• You need both an active and passive fire safety system

working together to prevent, detect and alert, restrict and

potentially suppress a developing fire. It’s not a case of active
fire protection being more effective than passive fire
protection or vice versa. Both systems work simultaneously
and in tandem with each other.

passive fire protection active fire protection

passive fire protection means containing the fire and preventing it from Active fire protection is about detecting, stopping and escaping fire.
spreading further.
Passive fire protection is a vital element of the building’s fire safety strategy. Its Active fire protection requires action to be taken to detect and alert, stop or
role is paramount in safeguarding people, as well as limiting damage to buildings contain a fire. This may involve a person taking a manual action, such as using a
and their contents from fire and smoke. portable fire extinguisher.
products that are considered passive fire protection that can be incorporated Products that come under active fire protection include:
into your fire strategy. Here are some examples: Fire alarm systems
Compartmentation and fire stopping – walls, floors and ceilings are have Emergency escape lighting
continuous fire resistance to assist with restricting the size and spread of a fire. Fire sprinkler systems - Fire hydrant - Fire hose reels
Fire Doors - Fire Windows Portable fire extinguishers
Fire and smoke dampers Smoke ventilation
Fire Curtains Disabled refuge areas
Emergency voice communication systems
Public address voice alarms
- Which code to use !!

- Group R different classifications

SBC-1101

SBC-201
SECTION 903 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
903.2 Where required. Approved automatic sprinkler systems in new buildings and
structures shall be provided in the locations described in Sections 903.2.1 through
903.2.12.
903.2.8 Group R. An automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be
provided throughout all buildings with a Group R fire area
903.2.8 Group R. In hotels, apartment buildings, dormitories, and other Group R occupancies,
occupants may be asleep at the time of a fire, and may experience delay and disorientation in trying
to reach safety. In addition, fire hazards in residential uses are often unknown to most occupants of
the building, as they are created within an individual dwelling unit or guestroom. This helps to
explain why these occupancies have a poor fire record when it comes to injury and loss of life.
Therefore, an automatic sprinkler system is required throughout any building containing a Group R
occupancy. The sprinkler requirement applies to the entire building and not just the fire area
containing the Group R occupancy.

903.2.1 Group A. An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout buildings and
portions thereof used as Group A occupancies as provided in this section. For Group A-1, A-2,
A-3 and A-4 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system shall be provided throughout the story
where the fire area containing the Group A-1, A-2, A-3 or A-4 occupancy is located, and
throughout all stories from the Group A occupancy to, and including, the levels of exit discharge
serving the Group A occupancy. For Group A-5 occupancies, the automatic sprinkler system
shall be provided in the spaces indicated in Section 903.2.1.5.
903.2.1.1 Group A-1.
An automatic sprinkler system shall be provided for fire areas
containing Group A-1 occupancies and intervening
floors of the building where one of the following
conditions exists:
1. The fire area exceeds 1115m2.
2. The fire area has an occupant load of 300 or more.
3. The fire area is located on a floor other than a
level of exit discharge serving such occupancies.
4. The fire area contains a multitheater complex.
FIRE AREA. The aggregate floor area enclosed and bounded by fire walls, fire barriers,
exterior walls or horizontal assemblies of a building. Areas of the building not provided with
surrounding walls shall be included in the fire area if such areas are included within the
horizontal projection of the roof or floor next above
HIGH-RISE BUILDING. A building with an occupied floor located more than
23 m above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
UL = Unlimited; NP = Not permitted;
NS = Buildings not equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system;
S & S1 = Buildings a maximum of one story above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1;
SM = Buildings two or more stories above grade plane equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1;
S13R = Buildings equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.2.
FIRE SEPARATION DISTANCE. The distance measured from the building face to one of the following:
1. The closest interior lot line.
2. To the centerline of a street, an alley or public way.
3. To an imaginary line between two buildings on the lot. The distance shall be measured at right angles from
the face of the wall
SECTION 706 FIRE WALLS SECTION 420 GROUPS I-1, R-1, R-2, R-
A fire-resistance-rated wall having protected openings, SECTION 708 FIRE PARTITIONS 3 AND R-4
which restricts the spread of fire and extends A vertical assembly of materials designed to restrict the
spread of fire in which openings are protected. 420.2 Separation walls. Walls separating
continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, dwelling units in the same building, walls
with sufficient structural stability under fire conditions to 708.1 General.
The following wall assemblies shall comply with this section. separating sleeping units in the same building and
allow collapse of construction on either side without walls separating dwelling or sleeping units from
collapse of the wall. 1. Separation walls as required by Section 420.2 for Groups
I-1, R-1, R-2 and R-3. other occupancies contiguous to them in the same
3. Corridor walls as required by Section 1020.1 building shall be constructed as fire partitions in
706.1 General. Each portion of a building separated by 4. Elevator lobby separation as required by Section 3006.2. accordance with Section 708.
one or more fire walls that comply with the provisions 708.3 Fire-resistance rating. Fire partitions shall 420.3 Horizontal separation. Floor assemblies
of this section shall be considered a separate building. have a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour. separating dwelling units in the same buildings,
The extent and location of such fire walls shall provide Exceptions: floor assemblies separating sleeping units in the
a complete separation. Where a fire wall separates 1. Corridor walls permitted to have a ½ hour fire-resistance same building and floor assemblies separating
occupancies that are required to be separated by a fire rating by Table 1020.1. dwelling or sleeping units from other occupancies
barrier wall, the most restrictive requirements of each 2. Dwelling unit and sleeping unit separations in buildings of contiguous to them in the same building shall be
separation shall apply. Type IIB, IIIB and VB construction shall have fire-resistance constructed as horizontal assemblies in accordance
ratings of not less than ½ hour in buildings equipped with Section 711.
706.1.1 Party walls. Any wall located on a lot line
between adjacent buildings throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance
with Section 903.3.1.1.

