The British Columbia Building Code | Section 3.1. | General Pt 2
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
Section 3.1. General
3.1.1. Scope and Definitions
3.1.1.1. Scope
1) The scope of this Part shall be as described in Subsection 1.3.3.of Division A.
3.1.1.2. Defined Words
1) Words that appear in italics are defined in Article 1.4.1.2.of Division A.
3.1.1.3. Use of Term Storage Tank
1) For the purposes of this Part, the term “storage tank” shall mean a vessel for flammable liquids or combustible
liquids having a capacity of more than 230 L and designed to be installed in a fixed location.
3.1.1.4. Fire Protection Information
1) Information to be submitted regarding major components of fire protection shall conform to the
requirements of Subsection2.2.3.of Division C.
3.1.2. Classification of Buildings or Parts of Buildings by Major Occupancy
(SeeNoteA-3.1.2.)
3.1.2.1. Classification of Buildings
1) Except as permitted by Articles 3.1.2.3. to3.1.2.6., every building or part thereof shall be classified according
to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the Groups or Divisions described in Table 3.1.2.1.
(See NoteA-3.1.2.1.(1).)
2) A building intended for use by more than one major occupancy shall be classified according to all major occupancies
for which it is used or intended to be used.
Table 3.1.2.1.
Major Occupancy Classification
Forming Part of Sentences 3.1.2.1.(1) and 3.1.2.2.(1)
Group Division Description of Major Occupancies
A1Assembly occupancies intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts
A2Assembly occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group A
A3Assembly occupancies of the arena type
A4Assembly occupancies in which occupants are gathered in the open air
B1Detention occupancies
B2Treatment occupancies
B3Care occupancies
C–Residential occupancies
D–Business and personal services occupancies
E–Mercantile occupancies
F1High-hazard industrial occupancies
F2Medium-hazard industrial occupancies
F3Low-hazard industrial occupancies
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3.1.2.2. Occupancies of Same Classification
1) Any building is deemed to be occupied by a single major occupancy, notwithstanding its use for more than one
major occupancy, provided that all occupancies are classified as belonging to the same Group classification or, where the
Group is divided into Divisions, as belonging to the same Division classification described in Table 3.1.2.1.
3.1.2.3. Arena-Type Buildings
1) An arena-type building intended for occasional use for trade shows and similar exhibition purposes shall be
classified as a Group A, Division 3 occupancy. (See Note A-3.1.2.3.(1).)
3.1.2.4. Police Stations
1) A police station with detention quarters is permitted to be classified as a Group B, Division 2 major occupancy
provided the station is not more than1 storey in building height and 600 m
2
in building area.
3.1.2.5. Convalescent, Children’s Custodial,
and Residential Care Homes
1) Convalescent homes and children’s custodial homes are permitted to be classified as residential occupancies
within the application of Part 3, provided that occupants are ambulatory and live as a single housekeeping unit in a
suite with sleeping accommodation for not more than10 persons.
2) A care facility accepted for residential use pursuant to provincial legislation is permitted to be classified as a
residential occupancy, provided
a) occupants live as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit with sleeping accommodation for not more than
10 persons,
b) smoke alarms are installed in conformance with
Article 3.2.4.20.,
c) emergency lighting is provided in conformance with Subsection 3.2.7., and
d) the building is sprinklered throughout.
3.1.2.6. Group A, Division 2, Low Occupant Load
1) A suite of Group A, Division 2 assembly occupancy, except a child or infant daycare facility, is permitted to be
classified as a Group D, business and personal services occupancy provided
a) the number of persons in the suite does not exceed 30, and
b) except as permitted by Sentence (2), the suite is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hr.
2) The fire separation required by Sentence (1) need not have a fire-resistance rating where the suite is located in a
building that is sprinklered throughout.
3) A permanent sign, with lettering not less than 50 mm high with a 12 mm stroke, indicating the lesser of the
occupant load for the suite or 30 persons, shall be posted in a conspicuous location near the suite’s principal entrance.
3.1.2.7. Storage of Combustible Fibres
1) Buildings or parts thereof used for the storage of baled combustible fibres shall be classified as medium-hazard
industrial occupancies.
3.1.2.8. Daycare Facilities for Children
(See Note A-3.1.2.8.)
1) A daycare facility for children shall be classified as a Group A, Division 2 assembly occupancy. (See also
Article 3.3.2.17
.)
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.3. Multiple Occupancy Requirements
3.1.3.1. Separation of Major Occupancies
1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and(3), major occupancies shall be separated from adjoining major
occupancies by fire separations having fire-resistance ratings conforming to Table 3.1.3.1.
2) In a building not more than3 storeys in building height, if not more than2 dwelling units are contained together
with a GroupE major occupancy, the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation between the 2 major occupancies need not be
more than 1h.
3) In a building conforming to the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.2. to3.2.8.8., the requirements of Sentence (1)
for fire separations between major occupancies do not apply at the vertical plane around the perimeter of an opening
through the horizontal fire separation.
Table 3.1.3.1.
Major Occupancy Fire Separations
(1)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1)
Major
Occupancy
Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation, h
Adjoining Major Occupancy
A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4 B-1 B-2 B-3 C D E F-1 F-2 F-3
A-1 –111222112
(2)
21
A-2 1–112221
(3)
1
(4)
2
(2)
21
A-3 11–1222112
(2)
21
A-4 111–222112
(2)
21
B-1 2222–22222
(2)
22
B-2 22222–1222
(2)
22
B-3 222221–122
(2)
22
C11
(3)
11221–12
(5) (2)
2
(6)
1
(7)
D11
(4)
112221––
(8)
3–
(8)
–
(8)
E 22222222
(5)
–
(8)
–3––
F-1
(2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)
33–22
F-2 22222222
(6)
–
(8)
–2––
F-3 11112221
(7)
–
(8)
–2––
Notes to Table3.1.3.1.:
(1) Section 3.3. contains requirements for the separation of occupancies and tenancies that are in addition to the requirements for the separation of major occupancies.
(2) See Sentence 3.1.3.2.(1).
(3) Where the building or part thereof
is constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48EMTC. or Article 3.2.2.50., a fire separation with a 2 h fire-resistance rating is required
between the Group C and Group A, Division 2 major occupancies.
(4) Where the building or part thereof
is constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.57EMTC. or Article 3.2.2.58., a fire separation with a 2 h fire-resistance rating is required
between the Group D and Group A, Division 2 major occupancies.
(5) See Sentence 3.1.3.1.(2).
(6) See Sentence 3.1.3.2.(2).
(7)
Where the building or part thereof is constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.48EMTC, a fire separation with a 2 h fire-resistance rating is required between the Group
C major occupancy and storage garages.
(8) Where the building or part thereof is constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.57EMTC., a fire separation with a 1 h fire-resistance rating is required between the Group
D and Group E or Group F, Division 2 or 3 major occupancies.
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3.1.3.2. Prohibition of Occupancy Combinations
1) No major occupancy of GroupF, Division1 shall be contained within a building with any occupancy classified as
GroupA, B or C.
2) Not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as a Group F,
Division2 major occupancy.
3) Reserved.
4) Reserved.
5) Reserved.
3.1.4. Combustible Construction
3.1.4.1. Combustible Materials Permitted
1) A building permitted to be of combustible construction is permitted to be constructed of combustible materials,
with or without noncombustible components. (SeeNoteA-3.1.4.1.(1).)
2) The flame-spread rating on any exposed surface of foamed plastic insulation, and on any surface that would be
exposed by cutting through the insulation in any direction, shall be not more than500.
3.1.4.2. Protection of Foamed Plastics
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.2.)
1) Except as permitted in Sentence(2), foamed plastics that form part of a wall or ceiling assembly in combustible
construction shall be protected from adjacent spaces in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within attic or
roof spaces, crawl spaces, and wall and ceiling assemblies,
a) by one of the interior finishes described in Subsections9.29.4. to9.29.9.,
b) provided the building does not contain a Group A, Group B or Group C major occupancy, by sheet metal
i) mechanically fastened to the supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
ii) not less than 0.38 mm thick, and
iii) with a melting point not below 650°C, or
c) by any thermal barrier that meets the requirements of Sentence3.1.5.15.(2) (seeNoteA-3.1.4.2.(1)(c)).
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.2.(1).)
2) A walk-in cooler or freezer consisting of factory-assembled wall, floor or ceiling panels containing foamed
plastics is permitted in a building permitted
to be of combustible construction, provided the panels
a) are protected on both sides by sheet metal not less than 0.38 mm thick having a melting point not less
than 650°C,
b) do not contain an air space, and
c) when a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field installation is subjected to the applicable test
described in Subsection3.1.12., have a flame-spread rating not more thanthat permitted for the space in which
they are located or the space that they bound, as applicable.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.2.(2) and 3.1.5.7.(3).)
3) The flame-spread rating of doors containing foamed plastics shall comply with Sentences3.1.13.2.(1) to(3).
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.4.3. Wires and Cables
1) Except as required by Sentence(2), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with combustible
insulation, jackets or sheathes that are installed in a building permitted to be of combustible construction shall
a) not convey flame or continue to burn for more than 1min when tested in conformance with the Vertical
Flame Test (FT1 rating) in CSA C22.2 No.0.3, “Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables,” or
b) be located in
i) totally enclosed noncombustible raceways (seeNoteA-3.1.4.3.(1)(b)(i)),
ii) masonry walls,
iii) concrete slabs, or
iv) totally enclosed non-metallic raceways conforming to Clause3.1.5.23.(1)(b).
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.3.(1).)
(Seealso Sentence3.6.4.3.(1).)
2) Except as permitted in Sentences(3) and(4), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with
combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and are installed in
a plenum in a building permitted to be of combustible construction shall exhibit the following characteristics when tested in
conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.4, “Standard Method of
Test for Fire and Smoke Characteristics of Electrical
Wiring, Cables and Non-Metallic Raceways,” (FT6 rating):
a) a horizontal flame distance of not more than1.5 m,
b) an average optical smoke density of not more than0.15, and
c) a peak optical smoke density of not more than0.5.
3) Except as permitted in Sentence(4), where totally enclosed noncombustible raceways are used in a plenum,
exposed components of wiring systems with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes, including optical fibre cables
and electrical wires and cables that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data, that are installed in the
plenum or that extend not more than9m from the plenum, including drop down to the floor level, are permitted,
provided they exhibit a vertical char of not more than1.5m when tested in conformance with the Vertical Flame
Test – Cables in Cable Trays (FT4 rating) in CSA C22.2 No.0.3, “Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.”
4) Cables or wires within plenums that are used for the transmission of signals in fire alarm systems need not
comply with the requirements of Sentence(2).
3.1.4.4. Non-metallic Raceways
1) Totally enclosed non-metallic raceways used in a plenum in a building permitted to be of combustible construction
shall meet the requirements of Clause 3.1.5.23.(1)(a).
3.1.4.5. Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood
1) If fire-retardant-treated wood is specified in this Part, the wood shall
a) be pressure impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals in conformance with CAN/CSA-O80 Series,
“Wood Preservation,” and
b) have a flame-spread rating not more than25.
3.1.4.6. Heavy Timber Construction Alternative
1) If combustible construction is permitted and is not required to have a fire-resistance rating more than 45 min,
heavy timber construction is permitted to be used.
2) If heavy timber construction is permitted, it shall conform to Article 3.1.4.7.
3.1.4.7. Heavy Timber Construction
1) Wood elements in
heavy timber construction shall be arranged in heavy solid masses and with essentially smooth
flat surfaces to avoid thin sections and sharp projections.
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2) Except as permitted by Sentences(3) to(6) and(12), the minimum dimensions of wood elements in heavy
timber construction shall conform to Table3.1.4.7.
3) Where splice plates are used at splices of roof arches supported on the tops of walls or abutments, roof
trusses, roof beams and roof girders in heavy timber construction, they shall be not less than 64 mm thick.
4) Floors in heavy timber construction shall be of glued-laminated or solid sawn plank not less than
a) 64 mm thick, splined or tongued and grooved, or
b) 38 mm wide and 89 mm deep set on edge and well spiked together.
5) Floors in heavy timber construction shall be laid
a) so that no continuous line of end joints will occur except at points of support, and covered with
i) tongued and grooved flooring not less than 19 mm thick laid crosswise or diagonally, or
ii) tongued and grooved phenolic-bonded plywood, strandboard or waferboard not less than 12.5 mm
thick, and
b) not closer than 15 mm to the walls to provide for expansion, with the gap covered at the top or bottom.
6) Roofs in heavy timber construction shall be of tongued and grooved phenolic-bonded plywood, strandboard or
waferboard not less than 28 mm thick, or glued-laminated or solid sawn plank that is
a) not less than 38 mm thick, splined or tongued and grooved, or
b) not less than 38 mm wide and 64 mm deep set on edge and laid so that no continuous line of end joints will
occur except at the points of support.
7) Wood columns in heavy timber construction shall be continuous or superimposed throughout all storeys.
8) Superimposed wood columns in heavy timber construction shall be connected by
a) reinforced concrete or metal caps with brackets,
b) steel or iron caps with pintles and base plates, or
c) timber splice plates fastened to the columns by metal connectors housed within the contact faces.
9) Where beams and girders in heavy timber construction enter masonry, wall plates, boxes of the self-releasing type
or hangers shall be used.
10) Wood girders and beams in heavy timber construction shall be closely fitted to columns, and adjoining ends shall
be connected by ties or caps to transfer horizontal loads across the joints.
11) In heavy timber construction, intermediate wood beams used to support a floor shall be supported on top of the
girders or on metal hangers into which the ends of the beams are closely fitted.
Table 3.1.4.7.
