The British Columbia Building Code | Section 3.3. | Safety within Floor Areas

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

Section 3.3. Safety within Floor Areas

(SeeNoteA-3.3.)

3.3.1. All Floor Areas

3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), a suite shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation

having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h. (Seealso Subsection3.3.3. for care, treatment or detention occupancies,

Article3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies, and Article3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is

sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the

occupancies are

a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,

b) fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,

c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or

d) any combination of these occupancies.

4) No fire separation is required between suites of business and personal services occupancy.

3.3.1.2. Hazardous Substances, Equipment and Processes

1) Except as provided in Subsections3.3.5. and3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances

shall be in conformance with

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause(a), the British Columbia Fire Code.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.1.2.(1).)

2) Systems for the ventilation of cooking equipment that is not within a dwelling unit and is used in processes

producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in conformance with Articles3.6.3.5.,6.3.1.7.

and6.9.1.3. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.2.(2).)

3) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.

3.3.1.3. Means of Egress

1) Access to exit within

floor areas

shall conform to Subsections3.3.2. to3.3.5., in addition to the requirements

of this Subsection.

2) If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the

appropriate requirements of Sentence3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.

3) Means of egress shall be provided from every roof which is intended for occupancy, and from every podium,

terrace, platform or contained open space.

4) At least two separate means of egress shall be provided from a roof, used or intended for an occupant load more

than60, to stairs designed in conformance with the requirements regarding exit stairs stated in Section3.4.

5) A roof-

top enclosure shall be provided with an access to exit that leads to an exit

a) at the roof level, or

b) on the storey immediately below the roof.

6) A roof-

top enclosure which is more than 200m

in area shall be provided with at least 2means of egress.

7) Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence3.2.1.1.(8) if

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a) the area is more than 200m

, or

b) the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25m.

8) Except as permitted by Sentences3.3.4.4.(5) and(6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one

suite shall have

a) an exterior exit doorway, or

b) a doorway

i) into a public corridor, or

ii) to an exterior passageway.

9) Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in

Sentence(8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to

each of 2 separate exits.

3.3.1.4. Public Corridor Separations

1) Except as otherwise required by this Partor as permitted by Sentence(4), a public corridor shall be separated

from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3) and Clauses(4)(a) and(b), the fire separation between a public corridor

and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45min.

3) If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public

corridor and the remainder of the storey, provided the corridor does not serve a care, treatment or detention occupancy

or a residential occupancy. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(1)(b).)

4) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and

a) except as required by Sentences3.3.3.5.(8) and3.3.4.2.(1), and notwithstanding Sentence3.4.2.4.(2), the

remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more

than45 m,

b) a room or a suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence3.3.1.9.(6) and

Clause3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or

c) a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection3.7.2., provided the space and the

public corridor

are separated from the remainder

of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.

3.3.1.5. Egress Doorways

1) Except for dwelling units, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could provide egress

from the room or suite as required by Article3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due

to a fire which originates in the room or suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite

a) that is used for a high-hazard industrial occupancy and whose area is more than 15 m

b) intended for an occupant load more than 60,

c) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, and

i) the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table3.3.1.5.-A, or

ii) the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway is more than the value in

Table3.3.1.5.-A, or

d) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and

i) the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or

ii) the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table3.3.1.5.-B.

2) Where 2egress doorways are required by Sentence(1), they shall be placed at a distance from one another

equal to or greater than one third of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area to be served, measured as

the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the nearest required egress doors.

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3.3.1.6. Travel Distance

1) If more than one egress doorway is required from a room or suite referred to in Article3.3.1.5., the travel

distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum travel distances

specified in Clauses3.4.2.5.(1)(a),(b),(c) and(f) for exits.

3.3.1.7. Protection on Accessible

Floor Areas

1) Every floor area that is not sprinklered throughout and that has an accessible path of travel shall

a) be served by an elevator

i) conforming to Sentences3.2.6.5.(4) to(6),

ii) protected against fire in conformance with Clauses3.2.6.5.(3)(b) or(c), and

Table 3.3.1.5.-A

Egress in Floor Area not Sprinklered Throughout

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1)

Occupancy of Room or Suite Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m

Maximum Distance to Egress Doorway, m

Group A 150 15

Group C 100

(1)

Group D 200 25

Group E 150 15

Group F, Division 2 150 10

Group F, Division 3 200 15

Notes to Table3.3.1.5.-A:

(1) See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units.

Table 3.3.1.5.-B

Egress in Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1)

Occupancy of Room or Suite Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m

Group A 200

Group B, Division 1 100

Group B, Division 2

sleeping rooms 100

other than sleeping rooms 200

Group B, Division 3

sleeping rooms not in suites 100

individual suites 150

other than sleeping rooms 200

Group C 150

(1)

Group D 300

Group E 200

Group F, Division 2 200

Group F, Division 3 300

Notes to Table3.3.1.5.-B:

(1) See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units.

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iii) in a building over 3 storeys in building height, protected against smoke movement so that the hoistway will

not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from a fire floor during a period of 2h after

the start of a fire, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5%

basis determined in conformance with Subsection1.1.3.,

b) be divided into at least 2zones by fire separations conforming to Sentences(2),(3) and3.1.8.5.(6) so that

i) persons with disabilities can be accommodated in each zone, and

ii) the travel distance from any point in one zone to a doorway leading to another zone shall be not more

thanthe value for travel distance permitted by Sentence3.4.2.5.(1) for the occupancy classification of the

zone,

(See also Sentence 3.1.8.5.(6) for requirements regarding the passage of smoke.)

c) in the case of residential occupancies, be provided with balconies conforming to Sentence(4),

d) have an accessible exterior exit at ground level, or

e) have a ramp conforming to Subsection 3.8.3. leading to ground level.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.1.7.(1).)

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), the fire separations referred to in Clause(1)(b) shall have a fire-resistance

rating not less than 1h.

3) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separations referred to in Clause(1)(b) is permitted to be less than 1 h but

not less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than

1hfor

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

4) A balcony required by Clause(1)(c) shall

a) have direct access

from the suite or floor area

b) be not less than 1.5m deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and

c) provide not less than 2m

of balcony space for each accessible sleeping room or bed space.

5) The

floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered

as a zone in applying the requirements of Clause (1)(b).

3.3.1.8. Headroom Clearance

1) Except within the floor area of a storage garage, the minimum headroom clearance in every access to exit shall

conform to the requirements of Article3.4.3.4. for exits. (Seealso Sentence3.3.5.4.(5).)

3.3.1.9. Corridors

1) The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1 100 mm.

2) Except as required by Sentence3.3.3.3.(3), the minimum unobstructed width of a corridor used by the

public or a corridor serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms shall be 1 100 mm.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project

more than 100mm horizontally into an exit passageway, a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor

serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms in a manner that would create a hazard for a person with a visual

disability traveling adjacent to the walls.

4) The horizontal projection of an obstruction referred to in Sentence(3) is permitted to be more than 100 mm

provided the clearance between the obstruction and the floor is less than 680 mm. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.9.(4).)

5) If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to

less than its required width.

6) If a public corridor conforming to Clause3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,

a) the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3m at

all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and

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b) the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than15% of the area of the public

corridor.

7) Except for a dead-end corridor that is entirely within a suite or as permitted by Sentences3.3.3.3.(1)

and3.3.4.4.(6), a dead-end corridor is permitted provided it is not more than6m long.

3.3.1.10. Aisles

1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the British Columbia

Fire Code.

3.3.1.11. Door Swing

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(5) and Article3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility

providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis.

2) Except as permitted by Article3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to

exit from a room or suite that is used or intended for an occupant load more than 60 or for a high-hazard industrial

occupancy shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit.

3) Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in

the direction of travel to the exit.

4) If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing

in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of travel to the exit.

5) Doors that serve storage suites not more than28m

in area in warehousing buildings need not conform to

Sentence(1).

3.3.1.12. Sliding Doors

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.3.1.11.(5), a sliding door provided in the locations described in

Article3.3.1.11. shall

a) be designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit when pressure is

applied, and

b) be identified as a swinging door by means of a label or decal affixed to it.

2) In a GroupB, Division1 occupancy, or in an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, sliding doors used in an

access to exit need not conform to Sentence(1) and Article3.3.1.11.

3) Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy

or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence(1) and Sentences3.3.1.11.(1) and(2), provided the

partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.12.(3).)

3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware

1) Except as required by Article3.3.3.4., a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other

facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall

a) provide a clear opening of not less than 800mm if there is only one door leaf,

b) in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 800mm,

c) not open onto a step, and

d) have a threshold conforming to Sentence (11)

, except where it

i) is used to confine the spillage of flammable liquids within a service room or within a room in an industrial

occupancy, or

ii) provides access to an exterior balcony, unless the balcony is required by Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(c).

2) Except as provided in Sentences(6) and(7), a door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to

an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), door release hardware shall comply with Clause3.8.3.8.(1)(c

) and the

door shall be openable with not more thanone releasing operation. (Seealso Sentence3.8.3.6.(4).)

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4) An egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be

provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware,

provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized

knowledge. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.13.(4).)

5) Except as provided in Sentence 3.4.6.17.(9), door

release hardware shall be installed between 900 mm and

1100mm above the finished floor.

6) An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be

equipped with locking devices, provided they can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with

Sentence(8) or(9). (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.13.(6).)

7) A door in an access to exit is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic lock conforming to

Sentence3.4.6.16.(4) or(5).

8) Local locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.

9) Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) shall be located in an area

readily available to security personnel.

10) Locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) that are electrically operated shall be

a) designed to operate on emergency power, and

b) capable of manual release by security personnel.

