ghana building code - part 03.pdf

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GHANA BUILDING CODE PART 3 – USE AND OCCUPANCY TABLE OF CONTENTS 3.1 GENERAL 3

3.1.1 Scope … … 3

3.1.2 Definitions … … 3

3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS OR PARTS OF BUILDINGS

BY MAJOR OCCUPANCY 6

3.2.2 Building Size Determination … 10 3.2.3 Provision of Compartment Walls and Compartment Floors 11 3.2.4 Fire Resistance of Elements of Structure … 13 3.2.5 Fire Resistance of Floors in Conjunction with Suspended Ceilings 41

3.2.6 External Walls … … 42

3.2.7 Calculation of Permitted Limits of Unprotected Areas 43 3.2.8 Rules for Calculation by Reference to an Enclosing Rectangle 44

3.2.9 Separating Walls … … 57

3.2.10 Compartment Walls and Compartment Floors … 60

3.2.11 Protection of Openings in Separating Walls, Compartment Walls

and Compartment Floors … 61

3.2.12 Fire Stopping … 71 3.2.13 Restriction of Spread of Flame Over Surface of Walls and Ceilings 73 3.2.14 Roof Covering … 76 3.2.15 Small Garages and Small Open Carports … 81 3.2.16 Occupant Load … … 84

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3.3 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN FLOOR AREAS 86 3.3.1 Requirements Applying to all Floor Areas … 86

3.3.2 Residential Occupancy … … 91 3.3.3 Institutional Occupancy … … 93 3.3.4 Business and Personal Services Occupancy … 94 3.3.5 Mercantile occupancy … … 95 3.3.6 Industrial Occupancy … … 96

3.3.7 Assembly Occupancy … … 98

3.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR EXITS 105 3.4.1 General Requirements … … 105 3.4.2 Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas … 106 3.4.3 Width and Height of Exits … … 109 3.4.4 Flame Spread Rating for Exits … 112 3.4.5 Required Fire Separation for Exits … 112 3.4.6 Exit Signs … … 114 3.4.7 Lighting for Exits … … 115 3.4.8 Types of Exit Facility … … 115

3.5 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 121 3.5.1 Height and Area of Rooms … … 121 3.5.2 Windows … … 121 3.5.3 Ventilation … … 121 3.5.4 Plumbing Facilities … … 122

APPENDIX 1 REFERRED STANDARDS 126

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PART 3 – USE AND OCCUPANCY 3.1 GENERAL 3.1.1 Scope: This part covers the requirements of fire protection of buildings and the health

of the building environment, through the classification of buildings based on occupancy, type of construction, and their requirements.

3.1.1(1) This part applies to all buildings of more than two storeys or whose total floor area exceeds 220m2. (2) For buildings not listed in 3.1.1(1), requirements relating to use and occupancy will be found in Part 7 of the Code. 3.1.2 Definitions 3.1.2.1 For the purpose of this part, the following definitions shall apply; and in the case of storey levels, refer to the British system:

basement storey ‐ means a storey which is below the ground storey; or, if there is no ground storey, means a storey, the floor of which is situated at such a level or levels that some point on its perimeter is more than 1.2m below the level of the finished surface of the ground adjoining the building in the vicinity of that point. Fig. 3.1.2.1A compartment ‐ means any part of a building which is separated from all other parts by one or more compartment floors or by both such walls and floors and for the purposes of this part, if any part of the top storey of a building is within a compartment, the compartment shall also include any roof space above such part of the top storey. Fig. 3.1.2.1B compartment wall and compartment floor ‐ mean respectively, a wall and a floor which complies with sub‐section 3.2.8 and which is provided for the purposes of subsection 3.2.3 or to divide a building into compartments for any purpose in connection with subsection 3.2.4, 3.2.5 or 3.2.6. door ‐ includes any shutter, cover or other form of protection to an opening in any wall or floor of a building, or in the structure surrounding a protected shaft, whether the door is constructed of one or more leaves. element of structure means –

(a) any member forming part of the structural frame of a building or any other beam or column (not being member forming part of a roof structure only).

(b) a floor, including a compartment floor, other than the lowest floor of a building.

(c) an external wall

(d) a separating wall

(e) a compartment wall

(f) structure enclosing a protected shaft

(g) a load bearing wall

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(h) a gallery. Fig. 3.1.2.1C externally non‐combustible ‐ means externally faced with, or otherwise externally consisting of non‐combustible materials. fire stop ‐ means a barrier or seal which would prevent or retard the passage of smoke or flame within a cavity or around a pipe or duct where it passes through a wall or floor or at a junction between elements of structure. ground storey ‐ means a storey the floor of which is situated at such a level or levels that any given point on its perimeter is at or about, or not more than 1.2m below, the level of the finished surface of the g round adjoining the building in the vicinity of that point; or, if there are two or more such storeys, means the higher or highest of these. Fig. 3.1.2.1E

height of building ‐ has the meaning ascribed to it in subsection 3.2.2.

open carpot ‐ means a carpot of not more than one storey, which is open on two or more of its sides; and for the purpose of this definition a side which includes or consists of a door shall not for that reason be regarded as an open side.

permitted limit of unprotected areas ‐ means the maximum aggregate area of unprotected areas in any side or external wall of a building or compartment, calculated as prescribed in subsection 3.1.7.7.

protected shaft ‐ means a stairway, lift, escalator, chute, duct or other shaft which enables persons, things or air to pass between different compartments and complies with subsection 3.1.10.

relevant boundary ‐ in relation to a side or external wall of a building or compartment, means that part of the boundary of the premises or of the notional boundary which is adjacent to that side or wall and either coincides with is parallel to or is at an angel of not more than 180o with that side or wall. Fig. 3.1.2.1D

separating wall ‐ means a wall or part of a wall which is common to two adjoining buildings. unprotected area ‐ in relation to an external wall or side, of a building means –

(a) a window, door or other opening

(b) any part of the external wall which has fire resistance less than that specified by this part

for that wall, and

(c) any part of the external wall which has combustible material more than 1 mm thick attached or applied to its external face, whether for cladding or any other purposes.

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(2) Any reference in this part to a building shall, in any case where two or more houses adjoin, he construed as reference to one of those houses.

(3) If any part of a building other than a single storey building –

(a) consists of ground storey only

(b) has a roof to which there is only such access as may be necessary for the purposes of

maintenance or repair; and

(c) compartment wall or compartment walls in the same continuous vertical plane, that part may be treated, for the purposes of this part, as a part of a single storey building. Fig. 3.1.2.1F

(4) Any reference in this part to a roof of a specified designation shall be construed as a

requirement that the roof or part of the roof shall be so constructed to the same specification, if exposed to test by fire in accordance with BS 476: Part 3: 1958, would comply with the relevant test criteria specified in relation to that designation.

Any roof or part of a roof shall be deemed to be of the specified designation if it conforms with

one of the specifications set out against that designation in Table 3.1.10.7B. 3.2 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDING OR PARTS OF BUILDINGS BY MAJOR OCCUPANCY 3.2.1 (1) Every building or part thereof, whether existing or hereafter erected, shall be classified

by the authority having jurisdiction, as belonging to one of the following groups according to the use or its major character of occupancy and as described and exemplified in Table 3.2.1A

(2) The purpose of classification is to determine which requirements apply. This part of the

code requires classification in accordance with very major occupancy for which the building is used or intended to be used. This gives the authority having jurisdiction the right to enforce regulations for every such occupancy.

(3) Except as provided in 3.2.1 (4) when a building is divided into compartments used or

intended to be used for more than one major occupancy, the occupancy of each compartment shall be determined separately.

(4) Where the whole or part of a building or compartment (as the case may be) is used or intended to be used for more than one major occupancy only the main occupancy of that building or compartment shall be taken into account in determining which occupancy group it falls.

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Table 3.2.1A Forming part of Article 3.2.1 (1)

CLASSIFICATION BY GROUP OF TYPICAL OCCUPANCIES

Group Description Occupancies

Examples

R

Residential occupancies used for sleeping accommodation is provided for normal residential purposes, with or without cooking or dining or both facilities, excluding those covered in Group C occupancies, including:

Apartments(flats) Boarding Houses Clubs, residential Convents Dormitories 1 or 2‐family private houses

Hotels Lodging Monastries Motels

E

Educational occupancies where building is used for school, college or day‐care purposes involving assembly for instruction, education or recreation and which is not covered by Group F, including:

Schools(residential) Colleges(residential)

I

Institutional occupancies in which: (i) persons are detained for penal or correctional purposes, or for involuntary detention, or whose liberties are restricted, including: (ii) persons because of age, mental or physical limitations require special care or treatment, including:

Jails Penitentiaries Police stations (1) Minors correctional centres (3) Convalescent homes (3) Hospitals Infirmaries

Prisons Psychiatric hospitals (1) Reformatories(1) Orphanages Psychiatric hospitals (2) Reformatories Sanitoria (2)

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B

Business and personal services occupancies for conducting business and rendering professional and personal services including:

Banks Barber and hair dressing shops Beauty parlours Dental offices Dry cleaning, self‐service not employing flammable or explosive solvents or cleaners Fire stations

Laundry self‐service Medical offices Offices Police station (2) Radio stations Small tool and appliance rental and service Telephone exchanges

M

Mercantile occupancies for displaying, or selling of retail goods wares, or merchandise, either wholesale or retail, including:

Department stores Exhibition halls Markets(area up to 500m2)

Shops Stores Supermarkets(with area more than 500m2) Underground shopping centres

F

Factory occupancies in which persons are employed in any process for or incidental to: (a) making of any article or part of any article or (b) altering, repairing ornamenting, finishing, cleaning or washing or breaking up or demolition of any article (c) the adapting for sale of any article, including:

Factories Laboratories Power plants Assembly plants Dry cleaning plants Pumping stations Laundries Gas plants Refineries Saw‐mills

A

Assembly occupancies used for the attendance of persons for or in connection with social, amusement, recreational, religious, patriotic, civil, travel, educational, business or other activities and not comprised within groups A to F including:

Motion picture houses Theatres Places of worship Court rooms Dance halls Exhibition hall Arenas Reviewing stands Stadia Grand stands Passenger stations and terminals of air, surface and marine public transportation services

Television studios admitting a viewing audience Lecture halls Lodge rooms Museums Libraries Gymnasia

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S General Storage buildings or part of a building used primarily for;

(i) the storage or sheltering of goods, wares, merchandise (except those that involve highly combustible or explosive products or materials), vehicles or animals, including:(4)

Warehouses Cold Storage Freight depots Transit sheds Storehouses Grain elevators Barns Stables

Printing plants Truck and Marine terminals Garages Hangers (other than aircraft repair hangers)

H High‐Hazard Storage Buildings or part of a building used primarily for:

(ii) the storage, handling, manufacture or processing of highly combustible or explosive materials or products which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity and/or which may produce poisonous fumes or explosions; for storage, handling, manufacture or processing which involve highly corrosive, toxic or noxious alkalis, acids or other liquids or chemicals producing flame, fumes and explosive, poisonous, irritant or corrosive gases; and for the storage, handling or processing of any material producing explosive mixtures of dust which will result in the division of matter into fine particles subject to spontaneous ignition, including:

Bulk plants for flammable liquids Aircraft repair hangers Box factories Distilleries Rubber processing plants Manufacture of artificial flowers, synthetic leather, ammunition, explosives and fireworks.

Storage under pressure of more than 0.1N/mm2 and in quantities exceeding 70m3, of acetylene, hydrogen, illuminating and natural gases, ammonia, chlorine, phosgene, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, methyloxide and all gases subject to explosion, fume or toxic hazard, cryogenic gases, etc.

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U Utility and Miscellaneous Includes the following types of buildings and structures:

‐ Accessory building ‐ Miscellaneous buildings not

classified in another category ‐ Aircraft hangers where

accessory is to a 1 or 2‐family residence

‐ Grain silos where accessory is to a building in Occupancy class R

Building types include:

Agricultural building Carports Fences(> 1.8m high) Greenhouses Livestock shelters Private garages Sheds Tanks Towers

Col.1

2

3

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Notes to Table 3.1.2A

(1) With detention quarters

(2) Without detention quarters

(3) Where the occupants are ambulatory and live as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit with sleeping accommodation for not more than 10 people, the occupancy may be considered to be Group R

(4) Storage properties are characterized by the presence of relatively small number of persons in proportion to the area. Any new use which increases the number of occupants to a figure comparable with other classes of occupancy shall change the classification of the building to that of the new use, for example, hangars used for assembly purposes, warehouses used for office purposes, garage buildings used for manufacturing.

(5) Buildings not listed in one of the occupancy categories by the Code are to be assigned to the category with the most similar fire and other hazards.

(6) A space with changeable occupancies must comply with the rules of all occupancies involved. (7) Buildings with more than one occupancy must comply with mixed occupancy requirements.

3.2.2 Building size determination 3.2.2 (1) In this part:

(a) The height of a building, or (where relevant) of part of a building, means the height of such building or part, measured from mean level of the ground adjoining the outside of the external walls of the building to the level of half the vertical height of the roof of the building or part or top of the walls or of the parapet (if any) whichever is the higher.

Fig. 3.2.2A (b) (i) the area of any storey of a building or compartment shall be taken to be the total area of that

storey bounded by the inner finished surfaces of enclosing walls or, on any side where there is no enclosing wall by the outermost edge of the floor on that side;

(ii) the area of any room or garage shall be taken to be the total area of its floor bounded by the inner finished surfaces of the walls forming the room or garage.

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(iii) the area of any part of a roof shall be taken to be the actual visible area of such part measured on a plane parallel to the pitch of the roof. Fig. 3.2.2B

(c) the cubic capacity of a building or compartment shall be ascertained by measuring the volume

of space contained within –

(i) the inner finished surfaces of the enclosing walls or, on any side where there is no enclosing wall, a plane extending vertically above the outermost edge of the floor on that side and

(ii) the upper surface of its lowest floor and

(iii) in the case of a building or of a compartment which extends to the roof the under surface of the roof or, in the case of any other compartment, the under surface of the ceiling of the highest storey within that compartment including the space occupied by any other walls or any shafts, ducts or structure within the space to be measured. Fig. 3.2.2C, Fig. 3.2.2D

3.2.3 Provision of Compartment Walls and Compartment Floors 3.2.3(1) Except as provided in 3.2.3(2) any building of an occupancy group specified in column (1) of Table 3.2.3A which has:

(a) any storey or floor area which exceeds that specified as relevant to a building of that occupancy group and height in column (3) of the Table; or (b) a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified in column (4) of the Table shall be divided into compartments by means of a compartment walls or compartment floors or both so that;

(i) no such compartment has any storey the floor area of which exceeds the area

specified as relevant to the building in column (3) of the Table; and (ii) no such compartment has a cubic capacity which exceeds that specified as

relevant in column (4) of the Table. 3.2.3(2) For any building of occupancy group D fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler

system, the limits of dimensions specified in columns (3) and (4) of Table 3.2.3A shall be doubled.

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3.2.3(3) In any building which exceeds 28m in height, any floor which separates one storey from another other than a floor which is (a) within a maisonette; or

(b) above the ground storey but at a height not exceeding 9m above the adjoining ground shall be constructed as a compartment floor. Fig. 3.2.3A

3.2.3(4) The following walls and floors shall be constructed as compartment walls or compartment floors:‐ (a) any floor in a building of occupancy Group B;

(b) any wall or floor separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same building; Fig. 3.2.3B

(c) any wall or floor separating part of a building from any other part of the same building which is used or intended to be used mainly for an occupancy falling within a different occupancy group in Table 3.2.3A; and

(d) any floor immediately over a basement storey if such a storey

(i) forms part of a building of occupancy Group A which has three or more storeys or a building or compartment of occupancy group D; and (ii) has an area exceeding 100m2. 3.2.4 Fire resistance of elements of structure 3.2.4 (1) In this sub‐section and Table 3.2.4A:

(a) any reference to a building of which an element of structure forms part means the building or (if a building is divided into compartments) any compartment of the building of which the element forms part; and

(b) reference to height means the height of a building not of any compartment in the building,

but if any compartment is completely separated, throughout its height both above and below ground from all other parts by a compartment wall or compartment walls in the same continuous vertical plane, any reference to height in relation to that part means the height solely of that part. Fig. 3.2.4A

3.2.4(2) Subject to the provisions of 3.2.4 (3), 3.2.4 (4) and 3.2.5 every element of structure shall have

fire resistance of not less than the relevant period set out in Table 3.2.4A provided that: (a) any external wall shall not have a fire resistance of less than one hour;

(b) any separating wall shall not have a fire resistance of less than one hour;

(c) any compartment wall or compartment floor which separates a part of a building falling

within occupancy group other than occupancy groups R , E and B shall not have a fire resistance of less than one hour;

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(d) any relevant of structure which forms part of more than one building or compartment shall

be so constructed as to comply with the greater or greatest of the relevant requirements specified in Table 3.2.4A; and

(e) any relevant of structure shall not have fire resistance of less than the minimum period

required by these provisions of the code for any element which it carries.

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Table 3.2.3A (Dimensions of buildings and Compartments)

Fig. 3.2.3C

Occupancy

Height of building

Limits of dimensions

(1)

(2)

Floor area of storey building or

compartment (in m2)

(3)

Cubic capacity of building or compartment (in m3)

(4)

Part I – Buildings other than single storey buildings

R (Residential)

Not exceeding 28m

Exceeding 28m

3000

2000

8500

5500

E and I

(Educational/Institutional)

Any height 2000 No limit

B and M

(Business/Mercantile)

Any height 2000 7000

F (Industrial)

Not exceeding 28m Exceeding 28m

No limit

2000

28000

5500 S,H(General and Hazardous Storage)

Not exceeding 28m Exceeding 28m

No limit

1000

21000

No limit

Part 2 – Single storey buildings

R (Residential)

E and I (Educational/

Institutional)

Any height

Any height

3000

3000

No limit

No limit

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3.2.4 (3) Any compartment wall separating a flat or maisonette from any other part of the same

building shall not be required to have fire resistance exceeding one hour unless –

(a) The wall is a load bearing wall or a wall forming part of a protected shaft; or

(b) The part of the building from which the wall separates the flat or maisonette is of a different purpose group and the minimum period of fire resistance required by the provisions of the subsection 3.2.4 for any element of structure in that part is one‐and‐a‐half hours or more.

3.2.4 (4) Provisions of 3.2.4 (2) shall not apply to –

(a) Any part of an external wall which is non‐load bearing and which in accordance with subsection 3.2.6 may be considered an unprotected area; or

(b) In the case of a single storey building or a building consisting of a ground storey and one or more basement storeys, any element of structure which forms part of the ground storey and consists of –

(i) part of an external wall which does not support a gallery and which may in

accordance with subsection 3.2.6 be an unprotected area; or (iii) a structural frame or a beam or column; provided that any beam or column

which gives support to a wall or gallery shall have a fire resistance not less than the minimum period required by provisions of this code; or

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(iv) An internal load bearing wall or a load bearing part of a wall unless that wall or part is, or forms part of a compartment wall or a separating wall, or forms part of the structure enclosing a protected shaft or supports a gallery.

Table 3.2.4A Minimum Periods of Fire Resistance

Part 1: Buildings Other than Single Storey Buildings

Occupancy group

(1)

Maximum dimensions

Minimum period of fire resistance (in hours) for

elements of structure forming part of ‐

Height(in m) (2)

Floor area(in m2) (3)

Cubic capacity(in m3) (4)

Ground storey upper storey

(5)

Basement storey (6)

R (Residential)

Building having not more than two storeys

No Limit 500 No Limit ½ 1 x

Building having three storeys No Limit 250 No Limit 1 (a) 1Building having any number of storeys 28 3000 8500 1 1 ½

Building having any number of storeys

No Limit 2000 5500 1 ½ 2

E and I (Educational/Institutional)

28

Over 28

2000

2000

No Limit

No Limit

1

1 ½

1 ½ 2

B (Business and Personal Service)

7.5 7.5 15 28

No Limit

250500

No limit 5000

No Limit

No LimitNo Limit 3500 1400

No Limit

½

1 (a) 1 1 ½

1 (b) x1 1 1 ½ 2

M(Mercantile)

7.5 7.5 15 28

No Limit

150500

No limit 1000 2000

No LimitNo Limit 3500 7000 7000

0 ½

1 (a) 1 2

1 (b)1 1 2

4 (y) F (Industrial)

7.5 7.5 15 28 28

Over 28

250No limit No limit No limit No Limit 2000

No Limit1700 4250 8500 28000 5500

0 ½

1 (a) 1 2 2

1 (b) 1 1 2 4 4

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Table 3.2.4A – Part 1 (Cont’d.)

(1)

(2) (3) (4)

(5) (6)

A (Assembly)

7.5

7.5

15

28

No Limit

250

500

No limit

5000

No limit

No Limit

No Limit

3500

154000

No limit

0

½

1 (a)

1

1 ½

1 (b)

1

1

1 ½

2

S,H (General and Hazardous

Storage)

7.5

7.5

15

15

28

28

Over 28

150

300

No limit

No limit

No limit

No Limit

1000

No Limit

No limit

1700

3500

7000

21000

No Limit

0

½

1 (a)

1

2

4

4

1 (b)

1

1

2

4

4

4

Notes to Table 3.2.4a – Part 1 (*) A floor which is immediately over a basement storey shall be deemed to be an element of structure

forming part of a basement storey.

(a) This period is reduced to half an hour in respect of a floor which is not a compartment floor except as to the beams which support the floor or any part of the floor which contributes to the structural support of the building as a whole.

