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

What are the elevator requirements under the Ontario Building Code?

Under OBC Section 3.5, elevators must conform to CSA B44 (Safety Code for Elevators) and Ontario's elevating devices rules administered by the TSSA. The Code also governs hoistway fire separations, machine rooms and firefighter emergency operation.

Code reference
Section 3.5 requires elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and moving walks to be designed, constructed and installed in conformance with the applicable safety standard, which for elevators is CSA B44. Related provisions require hoistways to be enclosed as fire-rated vertical service spaces, regulate machine rooms, and require elevator cab dimensions that can accommodate a stretcher in taller buildings.
OBC Division B, Section 3.5.

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

What this means in practice

On real projects the OBC works alongside the Technical Standards and Safety Act: the TSSA registers and inspects the elevating device itself, while the building permit covers the shaft, machine room, pit and lobbies. Coordinate early on hoistway fire separations, emergency recall wiring to the fire alarm system, and stretcher-sized cabs where required. A common pitfall is selecting a cab or door package that satisfies CSA B44 but misses the barrier-free dimensions and controls required by Section 3.8.

Plain language

Elevators in Ontario have to follow a national elevator safety standard and be licensed by the province's technical safety authority. The building code also makes sure the elevator shaft resists fire and that firefighters and paramedics can use elevators in an emergency.

Related questions

Which buildings need an elevator under the Ontario Building Code?When is a firefighters' elevator required in Ontario, and what must it include?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.