11) Except in locations described in Subclauses (1)(d)(i) and (ii), in doorways, where the threshold is not flush

with the floor, the threshold shall be not more than 13 mm higher than the finished floor surface, and where it is

higher than 6 mm, shall be beveled to a slope no steeper than 1 in 2.

12) Door assemblies providing access shall be designed in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3.

3.3.1.14. Ramps and Stairways

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), Article 3.3.1.16., Article3.3.4.7. and Subsection3.3.2., ramps and

stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in

Sentence3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles3.4.3.4., and3.4.6.1. to3.4.6.9.

2) Ramps and stairways that serve service rooms, service spaces or industrial occupancies need not comply with

Sentence(1), provided

a) they are intended only for occasional use for servicing equipment and machinery, and

b) they do not serve as exits.

3.3.1.15. Exterior Passageways

1) An exterior passageway leading to a required exit shall conform to the requirements of Section3.4. for

exterior exit passageways.

3.3.1.16. Tapered Treads in a Curved Flight

1) Flights of stairs shall consist solely of

a) straight flights, or

b) curved flights complying with Sentence(2).

(See also Articles 3.3.1.14. and 3.4.6.9.)

2) Tapered treads in a curved flight that is not required as an exit shall have

a) a minimum run of 150 mm,

b) a run not less than 280 mm when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the

narrow end of the tread, and

c) a riser conforming to Sentence3.4.6.8.(2).

3) Tapered treads shall have a consistent angle and uniform run and rise dimensions in accordance with the

construction tolerances stipulated in Article3.4.6.8. when measured at a point 300mm from the centre line of the

handrail at the narrow end of the tread.

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4) All tapered treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.

3.3.1.17. Capacity of Access to Exits

(SeeArticle3.3.1.9. for minimum widths of corridors.)

1) The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.

2) In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than1 in 8, doorways, and corridors

shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person.

3) In an access to exit the required width of a ramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than

9.2mm per person.

4) In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients in a Group B, Division 2

occupancy or residents in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall

be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.

5) The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs in Sentences3.4.3.2.(1)

to(3).

6) In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence3.2.5.12.(1), an access to exit that

is part of the principal entrance serving a dance hall or a licensed beverage establishment with an occupant load more

than 250 shall provide at least one half of the required exit width.

3.3.1.18. Guards

1) Except as provided in Sentence(5) and Article3.3.2.9., a guard not less than 1 070mm high shall be

provided

a) around any roof to which access is provided for purposes other than maintenance,

b) at openings into smoke shafts referred to in Subsection3.2.6. that are less than 1 070mm above the

floor, and

c) at each raised floor, mezzanine, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior vehicular ramp, and at other locations

where (seeNoteA-9.8.8.1.)

i) the difference in elevation is more than 600mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or

ii) the adjacent surface within 1.2m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.

2) Except as provided in Sentences(3) and3.3.2.9.(4) and Articles3.3.4.7. and 3.3.5.10., openings through

guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is more than 100mm.

3) Openings through guards other than those required by Sentence(1) that serve occupancies other than

industrial occupancies shall be of a size that

a) prevents the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 100mm, or

b) permi

ts the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 200mm.

(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.5.(3).)

4) Except for guards conforming to Article3.3.5.10., guards that protect a level located more than one storey or

4.2 m above the adjacent level shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm

and 900 mm above the level protected by the guard facilitates climbing. (SeeNoteA-9.8.8.6.(1).)

5) Sentence(1) does not apply

a) to the front edges of stages,

b) to loading docks, or

c) where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.

3.3.1.19. Transparent Doors and Panels

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the

existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching visually contrasting hardware, bars or other

permanent fixtures to it.

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2) The visibility of fully glazed transparent doors, sidelights and panels shall be enhanced through the inclusion

of mullions, markings or other elements that

a) are visually contrasting,

b) are at least 50mm high,

c) extend the full width of the door, sidelight or panel, and

d) are located between 1 350mm and 1 500mm above the floor.

3) A glass door shall be constructed of

a) laminated or tempered safety glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety

Glass,” or

b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”

4) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), transparent panels used in an access to exit that, because of their physical

configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings.

5) Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during

normal working hours need not conform to Sentences(1) and(4), provided the partitions are suitably marked in

conformance with Sentence(2) to indicate their existence and position.

6) Where vision glass is provided in doors or transparent sidelights, the lowest edge of the glass shall be no

higher than 900mm above floor level.

7) Glass in doors and in sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units

and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article9.6.1.4.

8) A window in a public area that extends to less than 1 000mm above the floor and is located above the second

storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing to not less than 1 070mm above

the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards

required by Article4.1.5.14.

3.3.1.20. Exhaust Ventilation and Explosion Venting

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), an exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the

appropriate requirements of Part6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases,

vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (Seealso

Article4.2.4.13.)

2) Where a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating is penetrated by a ventilation system required

by Sentence(1) for power-ventilated enclosures in laboratories, the ducts shall be

a) continuously enclosed from the first penetrated fire separation to any subsequent fire separations or concealed

spaces and all the way through to the outdoors so that the highest fire-resistance rating

of all the penetrated fire

separations is maintained, and

b) exempted from the requirement to be equipped with a fire damper, smoke damper and fire/smoke damper as

stated in Article3.1.8.7.

3) Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection6.3.1. and

Article6.9.1.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an

explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.

3.3.1.21. Janitors’ Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial

supplies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less

than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

3) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in

which the room or space is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.22. Common Laundry Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor

area that is not within a dwelling unit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having

a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in

which the laundry room is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.23. Obstructions

1) No obstruction shall be permitted in any occupancy that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress

from any part of a floor area to less than 750mm unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible

from, and plainly visible from the obstructed means of egress. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.23.(1).)

3.3.1.24. Signs in Service Spaces

1) Illuminated signs conforming to Sentences3.4.5.1.(2) and(6) shall be provided to indicate the direction to

egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence3.2.1.1.(8).

3.3.1.25. Welding and Cutting

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), welding and cutting operations shall be carried out in a room

a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

1h, or

b) protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system.

2) Sentence(1) shall not apply to industrial occupancies where the welding and cutting operations do not present

a fire or explosion hazard to adjacent areas.

3.3.2. Assembly Occupancy

3.3.2.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to assembly occupancies and to outdoor places of assembly.

2) Except as required in Sentence(3), provisions 12.2.3.2, 12.2.3.3, 12.2.5.4, 12.2.5.5, 12.2.5.6, 12.2.11.1,

12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of Chapter12 of NFPA101, “Life Safety Code,” are permitted to be used in lieu of

Articles3.3.2.4.,3.3.2.5.,3.3.2.9.,3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12. (SeeNoteA-3.3.2.1.(2).)

3) The minimum clear width of aisle accessways between rows of seats shall be calculated according to

provisions 12.2.5.5.2, 12.2.5.5.4.1 and 12.2.5.5.5.1 of Chapter 12 of NFPA101, “Life Safety Code,” except that in

no case shall the width be less than 400mm.

3.3.2.2. Fire Separations

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), the seating area of a GroupA, Division1 occupancy shall be separated

from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h if the

occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B

3) If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena-type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not

less than 45min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.

3.3.2.3. Non-fixed Seating

1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the British Columbia Fire Code.

3.3.2.4. Fixed Seats

1) Except for the requirements of Article3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by

Sentence(2) and Articles3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be

a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser,

b) provided with arms and back, and

c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400mm wide measured horizontally between

plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the

seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.

2) For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400mm required by Clause(1)(c) shall

be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position

provided

a) there are not more than7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle,

b) the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and

c) the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.2.4.(2).)

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), aisles shall be located so that there are not more than7 seats with backs

or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle.

4) The requirements of Sentence(3) do not apply if

a) egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats,

b) each doorway referred to in Clause(a) serves not more than3 rows of seats, and

c) each row contains not more than100 seats.

3.3.2.5. Aisles

1) Except as required by Articles3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12., aisles leading to exits shall be provided in conformance

with Sentences(2) to(17) in places of assembly which contain fixed seats.

2) The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less than 1100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be

reduced to not less than

a) 750mm if serving not more than60 seats, and

b) 900mm if serving seats on one side only.

3) Except in the case of bleacher seats, the minimum clear width of aisles referred to in Sentence(2) shall be

measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle or foyer and shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of

distance toward the exit, cross aisle or foyer.

4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of the cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be not less

than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

5) Dead-end aisles shall be not more than6 m long.

6) The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not more than45 m.

7) Side aisles shall be not less than 1100 mm wide if seating is provided in conformance with

Sentence3.3.2.4.(4).

8) An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall not be stepped.

9) An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be stepped.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

10) The passageway between rows of seats served by a stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line

of travel.

11) The riser of a step in an aisle shall be

a) not less than 110 mm high, and

b) not more than200 mm high.

12) Variations are permitted in riser height provided

a) the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and

b) the width of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.

13) Steps in an aisle shall

a) have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,

b) have a tread width not less than 250 mm,

c) extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and

d) have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

14) The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made apparent from both directions of travel by strategically

placed lighting or contrasting marking stripes.

15) A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a slope not more than1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that

is not less than 430 mm wide in the direction of exit travel.

16) If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than

800 mm square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.

17) The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence3.4.6.1.(1).

3.3.2.6. Corridors

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access

to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less

than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the

corridor is located is sprinklered throughout.

4) The requirement for a fire separation stated in Sentence(1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any

point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit does not exceed the travel distance

permitted by Article3.4.2.5.

