Buiding Codes Bahamas PDF

BAHAMAS BUILDING CODE
Third Edition - 2003
Ministry of Works & Utilities

Government of The Bahamas
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Independence
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Scenes from
The Built Environment
A collection of government buildings throughout New Providence.

Third Edition - 2003
Ministry of Works & Utilities

Government of The Bahamas
All additions and revisions to the previous edition are printed in italics and
bold throughout this edition of The Bahamas Building Code.
All rights reserved.

Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas
THE BAHAMAS BUILDING CODE
THIRD EDITION
MINISTER OF WORKS AND UTILITIES

The Honourable Bradley B. Roberts M.P.
PERMANENT SECRETARY
Anita D. Bernard, BA
ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Colin A. Marshall, BSc(Hons), DipArb, CEng, FICE, FIHT, FCIArb
BUILDINGS CONTROL OFFICER

Craig G. Delancy, BSc., BArch., RA, IBA, AIA
PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER AND EDITOR

John Steer, C.Eng., MICE., MASCE., MBIPE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The contributions of the following are hereby acknowledged, with gratitude:
INDIVIDUALS
Melanie T. Roach • Former Director of Public Works
Craig G. Delancy • Buildings Control Officer
Dwight B. King • Acting Deputy Buildings Control Officer
Scott Blacquiere • Senior Structural Engineer
Racquel Greene • Assistant Engineer
Kevin Cartwright • Assistant Engineer
Basil Cleare • Assistant Buildings Control Officer (E.& E.)
Charlene Laing • Supervisor, Computer Operations
McArthur Fernander • Senior Plumbing Inspector
Florence Darville • Computer Operator II
Thomas Frazer • Draughts-person (Mech. and Elect.)
Prisca Gibbs • Chief Executive Secretary
Marjorie King-Bain • Chief Clerk
Nadine Ellis • Senior Private Secretary
ENTITIES
Department of Physical Planning
Department of Environmental Health Services
Fire Branch, Royal Bahamas Police Force
Bahamas Association for the Physically Disabled
Bahamas Institute of Professional Engineers
Bahamas Society of Engineers
Institute of Bahamian Architects
DTP Services
SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Minister wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Board of County

Commissioners, Miami-Dade County, Florida, for the use of the Florida Build-
ing Code (formerly the South Florida Building Code) in the preparation of
this Code.
THE BAHAMAS BUILDING CODE
THIRD EDITION - 2003
TITLE INDEX
PART I - TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 1 TITLE AND PURPOSE

Paragraph No. Paragraph Title Page No.
101 Title 1-1
102 Purpose 1-1
103 Scope 1-1
104 Application to Existing Buildings 1-1
105 Motion Picture and Television Production Sets 1-3
106 Connected Legislation 1-4
CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS
PART II – ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 3 APPLICATION TO BUILD-NOTICES AND INSPECTIONS

301 General 3-1
302 Application to Build 3-1
303 Presentation of Plans 3-4
304 Alterations to and Extensions of Buildings 3-5
305 Application to Make Alterations to and Extensions
of Buildings 3-5
306 Materials Used for Construction 3-6
307 Plumbing Work and Fittings 3-6
308 Exemptions 3-7
309 Material Change of Use 3-8
310 Fees Payable for Building Permits 3-8
311 Pre-Engineered Buildings 3-8
312 Mandatory Inspections 3-8
313 Taking Samples 3-10
314 Compliance With Code 3-10
315 Notice of Compliance 3-11
316 Notice of Completion 3-11
317 Approved Products 3-11
PART III - REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY
CHAPTER 4 CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

401 General Requirements 4-1
Title Index-1
402 Occupancy Classified 4-1
403 Change in Use 4-2
404 Occupant Content 4-2
405 Adjoining Occupancy 4-2
406 Fire Divisions 4-2
407 Party Walls 4-3
408 Occupancy Separations 4-5
409 Special Hazard Protection 4-6
410 Exit Facilities for Mixed Occupancies 4-7
411 Location on the Property 4-8
412 Sanitation 4-8
413 Ceiling Heights 4-10
414 Allowable Area 4-10
415 Facilities for Physically Handicapped 4-11
CHAPTER 5 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP A OCCUPANCIES

501 Group A Occupancy Defined 5-1
502 Construction, Height and Area Allowable 5-1
503 Location on Property 5-2
504 Exit Facilities 5-3
505 Light and Ventilation 5-7
506 Enclosure of Vertical Openings 5-8
507 Stages, Platforms and Rostrums 5-8
508 Projection Booths 5-12
509 Fire Protection and Hazards 5-14
510 Plumbing and Toilet Facilities 5-14
511 Exceptions and Deviations 5-15
512 Mixed Occupancies 5-15
513 Elevator Lobbies in High Rise Buildings 5-15
514 Minimum Kitchen Sizes for Catering
Establishments 5-15
515 Atriums 5-16
516 Accessibility for The Physically Handicapped 5-17
CHAPTER 6 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP B OCCUPANCIES

601 Group B Occupancy Defined 6-1
608 Motion-Picture Machine Booths 6-4
611 Mixed Occupancy 6-5
Title Index-2
Establishments 6-6
614 Atriums 6-6
CHAPTER 7 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP C OCCUPANCIES

701 Group C Occupancy Defined 7-1
708 Motion-Picture Machine Booths 7-6
711 Exceptions and Deviations 7-7
Establishments 7-7
714 Atriums 7-7
CHAPTER 8 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP D OCCUPANCIES

801 Group D Occupancy Defined 8-1
CHAPTER 9 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP E OCCUPANCIES

901 Group E Occupancy Defined 9-1
Establishments 9-6
Title Index-3
CHAPTER 10 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP F OCCUPANCIES
1001 Group F Occupancy Defined 10-1
Establishments 10-7
1012 Atriums 10-7
CHAPTER 11 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP G OCCUPANCIES

1101 Group G Occupancy Defined 11-1
1109 Mixed Occupancies 11-8
Establishments 11-9
1112 Atriums 11-9
CHAPTER 12 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP H OCCUPANCIES

1201 Group H Occupancy Defined 12-1
CHAPTER 13 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP I OCCUPANCIES

1301 Group I Occupancy Defined 13-1
Title Index-4
1308 Plumbing and Sanitation 13-4
PART IV - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 14 CLASSIFICATION BY TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