SECTION 707 FIRE BARRIERS

A fire-resistance-rated wall assembly of materials designed to restrict the
spread of fire in which continuity is maintained.
707.3.1 Shaft enclosures.
707.3.2 Interior exit stairway and ramp
707.3.3 Enclosures for exit access stairways.
707.3.4 Exit passageway.
707.3.5 Horizontal exit707.3.6 Atriums
707.3.7 Incidental uses
707.3.8 Control areas.
707.3.9 Separated occupancies.
707.3.10 Fire areas.
SECTION 713 SHAFT ENCLOSURES
713.2 Construction. Shaft enclosures shall be constructed as fire barriers
713.4 Fire-resistance rating. Shaft enclosures shall have a fire-resistance rating of
not less than 2 hours where connecting four stories or more, and not less than
1 hour where connecting less than four stories. The number of stories connected
by the haft enclosure shall include any basements but not any mezzanines.

713.14 Elevator, dumbwaiter and other

hoistways. Elevator, dumbwaiter and other hoistway enclosures shall be constructed
in accordance with Section 713 and Chapter 30.
713.13.1 Waste and linen. A shaft 713.13.4 Chute discharge room. Waste or
enclosure containing a recycling, or waste or linen linen chutes shall discharge into an enclosed room
chute shall not be used for any other purpose and separated by fire barriers with a fire-resistance
shall be enclosed in accordance with Section 713.4. rating not less than the required fire rating of the
Openings into the shaft, from access rooms and shaft enclosure and constructed in accordance with
discharge rooms, shall be protected in accordance Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in
with this section and Section 716. Openings into accordance with Section 711, or both. Openings
chutes shall not be located in corridors. Doors into into the discharge room from the remainder of the
chutes shall be self-closing. Discharge doors shall building shall be protected by opening protectives
be self or automatic-closing upon the actuation of a having a fire protection rating equal to the
smoke detector in accordance with Section protection required for the shaft enclosure. Doors
716.5.9.3, except that heat-activated closing shall be self- or automatic-closing upon the
713.13.3 Chute access rooms. Access detection of smoke in accordance with Section
openings for waste or linen chutes shall be located 716.5.9.3. Waste chutes shall not terminate in an
in rooms or compartments enclosed by not less than incinerator room. Waste and linen rooms that are
1-hour fire barriers constructed in accordance with not provided with chutes need only comply with
Section 707 or horizontal assemblies constructed in Table 509
accordance with Section 711, or both. Openings 13.13.6 Automatic sprinkler system. An
into the access rooms shall be protected by opening approved automatic sprinkler system shall be
protectives having a fire protection rating of not installed in accordance with Section 903.2.11.2
less than ¾ hour. Doors shall be self- or automatic
closing upon the detection of smoke in accordance
with Section 716.5.9.3.
GENERAL MEANS OF
EGRESS

1003.2 Ceiling height. The means of egress

shall
have a ceiling height of not less than 2300mm.
1003.4 Floor surface. Walking surfaces of the
means of egress shall have a slip-resistant
surface
and be securely attached.
1003.5
Elevation change. Where changes in
elevation of less than 300 mm exist in the means
of
egress, sloped surfaces shall be used.
1003.6 Means of egress continuity. The path of
egress travel along a means of egress shall not
be interrupted by a building element other than a
means of egress component as specified in this
chapter.
1004.1.1.1 Intervening spaces or accessory
areas. Where occupants egress from one or more
rooms, areas or spaces through others, the design occupant load shall be the combined
occupant load of interconnected accessory or intervening spaces. Design of egress path
capacity shall be based on the cumulative portion of occupant loads of all rooms, areas
or spaces to that point along the path of egress travel.

