Residential Fire Sprinklers in the Ontario Building Codecanadianfiresafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/20008-09winter.pdf · Residential Fire Sprinklers in the Ontario Building

WINTER 2008

Residential Fire Sprinklers in the Ontario Building Code

Inside this issue

4 President's Message

6 Editor's Note

8 OBC Fire Sprinklers

9 OBC Fire Sprinklers Q and A

11 Sprinkler Myths

12 AEF 2008 Summary

13 Province takes action to increase fire safety

14 Propane Safety

16 New Members / Scheduled Events

17 Membership Application

18 Bill 72

18 CFSA Scholarship Awards

20 ULC - New Qualified Firestop Contractor Program

20 Face off – Tunnel Fire NRC

21 Backgrounder – Building Code ExaminationUpdate

22 Corporate Members

WINTER 2008

Editor: Matteo Gilfillan

The CFSA News Magazine is published 4 times per year –Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring

Advertising Rates Membership has its benefits, and advertising is a key advan-tage to getting your company and product information out toother members in the industry. The CFSA has decided tomake advertising in the CFSA Newsletter a definite advan-tage for members. Pricing has been revised to include thefollowing rates:

Member Non-MemberRate Rate

Back Cover $250 $750Full Page $200 $6001/2 Page $100 $3001/4 Page $50 $150Business Cards $25 $75

Prices listed are for each issue and do not include GST.Corporate members receive a 10% discount.

For more information regarding advertising in the CFSA Newsletter, please contact Mary Lou Murray at (416) 492-9417 or [email protected].

Closing dates for submissions are as follows:Issue #1 – May 20 Issue #3 – Nov. 19Issue #2 – Aug. 19 Issue #4 – Feb. 17

All general enquiries and advertising materials should bedirected to the CFSA office at: 2175 Sheppard Ave. E., Suite 310, Toronto, Ontario M2J 1W8

Your comments, suggestions and articles are welcome.Please send them to the attention of: The Editor Canadian Fire Safety Association2175 Sheppard Ave., E., Suite 310Toronto, Ontario M2J 1W8

Views of the authors expressed in any articles are not neces-sarily the views of the Canadian Fire Safety Association.Also, the advertisements are paid advertising and in no wayrecognized as sponsored by CFSA.

CFSA ChaptersInterested in forming a new chapter? Call CFSA at (416) 492-9417

C o m m e n t a r y

4 CANADIAN FIRE SAFETY ASSOCIATION Winter 2008

I would like to take a moment to thank you, the membership, for your endorsement of myself for the position ofPresident of the Canadian Fire Safety Association. I would be remiss if I did not take time to extend my most sin-cere appreciation to Janet O’Carroll who as President over the past two years, and now as past President, has put forthan extreme effort in supporting and moving forward your association.

I look forward to serving you the membership over the next two years. As with most associations no one person canmeet the day-to-day challenges placed on the association. I am grateful that I move into my term with the addedsupport of Vice Presidents Randy de Launay from Human Resources Development Canada and Susan Clarke fromthe Office of the Fire Marshall.

A great supporting cast made up of Allison McLean (Nadine International), Matteo Gilfillan (Randal Brown &Associates Ltd.), Gary Robitaille (Leber-Rubes Inc.), Anthony Van Odyk (Seneca College of Applied Arts andTechnology), Rocky Mino (Markham Fire & Emergency Services), Jason Trabucco (Toronto Transit Commission),Sandy Leva (Underwriters Laboratories of Canada), Cengiz Kahramanoglu (Ministry of Municipal Affairs andHousing) and Frank Lamie (City of Toronto Fire Services) complement the efforts of the association and in fact area strong component of the driving force of the association.

However it is with both sadness and appreciation that I announce that Rich Morris, an original founding member ofthe CFSA, will no longer be on the Board of Directors of the CFSA; sadness at the loss to the Board but with thedeepest appreciation for all the years of dedicated service to this association. Rich has been both a mentor and a pil-lar of strength and knowledge for many of those who have served on the Board of Directors over the years. I person-ally owe Rich a debt of gratitude for his support of myself during our years together on the Board. Although sup-posedly gone from the Board, Rich has (as is his manner) agreed to continue to be a valuable resource for myself andothers on the Board. I did promise not to call his cell during his days on the golf course. Good luck Rich and manyheartfelt thanks from us all.

As well, after many years of dedicated service to both the members and Board of Directors of the Canadian Fire SafetyAssociation, Alan Kennedy has decided that it is time for him to pursue many of the other things that life has to offerwith retirement and golf being but two.

Alan has served the association in many capacities and has also guided the direction of the Association in his capaci-ty as President. Although Alan has taken this opportunity to enjoy himself he still remains a valuable asset to theAssociation as do all the Past Presidents.

I would like to thank Alan personally for his guidance and mentoring during our time together on the Board.

I would also like to thank Matt Osburn and Chantelle Cosgrove for their contributions to the Canadian Fire SafetyAssociation. If not for the sacrifices of dedicated volunteers to the Board of Directors the Association would be unableto continue to offer the technical insight, awareness and training that enhances our base knowledge and importanceof fire safety first.

As we move forward, the Board is reserving time to evaluate its purpose, its mission and means to continue to pro-vide those technical training opportunities you the members have come to expect. We are reviewing our core objec-tives and our administrative function in an effort to be more streamlined, efficient and effective.

In looking ahead we continue to appreciate your support as well as the support of our corporate members and spon-sors. We will continue to support the efforts of individuals and other associations and manufacturers in their effortsto both advance and enhance fire safety in Canada.

Yours very truly,

Leo GrelletteCFSA President

President’s message

Leo Grellette


C o m m e n t a r y

The theme of this edition of the CFSA News is (you guessed it!) residential sprinklers. As you maybe aware, the 2006 Ontario Building Code was amended on June 18, 2008 (O.Reg. 205/08) toinclude for the requirement to sprinkler residential buildings higher than 3 storeys. This edition ofthe CFSA News features some very informative articles by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs andHousing that provide details on the requirements for sprinklers in residential buildings.

This edition of the CFSA News also features a summary of the CFSA’s Annual Education Forum(AEF) which was held on April 17 and 18, 2008, at the Delta Markham Hotel in Markham,Ontario. The year’s theme at the AEF was “Above & Beyond the Codes – Life Safety and FireRisk Management Strategies”.

I personally found the day to be quite informative and the presentations to be topical. I would liketo extend thanks to all of our presenters, who made the AEF the success that it was. In addition,thank you to:

• The Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) for providing a tour of the GTAA Fire andEmergency Services Training Institute,

• The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) for providing tours of the TTC Command Bus, • The Markham Fire and Emergency Services for hosting a fire extinguisher training session, and • The participants of this year’s Trade Show.

Also included in this edition of the CFSA News are articles on an update to the Building Code exam-inations, the ULC new Qualified Firestop Contractor program, and many more.

The CFSA News journal committee is looking for articles and topics for articles from our member-ship. If you are interested in providing an article or would like to see a specific topic discussed inthe CFSA News, please contact me.

Matteo Gilfillan, C.E.T., CFPS

Editor’s note

Matteo Gilfillan


F e a t u r e

Residential Fire Sprinklers

the retrofit of existing buildings whereno construction is proposed.

The changes replace some Building Coderequirements that acted as alternatives tosprinklering. However, the Code amend-ments also specify that unsprinkleredbuildings undergoing renovation will stillhave to meet current Ontario-specific re-quirements, unless the renovated area issprinklered.

The changes also increase the maximumsize of live-work units from 150m2 to200m2.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs andHousing intends to work with the build-ing sector to review potential BuildingCode changes that could increase designflexibility and reduce costs, while main-taining high standards of safety.