1401 Classification 14-1
1402 Existing Buildings 14-2
CHAPTER 15 TYPE I BUILDING (Fire-Resistive)

1501 Definition 15-1
1502 General 15-1
1503 Structural Framework 15-1
1504 Walls and Partitions 15-2
1505 Floors 15-5
1506 Roofs 15-6
1508 Stairways 15-10
1509 Doors and Windows 15-11
1510 Projections From the Building 15-11
1511 Roof Structures and Skylights 15-11
1512 Combustible Materials Regulated 15-12
CHAPTER 16 TYPE II BUILDINGS (Semi-Fire-Resistive)

1602 General 16-1
1605 Floors 16-2
1606 Roofs 16-3
1608 Stairways 16-4
CHAPTER 17 TYPE III BUILDINGS (Ordinary Masonry)

1702 General 17-2
Title Index-5
1705 Floors 17-3
1706 Roofs 17-4
1708 Stairways 17-5
1710 Projections from the Building 17-5
CHAPTER 18 TYPE IV BUILDING (Noncombustible)

1802 General 18-1
1805 Floors 18-2
1806 Roofs 18-2
1808 Projections from the Building 18-3
CHAPTER 19 TYPE V BUILDINGS (Wood Frame)

1902 General 19-1
1904 Floors 19-2
1905 Roofs 19-2
1906 Fireproofing 19-3
1907 Stairways 19-3
PART V - ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 20 DESIGN LOADS

2001 Scope 20-1
2002 Definitions and Standards 20-1
2003 General 20-4
2004 Minimum Loads 20-6
2005 Special Load Considerations 20-7
2006 Load Combinations 20-10
2007 Roof Live Loads 20-11
2008 Live Load Reductions 20-13
2009 Wind Loads 20-16
Title Index-6
2010 Live Loads Posted 20-17
CHAPTER 21 EXCAVATIONS, FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS

2101 Excavations 21-1
2102 Bearing Capacity of Soils 21-2
2103 Soil Bearing Foundations 21-3
2104 Pile Foundations 21-6
2105 Foundation Walls and Grade Beams 21-15
2106 Retaining Walls 21-16
2107 Seawalls, Bulkheads, and Docks 21-17
2108 Materials 21-17
CHAPTER 22 REINFORCED CONCRETE

2201 General 22-1
2202 Standards 22-1
2203 Definitions 22-1
2204 Materials and Tests 22-3
2205 Working Stresses and Quality of Concrete 22-3
2206 Mixing and Placing 22-5
2207 Forms and Details of Construction 22-8
2208 Precast Concrete Floor and Roof Units 22-11
2209 Prestressed Concrete 22-13
2210 Pneumatically Placed Concrete 22-14
CHAPTER 23 STEEL AND IRON

2301 General 23-1
2302 Materials 23-1
2303 Design Loads 23-2
2304 Minimum Thickness of Structural Steel 23-2
2305 Connections and Welding 23-3
2306 Tubular Columns 23-4
2307 Protection of Metal 23-4
2308 Open Web Steel Joists 23-5
2309 Light-Gauge Steel Construction 23-7
CHAPTER 24 WOOD
2401 Design 24-1
2402 Standards 24-1
2404 Quality and Sizes 24-2
2405 Allowable Unit Stresses and Load Tables 24-4
2406 Construction Details 24-9
2407 Heavy Timber Construction 24-23
2408 Protection of Wood 24-25
2409 Fire-Retardant Treated Wood 24-26
2410 Ministry of Works Low Cost Housing Plans 24-27
Title Index-7
CHAPTER 25 ALUMINIUM
2501 General 25-1
2502 Allowable Unit Stresses 25-1
2503 Design 25-6
2505 Fabrication and Erection Details 25-7
2506 Dissimilar Materials 25-8
CHAPTER 26 REINFORCED GYPSUM CONCRETE

2601 Design 26-1
2602 Standards 26-2
2603 Stresses 26-2
2604 Tests 26-2
CHAPTER 27 MASONRY
2701 Design 27-1
2702 Standards 27-1
2704 Quality, Tests and Approvals 27-2
2705 Allowable Unit Stresses in Masonry 27-7
PART VI - DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 28 EXIT FACILITIES AND STAIRS

2801 General 28-1
2802 Required Means of Egress 28-5
2803 Stairways 28-6
2804 Ramps 28-12
2805 Smokeproof Towers 28-12
2806 Horizontal Exits 28-13
2807 Exit Courts and Exit Passageways 28-14
2808 Railings 28-15
2809 Elevators and Escalators 28-16
2810 Aisles and Corridors 28-17
2811 Doors 28-17
2812 Exit Signs and Lights 28-21
2813 Maintenance 28-21
CHAPTER 29 PRECAUTIONS DURING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

2901 General 29-1
2902 Demolition 29-2
2903 Existing Buildings 29-4
Title Index-8
2904 Excavation 29-5
2905 Covered Sidewalks and Hoardings 29-5
2906 Storage of Material 29-6
2907 Platform Hoists 29-6
2908 Hoisting Machinery 29-7
2909 Hoist Towers 29-8
2910 Derricks and Cranes 29-8
2911 Cables, Ropes, Chains and Blocks 29-9
2912 Temporary Flooring 29-9
2913 Floor Openings 29-10
2914 Runways and Ramps 29-10
2915 Temporary Stairways or Ladders 29-11
2916 Ladders 29-11
2917 Scaffolds 29-12
2918 Guard Rails and Toe Boards 29-14
2919 Temporary Light and Power 29-14
2920 Accidents 29-14
2921 Sanitation 29-15
2922 Welding and Cutting 29-15
2923 Open Fires 29-16
2924 Fire Protection 29-16
2925 Special Hurricane Precautions 29-17
2926 Inspection 29-17
CHAPTER 30 ROOF COVERING AND APPLICATION

3001 General 30-1
3002 Guidelines for Roofing Applications 30-10
3003 Cement and Clay Roof Tile 30-22
3004 Metal Shingles 30-25
3005 Wood Shingles and Shakes 30-27
3006 Roof Insulation 30-28
3007 Roofing Accessories 30-30
3008 Roof Mounted Equipment 30-34
CHAPTER 31 CLADDING AND GLAZING