Heavy Timber Dimensions
Forming Part of Sentence 3.1.4.7.(2)
Supported
Assembly
Structural Element
Solid Sawn
(width × depth),
mm × mm
Glued-Laminated
(width × depth),
mm × mm
Round
(diam),
mm
Roofs only Columns 140 × 191 130 × 190 180
Arches supported on the tops of walls or abutments 89 × 140 80 × 152 –
Beams, girders and trusses 89 × 140 80 × 152 –
Arches supported at or near the floor line 140 × 140 130 × 152 –
Floors,
floors plus roofs
Columns 191 × 191 175 × 190 200
Beams, girders, trusses and arches
140 × 241 or 130 × 228 or
–
191 × 191 175 × 190
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12) Roof arches supported on the top of walls or abutments, roof trusses, roof beams and roof girders in heavy
timber construction are permitted to be not less than 64 mm wide provided
a) where two or more spaced members are used, the intervening spaces are
i) blocked solidly throughout, or
ii) tightly closed by a continuous wood cover plate not less than 38 mm thick secured to the underside of
the members, or
b) the underneath of the roof deck or sheathing is sprinklered.
3.1.4.8. Exterior Cladding
1) T
he exterior cladding on each exterior wall of buildings conforming to Article 3.2.2.50. or3.2.2.58. shall
consist of
a) noncombustible cladding, or
b) a wall assembly that satisfies the criteria of Clause3.1.5.5.(1)(b).
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.8.(1).) (Seealso NotesA-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i) andA-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii).)
2) A wall assembly conforming to Clause(1)(b) that includes combustible cladding made of fire-retardant-treated wood
shall be tested for fire exposure after the cladding has been subjected to the accelerated weathering test specified in
ASTM D 2898, “Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing.”
3) The solution described in Clause (1)(b) is not permitted where an
exposing building face is required by
Article 3.2.3.7. to have noncombustible cladding.
3.1.5. Noncombustible Construction
3.1.5.1. Noncombustible Materials
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.1.(1).)
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4) and Articles3.1.5.2. to3.1.5.24., 3.1.13.4. and 3.2.2.16., a building
or part of a building required to be of noncombustible construction shall be constructed with noncombustible materials.
(See also Subsection 3.1.13. for the requirements regarding the flame-spread rating of interior finishes.)
2) Notwithstanding the definition of noncombustible materials stated in Article1.4.1.2.of Division A, a material is
permitted to be used in noncombustible construction provided that, when tested in accordance with ULC-S135,
“TestMethod for the Determination of Combustibility Parameters of Building Materials Using an Oxygen
Consumption Calorimeter (Cone Calorimeter),” at a heat flux of 50 kW/m
2
,
a) its average total heat release is not more than3MJ/m
2
,
b) its average total smoke extinction area is not more than1.0 m
2
, and
c) the test duration is extended beyond the time stipulated in the referenced standard until it is clear that there is
no further release of heat or smoke.
3) If a material referred to in Sentence(2) consists of a number of discrete layers and testing reveals that the
surface layer or layers protect the underlying layers such that complete combustion of the underlying layers does not
occur, the test shall be repeated by removing the outer layers sequentially until all layers have been exposed during
testing, or until complete combustion has occurred.
4) The acceptance criteria for a material tested in accordance with Sentence(3) shall be based on the cumulative
emissions from all layers, which must not exceed the criteria stated in Clauses (2)(a) and (b).
3.1.5.2. Minor Combustible Components
1) The following minor combustible components are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible
construction:
a) paint (seealso Clause3.1.13.1.(2)(b)),
b) self-adhesive tapes, mastics and caulking materials, including foamed plastic air sealants, applied to provide a
seal between the major components of exterior wall construction, (seealso Article3.6.4.3. for limits on the
use of combustible materials in plenum spaces),
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c) fire stops and fire blocks conforming to Sentence3.1.9.1.(1) and Article3.1.11.7.,
d) tubing for pneumatic controls provided it has an outside diameter of not more than10mm,
e) adhesives, vapour barriers and sheathing papers,
f) electrical outlet and junction boxes,
g) wood blocking within wall assemblies intended for the attachment of handrails, fixtures, and similar items
mounted on the surface of the wall, and
h) similar minor components.
3.1.5.3. Combustible Roofing Materials
1) Combustible roof covering that has an A, B, or C classification determined in conformance with
Subsection3.1.15. is permitted on a building required to be of noncombustible construction.
2) Combustible roof sheathing and roof sheathing supports installed above a concrete deck are permitted on a
building required to be of noncombustible construction provided
a) the concrete deck is not less than 50 mm thick,
b) the height of the roof space above the deck is not more than1m,
c) the roof space is divided into compartments by fire blocks in conformance with Article3.1.11.5.,
d) openings through the concrete deck other than for noncombustible roof drains and plumbing piping are
protected by masonry or concrete shafts
i) constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h, and
ii) extending from the concrete deck to not less than 150 mm above the adjacent roof sheathing,
e) the perimeter of the roof is protected by a noncombustible parapet extending from the concrete deck to not less
than 150 mm above the adjacent sheathing, and
f) except as permitted by Clause(d), the roof space does not contain any building services.
3) Combustible cant strips, roof curbs, nailing strips and similar components used in the installation of roofing are
permitted on a building required to be of noncombustible construction.
4) Wood nailer facings to parapets, not more than600 mm high, are permitted on a building required to be of
noncombustible construction, if the facings and any roof membranes covering the facings are protected by sheet metal.
3.1.5.4. Combustible Glazing and Skylights
1) Combustible skylight assemblies are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction if the
assemblies have a flame-spread rating not more than
a) 150 provided the assemblies
i) have an individual area not more than9m
2
,
ii) have an aggregate horizontal projected area of the openings through the ceiling not more than25% of
the area of the ceiling of the room or space in which they are located, and
iii) are spaced not less than 2.5 m from adjacent assemblies and from required fire separations, or
b) 75 provided the assemblies
i) have an individual area not more than27 m
2
,
ii) have an aggregate horizontal projected area of the openings through the ceiling not more than33% of
the area of the ceiling of the room or space in which they are located, and
iii) are spaced not less than 1.2 m from adjacent assemblies and from required fire separations.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.5.4.(1).)
2) Combustible vertical glazing installed no higher than the second storey is permitted in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction.
3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), the combustible vertical glazing permitted by Sentence(2) shall have a
flame-spread rating not more than75.
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4) The flame-spread rating of combustible glazing is permitted to be not more than150 if the aggregate area of
glazing is not more than25% of the wall area of the storey in which it is located, and
a) the glazing is installed in a building not more than1 storey in building height,
b) the glazing in the first storey is separated from the glazing in the second storey in accordance with the
requirements of Article3.2.3.17. for opening protection, or
c) the building is sprinklered throughout.
5) Combustible window sashes and frames are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction
provided
a) each window in an exterior wall face is an individual unit separated by noncombustible wall construction from
every other opening in the wall,
b) windows in exterior walls in contiguous storeys are separated by not less than 1 m of noncombustible construction,
and
c) the aggregate area of openings in an exterior wall face of a fire compartment is not more than40% of the area of
the wall face.
3.1.5.5. Combustible Cladding on Exterior Walls
(See Note A-3.1.5.5.)
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) and(3), combustible cladding is permitted to be used on an exterior wall
assembly in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building is
i) not more than3 storeys in building height, or
ii) sprinklered throughout, and
b) when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S134, “Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies,” the wall assembly
satisfies the following criteria for testing and conditions of acceptance (seeNote
A-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)):
i) flaming on or in the wall assembly does not spread more than 5 m above the opening
(seeNoteA-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(i)), and
ii) the heat flux during the flame exposure on the wall assembly is not more than35 kW/m
2
measured at
3.5 m above the opening (see NoteA-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)(ii)).
2) Except as permitted by Articles 3.2.3.10. and3.2.3.11., where the limiting distance in Tables3.2.3.1.-B
to3.2.3.1.-E permits an area of unprotected openings of not more than10% of the exposing building face, the construction
requirements of Table3.2.3.7. shall be met.
3) A wall assembly permitted by Sentence(1) that includes combustible cladding of fire-retardant-treated wood shall be
tested for fire exposure after the cladding has been subjected to an accelerated weathering test as specified in
ASTM D 2898, “Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing.”
3.1.5.6. Combustible Components in Exterior Walls
(See Note A-3.1.5.6.)
1) Combustible components, other than those permitted by Article3.1.5.5., are permitted to be used in an exterior
wall assembly of a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building is
i) not more than3 storeys in building height, or
ii) sprinklered throughout, and
b) the wall assembly
i) meets the requirements of Clause3.1.5.5.(1)(b), or
ii) is protected by masonry or concrete cladding not less than 25 mm thick (seeNoteA-3.1.5.5.(1)(b)).
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3.1.5.7. Factory-Assembled Panels
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), factory-assembled wall and ceiling panels containing foamed plastic
insulation with a flame-spread rating not more than500 are permitted to be used in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building
i) is sprinklered,
ii) is not more than18 m high, measured from grade to the underside of the roof, and
iii) does not contain a Group A, Group B, or Group C major occupancy, and
b) the panels
i) do not contain an air space,
ii) when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S138, “Test for Fire Growth of Insulated Building Panels in
a Full-Scale Room Configuration,” meet the criteria defined therein, and
iii) when a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field installation is subjected to the applicable test
described in Subsection 3.1.12., have a flame-spread rating not more thanthat permitted for the room or
space that they bound.
2) Factory-assembled exterior wall panels containing thermosetting foamed plastic insulation are permitted to
be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building
i) is not more than18 m high, measured from grade to the underside of the roof, and
ii) does not contain a Group B or Group C major occupancy, and
b) the wall panels
i) do not contain an air space,
ii) are protected on both sides by sheet steel not less than 0.38mm thick,
iii) remain in place for not less than 10 min when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire
Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials,” where the exposed surface includes typical
vertical and horizontal joints, and
iv) when a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field installation is subjected to the applicable test
described in Subsection 3.1.12., have a flame-spread rating not more than
that permitted for the room or
space that they bound.
3) A walk-in cooler or freezer consisting of factory-assembled wall, floor or ceiling panels containing foamed
plastic insulation with a flame-spread rating not more than500 is permitted to be used in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building is sprinklered, and
b) the panels
i) are protected on both sides by sheet metal not less than 0.38mm thick with a melting point not less than
650°C,
ii) do not contain an air space,
iii) when tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S138, “Test for Fire Growth of Insulated Building Panels in
a Full-Scale Room Configuration,” meet the criteria defined therein, and
iv) when a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field installation is subjected to the applicable test
described in Subsection3.1.12., have a flame-spread rating not more thanthat permitted for the space in
which they are located or the space that they bound, as applicable.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.4.2.(2) and 3.1.5.7.(3).)
3.1.5.8. Nailing Elements
1) Wood nailing elements attached directly to or set into a continuous noncombustible backing for the attachment
of interior finishes are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided the concealed space
created by the wood elements is not more than50 mm thick.
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3.1.5.9. Combustible Millwork
1) Combustible millwork, including interior trim, doors and door frames, show windows together with their
frames, aprons and backing, handrails, shelves, cabinets and counters, is permitted in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction.
3.1.5.10. Combustible Flooring Elements
1) Combustible stage flooring supported on noncombustible structural members is permitted in a building required to
be of noncombustible construction.
2) Wood members more than 50 mm but not more than300 mm high applied directly to or set into a
noncombustible floor slab are permitted for the construction of a raised platform in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction provided the concealed spaces created are divided into compartments by fire blocks in
conformance with Sentence3.1.11.3.(2).
3) The floor system for the raised platform referred to in Sentence(2) is permitted to include a combustible
subfloor and combustible finished flooring.
4) Combustible finished flooring is permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction.
3.1.5.11. Combustible Stairs in Dwelling Units
1) Combustible stairs are permitted in a dwelling unit in a building required to be of noncombustible construction.
3.1.5.12. Combustible Interior Finishes
1) Except as permitted in Sentences(2) and(3), combustible interior wall and ceiling finishes referred to in
Clause3.1.13.1.(2)(b) that are not more than1 mm thick are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible
construction.
2) Combustible interior wall finishes, other than foamed plastics, that are not more than25mm thick are
permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided they have a flame-spread rating not more
than150 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in
any direction.
3) Except as provided in Sentence(4), combustible interior ceiling finishes, other than foamed plastics, that are
not more than25mm thick are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided they have a
flame-spread rating not more than25 on any exposed surface or on any surface that would be exposed by cutting
through the material in any direction, except that not more than10% of the ceiling area within each fire compartment is
permitted to have a flame-spread rating not more than150.
4) Combustible interior ceiling finishes made of fire-retardant-treated wood are permitted in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction, provided they are not more than25mm thick or are exposed fire-retardant-treated wood
battens.
3.1.5.13. Gypsum Board
1) Gypsum board with a tightly adhering paper covering not more than1mm thick is permitted in a building
required to be of noncombustible construction provided the flame-spread rating on the surface is not more than25.
3.1.5.14. Combustible Insulation
(See Notes A-3.1.4.2. and A-3.1.4.2.(1).)
1) Foamed plastic insulation shall conform to Article3.1.5.15.
2) Combustible insulation with a flame-spread rating not more than25 on any exposed surface, or any surface that
would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, is permitted in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction.
3) Combustible insulation is permitted to be installed above roof decks, outside of foundation walls below ground
level, and beneath concrete slabs-on-ground of buildings required to be of noncombustible construction.
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4) Except as provided in Sentences(5) and(6), combustible insulation with a flame-spread rating more than25 but
not more than500 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in
any direction, is permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided the insulation is protected
from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a thermal barrier
consisting of
a) not less than 12.7mm thick gypsum board mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of
the insulation,
b) lath and plaster, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
c) masonry, or
d) concrete.
