module 1 introduction - weebly · 2018. 9. 10. · module 1 introduction ... module 1 introduction...

1.2 PART 3 LARGE BUILDINGS – CLASSIFICATION & CONSTRUCTION 2012 © QUEEN’S PRINTER FOR ONTARIO 2013

MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

The course you are about to take focuses on the classification and construction of large buildings under Division B, Part 3 of the Building Code. It is one of a series of courses prepared by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing dealing with Part 3 Buildings including:

• Large Buildings - Classification & Construction

• Large Buildings - Health and Safety Requirements

• Part 3: Fire Rated Building Materials & Assemblies

• Part 3: Fire Protection

• Part 3: Life Safety Systems

An understanding of Division B, Part 3 and the documents it references is either essential or important in fields such as plans examination, inspection, engineering, and architecture.

While many different specialists must develop an understanding of Division B, Part 3 and an ability to deal with it, in this course we will approach the Code in terms of the needs of plans examiners and inspectors. To the extent that the same regulations apply to engineers and architects, this course is also relevant to them.

By and large, this course has been designed to provide Code users with an understanding of Division B, Part 3 of the Building Code. As you will see, many factors enter the equation used to determine Code compliance. In other words, the components of a building may be varied, and yet Code compliance could still be achieved. In a course like this one, every possible variation cannot be considered; for this reason, we ask you to stay away from “what if” questions. However, if a particular aspect of the Code is not addressed that you feel should be part of this course, make a note. Your input will be collected during the course evaluation session.

Your comments are important; they enable the Building and Development to keep this course current.

While this course will review most aspects and features of Part 3, it will not consider the requirements of:

Sections 3.7 (Health Requirements), 3.8 (Barrier-Free Design), 3.9 (Portable Classrooms), 3.10 (Self-Service Storage Buildings), 3.11 (Public Pools), 3.12 (Public Spas), 3.13 (Rapid Transit Stations), 3.14 (Tents and Air-Supported Structures), 3.15 (Signs), 3.16 (Shelf and Rack Storage Systems) and 3.17 (Additional Requirements for Existing

© QUEEN’S PRINTER FOR ONTARIO 2013 PART 3 LARGE BUILDINGS – CLASSIFICATION & CONSTRUCTION 2012 1.3

MODULE 1 INTRODUCTION

1

Buildings). Health and safety requirements are addressed in another Part 3 course.

The additional requirements for high buildings in Division B, Subsection 3.2.6. will not be considered, except for one exercise designed to help you identify those buildings to which Division B, 3.2.6. applies.

The course is organized into a number of modules. This first module consists of a general introduction to the course, as well as a formal introduction by the participants and the facilitator.

In subsequent modules, we will systematically go through Division B, Part 3 as a Plans Examiner would apply it. The referenced documents that are listed in Division B, Subsection 1.3.1. are a vital part of the Building Code and must be read in conjunction with Division A, Subsection 1.5.1. Because of time constraints, this course will provide only a cursory overview of those referenced documents that are relevant to the material of this course. The courses titled “Part 3” (rather than “Large Buildings”) are more advanced; they are designed to show you how to use referenced documents associated with Division B, Part 3 of the Code.

The organization of the 2012 Building Code is:

Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional Statements

The new objectives and functional statements are in Division A. Definitions and the application of the Parts of the Code can all be found in this Division.

Division B Acceptable Solutions

This is where the technical requirements of the Code are located.

Division C Administrative Provisions

This Division deals with permits, inspections and qualifications.

Remember that the full reference for Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 is “Division B, Parts 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12”.


MODULE 2 BUILDING CLASSIFICATION AND SEPARATION OF MAjOR OCCUPANCIES

Many requirements of the Building Code are dependent on the major occupancy of that building. Consequently, a determination of major occupancy is the first step taken in plans examination. The job of the inspector is to follow up and confirm that the end use of the building is as shown on the plans submitted with the application for the permit.

In Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code, occupancy is defined as “. . . the use or intended use of a building or part of a building for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.”

The term occupancy should not be confused with the term major occupancy, which is “. . . the principal occupancy for which a building or part of a building is used or intended to be used, and is deemed to include the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy.”

In this module we will examine the provisions of the Building Code that apply to the classification of buildings and requirements pertaining to separation of major occupancies.

OBJECTIVES

When you have mastered the materials in this module, you should be able to:

• List different major occupancies outlined in the Building Code by the alphanumerical method and identify subsidiary occupancies.

• State the characteristics of major occupancies outlined in the Building Code.

• Provide a rationale for the Code requirements that apply to different major occupancies.

• Identify the required fire-resistance rating for fire separations between major occupancies.

• Deal with Code requirements that are directed by “occupancy” or “major occupancy” classification of a building or part of a building.



2

BUILDING CLASSIFICATION: REASONS FOR DIFFERENT CLASSIFICATIONS

As you will see, the Building Code defines major occupancies in terms of usage. A building used for one activity may have some different requirements than one used for a different activity.

Some of the considerations that enter into the determination of a particular major occupancy include the following:

• Number of occupants

• Whether occupants are under restraint or receive care or treatment

• Whether occupants have mental/physical limitations

• Use of the building by occupants for sleeping

• Use of the building by occupants for personal services or offices

• Use of the building by occupants for selling

• Use of the building by occupants for the storage or manufacture of goods

The types of usage that characterize major occupancies can be found in Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code. The alphabetical designation is obtained from Table 3.1.2.1.

Exercise #1Take five minutes to read the definitions (found in Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Code) for the following listed occupancies.

Assembly occupancy means the occupancy or the use of of a building or part of a building by a gathering of persons for civic, political, travel, religious, social, educational, recreational or similar purposes, or for the consumption of food or drink.



Care occupancy (Group B, Division 3) means an occupancy in which special care is provided by a facility, directly through its staff or indirectly through another provider, to residents of the facility,

a) who require special care because of cognitive or physical limitations, and

b) who, as a result of those limitations, would be incapable of evacuating the occupancy, if necessary, without the assistance of another person.

Residential occupancy means an occupancy in which sleeping accommodation is provided to residents who are not harboured for the purpose of receiving special care or treatment or are not involuntarily detained.

Business and personal services occupancy means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building or part of a building for the transaction of business or the provision of professional or personal services.

Mercantile occupancy means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building for the displaying or selling of retail goods, wares or merchandise.

Industrial occupancy means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building for the assembling, fabricating, manufacturing, processing, repairing or storing of goods or materials.


MODULE 3 BUILDING AREA AND HEIGHT

3

SERVICE SPACES

When service spaces or similar building service operations regulated by Sentence 3.2.1.1.(9) are intended to be entered for maintenance, they are not required to be considered storeys for determining building height, provided that the following seven conditions are complied with.

