This study will explore what people with disabilities experience when navigating airports. It will also make recommendations to support the employment of people with disabilities at airports.
This study will explore what students with disabilities experience when they transition from college to work. It will focus on skilled trades. The study will offer best practices to support training and education for students with disabilities.
This project aims to capture the latest insights in the accessible built environment sector to share how inclusive design is being applied and scaled across Canada. This will be done by gathering the insights of participants to the Accessibility Professional Network Conference hosted by Rick Hansen Foundation. The conference program is designed to identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility in the built environment. This will be done through targeted sessions, expert panels, and collaborative discussions. Conference participants will share knowledge, showcase innovation, and strengthen inclusive design practices in Canada.
Some disabilities come and go. These are known as episodic disabilities. This study will look at how accessibility standards can address the barriers faced by people with episodic disabilities.
this is not in plain language. The text should lead by example and comply with the ASC Plain Language Standard.
Write the standard in plain language.
Everyone will have access to the. material, and be able to find, understand and use the standard. All ASC materials should be in plain language.
Plain Language please
edit it
remove a barrier to understanding
present in plain language
plain language, if ASC can presebnt the standard in French, you can present it in plain language.
Remove a glaring barrier to access and understanding.
Are alerts required to be available in plain language?
Require alerts to be in plain language.
So everyone has. access to egress instructions.
The scope section
Broaden the scope to include all buildings or spaces in relation to the non-built environment components of the standard (eg a. 11).
The scope section is written as a built environment standard - only applying to new builds, renos, or new occupancy. However parts of the standard, such as section 11, are applicable to all occupied buildings regardless of the timing of the last changes.
The scope section and content included
Include evacuation from outdoor spaces as well.
Evacuation is also applicable in outdoor spaces, especially given the breadth of the types of evacuations that the standard refers to. Eg national parks and forest fires.
Clarify what section 10 is doing or relocate it
Clarify what section we is
What is section 10? It’s numbered as though it’s a substantive section but it has no requirements. It’s written like definitions, but isn’t in the definition section.
Reference to peep
Add (if any)
When the public visits somewhere, they will rarely have a PEEP. This suggests it will always exist.
Reference to peep and buddy.
Add (if any)
In public buildings, visitors with disabilities rarely have a peep or an assigned buddy. This would typically only be in place where people are regularly visiting somewhere (their workplace)
“Designated floors”
“Designated areas”
In large buildings, a fire warden may have responsibility for an area smaller than the whole floor.
Review list of “person with a disability shall” to ensure its relevance to visitors
Break the list up or clarify what elements are applicable to visitors versus planned and regular occupants.
This section assumes a person with a disability regularly comes to The building. Visitors will not have a PEEP, for example, and should not be required to develop one.
Cross references
Add cross references to peep section in
There’s a lot of mention of peeps elsewhere and it would be useful to reference where to find more info
Visitor peep
I don’t know
The visitor peep section seems to assume a visitor to an office building. This is both an extreme expectation of someone with a disability every time they visit any space and unrealistic. Someone goes to apply for a passport, visits a federal museum, goes to the bank, or goes to the CN tower. This is simply not possible.
reference to security or checkin desk
Add (if available) or equivalent
Not all buildings will have a checkin or security desk that visitors will be checking in at.
Reference to sign
Require accessible means of communication to invite visitors to complete PEEP
Signs are often not accessible and therefore are not a great means of identifying visitors that may need a PEE.
Reference to buddies
Provide clarity or alternative to buddies for visitors
Again - given the numbers of visitors and sizes of some buildings, visitors are not going to have a buddy with them who can be responsible for this. I'm imagining large museums, or airports, etc. What is the alternative? As written, it says that everyone who needs assistance SHALL have a buddy.
"Before an emergency occurs, each person having been identified as needing assistance shall be assigned a buddy and a backup buddy who is willing to assist in an emergency. It is the responsibility of the building manager to ensure that buddies are assigned. If no one volunteers to be a buddy, then it is the responsibility of the building manager to provide that service."
