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PART 7
INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE OF FIRE EMERGENCY SYSTEMS IN HIGH BUILDINGS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 7.1  GENERAL

Subsection 7.1.1.  General

Application

7.1.1.1.  This Part provides for the checking, inspection, testing and maintenance of fire emergency systems installed in high buildings as described in Article 3.2.6.1. of Division B of the Building Code.

Testing fire emergency systems

7.1.1.2.  Fire emergency systems required by the Building Code shall be tested in conformance with Sections 7.2 and 7.3.

Maintenance of fire emergency systems

7.1.1.3.  (1)  In addition to the requirements of Part 6, components of fire emergency systems shall be maintained in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6).

(2)  The keys required to recall elevators and to permit independent operation of each elevator shall be kept in the location required by the Building Code.

(3)  The required firefighters' elevator symbol shall be maintained in identifiable condition.

(4)  Access to windows and panels required to vent floor areas and vents to vestibules permitted to be manually openable shall be kept free of obstructions.

(5)  Windows and panels provided for venting floor areas shall be maintained so as to be openable without the use of keys.

(6)  Vents to vestibules permitted to be manually openable shall be maintained in an operable condition.

SECTION 7.2  INSPECTION, TESTING AND MAINTENANCE

Subsection 7.2.1.  Intervals Between Tests

7.2.1.1.  Unless otherwise specifically prescribed in this Part, tests shall be carried out at intervals of not more than three months.

7.2.1.2.  Firefighters' elevators required by Part 9 of this Division or by the Building Code shall be maintained in operable condition.

Subsection 7.2.2.  Elevators

Testing

7.2.2.1.  (1)  Elevator door-opening devices operated by means of photo-electric cells shall be tested to ensure that the devices become inoperative after the door has been held open for more than 20 s with the photo-electric cell covered.

(2)  Key-operated switches located outside an elevator shaft shall be tested to ensure that actuation of the switch will render the emergency stop switch in each car inoperative and bring all cars to the street floor or transfer lobby by cancelling all other calls after the car has stopped at the next floor at which it can make a normal stop.

(3)  Key-operated switches in each elevator car shall be tested to ensure that actuation of the switch will

(a) enable the elevator to operate independently of other elevators,

(b) allow operation of the elevator without interference from floor call buttons,

(c) render door protective devices inoperative, and

(d) control the opening of power-operated doors only by continuous pressure on the door-opening buttons or switches, to ensure that if the "OPEN" button or switch is released while the door is opening, the doors will automatically close.

Subsection 7.2.3.  Venting to Aid Fire Fighting

Inspection

7.2.3.1.  (1)  Closures in vent openings into smoke shafts from each floor area shall be inspected sequentially over a period not to exceed five years.

(2)  Every closure in an opening to the outdoors at the top of a smoke shaft shall be inspected annually to ensure that it will open

(a) manually from outside the building,

(b) on a signal from the smoke or heat actuated device in the smoke shaft, and

(c) when a closure in an opening between a floor area and the smoke shaft opens.

(3)  In addition to the procedures described in Sentences (1) and (2), elevators in an elevator shaft that is intended for use as a smoke shaft shall be inspected semi-annually to ensure that on activation of the fire alarm system they will return to the street floor and remain inoperative.

(4)  Where an air-handling system is used for venting floor areas in the event of a fire to comply with the requirements of the Building Code, the system shall be inspected annually to ensure that air is exhausted to the outdoors.

Subsection 7.2.4.  Central Alarm and Control Facilities and Voice Communication Systems for Life Safety

7.2.4.1.  The checking, inspecting and testing of central alarm and control facilities and voice communication systems for life safety shall be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.3.

SECTION 7.3  INSPECTIONS AND TESTS FOR SMOKE CONTROL EQUIPMENT

Subsection 7.3.1.  General

7.3.1.1.  Smoke control equipment provided in buildings under the Building Code shall be maintained in a manner to ensure that they are fully operational.

7.3.1.2.  Where smoke control measures contained in Commentary C of NRC, User's Guide –NBC 1995, "Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility (Part 3)" are used, the inspections and tests shall be carried out as outlined in Section 7.3 in Division B of NRC, "National Fire Code of Canada 2005".

7.3.1.3.  (1)  Except as described in Sentences (2) to (5), where a smoke control system is designed to meet the requirements of the Building Code, the inspections and tests for equipment shall be carried out in accordance with procedures established by the designer of the system.

(2)  Where procedures described in Sentence (1) are not available, smoke control systems shall be assessed to ensure satisfactory operation using techniques described in MAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High Buildings".

(3)  Upon completion of the assessment described in Sentence (2), written procedures for periodic inspections and tests shall be established.

(4)  The procedures described in Sentence (2) and (3) shall bear the signature and seal of a Professional Engineer or Architect.

(5)  The inspections and tests established under Sentence (3) shall be implemented.

(6)  Despite Sentences (1) and (3), other inspection and test procedures may be approved.

O. Reg. 213/07, Division B, Part 7.

PART 8
DEMOLITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 8.1  GENERAL

Subsection 8.1.1.  Application

Application

8.1.1.1.  This Part applies to the prevention or control of fire during any demolition and the protection from fire of adjacent occupied spaces and adjoining properties.