1004.1.1.2 Adjacent levels for mezzanines.

That portion of the occupant load of a mezzanine with required egress through a room, area or
space on an adjacent level shall be added to the occupant load of that room, area or space.
SECTION 1005 MEANS OF EGRESS SIZING

1005.3.1 Stairways. The capacity, in millimeters, of means of egress stairways shall be

calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such stairways by a means of egress
capacity factor of 7.6 mm per occupant. Where stairways serve more than one story, only the
occupant load of each story considered individually shall be used in calculating the required
capacity of the stairways serving that story.
Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in millimeters, of means of
egress stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such
stairways by a means of egress capacity factor of 5.1 mm per occupant in buildings equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system
1005.3.2 Other egress components. The capacity, in width, of means of egress components
other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by such
component by a means of egress capacity factor of 5.1 mm per occupant.
Exceptions:
1. For other than Group H and I-2 occupancies, the capacity, in millimeters, of means of egress
components other than stairways shall be calculated by multiplying the occupant load served by
such component by a means of egress capacity factor of 3.8 mm per occupant in buildings
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system

90 cm
(5.1)
110 cm
(5.1)
110 cm
(7.6) (3.8)
80 cm
(5.1)
1005.5 Distribution of minimum width and required capacity. Where 1005.4 Continuity. The minimum width or required capacity of the means of
more than one exit, or access to more than one exit, is required, the egress required from any story of a building shall not be reduced along the path of
means of egress shall be configured such that the loss of any one exit, or egress travel until arrival at the public way.
access to one exit, shall not reduce the available capacity or width to less
than 50 percent of the required capacity or width.
1005.7 Encroachment. Encroachments into the
required means of egress width shall be in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
1005.7.1 Doors. Doors, when fully opened,
shall not reduce the required width by more than
175 mm. Doors in any position shall not reduce the
required width by more than one-half.
Exceptions:
1. Surface-mounted latch release hardware shall be exempt from inclusion in the 175 mm
encroachment where both of the following conditions exist:
1.1. The hardware is mounted to the side of the door facing away from the adjacent wall
where the door is in the open position.
1.2. The hardware is mounted not less than 850 mm nor more than 1200 mm above the
finished floor.
2. The restrictions on door swing shall not apply to doors within individual dwelling units
and sleeping units of Group R-2 occupancies and dwelling units of Group R-3 occupancies.
1006.2 Egress from spaces. Rooms, areas or spaces, including mezzanines, within a
story or basement shall be provided with the number of exits or access to exits in
accordance with this section.

1006.2.1 Egress based on occupant load and common path of egress travel distance.
Two exits or exit access doorways from any space shall be provided where the
design occupant load or the common path of egress travel distance exceeds the
values listed in Table 1006.2.1.
Exceptions:
1. In Group R-2 and R-3 occupancies, one means of egress is permitted within and
from individual dwelling units with a maximum occupant load of 20 where the
dwelling unit is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 and the common path of egress
travel does not exceed 38 m

