Division B
Acceptable Solutions

Part 3 — Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and Accessibility

Section 3.4. Exits

(See Appendix A.)

3.4.1. General

3.4.1.1. Scope
1) Intent StatementExit facilities complying with this Section shall be provided from every floor area that is intended for occupancy. (See Appendix A.)
3.4.1.2. Separation of Exits
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, each exit shall be separate from every other exit leading from that floor area.
2) Intent StatementIf more than 2 exits are provided from a floor area, exits are permitted to converge in conformance with Sentence 3.4.3.1.(2), provided the cumulative capacity of the converging exits does not contribute more than 50% of the total required exit width for the floor area.
3.4.1.3. Access to Exits
1) Intent StatementAccess to exits shall conform to Section 3.3.
3.4.1.4. Types of Exit
1) Intent StatementSubject to the requirements of this Section, an exit from any floor area shall be one of the following, used singly or in combination:
a) an exterior doorway,
b) an exterior passageway,
c) an exterior ramp,
d) an exterior stairway,
e) a fire escape (conforming to Subsection 3.4.7.),
f) a horizontal exit,
g) an interior passageway,
h) an interior ramp, or
i) an interior stairway.
3.4.1.5. Exterior Exit Passageways
1) Intent StatementAccess to an exterior exit passageway from a floor area shall be through exit doors at the floor level.
3.4.1.6. Restricted Use of Horizontal Exits
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), horizontal exits shall not comprise more than one half of the required number of exits from any floor area.
2) Intent StatementIn a hospital or nursing home change beginwith treatmentchange end, horizontal exits serving patients’ sleeping rooms shall comprise not more than two thirds of the required number of exits from any floor area. (See Appendix A.)
3.4.1.7. Slide Escapes
1) Intent StatementA slide escape shall not be erected on any building as a required exit, but is permitted to be provided as an additional egress facility if unusual hazards are foreseen.
3.4.1.8. Transparent Doors and Panels
1) Intent StatementGlass and transparent panels in an exit shall conform to the appropriate requirements of Article 3.3.1.19. for glass and transparent panels in an access to exit.
3.4.1.9. Mirrors near Exits
1) Intent StatementNo mirror shall be placed in or adjacent to any exit in a manner that would confuse the direction of exit.
3.4.1.10. Combustible Glazing in Exits
1) Intent StatementCombustible glazing is not permitted in wall or ceiling assemblies or in closures used to construct an exit enclosure.

3.4.2. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas

3.4.2.1. Minimum Number of Exits
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentences (2) to (4), every floor area intended for occupancy shall be served by at least 2 exits.
2) Intent StatementA floor area in a building not more than 2 storeys in building height, is permitted to be served by one exit provided the total occupant load served by the exit is not more than 60, and
a) in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, the floor area and the travel distance are not more than the values in Table 3.4.2.1.A, or
b) in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout
i) the travel distance is not more than 25 m, and
ii) the floor area is not more than the value in Table 3.4.2.1.B
Table 3.4.2.1.A
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area Not Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)

Occupancy of Floor Area

Maximum Floor Area, m2

 Maximum Travel Distance, m
Group A 150 15
Group B 75 10
Group C 100 15
Group D 200 25
Group E 150 15
Group F, Division 2 150 10
Group F, Division 3 200 15
Table 3.4.2.1.B
Criteria for One Exit (Floor Area Sprinklered Throughout)
Forming part of Sentence 3.4.2.1.(2)

Occupancy of Floor Area

Maximum Floor Area, m2
Group A 200
Group B 100
Group C 150
Group D 300
Group E 200
Group F, Division 2 200
Group F, Division 3 300
3) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (4), if Sentence (2) permits a single exit from a floor area classified as Group B or Group C occupancy, the exit shall be an exterior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.
4) Intent StatementThe requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived for dwelling units that have an access to exit conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.4.(1) to (4).
5) Intent StatementExits are not required directly from rooftop enclosures that are provided with access to exits in conformance with Sentences 3.3.1.3.(5) and (6).
3.4.2.2. Means of Egress from Mezzanines
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), the space above a mezzanine shall be served by means of egress leading to exits accessible at the mezzanine level on the same basis as floor areas.
2) Intent StatementThe means of egress from a mezzanine need not conform to Sentence (1), provided
a) the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation, as permitted in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1),
b) the occupant load of the mezzanine is not more than 60,
c) the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits stated in Table 3.4.2.2., and
d) the distance limits stated in Table 3.4.2.2. measured along the path of travel are not exceeded from any point on the mezzanine to
i) an egress door serving the space that the mezzanine overlooks, if the space is served by a single egress door, or
ii) the egress stairway leading to an access to exit in the space below if that space is required to be served by 2 or more egress doorways in conformance with Sentence 3.3.1.5.(1).
3) Intent StatementAt least half of the required means of egress from a mezzanine shall comply with Sentence (1) if the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1).
Table 3.4.2.2.
Criteria for Egress from Mezzanine Space
Forming part of Sentence 3.4.2.2.(2)