Before an emergency occurs, the building manager shall assign a buddy and a backup buddy who is willing to assist in an emergency to each person having been identified as needing assistance.
Clarify who is responsible for completing various activities. make it a shall instead of "is responsible for"
Given the importance of the emergency egress drills to ensure that all occupants of a building know the necessary procedures to safely exit the building, all individuals shall participate in the emergency egress drills. This will ensure that, during an emergency, everyone is aware of what to do and where to go. Drills are conducted to ensure that the plans in place are understood, realistic, safe, and effective.
Given the importance of the emergency egress drills to ensure that all occupants of a building know the necessary procedures to safely exit the building, the building manager shall ensure that all individuals participate in the emergency egress drills. Note: This will ensure that, during an emergency, everyone is aware of what to do and where to go. Drills are conducted to ensure that the plans in place are understood, realistic, safe, and effective.
Clarify who owns the requirement and convert additional information into a note.
Drills shall be practised at least every 12 months. For some people with disabilities, executing the entire emergency egress procedure may be stressful, cause harm to their physical or mental well-being, or be extremely time consuming. In these cases, the emergency egress procedure should be executed to the greatest degree possible. A successful emergency egress drill shall ensure that:
Build managers shall practise drills at least every 12 months. For some people with disabilities, executing the entire emergency egress procedure may be stressful, cause harm to their physical or mental well-being, or be extremely time consuming. In these cases, the emergency egress procedure should be executed to the greatest degree possible. Through a successful emergency egress drill, building managers shall ensure that:
Clarify the responsibility - the drill isn't responsible for anything.
Rewrite as a note or a normative statement
Rewrite as a note or a normative statement
As written, this is just informative. There is no requirement here.
Clarify the responsibility of the standard
Clarify the responsibility of the standard
The first sentence in this section is a note, not a requirement. The subsequent items are aimed at people assisting and buddies. Are they the audience of the standard? I would think this needs to be written that building managers shall ensure... Or occupants shall ensure...
Clarify responsibility and audience
Clarify responsibility and audience
The section now has shall requirements for PWD and their buddies. But again, are they the audience that is implementing the stndard? OR should it be that building managers or occupants shall...
After an emergency situation has taken place, an in-depth review shall be conducted on the effectiveness of the procedures that were developed and implemented. All drills and emergencies shall be documented to facilitate improvement. Potential improvements should be discussed frequently and openly. This discussion shall:
After an emergency situation has taken place, the building manager shall conduct an in-depth review on the effectiveness of the procedures that were developed and implemented. The building manager shall document all drills and emergencies to facilitate improvement. The building manager should discuss potential improvements with occupants and affected parties frequently and openly.
Clarify who is responsible for this. The drills and emergencies cannot document themselves.
This discussion shall:
Add person responsible for this.
It is not clear who is responsible for ensuring that the discussion includes these things. The discussion can't do it itself.
If feedback was provided by any of the building occupants during the post-evacuation discussion that could improve the egress of people with disabilities, this information shall be used to update the building evacuation plan and/or the PEEPs. When changes are made, they shall be discussed with the person with the disability, their buddies, and any other occupants who may provide assistance during an emergency egress situation.
If feedback was provided by any of the building occupants during the post-evacuation discussion that could improve the egress of people with disabilities, the building manager shall use this information to update the building evacuation plan and/or the PEEPs. When changes are made, the building manager shall discuss them with the person with the disability, their buddies, and any other occupants who may provide assistance during an emergency egress situation.
Clarify responsibility
In addition to reviewing the Fire Safety Plan and the individual personal emergency egress plans after every emergency egress, the plans shall be updated every time there is a situational change that could alter how a person with a disability can safely exit the building during an emergency. This could include situations such as:
In addition to reviewing the Fire Safety Plan and the individual personal emergency egress plans after every emergency egress, the building manager shall update plans every time there is a situational change that could alter how a person with a disability can safely exit the building during an emergency. This could include situations such as:
Clarify responsibility
be equipped with a hands-free two-way communication system that is at a maximum height of 1200 mm;
Add a minimum height too.