5) Combustible insulation with a flame-spread rating more than 25 but not more than500 on any exposed surface, or
any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, is permitted in the exterior walls
of a building required to be of noncombustible construction that is not sprinklered and is more than 18m high, measured
from grade to the underside of the roof, provided the insulation is protected from adjacent space in the building, other
than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a thermal barrier consisting of
a) gypsum board not less than 12.7mm thick, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of
the insulation and with all joints either backed or taped and filled,
b) lath and plaster, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
c) masonry or concrete not less than 25mm thick, or
d) any thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of
Building Construction and Materials,” will not develop an average temperature rise more than 140°C or a
maximum temperature rise more than 180°C at any point on its unexposed face within 10min
(seeNoteA-3.1.5.14.(5)(d)) (see also Article3.2.3.7.).
6) Combustible insulation with a flame-spread rating more than 25 but not more than
500 on any exposed surface, or
any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, is permitted in the interior walls,
within ceilings and within roof assemblies of a building required to be of noncombustible construction that is not sprinklered
and is more than 18m high, measured from grade to the underside of the roof, provided the insulation is protected
from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a thermal barrier
consisting of
a) Type X gypsum board not less than 15.9mm thick, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly
independent of the insulation and with all joints either backed or taped and filled, conforming to
i) ASTM C 1177/C 1177M, “Glass Mat Gypsum Substrate for Use as Sheathing,”
ii) ASTM C 1178/C 1178M, “Coated Glass Mat Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing Panel,”
iii) ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board,”
iv) ASTM C 1658/C 1658M, “Glass Mat Gypsum Panels,” or
v) CAN/CSA-A82.27-M, “Gypsum Board,”
b) non-loadbearing masonry or concrete not less than 50mm thick,
c) loadbearing masonry or concrete not less than 75mm thick, or
d) any thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of
Building Construction and Materials,”
i) does not develop an average temperature rise more than 140°C or a maximum temperature rise more
than 180°C at any point on its unexposed face within 20 min, and
ii) remains in place for not less than 40 min.
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3.1.5.15. Foamed Plastic Insulation
(See Notes A-3.1.4.2. and A-3.1.4.2.(1).)
1) Foamed plastic insulation is permitted to be installed above roof decks, outside of foundation walls below
ground level, and beneath concrete slabs-on-ground of a building required to be of noncombustible construction.
2) Except as provided in Sentences(3) and(4), foamed plastic insulation with a flame-spread rating not more
than500 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any
direction, is permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided the insulation is protected
from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a thermal barrier
consisting of
a) not less than 12.7mm thick gypsum board mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of
the insulation,
b) lath and plaster, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
c) masonry,
d) concrete, or
e) any thermal barrier that meets the requirements of classification B when tested in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S124, “Test for the Evaluation of Protective Coverings for Foamed Plastic.”
3) Foamed plastic insulation with a flame-spread rating more than25 but not more than500 on any exposed
surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, is permitted in the
exterior walls of a building required to be of noncombustible construction that is not sprinklered and is more than 18m high,
measured from grade to the underside of the roof, provided the insulation is protected from adjacent space in the
building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a thermal barrier consisting of
a) gypsum board not less than 12.7mm thick, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of
the insulation and with all joints either backed or taped and filled,
b) lath and plaster, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
c) masonry or concrete not less than 25mm thick, or
d) any thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of
Building Construction and Materials,” does not develop an average temperature rise more than 140°C or
a maximum temperature rise more than 180°C at any point on its unexposed face within 10min
(see NoteA-3.1.5.14.(5)(d)) (see also Article3.2.3.7.).
4) Foamed plastic insulation with a flame-spread rating more than 25 but not more than500 on any exposed
surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, is permitted in the
interior walls, within ceilings and within roof assemblies of a building required to be of noncombustible construction that is
not sprinklered and is more than 18m high, measured from grade to the underside of the roof, provided the insulation
is protected from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, by a
thermal barrier consisting of
a) Type X gypsum board not less than 15.9 mm thick, mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly
independent of the insulation and with all joints either backed or taped and filled, conforming to
i) ASTM C 1177/C 1177M, “Glass Mat Gypsum Substrate for Use as Sheathing,”
ii) ASTM C 1178/C 1178M, “Coated Glass Mat Water-Resistant Gypsum Backing Panel,”
iii) ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board,” or
iv) CAN/CSA-A82.27-M, “Gypsum Board,”
b) non-loadbearing masonry or concrete not less than 50 mm thick,
c) loadbearing masonry or concrete not less than 75 mm thick, or
d) any thermal barrier that, when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of
Building Construction and Materials,”
i) does not develop an average temperature rise more than 140°C or a maximum temperature rise more
than 180°C at any point on its unexposed face within 20 min, and
ii) remains in place for not less than 40 min.
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3.1.5.16. Combustible Elements in Partitions
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and wood framing in
partitions located in a fire compartment not more than600 m
2
in area are permitted to be used in a building required to be
of noncombustible construction in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout provided the partitions
a) are not required fire separations, and
b) are not located in a care, treatment or detention occupancy.
2) Partitions installed in a building of noncombustible construction are permitted to contain wood framing provided
a) the building is not more than3 storeys in building height,
b) the partitions are not located in a care, treatment or detention occupancy, and
c) the partitions are not installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces.
3) Solid lumber partitions not less than 38mm thick and partitions that contain wood framing are permitted to be
used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided
a) the building is sprinklered throughout, and
b) the partitions are not
i) located in a care, treatment or detention occupancy,
ii) installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces, or
iii) used to satisfy the requirements of Clause3.2.8.1.(1)(a).
3.1.5.17. Storage Lockers in Residential Buildings
1) Storage lockers in storage rooms are permitted to be constructed of wood in a building of residential occupancy
required to be of noncombustible construction
.
3.1.5.18. Combustible Ducts
1) Except as required by Sentence3.6.4.3.(1), combustible ducts, including plenums and duct connectors, are
permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided these ducts and duct connectors
are used only in horizontal runs.
2) Combustible duct linings, duct coverings, duct insulation, vibration isolation connectors, duct tape, pipe
insulation and pipe coverings are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided
they conform to the appropriate requirements of Subsection3.6.5.
3) In a building required to be of noncombustible construction, combustible ducts need not comply with the
requirements of Sentences3.6.5.1.(1) and(2) provided the ducts are
a) part of a duct system conveying only ventilation air, and
b) contained entirely within a dwelling unit.
3.1.5.19. Combustible Piping Materials
1) Except as permitted by Clause3.1.5.2.(1)(d) and Sentences(2) and(3), combustible piping and tubing and
associated adhesives are permitted to be used in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided that,
except when concealed in a wall or concrete floor slab, they
a) have a flame-spread rating not more than25, and
b) if used in a building described in Subsection3.2.6., have a smoke developed classification not more than50.
2) Combustible sprinkler piping is permitted to be used within a sprinklered floor area in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction. (Seealso Article3.2.5.13.)
3) Polypropylene pipes and fittings are permitted to be used for drain, waste and vent piping for the conveyance
of highly corrosive materials and for piping used to distribute distilled or dialyzed water in laboratory and hospital
facilities in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, provided
a) the building is sprinklered throughout,
b) the piping is not located in a vertical shaft, and
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c) piping that penetrates a fire separation is sealed at the penetration by a fire stop that has an FT rating not less
than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115,
“Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” with a pressure differential of 50Pa between the exposed and unexposed
sides, with the higher pressure on the exposed side.
3.1.5.20. Combustible Plumbing Fixtures
1) Combustible plumbing fixtures, including wall and ceiling enclosures that form part of the plumbing fixture, are
permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction provided they are constructed of material having a
flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification not more than that permitted for the wall surface of the room or
space in which they are installed.
3.1.5.21. Wires and Cables
1) Except as required by Sentence(2) and Article3.1.5.22., optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables
with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction,
provided
a) the wires and cables exhibit a vertical char of not more than1.5m when tested in conformance with the
Vertical Flame Test – Cables in Cable Trays (FT4 rating) in CSA C22.2 No.0.3, “Test Methods for Electrical
Wires and Cables,”
b) the wires and cables are located in
i) totally enclosed noncombustible raceways (seeNoteA-3.1.4.3.(1)(b)(i)),
ii) masonry walls,
iii) concrete slabs,
iv) a service room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating
not less than 1h, or
v) totally enclosed non-metallic raceways conforming to Clause3.1.5.23.(1)(b), or
c) the wires and cables are communication cables used at the service entry to a building and are not more
than3m long.
(SeeNote
A-3.1.5.21.(1).)
2) Except as permitted in Sentences(3) and(4), optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables with
combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data and are not located
in totally enclosed noncombustible raceways are permitted to be installed in a plenum in a building required to be of
noncombustible construction, provided the wires and cables exhibit a horizontal flame distance of not more than1.5m,
an average optical smoke density of not more than0.15, and a peak optical smoke density of not more than0.5 when
tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.4, “Standard Method of Test for Fire and Smoke Characteristics of
Electrical Wiring, Cables and Non-Metallic Raceways,” (FT6 rating).
3) Except as permitted in Sentence(4), where totally enclosed noncombustible raceways are used in a plenum,
exposed components of wiring systems with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes, including optical fibre cables
and electrical wires and cables that are used for the transmission of voice, sound or data, that are installed in the
plenum or that extend not more than9m from the plenum including drop down to the floor level, are permitted
provided they exhibit a vertical char of not more than1.5m when tested in conformance with the Vertical Flame
Test – Cables in Cable Trays (FT4 rating) in CSA C22.2 No.0.3, “Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables.”
4) Cables or wires within plenums that are used for the transmission of signals in fire alarm systems need not
comply with the requirements of Sentences(2) and(3).
3.1.5.22. Combustible Travelling Cables for Elevators
1) Combustible travelling cables are permitted on elevating devices in a building required to be of noncombustible
construction.
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3.1.5.23. Non-metallic Raceways
1) Except as required in Sentence(2), subject to the limits on the size of elements that penetrate fire separations as
stated in Sentence3.1.9.3.(2), within a fire compartment of a building required to be of noncombustible construction, totally
enclosed non-metallic raceways not more than175mm in outside diameter, or of an equivalent rectangular area, are
permitted to be used to enclose optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables, provided
a) where the wires and cables in the raceways meet or exceed the requirements of Clause3.1.5.21.(1)(a), the
non-metallic raceways meet the requirements for at least an FT4 rating in
i) CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 262, “Optical Fiber Cable and Communication Cable Raceway Systems,” or
ii) CAN/ULC-S143, “Fire Tests for Non-Metallic Electrical and Optical Fibre Cable Raceway Systems,”
and
b) where the wires and cables in the raceways do not meet or exceed the requirements of Clause3.1.5.21.(1)(a),
the non-metallic raceways exhibit a vertical char of not more than1.5m when tested in conformance with
the Vertical Flame Test (FT4) – Conduit or Tubing on Cable Tray in Clause 6.16 of CSA C22.2 No. 211.0,
“General Requirements and Methods of Testing for Nonmetallic Conduit.”
2) Totally enclosed non-metallic raceways used in a plenum in a building required to be of noncombustible construction
shall exhibit a horizontal flame distance of not more than1.5 m, an average optical smoke density of not more
than0.15, and a peak optical smoke density of not more than0.5 when tested in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S102.4, “Standard Method of Test for Fire and Smoke Characteristics of Electrical Wiring, Cables and
Non-Metallic Raceways,” (FT6rating).
3.1.5.24. Decorative Wood Cladding
1) On buildings required to be of noncombustible construction, decorative wood cladding is permitted to be used on
the exterior fascias and soffits of marquees or canopies on the building face of a storey having direct access to a street or
access route, provided the wood cladding is fire-retardant-treated wood that has been conditioned in conformance with
ASTM D 2898, “Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing,” before being tested in
accordance with CAN/ULC-S102, “Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials and Assemblies.”
3.1.6. Tents and Air-Supported Structures
(SeeNoteA-3.1.6.)
3.1.6.1. Means of Egress
1) Tents and air-supported structures shall conform to Sections3.3. and3.4.
3.1.6.2. Restrictions
1) An air-supported structure shall not be located above the first storey on any building.
2) An air-supported structure shall not be used for Groups B, C, or Group F, Division 1 major occupancies or for
classrooms.
3) An air-supported structure shall be designed as open floor space without interior walls, mezzanines, intermediate
floors or similar construction.
3.1.6.3. Clearance to Other Structures
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2),(3) and(4), every tent and air-supported structure shall conform to
Subsection3.2.3.
2) Tents and air-supported structures
a) shall not be erected closer than 3m to other structures on the same property except as permitted by
Sentences(3) and(4), and
b) shall be sufficiently distant from one another to provide an area to be used as a means of emergency egress.
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3) Tents and air-supported structures not occupied by the public
a) need not be separated from one another, and
b) are permitted to be erected less than 3 m from other structures on the same property provided this spacing
does not create a hazard to the public.
4) Tents not more than120 m
2
in ground area, located on fair grounds or similar open spaces, need not be
separated from one another provided this does not create a hazard to the public.
3.1.6.4. Clearance to Flammable Material
1) The ground enclosed by a tent or air-supported structure and not less than 3 m of ground outside the structure
shall be cleared of all flammable material or vegetation that will spread fire.
3.1.6.5. Flame Resistance
1) Every tent and air-supported structure and all tarpaulins and decorative materials used in connection with these
structures shall conform to CAN/ULC-S109, “Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films.”
3.1.6.6. Emergency Air Supply
1) An air-supported structure used as a place of assembly for more than 200 persons shall have either
a) an automatic emergency engine-generator set capable of powering one blower continuously for 4h, or
b) a supplementary blower powered by an automatic internal combustion engine.
3.1.6.7. Electrical Systems
1) The electrical system and equipment in a tent or air-supported structure, including electrical fuses and switches,
shall be inaccessible to the public.
2) Cables on the ground in areas used by the public in a tent or air-supported structure shall be placed in trenches or
protected by covers to prevent damage from traffic.