(b) No fire resistance is required if the elements form part of a basement storey which has an area not

exceeding 50 m2.

(x) The items thus marked are applicable only to buildings, not to compartments, except in relation to occupancy group R

(y) If the building is fitted throughout with an automatic sprinkler system any maximum limits specified in columns (3) and (4) shall be doubled.

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Table 3.2.4A – Part 2 ‐ Single storey buildings

Minimum periods of Fire resistance

Occupancy group

(1)

Minimum floor area

(in m2)

(2)

Minimum period of fire resistance (in

hours) for elements of structure

(3)

R (Residential) 3000 ½ z

E and I (Educational/Institutional)

3000 ½ z

B (Business and Personal Service)

3000

No Limit

½

1 z

M (Mercantile)

2000

3500

No Limit

½

1

2

z

F (Industrial)

2000

3000

No Limit

½

1

2

z

G(Assembly)

3000

No limit

½

1 z

S,H (General and Hazardous Storage)

500

1000

3000

No Limit

½

1

2

4

z

Notes to Part 2: z, See Article 3.2.6(4) (i)

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Table 3.2.4B

National Periods of Fire Resistance In this table:

(a) “Class 1 aggregate” means foamed slag, pumice, blast furnace slag, pelleted fly ash, crushed brick and burnt clay products (including expanded clay), well‐burnt clinker and crushed limestone. “Class 2 aggregate” means flint gravel, granite and all crushed natural stones other than limestone.

(b) Any reference to plaster means:

i) in the case of an external wall 1m or more from the relevant boundary, plaster applied on the internal face only;

ii) in the case of any other wall, plaster applied on both faces; iii) if to plaster of a given thickness on the external face of a wall, except in the case of a

reference to vermiculite – gypsum or perlite‐pypsum plaster, rendering on the external face of the same thickness;

iv) if to vermiculite‐gypsum plaster, vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of a mix within the range of

1 ½ to 2:1 by volume.

(c) Load assumed to be on inner leaf only except for fire resistance period of four hours.

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A. Masonry construction Table 3.2.4B (cont’d.) Part 1: Walls

Construction and Materials Minimum thickness excluding plaster (in mm) for period of fire resistance ofLoad‐bearing Non‐load bearing

1. Reinforced concrete, minimum concrete cover to main reinforcement of 25 mm. a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr ½ hr 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr ½ hr

180 180 180 125

100 100 100 75

100 100 100 75

75 75 75 63

75 75 75 63

2. Non‐fines concrete of Class 2 aggregate a) 12.5mm cement – sand plaster b) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm vermiculite‐gypsum plaster

150 150 150

3. Bricks of clay, concrete or sand‐lime a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

200 200 200 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

170 170 170 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

75 75 75 75

75 75 75 75

4. Concrete blocks of Class 1 aggregate a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

150 150 150 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

150 100 100 75

75 75 75 75

75 75 75 62

75 75 75 50

50 50 50 50

5. Concrete blocks of Class 2 aggregate a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

150 150 150 100

100 100 100 75

100 100 100 75

75 75 75 75

50 50 50 50

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Table 3.2.4B (cont’d.) Part 1: Walls (cont’d.) Construction and Materials Minimum thickness excluding plaster (in mm) for period of fire resistance of

Load‐bearing Non‐load bearing 6. Autoclaved aerated concrete blocks density 475 – 1200 kg/m3


180

100

100

100

100

100

62

62

50

50

7. Hollow concrete blocks, one cell in wall Thickness, of Class 1 aggregate a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

100 100 100 100

150 150 150 100

100 100 100 75

100 75 75 75

100 75 75 62

75 75 75 62

8. Hollow concrete blocks, one cell in wall thickness of class 2 aggregate a) unplastered b) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster d) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

150 150 150 125

150 150 150 100

125 125 125 100

125 125 125 100

125 100 100 75

9. Cellular clay block not less than 50% solid a) 12.5mm cement‐sand plaster b) 12.5mm gypsum‐sand plaster c) 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

200

100

100

100 100 100

75 75 62

24

Table 3.2.4B (cont’d.) Part 1: Walls (cont’d.) Construction and Materials Minimum thickness excluding plaster (in mm) for period of fire resistance of

Load‐bearing Non‐load bearing 10. Cavity wall with outer leaf of bricks or blocks or clay, composition, concrete or sand‐lime, not less than 100mm thick and a) inner leaf of bricks or blocks of clay composition or sand‐lime b) inner leaf of solid or hollow concrete bricks or blocks of class 1 aggregate


100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

100

75 75

75

75

75

75

75 75

75

75

11. Cavity wall with outer leaf of cellular clay blocks/9 above and inner leaf as of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, density 475 – 1200 kgm3.

150 100

100

100

100

75

75

75

75

75

* Perlite‐gypsum plaster to clay bricks only

25

Table 3.2.4B – (cont’d.) Part 1: Walls – (cont’d.)

B. Framed and composite construction (non‐load bearing) cont’d.

Construction and Materials

Periods of fire resistance in hours

1. Steel frame with external cladding of 16mm rendering on metal lathing and internal lining of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, density 480‐1120 kg/m3 of thickness of: 50mm 62 mm 75mm

2 3 4

2. Steel frame with external cladding of 100mm concrete blocks and internal lining of 16mm gypsum plaster on metal lathing

4

3. Steel frame with external cladding of bricks of clay, concrete or sand‐lime 100mm thick and internal lining of cement pulp asbestos insulating board of thickness of 9mm

3

4. Steel frame with external cladding of 16mm rendering on metal lathing and internal lining of 9mm asbestos insulating board 16mm gypsum plaster on metal lathing

½ 1

5. Steel or timber frame with facings on each side of:

(a) Metal lathing with cement‐sand or gypsum plaster of thickness of:

19mm 12.5mm

(b) Metal lathing with vermiculite gypsum or perlite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of:

25mm 19mm 12.5mm

(c) 9.5mm plasterboard with gypsum plaster of thickness of 5mm

(d) 9.5mm plasterboard with vermiculite gypsum plaster of thickness of

25mm 16mm 10mm 5mm

1 ½ 2 1 ½ 1 ½ 2 1 ½ 1 ½

26

Table 3.2.4B ‐ Part 1: Walls – cont’d.




(e) 12.5mm plasterboard unplastered with gypsum plaster of thickness of 12.5mm

(f) 12.5mm plasterboard with vermiculite gypsum plaster of thickness of:

25mm 16 mm 10mm

½ 1 2 1½ 1

(g) 19mm plasterboard (or two layers of 9.5mm fixed to break joint) without finish

(h) 19mm plasterboard (or two layers of 9.5mm) with vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of:

16 mm 10mm

1 2 1½

(i) 12.5mm fibre insulating board with gypsum plaster of thickness of 12.5mm

(j) Cement pulp asbestos insulating board not less than 9mm thick with 9mm fillets to face of studs

(k) Cement pulp asbestos insulating board not less than

12mm thick

(l) 25mm wood wool slabs with gypsum plaster of thickness of 12.5mm

½ ½ ½ 1

6.

Compressed straw slabs in timber frames finished on both faces with gypsum plaster of thickness of 5mm

1

7. Plasterboard 9.5mm cellular core partition:

(a) Unplastered (b) 12.5mm gypsum plaster (c) 22mm vermiculite‐gypsum plaster

½ ½ 2

8. Plasterboard 19mm finished on both faces with 16mm gypsum

plaster 1

27

Table 3.2.4B – Part 1: Walls (cont’d.)




9.

Plastered 12.5mm cellular core partition:

(a) Unplastered

(b) 12.5mm gypsum plaster

(c) 16mm vermiculite‐gypsum plaster

½ 1 2

10. Plasterboard 12.5mm bonded with neat gypsum plaster to each side of 19mm plasterboard

1 ½

11.

Three layers of 19mm plasterboard bonded with neat gypsum plaster

2

12. Wood wool slab with 12.5mm render or plaster of thickness of: 75mm 50mm

2 1

13. Compressed straw slabs, with 75mm by 12.5mm wood cover strips to joints, of thickness of 50mm

½

28

Table 3.2.4B – Part 1: Walls ( cont’d.)

C. External walls more than 1m from the relevant boundary (non‐load‐bearing)



1.

Steel frame with external cladding of non‐combustible sheets and internal lining of:

(a) 9mm cement pulp asbestos insulating board

(b) 12.5mm cement‐sand or gypsum plaster on metal lathing

(c) Sprayed cement pulp asbestos of thickness of 12.5mm

(d) Two layers of 9.5mm plaster‐board

(e) 9.5mm plasterboard finished with gypsum plaster of thickness of 12.5mm

(f) 12.5mm plastered board finished with 5mm gypsum

plaster

(g) 50mm compressed straw slabs

(h) 50mm compressed straw slabs finished with 5mm gypsum plaster

4 4 4 ½ ½ ½ ½ 1

2.

Timber frame with external cladding of 10mm cement sand or cement‐lime rendering and internal lining of:


(b) 16mm gypsum plaster on metal lathing

(c) 9.5mm plasterboard finished with 12.5mm gypsum plaster

(d) 50mm compressed straw slabs

(e) Aerated concrete block

50mm 62mm 75mm 100mm

1 1 1 1 1 3 4 4 4

29

Table 3.2.4B – Part 1: Walls (cont’d.)

C. External walls more than 1m from the relevant boundary (non‐load‐bearing)



3.

Timber frame with external cladding of 100mm clay, concrete or sand – lime bricks or blocks finished internally with:

(a) Cement pulp asbestos insulating board


4 4

*4.

Timber frame with external cladding of weather boarding or 9.5mm plywood and internal lining of:



(c) 9.5mm plasterboard finished with 12.5mm gypsum plaster

(d) 12.5mm plasterboard finished with 5mm gypsum

plaster

(e) 50mm compressed straw slabs

(f) 75mm wood wool slabs faced each side with asbestos cement

(g) Aerated concrete block

50mm 62mm 75mm 100mm

½ ½ ½ ½ ½ 2 3 4 4 4

30

Table 3.2.4B ‐ (contd.)

Part II: Reinforced Concrete Columns


Minimum dimension of concrete column* without finish (in mm) for a fire resistance of

4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr

½ hr

1. (a) Without plaster

450 300 250 200 150

(b) With 12.5mm cement‐sand of gypsum‐sand plaster on mesh reinforcement fixed around column

300 225 150 150 150

(c) Finished with 12.5mm encasement of vermiculite gypsum plaster

275 200 150 120 120

(d) With 2.5mm hard drawn steel wire fabric, of maximum pitch 150mm in each direction, placed in concrete cover to main reinforcement

300 225 200 150 150

(e) With limestone or light‐weight

aggregate as coarse aggregate

300 225 200 200 150

2. Built into+ any separating wall,

compartment or external walls++

(a) Without plaster

(b) Finished with 12.5mm of vermiculite‐gypsum plaster

180

125

100

75

100

75

75

63

75

63

* The minimum dimension of a circular column is the diameter

+ No part of column projecting beyond either face of wall

++ Having not less fire resistance than that of the column and extending to the full height of, and not

less than 600mm on each side of the column

31


Part III: Reinforced Concrete Beams


Minimum dimension of concrete column* without finish (in mm) for a fire resistance of

4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr ½ hr

1. (a) Without plaster

63 45 35 25 12.5

(b) finished with 12.5mm vermiculite gypsum plaster

25 12.5 12.5 12.5 12.5

(c) With 12.5mm cement–sand or gypsum‐sand plaster on mesh reinforcement fixed around beam

50 30 20 12.5 12.5

Table 3.2.4B‐ (contd.)

Part IV: Prestressed Concrete Beams with Post Tensioned Steel

Cover Reinforcement Additional Protection

Minimum concrete cover to tendons (in mm) for a fire

resistance of 4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr

None

(a) None 38

(b) Vermiculite concrete slabs (permanent shuttering) 12.5mm thick 38 25 25

(c) plaster 12.5mm thick on mesh reinforcement fixed around beam

50 38 25

(d) vermiculite‐gypsum plaster 12.5mm thick or sprayed cement pulp asbestos 10mm thick 38 25 25

Light mesh reinforcement (having a minimum concrete cover of 25mm) to retain the concrete in position around the tendons

(a) None 100 63 63

(b) plaster 12.5mm thick on mesh reinforcement 90 (c) Vermiculite concrete slabs (permanent

shuttering) 12.5mm thick 75

(d) Vermiculite concrete slabs (permanent shuttering) 25mm thick 50

(e) Vermiculite‐gypsum plaster 12.5mm thick 75

(f) vermiculite‐gypsum plaster 25mm thick 50

(g) Sprayed cement pulp asbestos 10mm thick 75

(h) Sprayed cement pulp asbestos 19mm thick 50

32


Part V: Structural Steel

A. Encased Steel Stanchions (mass per metre not less than 45kg)


Minimum thickness (in mm) of protection for a fire resistance of


(A) Solid Protection* (unplastered)

1. Concrete not leaner than C20 mix with natural aggregates+

(a) Concrete not assumed to be load‐bearing reinforced 50 25 25 25 25

(b) Concrete assumed to be load‐bearing, reinforced in accordance with BS 5950: Part 2: 2000β

75 50 50 50 50

2. Solid bricks of clay, composition or sand‐ Lime

75 50 50 50 50

3. Solid blocks of foamed slag or pumice concrete reinforced+ in every horizontal joint

62 50 50 50 50

4. Sprayed cement pulp asbestos of density 140‐240 kg/m3 44 19 15 10 10

5. Sprayed vermiculite cement 38 32 19 12.5 (B) Hollow Protection+

115

50

50

50

50 1. Solid bricks of clay, composition or sand lime reinforced in every horizontal joint, unplastered 2. Solid blocks of foamed slag or pumice concrete reinforced in every horizontal joint, unplastered

75 50 50 50 50

3. Metal lathing with gypsum or cement‐ lime plaster of thickness of

38δ 25 19 12.5

4. (a) Metal lathing with vermiculite‐ gypsum or perlite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of

50δ 19 16 12.5 12.5

(b) Metal lathing spaced 25mm from flanges with vermiculite‐gypsum or perlite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of

44 19 12.5 12.5 12.5

33


Part V: Structural Steel

A. Encased Steel Stanchions (mass per metre not less than 45kg)


Minimum thickness(in mm) of protection for a fire resistance of


(B) Hollow Protection ++ (contd.)

5. Gypsum plasterboard with 1.6mm wire binding at 100mm pitch

(a) 9.5mm plasterboard with gypsum of thickness of 12.5 12.5

(b) 19mm plasterboard with gypsum plaster of thickness 12.5 10 7 7

6. Gypsum plasterboard with 1.6mm wire binding at 100mm pitch

(a) 9.5mm plasterboard with vermiculite gypsum plaster of thickness of

16 12.5 10 7

(b) 19mm plasterboard with vermiculite ‐ gypsum plaster of thickness of

32 δ 10 10 7 7

* Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in that casing made full and solid.

+ Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less than 0.48 kg/m2. In concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 150mm in any direction.

++ Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow

protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level. δ Light mesh reinforcement required 12.5mm to 19mm below surface unless special corner beads are used.

β As read with BS5950:2000 and Eurocode 3

34

Table 3.2.4B ‐ (contd.) Part V: Structural Steel (contd.)

A. Encased steel stanchions (Mass per metre not less than 45kg) – contd.




(B) Hollow Protection *(contd.)

44 19 15 10 10 7. Metal lathing with sprayed asbestos of thickness of:

8. Vermiculite‐cement slabs of 4:1 mix reinforced with wire mesh and finished with plaster skim. Slabs of thickness of:

63 25 25 25 25

9. Cement pulp asbestos insulating boards of density 510‐880 kg/m3 (screwed to 25mm thick cement pulp asbestos battens for ½ hour and 1 hour periods)

‐ 25 19 12 9

B. Encased steel beams (Mass per metre not less than 30k)



4hrs 2hrs 1½hrs 1hr ½hr

(A) Solid Protection+ (unplastered) 1. Concrete not leaner than 1:2:4 mix (C20) with natural aggregates‐

(a) Concrete not assumed to be load‐bearing, reinforced

63 25 25 25 25

(b) Concrete assumed to be load‐bearing, reinforced in accordance with BS 5950/Eurocode 3

75 50 50 50 50

2. Sprayed cement pulp asbestos of density 140‐240 kg/m3 44 19 15 10 10

3. Sprayed vermiculite cement ‐ 38 32 19 12.5

+ Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the steel without intervening cavities and with all joints in

that casing made full and solid. ++ Reinforcement shall consist of steel binding wire not less than 2.3mm in thickness, or a steel mesh weighing not less

than 0.48 kg/m2. In concrete protection, the spacing of that reinforcement shall not exceed 150mm in any direction. * Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All hollow protection to

columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.

35

Table 3.2.4B ‐ (contd.) Part V: Structural Steel (contd.)

B. Encased steel beams (Mass per metre not less than 30kg) – contd.


Minimum thickness(in mm) of protection for a fire resistance of

4 hrs 2 hrs 1 ½ hrs 1 hr ½ hr (B) Hollow Protection* 1. Metal lathing

(a) With cement‐lime plaster of thickness of:

(b) With gypsum plaster of thickness of:

(c) With vermiculite‐gypsum or perlite gypsum plaster of thickness of:

32

38

22

12.5

25

19

12.5

19

16

12.5

12.5

12.5

12.5 2. Gypsum plasterboard with 1.6mm wire binding at 100mm pitch

(a) 9.5mm plasterboard with gypsum plaster of thickness of:

(b) 19mm plasterboard with gypsum plaster of thickness of:

12.5

10

12.5 7

12.5 7

3. Plasterboard with 1.6mm wire binding at 100mm pitch

(a) 9.5mm plasterboard nailed to wooden cradles finished with gypsum plaster of thickness of:

(b) 9.5mm plasterboard with vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of:

(c) 19mm plasterboard with

vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of:

(d) 19mm plasterboard with

vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of:

32+

16

10

12.5

12.5

10

10 7

12.5 7 7

36

Table 3.2.4B (contd.) Part V: Structural Steel (contd.)

B. Encased steel beams (Mass per metre not less than 30 kg) – contd.



4hrs 2hrs 1½hrs 1hr ½hr

4. Metal lathing with sprayed cement pulp asbestos of density 140‐240 kg/m3 and thickness of:

44 19 15 10 10

5. Cement pulp asbestos insulating boards of density 510‐880 kg/m3 (screwed to 25mm thick cement pulp asbestos battens for ½ hour and 1 hour periods)

25 19 12 9

6. Vermiculite‐cement slabs of 4:1 mix reinforced with wire mesh and finished with plaster skim. Slabs of thickness of:

63 25 25 25 25

7. Gypsum sand plaster 12.5mm thick applied to heavy duty (Type B as designated in B.S. 1105: 1963). Wood wool slabs of thickness of:

50 38 38 38

* Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protective material and the steel. All

hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level. + Light mesh reinforcement required 12.5mm to 19mm below surface unless special corner beads

are used.

37

Table 3.2.4B ‐ (contd.) Part VI: Structural Aluminium

Encased aluminium alloy stanchions and beams (Mass per metre not less than 16kg)

Contruction and Materials



(A) Solid Protection* 1. Sprayed cement pulp asbestos of density 140 – 240 kg/m3

2. Sprayed vermiculite‐cement

48 32

19

44

10

(B) Hollow Protection + 1. Metal lathing with vermiculite‐gypsum or perlite‐gypsum plaster of thickness of: 2. Metal lathing finished with neat gypsum plaster of thickness of: 3. Gypsum Plasterboard 19mm thick with 1.6mm wire binding at 100mm pitch finished with gypsum – vermiculite plaster of thickness of: 4. Cement pulp asbestos insulating board of density 510 – 880 kg/m3 (screwed to 25mm thick cement pulp asbestos battens for the ½ hour period)

32

22

22

16

34

16

19

10

21

12.5

12.5

10 9

+ Solid protection means a casing which is bedded close to the alloy without intervening cavities and with all joints in

that casing made full and solid.

* Hollow protection means that there is a void between the protected material and the alloy. All hollow protection to columns shall be effectively sealed at each floor level.

38

Table 3.2.4B (contd.)

Part VII: Timber Floors Construction and Materials

Minimum thick (in mm) for fire resistance of:

1 hr ½ hr Modified ½ hr ++ (A) Plain edge boarding on timber joists not less than

38mm wide with ceiling of:

(i) Timber lath and plaster – thickness of plaster

(ii) Timber lath and plaster with plaster of minimum thickness of 16mm covered on underside with plasterboard of thickness

(iii) metal lathing and plaster – thickness of plaster: (a) Gypsum (b) Vermiculite

(iv) one layer of plasterboard of thickness (v) one layer of plasterboard of minimum thickness 9.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (vi) one layer of plasterboard of minimum thickness 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (vii) two layers of plasterboard of total thickness (viii) two layers of plasterboard each of minimum thickness 9.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (ix) one layer of fibre insulating board of minimum thickness 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (x) one layer of asbestos insulating board of minimum thickness (xi)wood wool slab 25mm thick finished with gypsum plaster of thickness

12.5

16 12.5

12.5

25 5

12 5

16

12.5

12.5

19

12.5

++ The term “modified ½ hour” refers to the requirements specified in BS 476 Part 20‐23: 1987 and BS 476 Part 1:2004

for floors of upper storey in small residential buildings which have 2 storeys.

39

Table 3.2.4B – (contd.)

Part VII: Timber Floors – (contd.)



