OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 — HOUSING AND SMALL BUILDINGSUpdated for the 2024 Ontario Building Code
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Section 9.10 — Fire Protection
Section 9.10 is the fire protection section for houses and small buildings: fire separations between suites and between a garage and a dwelling, fire-resistance ratings, smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, spatial separation between buildings, and firefighting access. It is the largest section of Part 9 and central to basement apartment and multi-unit conversions.
On this page:
9.10.1.1.9.10.1.2.9.10.1.3.9.10.1.4.9.10.2.1.9.10.2.3.9.10.2.4.9.10.3.1.9.10.3.2.9.10.3.3.9.10.3.4.9.10.4.1.9.10.4.2.9.10.4.3.9.10.4.4.9.10.5.1.9.10.6.1.9.10.6.2.9.10.7.1.9.10.8.1.9.10.8.2.9.10.8.3.9.10.8.4.9.10.8.5.9.10.8.6.9.10.8.7.9.10.8.8.9.10.8.9.9.10.8.10.9.10.8.11.9.10.9.1.9.10.9.2.9.10.9.3.9.10.9.4.9.10.9.5.9.10.9.6.9.10.9.7.9.10.9.8.9.10.9.9.9.10.9.10.9.10.9.11.9.10.9.12.9.10.9.13.9.10.9.14.9.10.9.15.9.10.9.16.9.10.9.17.9.10.9.18.9.10.9.19.9.10.9.20.9.10.9.21.9.10.10.1.9.10.10.2.9.10.10.3.9.10.10.4.9.10.10.5.9.10.10.6.9.10.10.7.9.10.11.1.9.10.11.2.9.10.11.3.9.10.11.4.9.10.12.1.9.10.12.2.9.10.12.3.9.10.12.4.9.10.13.1.9.10.13.2.9.10.13.3.9.10.13.4.9.10.13.5.9.10.13.6.9.10.13.7.9.10.13.8.9.10.13.9.9.10.13.10.9.10.13.11.9.10.13.12.9.10.13.13.9.10.13.14.9.10.13.15.9.10.13.16.9.10.14.1.9.10.14.2.9.10.14.3A.9.10.14.4.9.10.14.5.9.10.14.6.9.10.15.1.9.10.15.2.9.10.15.3A.9.10.15.4.9.10.15.5.9.10.16.1.9.10.16.2.9.10.16.3.9.10.16.4.9.10.17.1.9.10.17.2.9.10.17.3.9.10.17.4.9.10.17.5.9.10.17.6.9.10.17.7.9.10.17.8.9.10.17.9.9.10.17.10.9.10.17.11.9.10.17.12.9.10.18.1.9.10.18.2.9.10.18.3.9.10.18.4.9.10.18.5.9.10.18.6.9.10.18.7.9.10.18.8.9.10.18.9.9.10.18.10.9.10.19.1.9.10.19.2.9.10.19.3.9.10.19.4.9.10.19.5.9.10.19.6.9.10.19.7.9.10.19.8.9.10.20.1.9.10.20.2.9.10.20.3.9.10.20.4.9.10.20.5.9.10.21.1.9.10.21.2.9.10.21.3.9.10.21.4.9.10.21.5.9.10.21.6.9.10.21.7.9.10.21.8.9.10.21.9.9.10.22.1.9.10.22.2.9.10.22.3.
9.10.1.1.9.10.1.2.9.10.1.3.9.10.1.4.9.10.2.1.9.10.2.3.9.10.2.4.9.10.3.1.9.10.3.2.9.10.3.3.9.10.3.4.9.10.4.1.9.10.4.2.9.10.4.3.9.10.4.4.9.10.5.1.9.10.6.1.9.10.6.2.9.10.7.1.9.10.8.1.9.10.8.2.9.10.8.3.9.10.8.4.9.10.8.5.9.10.8.6.9.10.8.7.9.10.8.8.9.10.8.9.9.10.8.10.9.10.8.11.9.10.9.1.9.10.9.2.9.10.9.3.9.10.9.4.9.10.9.5.9.10.9.6.9.10.9.7.9.10.9.8.9.10.9.9.9.10.9.10.9.10.9.11.9.10.9.12.9.10.9.13.9.10.9.14.9.10.9.15.9.10.9.16.9.10.9.17.9.10.9.18.9.10.9.19.9.10.9.20.9.10.9.21.9.10.10.1.9.10.10.2.9.10.10.3.9.10.10.4.9.10.10.5.9.10.10.6.9.10.10.7.9.10.11.1.9.10.11.2.9.10.11.3.9.10.11.4.9.10.12.1.9.10.12.2.9.10.12.3.9.10.12.4.9.10.13.1.9.10.13.2.9.10.13.3.9.10.13.4.9.10.13.5.9.10.13.6.9.10.13.7.9.10.13.8.9.10.13.9.9.10.13.10.9.10.13.11.9.10.13.12.9.10.13.13.9.10.13.14.9.10.13.15.9.10.13.16.9.10.14.1.9.10.14.2.9.10.14.3A.9.10.14.4.9.10.14.5.9.10.14.6.9.10.15.1.9.10.15.2.9.10.15.3A.9.10.15.4.9.10.15.5.9.10.16.1.9.10.16.2.9.10.16.3.9.10.16.4.9.10.17.1.9.10.17.2.9.10.17.3.9.10.17.4.9.10.17.5.9.10.17.6.9.10.17.7.9.10.17.8.9.10.17.9.9.10.17.10.9.10.17.11.9.10.17.12.9.10.18.1.9.10.18.2.9.10.18.3.9.10.18.4.9.10.18.5.9.10.18.6.9.10.18.7.9.10.18.8.9.10.18.9.9.10.18.10.9.10.19.1.9.10.19.2.9.10.19.3.9.10.19.4.9.10.19.5.9.10.19.6.9.10.19.7.9.10.19.8.9.10.20.1.9.10.20.2.9.10.20.3.9.10.20.4.9.10.20.5.9.10.21.1.9.10.21.2.9.10.21.3.9.10.21.4.9.10.21.5.9.10.21.6.9.10.21.7.9.10.21.8.9.10.21.9.9.10.22.1.9.10.22.2.9.10.22.3.
9.10.1.Definitions and Application
9.10.1.1.Sloped Roofs permalink →
(1) For the purposes of this Section, roofs with slopes of 60° or more to the horizontal and that are adjacent to a room or
space intended for occupancy shall be considered as a wall.
9.10.1.2.Testing of Integrated Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems permalink →
(1) Where life safety and fire protection systems and systems with fire protection and life safety functions are integrated
with each other, they shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, “Standard for Integrated Systems
Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems,” to verify that they have been properly integrated. (See Note A-
3.2.9.1.(1))
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to a building that contains only dwelling units and has no dwelling unit above
another dwelling unit.
9.10.1.3.Items Under Part 3 Jurisdiction permalink →
(1) Tents, air-supported structures, transformer vaults, walkways, elevators and escalators shall conform to Part 3.
(2) Where rooms or spaces are intended for an assembly occupancy, such rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.
(3) Basements containing more than 1 storey or exceeding 600 m2 in area shall conform to Part 3.
(4) Where rooms or spaces are intended for the storage, manufacture or use of hazardous or explosive material, such
rooms or spaces shall conform to Part 3.
(5) Reserved.
(6) Openings through floors that are not protected by shafts or closures shall be protected in conformance with
Subsection 3.2.8. (See also Sentence 9.9.4.7.(1))
(7) Chutes and shafts shall conform to Subsection 3.6.3. except where they are entirely contained within a dwelling unit.
(8) Sprinkler systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.12. to 3.2.5.15.
and 3.2.5.17. (See Note A-9.10.1.3.(8) and (9))
(9) Standpipe and hose systems shall be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.8. to
3.2.5.11. and 3.2.5.17. (See Note A-9.10.1.3.(8) and (9))
(10) Fire pumps shall be installed in conformance with Articles 3.2.5.17. and 3.2.5.18.
(11) Where fuel-fired appliances are installed on a roof, such appliances shall be installed in conformance with Article
3.6.1.5.
9.10.1.4.Items Under Part 6 Jurisdiction permalink →
(1) In kitchens containing commercial cooking equipment used in processes producing grease-laden vapours, the
equipment shall be designed and installed in conformance with Article 6.3.1.6. (See Note A-9.10.1.4.(1))
9.10.2.Occupancy Classification
9.10.2.1.Occupancy Classification permalink →
(1) Every building or part of it shall be classified according to its major occupancy as belonging to one of the groups or
divisions described in Table 9.10.2.1.
Table 9.10.2.1.
Occupancy Classifications
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.2.1.(1)
Group Division Description of Major Occupancies(1)
C — Residential occupancies
D — Business and personal services occupancies
E — Mercantile occupancies
F 2 Medium-hazard industrial occupancies
Low-hazard industrial occupancies (Does not include storage garages serving houses or individual
F 3
dwelling units)
Notes to Table 9.10.2.1.:
(1) See Note A-3.1.2.1.(1).
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.2.2.Reserved
9.10.2.3.Major Occupancies Above Other Major Occupancies permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.2.4., in any building containing more than one major occupancy in which one
major occupancy is located entirely above another, the requirements of Article 9.10.8.1. for each portion of the building
containing a major occupancy shall be applied to that portion as if the entire building was of that major occupancy.
9.10.2.4.Buildings Containing More Than One Major Occupancy permalink →
(1) In a building containing more than one major occupancy, where the aggregate area of all major occupancies in a
particular group or division does not exceed 10% of the floor area on the storey on which they are located, they need not
be considered as major occupancies for the purposes of Articles 9.10.2.3. and 9.10.8.1. provided they are not classified as
Group F, Division 2 occupancies.
9.10.3.Ratings
9.10.3.1.Fire-Resistance and Fire-Protection Ratings permalink →
(1) Where a fire-resistance rating or a fire-protection rating is required in this Section for an element of a building,
such rating shall be determined in conformance with
(a) the test methods described in Part 3,
(b) MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, "Fire Performance Ratings," or
(c) MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-3, "Fire and Sound Resistance Tables."
(See Note A-9.10.3.1.(1))
9.10.3.2.Flame-Spread Rating permalink →
(1) Where a flame-spread rating is required in this Section for an element of a building, such rating shall be determined
in accordance with the test methods described in Part 3, or in accordance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2,
“Fire Performance Ratings.”
(2) Unless the flame-spread rating is referred to in this Part as a “surface flame-spread rating”, it shall apply to any
surface of the element being considered that would be exposed by cutting through it as well as to the exposed surface of
the element.
9.10.3.3.Fire Exposure permalink →
(1) Floor, roof and ceiling assemblies shall be rated for exposure to fire on the underside.
(2) Exterior walls shall be rated for exposure to fire from inside the building, except that such walls need not comply
with the temperature rise limitations required by the standard tests referred to in Article 9.10.3.1. if such walls have a
limiting distance of not less than 1.2 m, and due allowance is made for the effects of heat radiation in accordance with the
requirements in Part 3.
(3) Firewalls and interior vertical fire separations required to have fire-resistance ratings shall be rated for exposure to
fire on each side.
