complete booklet v2 - serviceontario · pdf filethe ministry of municipal affairs and housing...

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

October 4, 2009

Dear Colleague;

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (MMAH) in partnership with the Ontario Building Officials Association (OBOA) and the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) are pleased to introduce the Official 2010 Ontario Code and Construction Guide for Housing.

Since 1990, the Code and Construction Guide for Housing has played an important role providing current, practical and accurate construction information to builders, building officials, designers, educators, students and others in the housing industry.

The 2010 edition of the Ontario Code and Construction Guide for Housing builds on our 20 year history, is current to today's Building Code and contains many new and unique features. For more information about the Guide, its advantages, a free sample chapter and how to order your copy, visit: www.serviceontario.ca/publications

We are happy to continue our successful collaboration developing supportive materials that are current and relevant to the entire industry, and encourage you to invest in this valuable resource.

Sincerely

David Brezer, Director Building and Development Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Lynn Balfour, President Ontario Building Officials Association

James Bazely, President Ontario Home Builders’ Association

Ministère de Affairs municipales et du Logement

Le 4 octobre 2009

Madame ou Monsieur,

Le ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement (MAML), en partenariat avec l’Association des officiers en bâtiments de l’Ontario (OBOA) et l’Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), est heureux de vous présenter la version officielle 2010 du OntarioCode and Construction Guide for Housing.

Depuis 1990, le Code and Construction Guide for Housing joue un rôle important en fournissant une information à jour, pratique et exacte aux constructeurs, aux agents du bâtiment, aux concepteurs, aux éducateurs, aux étudiants et à tous les intervenants de l’industrie du logement.

L’édition 2010 du Ontario Code and Construction Guide for Housing, qui s’appuie sur 20 années d’expérience, est totalement conforme au Code du bâtiment actuel et comporte de nombreuses caractéristiques novatrices uniques. Pour de plus amples renseignements sur le guide et ses avantages, et pour obtenir un chapitre modèle gratuit et des instructions sur la façon de commander votre exemplaire, veuillez visiter : www.serviceontario.ca/publications

Nous sommes heureux de poursuivre notre collaboration fructueuse avec l’industrie, collaboration qui a débouché sur la conception de ressources documentaires actualisées et pertinentes, s’adressant à toute l’industrie. Je vous encourage à acheter cet outil précieux.

Veuillez agréer, Madame ou Monsieur, l’expression de mes sentiments distingués.

David Brezer, directeur Direction du bâtiment et de l’aménagement Ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement

Lynn Balfour, présidente Association des officiers en bâtiments de l’Ontario

James Bazely, président Ontario Home Builders’ Association

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2010 CODE AND CONSTRUCTION GUIDE Table of Contents i

Table of ContentsHousing Guide

Preface

Housing Guide Table of Contents

1. Start-Up2. Foundations3. Floor Framing4. Room and Space Dimensions5. Means of Egress6. Fire Safety and Sound Control7. Wall Systems8. Roofing9. Windows and Skylights10. Fireplaces, Chimneys and Flues11. Mechanical Systems12. Plumbing and Electrical Facilities13. Insulation, Air Barriers, and Vapour Barriers14. Interior Finishes15. Exterior Finishes16. Garages, Carports, Decks and Porches

Building Code for Housing

Building Code for Housing Table of Contents

Division A: Compliance, Objectives and Functional StatementsTBD

Division B: Acceptable SolutionsPart 1 GeneralPart 6 Heating, Ventilating and Air-ConditioningPart 9 Housing and Small BuildingsPart 12 Resource Conservation

Division C: Administrative ProceduresTBD

Supplementary StandardsSB-1 Climatic and Seismic Information for Building Design in OntarioSB-2 Fire Performance RatingsSB-3 Fire and Sound Resistance of Building AssembliesSB-7 Construction Requirements for GuardsSB-9 Requirements for Soil Gas Control

Appendix A: Explanatory material for the Building Code 2006

Appendix B: Imperial Conversions of Metric Values

Additional Material

Building Code Cross References

Plans Examination Checklists

Inspection Checklists

Forms

Index - Housing Guide

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2010 CODE AND CONSTRUCTION GUIDE Means of Egress 5 - 1

MEANS OF EGRESS

Among the most important provisions of the Code are those per-taining to the means of egress. These provisions regulate designand construction to allow people to move within and betweenrooms or spaces, as well as to exit and to enter the dwelling unit.

