Ministry of Municipal Affairs PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE 2012 BUILDING CODE O. REG. 332/12 AS AMENDED CHANGE NUMBER: SOURCE: B-03-06-03 Ontario-NBC CODE REFERENCE: Division B / 3.6.4.3. Division B / 9.10.13.14.(1) SB-2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT This proposed change replaces references to SB2 with references to CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method of Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies". EXISTING 2012 BUILDING CODE PROVISION(S) 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements (2) If a concealed space referred to in Sentence (1) is used as a return-air plenum and incorporates a ceiling membrane that forms part of the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly, every opening through the membrane shall be protected by a fire stop flap that shall, (a) stop the flow of air into the concealed space in the event of a fire, (b) be supported in a manner that will maintain the integrity of the ceiling membrane for the duration of time required to provide the required fire-resistance rating, and (c) conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2, Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies. 9.10.13.14. Fire Stop Flaps (1) Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes required in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(4) shall be constructed in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, Fire Performance Ratings. SB-2 Fire-Performance Ratings 5.3. Fire Stop Flaps 5.3.1. Construction Requirements (1) Fire stop flaps shall be constructed of steel not less than 1.5 mm thick, covered on both sides with painted asbestos paper not less than 1.6 mm thick and equipped with pins and hinges of corrosion-resistant material (see Figure 5.3.1.). Building and Development Branch Page 1
5.3.2. Hold-Open Devices (1) Fire stop flaps shall be held open with fusible links conforming to ULC-S505, "Fusible Links for Fire Protection Service", or other heat-activated devices having a temperature rating approximately 30 C above the maximum temperature that would exist in the system either with the system in operation or shut down. Figure 5.3.1. Typical Fire Stop Flaps Building and Development Branch Page 2
PROPOSED CODE CHANGE Revise existing Articles 3.6.4.3., and 9.10.13.14. and SB-2 as follows: 3.6.4.3. Plenum Requirements (2) If a concealed space referred to in Sentence (1) is used as a return-air plenum and incorporates a ceiling membrane that forms part of the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly, every opening through the membrane shall be protected by a fire stop flap that shall, (a) stop the flow of air into the concealed space in the event of a fire, (b) be supported in a manner that will maintain the integrity of the ceiling membrane for the duration of time required to provide the required fire-resistance rating, and (c) conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2, Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies and (d) activates at a temperature approximately 30 C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the return-air plenum, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down. 9.10.13.14. Fire Stop Flaps (1) Fire stop flaps in ceiling membranes requiredreferred to in Sentence 9.10.5.1.(4) shall be constructed in conformance with MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-2, Fire Performance Ratings. (a) conform to CAN/ULC-S112.2., Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies, and (b) activate at a temperature approximately 30 C above the normal maximum temperature that occurs in the ducts, whether the air duct system is operating or shut down. SB-2 Fire-Performance Ratings 5.3. Fire Stop Flaps 5.3.1. Construction Requirements (1) Fire stop flaps shall be constructed of steel not less than 1.5 mm thick, covered on both sides with painted asbestos paper not less than 1.6 mm thick and equipped with pins and hinges of corrosion-resistant material (see Figure 5.3.1.). Building and Development Branch Page 3
5.3.2. Hold-Open Devices (1) Fire stop flaps shall be held open with fusible links conforming to ULC-S505, "Fusible Links for Fire Protection Service", or other heat-activated devices having a temperature rating approximately 30 C above the maximum temperature that would exist in the system either with the system in operation or shut down. RATIONALE FOR CHANGE Problem/General Background Figure 5.3.1. Typical Fire Stop Flaps The current code requires fire stop flaps to meet out-of-date requirements referenced in Supplementary Standard SB-2. Additionally, these current requirements are restrictive in that they are very prescriptive, making selection and acceptance of any fire stop flaps other than what is described difficult for code users. Justification/Explanation This proposed change would harmonize requirements with the model National Building Code of Canada. Referencing an appropriate standard will permit designers and enforcement officials to incorporate fire stop flaps that conforms to the standard and not be limited to specific and restrictive construction requirements. Building and Development Branch Page 4
So any reference to Supplementary Standard SB-2 for fire stop flaps in Parts 3 and 9 of Division B are replaced by a reference to the CAN/ULC-S112.2, "Standard Method of Fire Test of Ceiling Firestop Flap Assemblies." Consequently, Section D-5.3. Fire Stop Flaps of Division B of Supplementary Standard SB-2 is deleted. Cost/Benefit Implications Products that meet the standard are available: so there should be no cost impact. Enforcement Implications The requested change can be enforced within the infrastructure available and should prove to be advantageous to enforcement officials. Who is Affected N/A Objective Based Analysis Provision Objective/Functional Statement Division B 3.6.4.3. (2) 2 [F03-OS1.2,OS1.3] (2) 2 [F03-OP1.2,OP1.3] Division B 9.10.13.14. (1) 1 [F03-OS1.3,OS1.2] (1) 1 [F03-OP1.3,OP1.2] OTHER SUPPORTING MATERIALS Building and Development Branch Page 5