9.10.3.4.Suspended Membrane Ceiling permalink →
(1) Where a ceiling construction has a suspended membrane ceiling with lay-in panels or tiles that contribute to the
required fire-resistance rating, hold down clips or other means shall be provided to prevent the lifting of such panels or
tiles in the event of a fire.
9.10.4.Building Size Determination
9.10.4.1.Mezzanines Not Considered as Storeys permalink →
(1) Except as required by Sentences (2) and 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from
the calculation of building height, provided
(a) the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 10% of the floor area of the building in
which they are located, and
(b) the area of mezzanine in a suite does not exceed 10% of the area of that suite on the storey on which it is located.
(2) Except as required by Sentence 9.10.4.2.(1), the space above a mezzanine is permitted to be excluded from the
calculation of building height, provided
(a) the aggregate area of mezzanines that are not superimposed does not exceed 40% of the open area of the room in
which they are located, and (See Note A-3.2.1.1.(3)(a))
(b) except as permitted in Sentence (3), the space above the mezzanine floor is used as an open area without partitions
or subdividing walls higher than 1 070 mm above the mezzanine floor.
(3) The space above a mezzanine conforming to Sentence (2) is permitted to include an enclosed space whose area does
not exceed 10% of the open area of the room in which the mezzanine is located, provided the enclosed space does not
obstruct visual communication between the open space above the mezzanine and the room in which it is located.
(4) For the purpose of determining occupant load, the areas of mezzanines that are not considered as storeys shall be
added to the floor area of the storey on which they are located. (See Note A-9.10.4.1.(4))
(5) Platforms and catwalks intended solely for periodic inspection and maintenance need not be considered as floor
assemblies or mezzanines for the purpose of calculating building height, provided
(a) they are not used for storage, and
(b) they are constructed with noncombustible materials, unless the building is permitted to be of combustible
construction.
9.10.4.2.More Than One Level of Mezzanine permalink →
(1) Where more than one level of mezzanine is provided in a storey, each level additional to the first shall be considered
as a storey.
9.10.4.3.Basement Storage Garages permalink →
(1) Where a basement is used primarily as a storage garage, the basement is permitted to be considered as a separate
building for the purposes of this Section provided the floor above the basement and the exterior walls of the basement
above the adjoining ground level are constructed as fire separations of masonry or concrete having a fire-resistance
rating of not less than 2 h.
9.10.4.4.Rooftop Enclosures permalink →
(1) Rooftop enclosures provided for elevator machinery, stairways or service rooms, used for no purpose other than for
service to the building, shall not be considered as a storey in calculating the building height.
9.10.5.Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Assemblies
9.10.5.1.Permitted Openings in Wall and Ceiling Membranes permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-
resistance rating shall not be pierced by openings into the assembly unless the assembly has been tested and rated for
such openings.
(2) A wall or ceiling membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating is permitted to be
pierced by openings for electrical and similar service outlet boxes, provided such outlet boxes and the penetrations
conform to Article 9.10.9.8.
(2.1) Where boxes referred to in Sentence (2) are located on both sides of walls required to provide a fire-resistance
rating, they shall be offset where necessary to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.
(3) A membrane ceiling forming part of an assembly assigned a fire-resistance rating on the basis of Table 2 of MMAH
Supplementary Standard SB-3, “Fire and Sound Resistance Tables,” is permitted to be pierced by openings leading to
ducts within the ceiling space provided the ducts, the amount of openings and their protection conform to Sentence
9.10.13.14.(1) and the requirements in MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, “Fire Performance Ratings.”
9.10.6.Construction Types
9.10.6.1.Combustible Elements in Noncombustible Construction permalink →
(1) Where a building or part of a building is required to be of noncombustible construction, combustible elements shall
be limited in conformance with the requirements in Subsection 3.1.5.
9.10.6.2.Heavy Timber Construction permalink →
(1) Heavy timber construction shall be considered to have a 45 min fire-resistance rating when it is constructed in
accordance with the requirements for heavy timber construction in Article 3.1.4.7.
9.10.7.Steel Members
9.10.7.1.Protection of Steel Members permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Article 3.2.2.3., structural steel members used in construction required to have a fire-
resistance rating shall be protected to provide the required fire-resistance rating.
9.10.8.Fire-Resistance and Combustibility in Relation to Occupancy,
9.10.8.1.Fire-Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs permalink →
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the fire-resistance ratings of floors and roofs shall conform to
Table 9.10.8.1. (See Subsection 9.10.2. for mixed occupancies and Subsection 9.10.21. for construction camps.)
Table 9.10.8.1.
Fire Resistance Ratings for Floors and Roofs
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.8.1.(1)
Minimum Fire-Resistance Rating by Building Element, min
Maximum Building
Major Occupancy Floors Except Floors over
Height, Storeys Mezzanine Floors Roofs
Crawl Spaces
Residential (Group C) 3 45 45 —
2 45 — —
All other occupancies
3 45 45 45
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.8.2.Fire-Resistance Ratings in Sprinklered Buildings permalink →
(1) Except for roofs that support an occupancy, the requirements in Table 9.10.8.1. for roof assemblies to have a fire-
resistance rating are permitted to be waived in sprinklered buildings where
(a) the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and
(b) the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with
Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.8.3.Fire-Resistance Ratings for Walls, Columns and Arches permalink →
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, all loadbearing walls, columns and arches in the storey
immediately below a floor or roof assembly shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than that required for the
supported floor or roof assembly.
(2) Light-frame walls, columns, arches and beams as well as loadbearing steel elements that support floors between
dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces shall be protected by not less than
15.9 mm thick Type-X gypsum board. (See Note A-9.10.8.3.(2))
9.10.8.4.Support of Noncombustible Construction permalink →
(1) Where an assembly is required to be of noncombustible construction and to have a fire-resistance rating, it shall be
supported by noncombustible construction.
9.10.8.5.Service Rooms permalink →
(1) Construction supporting a service room need not conform to Article 9.10.8.3.
9.10.8.6.Mezzanines permalink →
(1) Mezzanines required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. shall be constructed in conformance
with the requirements for “Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.8.7.Roofs Supporting an Occupancy permalink →
(1) Where a portion of a roof supports an occupancy, that portion shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-
resistance rating conforming to the rating for “Floors Except Floors over Crawl Spaces” in Table 9.10.8.1.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.8.8.Floors of Exterior Passageways permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), the floor assembly of every exterior passageway used as part of a
means of egress shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min or be of noncombustible construction.
(2) No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving buildings of Group D, E or F major
occupancy that are not more than 2 storeys in building height.
(3) No fire-resistance rating is required for floors of exterior passageways serving
(a) a house with a secondary suite, or
(b) a single dwelling unit where no suite is located above or below the dwelling unit. (See also Sentence 9.9.9.3.(2))
9.10.8.9.Crawl Spaces permalink →
(1) Where a crawl space exceeds 1.8 m in height or is used for any occupancy or as a plenum in combustible
construction or for the passage of flue pipes, it shall be considered as a basement in applying the requirements in Article
9.10.8.1.
9.10.8.10.Non-Application to Houses permalink →
(1) Table 9.10.8.1. does not apply to
(a) a dwelling unit that has no other dwelling unit above or below it,
(b) houses with a secondary suite, where the floor framing is protected on the underside by a continuous smoke-tight
barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board, or
(c) a dwelling unit that is not above or below another major occupancy.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.8.11.Part 3 as an Alternative permalink →
(1) The fire-resistance ratings of floors, roofs, loadbearing walls, columns and arches need not conform to this
Subsection if such assemblies conform in all respects to the appropriate requirements in Section 3.2.
9.10.9.Fire Separations and Smoke-tight Barriers between Rooms
9.10.9.1.Application permalink →
(1) This Subsection applies to
(a) fire separations required between rooms and spaces in buildings, and
(b) smoke-tight barriers required in houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
9.10.9.2.Continuous Barrier permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a fire separation shall be constructed
as a continuous barrier against the spread of fire and retard the passage of smoke.
(2) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.9.3., a wall or floor assembly required to be a smoke-tight barrier shall be
constructed as a continuous barrier against the spread of smoke. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3))
(3) Except as provided in Sentence (6), the continuity of a fire separation where it abuts another fire separation or
smoke-tight barrier, a floor, a ceiling, or a roof shall be maintained by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test
method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-
resistance rating for the abutting fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.2.(2) and (3)) (See also Note A-3.1.8.3.(2))
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (6), 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 for the horizontal fire separation.
(5) Except as provided in Sentence (6), all gypsum board joints in the assemblies described in Sentences (1) and (2)
shall conform to CSA A82.31-M, “Gypsum Board Application,” to maintain the integrity of the smoke-tight barrier over
the entire surface.
(6) Joints between ceilings and walls, between floors and walls, and between walls at corners need not comply with
Sentences (3) to (5) 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.
9.10.9.3.Openings to be Protected With Closures permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Articles 9.10.9.5. to 9.10.9.8., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with
closures conforming to Subsection 9.10.13.
9.10.9.4.Floor Assemblies permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (4), all floor assemblies shall be constructed as fire separations.
(2) Floor assemblies contained within dwelling units need and within houses with a secondary suite need not be
constructed as fire separations.
(3) Floor assemblies for which no fire-resistance rating is required by Subsection 9.10.8. and floors of mezzanines not
required to be counted as storeys in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2. need not be constructed as fire separations.
(4) Where a crawl space is not required by Article 9.10.8.9. to be constructed as a basement, the floor above it need not
be constructed as a fire separation.
9.10.9.5.Interconnected Floor Spaces permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Article 9.9.4.7., interconnected floor spaces shall conform to the requirements of
Subsection 3.2.8.
9.10.9.6.General Requirements for Penetrations of Fire Separations permalink →
(1) Except as required by Sentence (2) and Articles 9.10.9.7. and 9.10.9.8. and as permitted by Article 9.10.9.9.,
penetrations of a required fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to be a fire separation
shall be
(a) sealed by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests
of Firestop Systems,” has an F rating not less than the required fire-resistance rating for the fire separation,
(b) tightly fitted or cast in place, provided the penetrating item is made of steel, ferrous, copper, concrete or masonry, or
(c) sealed to maintain the integrity of the fire separation.
(See Note A-9.10.9.6.(1))
(2) Penetrations of a firewall shall be sealed at the penetration by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method
in “CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-
resistance rating for the fire separation.
9.10.9.7.Piping Penetrations (See Note 3.1.9.) permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (5), piping for drain, waste, vent and central vacuum systems that is not
located in a vertical shaft is permitted to penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating or a
membrane that forms part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided the penetration is protected in
accordance with Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a) or (b).
(2) Drain piping leading directly from a water closet through a concrete floor slab is permitted to penetrate a horizontal
fire separation or a membrane that contributes to the required fire-resistance rating of a horizontal fire separation,
provided
(a) the piping is noncombustible and the penetration is protected in accordance with Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), or
(b) the piping is combustible and the penetration is sealed by a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).
(3) Combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of a vertical fire separation, provided it is not
located in a vertical shaft.