Means of egress for stacked dwelling units are outside the scopeof this Code and Guide which focuses on unstacked, single dwell-ing units.

KEY POINTS

Residential buildings must be designed and constructed to fulfill the following functions:

• allow occupants a safe means of escape from a building in an emergency;

• allow the safe passage of occupants from one floor to another; and

• provide acceptable resistance to forced entry.

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5 - 2 Means of Egress 2010 CODE AND CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Figure 5.1Terms Defining Means of Egress

Dwelling UnitRoom

Room

Hallway

Landing

Guard

Handrail

Room or space

Horizontal

Exit to an exterior protectedopen space with access to

public thoroughfare

Vestibule

Means of egress

(9.8.1.1)(9.9.1.1)

Verticalegress

GENERAL

REQUIREMENTS

BUILDING CODE REFERENCES

DIVISION B

9.9.1.3. Occupant Load

Exits, doors, stairs and ramps alongwith hallways, corridors and passage-ways represent the most commonmeans of egress in dwelling units.

The means of egress is a defined termin the Code which includes exits andaccess to exits. It refers to a continu-ous path of travel provided for theescape from any point in a building orin a contained open space to a sepa-rate building, an open public thor-oughfare, or an exterior open spacethat is protected from fire exposurefrom the building with access to anopen public thoroughfare. Figure 5.1illustrates the main components andterms that define means of egress.The following sections further discusseach of these in relation to the relevantCode requirements.

The primary consideration of the Codeis the safety of occupants, both undernormal conditions of use and in emer-gency situations, such as in the caseof fire. Under normal conditions ofuse, means of egress are intended tobe functional and permit occupants tosafely perform tasks such as movingfurniture, carrying in groceries or serv-ing food.

Under emergency conditions, theCode intends that occupants are pro-vided with a safe exit from the dwell-ing unit traveling through a properlydesigned means of egress. Based onthis intent, the means of egress mustnot only be safe with respect topedestrian movement, but must alsobe properly illuminated.

EXITS


DIVISION B

9.5.10.1. Width of Hallway Within Dwelling Unit

9.7.1.3. Bedroom Windows

9.8.1.1. General

9.9.1.1. Application

9.9.1.2. Fire Protection

9.9.2.1. Types of Exits

9.9.2.3. Elevators, Slide Escapes and Windows as Means of Egress

9.9.9.1. Travel Limit to Exits or Egress

Doors

Every dwelling unit must contain atleast one exit which can be accesseddirectly without going through anotherdwelling unit, service room or occu-pancy. Dwe l l i ng un i t s mus t bedesigned so that it is not necessary totravel up or down more than one sto-rey to reach a level served by an exitdoorway within 1.5 m (5') of groundlevel.

Additional exits may not be necessarywhere the uppermost floor level isserved by an openable window with asill not more than 1 m (3' 3") above thefloor and not more than 7 m (23')above the adjacent ground level, pro-viding an unobstructed opening of notless than 1 m (3' 3") in height and 0.55m (1' 10") in width or the floor level hasdirect access to a balcony. Refer toFigure 5.2.

An additional exit is required for floorlevels in dwelling units where thebuilding contains a hallway less than860 mm (2' 10") in width. This addi-tional exit must be provided near theend of the hallway furthest from the liv-ing area or in every bedroom servedby the hallway. Refer to Figure 5.3.

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Figure 5.3Exiting Requirements for Buildings With Narrow Hallways

Option 1 - One Exit

min 860 mm width hallway

min 710 mm (28")

Bedroom Bedroom

Exit

Exit

ExitExit

ExitExit Exit

Bedroom

Bath Bath

Bath

Bedroom Bedroom Bedroom

Bedroom Bedroom

Bedroom

LivingArea

LivingArea

LivingArea

LivingArea

LivingArea

LivingArea

Option 2 - Multiple Exits

second exit at end of hallwayexit in each bedroom served

Option 3 - Two Exits

(9.5.10.1)

min 710 mm (28")

min 860 mm (34")

Travel to a floor level served by an exit doorway is limited to one so storey up or down except where:

1. an openable window is provided, or2. the floor level has direct access to a balcony

Minimum dimensions of unobstructed opening in openable window:

0.55 m width x 1 m height (1' 10" w x 3' 3" h)

Note:

openable window with a minimum area of 0.35 sq. m (3.77 sq. ft) with no dimension less than 380 mm (15")and a maximum sill height of 1 m (3' 3").