3101 General 31-1
3102 Lathing 31-2
3103 Plaster 31-6
3104 Rendering and Stucco 31-11
3105 Plastics 31-14
3106 Asbestos Cement 31-15
3107 Tile 31-15
3108 Glass and Glazing 31-16
3109 Glass Veneer 31-22
3110 Gypsum Board Products and Accessories 31-23
3111 Suspended and Furred Ceilings 31-25
3112 Other Materials 31-25
3113 Storm Shutters 31-26
Title Index-9
3114 Curtain Walls & Structural Glazing 31-27
PART VII - FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS
CHAPTER 32 FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS

3201 General 32-1
3202 Fire Resistive Materials 32-4
3203 Protection of Structural Members 32-8
3205 Floor-Ceilings or Roof-Ceilings 32-11
3206 Fire Resistive Assemblies for Protection of
Openings 32-13
3207 Fire Retardant Roof Coverings 32-18
3208 Interior Finishes 32-18
3209 Insulating Materials 32-20
3210 Calculations of Fire Resistance 32-21
CHAPTER 33 INTERIOR DECORATIVE FINISHES

3301 General 33-1
PART VIII – MISCELLANEOUS
CHAPTER 34 FABRIC AWNINGS, CANOPIES, TENTS AND BLEACHERS

3401 General 34-1
3403 Building Permits and Inspections 34-2
3404 Location and Use 34-3
3405 Construction 34-4
3406 Tents 34-6
3407 Bleachers 34-7
CHAPTER 35 RIGID AWNINGS, CANOPIES, SCREEN ENCLOSURES AND

UTILITY SHEDS
3501 General 35-1
3502 Building Permits and Inspection 35-2
3503 Design 35-2
3504 Location 35-4
3505 Outdoor Theatre Screens and Bandshells 35-5
PART IX - MECHANICAL
CHAPTER 36 PLUMBING
3601 Administrative 36-1
Title Index-10
3603 General 36-26
3604 Materials 36-36
3605 Drainage System and Disposal 36-46
3606 Indirect Waste Piping and Special Wastes 36-60
3607 Joints and Connections 36-63
3608 Traps and Cleanouts 36-68
3609 Hangers and Supports 36-72
3610 Vents and Venting Systems 36-75
3611 Storm Drainage System 36-83
3612 Interceptors and Separators 36-91
3613 Plumbing Fixtures and Requirements 36-96
3614 Water Supply and Distribution 36-112
3615 Sewage and Liquid Waste Disposal Systems 36-130
3616 Supply and Disposal Wells 36-149
3617 Plumbing Code for Small Buildings 36-154
CHAPTER 37 FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

3701 General 37-1
3702 Automatic Fire-Extinguishing Systems 37-2
3703 Automatic-Sprinkler Systems 37-2
3704 Carbon Dioxide, Dry Chemical, Halon, Expanding
Foam or Approved Extinguishing Agent 37-7
3705 Standpipes 37-8
3706 Water Supply For Fire Fighting 37-11
3707 Fire-Department Connections 37-13
3708 Yard Hydrants 37-14
3709 Portable Fire Extinguishers 37-15
3710 Inspections and Tests 37-15
3711 Alarm, Fire Detection and Smoke Venting Systems 37-16
3712 Exit & Emergency Lighting Systems 37-24
3713 Auxiliary Stand-By Emergency Service 37-28
CHAPTER 38 HEAT-PRODUCING APPARATUS

3801 General 38-1
3802 Gas-Burning Appliances 38-3
3803 Oil-Burning Appliances 38-3
3804 Fresh-Air Supply 38-3
3805 Space Heaters 38-4
3806 Ranges 38-4
3807 Gas Water Heaters 38-5
3808 Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels 38-6
3809 Incinerators 38-8
3810 Solar Heaters 38-8
3811 Building Exits 38-9
CHAPTER 39 SPECIAL HAZARDS

3901 Transformer Vaults 39-1
Title Index-11
3902 Flammable and Combustible Liquids 39-3
3903 Ventilation and Exhaust Ducts 39-7
3904 Film 39-11
3905 Explosives 39-11
3906 Air Contaminants 39-11
3907 Radiation Protection 39-11
3908 Paint Spray Booths and Dip Tanks 39-12
3909 Restaurant Hoods, Automatic Fire Extinguishing
System 39-13
CHAPTER 40 MECHANICAL VENTILATION

4001 Scope 40-1
4002 Application 40-1
4003 Requirements Based on Use 40-2
4004 Ventilating Ducts 40-3
4005 Hoods Over Restaurant Equipment 40-3
4006 Exhaust Systems For Flammable Vapours 40-5
4007 Exhaust Systems For Special Hazardous Storage
Areas 40-5
4008 Minimum Standards For Public Sanitary Facilities 40-6
4009 Fire Control 40-6
CHAPTER 41 AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION

4101 General 41-1
4102 Standards 41-3
4103 Detailed Requirements 41-4
4104 Fire Control 41-7
CHAPTER 42 SWIMMING POOLS

4202 Swimming Pools – General 42-2
4203 Swimming Pool – Applications 42-2
4204 Swimming Pool Construction 42-2
4205 Swimming Pool Water Quality 42-4
4206 Swimming Pool Recirculation System Requirements 42-5
4207 Swimming Pool - Piping and Hydraulic
Requirements 42-7
4208 Swimming Pool Filtration Systems 42-8
4209 Surface Skimming For Pools 42-11
4210 Piping for Pools 42-12
4211 Swimming Pool - Equipment Rooms 42-13
4212 Swimming Pool - Diving Areas 42-13
4213 Swimming Pool Lighting 42-15
4214 Swimming Pool - Dressing Rooms and Spectator
Provisions 42-15
4215 Swimming Pool - Sanitary Facilities 42-15
4216 Hot Tubs and Spas 42-16
CHAPTER 43 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS

4301 Standards 43-1
Title Index-12
4303 General 43-2
4304 Elevators 43-6
4305 Escalators, Dumbwaiters and Moving Stairways 43-8
4306 Transporting Assemblies 43-8
4307 Compliance With Other Sections 43-9
4308 Special Requirements 43-9
4309 Fireman Control Elevators 43-10
PART X - ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES
CHAPTER 44 ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES

4401 Electrical 44-1
4402 Telephone Services 44-3
4403 Telephone Switchboard Installations 44-4
4404 Telephone Installations Without Switchboards 44-7
4405 Telephone Installations in Dwelling Houses 44-7
PART XI – ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
CHAPTER 45 ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

4501 Application 45-1
4502 General Requirements 45-1
4503 Exceptions for Specific Conditions and Occupancy 45-8
PART XII – APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Engineering Practice Standards A-1