(4) In buildings containing two dwelling units only, combustible drain, waste and vent piping is permitted on one side of
a horizontal fire separation.
(5) Water distribution piping is permitted to partly or wholly penetrate a fire separation required to have a fire-
resistance rating, provided
(a) the piping is noncombustible and the penetration is protected in accordance with Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), or
(b) the piping is combustible and is not located in a vertical shaft, and the penetration is sealed by a firestop conforming
to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).
9.10.9.8.Penetrations by Outlet Boxes or Service Equipment in Concealed Spaces permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the membrane of an assembly
required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a firestop that, when subjected to
the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less
than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation. (See Note A-9.10.9.8.(1))
(2) Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.9.6.(2), noncombustible outlet boxes that penetrate a fire separation or a
membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to Sentence (1),
provided
(a) they do not exceed
(i) 0.016 m2 in area, and
(ii) an aggregate area of 0.065 m2 in any 9.3 m2 of surface area, and
(b) the annular space between the membrane and the noncombustible outlet boxes does not exceed 3 mm.
(3) Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.9.6.(2), combustible outlet boxes that penetrate a fire separation or a membrane
forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to Sentence (1), provided
(a) the outlet boxes are
(i) separated from the remainder of the space within the assembly by an enclosure of not more than 0.3 m 2 in
area made of fire block material conforming to Article 9.10.16.3., or (See Note A-9.10.9.8.(3)(a)(i))
(ii) located in a space within the assembly that is filled with preformed fibre insulation processed from rock or
slag conforming to CAN/ULC-S702.1, “Standard for Mineral Fibre Thermal Insulation for Buildings, Part 1:
Material Specification,” and having a mass per unit area of not less than 1.22 kg/m 2 of wall surface such that
the exposed sides and back of the outlet box are encapsulated by the noncombustible insulation, and
(b) the outlet boxes do not exceed an aggregate area of 0.016 m 2 in any individual enclosure as described in
Subclause (a)(i) or any individual insulated space as described in Subclause (a)(ii).
(4) Noncombustible outlet boxes conforming to Sentence (2) are permitted to be located on opposite sides of a vertical
fire separation having a fire-resistance rating and need not conform to Sentence (1), provided they are
(a) separated from each other by a horizontal distance of not less than 600 mm,
(b) separated from each other and the remainder of the wall space by an enclosure conforming to Subclause (3)(a)(i), or
(c) located in an insulated wall space in accordance with Subclause (3)(a)(ii).
(5) Combustible outlet boxes conforming to Sentence (3) are permitted to be located on opposite sides of a vertical fire
separation having a fire-resistance rating and need not conform to Sentence (1).
(6) Service equipment is permitted to penetrate a horizontal fire separation conforming to Sentence 9.10.9.12.(2),
provided the penetration is sealed by
(a) a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of
Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the required fire-resistance rating for the fire separation,
(b) a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a), where the service equipment is located entirely within the cavity of a
wall assembly above and below the horizontal fire separation having a required fire-resistance rating, or
(c) a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a), where the penetration is
(i) contained within the concealed space of a floor or ceiling assembly having a fire-resistance rating,
(ii) located above a ceiling membrane providing a horizontal fire separation, or
(iii) contained within a horizontal service space conforming to Sentence 9.10.9.12.(2) that is directly above or
below a floor or ceiling.
9.10.9.9.Penetrations by Raceways, Sprinklers and Fire Dampers permalink →
(1) Combustible totally enclosed raceways that are embedded in a concrete floor slab are permitted in an assembly
required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided the concrete cover between the raceway and the bottom of the slab is
not less than 50 mm.
(2) Totally enclosed raceways are permitted to penetrate a fire separation, provided they are sealed at the penetration by
a firestop conforming to Clause 9.10.9.6.(1)(a).
(3) Sprinkler piping is permitted to penetrate a fire separation, provided the fire compartments on each side of the fire
separation are sprinklered.
(4) Sprinklers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a
fire-resistance rating without having to meet the firestop requirements of Article 9.10.9.6. and Clause 9.10.9.8.(6)(a),
provided the annular space created by the penetration of a fire sprinkler is covered by a metal escutcheon plate in
accordance with NFPA 13, “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.”
(5) Fire dampers are permitted to penetrate a fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to
have a fire-resistance rating without having to meet the firestop requirements of Sentence 9.10.9.6.(1), provided the fire
damper is
(a) installed in conformance with NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives,”
(b) specifically designed with a firestop, or
(c) provided in conformance with Sentence 9.10.5.1.(3).
(See also Note A-3.1.9.2.(1).)
9.10.9.10.Collapse of Combustible Construction permalink →
(1) Combustible construction that abuts on or is supported by a noncombustible fire separation shall be constructed so
that its collapse under fire conditions will not cause collapse of the fire separation.
9.10.9.11.Reduction in Thickness of Fire Separation by Beams and Joists permalink →
(1) Where pockets for the support of beams or joists are formed in a masonry or concrete fire separation, the remaining
total thickness of solid masonry and/or grout and/or concrete shall be not less than the required equivalent thickness
shown for Type S monolithic concrete in Table 2.1.1. of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, “Fire Performance
Ratings,” for the required fire-resistance rating.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.9.12.Concealed Spaces Above Fire Separations permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), a horizontal service space or other concealed space located above a required
vertical fire separation shall be divided at the fire separation by an equivalent fire separation within the space.
(2) Where a horizontal service space or other concealed space is located above a required vertical fire separation other
than a vertical shaft, such space need not be divided as required in Sentence (1) provided the construction between such
space and the space below is constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for
the vertical fire separation, except that where the vertical fire separation is not required to have a fire-resistance rating
greater than 45 min, the fire-resistance rating of the ceiling is permitted to be reduced to 30 min.
9.10.9.13.Separation of Residential Occupancies permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (4), residential occupancies shall be separated from all other major
occupancies by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), a major occupancy classified as a residential occupancy, including live/work
units, shall be separated from other major occupancies classified as mercantile or medium hazard industrial occupancies
by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(3) Where not more than two dwelling units or live/work units are located in a building containing a mercantile
occupancy, such mercantile occupancy shall be separated from the dwelling units or live/work units by a fire separation
having not less than 1 h fire-resistance rating.
(4) The requirement for fire separations between major occupancies in Sentence (1) is waived for the occupancies
allowed within live/work units.
9.10.9.14.Residential Suites in Industrial Buildings permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), not more than one suite of residential occupancy shall be contained within a
building classified as a Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.
(2) Except where a Group F Division 2 major occupancy is directly related to live/work units, not more than one suite of
residential occupancy shall be contained within a building classified as Group F, Division 2 major occupancy.
9.10.9.15.Separation of Suites permalink →
(1) Except as required in Article 9.10.9.16. and as permitted by Sentence (2), each suite in other than business and
personal services occupancies shall be separated from adjoining suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating
of not less than 45 min.
(2) In sprinklered buildings, suites of business and personal services occupancy and mercantile occupancy that are
served by public corridors conforming with Clause 3.3.1.4.(4)(b) are not required to be separated from each other by fire
separations.
9.10.9.16.Separation of Residential Suites permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 9.10.21.2., suites in residential occupancies shall be
separated from adjacent rooms and suites by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.
(2) Sleeping rooms in boarding, lodging or rooming houses where sleeping accommodation is provided for not more
than 8 boarders or lodgers need not be separated from the remainder of the floor area as required in Sentence (1) where
the sleeping rooms form part of the proprietor's residence and do not contain cooking facilities.
(3) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), dwelling units that contain 2 or more storeys including basements shall
be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h.
(See Note A-3.3.4.4.(1))
e1 (4) Walls and floor-ceiling framing in a house with a secondary suite that separate dwelling units from each other or
dwelling units from ancillary spaces and common spaces need not comply with Sentence (1), where the walls and floor-
ceiling framing are protected by a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board
installed on
(a) both sides of walls, and
(b) the underside of floor-ceiling framing.
(5) The fire-resistance rating of the fire separation required in Sentence (4) is permitted to be waived where the house
with a secondary suite is sprinklered.
9.10.9.17.Separation of Public Corridors permalink →
(1) Except as otherwise required by this Part and as provided in Sentences (2) to (5), public corridors shall be separated
from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating.
(2) In other than residential occupancies, no fire-resistance rating is required for fire separations between a public
corridor and the remainder of the building if
(a) the floor area is sprinklered,
(b) the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3), and
(c) the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with
Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4).
(3) In other than residential occupancies, no fire separation is required between a public corridor and the remainder of
the building if
(a) the floor area is sprinklered,
(b) the sprinkler system is electrically supervised in conformance with Sentence 3.2.4.9.(3),
(c) the operation of the sprinkler system will cause a signal to be transmitted to the fire department in conformance with
Sentence 3.2.4.7.(4), and
(d) the corridor exceeds 5 m in width.
e1 (4) Where a public corridor is located in a house with a secondary suite, a continuous smoke-tight barrier of not less
than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board shall be installed on
(a) both sides of walls separating the corridor from the remainder of the building, and
(b) the underside of floor-ceiling framing separating the corridor from the remainder of the building.
(5) No fire separation is required in a sprinklered floor area between a public corridor and a space containing plumbing
fixtures required by Article 3.7.4.2. and Section 9.31., provided
(a) the space and the public corridor are separated from the remainder of the storey by a fire separation having a fire-
resistance rating not less than that required between the public corridor and the remainder of the storey, and
(b) the plumbing fixtures are not located within a dwelling unit or suite.
9.10.9.18.Separation of Storage Garages permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire
separation having not less than a 1.5 h fire-resistance rating.
(2) Except as permitted in Sentence (3), storage garages containing 5 motor vehicles or fewer shall be separated from
other occupancies by a fire separation of not less than 1 h.
(3) Where a storage garage serves only the dwelling unit to which it is attached or in which it is built, it shall be
considered as part of that dwelling unit and the fire separation required in Sentence (2) need not be provided between the
garage and the dwelling unit.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a storage garage is attached to or built into a building of residential
occupancy
(a) an air barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3. shall be installed between the garage and the remainder of
the building to provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes, and
(b) every door between the garage and the remainder of the building shall conform to Article 9.10.13.15.
(See Note A-9.10.9.18.(4))
(5) Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be
sealed and structurally supported.
9.10.9.19.Separation of Repair Garages permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), a repair garage shall be separated from other occupancies by a fire
separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(2) Ancillary spaces directly serving a repair garage, including waiting rooms, reception rooms, tool and parts storage
areas and supervisory office space, need not be separated from the repair garage but shall be separated from other
occupancies as required in Sentence (1).
(3) The fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h, where
(a) the building is not more than one storey in building height,
(b) the building is operated as a single suite, and
(c) the only occupancy other than the repair garage is a mercantile occupancy.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a building containing a repair garage also contains a dwelling unit, an air
barrier system conforming to Subsection 9.25.3. shall be installed between the dwelling unit and the suite containing the
garage to provide an effective barrier to gas and exhaust fumes. (See Note A-9.10.9.18.(4))
(5) Where membrane materials are used to provide the required airtightness in the air barrier system, all joints shall be
sealed and structurally supported.