Figure 5.2Exit Requirements (9.9.9.1)

Exit doorway not more than 1.5 m (5') above adjacent ground level

2 storeys down 2 storeysdown

Level served by exit doorway

1 storey up 1 storey up

Access to balcony

Window sill not more than 1 m (3' 3") above floor

Window sill not more than 7 m (23') above the adjacent ground level

NOT PERMITTED PERMITTED

(9.7.1.3)

Every floor level containing a bedroom requires an

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Dwelling unit (required entrance)

Vestibule or entrance hall

Stairs to a floor level that contains a finshed space

All doors in at least one line of passage from the exterior to the basement

Utility rooms

Walk-in closet

Bathroom, water closet room, shower room

Rooms located off hallways that are permitted to be710 mm (28") wide

Rooms not mentioned above, exterior balconies

Figure 5.4Minimum Size of Doors

Minimum Size of Doors Depending on Entrance

(9.6.3.1)

Width (mm (in))

810 (32")

810 (32")

610 (24")

610 (24")

610 (24")

760 (30")

1980 (6' 6")

1980 (6' 6")

1980 (6' 6")

1980 (6' 6")

1980 (6' 6")

1980 (6' 6")

Height (mm (ft in))

(9.6.3.3)

See Chapter 13 Insulation and

See Chapter 16 Garages and Carports

LookingAhead

DOORS


DIVISION B


9.6.2.1. Doors for Dwelling Units

9.6.3.1. Doorway Opening Sizes

9.6.3.3. Doors to Bathrooms

9.6.5.1. Exterior Wood Flush Doors

9.6.5.2. Sliding Doors

9.6.5.3. Insulated Steel Doors

9.6.5.4. Air Infiltration for Exterior Swing Type Doors

9.6.5.5. Air Infiltration for Patio Type Sliding Doors

9.6.5.6. Weather Stripping

9.6.6.1. Maximum Area of Glass

9.6.6.2. Glass in Doors and Sidelights

9.6.6.3. Mirrored Glass Doors

9.6.6.5. Glass for Shower or Bathtub Enclosures


9.6.8.2. Wood Doors

9.6.8.3. Deadbolt Lock

9.6.8.4. Double Doors

9.6.8.5. Fastening of Hinges

9.6.8.6. Fastening of Strikeplates

9.6.8.7. Outward Swinging Doors

9.6.8.8. Door Viewer

9.6.8.9. Solid Blocking

9.6.8.10. Alternate Test Procedure

9.9.6.4. Door Action

9.9.6.5. Direction of Door Swing

9.9.6.7. Door Latching, Locking and Opening Mechanisms

9.10.13.16. Door Stops

This section deals with requirementsfor doors in dwellings. It applies todoors, glazed areas in doors, side-lights for doors and glass for showeror bathtub enclosures.

Many of the requirements for doorsare based on established standards.These standards are referenced in thecorresponding section of the Code.Standards have been developed toensure that doors will provide accept-able levels of performance for theirintended use. It is important to spec-ify doors which meet all required stan-dards and to ins ta l l t hem inaccordance with manufacturers'instructions.

GENERAL

Doors must be provided at eachentrance to a dwelling unit and ineach room containing a water closet.Exit doors are permitted to swingeither inward or outward. All exteriordoors must be readily openable fromthe inside without requiring keys, spe-cial devices, or specialized knowl-edge of the door opening mechanism.

(See also Resistance to Forced Entrybelow).

Where a door opens onto a drop ofmore than 600 mm (24") to the nearestfloor, landing, stair tread, or groundlevel (as in a french balcony), the doormust be provided with a guard or itmust be equipped with a mechanismthat wil l prevent any clear unob-structed opening greater than 100 mm(4").

MINIMUM SIZE OF DOORS

The minimum sizes for doors areshown in Figure 5.4. Doorway open-ings must be designed to accommo-date the minimum prescribed doorsizes regardless of door type - swing-ing, sliding or folding.

EXIT DOORS

Exit doors and doors in means ofegress within dwelling units or servinga single dwelling unit are not requiredto swing on the vertical axis.

