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Industrial Deluge System Acceptance Requirements
I am dealing with a system that is used to protect storage tanks at one of our industrial facilities, this system is an outdoor deluge employing a pilot
Stair Treads
NBC 2015 Div B-9.8.9.5. Treads 1) Stair treads of lumber, plywood or O-2 grade OSB within dwelling units shall be not less than 25 mm actual thickness, except
Fire Department Access Route
My question is: Is there ever a time that access needs to be provided around an entire building?
Party Walls and Appendix D
I have a building code question related to party walls in a side-by-side home or duplex. I am using wall number W13 with additional resilient channels on both
Patio Occupant Load and Washroom Requirements
Does the Building Code (in this case Ontario) govern outdoor spaces such as this (aside from exiting), or is it the purview of the Fire Code? I’ve come
Part 3 – Bedroom Egress Windows
Article 9.9.10.1. in the National Building Code (NBC) states: Interestingly, there is no similar requirement in Part 3. Although this may make sense for taller buildings that are
Accountability for not Administering the Fire Safety Act?
The Saskatchewan Fire Safety Act states: 15(1) Every local assistant shall: (a) administer and enforce the Act within the local assistant’s jurisdiction. My question is: Note the word
Ducts in Exits?
I have always interpreted Sentence 3.4.4.4.(1) as not permitting ducts to penetrate and exit fire separation as it is not a listed permitted penetration. But then I came
Public Corridor vs Corridor Used by the Public?
The Building Code refers to public corridors (defined term), but also corridors used by the public (not defined). In Part 3, there is reference to corridors used by
4 storey homes – Part 9 or Part 3?
I know of houses that are 4 storeys tall, but were designed, and permitted by the building departments, to be built under Part 9. The Building Code seems
FD Access to Part 3 Buildings under 600m2 or 3 storeys?
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
Major Occupancy Separations – Table 3.1.3.1.
Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1) states that “…major occupancies shall be separated from adjoining major occupancies by fire separations having a fire-resistance ratings conforming to Table 3.1.3.1. Based on the wording
Distance Between Exterior Exit Discharge
A new Code item requires a minimum distance between two exterior discharges of exit stairs from the same floor area [3.4.2.3.(4)]. My question is: should this also be
‘Unprotected Opening’ vs ‘Opening’?
The Building Code defines unprotected opening (as apply to exposing building face) as “a doorway, window… or any part of a wall forming part of the exposing building
Explosion Venting?
Article 3.3.1.20. in the BCBC/NBC (3.3.1.19. in OBC) states that when a space where substances or conditions that have potential to create explosion hazards are present as a
Building “Portions” and Determining Building Height
Division A has some information about building size determination (Article 1.3.3.4. in NBC/BCBC and 1.1.3.2. in OBC). It states the following: There is supplementary information provided in the
Firewalls and Lateral Support
Sentence 3.1.10.1.(3) states “A firewall is permitted to be supported on the structural frame of a building of noncombustible construction, provided the supporting frame has a fire-resistance rating
Gypsum Firewalls
I’m thinking of using a gypsum firewall system to meet requirements in Subsection 3.1.10. I have gotten many mixed reviews from architects and contractors. Some love them, some
SK Building Envelope Association?
My question is: I am trying to find if SK has a building envelope association like Manitoba BC, and Alberta. Other provinces have an association for updated information
Resilient Metal Channels in Rated Assemblies?
My question: Is it okay to add resilient metal channels to assemblies in the Part 9 Tables if not shown? What about tested assemblies?
How to Calculate Interconnected Floor Space Volume for Mechanical Exhaust Systems?
The NBC/BCBC/VBBL have requirements for a mechanical exhaust system in Article 3.2.8.7. if the prescriptive requirements for interconnected floors are being met. This requires that the air is
Fire Shutters and Hold-Open Device Requirements
Article 3.1.8.14. in the NBC/BCBC describes where hold-open devices can be used on closures, and details release requirements. Previous editions of the codes, and the current OBC in
Application of Fire and Sound Resistance Tables?
I always use the Fire and Sound Resistance Tables in code for fire ratings, but recently had a municipality tell me I couldn’t for a Part 3 building.
Enforcement of Spatial Separations?
After watching the news the other night pertaining to a fire in which the vinyl siding caught fire on one house and then caused the adjacent home, which
Notification Zones in single and 2-stage Fire Alarms
Article 3.2.4.4. describes how single and 2-stage fire alarm systems shall notify occupants. The definition of alarm signal is ‘an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones
Roofing Materials in Noncombustible Buildings with Non-Contiguous Roof Assemblies
Article 3.1.5.3. provides allowances for roofing materials in a building required to be of noncombustible construction. I’m working on a project where the roof of the 2nd storey
Integrity of Exits and Partial Penetrations
Clause 3.4.4.4.(1)(b) states that ‘electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit’ are permitted openings in a fire separation that
Location of Standpipe Hose Connections
The codes state that ‘hose connections shall be located in exits, in accordance with NFPA 14, “Installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems”. A few questions around this: In
Addressable Fire Alarm Systems – Zoning
Article 3.2.4.8. (or 3.2.4.9. in the OBC) has requirements for fire alarm zones (based on floor area, sprinkler coverage areas, NPFA 96 systems, air handling systems with smoke
Convenience Doors?
The code talks about egress and exit doors (width, locking requirements, etc). What about convenience doors? What requirements apply?
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