1 hr ½ hr Modified ½ hr ++ (B) Tongued and grooved boarding of not less than 16mm (finished) thickness* on timber joists not less than 38mm wide with ceiling of:

(j) timber lath and plaster – thickness of plaster

(ii) timber lath and plaster with plaster of minimum thickness of 16mm covered on underside with plasterboard of thickness

(iii) metal lathing and plaster – thickness of plaster: (a) gypsum (b) vermiculite

(iv) one layer of plasterboard of thickness (v) one layer of plasterboard of minimum thickness 9.5mm finished with:

(a) gypsum plaster of thickness (b) vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness

(vi) one layer of plasterboard of minimum thickness 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (vii) two layers of plasterboard of total thickness (viii) one layer of fibre insulating board of minimum thickness 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (ix) one layer of cement pulp asbestos insulating board of minimum thickness (x) one layer of asbestos insulating board of minimum thickness of 12mm finished on top with glass fibre or mineral wool of thickness (xi) wood wool slab 25mm thick finished with

(a) gypsum plaster of thickness (b) vermiculite gypsum plaster of thickness

22 12.5

12.5

25

10

9.5

16 12.5

12.5

5

22 9 5

16

9.5 5

*Or an equivalent thickness of wood chipboard

40


Part VII: Timber Floors (contd.)



1 hr ½ hr Modified ½ hr ++

(C) Tongued and grooved boarding of not less than 16mm (finished) thickness* on timber joists not less than 175mm deep by 50mm wide with ceiling of: (i) Timber lath and plaster – thickness of plaster

(ii) metal lathing and plaster – thickness of plaster (iii) metal lathing and sprayed cement pulp asbestos to thickness of (iv) one layer of plasterboard of thickness (v) one layer of plasterboard of minimum thickness 9.5mm finished with:

(a) gypsum plaster (b) vermiculite – gypsum plaster of thickness

(vi) one layers of plasterboard of minimum thickness of 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (vii) two layers of plasterboard of total thickness (viii) one layer of fibre insulating board of thickness (ix) one layer of fibre insulating board of minimum thickness of 12.5mm finished with gypsum plaster of thickness (x) one layer of cement pulp asbestos insulating board of thickness (xi) wood wool slab 25mm thick finished with:

(a) gypsum plaster of thickness

(b) vermiculite‐gypsum plaster of thickness

19

12.5 10

16 16

12.5

12.5

5 19

12.5 6 5

9.5

12.5

* Or an equivalent thickness of wood chipboard

++ The term “modified ½ hour” refers to the requirements specified in BS 476 Part 20‐23: 1987 and BS 476 Part 1: 2004 for

floors of upper storey in small residential building which have 2 storeys

41

Table 3.2.4B (contd.) Part VIII: Concrete Floors


Minimum thickness of solid substance including screed

(in mm)

Ceiling finish for a fire resistance

4 hours 2 hours 1 ½ hours

Solid flat slab or filler joist floor. Units of channel or T

section

90100 125 150

25mmV or 25mmA19mmV or 19mmA 10mm V or 12.5mmA

Nil

10mmV or 12.5mmA7mmV Nil Nil

10mmV or 12.5mmA7mmV Nil Nil

Solid flat slab or filler joist floor with 25mm wood wool

slab ceiling base

90100 125 150

12.5mm G

Nil

Nil Nil Nil

12.5mm GNil Nil Nil

Units of inverted U section with minimum thickness at

crown

6375 100 150

Nil

Nil Nil

Nil Nil

Hollow block construction units of box or I section

6375 100 150

Nil

Nil Nil

Nil Nil

Cellular steel with concrete topping

63

12.5mmV suspended on metal lathing or 12.5mmA (direct)

12.5mmG suspended on metal lathing

12.5mmG suspended on metal lathing

“V” – Vermiculite‐gypsum plaster. “A” – sprayed cement pulp asbestos

“G” – gypsum plaster Note: Where a column relating to ceiling finish contains no entry opposite a specification, the notional period of

fire resistance specified in that column is not applicable.

42

3.2.5 Fire resistance of Floors in conjunction with Suspended Ceilings 3.2.5 (1) This subsection is concerned only with the effect made by suspended ceilings to the fire

resistance of floors. It is not related to the protection given by suspended ceilings to structural steel work.

(2) In the application of subsection 3.2.4 to floors, no account shall be taken of any fire

resistance attributable to any suspended ceiling other than a suspended ceiling constructed as described in Table 3.2.5A.

Table 3.2.5A – Suspended Ceilings

Height

Type of floor

Required fire resistance of floor

Description of Suspended Ceiling

Less than 15m

Non‐compartment

1 hour or less

Surface of ceiling exposed within the cavity not lower than class 1 Compartment

Less than 1 hour

Compartment 1 hour

Surface of ceiling exposed within the cavity not lower than Class O supports and fixings for the ceiling non‐combustible

15m or more Any 1 hour or less

Surface of ceiling exposed within the cavity not lower than Class O and jointless, supports and fixings for the ceiling non‐combustible

Any Any More than 1 hour

Ceiling of non‐combustible construction and jointless; supports and fixings for the ceiling non‐combustible

3.2.6 External Walls

(1) This subsection does not apply to small garages and small open car ports.

(2) Any part of a roof shall be deemed to be part of an external wall or side of a building if it is pitched at an angle of 700 or more to the horizontal and adjoins a space within the building to which persons has access not limited to the purposes of maintenance and repair. Fig 3.2.6A

43

(3) If a building is to be erected on land which will be occupied in common with another

building and either the building to be erected or the other building is of occupancy group A then:

(i) in the application of the provisions of this regulation to any side or external wall of the

building to be so erected which faces a side of external wall of the other building a notional boundary shall be assumed to pass between those buildings.

(ii) such notional boundary shall be so situated as to enable the adjacent sides and external walls of both buildings to comply with the requirements of this part of the code.

(iii) if that other building is an existing building it shall be treated as it were a new building

of the same occupancy group and having the same unprotected areas and fire resistance as the existing building. Fig. 3.2.6B

(4) Any external wall which is situated within a distance of 1m from any part on the relevant

boundary and any external wall of a building which exceeds 15m in height shall:

(a) be constructed of wholly of incombustible materials apart from any external cladding which complies with 3.2.6 (5) or internal lining which complies with 3.2.9 (6) and

(b) be so constructed that any fire resistance required by these regulations is attained by the non‐combustible part alone.

(5) The requirements of 3.2.6 (4) shall not apply to:

(i) An external wall of a building which is within the limits of size indicated by letter “X” in

Part 1 of Table 3.2.4A or of a building which is not divided into compartments and is within the limits of size indicated by “Z” in Part 2 of Table 3.2.4A provided the building does not exceed 15m in height.

(ii) an external wall of a building of occupancy group A which consists of flats or maisonettes

if that building has not more than 3 storeys or that part is separated as described in 3.2.4 (1)b and has not more than 3 storeys: or

(iii) an external wall of a part of a building if that wall is situated 1m or more from the relevant boundary and that part is separated as described in 3.2.4 (1)b and does not exceed 15m in height.

(6) Any external cladding which is situated within a distance of 1m from any point on the

relevant boundary and any external cladding or a building which exceeds 15m in height shall have a surface complying with the requirements for class specified in 3.2.9.6 (1) (e).

Fig. 3.2.6C

(7) Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying, an external wall which is required to be constructed of non‐combustible materials shall comply with the provisions of 3.2.6 (4) and 3.2.6 (5) as to non‐combustibility.

44

3.2.7 Calculation of Permitted Limits of Unprotected Areas 3.2.7.1 General rules applicable to this subsection:

(1) The permitted limit of unprotected areas in any side of a building or compartment shall be calculated by reference to Table 3.2.7.1A and 3.2.7.1B.

(2) In calculating the size of unprotected areas or the permitted limit of unprotected areas, the following provisions shall apply: (a) Where any part of an external wall is an unprotected area, only because it has

combustible material attached to it as cladding the size of unprotected area shall be deemed to be half the area of such cladding. Fig. 3.2.7A

(b) No account shall be taken of any of the following:

(i) except as provided in 3.2.7.1 (2)b (iii), an unprotected area which does not exceed 0.1m2 and which is not less than 1.5m from any other unprotected area in the same side of the building or compartment..

(ii) one or more unprotected areas having an area (or if more than one an aggregate

area) not exceeding 1m2 and not less than 4m from any other unprotected area in the same side of the building or compartment (except any such area as is specified in (i) above). Fig. 3.2.7B

(iii) an unprotected area in any part of an external wall which forms part of a

protected shaft. (iv) an unprotected area in the side of a building not divided into compartments, if the

area is not less than 28m above any ground adjoining the side of the building. Fig. 3.2.7C 3.2.8 Rules for calculation by reference to an Enclosing Rectangle 3.2.8 (1) The permitted limit of unprotected areas in any side of a building or compartment shall be calculated by reference to the requirements of Tables 3.2.8A or 3.2.8B. 3.2.8 (2) Definitions: For the purpose of this subsection:

(a) plane of reference means any vertical plane which touches the side of some part of the side of a building or compartment, but which does not pass within the structure of such a building or compartment; and the relevant plane of reference shall in each case be taken as that most favourable in that respect to the person erecting the building. Fig. 3.2.8A

47

(a) enclosing rectangle means the smallest rectangle on the relevant plane of reference which would:

(i) enclose all the outer edges of any unprotected areas of the building or, if the building is divided into compartments the outer edges being for this

purpose projected on the plane of common by lines perpendicular to such plane;

(ii) have no horizontal sides; and (iii) have height and width falling within those listed in Tables 3.2.8A – Fig.

3.2.8B (c) Unprotected percentage means the percentage of the area of the enclosing

rectangle which is equal to the aggregate of the unprotected areas taken into account in calculating the enclosing rectangle and as projected on it.

3.2.8 (3) The conditions of this sub‐section shall be satisfied if a building or compartment is so

situated that no point on the relevant boundary is either between the relevant plane of reference and the side of the building or compartment or at a distance from the relevant plane of reference which is less than the distance specified in Table 3.2.8A, according to

the purpose group of the building or compartment, the dimensions of the enclosing rectangle and the unprotected percentage.

49

Table 3.2.8A – Buildings or Compartments of Purpose

Groups R (Residential), I (Institutional), B (Office) and A (Assembly) Width of

rectangle in metres

Distance in metres from relevant boundary for percentage not exceeding

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 3m High3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.06 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.09 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.512 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.515 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.018 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.021 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.524 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.527 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.530 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.540 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 5.0

No Limit 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 5.0

Enclosing Rectangle 6m High3 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.06 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.09 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.012 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.515 1.5 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.018 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.521 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.024 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.027 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.030 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.040 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.550 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.060 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.580 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5100 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 10.0

No Limit 1.5 2.5 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 10.0

50

Table 3.2.8A – (contd.) Width of

rectangle in metres


20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 9m High3 1.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.56 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 4.5 5.09 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.012 1.5 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.015 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.518 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.521 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.024 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.527 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.030 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.540 2.0 3.5 5.5 6.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.550 2.0 4.0 5.5 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.5 12.560 2.0 4.0 5.5 6.5 8.0 9.5 11.0 11.5 13.080 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5100 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 14.5120 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 14.5

No Limit 2.0 4.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.6 12.0 12.5 15.0

Enclosing rectangle 12m high3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.56 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 5.59 1.5 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.012 1.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.015 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.018 2.5 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.021 2.5 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.0 10.0 10.524 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.527 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.5 11.5 12.030 2.5 4.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.540 2.5 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.050 2.5 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 13.0 14.0 15.060 2.5 5.0 7.0 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.080 2.5 5.0 7.0 9.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.0100 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0120 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 17.0 18.5

No Limit 2.5 5.0 7.5 9.5 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.0 19.0

51

Table 3.2.8A – (contd.) Width of

rectangle in metres


20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 15m High3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.06 1.5 2.5 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.09 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.512 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.015 2.0 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.018 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.021 2.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.024 3.0 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.027 3.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.530 3.0 5.5 7.5 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.5 14.040 3.0 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.5 15.0 16.050 3.5 6.0 8.5 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 17.560 3.5 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.080 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.0 13.5 15.0 17.0 18.5 20.0100 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.5 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.5 21.5120 3.5 6.5 9.0 11.5 14.0 16.5 18.5 20.5 22.5

No Limit 3.5 6.5 9.0 12.0 14.5 17.0 19.0 21.0 23.0

Enclosing rectangle 18m high3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.06 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.59 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.512 2.5 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 10.015 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 18 2.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.0 21 3.0 5.5 7.0 8.0 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.0 24 3.0 5.5 7.5 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 27 3.5 6.0 8.0 9.0 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 30 3.5 6.5 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.5 14.5 15.5 40 4.0 7.0 9.0 11.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 17.5 50 4.0 7.0 9.5 11.5 13.0 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.0 60 4.0 7.5 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 17.5 19.5 20.5 80 4.0 7.5 10.0 13.0 15.0 17.0 19.0 21.0 22.5 100 4.0 7.5 10.0 13.5 16.0 18.0 20.5 22.5 24.0 120 4.0 7.5 10.0 14.0 16.5 19.0 21.0 23.5 25.5

No Limit 4.0 8.0 10.0 14.0 17.0 19.5 22.0 24.0 26.5

52

Table 3.2.8A – (contd.)

Width of rectangle in metres


20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 21m High3 0.5 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.56 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.09 2.0 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 7.5 8.5 9.0 12 2.5 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.0 10.0 10.5 15 2.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.018 3.0 5.5 7.0 8.0 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.021 3.0 6.0 7.5 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.5 13.5 14.0 24 3.5 6.0 8.0 9.5 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 27 3.5 6.5 8.5 10.0 11.5 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 30 4.0 7.0 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.5 16.0 16.5 40 4.5 7.5 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.0 50 4.5 8.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 16.5 18.0 20.0 21.0 60 4.5 8.5 11.5 13.5 15.5 17.5 19.0 21.0 22.5 80 4.5 8.5 12.0 14.5 17.0 19.0 21.0 23.5 25.0 100 4.5 9.0 12.0 15.5 18.0 20.5 22.5 25.0 27.0 120 4.5 9.0 12.0 16.0 18.5 21.5 23.5 26.5 28.5

No Limit 4.5 9.0 12.0 16.0 19.0 22.0 25.0 26.5 29.5

Enclosing rectangle 24m high

3 0.5 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.56 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.09 2.0 3.5 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.512 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.515 3.5 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 18 3.0 5.5 7.5 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 21 3.5 6.0 8.0 9.5 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 24 3.5 6.5 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 27 4.0 7.0 9.0 11.0 12.5 13.5 15.0 16.0 17.0 30 4.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.0 40 4.5 8.5 11.0 13.0 14.5 16.0 18.0 19.0 20.5 50 5.0 9.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 17.5 19.5 21.0 22.5 60 5.0 9.5 12.5 15.0 17.0 19.0 21.0 23.0 24.5 80 5.0 10.0 13.5 16.5 18.5 21.0 23.5 25.5 27.5 100 5.0 10.0 13.5 17.0 20.0 22.5 25.0 27.5 29.5 120 5.5 10.0 13.5 17.5 20.5 23.5 26.5 29.0 31.0

No Limit 5.5 10.0 13.5 18.0 21.0 24.0 27.5 30.0 32.5

53




20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 27m High3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5

6 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5

9 2.0 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0

12 2.5 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.5 11.0 12.0

15 3.0 5.5 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5

18 3.5 6.0 8.0 9.0 10.5 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5

21 3.5 6.5 8.5 10.0 11.5 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0

24 3.5 7.0 9.0 11.0 12.5 13.5 15.0 16.0 17.0

27 4.0 7.5 10.0 11.5 13.0 14.0 16.0 17.0 18.0

30 4.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 17.0 18.0 19.0

40 5.0 9.0 11.5 14.0 15.5 17.5 19.0 20.5 22.0

50 5.5 9.5 12.5 15.0 17.0 19.0 21.0 22.5 24.0

60 5.5 10.5 13.5 16.0 18.5 20.5 22.5 24.5 26.5

80 6.0 11.0 14.5 17.5 20.5 22.5 25.0 27.5 29.5

100 6.0 11.0 125.5 19.0 21.5 24.5 27.0 30.0 32.0

120 6.0 11.5 15.5 19.5 22.5 26.0 28.5 32.0 34.0

No Limit 6.0 11.5 15,.5 20.0 23.5 27.0 29.5 33.0 35.0

54

Table 3.2.8B –Buildings or compartment of purpose Groups M (Shop), F (Factory) and S, H (Storage and General Hazard)


Distance in metres from relevant boundary for unprotected percentage not exceeding

20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 3m High3 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.06 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.0 9 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.0 12 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 15 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.0 18 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 6.5 21 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 24 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 27 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5 30 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 40 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 8.5 50 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 60 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.5 80 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5

No Limit 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

Enclosing rectangle 6m high

3 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.0 4.06 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.5 6.0 9 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.0 12 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.5 15 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.0 18 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 21 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.5 24 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.5 10.5 11.0 27 3.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.0 30 3.5 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 40 3.5 5.5 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 50 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.0 10.5 11.5 13.0 14.0 15.0 60 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.0 80 3.5 6.0 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.5 100 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 120 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.0 19.0

No Limit 3.5 6.0 8.0 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.0

55




20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 9m High3 1.5 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.06 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.09 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.0 8.5 9.0 12 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.5 15 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 11.5 18 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 21 5.0 6.5 7.5 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 24 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 14.5 27 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.0 30 5.5 7.0 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 40 5.5 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 15.5 17.0 17.5 50 5.5 8.0 10.0 12.5 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.5 19.5 60 5.5 8.0 11.0 13.0 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.5 21.0 80 5.5 8.5 11.5 13.5 16.0 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.0 100 5.5 8.5 11.5 14.5 16.5 18.5 21.0 22.5 24.5 120 5.5 8.5 11.5 14.5 17.0 19.5 21.5 23.5 26.0

No Limit 5.5 8.5 11.5 15.0 17.5 20.0 22.5 24.5 27.0 Enclosing rectangle 12m high

3 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 5.56 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.5 6.5 7.0 7.5 8.0 8.59 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.5 9.0 9.5 10.5 12 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 11.0 11.5 12.0 15 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 18 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 14.5 21 5.5 7.5 9.0 10.5 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 24 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.5 12.5 14.0 15.0 16.0 16.5 27 6.0 8.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 17.0 17.5 30 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.5 14.0 15.0 16.5 17.5 18.5 40 6.5 9.5 12.0 14.0 15.5 17.5 18.5 20.0 21.0 50 7.0 10.0 13.0 15.0 17.0 19.0 20.5 23.0 23.0 60 7.0 10.5 13.5 16.0 18.0 20.0 21.5 23.5 25.0 80 7.0 11.0 14.5 17.0 19.5 21.5 23.5 26.0 27.5 100 7.5 11.5 15.0 18.0 21.0 23.0 25.5 28.0 30.0 120 7.5 11.5 15.0 18.5 22.0 24.0 27.0 29.5 31.5

No Limit 7.5 12.0 15.5 19.0 22.5 25.0 28.0 30.5 34.0

56




20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 15m High3 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.06 3.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.09 4.0 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 11.5 12 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 15 5.5 7.0 9.0 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.0 18 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 21 6.5 8.5 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 16.5 17.5 24 6.5 9.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 15.5 17.0 18.0 19.0 27 7.0 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.0 20.0 30 7.5 10.0 12.0 14.0 16.0 17.0 18.5 20.0 21.0 40 8.0 11.0 13.5 16.0 18.0 19.5 21.0 22.5 23.5 50 8.5 12.0 15.0 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.0 25.0 26.0 60 8.5 12.5 15.5 180 21.0 23.5 25.0 27.0 28.0 80 9.0 13.5 17.0 20.0 23.0 25.5 28.0 30.0 31.5 100 9.0 14.0 18.0 21.5 24.5 27.5 30.0 32.5 34.5 120 9.0 14.0 18.5 22.5 25.5 28.5 31.5 34.5 37.0

No Limit 9.0 14.5 19.0 23.5 27.0 30.0 34.0 36.0 39.0

Enclosing rectangle 18m high 3 2.0 2.5 3.5 4.0 5.0 5.0 6.0 6.5 6.56 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.09 4.5 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 12 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 14.5 15 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 16.5 18 6.5 8.5 11.0 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 17.0 18.0 21 7.0 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.0 18.0 19.5 24 7.5 10.0 12.0 14.0 15.5 16.5 18.5 .19.5 20.5 27 8.0 10.5 12.5 14.5 16.5 17.5 19.5 20.5 21.5 30 8.0 11.0 13.5 15.5 17.0 18.5 20.5 21.5 22.5 40 9.0 12.0 15.0 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.5 25.0 26.0 50 9.5 13.0 16.5 19.0 21.5 23.5 26.0 27.5 29.0 60 10.0 14.0 17.5 20.5 23.0 26.0 27.5 29.5 31.0 80 10.0 15.0 19.0 22.5 26.0 28.5 31.0 33.5 35.0 100 10.0 16.0 20.5 24.0 28.0 31.0 33.5 36.0 38.5 120 10.0 16.5 21.0 25.5 29.5 32.5 35.5 39.0 41.5

No Limit 10.0 17.0 22.0 26.5 30.5 34.0 37.0 41.0 43.5

57




20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 21m High3 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.06 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 9.5 10.0 10.59 4.5 6.5 7.5 9.0 10.0 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 12 5.5 7.5 9.0 10.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0 16.0 15 7.0 8.5 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 16.5 17.5 18 7.5 9.5 11.5 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.0 18.0 19.5 21 8.0 10.0 12.5 14.0 15.5 17.0 18.5 20.0 21.0 24 8.5 10.5 13.0 15.0 16.5 18.0 20.0 21.0 22.0 27 9.0 11.5 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.0 21.0 22.5 23.5 30 10.0 12.0 14.5 16.5 18.5 20.5 22.0 23.5 25.0 40 11.0 13.5 16.5 19.0 21.5 23.0 25.5 27.0 28.5 50 11.5 14.5 18.0 21.0 23.5 25.5 28.0 30.0 31.5 60 12.0 15.5 19.5 22.5 25.5 28.0 30.5 32.5 33.5 80 12.0 17.0 21.0 25.0 28.5 31.5 34.0 36.5 38.5 100 12.0 18.0 22.5 27.0 31.0 34.5 37.0 40.0 42.0 120 12.0 18.5 23.5 28.5 32.5 36.5 39.5 43.0 45.5

No Limit 12.0 19.0 25.0 29.0 34.5 38.0 41.5 45.5 48.0 Enclosing rectangle 24m high

3 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 7.0 7.56 3.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.5 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.09 5.0 6.5 8.0 9.5 11.0 12.0 13.0 13.5 14.5 12 6.0 8.0 9.5 11.5 12.5 14.0 15.0 16.0 16.5 15 6.5 9.0 11.0 13.0 14.5 15.5 17.0 18.0 19.0 18 7.5 10.0 12.0 14.0 15.5 16.5 18.5 19.5 20.5 21 8.0 10.5 13.0 15.0 16.5 18.0 20.0 21.0 22.0 24 8.5 11.5 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.5 21.0 22.5 24.0 27 9.0 12.5 15.0 17.0 19.0 20.5 22.5 24.0 25.5 30 9.5 13.0 15.5 18.0 20.0 21.5 23.5 25.0 26.5 40 11.5 14.5 18.0 20.5 23.0 25.0 27.5 29.0 30.5 50 12.0 16.0 19.5 22.5 25.5 27.5 30.0 32.0 33.5 60 12.5 17.0 21.0 24.5 27.5 30.0 32.5 35.0 36.5 80 13.5 18.5 23.5 27.5 31.0 34.5 37.0 39.5 41.5 100 13.5 20.0 25.0 29.5 33.5 37.0 40.0 43.0 45.5 120 13.5 20.5 26.5 31.0 36.0 39.5 43.0 46.5 49.0

No Limit 13.5 21.0 27.5 32.5 37.5 42.0 45.5 49.5 52.0

58

Table 3.2.8B – (contd.)