EXTERIOR DOORS

Exterior doors used in housing arecommonly of the wood, insulatedsteel, fibre glass or sliding glass type.Each of these types is required to con-form to the applicable manufacturingstandard for construction and air infil-tration referenced in the correspond-ing section of the Code. All exteriordoors, except garage doors, must beweatherstripped to control air leak-age. Special consideration must begiven to doors between the dwelling

uni t and an at tached garage asdetailed in Chapter 16. It is alsorequired that exterior doors providethe minimum thermal resistance valuelisted in Chapter 13.

RESISTANCE TO FORCED ENTRY

A minimum level of security must beprovided for all swing-type exteriordoors leading into the dwelling unit.This Code requirement is intended tosubstantially reduce the likelihood offorced entry through exterior doors.

Where wood doors leading into thedwelling unit are installed, these mustbe either solid core type not less than45 mm (1-3/4") thick, or stile and railtype having a panel thickness of notless than 19 mm (3/4") and a totalpanel area not exceeding 50% of thedoor area.

Double doors leading into the dwell-ing unit must be provided with aninactive leaf which may be securedwith heavy duty bolts, top and bottom,having an engagement not less than15 mm (5/8").

Solid blocking must be provided onboth sides at the lock height betweenthe jambs and structural framing for all

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Wood doors shall be solid core, (not less then 45 mm (1-3/4") thick), orstile and rail type, with a minimum panel thickness of 19 mm (3/4") and a total panel area not more than half of the door area (9.6.8.2)

45 mm (1-3/4")

Door viewer required unless transparentglazing provided in the door or in a sidelight(9.6.8.8)

Solid blocking at lock height on both sides of jamb so that the jambs will resist spreading by force(9.6.8.9)

Structural framing members

An inactive leaf in double doors must be provided with heavy duty bolts at the top and bottom having an engagement of not less than 15 mm (5/8")(9.6.8.4)

Figure 5.5Code Requirements for Resistance to Forced Entry (9.6.8)

Hinges fastened to door frame with at least 2 screws per hinge that are at least 30 mm (1-3/16")into solid wood

Hinges fastened to doors with screws not less than 25 mm (1")(9.6.8.5)

Strikeplate fastened with not less than 30 mm (1-3/16") screws

Dead bolt with not less than 25 mm (1") throw(9.8.6.3)

Throw

Jamb

15 mm(5/8")

doors leading into the dwelling unit.This blocking must be installed toadequately resist spreading of thedoor jambs by force.

For all outward swinging exteriordoors leading into the dwelling unit,hinges or pins must be provided sothat the doors cannot be removedwhen they are in the closed position.Hinges must be securely fastened towood doors with minimum 25 mm (1")long wood screws and to woodframes with at least two wood screwspenetrating not less than 30 mm (1-1/4") into solid wood.

Hinges for metal doors and framesmust be securely fastened with No. 10or larger machine screws not lessthan 10 mm (3/8") long.

Strikeplates for all exterior doors lead-ing into the dwelling unit must be fas-tened to wood frames with woodscrews penetrating not less than 30mm (1-1/4") into solid wood. Strike-plates must be fastened to metalframes with No. 10 or larger machinescrews not less than 12 mm (1/2")long.

Deadbolt locks must consist of a cylin-der having no less than 5 pins and abolt throw of not less than 25 mm (1"),protected with a solid or hardenedfree-turning ring or beveled cylinderhousing.

Entrance doors without transparentglazing provided in the door must beequipped with a door viewer with aviewing angle of not less than 160°.

The Appendix to the Code providesadditional explanatory material formeasures regarding resistance toforced entry. Figure 5.5 depicts someof the Code requirements for resis-tance to forced entry.

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INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR STAIRSserving one dwelling unit

Stair dimensions as shown:

(9.8.4.2)

235 - 355 mm(9-1/4" - 14")tread limits

250 - 355 mm(9-7/8" - 14")tread limits

210 - 355 mm (8-1/4" - 14") run limits

230 - 355 mm (9" - 14") run limits

Figure 5.7Stair Dimensions

At least one stairway between each floor level within a dwelling unit must have a width not less than 860 mm(34")

Required exit stairs and public stairs must have a width not less than

CLEAR HEIGHT

The clear height over stairs is measured vertically from a line drawn through the outer edges of the nosings.