Occupancy of Space

Maximum Area, m2

 Distance Limits, m

Assembly occupancy

 150 15

Residential occupancy

 100 15

Business and personal services occupancy

 200 25

Mercantile occupancy

 150 15

Medium-hazard industrial occupancy

 150 10

Low-hazard industrial occupancy

 200 15
3.4.2.3. Distance between Exits
1) Intent StatementExcept as provided in Sentence (2), the least distance between 2 exits from a floor area shall be
a) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area having a public corridor, or
b) one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas.
(See Appendix A.)
2) Intent StatementExits need not comply with Sentence (1) where
a) the floor area is divided so that not less than one third of the floor area is on each side of a fire separation, and
b) it is necessary to pass through the fire separation to travel from one exit to another exit.
3) Intent StatementThe minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence (1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.
3.4.2.4. Travel Distance
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of travel to the exit.
2) Intent StatementThe travel distance from a suite or a room not within a suite is permitted to be measured from an egress door of the suite or room to the nearest exit, provided
a) the suite or room is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation
i) having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min in a floor area that is not sprinklered throughout, or
ii) which is not required to have a fire-resistance rating, in a floor area that is sprinklered throughout, and
b) the egress door opens onto
i) an exterior passageway,
ii) a corridor used by the public that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with the requirements in Article 3.3.1.4. for the separation of public corridors, or
iii) a public corridor that is separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with Article 3.3.1.4. (See A-3.1.8.1.(1)(b) in Appendix A.)
3) Intent StatementTravel distance to an exit shall be not more than 50 m from any point in a service space referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8).
3.4.2.5. Location of Exits
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentences (2) and 3.3.2.5.(6), if more than one exit is required from a floor area, the exits shall be located so that the travel distance to at least one exit shall be not more than
a) 25 m in a high-hazard industrial occupancy,
b) 40 m in a business and personal services occupancy,
c) 45 m in a floor area that contains an occupancy other than a high-hazard industrial occupancy, provided it is sprinklered throughout,
d) 105 m in any floor area, served by a public corridor, in which rooms and suites are not separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation, provided
i) the public corridor is not less than 9 m wide,
ii) the ceiling height in the public corridor is not less than 4 m above all floor surfaces,
iii) the building is sprinklered throughout, and
iv) not more than one half of the required egress doorways from a room or suite open into the public corridor if the room or suite is required to have more than one egress doorway,
e) 60 m in any storage garage that conforms to the requirements of Article 3.2.2.88., and
f) 30 m in any floor area other than those referred to in Clauses (a) to (e).
2) Intent StatementExcept for a high-hazard industrial occupancy, Sentence (1) need not apply if exits are placed along the perimeter of the floor area and are not more than 60 m apart, measured along the perimeter, provided each main aisle in the floor area leads directly to an exit.
3) Intent StatementExits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times.
3.4.2.6. Principal Entrances
1) Intent StatementFor the purposes of this Section, at least one door at every principal entrance to a building providing access from the exterior at ground level shall be designed in accordance with the requirements for exits.

3.4.3. Width and Height of Exits

3.4.3.1. Exit Width Based on Occupant Load
1) Intent StatementFor the purpose of determining the aggregate width of exits, the occupant load of every room or floor area shall be determined in conformance with Subsection 3.1.17.
2) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence 3.4.3.2.(4), the required exit width shall be cumulative if 2 or more exits converge.
3.4.3.2. Exit Width
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (3), the minimum aggregate required width of exits serving floor areas intended for assembly occupancies, residential occupancies, business and personal services occupancies, mercantile occupancies, and industrial occupancies shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
a) 6.1 mm per person for ramps with a slope of not more than 1 in 8, doorways, corridors and passageways,
b) 8 mm per person for a stair consisting of steps whose rise is not more than 180 mm and whose run is not less than 280 mm, or
c) 9.2 mm per person for
i) ramps with a slope of more than 1 in 8, or
ii) stairs, other than stairs conforming to Clause (b).
2) Intent StatementThe minimum aggregate width of exits serving floor areas intended for a change begincare, treatment or detention occupancychange end shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by 18.4 mm per person.
3) Intent StatementThe minimum aggregate width of means of egress serving a Group A, Division 4 occupancy shall be determined by multiplying the occupant load of the area served by
a) 1.8 mm per person for
i) aisles,
ii) stairs other than exit stairs, and
iii) ramps and passageways in vomitories and exits, and
b) 2.4 mm per person for exit stairs.
4) Intent StatementExcept as required by Sentences (5) and (6), the required exit width need not be cumulative in an exit serving 2 or more floor areas located one above the other.
5) Intent StatementThe required exit width for an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serving more than one balcony level shall conform to Sentence (6).
6) Intent StatementThe required exit width for exit stairs that serve interconnected floor space designed in accordance with Articles 3.2.8.3. to 3.2.8.9. shall be cumulative, unless
a) the stairs provide not less than 0.3 m2 of area of treads and landings for each occupant of the interconnected floor space (see Appendix A), or
b) protected floor spaces conforming to Article 3.2.8.6. are provided at each floor level and the protected floor space on a floor level has not less than 0.5 m2 of space for each occupant of that floor level of the interconnected floor space.
(See Appendix A.)
7) Intent StatementIf more than one exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more than one half of the required exit width.
8) Intent Statementchange beginThe minimum widths of exits shall conform to Tables 3.4.3.2.A and 3.4.3.2.B
Table 3.4.3.2.A
Minimum Widths of Exit Corridors, Passageways, Ramps, Stairs and Doorways
in Group A, Group B, Division 1, and Groups C, D, E and F Occupancies
Forming part of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8)
Occupancy Classification Exit Corridors and Passageways, mm Ramps, mm Stairs, mm Doorways, mm
Group A, Group B, Division 1, Group C, Group D, Group E, Group F 1 100 1 100 900(1)
1 100(2)		 800
Notes to Table 3.4.3.2.A:
(1) Serving not more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or not more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
(2) Serving more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
Table 3.4.3.2.B
Minimum Widths of Exit Corridors, Passageways, Ramps, Stairs and Doorways in Group B, Division 2 and Division 3 Occupancies
Forming part of Sentence 3.4.3.2.(8)
Occupancy Classification Exit Corridors and Passage-ways, mm Ramps, mm Stairs, mm Doorways, mm
Not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1) Serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1) Not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1) Serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1) Not serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1) Serving patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms(1)
Group B, Division 2 1 100 1 100 1 650 900(2)
1 100(3)		 1 650 850 1 050
Group B, Division 3              
with more than 10 residents 1 100 1 100 1 100 900(2)
1 100(3)		 1 100(2)
1 650(3)		 850 850
with not more than 10 residents 1 100 1 100 1 100 900(2)
1 100(3)		 900(2)
1 100(3)		 850 850change end
Notes to Table 3.4.3.2.B:
(1) Minimum widths of ramps, stairs and doorways do not apply within individual suites of care occupancy.
(2) Serving not more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or not more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
(3) Serving more than 2 storeys above the lowest exit level or more than 1 storey below the lowest exit level.
3.4.3.3. Exit Width Reduction
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentences (2) and (4), no fixture, turnstile or construction shall project into or be fixed within the required width of an exit.
2) Intent StatementSwinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the required width of exit stairs or landings to less than 750 mm or reduce the width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width.
3) Intent StatementDoors shall be installed so that, when open, they do not diminish nor obstruct the required width of the exit.
4) Intent StatementHandrails and construction below handrails are permitted to project into the required width of means of egress but the projections shall be not more than 100 mm on each side of the required width.
3.4.3.4. Headroom Clearance
change begin(See Appendix A.)change end
1) Except as permitted by Sentences (4) and (5), every exit shall have a change beginclear height over the clear width of the exitchange end of not less than change begin2 050 mmchange end.

