A "Road Map" to the Fire Code

What is the Fire Code?

The Fire Code is a regulation made under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. The Fire Code is a set of minimum requirements respecting fire safety within existing buildings and the surrounding property. The owner is responsible for complying with the Fire Code, except where otherwise specified. The municipal fire department enforces the Fire Code.
 

How will I know where to look for various requirements in the Fire Code that might be applicable to my hotel establishment?

The Fire Code is divided into 9 Parts.

The following outline will assist you in finding your way through the Fire Code:


Part 1 Application and Definitions

In Part 1 you will find the following general information:

• Application of the Fire Code
• Definitions of Words and Phrases
• Abbreviations

For example, in Part 1, there is a requirement for written records of tests and corrective measures to be kept for 2 years and be available on request of the Chief Fire Official.


Part 2 Building and Occupant Fire Safety

In Part 2 you will find requirements relating to the following:

• Classification of Buildings by Major Occupancy
• Fire Separations
• Interior Finishing, Furnishing and Decorative Materials
• Fire Hazards
• Fire Department Access to Buildings
• Service Equipment
• Safety to Life
• Emergency Planning
• Installation of Smoke Alarms

For example, in Part 2, you will find the requirement for a residential occupancy with more than 10 occupants to have a fire safety plan. Part 2 also requires that employees of a hotel establishment be instructed in the emergency procedures outlined in the fire safety plan and in the use of fire fighting equipment, as described.


Part 3 Property Protection for Industrial and Commercial Occupancies

Part 3 includes requirements relating to the following:

• Wood Products
• Indoor and Outdoor Storage
• Industrial Trucks
• Bowling Alleys

Part 4 Flammable and Combustible Liquids

Part 4 provides for the storage, handling, processing and use of flammable and combustible liquids in buildings, structures and open areas.

This Part may apply to hotel establishments with maintenance shops where there is a use or handling of flammable liquids.


Part 5 Hazardous Materials, Processes and Operations

Part 5 applies to materials, processes and operations that involve a risk of explosion or high flammability, or that may otherwise create a hazard to life safety or health.

This Part will apply to hotel establishments with maintenance shops where furniture is repaired using spray application of flammable and combustible materials, or where welding is performed.


Part 6 Fire Protection Equipment

In Part 6 you will find requirements relating to the inspection, testing, maintenance and operation of the following fire protection systems:

• Portable Extinguishers (includes installation)
• Fire Alarm and Voice Communication Systems for Life Safety
• Standpipe and Hose Systems
• Sprinkler Systems
• Water Supplies for Fire Protection
• Emergency Power Systems
• Special Extinguishing Systems

For example, in Part 6 you will find the requirement for smoke alarms in hotel establishment guest suites to be maintained in operating condition by the owner.


Part 7 Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Emergency Systems in High Buildings

In Part 7, you will find requirements relating to the following:

• Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Safety Systems
• Inspections and Tests for Smoke Control Equipment

For example, in Part 7 there is a requirement that smoke control systems designed to the Building Code be maintained to ensure they are fully operational.


Part 8 Demolition

Part 8 applies to the prevention and control of fire during any building demolition projects.


Part 9 Retrofit

Part 9 contains minimum mandatory life safety, or Retrofit, provisions for various classes of existing buildings including hotel establishments. The requirements within this Part are intended to ensure a minimum level of life safety to the occupants through the provision of:

• elements to contain a fire (e.g. fire separation of a furnace room)
• egress routes (e.g. corridors)
• early warning (e.g. fire alarm systems), and
• fire suppression (e.g. automatic sprinklers).

Note that Retrofit does not apply to buildings or parts of buildings that satisfy the requirements of the Building Code.

Sections 9.1 and 9.9. are relevant to all existing hotels.

Section 9.1 General
Section 9.1 provides important information regarding:

• Scope/Application of Part 9
• Compliance Schedule  for Retrofit requirements in all sections
• Optional ways to comply with Retrofit requirements, such as:
  • Alternatives may be approved by the Chief Fire Official
  • Extension of time for completion (restrictions apply)
  • Appeals
  • Life Safety Study

Hotel establishment owners and operators should be aware that alternative materials, equipment or systems may be approved if in the opinion of the Chief Fire Official they will provide protection for life safety similar to the protection provided by compliance with the requirement.

Section 9.9 Hotels
Section 9.9 is the Retrofit section addressing minimum mandatory upgrading requirements for existing hotel establishments. The requirements are organized under the following subsections:
 

Subsection 9.9.1. Application
This is a very important subsection to familiarize yourself with. Although Section 9.9 applies to all hotel establishments, it provides for some exemptions. For example, except for the need to provide smoke alarms in guest suites, this Section does not apply to a hotel establishment if all buildings on the property containing guest suites are single storey and not more than 300 m² in building area.

Subsection 9.9.2. Containment
This subsection addresses the need to protect against fire spreading from one area to another. Requirements include fire separation for floor assemblies, guest suites, corridors serving guest suites, service rooms, and major occupancies from each other. To protect occupants exiting the building, corridors and exit stairs are also required to be constructed as fire separations. This subsection also describes requirements for interconnected floor spaces and smoke control.

Subsection 9.9.3. Means of Egress
This subsection addresses the requirements for getting occupants out of a building during emergency situations and includes egress doors, corridors and exits. It prescribes maximum travel distances, minimum number of egress doors, exit signage and emergency lighting. For example, exterior exit stairways and fire escapes are not allowed to serve floor areas above the sixth storey.

Subsection 9.9.4. Fire Alarm and Detection
This subsection addresses early detection of a fire to inform occupants of the need to evacuate. Smaller buildings may require less complex systems than larger buildings.

Subsection 9.9.5. Suppression
This subsection addresses the provision of standpipe systems and sprinkler systems, as well as features to enable fire fighting such as access routes and firefighter elevators. An example is the requirement for access routes to be provided in compliance with the 1994 Ontario Building Code where the building exceeds 3 storeys in height or 600 m² in building area.

 

Definitions

Owner – any person, firm or corporation having control over any portion of the building or property under consideration and includes the persons in the building or property.

Hotel establishment – a building containing a hotel and all subsidiary occupancies that are operated in connection with the hotel and includes all connected or adjacent buildings that are operated in connection with the hotel.

Major Occupancy – the principal occupancy for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used, and includes the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy.  Typically dining rooms/restaurants and meeting rooms would be considered subsidiary to the principal use, whereas an attached shopping mall will be a separate major occupancy.