Ontario’s Building CodeOntario’s Building Code is a regulationunder the Building Code Act, 1992. Itsets technical and administrative require-ments that govern the construction, ren-ovation and change of use of buildings.Fire safety is an objective of the BuildingCode. ■

New RequirementsThe Building Code changes require firesprinklers in multiple-unit residentialbuildings higher than three storeys. Thechanges come into effect on April 1,2010.

The new requirements apply to new con-struction, additions to existing buildings,floors of existing buildings that undergoa change of major occupancy, and floorareas that undergo extensive (“gut”) reno-vation. Sprinkler requirements applythroughout the building, including resi-dential suites, service areas and commonareas, such as corridors.

The new requirements also cover the res-idential portions of mixed-use buildingshigher than three storeys.

The new requirements do not apply tosmaller residential buildings, includinghouses, or to the renovation of portionsof floors. Certain forms of four-storeystacked townhouses having specific firesafety features, such as independent exits,are also exempt.

The Building Code does not mandate

2008-2009Board of Directors

EXECUTIVEPRESIDENT

Leo GrelletteCity of Vaughan (905) 832-8510 x8218

PAST PRESIDENTJanet O’Carroll

Innovative Fire Inc. (416) 221-0093

VICE-PRESIDENTS1st Vice President Randy DeLauney

Human Resources Social Development Canada(416) 954-2877

2nd Vice President Susan ClarkeOffice of the Fire Marshal (416) 325-3224

TREASURERAllison McLean

Nadine International (905) 605-1850

EX-OFFICIOAlan Kennedy

Newmarket, ON 1 (905) 898-2438

EDUCATIONFrank Lamie

Toronto Fire Services (416) 338-9054

SECRETARYGary Robitaille

Leber/Rubes Inc. (416) 515-9331 x304

EDITORMatteo Gilfillan

Randal Brown & Associates (416) 492-5886 x2447

CHAIR – DINNER MEETINGSSusan Clarke

Office of the Fire Marshal (416) 325-3224

DIRECTORSCengiz Kahramanoglu

Housing Development & Building (416) 585-7354

Jason Trabucco Toronto Transit Commissionn (416) 393-3512

Sandy LevaULC (416) 757-5250 x61521

Rocky MinoMarkham Fire & Emergency Servicess

(905) 477-7000 x2612

Anthony Van OdykSeneca College of Applied Arts and Technology

(416) 491-5050 x6148

CFSA ADMINISTRATORCarolyne Vigon

Events Coordinator – Mary Lou Murray2175 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 310

Toronto, Ontario M2J 1W8(416) 492-9417

Fax: (416) 491-1670E-mail: [email protected]

This article was obtained from the Ontario Building Code website(www.mah.gov.on.ca)This article was obtained from the Ontario Building Code website

The Building Code Act, 1992 is the legislative framework governing the construc-tion, renovation and change of use of buildings. The Building Code is a regulationauthorized by the Act, and sets out detailed administrative and technical require-ments.

The Province is amending the Building Code to enhance fire safety for Ontarians andto further harmonize Ontario’s Building Code with the model National Building Code.

CANADIAN FIRE SAFETY ASSOCIATION 9

F e a t u r e

Q1: What changes are beingmade to the Building Code?The new requirements will mandate firesprinklers in multiple-unit residentialbuildings over three storeys in height. Inaddition, the amendment generally re-places some Building Code requirementsthat acted as alternatives to sprinklering.

Q2: When will the regulationcome into effect? The new requirements apply to con-struction under building permits appliedfor on or after April 1, 2010.

Q3: Why is the provincemandating fire sprinklers forlarge multiple-unit residentialbuildings over three storeys inheight? Aren’t such buildingsalready safe?Public safety is a high priority for theprovince. Requiring larger multi-residen-tial buildings to be sprinklered will makesafe buildings even safer, and will bringOntario’s requirements generally intoline with the model National BuildingCode of Canada and the codes in forcein other Canadian jurisdictions.

Q4: What types of buildingsare affected by this change?The new sprinkler requirements apply tomulti-unit residential buildings overthree storeys in height. They apply tonew construction, building additions,floors of existing buildings that undergoa change of major occupancy to residen-tial, and floor areas that undergo sub-stantial (“gut”) renovation.

However, the new requirements do notapply to smaller residential buildings, in-

cluding houses, or to the renovation ofportions of floors. Certain forms of four-storey stacked townhouses are also ex-empt where they include specific firesafety features such as independent exitsand continuous fire separations betweenunits.

Q5: Will a 3-storey townhousebuilt under Part 9 have to com-ply with the new mandatory firesprinkler regulations?The changes affecting sprinklers in O.Reg. 205/08 do not apply to buildingssubject to Part 9 of Division B of theBuilding Code. Therefore, a 3-storeytownhouse built under Part 9 will not berequired to comply with the new manda-tory fire sprinkler regulation.

Q6: What additional steps arebeing taken to harmonizeOntario’s Building Code withthe model National BuildingCode?The Code amendment generally replacecertain Ontario-specific Building Codeprovisions that currently act as alterna-tives to sprinklering including provisionsrelated to smoke control, heat detection,exiting and areas of refuge in high build-ings.

The Code amendment also modifies alimitation on the materials that may beused to construct firewalls in high build-ings. Non-masonry construction is per-mitted, but only where the buildings onboth sides of the firewall are sprinklered.

Q7: Are there any other Build-ing Code changes included inthis amendment?

The Code has also been amended to clar-ify that unsprinklered buildings undergo-ing renovation will still have to meetcurrent Ontario-specific, compensating re-quirements, unless the floor areas under-going renovation are sprinklered. Thecompensating requirements will be in-cluded in future amendments to Supple-mentary Standard SB4 under the BuildingCode.

The amendment also includes an increasein the maximum size of “live-work” unitsfrom 150m2 to 200m2.

Q8: How does the new requirement affect renovations?As well as governing new construction,the sprinkler requirements apply tobuilding additions, floors of existingbuildings that undergo a change of ma-jor occupancy to residential, and floorareas that undergo substantial (“gut”)renovation.

The Code amendment also specifies thatunsprinklered buildings undergoing ren-ovation will still have to meet currentOntario-specific, compensating require-ments, unless the floor areas undergoingrenovation are sprinklered. These require-ments will be included in future amend-ments to Supplementary Standard SB4made under the Building Code.

Q9: How does the newrequirement affect combustiblecladding requirementscurrently in the Code?The Ministry continues to study the is-sue of combustible cladding on highbuildings and Code changes have not bemade at this time.

This article was obtained from the Ontario Building Code website (www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca)

The Building Code and Residential FireSprinklers: Questions and Answers


F e a t u r e

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continued from page 9

Q10: How were the new regulations developed?In February 2008, the Ministry of Mu-nicipal Affairs and Housing released aBuilding Code consultation paper thatincluded proposed Code amendments toresidential fire sprinklers regulation. Thegovernment considered submissionsfrom stakeholders and the public, andrecommendations from its Technical Ad-visory Committee, in approving OntarioRegulation 205/08.

Q11: What is the Ministrydoing to respond to otherpotential Code changes raisedduring the public consultation?In response to a recommendation fromthe Technical Advisory Committee, theMinistry of Municipal Affairs andHousing intends to work with the

building sector to clarify and review po-tential Building Code changes identi-fied through the public consultationthat could increase design flexibility andreduce costs.

Q12: What is the status of the proposed Code changesconcerning on-site sewagemaintenance inspections and“area bed” technology?The February 2008 consultation paperalso included proposed Code changesrelated to maintenance inspections forexisting on-site sewage systems and on-site sewage “area bed” technology.

The Ministry is reviewing the publiccomments received during the publicconsultation on these topics.

Q13: How will the regulationbe implemented and enforced?Following the implementation date ofApril 1, 2010, the requirements for firesprinklers will be enforced by munici-pal building officials. In particular, theproposed fire sprinkler requirements willbe enforced through building permit re-views and construction inspections un-der the Building Code Act, 1992.