9.10.9.20.Exhaust Ducts Serving More Than One Fire Compartment permalink →
(1) Where a vertical service space contains an exhaust duct that serves more than one fire compartment, the duct shall
have a fan located at or near the exhaust outlet to ensure that the duct is under negative pressure.
(2) Individual fire compartments referred to in Sentence (1) shall not have fans that exhaust directly into the duct in the
vertical service space.
9.10.9.21.Central Vacuum Systems permalink →
(1) Except as permitted by Sentence 9.10.18.7.(1), a central vacuum system shall serve not more than one suite.
9.10.10.Service Rooms
9.10.10.1.Application permalink →
(1) This Subsection applies to service rooms in all buildings except rooms located within a dwelling unit.
9.10.10.2.Service Room Floors permalink →
(1) The fire-resistance rating requirements in this Subsection do not apply to the floor assembly immediately below a
service room.
9.10.10.3.Separation of Service Rooms permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and Articles 9.10.10.5. and 9.10.10.6., service rooms shall be separated from the
remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 h when the floor area
containing the service room is not sprinklered.
(2) Where a room contains a limited quantity of service equipment and the service equipment does not constitute a fire
hazard, the requirements in Sentence (1) shall not apply.
9.10.10.4.Locations of Fuel-Fired Appliances permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3) and Article 9.10.10.5., fuel-fired appliances shall be located in a service
room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating.
e1 (2) Except as required in the appliance installation standards referenced in Sentences 6.2.1.5.(1) and 9.33.5.3.(1), fuel-
fired space-heating appliances, space-cooling appliances and service water heaters need not be separated from the
remainder of the building as required in Sentence (1),
(a) where the appliances serve
(i) not more than one room or suite, or
(ii) a building with a building area of not more than 400 m2 and a building height of not more than 2 storeys, or
(b) where the appliances
(i) serve a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, and
(ii) are located in a service room where both sides of any wall assemblies and the underside of any floor-ceiling
framing separating this room from both dwelling units or their common spaces are protected by a continuous
smoke-tight barrier consisting of not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X gypsum board.
(3) Sentence (1) does not apply to fireplaces and cooking appliances.
9.10.10.5.Incinerators permalink →
(1) Service rooms containing incinerators shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation
having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 2 h.
(2) The design, construction, installation and alteration of each indoor incinerator shall conform to NFPA 82, “Standard
on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment.”
(3) Every incinerator shall be connected to a chimney flue conforming to the requirements in Section 9.21. and serving
no other appliance.
(4) An incinerator shall not be located in a room with other fuel-fired appliances.
9.10.10.6.Storage Rooms permalink →
(1) Rooms for the temporary storage of combustible refuse and materials for recycling in all occupancies or for public
storage in residential occupancies shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not
less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, except that a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min is
permitted where
(a) the fire-resistance rating of the floor assembly is not required to exceed 45 min, or
(b) the room is sprinklered.
9.10.10.7.Emergency Power Installation permalink →
(1) Where a generator intended to supply emergency power for lighting, fire safety and life safety systems is located in
a building, it shall be located in a room that,
(a) is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating not less than
(i) 1 h, if the floor assembly is not required to have a fire-resistance rating of more than 1 h, and
(ii) 2 h, if the floor assembly is required to have a fire-resistance rating of more than 1 h, and
(b) contains only the generating set and equipment that is related to the emergency power supply system.
9.10.11.Firewalls
9.10.11.1.Required Firewalls permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Articles 9.10.11.2., a party wall on a property line shall be constructed as a firewall. (See
Note A-3.2.3.4.(1))
9.10.11.2.Firewalls Not Required permalink →
(1) A party wall on a property line of a building of residential occupancy need not be constructed as a firewall,
provided it is constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 1 h fire-resistance rating, where the party wall
separates
(a) two dwelling units where there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit,
(b) a dwelling unit and a house with a secondary suite including their common spaces, or
(c) two houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(2) Reserved.
(3) The wall described in Sentence (1) shall provide continuous protection from the top of the footings to the underside
of the roof deck.
(4) Any space between the top of the wall described in Sentence (1) and the roof deck shall be tightly filled with mineral
wool or noncombustible material.
9.10.11.3.Construction of Firewalls permalink →
(1) Where firewalls are used, the requirements in Part 3 shall apply.
9.10.11.4.Firewalls in Detached Garages permalink →
(1) Where a garage is detached from the dwelling unit it serves but attached to another garage on the adjacent property,
the party wall so formed shall be constructed as a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min.
9.10.12.Prevention of Fire Spread at Exterior Walls and
9.10.12.1.Termination of Floors or Mezzanines permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2) and in Articles 9.10.1.3. and 9.10.9.5., the portions of a floor area or mezzanine
that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a firewall or a vertical shaft, shall terminate at a vertical fire separation having a
fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly that terminates at the separation.
(2) A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation where the mezzanine is not required to be considered as
a storey in Articles 9.10.4.1. and 9.10.4.2.
9.10.12.2.Location of Skylights permalink →
(1) Where a wall in a building is exposed to a fire hazard from an adjoining roof of a separate fire compartment that is
not sprinklered in the same building, the roof shall contain no skylights within a horizontal distance of 5 m of the
windows in the exposed wall.
9.10.12.3.Exterior Walls Meeting at an Angle permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Article 9.9.4.5., where exterior walls of a building meet at an external angle of 135° or less,
the horizontal distance from an unprotected opening in one exterior wall to an unprotected opening in the other exterior
wall shall be not less than 1.2 m, where these openings are
(a) in different fire compartments, or
(b) in different dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), the exterior wall of each fire compartment referred to in Sentence (1) within the
1.2 m distance shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the interior vertical fire separation
between the compartment and the remainder of the building.
(3) Where interior walls between dwelling units, ancillary spaces or common spaces in a house with a secondary suite
are not constructed as fire separations, the exterior wall of each dwelling unit, ancillary space or common space referred
to in Sentence (1) within the 1.2 m distance shall be finished on the interior with not less than 15.9 mm thick Type X
gypsum board.
9.10.12.4.Protection of Soffits permalink →
(1) This Article applies to the portion of any soffit enclosing a projection that is
(a) less than 2.5 m vertically above a window or door, and
(b) less than 1.2 m from either side of the window or door.
(See Note A-9.10.12.4.(1))
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), the construction described in Sentence (1) shall have no unprotected
openings and shall be protected in accordance with Sentence (3), where the soffit encloses
(a) a common attic or roof space that spans more than 2 suites of residential occupancy and projects beyond the
exterior wall of the building,
(b) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey and
(i) a fire separation is required at the floor between the two, or
(ii) the floor separates dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common
space in a house with a secondary suite, or
(c) a floor space where an upper storey projects beyond the exterior wall of a lower storey, and the projection is
continuous across
(i) a vertical fire separation separating two suites, or
(ii) a wall separating dwelling units from each other or a dwelling unit from an ancillary space or a common space
in a house with a secondary suite.
(3) Protection required by Sentence (2) shall be provided by
(a) noncombustible material having a minimum thickness of 0.38 mm and a melting point not below 650°C,
(b) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum wallboard installed according to CSA A82.31-M,
“Gypsum Board Application,”
(c) not less than 11 mm thick plywood,
(d) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or
(e) not less than 11 mm thick lumber.
(See Note A-9.10.12.4.(3))
(4) In the case of a soffit described in Sentence (1) that is at the edge of an attic or roof space, and completely separated
from the remainder of the attic or roof space by fire blocks, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply.
(5) Where all suites spanned by a common attic or roof space or situated above or below the projecting floor are
sprinklered, the requirements in Sentence (2) do not apply provided that all rooms, including closets and bathrooms,
having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exceptions in the sprinkler standards
referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
9.10.13.Doors, Dampers and Other Closures in Fire Separations
9.10.13.1.Closures permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Article 9.10.13.2., openings in required fire separations shall be protected with a closure
conforming to Table 9.10.13.1. and shall be installed in conformance with NFPA 80, “Standard for Fire Doors and Other
Opening Protectives,” unless otherwise specified in this Part. (See also Article 9.10.3.1.)
Table 9.10.13.1.
Fire-Protection Ratings for Closures
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.13.1.(1)
Required Fire-Resistance Rating of Fire Separation Required Fire-Protection Rating of Closure
30 or 45 min 20 min(1)
1h 45 min(1)
1.5 h 1h
2h 1.5 h
3h 2h
4h 3h
Notes to Table 9.10.13.1.:
(1) See Article 9.10.13.2.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.13.2.Solid Core Wood Door as a Closure permalink →
(1) A 45 mm thick solid core wood door is permitted to be used where a minimum fire-protection rating of 20 min is
permitted or between a public corridor and a suite provided the door conforms to CAN/ULC-S113, “Standard
Specification for Wood Core Doors Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104 for Twenty Minute Fire
Rated Closure Assemblies.” (See Note A-9.10.13.2.(1))
(2) Doors described in Sentence (1) shall have not more than a 6 mm clearance beneath and not more than 3 mm at the
sides and top.
9.10.13.3.Unrated Wood Door Frames permalink →
(1) Doors required to provide a 20 min fire-protection rating or permitted to be 45 mm solid core wood shall be
mounted in a wood frame of at least 38 mm thickness where the frame has not been tested and rated.
9.10.13.4.Doors as a Means of Egress permalink →
(1) Doors forming part of an exit or a public means of egress shall conform to Subsection 9.9.6. in addition to this
Subsection.
9.10.13.5.Wired Glass as a Closure permalink →
(1) Wired glass conforming to Article 9.6.1.2. that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted
as a closure in a vertical fire separation required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h provided such glass
is not less than 6 mm thick and is mounted in conformance with Sentence (2).
(2) Wired glass described in Sentence (1) shall be mounted in fixed steel frames having a metal thickness of not less
than 1.35 mm and a glazing stop of not less than 20 mm on each side of the glass.
(3) Individual panes of glass described in Sentence (1) shall not exceed 0.8 m² in area or 1.4 m in height or width, and
the area of glass not structurally supported by mullions shall not exceed 7.5 m².
9.10.13.6.Steel Door Frames permalink →
(1) Steel door frames forming part of a closure in a fire separation, including anchorage requirements, shall conform to
CAN/ULC-S105, “Standard Specification for Fire Door Frames Meeting the Performance Required by CAN/ULC-S104.”
9.10.13.7.Glass Block as a Closure permalink →
(1) Glass block that has not been tested in accordance with Article 9.10.3.1. is permitted as a closure in a fire separation
required to have a fire-resistance rating of not more than 1 h.
9.10.13.8.Maximum Size of Opening permalink →
(1) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 11 m²,
with no dimension greater than 3.7 m, if a fire compartment on either side of the fire separation is not sprinklered.
(2) The size of an opening in an interior fire separation, even where protected with a closure, shall not exceed 22 m²,
with no dimension greater than 6 m, when the fire compartments on both sides of the fire separation are sprinklered.
9.10.13.9.Door Latch permalink →
(1) Every swing type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a latch.
