PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
Try BUILDAiD Beta
3.6.3.1.Fire Separations for Vertical Service Spaces
(1) Except as provided in Articles 3.6.3.3. and 3.6.3.5. and Section 3.5., a vertical service space shall be separated from
all other portions of each adjacent storey by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating conforming to Table 3.6.3.1.
for the fire-resistance rating required by Subsection 3.2.2. for
(a) the floor assembly above the storey, or
(b) the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above.
(See Note A-3.6.3.1.(1))
Table 3.6.3.1.
Fire Separations for Vertical Service Space
Forming Part of Sentence 3.6.3.1.(1)
Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation
Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating of Vertical Service Space
Required for Floor Assembly
less than 45 min ---
45 min 45 min
1h 45 min
1.5 h 1h
2 h or more 1h
(2) A vertical service space that does not extend through the roof of a building shall be enclosed at the top with
construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(3) A vertical service space that does not extend to the bottom of a building shall be enclosed at the lowest level with
construction having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(4) A vent from a vertical service space not extending to the roof shall be enclosed within the building with construction
having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the vertical service space walls.
(5) Only openings that are necessary for the use of the vertical service space shall be permitted through a vertical
service space enclosure.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
Understand this provision in seconds
BUILDAiD Assist explains any article of the building code in plain English — with exact citations, exceptions and related requirements.
Code text is reproduced for reference from the Ontario Building Code (O. Reg. 163/24, 2024 Building Code Compendium). This page is provided for general information and is not an official copy. Always verify requirements against the official Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.