Part 3 BUILDING CODE MYTHS & INTERPRETATIONS

Part 3 BUILDING CODE MYTHS & INTERPRETATIONS November 18, 2016 Frank Durante, RBO Building Inspector District of Mission Phone 604 820 3729 Wendy Morrison, AScT, BCQ GHL CONSULTANTS LTD Fire Science and Engineering 950 409 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 Phone 604 689 4449 Fax 604 689 4419 1

Copyright and Limitations This presentation is conceptual and for educational purposes only. GHL takes no responsibility for application of any concepts or interpretations in this presentation to specific projects unless specifically retained for that project. This presentation is intended to be presented by GHL and these slides must not be considered complete or exhaustive. Code provisions have been generally represented and may not reflect all exceptions. This presentation is a copyright of GHL Consultants Ltd and all rights are reserved. 2

GHL s Role To know and understand the Code. To know and understand the fire science behind the Code. To assist in correct application of the Code. To develop new solutions based on fire science to enable creative safe buildings. To understand the needs of the client and of the Authorities and first responders. 3

Frank s Role As a Registered Building Official: To know and understand the Code. To assist in correct application of the Code. To provide impartial, courteous, fair, efficient and effective service to the public. To strive to increase public awareness regarding the BOABC. 4

GHL Building Code Committee Work CP Committee (David Graham) APEG Building Code Committee (John Buscemi) BC Appeal Board (Frankie Victor) City Vancouver Appeal Board (Teddy Lai) BC Building Code Interpretation Committee (Teddy Lai) 5

What is the Building Code s Approach To Risks? Buildings are subject to risks: Code compliance no risk. Code compliance = risks at acceptable level. Failure will occur: Limit it to an acceptable level. 6

Objective Based Code Establishes function and objectives. Acceptable solution is only 1 option. An alternative solution may be proposed provided it satisfies the level of performance attributed to the acceptable solution. 7

Objective Based Code Appendix A, at A-3 notes that Part 3 is intended to be applied with discretion to: Buildings of unusual configuration. Buildings in which processes are carried out which make compliance impracticable. Existing buildings, where the judgment of the AHJ is required - A-1.1.1.1.(1). 8

The Building Code s Building 9

Reality 10

Reality 11

Reality 12

Objective Based Code The NRC User s guide to Part 3 states: the requirements of the Code are intended to be interpreted, applied, and enforced by reasonable and well informed persons using good judgment. This was written prior to the objective based Code. The function statements, objectives, and intents now provided in the Code should be useful in guiding interpretation. 13

Part 3 Myths Myth: Plywood backing used to attach electrical equipment must be fire retardant treated (FRT). Fact: FRT wood is only required in unsprinklered buildings which fall under Subsection 3.2.6. Combustible interior finish permitted in noncombustible construction and high buildings 3.1.5.10.(2) (typical wood flame spread rating <150) Flame spread rating (FSR) in service rooms reduced in unsprinklered or Group B high buildings 3.1.13.7, Table 3.1.13.7, Sentence 3.1.13.7.(2) 14

Part 3 Myths Myth: Wood is not permitted in buildings required to be non-combustible. Fact: Wood blocking, backing, raised floors and supports, partition framing, cladding, and interior finish is permitted. Wood blocking within wall assemblies for attachment of items mounted on the surface of the wall 3.1.5.2.(1). Raised wood floors on wood sleepers 3.1.5.8 15

Part 3 Myths Partition walls (not loadbearing and not enclosing exits or vertical shafts) Division A, 1.4.1.2.(1), 3.1.5.13. Depending on sprinklers and occupancy, interior walls can include wood framing. Wood interior finish at walls if not more than 25mm thick 3.1.5.10.(1). Wood interior finish at ceilings if not more than 25mm thick and FSR not more than 25 3.1.5.10.(2) (exceptions depending on area).

Part 3 Myths Myth: Paint and wallpaper must meet the FSR requirements of Table 3.1.13.2. Fact: Paint and wallpaper are considered to provide the same FSR as the substrate they are adhered to. FSR and smoke developed classifications (SDC) for combinations of common interior finish materials are documented at Appendix D, Table D-3.1.1.A. 17

Part 3 Myths Paint or Varnish not more than 1.3mm thick, or 1 layer of cellulosic wallpaper on plywood has FSR 150 and SDC 300 (same values for plywood without finish). Paint or Varnish not more than 1.3mm thick, or 1 layer of cellulosic wallpaper on gypsum wallboard has FSR 25 and SDC 50 (same values for gypsum wallboard without finish). 18

Part 3 Myths Myth: FRT wood is noncombustible. Fact: FRT wood is impregnated with chemicals per CAN/CSA O80 Wood Preservation that reduce FSR to 25. Noncombustible materials have met the acceptance criteria of CAN/ULC-S114 Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials Division A, 1.4.1.2.(1). Materials tested to ULC-S135 and meeting the criteria stated in the Code can be used in noncombustible construction buildings without limitation 3.1.5.1.(2). 19

