is acknowledged, however, that the measures cannot provide absolute safety for all occupants in
the fire area. It may, therefore, be necessary to develop special arrangements in the fire safety plan to evacuate persons with disabilities
from these areas. Details for a suitable plan are contained in the British Columbia Fire Code.
The protected elevator referred to in Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(a) is intended to be used by firefighters as a means for evacuating persons with
disabilities. It is not intended that this elevator be used by persons with disabilities as a means of egress without the assistance of
firefighters.
If an estimate is to be made of the number of persons with disabilities in a floor area who can be accommodated in each zone in
Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(b), this estimate may be based on Table 3.8.2.3., which is used to determine the minimum number of spaces to be
provided for persons using
wheelchairs in fixed seating areas. If more precise information is available, it should be used for sizing
the zones.
For residential occupancies, the choices of protection include the option to provide an accessible balcony, but it is not required that
balconies be the chosen means of protection.
A-3.3.1.9.(4) Obstruction in Corridor. The sweep of a cane used by blind or visually impaired persons normally detects
obstructions that are within 680 mm of the floor. Any obstruction above this height would not normally be detected and can,
therefore, create a hazard if it projects more than 100 mm into the path of travel.
A-3.3.1.12.(3) Movable Partitions. Should an emergency situation arise outside of normal working hours but when
occupants are still in the space, they could be left without a clear way out. This could occur during inventory or after closing time
when all occupants have not yet left, but staff close the door to prevent other persons from entering. In many small tenant areas, the
movable partitions (store fronts) provide the only way out. There should always be a second way out or a swinging door within or
adjacent to the sliding partitions.
A-3.3.1.13.(4) Door Hardware. The permission to have additional door releasing devices is intended to allow the use of a
security chain, night latch or dead bolt to supplement the normal door latching device. These are permitted for dwelling units and
locations where guests in a hotel or motel require additional security. The height of these items is also governed by the maximum
height stipulated in Sentence 3.3.1.13.(5) to ensure that they can be operated by persons with physical disabilities. This additional
hardware should not require appreciable dexterity by the user and the general requirements on the ability to operate the device without
the use of keys, special tools or specialized knowledge still apply.
A-3.3.1.13.(6) Controlled Egress Doors. It is intended that Sentence 3.3.1.13.(6) apply to doors used at the perimeter of a
contained use area or an impeded egress zone. If the contained use area consists of a single room, the requirements would apply to
that room. In the case of individual cells within a contained use area, exterior keyed locks could be used on the cell doors consistent
with the fire safety plan and continuous supervision by staff who can release the doors in an emergency.
A-3.3.1.23.(1) Obstructions in Means of Egress. Obstructions including posts, counters or turnstiles should not be
located in a manner that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area unless an
alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to and plainly visible from the restricted means of egress.
A-3.3.2.1.(2) Use of NFPA 101. The intention of Sentence (2) is to allow Code users the option of using NFPA 101, “Life
Safety Code,” to address the following issues: means of egress; egress routes within assembly occupancies; aisles and access serving
seating not at tables; guards and railings; life safety evaluation; and smoke-protected assembly seating. However, opting to use
NFPA 101 under this application entails adherence to all the provisions listed in Sentence (2): it is not intended that Code users
randomly select and apply a mix of provisions from both the British Columbia Building Code and the NFPA.
A-3.3.2.4.(2) Tablet Arms. Although it is intended that the motion to raise the tablet arm be essentially a single fluid motion,
it is acceptable that the motion be a compound motion of raising the tablet arm and including an articulation to allow the tablet to fall
back alongside the arm rest.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.3.2.10. Installation Configurations of Handrails in Aisles with Steps. Figure A-3.3.2.10. illustrates possible
installation configurations of handrails serving aisles with steps.
Figure A-3.3.2.10.
Handrail installation configurations
A-3.3.2.17. Daycare Facilities with Children under 30 Months. These daycare facilities are subject to additional
requirements to address the unique profile of the occupants. (See Note A-3.1.2.8.)
A-3.3.3.1.(1) Safety in Care, Treatment and Detention Occupancies. Fire safety for patients in bedroom areas in
hospitals and nursing homes with treatment is predicated on the ability of staff to carry out at all times essential life safety functions in
accordance with the fire safety plan. Details for a plan are contained in the British Columbia Fire Code.
Many factors may affect the ability of staff to carry out life safety functions, including the mobility of patients who cannot fend for
themselves and the built-in protection for patients who cannot be moved except under exceptional circumstances.
Should a patient area in a hospital or nursing home with treatment contain factors which would increase the time normally required
for staff to evacuate patients or to undertake other life safety measures, consideration should be given to providing additional fire
protection measures to ensure that equivalent safety is available.
A-3.3.3.4.(2) Doorway Width. The 1050 mm minimum clear width of doorways accounts for door stops and, thus,
is intended to allow for the use of 1100 mm doors.
A-3.3.3.5.(9) Intercommunicating Rooms. Rooms that are interconnected can include more than one sleeping room,
together with ensuite toilet rooms, shower rooms, and storage closets used for the storage of personal items of the persons occupying
the sleeping rooms. It is not intended that storage rooms for other purposes be included within the group of interconnected rooms.
Centreline handrails
Centreline handrails
Continuous side handrail
Handrail at each row of seats
Handrail at each row of seats
and a continuous side handrail
Aisle width of 1
100 mm or more
Aisle width of less than 1
100 mm
Aisle width of 1
100 mm or more
Aisle width of 1
100 mm or more
Aisle width of less than 1
100 mm
EG01394A
Aisles Serving Seating on One Side
Aisles Serving Seating on Both Sides
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.3.3.5.(13) Grilles and Louvres. In order to permit the supply of make-up air to compensate for the removal of exhaust
air from these toilet rooms, shower rooms and similar spaces, it is permitted to incorporate grilles and louvres for the transfer of air
provided the air movement cannot allow smoke to pass through these spaces to other parts of the building. It is considered that in
normal designs the air is exhausted directly to the exterior and is not circulated. If air is to be circulated back to other parts of the
building, smoke operated dampers should be included in the air circulating system.
A-3.3.4.4.(1) Landing in Egress Stairway. A landing level used in an egress stairway from a dwelling unit is not considered
to be a storey of that dwelling unit if the landing is used only for pedestrian travel purposes.
A-3.3.4.5.(1) Automatic Locking Prohibited. Doors that must be manually reset to lock them when they are opened from
the inside meet the intent of this requirement.
A-3.3.6.1.(1) Design of Buildings Containing Dangerous Goods. Subsection 3.3.6. applies to the short- or long-term
storage of products, whether raw or waste materials, goods in process, or finished goods.
This Subsection does not deal with products or materials that are directly supplied to appliances, equipment or apparatus through
piping, hose, ducts, etc. For example, the gas cylinders that are mounted on propane barbecues are not covered by Subsection 3.3.6.;
they are considered to be “in use” as opposed to “in storage” and are not intended to be regulated by the storage requirements stated
in the British Columbia Fire Code.
A-3.3.6.2.(2) Storage of Reactive Materials. Reactive materials include various classes of unstable or reactive dangerous
goods, such as flammable solids, pyrophoric materials, oxidizers, corrosives, water-reactive substances and organic peroxides.