1. They must be sprinklered, if the flooring for access routes is other than catwalks (conditions attached) – Sentence 3.2.5.15.(1). An exception is made for the raised floor in a computer room, in sprinklered buildings – Sentence 3.2.5.15.(4)

2. There must be illuminated signs indicating the direction to egress – Article 3.3.1.23.

3. If a fire alarm system is required for the building, an audible signal appliance must be installed in the service space – Sentence 3.2.4.20.(12).

4. Emergency lighting must be installed, providing an average level of illumination of 10 lx at the floor or catwalk level – Sentence 3.2.7.3.(2).

5. Two points of egress must be provided, if the area of the service room is more than 200 m2 or the distance from the service room to the point of egress (from within the service room) is more than 25 m – Sentence 3.3.1.3.(7).

6. Travel distance to an exit cannot exceed 50 m from any point in a service space – Sentence 3.4.2.4.(3).

7. The point of egress from a service space cannot open directly into an exit; a vestibule must be used – Sentence 3.4.4.4.(9).


MODULE 3 BUILDING AREA AND HEIGHT

HIGH BUILDINGS

In the next exercise, we’ll examine the basic question: What is a high building? We will not, however, concern ourselves with the additional safety requirements for high buildings. Rather, Subsection 3.2.6. contains additional requirements for high buildings. It has been developed to ensure safe egress in the eventuality of a fire. Studies have demonstrated that the time required to completely evacuate a high building can exceed that necessary for the safe egress of the occupants when relying on the conventional safety features of the Code.

In general, Subsection 3.2.6. applies to all buildings of Groups A, D, E, or F major occupancy classification taller than 36 m in height, measured between the grade and the floor level of the uppermost storey of the building.

For buildings of Groups B or C major occupancy, additional requirements apply when the floor of the uppermost storey is more than 18 m above grade.

Like most Code requirements, there are variations on these two general rules.

In the case of Group B, Divisions 2 and 3 major occupancies (e.g., hospital, nursing home or care occupancy), the additional requirements apply when there are care or treatment occupancies for persons above the third storey of the building, regardless of height.

Subclause 3.2.6.1.(1)(a)(ii) informs us that the requirements of Subsection 3.2.6. also apply to buildings of Groups A, D, E or F major occupancy classification when the perpendicular distance between the grade and the floor level of the uppermost storey of the building is more than 18 m and when any of the storeys above the first storey has an occupant load which, when divided by the factor “1.8 times the width in metres of all exit stairs of that storey, exceeds 300.”

When the width and number of exit stairways are consistent on each storey for the entire building, the worst case scenario will usually occur at the second storey.


MODULE 4 STREETS

In this module, we will deal with the fourth variable used to determine building size and construction relative to occupancy for fire safety. In the previous two modules, we dealt with major occupancy classification, building area and building height. We will now elaborate on the need for a building to face one or more streets.

This Code principle is based on the assumption that firefighting operations will begin within a brief period after a fire starts. To accomplish their job, fire fighters must be able to gain access to the building. You will see that the structural fire protection requirements of a building are, in part, determined by the portion of a building perimeter that faces a street.

OBJECTIVES

By the end of this module, you should be able to:• Outline Code requirements for a building to face an access

route/street.

• Explain the effect of “street facing” on building size and construction for fire safety.

STREETS

Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. defines “street” as:

. . . any highway, road, boulevard, square or other improved thoroughfare that is 9 m (29 ft 6 in) or more in width, that has been dedicated or deeded for public use and that is accessible to fire department vehicles and equipment.

Exercise #1Read Article 3.2.2.10. Deal with the questions in the usual manner. Class discussion begins in 15 minutes. Use the flipchart to answer the question assigned.


MODULE 5 BUILDING SIzE AND CONSTRUCTION

5

• Providingfireseparationstoformfirecompartments(reducingpotentialfiresize).

• Providingautomaticsprinklersystems(helpingtocontainandextinguishafire).

• Providingmore“streets”atthebuildingperimeter(providingforbetterfirefightingaccess).

• Requiringcompensatingconstructionasthebuildinggetstallerandlarger.

Thehigherandthelargerthebuilding,themoredifficultitbecomesforfirefighterstocontrolafiresituation,andthelongerittakesforoccupantstoevacuatethepremises.Bytheendofthismodule,youwillrealizethattheCodedictatescompensatingsafetyfeaturesasbuildingsgethigherandgreaterinbuildingarea.

Wewillnowseehowthevariables–namelymajoroccupancyclassification,buildingareaandheight,andthepercentageofabuildingperimeterthatisfacingastreet–interrelatetoindicatetheconstructionofabuilding.Wewillidentifysomeofthesafeguardsthatacttopreventthespreadoffirewithinabuildingandthepossibilityofitscollapse.

FORMAT OF SUBSECTION 3.2.2.

Articles3.2.2.1.to3.2.2.19.containgeneralrulesthatapplytoeverybuilding,andspecificrules/exceptionsthatapplyinprescribedcircumstances.

Inaddition,everybuildingmustbeclassifiedaccordingtooneoftheArticles3.2.2.20.to3.2.2.83.

Sentence(1)ofeachArticleisusedtoindicatetheeffectofautomaticsprinklersonbuildingareaandtocategorizethebuildingbyfittinginthevariables;namely,majoroccupancyclassification,buildingareaandheight,andthenumberofstreetsthatabuildingfaces.

Sentence(2)ofeachArticleisusedtoidentifytheauthorizedconstructiontypeandtheminimumfire-resistanceratingoffloorassemblies,mezzanines,andloadbearingwalls,columnsandarches.



5

M5:1 Format of Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.83.

Size Building Type Reference Size Limits

Large↓

SmallerGroupA, Division1

3.2.2.20. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered 3.2.2.21. 1storey,limitedarea

3.2.2.22. 1storey

Large↓


3.2.2.23. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered

3.2.2.24. upto6storeys,anyarea,sprinklered

3.2.2.25. upto2storeys,limitedarea

3.2.2.26. upto2storeys,increasedarea,sprinklered.

3.2.2.27. upto2storeys,sprinklered

3.2.2.28. 1Storey

Large↓


3.2.2.29. anyheight,anyarea

3.2.2.30. upto2storeys


3.2.2.32. 1storey,increasedarea

3.2.2.33. 1storey,sprinklered

3.2.2.34 1storeyGroupA, Division4 3.2.2.35. allbuildings

GroupB, Division13.2.2.36. Anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered3.2.2.37. Upto3storeys,sprinklered

Large↓

SmallerGroupB,

Division2Division3

3.2.2.38. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered


3.2.2.40. upto2storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.41. 1storey,sprinklered

Large↓

SmallerGroupC

3.2.2.42. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered3.2.2.43. upto6storeys,sprinklered,

noncomb3.2.2.43A. upto6storeys,sprinklered,comb3.2.2.44. upto4storeys,noncomb.