Q14: How can I get further information on the BuildingCode changes?You can obtain further information onthe Building Code changes by visitingthe Building Code website at www.ontario.ca/buildingcode or bycontacting the Building and Develop-ment Branch at: (416) 585-6666 or [email protected] ■


F e a t u r e

Automatic sprinklers systems have en-joyed an enviable record of protectinglife and property for over 100 years. Sta-tistics demonstrate that there has neverbeen a multiple loss of life in a fullysprinklered building where the systemoperated as designed. Sprinklers are acost-effective technology that providesfor a high level of life safety. Residen-tial fire sprinkler technology is provingboth reliable and effective. Propertylosses are 85% less in residences withfire sprinklers compared to those with-out. As positive as this information ishowever, there are still common misun-derstandings about the operation andeffectiveness of home fire sprinkler sys-tems. The following are some of themore common myths:

Myth 1: “Water damage from asprinkler system will be moreextensive than fire damage” Fact: Water damage from a home sprin-kler system will be much less severethan the damage caused by water fromfire-fighting hose lines or smoke andfire damage if the fire goes unabated.Quick response sprinklers release ap-proximately 30-90 litres (8-24 gallons)of water per minute compared to 190-473 litres (50-125 gallons) per minutereleased by a fire hose.

Myth 2: “When a fire activatesone sprinkler head, all sprin-kler heads will activate”Fact: Residential sprinklers respond independently to a rated temperature

setting of approximately 74 degreesCelsius (165 degrees Fahrenheit). Usu-ally, only one sprinkler is activated toextinguish or limit the fire to its roomof origin.

Myth 3: “Sprinklers might activate by accident” Fact: The odds of accidental dischargedue to a manufacturing defect are 1 in16 million per year.

Myth 4: “A sprinkler systemmight freeze in winter andcause water damage” Fact: Much like your plumbing system,your sprinkler system piping is installedon inside walls adjacent to the ceilingframing and then insulated to entrapthe available heat lost from the livingarea below.

Myth 5: “A smoke alarm on its own offers adequate protection” Fact: Smoke alarms will save lives byproviding a much-needed early warningsystem. However, smoke alarms donothing to extinguish a growing fire.Too often, battery operated smokealarms fail to function because of deador missing batteries. In order for smokealarms to be effective in saving lives,they must be working and they must bemaintained on a regular basis.

Myth 6: “I can't afford a sprinkler system”Fact: This is generally a statement of pri-

ority. We rarely hesitate when buying amore comfortable couch, plusher carpet,the latest stereo equipment or an up-graded computer. A sprinkler system canbe installed in a new home for as littleas $1.50 per square foot which, in manycases, would represent less than 2% ofthe total construction cost. System in-stallation in existing homes is simple butmore expensive. Since your family, irre-placeable possessions and home are aprecious part of your life, you can't af-ford not to have a sprinkler system.

Myth 7: “Sprinkler Systems are unattractive” Fact: Fire damage is unattractive. Quickresponse residential sprinkler systems aredesigned to save your life by providingattractive ceiling and side mount sprin-kler heads that blend unobtrusively intoyour room décor. Sprinklers, coverplates, and escutcheons can be custompainted by the manufacturer to matchany décor. ■

Myths And FactsAbout Automatic Home Fire SprinklersThis article was obtained from the City of Toronto website(www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention/sprinklers.htm)


C F S A N e w s

The following is a brief summary of thepresentations and events that took placeat the 2008 AEF.

2007 Fire Code: Objective-Based Format and TechnicalChanges – An Overview

Speaker: Bruce Weaver, Program Spe-cialist, Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM)

This presentation provided an overviewof the new Objective-Based Ontario FireCode (OFC) from the perspective of theOffice of the Fire Marshal (Mr. Weaver).

Emergency Preparedness forPublic Transportation

Speaker: Nigel Fontaine, TTC Emer-gency Planner

This presentation outlined the generalmethodology used by the Toronto Tran-sit Commission in regards to preparingfor emergencies (both large scale andsmall), with specific focus on the impor-tance of partnership building (i.e., main-taining communication with parallelorganizations and different levels of gov-ernment), and the necessity of ensuringthat interruptions to the TTC’s opera-tions are mitigated during emergencyscenarios.

Limiting the Potential for Fireand its Effects; Limiting Business InterruptionSpeaker: Michael Smith, President,ReadySmith

This presentation discussed the need forcompany readiness programs and the po-

tential threats to consider in regards tobusiness continuity. Focus was providedon the affects of business interruptionand effective methods for mitigating dis-ruption during fire emergencies.

What Are the Legislative Responsibilities of a BuildingOwner/Operator to Comply withthe Ontario Building Code andthe Ontario Fire Code?

Speaker: Andrew Wong, Executive Offi-cer, City of Vaughan Fire & Rescue Ser-vices

This presentation discussed such items asthe definition of an “owner” and the re-sponsibilities of an owner with respect tocomplying with the Ontario Fire Code.Mr. Wong also touched on accountabil-ity from the authority perspective andcommon issues that may result in lack ofcompliance with the OFC.

Managing the Risk of Fire andits Effects Through Design, PlanReview, Inspections and FireSafety Plans

Speakers: Chandra G. Suchak, Parkin ArchitectsLtd.

Kevin Kelly, Office of the Fire Marshal

Brian Maltby, Division Chief, BramptonFire & Emergency Services

This presentation was a panel discussionof the positive effects on fire preventionthrough a team approach at the designstage of a complex project. The presenta-tion, which was conducted by membersof the design team and participants in the

review/permit process of the WilliamOsler Health Centre (WOHC), Bramp-ton Civic Hospital project, highlightedthe teamwork concepts that were em-ployed on the WOHC project.

2007 Fire Code: Objective-Based Format – Case StudyWorkshop

Speaker: Susan Clarke, Fire ProtectionEng., Office of the Fire Marshal

This presentation discussed the new ob-jective-based 2007 Ontario Fire Codeand the available option of providing al-ternate solutions to the prescriptive Codeby achieving the intent of the OFC. Ms.Clarke spoke on the new format andstructure of the OFC and carried out asample case study as an example on howto utilize the new 2007 OFC whenpreparing an Alternative Solution.

Security Systems and FireSafety – Are They Exclusive?

Speakers:Randal Brown, P.Eng., Randal Brown &Associates Ltd.

Barry Weaymouth, Security Consultant,Weaymouth & Associates

Bryan Scott, Sr. Manager of Security In-frastructure, Operations & Maintenance,GTAA

This presentation addressed the prevalentissues associated with the integration ofsecurity and life safety systems from aCode perspective, and the importance ofsuccessfully merging these two systems inthe design of a project.

CFSA Annual Education Forum SummaryThe Canadian Fire Safety Association’s (CFSA) Annual Education Forum (AEF) washeld on April 17 and 18, 2008, at the Delta Markham Hotel in Markham, Ontario. Thisyear’s theme at the AEF was “Above & Beyond the Codes – Life Safety and Fire RiskManagement Strategies”.


C F S A N e w s

Greater Toronto Airport Authority Fire & Emergency Services Training InstituteThe Greater Toronto Airport Authorityprovided a guided tour of their innova-tive Fire and Emergency Services Train-ing Institute. Their state of the arttraining centre obtained a LEED Silverrating through sustainable features suchas the use of a solar wall, in-slab air distri-bution system, green roof, waterless uri-nals, etc. The centre includes the indoortraining centre comprised of four train-ing classrooms (with one equipped forincident command) and a tiered leveltheatre; and outdoor training structuresincluding a confined spaces building, res-cue tower, burn building, aircraft train-ing mock-ups, auto extrication area and ahazardous materials training area.