If the communication system is too low, its also inaccessible.
Should this be a note? It doesn't have any normative requirement
Should this be a note? It doesn't have any normative requirement
Should this be a note? It doesn't have any normative requirement
Clarify the title
Clarify the title. Perhaps Barriers to Emergency Egress?
The name of this Annex isn't clear - isn't the whole standard about this? And "issues" seems to put the responsibility on the person with a disability.
Rename Accessible emergency alerts for people with disabilities
Rename Accessible emergency alerts
Its not just for PWD. So remove.
Rename Emergency evacuation devices for people with disabilities
Rename Accessible emergency evacuation devices
To clarify the responsibility.
Why included this in a standard that has to do with egress? It's already so long you could make it shorter or skip it all together. Most people know who you are.
Eliminate it all together.
Too long.
What about buildings that have a public? We can't have everyone fill this out.
There should be a public section and guideline on how to actively support people with disabilities in the public without a form.
Because otherwise the draft reads like its just for internal employees in the building.
This clause is meant to outline the general principle of a single stage fire alarm system. Remove the term "shall be".
Substitute "shall be" with "is". Add "fire" to, an emergency exists. A single-stage system is designed so that, when activated, the alarm signal is immediately transmitted throughout the building to warn the occupants that a fire emergency exists.
This verbiage is in line with the first part of the sentence, A single-stage fire alarm system is ... Adding "fire emergency" is inline with the general definitions in the ULC fire alarm standards.
The first sentence does not align with the ULC fire alarm standards.
In a two-stage alarm system, a distinct alert signal advises designed persons of a emergency.
Expand on the first sentence to align with the fire alarm standard and provide additional context that not all people in the building are notified of the alert signal.
The 3rd sentence describes the second stage, but is not accurate.
The second notification in the two-stage alarm system will transmit an audible signal to a zone, zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists.
This clarifies that the fire alarm system does not "advise occupants on how to proceed." The second stage signal is to notify occupants that a fire emergency exists and that they need to implement the procedures noted in the fire safety plan.
"Both single stage and two stage systems cause the fire alarm panel to send signals to the fire department or monitoring station (fire alarm receiving centre or 9-1-1 Centre)." This is not correct. I'm not sure what the intent of this statement was for.
Not all fire alarm systems are designed to transmit a signal to the fire department or monitoring station (fire alarm receiving centre or 9-1-1 Centre).
Not all fire alarm systems are required to transmit a signal to the fire department or monitoring station (fire alarm receiving centre or 9-1-1 Centre). This is a common misconception. If there was a specific intent of the original sentence, maybe that can be explored and additional verbiage can be added.
Alarm signals to evacuate occupants do not sound. Notification is via a voice announcement. I don't understand the intent of either sentence. Neither are true.
Delete both sentences.
Not all buildings are provided with a voice communication system. Typically only high buildings, as required in the NBC, or provincial codes.
Technical requirements for fire alarm systems are provided in the NFC.
Technical requirements for fire alarm systems are provided in the NBC.
The National Building Code of Canada and provincial building codes provide the technical requirements for the installation of fire alarm systems. CAN/ULC-S524 provides the technical requirements for the installation of fire alarm systems.
Visible signal system
Unknown
Not all fire alarm systems are provided with visible signaling devices.
Visible signal system
Unknown intent.
Further explanation of how a visible signalling system will be installed is required. What device/s will initiate the visible signals? What are they connected to? How does this system operate?
Add an Annex
Annex F Emergency Communication
Clauses 22.5.1 through 22.5.5.4 appear to be related to emergency communication rather than Occupant Evacuation Elevators.
Firefighter elevators can be used to evacuate an occupant.
Firefighter elevators can be used to evacuate occupants.
Firefighters elevators can be used to evacuate more than one occupant if required.
Some building codes require firefighter elevators in high-rise buildings.
The NBC and provincial building codes require firefighters elevators in high-rise buildings.
The word "some" indicates that not all high-rise buildings require a firefighters elevator. The Canadian buildings require firefighter elevators in all high-rise buildings, not just some.