9.10.13.10.Self-Closing Device permalink →
(1) Except as described in Sentence (2), every door in a fire separation shall have a self-closing device.
(2) Self-closing devices are not required between public corridors and suites in business and personal services
occupancies, except in dead-end corridors or a corridor that serves a hotel.
9.10.13.11.Hold-Open Devices permalink →
(1) Where hold-open devices are used on doors in required fire separations, they shall be installed in accordance with
Article 3.1.8.14.
9.10.13.12.Service Room Doors permalink →
(1) Swing-type doors shall open into service rooms containing fuel-fired equipment where such doors lead to public
corridors or rooms used for assembly but shall swing outward from such rooms in all other cases.
9.10.13.13.Fire Dampers permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (5), 9.10.5.1.(3) and 9.10.9.9.(5), a duct that penetrates an assembly required
to be a fire separation with a fire-resistance rating shall be equipped with a fire damper in conformance with Articles
3.1.8.4. and 3.1.8.10.
(2) A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation provided the
duct
(a) has a melting point not below 760°C,
(b) has a cross-sectional area less than 130 cm², and
(c) supplies only air-conditioning units or combined air-conditioning and heating units discharging air at not more than
1.2 m above the floor.
(3) A fire damper is not required where a noncombustible branch duct pierces a required fire separation around an
exhaust duct riser in which the air flow is upward provided
(a) the melting point of the branch duct is not below 760°C,
(b) the branch duct is carried up inside the riser at least 500 mm, and
(c) the exhaust duct is under negative pressure as described in Article 9.10.9.20.
(4) Noncombustible ducts that penetrate a fire separation separating a vertical service space from the remainder of the
building need not be equipped with a fire damper at the fire separation provided
(a) the ducts have a melting point above 760°C, and
(b) each individual duct exhausts directly to the outside at the top of the vertical service space.
(5) A duct serving commercial cooking equipment and piercing a required fire separation need not be equipped with a
fire damper at the fire separation.
9.10.13.14.Fire Stop Flaps permalink →
(1) Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes required in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(3) shall
(a) conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2, “Standard Method of Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies,” and
(b) activate at a temperature approximately 30°C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the ducts,
whether the air duct system is operating or shut down.
9.10.13.15.Doors Between Garages and Dwelling Units permalink →
(1) A door between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall be tight-fitting and weather-stripped to
provide an effective barrier against the passage of gases and exhaust fumes and shall be fitted with a self-closing device.
(2) A doorway between an attached or built-in garage and a dwelling unit shall not be located in a room intended for
sleeping.
9.10.13.16.Door Stops permalink →
(1) Where a door is installed so that it may damage the integrity of a fire separation if its swing is unrestricted, door
stops shall be installed to prevent such damage.
9.10.14.Spatial Separation Between Buildings
9.10.14.1.Application permalink →
(1) This Subsection applies to buildings other than those to which Subsection 9.10.15. applies.
(2) This Subsection does not apply to a house with a secondary suite.
9.10.14.2.Area and Location of Exposing Building Face permalink →
(1) The area of an exposing building face shall be
(a) taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and
(b) calculated as,
(i) the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling, or
(ii) the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations
with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min.
(2) For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.4.-A to determine the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings
permitted in an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a
vertical plane located so that there are no unprotected openings between the vertical plane and the line to which limiting
distance is measured. (See Note A-3.2.3.1.(4))
(3) For the purpose of using Table 9.10.14.5. to determine the required type of construction, cladding and fire-resistance
rating for an irregularly-shaped or skewed exterior wall,
(a) the exposing building face is permitted to be divided into any number of portions and the fire-resistance rating, type
of cladding and percentage of unprotected openings limitations is permitted to be determined individually for each
portion based on the limiting distance for each portion so divided,
(b) the exposing building face shall be taken as the projection of the exterior wall onto a vertical plane located so that no
portion of the exterior wall of the building is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is
established in Clause (a), and
(c) for the purpose of determining the actual area of unprotected openings permitted in an exterior wall, the unprotected
openings shall be projected onto the vertical plane established in Clause (b).
(4) The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the
property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if
(a) the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement
in which such owners agree that,
(i) each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not
construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect
of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement,
(ii) the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be
binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns,
(iii) the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and
(iv) they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including
indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and
(b) the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.
(5) Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (4) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for
exposing building faces in respect of the construction of any buildings on the property shall be measured to the point
referred to in the agreement.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.14.3.Reserved
9.10.14.3A.Inadequate Firefighting Facilities permalink →
(1) Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the
needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.14.4.(2), (5) and (6) and Sentence
9.10.14.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered.
9.10.14.4.Openings in Exposing Building Face permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (10) and Sentence 9.10.14.6.(1), the maximum aggregate area of unprotected
openings in an exposing building face shall
(a) conform to Table 9.10.14.4.,
(b) conform to Subsection 3.2.3., or
(c) where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than
(i) the limiting distance squared, for residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies and
low-hazard industrial occupancies, and
(ii) half the limiting distance squared, for mercantile occupancies and medium-hazard industrial occupancies.
Table 9.10.14.4.
Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings in Exterior Walls
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.14.4.(1)
Maximum Maximum Aggregate Area of Unprotected Openings, % of Exposing Building Face Area
Occupancy Total Area of Limiting Distance, m
Classification of Exposing Less
Building Building than 1.2 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
Face, m² 1.2
10 0 8 12 21 33 55 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
15 0 8 10 17 25 37 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
20 0 8 10 15 21 30 53 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Residential, business 25 0 8 9 13 19 26 45 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
and personal services,
30 0 7 9 12 17 23 39 88 100 100 100 100 100 100
and low-hazard
industrial 40 0 7 8 11 15 20 32 69 100 100 100 100 100 100
50 0 7 8 10 14 18 28 57 100 100 100 100 100 100
100 0 7 8 9 11 13 18 34 56 84 100 100 100 100
Over 100 0 7 7 8 9 10 12 19 28 40 55 92 100 100
10 0 4 6 10 17 25 48 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
15 0 4 5 8 13 18 34 82 100 100 100 100 100 100
20 0 4 5 7 11 15 27 63 100 100 100 100 100 100
Mercantile and 25 0 4 5 7 9 13 22 51 94 100 100 100 100 100
medium-hazard 30 0 4 4 6 9 12 20 44 80 100 100 100 100 100
industrial 40 0 4 4 6 8 10 16 34 61 97 100 100 100 100
50 0 4 4 5 7 9 14 29 50 79 100 100 100 100
100 0 4 4 4 5 6 9 17 28 42 60 100 100 100
Over 100 0 4 4 4 4 5 6 10 14 20 27 46 70 100
(2) Except as provided in Sentence 9.10.14.6.(1), openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall
be protected by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire protection rating is in conformance with the
fire-resistance rating required for the wall.
(3) Reserved.
(4) Reserved.
(5) Reserved.
(6) The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings is permitted to be up to twice the area determined according
to Sentence (1), where the unprotected openings are glazed with
(a) wired glass in steel frames as described in Article 9.10.13.5., or
(b) glass blocks, as described in Article 9.10.13.7.
(7) Where the building is sprinklered, the maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings is permitted to be up to
twice the area determined according to Sentence (1), provided all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, that are
adjacent to the exposing building face and that have unprotected openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any
exemptions in the sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
(8) The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storage garage need not
comply with Sentence (1), where
(a) all storeys are constructed as open-air storeys, and
(b) the storage garage has a limiting distance of not less than 3 m.
(9) The maximum aggregate area of unprotected openings in an exposing building face of a storey that faces a street and
is the same level as the street need not comply with Sentence (1) where the limiting distance is not less than 9 m.
(10) Except as provided in Sentence (11), for garages or accessory buildings that serve a single dwelling unit only and are
detached from any building, the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings shall comply with the requirements for
unprotected openings.
(11) The limits on the area of glazed openings need not apply to the exposing building face of a detached garage or
accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where
(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
(c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.14.5.Construction of Exposing Building Face and Walls Above Exposing permalink →
Building Face
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (4) to (14), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located above an
exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Table 9.10.14.5. and
Subsection 9.10.8. (See Note A-9.10.14.5.(1))
(2) Cladding on exposing building faces and exterior walls located above exposing building faces need not conform to
the type of cladding required by Table 9.10.14.5. where
(a) the exposing building face is constructed with no unprotected openings,
(b) the limiting distance is not less than 0.6 m, and
(c) the cladding
(i) conforms to Subsection 9.27.12.,
(ii) is installed without furring members over not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum sheathing or over masonry,
(iii) has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and
(iv) is not more than 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements.
Table 9.10.14.5.
Minimum Construction Requirements for Exposing Building Faces
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.14.5.(1)
Maximum Area of Unprotected
Occupancy Classification Minimum Required Fire- Type of Construction Type of Cladding
Openings Permitted, % of
of Building Resistance Rating Required Required
Exposing Building Face Area
0 - 10 1h Noncombustible Noncombustible
Residential, business and Combustible or
>10 but ≤25 1h Noncombustible
personal services, and noncombustible
low-hazard industrial
Combustible or Combustible or
>25 but <100 45 min
noncombustible noncombustible
0 - 10 2h Noncombustible Noncombustible
Combustible or
Mercantile and medium- >10 but ≤25 2h Noncombustible
noncombustible
hazard industrial
Combustible or Combustible or
>25 but <100 1h
noncombustible noncombustible
(3) Reserved.
(4) Except as provided in Sentence (5), where a garage or accessory building serves one dwelling unit only and is
detached from any building, the exposing building face
(a) need not conform to the minimum required fire-resistance rating stated in Table 9.10.14.5., where the limiting
distance is 0.6 m or more,
(b) shall have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 45 min where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, and
(c) need not conform to the type of cladding and type of construction required by Table 9.10.14.5., regardless of the
limiting distance.
(5) The requirements regarding fire-resistance rating, type of construction and type of cladding need not apply to the
exposing building face of a detached garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where
(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
(c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
(6) Except for buildings containing one or two dwelling units only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that
are more than 1 m above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted
within
(a) 1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or
(b) 2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.
(7) Reserved.
(8) Reserved.
(9) Reserved.
(10) Reserved.
(11) Reserved.
(12) Where roof soffits project to less than 1.2 m from the property line, the centre line of a public way, or an imaginary
line between two buildings or fire compartments on the same property, they shall
(a) have no openings, and
(b) be protected by
(i) not less than 0.38 mm thick sheet steel,
(ii) unvented aluminum conforming to CAN/CGSB-93.2-M, “Prefinished Aluminum Siding, Soffits, and Fascia,
for Residential Use,”
(iii) not less than 12.7 mm thick gypsum soffit board or gypsum ceiling board installed according to CSA A82.31-
M, “Gypsum Board Application,”
(iv) not less than 11 mm thick plywood,
(v) not less than 12.5 mm thick OSB or waferboard, or
(vi) not less than 11 mm thick lumber.
(See Note A-3.2.3.6.(2))
(13) Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) provided the limiting distance
is not less than 3 m.