Part 3 Myths Myth: In a 2 stage fire alarm system, activation of any 2 fire alarm devices will immediately initiate a 2 nd stage fire alarm signal. Fact: 2 nd stage fire alarm signal occurs automatically 5 minutes after activation of a device. 2 stage fire alarm system causes an alert signal to sound upon operation of any device and automatically causes an alarm signal if the alert signal is not acknowledged within 5 minutes 3.2.4.4.(2). 2 stage fire alarm can be manually operated to cause an immediate 2nd stage alarm through key equipped manual station 3.2.4.4.(2). 20

Part 3 Myths Myth: A 2 stage fire alarm system is only permitted in a building with 24h staff or on-site security. Fact: The code permits the use of a 2 stage fire alarm system in any occupancy other than F-1. Single or 2 stage fire alarm system may be used in Group A, B-3 (up to 3 storey buildings), C, D, E, F-2, F-3 3.2.4.3. 2 stage fire alarm system required in Group B occupancies (except B-3 up to 3 storeys) 3.2.4.3.(1)(b). Fire department must be notified at 1st stage alert 3.2.4.8.(3). 21

Part 3 Myths Myth: Every door leading to the exterior from a building must be provided with a manual station. Fact: Manual station is only required at an exit door. Manual station to be installed: near principle entrance to the building. at every required exit. at every egress facility that has been designed and identified as an exit and has all the features of a required exit - 3.6.3.1.(1). Doors and stairs provided for convenience that do not include all the features of required exits need not be provided with a manual station A-3.2.4.17.(1). 22

Part 3 Myths Myth: 2 exit signs must be visible from all points in a floor area. Fact: Directional exit signage is only required in public corridors and open floor areas with occupant load >150. Every exit sign shall be visible on approach 3.4.5.1.(2).(a). Where no exit sign is visible from either a public corridor (includes Group A and B corridors serving the public) or principal routes serving an open floor area with occupant load more than 150, directional exit signage to be provided 3.4.5.1.(6). 23

Part 3 Myths Myth: Exit signs are required at every exit door. Fact: Exit signs are only required if the exit serves specifically described buildings. Exit signs are also required at room egress doors in specific circumstances. When occupant load is >60, exit signs to be provided over egress doors from rooms in theatres, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments, and other similar occupancies 3.4.5.1.(7). (Only when lighting levels are below that which would provide easy identification of the egress door) 24

Part 3 Myths Every exit door shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves a building which meets any one of the following: More than 2 storeys in height With an occupant load more than 150 A room or floor area served by a fire escape 3.4.5.1.(1) 25

Part 3 Myths Myth: A building cannot have more than one exit lobby. Fact: The number of exit lobbies is limited by the number of exits which serve a floor area. Not more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby 3.4.4.2.(1). 26

Part 3 Myths 27

Part 3 Myths Myth: An interconnected floor space per 3.2.8.2.(6) is not permitted in buildings of Group B or C major occupancy. Fact: The restriction on occupancy applies only to the fire compartment containing the interconnected floor space, not the building. The interconnected floor space may contain only Group A, D, E, F-2 or F-3 major occupancies 3.2.8.2.(6). 28

Part 3 Myths 29

Part 3 Myths 30

Part 3 Myths Myth: A storage garage may only be used for storage/parking of motor vehicles. Fact: Storage of items subsidiary to the parking use is permitted. The definition of storage garage has been revised and expended to indicate that the primary use is storage or parking of motor vehicles Division A, 1.4.1.2.(1). As a subsidiary use, storage garages may also contain space for parking or storing other vehicles such as bicycles and boats - Division A, Appendix A. 31

Part 3 Myths Myth: A fire separation is required at all electrical rooms. Fact: A fire separation is not required at an electrical room unless: The room contains liquid filled equipment 3.6.2.1.(5) The equipment is required by the electrical code to be in a service room (generally refers to liquid filled equipment) 3.6.2.1.(6) The floor area is not sprinklered and the equipment within the room is essential to the operation of fire safety systems 3.6.2.1.(7) & (8). See BOABC Interpretation 12-0041 32

Part 3 Myths Myth: A kitchen exhaust duct must be located within a 1h or 2h shaft depending on building height. Fact: Vertical shafts which penetrate 2h floors may be 1h rated and 1h floors may be 3/4h rated. Kitchen exhaust shaft must be installed per NFPA 96 except as required by 3.6.3.1.(1) 6.2.2.7.(1). A vertical service space shall be constructed with a fire separation having a rating based on the floor assembly rating Table 3.6.3.1, 3.6.3.1.(1) 33