In general, it is unsafe to store highly reactive oxidizers close to liquids with low flash points, combustible products or chemically
incompatible products. Quantities of oxidizers or other dangerously reactive materials should therefore be limited and the storage area
should be constructed of noncombustible materials, should be kept cool and ventilated, and should not impede egress.
In some cases, depending on the quantity and nature of the oxidizing agent, normal fire protection measures (e.g. sprinklers, fire hose
and extinguishers) are ineffective due to the self-yielding of oxygen by the oxidizing agent.
When containers of highly reactive oxidizers become damaged or are exposed to excessive heat, humidity or contamination
(e.g. sawdust, petroleum products, or other chemicals), a very violent fire or explosion can result.
The following oxidizing substances, among others, are known to supply oxygen: organic and inorganic peroxides; pool chemicals
(e.g. calcium hypochlorite, sodium dichloroisocyanurate); oxides; permanganates; perrhenates; chlorates; perchlorates; persulfates;
organic and inorganic nitrates; bromates; iodates; periodates; perselenates; chromates, dichromates; ozone; perborates.
When containers of dangerously reactive materials become damaged or are exposed to water or humidity, a flammable gas (such as
hydrogen, ammonia or methane) or a toxic gas (such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide or phosphine) can be released.
The following dangerously reactive materials, among others, are known to release a flammable gas in reaction to contact with water or
humidity: alkali metals (e.g. sodium, potassium, cesium); reactive metals (e.g. zinc, aluminum, magnesium); metallic hydride
(e.g. sodium borohydride, germanium tetrahydride, calcium hydride).
The following dangerously reactive materials, among others, are known to release a toxic gas in reaction to contact with water or
humidity: organic and inorganic chloride (e.g. phosphorus trichloride, phosphorus oxide trichloride, acetyl chloride); organic and
inorganic bromide (e.g. phosphorus tribromide, aluminum tribromide, acetyl bromide).
A-3.3.6.4.(2) Explosion Venting in Hazardous Locations. When a flammable mixture of air and vapour/gas/dust is
ignited and causes an explosion, the exothermic reaction results in the rapid expansion of heated gases and the corresponding pressure
waves travel through the mixture at sonic or supersonic velocities. The pressures developed by an explosion very rapidly reach levels
that most buildings and equipment cannot withstand unless specifically designed to do so. Explosion venting consists of devices
designed to open at a predetermined pressure to relieve internal pressure build-up inside a room or enclosure, hence limiting the
structural and mechanical damage.
The major parameters to be considered in designing an explosion venting system for a building are:
• the physical and chemical properties of the flammable air mixture, such as the particle size or the droplet diameter, the moisture
content, the minimum ignition temperature and explosive concentration, the burning velocity or explosibility classification,
the maximum explosion pressure and the rate of pressure rise,
• the concentration and dispersion of the flammable mixture in the room,
• the turbulence and physical obstructions in the room,
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
• the size and shape of the room, the type of construction and its ability to withstand internal pressures, and
• the type, size and location of relief panels, which should also be designed to reduce the possibility of injury to people in the
immediate vicinity of the panels.
A-3.3.6.5.(1) Measurement of Tire Storage Volume. The volume of tires in a storage area can be determined by
measuring to the nearest 0.1 m the length, width and height of the piles or racks intended to contain the tires. In racks, the top shelf is
assumed to be loaded to maximum possible height, while observing required clearances between structural elements and sprinklers.
A-3.3.6.6.(6) Products Stored with Ammonium Nitrate. Copper and its alloys should not be used where they can come
into contact with ammonium nitrate. The presence of copper represents the single biggest hazard with respect to the accidental
detonation of ammonium nitrate during a fire.
Steel and wood can be protected with special coatings such as sodium silicate, epoxy, or polyvinyl chloride.
Asphalt and similar hydrocarbon-based roof coverings should not be used. Stored ammonium nitrate may become sensitized during a
fire if such roof coverings melt and leak into the interior of the building, causing burning droplets to fall on the stored product.
A-3.4.1.1.(1) Type of Exit Facility. The requirements for exits in Section 3.4. were developed for new construction.
If alterations are made to an existing building or changes of occupancy occur, other design solutions than those in Section 3.4. may
have to be developed to maintain an acceptable level of safety if it is not practicable to fully conform to the requirements of this
Section. In some cases the use of fire escapes to supplement the existing exit facilities may be the only practicable solution. Because of
the variety of conditions that may be encountered in existing buildings, it is difficult to standardize or codify such requirements.
Alternative means of providing acceptable levels of safety may have to be tailored to the particular building design. In all cases,
however, the requirements described in Section 3.4. are intended to provide the level of safety to be achieved. If alternative measures
are used, they should develop the level of safety implied in these requirements.
A-3.4.1.6.(2) Sleeping Area. Areas serving patients’ sleeping rooms include sleeping areas and areas where patients are taken
for treatment.
A-3.4.2.3.(1) Least Distance Between Exits. The least distance measurement does not apply to each combination of exits
on a multi-exit storey. It only applies to at least 2 of the required exits from that storey.
A-3.4.3.2.(6) Evacuation of Interconnected Floor Space. This Sentence ensures that egress facilities allow for the
simultaneous evacuation of all portions of an interconnected floor space. It does not contemplate the phased evacuation of occupants;
thus in buildings where that type of evacuation is intended, fire protection requirements in addition to those prescribed in the Code
may be necessary.
In the first instance, this Sentence provides for cumulative exiting that can accommodate the efficient movement of all occupants in
the exit stairs. Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(a) permits an alternative approach that will accommodate all the occupants in the stairs but will
restrict the egress flow rate. Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(b) provides a second alternative that assumes the occupants must queue before
entering
the stair. A “protected floor space” conforming to Article 3.2.8.5. is intended to provide an intermediate area of safety that is
protected from the hazards of the interconnected floor space. It does not provide a holding or refuge area for all occupants of a floor
area for an extended period of time.
To ensure that evacuation is not unduly delayed and that queuing of the occupants in the protected floor space can be accommodated,
requires careful consideration in the design of the interface between the interconnected floor space/protected floor space/exit.
It is not appropriate, for example, to share a common vestibule in complying with Sentences 3.2.8.4.(1) and 3.2.8.5.(1). Under
evacuation conditions, occupants entering the vestibule would flow towards the exit, as opposed to the protected floor space, thus
resulting in queuing outside the vestibule and potential exposure to fire. To comply with the intent, it is necessary to design the egress
path such that the occupants enter the protected floor space through a vestibule, then in turn enter the exit stair from the protected
floor space. In addition, sufficient space should be provided between the vestibule and the exit to allow for the queuing of occupants
in the protected floor space.
A-3.4.3.2.(6)(a) Temporary Safety Area. The objective of Clause 3.4.3.2.(6)(a) is to provide an area of temporary safety in
the exit stair shafts for the occupants of the interconnected floor space. This requirement is considered to be met if 0.3 m
2
per person
is provided in the stair shaft between the floor level served and the floor level immediately beneath it.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.4.3.4. Clear Height and Width. Clear height is intended to be measured from a line tangent to the nosings extended to
the underside of the lowest element above the walking surface, over the clear width of the exit (see Figure A-3.4.3.4.). Examples of
low elements above the walking surface include light fixtures or sprinkler heads and piping.