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2) Intent StatementThe change beginclear heightchange end of stairways shall be measured vertically change beginover the clear width of the stairway, from the straight line tangent to the tread and landing nosings to the lowest element above. (See A-9.8.7.4. in Appendix A.)change end
3) Intent Statementchange beginThe clear height of landings shall be measured within the clear width of the landing vertically to the lowest element above.change end
4) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (5), the headroom clearance for doorways shall be not less than 2 030 mm.
5) Intent StatementNo door closer or other device shall be installed so as to reduce the headroom clearance of a doorway to less than 1 980 mm.

3.4.4. Fire Separation of Exits

3.4.4.1. Fire-Resistance Rating of Exit Separations
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentences (2), 3.3.5.4.(3), 3.4.4.2.(2) and 3.4.4.3.(1), every exit shall be separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required by Subsection 3.2.2., but not less than 45 min, for
a) the floor assembly above the storey, or
b) the floor assembly below the storey, if there is no floor assembly above.
2) Intent StatementThe fire-resistance rating of the fire separation referred to in Sentence (1) need not be more than 2 h.
3) Intent StatementIf an exit stair in an assembly hall or theatre serves more than one balcony level, the exit stair shall be separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Sentence (1).
3.4.4.2. Exits through Lobbies
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), no exit from a floor area above or below the first storey shall lead through a lobby.
2) Intent StatementNot more than one exit from a floor area is permitted to lead through a lobby, provided
a) the lobby floor is not more than 4.5 m above grade,
b) the path of travel through the lobby to the outdoors is not more than 15 m,
c) the adjacent rooms or premises having direct access to the lobby do not contain a change begincare,change end residential or industrial occupancy,
d) the lobby is not located within an interconnected floor space other than as described in Sentence 3.2.8.2.(6),
e) the lobby conforms to the requirements for exits, except that
i) rooms other than service rooms and storage rooms are permitted to open onto the lobby,
ii) the fire separation between the lobby and a room used for the sole purpose of control and supervision of the building need not have a fire-resistance rating,
iii) the fire separation between the lobby and adjacent occupancies that are permitted to open onto the lobby need not have a fire-resistance rating provided the lobby and adjacent occupancies are sprinklered, and
iv) change beginpassenger elevators are permitted to open onto the lobby, provided the elevator doors are designed to remain closed except while loading and unloading passengers, andchange end
(see Appendix A)
f) a fire separation, constructed in accordance with Sentence 3.4.4.1.(1), is maintained between the lobby and any exit permitted by this Sentence to lead through the lobby.
3.4.4.3. Exterior Passageway Exceptions
1) Intent StatementThe requirements of Sentences 3.4.4.1.(1) and 3.2.3.13.(1) and (3) do not apply to an exterior exit passageway provided
a) not less than 50% of the exterior side is open to the outdoors, and
b) an exit stair is provided at each end of the passageway.
3.4.4.4. Integrity of Exits
1) Intent StatementA fire separation that separates an exit from the remainder of the building shall have no openings except for
a) standpipe and sprinkler piping,
b) electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways and noncombustible piping that serve only the exit,
c) openings required by the provisions of Subsection 3.2.6.,
d) exit doorways, and
e) wired glass and glass block permitted by Article 3.1.8.14.
2) Intent StatementExits within scissors stairs and other contiguous exit stairways shall be separated from each other by a smoke-tight fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly through which they pass.
3) Intent StatementFire separations separating contiguous stairs described in Sentence (2) shall not be pierced by doorways, ductwork, piping or any other openings that affect the continuity of the separation.
4) Intent StatementA fuel-fired appliance shall not be installed in an exit.
5) Intent StatementAn exit shall not be used as a plenum for a heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system.
6) Intent StatementAn exit shall be designed for no purpose other than for exiting, except that an exit is permitted also to be designed to serve as an access to a floor area.
7) Intent StatementA service room shall not open directly into an exit.
8) Intent StatementStorage rooms, washrooms, toilet rooms, laundry rooms and similar ancillary rooms shall not open directly into an exit.
9) Intent StatementService spaces referred to in Sentence 3.2.1.1.(8) shall not open directly into an exit.