Remove question, "Do you require assistance in an emergency?"
Remove the question from both employee and visitor PEEP questionnaire.
Unless every employee is completing the questionnaire, the question is redundant. They are completing the form because they require assistance. The subsequent questions establish the type of assistance required.
Add an additional question before, "Do you require assistance going to the area of refuge?"
Add a new question. "Do you know where the areas of refuge are located in the building, and which one is nearest to your work area?"
There is no question confirming that the employee has been made aware of the location of the area of refuge. The same can be added to the visitor PEEP.
Add "floor areas" to one of the questions.
Will you be going to different/other floor areas or buildings?
The employee may not only go to other buildings, but may also go to other floors, or floor areas in the same building. The details may be important for them, and also responding emergency services.
Add a confirmation to some of the questions.
Some of the questions ask the employee/visitor if they know where something is located. The question is YES/NO. Add a confirmation question if the person indicates NO.
It is important to follow up with the individual to ensure that if they answered NO to a specific question, that they then are educated and can answer YES to the follow up confirmation. It is important to close the loop.
The form asks if they have a buddy, YES/NO.
Add some indication of who the buddy is, and who the back up buddy is.
It's important to document that the buddy has been established and who the buddy/back up are. There should also be some confirmation from the buddy that they are aware of their voluntary obligation.
There is no indication that there is a summary page for emergency services to understand who may need assistance, where they are located, how to contact, or what type of assistance may be required.
Add a summary example that can be included in the FSP for emergency services. For example a table with Name, location, contact, type of assistance required, # of personnel required to assist.
Emergency services do not have time to flip through pages to determine who may be in danger when responding. Firefighters can prioritize assisting evacuation if required if they know where the individuals are located.
Add information to the visitor sentence.
" ... is for visitors (Visitor PEEP) and employees that may be in the building on an intermittent basis."
Adding additional context after visitor to include employees reiterates that the Visitor PEEP is not just for visitors, but also includes employees that may not work in the building on a full time basis.
There is no question that asks about the normal working hours, or off hours.
Include a question asking if the employee works during hours the building is normally occupied, or if they work during off hours.
The employee may have a buddy during normal work hours. But they may also work after hours when a buddy is not available. The employee should understand and have knowledge of the procedures for evacuating in both situations.
Change the word process. Communication is vital during an emergency egress process.
Maybe change to "situation".
Emergency evacuation in this context is more of an event or situation rather than a process.
... component of the person’s PEEP
... component of a PEEP.
A PEEP is more general.
There are no requirements for the inspection, testing and maintenance of evacuation devices.
Add requirements for following manufacturer's instructions for the ongoing inspection, testing and maintenance of the various devices.
The manufacturer's may have specific information related to the inspection, testing and maintenance of the devices to ensure they are operational. In addition, as the devices will be identified, not locked and accessible, they may be moved or stolen. It's important to ensure they are replaced, or relocated back to their intended location.
Clause r) states, use official pictograms.
Unknown
There are no official pictograms for fire safety plans in Canada. The pictograms provided in sample fire safety plans from province-to-province and from various municipal fire departments differ. There is no "official" pictograms.
Clause k)
add, "and type". Identify the location and type of the evacuation device.
This is to clearly indicate which devices are at specific locations.
Clause e) states "manual pull stations".
Change to manual stations.
Manual pull station is the old term. Manual station is the new term referenced in the NBC, and ULC fire alarm standards.
Clause g)
Unknkown.
It is not clear what "fire alarms" is referring to. A fire alarm system is installed throughout a building. Manual stations, the manual device used to activate the fire alarm system is identified in clause e). If this clause is referring to the locations of smoke detectors, or heat detectors, there is no added benefit to these being on an emergency evacuation map. They would add clutter to the map.
Change the word "Map".
Change map to floor plan. In some instances in this document site plan may be more applicable. Such as when referring to identifying the muster point.
The term floor plan is more appropriate for the context.
Clause f)
Identify the location(s) of the accessible exits.
