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The British Columbia Building Code | Section 3.4. | Exits Pt 1

Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B
Section 3.4. Exits
3.4.1. General
3.4.1.1. Scope
1) Exit facilities complying with this Section shall be provided from every floor area that is intended for
occupancy. (SeeNoteA-3.4.1.1.(1).)
3.4.1.2. Separation of Exits
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be
separate from every other exit leading from that floor area.
2) If more than 2 exits are provided from a floor area, exits are permitted to converge in conformance with
Sentence3.4.3.1.(2), provided the cumulative capacity of the converging exits does not contribute more than 50% of
the total required exit width for the floor area.
3.4.1.3. Access to Exits
1) Access to exits shall conform to Section3.3.
3.4.1.4. Types of Exit
1) Subject to the requirements of this Section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following, used
singly or in combination:
a) an exterior doorway,
b) an exterior passageway,
c) an exterior ramp,
d) an exterior stairway,
e) a fire escape (conforming to Subsection3.4.7.),
f) a horizontal exit,
g) an interior passageway,
h) an interior ramp, or
i) an interior stairway.
3.4.1.5. Exterior Exit Passageways
1) Access to an exterior exit passageway from a floor area shall be through exit doors at the floor level.
3.4.1.6. Restricted Use of Horizontal Exits
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), horizontal exits shall not comprise more than one half of the required
number of exits from any floor area.
2) In a hospital or nursing home with treatment, horizontal exits serving patients’ sleeping rooms shall comprise
not more thantwo thirds of the required number of exits from any floor area. (SeeNoteA-3.4.1.6.(2).)
3.4.1.7. Slide Escapes
1) A slide escape shall not be erected on any building as a required exit, but is permitted to be provided as an
additional egress facility if unusual hazards are foreseen.
3.4.1.8. Transparent Doors and Panels
1) Gla
ss and transparent panels in an exit shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Article3.3.1.19. for
glass and transparent panels in an access to exit.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B
3.4.1.9. Mirrors near Exits
1) No mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in a manner that would confuse the direction of exit.
3.4.1.10. Combustible Glazing in Exits
1) Combustible glazing is not permitted in wall or ceiling assemblies or in closures used to construct an exit
enclosure.
3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas
3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) to(4), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least
2exits.
2) A floor area in a building not more than2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit
provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than60, and
a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more thanthe
values in Table3.4.2.1.-A, or
b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout
i) the travel distance is not more than25m, and
ii) the floor area is not more thanthe value in Table3.4.2.1.-B.
3) Except as permitted by Sentence(4), if Sentence(2) permits a single exit from a floor area classified as
GroupB or GroupC occupancy, the exit shall be an exterior doorway not more than1.5m above adjacent
ground level.
Table 3.4.2.1.-A
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area Not Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)
Occupancy of Floor Area Maximum Floor Area, m
2
Maximum Travel Distance, m
Group A 150 15
Group B 75 10
Group C 100 15
Group D 200 25
Group E 150 15
Group F, Division 2 150 10
Group F, Division 3 200 15
Table 3.4.2.1.-B
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)
Occupancy of Floor Area Maximum Floor Area, m
2
Group A 200
Group B 100
Group C 150
Group D 300
Group E 200
Group F, Division 2 200
Group F, Division 3 300
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Division B: Acceptable Solutions Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility
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4) The requirements of Sentences(1) and(2) are permitted to be waived for dwelling units that have an access to
exit conforming to Sentences3.3.4.4.(1) to(4).
5) Exits are not required directly from roof-
top enclosures that are provided with access to exits in conformance
with Sentences3.3.1.3.(5) and(6).
3.4.2.2. Means of Egress from Mezzanines
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(3), the space above a mezzanine shall be served by means of egress
leading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas.
2) The means of egress from a mezzanine need not conform to Sentence(1), provided
a) the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted in Sentence3.2.8.2.(1),
b) the occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than60,
c) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits stated in Table3.4.2.2., and
d) the distance limits stated in Table3.4.2.2. measured along the path of travel are not exceeded from any point
on the mezzanine to
i) an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks, if the space is served by a single egress
door, or
ii) the egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by
2or more egress doorways in conformance with Sentence3.3.1.5.(1).
3) At least half of the required means of egress from a mezzanine shall comply with Sentence(1) if the mezzanine
is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence3.2.8.2.(1).
3.4.2.3. Distance between Exits
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), the least distance between 2 exits from a floor area shall be
a) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area
having a public corridor, or
b) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.2.3.(1).)
2) Exits need not comply with Sentence(1) where
a) the floor area is divided so that not less than one third of the floor area is on each side of a fire separation, and
b) it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit
.
3) The
minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence(1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke
would have to travel between the exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.
4) The distance between 2 exterior discharges of exit stairs serving the same floor area shall be
a) not less than 9 m, or
b) not less than 6 m, where
i) the building is sprinklered throughout, and
Table 3.4.2.2.
Criteria for Egress from Mezzanine Space
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.2.(2)
Occupancy of Space Maximum Area, m
2
Distance Limits, m
Assembly occupancy 150 15
Residential occupancy 100 15
Business and personal services occupancy 200 25
Mercantile occupancy 150 15
Medium-hazard industrial occupancy 150 10
Low-hazard industrial occupancy 200 15
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
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ii) the 2 exterior discharges are located within 15 m of a street.
3.4.2.4. Travel Distance
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance
from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit.