3.4.5. Exit Signs

3.4.5.1. Exit Signs
1) Intent StatementEvery exit door shall have an exit sign placed over or adjacent to it if the exit serves
a) a building more than 2 storeys in building height,
b) a building having an occupant load of more than 150, or
c) a room or floor area that has a fire escape as part of a required means of egress.
2) Every exit sign shall
a) be visible on approach to the exit,
b) change beginconsist of a green pictogram and a white or lightly tinted graphical symbol meeting the colour specifications referred to in ISO 3864-1, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Part 1: Design principles for safety signs in workplaces and public areas,” andchange end
c) change beginconform to the requirement of ISO 7010, “Graphical symbols – Safety colours and safety signs – Safety signs used in workplaces and public areas,” for one or more of the following symbols (see Appendix A):
i) E001 emergency exit (left hand),
ii) E002 Emergency exit (right hand),
iii) E005 Direction, arrow (90° increments), safe condition, and
iv) E006 Direction, 45° arrow (90° increments), safe condition.change end

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3) change beginInternally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated and
a) where illumination of the sign is powered by an electrical circuit, change beginconform tochange end CSA C22.2 No. 141, “Emergency Lighting Equipment,” or
b) where illumination of the sign is not powered by an electrical circuit, change beginconform tochange end CAN/ULC-S572, “Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Signs and Path Marking Systems.”

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4) Externally illuminated exit signs shall be continuously illuminated and change beginconform tochange end CAN/ULC-S572, “Photoluminescent and Self-Luminous Signs and Path Marking Systems.” (See Appendix A.)

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5) Intent StatementThe circuitry serving lighting for externally and internally illuminated exit signs shall
a) serve no equipment other than emergency equipment, and
b) be connected to an emergency power supply as described in Article 3.2.7.4.
6) Intent StatementWhere no exit is visible from a public corridor, from a corridor used by the public in a Group A or B major occupancy, or from principal routes serving an open floor area having an occupant load of more than 150, an exit sign conforming to Clauses (2)(b) and (c) with an arrow or pointer indicating the direction of egress shall be provided.change end
7) Intent StatementExcept for egress doorways described in Sentence 3.3.2.4.(4), an exit sign conforming to Sentences (2) change beginto (5)change end shall be placed over or adjacent to every egress doorway from rooms with an occupant load of more than 60 in Group A, Division 1 occupancies, dance halls, licensed beverage establishments, and other similar occupancies that, when occupied, have lighting levels below that which would provide easy identification of the egress doorway.
3.4.5.2. Signs for Stairs and Ramps at Exit Level
1) Intent StatementIn a building more than 2 storeys in building height, any part of an exit ramp or stairway that continues up or down past the lowest exit level shall have a posted sign clearly indicating that it does not lead to an exit.

3.4.6. Types of Exit Facilities

(See Appendix A.)
3.4.6.1. Slip Resistance of Ramps and Stairs
1) The surfaces of ramps, and landings and treads
a) shall have a finish that is slip resistant, and
b) if accessible to the public, shall have either a colour contrast or a distinctive pattern, readily visible from both directions of travel, to demarcate the leading edge of the tread and the leading edge of the landing, as well as the beginning and end of a ramp.