3.1.7. Fire-Resistance Ratings
3.1.7.1. Determination of Ratings
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2) and Articles3.1.7.2. and3.6.3.5., the rating of a material, assembly of
materials or a structural member that is required to have a fire-resistance rating, shall be determined on the basis of the
results of tests conducted in conformance with CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction
and Materials.”
2) A material, assembly of materials or a structural member is permitted to be assigned a fire-resistance rating on
the basis of AppendixD.
3) A ceiling assembly is permitted to be assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of Assembly Number R1 in
Table A-9.10.3.1.-B.
4) A ceiling membrane is permitted to be assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of Assembly Number M1 or
M2 in Table A-9.10.3.1.-B.
3.1.7.2. Exception for Exterior Walls
1) The limit on the rise of temperature on the unexposed surface of an assembly as required by the tests referred
to in Sentence3.1.7.1.(1) shall not apply to an exterior wall that has a limiting distance of 1.2m or more, provided
correction is made for radiation from the unexposed surface in accordance with Sentence3.2.3.1.(9).
3.1.7.3. Exposure Conditions for Rating
1) Floor, roof and ceiling assemblies shall be rated for exposure to fire on the underside.
2) Firewalls and interior vertical fire separations shall be rated for exposure to fire on each side.
3) Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from inside the building.
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3.1.7.4. Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating
1) The use of materials or assemblies having a greater fire-resistance rating than required shall impose no obligation
to exceed in whole or in part the minimum fire-resistance ratings required by this Part.
3.1.7.5. Rating of Supporting Construction
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2) and by Articles3.2.2.20. to3.2.2.90. for mixed types of construction, all
loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey immediately below a floor or roof assembly required to have a
fire-resistance rating shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the supported floor or roof assembly.
2) Loadbearing walls, columns and arches supporting a service room or service space need not conform to
Sentence(1).
3) Except as provided in Sentence (4) and except
for noncombustible roof assemblies required by
Clauses3.2.2.50.(2)(c) and3.2.2.58.(2)(c), if an assembly is required to be of noncombustible construction and have a
fire-resistance rating, it shall be supported by noncombustible construction.
4) Except for portions of
buildings constructed in accordance with Article 3.2.2.7. that are required to be of
noncombustible construction, assemblies of noncombustible construction in buildings or portions of buildings permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction are permitted to be supported by encapsulated mass timber construction.
3.1.8. Fire Separations and Closures
3.1.8.1. General Requirements
1) Any wall, partition or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall
a) except as permitted by Sentence(2), be constructed as a continuous element, and
b) as required in this Part, have a fire-resistance rating as specified (seeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(1)(b)).
2) Openings in a fire separation shall be protected with closures, shafts or other means in conformance with
Articles3.1.8.4. to3.1.8.19. and Subsections3.1.9. and3.2.8. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(2).)
3.1.8.2. Combustible Construction Support
1) Combustible construction that abuts on or is supported by a noncombustible fire separation shall be constructed
so that its collapse under fire conditions will not cause the collapse of the fire separation.
3.1.8.3. Continuity of Fire Separations
1) Except as permitted by Sentence3.6.4.2.(2), a horizontal service space or other concealed space located above a
required vertical fire separation, including the walls of a vertical shaft, shall be divided at the fire separation by an
equivalent fire separation within the service space.
2) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) shall terminate so that smoke-tight joints are provided where it
abuts on or intersects
a) a floor,
b) a roof slab, or
c) a roof deck.
3) Except as required by Subsection3.6.3. for a shaft penetrating a roof assembly, a shaft, including an exit
enclosure, that penetrates a fire separation, shall
a) extend through any horizontal service space or any other concealed space, and
b) terminate so that smoke-tight joints are provided where the shaft abuts on or intersects
i) a floor,
ii) a roof slab, or
iii) a roof deck.
4) The continuity of a fire separation shall be maintained where it abuts another fire separation, a floor, a ceiling,
a roof, or an exterior wall assembly. (See
NoteA-3.1.8.3.(4).)
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.8.4. Determination of Ratings and Classifications
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.1.8.16.(1), the fire-protection rating of a closure shall be determined in
accordance with
a) CAN/ULC-S104, “Fire Tests of Door Assemblies,”
b) CAN4-S106-M, “Fire Tests of Window and Glass Block Assemblies,” or
c) CAN/ULC-S112, “Fire Test of Fire Damper Assemblies.”
(SeeArticles3.1.8.17. to3.1.8.19. for additional requirements for closures.)
2) Except as permitted by Sentence3.1.8.12.(1), the fire-protection rating of a closure shall conform to Table3.1.8.4.
for the required fire-resistance rating of the fire separation.
3) The leakage rate of smoke dampers and combination smoke/fire dampers shall
a) be determined in accordance with the applicable provisions in CAN/ULC-S112.1, “Leakage Rated Dampers
for Use in Smoke Control Systems,” and
b) conform to Class I, II or III of that standard.
4) The leakage rate of a door assembly shall be determined in accordance with ANSI/UL-1784, “Air Leakage
Tests of Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives.”
3.1.8.5. Installation of Closures
1) Except where fire dampers, window assemblies and glass block are used as closures, closures of the same
fire-protection rating installed on opposite sides of the same opening are deemed to have a fire-protection rating equal to the
sum of the fire-protection ratings of the closures. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(2).)
2) Except as otherwise specified in this Part, every door, fire damper, window assembly or glass block used as a
closure in a required fire separation shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 80, “Fire Doors and Other Opening
Protectives.” (SeeNote
A-3.1.8.1.(2).)
3) Except as otherwise specified in this Part, every smoke damper or combination smoke/fire damper used as a
closure in a required fire separation shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 105, “Smoke Door Assemblies and
Other Opening Protectives.”
4) If a door is installed such that it could damage the integrity of a fire separation if its swing is unrestricted, door
stops shall be installed to prevent the damage.
5) Protective guarding devices shall be
a) provided where necessary to prevent damage to the mechanical components of doors in fire separations, and
b) installed so as not to interfere with the proper operation of the doors.
6) A leakage-rated door assembly complying with Sentence3.1.8.4.(4) shall be installed in
a) fire separations in protected floor areas referred to in Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(b),
b) fire separations in care or treatment occupancies referred to in Sentence3.3.3.5.(4),
c) except as provided in Sentence(8), fire separations of public corridors serving dwelling units in storeys that are not
sprinklered, and
d) firewalls that are a horizontal exit referred to in Sentence3.3.3.5.(3).
Table 3.1.8.4.
Fire-Protection Rating of Closures
Forming Part of Sentences 3.1.8.4.(2) and 3.1.9.1.(1)
Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation Minimum Fire-Protection Rating of Closure
45 min 45 min
1 h 45 min
1.5 h 1 h
2 h 1.5 h
3 h 2 h
4 h 3 h
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7) Leakage-rated door assemblies required by Sentence(6) shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 105,
“Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives.”
8) A leakage-rated door assembly need not be installed where a dwelling unit served by a public corridor has
a) a second and separate means of egress, or
b) an open-air balcony that is sized to accommodate the number of occupants for which the dwelling unit is
intended.
3.1.8.6. Maximum Openings
1) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation required to be protected with a closure shall be not more
than11 m
2
, with no dimension more than 3.7 m, if a fire compartment on either side of the fire separation is not
sprinklered.
2) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation required to be protected with a closure shall be not more
than 22 m
2
, with no dimension more than 6 m, provided the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are
sprinklered.
3.1.8.7. Location of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers
1) Except as provided in Article3.1.8.8., a fire damper having a fire-protection rating conforming to
Sentence3.1.8.4.(2) shall be installed in conformance with Article3.1.8.10. in ducts or air-transfer openings that
penetrate an assembly required to be a fire separation.
2) Except as provided in Article3.1.8.9., a smoke damper or a combination smoke/fire damper shall be installed
in conformance with Article3.1.8.11. in ducts or air-transfer openings that penetrate an assembly required to be a
fire separation, where the fire separation
a) separates a public corridor,
b) contains an egress door referred to in Sentence3.4.2.4.(2),
c) serves an assembly, care, treatment, detention or residential occupancy, or
d) is installed to meet the requirements of Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(b) or Sentence3.3.3.5.(4).
3.1.8.8. Fire Dampers Waived
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), the requirement for fire dampers stated in Sentence3.1.8.7.(1) is permitted
to be waived for
a) ducts that serve commercial cooking equipment (seealso Article6.3.1.7.),
b) continuous noncombustible ducts having a melting point above 760°C that penetrate a vertical fire separation
required by Sentence3.3.1.1.(1) between suites of assembly, mercantile,
low-hazard industrial, medium-hazard
industrial or high-hazard industrial occupancy,
c) ducts or air-transfer openings that penetrate a vertical fire separation not required to have a fire-resistance rating,
or
d) noncombustible ducts or air-transfer openings that penetrate a horizontal fire separation not required to have a
fire-resistance rating.
2) The requirement for fire dampers stated in Sentence3.1.8.7.(1) is permitted to be waived for noncombustible
branch ducts having a melting point above 760°C that penetrate a fire separation,
a) provided the ducts
i) have a cross-sectional area not more than0.013 m
2
and serve only air-conditioning units or combined
air-conditioning and heating units discharging air not more than1.2 m above the floor, or
ii) extend not less than 500 mm inside exhaust duct risers that are under negative pressure and in which the
airflow is upward as required by Article3.6.3.4., or
b) where the fire separation separates a vertical service space from the remainder of the building, provided each
individual duct exhausts directly to the outdoors at the top of the vertical service space.
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3.1.8.9. Smoke Dampers Waived
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), the requirement for smoke dampers or combination smoke/fire dampers
stated in Sentence3.1.8.7.(2) is permitted to be waived for ducts
a) that serve commercial cooking equipment (seealso Article6.3.1.7.),
b) in which all inlet and outlet openings serve not more thanone fire compartment, or
c) that penetrate a vertical fire separation referred to in Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(b) or in Sentence3.3.3.5.(4), provided
i) the movement of air is continuous, and
ii) the configuration of the air-handling system prevents the recirculation of exhaust or return air under fire
emergency conditions.
2) The requirement for smoke dampers or combination smoke/fire dampers stated in Sentence3.1.8.7.(2) is
permitted to be waived for noncombustible branch ducts having a melting point above 760°C that penetrate a
fire separation,
a) provided the ducts
i) have a cross-sectional area not more than0.013 m
2
and serve only air-conditioning units or combined
air-conditioning and heating units discharging air not more than1.2 m above the floor,
ii) extend not less than 500 mm inside exhaust duct risers that are under negative pressure and in which the
airflow is upward as required by Article3.6.3.4., or
iii) are required to function as part of a smoke control system, or
b) where the fire separation separates a vertical service space from the remainder of the building, provided each
individual duct exhausts directly to the outdoors at the top of the vertical service space.
3.1.8.10. Installation of Fire Dampers
1) A fire damper shall be installed in the plane of the fire separation so as to stay in place should the duct become
dislodged during a fire. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.10.(1).)
2) A fire damper shall be arranged so as to close automatically upon the operation of a fusible link conforming to
ULC-S505, “Fusible Links for Fire Protection Service,” or other heat-actuated or smoke-actuated device.
3) A heat-actuated device referred to in Sentence(2) shall
a) be located where it is readily affected by an abnormal rise in temperature in the duct, and
b) have a temperature rating approximately 30°C above the maximum temperature that would exist in the
system, whether it is in operation or shut down.
4) A fire damper tested in the vertical or horizontal position shall be installed in the position in which it
was tested.
5) A tightly fitted access door shall be installed for each fire damper to provide access for the inspection of the
damper and the resetting of the release device. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.10.(5).)
3.1.8.11. Installation of Smoke Dampers
1) Where smoke dampers are used as a closure in an air-transfer opening, they shall be installed in the plane of the
fire separation.
2) Where combination smoke/fire dampers are used as a closure in a duct, they shall be installed within 610 mm of
the plane of the fire separation, provided there is no inlet or outlet opening between the fire separation and the damper.
3) Except as required by a smoke control system, smoke dampers and combination smoke/fire dampers shall be
configured so as to close automatically upon a signal from an adjacent
smoke detector located as described in
CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” within 1.5m horizontally of the duct or air-transfer opening
in the fire separation
a) on both sides of the air-transfer opening, or
b) in the duct downstream of the smoke damper or combination smoke/fire damper.
4) Smoke dampers or combination smoke/fire dampers shall be installed in the vertical or horizontal position in
which they were tested.
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5) A tightly fitted access door shall be installed for each smoke damper and combination smoke/fire damper to
provide access for their inspection and the resetting of the release device. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.10.(5).)
3.1.8.12. Twenty-Minute Closures
1) A door assembly having a fire-protection rating not less than 20 min is permitted to be used as a closure in
a) a fire separation not required to have a fire-resistance rating more than 1h, located between
i) a public corridor and a suite,
ii) a corridor and adjacent sleeping rooms, or
iii) a corridor and adjacent classrooms, offices and libraries in GroupA, Division2 major occupancies, or
b) a fire separation not required to have a fire-resistance rating more than 45min, located in a building not more
than3 storeys in building height.
2) The requirements for noncombustible sills and combustible floor coverings in NFPA80, “Fire Doors and Other
Opening Protectives,” do not apply to a door described in Sentence(1).
3) A door described in Sentence(1) shall have clearances of not more than6mm at the bottom and not more
than3mm at the sides and top.
3.1.8.13. Self-closing Devices
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), every door in a fire separation, other than doors to freight elevators and
dumbwaiters, shall be equipped with a self-closing device designed to return the door to the closed position after
each use.
2) A self-closing device need not be provided on a door that is located between
a) a classroom and a corridor providing access to exit from the classroom in a building that is not more
than
3storeys in building height,
b) a public corridor and an adjacent room of business and personal services occupancy in a building that is not more
than3 storeys in building height provided the door is not located in a dead-end portion of the corridor,
c) a patients’ sleeping room and a corridor serving the patients’ sleeping room, provided the room and corridor
are within a fire compartment in a hospital or nursing home with treatment that complies with the requirements of
Article3.3.3.5., or
d) a patients’ sleeping room and an adjacent room that serves the patients’ sleeping room, provided these rooms
are within a fire compartment in a hospital or nursing home with treatment that complies with the requirements of
Article3.3.3.5.
