BUILDING CODE PRESENTATION
Wendy Morrison, AScT, BCQ
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Fire Science and Engineering
950 – 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
June 3, 2015
Phone 604 689 4449
Fax 604 689 4419
1
This presentation is conceptual and for educational
purposes only. GHL takes no responsibility for application of
any concepts or interpretations in this presentation to
specific projects unless specifically retained for that project.
This presentation is intended to be presented by GHL and
these slides must not be considered complete or
exhaustive.
This presentation is a copyright of GHL Consultants Ltd and
all rights are reserved.
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Copyright and Limitations
2

To know and understand the Code.

To know and understand the fire science behind the
Code.

To assist in correct application of the Code.

To develop new solutions based on fire science to
enable creative safe buildings.

To understand the needs of the client and of the
Authorities and first responders.
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GHL’s Role
3

7 Engineers, 4 with Master’s degrees in fire science.

4 Certified Professionals (CPs).

1 Architect.

2 former Building Officials.

3 Building Code Qualified (BCQ).

1 Architectural Technologist.
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GHL Team
4

CP Committee (David Graham)

APEG Building Code Committee (John Buscemi)

BC Appeal Board (Frankie Victor)

City Vancouver Appeal Board (Teddy Lai)

BC Building Code Interpretation Committee (Teddy Lai)
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Building Code Committee Work
5
It is a consensus document:





It regulates construction of buildings.
Traditionally written by NRCC.
The province adopts it on the public’s behalf.
Code measures are public interest decisions.
VBBL 2014 based on BCBC 2012.
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What is a
Building Code?
6
Buildings are subject to risks:
 Code compliance ≠ no risk.
 Code compliance = risks at acceptable level.
Failure will occur:
 Limit it to an acceptable level.
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Code Approach To Risks
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Objective Based Code
Prescriptive


Code says how you must do it.
Exception is an equivalency.
Objective



Establishes function and objectives.
Prescriptive requirement is only 1 option (acceptable solution).
An alternative solution may be proposed provided it satisfies the
level of performance attributed to the acceptable solution.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
2006 and 2012 Codes are objective‐based rather than prescriptive
based ‐ a fundamental change from previous editions.
8
Alternative Solutions
Compliance with the Code shall be achieved by:
a) Complying with the applicable acceptable solutions in
Division B;
OR
b) Using alternative solutions that will achieve at least the
minimum level of performance required by Division B in
the areas defined by the objectives and functional
statements attributed to the applicable acceptable
solutions.
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Article 1.2.1.1 9
Acceptable Solutions
Article 1.1.1.1. Application of this Code
1)
This Code applies to any one or more of the following:
o) the alteration, rehabilitation and change of occupancy of heritage buildings. 5)
The Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings in Table A‐1.1.1.2.(1) in Appendix A may be substituted for requirements contained elsewhere in this Code.
Article 1.1.1.2. Application to Existing Buildings
1)
Where a building is altered, rehabilitated, renovated or repaired, or there is a change in occupancy, the level of life safety and building performance shall not be decreased below a level that already exists. (See Appendix A.)
Appendix A, Article 1.1.1.2. Application of this Code
The use of the Alternate Compliance Methods in Table A‐1.1.1.2.(1) is not mandatory, and an owner may choose:
•
to apply acceptable solutions in Division B,
•
to apply alternate solutions under Clause 1.2.1.1.( 1)(b), •
to apply alternate compliance methods in Table A‐1.1.1.2., or •
to combine these options. GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
DIVISION A, PART 1, SUBSECTION 1.1.1. APPLICATION OF THIS CODE
10
No.
1
Table A‐1.1.1.2.(1)
Alternate Compliance Methods for Heritage Buildings
Code Requirement in Division B
Alternate Compliance Method
Fire Separations
Except for F1 occupancies, 1 h fire separation is Sentence 3.1.3.1.(1) and Table 3.1.3.1. acceptable, provided the building is sprinklered. of Division B, Subsection 9.10.9. of Division B
2 h fire separation required between some major occupancies. GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Acceptable Solutions
11
Part 9
Small buildings:


≤ 3 storeys in height
≤ 600m² building area
building area = greatest horizontal area above grade, e.g. footprint or shadow cast.

Excludes assembly (Group A), care/treatment/detention (Group B), high hazard industrial (Group F‐1) occupancies.

Generally unsprinklered by Code.
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
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> 600m² building area and/or 3 storeys in building height.

All occupancies including assembly (Group A) and care/treatment/detention (Group B).