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2) Intent StatementTreads and landings of exterior exit stairs more than 10 m high shall be designed to be free of ice and snow accumulations.
3.4.6.2. Minimum Number of Risers
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence 3.3.2.14.(1), every flight of interior stairs shall have not less than 3 risers.
3.4.6.3. Maximum Vertical Rise of Stair Flights change beginand Required Landingschange end
1) Intent StatementNo flight of stairs shall have a vertical rise of more than 3.7 m between floors or landings, except that a flight of stairs serving as an exit in a Group B, Division 2 occupancy shall have a vertical rise not more than 2.4 m between floors or landings.
2) Intent Statementchange beginExcept as provided in Sentence (3), a landing shall be provided
a) at the top and bottom of each flight of interior and exterior stairs,
b) at the top and bottom of every section of ramp,
c) where a doorway opens onto a stair or ramp,
d) where a ramp opens onto a stair, and
e) where a stair opens onto a ramp.
3) Intent StatementA landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp, provided there is no gate, door or fixed obstruction within the lesser of
a) the width of the stair or ramp, or
b) 1 100 mm.change end
3.4.6.4. Dimensions of Landings
1) Intent StatementThe length and width of a landing shall be at least the width of the stairway in which it occurs, except that in a straight run, the length of the landing need not be more than 1 100 mm.
2) Intent StatementWhere a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through a side wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp, and for a distance of 300 mm on either side of the wall opening, except one side if it abuts on an end wall.
3) Intent StatementWhere a doorway or stairway empties onto a ramp through an end wall, there shall be a level area extending across the full width of the ramp and along its length for not less than 900 mm.
3.4.6.5. Handrails
1) Intent StatementA stairway shall have a handrail on at least one side, but if it is 1 100 mm or more wide, it shall have handrails on both sides.
2) Intent StatementIf the required width of a ramp or flight of stairs is more than 2 200 mm, one or more intermediate handrails continuous between landings shall be provided, and located so that there will be not more than 1 650 mm between handrails.
3) Intent StatementHandrails shall be continuously graspable along their entire length and shall have
a) a circular cross-section with an outside diameter not less than 30 mm and not more than 43 mm, or
b) a non-circular cross-section with a graspable portion that has a perimeter not less than 100 mm and not more than 125 mm and whose largest cross-sectional dimension is not more than 45 mm.
4) Intent Statementchange beginThe height ofchange end handrails on stairs and ramps shall be measured vertically from change beginthe top of the handrail tochange end
a) change begina straight line drawn tangent to the tread nosings of the stair served by the handrail (see A-9.8.7.4. in Appendix A), orchange end
b) the surface of the ramp, change beginfloor or landing served by the handrail.change end
5) Intent Statementchange beginExcept as provided in Sentences (6) and (7), the height of handrails on stairs and ramps shall be
a) not less than 865 mm, and
b) not more than 965 mm.
6) Intent StatementHandrails installed in addition to required handrails need not comply with Sentence (5).
7) Intent StatementWhere guards are required, handrails on landings shall be not more than 1 070 mm in height.change end
8) Intent StatementExcept where interrupted by doorways or newels at changes in direction, at least one handrail shall be continuous throughout the length of a stairway or ramp, including landings. (See Appendix A.)
9) Intent StatementHandrails shall be terminated in a manner which will not obstruct pedestrian travel or create a hazard. (See A-3.4.6.5.(8) in Appendix A.)
10) Intent StatementAt least one handrail at the side of a stairway or ramp shall extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond the top and bottom of the stairway or ramp. (See A-3.4.6.5.(8) in Appendix A.)
11) Intent StatementThe clearance between a handrail and any surface behind it shall be not less than
a) 50 mm, or
b) 60 mm if the surface behind the handrail is rough or abrasive.
12) Intent StatementHandrails and their supports shall be designed and constructed to withstand the loading values obtained from the non-concurrent application of
a) a concentrated load not less than 0.9 kN applied at any point and in any direction for all handrails, and
b) a uniform load not less than 0.7 kN/m applied in any direction to handrails not located within dwelling units.
13) Intent StatementA ramp shall have handrails on both sides.
3.4.6.6. Guards
1) Intent StatementEvery exit shall have a wall or a well-secured guard on each side.
2) Intent StatementExcept as required by Sentence (4), the height of guards for exit stairs shall be not less than 920 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings and 1 070 mm around landings.
3) Intent StatementThe height of guards for exit ramps and their landings shall be not less than 1 070 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the ramp surface.
4) Intent StatementThe height of guards for exterior stairs and landings more than 10 m above adjacent ground level shall be not less than 1 500 mm measured vertically to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing or from a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings.
5) Intent StatementUnless it can be shown that the size of openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there shall be no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 100 mm through a guard for an exit.
6) Intent StatementIn a stairway, a window for which the distance measured vertically between the bottom of the window and a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings is less than 900 mm, or a window that extends to less than 1 070 mm above the landing, shall
a) be protected by a guard that is
i) located approximately 900 mm above a line drawn through the outside edges of the stair nosings, or
ii) not less than 1 070 mm high measured to the top of the guard from the surface of the landing, or
b) be fixed in position and designed to resist the lateral design loads specified for guards and walls in Articles 4.1.5.14. and 4.1.5.16.
7) Intent StatementUnless it can be shown that the location and size of openings do not present a hazard, guards shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above the level being protected by the guard facilitates climbing.
3.4.6.7. Ramp Slope
(See also change beginArticle 3.8.3.3.change end)
1) Intent StatementExcept as required for aisles by Article 3.3.2.5., the maximum slope of a ramp shall be
a) 1 in 10 in any assembly, change begincare, treatment, detentionchange end or residential occupancy,
b) 1 in 6 in rooms or floor areas classified as a mercantile or industrial occupancy,
c) 1 in 8 in any other floor area, and
d) 1 in 10 for an exterior ramp.
3.4.6.8. Treads and Risers
(See A-9.8.4. in Appendix A.)
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted for dwelling units and by Sentence 3.4.7.5.(1) for fire escapes, steps for tairs shall have a run of not less than 280 mm between successive steps.
2) Intent StatementSteps for stairs referred to in Sentence (1) shall
a) have a rise between successive treads not less than 125 mm and not more than 180 mm,
b) have a closed riser, and
c) change beginhave
i) a riser with a rakeback of not more than 38 mm, or
ii) the underside of the nosing with an angle of not less than 60° from the horizontal.change end
3) Intent Statementchange beginExcept in fire escape stairs and where an exterior stair adjoins a walkway as permitted in Sentence 3.4.6.3.(3), risers, measured as the vertical nosing-to-nosing distance, shall be of uniform height in any one flight, with a maximum tolerance of
a) 5 mm between adjacent treads or landings, and
b) 10 mm between the tallest and shortest risers in a flight.
4) Intent StatementExcept in fire escape stairs, treads, measured as the horizontal nosing-to-nosing distance, shall have a uniform run with a maximum tolerance of
a) 5 mm between adjacent treads, and
b) 10 mm between the deepest and shallowest treads in a flight.
5) Intent StatementTreads and risers shall not differ significantly in run and rise in successive flights in any stair system.
6) Intent StatementWhere angled treads are incorporated into a stair, the treads in all sets of angled treads within a flight shall turn in the same direction.
7) Intent StatementThe slope of treads or landings shall not exceed 1 in 50.change end
8) Intent StatementThe top of the nosing of stair treads shall
a) except as permitted in Sentence (10), have either a radius or a bevel between 6 mm and 10 mm in horizontal dimension,
b) have no abrupt angles on the underside, and
c) not project more than 38 mm.
9) Intent StatementThe front edge of stair treads in exits and public access to exits shall be at right angles to the direction of exit travel.
10) Intent StatementIf resilient material is used to cover the change beginnosingchange end of a stair tread, the minimum change beginrounded or bevelled edgechange end required by Sentence (8) is permitted to be reduced to 3 mm.
11) change beginStairs shall be provided with tactile warning strips conforming to Article 3.8.3.11. unless the stairs are
a) stairs within or serving dwelling units,
b) exit stairs not normally used for access purposes, or
c) fire escape stairs.change end