3.2.2.45. 4storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.46. upto3storeys,increasedarea3.2.2.47. upto3storeys3.2.2.48. upto3storeys,sprinklered




Large↓Smaller

GroupD

3.2.2.49. anyheight,anyarea3.2.2.50. upto6storeys3.2.2.50A. upto6storeys,sprinklered,comb3.2.2.51. upto6storeys,sprinklered,

noncomb3.2.2.52. upto4storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.53. upto3storeys3.2.2.54. upto3storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.55. upto2storeys3.2.2.56. upto2storeys,sprinklered

Large↓Smaller

GroupE

3.2.2.57. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered3.2.2.58. upto4storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.59. upto3storeys3.2.2.60. upto3storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.61. upto2storeys3.2.2.62. upto2storeys,sprinklered

Large↓Smaller

GroupF, Division1

3.2.2.63. upto4storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.64. upto3storeys,sprinklered

3.2.2.65. upto2storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.66. 1storey

Large↓Smaller

GroupF, Division2

3.2.2.67. anyheight,anyarea,sprinklered3.2.2.68. upto6storeys3.2.2.69. upto4storeys,increasedarea3.2.2.70. upto4storeys3.2.2.71. upto2storeys3.2.2.72 upto2storeys,sprinklered



5


Large↓

SmallerGroupF, Division3

3.2.2.73. anyheight,anyarea3.2.2.74. upto6storeys3.2.2.75. upto6storeys,sprinklered

3.2.2.76. upto4storeys3.2.2.77. upto4storeys,sprinklered

3.2.2.78. upto2storeys3.2.2.79. upto2storeys,sprinklered3.2.2.80. 1storey3.2.2.81. 1storey,sprinklered3.2.2.82. 1storey,anyarea,lowfireload3.2.2.83. storagegarages≤22mhigh

Note:Ineachcase,consultwithArticles3..2.1.to3.2.2.19.

Titles of Articles 3.2.2.1. to 3.2.2.19.3.2.2.1.

3.2.2.2.

3.2.2.3.

3.2.2.4.

3.2.2.5.

3.2.2.6.

3.2.2.7.

3.2.2.8.

3.2.2.9.

3.2.2.10.

3.2.2.11.

3.2.2.12.

3.2.2.13.



2. ThebuildingshowninDrawingM5:8isafourstoreyunsprinkleredofficebuilding.Issuanceofabuildingpermitwasdeniedbecauseofaninsufficientnumberofexitsfromthesecondstoreyofthebuilding.Interioralterationswereimpracticalbecausethetenantshadalreadysignedleases.Toalleviatetheproblem,thedesignerproposedtoaddanexteriorpassageway.Itemizethefiresafetyspecificationsoftheexteriorpassagewayandexplainyouranswer.

3.

a) ConsiderArticle3.2.2.14.andlistdifferenttypesofonestoreyroof-topenclosuresthatwouldnotberequiredtohaveafire-resistancerating.

1. ____________ 2 ____________

3. ____________ 4 ____________b) Whatrequirementiswaivedwhensuchroof-topenclosures

areforstairways,includingexitstairways?

4. FamiliarizeyourselfwithArticle3.2.2.15.oftheBuildingCode.Then,considerDrawingM5:7andspecifythefiresafetyrequirementsforthetwolevelsofparking.(AssumethedesignerhaschosentonotconsiderthefireseparationbetweenthefirststoreyandtheundergroundparkingunderArticle3.2.1.2.)



COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION

DivisionA,Article1.4.1.2.oftheCodestatesthatcombustiblemeansthatamaterialfailstomeettheacceptancecriteriaofCAN/ULC-S114,TestforDeterminationofNon-combustibilityinBuildingMaterials.

Inbrief,thecombustiblematerialmayexperiencealossofmass,orthematerialmaycauseasignificantincreaseintemperaturewhensubjectedtothistest.

Inturn,“combustible constructionmeansatypeofconstructionthatdoesnotmeettherequirementsfornoncombustibleconstruction.”

Combustibleconstructionrepresentsagreaterriskforspreadoffireandagreaterpotentialfortotalfireinvolvementthannoncombustibleconstruction.Asaresult:

• Combustiblematerialsusuallyhaverelativelyhighflame-spreadratings,whichreflecttheircapacitytosupportthespreadoffireunlesstheyarecoveredwithmaterialshavingabetterfireperformancerating.

• Combustiblematerialsincreasethefireload,therebyincreasingthepotentialforalargerandmoreseverefire.

Becauseofthehigherriskoffireincombustibleascomparedtononcombustiblematerials,theBuildingCodelimitstheuseofcombustibleconstructiontosmaller buildingsintermsofheightandarea,inwhichfirescanbecontrolledwithrelativeeasebyfirefighters.ThisisevidencedbySentence(2)ofArticles3.2.2.20.to3.2.2.83.TheSentencesinformuswhichbuildingsarepermittedtobeofcombustibleconstruction,andwhichonesarerequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstruction.

Generallyspeaking,whenabuildingispermittedtobeofcombustibleconstruction,itispermittedtobeconstructedofthecombustiblematerialsdescribedinPart9,withorwithoutnoncombustiblecomponents.

IfabuildingrequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstructioncontainscombustiblecomponentsnotspecificallypermittedbyArticle3.1.5.1.,thebuildingfallswithinthecategoryofcombustibleconstruction.



5

Whenabuildingisrequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstruction,thematerials,assemblyofmaterials,andstructuralmembersarerequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstructionexceptaspermittedbyArticles3.1.5.2.to3.1.5.23.,3.1.13.4.(LightDiffusersandLenses),and3.2.2.16.(theauthoritytoallowheavytimberroofs).

Inthenextexercise,wewillconsiderhowtodifferentiatecombustiblematerialsfromthosethatarenoncombustible.Inmostinstances,commonsenseandexperiencewilldictatewhetherbuildingmaterialsshouldbeclassifiedascombustibleornoncombustible.

Exercise #9NoncombustibilityofbuildingmaterialsisdiscussedinSB-2,Section4,oftheSupplementaryStandardstothe2012BuildingCode.

Take10minutestoreadthedocumentationfromSB-2;ithasbeenreproducedforyourconvenience.Then,takeanadditional10minutestoidentifythematerialslistedascombustibleornoncombustible.Answerthequestions.Followtheusualprocedure.

SUPPLEMENTARY STANDARDS TO THE 2012 BUILDING CODE SB-2, SECTION 4 - NONCOMBUSTIBILITY

4.1.TestMethod

4.1.1.DeterminationofNoncombustibility

(1)NoncombustibilityisrequiredofcertaincomponentsofbuildingsbytheprovisionsofthisCode,whichspecifiesnoncombustibilitybyreferencetoCAN/ULC-S114,“TestforDeterminationofNon-combustibilityinBuildingMaterials.”