Generally, sprinkler systems required by Code.
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Part 3
13
Occupancies (3.1.2, 3.1.3)
GROUP A
Assembly GROUP B
GROUP C
GROUP D
GROUP E
GROUP F
Care/Detention Division 1 = jail
Division 2 = hospital
Division 3 = care facility
Residential = dwelling, hotel
Business and Personal Service = office, doctor/dentist, barber, bank, yoga/ fitness studio
Mercantile/Retail = stores, shops, showrooms
Industrial Division 1 = Heavy
Division 2 = Medium
Division 3 = Light
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Division 1 = theatre
Division 2 = restaurant, pub, daycare, yoga/fitness studio
Division 3 = arena
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See descriptions at Division B, A‐3.1.2.1.(1)





Occupancy based on type ‐ Group A, B, C, D, etc.
Occupancy may include multiple suites of same type.
Occupancies must be separated per Article 3.1.3.1.
Occupancy fire separations will vary ‐ 0h to 2h fire.
Suite separations will apply in addition to occupancy separations.
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Major Occupancy vs Suite
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


Suite based on tenancy.
Within one suite, may be various ancillary occupancies.
Ancillary occupancies must be under the care and control of the same tenant.
[e.g. gift shop in hospital; amenity room in residential; Starbucks in Chapters ‐‐ See Appendix A, A‐1.4.1.2.(1) Suite].

Suite fire separations per Article 3.3.1.1.
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Major Occupancy vs Suite
16
Ancillary Occupancies
Office
Midas Muffler
Office
Office
Hotel Suites
Office
Hotel Suites
Office
Hotel Suites
Office
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Office
Office
Lounge Pool
Spa
Fitness
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Apartment
C
Auto Body
Shop
Nightclub
F1
A2
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Occupancy Prohibitions
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Part A BCBC 2012: Overview of Relevant / Key Changes to Division B, Part 3, BCBC 2006 and and Subsequent Revisions to BCBC 2012 Part B
BCBC 2012: Select issues from Section 3.8 "Building Requirements for Persons with Disabilities"
Part C
BCBC 2012: Provisions for Combustible Interior Finish
Part D Summary
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TOPICS
19
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
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ERRATA AND
REVISIONS
20
http://www.bccodes.ca/default.aspx?vid=QPLEGALEZE:bccodes_2012_view
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
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ERRATA AND
REVISIONS
21
http://www.bccodes.ca/errata‐and‐revisions.aspx?vid=QPLEGALEZE:bccodes_2012_view
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
Distillery / Distilled Beverage Alcohol

process plant where distilled beverage alcohols are produced, concentrated, or processed with facilities where concentrated products are blended, mixed, stored or packaged. 
beverage alcohol is produced by fermentation and contains more than 20% by volume of water‐miscible alcohol.
These definitions were added to clarify that breweries and wineries are not high hazard industrial occupancies.
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DEFINITIONS IN DIVISION A, SENTENCE 1.4.1.2.(1)
22
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

a material, component or system that restricts the spread of fire (within a concealed space or from a concealed space to an adjacent space).
Fire blocks are typically provided to isolate concealed spaces. GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Fire Block
23
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

a system consisting of elements used to fill gaps between fire separations, between fire separations and other assemblies, or at penetrations of fire separations.
Fire stops typically provided at penetrations. GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Fire Stop
24
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Assembly occupancy suite with occupant load less than 30 can be considered Group D use.

Unsprinklered building = 1h fire separation from remainder of building.

Sprinklered building = 0h fire separation.
Impact on approach to calculating occupant load and number of water closets required – e.g. coffee shop, yoga studio.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Article 3.1.2.6 ‐ Group A Division 2, Low Occupant Load
25
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3
Based on accepted change to NBC 2015 (not yet adopted) to address current interpretation of Article 3.1.5.12.(7) –
Factory Assembled Panels with Foamed Plastic Insulation. GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Anticipated change in next edition of BCBC.
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BCBC 2012: Part 3

Article 3.1.5.12.(7) ‐ use of factory assembled non‐
loadbearing interior wall or ceiling panels containing foamed plastic insulation

Prohibits use of panels in noncombustible buildings with Group A‐2, B, or C major occupancy.

Effectively bans use of walk in cooler and freezer if AHJ interprets these to be building components rather than fixtures.
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A.
27
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3
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Wording of change to NBC 2015 – testing of fixture to specific
standard necessary
28
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Sentences 3 and 4 added.