3.1.8.14. Hold-Open Devices
1) Except as provided in Sentences3.1.8.10.(2) and 3.1.8.11.(3), a hold-open device is permitted to be used on a
closure in a required fire separation, other than on an exit stair door in a building more than 3 storeys in building height and on
a door for a vestibule required by Article3.3.5.7., provided the device is designed to release the closure in conformance
with this Article.
2) Except as provided in Sentences(5) and(6), where the building is provided with a fire alarm system, a
hold-open device permitted by Sentence(1) shall release
a) in a single-stage system, upon any signal from the fire alarm system, and
b) in a 2-stage system,
i) upon any alert signal from the fire alarm system, or
ii) upon actuation of any adjacent smoke detectors.
3) Where the building is provided with a fire alarm system, a hold-open device permitted by Sentence
(1) shall
release upon a signal from a smoke detector connected to the fire alarm system and located as described in
CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” where the hold-open device is used on
a) an exit door,
b) a door opening into a public corridor,
c) an egress door referred to in Sentence3.4.2.4.(2),
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
d) a closure serving an assembly, care, treatment, detention, or residential occupancy,
e) a door in a fire separation referred to in Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(b) or Sentence3.3.3.5.(4), or
f) a door required to function as part of a smoke control system.
4) Where the building is not provided with a fire alarm system, a hold-open device permitted by Sentence(1)
shall release upon a signal from a smoke alarm located on each side of the fire separation at ceiling level within 1.5 m
horizontally of the closure opening in the fire separation, where the hold-open device is used on closures described in
Clauses(3)(a) to (e).
5) Where a hold-open device is used on closures other than those described in Sentences(3) and(4), it is
permitted to be released upon actuation of a heat-actuated device.
6) A hold-open device used on a door located between a corridor used by the public and an adjacent sleeping
room in a treatment occupancy need not release automatically as stated in Sentence(2).
3.1.8.15. Door Latches
1) Except as permitted by Article3.3.3.5., a swing-type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a positive
latching mechanism designed to hold the door in the closed position after each use.
3.1.8.16. Wired Glass and Glass Block
1) Except as permitted by Articles3.1.8.18. and3.1.8.19. for the separation of exits, an opening in a fire separation
having a fire-resistance rating not more than1h is permitted to be protected with fixed wired glass assemblies or glass
blocks installed in conformance with NFPA80, “Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.”
2) Wired glass assemblies permitted by Sentence(1) and described in AppendixD are permitted to be used as
closures in vertical fire separations without being tested in accordance with Sentence3.1.8.4.(1).
3) Glass blocks permitted by Sentence(1) shall be installed in accordance with Subsection4.3.2. and reinforced
with steel reinforcement in each horizontal joint.
3.1.8.17. Temperature Rise Limit for Doors
1) Except as permitted by Article3.1.8.19., the maximum temperature rise on the opaque portion of the
unexposed side of a door used as a closure in a fire separation in a location shown in Table3.1.8.17. shall conform to the
Table when tested in conformance with Sentence3.1.8.4.(1).
Table 3.1.8.17.
Restrictions on Temperature Rise and Glazing for Closures
Forming Part of Articles 3.1.8.17. and 3.1.8.18.
Location
Minimum Required
Fire-Protection Rating
of Door
Maximum Temperature
Rise on Opaque Portion
of Unexposed Side
of Door, °C
Maximum Area of Wired
Glass in Door, m
2
Maximum Aggregate
Area of Glass Block and
Wired Glass Panels
not in a Door, m
2
Between a dead-end corridor and an adjacent
occupancy where the corridor provides the only
access to exit and is required to have a
fire-resistance rating
Less than 45 min No limit No limit No limit
45 min 250 after 30 min 0.0645 0.0645
Between an exit enclosure and the adjacent
floor area in a building not more than 3 storeys
in building height
All ratings No limit 0.8 0.8
Between an exit enclosure and the adjacent
floor area (except as permitted above)
45 min 250 after 30 min 0.0645 0.0645
1.5 h 250 after 1 h 0.0645 0.0645
2 h 250 after 1 h 0.0645 0.0645
In a firewall 1.5 h 250 after 30 min 0.0645 0
3 h 250 after 1 h 0 0
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3.1.8.18. Area Limits for Wired Glass and Glass Block
1) Except as permitted by Article3.1.8.19., the maximum area of wired glass in a door used in the locations
shown in Table3.1.8.17. shall conform to the Table. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.18.(1).)
2) Except as permitted by Article3.1.8.19., the maximum area of glass block and wired glass panels not in a
door, used in the locations shown in Table3.1.8.17., shall conform to the Table.
3.1.8.19. Temperature Rise and Area Limits Waived
1) The temperature rise limits and glass area limits required by Articles3.1.8.17. and3.1.8.18. are waived for a
closure between an exit enclosure and an enclosed vestibule or corridor, provided
a) the vestibule or corridor is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a
fire-resistance rating not less than 45min,
b) the fire separation required by Clause(a) contains no wired glass or glass block within 3m of the closure into the
exit enclosure, and
c) the vestibule or corridor contains no occupancy.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.8.19.(1).)
3.1.9. Penetrations in Fire Separations and Fire-Rated Assemblies
(SeeNoteA-3.1.9.)
3.1.9.1. Fire Stops
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2) to(5) and Article3.1.9.4., penetrations of a fire separation or a membrane
forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be
a) sealed by a fire stop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop
Systems,” has an F rating not less than the fire-protection rating required for closures in the fire separation in
conformance with Table3.1.8.4.,
b) cast in place (seeNoteA-3.1.9.1.(1)(b)), or
c) tightly fitted (see Note A-3.1.9.1.(1)(c)).
(Seealso Article3.1.9.5. for requirements regarding penetrations by combustible drain, waste and vent piping.)
2) Penetrations of a firewall or a horizontal fire separation that is required to have a fire-resistance rating in
conformance with Article3.2.1.2. shall be sealed at the penetration by a fire stop that, when subjected to the fire test
method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating
for the fire separation.
3) Penetrations of a fire separation in conformance with Sentence3.6.4.2.(2) shall be sealed by a fire stop that, when
subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less
than the fire-resistance rating for the fire separation of the assembly.
4) Sprinklers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to
have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the fire stop requirements of Sentences(1) to(3), provided the
annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler is covered by a metal escutcheon plate in accordance with
NFPA13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems.”
5) Unless specifically designed with a fire stop, fire dampers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a
membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the fire stop
requirements of Sentences(1) to(3), provided the fire damper is installed in conformance with NFPA80, “Fire Doors
and Other Opening Protectives.”
3.1.9.2. Combustibility of Service Penetrations
1) Except as permitted by Articles3.1.9.3. and3.1.9.5., pipes, ducts, electrical outlet boxes, totally enclosed
raceways or other similar service equipment that penetrate an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating shall be
noncombustible, unless the assembly was tested incorporating that service equipment. (SeeNoteA-3.1.9.2.(1).)
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3.1.9.3. Penetration by Wires, Cables and Outlet Boxes
1) Optical fibre cables and electrical wires and cables in totally enclosed noncombustible raceways are permitted to
penetrate an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of
testing as required by Article3.1.9.2.
2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), totally enclosed non-metallic raceways conforming to Article3.1.5.23.,
optical fibre cables, and electrical wires and cables, single or grouped, with combustible insulation, jackets or sheathes
that conform to the requirements of Clause3.1.5.21.(1)(a) and that are not installed in totally enclosed noncombustible
raceways are permitted to penetrate an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in
the assembly at the time of testing as required by Article3.1.9.2., provided the overall diameter of the single or
grouped wires or cables, or the raceways is not more than25 mm.
3) Single conductor metal sheathed cables with combustible jacketting that are more than 25 mm in overall
diameter are permitted to penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in
the assembly at the time of testing as required by Article3.1.9.2., provided the cables are not grouped and are spaced
a minimum of 300 mm apart.
4) Combustible totally enclosed raceways that are embedded in a concrete floor slab are permitted in an assembly
required to have a fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required by
Article3.1.9.2., provided the concrete cover between the raceway and the bottom of the slab is not less than 50 mm.
5) Combustible outlet boxes are permitted in an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating without being
incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required by Article3.1.9.2., provided the opening through the
membrane into the box is not more than0.016 m
2
.
3.1.9.4. Penetration by Outlet Boxes
(SeeNoteA-3.1.9.4.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the membrane of an assembly
required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a fire stop that has an FT rating
not less than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115,
“Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.”
2) Except as provided in Sentences3.1.9.1.(2) and(3), noncombustible outlet boxes that penetrate a vertical fire
separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to
Sentence (1), provided
a) they do not exceed
i) 0.016 m
2
in area, and
ii) an aggregate area of 0.065 m
2
in any 9.3 m
2
of surface area, and
b) the annular space between the membrane and the noncombustible electrical outlet boxes does not exceed 3mm.
3) In addition to the requirements of Sentence(2), outlet boxes on opposite sides of a vertical fire separation
having a fire-resistance rating shall be separated by
a) a horizontal distance of not less than 600mm, or
b) a fire block conforming to Article3.1.11.7.
3.1.9.5. Combustible Piping Penetrations
1) Combustible sprinkler piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation provided the fire compartments on each side
of the fire separation are sprinklered.
2) Combustible water distribution piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation that is required to have a
fire-resistance rating without being incorporated in the assembly at the time of testing as required by Article3.1.9.2.,
provided the piping is protected at the penetration with a fire stop in conformance with Sentence(4).
3) Except as permitted by Sentences(4) to(5), combustible piping shall not be used in a drain, waste and vent
piping system if any part of that system penetrates
a) a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating, or
b) a membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating.
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4) Combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance
rating or a membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided
a) the piping is sealed at the penetration by a fire stop that has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating
required for the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Fire Tests of
Firestop Systems,” with a pressure differential of 50 Pa between the exposed and unexposed sides, with the
higher pressure on the exposed side, and
b) the piping is not located in a vertical service space.
5) Combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a vertical fire separation provided it is not
located in a vertical service space.
6) Combustible piping for central vacuum systems is permitted to penetrate a fire separation provided the
installation conforms to the requirements that apply to combustible drain, waste and vent piping specified in
Sentence(4).
3.1.9.6. Openings for Ducts through a Membrane Ceiling
1) A membrane ceiling forming part of an assembly assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of AppendixD or
Sentence 3.1.7.1.(4) is permitted to be penetrated by openings leading into ducts within the ceiling space, provided
a) the ducts are sheet steel, and
b) the number of openings and their protection conform to the requirements of AppendixD.
3.1.9.7. Plenums
1) A ceiling assembly used as a plenum shall conform to Article3.6.4.3.
3.1.10. Firewalls
3.1.10.1. Prevention of Firewall Collapse
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), the connections and supports for structural framing members that are
connected to or supported on a firewall and have a fire-resistance rating less than that required for the firewall, shall be
designed so that the failure of the framing systems during a fire will not affect the integrity of the firewall during the
fire.
2) Sentence(1) does not apply to a firewall consisting of two separate wall assemblies each tied to its respective
building frame but not to each other, provided each wall assembly is
a) a fire separation having one half of the fire-resistance rating required for the firewall by Sentences3.1.10.2.(1)
and(2), and
b) designed so that the collapse of one wall assembly will not cause collapse of the other.
3) A firewall is permitted to be supported on the structural frame of a building of noncombustible construction
provided the supporting frame has a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the firewall.
4) Piping, ducts and totally enclosed noncombustible raceways shall be installed so that their collapse will not cause
collapse of the firewall.
3.1.10.2. Rating of Firewalls
1) A firewall that separates a building or buildings with floor areas containing a GroupE or a GroupF, Division1 or
2 major occupancy shall be constructed as a fire separation of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance rating not less
than 4h, except that where the upper portion of a firewall separates floor areas containing other than GroupE or
Group
F, Division1 or 2 major occupancies, the fire-resistance rating of the upper portion of the firewall is permitted to be
not less than 2h.
2) A firewall that separates a building or buildings with floor areas containing major occupancies other than GroupE or
GroupF, Division1 or 2 shall be constructed as a fire separation of noncombustible construction having a fire-resistance rating
not less than 2h.
3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), the required fire-resistance rating of a firewall, except for closures, shall be
provided by masonry or concrete.
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4) A firewall permitted to have a fire-resistance rating not more than2h need not be constructed of masonry or
concrete, provided
a) the assembly providing the fire-resistance rating is protected against damage that would compromise the
integrity of the assembly, and
b) the design conforms to Article4.1.5.17.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.10.2.(4).)
3.1.10.3. Continuity of Firewalls
1) A firewall shall extend from the ground continuously through, or adjacent to, all storeys of a building or buildings
so separated, except that a firewall located above a basement storage garage conforming to Article3.2.1.2. is permitted to
commence at the floor assembly immediately above the storage garage. (Seealso Sentence3.1.10.1.(3).)
2) A firewall is permitted to terminate on the underside of a reinforced concrete roof slab, provided
a) the roof slab on both sides of the firewall has a fire-resistance rating not less than
i) 1h if the firewall is required to have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2h, or
ii) 2h if the firewall is required to have a fire-resistance rating not less than 4h, and
b) there are no concealed spaces within the roof slab in that portion immediately above the firewall.
3.1.10.4. Parapets
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.1.10.3.(2), a firewall shall extend above the roof surface to form a
parapet not less than
a) 150mm high for a firewall required to have a fire-resistance rating not less than 2h, and
b) 900mm high for a firewall required to have a fire-resistance rating not less than 4h.
2) A firewall that separates 2 buildings with roofs at different elevations need not extend above the upper roof
surface to form a parapet, provided the difference in elevation between the roofs is more than 3m.