Clear width is intended to be measured from a line tangent to horizontal protrusions such as handrails.
Figure A-3.4.3.4.
Measuring clear height
A-3.4.4.2.(2)(e) Requirements for Lobby. If an exit is permitted to lead through a lobby, the lobby must provide a level of
protection approaching that of the exit. As well as meeting the width and height requirements for exits, the lobby must be separated
from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating at least equal to that required for the exit, unless
one of the exceptions in this Clause is applied.
EG00691A
clear height
clear width
clear
height
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c) Graphical Symbols for Exit Signs. ISO 7010, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs –
Registered safety signs,” identifies the following internationally recognized symbols for use at required exits.
Figure A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c)-A
“E001 Emergency exit (left hand)” symbol from ISO 7010
Figure A-3.4.5.1.(2)(c)-B
“E005 Direction, arrow (90° increments), safe condition” symbol from ISO 7010
A-3.4.5.1.(3) Internally Illuminated Signs. Photoluminescent signs are not internally illuminated and therefore must
conform to Sentence 3.4.5.1.(4).
A-3.4.5.1.(4) Externally Illuminated Signs. An external lighting source is required to properly charge photoluminescent
signs. In addition to being continuously illuminated as required by Sentence 3.4.5.1.(4), these types of signs must be lit in conformance
with the charging requirements indicated on the exit signs in accordance with CAN/ULC-S572, “Photoluminescent and
Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems.”
A-3.4.6. Application to Means of Egress. The requirements in Subsection 3.4.6. apply to interior and exterior exits, as well
as to ramps, stairways and passageways used by the public as access to exit. The treads, risers, landings, handrails and guards for the
latter access to exit facilities must thus be provided in conformance with the appropriate requirements for exit facilities.
GG00175A
GG00174A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.4.6.4. Dimensions of Landings. A landing is a floor area provided at the top or bottom of a flight of stairs or a ramp,
or a platform built as part of a stairway or ramp. Landings provide a safe surface for users to rest upon, allow design flexibility, and
facilitate a change in direction.
Figure A-3.4.6.4. illustrates how to measure the length of a landing for various landing configurations turning less than 90°, including
straight landings.
Figure A-3.4.6.4.
Landing configurations
Notes to Figure A-3.4.6.4.:
(1) L1 + L2 = length of the landing
= the lesser of the required width of the stair or ramp, or 1 100 mm
See Sentences 3.4.6.4.(2) and 9.8.6.3.(2).
860 mm
900 mm
1 100 mm
430 mm
required width = 860 mm
L1 + L2 ≥ 860 mm
D = 430 mm
required width = 1 100 mm
L1 + L2 ≥ 1 100 mm
D = 550 mm
required width = 2 000 mm
L1 + L2 ≥ 1 100 mm
D = 550 mm
required width = 900 mm
L1 + L2 ≥ 900 mm
D = 450 mm
D
D
D
D
L2
L1
L1
L2
L2
L1
L1
L2
450 mm
550 mm
550 mm
2 000 mm
EG01397A
Stairs within dwelling units
Public stairs
Wide stairs
Exit ramp
(not part of a barrier-free path of travel)
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
(2) D = distance from the narrow edge where the length of the landing is measured
= half the required length of the landing
See Sentences 3.4.6.4.(3) and 9.8.6.3.(3).
A-3.4.6.5.(4) Wider Stairs than Required. The intent of Sentence 3.4.6.5.(4) is that handrails be installed in relation to the
required exit width only, regardless of the actual width of the stair and ramp. The required handrails are provided along the assumed
natural path of travel to, from
and within the building.
A-3.4.6.5.(10) Continuity of Handrail. Blind or visually-impaired persons rely on handrails to guide them on stairways.
A continuous handrail will assist them in negotiating stairs at changes in direction. The extended handrail is useful to persons with
physical disabilities to steady themselves before using the stairs. Handrails should, however, return to the wall, floor or post, so as not
to constitute a hazard to blind or visually-impaired persons.
A-3.4.6.10.(5) Door Swing. Although it is required that the door on the right hand side of a pair of doors shall swing in the
direction of travel through the exit, the direction of swing of the door on the left side will depend on the function of the horizontal
exit. If the horizontal exit provides for movement from one building to the adjacent building but does not require movement in the
reverse direction, both doors must swing in the direction of travel to the adjacent building. If the design is based upon both buildings
providing complementary movement in either direction, then the doors must swing in opposite directions. Location of a required exit
sign directly above a door that swings in the direction of travel is deemed to meet the intent of Clause 3.4.6.10.(5)(b).
A-3.4.6.11.(4) Exit Concealment. Hangings or draperies placed over exit doors may conceal or obscure them.
A-3.4.6.16.(1) Fastening Device. Turnpieces of a type which must be rotated through an angle of more than 90° before
releasing a locking bolt are not considered to be readily openable. The release of a locking bolt should allow the door to open without
having to operate other devices on the door.
A-3.4.6.16.(4) Electromagnetic Lock. Electromagnetic locks are intended for use where there is a need for security
additional to that provided by traditional exit hardware. They are not intended for indiscriminate use as alternative locking devices.
The design of these devices requires evaluation to ensure that their operation will be fail-safe in allowing exiting in the event of
foreseeable emergencies. If more than one locking device is used in a building, it is expected that one switch will release and reset all
devices simultaneously.
A-3.4.6.16.(5) Electromagnetic Locks in Care and Treatment Occupancies. The installation of electromagnetic
locks in care and treatment occupancies requires special provisions to address the compromised condition of residents and the nature
of daily operations. Accordingly, to reduce the incidence of false operation by residents, transparent boxes that set off an audible
signal when opened can be installed to cover the manual stations. Also, one optional additional release device (e.g. swipe card device,
key pad) can be installed to facilitate the free movement of staff and visitors in the building.
A-3.4.6.17.(1) Special Security for Doors. The need for security in banks and in mercantile occupancies requires the ability
to use positive locking devices on doors that may not readily be opened from inside the building. In a fully sprinklered building,
the risk to persons inside the building is substantially reduced. The provisions of Sentences 3.4.6.17.(2) to (9) assume that the area is
illuminated and that a means of communication is available to any occupant during times that the doors are locked.
A-3.4.6.19.(1)(d) Colour Contrast. The identification of floor and other signs intended to facilitate orientation for
visually-impaired persons should offer maximum colour contrast to be effective. For this reason, it is recommended that white on
black or black on white be used, as this combination produces the best legibility. It is also recommended that the sign surfaces be
processed to prevent glare.