3.3.2.7. Doors

1) A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of

assembly occupancy

ontaining an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that will release the latch and allow the

door to swing wide open when a force not more thanthat specified in Sentence3.8.3.6.(8) is applied to the device in

the direction of travel to the exit.

3.3.2.8. Fixed Bench-Type Seats without Arms

1) If fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the seat width per person shall be assumed to be

450 mm.

2) The centre-to-centre spacing between rows of bench-type seats shall be not less than 760mm if back rests are

provided, and not less than 550mm if back rests are not provided.

3) A clear space of not less than 300mm shall be provided between the back of each seat and the front of the

seat immediately behind it.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B

3.3.2.9. Guards

1) Except as required by Sentences(2) to(4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in outdoor and indoor

places of assembly with fixed seats so that

a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is not

less than

i) 760mm in front of the seats, and

ii) 920mm if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of steps,

b) the height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or

gallery is not less than 660mm, except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the

front side of the aisle are not less than 600mm above the floor of the aisle, and

c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between platforms is more than

450mm, the height of guards is not less than 660mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the

platform.

2) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1 200mm above the ground or floor that are not adjacent to

a wall shall be protected with a guard

a) not less than 1 070mm high above an adjacent aisle surface or foot rest, and

b) not less than 920mm high above the centre of an adjacent seat board.

3) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard

not less than 840mm high above the front foot rest.

4) The size of any opening in a guard required by Sentences(2) and(3) shall not allow the passage of a sphere

whose diameter is more than 300mm.

3.3.2.10. Handrails in Aisles with Steps

(SeeNoteA-3.3.2.10.)

1) Handrails shall be provided in aisles with steps in conformance with Table3.3.2.10.

2) Handrails installed along aisle centre lines as required by Table3.3.2.10. shall

a) comply with Sentences3.4.6.5.(5) to(7) and(14),

b) have gaps not less than 560mm and not more than915mm wide, measured horizontally, at intervals not

exceeding five rows,

c) comply with Sentence3.4.6.5.(11) at terminations and required gaps, and

d) have an intermediate rail located 305mm below the principal handrail.

Table 3.3.2.10.

Types and Location of Handrails in Aisles with Steps

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.2.10.(1)

Aisle Width

Aisle Serving Seating on One Side Aisle Serving Seating on Both Sides

Handrail Requirements

Less than 1 100 mm a continuous handrail located on the side of the aisle opposite

the seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14)

a handrail located on one side at the end of each row of seats

that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5) to (8), (11), (13)

and (14)

1 100 mm or more a centre-line handrail that conforms to Sentence (2)

a continuous handrail located on the side of the aisle opposite

the seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14), plus a handrail located at the end of

each row of seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14)

a centre line handrail that conforms to Sentence (2)

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

3.3.2.11. Outdoor Places of Assembly

1) A GroupA, Division4 occupancy and each tier or balcony that has a capacity of more than

a) 1 000 persons shall have not less than 3 separate exits, or

b) 4 000 persons shall have not less than 4 separate exits.

2) In a GroupA, Division4 occupancy, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance is not more

than45m measured along the path of travel from the seat to

a) the ground,

b) an exit,

c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or

d) a portal, a vomitory or any other opening through the seating deck structure.

3) Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than25m apart.

4) The capacity of a means of egress for a GroupA, Division4 occupancy shall conform to the requirements of

Sentence3.4.3.2.(3).

5) Aisles in a GroupA, Division4 occupancy shall

a) be located so that there are not more than20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, and

b) be not less than 1 200mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60persons is permitted to be

750 mm wide.

3.3.2.12. Bleachers

1) Steps provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type shall

a) have risers not more than250mm high, and

b) have treads with a run not less than 280mm.

2) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 280mm, an intermediate step

shall be provided the full width of the aisle and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms.

3) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 450mm, 2intermediate steps

shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms.

4) If the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be provided so that

a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than three quarters of the centre-to-centre spacing between

rows of seats, and

b) the spacing between footboard members shall be not more than25mm.

5) Openings above footboards and below the seats in rows of bleacher seats shall be provided with intermediate

construction so that there is no opening that would permit the passage of a sphere of more than 100mm in diameter.

3.3.2.13. Libraries

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), a library book storage room that is not normally accessible to the public

shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h

if it

a) is more than 250m

in area, or

b) contains book stacks that

i) are more than 10m high, or

ii) penetrate more than one floor assembly.

2) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required if the book storage room is sprinklered.

3) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height

of the shelves is not more than2.1m but not more than75% of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or

below the mezzanine floor assembly.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B

3.3.2.14. Stages for Theatrical Performances

1) A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage

areas, shall be sprinklered.

2) A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical

performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(6), a stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including

workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas, shall be separated from the seating area by a fire separation having a

fire-resistance rating not less than 1h, except for a proscenium opening protected with

a) a sprinkler deluge system conforming to the requirements of NFPA13, “Installation of Sprinkler Systems,”

b) an unframed fire curtain if the opening is not more than20m wide, or

c) a semi-rigid fire curtain if the opening is more than 20m wide.

4) A fire curtain required by Sentence(3) shall be of a type acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and

designed to close

a) automatically upon the actuation of the sprinkler system,

b) automatically upon actuation of the fire alarm system, and

c) manually by remote control devices located at the curtain control panel and at each side of the stage.

5) At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall be provided above

a stage designed for theatrical performances and shall

a) have an aggregate area not less than one eighth of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening, and

b) be arranged to open automatically upon actuation of the sprinkler system.

6) The fire separation referred to in Sentence(3) is not required between a stage and a seating area in a building

that is sprinklered throughout, provided a sprinkler deluge system is installed at the boundary between the stage and

the seating area.

3.3.2.15. Risers for Stairs

1) In a GroupA, Division2 occupancy used for the serving of food and beverages, an interior flight of stairs with

fewer than 3 risers is permitted provided it

a) is not less than 900mm wide,

b) is illuminated at all times that occupants are on the premises, and

c) has a handrail on each side.

3.3.2.16. Storage Rooms

1) Where storage rooms are required by Part4 of DivisionB of the British Columbia Fire Code

for the storage

of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in assembly occupancies, such rooms shall not be located above or below the

first storey.

3.3.2.17. Daycare Facilities for Children under 30 Months

(See Note A-3.3.2.17.)

1) A daycare facility for children where children under 30 months are accommodated shall be located

a) in a building that is sprinklered throughout, or

b) not more than 1 storey above or below a storey with an exit that opens directly to the exterior of the building at

ground level.

2) A fire alarm system shall be installed in a building that contains a daycare facility described in Sentence (1) if

a) the building contains one or more other suites, or

b) the daycare facility shares an interior means of egress.

3) If a fire alarm system is required by Sentence (2) or Subsection 3.2.4. to be installed in a daycare facility

described in Sentence (1), smoke detectors shall be installed in

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

a) each room of the daycare facility, and

b) each corridor serving as part of a means of egress from the daycare facility.

4) If a fire alarm system is not installed in a daycare facility described in Sentence (1), smoke alarms conforming

to CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke Alarms,” shall be installed in

a) each room of the daycare facility, and

b) each corridor serving as part of a means of egress from the daycare facility.

5) Smoke alarms required by Sentence (4) shall

a) comply with Sentences 3.2.4.20

.(6) and (10), and

b) if more than one smoke alarm is required, be wired so that the actuation of one of the required smoke alarms

will cause all the required smoke alarms to sound.

3.3.3. Care, Treatment or Detention Occupancies

3.3.3.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to care, treatment and detention occupancies. (SeeNoteA-3.3.3.1.(1).)

3.3.3.2. Separations between Care, Treatment or Detention Occupancies and Repair

Garages

1) The fire separation required by Sentence3.3.5.5.(1) between a care, treatment or detention occupancy and a

repair garage shall have no openings.

3.3.3.3. Corridors

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), a corridor used by the public or serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping

rooms shall have no dead-end portion.

2) Corridors are permitted to have dead-portions, where

a) the area served by the dead-end portion has a second and separate means of egress, or

b) the corridor serves a suite of care occupancy and the dead-end portion does not exceed 6m.

3) Corridors shall be not less than

a) 2 400mm wide in buildings of treatment occupancy where the corridors may be used to move patients or

residents in beds,

b) 1 650mm wide

i) in buildings of care or treatment occupancy where the corridors will not be used to move patients or

residents in beds, and

ii) in buildings of care occupancy with more than 10residents and where the corridors serve the residents, or

c) 1 100mm wide in buildings of care occupancy with not more than10 residents.

4) Paired doors in a corridor referred to in Clause(3)(a) shall

a) swing in opposite directions, the right-hand door swinging in the direction of travel, and

b) be not less than 1 100mm wide.

3.3.3.4. Doorway Width

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2) and within individual suites of care occupancy, the minimum clear width of

a doorway shall be 850mm where it opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides

access to exit for patients or residents in floor areas containing care or treatment occupancies.

2) The minimum clear width of doorways through which it is necessary to move patients in bed shall be

1 050mm. (SeeNoteA-3.3.3.4.(2).)

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B

3.3.3.5. Compartments and Fire Separations

1) Floor areas containing patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a care or treatment occupancy where overnight

sleeping accommodation is provided for more than a total of 10 patients or residents shall conform to Sentences(2)

to(13).

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), a floor area described in Sentence(1) shall be divided into not less than

2fire compartments, each not more than1 000m

in area.

3) The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered as

a fire compartment in applying the requirements of this Article.

4) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), fire separations separating fire compartments required by Sentence(2)

shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

5) The fire-resistance rating of a fire separation referred to in Sentence(4) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

6) The travel distance from any point within each fire compartment referred to in Sentence(2) to a door to an

adjoining fire compartment shall be not more than45 m.

