2015 Update to OBC

September 17, 2014

2014 Update package

Minor changes to the code: occupancy to occupancy Regulation to regulation Missing words Updated fees for BMEC submissions

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Building Code Act Issuance of permits 8. (2)  The chief building official shall issue a

permit referred to in subsection (1) unless, (b.1) the Architects Act or the Professional

Engineers Act requires that the proposed construction of the building be designed by an architect or a professional engineer or a combination of both and the proposed construction is not so designed;

Voice Communication

Housekeeping change to 3.2.4.23.(10) (10)  The voice communication system

required by Sentence (7) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences (3) to (5).

Previously referenced (6)

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January 1, 2015

Multiple changes to the code with respect to increasing Accessibility

I have included only those that impact CFAA issues

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Referenced Documents

NFPA 72-2013 “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code” added

Referenced to Smoke Alarms in 3.2.4.22.(13) and 9.10.19.1.

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3.2.4.19.(4) Alert and Alarm Signals

Two new additions: (4) … visual signal devices shall be installed

in addition to audible signal devices, (e) in a washroom for public use described in

Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2), (3), (4) or (6), and (f) in the living space in a suite of residential

occupancy in a Group C major occupancy apartment building.

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3.2.4.22.(13) Smoke Alarms

New sentence: 13)  Smoke alarms described in Sentence (1)

shall have a visual signaling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”.

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3.8.1.5 Controls

Manual pull stations in a Barrier-Free path of travel:

Accessible by a person in a wheelchair Operate with a closed fist, max 22.2.N force Mounted a 1200 mm above finished floor Note: Thermostats at 1200 mm and other

building controls min 900 mm / max 1100mm

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9.10.19.1 Smoke Alarms

New sentence: 2)  Smoke alarms described in

Sentence (1) shall have a visual signaling component conforming to the requirements in 18.5.3. (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”.

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Other Accessibility Changes

These items may not directly impact F/A systems

For information to clarify why you may see design changes

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Areas Requiring Access 3.8.2.1.

Old:• Entrance storey and all floor areas

accessed by an elevator, escalator or lift

New:• Entrance storey and all floor areas

accessed by an elevator, escalator or lift• All office and residential buildings

exceeding 3 storeys OR 600 m2

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Rooftop Amenity Space

External rooftop spaces are common amenity areas on new buildings.

These must be made accessible. Rooftop spaces for building services are

not included.

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Residential Suites 3.8.2.1.

Old• 10% of units to BF requirements• Can be located anywhere in the building

New• 15% of units to BF requirements• Proportioned to 1, 2 and 3+ bedrooms• Distributed among storeys

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Washrooms 3.8.2.3.

Old• BF washrooms OR stalls, only 1/floor

New• # BF washrooms based on height of

building• # BF stalls as a ration of the # WC

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Hotels 3.8.2.4.

10% of suites to be BF (existing) Controls and safety devices in the suite

to 3.8.1.5. (new) Suite entrances doors to BF suites have

power door operators (new)

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Hotels 3.8.2.4.

If the hotel has a generator for emergency power• Minimum 1 receptacle to be supplied with

emergency power• The receptacle to be signed EMERGENCY

POWER OUTLET

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Doors 3.8.3.3.

Principle entrance doors to buildings to have power door operators.

If a Vestibule occurs, both doors require power door operators

Exception for Detention occupancies and Industrial Occupancies (Previously more exceptions)

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Doors 3.8.3.3.

Power door operators required on:• BF washrooms• Assembly occupancies within residential

buildings

Where proximity scanners are used, they must detect a person in a wheelchair

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3.8.3.12 Universal Washroom

An emergency call system with audible and visual signal devices inside the Barrier-Free washroom

Must be different from the building fire alarm (both visual and audible)

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Sliding Door

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Doors in series

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Washroom Stalls

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Ambulatory Washroom

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Universal Washroom

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Grab Bars

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Accessible Urinal

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Fire Code Changes

Amendments to the Fire Code Retrofit requirements will also have impact on your work.

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Permit Requirements

Fire Alarm Systems

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Scope of Work

Maintenance – No Permit Required Repair – Permit Required Upgrade – Permit Required Replace – Permit Required Emergency Repairs – Permit required

as above

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Maintenance – No Permit

To keep the system functioning to original design and installation standards

Replacement of defective components with compatible components

Defective control panels may be replaced only if the exact replacement panel is available

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Repair - Permit

Substantial replacement of equipment that will improve the fire alarm performance

Replacement of older panels that are no longer available

New panels to accommodate newer technology

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Repair - Permit

Panel from a different manufacturer New components that incorporate

newer technology Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and

Verification to CAN/ULC-S537 Professional involvement is necessary

where required by the OBC or PEO

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Upgrade - Permit

Involves changes to the design of the original system

Upgrading may be voluntary by the owner

Upgrading may be as a result of a Fire Code order

May include the addition of new devices, components, panels, zones

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Upgrade - Permit

May include upgrades necessary for compliance with barrier-free accessibility requirements

Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537

Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

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Replace - Permit

The complete replacement of a fire alarm system

Replacement of a substantial portion of the system

Replacement may be voluntary, as a result of a building renovation program or as a result of a Fire Code order

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Replace - Permit

Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537

Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

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Emergency Repairs

Fire alarm systems in occupied buildings that cease to be operational must be repaired immediately.

If the scope of work falls under Repair, Upgrade or Replace from above, a permit should be obtained and after the work is completed.

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Emergency Repairs

Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537

Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

Note: Is notification to the Fire Department required or recommended?

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