1. 2015 Update to OBC
September 17, 2014

2. 2014 Update package Minor changes to the code: occupancy to occupancy
Regulation to regulation
Missing words
Updated fees for BMEC submissions

3. Building Code Act Issuance of permits
8. (2)  The chief building official shall issue a permit referred to in subsection (1) unless,
(b.1) the Architects Act or the Professional Engineers Act requires that the proposed construction of the building be designed by an architect or a professional engineer or a combination of both and the proposed construction is not so designed;

4. Voice Communication Housekeeping change to 3.2.4.23.(10)
(10)  The voice communication system required by Sentence (7) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences (3) to (5).
Previously referenced (6)

5. January 1, 2015
Multiple changes to the code with respect to increasing Accessibility
I have included only those that impact CFAA issues

6. Referenced Documents
NFPA “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code” added
Referenced to Smoke Alarms in (13) and

7. 3.2.4.19.(4) Alert and Alarm Signals
Two new additions:
(4) … visual signal devices shall be installed in addition to audible signal devices,
(e) in a washroom for public use described in Sentence (2), (3), (4) or (6), and
(f) in the living space in a suite of residential occupancy in a Group C major occupancy apartment building.

8. 3.2.4.22.(13) Smoke Alarms New sentence:
13)  Smoke alarms described in Sentence (1) shall have a visual signaling component conforming to the requirements in (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”.

9. Controls
Manual pull stations in a Barrier-Free path of travel:
Accessible by a person in a wheelchair
Operate with a closed fist, max 22.2.N force
Mounted a 1200 mm above finished floor
Note: Thermostats at 1200 mm and other building controls min 900 mm / max 1100mm

10. 9.10.19.1 Smoke Alarms New sentence:
2)  Smoke alarms described in Sentence (1) shall have a visual signaling component conforming to the requirements in (Light, Color and Pulse Characteristics) of NFPA 72, “National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code”.

11. Other Accessibility Changes
These items may not directly impact F/A systems
For information to clarify why you may see design changes

12. Areas Requiring Access 3.8.2.1.
Old:
Entrance storey and all floor areas accessed by an elevator, escalator or lift
New:
All office and residential buildings exceeding 3 storeys OR 600 m2

13. Rooftop Amenity Space
External rooftop spaces are common amenity areas on new buildings.
These must be made accessible.
Rooftop spaces for building services are not included.

14. Residential Suites 3.8.2.1. Old New 10% of units to BF requirements
Can be located anywhere in the building
New
15% of units to BF requirements
Proportioned to 1, 2 and 3+ bedrooms
Distributed among storeys

15. Washrooms 3.8.2.3. Old New BF washrooms OR stalls, only 1/floor
# BF washrooms based on height of building
# BF stalls as a ration of the # WC

16. Hotels 3.8.2.4. 10% of suites to be BF (existing)
Controls and safety devices in the suite to (new)
Suite entrances doors to BF suites have power door operators (new)

17. Hotels 3.8.2.4. If the hotel has a generator for emergency power
Minimum 1 receptacle to be supplied with emergency power
The receptacle to be signed EMERGENCY POWER OUTLET

18. Doors
Principle entrance doors to buildings to have power door operators.
If a Vestibule occurs, both doors require power door operators
Exception for Detention occupancies and Industrial Occupancies (Previously more exceptions)

19. Doors 3.8.3.3. Power door operators required on:
BF washrooms
Assembly occupancies within residential buildings
Where proximity scanners are used, they must detect a person in a wheelchair

20. Universal Washroom
An emergency call system with audible and visual signal devices inside the Barrier-Free washroom
Must be different from the building fire alarm (both visual and audible)

21. -

22. -

23. Sliding Door

24. Doors in series

25. Washroom Stalls

26. Ambulatory Washroom

27. Universal Washroom

28. Grab Bars

29. Accessible Urinal

30. Fire Code Changes
Amendments to the Fire Code Retrofit requirements will also have impact on your work.

31. Permit Requirements
Fire Alarm Systems

32. Scope of Work Maintenance – No Permit Required
Repair – Permit Required
Upgrade – Permit Required
Replace – Permit Required
Emergency Repairs – Permit required as above

33. Maintenance – No Permit
To keep the system functioning to original design and installation standards
Replacement of defective components with compatible components
Defective control panels may be replaced only if the exact replacement panel is available

34. Repair - Permit
Substantial replacement of equipment that will improve the fire alarm performance
Replacement of older panels that are no longer available
New panels to accommodate newer technology

35. Repair - Permit Panel from a different manufacturer
New components that incorporate newer technology
Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537
Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

36. Upgrade - Permit Involves changes to the design of the original system
Upgrading may be voluntary by the owner
Upgrading may be as a result of a Fire Code order
May include the addition of new devices, components, panels, zones

37. Upgrade - Permit
May include upgrades necessary for compliance with barrier-free accessibility requirements
Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537
Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

38. Replace - Permit The complete replacement of a fire alarm system
Replacement of a substantial portion of the system
Replacement may be voluntary, as a result of a building renovation program or as a result of a Fire Code order

39. Replace - Permit
Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537
Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO

40. Emergency Repairs
Fire alarm systems in occupied buildings that cease to be operational must be repaired immediately.
If the scope of work falls under Repair, Upgrade or Replace from above, a permit should be obtained and after the work is completed.

41. Emergency Repairs
Installation to CAN/ULC-S524 and Verification to CAN/ULC-S537
Professional involvement is necessary where required by the OBC or PEO
Note: Is notification to the Fire Department required or recommended?