2) The travel distance from a suite or a room not within a suite is permitted to be measured from an egress door
of the suite or room to the nearest exit, provided
a) the suite or room is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation
i) having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
ii) which is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout, and
b) the egress door opens onto
i) an exterior passageway,
ii) a corridor used by the public that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with
the requirements in Article3.3.1.4. for the separation of public corridors, or
iii) a public corridor that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with
Article3.3.1.4. (seeNoteA-3.1.8.1.(1)(b)).
3) Travel distance to an exit shall be not more than50m from any point in a service space referred to in
Sentence3.2.1.1.(8).
3.4.2.5. Location of Exits
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.3.2.5.(6), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, the
exits shall be located so that the travel distance to at least one exit shall be not more than
a) 25m in a high-hazard industrial occupancy,
b) 40m in a business and personal services occupancy,
c) 45m in a floor area that contains an occupancy other than a high-hazard industrial occupancy, provided it is
sprinklered throughout,
d) 105m in any floor area, served by a public corridor, in which rooms and suites
are not separated from the
rema
inder of the floor area by a fire separation, provided
i) the public corridor is not less than 9m wide,
ii) the ceiling height in the public corridor is not less than 4m above all floor surfaces,
iii) the building is sprinklered throughout, and
iv) not more thanone half of the required egress doorways from a room or suite open into the public corridor
if the room or suite is required to have more than one egress doorway,
e) 60m in any storage garage that conforms to the requirements of Article3.2.2.90., and
f) 30m in any floor area other than those referred to in Clauses(a) to(e).
2) Except for a high-hazard industrial occupancy, Sentence(1) need not apply if exits are placed along the
perimeter of the floor area and are not more than60m apart, measured along the perimeter, provided each main aisle
in the floor area leads directly to an exit.
3) Exits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are clearly indicated and
they are accessible at all times.
3.4.2.6. Principal Entrances
1) For the purposes of this Section, at least one door at every principal entrance to a building providing access
from the exterior at ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits.
2) In a building that is not sprinklered throughout in accordance with Sentence3.2.5.12.(1), 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.
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
3.4.3. Width and Height of Exits
3.4.3.1. Exit Width Based on Occupant Load
1) For the purpose of determining the aggregate width of exits, the occupant load of every room or floor area shall
be determined in conformance with Subsection3.1.17.
2) Except as permitted by Sentence3.4.3.2.(4), the required exit width shall be cumulative if 2 or more exits
converge.
3.4.3.2. Exit Width
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), the minimum aggregate required width of exits serving floor areas
intended for assembly occupancies, residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies, mercantile
occupancies, and industrial occupancies shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
a) 6.1 mm per person for ramps with a slope of not more than1 in 8, doorways, corridors and passageways,
b) 8 mm per person for a stair consisting of steps whose rise is not more than180 mm and whose run is not less
than 280 mm, or
c) 9.2 mm per person for
i) ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 8, or
ii) stairs, other than stairs conforming to Clause(b).
2) The minimum aggregate width of exits serving floor areas intended for a care, treatment or detention occupancy
shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by 18.4 mm per person.
3) The minimum aggregate width of means of egress serving a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall be determined
by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
a) 1.8 mm per person for
i) aisles,
ii) stairs other than exit stairs, and
iii) ramps and passageways in vomitories and exits, and
b) 2.4mm per person for exit stairs.
4) Except as required by Sentences3.4.3.2.(5) and(6), the required exit width need not be cumulative in an exit
serving 2or more floor areas located one above the other.
5) The required exit width for an exit
stair in an assembly hall or theatre
serving more than one balcony level
shall conform to Sentence(6).
6) The required exit width for exit stairs that serve interconnected floor space designed in accordance with
Articles3.2.8.3. to3.2.8.8. shall be cumulative, unless
a) the stairs provide not less than 0.3 m
2
of area of treads and landings for each occupant of the interconnected
floor space (seeNoteA-3.4.3.2.(6)), or
b) protected floor spaces conforming to Article3.2.8.5. are provided at each floor level and the protected floor space
on a floor level has not less than 0.5 m
2
of space for each occupant of that floor level of the interconnected
floor space.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.3.2.(6)(a).)
7) If more than one exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more thanone half of the
required exit width.
8) The minimum widths of exits shall conform to Tables3.4.3.2.-Aand3.4.3.2.-B.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B
3.4.3.3. Exit Width Reduction
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and(4), no fixture, turnstile or construction shall project into or be
fixed within the required width of an exit.
2) Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the required width of exit stairs or landings to less than
750 mm or reduce the width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width.
3) Doors shall be installed so that, when open, they do not diminish nor obstruct the required width of the exit.
4) Handrails and construction below handrails, including handrail supports and stair stringers, shall not project
more than 100 mm into the required width of a means of egress.
3.4.3.4. Headroom Clearance
(SeeNoteA-3.4.3.4.)
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(4) and(5), every exit shall have a clear height over the clear width of the
exit of not less than 2050 mm.
2) The clear height of stairways shall be measured vertically over the clear width of the stairway, from the
straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest element above. (SeeNoteA-9.8.7.4.)
3) The clear height of landings shall be measured within the clear width of the landing vertically to the lowest
element above.