A-3.5.2.1.(1) Elevator Design. The reference to the Elevating Devices Safety Regulation in this Sentence implies
conformance with all requirements of that standard for elevator cars, hoistways, pits and machine rooms, including restrictions on
other services in these areas and detailed design criteria.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.5.4.1.(1) Elevator Car Dimensions. In some circumstances it is necessary to maintain a patient on a stretcher in the
prone position during transit to a hospital or to treatment facilities. Inclining the stretcher to load it into an elevator could be fatal or
at the very least detrimental to the patient’s health. Many ambulance services use a mobile patient stretcher whose size is 2010mm
long and 610 mm wide. As well as space for the stretcher in the elevator, there should be sufficient additional space for at least two
attendants who may also be providing treatment during transit. Common elevator units that can satisfy this requirement include:
• a 1134 kg elevator car with minimum interior dimensions of 2032 mm wide and 1295 mm deep with a right or left hand access
door. The minimum access door width is 1067 mm and it must be on the 2032 mm side of the car.
• a 1134 kg elevator car with minimum interior dimensions of 2 032 mm deep and 1295 mm wide with a minimum 915 mm wide
access door located on the 1295 mm side.
Limited-use/limited-application (LULA) elevators are limited in size, capacity, speed and rise and are not expected to meet the
minimum elevator car dimensions stated in Sentence (1).
A-3.6.2.5.(1) Combustible Refuse Storage. Storage of refuse consisting of combustible materials including waste paper,
cardboard and plastic, and noncombustible materials such as glass and metallic containers can be accumulated in these rooms for the
purpose of recycling. This storage is allowed in consideration of a less stringent collection schedule when compared to that of garbage
or refuse, which is collected regularly.
A-3.6.2.7.(5) Explosion Relief. Examples of good engineering practice for this application can be found in NFPA 68,
“Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting,” NFPA 69, “Explosion Prevention Systems,” and the NFPA “Fire Protection
Handbook.”
A-3.6.3.1.(1) Vertical Service Spaces. Sentence 3.6.3.1.(1) does not prohibit the internal subdivision of a vertical service
space to allow different building services to be installed in physically separated spaces unless other requirements apply
(see, for example, Sentences 3.2.7.10.(2) and (3)). Fire separation requirements apply to the perimeter of the group of service spaces.
Article 3.6.3.3. has special requirements for linen chutes and refuse chutes.
A-3.6.3.5. Grease Duct Enclosures. NFPA 96, “Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking
Operations,” presents two options for enclosing grease ducts for commercial cooking equipment: the first option is to use continuous
fire-rated building component assemblies to enclose the ducts and the second one consists of installing proprietary, fire-rated,
field-applied or factory-built grease duct assemblies in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. These types of enclosure
assemblies are evaluated for their resistance to fire and their ability to protect adjacent combustibles through reduced clearances.
Although NFPA 96 references other standards that deal with grease duct assemblies, Sentence 3.6.3.5.(2) requires that
CAN/ULC-S144, “Fire Resistance Test – Grease Duct Assemblies,” be used to determine the fire-resistance rating of factory-built
and field-applied grease duct assemblies.
A-3.6.4.2.(2) Ceiling Membrane Rating. In construction assemblies that utilize membrane ceiling protection and have been
assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of a fire test, the membrane is only one of the elements that contribute to the
performance of the assembly and does not in itself provide the protection implied by the rating. For the fire-resistance rating of
membrane materials used in this form of construction, reference should be made to the results of fire tests which have been
conducted to specifically evaluate the performance of this element.
A-3.6.5.6.(2) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts. Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible clearance C
above plenum is 75 mm or less.
Figure A-3.6.5.6.(2)
Clearance for warm-air supply ducts
supply duct
12 mm min.
450 mm min.
C
plenum
EG01206A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.6.5.6.(3) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts. Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible
clearance C above plenum is more than 75 mm but not more than 150 mm.
Figure A-3.6.5.6.(3)
Clearance for warm-air supply ducts
A-3.6.5.6.(4) Clearance for Warm-Air Supply Ducts. Applicable to forced-air furnaces where permissible clearance C
above plenum is more than 150 mm.
Figure A-3.6.5.6.(4)
Clearance for warm-air supply ducts
A-3.7.2.2.(1) Water Closets. Sentence 3.7.2.2.(1) assumes that there will be a sufficient number of persons in the building to
justify the provision of separate water closet facilities for both males and females. In some circumstances overall low occupant loads
would not require more than one water closet for males and one water closet for females and yet the building has more than one
storey. It is deemed that rooms each containing a single water closet available for both males and females would satisfy the intent of
the Code. The total number of water closets must be adequate for the total number of occupants. Requirements for accessibility also
need to be considered. If the entrance storey is accessible and the upper storeys are not required to be accessible, a room in the
accessible storey must meet the requirements of Section 3.8. and can serve both males and females. If provided, a nonaccessible room,
designed to serve both males and females, in each nonaccessible upper storey would be acceptable. Sentence 3.7.2.2.(4) permits a
single water closet to serve both males and females if the total occupant load is low.
A-3.8. Accessible Design Assumptions. This Section contains minimum provisions to accommodate persons
with disabilities.
Building Access Handbook
An illustrated guide and commentary has been produced to assist users of Section 3.8. and other access requirements of the
British Columbia Building Code. This handbook contains the entire text of Section 3.8. and other access requirements, and is
supplemented by commentary and illustrations on specific requirements.
C
1 800 mm min.
12 mm min.
supply duct
plenum
EG01207A
supply duct
25 mm min.
C
plenum
1 800 mm min.
1 000 mm
min.
150 mm min.
EG01208A
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.2.1. Accessibility. Industrial buildings often pose a greater risk to their occupants due to the presence of significant
quantities of dangerous materials or the use of hazardous processes. For example, plants which are classified as Group F, Division 2
or 3, may store and use toxic or highly flammable substances in significant quantities, or house processes which involve very high
temperatures and which have a high degree of automation. In some facilities, particularly in primary industries such as forestry and
metallurgy, the construction normally used and the operations carried out within the space can make compliance with the
requirements of Section 3.8. impracticable. It is therefore intended that these requirements be applied with discretion in buildings of
Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancy. However, where industrial buildings contain subsidiary occupancies, such as offices or
showrooms, it is reasonable to require that accessibility be provided in these spaces.
A-3.8.2.1.(1)(f) and (g) Access to Small Storeys. Elevators and elevating devices can be
expensive and in small buildings
may form a significant percentage of a building’s cost. This Clause is intended to exempt such small second storeys or basements from
access requirements when they are self-contained or contain the same facilities as on the accessible
storey. An example where access is
not required is the second storey of a restaurant which contains only additional seating. If, on the other hand, the restaurant’s
washrooms are in the less than 600 m² basement there must be access to them as they are an integral part of the principle function and
occupancy on the accessible storey. Likewise, staff lunchrooms and washrooms are integral with the principle function and when they
are on a small second storey or mezzanine they must be accessible when a person with disabilities could reasonably be expected to be
employed there.
This exemption applies to buildings with not more than one storey above the first storey. A building with two or more storeys above
the first storey must be fully accessible. Mezzanines that are not considered as storeys for the purposes of determining building height
are considered storeys for the purposes of applying Clauses 3.8.2.1.(1)(f) and (g).
A-3.8.2.2. Entrances. An accessible route should exist from the sidewalk or roadway and parking area to an accessible building
entrance. This route should be located so that people
do not have to pass through dedicated smoking areas or behind parked cars.