(2)ThetesttowhichreferenceismadeinSentence(1)issevere,anditmaybeassumedthatanybuildingmaterialcontainingevenasmallproportionofcombustibleswillitselfbeclassifiedascombustible.Thespecimen,38mmby51mm,isexposedtoatemperatureof750°Cinasmallfurnace.Theessentialcriteriafornoncombustibilityarethatthespecimendoesnotflameorcontributetotemperaturerise.

4.2.MaterialsClassifiedasCombustible

4.2.1.CombustibleMaterials



(1)MostmaterialsfromanimalorvegetablesourceswillbeclassedascombustiblebyCAN/ULC-S114,“TestforDeterminationofNon-combustibilityinBuildingMaterials,”andwood,woodfibreboard,paper,feltmadefromanimalorvegetablefibres,cork,plastics,asphaltandpitchwouldthereforebeclassedascombustible.

4.2.2.CompositeMaterials

(1)Materialsthatconsistofcombustibleandnoncombustibleelementsincombinationwillinmanycasesalsobeclassedascombustible,unlesstheproportionofcombustiblesisverysmall.Somemineralwoolinsulationswithcombustiblebinder,cinderconcrete,cementandwoodchipsandwood-fibredgypsumplasterwouldalsobeclassedascombustible.

4.2.3.EffectofChemicalAdditives

(1)Theadditionofafire-retardantchemicalisnotsufficienttochangeacombustibleproducttoanoncombustibleproduct.

4.3.MaterialsClassifiedasNoncombustible

4.3.1.TypicalExamples

(1)Noncombustiblematerialsincludebrick,ceramictile,concretemadefromPortlandcementwithnoncombustibleaggregate,asbestoscement,plastermadefromgypsumwithnoncombustibleaggregate,metalscommonlyusedinbuildings,glass,granite,sandstone,slate,limestoneandmarble.



5

Material Combustible (C) or

Noncombustible (NC)1. Concrete2. Claybricks3. Plasticwalltiles4. Cork5. Acousticceilingtile

(cellulose)6. Styrofoaminsulation7. Fibreglassinsulation8. Acousticceilingtile

(mineral)9. Woodstrapping/furring10. Woodstud,

38mmx89mm11. Ceramictiles12. Aluminum13. Gypsumwallboard,

CAN/CSA-A82.27-M14. Gypsumwallboard,

TypeX,CAN/CSA-A82.27-M

1. Identifythetestthatrecognizeswhetherabuildingmaterialisnoncombustibleorcombustible.



5

ratings,notstructuralapplications.Compareyourinterpretationstothoseofthegroup.Usetheflipcharttoprintcommonproblemsorquestions.Classdiscussionwillbegininabout15minutes.

Whenabuildingispermittedtobeconstructedofheavytimberconstruction,providetheCodereferenceandstate:

1. Theminimumdimensionsofasolidsawnrectangularcolumnsupportingaroof.

2. Theminimumdimensionsofaglue-laminatedroofbeam.

3. Theminimumthicknessofasolidsawntongueandgrooveroofdeck.

4. Thenatureofthearrangementandsmoothnessofthewoodelementsinheavytimberconstruction.

STOP

NONCOMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION

Asnoncombustiblematerialsdonotcontributetothefireloadanddonotdirectlycausethespreadoffire,theyareeffectiveinreducingtheriskoffire.Noncombustibleconstructionisthereforerequiredformostlargebuildings,asspecifiedinSubsection3.2.2.,especiallythosewhicharenotsprinklered.

NoncombustibleconstructionisdefinedinDivisionA,Article1.4.1.2.as:

...atypeofconstructioninwhichadegreeoffiresafetyisattainedbytheuseofnoncombustiblematerialsforstructuralmembersandotherbuildingassemblies.



Inaddition,noncombustiblemeans:

...amaterialthatmeetstheacceptancecriteriaofCAN/ULC-S114,TestforDeterminationofNon-combustibilityinBuildingMaterials.

Article3.1.5.1.informsusthatwhereabuildingorpartofabuildingisrequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstruction,thegeneralruleisthatconstructionshallbemadefromnoncombustiblematerials.

Forobviousreasons,e.g.papercoveringongypsumwallboard,abuildingcannotbemadefrom100%noncombustiblematerialsandproducts.Articles3.1.5.2.to3.1.5.23.containmostoftheexceptionsthatpermitcombustiblecomponentsinabuildingorpartofabuildingrequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstruction.Asyouworkwiththeexceptions,youwillrealizethatindividualexceptionshavetheirownlimitationsandconditions.

Inthenextexercise,youwillseethataminoramountofcombustibles,withinsetlimitsandconditions,ispermittedtobeusedwhennoncombustibleconstructionisrequired.However,iftheselimitsandconditionsareexceeded,thentheconstructionisconsideredtobecombustibleconstruction.

Exercise #11Thisexerciseisdesignedtoprovideyouwithanoverviewofthevariouscombustiblecomponentsthatarepermittedwhennoncombustibleconstructionisrequired.

ReadtheArticlesindicatedwithinbracketsatthebeginningofeachquestion,andanswerthequestion.Followtheestablishedprocedure.Classdiscussionwillbeginin30minutes.

1. (Article3.1.5.1.)Youencounteraproduct,anyproduct,ofquestionablenoncombustibility.ItcannotbeidentifiedasnoncombustiblebySection4,ofSB-2,SupplementaryStandardstothe2012BuildingCode.ThebuildingisregulatedbyArticle3.2.2.57.oftheBuildingCode.WhatwouldyoudotoensurethatArticle3.1.5.1.isnotbeingcontravened?



5

2. (Article3.1.5.1.)Imaginethattheproductinquestion1istested.Theresultsindicatethatitfailed tomeettheacceptancecriteriaofCAN/ULC-S114,TestforDeterminationofNon-CombustibilityinBuildingMaterials.StatetheeffectoftheresultsofthetestontherequirementsofClause3.2.2.57.(2)(a).WhatactionwouldtheCBOtaketoensureCodecompliance?

3. (Article3.1.5.2.)Listsevenminorcombustiblecomponentsthatarepermittedinabuildingrequiredtobeofnoncombustibleconstruction.



M5:10 RAISED-FLOOR SECTION, DAVE’S DINER

5. ConsiderDrawingM5:9andArticle3.1.5.14.Isthereaproblemwiththeframingofthelockers? Whyorwhynot?

STOP


MODULE 7 FIRE SEPARATIONS AND FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS

7

M7:3 CONTINUITY OF A VERTICAL FIRE SEPARATION ABUTTING BELOW A HORIZONTAL SERVICE SPACE HAVING A RATED

CEILING MEMBRANE – SENTENCE 3.6.4.2.(2)Note: For proprietary fire-resistance rated floor/ceiling assemblies with lay-in mineral tile ceilings, the ceiling tile finish rating is not given; therefore, the 1/2 hour rating is not there.


MODULE 7 FIRE SEPARATIONS AND FIRE-RESISTANCE RATINGS

3. (Fill in the blanks.) When required to have a fire-resistance rating:

a) Floor, roof and ceiling assemblies shall be rated for exposure to fire on the ____________.