Table 3.4.3.2.-A
Minimum Widths of Exit Corridors, Passageways, Ramps, Stairs and Doorways
in Group A, Group B, Division 1, and Groups C, D, E and F Occupancies
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8)
Occupancy Classification
Exit Corridors and
Passageways, mm
Ramps, mm Stairs, mm Doorways, mm
Group A, Group B, Division 1, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F 1 100 1 100
900
(1)
1 100
(2)
800
Notes to Table 3.4.3.2.-A:
(1) Serving not more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or not more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
(2) Serving more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
Table 3.4.3.2.-B
Minimum Widths of Exit Corridors, Passageways, Ramps, Stairs and Doorways
in Group B, Division 2 and Division 3 Occupancies
Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8)
Occupancy
Classification
Exit Corridors
and
Passageways,
mm
Ramps, mm Stairs, mm Doorways, mm
Not serving
patients’ or
residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Serving patients’
or residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Not serving
patients’ or
residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Serving patients’
or residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Not serving
patients’ or
residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Serving patients’
or residents’
sleeping rooms
(1)
Group B, Division 2 1 100 1 100 1 650
900
(2)
1 100
(3)
1 650 850 1 050
Group B, Division 3
with more than
10 residents
1 100 1 100 1 100
900
(2)
1 100
(3)
1 100
(2)
1 650
(3)
850 850
with not more
than 10 residents
1 100 1 100 1 100
900
(2)
1 100
(3)
900
(2)
1 100
(3)
850 850
Notes to Table3.4.3.2.-B:
(1) Minimum widths of ramps, stairs and doorways do not apply within individual suites of care occupancy.
(2) Serving not more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or not more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
(3) Serving more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
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4) Except as permitted by Sentence(5), the headroom clearance for doorways shall be not less than 2030 mm.
5) No door closer or other device shall be installed so as to reduce the headroom clearance of a doorway to less
than 1980 mm.
3.4.4. Fire Separation of Exits
3.4.4.1. Fire-Resistance Rating of Exit Separations
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2), 3.3.5.4.(3), 3.4.4.2.(2) and3.4.4.3.(1), every exit shall be separated
from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by
Subsection3.2.2., but not less than 45 min, for
a) the floor assembly above the storey, or
b) the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above.
2) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation referred to in Sentence(1) need not be more than 2 h.
3) If an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serves more than one balcony level, the exit stair shall be separated
from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentence(1).
3.4.4.2. Exits through Lobbies
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), no exit from a floor area above or below the first storey shall lead through
a lobby.
2) Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby, provided
a) the lobby floor is not more than4.5m above grade,
b) the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors is not more than15 m,
c) the adjacent rooms or premises having direct access to the lobby do not contain a care, residential or industrial
occupancy,
d) the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence3.2.8.2.(6),
e) the lobby conforms to the requirements for exits, except that
i) rooms other than service rooms and storage rooms are permitted to open onto the lobby,
ii) the fire separation between the lobby and a room used for the sole purpose of control and supervision of
the building need not have a fire-resistance rating,
iii) the fire separation between the lobby and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open onto the lobby
need not have a fire-resistance rating provided the lobby and adjacent occupancies are sprinklered, and
iv) passenger elevators are permitted to open onto the lobby, provided the elevator doors are designed to
remain closed except while loading and unloading passengers, and
(seeNoteA-3.4.4.2.(2)(e))
f) a fi
re separation, constructed in accordance with Sentence3.4.4.1.(1), is maintained between the lobby and
any exit permitted by this Sentence to lead through the lobby.
3.4.4.3. Exterior Passageway Exceptions
1) The requirements of Sentences3.4.4.1.(1) and3.2.3.13.(1) and(3) do not apply to an exterior exit
passageway provided
a) not less than 50% of the exterior side is open to the outdoors, and
b) an exit stair is provided at each end of the passageway.
3.4.4.4. Integrity of Exits
1) A fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except for
a) standpipe and sprinkler piping,
b) electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only
the exit,
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
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c) openings required by the provisions of Subsection3.2.6.,
d) exit doorways, and
e) wired glass and glass block permitted by Article3.1.8.16.
2) Exits within scissors stairs and other contiguous exit stairways shall be separated from each other by a
smoke-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly through
which they pass.
3) Fire separations separating contiguous stairs described in Sentence(2) shall not be pierced by doorways,
ductwork, piping or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation.
4) A fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in an exit.
5) An exit shall not be used as a plenum for a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system.
6) An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit is permitted also to be
designed to serve as an access to a floor area.
7) A service room shall not open directly into an exit.
8) Storage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and similar ancillary rooms shall not open directly
into an exit.
9) Service spaces referred to in Sentence3.2.1.1.(8) shall not open directly into an exit.
3.4.5. Exit Signs
3.4.5.1. Exit Signs
1) Every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves
a) a building more than 2 storeys in building height,
b) a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
2) Every exit sign shall
a) be visible on approach to the exit,
b) consist of a green and white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in
ISO 3864-1, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part1: Design principles for safety signs
and safety markings,” and
c) conform to ISO 7010, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Registered safety signs,” for the
following symbols (seeNoteA-3.4.5.1.(2)(c)):
i) E001 emergency exit (left hand),
ii) E002 emergency exit (right hand),
iii) E005 Direction, arrow (90° increments), safe condition, and
iv) E006 Direction, 45° arrow (90° increments), safe condition.
3) Internally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated and
a) where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, conform to CSA C22.2 No. 141,
“Emergency Lighting Equipment,” or
b) where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, conform to
CAN/ULC-S572, “Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems.”
4) Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated and conform to CAN/ULC-S572,
“Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Exit Signs and Path Marking Systems.” (SeeNoteA-3.4.5.1.(4).)
