BCAB #1245 - Fire Separation of Exits

April 22, 1991

BCAB #1245

Re: Fire Separation of Exits

Project Description

An exit stair in an existing hotel. A staff lounge is located adjacent to the exit stair at the lowest level of the building and the path of travel to and from the stair is through the lounge.

Reason for Appeal

The building official has ordered the installation of a wall to fire separate the path of exit travel from the staff lounge.

Appellant's Position

The appellant contends that Clause 3.3.1.3.(3)(c) applies and as the area in question exceeds 5 metres in width no fire separated corridor is needed.

Building Official's Position

The building official maintains that Sentence 3.4.4.2.(5) & (6) apply and the lounge and adjacent service rooms must be separated from the exit by a 2 hour fire separation in conformance with Sentence 3.4.4.1.(1). The building official contends that the wall did exist at one time and was removed to enlarge the staff lounge.

Appeal Board Decision #1245

It is the determination of the Board that Subsection 3.4.4. applies to this case. Clause 3.3.1.3.(3)(c) does not apply because it refers to a public corridor and the area in question is considered an extension of a required exit from the building. The stair discharges to the exterior through the basement level and therefore, an exit corridor in conformance with Sentence 3.4.4.1.(1) must be provided to separate the exit route from the remainder of the basement floor area, including the staff lounge.

In reference to the appellant's request for a relaxation of Code requirements the Board does not have this authority.

George R. Humphrey, Chair