20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Enclosing Rectangle 27m High3 2.0 3.0 4.0 4.5 5.5 6.0 6.5 7.0 7.5

6 3.5 5.0 6.5 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.0 12.0

9 5.0 7.0 8.5 10.0 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.0

12 6.0 8.0 10.5 12.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 17.0 17.5

15 7.0 9.5 11.5 13.5 15.0 16.5 18.0 19.0 20.0

18 8.0 10.5 12.5 14.5 16.5 17.5 19.5 20.5 21.5

21 8.5 11.5 14.0 16.0 18.0 19.0 21.0 22.5 23.5

24 9.0 12.5 15.0 17.0 19.0 20.5 22.5 24.0 25.5

27 10.0 13.0 16.0 18.0 20.0 22.0 24.0 25.5 27.0

30 10.0 13.5 17.0 19.0 21.0 23.0 25.0 26.5 28.0

40 11.5 15.5 19.0 22.0 24.5 26.5 29.0 30.5 32.5

50 12.5 17.0 21.0 24.0 27.0 29.5 32.0 34.5 36.0

60 13.5 18.5 22.5 26.5 29.5 32.0 35.0 37.0 39.0

80 14.5 20.5 25.0 29.5 33.0 36.5 39.5 42.0 44.0

100 15.5 21.5 27.0 32.0 36.5 40.5 43.0 46.5 48.5

120 15.5 22.5 28.5 34.0 39.0 43.0 46.5 50.5 53.0

No Limit 15.5 23.5 29.5 35.0 40.5 44.5 48.5 52.0 55.5

3.2.9 Separating Walls 3.2.9 (1) Except as provided in (2) any separating wall shall be imperforated and shall form a

complete vertical separation between any buildings separated (including any roof space therein).

(2) Nothing in (1) shall prohibit.

(a) The passage through a separating wall of a pipe, if the pipe complies with

subsection 3.2.13 or FIG. 3.2.9A

(b) an opening in a separating wall which is necessary as means of egress from fire, if the opening is fitted with a door which –

59

(i) complies with the requirements of subsection 3.2.12; and

(ii) has fire resistance which is not less than the period required by subsection 3.2.4 for the separating wall.

60

(3) Except as provided in (4), any separating wall which forms a junction with a roof shall be carried above the upper surface of the covering of that roof to a distance of not less than 375mm (measured at right angles to such upper surface). FIG. 3.2.9B

(4) A separating wall shall not be required to comply with the provisions of (3)

(a) if the buildings separated by the separating wall are so constructed that:

(i) any part of the roof which is within 1.5m of the separating wall is designated AA, AB and AC; and (ii) the deck of such part of the roof is of solid or hollow slab construction of non‐ combustible material; and

(iii) the junction between the separating wall and such roof is fire‐stopped or

(b) if – (i) each of the buildings separated by the separating wall is of occupancy group R, B or A, and (ii) neither building exceeds 12.5m in height; and (iii) any part of the roof which is within 1.5m of the separating wall is covered with non‐combustible material; and

(v) the junction between the separating wall and the roof covering is fire‐stopped. FIG. 3.2.9C

(5) If any external wall is carried across the end of a separating wall, such external wall and

separating wall shall be bonded together or the junction of such walls shall be fire‐stopped.

(6) Any combustible material which is built into or carried through, across the end of or cover the top of a separating wall shall not be of such a type or used in such a way as wall render ineffective the resistance of that to the effects or spread of fire. FIG. 3.2.9D

(7) Except as provided in (8) any separating wall shall be constructed wholly of non‐

combustible materials apart from any surface finish which complies with subsection 3.2.16 and the required fire resistance shall be attained independently of any such combustible surface finish.

(8) The requirements of (7) shall not apply to:

(a) A wall separating buildings which are not divided into compartments and are within

the limits of size indicated by the letter ‘X’ in Part 1 of Table 3.2.4A; or

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(b) A wall separating single storey buildings which are not divided into compartments and are within the limits of size indicated by the letter ‘X’ in Part 2 of Table 3.2.4A of subsection 3.2.4.

(9) Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying a separating wall is

required to be constructed of, non‐combustible materials shall itself comply with the requirements of (7) as to non‐combustibility.

3.2.10 Compartment Wall and Compartment Floors 3.2.10(1) Any compartment wall or compartment floor shall be imperforated with the exception of any one or more of the following:

(a) (i) in the case of a compartment wall separating a flat or maisonette from any space in common use giving access to that flat or maisonette, an opening fitted with a door which complies with subsection 3.2.11 and has a fire resistance of not less than half an hour;

(ii) in any other case, an opening fitted with a door which complies with the requirements

of subsection 3.2.11 and has fire resistance of not less than the minimum period required by subsection 3.2.4 for the wall or floor. FIG. 3.2.10A

(b) an opening for a protected shaft

(c) an opening for a ventilation duct if any space surrounding the duct is fire‐stopped and the

duct is fitted with an automatic fire shutter where it passes through the wall or floor. FIG. 3.2.10B

(d) An opening for a pipe in conformance with subsection 3.2.11.3. FIG. 3.2.10C (e) An opening for a chimney, appliance ventilation duct

(f) An opening for a refuse chute

(2) Where a compartment wall or floor joins any compartment wall, external wall or separating wall

or any structure enclosing a protected shaft, such structures shall be bonded together at the junction or the junction shall be fire‐stooped. FIG. 3.2.10D

(3) Where any compartment wall forms a junction with a roof, such wall shall be carried above the

upper surface of the roof covering for a distance of not less than 375mm, measured at right angles to the surface of the roof.

(4) Any combustible material which is built into or carried through or across the ends of any

compartment wall or compartment shall not be of such a type or used in such a way as will render ineffective the resistance of that wall or floor to the effect or spread of fire.

(5) Any chimney, appliance ventilation duct or duct encasing one or more flue pipes which passes

through a compartment floor or compartment wall shall be separated from that compartment

62

floor or wall by non‐combustible construction having a fire resistance of not less than half the minimum fire resistance required by subsection 3.2.4.

(6) Any chimney, appliance ventilation duct or duct encasing one or more flue pipes which forms

part of a compartment wall shall be separated from any compartment adjoining that wall by non‐combustible construction having, at any level, fire resistance of not less than half the minimum fire resistance required by subsection 3.2.4 for the compartment wall at that level FIG. 3.2.10E

(7) Any compartment wall or floor which is required by subsection 3.2.4 to have fire resistance of

one hour or more shall be constructed wholly of non‐combustible materials apart from: (i) any floor finish; or (ii) any surface finish to a wall or ceiling which complies with the requirements of

subsection 3.2.13; (iii) any ceiling which complies with the description specified in the Table 3.2.5A to

subsection 3.2.5 and, apart from any such ceiling, the required fire resistance of the wall or floor shall be obtained without assistance from any combustible material permitted in this subsection.

(8) Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying any compartment wall or

compartment floor which is required to be constructed of non‐combustible materials, shall itself comply with the provisions of subsection 3.2.10 (7) as to non‐combustibility.

3.2.11 Protection of opening in separating walls, compartment walls and compartment floors 3.2.11.1 Protected shafts 3.2.11.1(1) In this subsection, protecting structure means any wall or floor or other structure which encloses a protected shaft other than:

(a) a wall which forms part of an external wall, separating wall or compartment

wall; or

(b) a floor which is also a compartment or a floor laid directly on the ground; or

(c) a roof. FIG. 3.2.11A

(2) No protected shaft shall be constructed for use for any purpose additional to those specified in 3.1.2.1 other than the passage of pipe or duct or as sanitary accommodation or washrooms or both.

(3) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, any protected shaft shall be completely

enclosed.

64

(4) Except as provided in (5) any protecting structure which is required by subsection 3.2.4

to have fire resistance of one hour or more shall be constructed wholly of non‐combustible materials apart from any surface finish which complies with the requirements of 3.2.13.

(5) The requirements of (4) shall not apply to protecting structure which is situated within

ground storey or an upper storey of a building or part of occupancy Group R consisting of flats or maisonettes if that building has three storeys.

(6) Any beam or column forming part of, and any structure carrying protecting structure

which is required to be constructed of non‐combustible materials shall itself comply with the provisions of 3.2.11.1 (4).

(7) Any wall, floor or other structure enclosing a protected shaft but not being protecting

structure may contain openings in conformance with other provisions of this part of the Code.

(8) There shall be no opening in any protecting structure other than any one or more of the

following:

(i) an opening for a pipe which complies with the provisions of 3.2.11.3 (ii) an opening fitted with a door which has fire resistance complying with the

provisions of 3.2.11.1 (9) and 3.2.11.2; (iii) (if the protected shaft contains a lift), an opening which complies with the

provisions of 3.2.11.1 (10); and (iv) (if the protected shaft serves as or contains a ventilation duct), an inlet to or

outlet from that duct or an opening for that duct. (9) Any door fitted in an opening in a protecting structure shall have fire resistance for the

following minimum period:

(a) If the protected shaft is in a building of purpose group R, I or F and is wholly or partly above the level of the adjoining ground, not less than half an hour; or

(b) In any other case either not less than half the period required by other provisions of this part of the code for the protecting structure surrounding the opening or not less than half an hour (whichever is the greater).

(10) Any protected shaft containing a lift or lifts:

(a) shall be ventilated to the external air by means of one or more permanent openings situated at the top of the shaft and having a total unobstructed area of not less than 0.1m2 for each lift in the shaft; and

(b) shall not contain any pipe conveying gas or oil or any ventilating duct; and

65

(c) may have an opening in its protecting structure for the passage of the cables operating the lift into the room containing the lift motor; provided that if the opening is at the bottom of the shaft the opening shall be as small as practicable.

(11) (a) If a protected shaft serves as or contains a ventilating duct:

(i) the duct shall be fitted internally with automatic fire shutters so constructed at such intervals and in such positions as may be necessary to reduce so far as practicable the risk of fire spreading from a compartment to any other compartment;

(ii) the duct shall not be constructed of, or lined with, any material which

substantially increases such risk.

(b) In addition, in the case of a protected shaft containing a ventilating duct, the shaft shall be constructed with additional barriers to fire between the duct and the shaft as may be necessary to reduce, so far as practicable, the risk of fire spreading from a compartment to any other compartment.

(12) If a protected shaft consists of a stairway, it shall not contain any pipe conveying gas or oil

or any ventilating duct. FIG. 3.2.11B

3.2.11.2 Fire Resistant Doors

(1) General:

This subsection applies to any door which is required by the provisions of this part of the code to have a fire resistance.

(2) In this subsection:

“automatic self‐closing device” does not include rising butt hinges except as provided in (6): and “electric‐magnetic or electro‐mechanical device susceptible to smoke” refers only to any such device which will allow the door held open by it to close automatically upon the occurrence of each or any one of the following:

(i) detection of smoke by automatic apparatus suitable in nature, quality and location; (ii) natural operation of a switch fitted in a suitable position (iii) failure of a electricity supply to the device apparatus or switch; (iv) if a fire alarm system is installed in the building, operation of that system.

66

(3) (a) except as permitted in (8) any fire resisting door shall be fitted with an automatic self‐

closing device (b) no means of holding any such door open shall be provided other than a fusible link or, if

the door is so constructed and installed that it can readily be opened manually, an electro‐magnetic or electro‐mechanical device susceptible to smoke.

(c) no part of a hinge on which any such door is hung shall be made either of combustible

material or of non‐combustible material having a melting point less than 8000C.

(4) Except as provided in (5) any door fitted in an opening which is provided as a means of escape in the event of fire shall be so constructed and installed that it can readily be opened manually and shall not be held open by any means other than an electric‐magnetic or electro‐ mechanical device susceptible to smoke.

(5) A door which is provided as a means of escape in the vent of fire but which cannot readily be

opened manually may be installed if:

(i) such a door is fitted with an automatic self‐closing device and is held open by a fusible link;

67

(ii) the manually openable door has fire resistance of not less than half an hour; and,

(iii) the required fire resistance is achieved by the two doors together.

(6) Any door to which reference is made in 3.2.10 (1)a or 3.2.11.4(3)b shall be either single leaf door swinging in one direction only or a double leaf door each leaf of which swings in the opposite direction from the other leaf. FIG. 3.2.11.2A

(7) Any door which is fitted in protecting structure and is not required by the provisions of

3.2.11.1 (9) to have a resistance of more than half an hour may consist of any single or double leaf door, other than a double leaf door, both leaves of which swing in one and the same direction and have rebated meeting stiles if:

(a) the door opens into a hall, lobby or corridor enclosed by walls or partitions having fire

resistance of not less than half an hour; and

(b) the clearance between the leaf or leaves of any such doors and its frame and between the leaves is as small as is reasonably practicable. FIG. 3.2.11.2B

(8) A door which is not fitted with self‐closing device may be installed in an opening on the

structure which encloses a protected shaft containing exclusively a lift or lifts if either:

(a) the door has fire‐resistance for a period of not less than half an hour and there is also installed, so as to close the same opening, another door which is fitted with an automatic self‐closing device, is held open by a fusible link and has fire resistance for a period not less than prescribed by the relevant provisions of this part of the code for the structure surrounding the opening; or FIG. 3.2.11.2C

(b) (unless the opening is in compartment wall and is one of two openings provided at the same level to allow access to a lift from different sides), the door has fire resistance for period not less than that prescribed by relevant provisions of this part of the code for the structure surrounding the opening. FIG. 3.2.11.2D

3.2.11.3 Penetrating of elements of structure by Pipes

(1) In this subsection ‘Pipe’

(a) excludes flue pipes, ventilation pipes, ventilation ducts and any pipes which contains or convey heat or smoke.

(b) includes vent pipe to drainage system, vent pipe to soil system, vent pipe to waste system and pipe fittings and accessories.

(2) Subject to the provisions of (3) and (5) the nominal internal diameter of the part of a pipe which passes through: (i) an opening in a separating wall; or

68

(ii) an opening in a compartment wall or compartment floor other than any such opening which is wholly enclosed within a protected shaft;

(iii) an opening in protecting structure shall not exceed the relevant dimensions prescribed in Table 3.2.11.3A. FIG. 3.2.11.3A

(3) If on either side of the structure penetrated and within a distance of 1m (measured along

the pipe) from the point of penetration, the pipe which penetrates the structure is of specification (a) and is connected to a pipe of specification (b) or (c),or the pipe is of specification (b) and is connected to a pipe of specification (c), the maximum internal diameter of the pipe shall be determined as though it were of the same specification as the pipe to which it is connected.

(4) Any opening shall be as small as is reasonably practicable and shall be fire stopped around the pipe.

(5) A pipe which forms part of an above ground drainage system comprising pipes which comply with specification (b) in Table 3.2.11.3A and have a nominal internal diameter not exceeding 150mm in the case of a stack‐pipe or 100mm in the case of a branch pipe may pass through an opening in a separating wall between houses or an opening in a compartment wall or compartment floor between flats or maisonettes if –

(a) the pipe, being a stack pipe, is contained in each storey within an enclosure or, being a

branch pipe, discharge into a stack pipe contained within an enclosure, formed in part by the wall penetrated by the branch pipe;

(b) any such enclosure:

(i) extends, in each storey, from the floor to the ceiling of that storey or, if the ceiling is

suspended beneath a floor, to that floor; (ii) has each side formed by a separating wall, compartment wall or external wall or by

casing; (iii) has an internal surface, excluding any supporting members, which complies with the

requirements for class 0 specified in subsection 3.2.11.6; (iv) has no access panel situated in a bedroom or circulation space; and (v) is not used for any other purpose except to accommodate pipes conveying water;

(c) any such casing‐

(i) is imperforate except for any opening made for the passage of a pipe or fitted with an

access panel; (ii) consists of any material other than sheet metal; and (iii) (including any access panel) has a fire resistance of not less than half an hour, and

(d) any opening made for the passage of a branch pipe through a floor at the base or top of an enclosure (including in the case of a maisonette, any floor within the dwelling) is as small as reasonably practicable and is fire‐stopped around the pipe. Figs. 3.2.11.3B, 3.2.11.3C

71

Table 3.2.11.3A Maximum Nominal Internal Diameter of Pipes

Specification of Pipe

Maximum nominal internal diameter of pipe (in mm)

Pipe made of any non‐combustible material which if exposed to a temperature of 8000C will not fracture to such an extent as to permit flames or hot gases to pass through the wall of the pipe

150

Pipe made of lead or aluminum or alloy thereof; asbestos – cement pipe; or non plasticized polyvinyl chloride pipe complying with BS 4514: 2000/BS EN 1329 Part 1: 2000

100 if it penetrates structure (other than a separating wall) enclosing a protected shaft not regularly used for the passage of people . 38 in all other cases

Pipe made of any other material

38

3.2.11.4 Stairways

(1) Every stairway (including any landing thereof) which forms part of a building shall, whether the stairway is internal or external, be constructed of non‐combustible material except – (a) an internal stairway which is situated –

(i) within a maisonette; or

(ii) within any storey which comprises elements of structure for which the fire resistance required by this part of the code is less than one hour; or

(iii) within the ground storey or an upper storey of a building or part of occupancy group A which consists of flats or maisonettes if that building has not more than three storeys or that part is separated as described in 3.2.4 (1)b and has not more than three storeys; or

(iv) within a building or compartment of occupancy group but not within a protected shaft; or

(b) an external stairway which is situated between the ground and a floor or flat roof the level of which at the head of the stairway, is not more than 6m above the finished surface of the ground adjoining the foot of the stairway.

(2) The provisions of 3.2.11.4(1) shall not prohibit the addition of any combustible material to the

upper surface of any stairway of landing. FIG. 3.2.11.4A

72

(3) In any building of occupancy group A which has three or more storeys, any internal stairway (including any hall or landing associated therewith and any part of a floor which affords passage between flights of the stairway) shall be separated from all other parts of the building by structure complying with the following requirements ‐

(a) the structure shall have fire resistance for not less than the minimum period required by

subsection 3.2.4 for elements of structure forming part of the storey in which it is situated; and

(b) any opening in the structure which gives access to a habitable room or kitchen shall be fitted

with a door which has a fire resistance of not less than ½ hour and complies with subsection 3.2.11.2. FIG. 3.2.11.4B

(4) For stairways for physically challenged persons, reference is to be made to Appendix E of Part 4 of this Code.

3.2.12 Fire Stopping

(1) This subsection applies to all types of construction unless otherwise specified.

(2) Any fire stopping required by the provisions of this part of the Code shall be so formed and positioned as to prevent or retard the passage of flame.

(3) Fire stops shall be provided at floor, ceiling and roof levels to cut off completely all

concealed horizontal and vertical draft openings occurring between storeys and between top storeys and roof spaces including

(a) Every stud wall and partition at ceiling and floor levels

(b) Every stud wall and partition of combustible construction so that the maximum vertical

dimension of any concealed space is not greater than 3m

73

(c) Every furred wall and partition so that concealed spaces between furring strips are fire

stopped at the floor and ceiling levels. (d) At the bottom of the cove in every coved ceiling of combustible construction

(e) The top and bottom of each run of stairs at ceiling and floor levels, and

(f) The top and bottom of every expansion joint between floors and walls in heavy timber

construction.