3.1.10.5. Maximum Openings
1) Openings in a firewall shall conform to the size limits described in Article3.1.8.6. and the aggregate width of
openings shall be not more than25% of the entire length of the firewall.
3.1.10.6. Exposure Protection for Adjacent Walls
1) The requirements of Article3.2.3.14. shall apply to the external walls of 2 buildings that meet at a firewall at an
angle less than 135°.
3.1.10.7. Combustible Projections
1) Combustible material shall not extend across the end of a firewall but is permitted to extend across a roof above
a firewall that is terminated in conformance with Sentence3.1.10.3.(2).
2) If buildings are separated by a firewall, combustible projections on the exterior of one building, including balconies,
platforms, canopies, eave projections and stairs, that extend outward beyond the end of the firewall, shall not be
permitted within 2.4m of combustible projections and window or door openings of the adjacent building. (Seealso
Article3.2.3.6.)
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3.1.11. Fire Blocks in Concealed Spaces
3.1.11.1. Separation of Concealed Spaces
1) Concealed spaces in interior wall, ceiling and crawl spaces shall be separated from concealed spaces in
exterior walls and attic or roof spaces by fire blocks conforming to Article3.1.11.7.
3.1.11.2. Fire Blocks in Wall Assemblies
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), fire blocks conforming to Article3.1.11.7. shall be provided to block off
concealed spaces within a wall assembly
a) at every floor level,
b) at every ceiling level where the ceiling forms part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, and
c) so that the maximum horizontal dimension is not more than20m and the maximum vertical dimension is
not more than3m.
2) Fire blocks conforming to Sentence(1) are not required, provided
a) the wall space is filled with insulation,
b) the exposed construction materials and any insulation within the wall space are noncombustible,
c) the exposed materials within the space, including insulation but not including wiring, piping or similar
services, have a flame-spread rating not more than25 on any exposed surface, or on any surface that would be
exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, and fire blocks are installed so that the vertical
distance between them is not more than10 m, or
d) the insulated wall assembly contains not more than one concealed air space, and the horizontal thickness of
that air space is not more than25 mm.
3.1.11.3. Fire Blocks between Nailing and Supporting Elements
1) In a building required to be of noncombustible construction, a concealed space in which there is an exposed ceiling
finish with a flame-spread rating more than 25 shall be provided with fire blocks conforming to Article3.1.11.7. between
wood nailing elements so that the maximum area of the concealed space is not more than2m
2
.
2) In a building required to be of noncombustible construction, fire blocks conforming to Article3.1.11.7. shall be
provided in the concealed spaces created by the wood members permitted by Sentence3.1.5.10.(2) so that the
maximum area of a concealed space is not more than10 m
2
.
3) In a
building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, a concealed space in
which there is an exposed ceiling finish with a flame-spread rating more than 25 shall be provided with fire blocks
conforming to Article 3.1.11.7. between wood nailing elements so that the maximum area of the concealed space is
not more than 2 m
2
.
(See Note A-3.1.11.3.(3).)
4) In a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, fire blocks conforming to
Article 3.1.11.7. shall be provided in the concealed spaces created by the wood members permitted by Sentence
3.1.18.10.(1) so that the maximum area of a concealed space is not more than 10 m
2
.
3.1.11.4. Fire Blocks between Vertical and Horizontal Spaces
1) Fire blocks conforming to Article3.1.11.7. shall be provided
a) at all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces in interior coved ceilings, drop
ceilings and soffits in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a flame-spread rating
more than25, and
b) at the end of each run and at each floor level in concealed spaces between stair stringers in which the exposed
construction materials within the space have a flame-spread rating more than25.
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3.1.11.5. Fire Blocks in Horizontal Concealed Spaces
1) Except for crawl spaces conforming to Sentence3.1.11.6.(1) and as required in Sentence(3), horizontal
concealed spaces within a floor assembly or roof assembly of combustible construction, in which sprinklers are not
installed, shall be separated by construction conforming to Article3.1.11.7. into compartments
a) not more than600 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 60 m if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating not more than25, and
b) not more than300 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 20 m if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating more than 25.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.11.5.(1).)
2) A concealed space in an exterior cornice, a mansard-style roof, a balcony or a canopy in which exposed
construction materials within the space have a flame-spread rating more than 25, shall be separated by construction
conforming to Article3.1.11.7.
a) at locations where the concealed space extends across the ends of required vertical fire separations, and
b) so that the maximum dimension in the concealed space is not more than20 m.
3) Except as provided in Sentence(5
), in buildings or parts thereof conforming to Article3.2.2.50. or3.2.2.58.,
horizontal concealed spaces within a floor assembly or roof assembly of combustible construction shall be separated by
construction conforming to Article3.1.11.7. into compartments that are
a) not more than600 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 60 m, if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating not more than25, and
b) not more than300 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 20 m, if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating more than 25.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.11.5.(3).)
4) Except for crawl spaces conforming to Sentence 3.1.11.6.(1) and except as provided in Sentence (5), in
buildings or parts thereof conforming to Article 3.2.2.48EMTC. or 3.2.2.57EMTC., horizontal concealed spaces
within a floor assembly or roof assembly of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be separated by construction
conforming to Article 3.1.11.7. into compartments that are
a) not more than 600 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 60 m, if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25, and
b) not more than 300 m
2
in area with no dimension more than 20 m, if the exposed construction materials
within the space have a flame-spread rating more than 25.
5) Fire blocks conforming to Sentence(3) or (4) are not required where the horizontal concealed space within the
floor or roof assembly is entirely filled with noncombustible insulation such that any air gap between the top of the
insulation and the floor or roof deck does not exceed 50 mm.
3.1.11.6. Fire Blocks in Crawl Spaces
1) A crawl space that is not considered as a basement by Article3.2.2.9. and in which sprinklers are not installed,
shall be separated by construction conforming to Article3.1.11.7. into compartments not more than600 m
2
in area
with no dimension more than 30m.
3.1.11.7. Fire Block Materials
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(5
) and(8), fire blocks shall remain in place and prevent the passage of
flames for not less than 15 min when subjected to the standard fire exposure in CAN/ULC-S101, “Fire Endurance
Tests of Building Construction and Materials.”
2) Gypsum board not less than 12.7 mm thick and sheet steel not less than 0.38 mm thick need not be tested in
conformance with Sentence(1), provided all joints have continuous support.
3) In a building required to be of noncombustible construction, wood nailing elements described in Article3.1.5.8.
need not be tested in conformance with Sentence(1).
4) In a
building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, wood nailing elements
referred to in Article 3.1.18.9. need not be tested in conformance with Sentence (1).
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5) In a building permitted to be of combustible construction, in a combustible roof system permitted by
Sentences
3.1.5.3.(2) and 3.1.18.5.(1), and in a raised platform permitted by Sentences3.1.5.10.(2) and 3.1.18.10.(1),
fire blocks are permitted to be
a) solid lumber or a structural composite lumber product conforming to ASTM D 5456, “Evaluation of
Structural Composite Lumber Products,” not less than 38mm thick,
b) phenolic bonded plywood, waferboard, or oriented strandboard not less than 12.5mm thick with joints
supported, or
c) two thicknesses of lumber or a structural composite lumber product conforming to ASTM D 5456,
“Evaluation of Structural Composite Lumber Products,” each not less than 19mm thick with joints
staggered, where the width or height of the concealed space requires more than one piece of lumber or
structural composite lumber product not less than 38mm thick to block off the space.
6) Openings through materials referred to in Sentences(1) to(4) shall be protected to maintain the integrity of
the construction.
7) Where materials referred to in Sentences(1) to(4) are penetrated by construction elements or by service
equipment, a fire stop shall be used to seal the penetration. (SeeNoteA-3.1.11.7.(7
).)
8) In buildings permitted to be of combustible construction, semi-rigid fibre insulation board produced from glass,
rock or slag is permitted to be used to block the vertical space in a double stud wall assembly formed at the
intersection of the floor assembly and the walls, provided the width of the vertical space does not exceed 25mm and
the insulation board
a) has a density not less than 45kg/m
3
,
b) is securely fastened to one set of studs,
c) extends from below the bottom of the top plates in the lower storey to above the top of the bottom plate in
the upper storey, and
d) completely fills the portion of the vertical space between the headers and between the wall plates.
(SeeNoteA-3.1.11.7.(8
).)
3.1.12. Flame-Spread Rating and Smoke Developed Classification
3.1.12.1. Determination of Ratings
1) Except as required by Sentence(2) and as permitted by Sentence(3), the flame-spread rating and smoke
developed classification of a material, assembly, or structural member shall be determined on the basis of not less
than three tests conducted in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102, “Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies.”
2) The flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification of a material or assembly shall be determined on the
basis of not less than three tests conducted in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.2, “Test for Surface Burning
Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies,” if the material or
assembly
a) is designed for use in a relatively horizontal position with only its top surface exposed to air,
b) cannot be tested in conformance with Sentence(1) without the use of supporting material that is not
representative of the intended installation, or
c) is thermoplastic.
3) A material, assembly, or structural member is permitted to be assigned a flame-spread rating and smoke
developed classification on the basis of AppendixD.
3.1.13. Interior Finish
3.1.13.1. Interior Finishes, Furnishings and Decorative Materials
1) Except as otherwise provided by this Subsection, interior finishes, furnishings and decorative materials shall
conform to Section2.3. of DivisionB of the British Columbia Fire Code.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
2) Interior finish material shall include any material that forms part of the interior surface of a floor, wall,
partition or ceiling, including
a) interior cladding of plaster, wood or tile,
b) surfacing of fabric, paint, plastic, veneer or wallpaper,
c) doors, windows and trim,
d) lighting elements such as light diffusers and lenses forming part of the finished surface of the ceiling, and
e) carpet material that overlies a floor that is not intended as the finished floor.
3.1.13.2. Flame-Spread Rating
1) Except as otherwise required or permitted by this Subsection, the flame-spread rating of interior wall and ceiling
finishes, including glazing and skylights, shall be not more than150 and shall conform to Table3.1.13.2.
2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), doors, other than those in GroupA, Division1 occupancies, need not
conform to Sentence(1) provided they have a flame-spread rating not more than200. (SeeNoteA-3.1.13.2.(2).)
3) Doors within a dwelling unit need not conform to Sentences(1) and(2).
4) Up to 10% of the total wall area and 10% of the total ceiling area of a wall or ceiling finish that is required by
Sentence(1) to have a flame-spread rating less than 150 is permitted to have a flame-spread rating not more than150,
except that up to 25% of the total wall area of lobbies described in Sentence3.4.4.2.(2) is permitted to have a
flame-spread rating not more than 150.
5) Except in the case of Group A, Division 1 occupancies, combustible doors, skylights, glazing and light diffusers
and lenses shall not be considered in the calculation of wall and ceiling areas described in Sentence(4).
3.1.13.3. Bathrooms in Residential Suites
1) The flame-spread rating of interior wall and ceiling finishes for a bathroom within a suite of residential occupancy
shall be not more than200.
Table 3.1.13.2.
Flame-Spread Ratings
Forming Part of Sentence 3.1.13.2.(1)
Occupancy, Location or Element
Maximum Flame-Spread Rating for Walls and Ceilings
Sprinklered Not Sprinklered
Group A, Division 1 occupancies, including doors, skylights, glazing and
light diffusers and lenses
150 75
Group B occupancies 150 75
Exits
(1)
25 25
Lobbies described in Sentence 3.4.4.2.(2) 25 25
Covered vehicular passageways, except for roof assemblies of heavy
timber construction in the passageways
25 25
Vertical service spaces 25 25
Notes to Table3.1.13.2.:
(1) See Articles 3.1.13.8. and 3.1.13.10.
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3.1.13.4. Light Diffusers and Lenses
1) The flame-spread rating of combustible light diffusers and lenses in all occupancies other than Group A, Division1 is
permitted to be more than the flame-spread rating limits required elsewhere in this Subsection, provided the light
diffusers and lenses
a) have a flame-spread rating not more than250 and a smoke developed classification not more than600 when
tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.2, “Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring,
Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies,”
b) fall to the bottom of the test apparatus before igniting when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S102.3,
“Fire Test of Light Diffusers and Lenses,”
c) are not prevented from falling from the ceiling by construction located beneath the elements, and
d) are not used in a corridor that is required to be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation
or in an exit shaft unless individual diffusers or lenses are not more than1m
2
in area and are not less than
1.2 m apart.
3.1.13.5. Skylights
1) Individual combustible skylights in a corridor that is required to be separated from the remainder of the building
by a fire separation shall be not more than1m
2
in area and not less than 1.2 m apart.
3.1.13.6. Corridors
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), the flame-spread rating shall be not more than75 for the interior
wall finish of
a) a public corridor,
b) a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy, or
c) a corridor serving classrooms.
2) The flame-spread rating for corridors specified in Sentence(1) is permitted to be waived, provided the
flame-spread rating is not more than
a) 25 on the upper half of the wall, and
b) 150 on the lower half of the wall.
3) Where the floor area is sprinklered throughout, the flame-spread ratings for corridors specified in Sentences(1)
and(2) shall be not more than150.
4) The flame-spread ratings specified in Sentences(1),(2) and(3) apply to occupancies in the corridor as well as to the
corridor itself.
5) Except as provided in Sentence(6), the interior ceiling finish of corridors and occupancies referred to in
Sentences(1) and(4) shall have a flame-spread rating not more than25.
6) Where the floor area is sprinklered throughout, the flame-spread rating of the interior ceiling finish of corridors and
occupancies referred to in Sentences(1) and(4) shall be not more than150.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.13.7. High Buildings
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), the interior wall, ceiling and floor finishes in a building regulated
by the provisions of Subsection3.2.6. shall conform to the flame-spread rating requirements in Articles3.1.13.2.
and3.1.13.11. and to the flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification values in Table3.1.13.7.