Code reference: b) ____________ and ____________ ____________ ____________

____________ shall be rated for exposure to fire on each side.

Code reference: c) Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from

____________ the building.

Code reference:

STOP

FIRE-RESISTANCE RATING OF SUPPORTING CONSTRUCTION

Generally speaking, Article 3.1.7.5. tells us that all loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey immediately below a floor or roof assembly that are required to have a fire-resistance rating shall have an FRR not less than that of the supported floor or roof assembly.

The exemption, “except as permitted . . . by Articles 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.83. for mixed types of construction”, is exemplified where their Sentence (2) permits a building to be of combustible or noncombustible construction used either singly or in combination. For instance, consider Sentence (2) and Clause (d) of Article 3.2.2.53. All noncombustible loadbearing walls, noncombustible columns and noncombustible arches supporting an assembly required to have a 45 min FRR would not require 45 minutes of fire-resistance protection; the fact that they are of noncombustible construction would satisfy the Code.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

According to Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. of the Building Code, closure “means a device or assembly for closing an opening through a fire separation or an exterior wall, such as a door, a shutter, wired glass and glass block, and includes all components such as hardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.” In this module, with one exception, we will focus on what the Building Code says about closures. We will not deal with the use of the Listing Agency Handbooks or NFPA 80, Standard For Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.

OBJECTIVES

When you have mastered the materials in this module, you should be able to:

• State the conditions under which closures are necessary.

• State the provisions of the Building Code relating to various components of closures.

• Determine the required fire-protection ratings of closures.

• Identify certain problems with regard to closures that may become evident during plans inspections.

STOP

GENERAL OVERVIEW

Most fire separations have openings through them. When this is the case, proper installation of closures is necessary to ensure that the fire compartment is effectively separated from the rest of the building. When assessing the adequacy of closures, the following must be taken into consideration:

• The labelled fire-protection rating (FPR) of the closure

• Installation of a labelled frame

• Installation of labelled hardware

• Recognition of various referenced standards associated with closures

• The treatment accorded untested closures

This module will deal with each of these matters separately.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

You will observe that Table 1.3.1.2. does not list CAN4/ULC-S105, Standard Specification for Fire Door Frames Meeting the Performance Required by CAN4-S104, for Part 3 buildings. This is a case where a referenced document references another referenced document.

Remember that in a fire separation, only labelled door frames may be used. In addition, they must be matched only with the type of fire door with which they were tested.

CAN4/ULC-S105 at Sentences 2.2 to 2.5 informs us as follows:

2.2 Pressed-steel or steel-channel frames of the single-unit type or frames of the two-section type are intended for use with steel-faced composite, hollow-metal, metal-clad (Kalamein), and sheet-metal (flush or panelled types) doors.

2.3 Steel-channel frames of the single-unit type are intended for use with tin-clad and sheet-metal (corrugated type) doors.

2.4 Pressed-steel frames of the single-unit type are intended for use with composite (wood or plastic-faced) doors and solid wood core doors.

2.5 A fire-door frame shall be of a design and construction that, when in combination with a suitable fire door and hardware, the assembly will protect the opening in which it is installed against the passage of flame for the period of time appropriate to the assigned classification or rating.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

9

ADDITIONAL MATTERSWe know that the use of labelled frames is integral to the required fire-protection rating of a closure; but there are additional safeguards and benefits that result. The use of labelled frames will also ensure:

• The use of the proper gauge of steel

• The use of appropriate reinforcements at stress points such as hinges, strikeplates and closers

• The use of base and wall anchors

• Compliance with the Building Code

INSTALLATION OF HARDWARE

A third item that is required to ensure the integrity of a closure is the installation of proper hardware. Usually, such hardware is attached to doors. Unless all items of hardware such as self-closing devices and latches are properly labelled and installed, the laboratory labels on the door and frame are invalid.

Fire doors are designed for the protection of openings in fire separations against the spread of fire and smoke. To achieve their purpose, they must be installed in accordance with the appropriate requirements of the Building Code and the cited Edition of NFPA 80.

The fire-protection rating of a closure depends not only upon the use of a labelled and listed door and frame, but also upon the use of listed and labelled hardware as identified in the Listing Agency Handbooks.

You will recall that Division A, Article 1.5.1.2. of the Building Code informed us that in the case of conflict between the provisions of this Code and those of a referenced document, the provisions of this Code shall govern. The concept of the prevalence of the Code is reinforced by Sentence 3.1.8.5.(2):

Except as otherwise specified in this Part, every door, window assembly or glass block used as a closure in a required fire separation shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

Exercise #7Read Article 3.1.8.13. and answer the questions. Follow the usual practices for group discussion and flipchart work. General discussion will begin in a few minutes.

1. State the general rule governing the latching mechanism of every swing-type door in a fire separation.

2. There are exceptions to this general rule, as certain doors in a fire separation are not required to be equipped with a positive latching mechanism. Describe their location and state any applicable condition.

STOP

PLANS EXAMINATION AND INSPECTION PROBLEMSWhen it comes to latches, the problem is not the latch but the latch operator. More simply, when can a latch be operated by a knob or thumbpiece and when is a device required?

While you have all heard the term “panic hardware”, a careful reading of the Building Code will not reveal the term. First things first: Disregard any preconceived ideas you may have regarding the term “panic hardware” and its use.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

9

Generally speaking, Article 3.3.2.6., Sentences 3.8.3.3.(7), 3.8.3.3.(8) and 3.4.6.16.(2) of the Code require that certain doors, when equipped with latches, be provided with a device that will release the latch and allow the door to open when a force of not more than 90 N (20 lb) is applied to the device in the direction of exit travel. Where these doors are located in a barrier-free path of travel, the force is reduced to 38 N (8.5 lb) for exterior doors and 22 N (4.9 lb) on interior doors. The device referred to here is the latch operator.

According to the Listing Agency Handbooks, when the door is part of a rated fire separation, the device is called fire exit hardware. Similarly, when the latched door is not located in a rated fire separation, the device is called panic hardware.

At first glance, the devices appear to look the same. Remember that panic hardware cannot be utilized where fire exit hardware is required, because panic hardware devices have not been investigated from a fire protection standpoint. To differentiate the devices, you have to look at the label.

Exercise #8Read Article 3.3.2.6., Sentences 3.8.3.3.(7) and 3.4.6.16.(2). Complete the following statements by indicating the maximum specified force applied to the release device in the direction of exit travel. Also note the Code reference.

See if there is consensus in the group. Class discussion will begin in about 15 minutes.

1. A latched door in an interior access to exit from a room or suite of Group A occupancy with an occupant load greater than 100:

2. A latched door in an exterior access to exit from a room or suite of Group A occupancy with an occupant load greater than 100:


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

9

4. Drawing M9:5 depicts Appendix B of NFPA 80, Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. Consult M9:5 and put any questions or concerns in the space provided, and on the flipchart for class discussion.