For stairs within dwelling units the clear heightmust be not less than 1.95 m (6' 5")

For stairs not within dwelling units the clear

PUBLIC STAIRSserving more than one dwelling unit

Rounded or bevelledleading edges of treads can not reduce the required tread depth by more than 15 mm (5/8")

(9.8.4.6)

125 - 200 mm (4-7/8" - 7-7/8") rise limits

125 - 200 mm (4-7/8" - 7-7/8") rise limits

Maximumdepth of beveled or rounded edge is 25 mm (1")

Tread minimum

900 mm (36")

(9.8.3)

height must be not less than 2.05 m (6' 9")

WIDTH

(9.8.2)

Max verticalheight is 3.7 m (12' 2")betweenlandings

Figure 5.6Maximum Glass Area for Doors

Maximum Glass Area for Doors - m (ft ) 2 2

Notes to Table: (*) Not generally available (9.6.6.1)

GlassThickness

(mm)

3 (0.12")4 (0.16")5 (0.20")6 (0.24")

Type of Glass

Annealed

Annealedmultiple glazed;Factory sealed

units

Laminated Wired Heatstrengthened

Fully tempered

0.50 (5.38)1.00 (10.76)1.50 (16.14)1.50 (16.14)

0.70 (7.53)1.50 (16.14)1.50 (16.14)1.50 (16.14)

1.00 (10.76)1.50 (16.14)1.50 (16.14)1.50 (16.14)

1.00 (10.76)4.00 (43.04)

no limitno limit

----*----*----*

1.20 (12.91)

----*----*----*

1.00 (10.76)

Fully temperedmultiple glazed;Factory sealed

units

2.00 (21.52)4.00 (43.04)

no limitno limit

GLASS IN DOORS

The maximum area of glass in doors isprovided in Figure 5.6. The thicknessand type of glass is used to determinethe maximum area of glazing permit-ted for the safe performance of thedoor assembly.

MIRRORED GLASS DOORS

Mirrored glass doors may be usedonly at the entrance to reach- inclothes closets and must be rein-forced with a film backing providingadequate impact resistance. Ensurethat mirrored glass doors conform tothe standards referenced in the Code.

GLASS FOR SHOWER OR BATHTUB

ENCLOSURES

Safety glass must be used for glassshower and bathtub enclosures. Thisrequirement is especially important tocheck when custom enclosures arebeing fabricated.

Better Building Note

As a means of egress, doors and doorways should be designed to provide safety and convenience. Door locations and types in dwellings along with directions of swing should be carefully considered.

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For straight-run stairs, the landing width (LW) and landing length (LL)

(43") for stairs in a straight-run.

The vertical height between any landings (LH) shall not exceed 3.7 m (12' 2") (9.8.3.3)

Landing

Landing

Landing

LW

LH

SWLH

LL

Where a door swings towards a stair, the full arc of its swing shall be over a landing(9.8.6.3)

Figure 5.8Landing Dimensions

Except for main entrance doors, where a door atthe top of a stair swings away from the stair, no landing is required(9.8.6.2)

must be not less than the stair width

All other landing lengths (LL) must not exceed 1100 mm

(SW) required.

(9.8.6.3)

STAIRS


DIVISION B

9.8.2.1. Stair Width

9.8.2.2. Height over Stairs

9.8.3.1. Straight and Curved Runs in Stairs

9.8.3.2. Minimum Number of Risers

9.8.3.3. Maximum Height of Stairs

9.8.4.1. Uniformity and Tolerances for Risers and Treads

9.8.4.2. Dimensions for Risers

9.8.4.3. Dimensions for Rectangular Treads

9.8.4.4. Dimensions for Angled Treads

9.8.4.5. Winders

9.8.4.6. Leading Edges of Treads

9.8.6.2. Required Landings

9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings

9.8.6.4. Height over Landings

9.8.9.1. Loads on Stairs and Ramps

9.8.9.2. Exterior Concrete Stairs

9.8.9.3. Exterior Wood Steps

9.8.9.4. Wooden Stair Stringers

9.8.9.5. Treads

9.8.9.6. Finish for Treads and Landings and Ramps

9.8.10.1. Design

9.8.10.2. Anchorage

9.8.10.3. Prevention of Damage Due to Frost

9.9.2.5. Front Edge of Stair Treads

Stairs are the most common means ofvertical egress in dwell ing units.Code requirements for stairs havebeen derived from evolving practicesfound to provide reasonable safetyand convenience.

