Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:90A021-066
DATE:February 27, 1991
SUBJECT MATTER:
Installation of a second exit from the attic; installation of fire extinguishers; installation of interconnected smoke alarms.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:
The structure is a two storey house of combustible construction which provides accommodation for five university students (one on the ground floor, three on the second and one in the attic). The exterior is brick and the floor separations and partition walls are of combustible construction. The basement contains laundry facilities but has no occupied rooms. The ground floor has a living room, kitchen and bedroom. The second floor has three bedrooms and a washroom. Off the second floor corridor is a narrow staircase that leads to the attic. Each bedroom door including the attic door have a locking device (i.e. barrel bolt) on the occupant side. The attic has a sky light but no windows. The only means of egress from the attic is down the stairs to the second floor then down the open staircase to the first floor and out the rear or front doors. There is a fire extinguisher found on each floor but there are no smoke alarms or a fire alarm system installed.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
Order is unclear in its reasoning and its intent.
APPELLANT'S POSITION:
The appellant's difficulty is not in failing to comply with the Fire Code but in failing to comply with or understand the different orders from the Fire Department. One order was issued, then rescinded and another issued, leaving the appellant confused. Since the order does not provide any references to the Fire Code other than s. 18, the appellant does not feel the order should have been issued.
RESPONDENT'S POSITION:
The property is occupied so that fire would endanger persons or property.
COMMISSION RULING:
The Commission modified the order.
The owner has three options to comply with the first requirement of a second exit to ground level from the attic.
Option 1
The owner give a suitable written undertaking that the attic will not be used as a bedroom. If this option is selected by the owner, then the second exit from the attic is not required.
Option 2
The owner make the attic inaccessible to anyone but himself to the satisfaction of the Fire Department. If this option is selected by the owner, the second means of egress from the attic is not required.
Option 3
If either of the above options is not selected the second exit from the attic must be installed to the satisfaction of the Fire Department.
The requirement for interconnected electric smoke alarms with no disconnect switch is required for all options and shall be installed in a manner acceptable to the Fire Department.
REASONS:
The Commission feels that this work is necessary for the life safety of the residents and the property.