1006.2.1.1 Three or more exits or exit access doorways. Three exits or

exit access doorways shall be provided from any space with an occupant
load of 501 to 1,000. Four exits or exit access doorways shall be provided
from any space with an occupant load greater than 1,000.
1006.3 Egress from stories or occupied roofs.
The means of egress system serving any story or occupied roof shall be provided with the number of exits
or access to exits based on the aggregate occupant load served in accordance with this section. The path
of egress travel to an exit shall not pass through more than one adjacent story.
1006.3.1 Egress based on occupant load.
Each story and occupied roof shall have the minimum number of independent exits, or access to
exits, as specified in Table 1006.3.1. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted in
accordance with Section 1006.3.2. The required number of exits, or exit access stairways or ramps
providing access to exits, from any story or occupied roof shall be maintained until arrival at the
exit discharge or a public way
1006.3.2 Single exits. A single exit or access to a single exit shall be permitted from any story or
occupied roof where one of the following conditions exists:
1. The occupant load, number of dwelling units and common path of egress travel distance
does not exceed the values in Table 1006.3.2(1) or 1006.3.2(2).
5. Individual single-story or multistory dwelling units shall be permitted to have a single exit
or access to a single exit from the dwelling unit provided that both of the following criteria are met:
5.1. The dwelling unit complies with Section 1006.2.1 as a space with one means of egress.
5.2. Either the exit from the dwelling unit discharges directly to the exterior at the level of exit discharge,
or the exit access outside the dwelling unit’s entrance door provides access to not less than two approved
independent exits
SECTION 1007 EXIT AND EXIT ACCESS DOORWAY
CONFIGURATION
1007.1 General. Exits, exit access doorways, and
exit access stairways and ramps serving spaces,
including individual building stories, shall be Exceptions:
separated in accordance with the provisions of this 1. Where interior exit stairways or ramps are interconnected by a 1-hour fire-
section. resistance rated corridor conforming to the requirements of Section 1020, the
1007.1.1 Two exits or exit access
required exit separation shall be measured along the shortest direct line of travel
doorways. Where two exits, exit access doorways, exit access stairways or
ramps, or any combination thereof, are required from any portion of the within the corridor.
exit 2. Where a building is equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
access, they shall be placed a distance apart equal to not less than one-half accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2, the separation distance shall be
of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the building or not less than one third of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of
area to be served measured in a straight line between them. Interlocking or the area served.
scissor
stairways shall be counted as one exit stairway.
1007.1.1.1 Measurement point. The
separation distance required in Section 1007.1.1
shall be measured in accordance with the
following:
1. The separation distance to exit or exit access
doorways shall be measured to any point
along the width of the doorway.
2. The separation distance to exit access
stairways shall be measured to the closest
riser.
3. The separation distance to exit access ramps
shall be measured to the start of the ramp run.
1007.1.2 Three or more exits or exit access
doorways. Where access to three or more exits is
required, not less than two exit or exit access
doorways shall be arranged in accordance with
the
provisions of Section 1007.1.1. Additional
required
exit or exit access doorways shall be arranged a
reasonable distance apart so that if one becomes
blocked, the others will be available.
1007.1.3 Remoteness of exit access
stairways or ramps. Where two exit access
stairways or ramps provide the required means of
egress to exits at another story, the required
separation distance shall be maintained for all
portions of such exit access stairways or ramps.
1007.1.3.1 Three or more exit access
stairways or ramps. Where more than two exit
access stairways or ramps provide the required
means of egress, not less than two shall be
arranged
in accordance with Section 1007.1.3.
SECTION 1016 EXIT ACCESS
3. An exit access shall not pass through a room
that can be locked to prevent egress.
4. Means of egress from dwelling units or
sleeping areas shall not lead through other
sleeping areas, toilet rooms or bathrooms.
5. Egress shall not pass through kitchens,
storage rooms, closets or spaces used for
similar purposes.

