Occupancy Types Major/Minor
Building Construction , Materials, and Structural Systems
Flame Spread Rating and Textile Flammability
Fire Alarm Systems
Sprinkler Systems
100

An eight storey apartment building with mercantile on the first storey

Major: Group C 

Minor: Group E 

100

These loads consist of items in a fixed location and include the weight of building components. 

Dead Load

100

According to the Ontario Fire Code, this is the frequency in which flame retardant treatments shall be renewed 

As often as necessary to ensure they pass the match flame test in NFPA 705

100

This is the installation standard for fire alarm systems 

CAN ULC S524
100

This is the number of spare heads required for a system with 300 sprinkler heads 

6

200

A retirement home with a hair salon

Group B Div 2 

(hair salon supports the primary use of the building therefore it is the same occupancy classification) 

200

These structures are supported by the pressurization of the entire surface inside a membrane which can flex and absorb some stresses from seismic and wind forces

Air supported structure. 

200

Drapes, curtains, netting, and other similar or decorative materials, including textiles and films used in buildings shall meet the requirements of what standard when used in B occupancies, exits, and open floor areas greater than 1500m2 in D,E, or F occupancies. 

CAN/ULC S109

200

This is the standard for the inspection and testing of fire alarm systems

CAN ULC S536


200

This is the name of the signage installed on the riser which indicates design criteria for the most demanding/remote area 

Hydraulic placard

300

A 12 storey TD Bank Head Office with underground parking for employees

Type D (parking is an accessory use as it is used only by building occupants) 

300

This is the name of the plates which support masonry 

Thrust plates

300

This type of paint expands upon exposure to heat to create a thick, puffy coating that insulates the surface beneath the wood 

Intumescent paint  

300

The OBC requires this type of panel to be installed on a building face in large building, buildings with a contained or impeded use 

Annunciator panel 

300

This type of sprinkler test is useful for detecting impairments such as closed valves. obstructions, or gradual deterioration in the water supply

Main drain test

400

A restaurant with an occupant load of 30

Group E 

400

This type of construction uses a series of vertical elements (posts) to support horizontal elements (beams) that are subject to transverse loads. The distinct characteristic is the spacing of the vertical elements and cross sectional dimension of the members. 

Heavy Timber

400

This is the name of the device/test which produces a numerical evaluation of the flammability of interior materials which is known as the flame spread rating and smoke development index.

The Steiner Tunnel Test
400

What is the Ontario Fire Code requirement to maintain a Fire Alarm System? 

DIV B Article 6.3.1.4. Fire alarm and voice communication systems shall be maintained in operating condition.

400

Dry pipe valves on sprinkler systems must be trip tested 

Annually with control valve partially open

500

A 2 storey grocery store with a dry cleaner on the first storey.  

Major: Group E

Minor: Group F Div 1 

500

This type of construction design allows for a wide variety of shapes and does not develop its design strength until after it has been placed where it will be cured and used. 

Cast in place 

500

This type of wood is used as the standard, and has a rating of 100 for smoke

Red Oak 

500

According to the OBC, these are instances where a fire alarm system is required (must provide min 3)

OBC Div B. Article 3.2.4.1 — Determination of Requirement for a Fire Alarm System

(1) Except as permitted in Sentences (2) and (3), a fire alarm system shall be installed in buildings in which an automatic sprinkler system is installed.

(2) Buildings in which a sprinkler system is installed in accordance with NFPA 13D, "Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes," need not comply with Sentence (1).

(3) Buildings that contain fewer than 9 sprinklers conforming to Sentence 3.2.5.12. (4) need not comply with Sentence (1).

(4) Except as permitted by Sentences (5), (6) and 3.2.4.2. (4), a fire alarm system shall be installed in a building that is not sprinklered throughout and that contains

(a) a contained use area,

(b) an impeded egress zone,

(c) more than 3 storeys, including storeys below the first storey,

(d) a total occupant load more than 300, other than in open air seating areas,

(e) an occupant load more than 150 above or below the first storey, other than in open air seating areas,

(f) a school, college or child care facility, including a day care facility, with an occupant load more than 40,

(g) a licensed beverage establishment or a licenced restaurant, with an occupant load more than 150,

(h) a low-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,

(i ) a medium-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 75 above or below the first storey,

(j) a residential occupancy with sleeping accommodation for more than 10 persons,

(k) a high-hazard industrial occupancy with an occupant load more than 25,

(l) an occupant load more than 300 below an open air seating area,

(m) a care and treatment occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care or treatment, or

(n) a care occupancy for more than 10 persons receiving care.

500

These are types of valves which control sprinkler systems

Post Indicator Valve (PIV) 

Outside Stem and Yoke (OS&Y)

Wall Post Indicator Valve (WPIV)

Butterfly Valve