Part 3 Myths Myth: A membrane only ceiling which is relied upon to provide a fire separation may not include any openings or penetrations. Fact: Ceiling assemblies R1, M1, and M2 in Table A- 9.10.3.1.B are permitted in Part 3. A ceiling assembly may be assigned an FRR on the basis of Assembly Number R1, M1, or M2 in Table A- 9.10.3.1.B 3.1.7.1.(3) & (4) 34

Part 3 Myths Penetration of a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have an FRR shall be firestopped, cast in place, or tightly fitted 3.1.9.1.(1). A membrane forming part of an assembly assigned an FRR on the basis of Sentence 3.1.7.1.(4) is permitted to be penetrated by openings leading into ducts within the ceiling space, provided the ducts are sheet steel and conform to the requirements in Appendix D 3.1.9.5.(1). 35

Part 3 Myths Myth: CO vestibule doors required weather-stripping. Fact: Weather-stripping is only required by the Code At doors in Group B-2 or B-3 fire compartments containing sleeping rooms to retard the passage of smoke 3.3.3.5.(6). In unsprinklered buildings at doors in zones to create areas where persons with disabilities can be accommodated - 3.8.3.19.(4) At a door between a garage and a dwelling unit to provide a barrier against gas and exhaust fumes 9.10.13.5.(1) 36

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings Fire Separations: Are to be constructed as a continuous element and have a fire resistance rating (FRR) as specified 3.1.8.1.(1). A fire separation is not always required to have an FRR; however, the fire separation must act as a barrier to the spread of smoke and fire until some response is initiated. In a sprinklered building, an unrated fire separation is intended to be constructed so that it will remain in place and act as a barrier against the spread of smoke until the sprinkler has actuated and controlled the fire. Appendix A 3.1.8.1.(1)(b) 37

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings Unrated fire separations must be continuous. Unrated fire separations may consist of studs and drywall on one side only. Penetrations in unrated fire separations must be firestopped, tightly fitted, or cast in place 3.1.9.1.(1) Closures in an unrated fire separation do not require a rating; doors must have self-closing devices and latches 3.1.8.11 & 3.1.8.13. Ducts penetrating an unrated fire separation do not require fire dampers 3.1.8.8.(2) & (3) [expected to change in next BCBC edition]. 38

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings Public Corridor Fire Separations 3.3.1.4: With exception, a public corridor is required to be separated from the remainder of the storey by a 45min rated fire separation Sentences (1) & (2). In a sprinklered storey the public corridor fire separation does not require a rating Sentence (3) (except Group C or Group B-3 suites of care occupancy served by a public corridor). 39

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings In a sprinklered floor area where the public corridor is not relied upon to extend travel distance (i.e. travel distance from the most remote point within a suite to the exit is not more than 45m) a fire separation is not required Sentence (4). (Does not override suite separations which are required to the remainder of the building). 40

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings Example 1: Sprinklered Group D storey with multiple medical office suites where travel distance from the most remote point within a suite to the exit stair is 45m. Fire separations are not required between suites 3.3.1.1.(4). Public corridor not required to be fire separated from the remainder of the building 3.3.1.4.(4) Corridor is 6m wide with 3m open waiting area in the middle. Each medical office has a sliding glass window between the reception desk and the corridor. 41

Part 3 Fire Separations / Ratings Example 2: Sprinklered Group C storey with multiple suites where travel distance from the most remote point within a suite to the exit stair is 45m. Residential dwelling units are required to be separated from the remainder of the building by a 45min or 1h fire separation depending on floor rating 3.3.4.2.(1) & (2). Public corridor not required to be fire separated from the remainder of the building 3.3.1.4.(4) Walls between the corridor and residential suites rated per Article 3.3.4.2. No walls required between the corridor and other ancillary use rooms (e.g. amenity space, lounge, etc.). 42

Glass Guards The basic requirements for guards for both Part 3 and Part 9 buildings are similar. 9.8.8.7 Glass in Guards 1) Glass in guards shall be a) safety glass of the laminated or tempered type conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1-M Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass, or b) wired glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, Wired Safety Glass. 43

Glass Guards So how does a Building Official know if a glass guard complies? Should we solely rely on Professionals to review and sign off on a Glass Guards? Where do I find out what must be incorporated in a glass guard? 44

Glass Guards CAN/CSB 12 M89 Structural Design of Glass for Buildings. The brittle nature of glass is addressed here, especially when used as a structural member as in a guard. It states that the glass members be designed with a redundant load path. The underlining principal being that if one member fails a cascading or catastrophic failure mechanism does not develop...free standing glass guards must have a top cap which spans over two or more panels and be designed to resist the factored load after failure of alternate panels. 45

Glass Guards ASTM E 2353 Standard Test Methods for Performance of Glass in Permanent Glass Railing Systems, Guards and Balustrades. 46

Glass Guards APEGBC Professional Practice Guidelines Designing Guards for Buildings. 47

Glass Guards Does this stair guardrail comply? 48

Questions? 49

Thank you Frank Durante, RBO Wendy Morrison, AScT, BCQ 50