2) Except for a building of GroupB major occupancy and elevator cars, the flame-spread rating and smoke developed
classification of interior wall, floor and ceiling finishes need not conform to the values in Table3.1.13.7., provided
the building is sprinklered.
3) Trim and millwork in an exit stairway, a vestibule to an exit stairway, a lobby described in Sentence3.4.4.2.(2),
or a corridor not within a suite need not conform to the flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification
requirements of Sentence(1) provided they have
a) a flame-spread rating not more than150,
b) a smoke developed classification not more than300, and
c) an aggregate area not more than10% of the area of the wall or ceiling on which they occur.
4) A door serving an exit stairway, a vestibule to an exit stairway, a lobby described in Sentence3.4.4.2.(2), or a
corridor not within a suite need not conform to the flame-spread rating and smoke developed classification requirements
of Sentence(1) provided
a) it has a flame-spread rating not more than200,
b) it has a smoke developed classification not more than300, and
c) the aggregate area of all doors is not more than10% of the area of the wall in which they are located.
3.1.13.8. Noncombustible Construction
1) In a building required to be of noncombustible construction,
a) the flame-spread ratings required by Subsection3.1.5. shall apply in addition to the requirements in this
Subsection, and
b) the flame-spread ratings for exits in this Subsection shall also apply to any surface in the exit that would be
exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, except that this requirement does not apply to
doors, heavy timber construction in a
sprinklered building and fire-retardant-treated wood.
3.1.13.9. Underground Walkways
1) Except for paint, the interior wall and ceiling finishes of an underground walkway shall be of noncombustible
materials.
Table 3.1.13.7.
Flame-Spread Rating and Smoke Developed Classification in High Buildings
Forming Part of Sentence 3.1.13.7.(1)
Location or Element
Maximum Flame-Spread Rating Maximum Smoke Developed Classification
Wall Surface
Ceiling
Surface
(1)
Floor
Surface
Wall Surface
Ceiling
Surface
(1)
Floor
Surface
Exit stairways, vestibules to exit stairs and lobbies described in
Sentence 3.4.4.2.(2)
25 25 25 50 50 50
Corridors not within suites
(2) (2)
300 100 50 500
Elevator cars 75 75 300 450 450 450
Elevator vestibules 25 25 300 100 100 300
Service spaces and service rooms 25 25 25 50 50 50
Other locations and elements
(2) (2)
No Limit 300 50 No Limit
Notes to Table3.1.13.7.:
(1) See Article 3.1.13.4. for lighting elements.
(2) Other requirements of this Part apply.
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Division B Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018
3.1.13.10. Exterior Exit Passageway
1) The wall and ceiling finishes of an exterior exit passageway that provides the only means of egress from the
rooms or suites it serves, including the soffit beneath and the guard on the passageway, shall have a flame-spread rating
not more than25, except that a flame-spread rating not more than150 is permitted for up to 10% of the total wall area
and for up to 10% of the total ceiling area.
3.1.13.11. Elevator Cars
1) The wall and ceiling surfaces of elevator cars shall have a flame-spread rating not more than75.
2) The wall, ceiling and floor surfaces of elevator cars shall have a smoke developed classification not more
than450.
3.1.13.12.
Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction
1) In a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
a) the flame-spread ratings required by Subsection 3.1.18. shall apply in addition to the requirements in this
Subsection, and
b) the flame-spread ratings for exits required by this Subsection shall also apply to any surface in the exit that would
be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, except that this requirement does not apply to
doors, structural mass timber elements conforming to Sentence 3.1.18.4.(3), heavy timber construction, and
fire-retardant-treated wood.
3.1.14. Roof Assemblies
3.1.14.1. Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood Roof Systems
1) If a fire-retardant-treated wood roof system is used to comply with the requirements of Subsection3.2.2., the roof
deck assembly shall meet the conditions of acceptance of CAN/ULC-S126, “Test for Fire Spread Under Roof-Deck
Assemblies.”
2) Supports for the roof deck assembly referred to in Sentence(1) shall consist of
a) fire-retardant-treated wood,
b) heavy timber construction,
c) noncombustible construction, or
d) a combination thereof.
3.1.14.2. Metal Roof Deck Assemblies
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), a metal roof deck assembly shall meet the conditions of acceptance of
CAN/ULC-S126, “Test for Fire Spread Under Roof-Deck Assemblies,” if
a) it supports a combustible material above the deck that could propagate a fire beneath the roof deck assembly,
and
b) the deck is used to comply with the requirements of Sentences3.2.2.25.(2), 3.2.2.32.(2), 3.2.2.60.(2),
3.2.2.66.(2), 3.2.2.76.(2) and3.2.2.83.(2) for noncombustible construction.
2) The requirements of Sentence(1) are waived provided
a) the combustible material above the roof deck is protected by not less than 12.7mm thick gypsum board,
mechanically fastened to a supporting assembly if located beneath the roof deck, or by a thermal barrier
conforming to one of Clauses3.1.5.15.(2)(c) to(e) that is located
i) on the underside of the combustible material, or
ii) beneath the roof deck,
b) the building is sprinklered throughout, or
c) the roof assembly has a fire-resistance rating not less than 45min.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.15. Roof Covering
3.1.15.1. Roof Covering Classification
1) A roof covering classification shall be determined in conformance with CAN/ULC-S107, “Fire Tests of
Roof Coverings.”
3.1.15.2. Roof Coverings
1) Except as provided in Sentences(2),
(3) and (4) every roof covering shall have a Class A, B or C classification
as determined in accordance with Article3.1.15.1.
2) A roof covering is not required to have a Class A, B or C classification for
a) a tent,
b) an air-supported structure,
c) a building of Group A, Division 2 occupancy not more than2 storeys in building height and not more than1 000 m
2
in building area provided the roof covering is underlaid with noncombustible material, or
d) a steel building system referred to in Article4.3.4.3., provided the roof covering consists of brick, masonry,
concrete, metal sheets or metal shingles.
3) Except as provided in Sentence(5
), roof coverings on buildings conforming to Article3.2.2.50. or3.2.2.58.
shall have a Class A classification where the roof height is greater than 25 m measured from the floor of the first storey
to the highest point of the roof.
4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), roof coverings in
buildings or parts of buildings permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction shall have a Class A classification where the roof height is greater than 25 m
measured from the floor of the first storey to the highest point of the roof.
5) Where buildings or parts thereof conforming to Article3.2.2.48EMTC., 3.2.2.50., 3.2.2.57EMTC., or3.2.2.58.
include non-contiguous roof assemblies at different elevations, the roof coverings referred to in Sentences
(3) and (4)
are permitted to be evaluated separately to determine the roof covering classification required.
3.1.16. Fabrics
3.1.16.1. Fabric Canopies and Marquees
1) Fabrics used as part of an awning, canopy or marquee that is located within or attached to a building of any
type of construction shall conform to CAN/ULC-S109, “Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films.”
3.1.17. Occupant Load
3.1.17.1. Occupant Load Determination
1) The occupant load of a floor area or part of a floor area shall be based on
a) the number of seats in an assembly occupancy having fixed seats,
b) 2 persons per sleeping room in a dwelling unit, or
c) the number of persons for which the area is designed, but not less than that determined from Table3.1.17.1.
for occupancies other than those described in Clauses(a) and(b), unless it can be shown that the area will be
occupied by fewer persons.
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2) If a floor area or part thereof has been designed for an occupant load other than that determined from
Table3.1.17.1., a permanent sign indicating that occupant load shall be posted in a conspicuous location.
Table 3.1.17.1.
Occupant Load
Forming Part of Article 3.1.17.1.
Type of Use of Floor Area or Part Thereof Area per person, m
2
Assembly uses
space with fixed seats
(1)
space with non-fixed seats 0.75
stages for theatrical performances 0.75
space with non-fixed seats and tables 0.95
standing space 0.40
stadia and grandstands 0.60
bowling alleys, pool and billiard rooms 9.30
classrooms 1.85
school shops and vocational rooms 9.30
reading or writing rooms or lounges 1.85
dining, beverage and cafeteria space 1.20
laboratories in schools 4.60
Care, treatment or detention uses
suites
(2)
care, treatment and sleeping room areas 10.00
detention quarters 11.60
Residential uses
dwelling units
(2)
dormitories 4.60
Business and personal services uses
personal services shops 4.60
offices 9.30
Mercantile uses
basements and first storeys 3.70
second storeys
having a principal entrance from a pedestrian thoroughfare or a parking
area
3.70
other storeys
5.60
Industrial uses
manufacturing or process rooms 4.60
storage garages 46.00
storage spaces (warehouse) 28.00
aircraft hangars 46.00
Other uses
cleaning and repair goods 4.60
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3) For the purposes of this Article, mezzanines, tiers and balconies shall be regarded as part of the floor area.
4) If a room or group of rooms is intended for different occupancies at different times, the value to be used from
Table3.1.17.1. shall be the value which gives the greatest number of persons for the occupancies concerned.
3.1.18. Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction
(See Note A-3.1.18.)
3.1.18.1. Scope
1) Encapsulated mass timber construction permitted in this Part shall conform to this Subsection.
3.1.18.2. Materials Permitted
1) Except as otherwise provided in this Part and Sentence 6.4.3.1.(1), materials used in a building or part of a
building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall conform to Subsection 3.1.5.
3.1.18.3. Structural Mass Timber Elements
(See Note A-3.1.18.3.)
1) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection and Articles 3.2.2.16. and 3.2.3.19., a building or part of a
building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to include structural mass timber elements,
including beams, columns, arches, and wall, floor and roof assemblies, provided they comply with Sentences (2)
and (3).
2) Structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) except as permitted in Sentence (4), be arranged in heavy solid masses containing no concealed spaces,
b) have essentially smooth flat surfaces with no thin sections or sharp projections, and
kitchens 9.30
storage 46.00
public corridors intended for occupancies in addition to pedestrian travel 3.70
(3)
Notes to Table3.1.17.1.:
(1) See Clause 3.1.17.1.(1)(a).
(2) See Clause 3.1.17.1.(1)(b) (apply values for dwelling units to suites of care occupancy).
(3) See Note A-3.3.
Table 3.1.17.1. (continued)
Occupant Load
Forming Part of Article 3.1.17.1.
Type of Use of Floor Area or Part Thereof Area per person, m
2
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c) except as provided in Article 3.1.18.15., conform to the minimum dimensions stated in Table 3.1.18.3.
Table 3.1.18.3.
Minimum Dimensions of Structural Mass Timber Elements in Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction
(1)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.1.18.3.(2)
3) Adhesives used in structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (1) that are constructed of
cross-laminated timber shall conform to the elevated temperature performance requirements in ANSI/APA PRG
320 “Standard for Performance-Rated Cross-Laminated Timber.”
4) Concealed spaces are permitted within structural mass timber elements referred to in Sentence (2) and need
not comply with Sentence 3.1.18.4.(1) provided the concealed spaces are
a) sprinklered, and divided into compartments by fire blocks in conformance with Subsection 3.1.11.,
b) completely filled with rock or slag fibre insulation conforming to CAN/ULC-S702, “Mineral Fibre Thermal
Insulation for Buildings,” and having a density of not less than 32 kg/m
3
.
c) if horizontal, lined with not less than a single layer of 12.7 mm Type X gypsum board or noncombustible
material providing an encapsulation rating of not less than 25 min, or
d) if vertical, lined with not less than a single layer of 12.7 mm Type X gypsum board or noncombustible material
providing an encapsulation rating of not less than 25 min and vertically divided into compartments by fire blocks
in conformance with Subsection 3.1.11.
3.1.18.4. Encapsulation of Mass Timber Elements
(See Note A-3.1.18.3.)
1) Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (6), Sentences 3.1.18.3.(4) and 3.1.18.14.(2), and Articles 3.1.18.5.,
3.1.18.10. and 3.1.18.15., the exposed surfaces of structural timber elements conforming to Article 3.1.18.3. shall be
protected from adjacent spaces in the building, including adjacent concealed spaces within wall, floor and roof
assemblies, by a material or assembly of materials conforming to Sentence (2) that provides an encapsulation rating of
not less than 50 min.
(See Note A-3.1.18.4.(1).)
2) Except as provided in Sentence 3.1.18.9.(1), the material or assembly of materials referred to in Sentence (1)
shall consist of
a) gypsum board,
b) gypsum concrete,
c) noncombustible materials,
d) materials that conform to Sentences 3.1.5.1.(2) to (4), or
e) any combination of the materials listed in Clauses (a) to (d).
Structural Wood Elements Minimum Thickness, mm Minimum Width x Depth, mm x mm
Walls that are fire separations or exterior walls
(1-sided exposure)
96 --
Walls that require fire-resistance rating, but are
not fire separations (2-sided exposure)
192 --
Floors and roofs (1-sided exposure) 96 --
Beams, columns and arches (2- or 3-sided fire
exposure)-sided exposure)
-- 192 × 192
Beams, columns and arches (4-sided fire
exposure)
-- 224 × 224
Notes to Table3.1.18.3.:
(1) See Note A-Table 3.1.18.3.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3) Except as provided in Sentence (5), the exposed surfaces of mass timber beams, columns and arches within a
suite or fire compartment need not be protected in accordance with Sentence (1), provided
a) their aggregate surface area does not exceed 10% of the total wall area of the perimeter of the suite or fire
compartment in which they are located, and
b) the flame-spread rating on any exposed surface is not more than 150.
(See Note A-3.1.18.4.(3) to (6).)
4) Except as provided in Sentences (5) and (6), the exposed surfaces of mass timber walls within a suite need not
be protected in accordance with Sentence (1), provided
a) each exposed surface faces the same direction, and
b) the flame-spread rating on any exposed surface is not more than 150.
(See Notes A-3.1.18.4.(4) and A-3.1.18.4.(3) to (6).)