7) Each fire compartment referred to in Sentence(2) shall be capable of accommodating, in addition to its own

occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent fire compartment based on a clear floor space of 2.5m

per patient in

the adjacent fire compartment.

8) Except as provided in Sentences(9) to(13), walls between patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms and the

remainder of the floor area shall be constructed as fire separations but are not required to have a fire-resistance rating

unless one is required by other provisions in this Part. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(1)(b).)

9) The fire separation requirements of Sentence(8) do not apply to walls within a group of intercommunicating

patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms, provided the group of rooms does not

a) contain more than 5patients or residents, or

b) include storage, bathing or toilet facilities serving persons not occupying the group of rooms.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.3.5.(9).)

10) The fire separation requirements of Sentence(8) do not apply to walls within individual suites of care

occupancy.

11) A door in a fire separation required by Sentence(8) is permitted to be equipped with a roller latch.

12) Except as permitted by Sentence(13), a fire separation required by Sentence(8) shall not have any grilles,

louvres or other openings.

13) A door or wall separating a patient’s or resident’s sleeping room from an ensuite toilet room, shower room or

similar ancillary space is permitted to incorporate grilles and louvres, provided

a) the adjacent rooms are not used to store flammable or combustible materials, and

b) the openings are located so that smoke cannot pass through these rooms to other parts of the building.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.3.5.(13).)

14) Walls between individual suites of care occupancy and the remainder of the floor area in buildings of care

occupancy shall be constructed as fire separations with a fire-resistance rating not less than that specified for residential

occupancies in Sentences3.3.4.2.(1) and(2).

15) Floor assemblies within individual suites of care occupancy need not be constructed as fire separations, provided

the suites meet the conditions described in Clauses3.3.4.2.(3)(a) and(b).

16) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence3.3.5.6.(1) is permitted to be waived if the

fire separation

is located between individual su

ites of care occupancy and an attached storage garage containing not more

than5 vehicles, provided the conditions described in Sentence3.3.4.2.(4) are met.

Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

3.3.3.6. Areas of Refuge

1) Compartments containing rooms such as operating rooms, recovery rooms, delivery rooms and intensive care

units, from which it is impracticable to move patients in an emergency, shall be

a) separated from adjacent spaces by fire separations having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h, and

b) provided with a mechanical air supply so that during a period of 2h after the start of a fire in another space,

the compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the fire area.

3.3.3.7. Contained Use Areas

1) A contained use area shall conform to Sentences(2) to(5).

2) A contained use area shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a

fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), a building that includes a contained use area shall be sprinklered

throughout.

4) A contained use area, in a building for which Articles3.2.2.20. to3.2.2.90. do not require the installation of

an automatic sprinkler system, is not required to be sprinklered as required by Sentence(3) provided

a) the building is designed so that during a period of 2h after the start of a fire in the contained use area other fire

compartments will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the contained use area,

b) the building is designed so that during a period of 2h after the start of a fire in another part of the building the

contained use area will not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from the other part of the

building,

c) all doors are designed to be remotely released in conformance with Sentence3.3.1.13.(6), and

d) the contained use area does not contain any rooms lined with combustible padding.

5) A corridor serving a contained use area shall have no dead-end portion unless the area served by the dead-end

portion has a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.4. Residential Occupancy

3.3.4.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to residential occupancies.

3.3.4.2. Fire Separations

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.2.2.9.(2), suites of residential occupancy shall be separated from

each other and the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) Floor assemblies within a dwelling unit need not be constructed as fire separations provided

a) the distance between the lowest floor level and the uppermost floor level within the dwelling unit is not more

than6m, and

b) the dwelling unit is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance

rating not less than

i) 1h if the building is not sprinklered throughout,

ii) 45min if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is not more than3 storeys in building height, or

iii) 1h if the building is sprinklered throughout and it is more than 3storeys in building height.

4) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence3.3.5.6.(1) is permitted to be waived if the

fire separation is located between a dwelling unit and an attached storage garage containing not more than5vehicles,

provided

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a) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are sprinklered,

b) the dwelling unit and the attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in

conformance with Sentences(1),(2) and(3),

c) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,

d) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and

exhaust fumes, and

e) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is

i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and exhaust

fumes,

ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and

iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

5) The fire separation required by Sentence3.3.5.6.(1) is not required between a dwelling unit and an attached

storage garage, serving that dwelling unit only, provided

a) the dwelling unit and its attached storage garage are separated from the remainder of the building in

conformance with Sentences(1),(2) and(3),

b) there are no air duct systems connecting the storage garage and the dwelling unit,

c) the construction between the storage garage and the dwelling unit provides an effective barrier to gas and

exhaust fumes, and

d) every door between the storage garage and the dwelling unit is

i) tight fitting and weather-stripped to provide an effective barrier against the passage of gas and

exhaust fumes,

ii) fitted with a self-closing device, and

iii) not located in a room intended for sleeping.

3.3.4.3. Storage Rooms

1) Sprinklers shall be installed in a storage room provided for the use of tenants in a residential occupancy within

a floor area but not contained within a suite.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), a storage room referred to in Sentence(1) shall be separated from the

remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

3) The

fire-resistance rating of the fi

re separation required by Sentence(2) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

4) Except for the storage of flammable liquids and combustible liquids inside a single-family dwelling unit and

garages or sheds attached to these dwelling units, where storage rooms are required by Part4 of DivisionB of the

British Columbia Fire Code for the storage of flammable liquids or combustible liquids in residential occupancies, such

rooms shall not be located above or below the first storey.

3.3.4.4. Egress from Dwelling Units

1) Single storey dwelling units in an apartment building need not lead to a public corridor or exterior passageway

on the same storey provided the dwelling units are served by private stairways leading directly to a public access to exit

on the storey

a) immediately above, and

b) immediately below.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.4.4.(1).)

2) Except as permitted by Sentences(3) and(4), a dwelling unit containing more than one storey shall have an

exit door or an egress door opening directly into a public access to exit from the uppermost storey and from the lowest

storey of the dwelling unit so that each of these storeys is served by an exit or egress door located not more than1.5 m

above or below its floor level.

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3) A single exit is permitted from a dwelling unit provided the exit is an exterior doorway not more than1.5 m

above adjacent ground level and

a) it is not necessary to travel up or down more than one storey to reach the exit door, or

b) the uppermost floor level opens to a balcony not more than6m above adjacent ground level.

4) An egress door from either the uppermost storey or the lowest storey of a dwelling unit, as required by

Sentence(2), need not be provided if that storey is served by a stairway that

a) leads to a public access to exit,

b) has no direct access to any other storey in the dwelling unit, and

c) is separated from the other storeys in the dwelling unit by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less

than 45min.

5) In a building of residential occupancy not more than3 storeys in building height, a doorway from a dwelling unit

is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.

6) If a dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress, one means of egress from a dwelling unit is

permitted to pass through

a) an interior corridor served by a single exit,

b) an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, or

c) an exterior passageway served by a single exit stairway.

3.3.4.5. Automatic Locking Prohibition

1) Except for hotels and motels, a door opening onto a public corridor which provides access to exit from a suite

shall be designed not to lock automatically. (SeeNoteA-3.3.4.5.(1).)

3.3.4.6. Sound Transmission

1) Occupants of dwelling units shall be protected from airborne noise in conformance with Section5.8.

3.3.4.7. Stairs, Ramps, Landings, Handrails

and Guards for Dwelling Units

1) Except as required in Article3.3.4.8., stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards within a dwelling unit shall

conform to the appropriate requirements in Section9.8.

2) Exterior stairs, ramps, landings, handrails and guards serving a single dwelling unit, and loads on guards

serving not more thantwo dwelling units, shall conform to the appropriate requirements in Section9.8.

3.3.4.8. Protection of Openable Windows

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), openable windows in suites of residential occupancy shall be protected by

a) a guard with a minimum height of 1070 mm constructed in accordance with Article3.3.1.18., or

b) a mechanism capable of controlling the free swinging or sliding of the openable part of the window so as to

limit any clear unobstructed opening to not more than100 mm measured either vertically or horizontally

where the other dimension is greater than 380 mm.

2) Windows need not be protected in accordance with Sentence(1) where

a) the only opening having greater dimensions than those allowed by Clause(1)(b) is located higher than

1070 mm above the finished floor, or

b) the bottom edge of the openable portion of the window is located less than 1800 mm above the floor or

ground on the other side of the window.

3.3.4.9. Resistance to Forced Entry

1) Dwelling units shall conform to Article 9.7.2.1. and Subsection 9.7.5.

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Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Division B

3.3.5. Industrial Occupancy

3.3.5.1. Scope

1) This Subsection applies to industrial occupancies.

3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems

1) In addition to other requirements in this Code for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an

appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area to provide protection if

required by

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) the British Columbia Fire Code, in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause(a).

3.3.5.3. Basements

1) A basement shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that

generate explosive air-vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts.

2) Entrances and exits to a basement and to rooms containing building services shall be separate from the

remainder of the building in a building in which

a) the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials can generate explosive air-vapour mixtures, or

b) processes occur that produce explosive dusts.

3) Basements and rooms referred to in Sentence(2) shall be separated from the remainder of the building with a

vapour-tight separation.

3.3.5.4. Repair and Storage Garages

1) If access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator serving occupancies above the level of the

storage garage, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence3.3.5.7.(4).

2) Treads and landings in interior stairs that extend to the roof of a storage garage shall be designed to be free of

accumulations of ice and snow.

3) A mechanical storage garage not more than4 storeys in building height, in which no persons other than parking

attendants are permitted above the street floor level, need not have a fire separation between the exits and the

remainder of the building.

