BC Update: No. 90 - Changes to Compliance Documents on fire, warning systems and ventilation

The Department has made minor changes to Compliance Documents for Building Code Clauses C (Fire), F7 (Warning Systems) and G4 (Ventilation).

Type 5 fire alarms (instead of Type 4) will now be required in certain new buildings with sleeping accommodation, such as residential apartments and hotels.

Type 5 fire alarms sound in a single area first, without triggering an immediate evacuation of the entire building.  This will help make false evacuations less common by allowing residents of individual units to deal with the cause of the alarm (for example, from burnt toast). 

The Department has also made further, minor technical amendments to fire-related Compliance Documents.

The Compliance Document for Clause G4 (Ventilation) has been changed to improve natural and mechanical ventilation in apartments with only one external wall by removing the requirement for specific ventilation design and including a natural ventilation design and a combination natural and mechanical ventilation design, which compliment the existing mechanical ventilation option.  As a result, such apartments will be healthier and better ventilated.

Full details of the changes are available on the Department’s website.  The changes take effect on 1 November 2008.