Opinions & Applications for the Fire Code (1997 edition) (revoked November 21, 2007)

9.5.4.1. FIRE ALARM REQUIREMENTS

9.5.4.1. "(1) A fire alarm system shall be installed in accordance with Articles 3.2.4.2. to 3.2.4.6., 3.2.4.8., 3.2.4.9. and 3.2.4.17., and Sentences 3.2.7.8.(1) to 3.2.7.8.(4) of the Building Code, where

(a) the building is greater than three storeys in building height, or
(b) sleeping accommodation is provided for more than ten persons.

(2) A building not greater than three storeys in building height that contains not more than ten dwelling units and provides sleeping accommodation for not more than twenty-four persons shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where the building is equipped with

(a) smoke alarms in accordance with Article 9.5.4.4. installed and interconnected so that the actuation of any smoke alarm will sound a similar signal in each of the interconnected devices, and
(b) a manual pull station at each exterior exit door for the actuation of smoke alarms in Clause (a).

(3) A building shall be deemed to be in compliance with Sentence (1) where

(a) each exit and public corridor serves not more than four dwelling units and an occupant load of not more than ten persons, or
(b) each dwelling unit and suite has direct access to outdoors by a door near ground level."
Intent:
This article defines fire alarm requirements based on general criteria pertaining to the number of storeys in building height, and persons or dwelling units accommodated within the building. Specific requirements dealing with the placement of fire detectors or smoke alarms are provided in other articles.

Sentence (2) describes building and occupancy arrangements where an interconnected smoke alarm system with pull stations would be adequate. Sentence (3) describes building and occupancy arrangements where a fire alarm system is not required.

The intent of a fire alarm system is to alert all occupants to a fire emergency so that evacuation procedures can be initiated. The fire alarm audible devices should be heard throughout the building.

Other Resources:

OBC 3.2.4., 3.2.4.5., 3.2.4.19.; OFC 9.5.4.1., 9.6.4.1., 9.5.4.6., 6.3.2.1., CAN/ULC-S531-M, "Standard for Smoke Alarms"; CAN/ULC-S524-M, "Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm Systems"; CAN/ULC-S537-M, "Standard for the Verification of Fire Alarm System Installations", Commentary on O. Reg. 627/92, Canadian Fire Alarm Association Journal, February 1995 issue.

Application:

Q1 A one storey building has 36 dwelling units served by a central corridor on the ground floor level. Each dwelling unit has sliding patio doors to grade.

Is it appropriate to consider these patio doors as doors with direct access to outdoors near ground level as described in Clause 9.5.4.1.(3)(b)?

A1 Yes. Clause 9.5.4.1.(3)(b) accepts direct access to the exterior in lieu of a fire alarm system installation. This direct access to the exterior does not require the provisions of an exit to be satisfied. Therefore, a sliding door satisfies the provisions with respect to these fire alarm requirements.

Q2 Several sections of the Fire Code link requirements to the number of occupants for which sleeping accommodation has been provided. How should the number of "sleeping accommodations" be determined?

A2 One method of determining the number of occupants for which sleeping accommodation has been provided is to count the number of bedrooms used for sleeping accommodation (i.e. not used for other purposes) and multiply this number by two persons per bedroom. Another method would be to count the number of single and double beds (assume two persons for each double bed) to determine a total. A third method would be to have the building owner provide a signed letter stating the actual occupant load (eg. number of tenants). The preferred method will be the one that provides the best accuracy for the number of occupants.

Q3 With respect to Clause 9.5.4.1.(3)(a), is it intended that the phrase, "each exit and public corridor serves not more than four dwelling units," be interpreted that not more than four units in the total apartment building may use the same exit facilities?

A3 Yes. Clause 9.5.4.1.(3)(a) permits buildings to be exempt from the fire alarm requirement if each exit and public corridor does not serve more than four dwelling units. The total number of dwelling units on all levels of the building served by the exit or public corridor shall not exceed 4 dwelling units.

Q4 Clarification is requested regarding the installation of smoke alarms interconnected with manual pull stations noted under Sentence 9.5.4.1.(2). Can this be done without voiding the listing?

A4 Interconnected smoke alarms with manual pull stations do not void any listings provided that the smoke alarms are listed for interconnected installation. These devices must be installed according to the manufacturer's installation instructions. The installation should be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the Canadian Electrical Code.

