BCAB #1892

August 18, 2022

Re:  Fire Extinguishing Systems for a Distillery

Project Description:

The proposed project is a one storey building of combustible construction, approximately 140m2 in building area and is not sprinklered. The building will be used as a distillery and has been classified as Group F, Division 1 occupancy, and will be constructed under Article 3.2.2.73 of the BC Building Code.

Applicable Code requirements:

3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems (BCBC 2018)

1) In addition to other requirements in this Code for the installation of automatic fire extinguishing systems, an appropriate fire extinguishing system shall be installed in every industrial occupancy floor area to provide protection if required by

a) provincial regulations or municipal bylaws, or

b) the British Columbia Fire Code, in the absence of the regulations or bylaws referred to in Clause (a).

3.2.5.8. Standpipe Systems

1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2), a standpipe system shall be installed in a building that is

a) more than 3 storeys in building height,

b) more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey,  or

c) not more than 14 m high measured between grade and the ceiling of the top storey    but has a building area exceeding the area shown in Table 3.2.5.8. for the applicable  building height unless the building is sprinklered throughout.

 

Table 3.2.5.8.

Building Limits without Standpipe Systems

Forming Part of Sentence 3.2.5.8.(1)

Occupancy Classification	Building Area, m2
	1 storey	2 storeys	3 storeys
Group A	2 500	2 000	1 500
Group C	2 000	1 500	1 000
Group D	4 000	3 000	2 000
Group F, Division 2	1 500	1 500	1 000
Group F, Division 3	3 000	2 000	1 000

 

2.1.3.1. Fire Alarm, Standpipe and Sprinkler Systems

1) Except as otherwise provided in this Code, fire alarm, standpipe and sprinkler systems shall be provided in buildings when required by Article 1.1.1.1. of Division A of the British Columbia Building Code. (See Note A-2.1.3.1.(1).)

4.10.8.2. Standpipe and Hose Systems

1) Except as provided in Sentence (2), standpipe and hose systems shall be provided and installed in distilleries in conformance with Article 2.1.3.1.

2) Where a building is sprinklered in conformance with Sentence 2.1.3.1.(1), small hose (38 mm) stations are permitted to be supplied from interior sprinkler piping.

Decision being appealed (local authority’s position)

The local authority has determined the building shall be equipped with a standpipe system as required by Article 4.10.8.2. of the BC Fire Code. The local authority considers this requirement is applicable through direct reference of Article 3.3.5.2. Fire Extinguishing Systems of the BC Building Code.

Appellant's position

The appellant does not consider that the Code(s) require the subject building to be equipped with a standpipe system.

Appeal Board decision #1892

It is the determination of the Board that the subject building is not required to be equipped with a standpipe system.

Reason for decision

• Articles 2.1.3.1. and 4.10.8.2. of the BC Fire Code do not stipulate the requirement for a standpipe system but rather, direct you to the BC Building Code.
• Bulletin 18-07 (a joint bulletin of Office of the Fire Commissioner and the Building and Safety Standards Branch) indirectly indicates it is the BC Building Code that determines when a standpipe system is required in a building of new construction.
• As there is no entry for F1 High Hazard Industrial occupancy in Table 3.2.5.8. (which forms part of Sentence 3.2.5.8.(1)), the Board interprets this to be that no standpipe system is required for a F1 occupancy which is not sprinklered. The Code limits a F1 occupancy which is not sprinklered to one storey with a maximum area of 800 m2. This is more restrictive than previous Codes where F1 occupancy was identified in the Table, and allowed to up to three storeys in building height and 930 m2 in building area.
• A standpipe system serving and located in the floor area where the hazard is located, would generally not be used for fire fighting purposes, particularly in a high hazard industrial occupancy.

Lyle Kuhnert

Chair, Building Code Appeal Board