For consistency.
The last sentence refers to signs.
Unknown.
What signs are being referenced? Signs indicating how to use the OEE? If so, that should be specified. Maybe another sentence at the end. The sign shall provide information on how to operate the OEE.
Clause c) refers to fire safety evacuation plan. This is the first use of this wording.
Unknown.
If the intent is to post the operating procedures for the OEE on all posted procedures throughout the building, this will additional information that is not relevant to most people, and is not appropriately located. The last sentence in this clause indicates that signage should be posted adjacent the OEE. This is the appropriate location. Also, the operational procedures should be inside the elevator.
Clause b states that major renovation is defined in the NBC.
Delete the reference.
Work is ongoing in relation to establishing renovations and major renovations in the NBC. However, major renovation is not currently referenced in the 2020 NBC.
Sprinklering of a building shall not be considered the only acceptable provision of fire safety and does not negate the need for compliance with this Standard.
Unknown.
Consider rewording the sentence to clarify the intent. Consider, Installation of a fire sprinkler system in a building does not negate the need for compliance with this Standard. While fire sprinklers provide a degree of fire safety, this standard is intended to provide life safety for people with disabilities that is commensurate with that provided to other occupants of the building.
Definition of Buddy
A volunteer, such as a friend, colleague, family member or staff member ...
Volunteer and friend should be separate to denote that volunteer applies to the position. In addition, add that a family member can be a buddy.
There is no definition of floor warden, or emergency warden, but these terms are referenced in the standard.
Add definitions, but maybe state that other terminology can be used for the various roles.
These terms are used but not defined.
Add a definition, "Supervisory Staff".
Supervisory staff means those occupants of a building who have some delegated responsibility for the fire safety of other occupants under the fire safety plan.
This term is defined in the NFC and provincial fire codes. The term can used in this standard rather than warden.
Add a definition for shelter-in-place.
Add definition
There are various references to shelter-in-place, but there is no definition. In addition, there are no procedures identified for shelter-in-place, or how it differs from an area of refuge. While some people may understand, others may not.
Modify the last sentence of definition of "means of egress"
Means of egress includes exits, access to exits, path to a muster point and a muster point.
The path to the muster point should also be included.
Major renovation
Provide more clarification as to what is considered a major renovation.
The definition is too vague, and subject to interpretation.
PEEP. ... information on how to evacuate in the event ...
add reference to shelter-in-place and area of refuge.
The PEEP should outline the conditions under which an individual may need to shelter-in-place, or proceed to area of refuge if they cannot evacuate the building. These options should be identified in the definition.
Add other abbreviations from the standard.
add ULC CSA ASME ITU
These abbreviations are used in the standard but not noted in this clause.
The first sentence states that all buildings have a fire safety plan. This is not true.
... require that certain buildings have a fire safety plan ...
Not all buildings require a fire safety plan.
Clauses e) and n)
Move hazardous materials from clause n). It may be appropriate to add it to clause e).
A hazardous material response is different than a response to an explosion. A haz mat incident is more inline with clause e) toxic fumes/gas leaks.
The term floor warden.
supervisory staff rather than warden.
Terminology for supervisory staff (as defined in the NFC) may differ. Some may use wardens, others may use other terms. Supervisory staff is generic.
This section does not describe the types of emergencies that require horizontal evacuation.
Change the title to delete "Types of".
The clause outlines a horizontal evacuation, not the types of emergencies that may require a horizontal evacuation.
"Outside ground level" and "unaffected wings of multi-building complexes".
... to proceed to designated exits that lead through a firewall to an unaffected area of the building. Sometimes the door through the firewall is considered to be entering a separate building.
The terms used were unclear and not necessarily specific to horizontal evacuation. Horizontal evacuation does not require taking individuals to the exterior of the building.
add but not limited to
The fire safety plan shall include, but not limited to, information on ...
This clause does not outline all of the requirements for fire safety plans specified in the NFC and provincial fire codes.
j) requested
request
Grammar
add updating/review requirements.