SECTION 1017 EXIT ACCESS TRAVEL

DISTANCE
1017.3 Measurement. Exit access travel distance shall be measured from the most remote point
within a story along the natural and unobstructed path of horizontal and vertical egress travel to
the entrance to an exit.
1017.3.1 Exit access stairways and ramps.
Travel distance on exit access stairways or ramps shall be included in the exit access travel
distance measurement. The measurement along stairways shall be made on a plane parallel and
tangent to the stair tread nosings in the center of the stair and landings. The measurement along
ramps shall be made on the walking surface in the center of the ramp and landings.
 SECTION 1013 EXIT SIGNS
SECTION 1010 DOORS, GATES AND TURNSTILES 1013.1 Where required. Exits and exit access doors shall be marked by an approved exit sign
1010.1.1 Size of doors. The required readily visible from any direction of egress travel. The path of egress travel to exits and within
capacity of each door opening shall be sufficient for exits shall be marked by readily visible exit signs to clearly indicate the direction of egress
the occupant load thereof and shall provide a travel in cases where the exit or the path of egress travel is not immediately visible to the
minimum clear width of 800 mm. Clear openings of occupants. Intervening means of egress doors within exits shall be marked by exit signs. Exit
doorways with swinging doors shall be measured sign placement shall be such that no point in an exit access corridor or exit passageway is more
between the face of the door and the stop, with the than 30 m or the listed viewing distance for the sign, whichever is less, from the nearest visible
door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad). Where this section exit sign.
requires a minimum clear width of 800 mm and a
door opening includes two door leaves without a 1013.6.3 Power source. Exit signs shall be illuminated at all times. To ensure continued
mullion, one leaf shall provide a clear opening illumination for a duration of not less than 90 minutes in case of primary power loss
width of 800 mm. The maximum width of a
swinging door leaf shall be 1200 mm nominal. 1013.6.2 Exit sign illumination. The face of an exit sign illuminated from an external source
The height of door openings shall be not less than 2000 mm. shall have an intensity of not less than 55 lux.
1010.1.2.1 Direction of swing. Pivot or side hinged swinging
doors shall swing in the direction
of egress travel where serving a room or area
containing an occupant load of 50 or more persons
1010.1.9.11 Stairway doors. Interior stairway
means of egress doors shall be openable from both sides
without the use of a key or special knowledge or effort.
 1011.11 Handrails. Stairways shall have handrails on each side
SECTION 1011 STAIRWAYS 1011.3 Headroom. Stairways shall have a and shall comply with Section 1014.
headroom clearance of not less than 2000 mm 011.13 Guards. Guards shall be provided along stairways and
1011.2 Width and capacity. The required
measured vertically from a line connecting the edge landings where required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed
capacity of stairways shall be determined as of the nosings.
specified in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width in accordance with Section 1015.
shall be not less than 1100 mm. See Section 1009.3 1011.8 Vertical rise. A flight of stairs shall not 1011.6 Stairway landings. There shall be a floor or landing at
for accessible means of egress stairways. have a vertical rise greater than 3600 mm between the top and bottom of each stairway.
Exceptions: floor levels or landings. The width of landings shall be not less than the width of
1. Stairways serving an occupant load of less stairways served. Every landing shall have a minimum width
than 50 shall have a width of not less than 900 measured perpendicular to the direction of travel equal to the
1011.5.2 Riser height and tread depth.
mm width of the stairway. Where the stairway has a straight run
Stair riser heights shall be 175 mm maximum and 100
the depth need not exceed 1200 mm. Doors opening onto a
1009.3 Stairways. In order to be considered part mm minimum. The riser height shall be measured
landing shall not reduce the landing to less than one-half the
of an accessible means of egress, a stairway vertically between the nosings of adjacent treads.
required width. When fully open, the door shall not project
between stories shall have a clear width of 1200 Rectangular tread depths shall be 275 mm minimum
more than 175 mm into a landing. Where wheelchair spaces
mm minimum between handrails and shall either
are required on the stairway landing in accordance with
incorporate an area of refuge within an enlarged 1011.5.4 Dimensional uniformity. Stair
Section 1009.6.3, the wheelchair space shall not be located
floor-level landing or shall be accessed from an treads and risers shall be of uniform size and shape.
in the required width of the landing and doors shall not swing
area of refuge complying with Section 1009.6. The tolerance between the largest and smallest riser
over the wheelchair spaces.
Exceptions: height or between the largest and smallest tread
2. The clear width of 1200 mm between handrails depth shall not exceed 10 mm in any flight of stairs.
is not required in buildings equipped throughout The greatest winder tread depth at the walkline within any flight
with an automatic sprinkler system of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 10 mm.
SECTION 1012 RAMPS 1012.6 Landings
1012.2 Slope. Ramps used as part of a means of 012.6.1 Slope. Landings shall have a slope
egress shall have a running slope not steeper than not steeper than one unit vertical in 48 units
one unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8-percent horizontal (2-percent slope) in any direction.
slope). The slope of other pedestrian ramps shall Changes in level are not permitted.
not be steeper than one unit vertical in eight units 1012.6.2 Width. The landing width shall be
horizontal (12.5-percent slope). not less than the width of the widest ramp run
1012.4 Vertical rise. The rise for any ramp run adjoining the landing.
shall be 750 mm maximum. 1012.6.3 Length. The landing length shall
1012.5 Minimum dimensions. The minimum be 1500 mm minimum.
dimensions of means of egress ramps shall comply Exceptions:
with Sections 1012.5.1 through 1012.5.3. 1. In Group R-2 and R-3 individual dwelling and
1012.5.1 Width and capacity. The sleeping units that are not required to be Accessible
minimum width and required capacity of a means of units, Type A units or Type B units in accordance
egress ramp shall be not less than that required for with Section 1107, landings are permitted to be 900
corridors by Section 1020.2. The clear width of a mm minimum.
ramp between handrails, if provided, or other 2. Where the ramp is not a part of an accessible
permissible projections shall be 900 mm minimum. route, the length of the landing shall not be required
1012.5.2 Headroom. The minimum to be more than 1200 mm in the direction of travel.
headroom in all parts of the means of egress ramp 1012.6.4 Change in direction. Where
shall be not less than 2000 mm. changes in direction of travel occur at landings
provided between ramp runs, the landing shall be
1500 mm by 1500 mm minimum.
Exception: In Group R-2 and R-3 individual
dwelling or sleeping units that are not required to be
Accessible units, Type A units or Type B units in
accordance with Section 1107, landings are
permitted to be 900 mm by 900 mm minimum.

