Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:92A017-087
DATE:January 8, 1993
SUBJECT MATTER:
Installation of an approved ULC fire alarm and detection system, emergency lighting, emergency exit signs and smoke alarms.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:
The two buildings were constructed at separate times but share a common masonry wall and are of non-combustible construction. There are two storeys and a basement. The main floor is a commercial area that has been divided but there is interior communication between them. Only one store is open and the rest of the area is used for storage of upholstered furniture as is the basement. On the second floor there are eleven apartments: six "old" units and five "new" units. Access to the new units is by way of an intersecting corridor. Prior to renovation, this had been maintained as a closed door but has been replaced by a steel non-locking self-closing door. The old apartments have doors of a wood construction set in wood frames and there are no smoke or fire detection devices in any of the old apartments. There is also no emergency lighting or exit signs provided in the corridor. The new apartments have labelled doors with 3/4 hour rating set in steel frames and have smoke alarms in each apartment. There are illuminated exit signs and emergency lighting in the corridor. There is no fire alarm system for the building. electrically operated smoke alarm is installed in the corridor of the ground and second floor but these are not interconnected.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
Error was made by the City of Windsor Building Department in issuing permits for construction and renovation.
APPELLANT'S POSITION:
The City of Windsor Building Department approved the plans originally and now claims to have made a mistake. Since the error was not detected earlier, the appellant feels he should not have to comply. Also complying with the order could cost over $10,000 and the appellant is threatening further legal action.
RESPONDENT'S POSITION:
Due to the storage of upholstered furniture in both the basement and first floor, if a fire occurred it would have rapid fire growth and spread. The compliance with the order would enhance early fire warning and provide an adequate level of life safety for the occupants.
COMMISSION RULING:
The Owner shall carry out the work of one of the following two options:
- Install a single stage fire alarm system with fire detectors in storage areas and smoke detectors in corridors and exit stairways. Provide manual pull stations near exits on every floor. Perform a test of the fire alarm system to the satisfaction of CAN4-S537. Install emergency lighting and exit signs in the "old" units' corridor. Install smoke alarms in all of the "old" units.
- Install interconnected smoke alarms in all eleven apartments, second floor corridors, ground floor spaces and basement areas. Install manual pull stations at each exterior exit door from the second floor. Install emergency lighting and exit signs at all corridors and exits from the second floor. Remove all debris and storage material from the basement or provide a 3/4 hour fire separation between the basement and the first floor. Perform a test of the smoke alarms and pull stations to the satisfaction of the Windsor Fire Department.
REASONS:
The Commission is of the opinion that the work described is necessary in order to protect the occupants and the property from fire.
The Commission noted that this issue arose primarily because of a lack of adequate communication between the Building Department and the Fire Department. The Commission urges that the appropriate measures be implemented to avoid similar circumstances from arising in the future.