5) The circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall
a) serve no equipment other than emergency equipment, and
b) be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Article3.2.7.4.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
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British Columbia Building Code 2018 Division B
6) Where no exit is visible from a public corridor, from a corridor used by the public in a GroupA or B major
occupancy, or from principal routes serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than150, an exit sign
conforming to Clauses(2)(b) and(c) with an arrow or pointer indicating the direction of egress shall be provided.
7) Except for egress doorways described in Sentence3.3.2.4.(4), an exit sign conforming to Sentences(2) to(5)
shall be placed over or adjacent to every egress doorway from rooms with an occupant load of more than 60 in
GroupA, Division1 occupancies, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments, and other similar occupancies that,
when occupied, have lighting levels below that which would provide easy identification of the egress doorway.
3.4.5.2. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level
1) In a building more than 2 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or
down past the lowest exit level shall have a posted sign clearly indicating that it does not lead to an exit.
3.4.6. Types of Exit Facilities
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.)
3.4.6.1. Slip Resistance of Ramps and Stairs
1) The surfaces of ramps, and landings and treads
a) shall have a finish that is slip resistant, and
b) if accessible to the public, shall have either a colour contrast or a distinctive pattern, readily visible from both
directions of travel, to demarcate the leading edge of the tread and the leading edge of the landing, as well as
the beginning and end of a ramp.
2) Treads and landings of exterior exit stairs more than 10m high shall be designed to be free of ice and snow
accumulations.
3.4.6.2. Minimum Number of Risers
1) Except as permitted by Sentence3.3.2.15.(1), every flight of interior stairs shall have not less than 3risers.
3.4.6.3. Maximum Vertical Rise of Stair Flights and Required Landings
1) No flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise of more than 3.7m between floors or landings, except that a flight
of stairs serving as an exit in a GroupB, Division2 occupancy shall have a vertical rise not more than2.4m between
floors or landings.
2) Except as provided in Sentence(3), a landing shall be provided
a) at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs,
b) at the top and bottom of every section of ramp,
c) where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp,
d) where a ramp opens onto a stair, and
e) where a stair opens onto a ramp.
3) A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp, provided there is no gate, door or fixed
obstruction within the lesser of
a) the width of the stair or ramp, or
b) 1 100mm.
4) Landings required at the top of a
flight of stairs shall be provided with tactile walking surface indicators
conforming to Subsection 3.8.3. unless the stairs are
a) stairs within dwelling units or serving not more than two dwelling units,
b) exit stairs not normally used for access purposes, or
c) fire escape stairs.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
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3.4.6.4. Dimensions of Landings
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.4.)
1) Except as provided in Sentence(2), a landing shall be at least as wide and as long as the width of the stairway
in which it occurs.
2) In a straight stairway and in a stairway that turns less than 90°, the length of the landing need not be more
than the lesser of
a) the required width of stair, or
b) 1 100mm.
3) The length of a landing shall be measured perpendicular to the nosing of adjacent steps, at a distance equal to
half the length required in Sentence(2), from the narrow edge of the landing.
4) Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through a side wall, there shall be a level area extending
across the full width of the ramp, and for a distance of 300mm on either side of the wall opening, except one side if
it abuts on an end wall.
5) Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through an end wall, there shall be a level area extending
across the full width of the ramp and along its length for not less than 900mm.
3.4.6.5. Handrails
1) One handrail shall be provided on stairs that are less than 1 100mm in width.
2) One handrail shall be provided on each side of
a) stairs that are 1 100mm or more in width,
b) curved flights of any width, and
c) ramps.
3) In addition to Sentence(2), intermediate handrails shall be provided so that
a) a handrail is reachable within 750 mm of all portions of the required exit width,
b) at least one portion of the stair or ramp between two handrails is the minimum width required for stairways
or ramps (seeSentences3.4.3.2.(8) and3.4.3.3.(4)), and
c) all other portions of the stair or ramp between two handrails have a clear width of 510 mm or more.
4) Where a stair or ramp is wider than its required exit width, handrails shall be located along the most direct
path of travel. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.5.(4).)
5) Handrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length, be free of any sharp or abrasive elements,
and have
a) a circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than43 mm, or
b) a non-circular cross-section with a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than125 mm and whose
largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than45 mm.
6) The height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with steps and on ramps shall be measured vertically from the top
of the handrail to
a) a straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair or aisle step served by the handrail
(seeNoteA-9.8.7.4.), or
b) the surface of the ramp, floor or landing served by the handrail.
7) Except as provided in Sentence(8) and Clause3.8.3.5.(1)(e), the height of handrails on stairs, on aisles with
steps and on ramps shall be
a) not less than 865 mm, and
b) not more than1070 mm.
8) Handrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence(7).
9) Required handrails shall be continuously graspable throughout the length of
a) a ramp
, and
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b) a flight of stairs, from the bottom riser to the top riser.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.7.2.)
10) Except where interrupted by doorways, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of a
stairway or ramp, including at landings. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.5.(10).)
11) Handrails shall be terminated in a manner that will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.5.(10).)
12) At least one handrail at the side of a stairway or ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond
the top and bottom of the stairway or ramp. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.5.(10).)
13) The clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than
a) 50 mm, or
b) 60mm if the surface behind the handrail is rough or abrasive.
14) Handrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values specified in
Sentence4.1.5.14.(7).
