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First question is does the ceiling in the apartment where the attic hatch is located require a fire separation having a fire resistance rating?
Second question is what Section of Retrofit does the “triplex” fall under? Is it a 9.5?I am not sure if it works for First Alert alarms, but I have had success pushing the test button (in my firefighting career riding the trucks) on the Kidde alarms to ‘reset’ them instead of disconnecting power and/or removing them. Its worth a try.
Jon,
If you follow the definitions within either building or fire code for “exit”, “means of egress” and “access to exit” you should come to the conclusion that exterior stairs cannot be considered as an “exit stairway” (Exit’s are part of a means of egress which is a continuous path of travel from any point in a building).
If the fire escape (exterior stairs) is serving as a required exit then sentence 9.5.3.7. (1) applies.
Even if you wanted to look at it as an exit stairway, then Sentence 9.5.3.3.(1) would require it be protected by a 30 or 45 minute fire resistance rating depending upon building height.
I’m not sure why you refer to the building as Type 3, in Ontario we have combustible, non-combustible and heavy timber. Sounds to me like you are dealing with a combustible building. You would have to have the owner get a qualified designer to specify the fire resistance rating of the exterior wall assembly to confirm it met the 30 or 45 minute fire resistance rating, and then of course there are the requirements for protection of openings in fire separations. Likely less expensive for the owner to protect window and door openings adjacent the fire escape.
The building code doesn’t allow fire escapes to be constructed on “new buildings”, however the building code does allow exterior stairs provided they are not a required exit, or in some cases where the dwelling unit has a second and separate means of egress.
Hope this helps.
Rob
There was a challenge coin that was given out a number of years ago at the annual training and education symposium (I missed it so I’m thinking 2010 or 2011?). I will check into it with OMFPOA executive and see what I can find out.
I’m not sure if they are here: http://govdocs.ourontario.ca/search/site/%20%22Fire%20Code%22 Â but you can try…
Chris, If your department uses Storz connections for hydrant ‘hits’ then in order to maintain hydrants in operating use and ready for fire department use I think you should be able to utilize Part 6, or if you prefer, write an Inspection Order under Section 21 of the FPPA using 21 (1)(b) or (f) which seem to be the logical clauses to address the issue.
It would be interesting to know how your department pursues this case for future reference.
Good Luck!
Morning, You don’t need to enforce NFPA 1142, the Ontario Fire Code gives you what you need;
SECTION 2.5Â Â FIRE DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO BUILDINGS
Subsection 2.5.1.  General
Application
2.5.1.1.  (1)  This Section applies to fire access routes
(a)Â Â required to be constructed under the Building Code,
(b)Â Â required by municipal by-law, or
(c)Â Â required by this Code.
Maintaining access free of obstructions
2.5.1.2.  (1)  Fire access routes and access panels or windows provided to facilitate access for fire fighting operations shall not be obstructed by vehicles, gates, fences, building materials, vegetation, signs or any other form of obstruction.
(2)Â Â Fire department sprinkler and standpipe connections shall be clearly identified and maintained free of obstructions for use at all times.
Maintenance
2.5.1.3.  Fire access routes shall be maintained so as to be immediately ready for use at all times by fire department vehicles.
Signs
2.5.1.4.  Approved signs shall be displayed to indicate fire access routes.
SECTION 6.6Â Â WATER SUPPLIES FOR FIRE PROTECTION
Subsection 6.6.1.  General
6.6.1.1.  Private and public water supplies for fire protection installations shall be maintained to provide the required flow under fire conditions.
Tank inspections
6.6.2.1.  An annual inspection shall be made of tanks for fire protection, tank supporting structures and water supply systems, including piping, control valves, check valves, heating systems, mercury gauges and expansion joints, to ensure that they are in operating condition.
Subsection 6.6.4.  Hydrants
Hydrants
6.6.4.1.  Municipal and private hydrants shall be maintained in operating condition.
6.6.4.2.  Hydrants shall be maintained free of snow and ice accumulations.
6.6.4.3.  Hydrants shall be readily available and unobstructed for use at all times.
The Ontario Building Code (OBC)Â does require Part 3 (OBC) buildings to have a water supply for fire fighting, and to determine the amount of water supply the Appendix provides great details as to how an Engineer determines the amount of water required.