GENERAL

All stairs must be designed and con-structed such that treads and risershave a uniform rise and run. Stair-ways may contain both curved andstraight portions of stairs provided theriser height is uniform throughout theentire flight and the curved portionconforms to Section 9.8 of the Build-ing Code. Where interior stairs extendthrough the roof of a dwelling, theymust be protected from ice and snow.

STAIR DIMENSIONS

Code requirements for stair dimen-sions are illustrated in Figure 5.7. Therise and run of stairs, the provision ofnosings or backslopes, the minimumwidth of stairs and the minimum headroom are all prescribed by the Code.

LANDINGS

Landings are intended to provideoccupants with level, secure footing atthe top and bottom of stairs, rampswith a slope greater than 1 in 50 andat doorways which swing towardstairs. Where a door at the top of astair swings away from the stair, nolanding is required between the door-way and stair, however, provision of alanding is recognized as better build-ing practice. A landing must be pro-vided at the top of all exterior stairs. Alanding is not required for an exteriorstair serving a secondary entrancewith 3 risers or less and with a doorthat swings away from the stair or thatslides. If the door is a storm or screendoor it must be equipped with hard-ware to hold it open. A landing mustbe provided at the bottom of all exte-rior stairs and ramps, unless there isno obstruction such as a gate or a

door within 900 mm (36'') of the stairor ramp.

Landings must be at least as wideand as long as the width of the stairsin which they serve, except that thelength of a landing serving a singledwelling unit must be not less than900 mm (36'') for exterior stairs andnot less than 860 mm (34'') for interiorstairs. The length of a landing forpublic stairs in a straight run must notbe less than 1.1 m (3' 7"). Publicstairs are shared stairs that servemore than one dwelling unit. Themaximum permitted vertical heightbetween landings is 3.7 m (12' 2") inorder to minimize the risk of an acci-dental fall and provide occupants witha resting level. The clear height overlandings must not be less 1.95 m (6'5"). Figures 5.8 and 5.9 illustraterequirements for landings.

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Figure 5.9 Dimensions of Landings Serving a Single Dwelling Unit

Dimensions for Required Landings Serving a Single Dwelling Unit

Landing Configuration Minimum Length Minimum Width

(9.8.6.3)

In straight-run interior stair or ramp, or interior landing turning through less than 30

Width of stair or ramp

860 mm

(34")

In straight-run exterior stair or ramp, or exterior landing turning through less than 30

Landing turning through an angle of 30 or more, but less than 90

Landing turning through not less than 90

Landing turning through 30 or more

Width of stair or ramp

measured at right angle

to path of travel

900 mm

(36")

230 mm (9") along inside edge

AND

Width of landing

Width of stair or landing

370 mm (15") measured at a

point 230 mm (9") from the

inside edge

Note: Please refer to Table 9.8.6.3 in the Code for stairs and ramps serving other than single dwelling units

CURVED STAIRS AND WINDERS

In order to accommodate turns safelyin stairs, the Code requirements inFigure 5.10 must be observed. It isimportant during the design of curvedstairs and winders, particularly wherethese are manufactured off-site, toensure compliance with the Code.

CONSTRUCTION, UNIFORMITY

AND TOLERANCES

The construction of stairs must con-form to the corresponding section ofthe Code. Stairs and ramps serving asingle dwelling unit must be designedfor strength and rigidity to support 1.9kPa. See Figure 5.11. All risers andtreads must have a uniform height orrun and tread depth with a maximumtolerance of 6 mm (1/4''). It is alsoimportant to provide appropriate fin-ishes for stairs which are both safeand durable.

