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Fire Code Commission Decision Summary

DECISION NO.:92A013-078
DATE:March 31, 1992

SUBJECT MATTER:

  1. Install solid core doors in the basement
  2. Install ULC listed self-closing devices on all suite doors and the laundry room
  3. Install fire extinguishers on each floor or in each suite
  4. Provide a 3/4 hour fire resistance rating for the laundry room ceiling and lower stairshaft
  5. Test smoke alarms in all units and hallways

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:

The building consists of two storeys plus a basement. The building has a brick exterior and all interior partitions, floors and roof are of wood frame construction. The building contains six apartment units: one bedroom and two bedroom units in the basement, and two bedroom and three bedroom units on both the main and second floors. The basement area also has a laundry room and a room labelled "office". The laundry room has an unfinished portion with exposed wood joist ceiling with fiberglass-type insulation between the joists and walls partialy covered with styrofoam-type insulation. The door to the laundry room and storage closets are hollow core wood. All other doors are hollow core wood and have locks and latches. The building does not have any exit signs or emergency lighting. The building is equipped with smoke alarms in each unit and in the hallways, however, they are not interconnected. There are no fire extinguishers in the building.

REASON FOR APPEAL:

Met past inspection and the only new regulation in the Ontario Fire Code is the door closing devices which the appellant is willing to install.

APPELLANT'S POSITION:

Prior to purchasing the building, the appellant had the fire department conduct an inspection and all defects found were corrected. Since no changes have be made to the building since that inspection, the appellant does not feel that they are under any obligation to comply with the new set of defects.

RESPONDENT'S POSITION:

The building is occupied so that fire would endanger the occupants and the property. Compliance with the Fire Code will ensure proper fire and life safety.

COMMISSION RULING:

The Commission modified the order as follows:
  1. Install ULC listed self-closing devices on all suite doors and the laundry room

  2. Install fire extinguishers in each suite and ensure that they are checked yearly by a qualified technician.

  3. Have all smoke alarms tested.

REASONS:

It is the opinion of the Commission that this work will enhance fire safety for the occupants and the property.

The Commission wishes to advise the owner that draft provincial legislation has been prepared by the Solicitor General giving authority to the Fire Marshal to impose retrofit requirements on existing buildings. Many of the items listed on the original order no. 91/224 may be required if this legislation comes into effect. The Commission suggests that it may be advantageous to the owner to consult with the fire department with respect to possible implementation of these items.