APPENDIX B Mechanical Drawings B-1
APPENDIX C Ventilation of Public Sanitary Facilities C-1
APPENDIX D Communication Drawings D-1
APPENDIX E Rainwater Tank Sizes E-1
APPENDIX F Nail and Gauge Sizes F-1
APPENDIX G S.I. Unit Conversions G-1
APPENDIX H Tenting of Recessed Light Fixtures H-1
PART XIII – INDEX
A Index-1
B Index-5
C Index-8
D Index-13
E Index-16
F Index-19
G Index-25
H Index-28
I Index-31
J Index-33
K Index-34
L Index-35
Title Index-13
M Index-38
N Index-41
O Index-42
P Index-43
Q Index-49
R Index-50
S Index-52
T Index-56
U Index-58
V Index-59
W Index-60
X Index-64
Y Index-65
Title Index-14
THIRD EDITION
Issued Under
THE BUILDINGS REGULATION ACT, 1971
PART I
TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 1
101 TITLE
102 PURPOSE
103 SCOPE
104 APPLICATION TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
105 MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION SETS
106 CONNECTED LEGISLATION
101 TITLE
This compilation of requirements shall be known as “The Bahamas Building Code” and
may be cited as such, or as The “Building Code” and will be referred to hereinafter as “this
Code”.
102 PURPOSE
The purpose of this Code is to provide certain minimum standards, provisions and re-
quirements for safe and stable building design, methods of construction and uses of mate-
rials in buildings and/or structures hereafter erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, re-
paired, moved, converted to other uses or demolished, to regulate the equipment, materi-
als, use and occupancy of all buildings. The provisions of this Code supplement The Build-
ings Regulations Act 1971 and the Subsidiary Legislation made thereunder and form a
condition of the approval of each and every building permit.
103 SCOPE
103.1 New buildings and structures hereafter erected in The Commonwealth of The
Bahamas, except in the Port Area in Grand Bahama Island, shall conform to
the requirements of this Code.
103.2 Additions, alterations and repairs in all buildings and structures shall comply
with the provisions for new buildings and structures except as otherwise pro-
vided in Section 104 of this Chapter.
103.3 Any material change of use, or occupancy, of a building shall comply with
Rule 4 of The Buildings Regulation (General) Rules 1971.
104 APPLICATION TO EXISTING BUILDINGS
104.1 GENERAL: Where it is intended to extend, alter or repair any existing build-
ing or structure the whole building or structure shall be made to conform to
1-1
all the requirements for new buildings or structures of similar area, height,
Type of construction or Group of Occupancy except as set forth below: —
104.2 ADDITIONS:
(a) Where an addition is proposed, or intended to be made, to an existing

building and the addition and existing building are to be separated by a
fire division wall, the addition shall comply with all the requirements of
this Code applicable to a building of the area of the addition.
(b) Where an existing building and a proposed, or intended, addition are not
to be separated by a fire division wall and the area of the addition is 25
percent or more of the area of the existing building, the existing building
and the addition shall be made to comply with all the requirements of
this Code for a building with an area equal to the total area of the addi-
tion and the existing building.
(c) Where an existing building and a proposed, or intended, addition are

not to be separated by a fire division wall and the area of the addition is
less than 25 percent of the area of the existing building the following
shall apply:
(1) The addition shall conform to all the requirements of this Code ap-
plicable to a building of the combined area of the addition and the
existing building.
(2) The existing building shall conform to all requirements of this Code
applicable to facilities for means of egress for a building of the com-
bined area of the addition and the existing building.
(3) An approved smoke detector system shall be provided for all pub-
lic areas and means of egress within the complete building.
104.3 REPAIRS:
(a) The Buildings Regulation Act 1971 defines repair as follows:
“repair” in relation to a building, means any repair to or replacement of

any part of the building the cost of which either alone or when taken
together with the aggregate cost of all other repairs and replacements
made to the building during the period of twelve months next preceding
the date of commencement of such repairs or replacement, exceeds
twenty-five per centum of the current value of the building.
(b) Under the Act a repair is classed as a ‘building operation’ and as such
requires a building permit.
1-2
104.4 VALUE DETERMINATION: For the purpose of this section, the value of a
building or structure shall be the estimated cost of constructing a new build-
ing of like size, design and materials at the site of the original structure, as-
suming such site to be clear and deducting therefrom an amount for deprecia-
tion, deterioration and damage before such proposed new construction is
started. For the purpose of this section, cost of additions, alterations and
repairs shall be construed as the total cost of labour, materials and services,
based on current prices for new materials.
104.5 ROOFING: The specific permit requirements for the repair or replacement of
an existing roof covering are set out in Section 3001.5.
104.6 HISTORICAL BUILDINGS: Where it is intended to repair or renovate a build-

ing of historical interest and compliance with this Code may detract from the
historical character of the building, the Minister may, at his discretion, waive
certain Code requirements upon written application by the owner or his agent.
105 MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION SETS
105.1 GENERAL: Where the proposed making of a commercial motion picture or

television production has received the approval of the Minister of Tourism,
this Code shall not apply to the construction and erection of any temporary
sets used in connection therewith provided—
(a) The Director of The Bahamas Film and Television Commission shall
inform the Buildings Control Officer of the approval of the project and
shall also provide the Buildings Control Officer with a shooting sched-
ule indicating the type and location of any sets. The Buildings Control
Officer shall be kept informed of any proposed alterations to the sched-
ule.
(b) All electrical equipment and materials shall comply with the Standards
set forth in Appendix A. Wiring on set shall comply with Section 4401.4
of this Code.
(c) Toilet facilities and the provision of potable water shall comply with
the requirements of the Minister of Health.
(d) Where a set involves the use of combustible materials anywhere in the
City of Nassau, or is located inside public building, the Director of The
Bahamas Film and Television Commission shall so inform the Build-
ings Control Officer and Chief Fire Officer.
(e) Buildings Control Officer shall have access to any set, at all reasonable
times, to determine if the electrical installations comply with (b) above
and also to determine the extent of the storage and method of handling
1-3
any hazardous liquids, gases or materials, or for any other reason related
to this Code.
(f) Upon the completion of the production, for which the set was erected,
the set shall be demolished. The resulting debris shall be disposed of in
a manner acceptable to the Minister of Health.
(g) If for any reason the set is required for continuous use or for use other
than that for which it was erected, application shall be made to the Build-
ings Control Officer for a building permit in the normal manner.
106 CONNECTED LEGISLATION
106.1 GENERAL: Persons using this Code are advised to examine the following
pieces of Legislation: -
(a) The Buildings Regulation Act 1971 and all subsequent revisions made
thereto.
(b) The Buildings Regulation (Rules) made under the Buildings Regulation
Act 1971 and all subsequent revisions made thereto.
(c) The Town Planning Act Chapter 206 of the Statute Law of the Bahama
Islands and all subsequent revisions made thereto.
(d) The Garage Licensing Act 1980.
(e) The Professional Architects Act 1994 and as revised under (d) above.
(f) The Local Government Act 1996, which supersedes any Extension orders
to the Out or Family Islands, made under (a), (b) or (c) above.
(g) The Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Act 1998.
The above documents may be purchased from:
The Government Publication Office