5) The aggregate exposed surface area of mass timber elements within a suite permitted in Sentences (3) and (4)
shall not exceed 35% of the total wall area of the perimeter of the suite.
(See Note A-3.1.18.4.(3) to (6).)
6) The exposed surfaces of mass timber ceilings within a suite need not be protected in accordance with
Sentence (1), provided their aggregate area does not exceed
a) 10% of the total ceiling area of the suite, where the exposed surfaces have a flame-spread rating not more than
150, or
b) 25% of the total ceiling area of the suite, where
i) the suite contains no mass timber walls with exposed surfaces, and
ii) the exposed surfaces of the mass timber ceiling have a flame-spread rating not more than 75.
(See Note A-3.1.18.4.(3) to (6).)
3.1.18.5. Combustible Roofing Materials
1) Wood roof sheathing and roof sheathing supports that do not conform to Articles 3.1.18.3. and 3.1.18.4.
are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, provided they are
installed
a) above a concrete deck in accordance with Clauses 3.1.5.3.(2)(a) to (f), or
b) above a deck of encapsulated mass timber construction, where
i) said deck is permitted to be encapsulated between the roof sheathing supports by a material or assembly
of materials conforming to Sentence 3.1.18.4.(2) that provides an encapsulation rating of not less than
50 min,
ii) the height of the roof space is not more than 1 m,
iii) the roof space is divided into compartments by fire blocks in conformance with Article 3.1.11.5.,
iv) openings through the deck other than for noncombustible roof drains and plumbing piping are protected
by shafts constructed as fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h that extend from the
deck to not less than 150 mm above the adjacent sheathing, and
v) except as permitted by Subclause (iv), the roof space does not contain any building services.
2) Combustible cant strips, roof curbs, nailing strips and similar components used in the installation of roofing are
permitted on a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction.
3) Wood nailer facings to parapets not more than 600 mm high, are permitted on a building or part of a building
permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, provided the facings and any roof membranes covering the
facings are protected by sheet metal.
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3.1.18.6. Combustible Window Sashes and Frames
1) Combustible window sashes and frames are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction, provided
a) each window in an exterior wall face is an individual unit separated from every other opening in the wall by
noncombustible wall construction or mass timber wall construction conforming to the dimensions stated in
Table 3.1.18.3.,
b) windows in exterior walls in contiguous storeys are separated by not less than 1 m of noncombustible wall
construction or mass timber wall construction conforming to the dimensions stated in Table 3.1.18.3., and
c) the aggregate area of openings in an exterior wall face of a fire compartment is not more than 40% of the area of
the wall face.
3.1.18.7. Exterior Cladding
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2), (3) and (6), cladding on an exterior wall assembly of a building or part of
a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction shall be noncombustible.
(See Note A-3.1.18.7.(1) and (2).)
2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) to (5) and (7), cladding on an exterior wall assembly of a building or part
of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction is permitted to consist of
a) combustible cladding that
i) is not contiguous over more than 4 storeys,
ii) represents not more than 10% of the cladding on each exterior wall of each storey,
iii) is not more than 1.2 m in width,
iv) has a flame-spread rating not more than 75 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed
by cutting through the material in any direction,
v) is separated from other portions of combustible cladding on adjacent storeys by a horizontal distance of
not less than 2.4 m, and
vi) is separated from other portions of combustible cladding by a horizontal distance of not less than 1.2 m,
b) combustible cladding that,
i) is not contiguous across adjacent storeys,
ii) represents not more than 10% of the cladding on each exterior wall of each storey,
iii) has a flame-spread rating not more than 75 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed
by cutting through the material in any direction, and
iv) is separated from other portions of combustible cladding on adjacent storeys by a horizontal distance of
not less than 2.4 m,
c) combustible cladding representing up to 100% of the cladding on exterior walls of the first storey, provided all
portions of the cladding can be directly accessed and are located not more than 15 m from a street or access
route conforming to Article 3.2.5.6., measured horizontally from the face of the building,
d) a wall assembly that satisfies the criteria of Clause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b), or
e) a combination of noncombustible cladding and the cladding described in Clauses (a) to (d).
(See Note A-3.1.18.7.(1) and (2).)
3) The permitted area of combustible cladding in Clause (2)(a) or (b) shall not exceed 5% of the cladding on each
exterior wall of each storey where 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 exceeds 10 min in 10% or more of all fire department calls to the
building.
(See Note A-3.2.3.1.(8).)
4) An exterior wall assembly constructed in conformance with Appendix D-6 is deemed to satisfy the criteria of
Clause (2)(d).
5) Except as provided in Article 3.2.3.10., where the limiting distance in Table 3.2.3.1.-D or 3.2.3.1.-E permits
an area of unprotected openings of not more than 10% of the exposing building face, the construction requirements of
Table 3.2.3.7. shall be met.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
6) A wall assembly conforming to Clause (2)(d) that includes combustible cladding made of fire-retardant-treated wood
shall be tested for fire exposure after the cladding has been subjected to the accelerated weathering test specified in
ASTM D 2898, “Accelerated Weathering of Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood for Fire Testing.”
7) Where combustible cladding conforming to Clause (2)(a) or (b) on an exterior wall of a fire compartment is
exposed to combustible cladding conforming to Clause (2)(a) or (b) on an exterior wall of the same fire compartment or of
another fire compartment, and the planes of the two walls are parallel or at an angle less than 135° measured from the
exterior of the building, the different portions of combustible cladding shall
a) be separated by a horizontal distance of not less than 3 m, and
b) not be contiguous over more than 2 storeys.
3.1.18.8. Combustible Components in Exterior Walls
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), combustible components, other than those permitted by Article 3.1.18.7.,
are permitted to be used in an exterior wall assembly of a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated
mass timber construction, provided the wall assembly meets the requirements of Clause 3.1.18.7.(2)(d).
2) An exterior wall assembly constructed in conformance with Appendix D-6 is deemed to satisfy the criteria of
Sentence (1).
3) Non-loadbearing wood elements permitted in Article 3.1.5.6. need not conform to Article 3.1.18.3. in a building
or part thereof permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction.
3.1.18.9. Nailing Elements
1) Wood nailing elements are permitted to be used for the attachment of a material or assembly of materials to
provide an encapsulation rating in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
provided the concealed space created by the wood nailing elements is not more than 25 mm deep.
2) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.1.18.14.(2) and Article 3.1.19.2., wood nailing elements are permitted to
be used for the attachment of interior finishes in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass
timber construction, provided the concealed space created by the wood nailing elements is not more than 50 mm deep
and
a) exposed surfaces in the concealed space have a flame-spread rating not more than 25, or
b) the concealed space is filled with noncombustible insulation.
3.1.18.10. Combustible Flooring Elements
1) Wood members more than 50 mm but not more than 300 mm high are permitted to be used for the
construction of a raised platform in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
and need not conform to Articles 3.1.18.3. and 3.1.18.4. provided
a) the concealed spaces created by the wood members are divided into compartments by fire blocks in
conformance with Sentence 3.1.11.3.(4), and
b) the wood members are
i) applied directly to or set into a noncombustible floor slab, or
ii) applied directly to a mass timber floor assembly that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.1.18.3.
2) The upper surface of the mass timber floor assembly referred to in Subclause (1)(b)(ii) is permitted to be
encapsulated only between the wood members by a material or assembly of materials conforming to Sentences
3.1.18.4.(1) and (2).
3) The floor system for the raised platform referred to in Sentence (1) is permitted to include a combustible
subfloor and combustible finished flooring.
3.1.18.11. Combustible Stairs
1) Wood stairs and landings conforming to the requirements for floor assemblies in Article 3.1.18.3. and
Sentences 3.1.18.4.(1) and (2) are permitted in an exit stairwell in a building or part of a building permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction.
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2) Wood stairs in a suite in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction
need not conform to Articles 3.1.18.3. and 3.1.18.4.
3.1.18.12. Combustible Interior Finishes
1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), combustible interior wall and ceiling finishes referred to in
Clause 3.1.13.1.(2)(b) that are not more than 1 mm thick are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to
be of encapsulated mass timber construction.
2) Except as provided in Sentences 3.1.18.4.(3) and (4), combustible interior wall finishes, other than foamed
plastics, that are not more than 25 mm thick are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction, provided they have a flame-spread rating not more than 150 on any exposed surface,
or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction.
3) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and 3.1.18.4.(3) and (6), combustible interior ceiling finishes, other than
foamed plastics, that are not more than 25 mm thick are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to be of
encapsulated mass timber construction, provided they have a flame-spread rating not more than 25 on any exposed surface or
on any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction, except that not more than
10% of the ceiling area within each fire compartment is permitted to have a flame-spread rating not more than 150.
(See Note A-3.1.11.3.(3).)
4) Combustible interior ceiling finishes made of fire-retardant-treated wood are permitted in a building or part of a
building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction, provided they are not more than 25 mm thick or are
exposed fire-retardant-treated wood battens.
3.1.18.13. Combustible Elements in Partitions
1) Solid lumber partitions not less than 38 mm thick and partitions containing wood framing that do not conform
to Article 3.1.18.3. are permitted in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber construction,
provided the partitions are
a) protected on each face with not less than
i) a single layer of 12.7 mm thick Type X gypsum board, with all joints either backed or taped and filled,
conforming to ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board,” or CAN/CSA-A82.27-M, “Gypsum
Board,”
ii) a single layer of 19 mm thick fire-retardant-treated wood, on solid lumber partitions, or
iii) a single layer of 19 mm thick fire-retardant-treated wood, on partitions containing wood framing, with wood
stud cavities filled with noncombustible insulation, and
b) not installed as enclosures for exits or vertical service spaces.
3.1.18.14. Exposed Construction Materials and Components in Concealed Spaces
1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Article 3.1.11.7., and except as otherwise provided in this Subsection,
only construction materials and components permitted in noncombustible construction shall be permitted in concealed
spaces within floor, roof, and wall assemblies in a building or part of a building permitted to be of encapsulated mass timber
construction.
2) Exposed surfaces are permitted in a concealed space created by the attachment of a material or assembly of
materials conforming to Sentence 3.1.18.4.(1), provided the concealed space is not more than 25 mm deep.
3.1.18.15. Penetration by Outlet Boxes
1) The minimum dimension requirements for structural mass timber elements in Clause 3.1.18.3.(2)(c) need not
apply to the locations where outlet boxes are installed in the element in accordance with Article 3.1.9.4.
(See Note A- 3.1.9.2.(1).)
2) The exposed surfaces of cut-outs in the mass timber elements for the outlet boxes described in Sentence (1)
need not be protected in accordance with Sentence 3.1.18.4.(1).
3) Outlet boxes on opposite sides of a vertical structural mass timber element having a fire-resistance rating shall be
separated by a distance of not less than 600 mm.
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.19. Encapsulation Ratings
3.1.19.1. Determination of Ratings
1) Except as provided in Article 3.1.19.2., the rating of a material or assembly of materials that is required to
have an encapsulation rating shall be determined on the basis of the results of tests conducted in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S146, “Test for the Evaluation of Encapsulation Materials and Assemblies of Materials for the
Protection of Structural Timber Elements.”
3.1.19.2. Encapsulation Materials
(See Note A-3.1.19.2.)
1) Gypsum-concrete topping and concrete not less than 38 mm thick are deemed to have an encapsulation rating
of 50 min when installed on the upper side of a mass timber floor or roof assembly.
2) Two layers of Type X gypsum board each not less than 12.7 mm thick are deemed to have an encapsulation
rating of 50 min when installed on a mass timber element, provided they
a) are mechanically fastened directly to the mass timber element with
i) screws of sufficient length to penetrate the mass timber element not less than 20 mm spaced not more
than 400 mm o.c. and 20 mm to 38 mm from the boards’ edges, or
ii) screws fastened to wood nailing elements or resilient metal or steel furring channels not more than
25 mm thick spaced not more than 400 mm o.c.,
b) are installed with the joints in each layer staggered from those in the adjacent layer,
c) are attached by a minimum of two rows of fasteners in each layer,
d) are installed in conformance with ASTM C 840, “Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board,” except that
their joints need not be taped and finished, and
e) conform to
i) ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board,” or
ii) CAN/CSA-A82.27-M, “Gypsum Board.”
(See Note A-3.1.19.2.(2).)
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B
3.1.19. Encapsulation Ratings
3.1.19.1. Determination of Ratings
1) Except as provided in Article 3.1.19.2., the rating of a material or assembly of materials that is required to
have an encapsulation rating shall be determined on the basis of the results of tests conducted in conformance with
CAN/ULC-S146, “Test for the Evaluation of Encapsulation Materials and Assemblies of Materials for the
Protection of Structural Timber Elements.”
3.1.19.2. Encapsulation Materials
(See Note A-3.1.19.2.)
1) Gypsum-concrete topping and concrete not less than 38 mm thick are deemed to have an encapsulation rating
of 50 min when installed on the upper side of a mass timber floor or roof assembly.
2) Two layers of Type X gypsum board each not less than 12.7 mm thick are deemed to have an encapsulation
rating of 50 min when installed on a mass timber element, provided they
a) are mechanically fastened directly to the mass timber element with
i) screws of sufficient length to penetrate the mass timber element not less than 20 mm spaced not more
than 400 mm o.c. and 20 mm to 38 mm from the boards’ edges, or
ii) screws fastened to wood nailing elements or resilient metal or steel furring channels not more than
25 mm thick spaced not more than 400 mm o.c.,
b) are installed with the joints in each layer staggered from those in the adjacent layer,
c) are attached by a minimum of two rows of fasteners in each layer,
d) are installed in conformance with ASTM C 840, “Application and Finishing of Gypsum Board,” except that
their joints need not be taped and finished, and
e) conform to
i) ASTM C 1396/C 1396M, “Gypsum Board,” or
ii) CAN/CSA-A82.27-M, “Gypsum Board.”
(See Note A-3.1.19.2.(2).)