PART 3 — FIRE PROTECTION, OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITYUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code

3.8.3.15.Shelves or Counters for Telephones (See Note A-3.8.3.15.)

(1) Where more than one telephone is provided for public use, a built-in shelf or counter shall be provided for at least one telephone. (2) A shelf or counter described in Sentence (1) shall (a) be level, (b) be not less than 500 mm wide and 350 mm deep, and (c) have, for each telephone provided, a clear space that (i) is not less than 810 mm wide and 1 370 mm deep, centred on the telephone, and (ii) has no obstruction within 250 mm above the surface. (3) The top surface of a section of the shelf or counter described in Sentence (1) shall (a) be located not less than 775 mm and not more than 875 mm from the finished floor, and (b) have a knee space not less than 740 mm high. (4) Where a wall-hung telephone is provided above the shelf or counter section described in Sentence (3), it shall be located so that the receiver and coin or card slot are not more than 1 200 mm from the finished floor. (5) Where more than one telephone is provided for public use in a normally occupied floor area that is not required by Article 3.8.2.1. to have a barrier-free path of travel, a built-in shelf or counter that conforms to Sentences (2), (3) and (4) shall be provided for at least one telephone.

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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.