c/o Cabinet Office
P.O. Box N-7147
Nassau, N.P.
Bahamas.
1-4
CHAPTER 2
DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated, all words other than herein defined shall have the mean-
ing implied by their context in this code or their ordinarily-accepted meaning in the con-
struction industry; words used in the present tense include the future; words in the mas-
culine gender shall include the feminine and neuter; the singular number shall include
the plural; and the plural number shall include the singular.
The word “person” includes a corporation or limited company as well as the individual,
“writing” includes printing and typewriting; “signature” includes a mark made by a per-
son who does not write, if his name is written near to such mark.
ACCESSIBLE: -
means having reasonable and adequate clearance on sides and above for inspec-
tion, service, repair and replacement, without removing permanent construction;
or visible, unobstructed and within physical reach.
ACT: -
means an Act that forms part of the Statute Laws of the Bahama Islands and
shall include any subsidiary legislation made thereunder.
ADDITION: -
means an extension or increase in floor area or height of a building.
AGGREGATE: -
means inert material, which is to be mixed with cement and water to produce
concrete.
AGGREGATE (Fine): -
means aggregate consisting of particles three-eighths of an inch or less in size.
ALLEY: -
means a pedestrian public way with a minimum horizontal dimension of 10 feet,
lined on both sides with buildings and/or groups of buildings housing individual
or multiple tenants. It shall not be covered or roofed over for more than 20% of its
length. The accesses to the alley shall be to the open air.
ALTERATION: -
means any change or rearrangement in the parts of a building or existing facili-
ties of any such building or structure, or any enlargement thereof, whether by
extension on any side or by any increase in height, or the moving of such build-
ing or structure from one location or position to another.
2-1
APARTMENT: -
means one or more rooms in an apartment building occupied as a home or resi-
dence for an individual or a family or a household. The existence of, or the instal-
lation of, sink accommodations and/or cooking facilities within a room or suite
of rooms shall be deemed sufficient to classify such room or suite of rooms as an
apartment.
APARTMENT BUILDING: -
means a building made up of three or more apartment units so arranged that
each unit has direct access to a means of egress from the building, which may or
may not contain an inner lobby for its tenant.
APARTMENT HOTEL: -
means, in New Providence, a building or group of buildings under the same man-
agement in which there are ten or more sleeping accommodations for hire, prima-
rily used by transients, such accommodations may include individual or collec-
tive catering facilities. In the Family Islands the minimum number of accommo-
dations shall be five.
APPROVED: -
means approved by the Minister and all other authorities given jurisdiction by
this Code. The approval of one authority only is not sufficient.
ARCHITECT: -
means a person so registered as such under the Professional Architects Act 1994.
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNICIAN: -
means a person so registered as such under the Professional Architects Act 1994.
AREA: -
means
(a) when referring to the whole building, the sum of the areas at each floor level
contained by the outside dimensions of the building, including balconies,
carports, garages, laundries, porches, servant quarters, verandahs and other
similar structures;
(b) when referring to a corridor, hallway, foyer, room or other similar part of a
building, the area contained within the walls enclosing the corridor, hall-
way, foyer, room or other similar part of the building.
ATRIUM: -
means a vertical opening within a building that communicates between floors, is
enclosed by a roof at its highest point and is bounded by enclosing walls. No
horizontal dimension between opposite edges of the floor opening shall be less
than 20' and the minimum size of the opening shall be 1000 sq. ft.
AUTOMATIC: -
means providing a function without the necessity of human intervention.
2-2
BALCONY: -
means
(a) that portion of a seating space of an assembly room, the lowest part of which
is raised four feet or more above the level of the main floor; or
(b) a platform with a parapet or handrail that projects from the building, the
lowest part of which is raised four feet or more above the general ground
level.
BASEMENT: -
means that portion of a building which is partly underground, but having at least
one-half of its height, measured from the finished floor to the finished ceiling,
above the level of the centre of the street front.
BEARING WALL: -
means any wall, which carries any load as well as its own weight.
B.C.O.: -
means Buildings Control Officer, see below.
BUILDING: -
for the purpose of this Code “building” shall be as defined in The Buildings Regu-
lation Act.
BUILDINGS CONTROL OFFICER: -