1012.8 Handrails. Ramps with a rise greater than

150 mm shall have handrails on both sides.
Handrails shall comply with Section 1014.
1012.9 Guards. Guards shall be provided where
required by Section 1015 and shall be constructed
in accordance with Section 1015.
SECTION 1014 HANDRAILS

1014.2 Height. Handrail height, measured above stair tread nosings, or finish surface of ramp
slope, shall be uniform, not less than 850 mm and not more than 950 mm.
1014.4 Continuity. Handrail gripping surfaces
shall be continuous, without interruption by newel
posts or other obstructions.
1014.6 Handrail extensions. Handrails shall
return to a wall, guard or the walking surface or
shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent
flight of stairs or ramp run. Where handrails are not
continuous between flights, the handrails shall
extend horizontally not less than 300 mm beyond Handrails for stepped aisles and ramped
aisles
SECTION 1015 GUARDS

1015.2 Where required. Guards shall be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including
mezzanines, equipment platforms, aisles, stairs, ramps and landings that are located more than
750 mm measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 900 mm
horizontally to the edge of the open side.

1015.3 Height. Required guards shall be not less

than 1050 mm high, measured vertically

1015.4 Opening limitations. Required guards

shall not have openings that allow passage of a
sphere 100 mm in diameter from the walking
surface to the required guard height.
Exceptions:
1. From a height of 900 mm to 1050 mm, guards
shall not have openings that allow passage of
a sphere 110 mm in diameter.
2. The triangular openings at the open sides of a
stair, formed by the riser, tread and bottom
rail shall not allow passage of a sphere 150 mm in diameter.

1015.8 Window openings. Windows in Group R- 2 and R-3 buildings including dwelling units,
where the top of the sill of an operable window opening is located less than 900 mm above the
finished floor and more than 1800 mm above the finished grade or other surface below on the
exterior of the building, shall comply with one of the following:
1. Operable windows where the top of the sill of the opening is located more than 23 m above
the finished grade or other surface below and that are provided with window fall prevention
devices that comply with ASTM F2006.
2. Operable windows where the openings will not allow a 100 mm sphere to pass through the
opening when the window is in its largest opened position.
3. Operable windows where the openings are provided with window fall prevention devices that
comply with ASTM F2090.
4. Operable windows that are provided with window opening control devices that comply with
Section 1015.8.1
SECTION 1020 CORRIDORS
1020.1 Construction. Corridors shall be fireresistance rated in accordance with Table 1020.1. The
corridor walls required to be fire-resistance rated shall comply with Section 708 for fire partitions.
Exceptions:
2. A fire-resistance rating is not required for corridors contained within a dwelling unit or
sleeping unit in an occupancy in Groups I-1 and R.