Toronto Transit Commission Fire Command Bus TourFollowing the Student Awards Presenta-tion and Lunch, the Toronto TransitCommission (TTC) conducted tours oftheir Command Bus for the AEF partic-

ipants. TTC’s Command Bus is used asan emergency response centre in emer-gency scenarios requiring on-site coordi-nation.

Markham Fire & Emergency Services Portable Fire Extin-guisher Training SessionAlso following the Student Awards Pre-sentation and Lunch, the Markham Fireand Emergency Services conducted alive-fire portable extinguisher trainingsession for the AGM participants.

The participants were given a brief les-son on the proper method of operating afire extinguisher (i.e., PA-S-S methodol-ogy) and then, participants were providedthe opportunity to operate a chargedportable fire extinguisher on a controlledfire.

Trade ShowThroughout the two-day AEF event, thefollowing companies operated tradeshow booths which provided informa-tion on their respective company’s prod-

ucts and/or services:• A/D Fire Protection Systems,• Assa Abloy,• Dryerfighters,• Morrison Hershfield,• System Sensor Canada,• Tyco Thermal Control,• Vipond.

The CFSA would like to extend thanksto all of the presenters, who took thetime out of their already hectic schedulesto be a part of the AEF and who madethe event the success that it was. In addi-tion, thank you to: • the Greater Toronto Airport Author-

ity (GTAA) for providing a tour ofthe GTAA Fire and Emergency Ser-vices Training Institute,

• the Toronto Transit Commission(TTC) for providing tours of theTTC Command Bus,

• the Markham Fire and EmergencyServices for hosting a fire extinguishertraining session, and

• the participants of this year’s TradeShow. ■

Edmonton... The Alberta government is takingdecisive action to reduce the effects of high-in-tensity residential fires. Government has ac-cepted most of the recommendations receivedfrom the High-Intensity Residential Fires Work-ing Group, created by the province to study thefires and bring forward solutions.

“We have analyzed the report carefully, and weare now taking action to reduce the occurrenceand severity of residential fires,” said Ray Dany-luk, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “I want tothank the members of the working group for de-livering a report that will undoubtedly enhancepublic safety in our province. I also want tothank all our partners who provided their analy-sis and expertise to help us address this impor-tant safety issue.”

Minister Danyluk said the top priorities in gov-ernment’s response are to save lives and property.“Homes are safe, and these changes make themsafer. When there’s a fire, these changes buy time- for people to get out of their homes, and forfirefighters to respond,” he said.

Of the 22 recommendations made by the work-ing group, the province has accepted 18. Thegovernment will take immediate action to:

• Increase public education efforts to give Alber-tans information to prevent fires;

• Improve the fire code to help prevent arson andto promote construction site safety;

• Improve the building code so homes built 1.2metres from the property line are safer fromhigh-intensity fires through measures such as re-quiring fire-resistant gypsum wallboard undervinyl siding;

• Improve requirements for new multi-familybuildings that would already require sprinklersystems, by requiring additional sprinklers forbalconies, attics and crawl spaces; and

• Make new homes with attached garages saferby requiring fire detectors and gypsum wallboardin the garages.

Two recommendations were referred for furtherstudy and two were rejected. The first rejecteditem proposed supporting the creation of a newfederal office for a national fire advisor and thesecond recommended amending legislation tomandate specific municipal planning proce-dures. The overall objectives of these two recom-

mendations will instead be supported throughexisting channels.

Recent large-scale residential fires in Alberta, in-cluding the 2007 fire in Edmonton’s MacEwanneighbourhood, involved fire spreading to adja-cent buildings. The working group was estab-lished to review the facts surroundinghigh-intensity residential fires and make recom-mendations to reduce their occurrence andseverity. The working group included representa-tives from the Alberta government; municipalemergency services, including the Edmontonand Calgary fire departments; the Safety CodesCouncil; and municipal safety codes officers.

Following the working group’s report, several af-fected organizations were asked to analyze therecommendations and provide information onthe effects of the proposed changes. Thesegroups included representatives from the fire ser-vice, municipal governments, home builders,land developers and safety codes administrators.

The working group’s full report is available onthe Municipal Affairs website at www.munici-palaffairs.alberta.ca. ■

Province takes action to increase fire safetyResponse to high-intensity residential fires report provides comprehensive solutions


C F S A N e w s

Early Sunday morning on August 10,2008, a propane explosion occurred atthe Sunrise Propane Industrial Gases fa-cility in Downsview, Ontario, requiringthe evacuation of local residents andprompting an investigation of incidentcause by the Office of the Fire Marshal(OFM).

This terrifying incident has led to ques-tions and concerns from the public re-garding the personal use and storage ofpropane. Propane is most commonlyused as fuel for barbequing, but is alsoused for such activities as heating singlefamily homes and fueling household ap-pliances (e.g., air conditioners, dryers,etc.) and home standby generators [3].

This article provides some clarificationon propane fuel and attempts to addresssome of the more common safety re-quirements for the use and storage ofconsumer propane tanks.

What Is Propane?Propane (C3H8), also commonly re-ferred to as liquefied petroleum gas (LPGas or LPG), is a highly flammable gasand is a by-product of natural gas pro-cessing and crude oil refining. In itsnatural state (at ambient temperatureand pressure) propane is a gas. How-ever, for the purposes of transportationand storage, propane gas is cooled andpressurized in a special storage con-tainer to approximately eight times theatmospheric pressure [2], or twice thepressure in a normal truck tire, effec-tively compressing the gas to the pointin which the majority of the gas changesstate to a liquid (approximately 20% re-mains in a gaseous state). To put thingsin perspective, a single unit of propanein a liquid form has the same energycontent as 270 units of propane in agaseous form [1].

While propane is transported / storedin liquid form, it is used in its gaseousstate. This is achieved by releasing theupper layer of gaseous propane from thecontainer via a valve while simultane-ously vaporizing some of the liquidstate propane to counterbalance the lossof pressurization in the storage cylinder.

Here are some other interesting factsabout propane [1]. • Propane is an odourless gas. In or-

der to assist in detecting leaks, anodourant is added to the gas.

• Propane gas is 1.5 times heavier thanair, causing it to settle in low areas.

• Approximately 23.5 cubic feet of airis required to burn one cubic foot ofpropane.

• Complete combustion of propaneproduces clean water vapour andcarbon dioxide.

Storage ContainersAs previously stated, propane is storedunder pressure. This requires that thestorage container be very strong anddurable and to be designed with safetyfeatures.

There are different propane storage con-tainers for different applications. For in-stance, storage tanks (above and belowground) are commonly used in industrialapplications where propane fuel is re-quired in large volumes. For consumerapplications, portable storage cylinders arepreferred [4].

Consumer-grade propane cylinders aretypically constructed of steel or alu-minum and are outfitted with a singlevalve that integrates the various re-quired parts (i.e., fixed liquid levelgauge, service valve (handwheel), fillvalve, and relief valve). A steel collar isprovided around the valve and connec-

tions to protect the valve from mechan-ical damage. The base of the cylinderis provided with a foot ring that keepsthe container upright, level, and ele-vated off the ground.

All propane storage containers (tanksand cylinders) are equipped with pres-sure relief valves. These valves automat-ically relieve excess pressure in acontainer by releasing some propane gasto the atmosphere [4]. Excess pressureoccurs due to an increase in heat in thearea of the container which results in anincrease in pressure in the container.

Propane HazardsWhen discussing propane hazards (espe-cially liquefied propane gas or LPG), twoof the more common concerns are “com-bustion explosions” and “boiling liquid– expanding vapour explosions”, orBLEVEs.

As propane is heavier than air, if a leakin a propane container occurs, the gaswill sink and pool into any confinedarea. A “combustion explosion”, in re-lation to propane, is when the gas leaking from a propane cylinder in aconfined or enclosed area mixes with theair until the flammable limit of propanegas is reached, at which point the fuel-air mixture is ignitable. When this ig-nitable mixture reaches an ignitionsource (e.g., open flame of a barbeque,pilot light, match, electrical spark, etc.),the mixture will burn rapidly, causing anincrease in pressure in the space. As-suming the space is not designed towithstand the increase in pressure, acombustion explosion will occur.

