Article 3.2.5.4. states :
Based on the wording, it would seem as though if the building falls under Part 3 because of occupancy (and not size) that the requirements in Articles 3.2.5.4.-3.2.5.6.
3.2.2.10. states:
My question: If I have a 3 storey 599m2 hospital (sprinklered, Article 3.2.2.39.)…is Fire Department access even required by the Code? There is a BC Interpretation Committee (File 98-0036) that essentially says it is not…however the VBBL requires it. Are buildings and people left at risk because all emergency services aren’t provided adequate access because of Code wording?
One Response
Fire Department access routes in accordance with the dimensional and clearance requirements set out in Subsection 3.2.5. are not necessary for small Part 3 buildings and specifically modified in Part 9 buildings, even for a small Group B hospital (Part 3). The NBC Commentary for Part 3 recognizes imposing these requirements could be a hardship for smaller buildings as the building code balances economics and risk with fire safety and protection.
On the VBBL comment, since Vancouver has its own charter, like New Westminster, it can have its own code differ from the BCBC. As one can appreciate different AHJ’s have varying firefighting equipment, capabilities, and operation nuances. Thus, the VBBL was deliberately altered to reflect those differences and operational priorities. Although, a lot of the history of how that came to be is being lost with the boomer retirements and the change in staff with different interpretations/perspectives.