Addresses confusion with openings when fire resistance rating provided through membrane only and reliance on Appendix D.

Use of 2 specific rated assemblies from Part 9 table A‐
9.10.3.1.B permitted – assembly consists of membrane and supporting members.

Penetrations to be addressed as per Subsection 3.1.9.
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Article 3.1.7.1.
29
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
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Table A‐9.10.3.1.B
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A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Added provisions for Elevator Vestibules (when vestibules are required by the Code – e.g. multi‐storey interconnected floor spaces 3.2.8.5.).

New provisions for flame spread rating and smoke developed classification limits within elevator cars – e.g. FSR 75/SDC 450 at walls and ceilings; FSR 300/SDC 450 at floors.
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Table 3.1.13.7 – Combustible Interior Finish in High Buildings
31
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
Sentence ‐ 3.2.4.9.(2) – Fire Alarm Annunciator and Zone Identification

Added separate zone requirement for fire extinguishing system required by NFPA 96 (commercial kitchens).
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A.
32
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Clarifies that pull stations required at exits only not at every door that leads to the exterior from a floor area.
Clause (e) "every other egress facility that has been designed and identified as an exit and has all the features of a required exit"
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Sentence 3.2.4.17.(1) – Manual Pull Stations
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A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

When 2 egress doorways are required to serve a room or suite (e.g. Group D suite >200m2) the egress doors must be separated by a distance = at least 1/3 of the greatest diagonal of the room or suite.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Sentence 3.3.1.5.(2) – Egress Doorways
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A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

The distance between egress doors is to be measured on a path that smoke would move

Fire separations (floor to underside of floor slab above) can be used to increase this distance.
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Sentence 3.3.1.5.(2) – Egress Doorways
35
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
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Sentence 3.3.1.5.(2) – Egress Doorways
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A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3
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Requirement for exit doors to be separated by a distance of at least 1/2 the greatest diagonal of the floor area (min 9m) remains – Article 3.4.2.3
37
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3
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Alternately max distance between exits 9m if public corridor provided – Article 3.4.2.3
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A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Confirms that daycare facilities are assembly occupancy, Group A, Division 2, and not Group B treatment or care occupancy.

Provides specific building or suite design criteria if daycare facility accommodates children under the age of 30 months.
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Article 3.3.2.16 – Daycare Facilities
39
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

BCBC now includes provisions for floor areas used for the storage, handling, use, and processing of dangerous goods, including flammable and combustible liquids.

Relies on Fire Code to determine classification of substances to apply provisions in Subsection 3.3.6.
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Subsection 3.3.6 ‐ Design of Hazardous Areas
40
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Minimum headroom in exits reduced to 2050mm from 2100mm.

Measured from the tread surface or landing nosing to closest point above.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Article 3.4.3.4 – Headroom Clearance
41
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Green Running Man now the Code requirement.

Provisions for photo luminescent signs.
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Subsection 3.4.5 – Exit Signs
42
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

In existing buildings, use of red signs typically recommended to maintain continuity throughout building

If the proposed scope of work is such that it is practical to replace all exit signs within a building, upgrade to green signs may be requested by AHJ.
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Subsection 3.4.5 – Exit Signs
43
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Landing not required at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp when there is no gate, door, or fixed obstruction within 1100mm or a distance equal to the width of the stair or ramp.
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Sentence 3.4.6.3.(3) – Landing may not be required at exterior stair
44
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Height of handrails may be more than 965mm at landings; maximum height at landings 1070mm
This change allows for better detailing of continuous handrails landings between flights.
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Sentence 3.4.6.5.(7) – Handrails
45
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes
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Sentence 3.4.6.5.(7)
Handrails
46
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Waterless Urinals permitted in buildings with a water supply – Sentence 3.7.2.1.(2).
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Subsection 3.7.2 – Plumbing Facilities
47
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3

Sentence 3.7.2.2.(4) ONLY applies if design includes 1 universal toilet room

If multiple universal toilet rooms provided, Sentence (4) is not applicable.
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Subsection 3.7.2 – Plumbing Facilities
48
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3
1 Universal Toilet Room = 10 occupants
90 occupants divided – 45 male, 45 female
Group A‐2 = 1 male WC and 2 female WCs
Total fixtures = 4
2 Universal Toilet Rooms
100 occupants divided – 50 male, 50 female
Group A‐2 = 1 male WC and 2 female WCs
Total fixtures = 3
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Occupant Load = 100
49
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Sentences 3.7.2.10.(10) (11) Accessible Baths and Showers include changes to grab bar design Among other changes, now specifically refer to “L‐shaped” grab bars.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Subsection 3.7.2 – Plumbing Facilities
50
A.
BCBC 2012: Part 3 Changes

Clarifies that accessible design only required at counters which serve the public and are intended as a work surface for extended business transactions.
e.g. Insurance agencies, hospital admitting desks.
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Article 3.8.3.18 – Counters
51
BCBC 2012: Resources

Province of BC has an Appeal Process: appeal board meets monthly; applications must be submitted 1 month prior to meeting.