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3.4.6.9. Curved Stairs
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), tapered treads shall not be used in an exit.
2) Intent StatementA curved stair used as an exit shall have
a) a handrail on each side,
b) treads with a minimum run of 240 mm exclusive of nosings,
c) treads that conform to Article 3.4.6.8. where they are measured 230 mm away from the handrail at the narrow end of the tread, and
d) an inside radius that is not less than twice the stair width.
3.4.6.10. Horizontal Exits
1) Intent StatementThe floor area on each side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to accommodate the occupants of both floor areas, allowing not less than 0.5 m2 of clear floor space per person, except that 1.5 m2 shall be provided for each person in a wheelchair and 2.5 m2 for each bedridden patient.
2) Intent StatementIf vestibules, enclosed balconies or bridges are used as parts of a horizontal exit, their clear width shall be not less than that of the exit doorways opening into them, except that handrails are not permitted to project into this clear width more than 100 mm.
3) Intent StatementIn a horizontal exit where there is a difference in level between the connected floor areas, slopes not more than those specified for ramps in Article 3.4.6.7. are permitted to be used.
4) Intent StatementNo stairs or steps shall be used in a horizontal exit.
5) Intent StatementIf 2 doors are provided in a horizontal exit that comprises a part of the required number of exits from the floor areas on both sides of the exit
a) the doors shall be mounted adjacent to each other with the door on the right side in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit swinging in the direction of travel through the horizontal exit, and
b) signs shall be provided on each side of the horizontal exit to indicate the door that swings in the direction of travel from that side.
(See Appendix A.)
6) Intent StatementIf a horizontal exit utilizes bridges between buildings or outside balconies, the bridges or balconies shall conform to Article 3.2.3.19.
3.4.6.11. Doors
1) Intent StatementThe distance between a stair riser and the leading edge of a door during its swing shall be not less than 300 mm.
2) Intent StatementNo exit door shall open directly onto a step except that, if there is danger of blockage from ice or snow, an exit door is permitted to open onto not more than one step which shall be not more than 150 mm high.
3) Intent StatementExit doors shall be clearly identifiable. (See Appendix A.)
4) Intent StatementNo door leaf in an exit doorway with more than one leaf shall be less than 610 mm wide.
3.4.6.12. Direction of Door Swing
1) Intent Statement Except for doors serving a single dwelling unit and except as permitted by Article 3.4.6.14., every exit door shall
a) open in the direction of exit travel, and
b) swing on its vertical axis.
3.4.6.13. Self-closing Devices
1) Intent StatementAn exit door that is normally required to be kept closed
a) shall be provided with a self-closing mechanism, and
b) shall never be secured in an open position except as permitted by Sentence 3.1.8.12.(1).
3.4.6.14. Sliding Doors
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2) an exit door leading directly to outdoors at ground level is permitted to be a sliding door provided it conforms to Sentence 3.3.1.12.(1).
2) Intent StatementAn exit door serving a Group B, Division 1 occupancy, or an impeded egress zone in other occupancies, is permitted to be a sliding door that does not conform to Sentence 3.3.1.12.(1) provided it is designed to be released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.13.
3.4.6.15. Revolving Doors
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door, if used, shall
a) be collapsible,
b) have hinged doors providing equivalent exiting capacity located adjacent to it,
c) be used as an exit from the ground floor level only,
d) not be used at the foot of any stairway, and
e) have all glass in door leaves and enclosure panels conforming to
i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or
ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
2) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (3), a revolving door shall not be considered to have an exiting capacity for more than 45 persons.
3) Intent StatementAn electrically powered revolving door is not required to conform to Sentences (1) and (2) provided
a) the door leaves will collapse and stop automatic rotation of the door system and not obstruct the doorway if a force not more than that specified in Sentence 3.4.6.16.(2) is applied at the centre of a door leaf,
b) the door leaves are capable of being opened from inside the building without requiring keys, special devices, or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism,
c) the allowable exiting capacity is based on the clear width of passage through the door enclosure when the doors are fully collapsed,
d) a permanent sign, whose centreline is between 1 000 mm and 1 500 mm above the floor, is placed on each face of each door leaf indicating the method for collapsing the door leaf in an emergency, and
e) glass used for door leaves and enclosure panels is safety glass conforming to
i) CAN/CGSB-12.1-M, “Tempered or Laminated Safety Glass,” or
ii) CAN/CGSB-12.11-M, “Wired Safety Glass.”
3.4.6.16. Door Release Hardware
1) Intent StatementExcept for devices on doors serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone designed to be remotely released in conformance with Article 3.3.1.13., and except as permitted by Sentence (4) and Article 3.4.6.17., locking, latching and other fastening devices on a principal entrance door to a building as well as on every exit door shall permit the door to be readily opened from the inside with not more than one releasing operation and without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism. (See Appendix A.)
2) Intent StatementIf a door is equipped with a latching mechanism, a device that will release the latch and allow the door to swing wide open when a force of not more than 90 N is applied to the device in the direction of travel to the exit shall be installed on
a) every exit door from a floor area containing an assembly occupancy having an occupant load more than 100,
b) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stair shaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stair shaft in a building having an occupant load more than 100, and
c) every exit door from a floor area containing a high-hazard industrial occupancy.
3) change beginExcept as required by Clause 3.3.1.13.(10)(d), every exit door shall be designed and installed so that, when the latch is released, the door will open under a force of not more than 90 N, applied at the knob or other latch releasing device.change end