A BLEVE is a result of failure of the liq-uefied gas container. When a container isweakened (due to heat exposure or me-chanical damage), it can no longer hold

Propane SafetyThis article was prepared by Mr. Matteo Gilfillan, C.E.T., CFPS, Assistant Project Manager at Randal Brown & Associates Ltd.


C F S A N e w s

the pressure for which it was designed,eventually resulting in a crack or fissure inthe container, thus introducing normal at-mospheric pressure to the liquefied gaswhich causes it to flash to vapour. The va-porizing liquid will increase the pressure inthe container until the container explodes.In addition to flying container fragments,

the introduction of an ignition source tothe vaporized propane gas will also resultin a flash fire (fireball).

The difference between combustion ex-plosions and BLEVEs is that BLEVEs donot require an ignition source. In fact,combustion does not have to occur in

order for a BLEVE to occur. For exam-ple, BLEVEs can take place with containers of non-flammable liquefiedgases under pressure, such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium; if the con-tainer were to be mechanically damaged,the same characteristics associated withBLEVEs (i.e., violent boiling and result-ing overpressure in the container) wouldoccur. That said, it is highly likely thata flammable vapour released into the at-mosphere from the ruptured containerwould ignite after the BLEVE occurs [7].

These hazards are obviously more of aconcern for large refineries and petro-chemical plants that maintain very largecontainers; however, combustion explo-sions and BLEVEs can occur with anypropane cylinder.

Due to the inherent danger associatedwith propane, the storage, transportation,and use of propane is strongly regulatedin Canada by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and the Technical


C F S A N e w s

ASSOCIATEJean-Francois L’Abbee, SITQ Place Ville Marie

Mike Ryan

CORPORATEBarrie Fire & Emergency

DryerfightersNiagara Falls Fire Service

Premier OneSystem Sensor

University of Waterloo

INDIVIDUALLarry Young, The Economical Insurance Group

Mark Berti, Fire Safety One

J.P. Genovesi, Sundance Pressure Cleaning

Tom L. Robbins, Control Fire Systems Ltd.

Dean Patterson, CAP REIT

Raymond Pitre, The Senate Protective Services

Brad Fedyk, City of London

Heather Bourke, Professional Loss Control

Juan Cirez

Frank Paniccia

STUDENTJordan Blake

Daniel Dixon, Seneca CollegeNino Ferrante

Matt FoxCathie Ross

Welcome to the followingNew Members

Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).However, as the Sunrise explosion shows,even with safety regulatory bodies in place,accidents can happen.

Safety TipsTo do your part, apply the followingsafety rules when handling consumer-grade propane cylinders [3, 6]:

• Ensure that the cylinder is secureprior to its use,

• Store propane cylinders outdoors.Do not place a propane cylinder indoors, in a confined area, or in aclosed vehicle (leave the windowsopen),

• If the cylinder requires repainting,do not use dark or flat colours, butrather use light-reflecting colours

that do not absorb heat,

• Close the cylinder valve when not inuse and before connecting or discon-necting the cylinder,

• It is recommended that a propanecylinder be discarded after five (5)years.

The cause of the Sunrise Propane In-dustrial Gases facility explosion is stillunder investigation; however, it is sus-pected by the TSSA that the explosionmay have been a result of a truck-to-truck transfer of propane (an actionthat is prohibited in Ontario) [5].

References[1] Propane Gas Association of Canada(www.propanegas.ca/PGAC/PGAC_Propane%20Properties.asp)

[2] Q&A: Propane Safety(www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/08/11/f-propane-qa.html)

[3] Ontario Propane Association(www.propane.ca/CleanTruth/default.asp)

[4] Propane 101(www.propane101.com/index.htm)

[5] CP24(www.cp24.com/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20080822/080822_sunrisepropanecause/20080822/?hub=CP24Home)

[6] Facts for Propane Safety(www.anvilmag.com/farrier/propsafe.htm)

[7] BLEVE(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BLEVE) ■

continued from page 15


C F S A N e w s

Name

Company/Affiliation

Address

City

Prov. Postal Code

Business Phone

Business Fax

E-mail

Please indicate how you first heard about CFSA:

Corporate Membership is cost effective because it allows any number of individuals from your organization to participate inthe many functions provided by CFSA throughout the year. Any number of persons can attend our monthly dinner meetings/technical sessions or our annual conference at the preferred member’s rate. Your advertisement in the CFSA journal iscirculated to CFSA’s membership of over 250 professionals in the Fire Safety Industry.

Why Corporate Membership?

Basic Corporate

Includes 3 individual memberships; Company recognitionin each of the four issues of the CFSA journal.

Class 4 Corporate

Same as Basic Corporate as well as a Business Cardadvertisement in each of the four issues of the CFSAjournal.

Class 3 Corporate

Same as Basic Corporate as well as a 1/4 page adver-tisement in each of the four issues of the CFSA journal.

Class 2 Corporate

Same as Basic Corporate as well as a 1/2 page adver-tisement in each of the four issues of the CFSA journal.

Class 1 Corporate

Same as Basic Corporate as well as a full page adver-tisement in each of the four issues of the CFSA journal.

Individual Member: Includes four issues of the CFSA journal,CFSA news and discounted rates at Association functions.

Student Member: Includes four issues of the CFSA journaland discounted rates at Association functions.

Associate Member: For individuals and companies locatedbeyond a radius of 500 km from the Greater Toronto Area.Includes four issues of the CFSA journal and discounted ratesat Association functions.

Provincial/Territorial Chapter: For groups of memberswithin a province or territory. Includes 4 individualmemberships; member rate for all staff at dinner meetings,technical seminars and Annual Education Forum; Recognition ineach of the four issues of the CFSA journal. Contributesarticles in CFSA journal.

C F S A A p p l i c a t i o n f o r M e m b e r s h i p

2 0 0 8 M e m b e r s h i p F e e s

Please indicate in the appropriate box the category that bestdescribes your vocation:

●● Architect ●● Engineer

●● Building Official ●● Fire Service

●● Insurance Industry ●● Fire Consultant

●● Fire Protection Manufacturer/Supplier

●● Building Owner/Developer/Manager

●● Other (please specify)

Method of Payment:

■■ Cheque Enclosed $

■■ ■■ ■■

Account #

Expiry Date

Signature

Please return this completed form with membership fees to:Canadian Fire Safety Association 2175 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 310, Toronto, Ontario M2J 1W8 Telephone: (416) 492-9417 • Fax: (416) 491-1670 E-mail: [email protected] • www.canadianfiresafety.com

Fee +5% GST Total

●● Class 4 Corporate $ 670.00 $ 33.50 $ 703.50

●● Class 3 Corporate $ 775.00 $ 38.75 $ 813.75

●● Class 2 Corporate $ 960.00 $ 48.00 $ 1,008.00

●● Class 1 Corporate $ 1,290.00 $ 64.50 $ 1,354.50

●● Basic Corporate $ 390.00 $ 19.50 $ 409.50

●● Individual $ 80.00 $ 4.00 $ 84.00

●● Student $ 25.00 $ 1.25 $ 26.25

●● Retired $ 25.00 $ 1.25 $ 26.25●● Associate $ 50.00 $ 2.50 $ 52.50●● Provincial/Territorial $ 200.00 $ 10.00 $210.00

Chapters

CFSA Policy StatementThe Federal Government has introduced new privacy legislationeffective January 1, 2004. CFSA respects your privacy and hasincluded their privacy statement on the CFSA website atwww.canadianfiresafety.com for your review.