Accessible routes should coordinate with the routes to other buildings and to public transportation stops.
To provide more general access to buildings, not less than 50% of the pedestrian entrances are required to be accessible. This should
include a principal entrance. If the 50% calculation results in a fraction, the number of accessible entrances should be the next higher
unit value. For the purpose of determining the number of entrances to a building, several adjacent doors in a bank of doors are
considered to be a single entrance.
If an intercom system is provided, the system shall comply with the requirements for controls and should be useable by persons who
communicate using visual language such as a video system.
A-3.8.2.3. Access to Rooms and Facilities. If access is required into suites or rooms in Subsection 3.8.2., it is intended
that access be provided, with some exceptions identified in Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), throughout each room or suite including access to all
facilities and areas. Some examples of where access is required are as follows:
• within each suite (subject to Clauses 3.8.2.3.(2)(h
) to (j)),
• within rooms or areas that serve the public or are designated for use by visitors, including interview rooms, holding rooms,
changing rooms, areas in assembly occupancies with fixed seats so as to provide viewing of any entertainment areas, display areas
and merchandising departments,
• within each type of membership facility,
• within rooms or areas for student use in assembly occupancies,
• within general work areas, including office areas and areas with lockers
,
• within general use or general service areas, including shared laundry areas in residential occupancies, recreational areas, cafeterias,
lounge rooms, lunch rooms and infirmaries,
• within sleeping rooms in hospitals and nursing homes with treatment,
• (if installed), into at least one passenger elevator or elevating device conforming to Articles 3.5.2.1. and 3.8.3.7.,
• into washrooms described in Sentences 3.8.2.8.(1) to (3
),
• to any facility required by this Section to be designed to accommodate persons with physical disabilities,
• onto every balcony provided in conformance with Clause 3.3.1.7.(1)(c),
• to service counters used by the general public (examples include sales
counters, refreshment stands, drinking fountains, cafeteria
counters, checkout counters and bank service counters), and
• to equipment designed to serve the public including self-serve kiosks, automated banking machines and night deposit boxes.
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Where one or more hairdressing sinks are provided in barber shops, hairdressing shops and beauty parlors, at least one shall be
useable by persons using in wheelchairs. Where fitting rooms are provided in a store, an accessible fitting room is required. An
enclosure not less than 1 500 mm by 1 500 mm is suggested.
The permission to waive an accessible path of travel for wheelchair access to certain specified areas of a building is not intended to
waive accessibility requirements for persons whose physical disabilities do not require special provision for access to raised or sunken
levels. Persons with vision impairments or who are deaf or hard of hearing
that do not require the use of a wheelchair can be expected
to move throughout a building.
The concept of providing similar amenities and facilities applies, among other things, to food, beverage, and entertainment facilities
within restaurants, to smoking and non-smoking areas permitted in accordance with local regulations, and to window areas providing
a view of an exterior attraction.
Availability of specific spaces depends on reservation policy and the sequence in which patrons arrive at a restaurant or other facility,
and therefore is beyond the scope of this Code.
Accessibility “within” a floor area means that in general all normally occupied spaces and levels
are to be accessible, except those areas
which are deemed not to require access. Examples of normally occupied
floor areas include lobbies and passageways where persons
are intended to use or pass through, but do not include spaces that are not normally used by the occupants such as storage platforms
in industrial and other occupancies.
Further, an accessible path of travel should be provided where buildings are networked together and as a connection to public
transportation stops.
A-3.8.2.4.(1) Path of Travel to Storeys Served by Escalators and Moving Walks. In some buildings, escalators and
inclined moving walks are installed to provide transportation from one floor level to another floor level so as to increase the capacity
to move large numbers of persons. Some buildings located on a sloping site are accessible from street level on more than one storey
and an escalator or inclined moving walk is provided for internal movement from floor to floor. In both these situations, a person
with a physical disability must be provided with an equally convenient means of moving between the same floor levels within the
building. This can be accomplished by providing elevators or a platform-equipped passenger-elevating device.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.2.5. Parking Areas. In localities where local regulations or bylaws do not govern the provision of or dimensions of
accessible parking spaces, the following provides guidance to determine appropriate provisions. If more than 50 parking spaces are
provided, parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should be provided in the ratio of one for every 100 parking
spaces or part thereof. Where parking spaces are provided, parking spaces for use by persons with physical disabilities should also be
provided for each accessible viewing position and for each accessible sleeping room or bed space. Parking spaces for use by persons
with physical disabilities should
(1) be not less than 2400 mm wide and provided on one side with an access aisle not less than 1500 mm wide,
(2) have a firm, slip-resistant and level surface,
(3) be located close to an entrance required to conform to Article 3.8.2.2.,
(4) be clearly marked as being for the use of persons with physical disabilities, and
(5) be identified by a sign located not less than 1500 mm above ground level, with the International Symbol of Access
(Figure A-3.8.2.5.-A).
Figure A-3.8.2.5.-A
“International Symbol of Access
” sign
Asphalt, concrete and firm, compacted gravel are acceptable parking surfaces. Curb ramps should be not less than 1 500 mm wide.
Parallel parking spaces should be not less than 7000 mm long. If more than one parking space is provided for persons with physical
disabilities, a single access aisle can serve two adjacent parking spaces. The arrangement shown in Figure A-3.8.2.5.-B allows the
shared use of an access aisle to serve two adjacent parking spaces provided for use by persons with physical disabilities. Parking to
accommodate vans and other vehicles equipped with platform lifts or side ramps should be provided greater dedicated space.
The design of the path of travel should accommodate loading to and from lifts and ramps, where intended. Vertical clearance must
also be considered.
Figure A-3.8.2.5.-B
Shared access aisle
EG01209A.BC
GG00048C
3900
24002400 1500
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.2.5.(1) Path of Travel to Parking. It is not intended that a separate accessible entrance must be provided from the
parking area. The designer may choose to designate the entrance leading to the parking area as the required entrance or to provide a
properly identified and unobstructed path of travel from the parking area to the entrance which is accessible. The entrance chosen
should, in any case, be the closest entrance to the parking area and
one normally used by the occupants of the building. Long paths of
travel are not recommended.
A-3.8.2.6.(1) Application to Security Access Systems. Sentence 3.8.2.6.(1) is not intended to reduce the functionality
of security devices that limit access to secure areas and are addressed by other Sections of the British Columbia Building Code
.
A-3.8.2.6.(2)
Electrical Outlets. Electrical outlets intended for occupant use shall be located so that their height above the
finished floor is not a barrier to use. Outlets that are dedicated for specific equipment or functions and not intended to be readily
available to occupants need not conform to the location requirements.
A-3.8.2.8.(1) to (3) Washrooms. The primary intent of this requirement is that all regular washrooms be made accessible to
all persons, including persons with disabilities, primarily persons who use a wheelchair. Well-designed washrooms which can
accommodate persons with disabilities
need not be much larger than conventional washrooms.