15) A ramp shall have handrails on both sides.
3.4.6.6. Guards
1) Every exit shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side, where
a) there is a difference in elevation of more than 600mm between the walking surface and the adjacent
surface, or
b) the adjacent surface within 1.2m of the walking surface has a slope of more than 1 in 2.
(SeeNoteA-9.8.8.1.)
2) Except as required by Sentence(4), the height of guards for exit stairs and exit ramps as well as their landings
shall be not less than 1 070mm.
3) The height of guards shall be measured vertically to the top of the guard from
a) a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
b) the surface of the ramp or landing.
4) The height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10m above adjacent ground level shall be not
less than 1 500mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing or from a line drawn
through the outside edges of the stair nosings.
5) Except as provided in Sentence3.3.1.18.(3) and Articles3.3.4.7. and3.3.5.10., guards in exits shall not have
any openings that permit the passage of a spherical object whose diameter is more than 100mm.
6) In a stairway, a window for which the distance measured vertically between the bottom of the window and a
line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings is less than 900mm, or a window that extends to less than
1 070mm above the landing, shall
a) be protected by a guard that is
i) located approximately 900mm above a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
ii) not less than 1 070mm high measured to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing, or
b) be fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads specified for guar
ds and walls in
Articles4.1.5.14. and4.1.5.16.
7) 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 being protected by the guard facilitates climbing. (SeeNoteA-9.8.8.6.(1).)
3.4.6.7. Ramp Slope
(Seealso Article3.8.3.5.)
1) Except as required for aisles by Article3.3.2.5., the maximum slope of a ramp shall be
a) 1 in 10 in any assembly, care, treatment, detention or residential occupancy,
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b) 1 in 6 in an industrial occupancy,
c) 1 in 8 in all other occupancies, and
d) 1 in 10 for an exterior ramp.
3.4.6.8. Treads and Risers
(SeeNoteA-9.8.4.)
1) Except as permitted for dwelling units and by Sentence3.4.7.5.(1) for fire escapes, steps for stairs shall have a
run of not less than 280mm between successive steps.
2) Steps for stairs referred to in Sentence(1) shall have a rise between successive treads not less than 125mm
and not more than180mm.
3) Except as provided in Article3.3.4.7. and except for fire escape stairs, stairs that are principally used for
maintenance and service, and stairs that serve industrial occupancies other than storage garages, steps for stairs shall
have no open risers.
4) Except in fire escape stairs and where an exterior stair adjoins a walkway as permitted in Sentence3.4.6.3.(3),
risers, measured as the vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall be of uniform height in any one flight, with a
maximum tolerance of
a) 5mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
b) 10mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
5) Except in fire escape stairs, treads shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of
a) 5mm between adjacent treads, and
b) 10mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
6) Treads and risers shall not differ significantly in run and rise in successive flights in any stair system.
7) The slope of treads or landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.
8) The top of the nosing of stair treads shall
a) except as permitted in Sentence (10), have either a radius or a bevel between 6 mm and 10 mm in horizontal
dimension,
b) have no abrupt angles on the underside, and
c) not project more than 38 mm.
9) The front edge of stair treads in exits and public access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of
exit travel.
10) If resilient material is used to cover the nosing of a stair tread, the minimum rounded or beveled edge
required by Sentence(8) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.
3.4.6.9. Curved Flights in Exits
1) Exit stair flights shall consist solely of
a) straight flights, or
b) curved flights complying with Sentence(2).
2) A curved flight used as an exit shall have
a) a handrail on each side,
b) a minimum run
of 240 mm,
c) a ru
n that conforms to 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, and
d) an inside radius that is not less than twice the stair width.
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.
3.4.6.10. Horizontal Exits
1) The floor area on each side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupants of both floor
areas, allowing not less than 0.5 m
2
of clear floor space per person, except that 1.5 m
2
shall be provided for each
person in a wheelchair and 2.5 m
2
for each bedridden patient.
2) If vestibules, enclosed balconies or bridges are used as parts of a horizontal exit, their clear width shall be not
less than that of the exit doorways opening into them, except that handrails are not permitted to project into this clear
width more than 100 mm.
3) In a horizontal exit where there is a difference in level between the connected floor areas, slopes not more
thanthose specified for ramps in Article3.4.6.7. are permitted to be used.
4) No stairs or steps shall be used in a horizontal exit.
5) If 2 doors are provided in a horizontal exit that comprises a part of the required number of exits from the floor
areas on both sides of the exit
a) the doors shall be mounted adjacent to each other with the door on the right side in the direction of travel
through the horizontal exit swinging in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit, and
b) signs shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit to indicate the door that swings in the direction of
travel from that side.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.10.(5).)
6) If a horizontal exit utilizes bridges between buildings or outside balconies, the bridges or balconies shall
conform to Article3.2.3.19.
3.4.6.11. Doors
1) The distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door during its swing shall be not less than
300mm.
2) Except as provided in Sentence(3) and where doorways are used to confine the spillage of flammable liquids
within a service room or within a room in an industrial occupancy, a threshold for a doorway in an exit shall be not
more than13 mm higher than the surrounding finished floor surface.
3) Except for doors providing access to ground level as required by Clause3.3.1.7.(1)(d) and(e), an exit door is
permitted to open onto not more thanone step which shall be not more than150mm high where there is a risk of
blockage by ice or snow.
4) Exit doors shall be clearly identifiable. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.11.(4).)