Previous Appeals and decisions are available on line. Search by Code reference or topic keyword.

http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/bcab/
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A.
52
BCBC 2012: Resources

BC Building Code Interpretation Committee: members from AIBC, Building Officials Association of BC; Plumbing Officials Association of BC, City of Vancouver, and APEG
meet monthly to review and provide written interpretations to clarify Code.

Application information and previous decisions can be found by indexes on BOABC website under Codes & Regulations tab.

http://www.boabc.org/EN/main/about/120/121/interpret
ations.html
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A.
53
BCBC 2012: Resources

GHL Website.

Library Tab: presentations, technical, illustrations, newsletter

Topic specific information

Links to other sites.

http://www.ghl.ca/library.html
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A.
54
BCBC 2012: Resources
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A.
55
B.
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access

Applies to new buildings

Applies to all storeys of new construction and new construction portions (additions).
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Article 3.8.2.1 ‐ Subsection 3.8.2:
56
B.
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access

Subsection 3.8.2 does not need to be applied to Retail shops with retail floor area <50m2.

Subsection 3.8.2 does not need to be applied to Group C occupancies except as described in Article 3.8.2.27.
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Article 3.8.2.1 ‐ Subsection 3.8.2 ‐ Exemptions:
57
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access
Article 3.8.2.1 ‐ Subsection 3.8.2 not applicable at storeys above or below accessible storey in 2 storey building or suite, if:

exempt storey <600m2.

exempt storey does not include facilities integral to the principal function of the accessible storey.

exempt storey does not contain an assembly occupancy >100m2.
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B.
58
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access
Sentence 3.8.2.3.(1) ‐ General requirements for all applicable buildings:

Access from street (and off street parking) to main entrance.

Access to all areas where work functions can reasonably be expected to be performed by persons with disabilities.
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B.
59
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access
Sentence 3.8.2.3.(1) ‐ General requirements for all applicable buildings:

Access to accessible washrooms.

In unsprinklered buildings, egress per Article 3.8.3.19 options include:

at‐grade exit ramps.

floor area divided into 2 zones.

residential balcony.
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B.
60
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access
Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2) ‐ General requirements for all applicable buildings:

At least one Universal Toilet Room in each building (if location of UTR such that not available to all suites; provide UTR to serve cut‐off suites).
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B.
61
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access
Sentence 3.8.2.3.(2) ‐ General requirements for all applicable buildings:

If building or suite occupant load >150, other public washrooms within building or suite to include at least 1 of each type of fixture provided designed to be accessible.
e.g. sink, toilet, urinal, hand dryer, mirror, etc.
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B.
62
BCBC 2012: Disabled Access

Apply use and occupancy specific requirements per Articles 3.8.2.4 through 3.8.2.39.

In some cases, use and occupancy specific requirements waive general requirements in Article 3.8.2.3.

Example – see Article 3.8.2.17 Schools and Colleges (Sentence 3.8.2.3.(1) waived).

Example – see Article 3.8.2.24 Jails (accessibility waived except at main entry and visitor areas).
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B.
63
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

Construction (combustible / noncombustible).

High building / sprinklered.

Determine what is permitted.

Determine what flame spread ratings are required.
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C.
64
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

Heavy Timber = COMBUSTIBLE.

Fire Retardant Treated Wood = COMBUSTIBLE. 
Wood generally flame spread rating (FSR) 150.

Fire Retardant Treated Wood generally FSR 25.

Fire Retardant Treated Wood CAN/CSA‐080
(see Article 3.1.4.5).
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C.
65
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

Combustible interior wall and ceiling finish permitted.

No restrictions on thickness or percentage.

Foamed plastic to be protected (see Article 3.1.4.2).

Flame spread ratings per Subsection 3.1.13.
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Combustible construction – Subsection 3.1.4
66
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

Combustible blocking and nailing elements OK.

