PART 6 — HEATING, VENTILATING AND AIR-CONDITIONINGUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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6.3.2.15.Evaporative Heat Rejection Systems
(1) Evaporative heat rejection systems shall
(a) incorporate a drift eliminator or other means to minimize the dispersion of entrained water droplets, and
(b) have a design discharge velocity that does not exceed the maximum discharge velocity recommended by the
manufacturer.
(2) Evaporative heat rejection systems shall be designed so that water continuously circulates through all parts of the
system that are normally wetted when the system is operating.
(3) Evaporative heat rejection systems and their components shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant, non-porous
materials that do not promote the proliferation of disease-causing micro-organisms and that are compatible with
disinfectants, biocides and other cleaning agents.
(4) Evaporative heat rejection systems shall be installed such that
(a) no discharge air bypasses the drift eliminator or other means referred to in Clause (1)(a), and
(b) the systems are accessible for cleaning, inspection and maintenance.
(5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), air discharged from evaporative heat rejection systems shall discharge away
from the building, so as to not re-enter it, to a distance not less than
(a) 2.15 m above sidewalks and driveways,
(b) 7.6 m from outdoor air intakes,
(c) 3 m horizontally or vertically from exterior doors and operable windows, and
(d) 3 m horizontally or vertically from occupiable outdoor spaces, excluding maintenance spaces.
(See Note A-6.3.2.15.(5) and (6))
(6) Air discharged from evaporative heat rejection systems in health care facilities shall discharge away from the
building in compliance with CAN/CSA-Z317.2, “Special requirements for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning
(HVAC) systems in health care facilities.” (See Note A-6.3.2.15.(5) and (6))
(7) Air intakes of evaporative heat rejection systems shall incorporate protective measures to minimize the entrainment
of vegetation and other organic matter.
(8) Make-up water connections shall be equipped with backflow prevention devices that conform to Article 7.6.2.1.
(See Note A-6.3.2.15.(8) and (9))
(9) Water treatment systems and equipment for controlling the proliferation of disease-causing micro-organisms shall
(a) be provided in accordance with Section 7.6.2. of ASHRAE Guideline 12, “Minimizing the Risk of Legionellosis
Associated with Building Water Systems,” and
(b) include means for drainage, dilution, cleaning, and application of chemicals for the control of scale, corrosion and
biological contamination.
(See Note A-6.3.2.15.(8) and (9))
(10) Drains, overflows and blow-downs shall be connected to the building's drainage system in accordance with Clause
7.4.2.1.(1)(d).
(11) Evaporative heat rejection systems shall be provided with access openings, service platforms, fixed ladders and fall-
restraint connections to allow inspection, maintenance and testing.
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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.