The fire safety plan and PEEPs shall be reviewed at intervals not greater than 12 months to ensure that they take account of changes in the use and other characteristics of the building and occupants.
It is important to review the FSP and PEEPs at regular intervals, and when there are changes to the building, or changes to the occupants and their abilities.
Change "provided", ... a copy of that plan is required to be provided to the arriving emergency services – typically through a fire safety plan box
... a copy of that plan is required to be available to the arriving ...
Available is a more accurate term than provided.
The fire safety plan is intended to be used during all emergency situations.
The fire safety plan is intended to be used by fire department operations to provide insight into the characteristics of the building, hazards and occupants. The FSP can be used to assist building management, occupants and fire department operations in evacuating the building.
The fire safety plan can be used in fire emergencies and emergencies requiring evacuation. But it is an overstatement to say that FSP is intended to be used during all emergencies.
change emergency warden
The role of Supervisory Staff
Change emergency wardens to supervisory staff throughout. This aligns with the NFC terminology.
Add clause f)
f) Inform persons with a PEEP and their buddy of any changes that may effect the PEEP.
This places the responsibility on the supervisory staff to advise of any changes that may effect a PEEP.
First responders
Unknown
Various terms have been used. First responders, emergency personnel, emergency services. Consider a review of the document and consolidate terms where appropriate.
Clause e) & f)
Unknown.
Should this Standard dictate the operational priorities of first responders? The clauses state that the fire department will assist them to evacuate. Evacuation may not be warranted at the time, however there are no options provided. Consider revising.
Review and submission to the fire department.
Unknown
Many provinces require that fire safety plans be submitted to the fire department for review. Note that the FSP is submitted to the department, but it's not under the role of first responder. Is it intended that the fire department review the PEEPs as well. If so, this should be included in the Standard. Possibly add another clause for the submission and review of PEEPs
Capitalize or don't capitalize the first word in each clause.
Capitalize or don't capitalize the first word in each clause.
There are inconsistencies throughout the document.
add clause h)
h) Inform Supervisory Staff of any conditions may effect their PEEP, either due to changes in the site, building or their abilities.
This puts the responsibility on the individual to notify the supervisory staff of any changes.
add i)
i) Inform Supervisory Staff and person requiring assistance of any conditions may effect the PEEP, either due to changes in the site, building or if they can no longer fulfill their responsibilities as a buddy.
This places the responsibility of notifying the appropriate people of any changes.
h) "fire drill"
Unknown
The term fire drill is used in the NFC. Several terms are used in the document including emergency drill. Considering reviewing the document and using a single term.
The NFC and the Provincial Fire Codes that require that all buildings have a fire safety plan ...
The NFC and the Provincial Fire Codes require certain buildings to have a fire safety plan. Fire safety plans must include information on emergency egress for all occupants, including people with disabilities.
There was a redundant "that" which should be deleted. Not all buildings require a fire safety plan.
2-3 days a week.
Delete
Consider not providing a specific number of days. Consider using a term such as intermittently.
Visitor PEEP form
Visitor/Short Term PEEP Form
Provide the additional Short Term to be specific. Some people don't read the text that accompanies the form.
Registry list
include a template document of a registry list.
Another comment was provided in the Annex information regarding the registry list and providing a template document.
Clause c) notes an emergency response plan
Unknown.
This is the first time that the term emergency response plan is noted. Should the term be defined? Should emergency response plan be identified elsewhere in the document?
clause e) emergency floor warden
Supervisory staff
Consider a review of the document for the various terms. Maybe consolidate to supervisory staff so that the terminology is in line with the NFC.
Who is developing the PEEP.
Unknown.
11.3.2. notes that the manager and person with the disability will prepare the PEEP. Is the manager or FSP provider working with the person?
clause d) personalized
delete the term personalized
It's redundant.
clause f)
add, ... annually, or when changes occur ...
changes may occur and it's important to capture the changes in the FSP and PEEP as soon as possible.
clause g)
add, ... during emergency drills, or more frequently as needed.
It may be important to practice more often.
clause h)
Test all equipment and procedures identified in the PEEP.