(14) Non-loadbearing wall components need not have a minimum fire-resistance rating, where the building
(a) is 1 storey in building height,
(b) is of noncombustible construction,
(c) is classified as low-hazard industrial occupancy and is used only for low fire load occupancies such as power
generating plants or plants for the manufacture or storage of noncombustible materials, and
(d) has a limiting distance of 3 m or more.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.14.6.Minor Openings in Exposing Building Face permalink →
(1) An opening in an exposing building face not more than 130 cm2 shall not be considered an unprotected opening.
9.10.15.Spatial Separation Between Houses
9.10.15.1.Application permalink →
(1) This Subsection applies to
(a) buildings that contain only dwelling units and have no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, and
(b) houses with a secondary suite including their common spaces.
(See Note A-9.10.15.1.(1))
9.10.15.2.Area and Location of Exposing Building Face permalink →
(1) The area of an exposing building face shall be
(a) taken as the exterior wall area facing in one direction on any side of a building, and
(b) calculated as
(i) the total area measured from the finished ground level to the uppermost ceiling,
(ii) the area for each fire compartment, where a building is divided into fire compartments by fire separations
with fire-resistance ratings not less than 45 min, or
(iii) where Table 9.10.15.4. is used to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings, the area of any
number of individual portions of the exposing building face. (See Note A-9.10.15.4.(2))
(2) Reserved.
(3) For the purpose of using Table 9.10.15.4. to determine the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an
irregularly shaped or skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane
located so that there are no glazed openings between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is
measured. (See Note A-3.2.3.1.(4))
(4) In determining the required cladding-sheathing assembly and fire-resistance rating for an irregularly shaped or
skewed exterior wall, the location of the exposing building face shall be taken as a vertical plane located so that no
portion of the actual exposing building face is between the vertical plane and the line to which the limiting distance is
measured. (See Article 9.10.15.5. and Note A-3.2.3.1.(4).)
(5) The required limiting distance for an exposing building face is permitted to be measured to a point beyond the
property line that is not the centre line of a street, lane or public thoroughfare if,
(a) the owners of the properties on which the limiting distance is measured and the municipality enter into an agreement
in which such owners agree that,
(i) each owner covenants that, for the benefit of land owned by the other covenantors, the owner will not
construct a building on his or her property unless the limiting distance for exposing building faces in respect
of the proposed construction is measured in accordance with the agreement,
(ii) the covenants contained in the agreement are intended to run with the lands, and the agreement shall be
binding on the parties and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns,
(iii) the agreement shall not be amended or deleted from title without the consent of the municipality, and
(iv) they will comply with such other conditions as the municipality considers necessary, including
indemnification of the municipality by the other parties, and
(b) the agreement referred to in Clause (a) is registered against the title of the properties to which it applies.
(6) Where an agreement referred to in Sentence (5) is registered against the title of a property, the limiting distance for
exposing building faces in respect of the construction of any buildings on the property shall be measured to the point
referred to in the agreement.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.15.3.Reserved
9.10.15.3A.Inadequate Firefighting Facilities permalink →
(1) Where there is no fire department or where a fire department is not organized, trained and equipped to meet the
needs of the community, the required limiting distance determined from Sentences 9.10.15.4.(2) and (5) and Sentence
9.10.15.5.(6), shall be doubled for a building that is not sprinklered throughout.
9.10.15.4.Glazed Openings in Exposing Building Face permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (6) to (9), the maximum area of glazed openings in an exposing building face shall
(a) conform to Table 9.10.15.4.,
(b) conform to Subsection 3.2.3. as if the glazed openings were unprotected openings, or
(c) where the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m, be equal to or less than the limiting distance squared.
(2) Where the limits on the area of glazed openings are determined for individual portions of the exposing building face,
as described in Subclause 9.10.15.2.(1)(b)(iii), the maximum aggregate area of glazed openings for any portion shall be
determined using the values in Table 9.10.15.4. corresponding to
(a) the maximum total area of exposing building face, which is equal to the sum of all portions of the exposing building
face, and
(b) the limiting distance of each portion.
(See Note A-9.10.15.4.(2))
(3) Reserved.
(4) Reserved.
(5) Reserved
Table 9.10.15.4.
Maximum Area of Glazed Openings in Exterior Walls of Houses
Forming Part of Subclause 9.10.15.2.(1)(b)(iii) and Sentences 9.10.15.4.(1) and (2)
Maximum Aggregate Area of Glazed Openings, % of Exposing Building Face Area
Maximum Total Area of Limiting Distance, m
Exposing Building Face, Less
m² than 1.2 1.5 2 2.5 3 4 6 8 10 12 16 20 25
1.2
10 0 8 12 21 33 55 96 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
15 0 8 10 17 25 37 67 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
20 0 8 10 15 21 30 53 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
25 0 8 9 13 19 26 45 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
30 0 7 9 12 17 23 39 88 100 100 100 100 100 100
40 0 7 8 11 15 20 32 69 100 100 100 100 100 100
50 0 7 8 10 14 18 28 57 100 100 100 100 100 100
100 0 7 8 9 11 13 18 34 56 84 100 100 100 100
Over 100 0 7 7 8 9 10 12 19 28 40 55 92 100 100
(6) The limits on the area of glazed openings shall not apply to the exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a
detached garage or accessory building, where
(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
(c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
(7) The maximum aggregate area of glazed openings in an exposing building face is permitted to be up to twice the area
determined in accordance with Sentence (1), where
(a) the glazed openings consist of glass blocks, as described in Article 9.10.13.7., or
(b) the building is sprinklered, provided all rooms, including closets, bathrooms and attached garages, that are adjacent
to the exposing building face and that have glazed openings are sprinklered, notwithstanding any exemptions in the
sprinkler standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12.
(8) Except as provided in Sentence (9), openings in a wall having a limiting distance of less than 1.2 m shall be
protected by closures, of other than wired glass or glass block, whose fire-protection rating is in conformance with the
fire-resistance rating required for the wall.
(9) An opening in an exposing building face not more than 130 cm2 need not be protected by a closure.
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.15.5.Construction of Exposing Building Face of Houses permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (1.1), (2), (4) and (6), each exposing building face and any exterior wall located
above an exposing building face that encloses an attic or roof space shall be constructed in conformance with Subsection
9.10.8.,
(a) for the exposing building face as a whole, or
(b) for any number of separate portions of the exposing building face.
(1.1) Sentence (1) does not apply where
(a) the limiting distance is not less than 1.2 m,
(b) the limiting distance is less than 1.2 m but not less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-
resistance rating of not less than 45 min, or
(c) the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, provided that the exposing building face has a fire-resistance rating of not
less than 45 min and is clad with noncombustible material.
(2) Except as provided in Sentences (4) and (5), where the limiting distance is less than 0.6 m, the exposing building
face and exterior walls located above the exposing building face that enclose an attic or roof space shall have a fire-
resistance rating of not less than 45 min, and
(a) the cladding shall be metal or noncombustible cladding installed in accordance with Section 9.20., 9.27. or 9.28.,
(See Note A-9.10.14.5.(1)),
(b) the cladding shall
(i) conform to Subsection 9.27.12.,
(ii) be installed without furring members over gypsum sheathing at least 12.7 mm thick or over masonry,
(iii) has a flame-spread rating not more than 25 when tested in accordance with Sentence 3.1.12.1.(2), and
(iv) not exceed 2 mm in thickness exclusive of fasteners, joints and local reinforcements, or
(c) the wall assembly shall comply with Clause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b) when tested in conformance with CAN/ULC-S134,
“Standard Method of Fire Test of Exterior Wall Assemblies.”
(3) Reserved.
(4) The requirements for fire-resistance rating and type of cladding-sheathing assembly shall not apply to the exposing
building face or projections from an exposing building face of a dwelling unit facing a detached garage or accessory
building, or a garage or accessory building facing a dwelling unit, where
(a) the detached garage or accessory building serves only one dwelling unit,
(b) the detached garage or accessory building is located on the same property as that dwelling unit, and
(c) the dwelling unit served by the detached garage or accessory building is the only major occupancy on the property.
(5) Except for buildings containing 1 or 2 only, combustible projections on the exterior of a wall that are more than 1 m
above ground level and that could expose an adjacent building to fire spread shall not be permitted within
(a) 1.2 m of a property line or the centre line of a public way, or
(b) 2.4 m of a combustible projection on another building on the same property.
(6) Reserved.
(7) Reserved.
(8) Reserved.
(9) Reserved.
(10) Reserved.
(11) Reserved.
(12) Reserved.
(13) Heavy timber and steel columns need not conform to the requirements of Sentence (1) provided the limiting distance
is not less than 3 m.
9.10.16.Fire Blocks
9.10.16.1.Required Fire Blocks in Concealed Spaces permalink →
(1) Concealed spaces in interior walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces shall be separated by fire blocks from concealed
spaces in exterior walls and attic or roof spaces.
(2) Reserved.
(3) Fire blocks shall be provided at all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces in interior
coved ceilings, drop ceilings and soffits where the exposed construction materials within the concealed spaces have a
surface flame-spread rating greater than 25.
(4) Fire blocks shall be provided at the top and bottom of each run of stairs where they pass through a floor containing
concealed space in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating greater
than 25.
(5) Where not sprinklered, concealed spaces of combustible construction created by a ceiling, roof space or unoccupied
attic space shall be separated by fire blocks into compartments
(a) not more than 60 m in greatest dimension, and
(b) where such space contains exposed construction materials having a surface flame-spread rating greater than 25, not
more than 300 m2 in area.
(6) No dimension of the compartment described in Clause (5)(b) shall exceed 20 m.
(7) Concealed spaces in mansard or gambrel style roofs, exterior cornices, balconies and canopies of combustible
construction in which the exposed construction materials within the space have a surface flame-spread rating exceeding
25 shall have vertical fire blocks at intervals of not more than 20 m and at points where such concealed spaces extend
across the ends of required vertical fire separations.
9.10.16.2.Required Fire Blocks in Wall Assemblies permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), fire blocks shall be provided to block off concealed spaces within wall
assemblies, including spaces created by furring,
(a) at each floor level,
(b) at each ceiling level where the ceiling contributes to part of the required fire-resistance rating, and
(c) at other locations within the wall, so that the distance between fire blocks does not exceed 20 m horizontally and 3 m
vertically.
(2) Fire blocks described in Sentence (1) are not required, provided
(a) the insulated wall assembly contains not more than one concealed air space whose horizontal thickness is not more
than 25 mm,
(b) the exposed construction materials within the space are noncombustible, or
(c) the exposed construction materials within the space, including insulation, but not including wiring, piping or similar
services, have a flame-spread rating of not more than 25, or
(d) the concealed wall space is filled with insulation.
9.10.16.3.Fire Block Materials permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), fire blocks shall be constructed of materials that will remain in place
and prevent the passage of flames for not less than 15 min when subjected to the standard fire exposure in CAN/ULC-
S101, “Standard Method of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials.”
(2) Fire blocks are deemed to comply with Sentence (1) if they are constructed of not less than,
(a) 0.38 mm sheet steel,
(b) 12.7 mm gypsum board,
(c) 12.5 mm plywood, OSB or waferboard, with joints having continuous supports,
(d) two layers of lumber, each not less than 19 mm thick, with joints staggered, or
(e) 38 mm lumber.