PLANS EXAMINATION• Check the electrical drawings to determine any

unauthorized location of hold-open devices.

• Check the fire alarm drawings to ensure that the hold-open devices are hooked into the system.

INSPECTIONEach fire door with an authorized hold-open device must have a closer, to ensure that when the fire alarm signal is initiated, the magnet is de-energized and the fire door closes. Door closers of the spring hinge type are listed without hold-open features.

TWENTY-MINUTE DOOR ASSEMBLIES

The twenty-minute closure is an exception to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.8.4.(2) and Table 3.1.8.4. All components of the twenty-minute fire door assembly must be labelled. Unlike the requirement for Part 9 buildings, Sentence 3.1.8.5.(2) requires the fire door component of an assembly offering 20 minutes of fire-protection rating must also be labelled, when used in a Part 3 building. Listed twenty-minute fire doors are composed of various core construction with hardboard, plywood or plastic-veneered faces. The twenty-minute fire door assembly is a unique and listed closure, with limited application to protect openings in a fire


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

TREATMENT ACCORDED UNTESTED CLOSURES OF FIXED WIRED

GLASS OR GLASS BLOCKSBy definition, fixed wired glass and glass block assemblies are closures. Unlike fire door assemblies, the Code permits wired glass assemblies either generic or individually tested and labelled. In either case they must be constructed in accordance with all the essential details required by the Code and installed in conformance with NFPA 80 to maintain the required fire-protection rating.

The review and inspection of fixed wired glass assemblies is pretty well straightforward. Glass block assemblies are subject to Article 4.3.2.1., Design Basis for Plain and Reinforced Masonry. In addition to the demands of CSA S304.1, Design of Masonry Structures, each horizontal joint must contain steel reinforcement. Design is required, since there is no absorption by the glass blocks to facilitate bond to mortar.

Under fire conditions, ordinary glass will soften and begin to flow. To prevent this, it is reinforced with steel wire mesh and placed in small, 0.84 m2 sized individual panes of glass set in fixed steel frames.

Sentence 3.1.8.14.(2) allows an untested fixed wired glass assembly in a vertical fire separation that is not a separation for an exit, where the assembly is constructed in accordance with Section 2.3.14. of Supplementary Standard SB-2. Specifically:

• Wired glass, 6 mm thick – S.2.3.14.(1)(a)

• Reinforced by steel wire 0.45 mm in diameter in the form of diamonds/squares/hexagons, 25 mm across the flats or

• 0.40 mm diameter wire, 13 mm across the flats, with the wire centrally embedded in glass and having each of its intersections welded or intertwined – S.2.3.14.(1)(b)

• Set in fixed steel frames with its metal a minimum of 1.35 mm thick, with minimum 20 mm stops on each side of the glass – S.2.3.14.(1)(c)

• With the area of fixed steel not supported by mullions not to exceed 7.5 m2 with individual panes restricted to 0.84 m2, with no dimension greater than 1.4 m –- S.2.3.14.(1)(d)


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

PROBLEMS IN PLANS EXAMINATION• A wired glass screen containing a door must be labelled

rather than just being constructed as the Code specifies.

• Finding an appropriate size screen (with door) that has been tested in a steel stud wall system can be difficult.

PROBLEMS IN INSPECTIONThe items listed below can cause difficulty.

• 15.8 mm glazing stops are used on each side of the glass, instead of 20 mm strips.

• Screens containing doors are too large for the steel stud wall for which the screen was tested.

TEMPERATURE RISE ON FIRE DOORS

Some fire doors are required to meet temperature rise criteria. The term temperature rise refers to the temperature developed on the unexposed face of the door at the end of 30 or 60 minutes of a fire endurance test, in conformance with CAN/ULC-S104, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies. Those labels that do not show temperature rise are for doors that develop temperature rises in excess of 250ºC during the first 30 minutes of fire exposure.

The plans examiner must cross-reference the individual listing of the fire door with the requirements of Article 3.1.8.15. and Table 3.1.8.4. The building inspector must do likewise with the label that identifies the testing laboratory.

Exercise #14The matter of temperature rise on fire doors is dealt with in Articles 3.1.8.15. and 3.1.8.17. of the Building Code.

Take about five minutes to read those Articles and to visualize Table 3.1.8.15. Follow the usual procedures to answer questions and have group discussion. Class discussion begins in 20 minutes.


MODULE 9 CLOSURES

ELECTROMAGNETIC LOCKING DEVICES

Electromagnetic locking devices (EMLDs) are considered to be ancillary devices (ones actuated by, but not a part) of a fire alarm system. As such, they must conform to the Electrical Safety Code and are subject to inspection by Ontario Hydro. Because they have a significant effect on the “life safety” inherent to a building, a building permit is required before installation.

• In buildings built after 1975, EMLDs are permitted if they are equipped with a fire alarm system meeting the requirements of the Building Code.

• In buildings older than that, they may be installed as long as they are compatible with the existing fire alarm systems, or the existing systems are upgraded or modified to accommodate the EMLDs. (Part 9, Retrofit of the Fire Code, does contain some exceptions that require upgrading of existing fire alarm systems.)

EMLDs must release immediately when the fire alarm signal is activated by a detection device, sprinklers or the operation of a manual pull station. In two-stage fire alarm systems, EMLDs must release immediately upon activation of the first-stage alert.

An exception to this rule is found in Care, Care and Treatment or Detention occupancies when the second stage alert signal will release the EMLDs.

EMLDs may also be released by a card reader or microprocessor in nonemergency situations. A time delay of up to 15 seconds is allowed for nonemergency releases only.

Manual pull stations for emergency release must be installed within 600 mm of every EMLD-equipped door. Where EMLDs are used on doors required for emergency access to floor areas under Article 3.4.6.18., manual pull stations are required both outside and inside the stairwalls for emergency release. The stations inside the stairwells should be zoned within the stairwalls, rather than with the access floors.

Following release of EMLDs by the fire alarm system or as a result of power failure, EMLDs must be reset manually by a single switch separate from that for the fire alarm system. This reset switch, accessible only to designated personnel, must also be capable of


MODULE 10 FIRE STOPPING

Fire stops are elements of building assemblies that are installed at strategic locations, to resist the passage of fire from one space to another. Fire stop means a system consisting of a material, component and means of support, used to fill gaps between fire separations or between fire separations and other assemblies, or used around items that wholly or partially penetrate a fire separation, as defined by Article 1.4.1.2. There are two applications related to the concept of compartmentation as defined by fire stopping.

One is to maintain the integrity of a fire separation, as directed by Article 3.1.8.1. In the previous module, we saw that openings in a required fire separation are usually protected with closures to ensure the continuity of fire separations. In this module, we will learn the rules of the Building Code for building services that penetrate a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire‑resistance rating (FRR) or a fire separation. The function of a service penetration fire stop is to maintain the integrity of the fire separation by addressing any opening around a pipe, wire or other building service and the fire separation or its membrane.