30 -45

CURVED STAIRS WITH ANGLED TREADS

minimum average run 200 mm (8") measured on the centreline of the stair

WINDERS

Stairs within units may contain winders that converge to a centre point provided the winders turn through an angle of not more than 90 and individual treads turn through an angle of 30

Figure 5.10Curved Stairs and Winders

risers to conformto 9.8.4.2

Winders must not turn through an angle greater than 90

minimum run 150 mm (6")

Three winders maximum

90

Two winders

One winder

(9.8.4.5)

PERMITTED 30 -45

30 -45

30 -45

30 - 45

30 - 45

(9.8.4.4)

minimum 1.2 m(3' 11") separationbetween each setof winders

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Better Building Note

Landings and thresholds in stairs can be designedto provide a higher level of safety and convenience.It is difficult to open doors swinging into landings ifthe occupant is required to step back and down to allow sufficient door swing clearance. Similarly, atdoorways occurring at the top of stairs, it is safer toprovide a threshold in place of the first step, especiallywhen the stair light switch is located beyond the doorway.

300 mm (12") min threshold 300 mm (12") min

beyond door swing

Figure 5.11Stair Construction

WOOD STAIRS

Tread thickness:

A = min 25 mm (1") when risers support front of treadB = min 38 mm (1-1/2") when tread unsupported at front and distance between stringers is no greater than 750 mm (30")

Stringer thickness:

T = 25 mm (1") if supported along the length (i.e. secured to a wall)T = 38 mm (1-1/2") if unsupported along the length

W = max 900 mm (35") in dwelling unitsW = max 1200 mm (47") in dwelling units when risers support the front of the treads unless stringers and treads designed for wider spacingW = max 600 mm (23-1/2") in other than dwelling units

EXTERIOR CONCRETE STAIRS

Concrete steps with more than 2 risers and 2 treads must be supported on unit masonry, concrete walls or piers not less than 150 x 150 mm (6" x 6") (9.8.9.2)

CANTILEVERED EXTERIOR CONCRETE STEPS

Min 90 mm (3-1/2")

Min 235 mm (9-1/2")

Exterior wood steps shall not be in direct contact with the ground unless treated to prevent decay

(9.8.9.5)

W

Secure stringers at top and bottom

Stair treads of plywood or OSB thatare not continuously supported by the riser must have their face grain or direction of face orientation at right

Concrete pad

Stringer

T

B

A

4 risers 4 risers

Suitable precautions shall be taken during backfilling and grading to avoid damage due to soil freezing

(9.8.10)

Concretefoundation

Anchor

Min 200 mm (8") (9.8.10.2)

Below frost on undisturbedground

angles to the stringers

(9.8.9.4)(9.8.9.3)

(9.8.10.3)

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Width of ramp not less than 860 mm (2' 10")

Where a doorway or stairway opens onto the side of a ramp, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp and for a distance of at least 300 mm (12") on either side of the wall opening

Figure 5.12Requirements for Pedestrian Ramps

The maximum gradient for ramps is 1 in 10.

1

10

300 mm (12") min

(9.8.6.3)

A landing shall be provided at the top and bottom of every ramp with a slopegreater than 1 in 50

(9.8.6.2)

(9.8.5)

RAMPS


DIVISION B


9.8.5.2. Ramp Width

9.8.5.3. Height over Ramps

9.8.5.4. Slope

9.8.5.5. Maximum Rise

9.8.6.2. Required Landings

9.8.6.3. Dimensions of Landings

Ramps represent the second mostcommon form of vertical egress. Themaximum gradient for interior andexterior ramps in dwelling units is 1 in10. Where any means of egressopens onto the side of a ramp, thelanding shall extend for a distance ofnot less than 300 mm (12") on eitherside of the doorway or stairway,except on a side abutting an end wall.F igure 5.12 i l lustrates the Coderequirements governing ramps.

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HANDRAILS


DIVISION B

9.8.7.1. Required Handrails

9.8.7.2. Continuity of Handrails

9.8.7.4. Height of Handrails

9.8.7.5. Ergonomic Design

9.8.7.6. Projections into Stairs and Ramps

9.8.7.7. Design and Attachment of Handrails

Handrails are intended to provideoccupants with a secure grip andmeans of support when ascendingand descending stairs or ramps.Code requirements for handrailsapply to both stairs and ramps indwelling units, however, only require-ments for stairs are depicted in Figure5.13.