5) No door leaf in an exit doorway with more than one leaf shall be less than 610 mm wide.
6) Where an exit door leading directly to the outside is subject to being obstructed by parked vehicles or storage
because of its location, a visible sign or a physical barrier prohibiting such obstructions shall be installed on the
exterior side of the door.
3.4.6.12. Direction of Door Swing
1) Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit
and except as permitted by Senten
ce(2) and Article3.4.6.14.,
every exit door shall
a) open in the direction of exit travel, and
b) swing on its vertical axis.
2) Exit doors need not conform to Sentence(1), where
a) they serve storage garages serving not more thanone dwelling unit,
b) they serve accessory buildings serving not more thanone dwelling unit,
c) reserved, or
d) reserved.
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3.4.6.13. Self-closing Devices
1) An exit door that is normally required to be kept closed
a) shall be provided with a self-closing mechanism, and
b) shall never be secured in an open position except as permitted by Sentence3.1.8.14.(1).
3.4.6.14. Sliding Doors
1) Except as permitted by Sentences(2) and3.4.6.12.(2), an exit door leading directly to outdoors at ground
level is permitted to be a sliding door provided it conforms to Sentence3.3.1.12.(1).
2) An exit door serving a GroupB, Division1 occupancy, or an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, is
permitted to be a sliding door that does not conform to Sentence3.3.1.12.(1) provided it is designed to be released in
conformance with Article3.3.1.13.
3.4.6.15. Revolving Doors
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), a revolving door, if used, shall
a) be collapsible,
b) have hinged doors providing equivalent exiting capacity located adjacent to it,
c) be used as an exit from the ground floor level only,
d) not be used at the foot of any stairway, and
e) have all glass in door leaves and enclosure panels conforming to
i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or
ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
2) Except as permitted by Sentence(3), a revolving door shall not be considered to have an exiting capacity for
more than 45persons.
3) An electrically powered revolving door is not required to conform to Sentences(1) and(2) provided
a) the door leaves will collapse and stop automatic rotation of the door system and not obstruct the doorway if a
force not more thanthat specified in Sentence3.4.6.16.(2) is applied at the centre of a door leaf,
b) the door leaves are capable of being opened from inside the building without requiring keys, special devices,
or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism,
c) the allowable exiting capacity is based on the clear width of passage through the door enclosure when the
doors are fully collapsed,
d) a permanent sign, whose centre line is between 1 000mm and 1 500mm above the floor, is placed on each
face of each door leaf indicating the method for collapsing the door leaf in an emergency, and
e) glass used for door leaves and enclosure panels is safety glass conforming to
i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or
ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
3.4.6.16. Door Release Hardware
1) Except for devices on doors serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone designed to be remotely
released in conformance with Article3.3.1.13., and except as permitted by Sentences(4) and(5) and
Article3.4.6.17., locking, latching and other fastening devices on a principal entrance door to a building as well as
those on every exit door shall include release hardware complying with Clause3.8.3.8.(1)(c
) to permit the door to be
readily opened from the inside with not more thanone releasing operation and without requiring keys, special
devices or specialized knowledge of the door-opening mechanism. (SeeNoteA-3.4.6.16.(1).)
2) If a door is equipped with a latching mechanism, a device that will release the latch and allow the door to
swing wide open when a force of not more than90N is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit shall
be installed on
a) every exit door from a floor area containing an assembly occupancy having an occupant load more than 100,
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b) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stair
shaft in a building having an occupant load more than 100, and
c) every exit door from a floor area containing a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
3) Except as required by Sentence3.8.3.6.(8), every exit door shall be designed and installed so that, when the
latch is released, the door will open under a force of not more than90N, applied at the knob or other latch releasing
device.
4) Electromagnetic locks that do not incorporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the
closed position are permitted to be installed on doors, other than those leading directly from a high-hazard industrial
occupancy, provided
a) the building is equipped with a fire alarm system,
b) the locking device releases upon actuation of the alarm signal from the building’s fire alarm system,
c) the locking device releases immediately upon loss of power controlling the electromagnetic locking
mechanism and its associated auxiliary controls,
d) except for locking devices installed in conformance with Sentence(5), the locking device releases immediately
upon actuation of a manually operated switch readily accessible only to authorized personnel,
e) except as provided in Clause(k), a force of not more than90N applied to the door opening hardware
initiates an irreversible process that will release the locking device within 15s and not re-lock until the door
has been opened,
f) upon release, the locking device must be reset manually by the actuation of the switch referred to in
Clause(d),
g) a legible sign is permanently mounted on the door to indicate that the locking device will release within 15 s
of applying pressure to the door-opening hardware,
h) the total time delay for all electromagnetic locks in any path of egress to release is not more than15 s,
i) where a bypass switch is installed to allow testing of the fire alarm system, actuation of the switch
i) can prevent the release of the locking device by the fire alarm system, as stated in Clause(b), during the
test, and
ii) causes an audible and visual signal to be indicated at the fire alarm annunciator panel required by
Article3.2.4.9. and at the monitoring station specified in Sentence3.2.4.8.(4),
j) emergency lighting is provided at each door, and
k) where they are installed on doors providing emergency crossover access to floor areas from exit stairs in
accordance with Article3.4.6.18.,
i) the locking device releases immediately upon the operation of a manual station for the fire alarm system
located on the wall on the exi
t stair side not more than600mm from the door, and
ii) a legible sign with the words “re-entry door unlocked by fire alarm” written in letters at least 25mm high
with a stroke of at least 5mm is permanently mounted on the door on the exit stair side.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.16.(4).)