4) A garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with the requirements of

Subsection6.3.1. and Article6.9.1.2. to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or

flammable and toxic vapours.

5) The clear height in a storage garage shall be not less than 2m.

6) Where garage floors or ramps are 600mm or more above the adjacent ground or floor level, every opening

through such floors and the perimeter of floors and ramps shall be provided with

a) a continuous curb not less than 140mm high, a

guard

not less than 1 070mm high, and a vehicle guardrail

not less than 500mm high conforming to Sentence(7), or

b) a full-height wall conforming to Sentence(7).

7) Vehicle guardrails and full-height walls required in Sentence(6) shall be designed and constructed to

withstand the loading values stipulated in Sentence4.1.5.15.(1).

8) Except for open-air storeys, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall

be sprinklered.

3.3.5.5. Repair Garage Separation

1) A repair garage and any ancillary spaces serving it, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts

storage areas and supervisory office space, shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire separation having a

fire-resistance rating not less than 2h.

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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

3.3.5.6. Storage Garage Separation

1) Except as permitted by Sentences3.3.4.2.(4) and(5), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies

by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1.5h.

3.3.5.7. Vestibules

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), if access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and

a GroupA, Division1 or GroupB occupancy, the access shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence(4).

2) If access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a GroupB, Division3 occupancy

with not more than10occupants, access need not be through a vestibule, provided the fire separation complies with

Clauses3.3.4.2.(5)(b) to(d).

3) In a building more than 3 storeys in building height, access through a fire separation between a storage garage

and a GroupA, Division2, 3 or 4, or a GroupC occupancy, shall be through a vestibule conforming to Sentence(4).

4) If access is provided through a vestibule, as required by Sentences(1),(3) and3.3.5.4.(1), the vestibule shall

a) be not less than 1.8m long,

b) be ventilated

i) naturally to outside air by a vent that has an unobstructed area of not less than 0.1m

for each door that

opens into the vestibule but not less than 0.4m

, or

ii) mechanically at a rate of 14m

/h for each square metre of vestibule floor surface area, and

c) have openings between the vestibule and an adjoining occupancy provided with self-closing doors with no

hold-open devices.

3.3.5.8. Dispensing of Fuel

1) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed above any space

intended for occupancy.

2) Facilities for the dispensing of fuel having a flash point below 37.8°C shall not be installed in any building,

except that this requirement does not apply to a canopy which is open on not less than 75% of its perimeter.

3.3.5.9. Multiple-Tenant Self-Storage Warehouses

1) Except as provided in Sentence3.9.3.1.(5) or unless the building is sprinklered throughout, each individual

tenancy in a multiple tenant self storage warehouse classified as an industrial occupancy shall be separated from the

remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45min.

3.3.5.10. Guards

1) Except where they serve storage garages, guards in industrial occupancies are permitted to consist of

a) a top railing, and

b) one or more intermediate rails spaced such that openings through the guard are of a size that prevents the

passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 535mm.

3.3.6. Design of Hazardous Areas

3.3.6.1. Application

1) This Subsection applies to design and fire protection requirements for buildings or parts thereof used for the

storage, handling, use and processing of dangerous goods, including flammable liquids and combustible liquids, in

quantities in excess of those identified in Table3.2.7.1. of DivisionB of the British Columbia Fire Code.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.6.1.(1).)

3.3.6.2. Storage of Dangerous Goods

1) Solid and liquid dangerous goods classified as oxidizers or organic peroxides shall be separated from the

remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2h.

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Division B

2) Reactive materials shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a

fire-resistance rating of not less than 2h. (SeeNoteA-3.3.6.2.(2).)

3) The design of buildings or parts thereof used for the storage of dangerous goods classified as explosives shall

conform to the “Explosives Act” and its Regulations, published by Natural Resources Canada.

4) Where wiring or electrical equipment is located in areas in which flammable gases or vapours, combustible

dusts or combustible fibres are present in quantities sufficient to create a hazard, such wiring and electrical equipment

shall conform to the requirements for hazardous locations as required by the Electrical Safety Regulation.

3.3.6.3. Indoor Storage of Anhydrous Ammonia and Flammable, Toxic and Oxidizing Gases

1) Where required by the British Columbia Fire Code, cylinders of dangerous goods classified as flammable gases

stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating

of at least 2h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

2) Where required by the British Columbia Fire Code, cylinders of anhydrous ammonia or dangerous goods

classified as toxic or oxidizing gases stored indoors shall be located in a room

a) that is separated from the remainder of the building by a gas-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating

of at least 1h,

b) that is located on an exterior wall of the building,

c) that can be entered from the exterior, and

d) whose closures leading to the interior of the building are

i) equipped with self-closing devices that keep the closures closed when not in use, and

ii) constructed so as to prevent the migration of gases from the room into other parts of the building.

3.3.6.4. Storage and Dispensing Rooms for Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids

1) Fire separations

for rooms where flammab

le liquids and combustible liquids are stored are required to be

constructed with a fire-resistance rating in conformance with Subsection4.2.9. of DivisionB of the British Columbia

Fire Code.

2) Where Class IA or IB liquids specified in Subsection4.1.2. of DivisionB of the British Columbia Fire Code

are dispensed within a storage room, the room shall be designed to prevent critical structural and mechanical damage

from an internal explosion in conformance with good engineering practice such as that described in NFPA68,

“Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting.” (SeeNoteA-3.3.6.4.(2).)

3.3.6.5. Tire Storage

1) A tire storage area designed to contain more than 375m

of rubber tires shall be separated from the

remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.6.5.(1).)

3.3.6.6. Ammonium Nitrate Storage

1) Where Article3.2.9.1. of DivisionB of the British Columbia Fire Code applies due to the quantity and

nature of the stored product, and as stipulated in Sentences(2) to(6), buildings used for the storage of ammonium

nitrate shall be classified as medium-hazard industrial occupancies (GroupF, Division2).

2) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be not more thanone storey in building height.

3) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall not

a) have basements or crawl spaces, or

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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B

b) contain open floor drains, tunnels, elevator pits or other pockets that might trap molten ammonium nitrate.

4) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall have not less than 0.007m

of vent area for

each square metre of storage area, unless mechanical ventilation is provided.

5) All flooring in storage areas described in Sentence(1) shall be constructed of noncombustible materials.

6) Buildings intended for the storage of ammonium nitrate shall be designed to prevent the ammonium nitrate

from coming into contact with building materials that

a) will cause the ammonium nitrate to become unstable,

b) may corrode or deteriorate by reason of contact with the ammonium nitrate, or

c) will become impregnated with the ammonium nitrate.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.6.6.(6).)

3.3.6.7. Flooring Materials

1) Floors in areas where dangerous goods are stored shall be constructed of impermeable materials to prevent the

absorption of chemicals.

3.3.6.8. Fire Separations in Process Plants

1) In process plants, areas where unstable liquids are handled or where small-scale unit chemical processes occur

shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less

than 2 h.

3.3.6.9. Basements and Pits

1) Process plants where Class I and II flammable liquids and combustible liquids are handled shall not be

constructed with basements or covered pits.

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

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

Section 3.3. Safety within Floor Areas

(SeeNoteA-3.3.)

3.3.1. All Floor Areas

3.3.1.1. Separation of Suites

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), a suite shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation

having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h. (Seealso Subsection3.3.3. for care, treatment or detention occupancies,

Article3.3.4.2. for residential occupancies, and Article3.1.8.7. for fire dampers.)

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) Occupancies that are served by public corridors conforming to Clause3.3.1.4.(4)(b) in a building that is

sprinklered throughout, are not required to be separated from one another by fire separations provided the

occupancies are

a) suites of business and personal services occupancy,

b) fast food vending operations that do not provide seating for customers,

c) suites of mercantile occupancy, or

d) any combination of these occupancies.

4) No fire separation is required between suites of business and personal services occupancy.

3.3.1.2. Hazardous Substances, Equipment and Processes

1) Except as provided in Subsections3.3.5. and3.3.6., the storage, handling and use of hazardous substances

shall be in conformance with

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause(a), the British Columbia Fire Code.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.1.2.(1).)

2) Systems for the ventilation of cooking equipment that is not within a dwelling unit and is used in processes

producing grease-laden vapours shall be designed and installed in conformance with Articles3.6.3.5., 6.3.1.7.

and 6.9.1.3. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.2.(2).)

3) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in a corridor serving as an access to exit.

3.3.1.3. Means of Egress

(SeeNote3.3.1.3.)

1) Access to exit within floor areas shall conform to Subsections3.3.2. to3.3.5., in addition to the requirements

of this Subsection.

2) If a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided, egress requirements shall conform to the

appropriate requirements of Sentence3.3.1.5.(1) for rooms and suites.

3) Means of egress shall be provided from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space used or

intended for occupancy, to exits in conformance with the requirements of Section 3.4.

4) Means of egress from an occupancy on a roof serving only a single dwelling unit shall be provided in

conformance with Article 3.3.4.4.

5) Except as permitted by Sentence (4) and except as required by Sentence (6), a means of egress at the roof level,

designed in conformance with the requirements for exits in Section 3.4., shall be provided from an occupancy on a

roof.

6) At least two separate means of egress at the roof level, designed in conformance with the requirements for exits

in Section3.4., shall be provided from a roof used or intended for an occupant load more than 60.

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B



3.3.1.4.

3.3.1.5.

Division B

Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions

7) For the purposes of Sentences (4) and (5), the occupied area of the occupancy on a roof shall be used in place

of floor area.