for the purpose of this Code Buildings Control Officer shall be as defined in The
Buildings Regulation Act, (B.C.O.)
BUILDING SEWER: -
means a sewer running from a single building to a private sewer, public sewer,
septic tank or treatment plant.
CARPORT: -
means a structure not more than one storey in height, without walls, doors or
other enclosure on at least two sides, used exclusively for the storage or parking
of motor vehicles, and which is accessory to a private dwelling.
CELLAR: -
means that portion of a building having more than one-half of its height, meas-
ured from finished floor to finished ceiling, below the level of the centre of the
street front.
COLUMN: -
means an upright compression member the length of which exceeds three times
its least lateral dimension.
2-3
COMBUSTIBLE: -
means capable of being ignited and continuing to burn or glow with a flame at or
below a temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
**COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID: -
means a liquid having a flash point at or above 100°F (37.8°c).
Combustible liquids shall be further subdivided as follows: —
Class II liquids shall include those having flash points at or above 100°F
(37.8°c) and below 140°F (60°c).
Class III A liquids shall include those having flash points at or above 140°F
(60°c) and below 200°F (93.4°c).
Class III B liquids shall include those having flash points at or above 200°F
(93.4°c).
CONCRETE: -
means a mixture of cement, aggregate, and water.
CORRIDOR: -
means a path of egress connecting more than one room or occupied space on any
one floor; a hallway.
CONDOMINIUM: -
is a building in respect of which a Declaration under Section (4) of the Law of
Property and Conveyancing (Condominium) Act 1965 has been lodged for record.
COVERED MALL: -
means a covered or roofed interior area having a minimum horizontal dimension
of 20 feet, used as a pedestrian public way and connecting buildings and/or groups
of buildings housing individual or multiple tenants.
DEAD LOAD: -
means the weight of all walls, floors, roofs, partitions and other similar perma-
nent construction.
DRAIN: -
means any pipe used for the drainage of surface water.
DWELLING: -
means a building occupied in part or in whole for residential purposes and serv-
ing not more than two housekeeping units used for cooking, living, or sleeping
purposes.
2-4
ENGINEER RECOGNISED BY THE MINISTER: -
means for the purpose of this Code a person who by his standard of engineering
education, technical experience and professional standing shall be recognised by
the Minister as qualified to practice engineering to the standards required by this
Code.
EXIT: -
means that portion of a means of egress that is separated from all other spaces of
the building or structure by construction or equipment as required by this Code
to provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
EXIT ACCESS: -
means that portion of a means of egress, which leads to an entrance of an exit.
EXIT COURT: -
means a yard or court providing egress to a public way for one or more required
exits.
EXIT DISCHARGE: -
means that portion of a means of egress between the termination of an exit and a
public way.
EXTERNAL WALL: -
means an outer wall of a building but does not include a wall separating build-
ings.
FAMILY: -
means any number of persons living together under one head as a single house-
keeping unit, whether related to each other legally or not and shall be deemed to
include servants who live in, but shall not include paying guests.
FIRE ASSEMBLY: -
means the assembly of a fire door, fire window, or fire damper, including all re-
quired hardware, anchorage, frames and sills.
FIRE ASSEMBLY, AUTOMATIC CLOSING: -

means a fire assembly which may remain in an open position and which will
close automatically if subjected to either of the following:
(a) An increase in temperature.
(b) Products of combustion. Unless otherwise specified, the closing device shall
be one that is rated at a maximum temperature of 165˚F. The closing device
shall be operated by the activation of an approved unit type smoke and
2-5
heat-activated detector or approved detection device having an equivalent re-
sponse to smoke and products of combustion. Unit type smoke detectors shall
conform to the Standard for Essential Electrical Systems for Hospitals. NFPA
76A and installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems (Non-Resi-
dential) NFPA 90A, as set forth in Appendix “A” of this Code.
FIRE ASSEMBLY, SELF-CLOSING: -

means a fire assembly, which is kept in a normally closed position and is equipped
with and approved device to ensure closing and latching after having been opened
for use.
FIRE BARRIER: -
means a continuous membrane, either vertical, such as a wall assembly, or hori-
zontal, such as a floor assembly, that is designed and constructed with a speci-
fied fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire and which will restrict the
movement of smoke. Such barriers may have protected openings. See Sections
1504 of this Code.
FIRE DAMPER: -
means an approved device, installed in an air distribution system, designed to
close automatically upon detection of heat, to interrupt the passage of flame. A
combination fire and smoke damper shall meet the requirements of both.
FIRE DIVISION: -
means a portion of a building so separated from the rest by firewalls that may be
erected to a maximum height and area allowed for the governing Occupancy and
the Type of Construction, independently of adjoining Occupancies or Types of
Construction.
FIRE DOOR: -
means a door and its assembly so constructed and placed as to give protection
against the passage of fire.
FIRE EXIT HARDWARE: -

(See PANIC HARDWARE)
FIRE ESCAPES: -
means a single or series of steel framed balconies attached to the exterior walls
at windows or doors and connected to each other and to the ground by flights of
steel stairs.
FIRE-RESISTIVE RATING: -
means the time in minutes or hours that materials or assemblies have withstood
a fire exposure as established in accordance with the test procedures of Standard
Methods of Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. NFPA 251: or
other recognised testing procedures established by UL, Factory Mutual Research
Corporation or the ASTM.
2-6
FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD: -
means wood that has been treated to comply with Subsection 2409 of this Code.
FIRE WINDOW: -
means a window assembly, including frame, wired glass and hardware that un-
der NFPA 257, ASTM E163 or UL9 meets the fire protective requirements for the
location in which it is used.
FIRST FLOOR: -
means the floor above the ground floor.
FLAMMABLE: -
means easily set on fire.
**FLAMMABLE LIQUID: -
means a liquid having a flash point below 100°F (37.8°c) and having a vapour
pressure not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch (absolute) at 100°F shall be
known as a Class I liquid.
Class I Liquids shall be further subdivided as follows: —
Class I A shall include those having flash points below 73°F (22.8°c) and
having a boiling point below 100°F (37.8°c).
Class I B shall include those having flash points below 73°F (22.8°c) and
having a boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°c).
Class I C shall include those having flash points at or above 73°F (22.8°c)
and below 100°F (37.8°c).
FLAME SPREAD RATING: -

means the figure obtained from the test described by the National Fire Protection
Association, pamphlet no. 255. Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics
of Building Materials. The result of this test is based on a scale where the flame
spread rating for cement asbestos board is 0, and the rating for Red Oak is 100.
FOUNDATION: -
means a structural unit used to distribute loads to the bearing stratum.
FOYER: -
means an area or space within a building and located between a lobby and main
entrance and the main floor.
GARAGE: -
means
(a) private garage means an enclosed accessory building or portion of the main
2-7
building used for parking automobiles belonging to the occupants of the
building.
(b) public garages means a building other than a private garage used for the
care, storage, repair, painting, washing or equipping of motor vehicles.
GROUND FLOOR: -
means the floor whose level is in closest proximity to the average finished ground
level.
GUEST: -
means
(a) in connection with multiple-family occupancies, a person hiring a room for
living and/or sleeping purposes;
(b) in connection with single-family and two-family occupancies, a person shar-

ing single family accommodations without profit on those accommodations.
GUEST HOUSE: -
(a) as part of multiple-family occupancies means a detached single-family dwell-
ing occupied or intended to be occupied for hire.
(b) as part of a single-family and two-family occupancies means a detached

portion which provides room and necessary appurtenances for the sleeping
accommodation and/or entertainment of non-paying guests and their serv-
ants; but not provided with means for the general and regular serving of
meals.
GUEST ROOM: -
(a) in connection with multiple-family occupancies means a room in a building,
occupied or intended to be occupied for hire.
(b) in connection with single-family and two-family occupancies means a room

