CAN-ASC-2.3 - 8. Evacuation facilities
Table of contents for section 8
8.1 Emergency notification systems
8.1.1 Visible device location
Visible signal devices shall be installed so that the signal from at least one device is visible throughout the floor area, portion thereof, or compartment in which they are installed.
8.1.2 Where a fire alarm system is provided
Where a fire alarm system is provided, the visible warning system shall consist of strobe lights conforming to CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems, Including Accessories” that are designed to operate as part of the fire alarm system, and:
- have a luminous intensity of 75 candela minimum.
- produce between 1 and 3 flashes per second, with the flashes synchronized when more than one strobe light is visible from a single location,
- have a clear or white translucent lens with the word “FIRE” clearly visible on the:
- lens, or
- attached nameplate,
- be installed throughout all floor areas, and
- be located in conformance with the installation requirements for visible signal devices in CAN/ULC-S524, “Installation of Fire Alarm Systems.”
8.1.3 Where a fire alarm system is not provided
Where a fire alarm system is not provided, the visible warning system shall consist of strobe lights conforming to CAN/ULC-S526, “Visible Signal Devices for Fire Alarm Systems, Including Accessories” that shall:
- be connected to, and activated by:
- the smoke alarms required by the applicable Building Code, or
- the smoke detectors permitted by the applicable Building Code,
- have a luminous intensity of 75 candela minimum,
- produce between 1 and 3 flashes per second, with the flashes synchronized when more than one strobe light is visible from a single location,
- have a clear or white translucent lens with the word “SMOKE” clearly visible on the:
- lens, or
- attached nameplate,
- be installed throughout all floor areas, and
- be located 2,100 mm minimum above the finished floor surface on a wall or ceiling in a location that will maximize effectiveness.
8.1.4 Smoke alarms in assisted living facilities
Smoke alarms required in suites in an assistive living facility shall upon actuation provide an audible and visual signal to staff serving those suites, so that the suite containing the actuated smoke alarm or smoke detector can be easily identified.
8.2 Fire protection and refuge
8.2.1 Means of egress
The means of egress from all floor areas to a public way shall be designed in conformance with Clause 5.
8.2.2 Occupant evacuation elevator
A building that is 6 storeys or more in building height shall be provided with an occupant evacuation elevator.
8.2.3 Areas of refuge
8.2.3.1 General
An area of refuge shall be equipped with a first aid kit.
8.2.3.2 Number
The number of areas of refuge on each storey shall be provided based on half the number of exits required by the applicable Building Code serving that storey but:
- shall not be less than 1, and
- where there is an odd number of required exits, the number of areas of refuge shall be rounded up to the next whole number.
8.2.3.3 Size
An area of refuge shall provide two adjacent clear floor areas in conformance with Clause 4.3.1 a).
8.2.3.4 Location
An area of refuge shall be located:
- within an exit stair shaft, provided it is outside the egress width required by the applicable Building Code so that direct access is provided to: an exit, or a fire fighter elevator required by the applicable Building Code; or
- within a fire compartment that is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by the applicable Building Code for an exit enclosure on the same storey so that direct access is provided to:
- an exit,
- a fire fighter elevator required by the applicable Building Code, or
- an occupant evacuation elevator in conformance with Clause 5.8.4.
Note: An example of a fire compartment in this Clause includes an elevator lobby.
8.2.3.5 Doors
Doors providing access to an area of refuge shall be leakage-rated in conformance with NFPA 105, “Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives.”
8.2.3.6 Communication
An area of refuge shall be equipped with a hands-free communication system that is:
- in conformance with Clause 4.7,
- connected to an emergency response system, and
- a two-way texting system in conformance with International Telecommunications Union (ITU) V.18, “Operational and interworking requirements for DCEs operating in the text telephone mode,” to support people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
8.2.3.7 Signs
An area of refuge shall:
- be identified by directional signage indicating the direction of the accessible egress route in conformance with Clause 6.3,
- have the evacuation route to it identified by signage in conformance with Clause 6.3,
- be identified on all publicly displayed evacuation plans in conformance with Clause 6.3,
8.2.3.8 Fire safety plan
Each area of refuge shall be designated in the fire safety plan for the building required by the applicable Fire Code.
8.2.3.9 Evacuation Device
Each area of refuge shall be provided with an evacuation device.
8.3 Exiting
An accessible exit door, in compliance with Clause 5.5, discharging to the exterior of a building or another building through a horizontal accessible exit shall:
-
have a sign with raised characters and braille, in conformance with Clauses 6.3.6 and 6.3.7, displaying the word “EXIT,”
- if discharging direct to the exterior, lead to an accessible exterior path of travel and the exterior assembly area, and
- if discharging to another building, lead to a path of travel that complies with this Standard.