8) A roof-top enclosure that does not serve as part of a means of egress for an occupancy on a roof in accordance

with Sentence (5) or (6) shall be provided with an access to exit that leads to an exit

a) at the roof level, or

b) on the storey immediately below the roof.

9) A roof-top enclosure which is more than 200m

in area shall be provided with at least 2means of egress.

10) Two points of egress shall be provided for a service space referred to in Sentence3.2.1.1.(8) if

a) the area is more than 200m

, or

b) the travel distance measured from any point in the service space to a point of egress is more than 25m.

11) Except as permitted by Sentences3.3.4.4.(5) and(6), each suite in a floor area that contains more than one

suite shall have

a) an exterior exit doorway, or

b) a doorway

i) into a public corridor, or

ii) to an exterior passageway.

12) Except as permitted by this Section and by Sentence3.4.2.1.(2), at the point where a doorway referred to in

Sentence(8) opens onto a public corridor or exterior passageway, it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to

each of 2 separate exits.

Public Corridor Separations

1) Except as otherwise required by this Partor as permitted by Sentence(4), a public corridor shall be separated

from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation.

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3) and Clauses(4)(a) and(b), the fire separation between a public corridor

and the remainder of the storey shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than 45min.

3) If a storey is sprinklered throughout, no fire-resistance rating is required for a fire separation between a public

corridor and the remainder of the storey, provided the corridor does not serve a care, treatment or detention occupancy

or a residential occupancy. (SeeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(1)(b).)

4) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and

a) except as required by Sentences3.3.3.5.(8) and3.3.4.2.(1), and notwithstanding Sentence3.4.2.4.(2), the

remainder of a storey, provided the travel distance from any part of the floor area to an exit is not more

than45 m,

b) a room or a suite, provided the public corridor complies with Sentence3.3.1.9.(6) and

Clause3.4.2.5.(1)(d), or

c) a space containing plumbing fixtures required by Subsection 3.7.2., provided the space and the public corridor

are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey.

Egress Doorways

1) Except for dwelling units

, a minimum of 2 egress doorways located so that one doorway could provide egress

from the room or suite as required by Article3.3.1.3. if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due

to a fire which originates in the room or suite, shall be provided for every room and every suite

a) that is used for a high-hazard industrial occupancy and whose area is more than 15 m

b) intended for an occupant load more than 60,

c) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, and

i) the area of a room or suite is more than the value in Table3.3.1.5.-A, or

ii) the travel distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway is more than the value in

Table3.3.1.5.-A, or

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d) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout and does not contain a high-hazard industrial occupancy and

i) the travel distance to an egress doorway is more than 25 m, or

ii) the area of the room or suite is more than the value in Table3.3.1.5.-B.

2) Where 2egress doorways are required by Sentence(1), they shall be placed at a distance from one another

equal to or greater than one third of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the area to be served, measured as

the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the nearest required egress doors.

Table 3.3.1.5.-A

Egress in Floor Area not Sprinklered Throughout

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1)

Occupancy of Room or Suite Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m

Maximum Distance to Egress Doorway, m

Group A 150 15

Group C 100

(1)

Group D 200 25

Group E 150 15

Group F, Division 2 150 10

Group F, Division 3 200 15

Notes to Table 3.3.1.5.-A:

(1) See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units.

Table 3.3.1.5.-B

Egress in Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1)

Occupancy of Room or Suite Maximum Area of Room or Suite, m

Group A 200

Group B, Division 1 100

Group B, Division 2

sleeping rooms 100

other than sleeping rooms 200

Group B, Division 3

sleeping rooms not in suites 100

individual suites 150

other than sleeping rooms 200

Group C 150

(1)

Group D 300

Group E 200

Group F, Division 2 200

Group F, Division 3 300

Notes to Table 3.3.1.5.-B:

(1) See Article 3.3.4.4. for dwelling units.

3.3.1.6. Travel Distance

1) If more than one egress doorway is required from a room or suite referred to in Article3.3.1.5., the travel

distance within the room or suite to the nearest egress doorway shall not exceed the maximum travel distances

specified in Clauses3.4.2.5.(1)(a),(b),(c) and(f) for exits.

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3.3.1.7. Protection on Accessible Floor Areas

1) Every floor area that is not sprinklered throughout and that has an accessible path of travel shall

a) be served by an elevator

i) conforming to Sentences3.2.6.5.(4) to(6),

ii) protected against fire in conformance with Clauses3.2.6.5.(3)(b) or(c), and

iii) in a building over 3 storeys in building height, protected against smoke movement so that the hoistway will

not contain more than 1% by volume of contaminated air from a fire floor during a period of 2h after

the start of a fire, assuming an outdoor temperature equal to the January design temperature on a 2.5%

basis determined in conformance with Subsection1.1.3.,

b) be divided into at least 2zones by fire separations conforming to Sentences (2),(3) and 3.1.8.5.(6) so that

i) persons with disabilities can be accommodated in each zone, and

ii) the travel distance from any point in one zone to a doorway leading to another zone shall be not more

thanthe value for travel distance permitted by Sentence3.4.2.5.(1) for the occupancy classification of the

zone,

(See also Sentence 3.1.8.5.(6) for requirements regarding the passage of smoke.)

c) in the case of residential occupancies, be provided with balconies conforming to Sentence(4),

d) have an accessible exterior exit at ground level, or

e) have a ramp conforming to Subsection 3.8.3. leading to ground level.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.1.7.(1).)

2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), the fire separations referred to in Clause(1)(b) shall have a fire-resistance

rating not less than 1h.

3) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separations referred to in Clause(1)(b) is permitted to be less than 1 h but

not less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than

1hfor

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

4) A balcony required by Clause(1)(c) shall

a) have direct access from the suite or floor area

b) be not less than 1.5m deep from the outside face of the exterior wall to the inside edge of the balcony, and

c) provide not less than 2m

of balcony space for each accessible sleeping room or bed space.

5) The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit conforming to Article 3.4.6.10. is permitted to be considered

as a zone in applying the requirements of Clause (1)(b).

3.3.1.8. Headroom Clearance

1) Except within the floor area of a storage garage, the minimum headroom clearance in every access to exit shall

conform to the requirements of Article3.4.3.4. for exits. (Seealso Sentence3.3.5.4.(5).)

3.3.1.9. Corridors

1) The minimum width of a public corridor shall be 1 100 mm.

2) Except as required by Sentence3.3.3.3.(3), the minimum unobstructed width of a corridor used by the

public or a corridor serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms shall be 1 100 mm.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), obstructions located within 1 980 mm of the floor shall not project

more than 100mm horizontally into an exit passageway, a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor

serving classrooms or patients’ sleeping rooms in a manner that would create a hazard for a person with a visual

disability traveling adjacent to the walls.

4) The horizontal projection of an obstruction referred to in Sentence(3) is permitted to be more than 100 mm

provided the clearance between the obstruction and the floor is less than 680 mm. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.9.(4).)

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5) If a corridor contains an occupancy, the occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to

less than its required width.

6) If a public corridor conforming to Clause3.4.2.5.(1)(d) contains an occupancy,

a) the occupancy shall be located so that for pedestrian travel there is an unobstructed width not less than 3m at

all times adjacent and parallel to all rooms and suites that front onto the public corridor, and

b) the combined area of all occupancies in the public corridor shall be not more than15% of the area of the public

corridor.

7) Except for a dead-end corridor that is entirely within a suite or as permitted by Sentences3.3.3.3.(1)

and 3.3.4.4.(6), a dead-end corridor is permitted provided it is not more than6 m long.

3.3.1.10. Aisles

1) Except as otherwise stated in this Section, aisles shall be provided in conformance with the British Columbia

Fire Code.

3.3.1.11. Door Swing

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(5) and Article3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility

providing access to exit from a suite or room not located within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis.

2) Except as permitted by Article3.3.1.12., a door that opens into a corridor or other facility providing access to

exit from a room or suite that is used or intended for an occupant load more than 60 or for a high-hazard industrial

occupancy shall swing in the direction of travel to the exit.

3) Every door that divides a corridor that is not wholly contained within a suite shall swing on a vertical axis in

the direction of travel to the exit.

4) If a pair of doors is installed in a corridor that provides access to exit in both directions, the doors shall swing

in opposite directions, with the door on the right hand side swinging in the direction of travel to the exit.

5) Doors that serve storage suites not more than28m

in area in warehousing buildings need not conform to

Sentence(1).

3.3.1.12. Sliding Doors

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.3.1.11.(5), a sliding door provided in the locations described in

Article3.3.1.11. shall

a) be designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of travel to the exit when pressure is

applied, and

b) be identified as a swinging door by means of a label or decal affixed to it.

2) In a GroupB, Division1 occupancy, or in an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, sliding doors used in an

access to exit need not conform to Sentence(1) and Article3.3.1.11.

3) Movable partitions used to separate a public corridor from an adjacent business and personal services occupancy

or a mercantile occupancy need not conform to Sentence(1) and Sentences3.3.1.11.(1) and(2), provided the

partitions are not located in the only means of egress. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.12.(3).)

3.3.1.13. Doors and Door Hardware

1) Except as required by Article3.3.3.4., a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other

facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall

a) provide a clear opening of not less than 800mm if there is only one door leaf,

b) in a doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 800mm,

c) not open onto a step, and

d) have a threshold conforming to Sentence (11), except where it

i) is used to confine the spillage of flammable liquids within a service room or within a room in an industrial

occupancy, or

ii) provides access to an exterior balcony, unless the balcony is required by Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(c).

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2) Except as provided in Sentences(6) and(7), a door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to

an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism.

3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), door release hardware shall comply with Clause3.8.3.8.(1)(c) and the

door shall be openable with not more thanone releasing operation. (Seealso Sentence 3.8.3.6.(4).)

