Appendix A — Explanatory Notes to Part 11

The scale of 1 (lowest) to 8 (highest) was formulated for existing buildings, to be used to determine their existing performance level; the numbers, or indices, were established based on the requirements of 3.2.2.20. to 3.2.2.92. Classification of existing buildings will now be in accord with Table 11.2.1.1.A. rather than Subsection 3.2.2. The construction index is established by evaluating all floors and roofs of the existing building.

While the construction index refers to construction of the existing building, hazard index refers to the proposed major occupancy or use of the building; the scales of 1 (lowest hazard) to 8 (highest hazard) are compatible with those of the construction index. In effect, a building with a C.I. of say 3, will support a major occupancy with a H.I. of 3 or lower; if you wish to change to a major occupancy with a H.I. higher than 3, then you must increase the fire protection construction of the building to support that higher hazard according to Table 11.2.1.1.A., or provide the additional upgrading in accordance with Column 4 of Table 11.4.3.4.A.

States the philosophy and intent of this Article: “after construction, the performance level of the building may remain the same, or be made better, but may not be made worse”.

Generally, new or extended building systems should follow the Building Code for new construction, and where necessary, may seek some relief through compliance alternatives, alternative measures or match existing.

The basic renovation is the simplest form of renovation; the work area is limited in size (within a suite or room), and does not involve a decrease in performance level of the building. The limit in size assures that accesses to exits, corridor separations, or other life safety systems are left intact, where less than a full floor area is under renovation. Page 284 Appendix A • Volume 2

In cases where extensive renovation of the building is proposed, there is generally no reason why the new systems should not comply with new construction requirements; in this case the applicant may seek relief only through “alternative measures”, should a construction difficulty arise that requires such relief. This would apply to the substantial renovation of the entire building.

Renovations. Certain barrier-free design provisions must be incorporated into all renovations where new interior walls or floor assemblies are installed other than in a suite described in Sentence (2) or in a suite in a building described in Sentence 3.8.1.1.(1). This includes construction within suites less than 300 m 2 and suites on storeys or floor levels not accessible by a barrier-free path of travel. In those cases, any new construction is subject to the barrier-free design provisions listed in 11.3.3.2.(3). Sentence 1.3.3.3C.(1) of Division A continues to apply, so that any existing construction that is not being materially altered as part of the renovation need not include barrier-free design features. The intent of these provisions is to make more suites and buildings accessible for people with sensory and other non-mobility disabilities. Not every person with a disability uses a wheelchair. Many people who use mobility aids such as canes or service animals or who have sensory disabilities are able to navigate stairs but would benefit from certain barrier-free elements such as lever door handles or an ambulatory washroom stall.

Where the performance level of the building or part of the building is reduced through Subsection 11.4.2., compensating construction will be required to restore the performance level to its former state, of the early warning and evacuation systems, the fire and structural protection construction of the building. The amount of upgrading required depends on the results of a performance level evaluation. The extent, or areas covered, of this upgrading include the protection of the surrounding existing areas from the portion being renovated, and the means of egress from the building if adversely affected by the renovation.

Provides, subject to any of three conditions, for adequacy of support for floors that will be receiving increased dead or live loads: options are restriction of loads or upgrading of support systems.

Where the increase is greater than 15%, and construction takes place, the performance level is reduced and must be restored as required in Table 11.4.3.3. Where the increase is 15% or less, and construction takes place, the performance level is reduced. Where the new occupant load is more than 15% above the exit capacity or for which a fire alarm system is required. The performance level must be restored as required by Table 11.4.3.3. Smaller buildings, of 14 persons or less in boarding houses, and 16 persons or less in dwelling units, are exempt.

Provided construction takes place, a change in major occupancy to one of a greater hazard index reduces the performance level. An increase of the hazard index will trigger the classification of the entire building as to its construction index and hazard index under Table 11.4.3.3., Table 11.4.3.4.A. and B, to determine what upgrading, if any is required to ensure that the building will support that new hazard.

Subsection 11.5.1. allows compliance alternatives to be used, in lieu of certain requirements in other Parts of Division B. Alternatives to requirements in Part 3, 4, 6 or 8 may be used subject to the chief official’s satisfaction, while alternatives to Parts 9 and 12 requirements are not subject to this condition. Appendix A • Volume 2 Page 285