in the main or an accessory building occupied or intended to be occupied by
non-paying guests.
HABITABLE ROOM: -
means a room in a residential unit used for living, sleeping, eating or cooking,
but excluding baths, toilets, storage spaces or corridors.
HEIGHT: -
in relation to building, means the height of the building measured from the mean
level of the ground adjoining the outside of the external wall to the level of half
the vertical height of the roof or to the top of the walls or of the parapet, if any,
whichever is higher.
2-8
HIGH HAZARD CONTENTS: -
means those which are liable to burn with extreme rapidity or from which poi-
sonous fumes or explosions may be expected in the event of fire.
HIGH RISE BUILDING: -

means any building having a floor level or floors more than 75’ above the level of
the adjacent grade.
HOTEL: -
means, in New Providence, a building containing ten or more rooms, intended or
designed to be used or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied, or which
are occupied for sleeping purposes by paying guests. Such building shall be en-
tered through a main foyer and shall contain public rooms and maintain commu-
nal catering facilities for its guests. In the Family Islands the minimum number
of rooms shall be five.
Notwithstanding the above definition, a hotel to be considered under the Hotel

Encouragement Act and/or the Hotel Licensing Act shall comply with the re-
quirements of these Acts in every way.
JOISTS: -
means secondary horizontal supporting members in floor, ceiling, or roof con-
struction.
LINTEL: -
means the beam or girder placed over an opening in a wall which supports the
construction above.
LIVE LOAD: -
means all loads other than the dead load.
LOT: -
means a portion or parcel of land considered as a unit.
LOT LINE: -
means a line dividing one lot from another or from a street or other public space.
LOW HAZARD CONTENTS: -

means those of such low combustibility that no self-propagating fire therein can
occur and that, consequently, the only probable danger requiring the use of emer-
gency exits will be from panic, fumes, smoke, or fire from some external source.
MASONRY: -
means brick, stone, plain, concrete, hollow block, solid block or similar materials
or units bonded together with mortar. Reinforced concrete is not classified as
masonry.
2-9
MEANS OF EGRESS: -
means a continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a build-
ing, or structure, to a public way and consists of three separate and distinct parts.
(a) The way of exit access

(b) The exit
(c) The way of exit discharge.
MEZZANINE: -
means an intermediate floor placed in any storey or room. When the total area of
any such mezzanine floor exceeds 33-1/3 percent of the total floor area in that
room or storey in which the mezzanine floor occurs, it shall be considered as
constituting an additional storey. The clear height above or below a mezzanine-
floor construction shall not be less than seven feet.
MINISTER: -
means the Minister charged with the responsibility for the administration of The
Buildings Regulation Act.
NON-BEARING WALL: -
means any wall, which carries no load other than its own weight.
NON-COMBUSTIBLE: -
means a material which, in the form in which it is used, meets the following re-
quirements:
(a) Material of which no part will ignite and burn when subjected to fire. Any
material conforming to the standards set forth in the Method of Test for De-
termining Non-combustibility of Elementary Materials, ASTM Designation
E136 of the American Society for Testing and Materials.
(b) Material having a structural base of non-combustible material as defined in

paragraph (a) above, with a surfacing not more than one eighth inch thick
having a flame spread rating not greater than 50 when tested in accordance
with the standard set forth in the “Standard Method of Test for Surface Burn-
ing Characteristics of Building Materials” ASTM Designation E84 of the
American Society for Testing and Materials.
(c) Non-combustible does not apply to surface finish materials or to materials

required to be non-combustible for reduced clearances to flues, heating ap-
pliances other materials, or
(d) No material shall be classed as non-combustible, which is subject to increase

in combustibility or flame-spread rating beyond the limits herein established,
through the effect of age, moisture or other atmospheric condition.
2-10
NON-FLAMMABLE: -
shall mean not easily set on fire.
OCCUPANCY: -
as used in this Code, pertains to and is the purpose for which a building is used
or intended to be used. Occupancy is not intended to include tenancy or propri-
etorship.
OCCUPANT LOAD: -
means the total number of persons that may occupy a building or portion thereof
at any one time.
OCCUPIED: -
means as applied to any structure, occupied or intended, designed or arranged to
be occupied.
ORDINARY HAZARD CONTENTS: -

means those which are liable to burn with moderate rapidity or to give off a con-
siderable volume of smoke but from which neither poisonous fumes nor explo-
sions are likely to be expected in the case of fire.
OWNER: -
includes his duly authorised agent, a purchaser, devisee, trustee, property holder
or any other person, firm or corporation having a vested or contingent interest, or
in case of leased premises, the legal holder of the lease contract, or his legal repre-
sentative, assign or successor.
PANEL LENGTH: -
means the distance in either rectangular direction between centres of two col-
umns of a panel.
PANEL WALL: -
means a non-bearing wall in skeleton construction built between columns or piers
and wholly supported at each storey. Windows and other openings shall be in-
cluded in the wall dimensions.
PANIC HARDWARE AND FIRE EXIT HARDWARE: -