1020.2 Width and capacity. The required capacity of corridors shall be determined as specified
in Section 1005.1, but the minimum width shall be not less than that specified in Table 1020.2.
1020.3 Obstruction. The minimum width or required capacity of corridors shall be unobstructed.
 1020.4 Dead ends. Where more than one exit or exit access doorway is required, the exit access shall
be arranged such that there are no dead ends in corridors more than 6000 mm in length.
Exceptions:
1. In occupancies in Group I-3 of Condition 2, 3 or 4, the dead end in a corridor shall not exceed 15 m.
2. In occupancies in Groups B, E, F, I-1, M, R- 1, R-2, R-4, S and U, where the building is equipped
throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, the length of the
dead-end corridors shall not exceed 15 m.
3. A dead-end corridor shall not be limited in length where the length of the dead-end corridor is less
than 2.5 times the least width of the dead-end corridor.
1020.6 Corridor continuity. Fire-resistancerated corridors shall be continuous from the point
of entry to an exit, and shall not be interrupted by intervening rooms. Where the path of egress travel
within a fire-resistance-rated corridor to the exit includes travel along unenclosed exit access stairways
or ramps, the fire-resistance rating shall be continuous for the length of the stairway or ramp and for
the length of the connecting corridor on the adjacent floor leading to the exit.
SECTION 1023 INTERIOR EXIT
STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS 1023.8 Discharge identification. An interior exit
stairway and ramp shall not continue below its level
1023.2 Construction. Enclosures for interior exit
of exit discharge unless an approved barrier is
stairways and ramps shall be constructed as fire
provided at the level of exit discharge to prevent
barriers.
persons from unintentionally continuing into levels
Interior exit stairway and ramp enclosures shall have a fire-
below. Directional exit signs shall be provided as
resistance rating of not less than 2 hours where connecting
specified in Section 1013.
four stories or more and not less than 1 hour where
1023.9 Stairway identification signs. A sign shall
connecting less than four stories.
be provided at each floor landing in an interior exit
Interior exit stairways and ramps shall
stairway and ramp connecting more than three
have a fireresistance rating not less than the floor
stories designating the floor level,
assembly penetrated, but need not exceed 2 hours.
1023.4 Openings. Interior exit stairway and ramp
opening protectives shall be in accordance with the
requirements of Section 716.
1023.7 Interior exit stairway and ramp exterior
walls. Exterior walls of the interior exit stairway or 1023.11 Smokeproof enclosures. Where
ramp shall comply with the requirements of Section required by Section 403.5.4 or 405.7.2, interior exit
705 for exterior walls. Where nonrated walls or stairways and ramps shall be smokeproof
unprotected openings enclose the exterior of the enclosures in accordance with Section 909.20.
stairway or ramps and the walls or openings are
exposed by other parts of the building at an angle of
less than 180 degrees (3.14 rad), the building
exterior walls within 3000 mm horizontally of a
nonrated wall or unprotected opening shall have a
fire-resistance rating of not less than 1 hour.
Openings within such exterior walls shall be
protected by opening protectives having a fire
protection rating of not less than 3/4 hour. This
construction shall extend vertically from the ground
to a point 3000 mm above the topmost landing of
the stairway or ramp, or to the roof line, whichever
is lower.
SECTION 1026 HORIZONTAL EXITS
SECTION 1027 EXTERIOR EXIT SECTION 1030 EMERGENCY ESCAPE 1030.2 Minimum size. Emergency escape and rescue
STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS AND RESCUE openings shall have a minimum net clear opening of 0.53 m2.
1030.1 General. In addition to the means of egress required
1027.2 Use in a means of egress. by this chapter, provisions shall be made for emergency 1030.2.1 Minimum dimensions. The
For occupancies in other than Group escape and rescue openings in Group R-2 occupancies in minimum net clear opening height dimension shall
I-2, exterior exit stairways and ramps shall be accordance with Tables 1006.3.2(1) and 1006.3.2(2) and be 600 mm. The minimum net clear opening width
permitted as an element of a required means of Group R-3 occupancies. Basements and sleeping rooms dimension shall be 500 mm. The net clear opening
egress for buildings not exceeding six stories above below the fourth story above grade plane shall have at least
grade plane or that are not high-rise buildings. 1030.3 Maximum height from floor. Emergency
one exterior emergency escape and rescue opening in
escape and rescue openings shall have the bottom
1027.3 Open side. Exterior exit stairways and accordance with this section. Where basements contain one
of the clear opening not greater than 1100 mm
ramps serving as an element of a required means of or more sleeping rooms, emergency escape and rescue
measured from the floor.
egress shall be open on not less than one side, openings shall be required in each sleeping room, but shall
except for required structural columns, beams, not be required in adjoining areas of the basement. Such
handrails and guards. An open side shall have not openings shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or
less than 3.3 m2 of aggregate open area adjacent to court that opens to a public way.
each floor level and the level of each intermediate
Because so many fire deaths occur as the result of
landing. The required open area shall be located not
occupants of residential buildings being asleep at the time
less than 1050 mm above the adjacent floor or
of a fire, the IBC selectively requires that basements and all
landing level.
sleeping rooms below the fourth story have windows or
doors that may be used for emergency escape or rescue.

Group R-2 occupancies. Where at least two exits, or access

to at least two exits, are provided on each story of a Group
R-2 building, then the provisions of Tables 1006.3.2(1) and
1006.3.2(2) are not applicable. Therefore, the provisions of
Section 1030 addressing emergency escape and rescue
openings also do not apply. However, where the allowances
of Table 1006.3.2(1) or 1006.3.2(2) permitting a single
means of egress are used, then the Group R-2 dwelling units
must be provided with complying emergency escape and
rescue openings. In those situations where, in multistory
buildings, one or more stories may have access to two or
more means of egress and there are other stories with
access to only one exit, the requirements of this section
would only be applied to those stories with access to just
one exit.
CHAPTER 11 ACCESSIBILITY

1104.1 Site arrival points. At least one

accessible route within the site shall be
provided from public transportation stops,
accessible parking, accessible passenger
loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks
to the accessible building entrance served.
1104.2 Within a site. At least one accessible
route shall connect accessible buildings,
accessible facilities, accessible elements and
accessible spaces that are on the same site.

