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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.5 — VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION

When is a firefighters' elevator required in Ontario, and what must it include?

High buildings regulated by OBC Subsection 3.2.6 must have at least one elevator for firefighter use, with key-operated emergency recall and independent in-car operation, protected electrical services and emergency power, so crews can reach upper storeys quickly during a fire.

Code reference
In buildings classified as high buildings, at least one elevator must be available for use by firefighters. It must operate under emergency recall to the recall level, allow independent key-operated service from inside the car, have protected wiring and a reliable power supply, and be coordinated with the central alarm and control facility and smoke control measures.
OBC Division B, Subsection 3.2.6.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

The firefighter elevator is one of the interlocking high-building measures in Subsection 3.2.6, alongside smoke control, voice communication and the central alarm and control facility, so treat it as a system rather than a single spec item. Coordinate emergency power, shaft and lobby protection, water protection for elevator equipment, and recall sequences with the fire alarm designer. A frequent pitfall is finalizing the elevator procurement package before the fire protection consultant confirms recall, signage and lobby requirements.

Plain language

In high-rise buildings, at least one elevator is set up so firefighters can take it over with a key during a fire. It gets backup power and extra protection so crews and equipment can reach upper floors instead of climbing dozens of flights.

Related questions

What are the elevator requirements under the Ontario Building Code?Which buildings need an elevator under the Ontario Building Code?What are the escalator and moving walk requirements in the Ontario Building Code?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.