(3) In a building permitted to be of combustible construction, semi-rigid fibre insulation board produced from glass,
rock or slag, is permitted to be used to block the vertical space in a double-frame wall assembly formed at the intersection
of the floor assembly and the walls, provided the width of the vertical space does not exceed 25 mm and the insulation
board
(a) has a density not less than 45 kg/m3,
(b) is securely fastened to one set of studs,
(c) extends from below the bottom of the top plates in the lower storey to above the top of the bottom plate in the upper
storey, and
(d) completely fills the portion of the vertical space between the headers and between the wall plates.
(See Note A-3.1.11.7.(8))
9.10.16.4.Penetration of Fire Blocks permalink →
(1) Where fire blocks are pierced by pipes, ducts or other elements, the effectiveness of the fire blocks shall be
maintained around such elements.
9.10.17.Flame Spread Limits
9.10.17.1.Flame-Spread Rating of Interior Surfaces permalink →
(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Subsection, the exposed surface of every interior wall and ceiling, including
skylights and glazing, shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
(2) Except as permitted in Sentence (3), doors need not conform to Sentence (1) provided they have a surface flame-
spread rating of not more than 200.
(3) Doors within dwelling units, other than garage doors, need not conform to Sentences (1) and (2).
9.10.17.2.Ceilings in Exits or Public Corridors permalink →
(1) At least 90% of the exposed surface of every ceiling in an exit or ceiling that is not sprinklered in a public corridor
shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
9.10.17.3.Walls in Exits permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), at least 90% of the exposed surfaces of every wall in an exit shall have a surface
flame-spread rating of not more than 25.
(2) At least 75% of the wall surface of a lobby used as an exit in Article 9.9.8.5. shall have a surface flame-spread
rating of not more than 25.
9.10.17.4.Exterior Exit Passageways permalink →
(1) Where an exterior exit passageway provides the only means of egress from the rooms or suites it serves, the wall and
ceiling finishes of that passageway, including the soffit beneath and the guard on the passageway, shall have a surface
flame-spread rating of not more than 25, except that up to 10% of the total wall area and 10% of the total ceiling area is
permitted to have a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 150.
9.10.17.5.Walls in Public Corridors permalink →
(1) At least 90% of the total wall surface in any public corridor that is not sprinklered shall have a surface flame-spread
rating of not more than 75, or at least 90% of the upper half of such walls shall have a surface flame-spread rating of not
more than 25. (See Article 9.10.17.6.)
9.10.17.6.Calculation of Wall and Ceiling Areas permalink →
(1) Skylights, glazing, combustible doors, and combustible light diffusers and lenses shall not be considered in the
calculation of wall and ceiling areas in this Subsection.
9.10.17.7.Corridors Containing an Occupancy permalink →
(1) Where a public corridor or a corridor used by the public contains an occupancy, the interior finish materials used on
the walls or ceiling of such occupancy shall have a surface flame-spread rating in conformance with that required for
public corridors.
9.10.17.8.Light Diffusers and Lenses permalink →
(1) Light diffusers and lenses having flame-spread ratings that exceed those permitted for the ceiling finish, shall
conform to the requirements of Sentence 3.1.13.4.(1).
9.10.17.9.Combustible Skylights permalink →
(1) Individual combustible skylights in corridors required to be separated from the remainder of the building by fire
separations shall not exceed 1 m² in area and shall be spaced not less than 1.2 m apart.
9.10.17.10.Protection of Foamed Plastics permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), foamed plastics that form part of a wall or ceiling assembly shall be
protected from adjacent space in the building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within attic or roof spaces, crawl
spaces, wall assemblies and ceiling assemblies
(a) by one of the interior finishes described in Subsections 9.29.4. to 9.29.9.,
(b) provided the building does not contain a Group C major occupancy, by sheet metal that
(i) is mechanically fastened to the supporting assembly independent of the insulation,
(ii) is not less than 0.38 mm thick, and
(iii) has a melting point not less than 650°C, or
(c) any thermal barrier that meets the requirements of Sentence 3.1.5.15.(2).
(See Note A-3.1.4.2.(1)(c))
(2) A walk-in cooler or freezer consisting of factory-assembled wall, floor or ceiling panels containing foamed plastics
is permitted to be used, provided the panels
(a) are protected on both sides by sheet metal not less than 0.38 mm thick having a melting point not less than 650°C,
(b) do not contain an air space, and
(c) have a flame-spread rating, determined by subjecting a sample panel with an assembled joint typical of field
installation to the applicable test described in Subsection 3.1.12., that is not more than that permitted for the room or
space in which they are located or that they bound.
(3) Thermosetting foamed plastic insulation having a flame-spread rating of not more than 200 is permitted to be used
in factory-assembled doors in storage garages serving buildings of residential occupancy provided that
(a) the insulation is covered on the interior with a metallic foil,
(b) the assembly has a surface flame-spread rating of not more than 200, and
(c) the assembly incorporates no air spaces.
9.10.17.11.Walls and Ceilings in Bathrooms permalink →
(1) The interior finish of walls and ceilings in bathrooms within suites of residential occupancy shall have a surface
flame-spread rating of not more than 200.
9.10.17.12.Coverings or Linings of Ducts permalink →
(1) Where a covering or a lining is used with a duct, such lining or covering shall have a flame-spread rating
conforming to Article 3.6.5.4. or 9.33.6.4.
9.10.18.Alarm and Detection Systems
9.10.18.1.Access Provided Through a Firewall permalink →
(1) Where access is provided through a firewall, the requirements in this Subsection shall apply to the floor areas on
both sides of the firewall as if they were in the same building.
9.10.18.2.Fire Alarm System Required permalink →
(1) Reserved.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (5), a fire alarm system shall be installed
(a) in every building that contains more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,
(b) where the total occupant load exceeds 300, or
(c) when the occupant load for any major occupancy in Table 9.10.18.2. is exceeded.
(3) Reserved.
(4) Reserved.
(5) A fire alarm system is not required in a residential occupancy where an exit or public corridor serves not more than
4 suites or where each suite has direct access to an exterior exit facility leading to ground level.
Table 9.10.18.2.
Maximum Occupant Load for Buildings Without Fire Alarm Systems
Forming Part of Sentence 9.10.18.2.(2)
Major Occupancy Classification Occupant Load Above which Fire Alarm System is Required
Residential 10 (sleeping accommodation)
Business and personal services, mercantile 150 above or below the first storey
Low- or medium-hazard industrial 75 above or below the first storey
This provision includes a table — formatting is preserved from the source; refer to the official code for the authoritative layout.
9.10.18.3.Design and Installation Requirements permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), and as required by this Subsection, where fire alarm, fire detection and smoke
detection devices and systems are installed, these devices and systems and their installation shall conform to Subsection
3.2.4., 3.2.7.8. and 3.2.7.10. (See Note A-9.10.18.3.(1)
(2) The following Articles in Subsection 3.2.4. regarding fire alarm systems do not apply to Part 9 buildings: Articles
3.2.4.1., 3.2.4.10., 3.2.4.11., 3.2.4.12., 3.2.4.13., 3.2.4.20. and 3.2.4.22.
9.10.18.4.Rooms and Spaces Requiring Heat Detectors or Smoke Detectors permalink →
(1) Where a fire alarm system is required, every public corridor in buildings of residential occupancy and every exit
stair shaft shall be provided with smoke detectors.
(2) Except as provided in Sentence (3), if a fire alarm system is required in a building that is not sprinklered, fire
detectors shall be installed in the following spaces:
(a) storage rooms not within dwelling units,
(b) service rooms not within dwelling units,
(c) janitors’ rooms,
(d) rooms in which hazardous substances are to be used or stored, (See Note A-3.3.1.2.(1))
(e) elevator hoistways, chutes and dumbwaiter shafts, and
(f) laundry rooms in buildings of residential occupancy, except those within dwelling units.
(3) Except as required in Sentence (4), heat detectors and smoke detectors described in Sentence (2), are not required in
dwelling units or in sprinklered buildings in which the sprinkler system is electrically supervised and equipped with a
water flow alarm.
(4) Where a fire alarm system is required in a hotel, heat detectors shall be installed in every room in a suite and in
every room not located in a suite in a floor area containing a hotel, other than washrooms within a suite, saunas,
refrigerated areas and swimming pools.
9.10.18.5.Smoke Detectors in Recirculating Air Handling Systems permalink →
(1) Except for a recirculating air system serving not more than one dwelling unit, where a fire alarm system is required
to be installed, every recirculating air handling system shall be designed to prevent the circulation of smoke upon a signal
from a duct-type smoke detector where such system supplies more than one suite on the same floor or serves more than
1 storey.
9.10.18.6.Portions of Buildings Considered as Separate Buildings permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), where a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h
separates a portion of a building from the remainder of the building and there are no openings through the fire separation
other than those for piping, tubing, wiring and conduit, the requirements for fire alarm and detection systems may be
applied to each portion so separated as if it were a separate building.
(2) The permission in Sentence (1) to consider separated portions of a building as separate buildings does not apply to
service rooms and storage rooms.
9.10.18.7.Central Vacuum Systems permalink →
(1) Central vacuum cleaning systems serving more than one suite or storey in a building equipped with a fire alarm
system shall be designed to shut down upon activation of the fire alarm system.
9.10.18.8.Open-Air Storage Garages permalink →
(1) A fire alarm system is not required in a storage garage conforming to Article 3.2.2.92. provided there are no other
occupancies in the building.
9.10.18.9.Fire Alarm System in a Hotel permalink →
(1) If a fire alarm system is required in a building containing a hotel, a single stage fire alarm system shall be provided.
9.10.18.10.Commissioning of Life Safety and Fire Protection Systems permalink →
(1) Where fire protection and life safety systems, and systems with fire protection and life safety functions, are
integrated with each other, the systems shall be tested as a whole in accordance with CAN/ULC-S1001, “Integrated
Systems Testing of Fire Protection and Life Safety Systems,” to verify that the systems have been properly integrated.
(2) Sentence (1) does not apply to a building that contains only dwelling units and has no dwelling unit above another
dwelling unit.
9.10.19.Smoke Alarms
9.10.19.1.Required Smoke Alarms (See Note A-9.10.19.1. and A-9.10.19.3.) permalink →
(1) Except as permitted by Article 9.10.19.8., smoke alarms conforming to CAN/ULC-S531, “Standard for Smoke
Alarms,” shall be installed in
(a) each dwelling unit,
(b) each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit, and
(c) ancillary spaces and common spaces not in dwelling units in a house with a secondary suite.
(2) Smoke alarms required in Sentence (1) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the requirements in
18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.”
(3) The visual signalling component required in Sentence (2) need not
(a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
(b) be on battery backup, or
(c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit.
(4) The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required in Sentence (2) that are installed in sleeping rooms
shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
9.10.19.2.Sound Patterns of Smoke Alarms permalink →
(1) The sound patterns of smoke alarms shall
(a) meet the temporal patterns of alarm signals, or (See Note A-3.2.4.18.(2))
(b) be a combination of temporal pattern and voice relay.