Handrails REQUIRED on: a) at least one side of stairs or ramps less than 1.1 m (43") wideb) two sides of stairs or ramps 1.1 m (43") wide or greater

Handrails NOT REQUIRED for: a) interior stairs serving one dwelling unit having not more than two risersb) exterior stairs serving one dwelling unit having not more than three risersc) ramps with a slope not less than 1 in 12 or rising more than 400 mm (16")

Figure 5.13Handrails

Handrails shall be constructed with no obstruction on or above them to break a handhold except where the handrails interrupted by newels at changes in direction

NewelHANDRAILPROJECTIONS

Design and attachment of handrails must conform

The height of handrail (H)must be no less than 800 mm (31") and not more than965 mm (38") measured vertically from a line drawnthrough the leading edges of

(9.8.7.4)

100 mm(4") max

50 mm (2") min

(9.8.7.6)

EASY TO GRASP

Recommended50 mm (2") max

DIFFICULTTO GRASP

Line through leadingedges of stair treads

Line through leadingedges of stair treads

Only one handrail required for exteriorstairs with more than 3 risers servingone dwelling unit

Exterior stair

1.1 m (43") or morerequire two handrails

Interior stair

H

H

(9.8.7.1)

to article 9.8.7.7

stair treads to the top of the handrail

(9.8.7.2)

(9.8.7.5)

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GUARDS


DIVISION B

9.8.8.1. Required Guards

9.8.8.2. Loads on Guards

9.8.8.3. Height of Guards

9.8.8.4. Guards for Floors and Ramps in Garages

9.8.8.5. Openings in Guards

9.8.8.6. Design to Prevent Climbing

9.8.8.7. Glass in Guards

Guards are intended to reduce acci-dental falls from differences in eleva-tion between adjacent floor levels orthe exterior ground. Generally, guardsare required for stairs, ramps, land-ings, balconies, porches, decks, mez-zanine galleries and raised walkwaysunless stated otherwise. In manycases, handrails are incorporated intoguards where both are required.

Guards should be designed to notfacilitate climbing by minimizing hori-

zontal hand grips and toeholds. Fig-ures 5.14 to 5.16 illustrate the majorCode requirements for guards.

Figure 5.14Required Guards (9.8.8)

Every exterior flight of steps and ramps, landing, porch, balcony, mezzanine, gallery, and raised walkway to which access is provided for other than maintenance purposes shall be protected by guards on all open sides. (9.8.8.1)

900 mm (36")min guard height (9.8.8.3 (3))

Guard is required when H is more than 600 mm (24")

H

1070 mm (42") min guard height(9.8.8.3 (1))

(9.8.8.1 (1))

HEIGHT ABOVE GROUND IS NOT MORE THAN 1.8 m (6') HEIGHT ABOVE GROUND IS MORE THAN 1.8 m (6')

Balcony

Openings through a guard must prevent the passage of a 100 mm (4") diameter sphere(9.8.8.5)

900 mm (36") min(9.8.8.3 (2))

Line through leading edges of stair treads

900 mm (36") min measured from top of landing to top of guard(9.8.8.3 (2))

When an interior stair has more than two risers, the sides of the stair and the landing or floorlevel around the stair wellshall be enclosed by walls or be protected by guards(9.8.8.1(3))

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s ss900 mm

(36")

140 mm

(5-1/2")

Do not provide a toe-spacemore than 45 mm (1-3/4")horizontally and 20 mm (3/4") vertically

Not less than a 1 in 2 slope(27 degrees)

1

2

max 100 mm (4")

Protruding elements may beoffset not more than 15 mm (1/2")

Where guards arerequired, openingsmust prevent the passage of a 100 mm (4") diameter sphere

Where guards are notrequired, openings must be less than 100 mm (4") or more than 200 mm (8")

max 100 mm (4") min 200 mm (8")

Figure 5.16Design to Prevent Climbing (9.8.8.6)

L

W

L = max 45 mm (1-3/4")

W = max 20 mm (3/4")

Protruding elements

in this zone must be

more than 450 mm

(17-3/4") apart vertically

and horizontally

more than 450 mm

(17-3/4")

PERMITTED NOT PERMITTED

(9.8.8.5)

less than 450 mm(17-3/4")

Figure 5.15Guards not Required

H is not more than 600 mm (24"), no guard is required(9.8.8.1 (1))

Handrail required when more than 3 risers(9.8.7.1 (2))

H

Height above adjacent ground level or walking surface

Guard Requirement

600 mm (24") or less

1800 mm (71") or less

(See Figure 5.14)

more than 1800 mm (71")

(See Figure 5.14)

Not Required

Required

900 mm (36") min guard height

Required

1070 mm (42") minguard height

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