1104.3 Connected spaces. When a building or

portion of a building is required to be
accessible, at least one accessible route shall be
provided to each portion of the building, to
accessible building entrances connecting
accessible pedestrian walkways and to the
public way.

SECTION 1106 PARKING AND PASSENGER LOADING FACILITIES

1. In Group R-2, R-3 and R-4 occupancies that are required to have Accessible, Type A or Type B
dwelling units or sleeping units, at least 2 percent, but not less than one, of each type of parking
space provided shall be accessible.
1106.6 Location. Accessible parking spaces
shall be located on the shortest accessible route
of travel from adjacent parking to an accessible
building entrance.
 SECTION 1206 YARDS OR COURTS
CHAPTER 12 INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
1206.2 Yards. Yards shall be not less than 900 mm in width for buildings two stories or less above
1203.5.1 Ventilation area required. The openable area of the openings to
grade plane. For buildings more than two stories above grade plane, the minimum width of the
the outdoors shall be not less than 4 percent of the floor area being
yard shall be increased at the rate of 300 mm for each additional story. For buildings exceeding
ventilated.
14 stories above grade plane, the required width of the yard shall be computed on the basis of 14
1203.5.2.1 Bathrooms. Rooms containing bathtubs, showers, spas and stories above grade plane.
similar bathing fixtures shall be mechanically ventilated in accordance
with SBC 501.
1206.3 Courts. Courts shall be not less than 900 mm in width. Courts having windows opening
1205.2 Natural light. The minimum net glazed area shall be not less on opposite sides shall be not less than 1800 mm in width. Courts shall be not less than 3000 mm
than 8 percent of the floor area of the room served. in length unless bounded on one end by a public way or yard. For buildings more than two stories
above grade plane, the court shall be increased 300 mm in width and 600 mm in length for each
1205.2.1 Adjoining spaces. For the purpose of natural lighting, any
additional story. For buildings exceeding 14 stories above grade plane, the required dimensions
room is permitted to be considered as a portion of an adjoining room
shall be computed on the basis of 14 stories above grade plane.
where one-half of the area of the common wall is open and
unobstructed and provides an opening of not less than one-tenth of the
floor area of the interior room or 2.3 m2, whichever is greater
SECTION 1208 INTERIOR SPACE DIMENSIONS 1208.2.1 Furred ceiling. Any room with a 3002.4 Elevator car to accommodate
furred ceiling shall be required to have the ambulance stretcher. Where elevators are provided in buildings four
1208.1 Minimum room widths. Habitable minimum ceiling height in two-thirds of the area or more stories above, or four or more stories below, grade plane, not
spaces, other than a kitchen, shall be not less than thereof, but in no case shall the height of the furred fewer than one elevator shall be provided for fire department
2100 mm in any plan dimension. Kitchens shall ceiling be less than 2100 mm. emergency access to all floors. The elevator car shall be of such a
have a clear passageway of not less than 900 mm size and arrangement to accommodate an ambulance stretcher 600 mm
between counter fronts and appliances or counter 1208.3 Room area. Every dwelling unit shall have
by 2100 mm with not less than 125 mm radius corners
fronts and walls. no fewer than one room that shall have not less than
1208.2 Minimum ceiling heights. Occupiable 11.2 m2 of net floor area. Other habitable rooms
spaces, habitable spaces and corridors shall have a shall have a net floor area of not less than 6.5 m2.
ceiling height of not less than 2250 mm. Bathrooms, Exception: Kitchens are not required to be of a
minimum floor area.
toilet rooms, kitchens, storage rooms and laundry
rooms shall have a ceiling height of not less than
SECTION 1210 TOILET AND BATHROOM
2100 mm.
REQUIREMENTS
Exceptions:
1. In one- and two-family dwellings, beams or girders 1210.2.3 Showers. Shower compartments
spaced not less than 1200 mm on center shall be and walls above bathtubs with installed shower
permitted to project not more than 150 mm below the heads shall be finished with a smooth, nonabsorbent
required ceiling height. surface to a height not less than 1800 mm above the
4. Corridors contained within a dwelling unit or sleeping drain inlet.
unit in a Group R occupancy shall have a ceiling height 1210.2.4 Waterproof joints. Built-in tubs
of not less than 2100 mm. with showers shall have waterproof joints between
the tub and adjacent wall.