Or should be changed to and to identify that both equipment and procedures should be tested, not one or the other.
clause g)
change fire alarms to manual stations
By identifying the manual station locations the individual knows where to manually activate the fire alarm system.
clause s)
add that the diagram should identify the manual station locations.
It is important that occupants know where the manual stations are located so that they can manually activate the fire alarm system.
Reword the paragraph starting with "Given that ..."
Given the importance of the emergency egress drills all individuals shall participate in emergency egress drills. This ensures that all occupants of a building know the necessary procedures to safely exit the building, or to safely access an area of refuge.
Reworded for ease of reading.
fire drill frequency
Fire drills shall be practised as required by the NFC or Provincial Fire Code.
The NFC and Provincial Fire Codes require more fire drills at least annually but more often for specific buildings.
Add a sentence after, greatest degree possible.
In some circumstances practising the drill may be completed at a different time or more often.
Some individuals may need to practise a drill at a different time or more often. This should be stated in the standard.
clause e)
add buddy
Buddy should be added as they are assisting individuals in evacuation.
clause g)
delete call boxes
Call boxes is not a term used in Canada.
Add another clause, i)
i) all people, including those working off hours, or after normal working hours participate in emergency egress drills.
It is important to ensure that all occupants know, understand and participate in drills.
c) states "remaining", while the others relate to evacuating.
c) proceed to the area of refuge and remain until instructed further.
There is no indication to proceed to the area of refuge.
Add or drill, after emergency situation
After an emergency situation or drill has taken place ...
It's important to capture feedback after drills as well as after emergency situations. Add similar statement throughout section.
Clause d) there is no follow up if communication was not effective.
... was effective and inclusive, if not, investigate further and provide recommendations for improvement.
The original statement is only confirming that the communication was effective. If the communication was not effective, there should be follow up.
Change, "personal emergency egress plan" "emergency egress plan".
PEEP, or personal emergency evacuation plan.
Consistency
Add a change in the buddies abilities.
add another clause, "changes in a buddies abilities to assist as noted in the PEEP;"
The abilities of a buddy may change over time. If they are no longer able to assist as noted in the PEEP, the PEEP should change.
"an acceptable form of refuge."
consider, shall not be considered an acceptable form of refuge in lieu of an area of refuge."
The term "area of refuge" is used. But then the term refuge is used. Consider revising to use the term area of refuge rather than refuge.
clause b) notes floor area, should this change to building
within a fire compartment that is separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation...
The area of refuge should be separated from the remainder of the building by the required fire separation rating. The fire resistance rating of the fire separation should extend not only to the walls, but also the floor and ceiling above.
Clause c)
Provide clarification of the 200 lux.
Is this an average level? where is the measurement taken? The NBC specifies the average level of illumination at floor or tread level, etc with a minimum level of illumination.
clause d)
Provide a maximum distance. Does any evacuation device satisfy the requirement?
Vague language results in future issues. Clarifying a distance will help with enforcement, and provide guidance in complying. Consider specifying that the evacuation device at an area of refuge should be the one noted in a persons PEEP for that area. Considering providing language for what devices, if any, are required in areas where there are no PEEPs with specified devices.
Clause c)
add, power door operators installed on closures in fire separations shall be rated for use on fire doors.
All hardware used on fire doors must be rated, however this is often overlooked.
Clause e) & f)
Unknown
Clarify what specifically needs to be connected to backup power. Clarify what dimensions need to be free from protrusions. Is it from floor level to ceiling, etc?
Clause f)
Unknown
Clause f notes that the ventilation system is separate. But there are no design parameters, or additional information. Should there be a note somewhere in the standard indicating that the ventilation system must be designed in conformance with the NBC, or other design parameters?
Clause b)
Unknown
Is it worthwhile specifying that the max height is to the top of the device, (if that is the intention)? Some standards state from the top, while others such may reference the mid point of a device.
Clause f) references an "emergency response system".
Unknown
What is an emergency response system? There is no definition, nor is it a common term used in the building code or fire code. Provide clarification.