The exception in Clause 3.8.2.8.(2)(b) recognizes situations where several washrooms may be provided on a large floor area. In such a
case, not all washrooms need to be accessible, provided that an accessible washroom is available within a reasonable distance (45 m) of
one that is not and that the location of that accessible washroom is clearly indicated as required by Sentence 3.8.2.10.(2).
However, where several washrooms are provided in an area together, the accessible washrooms should be included among them.
Clause 3.8.2.8.(2)(d) is intended to address “strip malls” (a shopping mall with no public corridor). Section 3.7., which requires
plumbing facilities, does not address the concept of suite and could permit, for instance, a shopping mall containing only mercantile
occupancies to have only one washroom for each sex located in any one of the suites. It is desirable, however, that washrooms be
located so as to be accessible at all times, since the owner or tenant of one suite has no control over the activities of another. These
buildings may have either public accessible washrooms in a central location or in each suite. This arrangement relieves any one tenant
from having to provide “public” washrooms. Hence, the exception is meant as a relaxation to avoid an unnecessary burden on small
facilities but should not be construed as meaning that these buildings need not provide accessible washrooms.
Sentence (3)
requires an accessible universal washroom in every building required to have water closets. There are a significant number
of persons with disabilities
whose daily lives depend on assistance from their spouse or a care giver of the opposite sex. Providing this
assistance in multiple stall public washrooms can be an added challenge. The universal washroom not only solves this problem but also
serves the needs of other persons with disabilities
who simply prefer the relative ease of using a universal washroom. It can also serve
as a washroom for parents with small children and, with the addition of a counter, as a changing room for infants.
A-3.8.2.8.(9)
Drinking Fountains. Similar to drinking fountains designed and located to be accessible, bottle filling stations
should also be designed and located to be accessible. Drinking fountains and bottle filling stations should be indicated with
appropriate signage.
A-3.8.2.9. Assistive Listening Devices. Assistive listening devices may be used where audible communication is expected
but may be obstructed, such as at screened ticket windows or service counters in noisy areas. Available assistive listening devices
should be indicated with appropriate signage.
A-3.8.2.11.(1) Counters with Work Surfaces. It is not intended that all counters be accessible, but that sufficient
accessible counter space be available. Examples of counters that should be accessible for the purposes of extended business
transactions include teller counters in financial institutions and reception areas as well as any counter at which processing and signing
of documents takes place. The provision is not intended to apply to the simple exchange of money for goods or services such as at a
retail check-out counter or check-in counters where tickets are presented
, or to work surfaces in industrial occupancies.
A-3.8.3.1.(1) Accessible Design Standards. Code users who opt to apply the CSA B651 provisions listed in Table 3.8.3.1.
must do so without exception: they cannot randomly select and apply a mix of provisions from the British Columbia Building Code
and that standard.
A-3.8.3.2.(2) Surfaces in an Accessible Path of Travel. Floor finishes, including walk-off matts and carpet, should be
selected, installed and securely fixed to provide a firm and stable surface so that persons using wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility
aids can easily travel over them without tripping or expending undue energy. Other than very high-density, short-pile carpeting,
most carpeting does not meet these criteria.
Furthermore, where the path of travel is exposed to intense light conditions, such as daylight or directional lighting, a low-glare or
matte floor surface should be selected, as glare from floor surfaces can influence all users’ perception and be particularly problematic
for persons with low vision. For the same reasons, heavily patterned flooring should also be avoided.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.3.2.(3) Passenger-Elevating Devices. Inclined moving walkways that are used to provide access should not have a
running slope steeper than 1 in 20.
A-3.8.3.5.(1)(b) Ramp Slopes. Ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 16 can be very difficult for persons with certain physical
disabilities to manage. Even though they pose less of a problem for persons using
motorized wheelchairs, these ramps can be unsafe
to descend, especially in cold climates. Although Article 3.8.3.5. permits slopes on ramps as great as 1 in 12 for distances of up to 9 m,
slopes of 1 in 20 are safer and less strenuous. When limited space is available, as may be the case during renovations, ramps with a
slope of up to 1 in 12 should be restricted to lengths not exceeding 3 m whenever possible. A strip contrasting in colour and texture
should be used at the top and bottom of ramps to warn persons with low or no vision.
A-3.8.3.5.(1)(c) Landing Design at Doorways Leading to Ramps.
Figure A-3.8.3.5.(1)(c)
Landing design at doorways leading to ramps
A-3.8.3.5.(4)(a) Surface of Ramps. Sentence 3.8.3.2.(2) requires that all walking surfaces in an accessible path of travel be
stable and firm to limit the effort required by persons using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Therefore, Sentence 3.8.3.5.(4) requires
that hard or resilient flooring be used on the surfaces of steeper ramps. Furthermore, carpet and like materials should not be installed
on any ramp.
• A-3.8.3.6.(2) Doorway Width. Standard wheelchair width specifications indicate a range of sizes from 584 mm overall
to 685 mm overall. Every doorway that is located in an accessible path of travel must have a clear width of not less than
850
mm when the door is in the open position and therefore it is important that this dimension be measured correctly.
Figure A-3.8.3.6.(2) shows a door opened to 90°. It is clear that the door, and to a lesser extent the stop, impinges on the space
within the door frame. The clear width of not less than 850
mm is measured from the face of the door in the open position of
90° to the doorway to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame. It is not sufficient just to measure the inside width of
the door frame. The hardware selected on sliding doors, such as d-shaped handles, may result in a clear width being
substantially less than the inside dimension of the door frame. The clear width for sliding doors is measured from the edge of
the open door to the outside edge of the stop on the door frame. Other factors, including location of door stops other than on
the door frame, and the installation of door closers and exit devices, should be taken into account. The intrusion of a door
handle or an exit device
into the space is of lesser importance because its height above the floor does not typically obstruct
passage of a wheelchair. It is recognized that there are many types of door frame and door mounts but the overall objective is
to maintain a clear width of not less than 850
mm. Figure 3.8.3.6.(2) depicts a somewhat restrictive scenario, as many doors
600 mm
1500 mm
BC-3.8-05
1500 mm
ramp
300 mm
1500 mm
1500 mm
ramp
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
can open wider than 90°, however, a door smaller than 914 mm would not likely be wide enough to ensure the minimum clear
width of 850
mm that is required. Swing of a door beyond 90° may be of less benefit as extended reach to close the door may
be required once the doorway is passed through.
In a doorway with multiple swinging leaves, the active leaf must be capable of providing the required clear width in the open position.
The clear width is then measured from the face of the active leaf, in the open position of 90° to the doorway, to the outside edge of
the adjacent leaf when the adjacent leaf is in the closed position.
Figure A-3.8.3.6.(2)
Clear doorway width
A-3.8.3.6.(3) Washrooms in Residential Occupancies. This requirement ensures that the doorway to the washroom in
a dwelling unit or a hotel or motel suite is at least large enough to accommodate someone using a wheelchair. The Code does not
require these washrooms to be accessible, in order to avoid a set of prescriptive requirements which could limit design flexibility.
However,
it is relatively simple to make washrooms accessible through careful planning and positioning of fixtures and this can be
achieved in an area not much larger than that of conventional washrooms.
