Fire Code Commission Decision Summary
DECISION NO.:97A002-114
DATE:April 28, 1997
SUBJECT MATTER:
The subject premises is a 16 storey highrise residential apartment building of
non-combustible construction. Building grade is at the 2nd floor level on the
north side and part of the west side of the building. Grade is at the 1st floor
level on the south and east side and part of the west side.
The issue in dispute was the need for an emergency voice communication (EVC)
system. Article 9.6.4.7.(1) of the Fire Code requires that an EVC system be
provided where the vertical distance between the floor of the top storey and
grade exceeds 36m. A consultant hired by the owner indicated a vertical distance
of 37m. To compensate for not installing an EVC system, the owner pointed to
such factors as evacuation time, fire separations, fire department connections
and water supply, which would increase the fire and life safety of the
occupants. The fire department provided calculations that estimated the vertical
distance to be 39.9m. The fire department refused a life safety study prepared
on behalf of the owner that outlined compensatory measures, which the owner
believed would compensate for not installing an EVC system. The Office of the
Fire Marshal provided an independent evaluation that calculated the vertical
distance at 39.73m
REASON FOR APPEAL:
The owner feels that an acceptable level of life safety is achieved without
providing an EVC system, considering the marginal excess in the height of the
building.
COMMISSION'S DECISION:
The Commission upheld the fire department ruling that an emergency voice
communication system is required in the building to comply with 9.6.4.7.(1) of
the Ontario Fire Code. The system must be installed and operational by October
31, 1997. No compensatory fire and life safety factor was submitted to convince
the tribunal to waive the requirement of the EVC.
