3.1.8.3.Continuity of Fire Separations

(1) Except as permitted by Sentence 3.6.4.2.(2), a horizontal service space or other concealed space located above a required vertical fire separation, including the walls of a vertical shaft, shall be divided at the fire separation by an equivalent fire separation within the service space. (2) Except as provided in Sentence (5), the continuity of a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating that abuts another fire separation, a floor, a ceiling, or a roof shall be maintained by a firestop conforming to Sentence (3). (See Note A-3.1.8.3.(2)) (3) The firestop required in Sentence (2) shall have an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the abutting fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.” (4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), joints located in a horizontal plane between a floor and an exterior wall shall be sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in ASTM E2307, “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-storey Test Apparatus,” has an F rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the horizontal fire separation. (5) Joints between ceilings and walls, between floors and walls, and between walls at corners need not comply with Sentences (2) and (4) where such joints consist of gypsum board that is attached to framing members and arranged so as to restrict the passage of flame and smoke through the joints. (See Note A-3.1.8.3.(5))