Figure A-3.8.3.6.(3)
Residential washrooms
A-3.8.3.6.(4) Lever Handles. Lever handles are usable by most persons with limited hand mobility and will meet the intent of
this requirement. Lever handles with an end return towards the door are less prone to catch the clothing of someone passing through
the doorway. Large D-shaped handles should be used on sliding doors.
BC-3.8-01
Clear width 850 mm
Clear width 850 mm
Clear width 850 mm
Clear width 850 mm
810 mm
clear
width
810 mm
clear
width
GC00051A.BC
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.3.6.(6) and (7) Doors with Power Operators. Doors equipped with a power operator actuated by a pressure plate
identified with the International Symbol of Access
or, where security is required, by a key, card or radio transmitter, and that can
otherwise be opened manually, meet the intent of the requirement. The location of these actuating devices should ensure that a
wheelchair will not interfere with the operation of the door once it is actuated. Swinging doors equipped with power operators which
are actuated automatically and open into passing pedestrian traffic should be provided with a guard or other device designed to
prevent pedestrians from stepping in the swing area of the door. These guards or devices should be detectable by blind persons. For
example, inverted U-shaped guards should have an additional rail at a height not more than 680 mm so that it is detectable by the long
cane. These doors should also have a device (mat or other sensor) on the swing side to prevent the door from opening if someone is
standing in the swing area.
Figure A-3.8.3.6.(6) and (7)
Power operated doors
150 to
300 mm
Not more than
1500 mm
Not less than
600 mm
Not less than
600 mm
900 to
1100 mm
BC-3.8-03
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.3.6.(9) Air Pressure Differences. Differences in air pressure on opposite sides of a door may be due to the operation
of mechanical systems such as those associated with smoke control. So-called “stack action” in buildings in winter can also cause
differential pressures due to the buoyancy of warm air. Stack action is usually most noticeable between stairwells and the remainder of
the building, and at the entrances to buildings; the taller the building, the greater the effect. Doors with automatic closers have to
operate with sufficient opening force to allow the return action to overcome the differential pressure.
A-3.8.3.6.(10) Delayed Action on Door Closers. In some circumstances, closers with a delay feature which keeps the
door open for several seconds before it begins to close might be desirable. However, closers with this feature have limited back-check,
a feature of a normal door closer where resistance to opening increases as the door reaches the full arc of swing. Doors equipped with
a delayed action closer are therefore more susceptible to damage should the door be opened with too much force or should someone
try to force it closed, thinking the closer has failed to operate. Delayed action closers are not recommended for such occupancies
as schools.
A-3.8.3.6.(11) Clearance at Doorways. Sufficient clearance must be provided on the latch side of doors for a user to
operate the door-opening mechanism and open the door without interference from the wheelchair. This is particularly important for a
door swinging towards the approach side. See Figure A-3.8.3.6.(11).
Figure A-3.8.3.6.(11)
Doorway clearance
300 mm
600 mm
540 mm
900 mm
50 mm
1500 mm1200 mm
1200 mm
1340 mm
Clear required width
Clear required width
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.3.9.(1) Accessibility Signs. The International Symbol of Access shown in Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-A indicates to persons
with physical disabilities that they will have reasonable freedom of movement within a building so signed. The symbol is usually white
on a blue background; where these colours do not stand out, the sign can be set on a white background. An arrow can be added to
indicate direction or the location of an accessible space or facility.
Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-A
Signs indicating accessible facilities
The International Symbol of Access for Hearing Loss shown in Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-B, which indicates accessibility for persons who
are deaf or hard of hearing, should be used to indicate the availability of variable volume controls on telephones, assistive listening
systems, and text telephones (TT). These latter devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TTY) or telecommunications
devices for the deaf (TDD).
Figure A-3.8.3.9.(1)-B
Signs for assistive listening facilities
When characters are used on signs to indicate accessible features, Arabic numerals and sans-serif letters with a stroke width to height
ratio from 1 in 6 to 1 in 10 and a character width to height ratio from 3 in 5 to 1 in 1 should be used. Characters identifying doors and
openings that lead from public areas and through which the public is permitted to pass should consist of Arabic numerals or sans-serif
letters or both, be not less than 25 mm high and raised between 0.7 mm and 3 mm with a stroke to height ratio for ease of reading by
touch. This identification should be located at the side of the doors or openings, centred 1 350 mm above the finished floor and
within 150 mm of the jamb.
GG00049B
GG00050
A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.3.9.(3)Tactile Walking Surface Indicators. Figure 3.8.3.9.(3) illustrates acceptable designs of tactile walking surface
indicators.
Figure A-3.8.3.9.(3)
Tactile walking surface indicators
A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(v) Water-closet Stalls. Doors to water-closet stalls for persons with physical disabilities should swing
outward, preferably against a side wall.
Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(v)
Water-closet stalls
Full width
of stair
600 to
650 mm
One tread
depth
back
6-19 mm 19-51 mm
6-19 mm 19-51 mm
APPLIED STRIPS APPLIED MAT
GROOVES IN SURFACE
Max
3 mm
deep
6-19 mm 19-51 mm
3 mm
max
1.5 mm
Max
3 mm
deep
Note: grooves should
only be used indoors
wall-mounted
fixture
door to
washroom
clear floor
space
stall
stall
stall
1.5 m
EG01214B
1.5 m
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi) Door Pulls. The door pull should consist of a D-shaped handle mounted horizontally. The centre lines
are the lines drawn through the long axis and the short axis of the handle. The midpoint of the handle must be located horizontally at
200 to 300 mm from the hinged side of the door and vertically at 900
to 1 100 mm above the finished floor surface.
Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi)-A
Door pull location
Figure A-3.8.3.11.(1)(c)(vi)-B
Door pull details
A-3.8.3.11.(1)(e)(ii) Additional Grab Bars. It is the designer’s prerogative to exceed the minimum requirements found in
the British Columbia Building Code and specify the installation of additional grab bars in other locations. These additional grab bars
may be of different configurations and can be installed in other orientations.
900 to 1100
mm
200 to
300 mm
EG01215C.BC
Midpoint
Min. 140 mm
EG01216A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.3.12. Universal Washrooms. Unobstructed areas in front of the lavatory, in front of the water closet and on one side
of the water closet are necessary for maneuverability of a wheelchair. Fixtures, including additional fixtures, should be located so as to
be useable and also to provide maneuverability for persons using wheelchairs. Wall-mounted fixtures may project into the required
floor space, provided that such projections do not restrict the maneuvering space required for persons using wheelchairs. Although
power operated and
outward swinging doors are preferable for accessibility, manually operated as well as inward swinging doors are
also permitted. Figures A-3.8.3.12.-A and A-3.8.3.12.-B show design options that meet the intent of Article 3.8.3.12.
Figure A-3.8.3.12.-A
Universal washroom with outward swinging door
Figure A-3.8.3.12.-B
Universal washroom with inward swinging door
GG00054B.BC
GG00055B.BC
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.3.13.(1) Water Closets. Wall- or floor-mounted water closets with recessed bases are preferable because they provide
the least amount of obstruction.