Subsection 8.1.2.  Requirements

Building services

8.1.2.1.  Existing building services that may be affected by demolition so as to cause a fire hazard shall be protected or be shut off and capped.

Firewatch

8.1.2.2.  (1)  During periods when demolition operations will create a fire hazard to neighbouring properties or partially occupied spaces, a firewatch shall be provided.

(2)  Where a firewatch is required, the demolition site shall be toured at least once each hour.

(3)  The firewatch personnel shall be provided with a means of communication with the fire department, and be equipped with portable illumination and protective equipment.

(4)  Prior to commencement of demolition, a plan conforming to Sentence (5) shall be prepared and implemented for the demolition site.

(5)  The plan required by Sentence (4) shall include

(a) the designation and organization of site personnel to carry out fire safety duties, including firewatch if applicable,

(b) the emergency procedures to be used in case of fire, including

(i) sounding the alarm throughout the building,

(ii) notifying the fire department, and

(iii) instructing site personnel on procedures to be followed when the fire alarm sounds,

(c) the control of fire hazards in and around the building, and

(d) the maintenance of fire fighting facilities.

Storage of combustible salvage

8.1.2.3.  (1)  Combustible salvage, combustible waste material and rubbish shall not be permitted to accumulate on site in such quantity or such location as to cause a fire hazard.

(2)  Where temporary chutes are installed on the exterior of a building they shall

(a) be of noncombustible material, or

(b) be installed a distance of at least 3 m from any opening in the building face.

Removal of combustible waste

8.1.2.4.  Rubbish shall not be burned on the premises unless permitted in accordance with Article 2.6.3.4.

Welding and cutting

8.1.2.5.  Electric or gas welding and cutting equipment and the installation, operation and maintenance of electric or gas welding and cutting equipment shall be carried out in conformance with the requirements of Section 5.17.

Standpipe systems

8.1.2.6.  (1)  Where a building being demolished floor by floor is equipped with a standpipe system, the system, together with fire department connections, valves, couplings and hose, shall be maintained in operable condition on all storeys below the one being demolished, except for the storey immediately below it.

(2)  Where no fire department standpipe connections exist in buildings 4 storeys or more in building height in buildings under demolition, a temporary connection shall be provided.

(3)  In buildings not equipped with a standpipe system and over 8 storeys in building height, a temporary standpipe shall be provided.

(4)  Standpipe systems shall be kept in such condition that they may be connected near street level, to a fire department pump, so as to supply water to every outlet on each floor.

(5)  In buildings over 84 m in height, primary water supplies serving standpipe systems, including fire pumps, shall be maintained in operating condition in buildings under demolition.

Access for fire fighting

8.1.2.7.  (1)  Fire fighting access routes shall be maintained in conformance with Section 2.5.

(2)  Unobstructed access to fire hydrants, portable extinguishers and to fire department connections for standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be maintained.

(3)  Where a demolition site is fenced so as to prevent general entry, provision shall be made for access by fire department equipment and personnel.

(4)  Elevating devices shall be accessible for the use of firefighters for buildings more than 36 m in building height, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey.

Portable extinguishers

8.1.2.8.  (1)  Portable extinguishers shall be provided in buildings under demolition in conformance with Subsection 6.2.6. as if the building were graded for ordinary hazard under Subsection 6.2.5.

(2)  In addition to the other requirements of this Code, portable extinguishers shall be provided

(a) adjacent to cutting or welding operations,

(b) in areas where combustibles are stored,

(c) near or on any internal combustion engines,

(d) adjacent to areas where flammable liquids or gases are stored or handled,

(e) adjacent to temporary oil-fired or gas-fired equipment, and

(f) adjacent to bitumen heating equipment.

(3)  The extinguishers required by Sentence (2) shall have a minimum rating of

(a) 2A:10B:C on moveable equipment, and

(b) 4A:40B:C in all other locations.

(4)  Portable extinguishers required in Sentences (1), (2) and (3) shall be maintained in conformance with Section 6.2.

Smoking restrictions

8.1.2.9.  Smoking shall be permitted only in conformance with Subsection 2.4.3.

Clearance to combustible materials

8.1.2.10.  (1)  Internal combustion engines shall be located so that the exhaust discharges not less than 500 mm from combustible materials.

(2)  Where exhaust from internal combustion engines is piped outdoors, a clearance of not less than 150 mm shall be maintained between the exhaust pipe and any combustible material.

(3)  The clearance between combustible materials and temporary heating equipment, including flues, shall be in conformance with the Building Code or in conformance with the minimum clearances shown on certified heating equipment.

Temporary enclosures

8.1.2.11.  Fabrics and films used to temporarily enclose buildings shall be securely fastened to prevent them from being blown against heaters or other ignition sources.

Provisions for egress

8.1.2.12.  Unless otherwise approved, at least two exits shall be accessible and usable at all times.

Fire warning

8.1.2.13.  (1)  A system shall be provided to alert site personnel of fire.

(2)  The system required by Sentence (1) shall be capable of being heard throughout the building.

O. Reg. 213/07, Division B, Part 8.