CFSA does not share your information with any other organization.Paying your membership renewal with CFSA indicates that you wishto continue receiving Association information.

M e m b e r s h i p A p p l i c a t i o n F o r m


C F S A N e w s

CFSA Peter Stainsby Award($1000.00)

Daniel D. Dixon

Presented by the CFSA to the TOPGRADUATE of a three-year FireProtection Technology course, who hasexcelled with outstanding leadership,motivation, and technical skills and anoverall academic proficiency.

CFSA Scholarship AwardsThe CFSA has and will continue to support the top students in the field of fire protec-tion who show leadership, motivation, technical skills, and overall academic proficiency.In order to create a fire safe environment for Canada in the future, we must encouragethose students to one day become leaders in their field.

Randal Brown & AssociatesLtd. Award ($850.00)

Heather J. Austin

Presented to the TOP year 2 student ofa 3 year Fire Protection Technologycourse with exceptional overall skills inCodes/Standards Technology and anacademic proficiency of 3.25/4.00.

CFSA Fire Safety Award($850.00)

Bahareh Taghvaei

Presented by the CFSA and funded byLeber/Rubes Inc., Randal Brown &Associates Ltd., and NadineInternational Inc. to the TOP STU-DENT having completed year 2 of a 3year Fire Protection Technology coursewith outstanding leadership, motivation,and technical skills and an overall acade-mic proficiency.

Nadine International Inc.Award ($850.00)

Neil P. Cory

Presented to the TOP year 2 student ofa 3 year Fire Protection Technologycourse with exceptional overall skills inFire Suppression Technology and an academic proficiency of 3.25/4.00.

Bill 72 2008 - An Act to amend theBuilding Code Act, with respect tofire sprinkler systems in new residen-tial buildings.

Bill 72, the Municipal ResidentialSprinkler Act, 2008 received SecondReading on May 29, 2008, in theLegislature.

The Bill amends the Building CodeAct, 1992, the City of Toronto Act,2006 and the Municipal Act, 2001 toauthorize municipalities to pass by-laws requiring the installation of firesprinkler systems in new residentialbuildings.

Some key points of the Bill include:The Chief Building Official shallrefuse to issue a building permit if aproposed building does not complywith such a by-law.

The by-laws, which may be passedwith respect to residential buildingsfor which building permit applica-tions are made on or after September1, 2009, will prevail over any Act orregulation.

Sprinkler systems that are required tobe installed by the by-laws must com-ply with standards specified in thebuilding code.

Bill 72 is intended to compliment therecent Ontario Building Codeamendment (O.Reg. 205/08) by fo-cusing on low-rise and single familydwellings in addition to residentialbuildings greater than 3 storeys inbuilding height. ■

Bill 72


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Underwriters’ Laboratories ofCanada Award ($500.00)

Danilo J. Dequito

Presented to the TOP year 2 student ofa 3 year Fire Protection Technologycourse with exceptional academic skillsin Codes and Standards and an academ-ic proficiency of 3.25/4.00.

Leber/Rubes Inc. Award($850.00)

Eric Sadler

Presented to the TOP year 2 student ofa 3 year Fire Protection Technologycourse with exceptional overall skills inFire Alarm Technology and an academicproficiency of 3.25/4.00.

Underwriters’ Laboratories ofCanada Award ($500.00)

Kyle Wilhelm

Presented to the TOP first year studentof a 3 year Fire Protection Technologycourse with exceptional academic skillsin all subjects and an academic profi-ciency of 3.25/4.00.

Corporate MembersCarlon Fire Equipment

FCS Fire Consulting Services

Fire Detection Devices Ltd.

Greater Toronto Airports Authority

Harding Fire Protection

Independent Plumbing & Heating

Ingersoll-Rand Architectural

Nadine International Inc.

National Fire Protection Association

OFS Fire Prevention

Ontario Power Generation Inc.

Peterborough Fire Department

Pro-Firestop

Protocom Limited

Randal Brown & Associates Ltd.

Secur Fire Protection

Seneca College of Applied Arts andTechnology

Simplex Grinnell

Toronto Fire Services

Trow Consulting Engineers Ltd.

Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada

Vipond Inc.

Individual MembersAlexandra Chow

Allen Hodgson, Canadian Fire AlarmAssociation

Bob Mercer, CGC Inc.

Bryan Callaghan, Tyco Fire Products

Charles F. Faist

Chris Wood, Response TrainingAssociates

Daniel B. Langlois, CSA Group

David Eidsness, The Town ofGravenhurst

Gary Wasyliw, City of Regina

George Evans, City of Brampton

Glenn Dick, Markham Fire andEmergency Services

Gordon J. Wood, Toronto RehabilitationCentre

Janet O’Carroll, Innovative Fire Inc.

Jim Winn, Hamilton EmergencyServices

John R. Schonewille, Town of Grimsby

Karel MacHacek, Erimon Fire Protection

Kurt Bernt, Pyrophobic Systems Ltd.

Kyle Kieraszewics, West Elgin FireDepartment

Leszek Muniak, Larden MuniakConsulting Inc.

Lou Canton

Mark Hancock, Aon Reed StenhouseInc.

Martin Tovey, Minto Management Ltd.

Mike Hannon, City of Kawartha Lakes

Neil Bickerton

Paul Schwen, Robotronics

Philip Chung, Mulvey & BananiInternational Inc.

Robert Cann, Marsh Canada Limited

Rodney A. McPhee, Canadian WoodCouncil

Steve Baxter, Steve Baxter ConsultingLtd.

Tony Velji, R.K. Fire Systems Inc.

Zoltan Akantisz

CFSA SCHOLARSHIP DONATORSThe Canadian Fire Safety Association would like to thank all of our corporate and individual members who madedonations to the scholarship fund this year. Your generous donations help the CFSA to support and encourage

students in the fire protection industry.


C F S A N e w s

In support of the Fire Protection Research Foundation’s internationalresearch project to ascertain the per-formance of tunnel evacuation andfirefighting procedures, the NationalResearch Council of Canada (NRC)investigated the laboratory perfor-mance of detection systems underminimal and longitudinal airflowconditions and conducted tests in the

Face off - Tunnel FireDetection SystemsNational Research Council Report No. NRCC-50558 dated July1, 2008 can be obtained from their website at irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/pubs/fulltext/nrcc50558/

Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada(ULC) has launched a new QualifiedFirestop Contractor Program for Cana-dian contractors, an expansion of the Un-derwriters Laboratories Qualified FirestopContractor Program introduced in De-cember 6, 2006.

This program allows firestop contractorsto differentiate themselves in the mar-ketplace through third-party assessment.The program also provides architects,building owners, material manufacturersand regulatory authorities with a meansto identify contractors that have beenevaluated by an independent, third-party organization.

ULC has been certifying firestop systemsfor many years. ULC’s Firestop Systemsand Components Directory is used bymany designers and specifiers to selectthese materials and systems for construc-tion designs. The Qualified Firestop Con-tractor Program marks the first time ULChas launched a program that assesses con-tractor firms installing fire resistance ma-terials and systems. The program wascreated in response to industry requestsfor third-party, independent evaluation oftheir knowledge and use of best practicesto differentiate them from other contrac-tors and to increase confidence of archi-tects and regulatory authorities.

How the Program WorksThe new Qualified Firestop ContractorProgram applies to those contractor firmsinstalling firestop systems. Firestoppinginvolves providing a measure of fire con-tainment to walls and floors featuringjoints, gaps or penetrations made duringconstruction. Firestop systems are singlematerials or a combination of materialsused to create a firestop assembly capa-ble of limiting the spread of heat, fire,gases or smoke through an opening in awall or floor. Specialty firestop contrac-

tors must choose and install firestop sys-tems to meet architectural, code and cus-tomer requirements.