(4) Where combustible floors are laid on wood sleepers on top of slabs in buildings required to be of non‐combustible construction, the space between the underside of the flooring and floor deck shall be filled with non‐combustible material or fire stopping shall be provided in such a manner that there is no open space in excess of 9m2 in area.

(5) Where combustible ceiling finishes are attached to wood furring strips fastened to a non‐combustible backing in buildings required to be of non‐combustible construction fire stopping shall be provided in such a manner that there is no open space in excess of 2m2 in between the ceiling finish and the backing.

(6) A concealed space erected by a suspended ceiling roof space or unoccupied attic space in

buildings of combustible construction shall unless sprinkle red, be separated by fire stops into draft tight compartments not exceeding (a) 560m2 in area or 60m in any dimension where materials having a flame‐spread rating of

class 0 as defined in 3.2.13 are exposed in the space;

(b) 280m2 in the area or 18m in any dimension where materials having a flame – spread rating greater than class 0 are exposed in the space.

(7) The concealed spaces in exterior cornices including the mansard type, balconies and

canopies of combustible construction shall be fire stopped from the point where such concealed spaces extend across the end of required fire separation.

(8) Every fire stop shall: (a) be constructed of:

(i) cement pulp asbestos board, gypsum board or other non‐combustible material

having a melting point above 7600C such as sheet steel (ii) solid lumber not less than 50mm in nominal thickness or (iii) 12mm thick plywood with joints back with like material or 50mm thickness of

lumber not less than 25mm nominal in thickness with joints staggered, where the width or height of the opening or space to be stopped is such that more than 1 piece of 50mm thick lumber is necessary, and

74

(b) Conform to the appropriate requirements of the sub‐section.

(9) Access openings through fire stops shall be protected with self‐closing draft‐tight closures of construction equivalent to the fire stop.

(10) Where fire stops are pierced by pipes, ducts or other elements or assemblies, the integrity of the fire stop shall be maintained.

3.2.13 Restriction of spread of flame over surfaces of walls and ceilings

(1) For the purposes of this subsection and Table 3.2.13A –

(a) ‘ceiling’ includes any soffit and any roof light, skylight, or other part of a building which encloses and is exposed overhead within a room, circulation space or protected shaft;

“circulation space” means any place which is solely, or predominantly used as a means of access between a room and a protected shaft or between either a room or a protected shaft and an exit from the building or compartment. ‘small room’ means a room which is totally enclosed and has a floor area not exceeding that specified in column (2) of Table 3.2.13A according to the occupancy group of the building or compartment. ‘trim’ means any architrave, cover mould, picture rail, skirting or similar narrow member,

(b) any reference to the surface of a wall shall be construed as a reference to that surface

excluding the surface of any other door, door frame window, frame, mantel‐shelf, fitted furniture or trim;

(c) any reference to the surface of a ceiling shall be construed as a reference to that surface excluding the surface of the frame of any roof light or skylight;

(d) any part of a ceiling which slopes at an angle of 700 or more to the horizontal and is not part of

a roof light or skylight shall be deemed to be a wall.

(e) except as provided in (f) any reference to a surface being of class 0 shall be construed as a requirement that –

(i) the material of which the wall or ceiling is constructed shall be non‐combustible

throughout; or (ii) the surface material (or if it is bonded, throughout to a substrate, the surface material

in conjunction with the substrate) shall if tested in accordance with BS 476: Part 6: A1: 2009 have an index of performance (i) not exceeding 12 and sub‐index (ii) not exceeding 6;

75

(f) the face of plastics material having a softening point less than 1200 if tested by method 102C of BS 2782 Part 1: 1978 shall not be regarded as a surface of class 0 unless –

(i) the material is bonded throughout to a substrade which is not a plastics material and

the material in conjunction with the substrate satisfies the test criteria prescribed in subsection e(ii) above; or

(ii) the material satisfies the test criteria prescribed in (ii) above and is used as the lining of a wall so constructed that any surface which would be exposed if the lining were not present satisfies the said test criteria and is the face of a material other than plastics having a softening point less than 1200C;

(g) any reference to a surface being of a class other than class 0 shall be construed as a

requirement that the wall or ceiling shall be so constructed that a specimen constructed to the same specification, if exposed to test by fire in accordance with BS 475: Part 7: 1971, would comply with the test criteria as to surface spread of flame specified in relation to that class.

(h) the authority having jurisdiction may accept the results of tests based, on test standards other than as described in (g) provided he is satisfied that such alternate test standards will provide a flame spread rating or smoke developed classification comparable to that obtained in (g).

(i) in relation to a requirement that surface shall be of a class not lower than a specified class, class 0 shall be regarded as the highest class followed in descending order by class 1, class 2, class 3 and class 4.

Class 1 ‐ a surface of very low flame spread Class 2 ‐ a surface of low flame spread Class 3 ‐ a surface of medium flame spread Class 4 ‐ a surface of rapid flame spread

Class 0 ‐ an additional class which must comply with one of the alternatives set out in (1) (e).

(2) Except as provided in (3) and (4) the surface of a wall or ceiling in a room, circulation space or

protected shaft shall be of a class not lower than that specified in Table 3.2.13A.

(3) Any part of the surface of a wall in a room may be of any class not lower than Class 3 if the area of that part (or, if there are more such parts, the total area of those parts) does not exceed the lesser of the following –

(a) Half the floor area of the room; or Fig. 3.2.13A

(b) 20m2 in occupancy groups R,E and I;

(c) 60m2 in occupancy groups B and to S and H. Fig. 3.2.13B

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(4) Any part of the surface of a ceiling may be of any class not lower than Class 3 if that part of

the surface is the face of a layer of material the other face of which is exposed to the external air and – (a) (i) the ceiling is that of a room in a building or compartment of occupancy groups

R,E,I,B,M or A or that of a circulation space in a building or compartment of any occupancy group and

(ii) the area of that part does not exceed 2.5m2 and (iii) the distance between that part and any other such part is not less than 2.5m; or

(b) (i) the ceiling is that of a room in a building or compartment of occupancy group F, S or H; and (ii) the area of that part does not exceed 5m2; and

(iii) the distance between that part and any other such part is not less than 1.8m; and (iv) that part and all other such parts are evenly distributed over the whole area of

the ceiling and together have an area which does not exceed 15% of the floor area of the room; or

(c) the ceiling is that of a balcony, verandah, open carport, covered way or leading bay

which has at least one of its longer sides wholly and permanently open; or

(d) the ceiling is that of a garage, conservatory or out building which has a floor area not exceeding 40m2. Fig. 3.2.13C

Table 3.2.13A – Spread of Flame over surface of Walls and Ceilings

(Surfaces of Walls and Ceilings)

Occupancy group of building or

compartment

(1)

Maximum floor area of small rooms (in

m2)

(2)

Class of surface for both walls and ceilings (except whereseparately specified)

Small room(See Col.2)

(3)

Rooms other than small rooms

(4)

Circulation spaces and protected shafts

(5)

R 4 3 1 0

E,I 4 1 (Wall) 0(Ceiling)

0

B 30 3 1 0

M 30 3 1 0

F 30 3 1 0

A 30 3 1 0

S,H 30 3 1 0

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3.2.14 Roof covering

Introductory Note (In this subsection two letters will be used in the designation of each roof. The first letter relates to resistance to the penetration of fire as follows: A – roofs which can withstand penetration for one hour B – roofs which can be penetrated between half‐an‐hour and one hour C – roofs which can be penetrated in less than half‐an‐hour D – roofs which are penetrated in the preliminary test. The second letter relates to the spread of flame. A – roofs where there is no spread of flame B – roofs where there is not more than 533.4mm spread of flame

78

C – roofs where there is more than 533.4mm spread of flame D – roofs which continue to burn for 5 minutes after withdrawal of the flame, or spread more than 381 mm across the region of burning during the preliminary test).

3.2.14(1) No part of the roof of a building which: (a) Has a cubic capacity exceeding 1500m3; or

(b) Is wholly or partly of occupancy group I,S or H; or

(c) Is a house in a continuous terrace of more than two houses shall be so constructed as to be designated BD, CA, CB, CD, DA, DB, C, DC or DD or to be covered with thatch or wood shingles.

(2) Any part of a roof which is so designated BA, BB, or BC, shall not be less than 6m from any

point on a boundary.

(3) Any part of a roof which is so designated, AD, BD, CA, CB, CC or CD or is covered with thatch or wood shingles, shall be not less than 12m from any point on a boundary unless such part is:

(a) of an area not exceeding 3m2, and

(b) separated from any other part of the same roof which is so designated or covered with thatch or wood shingles by an area of roof which is at least 1.5m wide and which is covered by non‐combustible material in which case such designated part or part covered with thatch or wood shingles shall be not less than 6m from any such point. Fig. 3.2.14

(4) Any part of a roof which is so designated DA, DB, DC or DD shall be:

(a) not less than 22m from any point on a boundary; and

(b) of an area not exceeding 3m2; and

(c) separated from any other part of the same roof which is so designated by an area of

roof which is at least 1.5m wide and covered with non‐combustible material.

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Table 3.2.14A ‐ Permitted Roof Covering

Type of Building Distance from Boundary

Designation of Covering

Exceeding 1500m3 Within 6m AA AB AC

More than 6m but less than 12m

AA AB AC BA BB BC (AD – with restriction)

More than 12m AA AB AC AD BA BB BC

Terrace of more than 2 houses

Within 6m

AA AB AC


AA AB AC BA BB BC (AD – with restrictions)

More than 12m AA AB AC AD BA BB BC

All other buildings

Within 6m

AA AB AC


AA AB AC BA BB BC With restrictions as to area AO BD CA CB CC CD Thatch or shingles


AA AB AC AD BA BB BC BD CA CB CC CD Thatch or shingles

More than 22m

AA AB AC AD BA BB BC BD CA CB CC CD Thatch or shingles With restrictions as to area DA DB DC DD

* Note: Table 3.2.14B lists various pitched and flat roof coverings in everyday use

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Table 3.2.14B ‐ Notional Designation of Roof Covering

Part I: Pitched Roofs covered with Slates or tiles

Covering material Supporting structure

Designation

1. Natural slates 2. Cement pulp asbestos slates 3. Clay tiles 4. Concrete tiles

1. Timber rafters with or without underfelt, sarking, boarding, wood wool slabs, compressed straw slabs, plywood, wood or fibre insulating board

AA

Part II: Pitched Roofs covered with Preformed Self‐supporting Sheets Material

Construction

Supporting structure

Designation

Corrugated sheets of: (i) galvanized steel (ii) aluminium (iii) composite steel and (iv) cement pulp asbestos

1. Single skin without underlay or with underlay of: (i) cement pulp insulating board (ii) plasterboard (iii) fibre insulating board (iv) wood wool slab

Structure of timber, steel or concrete

AA

(v) PVC coated steel 2. Double skin without underlay or with underlay of: i) resin‐bonded glass fibre (ii) bitumen‐bonded glass fibre (iii) mineral wool slab or blanket (iv) polysterene; or (v) polyurethane

Structure of timber, steel or concrete

AA

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Part III: Pitched or Flat Roofs covered with Fully Supported Material

Covering material

Supporting structure

Designation

1. Aluminium sheet

2. Copper sheet

3. Zinc sheet

4. Lead sheet

5. Mastic asphalt

6. Vitreous enameled steel sheet

1. Timber joists and: (i) Tongued and grooved boarding or (ii) Plain edged boarding

AA

2. Steel or timber joists with deck of: (i) wood wool slab

(ii) compressed straw slab

(iii) wood or flax chipboard

(iv) fibre insulating board

(v) 9.5m plywood

AA

3. Concrete or clay‐pot slab (cast in situ or precast); or non‐combustible deck of steel, aluminium or cement pulp asbestos (with or without insulation)

AA

3.2.15 Small Garages and Small Open carports

(1) Except as provided in (7) the following provisions shall apply to any garage which has a floor area not exceeding 40m2.

(2) If such garage is a separate building and:

(a) is not less than 2m from any boundary or any house within the boundary; or Fig. 3.2.15A

(b) (being less than 2m from any boundary) complies with the requirement in (3); or

(a) (being less than 2m from any house within the boundary) complies with the

requirement of (4). It shall not be required to comply with any regulation in this subsection except subsection 3.2.14 and any other provisions expressly referred to in this subsection.

(3) Any such garage which is less than 2m from any boundary shall be so associated that any

part of an external wall which is less than 2m from the boundary is externally non‐

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combustible and the walls of the garage have an internal surface which fulfils the requirements for Class 0. Fig. 3.2.15B

(4) Any garage which is less than 2m from any house within the same boundary shall be so

constructed that any part of an external wall which is less than 2m from such house is externally non‐combustible and the walls of the garage have an internal surface which fulfils the requirements for Class 0 but these requirements shall not apply if every part of any external wall of such house which is less than 2m from the garage –

(a) is externally non‐combustible

(b) has resistance to external fire of not less than half an hour; and

(c) has no unprotected area which exceeds 0.1m2 or is less than 1.5m from any other unprotected area in that part. Fig. 3.2.15C

(5) In the application of (3) and (4) any exposed surface of a frame member forming the

structure of a wall shall not be deemed to be part of the internal surface of that wall.

(6) If a garage to which (1) applies is attached to or forms part of a house, it shall be so constructed that:

(a) any floor immediately over such garage has fire resistance of not less than half‐an‐hour;

and

(b) any wall between such garage and such house has fire resistance of not less than half‐an‐hour; and

(c) any opening in such wall is: (i) at its lowest point, not less than 100mm above the level of the garage floor;

and (ii) fitted with a door, shutter or cover which has fire resistance of not less than

half‐an‐hour and which complies with the provisions of sub‐section 3.2.11.2.

Fig. 3.2.15D

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3.2.16 Occupant Load 3.2.16 (1) The occupant load of every floor area, or part thereof, shall be:

(a) The number of persons for which the floor area, or part thereof is designed, but

(b) Unless otherwise approved, not less than the number of persons that can be accommodated on the floor area or part thereof as determined from Table 3.2.16A.

(2) For the purpose of this subsection, mezzanines, tiers and balconies shall be regarded as

part of the floor area.

(3) Where a room or group of rooms is intended for 2 or more occupancies at different times, the value to be used from Table 3.2.16A shall be the value which gives the greatest number of persons for the occupancies concerned.

Table 3.2.16A – Forming part of 3.2.16(1)

Item No. Type of Use of Floor Area or Part thereof

Area per Person m2

1 2 1 2 3 1 2 1 2

R ‐ Residential uses: Houses Dormitories I ‐ Institutional uses: Surgical and obstetrical suites Wards containing more than 2 beds Detention quarters B ‐ Business and Personal Services uses: Personal service shops Offices M ‐ Mercantile uses: Retail sales floors at ground, basement or cellar Other floors

(2)

See Part 7 4.65

11.61 4.65 11.61

4.65 11.61

2.79

5.57

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Item No. Type of Use of Floor Area or Part thereof

Area per Person m2

1

2

3

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

2

3

F – Factory (Industrial) uses:

Manufacturing or process rooms

Storage garages

Storage spaces (warehouse)

Aircraft hangers

A ‐ Assembly uses:

Space with fixed seats

Space with non‐fixed seats

Stages for theatrical performance

Space with non‐fixed seats and tables

Standing space

Stadia and grandstands

Billiard rooms

Classrooms

School shops and vocational rooms

Reading or writing rooms or lounges

Dining, beverage and cafeteria space

Laboratories in schools

U, S ‐ Other uses:

Cleaning and repair of goods

Kitchens

Storage

4.65

46.45

27.87

46.45

(1)

(1)

0.74

0.74

0.93

0.37

0.56

9.29

1.86

9.29

1.86

1.11

4.65

4.65

9.29

46.45

Col.1

2

3


(1) The occupant load shall be based on the number of seats provided

(2) The occupant load for dwelling units shall be based on 2 persons per bedrooms or area provided for sleeping

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3.3 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WITHIN FLOOR AREA

Interpretation

(Section 3.3 regulates safety within floor areas including rooms or other spaces within a building with the exception of service rooms and service spaces that are regulated in Section 3.5. The regulations are grouped according to the occupancy of the floor area; room or space. The occupancy of these floor areas and other spaces is not necessarily the major occupancy for which the building is classified. For example, a building may be classified by major occupancy as an office building, and as such, the provisions for structural fire protection for office buildings prescribed in Section 3.2 apply. Within that building, a room or floor area may be used for mercantile, institutional, business, residential, industrial or other occupancy. Life safety for the occupants of any floor area is dependent in the first instance on the use or occupancy of that floor area. The risks to these occupants occur in the early stages of a fire. These risks are not the same for different occupancies and must be regulated differently. Section 3.3 regulates these special life risks within floor areas and these apply regardless of the major occupancy, of the building that contains them. For example, an assembly room must comply with the requirements for assembly occupancy whether it is contained in an office building, hospital, hotel, theatre, industrial or other major occupancy).

3.3.1 Requirements applying to all floor areas

3.3.1.1 General (1) Where hazardous substances are used in connection with the activities of any occupancy other

than as provided in subsection 3.3.7 for Groups S and H, the storage, handling and use of such substances shall be in accordance with the appropriate regulation in the fire prevention By‐law.

(2) Every room or vault where hazardous substances are stored shall be separated from all other occupancies by a 3‐hour compartment wall.

3.3.1.2 Means of Egress (Exits)

(1) A means of egress shall be provided from every roof which is intended for occupancy, and from every podium, terrace, platform or contained open space.

(2) Means of egress to exists within floor areas shall conform to subsection 3.3.2 to 3.2.7 in

addition to requirements of this subsection. 3.3.1.3(1) Except as permitted in 3.3.2.2(1) each individually rented room or suite of rooms in a floor

area occupied by more than 1 tenancy and each dwelling unit shall have exterior doorway at or near ground level, or a doorway leading to an exterior passage way open to the outdoors, or to an interior corridor. From the point where such doorway enters the exterior passageway or interior corridor it shall be possible to go in opposite directions to each of 2 separate exists, except, as permitted in this section.

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(2) Except as otherwise permitted in this part, public corridors shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a compartment wall having a fire resistance at least equal to one hour except that: (a) the fire‐resistance need not exceed ¾ hour when the fire‐resistance rating of the floor

assembly is not required, to exceed ¾ hour; (b) no fire‐resistance rating is required when the floor area is sprinklered and the corridor does

not serve Groups R,E and I occupancy. 3.3.1.3 Doorways required

(1) Any room or suite of rooms occupied by a single tenancy shall have 2 egress doorways placed in

such a manner that one doorway could provide egress from the room or suite of rooms as required in 3.3.1.3 if the other doorway becomes inaccessible to the occupants due to a fire which might originate in the room or suite of rooms: (a) where the occupancy is classified as Groups S and H

(b) which is intended for an occupant load of more than 60 persons; or

(c) except for dwelling units where area of a room or suite of rooms or the distance measured from any point within a room or suite of rooms to the nearest door opening onto a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor serving classrooms or patients bedrooms or opening directly to an exit exceeds the values shown in Table 3.3.1A.

Table 3.3.1A Forming part of sentence 3.3.1.3 (1)

Occupancy of Rooms, Suite or Floor Area

Maximum area of Room, Suite or floor

(m2)

Maximum distance to Egress Door

(m) Group R 93 (1) 15 (1)

Group E,I 70 11

Group B 186 23

Group M 139 11

Group F 186 15

Group A 139 15

Group S,H 139 11

Column 1

2

3

*Note to Table 3.3.1A (1) See sentence 3.3.4.2 (6) for dwelling unit.

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(2) Where a roof is used or intended for an occupant load of more than 60 persons at least 2 separate means of egress shall be provided from the roof to stairs, designed in conformance with the requirements for exit stairs, located so that the distance between such stairs conform to the requirements in 3.4.2.2 for exists.

(3) Where a podium, terrace, platform or contained open space is provided egress

requirements shall conform to the appropriate requirements for rooms and suite of rooms in sentence (1).

3.3.1.5 The total minimum number of doorways from any room containing a high occupant load shall

be the same as the number of exits required for a floor area having the same occupant load as determined by Article 3.4.2.4 and such doorways shall be provided with exit signs as prescribed in Article 3.4.6.1.

3.3.1.6 (1) Corridors: The minimum width of every public corridor shall be 1.10m. (2) Except as provided in sentence 3.3.1.7 (1) the minimum unobstructed width of every

corridor used by public and every corridor serving classrooms or patients bedrooms shall be 1.10m.

(3) Where a public corridor, corridor used by the public or corridor serving classrooms or

patients bedrooms contains an occupancy, such occupancy shall not reduce the unobstructed width of the corridor to less than its required width.

(4) The minimum headroom clearance of every public corridor and every doorway in such

public corridor shall conform to Article 3.4.3.5. (5) Every exit, public corridor, corridor providing access to exit for the public or serving

patients bedrooms or classrooms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level of at least 53.8 lux at floor level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.

3.3.1.7 (1) Doors: Except as provided in sentence (4) every door that opens onto a corridor or

other facility that provides access to exit from a room or suite of rooms shall swing on a vertical axis, and where such room or suite of rooms is used or intended for an occupant load of more than 60persons or for a group of S or H occupancy, shall swing in the direction of exit travel.

(2) Every door that divides a corridor where such corridor is required to be separated from

the remainder of the floor area by separating wall shall swing on a vertical axis in the direction of exit travel.