5) Electromagnetic locks that do not incorporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the
closed position are permitted to be installed on doors in GroupB, Division2 and Division3 occupancies, provided
a) the building is
i) equipped with a fire alarm system, and
ii) sprinklered,
b) the electromagnetic lock releases upon
i) actuation of the alarm signal from the building’s fire alarm system,
ii) loss of its power supply and of power to its auxiliary controls,
iii) actuation of a manually operated switch that is readily accessible at a constantly attended location within
the locked space, and
iv) actuation of the manual station installed within 0.5m of each door and equipped with an auxiliary
contact, which directly releases the electromagnetic lock,
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c) upon release, the electromagnetic lock requires manual resetting by actuation of the switch referred to in
Subclause(b)(iii),
d) a legible sign with the words “EMERGENCY EXIT UNLOCKED BY FIRE ALARM” written in letters at
least 25mm high with a stroke at least 5mm wide is permanently mounted on the door,
e) the operation of any by-pass switch, where provided for testing of the fire alarm system, sets off an audible
signal and a visual signal at the fire alarm annunciator panel and at the monitoring station referred to in
Sentence3.2.4.7.(4), and
f) emergency lighting is provided at the doors.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.16.(5).)
6) Except as provided in Sentence 3.4.6.17.(9),
door release hardware for the operation of the doors referred to
in this Section shall be installed at a height between 900 mm and 1 100 mm
above the finished floor.
(See also Subclause 3.8.3.6.(6)(a)(v).)
3.4.6.17. Security for Banks and Mercantile Floor Areas
1) If a building is sprinklered throughout, the requirements of Sentence3.4.6.16.(1) are permitted to be waived
for exit and egress doors complying with Sentences(2) to(9) that serve a floor area or part of a floor area used
exclusively for
a) a bank, or
b) the sale of retail merchandise.
(SeeNoteA-3.4.6.17.(1).)
2) Exit and egress doors referred to in Sentence(1) shall be designed to prevent locking at any time that the part
of the floor area that they serve is open to the public.
3) A sign with the words “This door shall not be locked at any time that the public is present” in letters not less
than 50mm high shall be permanently affixed to both sides of doors referred to in Sentence(1).
4) Exit and egress facilities complying with Sentences(5) to(9) shall be incorporated for egress by persons other
than the public from a floor area or a part of a floor area referred to in Sentence(1) during times when the public is
neither present nor being admitted to the area that they serve.
5) In exit and egress facilities referred to in Sentence(4), at least one door at each exit and egress location shall
a) be operable in conformance with Sentence3.4.6.16.(1), or
b) be equipped with locks conforming to Sentence3.4.6.16.(4) that release immediately
i) if an alert signal or alarm signal is initiated in the fire alarm system, or
ii) the sprinkler system is actuated.
6) A door referred to in Sentence(5) shall be permanently and distinctly marked to indicate that it is an
emergency exit.
7) Exit and egress facilities required for evacuation of persons other than the public from a floor area or a part of
a floor area referred to in Sentence(1) shall have an aggregate width based on the maximum number of persons other
than the public and determined in accordance with Articles3.4.3.1. to3.4.3.3.
8) Travel distance to an exit referred to in Sentence(7) shall not exceed the travel distance determined in
accordance with Subsection3.4.2.
9) Exit and egress doors serving a floor area or part of a floor area referred to in Sentence(1) are permitted to be
equipped with locks that require keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism
provided
a) the doors do not lead into exit stairs,
b) the doors do not lead from exit stairs to the exterior of the building
,
c)
the doors do not serve any other occupancy,
d) the area served contains at least one telephone
i) that is accessible and in operation at all times,
ii) that is not coin or card operated, and
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iii) marked to indicate that it is for emergency use,
e) the area served is illuminated by normal power or by emergency power when the doors are locked,
f) there are provisions that enable an announcement to be made throughout the area served before the locks are
fastened, and
g) the locks are designed for use during times that the building is not occupied.
3.4.6.18. Emergency Crossover Access to Floor Areas
1) Except as permitted in Sentence(2), doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs shall not have
locking devices to prevent entry into any floor area from which the travel distance up or down to an unlocked door is
more than 2storeys.
2) Doors referred to in Sentence(1) are permitted to be equipped with electromagnetic locks, provided they
comply with Sentences3.4.6.16.(4) and(5).
3) Doors referred to in Sentence(1) shall be identified by a sign on the stairway side to indicate that they are
openable from that side.
4) Locked doors intended to prevent entry into a floor area from an exit stair shall
a) be identified by a sign on the stairway side to indicate the location of the nearest unlocked door in each
direction of travel, and
b) be openable with a master key that fits all locking devices and is kept in a designated location accessible to
firefighters or be provided with a wired glass panel not less than 0.0645 m
2
in area and located not more
than300 mm from the door opening hardware.
5) Where access to floor areas through unlocked doors is required by Sentence(1), it shall be possible for a
person entering the floor area to have access through unlocked doors within the floor area to at least one other exit.
3.4.6.19. Floor Numbering
1) Arabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number shall
a) be mounted permanently on the stair side of the wall at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts,
b) be not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.7 mm above the surface,
c) be located 1500 mm from the finished floor and not more than300 mm from the door, and
d) be contrasting in colour with the surface to which they are applied (seeNoteA-3.4.6.19.(1)(d)).