Wheelchair users generally require a higher water closet
seat to facilitate transfer from their chair to the water closet. Removable
high-lift seats are not recommended
in public washrooms as they could be removed or damaged by vandals. Permanently installed
vandal resistant high-lift seats are available for installation on standard height water closets
and these could be considered in place of
the high bowl required.
A-3.8.3.15.(1)(d) Clearances Beneath a Lavatory.
Figure A-3.8.3.15.(1)(d)
Clearances beneath a lavatory
A-3.8.3.15.(1)(e) Pipe Protection. The pipes referred to in Clause 3.8.3.15.(1)(e) include both supply and waste pipes.
The hazard can be prevented by insulating the pipes, by locating the pipes in enclosures, or avoided by limiting the temperature of the
hot water to a maximum of 45°C.
A-3.8.3.15.(1)(f) Soap Dispenser Location. The location of accessories, such as soap dispensers and faucets, serving
accessible
lavatories should be established while taking into consideration that their controls must be usable by and within the direct
reach of a person in a seated position directly in front of the accessible lavatory.
735 mm
865 mm
250 mm
685 mm
250 mm
500 mm
GG00053B.BC
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.3.16.(1)(b) Clear Space at Entrances to Showers. The clear space at the entrance to a shower may be encroached
upon by fixtures such as a wall hung sink which does not interfere with the leg rests of the wheelchair. However, this sink could
restrict movement for persons who need to make a lateral transfer if it were installed at the seat end of the shower.
Figure A-3.8.3.16.(1)(b)
Shower design
A-3.8.3.16.(1)(f) Grab Bars. One L-shaped grab bar is required to be installed on the wall next to the seat. A grab bar behind
the seat would prevent the user from leaning back against the wall, while one located on the wall opposite the seat cannot be reached
from the seated position. The seat itself may be used in conjunction with the bar for transfer. If design flexibility is required, fold away
grab bars can be used as an alternative.
A-3.8.3.17.
Bathtubs. Hand showers should be located at the same end of the bath as the controls and accessories such as
soap holders should be located and useable within direct reach of a person in a seated position.
A-3.8.3.18. Assistive Listening Systems. Wireless sound transmission systems, including FM, infrared or magnetic
induction loop systems, improve sound reception for persons who are deaf or hard of
hearing by providing amplification which can
be adjusted by each user while blocking out unwanted background noise. These systems transmit a signal that is picked up by a special
receiver available for use by a person who is deaf or hard of
hearing, whether or not a hearing aid is used. Neither system interferes
with the listening enjoyment of others.
The transmitter can be jacked into an existing P.A. system amplifier or used independently with microphones. The induction loop
system requires users to sit in the area circumscribed by the loop; though installation of the loop is relatively simple, the installer
should be knowledgeable about these systems if proper functioning is to be achieved. FM or infrared systems can be designed to
broadcast signals which cover the entire room and thus do not restrict seating to any one area. Figures A-3.8.3.18.-A and A-3.8.3.18.-B
show the general configuration of FM and infrared systems. Although portable systems (FM in particular) are available, these are best
suited to small audiences. Generally, the systems installed in church halls, auditoria, theatres and similar places of assembly are not
easily portable, as they are installed in a fixed location by a sound technician and form an integral part of the P.A. system of the room
or building.
Hard-wired systems (where a jack is provided at a particular seat) will not meet this requirement unless adequate provisions are made
to accommodate persons with hearing aids. In choosing the most appropriate system, a number of factors must be taken into account
including cost, installation and maintenance, suitability to the audience, ease of operation and the need for privacy. Information on
designers and suppliers of these systems may be obtained from the Canadian Hearing Society.
same width
as shower
900 mm
Sink can infringe on
clear space but would
make lateral transfer
difficult if seat were
mounted on same side.
EG01217B
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
Figure A-3.8.3.18.-A
FM sound transmission system
Figure A-3.8.3.18.-B
Infrared sound transmission system
A-3.8.3.20. Telephone Shelves or Counters. Built-in shelves or counters for public telephones must be designed to
accommodate persons using text telephones (TT). These devices may also be referred to as teletypewriters (TTY) or
telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). These devices require a level surface at least 305 mm deep by 250 mm wide with no
obstruction above that space within 250 mm. If a wall-hung telephone or other obstruction extends to less than 250 mm from the
shelf or counter, an equivalent clear space must be provided on either side of each telephone. At least one telephone should be
equipped with a volume control on a receiver that generates a magnetic field compatible with the T-switch of a hearing aid. The lower
portion of the shelf or counter is intended for persons using a wheelchair; therefore all parts of the operating mechanism of the
telephone above this portion should be within reach of a wheelchair user.
Signage should identify accessible public telephones as being useable by persons using wheelchairs and persons who are deaf or hard
of hearing.
Microphone, T
ape,
T.V., Film, etc.
Speakers
FM Transmitter
FM Receiver
Normal Sound
System
FM Broadcast
System
Amplifier
02
EG01212A
Microphone, Tape, T.V., Film, etc.
Amplifier
Speakers
Infrared
Control
Transmitter
Normal Sound
System
Infrared
System
Infrared Light Waves
Infrared Receiver
Infrared Radiator (One or more)
02
EG01213A
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
A-3.8.3.22. Sleeping Rooms and Bed Spaces. Figure A-3.8.3.22. illustrates an acceptable layout of an accessible
sleeping area.
Figure A-3.8.3.22.
Sleeping rooms and bed spaces
A-3.8.5.4.(1). Adaptable Dwelling Unit Doorways. Where sliding doors are used to provide access, it is necessary to
consider the door hardware when determining clear width. Accessible hardware described in Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4) may result in a
sliding door standing out from the jamb when in the open position. If not provided with the door during initial construction,
accessible hardware when installed must not reduce the clear width of opening to less than required for access.
A-3.8.5.5. Adaptable Dwelling Unit Bathtubs. Figure A-3.8.5.5. illustrates an acceptable grab bar layout for an adaptable
dwelling unit bathtub.
Figure A-3.8.5.5.
Adaptable Dwelling Unit Bathtubs
MINIMUM
1500 mm
CLEAR
AREAS
MINIMUM
900 mm
BC-3.8-07
1000
mm
1000
mm
750
mm
600 to
650 mm
750 to
870 mm
50 to
80 mm
400 to
500 mm
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.5.5.(2) Grab Bar Installation. This provision is intended to ensure there is adequate backing for the installation of grab
bars by the occupant of the adaptable dwelling unit in the future. For example, plywood or solid lumber behind the wall finish and
encompassing the location of future grab bars located as described in Clause 3.8.3.11.(1)(e)
and Clause 3.8.3.16.(1)(f) or 3.8.3.17.(1)(f)
would provide suitable backing for the grab bar fasteners.
Notes to Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
A-3.8.5.5.(2) Grab Bar Installation. This provision is intended to ensure there is adequate backing for the installation of grab
bars by the occupant of the adaptable dwelling unit in the future. For example, plywood or solid lumber behind the wall finish and
encompassing the location of future grab bars located as described in Clause 3.8.3.11.(1)(e)
and Clause 3.8.3.16.(1)(f) or 3.8.3.17.(1)(f)
would provide suitable backing for the grab bar fasteners.