Intel
BCAB #1878 - Exit Exposure
This Building Code Appeal Board decision from 2023, clarifies that an exterior exit walkway path, and not just a stair or ramp, must be protected from exposure to a fire.
The description of the condition indicates that the rear exit from the suite is provided with an exterior path that requires egressing occupants to pass unprotected openings in an adjacent suite. This condition is generally referred to as a "confined path of travel", and if the required exit width of this path is within 3m of the unprotected openings, it is required to be protected.
While the Building Code does not specifically refer to a "confined path of travel" in Article 3.2.3.13., the BC Building Code Interpretation Committee interpretation 06-0109 clarifies that fire separation of exits still need to be addressed. In Vancouver, they have added "confined path of travel" to Article 3.2.3.13. of their Building Bylaw to clarify this condition as well.
Exit exposure conditions can be dealt with through the use of closures (rated glass, glass block, wired glass, or fire shutter) on unprotected openings, or the common water curtain alternative solution where an adequate water supply is available.
gov.bc.ca
Lore
Photo Essay: On The Edge
Protective barriers are are one of the many safety features required by the Building Code to help protect the building occupants from injury resulting from a fall.
This wonderful photo essay explores some of the guards and protective barriers we have seen in Western Architecture in more recent times.
cca.qc.ca
Wisdom
Suburban and Rural Water Supplies
Complex buildings, as Part 3 buildings are often referred to as, are required to be provided with an "adequate water supply for firefighting". In most Canadian Urban and Suburban areas, the municipal water supplies will meet this requirement. However, Rural areas often have no, or at best a limited water supply that is intended to only meet drinking water demands, and is not adequate for firefighting.
The issue of water supplies for rural Complex buildings is discussed in this Article, including considering both Urban and Rural development areas.
celerity.ca
About
Thanks for reading today! I hope your summer has been treating you well. It is wonderful that you have taken time out of your busy day to educate yourself on some of the current issues in our industry.
I appreciate your support and if you found this information useful, please forward this newsletter to a colleague!
If you have any comments, please let me know by emailing me at bfraser@celerity.ca.
Remember to hit the beach for some summer fun, and see you on the next issue for more Building Code fun!
Noncompliant Brian