3.4.7. Fire Escapes
3.4.7.1. Scope
1) Except as permitted by Sentence(2), fire escapes shall not be erected on a building.
2) If it is impracticable to provide one or more of the exit facilities listed in Article3.4.1.4., fire escapes
conforming to Articles3.4.7.2. to3.4.7.7. are permitted to serve floor areas in an existing building provided the floor
areas served are not more than
a) 2 storeys above ground level in care, treatment or detention occupancies, and
b) 5 storeys above ground level in other occupancies.
3.4.7.2. Fire Escape Construction
1) Fire escapes shall be of metal or concrete, of the stair type extending to ground level, constructed throughout
in a strong substantial manner and securely fixed to the building, except that wooden fire escapes are permitted to be
used on buildings of combustible construction if all posts and brackets are not less than 89 mm in their least dimension
and all other woodwork is not less than 38mm in its least dimension.
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Division B
3.4.7.3. Access to Fire Escapes
1) Access to fire escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except that access from a dwelling
unit is permitted to be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening not less than 1100mm high by
550 mm wide with a sill height of not more than900 mm above the inside floor.
2) The clear area of a fire escape balcony onto which a door opens, shall be not less than 1 m
2
.
3.4.7.4. Protection of Fire Escapes
1) If a fire escape serves any storey above the second, openings located in a zone described in Sentence(2),
including access doorways in the exterior walls of the building to which the fire escape is attached, shall be protected
by closures conforming to Subsection3.1.8.
2) The zone referred to in Sentence(1) extends from any balcony, platform or stairway of a fire escape to a
distance
a) 3 m horizontally,
b) 10 m below, or
c) 1.8 m above.
3.4.7.5. Stairs
1) Stairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than45° with the horizontal, and their steps shall have risers
not more than210mm high and treads not less than 220mm wide exclusive of nosing.
2) Stairway headroom shall be not less than 1 950mm plus the height of one riser measured vertically above the
nosing of any tread or platform.
3) The width of a fire escape shall conform to Articles3.4.3.1. to3.4.3.3., except that the width is permitted to
be reduced to 550mm provided the fire escape serves
a) not more than3 storeys, and
b) not more than15 persons.
4) If a flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape is not fixed in position, it shall be held in
the raised position without a latch or locking device, and shall be fitted with a counterbalancing device that will
permit it to be easily and quickly brought into position for use.
3.4.7.6. Guards and Railings
1) The open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway forming part of a fire escape shall be protected by
guards not less than 920mm high measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
2) The top rail of a guard is permitted to serve as a handrail if it is free from obstructions which could break
a handhold.
3) A wall handrail shall be installed if the fire escape is more than 550mm wide.
4) Unless it can be shown that the size of openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there shall be
no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 100mm through a guard for a
fire escape.
5) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of an opening do not present a hazard, a guard for a fire
escape shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140mm and 900mm above a
platform or the nosing of any tread will facilitate climbing.
3.4.7.7. Landings
1) Platforms for a fire escape shall be provided in conformance with the requirements for stair landings in
Articles3.4.6.3. and3.4.6.4.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019
Part 3 – Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility Division B: Acceptable Solutions
Division B
3.4.7.3. Access to Fire Escapes
1) Access to fire escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except that access from a dwelling
unit is permitted to be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening not less than 1100mm high by
550 mm wide with a sill height of not more than900 mm above the inside floor.
2) The clear area of a fire escape balcony onto which a door opens, shall be not less than 1 m
2
.
3.4.7.4. Protection of Fire Escapes
1) If a fire escape serves any storey above the second, openings located in a zone described in Sentence(2),
including access doorways in the exterior walls of the building to which the fire escape is attached, shall be protected
by closures conforming to Subsection3.1.8.
2) The zone referred to in Sentence(1) extends from any balcony, platform or stairway of a fire escape to a
distance
a) 3 m horizontally,
b) 10 m below, or
c) 1.8 m above.
3.4.7.5. Stairs
1) Stairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than45° with the horizontal, and their steps shall have risers
not more than210mm high and treads not less than 220mm wide exclusive of nosing.
2) Stairway headroom shall be not less than 1 950mm plus the height of one riser measured vertically above the
nosing of any tread or platform.
3) The width of a fire escape shall conform to Articles3.4.3.1. to3.4.3.3., except that the width is permitted to
be reduced to 550mm provided the fire escape serves
a) not more than3 storeys, and
b) not more than15 persons.
4) If a flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape is not fixed in position, it shall be held in
the raised position without a latch or locking device, and shall be fitted with a counterbalancing device that will
permit it to be easily and quickly brought into position for use.
3.4.7.6. Guards and Railings
1) The open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway forming part of a fire escape shall be protected by
guards not less than 920mm high measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
2) The top rail of a guard is permitted to serve as a handrail if it is free from obstructions which could break
a handhold.
3) A wall handrail shall be installed if the fire escape is more than 550mm wide.
4) Unless it can be shown that the size of openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there shall be
no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 100mm through a guard for a
fire escape.
5) Unless it can be shown that the location and size of an opening do not present a hazard, a guard for a fire
escape shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140mm and 900mm above a
platform or the nosing of any tread will facilitate climbing.
3.4.7.7. Landings
1) Platforms for a fire escape shall be provided in conformance with the requirements for stair landings in
Articles3.4.6.3. and3.4.6.4.
Effective December 10, 2018 to December 11, 2019