Intel
Construction Fire Safety
Construction site requirements are the responsibility of the general contractor for a project. Part 8 of the Building Code outlines the general requirements that are to be followed, but Section 5.6 of the Fire Code must also be considered and contains some additional requirements. However, neither of these standards provide a great deal of detail nor solutions to some of the requirements. The NFPA 241 standard, while US focused, is a comprehensive resource that can be referenced by designers and other professionals working to address site safety construction requirements.
This NFPA Journal Article discusses the aftermath of a deadly fire in North Carolina where appropriate site construction safety requirements were not followed.
nfpa.org
BCAB 1971 - Firestopping Noncombustible Outlet Boxes
The 2024 British Columbia Building Code introduced the new outlet box penetration requirements and allowances of the 2020 National Building Code of Canada. These requirements increased the firestopping measures required for outlet boxes substantially from the previous code editions, which have created some confusion and challenges, particularly in wood frame construction.
All combustible outlet boxes located in a fire separation are now required to be firestopped with an FT firestop rating tested in accordance with CAN/ULC-S115. Small noncombustible outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the assembly or membrane, provided the outlet box area does not exceed 0.016 sqm [24.8 square inches] and the aggregate area of 0.065 sqm [100.75 square inches] is not exceeded in any 9.3 sqm [100 square foot] area, and the annular spaces does not exceed 3 mm [1/8 inch]. This exception for noncombustible outlet boxes essentially permits typical double gang receptacle or light switch boxes and light octagon outlet boxes to be provided without firestopping.
This appeal clarifies that the noncombustible exemption applies to both horizontal and vertical membranes. However, this exception cannot be applied to horizontal service spaces that are constructed in accordance with Sentence 3.6.4.2.(1) which requires penetrations to have an FT rated fire stop.
gov.bc.ca
Wisdom
Building Wildfire Design Measures
With the recent memories of the wildfires that razed parts of Los Angeles and Jasper, and now the wildfires still burning in northern BC, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, wildfire is a design problem to be considered now in many areas of the world we inhabit.
The Ironbark House in Australia is a great example of wildfire design. But what are good design practices that one can follow?
The NFPA 1144 standard, "Standard for Reducing Structure Ignition Hazards from Wildland Fire" is a great practical resource and is recommended by many Canadian Municipalities as an acceptable level of design for buildings in areas identified as having a risk of wildfire.
Another option that is less about design, is Firesmart, a BC Government initiative that provides great tools and guides on how to better prepare your home to survive a wildfire when the risk is high. It is amazing that mowing the lawn and a bit of yard work can significantly improve the chances of your home surviving a wildfire event, as has been proven by recent wildfires around BC.
dezeen.com
Intriguing
National Medal Honor Museum
The new military museum in Arlington, Texas caught my eye with its cube like elevated structure. To be more accurate, the exiting from the elevated structure caught my eye (a glimpse into my brain) as initially it didn't seem the exits would be compliant with the Building Code as they were located under the structure and terminated within the structure below.
However, on further inspection and consideration (some great pictures in this Deezen Article), I think there is a solid argument that the exiting does indeed comply with the prescriptive exit requirements of our Building Code, even if a bit unusual. The elevated cube structure is served by two exterior stairs that discharge to the ground level outside of the surrounding ground level structure, though maybe they converge a bit too much for comfort? As long as the stairs are separated from the interior of cube by the required fire separation, this works. The exit exposure condition from the ground structure can be addressed in different ways, including the go to water curtain Alternative Solution approach where the stairs are within 3m of the openings. Convergence of the stairs is a bit of a concern, and the Building Code outlines that exterior stairs that converge must discharge be a minimum of 9m apart - something to check when visiting the museum sometime.
vinoly.com
Coloured Door Hardware
In my travels through the world of Architecture, I come across some different and interesting ideas, and sometimes just plain fun ideas like these coloured and striped door handles! I mean, how can you not love these? Well, maybe that financial services client won't be too pleased...
Alright, fun aside, the Building Code is silent on the colour and contrast for door hardware within buildings, so there is no regulatory ban on spicing things up. However, in true noncompliance Brian fashion, I will caution that consideration should really be put into the colour combinations to avoid combinations that are difficult to see, particularly for persons with visual disabilities that can occupy public spaces and portions of buildings required to be accessible. Otherwise, have some fun!
dezeen.com