(3) Where sliding doors are provided in locations described in sentence (1), they shall be

designed and installed to swing on the vertical axis in the direction of exit travel when pressure is applied. Such doors shall be identified as a swinging door by means of a sign or decal affixed to the door.

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(4) In Group E occupancy, a sliding door may be used as an access to exit from a room or suite of rooms where persons are under legal restraint, provided locks are connected to releasing devices operated from a constantly supervised control station.

3.3.1.8 (1) Every door that opens onto, or is located within a public corridor or other facility that

provides access to exit from a room or suite of rooms occupied as a single tenancy, shall

(a) be at least 810mm in width where there is only 1 door leaf;

(b) have no single leaf in any multiple leaf door less than 600mm or more than 1200mm in width;

(c) not open onto a step; and

(d) be readily openable without the use of keys in the direction of travel to an exit, except that this requirement does not apply to doors of rooms where persons are under legal restraint.

3.3.1.9 (1) Except as provided in 3.3.1.9 (2), ramps, stairways, escalators and passageways used by

the public as access to exit shall conform with the requirements in subsection 3.4.8. (2) Curved or spiral stairs In a stairway not required as an exit, a curved or spiral stairway having treads with a

minimum average run of 200mm and having risers in conformance with 3.4.8.6 (1) is permitted.

3.3.1.10 (1) The Capacity of access to exits The capacity of any public access to exit shall be based on the occupant load of the floor

area served and be computed on the basis of the following maximum number of persons per unit width as determined by the method for computing exit width in 3.4.3.2.

(a) Except as provided in (c), doorways, corridors and passageways shall be assumed to

accommodate not more than 90 persons per unit of exit width (550mm).

(b) Except as provided in (c), stairways, ramps and escalators shall be assumed to accommodate not more than 60 persons per unit of exit width (550mm) and

(c) Access to exit from a floor area intended for the treatment or care of in firm persons

shall be assumed to accommodate not more than 30 persons per unit of exit width (550mm).

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3.3.1.11 Flame spread rating in corridors

(1) The surface of a wall or ceiling of any public corridor or corridor serving classrooms, or patients bedrooms, shall have a flame‐spread rating of a class not lower than Class 0 (see subsection 3.2.11).

(2) Where a public corridor, a corridor used by the public or a corridor serving classrooms

or patients bedroom contains an occupancy, the interior finish materials used on walls or ceilings of such occupancy shall have a flame‐spread rating in conformance with 3.3.1.11 (1).

3.3.1.12 Guards

(1) A guard at least 1050mm in height shall be provided:

(a) Around each roof to which access is provided for other than maintenance; (b) At each raised floor, mezzanines, balcony, gallery and other locations where the

difference in floor elevations is greater than 600mm.

(2) Height of guards: The height of guards on stairs used by the public but not forming part of a required exit shall be not less than 900mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and 1050mm around landings.

(3) Except as provided in 3.3.1.12(2), the size of any opening through a required guard

serving a room, stairway or space to which the public is admitted or serving an exterior balcony shall be such as to prevent the passage of a spherical object having a diameter of 100mm in residential occupancies and 200mm in other occupancies unless it can be shown to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction that the location and size of openings that exceed these limits do not present a hazardous condition.

3.3.1.13 Transparent doorways and Panels

(1) Except as provided in 3.3.1.13 (3), every glass or transparent door accessible to the public shall be designed and constructed so that the existence and position of such door is readily apparent by attaching thereto non‐transparent hardware, bare or other permanent fixtures, and when constructed of glass shall be constructed of wired glass or safety glass conforming to Part 7 of the code.

(2) Except as provided in 3.3.1.13 (3) transparent panels used in an access to exit which

because of their physical configuration or design could be mistaken as a means of egress shall be made inaccessible to occupants by barriers or railings.

(3) Sliding glass partitions which separate a public corridor or wall from an adjacent

occupancy and which are open during normal working hours need not conform to 3.3.1.13 (1) and (2) except that such partitions shall be suitably marked to indicate their existence and position.

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(4) Glass in doors and side lights that could be mistaken for doors within or at the entrance to dwelling units and in public areas shall conform to the requirements of Part 7 of this Code.

3.3.1.14 Exhaust Ventilation Required

(1) Every building or part of a building in which there may be or may develop, by reason of use of occupancy, dust, fumes, gases, vapour or other various impurities or contaminants that may create a fire or an explosion hazard shall be provided with an exhaust ventilation system of approved design.

(2) When substances or conditions that may create an explosion hazard are present as the

result of the principal use of building space, such space shall be provided with approved explosion relief devices and vents or other protective measures shall be taken which conforms to good engineering practice.

(3) All‐explosion relief devices shall be of an approved type. 3.3.1.15 (1) Except as provided in 3.3.1.15(2) and as otherwise required in this part of the code, the

portions of a floor area or mezzanine that do not terminate at an exterior wall, a compartment wall or a vertical shaft, shall terminate at a vertical fire separation having a fire‐resistance rating at least equal to that required for the floor assembly that terminates at the separation.

(2) A mezzanine need not terminate at a vertical fire separation where the mezzanine:

(a) Serves a Group F major occupancy

(b) Is not considered as a storey in calculating building height provided the mezzanine does not exceed 460m2 in area and does not contain a Group E occupancy.

3.3.2 Residential Occupancy 3.3.2.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as residential occupancies. 3.3.2.1 (1) Sleeping rooms occupied separately and not as suites, and suites or dwelling units in

hotels and other residential buildings, shall be separated from adjacent rooms, suites and public corridors by a fire separation having a fire‐resistance rating of at least 1‐hour except that a ½–hour fire resistance rating is permitted if the floor assembly is not required to exceed ½–hour fire resistance rating (See Table 3.2.4A).

(2) Except for hotels and motels, a door opening onto a public corridor which provides access

to exit from individually rented rooms, suite of rooms or dwelling units shall be designed not to look automatically.

93

(3) Trunk rooms and storage rooms for the use of tenants of residential occupancies not forming part of an individual dwelling unit or sleeping room occupied separately and not as a suite shall be separated from the remainder of the building by 1‐hour separation, except that a ½ ‐hour fire separation is permitted where the fire‐resistance rating of the floor assembly is not required to exceed ½ ‐hour.

(4) Except as provided in (5) every dwelling unit containing more than 1 storey shall have an

exit or public access to exit from the uppermost storey and the lowest storey of the dwelling unit.

(5) A single exit is permitted form a dwelling unit where the uppermost floor level is not more

than 4.5m above the floor level adjacent to the exit provided such exit is an exterior door leading directly from a storey of the dwelling unit at or near ground level.

3.3.2.2 (1) In buildings of residential occupancy and not more than 3 storeys in building height, a

doorway from a habitable room is permitted to open directly into an exit stairway provided the provisions of 3.2.11.4 (3) are complied with.

(2) A doorway from a dwelling unit may open onto an interior corridor served by a single exit,

or an exterior balcony served by a single exit stairway, provided each dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.2.3 Flame‐Spread‐Rating: Interior finish material used on the wall or ceiling of every room or

space used or intended to be used for residential occupancy shall have a flame‐spread‐rating complying with the provisions of 3.2.13.

3.3.2.4 Dead‐end Corridors: Except for corridors served by a single exit as described in 3.3.2.2(2) a

dead‐end public corridor is permitted only if it does not exceed 6m in length measured from the end of the corridor to the nearest exit. Such dead‐end corridors shall contain no door openings except entrance doors to individually rented rooms, suite of rooms or dwelling units located so that it is not necessary to pass more than 2 doors in travelling to the nearest exit.

3.3.2.5 Partitions within dwelling units

(1) In every building required to be of non‐combustible construction, partitions of combustible construction as described in 3.3.2.5 (2) may be used within dwelling units.

(2) Partitions of combustible construction referred to in 3.3.2.5 (1) shall be limited to wood

studs covered on both sides by non‐combustible cladding or gypsum wall board except that such cladding or wall board may be covered with paint.

(3) Storage lockers in storage rooms shared by more than 1 tenant may be constructed of

wood in building required to be of non‐combustible construction.

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3.3.2.6 Second Control: Walls and floors separating dwelling units shall be designed and constructed to restrict sound transmission in conformance with Part 7 of this Code. 3.3.2.7 Guards: Guards around balconies in building of residential occupancy shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 100mm and 900mm above the balcony will facilitate climbing. 3.3.3 Institutional Occupancy 3.3.3.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as institutional occupancies. 3.3.3.2 (1) Except for sleeping rooms and patients bedrooms within a suite, sleeping rooms and

patients bedrooms shall be separated from adjacent rooms or suites by a fire separating having a fire‐resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

(2) Except for corridors within suites, corridors used by the public or serving patients

bedrooms or sleeping rooms shall:

(a) Be separated from the adjacent rooms or suites by a fire separation having a fire rating as required in 3.3.3.2 (1).

(b) Having surface finishes with a flame spread rating conforming to Table 3.2.13A.

(2) Access to exit from a room or suite may be by a dead‐end corridor provided the room or suite has a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.3.3 The fire separation required between institutional occupancy (Group C) and a repair garage shall have no openings. 3.3.3.4 Flame‐spread rating: The interior finish of walls and ceilings shall have a flame‐spread rating conforming to the provisions of subsection 3.2.13. 3.3.3.5 Separated Zones in Floor Areas

(1) Every floor area used or intended to be used for patients in bed or inform persons shall be divided into 2 or more zones separated by a fire separation in such a manner that the occupants in every zone have access to 2 exits either directly or through adjacent zones.

(2) Fire separations between zones shall have a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour. (3) Doors acting as closures in fire separations between zones shall be designed and

installed to retard the passage of smoke.

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(4) Every zone shall accommodate, in addition to its own occupants, the occupants of the largest adjacent zone in a floor area determined by the requirements for horizontal exits in subsection 3.4.

(5) The travel distance from any point within each zone to an adjacent zone shall not

exceed 30m. 3.3.3.6 Corridors

(1) Every corridor in which it is necessary to move patients in beds shall be at least 2.4m wide. (2) Paired doors in corridors shall:

(a) swing in opposite directions, the right‐hand door swinging in the direction of travel; and

(b) be at least 1.1m wide and 2.1m high to permit movement of beds.

3.3.4 Business and Personal Services Occupancy 3.3.4.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as business and personal services occupancies. 3.3.4.1 (1) Partitions: In every building required to be of non‐combustible construction, partitions of combustible construction as described in (2) may be used within floor areas used or intended to be used for a business or personal services occupancy where the partitions are not required to act as fire separations.

(a) where the floor area is sprinklered; or

(b) within spaces having an area not more than 1000m2 where such spaces are

separated from the remainder of the floor area by at least 1 hour fire separation of non‐combustible construction.

(2) Partitions of combustible construction referred to in (1) shall be limited to:

(a) wood studs covered on both sides by non‐combustible cladding or gypsum wall board, except that such cladding or wall board may be covered with paint;

(b) glass in wood sash; or (c) solid lumber not less than 50mm thickness.

3.3.4.3 Frame Spread Rating: Interior finish material used on the wall of every room or space used or intended to be used for business and personal services occupancy shall be of Class 0. 3.3.4.4 Dead‐end public corridors are permitted in Group B occupancies provided the areas served by the corridor have a second and separate means of egress or provided:

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(a) the occupant load served by the dead‐end corridor does not exceed 30 persons;

(b) door openings other than entrance doors to individually rental rooms or suites are not, located in the dead‐end portion that serves as access to exit;

(c) the travel distance from the most remote point of the dead‐end portion to the

nearest exit does not exceed 9m in length;

(d) the doors in the dead‐end portions are located so that it is not necessary to pass more than 2 doors in travelling to the nearest exit and;

(e) the doors in the dead‐end portions are with self‐closing devices and designed not to

lock automatically.

3.3.5 Mercantile Occupancy 3.3.5.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as mercantile occupancies. 3.3.5.2 Partitions

(1) In every building required to be of non‐combustible construction, partitions of combustible construction as described in (2) may be used within floor areas intended for mercantile occupancy where the partitions are not required to act as fire separations: (a) where the floor area is sprinklered; or (b) where a floor area comprising a single tenancy does not exceed 1000m2 and is

enclosed by a 1 hour fire separation of non‐combustible construction.

(2) Partitions of combustible construction referred to in (1) shall be limited to:

(a) wood studs covered on both sides by non‐combustible cladding or gypsum wall board – except that such cladding or wall board may be covered with paint;

(b) glass in wood sash; or (c) solid lumber not less than 50mm nominal thickness.

3.3.5.3 Flame Spread Rating: Interior finish used on the wall or ceiling of every room or space used or intended to be used for mercantile occupancy shall have a flame‐spread rating of Class 0. 3.3.5.4 Posts or Turnstiles: In any mercantile occupancy no obstructions such as posts or turnstiles shall be placed so as to restrict the width of a normal means of egress from a floor area or part of a floor area to less than 750mm unless an alternative means of egress is provided adjacent to and is plainly visible from the restricted egress. 3.3.5.5 Dead‐end public corridors are permitted in mercantile occupancies provided the areas served by such corridors have a second and separate means of egress.

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3.3.6 Factory (Industrial) Occupancy 3.3.6.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as industrial occupancies. 3.3.6.2 Fire Separation: Every process room where hazardous substances are used or intended to be used shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a 2‐hour fire separation. The authority having jurisdiction may waive the requirement for such separation where approved fire extinguishing equipment is installed. 3.3.6.3 Spaces below grade: (1) Basements or cellars shall not be used for the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile solids, liquids or gases that generate explosive air‐vapour mixtures or for processes that involve explosive dusts. (2) Entrances and exists to basements cellars and rooms containing building services in

buildings involving the storage, manufacture or handling of volatile materials that generate explosive air‐vapour mixtures or processes that produce explosive dusts shall be separated form the other parts of the building. Such basements, cellars and rooms shall be separated from other parts of the building with a vapour tight separation.

3.3.6.4 Exterior Wall Openings: Where any storey of a building classified as Group S or H major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above or below a fire separation, every opening in an exterior wall located vertically above another opening shall be separated by apron or spandrel walls at least 90mm in height or by a canopy at least 90mm wide at each floor level and such apron, spandrel or canopy shall have a fire‐resistance rating equivalent to the construction required for the floor assembly and need not be greater than 1 hour. 3.3.6.5 Flame‐Spread Rating: Interior finish material used on the wall or ceiling of every room or space used or intended to be used for industrial occupancy shall have a flame‐spread rating of Class 0. 3.3.6.6 Garages (1) Where access is provided from a storage garage to a stair tower or elevator lobby serving

occupancies above the level of a storage garage, such access shall be through a vestibule conforming to 3.3.6.6 (13).

(2) Mechanical storage garages of not more than 4 storeys in building height where no

persons other than parking attendants are permitted above street floor level, need not have a fire separation between exits and the remainder of the building.

(3) Every garage shall be provided with natural or mechanical ventilation in conformance with

subsection 3.5.3 to prevent excessive accumulation of carbon monoxide, exhaust fumes or flammable and toxic vapours.

(4) The clear height of every storey in a storage garage shall be at least 1.95m.

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(5) A continuous curb at least 150mm in height and a guard at least 1050mm in height shall be provided at every floor opening and around the perimeter of every floor where the exterior walls are omitted.

(6) The floor finish of every garage shall be of non‐combustible material, asphalt or other

approved material. (7) Only 3 exists located remote from each other need be provided in storage garages

provided persons other than attendants are not permitted above the street floor level. (8) Except for a basement in which the floor level is not more than 900mm below grade, or in

which at least 25 per cent of the total area of the perimeter walls on each storey is open to the outdoors and distributed to provide cross ventilation, every storey of a storage garage or repair garage located below grade shall be.

(9) Repair garages: A repair garage shall be separated from other occupancies by at least 2‐ hour fire separation.

(10) Storage garages: A storage garage shall be separated from other occupancies by at least a 1 ½ ‐ hour fire separation. (11) Vestibule Required: Where access is provided through a fire separation between a storage garage and a Group E or group A occupancy, such access shall be through a vestibule conforming to 3.3.6.6 (13). (12) In buildings exceeding 3 storeys in building height where access is provided through a fire‐

separation between a storage garage and a Group R or a Group A occupancy such access shall be thorough a vestibule conforming to 3.3.6.6. (13).

(13) Vestibule Requirements: Where access is provided through a vestibule as required in sentences (1), (11), and (12), the vestibule shall:

(a) be at least 1.8m in length; (b) naturally ventilated to outside air in an approved manner, or mechanically ventilated

at the rate required by article 3.5.3.3.; (c) have the openings between the vestibule and or adjoining occupancy provided with

self‐closing doors having no hold‐open devices.

3.3.6.7 Dispensing of Petrol

(1) Facilities for the dispensing of petrol shall not be installed above any space intended for occupancy.

(2) Facilities for the dispensing of petrol shall not be installed in any building except that this

requirement does not apply to a canopy which is open on at least 75 percent of its perimeter, or, when approved, to a building of Group A occupancy.

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3.3.6.8 Rooms or spaces involving the use of explosive substances shall be ventilated in conformance with 3.3.1.14.

3.3.6.9 (1) Access to exit from a room or suite of rooms containing an industrial occupancy with an

occupancy load of more than 30 persons or a high hazard industrial occupancy shall not be through a dead‐end corridor unless there is a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.7 Assembly Occupancy

3.3.7.1 Scope: This subsection applies to floor areas or parts thereof used or intended for use as

assembly occupancies. 3.3.7.2 Fire separation required (1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, different occupancies of the same

occupancy classification, any one of which has an occupant load exceeding 200 persons, shall be separated from each other by a fire separation having a fire resistance of at least 1 hour except that a fire separation having a fire resistance rating of ¾ ‐ hour may be used where the floor assembly is not required to have a fire resistance rating greater than ¾ ‐ hour.

(2) Where usable space exists under tiers of seats in arena‐type buildings, a ¾ ‐ hour fire

separation shall be provided between such space and the seats or the space shall be sprinklered.

(3) An assembly occupancy shall be separated from a garage by a fire‐separation conforming

to 3.3.6.6. 3.3.7.3 Flame‐Spread Rating: Interior finish materials used on the wall or ceiling of a room or space

intended for assembly purposes shall have a flame‐spread rating of Class 0. 3.3.7.4 Fixed Seats

(1) Except for bench‐type seats as provided in 3.3.7.9; 3.3.7.11 and 3.3.7.12, in places of assembly with fixed seats, such seats shall be:

(a) attached or secured to the floor, platform or platform riser;

(b) provided with arms and back; and

(c) arranged in rows having an unobstructed passage of at least 400mm measured horizontally between plumb lines from the backs of the seats in one row and the edges of the furthest forward projection of the seats in the next row in the unoccupied position.

(2) Aisles on the main floor and in the balconies and galleries shall be located so that there are

not more than 7 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle, except where:

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(a) a door or doorway leading directly to an access exit is provided for every 3 row of seats in which case such doors or doorways need not be provided with exit signs; and

(b) the number of seats in a row does not exceed 100.

(3) Seating arrangements that do not conform to the requirements of 3.3.7.4 (2) may be

approved provided the standard of safety is not reduced and the time required for egress is not increased.

3.3.7.5 Aisles (1) Except as required in 3.3.7.9, 3.3.7.11 and 3.3.7.12 aisles leading to exits shall be provided

in places of assembly which contain fixed seats in conformance with 3.3.7.5 (2) and 3.3.7.5 (9).

(2) The minimum clear width of aisle shall not be less than 1100mm except that the width

may be reduced to not less than:

(a) 750mm when serving 60 seats or fewer, and

(b) 900mm when serving seats on 1 side only. (3) Except in the case of bleacher seats, the minimum clear width of aisles referred to in

3.3.7.5(2) shall be measured at the point farthest from an exit, cross aisle or foyer and shall be increased in width 38mm for each 1.5m in length toward the exit, cross aisle or foyer.

(4) Aisles shall terminate in a cross aisle, foyer or exit, and the width of such cross aisle, foyer

or exit shall be at least the required width of the widest aisle plus 50 per cent of the total required width of the remaining aisle that it serves.

(5) Dead‐end aisles shall be not more than 6m in length. (6) The length of travel to an exit door by an aisle shall not be longer than 45m.

(7) Side aisles shall be at least 1100mm wide when seating is provided in conformance with 3.3.7.4 (2) (a) and (b)

(8) The floor of every aisle shall have a gradient of not more than 1 to 8.

(9) Steps shall not be placed in any aisle unless the gradient would exceed 1 to 8; such steps shall conform to the following requirements: (a) the passageway between rows of seats shall be level at right angles to the line of

travel; (b) the riser height shall be 115mm;

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(c) the riser height shall not exceed 200mm where not more than 1 riser is used between adjacent seating platforms and shall not exceed 200mm where more than 1 riser is used;

(d) where variations in riser height occur;

(i) the heights of adjacent risers shall not vary more than 6mm; and (ii) treads or any part of a platform shall extend at least 425mm.

(e) the width of stair treads between platform shall conform to Article 3.4.8.7;

(f) aisle platform where they extend at least 425mm in the direction of exit travel may

slope 6mm in 300mm;

(g) an unobstructed platform at least 800mm square shall be provided adjacent to an aisle where a step is used at the entry to row of seats; and

(h) the location of every riser is made apparent from both directions of travel by

strategically placed light, contrasting marking stripes or other approved methods. 3.3.7.6 (1) Corridors used by the public in assembly occupancies or serving classrooms as access to exists shall:

(a) be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire‐separation having a fire‐resistance rating of not less than 1 hour except that; (i) the fire resistance need not be greater than ¾ hour where the floor assembly is

permitted to have a ¾ hour fire resistance rating; (b) have surface finishes with flame spread rating conforming to the requirements in

3.3.1.11 (1) for public corridors. (2) Access to exit used by the public or which serve classrooms in assembly occupancies may

be by a dead‐end corridor provided the areas served by the dead‐end corridor have a second and separate means of egress.