Q5 Is fire alarm audibility addressed in the Fire Code?

A5 The Ontario Fire Code does not specifically address the issue of fire alarm audibility for existing systems. However, this does not mean that existing systems are acceptable regardless of the sound pressure level produced. It is suggested that the issue be addressed from a performance perspective.

This matter could also be resolved under Section 2.8 of the Ontario Fire Code, where a fire safety plan is required. A cooperative effort involving the occupants, landlord and fire service to develop a workable fire safety and evacuation plan, taking into consideration any limitations by fire alarm signal devices and building construction features would, satisfy the intent of the Fire Code with respect to audibility. Where Section 2.8 is not applicable, the Chief Fire Official may address serious concerns by means of a Fire Marshals Order issued under Section 18 of the FMA.

Q6 Is there a recommended decibel level for the alarm signal?

A6 The recommended decibel level is 15 dBA over ambient, but with a minimum volume not less than 65 dBA. There is, however, an increasing acceptance of 75 dBA as the sound pressure level which when measured at a person's head on the bed, will awaken most people (more than 80% of the population). Please refer to the Canadian Fire Alarm Association Journal, Feb. 1995 issue for more information. Rather than placing total reliance on a specific decibel level, it is prudent to ensure that the intended performance is satisfied, namely that the signal can be heard within the suites, that it is distinguishable as a fire alarm and its sound level is above ambient conditions. The term "ambient" relates to normal, continuous noise, (e.g. heating, ventilation, air conditioning) not toilets flushing or other intermittent noises.

Q7 Does Retrofit legislation address the issue of special equipment for disabled persons (such as visual signal appliances for persons with hearing impairments)?

A7 Special requirements for disabled persons with respect to fire alarm audibility is not handled as a retrofit issue. However, this issue should be addressed in the fire safety plan.

9.5.4.4. FIRE ALARM REQUIREMENTS

9.5.4.4. "Interconnected smoke alarms required in Sentence 9.5.4.1.(2), Subclause 9.5.2.2.(3)(b)(i) or Clause 9.5.2.8.(5)(b) shall be

(a) installed on or near the ceiling in public corridors of each floor area, adjacent to each stairway serving the public corridor, and on or near the ceiling in the basement, adjacent to each stairway,

(b) audible throughout the suites,
(c) connected to an electrical circuit with no disconnect switch between the overcurrent device and the smoke alarms,and

(d) listed for use in an interconnected installation."
Intent:
This Article specifies the placement of the interconnected smoke alarms when required for Retrofit provisions of this Section. The interconnected smoke alarms are required to be installed along the access to exit pathway and are required to be audible throughout the suites. It is intended that this detection and alarm system provide early warning of a fire, and allow the opportunity for a prompt exit.

Other Resources:

OBC 3.2.4.19.; CAN/ULC-S531, "Standard for Smoke Alarms"; CAN/ULC-S524, "Standard for the Installation of Fire Alarm Systems"

Application:

Q1 Article 9.5.4.4. identifies that the alarm signal from the interconnected smoke alarm system is to be audible throughout the suites. Have audibility levels been quantified for enforcement?

A1 These interconnected smoke alarm requirements only apply to small buildings. The Fire Code does not specify a minimum decibel level to satisfy the provisions of audibility. Suggested decibel levels in the ULC Standard for fire alarms have been accepted by some authorities as a design standard, however, it has not actually been adopted through legislation and is not legally binding. Although a minimum decibel level is useful as a tool, the value is very much dependent on ambient noise levels and the hearing abilities of the individual occupants.

Clearly, the intent of the detection system in the Fire Code is to alert the occupants to a fire emergency in order that evacuation procedures can be initiated. The audibility of the detection system is, therefore, also tied in with the Fire Safety Plan requirements contained in Section 2.8. Rather than placing total reliance on a specific decibel level, it might be more prudent to ensure that the intended performance is satisfied, namely, that the signal can be heard within the suites and that it is distinguishable as a fire alarm signal. A cooperative effort between the occupants and the landlord to develop a workable Fire Safety and Evacuation Plan based on any physical limitations imposed by the smoke alarm devices and the building construction features could be considered as satisfying the intent of the Fire Code with respect to audibility.