Clause h) indicates that the communication system must be linked to security or emergency call centre.
Unknown.
Provide clarification as to the intent of this clause. A security system may not have an immediate response from anyone. Security systems and fire alarm systems have different installation standards; fire alarm is much more stringent. Are there inspection, testing and maintenance requirements for the communication system?
12.2 states Exit Doors
Either delete "Exit", or add separate clauses 12.2.1 Egress Doors 12.2.2. Exit Doors
The requirements pertain to both exit and egress doors, not just exit doors.
Delete the bullet point a)
one sentence Doors forming part of an egress route shall be provided with a vision panel or side light with its bottom edge not higher than 900 mm.
There is only one bullet point, so it is a single sentence.
Add a bullet point to the horizontal exits.
) provided with emergency lighting (add whatever parameters, such as the 200 lux noted elsewhere).
There should be emergency lighting at the horizontal exit.
Last sentence mentions locks.
Unknown.
What is the intent? Can a door be equipped with a lock, or not have a lock installed? May also encounter electromagnetic locking devices. Provide further clarification of intent.
Clarify the intent of the first clause a)
to and from all areas within a floor area of a building
Is the intent that all areas of a floor area within a building need to be accessible? The current wording states that only access to the floor is required. I've had discussions with architects in which they want to provide access to the floor only, and not throughout a floor area. Provide clarification.
200 Lux
Unknown
Similar note provided previously. Clarify the 200 lux, similar to the NBC.
Clause a)
Unknown
Specifying two maximum distances is confusing. To me, you can only have one maximum distance. The noted distances may exceed the travel distances in the NBC. Provide clarification as to the intent.
NFPA 72
Delete
Why reference NFPA 72? There has been no mention of NFPA 72 in the standard.
This edition of the standard does not address individual dwelling units
Delete the sentence is it is a repeat of a sentence in 7.2.
editing required
b) a sign requesting visitors who need assistance in an emergency to complete the visitors PEEP shall be posted
shall be posted in a variety of formats
to increase accessibility
c. remaining in the area of refuge
c. remaining in the area of refuge until assistance is provided
incomplete instructions
Interior stairs
add: d) include a TWSI at the top of the stairs
technical information missing
An evacuation device shall be provided outside but nearby Areas of Refuge on each floor....
An evacuation device shall be provided outside but nearby Areas of Refuge and evacuation stairwells on each floor...
Clarification required that evacuation devices should be nearby evacuation stairwells.
An evacuation device shall be provided.....
The number of evacuation devices provided shall depend on: - the building use and design - the number of people identified in the PEEPs that require an evacuation device
Information was missing on the number of devices required.
This document provides an in-depth look at the technologies.....
Delete the sentence as that section was removed.
Editing required.
most of these publications are not relevant, nor were they reviewed.
delete most of the publications
inaccurate
21.1 Types of Emergency Evacuation Devices, point 21.1.1 Manufacturers and supplies: Point A. I am recommending to take away “Plus Brake” and add “self braking system” as putting an actual brake on a chair is very counter intuitive and very dangerous and can affect the chairs use. Adding the following is recommended: Evacuation Chair should hold 440lbs or more Warranty should be lifetime warranty Arm Rest and footrest highly recommended for comfort and safety 4-point harness belt and leg restraint for extra safety FDA/ISO Certificate If we do not add these safety features, when facilities are looking for evacuation chairs they will run into very cheap and unsafe products.
21.1 Types of Emergency Evacuation Devices, point 21.1.1 Manufacturers and supplies: Point A. I am recommending to take away “Plus Brake” and add “self Adding the following is recommended: Evacuation Chair should hold 440lbs or more Warranty should be lifetime warranty Arm Rest and footrest highly recommended for comfort and safety 4-point harness belt and leg restraint for extra safety FDA/ISO Certificate If we do not add these safety features, when facilities are looking for evacuation chairs they will run into very cheap and unsafe products.
putting an actual brake on a chair is very counter intuitive and very dangerous. Can affect the chair’s use.