Two critical requirements of the QualifiedFirestop Contractor Program are that in-stallation companies have:

An established management systemspecifically focused on the selection andinstallation of firestops and meets theprogram requirements as determined byULC;

A designated responsible individual(DRI) who meets the program require-ments and is responsible for that installa-tion company’s management system,staff training and continuing education.

To earn qualified contractor status, a des-ignated responsible individual must passa three-hour written exam, and a contrac-tor must pass a ULC-administered auditof its management system, both at a con-

New Qualified Firestop Contractor Program for CanadaThis article was prepared by Mr. Kevin Wu, Marketing Manager for Underwriters Laboratories of Canada.

Carré-Viger Tunnel in Montréal. Re-lated testing was done in the LincolnTunnel in New York City. The pro-ject studied nine fire detection sys-tems installed in the laboratorytunnel facility and in the two tunnelsfor detection system response time,ability to locate and monitor a fire,and the effect of the tunnel environ-ment. ■

tractor’s facility and as it’s applied on thejob site. Once a contractor meets the re-quirements, ULC will issue a certificate effective for one year. A qualified contrac-tor’s company would then be listed inULC’s Internet directory.

Once a contractor meets all requirementsit will be able to promote itself as a ULCQualified Firestop Contractor. This will allow a contractor to demonstrate to itscustomers that its knowledge and manage-ment systems focused specifically on theselection and installation of firestops whichhave been assessed by a leading, indepen-dent fire safety organization.

For more information about the newQualified Firestop Contractor Program,please visit the ULC Web site atwww.ulc.ca/contractor or contact KevinWu at (416) 757-5250 ext. 61269 or [email protected]. ■


C F S A N e w s

The Building Code examination programwas first introduced in 2003 as part of apackage of changes to the building regula-tory system. The Building Code StatuteLaw Amendments Act, 2002 (former Bill124) amended the Building Code Act,1992 and the Building Code to establishqualification and registration requirementsfor building practitioners. Building practi-tioners affected by these requirements in-clude building officials, certain classes ofdesigners, staff from Registered CodeAgencies (RCAs), and on-site sewage in-stallers. The successful completion of theexamination program is one of these quali-fication requirements. Building Code qual-ification and the examination program helpensure that the building regulation systemis efficient and effective.

Prior to November 17, 2008, the examina-tion program was based on the 1997 Build-ing Code as amended by O. Reg 305/03.The examination program has since beenupdated to reflect the changes introducedin the 2006 Building Code. In 2006, theProvince introduced a new Building Codewritten in an objective-based format. The2006 Code also included over 700 techni-cal changes from the previous Code. Theexamination program has been amended toreflect the 2006 Building Code (O. Reg350/06), as amended by O. Reg. 205/08.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs andHousing sought the input of building prac-titioners as part of the process of updatingthe examinations. In the Spring of 2008,peer-based panels met and provided theMinistry with advice on adjusting the ex-amination syllabi to address the new Code’sobjective-based structure and technicalchanges. Building practitioners had the op-portunity to provide further input whenthe draft syllabi were posted on the Build-ing Code website for industry review in Fall2008. The input received through the peer-

based panels and the industry review of theexamination syllabi played an importantrole in updating the examination program.

This examination program update will af-fect only new practitioners and those wish-ing to expand their area of practice.Qualified building practitioners will not berequired to re-qualify until after the releaseof the next version of the Building Code,expected in 2011. As previously committed,the Ministry will consult with building sec-tor stakeholders on the details of re-qualifi-cation as part of a broader consultation onthe content of the next edition of the Code.

New practitioners and those wishing to ex-pand their area of practice will have achoice between the 2003 and the 2006 ex-aminations until May 31, 2009. From June1, 2009 onwards, practitioners qualifyingfor the first time or who wish to qualify in anew category must pass the 2006 examina-tions. This transition period is necessary toallow practitioners who have prepared forthe 2003 examinations to write those ex-aminations.

BUILDING CODE EXAMINATIONUPDATE Q & A

Q1. What is the Building Code?The Building Code is a regulation underthe Building Code Act, 1992. It sets outtechnical and administrative requirementsfor the construction, renovation andchange of use of buildings.

Among other things, the Building Coderegulates fire safety, structural require-ments, energy efficiency, resource conserva-tion, mechanical systems includingplumbing, accessibility and sewage systems.The Building Code Act, 1992 and theBuilding Code also includes qualificationand registration requirements for buildingpractitioners.

Q2. What are the qualification require-ments of the Code?The Building Code Act, 1992 and theBuilding Code establish qualification andregistration requirements for building prac-titioners. These practitioners include build-ing officials, certain classes of designers,staff from Registered Code Agencies(RCAs) and on site sewage installers.

Each type of building practitioner has theirown set of qualification requirements. Gen-erally, these requirements include:• Successful completion of the Ministry of

Municipal Affairs and Housing Examina-tion Program;

• Filing qualification information with theDirector of the Building and Develop-ment Branch;

• Payment of applicable fees; and • Maintaining Building Code knowledge.

Registered designers and registered codeagencies also must meet insurance require-ments.

Q3. What are the Ministry ofMunicipal Affairs and Housing’sexamination requirements? What are“examination syllabi”?Persons seeking qualification must success-fully complete an examination programconsisting of administrative (legal) exami-nation and technical examinations relevantto their area(s) of practice. The syllabi pro-vide examination candidates with the top-ics that are covered in each examination,and are based on the scope of the qualifica-tion categories set out in Division C of theCode.

You can find more detailed informationabout the current Examination Program onthe Building Code website www.ontario.ca/

Backgrounder – BuildingCode Examination UpdateThis article was obtained from the Ontario Building Code website (www.obc.mah.gov.on.ca)

continures on page 22


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CFSA SCHEDULED EVENTSMARCHMARCH 4 CFSA Technical Session -Installation of FirestopSystems – Presented by Matthew Heaps, Sr. Fire ProtectionSpecialist; Hilti (Canada)Corporation

APRILAPRIL 8 CFSA Technical Session -Installation of FirestopSystems – Present CFSA TECHNICAL SESSION –An Alternative Method of FireRating Kitchen Exhaust andVentilation Ductwork –Presented by Mike McClure,ThermoFire Systems Inc.

APRILAPRIL 17Ontario Association of Fire ChiefsCFSA ANNUAL EDUCATIONFORUM – “Fire Safety Isn’t Just AChecklist” or “Getting The BiggerPicture”

OTHER EVENTS

MAYMay 31-June 4, 2009Conference and Fire Service ExpoNanaimo, BC

OTHER EVENTS

JUNEJune 8-11, 2009McCormick Place ConventionCentreChicago, IL

June 12-17, 2009CASA Annual General MeetingOttawa, ON

buildingcode. Both the Questions and An-swers section and the Qualification andRegistration tab have information relatedto Building Code qualification, examina-tion and training.

Q4. Why have the examination syllabiand exams been updated?In 2006, the Province introduced a newBuilding Code written in an objective-basedformat, and that contained over 700 techni-cal changes from the previous Code. Theexamination syllabi have been amended toreflect the restructuring of the Code as wellas to address new, revised, and removedtechnical provisions. The input receivedthrough the industry review of the examina-tion syllabi, held in Fall 2008, played an im-portant role in finalizing the syllabi.

Q5. Why are the 2006 examination syllabi more detailed than the previoussyllabi?The 2006 examination syllabi includemore detail in order to give examinationcandidates a clearer understanding of theareas of Building Code knowledge that willbe covered in each examination.

Q6. Will I have to take the new examinations?It depends. Practitioners qualified underthe 2003 examinations (based on the 1997Building Code) will not be required to re-qualify.

New practitioners or those intending to ex-pand their scope of practice are required to

take the Building Code examinations.From November 17, 2008 until May 31,2009 those wishing to write examinationswill have a choice between the 2003 (basedon the 1997 Building Code) and the 2006examinations. From June 1, 2009 onwardsonly the 2006 Building Code examinationswill be offered.