Combustible millwork OK (described in Article 3.1.5.7).

Combustible flooring OK.

Combustible raised flooring OK (described in Article 3.1.5.8).

Flame spread ratings per Subsection 3.1.13.
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Noncombustible construction – Subsection 3.1.5
67
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

Combustible interior wall and ceiling finish OK.

Cannot exceed 25mm thickness.

Cannot exceed FSR 150 at walls (see Sentence 3.1.5.10.(2)).

Cannot exceed FSR 25 at ceilings (see Sentence 3.1.5.10.(3)).

Further flame spread ratings per Subsection 3.1.13.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Noncombustible construction – Subsection 3.1.5
68
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
Defined as any material that forms part of the interior
surface of a floor, wall, partition, or ceiling

Doors.

Windows.

Trim.

Lighting elements at ceiling finish (light diffusers / lenses; may apply to fixtures if flush with ceiling).

Carpet intended as the finished floor.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Interior Finish – Subsection 3.1.13
69
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish

FSR determined per testing to CAN/ULC‐S102.

FSR determined per Appendix D listings (see D‐3.1).

Paint/wallpaper over wood = FSR 150.

Paint/wallpaper over gwb = FSR 25.
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Flame Spread Ratings – Subsection 3.1.12
70
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
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C.
71
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
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C.
72
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
Sprinklered Buildings:

Walls = FSR 150.

Ceilings = FSR 150.
Sentence 3.1.5.10.(3) at noncombustible construction.

Light Diffusers = FSR 250.
(when tested as described in Article 3.1.13.4)
Group A‐1 Light Diffusers = FSR 150.
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Flame Spread Ratings – Subsection 3.1.13
73
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
Flame Spread Ratings – Subsection 3.1.13

Walls = FSR 150.
Group A‐1 and Group B walls = FSR 75.

Ceilings = FSR 150.
Group A‐1 and Group B ceilings = FSR 75.
Sentence 3.1.5.10.(3) at noncombustible construction.

Light Diffusers = FSR 250.
(when tested as described in Article 3.1.13.4)
Group A‐1 Light Diffusers = FSR 75.
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Unsprinklered Buildings:
74
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
All Buildings:

Exits = FSR 25.
Up to 10% of wall or ceiling area may be FSR 150.

Exit lobbies = FSR 25.
Up to 10% of ceiling area may be FSR 150.
Up to 25% of wall area may be FSR 150.

Doors = FSR 200 .
Group A‐1 doors = FSR 150.
Doors within dwelling units N/A.

Bathrooms in dwelling units = FSR 200.
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Flame Spread Ratings – Subsection 3.1.13
75
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
Sprinklered Building:

Applies only at Group B major occupancy.

Applies in Elevator Cars.

Limits FSR of floor surface.

Adds Smoke Developed Classification to wall, ceiling, floor finish (testing to CAN/ULC‐S102).

See Table 3.1.13.7.
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Article 3.1.13.7 – High Buildings
76
C.
BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
Unsprinklered Building:

Applies to buildings under Subsection 3.2.6.

Limits interior finish ratings at walls, ceilings, floors, elevator cars, and elevator vestibules

Adds Smoke Developed Classification through testing to CAN/ULC‐S102.

See Table 3.1.13.7
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Article 3.1.13.7 – High Buildings
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BCBC 2012:
Combustible Interior Finish
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
C.
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Summary - BCBC

Maintain Code with updates – revisions and errata –
to stay abreast with Code changes as they occur.

Province plans to issue updates annually ‐ December 20 of every year.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
D.
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Summary - BCBC

Use available resources in support of your interpretation of the Code.

Request a formal interpretation of a disputed code item.

BC Building Code Interpretation Committee –
interpretations not binding, may not be accepted by AHJ.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
D.
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Summary - BCBC

A previous BC Appeal Board decision which addresses your dispute will generally be accepted; Appeals are binding.

Request a formal Appeal of code dispute with an AHJ
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
D.
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Summary - BCBC

Accessibility to be provided to new construction as described in Subsection 3.8.2 – may be waived depending on size and occupancy.

Accessible design criteria as described in Subsection 3.8.3.

Additional requirements found in Sentences 3.3.1.13.(10) for doors and 3.3.1.13.(12) for vestibules.
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
D.
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Questions?
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GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
950 – 409 Granville Street
Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2
Phone 604 689 4449 Fax 604 689 4419
Web www.ghl.ca
Email [email protected]
GHL CONSULTANTS LTD
Thank you
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