The second use of fire stops is to limit the size of concealed spaces such as stud cavities, crawl spaces, attic or ceiling spaces, and spaces between the superstructure and the exterior building envelope by creating draft‑tight compartments. Generally, because other components of the fire separation must be breached by the fire before reaching the fire stop material, the rating of such fire stop material is less than that of the fire separation.

OBJECTIVES

The exercises of this module have been devised so that upon completion, you should be capable of:

• Explaining why and when fire stopping of service penetrations is required.

• Solving some specific plans examination or inspection problems relating to fire stopping of service penetrations.

• Differentiating between fire stops for service penetrations and those that limit the size of concealed spaces.



10

THE RATIONALE FOR FIRE STOPPING

When fire separations are not continuous due to small gaps along a service penetration, draft air can circulate from one fire compartment to the next. The oxygen supplied through the opening can easily cause the flames in one compartment to be sucked through the opening and ignite materials in another fire compartment.

In the second case, by making concealed spaces smaller and draft‑tight, there is less oxygen to feed any fire.

The importance of proper fire stopping was brought home in a study conducted in 1977 by the United States Center for Fire Research. They found out that in 29 out of 84 fires in low‑rise residential buildings in Washington, D.C., fire spread resulted from inadequate fire stopping.

Fire stop systems are rated by way of tests that measure the differential pressure between the surfaces of the system exposed to fire and those which are not. Those intended for installation in fire separations are assigned fire ratings by being tested in accordance with CAN/ULC‑S115, Fire Tests of Firestop Systems. Four ratings (F, FT, FH and FTH) are assigned, as follows.

F The system receives the most basic rating, the F rating, if it remains in the opening during the fire test without permitting the passage of flame through the opening, and does not support flaming on any element of the unexposed side of the assembly.

T In addition to meeting the criteria for the F rating, the fire stop system receives a T rating if the unexposed surface does not warm to more than 181ºC more than its initial temperature during the rating period.

H Again in addition to meeting the criteria for the F rating, the system is awarded an H rating if it remains in the opening during the fire test and hose stream without permitting a projection of water from the stream beyond the unexposed side.



Exercise #1Read Article 3.1.9.1. and answer the following questions. Class discussion will begin in 15 minutes. The facilitator will assign flipchart work.

1. The requirements of Article 3.1.9.1. apply when there is a penetration of a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire‑resistance rating.

a) Does an electrical panelboard fall within the meaning of “and other similar building services”? ____________.

Why or why not?

b) When a service penetration as described in Sentence

3.1.9.1.(1) is not tightly fitted, describe the fire stop required and explain how its fire‑protection rating is determined.



10

2. Sentence 3.1.9.1.(2) deals with service penetrations of two particular types of fire separations.

a) In your own words, describe the two types of fire separations.

b) When there is a penetration of a firewall or a horizontal

fire separation whereby a storage garage is considered a separate building, the penetration is not permitted to be tightly fitted. Describe the fire stop required and explain how its fire‑protection rating is determined.

STOP

MINIMUM RATINGS OF FIRE STOPSFRR of Fire Separation

Noncombustible Service Penetration in a Fire Separation Not

a Firewall

Noncombustible Service Penetration

in a Firewall

Combustible Piping Penetration in a Fire Separation Not in a

Firewall‡30 minutes 20‑minute F — 20 F @ 50 Pa 45 minutes 45 minute F — 45 min F at 50 Pa 1 hour 45 minute F — 1 h F at 50 Pa 1.5 hours 1 hour F — 1.5 h F at 50 Pa 2 hours 1.5 hour F 2 hour FT 2 h F at 50 Pa 3 hours 2 hour F — 3 h F at 50 Pa 4 hours — 4 hour FT —

Building Code reference: Clause 3.1.9.1.(1)(b); Sentence 3.1.9.1.(2); Clause 3.1.9.4.(4)

The F and FT ratings are established from the results of fire tests conforming to CAN/ULC‑S115, Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.

‡ ‑ Applies to non‑sprinklered buildings



10

COMBUSTIBLE PIPING PENETRATIONS

Article 3.1.9.4. covers combustible piping that penetrates fire separations. Provided the penetration is fire stopped and the combustible piping possesses the correct surface‑burning characteristics, as outlined in Article 3.1.5.16., it is allowed where noncombustible construction is required.

Fire stops incorporating intumescent materials are now available. In a fire, these materials expand and crush the plastic pipe, thereby closing off the entire hole that is left by the burning and melting combustible pipe. Check the listing to ensure compatibility between the composition and size of the pipe (ABS, PVC, CPVC, etc.) and the fire stop.

Sprinklering on each side of the separation also makes possible the use of plastic pipe penetrations.

Exercise #4Read Articles 3.1.9.1., 3.1.5.16. and 3.1.9.4. Take a look at Drawing M10:2. Answer the questions that follow, and do the assigned flipchart work. Allow 20 minutes for preparation and group review. Class discussion will follow.

Before we consider how the Code treats combustible piping, it is useful to look at how the Code deals with noncombustible piping.

1. Consider that noncombustible piping was used at all locations in Drawing M10:2. Specify the two acceptable methods of treating the piping system that partly or wholly penetrates a fire separation required to have a fire‑resistance rating or which penetrates a membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire‑resistance rating.



M10:2 FIRE STOPPING OF SERVICE PENETRATIONS AND CONTINUITY OF FIRE SEPARATIONS. (NOT A VERTICAL SERVICE

SPACE (SHAFT))

2. In the case of combustible piping, the general rule of Sentence 3.1.9.4.(1) informs us that combustible piping cannot be used where any part of the piping system partly or wholly penetrates a fire separation required to have a fire‑resistance rating or penetrates a membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire‑resistance rating. Luckily, there are exceptions to this general rule. Consider Drawing M10:2, and indicate areas of concern (where service penetrations must be fire stopped for combustible piping.) Also identify possible solutions.



10

Concerns:

Solutions:• Ensure that the piping is sealed at the penetration

• Is a fire stop required where combustible sprinkler piping

penetrates a fire separation?

3. Read Sentence 3.1.9.4.(4) and consider Drawing M10:2.

a) Could combustible piping be used to connect the noncombustible bath? ____________.



1. Examine Drawing M10:3; the Business and Personal Services building is not sprinklered and is required to be of noncombustible construction. All penetrations at membranes forming part of assemblies with fire‑resistance rating and fire separations are sealed by a fire stop.

a) Identify the Code violations.

b) Where can combustible piping with a flame‑spread rating of

25 or less be used?

2. The Business and Personal Services building of Drawing M10:3 is fully sprinklered.

a) Can combustible piping be used within the shaft? ____________. Why or why not?

b) Can fire stops for noncombustible piping be eliminated

when the entire building is sprinklered? ____________. Why or why not?