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4) Intent StatementElectromagnetic locks that do not incorporate latches, pins or other similar devices to keep the door in the closed position are permitted to be installed on exit doors other than doors leading directly from a high-hazard industrial occupancy, provided
a) the building is equipped with a fire alarm system,
b) the locking device, and all similar devices in the access to exit leading to the exit door, release upon actuation of the fire alarm signal,
c) the locking device releases immediately upon loss of power controlling the electromagnetic locking mechanism and its associated auxiliary controls,
d) the locking device releases immediately upon actuation of a manually operated switch readily accessible only to authorized personnel,
e) a force of not more than 90 N applied to the door opening hardware initiates an irreversible process that will release the locking device within 15 s and not relock until the door has been opened,
f) upon release, the locking device must be reset manually by the actuation of the switch referred to in Clause (d), and
g) a legible sign is permanently mounted on the exit door to indicate that the locking device will release within 15 s of applying pressure to the door-opening hardware.
(See Appendix A.)
5) Intent StatementDoor hardware for the operation of the doors referred to in this Section shall be installed at a height not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor.
3.4.6.17. Security for Banks and Mercantile Floor Areas
1) Intent StatementIf a building is sprinklered throughout, the requirements of Sentence 3.4.6.16.(1) are permitted to be waived for exit and egress doors complying with Sentences (2) to (9) that serve a floor area or part of a floor area used exclusively for
a) a bank, or
b) the sale of retail merchandise.
(See Appendix A.)
2) Intent Statement Exit and egress doors referred to in Sentence (1) shall be designed to prevent locking at any time that the part of the floor area that they serve is open to the public.
3) Intent StatementA sign with the words “This door shall not be locked at any time that the public is present” in letters not less than 50 mm high shall be permanently affixed to both sides of doors referred to in Sentence (1).
4) Intent StatementExit and egress facilities complying with Sentences (5) to (9) shall be incorporated for egress by persons other than the public from a floor area or a part of a floor area referred to in Sentence (1) during times when the public is neither present nor being admitted to the area that they serve.
5) Intent StatementIn exit and egress facilities referred to in Sentence (4), at least one door at each exit and egress location shall
a) be operable in conformance with Sentence 3.4.6.16.(1), or
b) be equipped with locks conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.16.(4) that release immediately
i) if an alert signal or alarm signal is initiated in the fire alarm system, or
ii) the sprinkler system is actuated.
6) Intent StatementA door referred to in Sentence (5) shall be permanently and distinctly marked to indicate that it is an emergency exit.
7) Intent StatementExit and egress facilities required for evacuation of persons other than the public from a floor area or a part of a floor area referred to in Sentence (1) shall have an aggregate width based on the maximum number of persons other than the public and determined in accordance with Articles 3.4.3.1. to 3.4.3.3.
8) Intent Statement Travel distance to an exit referred to in Sentence (7) shall not exceed the travel distance determined in accordance with Subsection 3.4.2.
9) Intent StatementExit and egress doors serving a floor area or part of a floor area referred to in Sentence (1) are permitted to be equipped with locks that require keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism provided
a) the doors do not lead into exit stairs,
b) the doors do not lead from exit stairs to the exterior of the building,
c) the doors do not serve any other occupancy,
d) the area served contains at least one telephone
i) that is accessible and in operation at all times,
ii) that is not coin or card operated, and
iii) marked to indicate that it is for emergency use,
e) the area served is illuminated by normal power or by emergency power when the doors are locked,
f) there are provisions that enable an announcement to be made throughout the area served before the locks are fastened, and
g) the locks are designed for use during times that the building is not occupied.
3.4.6.18. Emergency Access to Floor Areas
1) Intent StatementIn a building more than 6 storeys in building height,
a) doors providing access to floor areas from exit stairs shall not have locking devices to prevent entry into any floor area from which the travel distance up or down to an unlocked door is more than 2 storeys,
b) doors referred to in Clause (a) that provide access into the floor area shall be identified by a sign on the stairway side to indicate that they are openable from that side, and
c) a master key to fit all door locking devices that are intended to prevent entry into a floor area from an exit stair shall be provided in a designated location accessible to firefighters, or the door shall be provided with a wired glass panel not less than 0.0645 m2 in area and located not more than 300 mm from the door opening hardware.
2) Intent StatementIf access to floor areas through unlocked doors is required by Clause (1)(a), it shall be possible for a person entering the floor area to have access through unlocked doors within the floor area to at least one other exit.
3.4.6.19. Floor Numbering
1) Intent StatementArabic numerals indicating the assigned floor number shall
a) be mounted permanently on the stair side of the wall at the latch side of doors to exit stair shafts,
b) be not less than 60 mm high, raised approximately 0.7 mm above the surface,
c) be located 1 500 mm from the finished floor and not more than 300 mm from the door, and
d) be contrasting in colour with the surface to which they are applied (see Appendix A).