Q7. How do I apply for the examina-tions?New practitioners or those intending to ex-pand their scope of practice can apply forthe new examinations by fax to 416-585-7531 or mailed to:

Registration Section Building and Development Branch Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 777 Bay Street, 2nd Floor Toronto, ON M5G 2E5On-line applications are now available.

More information about applying for ex-aminations and qualification can be foundin the Qualification and Registration sec-tion of Ontario’s Building Code website:www.ontario.ca/buildingcode

Q8. Why is there a transition period?A transition period will be provided inwhich practitioners taking the examina-tions will have a choice between taking the2003 (based on the 1997 Building Code)or the updated 2006 exams. This transitionperiod will run until May 31, 2009. At thattime, practitioners qualifying for the firsttime or who wish to qualify in a new cate-gory must pass the 2006 examinations.

This transition period is necessary to allowpractitioners who have prepared for the oldexaminations to write those examinations.

Q9. Will existing practitioners be required to re-qualify?Qualified building practitioners will not berequired to re-qualify until after the releaseof the next version of the Building Code,expected in 2011.

As previously committed, the Ministry willconsult with building sector stakeholderson the details of re-qualification as part ofa broader consultation on the content ofthe next edition of the Code.

Q10. Are all the overview courses updated and available?As of November 14, 2008, thirteen of thefifteen overview courses have been updated.The Complex Buildings and Houseoverview courses are expected to be avail-able in late December 2008.

Q11. Will the criteria for AdvancedStanding be changed?No. Where required, the criteria will bemaintained and streamlined to reflect avail-able technical training courses. Some of thecourses used in applications for advancedstanding have been updated. Until May 31,2009, building practitioners will have theoption of taking the 2006 courses or thosecourses which they are replacing. After June1, 2009, receiving Advanced Standing willbe dependent on the successful completionof 2006 Building Code training courses,where applicable. ■

Building Code Examination Update, cont’d


C F S A N e w s

A/D Fire Protection SystemsToronto, ON (416) 292-2361Charles MerrimanRon van FrankfoortStevo Miljatovich

Assa Abloy Door SecurityVaughan, ON (905) 738-2466Murray Lewin

Barrie Fire & EmergencyBarrie, ON (705) 739-4220John Lynn

Brampton Fire & Emergency ServBrampton, ON (905) 874-2741Brian MaltbyChantelle CosgroveAndy MacDonald

Carlon Fire EquipmentMarkham, ON (905) 477-3265Paul JewettMichael Phillips

Cdn. Automatic Sprinkler AsscMarkham, ON (905) 477-2270Matthew Osburn

City of TorontoToronto, ON (416) 397-4446Irene Moore

City of VaughanVaughan, ON (905) 832-8585Glenn DuncanJon CarusoAndrew Wong

CGI Risk Management ServicesMarkham, ON (905) 695-6729Gilles ProulxBobby AgviarJoe Pearson

DryerfightersNewmarket, ON (905) 761-1761Randy MasonDennis MonkDurabond Products LtdToronto, ON (416) 759-4474Guido Rapone

Fire Detection Devices Ltd.Markham, ON (905) 479-7116David Duggan

Fire Monitoring of Canada Inc.St. Catharines, ON (800) 263-2534Jim AsselstineHolly Barkwell-HollandNorm Cheesman

Fire Safety Technology Inc.Mississauga, ON (905) 564-6691George PerlinLeo Avdeev

FCS Fire Consulting ServicesInnisfil, ON (800) 281-8863Michele FarleyJeremy LewisChristian Demarco

Greater Toronto Airports AuthToronto, ON (416) 776-5170Michael FigliolaRichard TurgeonFrank Lafond

Halsall Associates Ltd.Toronto, ON (416) 487-5256Jay Leedale, P.Eng.Daniel Templeton, P.Eng.Michael Van Dusen, P.Eng.

Harding Fire ProtectionToronto, ON (416) 292-0599Paul HardingPaul AdamsFred Lutz

Housing Services Inc.Toronto, ON (416) 921-3625Lou CantonJohn GibsonMichelle Laita

Human Resources DevelopmentToronto, ON (416) 954-2876Randy De LaunayMark KohliRaymond Fung

Independent Plumbing & HeatingToronto, ON (416) 248-6213Mauro Angeloni

Ingersoll-Rand ArchitecturalMississauga, ON (905) 403-1800David Golych

Leber-Rubes Inc.Toronto, ON (416) 515-9331Fred LeberGary RobitailleEric Esselink

Ministry of Municipal AffairsToronto, ON (416) 585-6456Alek AntoniukCengiz KahramanogluDavid Brezler

Morrison HershfieldOttawa, ON (613) 739-2910Judy JeskeDavid SylvesterDelen Demir

Nadine International Inc.Mississauga, ON (905) 602-1850Ajwad GebaraAllison McLeanNahla Ali

National Fire Protection AssnOttawa, ON (613) 830-9102Sean Tracey

National Research CouncilOttawa, ON (613) 993-4064Philip RizcallahBirgit Barca

Niagara Falls Fire ServiceNiagara Falls, ON (905) 356-1321Jim JessopLee SmithDave JarrettOffice of the Fire MarshalToronto, ON (416) 325-3100Doug CrawfordBev GilbertSusan Clarke

OFS Fire PreventionBarrie, ON (705) 728-5289Jeff Ough

Omni Life SafetyToronto, ON (416) 237-9696Brian Watson

Ontario Power Generation Inc.Port Hope, ON (905) 885-3006Bruce PercivalDon TrylinskiAnca McGee

Peterborough Fire DepartmentPeterborough, ON (705) 745-3281Lee E. GrantSteve WhitehillGreg Simmons

Premier OneMarkham, ON (416) 822-1523Michael Nazarian

Pro-FirestopToronto, ON (416) 293-0993John Sharpe

Protocom LimitedRichmond Hill, ON (905) 773-0424

Randal Brown & Associates LtdToronto, ON (416) 492-5886Randal BrownDavid JohnsonMatteo Gilfillan

Secur Fire ProtectionOttawa, ON (613) 744-0722Catherine Chandler

Seneca College of Applied ArtsToronto, ON (416) 491-5050Stu EvansJohn GlassAnthony Van Odyk

Siemens Building TechnologiesBrampton, ON (905) 799-9937John DrimmelAl HessDon Boynowski

Simplex GrinnellMississauga, ON (905) 212-4400Michael HughSteve DickieFrank Detlor

System SensorMississauga, ON (905) 812-0722Philip Anderson

Toronto Fire ServicesToronto, ON (416) 338-9060Bill Stewart, Fire CheifFrank Lamie, Deputy ChiefMike Gerrard, Div. Chief

Toronto Transit CommissionToronto, ON (416) 393-3020Ryan DugganWillie SturmNick Pallotta

Town of MarkhamMarkham, ON (905) 475-4712John WrightTony BoykoChris Bird

Town of Richmond HillRichmond Hill, ON (905) 771-8800Michael JanottaJohn DeVries

Trow Consulting Engineers Ltd.Brampton, ON (905) 793-9800Kurshid MirzaLui TaiMichael Chan

Tyco Thermal ControlsWoodbridge, ON (905) 553-1836 Rick FlorioBarry O'ConnellBrian Bishop

Underwriters' LaboratoriesToronto, ON (416) 757-5250Kevin WuSandy LevaRae Dulmage

University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON (519) 888-4567Elizabeth WeckmanChris Pringle

Vipond Inc.Mississauga, ON (905) 564-7060Larry KeepingZeljko SucevicGrant Neal

CORPORATE Members

Documents

Residential Fire Sprinklers in the Ontario Building Codecanadianfiresafety.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/20008-09winter.pdf · Residential Fire Sprinklers in the Ontario Building