Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:92A019-089
DATE:January 21, 1993
SUBJECT MATTER:
Provision of twenty minute fire protection rated doors (with self-closing device and latch) for rooms along the contiguous exit corridor.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREMISES:
The building is fully detached and consists of three storeys plus a basement. The exterior walls of the building are brick and all interior partitions, floors and roof are of wood frame construction. The building is currently occupied by six university students - one person on the main floor, three on the second floor and two on the third floor. The basement is not occupied but it houses the boiler room, a large storage room and a utility room with shower facilities. Most doors in the building are a panel type door with 24 gauge galvanized steel sheet metal on one side and 1-3/8 inches thick at the framing. The panel thickness of the door measuring from one side of the door is no more that 3/4 inch. One door on the third floor is glass panelled and it is located near the end of the fire escape corridor leading the balcony.
REASON FOR APPEAL:
The Owner feels that the building meets fire safety requirements and there is no need for the work ordered.
APPELLANT'S POSITION:
The house is equipped with five fire extinguishers, an electrical interconnected fire alarm system, manual fire alarm bells and a fire escape corridor leading to the third floor balcony. The doors all have twenty minute fire protection. It was also felt that this is not a normal rooming house situation and as such the code should not be as stringent.
RESPONDENT'S POSITION:
The doors separating rooms from the contiguous exit corridor do not have a minimum twenty minute fire protection rating and therefore the building does not provide adequate fire or life safety.
COMMISSION RULING:
The Commission modified the order to a request that all doors be equipped with ULC labelled closing devices. The glass door to the room on the third floor should be replaced to meet the requirements for a twenty minute rated closure.
REASONS:
This work is required to provide an acceptable level of fire safety for the occupants and the property.