4) An egress door from an individual dwelling unit or from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be

provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware,

provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized

knowledge. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.13.(4).)

5) Except as provided in Sentence 3.4.6.17.(9), door release hardware shall be installed between 900 mm and

1100mm above the finished floor.

6) An egress door in an access to exit serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be

equipped with locking devices, provided they can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with

Sentence(8) or(9). (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.13.(6).)

7) A door in an access to exit is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic lock conforming to

Sentence 3.4.6.16.(4) or(5).

8) Local locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.

9) Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) shall be located in an area

readily available to security personnel.

10) Locking devices permitted by Sentence(6) that are electrically operated shall be

a) designed to operate on emergency power, and

b) capable of manual release by security personnel.

11) Except in locations described in Subclauses (1)(d)(i) and (ii), in doorways, where the threshold is not flush

with the floor, the threshold shall be not more than 13 mm higher than the finished floor surface, and where it is

higher than 6 mm, shall be beveled to a slope no steeper than 1 in 2.

12) Door assemblies providing access shall be designed in accordance with Subsection 3.8.3.

3.3.1.14. Ramps and Stairways

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), Article 3.3.1.16., Article3.3.4.7. and Subsection3.3.2., ramps and

stairways that do not serve as exits shall conform to the requirements for exit ramps and stairways stated in

Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8) and Articles 3.4.3.4., and3.4.6.1. to3.4.6.9.

2) Ramps and stairways that serve service rooms, service spaces or industrial occupancies need not comply with

Sentence(1), provided

a) they are intended only for occasional use for servicing equipment and machinery, and

b) they do not serve as exits.

3.3.1.15. Exterior Passageways

1) An exterior passageway leading to a required exit shall conform to the requirements of Section3.4. for

exterior exit passageways.

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3.3.1.16. Tapered Treads in a Curved Flight

1) Flights of stairs shall consist solely of

a) straight flights, or

b) curved flights complying with Sentence(2).

(See also Articles 3.3.1.14. and 3.4.6.9.)

2) Tapered treads in a curved flight that is not required as an exit shall have

a) a minimum run of 150 mm,

b) a run not less than 280 mm when measured at a point 300 mm from the centre line of the handrail at the

narrow end of the tread, and

c) a riser conforming to Sentence3.4.6.8.(2).

3) Tapered treads shall have a consistent angle and uniform run and rise dimensions in accordance with the

construction tolerances stipulated in Article3.4.6.8. when measured at a point 300mm from the centre line of the

handrail at the narrow end of the tread.

4) All tapered treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.

3.3.1.17. Capacity of Access to Exits

(SeeArticle3.3.1.9. for minimum widths of corridors.)

1) The capacity of an access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the portion of the floor area served.

2) In an access to exit the required width of ramps with a slope not more than1 in 8, doorways, and corridors

shall be based on not less than 6.1 mm per person.

3) In an access to exit the required width of a ramp with a slope more than 1 in 8 shall be based on not less than

9.2mm per person.

4) In an access to exit from a floor area used or intended to be used for patients in a Group B, Division 2

occupancy or residents in a Group B, Division 3 occupancy, the required width of corridors, doorways, and ramps shall

be based on not less than 18.4 mm per person.

5) The capacity of stairs in an access to exit shall conform to the requirements for stairs in Sentences3.4.3.2.(1)

to(3).

6) In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence3.2.5.12.(1), an access to exit that

is part of the principal entrance serving a dance hall or a licensed beverage establishment with an occupant load more

than 250 shall provide at least one half of the required exit width.

3.3.1.18. Guards

1) Except as provided in Sentence(5) and Article3.3.2.9., a guard not less than 1 070mm high shall be

provided

a) around any roof to which access is provided for purposes other than maintenance,

b) at openings into smoke shafts referred to in Subsection3.2.6. that are less than 1 070mm above the

floor, and

c) at each raised floor, mezzanine

, balcony, gallery, interior or exterior vehicular ramp, and at other locations

where (seeNoteA-9.8.8.1.)

i) the difference in elevation is more than 600mm between the walking surface and the adjacent surface, or

ii) the adjacent surface within 1.2m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.

2) Except as provided in Sentences (3) and 3.3.2.9.(4) and Articles3.3.4.7. and 3.3.5.10., openings through

guards shall be of a size that prevents the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is more than 100mm.

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3) Openings through guards other than those required by Sentence(1) that serve occupancies other than

industrial occupancies shall be of a size that

a) prevents the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 100mm, or

b) permits the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is 200mm.

(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.5.(3).)

4) Except for guards conforming to Article3.3.5.10., guards that protect a level located more than one storey or

4.2 m above the adjacent level shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm

and 900 mm above the level protected by the guard facilitates climbing. (SeeNoteA-9.8.8.6.(1).)

5) Sentence(1) does not apply

a) to the front edges of stages,

b) to loading docks, or

c) where access is provided for maintenance purposes only.

3.3.1.19. Transparent Doors and Panels

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), a glass or transparent door shall be designed and constructed so that the

existence and position of the door is readily apparent, by attaching visually contrasting hardware, bars or other

permanent fixtures to it.

2) The visibility of fully glazed transparent doors, sidelights and panels shall be enhanced through the inclusion

of mullions, markings or other elements that

a) are visually contrasting,

b) are at least 50mm high,

c) extend the full width of the door, sidelight or panel, and

d) are located between 1 350mm and 1 500mm above the floor.

3) A glass door shall be constructed of

a) laminated or tempered safety glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety

Glass,” or

b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”

4) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), transparent panels used in an access to exit that, because of their physical

configuration or design, could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible by barriers or railings.

5) Sliding glass partitions that separate a public corridor from an adjacent occupancy and that are open during

normal working hours need not conform to Sentences(1) and(4), provided the partitions are suitably marked in

conformance with Sentence(2) to indicate their existence and position.

6) Where vision glass is provided in doors or transparent sidelights, the lowest edge of the glass shall be no

higher than 900mm above floor level.

7) Glass in doors and in sidelights that could be mistaken for doors, within or at the entrances to dwelling units

and in public areas, shall conform to the requirements of Article9.6.1.4.

8) A window in a public area that extends to less than 1 000mm above the floor and is located above the second

storey in a building of residential occupancy, shall be protected by a barrier or railing to not less than 1 070mm above

the floor, or the window shall be non-openable and designed to withstand the lateral design loads for balcony guards

required by Article4.1.5.14.

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3.3.1.20. Exhaust Ventilation and Explosion Venting

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), an exhaust ventilation system designed in conformance with the

appropriate requirements of Part6 shall be provided in a building or part of a building in which dust, fumes, gases,

vapour or other impurities or contaminants have the potential to create a fire or explosion hazard. (Seealso

Article4.2.4.13.)

2) Where a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating is penetrated by a ventilation system required

by Sentence(1) for power-ventilated enclosures in laboratories, the ducts shall be

a) continuously enclosed from the first penetrated fire separation to any subsequent fire separations or concealed

spaces and all the way through to the outdoors so that the highest fire-resistance rating of all the penetrated fire

separations is maintained, and

b) exempted from the requirement to be equipped with a fire damper, smoke damper and fire/smoke damper as

stated in Article3.1.8.7.

3) Explosion relief devices, vents or other protective measures conforming to Subsection6.3.1. and

Article6.9.1.2. shall be provided for a space in which substances or conditions that have the potential to create an

explosion hazard are present as a result of the principal use of a building.

3.3.1.21. Janitors’ Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), a room or space within a floor area for the storage of janitorial

supplies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less

than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in

which the room or space is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.22. Common Laundry Rooms

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), in a building of residential occupancy, a laundry room in a floor

area that is not within a

dwelling unit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having

a fire-resistance rating not less than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required to have a fire-resistance rating if the floor area in

which the laundry room is located is sprinklered throughout.

3.3.1.23. Obstructions

1) No obstruction shall be permitted in any occupancy that would restrict the width of a normal means of egress

from any part of a floor area to less than 750mm unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to, accessible

from, and plainly visible from the obstructed means of egress. (SeeNoteA-3.3.1.23.(1).)

3.3.1.24. Signs in Service Spaces

1) Illuminated signs conforming to Sentences3.4.5.1.(2) and(6) shall be provided to indicate the direction to

egress points in a service space referred to in Sentence3.2.1.1.(8).

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3.3.1.25.

3.3.2.

3.3.2.1.

3.3.2.2.

3.3.2.3.

3.3.2.4.

Division B

Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Welding and Cutting

1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), welding and cutting operations shall be carried out in a room

a) separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than

1h, or

b) protected by an automatic fire extinguishing system.

2) Sentence(1) shall not apply to industrial occupancies where the welding and cutting operations do not present

a fire or explosion hazard to adjacent areas.

Assembly Occupancy

Scope

1) This Subsection applies to assembly occupancies and to outdoor places of assembly.

2) Except as required in Sentence(3), provisions 12.2.3.2, 12.2.3.3, 12.2.5.4, 12.2.5.5, 12.2.5.6, 12.2.11.1,

12.4.1 and 12.4.2 of Chapter12 of NFPA101, “Life Safety Code,” are permitted to be used in lieu of

Articles3.3.2.4.,3.3.2.5.,3.3.2.9.,3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12. (SeeNoteA-3.3.2.1.(2).)

3) The minimum clear width of aisle accessways between rows of seats shall be calculated according to

provisions 12.2.5.5.2, 12.2.5.5.4.1 and 12.2.5.5.5.1 of Chapter 12 of NFPA 101, “Life Safety Code,” except that in

no case shall the width be less than 400mm.