STOP


MODULE 11 PROvISIONS FOR FIREFIGhTING

11

Several problems can arise when dealing with the previous matters.

PROBLEMS IN PLANS EXAMINATION• Itmaybedifficulttoconfirmthelocationofmunicipal/

privatefirehydrantsontheapplicant’ssiteplan.

• Theremaybedifficultyinconfirmingtheprincipalentrancefor a building.

• The site plan may require total changing as a result of insufficientaccessroutesandmayneedtobereturnedtothe planning department for another round of approval.

PROBLEMS IN INSPECTION• The owner may overlook the installation of a private yard

hydrant. Plans examiners should not merely mark in any additional hydrants; they should also return the site plan for reprinting, because of the very high cost of hydrant installation.

Inanycase,theplanexaminer/buildinginspectorisnotaconsultantfor the project. Whenever there is a choice to be made to achieve compliance with the Code, it is up to the owner or his authorized agenttoproposeanalternative.Itistheroleofthebuildingofficialto review the proposal against the requirements of the Code.

• The owner may install a yard hydrant that may not be connected to a water supply.

• The access route may be built upon a muddy base that sinks when driven over by a heavy vehicle.

THE FUNCTIONS OF STANDPIPE AND HOSE SYSTEMS

When properly installed, standpipe and hose systems enable the firefighteroranyotherablepersontounwrapthehose,turnonthewatervalve,openthenozzle,andextinguishafire.Inessence,astandpipeactsasaninternalhydrantsystem,providingfirefightersaccess to a water supply in the building.

The circumstances under which standpipe and hose systems are required in a building are outlined in Sentences 3.2.9.1.(1) and (3) and in Table 3.2.9.1.



11

LOCATIONS OF HOSE STATIONS IN FLOOR AREASArticle 3.2.9.4. deals with hose stations.

Exercise #7Examine Drawing M11:12 and read the Sentence 3.2.9.4. Answer thefollowingquestionanddiscussitinthegroup.Usetheflipchart.General discussion begins in 10 minutes.

InfloorplansAandB,arethehosestationspositionedsatisfactorilywith respect to:

1. Proximity to exits? ____________; ____________.

2. Abilitytoreachallpartsofthefloorarea?____________; ____________.

Explain your answer.

Floor Plan A

1.

Floor Plan B

1.

STOP



FIREHOSE CABINETSFirehosecabinetsthemselveshavecertainspecifications,foundinArticle 3.2.9.4. and NFPA 14 (as referenced by Sentence 3.2.9.2.(1))

Exercise #8Read Article 3.2.9.4. and Sentence 3.2.9.2.(1), along with Article 3.2.5.18. Examine Drawing M11:13; in the chart below, label all of thecomponentsidentifiedbyarrows.Aftergroupdiscussion,puttherequiredanswerontheflipchart.Classconsultationbeginsin10minutes.

M11:14 Summary Table

Component Code Reference(s)1. Firehose cabinet

2. Firehose andhose rack

3. hose connection - 38 mm diameter

4. Pipe connection - 38 mm diameter

5. hose connection - 65 mm diameter

6. Pipe connection - 65 mm diameter

7. hose connection location

STOP


MODULE 12 MEzzANINES

TRAVEL DISTANCE

If the room or suite in which the mezzanine is located has only one egress doorway, the travel distance is measured from the most remote point on the mezzanine to the egress doorway of the room or suite (see Drawing M12:7). – Clause 3.3.1.5.(4)(a)

If the room or suite in which the mezzanine is located has at least two egress doorways, the distance of travel may be measured from any point on the mezzanine to the egress facility leading from the mezzanine (Drawing M12:8). – Clause 3.3.1.5.(4)(b)

Exercise #2Read Article 3.4.2.2. and Sentences 3.3.1.5.(2)(3) and (4). Take 10 minutes to answer the questions below, following the usual procedure.

1. What means of egress is required from the 600 m2 mezzanine in a one storey 1 250 m2 Group E building (a building centre, unsprinklered, facing one street), shown on Drawing M12:6?


MODULE 13 INTERCONNECTED FLOOR SPACES

Having examined the regulations of the Building Code pertaining to mezzanines, we now shift our attention to those affecting interconnected floor spaces.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this module, you should be able to:• State the ways in which provisions of the Building Code

relate to how openings through floor construction are exempted from requirements pertaining to the general concept of compartmentation.

• Visually identify interconnected floor spaces.

• Outline various provisions of the Code relating to interconnected floor spaces.

For each type of permitted opening, the Building Code specifies conditions to ensure that the level of safety for building occupants is not jeopardized.

INTERCONNECTED FLOOR SPACES

A mezzanine is an intermediate floor assembly between the floor and ceiling of any room or storey; it includes interior balconies. An interconnected floor space, on the other hand, is defined in Division A, Article 1.4.1.2. as “superimposed floor areas or parts of floor areas in which floor assemblies that are required to be fire separations are penetrated by openings that are not provided with closures.”

Openings not provided with closures between floor areas have to be protected in accordance with the requirements of Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.11., inclusive – Clause 3.2.8.1.(1)(b). Article 3.2.8.2., however, lists several exceptions to this general rule:

• Mezzanines – Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1) – as already discussed

• Openings for vehicular ramps in storage garages – Sentence 3.2.8.2.(2)


MODULE 13 INTERCONNECTED FLOOR SPACES

13

SMOKE EXTRACTION

According to Article 3.2.8.9.(6), a smoke control system must include mechanical exhaust at the top of the interconnected floor space, capable of producing six air changes per hour. If the volume of the interconnected floor space is more than 17 000 m3, an hourly rate of only four air changes is required. – Drawing M13:12

Protected floor areas separated from the interconnected floor space may be excluded in the exhaust volume calculations, as may floor areas that are designed to be directly exhausted (or zone exhausted).

Direct (zoned) mechanical exhaust of the floor area of the origin of the fire is permitted by Sentence 3.2.8.9.(4). The rate of exhaust must be at least six air changes per hour. A fire separation, although effective in restricting the migration of smoke, is not required between the zoned exhaust areas and the atrium.

Note that exhausting air cannot be done effectively without supplying air at the same time. The supply air must be introduced in such a way as to minimize the contamination of floor areas by smoke from the floor area of fire origin.

The following publications provide valuable guides for the design of smoke control systems:

• NFPA 92A, Standard for Smoke-Control Systems Utilizing Barriers and Pressure Differences

• NFPA 92B, Standard for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria and Large Spaces

• ASHRAE 2009, Principles of Smoke Management Systems, by J. Klote and J. Milke

Required smoke control systems and the pressurization or venting systems of protective vestibules must be tested to ensure satisfactory operation. – Article 3.2.8.11.

module 1 introduction - weebly · 2018. 9. 10. · module 1 introduction ... module 1 introduction...

Documents