3.3.7.7 (1) Every door in a principal access to exit from a room, suite of rooms or floor area of Group

A occupancy containing an occupant load of more than 100 persons shall be equipped with an approved hardware that will release and allow the door to swing wide open when a force of 90N is applied to the device in the direction of the travel to the exit.

(2) A door between a corridor and adjacent classrooms providing access to exit from the

classrooms need not be equipped with a self‐closing device where the building does not exceed 3 storeys in building height.

3.3.7.8 Access to exit from a room or suite of rooms of assembly occupancy shall not be through a

dead‐end corridor unless there is a second and separate means of egress from the room or suite of rooms.

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3.3.7.9 Fixed bench‐type seats without arms (1) Where fixed bench‐type seats without arms are provided the seats width per person shall

be assumed to be 450mm. (2) The centre‐to‐centre spacing between rows of bench‐type seats shall be at least 75mm

where back rests are provided and at least 550mm where back rests are not provided. (3) There shall be a space of at least 300mm between the back of each seat and the front of

the seat immediately behind it. (4) Except as provided in 3.3.7.4 (2) aisles shall be located so that there are not more than 7

seats with backs or 20 seats without backs between every seat and the nearest aisle. (5) The width of every aisle – serving bench‐type seat shall conform to 3.3.7.5. (6) Steps shall not be placed in any aisle unless the gradient would exceed 1 to 8; such steps

need to have hand rails when the adjacent seating is on the same level. (7) Seating arrangements that do not conform to the requirements in this Article may be

approved provided the standard of safety is not reduced and the time required for egress is not increased.

3.3.7.10 Height of Guards (1) Except as required in 3.3.7.10 (2) to (4) for bleacher seats, guards shall be installed in

outdoor places of assembly with fixed seats so that:

(a) at the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery where the seats extend to the edge, the height of guards is at least 250mm in front of the seats and at least 900mm when located at the end of the aisles or at the foot of steps;

(b) the height or guards along every cross aisle other than those adjacent to the fascia of every box, balcony or gallery is at least 650mm except that such guards need not be provided where the backs of the seats along the front side of the aisle are at least 600mm above the floor of the aisle; and

(c) where the seating is arranged in successive tiers and the height of rise between

platforms exceeds 450mm, the height of guards is at least 650mm along the entire row of seats at the edge of the platform.

(2) The backs and ends of bleacher seats more than 1.2m above the ground or floor that are

not adjacent to a wall shall be protected with a guard:

(a) at least 1.05m in height above an adjacent aisle surface of foot rest; and

(b) at least 0.9m in height above the centre of an adjacent seat board.

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(3) If the front of a bleacher is more than 600mm above the ground or floor, it shall be protected with a guard at least 830mm in height above the front foot rest.

(4) The size of any opening in a guard required in (2) and (3) shall be such as to prevent the passage of a spherical object more than 300mm in size. 3.3.7.11 Outdoor Places of Assembly

(1) Any outdoor places of assembly and each tier or balcony thereof that has a capacity of more than:

(a) 1000 persons shall have at least 3 separate exits, or

(b) 4000 persons shall have at least 4 separate exits.

(2) In every outdoor place of assembly, every seat shall be located so that the travel distance does not exceed 45m measured along the path of travel from the seat to:

(a) the ground,

(b) an exit,

(c) an opening to a passageway leading from the seating area, or

(d) an opening through the seating deck structure such as a portal or vomitory.

(3) Exits from outdoor stadia or grandstands shall be located not more than 22.5m apart.

(4) The capacity of means of egress for outdoor places of assembly shall be based on:

(a) 1 unit of exit width for each 300 persons for:

(i) aisles, (ii) stairs other than exit stairs, and (iii) ramps and level passageways in vomitories and in exits, and

(b) 1 unit of exit width for each 225 persons for exit stairs.

(5) Aisle in outdoor places of assembly:

(a) shall be located so that there are not more than 20 seats between any seat and the nearest aisle. (b) shall be at least 1.2m in width except that an aisle serving fewer than 60 persons may be 0.75m in width, and (c) shall not have steps unless the gradient of the aisle would exceed 1 in 8.

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(6) Except as provided in 3.3.7.12 (1) and (2) where steps are provided in aisles, such steps shall:

(a) extend the full width of the aisles,

(b) have risers not exceeding 230mm in height, and

(c) have treads with a run of at least 250mm.

3.3.7.12 Bleachers

(1) Where steps are provided in aisles of bleachers of the telescopic type such steps shall: (a) have risers not exceeding 250mm, and

(b) have risers with a run of at least 275mm. (2) When the vertical distance between seating platforms in bleachers exceeds 275mm, an

intermediate step shall be provided the full width of the aisle, and proportioned to provide 2 equal risers between platforms and when the vertical distance between seating platforms exceeds 450mm, 2 intermediate steps shall be provided the full width of the aisle so that there are 3 equal risers between platforms.

(3) Where the passageway between rows of seats is not a closed deck, footboards shall be

provided so that:

(a) the total width of the footboards shall be not less than ¾ of the centre‐to‐centre spacing between rows of seats, and

(b) the spacing between footboard members shall not exceed 25mm. 3.3.7.13 Libraries

(1) Where a book storage room in a library exceeds 232.3m2 in area, or where the book stacks exceeds 9m in height or penetrate more than 1 storey: (a) the book storage room shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a 2‐

hour fire separation, or (b) the building shall be sprinklered.

(2) Open book shelves are permitted above and below a mezzanine floor, in a library building

provided the height of such book shelves is not more than 2.10m or 75 percent of the floor to ceiling height of the space above or below the mezzanine floor assembly.

3.3.7.14 Stages for theatrical Performance

(1) Structural members supporting the floor of any stage for theatrical performances shall be of non‐combustible construction unless the building is permitted to be of combustible construction.

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(2) A 1‐hour fire separation shall be provided between every stage for theatrical performances and ancillary spaces, such as workshops, dressing rooms and storage areas.

(3) Every stage for theatrical performance and ancillary spaces, such as work storage and dressing rooms, shall be separated from the audience space by a 1‐hour fire separation, except for a proscenium opening which shall be protected with an approved:

(a) unframed asbestos fire curtain when the opening does not exceed 18.29m in width, or (b) semi‐rigid asbestos fire curtain when the opening is more than 18.29m in width.

(4) Every cement pulp asbestos curtain as required by (3) shall be operated manually by

remote control devices, one on the stage control panel and one on each side of the stage. (5) At least 2 vents for the purpose of venting fire and smoke to the outside of a building shall

be provided above every stage designed for theatrical performances and shall have an aggregate area of at least 1/8 of the area of the stage behind the proscenium opening;

(a) where any requirement of (1) to (5) is incompatible with the function of the stage,

other fire safety measures may be substituted provided the authority having jurisdiction is satisfied that the standard of safety is not reduced.

3.3.7.15 Motion Picture Projection Rooms (1) This part of the code does not apply to portable motion picture projectors. (2) Except as provided in (1), every motion picture projector, together with all associated

electrical devices, shall be operated within a projection room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating of at least 1 hour.

(3) A clear‐space of at least 750mm shall be provided behind projection equipment in every

projection room. (4) Every projection room shall have at least 2 doorways with dimensions at least 750mm in

width and 2.03m in height. Such doorways shall be separated by at least 1/3 of the perimeter of the room and shall lead to an access to exit.

(5) Doors installed in projection rooms shall be equipped with self‐closing devices and shall

open outward. (6) Every projection room shall be equipped with exhaust ventilation of sufficient capacity to

provide 6 air charges per hour and shall be designed in conformance with good practice. (7) Every shelf, fixture and major item of fixed equipment in a projection room shall be

constructed of non‐combustible materials.

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3.4 REQUIREMENTS FOR EXITS 3.4.1 General Requirements 3.4.1.1 (1) Scope: Exit facilities complying with this section shall be provided to a public thoroughfare or to an approved open space with access to a public thoroughfare from every floor area which is intended for occupancy.

(2) Where more than 1 exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be separated from every other exit leading from that floor area.

(3) Access to exits shall conform to Section 3.3. 3.4.1.2 (1) Unless otherwise indicated, the requirements of this section shall apply to new construction. (2) Where alterations are made or changes of occupancy occur in an existing building:

(a) exists shall conform to this Part, except that the authority having jurisdiction may permit other arrangements when in his opinion safety to life is not unduly endangered; and

(b) the authority having jurisdiction may require any deficiency in exits to be corrected, and may permit fire escapes as described in 3.4.8.14 for this purpose provided such fire escapes serve floor areas.

(i) not more than 2 storeys above ground level in Group B occupancies, and (ii) not more than 5 storeys above ground level for occupancies other than Group B.

3.4.1.3 Types of Exits: Subject to the requirements of this section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following, used singly or in combination:

‐ escalator that is capable of moving only in the direction of exit travel

‐ exterior doorway

‐ exterior passageway

‐ exterior ramp

‐ exterior stairway

‐ fire escape

‐ interior passageway

‐ interior ramp

‐ interior stairway

‐ moving walkway that is capable of moving only in the direction of exit travel

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3.4.1.4 Restricted Use of Exits

(1) A horizontal exit shall not be permitted as a required exit from a room or floor area having a high occupant load. (2) Horizontal exits shall not comprise more than ½ of the required number of exits from any

floor area. (3) A fire escape (emergency escape route) shall not be erected on any new building. (4) A fire escape (emergency escape route) shall not be erected on an existing building unless

it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction that it is impracticable to provide one or more of the exit facilities in 3.2.14.

(5) Glass and transparent door assemblies accessible to the public, transparent panels, side

lights and windows in exits, glass in exit doors and side lights for doors, within and at the entrance to dwelling units shall conform to the requirements in 3.3.1.13 for such assemblies in access exits.

3.4.2 Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas 3.4.2.1 (1) Minimum Number Required: Except as provided in (2) and in 3.3.2.1 (5), every floor area

as regulated in 3.4.1.1 shall be served by not fewer than 2 exits. (2) Except for dwelling units floor areas designed for an occupant load of not more than 60

persons in buildings not exceeding 2 storeys in building height may be served by 1 exit provided the floor area requirements conform to Table 3.4.2A.

(3) For the purpose of this subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in

the floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel, except that when a floor area is sub‐divided into suites of rooms or rooms within suites and served by a corridor required to provide a fire separation from such adjacent rooms or suites of rooms or by an exterior passageway, the travel distance shall be measured from the door of such rooms or suites to the nearest exit.

(4) Except for mezzanines, that are not enclosed and are of a size permitted in Table 3.3.1A to

have a single egress, mezzanines shall be provide with exits on the same basis as required for floor areas in this section.

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Table 3.4.2A Forming part of sentence 3.4.2.1 (2)


(1) Single exit permitted when such exit is an exterior door or near ground level

(2) See sentence 3.3.2.4 for dwelling units.

3.4.2.2 Distance between Exits (1) Except where a floor area is divided by a fire separation so that it is necessary to pass through it to travel from one exit to another exit, the least distance between 2 required exits from a floor area shall be:

(a) one‐half of the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area but need not be more than 9.1m for a floor area having a public corridor serving more than 1 tenant, or

(b) one‐half the maximum dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9.1m for all other floor areas. (2) The minimum distance between exits referred to in 3.4.2.2 (1) shall be the shortest

distance that smoke would have to travel between the required exits assuming that smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.

3.4.2.3 Location of Exits

(1) Where more than 1 exit is required from a floor area, such exits shall be located so that

the travel distance to at least 1 exit as described in 3.4.2.1 (3) shall be not more than: (a) 22.9m in any Group S or H occupancy

Occupancy of Floor Area Maximum Floor Area (m2)

Maximum Travel Distance

R 95 (1) (2) 15

E,I 70 (1) 10

B 185 25

M 140 15

F 140 10

A 140 15

S,H 185 25

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(b) 45.8m in any sprinklered floor area that contains an occupancy other than Group S or

H

(c) 38.1m in any Group B occupancy, and

(d) 30.5m in any other occupancy (2) Except for Group S or H occupancy, 3.4.2.3 (1) need not apply if exits are placed along the

perimeter of the floor area and are not more than 61.0m apart, measured along the perimeter provided each main aisle in the floor area leads directly to an exit.

(3) Where more than 1 exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not

more than ½ the required units of exit width. (4) Exits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are

clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times. (5) Where an assembly hall or theatre has more than 1 balcony or gallery, every exit stair or

ramp leading from a balcony or gallery above the first balcony shall be separated from any other stairway and in a separate enclosure.

3.4.2.4 Except as provided in 3.3.7.11 for outdoor places of assembly, the number of exists from

each floor area in which there is a high occupant load shall conform to Table 3.4.2B.

Table 3.4.2B

Forming part of Article 3.4.2.4

Total Number of Persons Minimum Number of Exits Required

61 – 600 2

691 – 1000 3

Over 1000 4

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3.4.2.4 Exit for covered malls

(1) Every covered mall shall:

(a) be served by at least 2 exits located remote from each other, so that the travel distance from any point within the covered mall to a mall exit does not exceed 61m, and

(b) have an unobstructed pedestrian travel space at least 3.7m wide, parallel and adjacent to each connected building, and extending to each mall exit.

(2) Exits from floor areas of portions of buildings considered as separate buildings which

adjoin a covered mall shall not comprise more than ½ of the required units of exit width from that floor area.

(3) Every required exit from a storey above a floor area adjoining a covered mall shall lead

directly to the outdoors. (4) Required exits from a covered mall shall not empty into another such covered mall. 3.4.3 Width and Height of Exits

3.4.3.1 Exit Width (1) The aggregate width of required exits shall be at least the value computed in accordance

with 3.4.3.2 and 3.4.3.3. (2) Except as provided in 3.4.3.1(3) to 3.4.3.1 (8) and in 3.4.8.14(6), the clear width of every

exit shall be at least 910m. (3) The clear width of any corridor used as an exit shall be at least 1.12m. (4) The clear width of any exit serving patients in bed shall be at least 1.12m. (5) The width of an exit stair shall be at least 1.12m where the stair serves 1 or more floor

areas having a combined occupant load greater than 100 persons. (6) Every door leaf in an exit doorway shall be:

(a) not more than 1.22m in width,

(b) not less than 610mm width where there is more than 1 leaf provided in the width of a

doorway, and

(c) not less than 810mm in width if there is only 1 leaf provided in the doorway.

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(7) The aggregate width of doorways to exit stairways, exit ramps and doorways providing direct access to the outside from a floor area shall be sufficient to provide the number of units of exit width required to serve the floor area from which they lead.

(8) Every doorway, leading from exit stairways and exit ramps in the direction of exit travel

shall provide at least the number of units of exit width required for exit purpose, but shall not be less than ¾ of the width of the stairway or ramp it serves.

3.4.3.2 Width based on occupant load

(1) For the purpose of determining aggregate width of required exits, the occupant load of every room or floor area of the building to be considered shall be determined in conformance with subsection 3.2.16.

(2) The aggregate width of exits from a room or floor area expressed as units of exit width

(550mm) shall be determined by dividing the occupant load of the room or floor area by the allowable number of persons per unit of exit width specified in 3.4.3.3.

(3) In determining the width in units of an individual exit, the width of an exit in mm shall be

divided by 550. When the remainder is less than 300mm, it shall not be considered as contributing to the number of units. Where the remainder is 300mm or more, it shall be considered as contributing ¼ unit of exit width in the case of stairs, and ½ unit of exit width in the case of other exit facilities.

(4) Except as provided in (5) and (6), the required units of exit width shall be cumulative

where 2 or more exits converge. (5) Except as provided in (6) where exit stair serves 2 or more floorways, one above the other,

the required units of exit width are not cumulative. (6) The required units of exit width for exit stairs that serve 1 or more floor areas containing a

high occupant load shall be increased by an amount required for the high occupant load, except that such increase need not extend to more than 5 storeys beneath the storeys with the high occupant loads in high rise buildings.

3.4.3.3 Capacity per unit exit width (1) The aggregate width of required exits shall be computed on the basis of the maximum

number of persons per unit of exit width as specified in 3.4.3.3 (5). (2) The number of persons per unit of exit width shall be assumed to be 30 in determining the

exit requirements from floor areas containing Group R or Group E occupancies. (3) Except as permitted in sentences (2) and (4), the number of persons per unit of exit width

shall be 90 for exterior exit doors.

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(4) The number of persons per unit of exit width for outdoor places of assembly shall conform to Article 3.3.7.11.

(5) Except as provided in sentences (2) to (4) the number of persons per unit of exit width

shall be 60. 3.4.3.4 Reduction of Exit Width (1) No fixture, turnstile, or construction shall project into or be fixed within the required

width of any exit, except as permitted in sentences (2) to (5). (2) Exit doors shall be so hung and arranged that when opened they shall neither diminish nor

obstruct the required width of exit by more than 50mm for each full unit of exit width.

(3) Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the effective width of exit stairs or landings to less than 760mm or reduce the effective width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width.

(4) No hand rail or stair stringer shall project more than 90mm into the required width of an exit.

(5) In places having a high occupant load where persons are admitted to the building and allowed to wait until seats become available, special waiting areas shall be provided which shall:

(a) not encroach on the required exit width,

(b) be separated from the required means of egress by partitions or guards not less than

1070mm in height, and

(c) be provided with an aggregate width of exit determined on the basis of subsection 3.2.16 and Article 3.4.3.3.

3.4.3.5 Headroom Clearance

(1) Except as provided in sentence (2) to (4) every means of egress shall have a headroom clearance of at least 2.15m.

(2) The headroom clearance for stairways measured vertically above any landing or the nosing of any stair tread shall be at least 2.10m.

(3) The headroom clearance doorways shall be at least 2.05m.

(4) No device such as a door closer shall be installed so as to reduce the headroom clearance of a doorway to less than 2.0m.

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3.4.4 Flame Spread Rating for Exits 3.4.4.1 (1) Except as permitted in sentence (2) the flame spread rating of a wall or ceiling in an exit

shall be of designation Class 0. (2) The flame spread rating of any part of the surface of the wall finish of a lobby used as an

exit as permitted in 3.4.5.1 (6) may be of any class not lower than class 3 if the area of that part (or, if there are more such parts, the total area of those parts), does not exceed 25 per cent of the wall area.

3.4.5 Required Fire Separation for Exits 3.4.5.1 Grade of Separations (1) Except as provided in sentences (3) and (4) and in sentence 3.3.6.6(2), every exit shall be

separated from the remainder of the building it serves by a fire separation having a fire resistance rating conforming to Table 3.4.5A for the grade of fire separation required for the floor assemblies of the storeys through which it penetrates or which it serves. This requirement shall not be deemed to prohibit unprotected openings in walls of an exit enclosure that are not fire separations.

(2) Except as provided in sentence (3), not more than 1 required exit from any floor area

above or below the first storey shall not lead through a lobby, including the foyer or sentence hall of another floor at ground level.

Table 3.4.5A Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.5.1 (1)

Grade of fire separation required for floor

assemblies (hr)

Minimum fire‐resistance rating for fire‐separation of exit

(hr) Less than ¾ ¾

¾ ¾

1 ¾

1 ½ 1

2 1 ½

3 2

4 3

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3.4.5.1 (3) Exit leading through a lobby: Not more than 1 required exit from any floor area may lead through a lobby where,

(a) the lobby floor is more than 4.57m above grade,

(b) the path of travel through the lobby does not exceed 15.24m,

(c) the lobby conforms in all aspects with the requirements for exits, except that,

(i) rooms other than garbage rooms, incinerator rooms and janitors storage rooms may open onto the lobby, (ii) the fire separation between the lobby and a room used for the sole purpose of control and supervision of the building need not have a fire‐resistance rating, and

(iii) the fire separation between the lobby and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open onto the lobby need not have a fire‐resistance rating when the lobby and the adjacent occupancies are sprinklered. (4) The requirements in sentence (1) do not apply to an exterior passageway that is designed as an exit facility provided the passageway is open to the outdoors and is served by an exit stair at each end of the passageway.

3.4.5.2 Integrity of Exits

(1) There shall be no openings in any fire separation, separating exits except exit doorways and openings for standpipes.

(2) Exit stairways that are continuous such as scissors stairs shall be separated from each

other by a smoke‐tight fire separation having a fire‐resistance rating at least equal to that required for the floor assembly through which they pass.

(3) Fire separations separating continuous stairs in sentence (2) shall not be pierced by

doorways, duct work or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation. (4) An exit shall not be used as a plenum for ventilating air‐conditioning system (5) An exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit may

also serve as an access to a floor area. (6) Service rooms such as furnace and incinerator rooms and ancillary rooms such as storage

rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, garbage rooms and laundry rooms should not open directly into an exit.

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3.4.6 Exit (Means of Egress) Signs 3.4.6.1 (1) Every exit door other than the main entrance to a room or building shall have an exit sign placed over it when the exit serves:

(a) a building exceeding 2 storeys in building height;

(b) a building having an occupant load greater than 150;

(c) a room with a high occupant load of more than 60 except as provided in 3.3.7.4(2)(a);

(d) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of the required means of egress; or

(e) a corridor exceeding 22.9m in length and serving patients or inmates bedrooms in Groups E and I occupancies.

