BCAB #1120 - Walton Elementary School, Coquitlam

January 23, 1990

BCAB #1120

Re: Walton Elementary School, Coquitlam

With reference to your letter of December 22, 1989, regarding a fire separation between a classroom and furnace room.

The question under review appears to relate entirely to the interpretation of Sentence 3.5.2.1.(4), and conformance with Clause 3.5.2.1.(4)(a) is already accepted by the authority having jurisdiction. In the first part of the Sentence the words "separation is not necessary and the appliance", are used, we take this to mean that both conditions apply. The second condition is fulfilled, as indicated earlier, leaving only the necessity, or otherwise, of the separation to be established.

We consider the necessity of the separation to be a feature required by the particular type of appliance involved rather than a purely judgmental decision by the authority. For this purpose the provisions of the gas regulations should apply to the installation. Unless these regulations, and their referenced standards, contain a requirement for some form of enclosure or separation, then we would accept that one is not required under the Building Code.

You may wish to discuss with the Building Inspector what additional information is required to satisfy his objection, now that he is in receipt of a copy of Quadra Pacific Consultants letter to you of November 2, 1989.

J.C. Currie, Chairman