Fire Separations

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), the seating area of a Group A, Division1 occupancy shall be separated

from adjacent occupancies in the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h if the

occupant load in the seating area exceeds 200.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) If usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena-type buildings, a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not

less than 45min shall be provided between the space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.

Non-fixed Seating

1) Non-fixed seating shall conform to the British Columbia Fire Code.

Fixed Seats

1) Except for the requirements of Article3.3.2.8. for bench-type seats and except as required or permitted by

Sentence(2) and Articles3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12., fixed seats in places of assembly shall be

a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser,

b) provided with arms and back, and

c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage not less than 400mm wide measured horizontally between

plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the

seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.

2) For fixed seats with backs and with folding tablet arms, the value of 400mm required by Clause(1)(c) shall

be measured when the tablet arms are in the use position, but is permitted to be measured in the stored position

provided

a) there are not more than7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle,

b) the seats are located in a lecture hall or an auditorium used for instructional purposes, and

c) the tablet arm, when raised manually to a vertical position, falls by the force of gravity to the stored position.

(SeeNoteA-3.3.2.4.(2).)

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3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), aisles shall be located so that there are not more than7 seats with backs

or 20 seats without backs between any seat and the nearest aisle.

4) The requirements of Sentence(3) do not apply if

a) egress doorways are provided to serve both ends of rows of seats,

b) each doorway referred to in Clause(a) serves not more than3 rows of seats, and

c) each row contains not more than100 seats.

3.3.2.5. Aisles

1) Except as required by Articles3.3.2.11. and3.3.2.12., aisles leading to exits shall be provided in conformance

with Sentences(2) to(17) in places of assembly which contain fixed seats.

2) The minimum clear width of aisles shall be not less than 1100 mm, except that the width is permitted to be

reduced to not less than

a) 750mm if serving not more than60 seats, and

b) 900mm if serving seats on one side only.

3) Except in the case of bleacher seats, the minimum clear width of aisles referred to in Sentence(2) shall be

measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle or foyer and shall be increased by 25 mm for each metre of

distance toward the exit, cross aisle or foyer.

4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of the cross aisle, foyer or exit shall be not less

than the required width of the widest aisle plus 50% of the total required width of the remaining aisles that it serves.

5) Dead-end aisles shall be not more than6 m long.

6) The length of travel to an exit door by any aisle shall be not more than45 m.

7) Side aisles shall be not less than 1100 mm wide if seating is provided in conformance with

Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4).

8) An aisle that has a slope not more than 1 in 8 shall not be stepped.

9) An aisle that slopes more than 1 in 8 shall be stepped.

10) The passageway between rows of seats served by a stepped aisle shall be level at right angles to the line

of travel.

11) The riser of a step in an aisle shall be

a) not less than 110 mm high, and

b) not more than200 mm high.

12) Variations are permitted in riser height provided

a) the height of adjacent risers does not vary by more than 6 mm, and

b) the width of a tread or a platform in the direction of travel is not less than 430 mm.

13) Steps in an aisle shall

a) have a run not less than 230 mm exclusive of nosings,

b) have a tread width not less than 250 mm,

c) extend to the adjacent rows of seats in a manner that will not create a hazard from tripping, and

d) have a finish on the treads conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

14) The location of every riser in an aisle shall be made apparent from both directions of travel by strategically

placed lighting or contrasting marking stripes.

15) A platform in an aisle shall be level, except that a slope not more than1 in 50 is permitted for a platform that

is not less than 430 mm wide in the direction of exit travel.

16) If a step is used at the entry to a row of seats from a stepped aisle, an unobstructed platform not less than

800 mm square shall be provided adjacent to the aisle.

17) The finish of the surface of a platform in or adjacent to a stepped aisle shall conform to Sentence 3.4.6.1.(1).

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B



Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

3.3.2.6.

3.3.2.7.

3.3.2.8.

3.3.2.9.

Division B

Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Corridors

1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), a corridor used by the public in an assembly occupancy as an access

to exit shall be separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less

than 1h.

2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be less than 1h but not

less than 45min provided the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection3.2.2. is permitted to be less than 1h for

a) the floor assembly above the floor area, or

b) the floor assembly below the floor area, if there is no floor assembly above.

3) The fire-resistance rating required by Sentence(1) is permitted to be waived if the floor area in which the

corridor is located is sprinklered throughout.

4) The requirement for a fire separation stated in Sentence(1) is permitted to be waived if the distance from any

point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit does not exceed the travel distance

permitted by Article3.4.2.5.

Doors

1) A door equipped with a latching mechanism in an access to exit from a room or suite of assembly occupancy

containing an occupant load more than 100 shall be equipped with a device that will release the latch and allow the

door to swing wide open when a force not more than that specified in Sentence3.8.3.6.(8) is applied to the device in

the direction of travel to the exit.

Fixed Bench-Type Seats without Arms

1) If fixed bench-type seats without arms are provided, the seat width per person shall be assumed to be

450 mm.

2) The centre-to-centre spacing between rows of bench-type seats shall be not less than 760mm if back rests are

provided, and not less than 550mm if back rests are not provided.

3) A clear space of not less than 300mm shall be provided between the back of each seat and the front of the

seat immediately behind it.

Guards

1) Except as required by Sentences(2) to(4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in outdoor and indoor

places of assembly with fixed seats so that

a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is not

less than

i) 760mm in front of the seats, and

ii) 920mm if located at the end of aisles or at the foot of steps,

b) the height of guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or

gallery is not less than 660mm, except that guards need not be provided if the backs of the seats along the

front side of the aisle are not less than 600mm above the floor of the aisle, and

c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between platforms is more than

450mm, the height of guards is not less than 660mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the

platform.

2) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1 200mm above the ground or floor that are not adjacent to

a wall shall be protected with a guard

a) not less than 1 070mm high above an adjacent aisle surface or foot rest, and

b) not less than 920mm high above the centre of an adjacent seat board.

3) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard

not less than 840mm high above the front foot rest.

4) The size of any opening in a guard required by Sentences(2) and(3) shall not allow the passage of a sphere

whose diameter is more than 300mm.

Revision 2.01 British Columbia Building Code 2018



Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

3.3.2.10. Handrails in Aisles with Steps

(SeeNoteA-3.3.2.10.)

1) Handrails shall be provided in aisles with steps in conformance with Table3.3.2.10.

Table 3.3.2.10.

Types and Location of Handrails in Aisles with Steps

Forming Part of Sentence 3.3.2.10.(1)

Aisle Width

Less than 1 100 mm

1 100 mm or more

Aisle Serving Seating on One Side Aisle Serving Seating on Both Sides

Handrail Requirements

a continuous handrail located on the side of the aisle opposite a handrail located on one side at the end of each row of seats

the seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5) that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5) to (8), (11), (13)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14) and (14)

a centre-line handrail that conforms to Sentence (2) a centre line handrail that conforms to Sentence (2)

a continuous handrail located on the side of the aisle opposite

the seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14), plus a handrail located at the end of

each row of seats that conforms to Sentences 3.4.6.5.(5)

to (8), (11), (13) and (14)

2) Handrails installed along aisle centre lines as required by Table3.3.2.10. shall

a) comply with Sentences3.4.6.5.(5) to(7) and(14),

b) have gaps not less than 560mm and not more than915mm wide, measured horizontally, at intervals not

exceeding five rows,

c) comply with Sentence3.4.6.5.(11) at terminations and required gaps, and

d) have an intermediate rail located 305mm below the principal handrail.

3.3.2.11. Outdoor Places of Assembly

1) A GroupA, Division4 occupancy and each tier or balcony that has a capacity of more than

a) 1 000 persons shall have not less than 3 separate exits, or

b) 4 000 persons shall have not less than 4 separate exits.

2) In a Group A, Division4 occupancy, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance is not more

than45 m measured along the path of travel from the seat to

a) the ground,

b) an exit,

c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or

d) a portal, a vomitory or any other opening through the seating deck structure.

3) Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than25 m apart.

4) The capacity of a means of egress for a GroupA, Division4 occupancy shall conform to the requirements of

Sentence 3.4.3.2.(3).

5) Aisles in a GroupA, Division4 occupancy shall

a) be located so that there are not more than20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, and

b) be not less than 1 200mm wide, except that an aisle serving less than 60persons is permitted to be

750 mm wide.

British Columbia Building Code 2018 Revision 2.01 Division B



Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

3.3.2.12.

3.3.2.13.

3.3.2.14.

Division B

Division B: Acceptable Solutions

Bleachers

1) Steps provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type shall

a) have risers not more than250mm high, and

b) have treads with a run not less than 280mm.

2) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 280 mm, an intermediate step

shall be provided the full width of the aisle and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms.

3) If the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers is more than 450mm, 2 intermediate steps

shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms.

4) If the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be provided so that

a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than three quarters of the centre-to-centre spacing between

rows of seats, and

b) the spacing between footboard members shall be not more than25mm.

5) Openings above footboards and below the seats in rows of bleacher seats shall be provided with intermediate

construction so that there is no opening that would permit the passage of a sphere of more than 100mm in diameter.

Libraries

1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), a library book storage room that is not normally accessible to the public

shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 2 h

if it

a) is more than 250m

in area, or

b) contains book stacks that

i) are more than 10m high, or

ii) penetrate more than one floor assembly.

2) The fire separation required by Sentence(1) is not required if the book storage room is sprinklered.

3) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor in a library building provided the height

of the shelves is not more than2.1m but not more than 75% of the floor-to-ceiling height of the space above or

below the mezzanine floor assembly.

Stages for Theatrical Performances

1) A stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, including workshops, dressing rooms and storage

areas, shall be sprinklered.

2) A fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h shall be provided between a stage for theatrical