(2) Every exit sign required in sentence (1) shall:

(a) be visible from the exit approach;

(b) have the word EXIT displaced in plain legible letters;

(c) be designed to be illuminated continuously while the building is occupied;

(d) be connected to an electrical circuit separate from other electrical circuits; and (e) be designed to be illuminated by an emergency power supply as described in sentence

3.4.7.1(1) and (2).

(3) Letters on exit signs shall be:

(a) white letters on contrasting background of green at least 114mm high with 19mm stroke spelling EXIT, when the sign is internally illuminated,

(b) white letters on green background at least 150mm in height with 19mm stroke spelling EXIT, when the sign is externally illuminated.

(4) The minimum size of exit sign letters f or viewing distances shall be as given in Table 3.4.6

Table 3.4.6: Size of exit sign letters

Viewing distance Letter height Less than 20m 50mm

20‐30m 75mm 30‐40m 100mm

More than 40m 125mm

(5) Where necessary, signs shall be provided to indicate the direction of egress in public corridors and passageways and shall have the word EXIT with a suitable arrow or pointer indicating the direction of egress and the size of lettering shall conform to sentence (3).

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(6) No mirrors shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the direction of exit.

3.4.7 Lighting for Exits 3.4.7.1 (1) Every exit, public corridor, corridor providing access to exit for the public or serving

patients bedrooms or classrooms shall be equipped to provide illumination to an average level and at least 54 lux at floor level and at all points such as angles and intersections at changes of level where there are stairs or ramps.

(2) Emergency lighting shall be provided to average levels of at least 11 lux at floor or tread level in:

(a) exits and corridors used by the public and principal routes providing access to exit in

an open floor area where such exits, and corridors and routes that are below grade or are window less,

(b) underground walkways, and (c) covered malls.

3.4.8 Types of Exit Facility 3.4.8.1 Scope: Except when stated otherwise the requirements apply to both interior and exterior exits. 3.4.8.2 Stairs and ramps (1) The finish for treads and landings of interior and exterior stairs and ramps accessible to the public shall have non‐skid finish or be provided with non‐skid strips. (2) Every flight of interior stairs shall have at least 3 risers. (3)(i) No flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise of more than 3.7m between floors or

landings, except the flights of stairs serving as exits from rooms intended for infirm persons, or having a high occupant load shall have a vertical rise of not more than 2.4m between floors or landings.

(ii) The length and width of landings shall be at least the width of stairways in which they occur, except that in a straight run the length of a landing need not exceed 1.12m.

3.4.8.3 Handrails (1) Every exit ramp or stairway shall have a handrail on at least 1 side, and where 1.12m or more in width shall have handrails on both sides. (2) Where the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs exceeds 2.22m, 1 or more intermediate handrails between landings shall be provided and the number and position of these intermediate handrails shall be such that there will be not more than 1.68m between handrails. (3) Handrails shall be constructed so that there will be no obstruction on or above them which will break a hand hold.

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(4) Handrails on stairs and ramps shall be not less than 810mm and not more than 910mm in height, measured vertically from a line drawn through the outside edges of stair nosing, except that handrails not meeting these requirements are permitted provided they are installed in addition to the required handrails.

(5) A clearance of at least 38mm shall be provided between every handrail and any wall to which it is fastened. (6) Windows in exit stairways that extend to less than 1.07m above the landing shall be protected by a barrier or railing located approximately 1.07m above such landing. 3.4.8.4 Guards (1) Every exit such as a ramp stairway or passageway shall have a wall or a wall‐secured guard on each side. (2) Except as provided in sentence (3), the height of guards on exit stairs shall not be less than

915mm in height measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and 1.07ma round landings.

(3) The height of guards on exterior stairs and landings, more than 10.7m above adjacent

ground level shall not be less than 1.52m measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings.

(4) The size of any openings through guards for exits shall be such as to prevent the passage

of a spherical object having a diameter of 100mm in buildings of residential occupancy and 200mm in buildings of other occupancy, unless it can be shown to the satisfaction of the authority having jurisdiction that the location and size of the openings that exceed this limit do not present a hazardous condition.

3.4.8.5 Sign for Basement Stair: In buildings over 2 storeys in building height, any part of an exit, ramp or stair that continues past the exit door at ground level to a basement or cellar shall be clearly marked by a sign indicating it does not lead to an exit. 3.4.8.6 Ramp Gradient and Landings (1) The maximum gradient of ramps shall be:

(a) 1 in 10 in any Group A, B or C occupancy, (b) 1 in 6 in rooms or floor areas classified as Group M or Group S or H occupancy, (c) 1 in 8 from any other floor area and, (d) 1 in 10 for every exterior ramp.

(2) Where a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through a side wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the rampway, and for a distance of 300mm on either side of the wall opening, excepting one side when it abuts on an end wall.

(3) Where a door or stairway empties through an end wall onto a ramp, there shall be a level

area across the full width of a ramp and along its length for at least 915mm.

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3.4.8.7 Stair Treads and Risers (1) Treads and risers in every exit stair, except a fire escape stair shall be proportioned so that the product of the rise and run in mm shall not be less than 1750 and not more than 1900; risers shall have a maximum rise of 200mm and a minimum rise of 130mm, treads shall have a minimum runoff 230mm exclusive of nosing.

(2) Treads and risers in every exit stair, except a fire escape stair, shall have uniform run and rise in any one flight and shall not alter significantly in run and rise in successive flights in any stair system.

(3) Where the run of any tread in an exit stair is less than 250mm; a nosing of at least 25mm

shall be provided beyond the face of the riser or an equivalent back slope on the riser shall be provided.

(4) The front edge of stair treads in exits and public access to exits shall be at right angles to

the direction of exit travel. 3.4.8.8 Curved Stairs Prohibited: No winders or curved stairs shall be used in a required exit. 3.4.8.9 Escalators and Moving Walks (1) Any escalator of the horizontal tread‐type enclosed in accordance with the requirements of this part, and any moving walks enclosed in accordance with this part and designed in accordance with the provisions for ramps in this part may be considered as an exit provided it conforms to this article. (2) An escalator or moving walkway that pierces a required fire separation and serves as

required exit shall be enclosed in the same manner as exit stairs. (3) Where any escalator serves as a required exit, the width of the tread shall be at least

900mm, the rise shall not exceed 220mm and the run shall be at least 4000mm; there shall be a clear width of at least 1.12m at the handrails, and the escalator may be considered to have 2 units of exit width.

(4) No escalator or inclined moving walkway shall have a vertical travel of more than 1 storey. (5) Every escalator or inclined moving walkway shall have top and bottom landings as

required herein for stairs. 3.4.8.10 Horizontal Exits (1) The floor area or each side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupants of both floor areas, allowing not less than 0.5m2 of clear floor space per person, except that 1.50m2 shall be provided for persons in wheel chairs and 2.25m2 for bedridden patients. (2) Where vestibules, enclosed balconies or bridges are used as part of any horizontal exit,

their clear width shall be at least that of the exit doorways opening into them, except that handrails may not project into this clear width more than 90mm.

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(3) In any horizontal exit where there is a difference in level between connected floor areas, gradients not exceeding those specified in 3.4.8.6 may be used.

(4) No stair or steps shall be used in horizontal exit. (5) Every opening used as a horizontal exit shall be protected by a closure consisting of an

approved self‐closing door or doors that swing in a vertical axis. (6) Where 2 doors are provided in a horizontal exit they shall:

(a) be mounted adjacent to each other,

(b) be mounted in separate opening or mounted in 1 opening and meet on a mullion unless otherwise approved,

(c) swing in opposite directions and have signs on each side of the wall to indicate as the

exit the door that swings in the direction of travel from that side. (7) Bridges and Balconies as Horizontal Exits (a) Where buildings are connected by a walkway, each building shall be separated from walkway by at least ¾ ‐ hour fire separation.

(b) A walkway shall be of non‐combustible construction when connected to a building required to be of non‐combustible construction, except that where at least 50 percent of the area of the enclosing perimeter walls of walkways at or near ground level are open to the outdoors, such walkways may be, made of heavy timber construction.

(8) Guards shall be at least 1.20m in height and the least dimension of any opening through

the guard shall not exceed 100mm. 3.4.8.11 Passageways: Passageways and stairways shall be designed so as to keep the length of travel to a minimum. 3.4.8.12(1) Access to exterior passageways from a floor area shall be through exit doors at the floor level. (2) Every exterior passageway which has a drop of more than 500mm on any side shall have

guards on the open sides at least 1.07m high. 3.4.8.13 Doors (1) No exit doors shall open immediately onto a flight of stairs, but shall open onto a landing at least 300mm wider and longer than the width of such door. (2) No riser of any flight of stairs shall be located within 300mm of an exit door.

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(3) Exit doors shall be clearly identifiable and no hangings or draperies shall be placed over exit doors to conceal or obscure any exit.

(4) No mirrors shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in such a manner as to confuse the

direction of exit. (5) No exit door shall open directly onto a step. (6) Every door shall open in the direction of exit travel except for doors serving a single

dwelling unit and shall swing on its vertical axis. (7) (a) Every exit door that is normally required to be kept closed shall be provided with a

reliable self‐closing mechanism, and shall not at any time be secured in an open position except as specified in (b);

(b) Where the safety of the occupants is not endangered thereby, and with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction, approved hold‐open devices may be installed on closures that are required to be self‐closing other than closures on vestibules required in Article 3.3.6.6 and on exit shafts.

(8) Sliding doors: Exit doors leading directly to outdoors at ground level may be sliding doors, provided they conform to sentence 3.3.1.7 (3).

(9) Revolving doors: Where revolving doors are used they shall:

(a) be approved collapsible revolving doors,

(b) have hinged doors providing equivalent units of exits width located adjacent to them,

(c) not be used at the foot of any stairway, and

(d) not be used as an exit for floor areas containing a high occupant load or Group E or Group S or H occupancies.

(10) A revolving door may be considered to provide not more than ½ unit of exit width. (11) Approved hardware that will release and allow the door to swing wide open when a force

of 90N is applied to the hardware in the direction of exit travel shall be installed on:

(a) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group F occupancy having an occupant load of more than 100 persons,

(b) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in buildings having an occupant load of more than 100 persons, and

(c) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group S or H occupancy.

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(12) Every exit door shall be designed and installed so that when the latch is released the door will open in the direction of exit travel under a force of not more than 90N applied at the knob or other latch releasing device.

(13) Fastenings on any required exit door shall be such that the door may be readily opened

from the inside without the use of keys except that this requirement shall not apply to the doors of rooms where persons are under legal restraint.

3.4.8.14 Emergency (Fire) Escapes routes (1) Emergency (fire) escapes shall be installed in conformance with sentence 3.4.1.2 (2) and

sentence 3.4.1.4 (3) and (4) and shall be of metal or concrete, of the stair type, extending to ground level, constructed throughout in a strong substantial manner and securely fixed to the buildings, except that wooden fire escapes may be used on buildings of combustible construction if all posts and brackets are at least 100mm in their least nominal dimension and all other woodwork is at least 50mm in its least nominal dimension.

(2) Access to emergency escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except

that access from a dwelling unit may be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening of not less than 1.07m high by 560mm wide with a sill height of not more than 900mm above the inside floor.

(3) Stairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than 45 degrees with the horizontal and

shall have risers of not more than 210mm in height and treads of not less than 220mm in width exclusive of nosing.

(4) Stairway headroom shall not be less than 1.95m plus height of one riser measured

vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform. (5) Where doors open onto fire escape balconies, such balconies shall have a clear area of not

less than 8.60m2. (6) The width of an emergency escape shall conform to sentence 3.4.3.1 (1) except that the

width of an emergency escape shall be at least 550mm when serving:

(a) not more than 3 storeys, and

(b) not more than 15 persons. (7) The open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway shall be protected by guards at

least 900mm in height measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform. (8) Two equally spaced rails not more than 450mm apart, parallel to stair stringers and to

platform edges shall be the minimum protection provided, and the top rail may serve as a handrail if free from obstructions which could break a hand hold.

(9) A wall handrail shall be installed where the fire escape is more than 550mm in width.

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(10) Unless otherwise approved, the flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape shall be fixed in position. Where such flight of stairs is not fixed in position, it shall be held in the ‘up’ position without a latch or locking device, and shall be fitted with an approval counter balancing device that will permit it to be easily and quickly brought into position for use.

3.5 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 3.5.1 Height and Area of Rooms 3.5.1.1 (1) The height of every room and space shall be such that adequate light and air may be provided for the intended occupancy, and that no obstruction to movement or activities below is caused by the ceiling or ceiling fixtures. (2) The unobstructed height in dwelling units shall conform to Part 7 of the code.

(3) The clear height above and below a mezzanine floor assembly shall be at least 2.15m unless otherwise approved. 3.5.2 Windows 3.5.2.1 Unless otherwise approved every room used for sleeping in any building, and every principal room such as living room, dining room or combination thereof in dwelling units, shall be provided with windows in conformance with Part 7 of this Code. 3.5.3 Ventilation 3.5.3.1 Air Contaminants: Air contaminants released within buildings shall be removed in so far as possible at their points of origin, and shall not be permitted to accumulate in unsafe concentrations. 3.5.3.2 Room Ventilation (1) All rooms and spaces shall be ventilated in conformance with sentences (2) and (3). (2) The ventilation of rooms or spaces by natural methods in Group A occupancies shall conform to Part 7 of this Code. (3) The ventilation of rooms and spaces in occupancies other than residential occupancies by natural methods shall be permitted in lieu of mechanical ventilation when the authority having jurisdiction is satisfied that such ventilation will provide sufficient air change to provide healthful conditions in that occupancy. 3.5.3.3 Ventilation for explosive substances (1) Except as provided in sentences (4) and (5), an enclosed storage, garage and repair areas in a garage shall have a ventilation system designed to limit the average concentration of carbon monoxide to not more than 100 parts per million parts of air for periods longer than 1 hour

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with a maximum concentration at any time of not more than 400 parts of carbon monoxide per million parts of air when measured between 900mm and 1.2m from the floor.

(2) The requirement in sentence (1) is considered to be met by a system designed to provide a continuous supply of fresh air at a rate equal to at least 0.23m3 of air per minute for each m2 of floor area.

(3) Mechanical ventilation systems provided in accordance with sentence (1) shall include automatic ventilating fan control by means of approved carbon monoxide monitoring devices, or by other approved means located so as to provide full protection for the occupancy.

(4) In garages subject to the requirements of sentences (1), (2) and (3) where motor vehicles are parked by mechanical means the ventilation requirements may be reduced by one half.

(5) Storage garages with a total capacity of less than 20 motor vehicles need not have mechanical ventilating system if the downward slope of the floor to the outside door is 1 in 120 and the garage floor is above outside ground level.

(6) The requirements of sentences (1) to (5) shall not apply to any storage garage provided:

(a) at least 25 percent of the total area of the perimeter walls on each storey is open to the outdoors and distributed to provide cross ventilation, (b) no portion of any floor of the garage is more than 900mm below the adjacent ground level, and (c) no tarpaulins, glass or other materials are used to close the required exterior openings at any time. 3.5.4 Plumbing Facilities 3.5.4.1 Systems Required (1) Each building situated on property that abuts on a street in which a public or municipal water main is located shall be provided with or have accessible to its occupants a plumbing system including a portable water supply, a sanitary drainage system and toilet fixtures. (2) When the installation of a sanitary drainage system is not possible because of the absence of a water supply, sanitary privies, chemical closet or other approved means for the disposal of human waste shall be provided. (3) Plumbing systems shall be designed and installed in accordance with Part 9.6 of this Code. 3.5.4.2 Minimum Number of Fixtures (1) Water closets shall be provided for each sex in accordance with the anticipated proportion of each sex in the occupancy when this can be determined with reasonable accuracy, except that when each determination cannot be made with reasonable accuracy, it may be assumed that the occupancy, is equally divided between the sexes. (2) Where more than 2 water closets are required in this subsection, urinals may be substituted for 2/3 of the required number of water closets and may be counted as water closets. (3) Except as provided in sentence (4), at least 1 lavatory shall be provided in a room containing 1

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or 2 water closets or urinals, and at least 1 additional lavatory shall be provided for each additional 2 such fixtures. (4) Wash fountains in circular form may be provided in lieu of lavatories required in sentence (2) provided each 500mm, of its circumference is considered to be equivalent of 1 lavatory. (5) The number of water closets required for Group A occupancies and for auditoria, gymnasia, lecture halls, secondary schools, non‐residential colleges and similar occupancies shall conform to Table 3.5.4A. (6) The number of water closets required for Group B occupancies and for restaurants, non‐residential clubs, community halls, lodge rooms, passenger stations and depots, art galleries, exhibition halls, libraries, museums, court rooms and similar occupancies shall conform to Table 3.5.4B. (7) The number of water closets required for primary schools and day‐care centres shall be at least 1 fixture for each 30 males and 1 fixture for each 25 females.

Table 3.5.4A

Forming Part of Sentence 3.5.4.2 (5)

Number of Persons

Minimum Number of Water Closets

Male Female

1 – 50 1 2

51 – 100 2 4

101 – 200 4 6

201 – 400 6 8

Over 400 6 plus 1 for each additional 200

males over 400

8 plus 1 for each additional 150

females over 400

3.5.4.2(8) The number of water closets required for places of worship and undertaking premises shall

be at least 1 fixture for each 150 persons of each sex. (9) The number of water closets required for institutional occupancies shall conform to good

practice and shall be subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction.

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Table 3.5.4B Forming Part of Sentence 3.5.4.2 (6)

Number of Persons

Minimum Number of Water Closets for each Sex

1 – 25

1

26 – 50

2

Over 50

2 plus 1 for each additional 50 persons of each sex over 50

3.5.4.2(10) The number of water closets required for residential occupancies shall be at least 1

fixture for each 10 persons of each sex, except that dwelling units shall conform to requirements in Part 7 of this Code.

(11) The number of water closets required for mercantile occupancies shall be at least 1 fixture for each 300 males and 1 fixture for each 150 females.

(12) The number of water closets required for industrial occupancies shall conform to Table 3.5.4C.

Table 3.5.4C Forming

Part of Sentence 3.5.4.2 (12)

Number of Persons of each sex

Minimum Number of Water Closets for each sex

1 – 10 1

11 – 25 2

26 – 50 3

51 – 75 4

76 – 100 5

Over 100 5 plus 1 for each additional 30 persons of each sex over 100

3.5.4.3 Glass, other than safety glass, shall not be used for a shower or bathtub enclosure.

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APPENDIX 1 Referred Standards

STANDARD TITLE ASTM SABS

BS EN 13168:2001

Thermal insulation products for buildings. Factory made wood wool (WW) products. Specification

ASTM C390 ‐ 08e1 Standard Practice for Sampling and Acceptance of Thermal

Insulation Lots

SANS 1381‐4 Materials for thermal insulation of

buildings

BS 476 PART

20:1987

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles),

ASTM E119 ‐ 12 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and

Materials

SANS 10177‐2 Fire testing of materials,

components and elements used in

buildings Part 2: Fire resistance test for building elements SANS 10177‐1

Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in

buildings Part 1: General introduction to the methods of test

BS 476 PART

21:1987

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination of the fire resistance

of loadbearing elements of construction


Materials

SANS 10160‐1 Basis of structural

design and actions for buildings and industrial structures Part 1: Basis of structural design

BS 476 PART

22:1987

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non‐loadbearing elements of construction


Materials

BS 476 PART

23:1987

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Methods for determination of the contribution of components to the fire resistance of a structure

ASTM E84 ‐ 12 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building

Materials

SANS 10177‐8 Fire testing of materials,

components and elements used in

buildings Part 8: Surface burning characteristics of building materials

BS 5950 PART 5:1987

Structural use of steelwork in building. Code of practice for design of cold formed thin gauge

section

ASTM A992 / A992M ‐ 11 Standard Specification for Structural Steel Shapes

127

BS 2782 PART 1

Methods of testing plastics. Thermal properties. Plastic yield

ASTM D6108 ‐ 09 Standard Test Method for Compressive

Properties of Plastic Lumber and Shapes

ASTM F725 ‐ 03(2008)e1 Standard Practice for Drafting Impact Test Requirements In

Thermoplastic Pipe And Fittings Standards

SANS 4898 Rigid cellular plastics ‐ Thermal insulation

products for buildings ‐ Specifications

BS 476 PART 6 + A1:2009

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Method of test for fire propagation for products


Materials

SANS 10177‐10 Fire testing of materials, components and elements used in buildings Part 10: Surface burning characteristics of

building materials using the inverted channel

tunnel test

BS EN 1329 PART 1:200

Plastics piping systems for soil and waste discharge (low and high temperature) within the

building structure. Unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC‐U). Specifications for pipes, fittings

and the system

ASTM D2852 ‐ 95(2008) Standard Specification for Styrene‐Rubber (SR) Plastic Drain Pipe and Fittings

ASTM F2648 / F2648M ‐ 11 Standard Specification for 2 to

60 inch [50 to 1500 mm] Annular Corrugated Profile Wall

Polyethylene (PE) Pipe and Fittings for Land Drainage

Applications

SANS 9852 Unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‐U) pipes ‐

Dichloromethane resistance at specified temperature (DCMT) ‐

Test method SANS 967 Unplasticized

poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC‐U) soil, waste and vent pipes and pipe

fitting BS 476 PART 3 :2004

Fire tests on building materials and structures. Classification and method of test for external fire

exposure to roofs

ASTM E108 ‐ 11 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof

Coverings

ghana building code - part 03.pdf

Documents

ifthere isnogroundstorey