9.10.19.3.Location of Smoke Alarms (See Note A-9.10.19.1. and A-9.10.19.3.) permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.19.8., within dwelling units, sufficient smoke alarms shall be installed so that
(a) there is at least one smoke alarm installed on each storey, including basements, and
(b) on any storey of a dwelling unit containing sleeping rooms, a smoke alarm is installed
(i) in each sleeping room, and
(ii) in a location between the sleeping rooms and the remainder of the storey, and if the sleeping rooms are served
by a hallway, the smoke alarm shall be located in the hallway.
(See Note A-9.10.19.3.(1))
(1.1) Except as permitted in Article 9.10.19.8., within a house with a secondary suite that contains an interior shared
means of egress or common area, a smoke alarm shall be installed in each shared means of egress and common area.
(2) A smoke alarm required in Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall be installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S553,
“Standard for Installation of Smoke Alarms.”
(3) Smoke alarms required in Article 9.10.19.1. and Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall be installed on or near the ceiling.
(4) A smoke alarm required in Sentences (1) and (1.1) shall have a visual signalling component conforming to the
requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code.”
(5) The visual signalling component required in Sentence (4) need not
(a) be integrated with the smoke alarm provided it is interconnected to it,
(b) be on battery backup, or
(c) have synchronized flash rates, when installed in a house with a secondary suite or an individual dwelling unit.
(6) The luminous intensity for visual signalling components required in Sentence (4) that are installed in sleeping rooms
shall be a minimum of 175 cd.
9.10.19.4.Power Supply permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), smoke alarms described in Sentence 9.10.19.1.(1) and 9.10.19.3.(1.1)
shall
(a) be installed with permanent connections to an electrical circuit, (See Note A-3.2.4.20.(9)(a))
(b) have no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarm, and
(c) in case the regular power supply to the smoke alarm is interrupted, be provided with a battery as an alternative
power source that can continue to provide power to the smoke alarm for a period of not less than 7 days in the
normal condition, followed by 4 minutes of alarm.
(2) Where the building is not supplied with electrical power, smoke alarms are permitted to be battery-operated.
(3) Suites of residential occupancy are permitted to be equipped with smoke detectors in lieu of smoke alarms, provided
the smoke detectors
(a) are capable of independently sounding audible signals with a sound pressure level between 75 dBA and 110 dBA
within the individual suites, (See also Note A-3.2.4.18.(4))
(b) except as permitted in Sentence (4), are installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for Installation of
Fire Alarm Systems,” and
(c) form part of the fire alarm system.
(See Note A-3.2.4.20.(10))
(4) Smoke detectors permitted to be installed in lieu of smoke alarms as stated in Sentence (3) are permitted to sound
localized alarms within individual suites, and need not sound an alarm throughout the rest of the building.
9.10.19.5.Interconnection of Smoke Alarms permalink →
(1) Where more than one smoke alarm is required in a dwelling unit, the smoke alarms shall be wired so that the
activation of one alarm will cause all alarms within the dwelling unit to sound.
(2) Smoke alarms in a house with a secondary suite shall be wirelessly interconnected or interconnected by hard-wiring
so that the activation of any one smoke alarm causes all smoke alarms within the house with a secondary suite to sound.
(See Note A-9.10.19.5.(2))
9.10.19.6.Silencing of Smoke Alarms permalink →
(1) Except as permitted in Sentence (2), a manually operated device shall be incorporated within the circuitry of a smoke
alarm installed in a dwelling unit so that the signal emitted by the smoke alarm can be silenced for a period of not more
than 10 min, after which the smoke alarm will reset and sound again if the level of smoke in the vicinity is sufficient to re-
actuate it.
(2) Suites of residential occupancy equipped with smoke detectors installed to CAN/ULC-S524, “Standard for
Installation of Fire Alarm Systems,” which are part of the fire alarm system in lieu of smoke alarms as permitted in
Sentence 9.10.19.4.(3), need not incorporate the manually operated device required in Sentence (1).
9.10.19.7.Instructions for Maintenance and Care permalink →
(1) Where instructions are necessary to describe the maintenance and care required for smoke alarms to ensure
continuing satisfactory performance, they shall be posted in a location where they will be readily available to the
occupants for reference.
9.10.19.8.Residential Fire Warning Systems permalink →
(1) Except where a fire alarm system is installed or required in a building, smoke detectors forming part of a residential
fire warning system installed in conformance with CAN/ULC-S540 “Standard for Residential Fire and Life Safety
Warning Systems: Installation, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance,” are permitted to be installed in lieu of all smoke
alarms required by Articles 9.10.19.1. and 9.10.19.3., provided that the fire warning system
(a) is capable of sounding audible signals in accordance with Articles 9.10.19.2. and 9.10.19.5.,
(b) is powered in accordance with Article 9.10.19.4., and
(c) is equipped with a silencing device conforming to Article 9.10.19.6.
9.10.20.Firefighting
9.10.20.1.Windows or Access Panels Required permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), a window or access panel providing an opening not less than 1 100 mm high and
550 mm wide and having a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the floor shall be provided on the second and third
storeys of every building in at least one wall facing on a street if such storeys are not sprinklered.
(2) Access panels required in Sentence (1) shall be readily openable from both inside and outside or be glazed with
plain glass.
(3) Access panels required in Sentence (1) need not be provided in
(a) buildings containing only dwelling units where there is no dwelling unit above another dwelling unit, or
b) houses with a secondary suite.
9.10.20.2.Access to Basements permalink →
(1) Except in basements in houses with a secondary suite or basements serving not more than one dwelling unit, each
basement that is not sprinklered that exceeds 25 m in length or width shall be provided with direct access to the outdoors
to at least one street.
(2) Access required in Sentence (1) may be provided by a door, window or other means that provides an opening not
less than 1 100 mm high and 550 mm wide, the sill height of which shall not be more than 900 mm above the floor.
(3) Access required in Sentence (1) may also be provided by an interior stair accessible from the outdoors.
9.10.20.3.Fire Department Access to Buildings permalink →
(1) Access for fire department equipment shall be provided to each building by means of a street, private roadway or
yard. (See Notes A-9.10.20.3.(1) and A-3.2.5.6.(1))
(2) Where access to a building as required in Sentence (1) is provided by means of a roadway or yard, the design and
location of such roadway or yard shall take into account connection with public thoroughfares, weight of firefighting
equipment, width of roadway, radius of curves, overhead clearance, location of fire hydrants, location of fire department
connections and vehicular parking.
9.10.20.4.Portable Extinguishers permalink →
(1) Portable extinguishers shall be installed in all buildings, except within dwelling units, in conformance with the
provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
9.10.20.5.Freeze Protection for Fire Protection Systems permalink →
(1) Equipment forming part of a fire protection system that may be adversely affected by freezing temperatures and that
is located in an unheated area shall be protected from freezing.
9.10.21.Fire Protection for Construction Camps
9.10.21.1.Requirements for Construction Camps permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Articles 9.10.21.2. to 9.10.21.9., camps for housing of workers in construction camps shall
conform to Subsections 9.10.1. to 9.10.20.
9.10.21.2.Separation of Sleeping Rooms permalink →
(1) Except for sleeping rooms within dwelling units, sleeping rooms in a building in a camp for housing of workers shall
be separated from each other and from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having not less than a 30 min
fire-resistance rating.
9.10.21.3.Floor Assemblies Between the First and Second Storey permalink →
(1) Except in a dwelling unit, a floor assembly in a building in a camp for housing of workers separating the first storey
and the second storey shall be constructed as a fire separation having not less than a 30 min fire-resistance rating.
9.10.21.4.Walkways Connecting Buildings permalink →
(1) Walkways of combustible construction connecting buildings shall be separated from each connected building by a
fire separation having not less than a 45 min fire-resistance rating.
9.10.21.5.Spatial Separations permalink →
(1) Buildings in a camp for housing of workers shall be separated from each other by a distance of not less than 10 m
unless otherwise permitted in Subsection 9.10.14.
9.10.21.6.Flame-Spread Ratings permalink →
(1) Except in dwelling units and except as provided in Sentence (2), the surface flame-spread rating of wall and ceiling
surfaces in corridors and walkways, exclusive of doors, shall not exceed 25 over not less than 90% of the exposed surface
area and not more than 150 over the remaining surface area.
(2) Except within dwelling units, corridors that provide access to exit from sleeping rooms and that have a fire-
resistance rating of not less than 45 min shall have a flame-spread rating conforming to the appropriate requirements in
Subsection 9.10.17.
9.10.21.7.Smoke Detectors permalink →
(1) Except in dwelling units, corridors providing access to exit from sleeping rooms in every building in a camp for
housing of workers with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons shall have a smoke detector connected to the
building alarm system.
9.10.21.8.Portable Fire Extinguishers permalink →
(1) Each building in a camp for housing of workers shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers in conformance
with the provisions of the Fire Code made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997.
9.10.21.9.Hose Stations permalink →
(1) Every building in a camp for housing of workers providing sleeping accommodation for more than 30 persons shall
be provided with a hose station that is protected from freezing and equipped with a hose of sufficient length so that every
portion of the building is within the range of a hose stream.
(2) Hose stations required in Sentence (1) shall be located near an exit.
(3) Hoses referred to in Sentence (1) shall be not less than 19 mm inside diam and shall be connected to a central water
supply or to a storage tank having a capacity of not less than 4 500 L with a pumping system capable of supplying a flow
of not less than 5 L/s at a gauge pressure of 300 kPa.
9.10.22.Fire Protection for Gas, Propane and Electric Cooktops and
9.10.22.1.Installation of Cooktops and Ovens permalink →
(1) Reserved.
(2) Clearances for and protection around gas, propane and electric ranges shall be not less than those provided in
Articles 9.10.22.2. and 9.10.22.3.
9.10.22.2.Vertical Clearances Above Cooktops permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), framing, finishes and cabinetry installed directly above the location of the
cooktop shall be not less than 750 mm above the level of cooktop burners or elements.
(2) The vertical clearance described in Sentence (1) for framing, finishes and cabinets located directly above the
location of the cooktop is permitted to be reduced to 600 mm above the level of the elements or burners provided the
framing, finishes and cabinets
(a) are noncombustible, or
(b) are protected by a metal hood that projects 125 mm beyond the framing, finishes and cabinets.
9.10.22.3.Protection Around Cooktops permalink →
(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), combustible wall framing, finishes or cabinets within 450 mm of the
area where the cooktop is to be located shall be protected above the level of the heating elements or burners by
(a) gypsum board not less than 9.5 mm thick, or
(b) any material providing a fire-resistance rating of not less than 10 min and a flame-spread rating of not more than
25.
(2) Countertop splash boards or back plates that extend above the level of the heating elements or burners need not be
protected as described in Sentence (1).
(3) Except for cabinetry described in Article 9.10.22.2., cabinetry located not less than 450 mm above the level of the
heating elements or burners need not be protected as described in Sentence (1).
Understand any 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.