3.4.7. Fire Escapes

3.4.7.1. Scope
1) Intent StatementExcept as permitted by Sentence (2), fire escapes shall not be erected on a building.
2) Intent StatementIf it is impracticable to provide one or more of the exit facilities listed in Article 3.4.1.4., fire escapes conforming to Articles 3.4.7.2. to 3.4.7.7. are permitted to serve floor areas in an existing building provided the floor areas served are not more than
a) 2 storeys above ground level in care, treatment or detention occupancies, and
b) 5 storeys above ground level in other occupancies.
3.4.7.2. Fire Escape Construction
1) Intent StatementFire escapes shall be of metal or concrete, of the stair type extending to ground level, constructed throughout in a strong substantial manner and securely fixed to the building, except that wooden fire escapes are permitted to be used on buildings of combustible construction if all posts and brackets are not less than 89 mm in their least dimension and all other woodwork is not less than 38 mm in its least dimension.
3.4.7.3. Access to Fire Escapes
1) Intent StatementAccess to fire escapes shall be from corridors through doors at floor level, except that access from a dwelling unit is permitted to be through a casement window having an unobstructed opening not less than 1 100 mm high by 550 mm wide with a sill height of not more than 900 mm above the inside floor.
2) Intent StatementThe clear area of a fire escape balcony onto which a door opens, shall be not less than 1 m2.
3.4.7.4. Protection of Fire Escapes
1) Intent StatementIf a fire escape serves any storey above the second, openings located in a zone described in Sentence (2), including access doorways in the exterior walls of the building to which the fire escape is attached, shall be protected by closures conforming to Subsection 3.1.8.
2) Intent StatementThe zone referred to in Sentence (1) extends from any balcony, platform or stairway of a fire escape to a distance
a) 3 m horizontally,
b) 10 m below, or
c) 1.8 m above.
3.4.7.5. Stairs
1) Intent StatementStairs shall be inclined at an angle of not more than 45° with the horizontal, and their steps shall have risers not more than 210 mm high and treads not less than 220 mm wide exclusive of nosing.
2) Intent StatementStairway headroom shall be not less than 1 950 mm plus the height of one riser measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
3) Intent StatementThe width of a fire escape shall conform to Articles 3.4.3.1. to 3.4.3.3., except that the width is permitted to be reduced to 550 mm provided the fire escape serves
a) not more than 3 storeys, and
b) not more than 15 persons.
4) Intent StatementIf a flight of stairs leading to the ground at the foot of a fire escape is not fixed in position, it shall be held in the raised position without a latch or locking device, and shall be fitted with a counterbalancing device that will permit it to be easily and quickly brought into position for use.
3.4.7.6. Guards and Railings
1) Intent StatementThe open sides of every platform, balcony and stairway forming part of a fire escape shall be protected by guards not less than 920 mm high measured vertically above the nosing of any tread or platform.
2) Intent StatementThe top rail of a guard is permitted to serve as a handrail if it is free from obstructions which could break a handhold.
3) Intent StatementA wall handrail shall be installed if the fire escape is more than 550 mm wide.
4) Intent StatementUnless it can be shown that the size of openings that exceed this limit does not present a hazard, there shall be no opening that permits the passage of a sphere whose diameter is more than 100 mm through a guard for a fire escape.
5) Intent StatementUnless it can be shown that the location and size of an opening do not present a hazard, a guard for a fire escape shall be designed so that no member, attachment or opening located between 140 mm and 900 mm above a platform or the nosing of any tread will facilitate climbing.
3.4.7.7. Landings
1) Platforms for a fire escape shall be provided in conformance with the requirements for stair landings in change beginArticles 3.4.6.3. and 3.4.6.4.change end

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