means a type of latching device used on certain doors in means of egress in which
the release mechanism is operated by the application of force in the direction of
exit travel. The two terms have identical meaning, except that fire exit hardware
is required on a fire rated door assembly. See Paragraph 2811 of this Code.
PARAPET WALL: -
means that portion of a wall extending above the roof.
2-11
PARKING GARAGE: -
means garage for passenger vehicles involving only the parking or storing of
automobiles and not including automobile repair or service work or the sale of
gasoline or oil.
PARTITION: -
means a non-bearing interior wall one storey or less in height.
PARTY WALL: -
may take either of the following forms:
(a) COMMON PARTY WALL: - means a wall separating two adjoining build-
ings which is deemed to belong jointly to the two owners of the buildings,
the boundary between the two buildings being the centre of the thickness of
the wall.
(b) EXTERNAL PARTY WALL: - means the external wall of a building immedi-
ately adjacent to a property boundary and a similar wall located on the con-
tiguous lot. The walls shall either touch, or be so located as to prohibit access
between them.
PENTHOUSE: -
means an enclosed roof structure extending not more than 12 feet above the roof
of a building and covering not more than 25 percent of the area. A penthouse
shall not be considered as a storey if it is used for housing mechanical and electri-
cal equipment only.
PERMIT: -
means a written authorisation by and on behalf of the Minister to proceed with
construction, alteration, repair, installation or demolition.
PLATFORM: -
means a portion of an assembly room which may be raised above the level of the
assembly floor and which may be separated from the assembly space by a wall
and proscenium opening provided the ceiling above the platform shall not be
more than 5 feet above the proscenium opening.
PORCH: -
See Verandah.
PREFABRICATED: -
means fabricated prior to installation or erection.
PRIMARY MEMBER: -
means a column, beam, girder or truss spaced more than 4 feet apart or support-
ing load over spans exceeding 40 feet. Load bearing masonry walls and flat slabs
supporting more than 160 square feet of floor or roof deck shall be considered
primary members.
2-12
PRIVATE SEWER: -
means any pipe used for the drainage of more than one building other than a
public sewer.
PRIVATE STAIRWAY: -
means a stairway serving one tenant only and not for general public use.
PROTECTED LOBBY: -
means a lobby that is protected by fire doors.
PUBLIC BUILDING: -
means a building used or intended to be used either ordinarily or occasionally, as
a church, chapel or other place of worship, or as a hospital, public institution,
college or school not being merely a private dwelling house occasionally used,
theatre, public hall, public concert room, public ballroom, public lecture room, or
for persons admitted thereto by tickets or otherwise or used or intended to be
used either ordinarily or occasionally, for any other public purpose.
PUBLIC WAY: -
means any street, alley or similar public open space, which is at least ten feet
wide.
RAFTERS: -
means secondary inclined supporting members in roof construction.
REINFORCED CONCRETE: -
means concrete in which metal is embedded in such a manner that the two mate-
rials act together in resisting stresses.
REPAIR: -
means the replacement of existing work with the same kind of material for the
purposes of its maintenance, but not including additional work that would affect
appearance, structural, sanitary or fire resistive safety or exit facilities.
RESTAURANT: -
means every building or part thereof and all outbuildings used in connection
therewith, or any place or location, kept, used, maintained as, advertised as, or
held out to the public to be a place where meals or sandwiches are prepared and/
or served, either gratuitously or for pay.
RESIDENCE: -
means the usual place of abode of a person or family.
ROOF JOISTS: -
where roof members are nearly horizontal and are supported from bearing to
bearing without an intermediate ridge, such members shall be termed roof joists.
2-13
ROOF LIVE LOAD: -
means the weight superimposed on a roof structure by the use and occupancy of
the building and water during the life of the structure, but not including wind
load, load or dead load.
ROOFING: -
means the covering applied to the roof for weather protection, fire resistance or
appearance.
ROOM: -
means every compartment in any building, including parlours, dining rooms,
sleeping rooms and porches, kitchens, offices, closets, pantries or storage or equip-
ment spaces.
ROSTRUM: -
means a portion of an assembly room, which may be raised above the level of the
assembly floor but is not separated there from by any wall.
RUBBLE: -
means masonry composed of unsquared or fieldstones laid in mortar without
regular coursing.
SEATING CAPACITY: -
means where seats are fixed, the number of persons for whom seats are pro-
vided; where seats are not fixed, or provided, the capacity shall be calculated on
the basis of the areas given in this Code.
SECONDARY MEMBER: -
beams or joists spaced not more than four feet apart or not spanning more than
40 feet.
SELF-CLOSING: -
means as applied to a fire door or other opening protector, which is normally in
a closed position, that is equipped with an approved device which will ensure
closure after having been opened for use.
SERVANTS QUARTERS: -
(a) as accessory to multiple-family occupancies means accommodations for such
number of servants and other employees as are required by the main occu-
pancy and which accommodations may be detached and may or may not
include separate cooking facilities;
(b) as accessory to single-family occupancies means accommodations for such

number of servants in personal service and/or for the maintenance of the
premises as could be reasonably required and which accommodations may
be detached.
2-14
SERVICE STATION: -
means a building or portion thereof where gasoline, oil and greases are supplied
and dispensed to the motor vehicle trade, also where tire, battery, washing, pol-
ishing and lubrication services are rendered and minor adjustments are made.
Paint shop and bodywork facilities shall not be included.
SHAFT: -
means a vertical opening or passage through two or more floors of a building
through floors and roof.
SMOKE DAMPER: -
means an approved device to resist the passage of smoke which:
(a) is arranged to operate automatically, and
(b) is controlled by a smoke detector, and
(c) may be capable of being positioned manually from a fire command station.
A smoke damper may be a fire damper or a damper serving other functions,
if its location lends itself to multiple functions. A combination fire and
smoke damper shall meet the requirements of both. Smoke dampers must
meet UL Standard 555S, leakage classification II.
SMOKE RESERVOIR: -
means an area formed at ceiling level, by means of non-combustible curtains or
similar methods, to control the spread of smoke.
SPECIFICATIONS: -
wherever the specifications of governing authorities are mentioned in this Code,
the reference shall be to the most recent editions.
STAGE: -
means a partially enclosed portion of an assembly room wherein scenery drops
or other effects may be installed and used, and which is cut off from the audience
section by a proscenium wall, and where there is more than five feet of open
space above and on the stage side of the proscenium opening.
STAIRWAY: -
means one or more flights of steps and the necessary landings connecting them to
form a continuous and uninterrupted passage from one storey to another in a
building.
STOREY: -
means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor
and the upper surface of the floor next above but not including a penthouse used
only for the purpose of housing electrical or mechanical equipment. The top-
2-15
most storey shall be that portion of a building included between the upper sur-
face of the top-most floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level
directly above a basement is more than six feet above grade, such basement shall
be considered as a storey.
STREET: -
means any thoroughfare such as, but not limited to, street, lane, place and terrace;
whether public or private.
STRUCTURE: -
means that which is built or constructed, or any place of work artificially built up
or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, the use of which
requires more or less permanent location on the ground. The term shall be con-
strued as followed by the words “or part thereof.”
STRUCTURAL FRAME: -
means all the members of a building or structure required to transmit loads to the
ground.
THEATRE: -
means a building or part thereof which contains an auditorium having a stage
which may be equipped with curtains and/or permanent stage scenery or me-
chanical equipment adaptable to the showing of plays, operas, performances,
spectacles, and similar forms of entertainment, or is such building or portion
thereof containing an auditorium having a platform, screen and mechanical equip-
ment adapted to the showing of motion pictures.
VERANDAH (Porch): -
means a covered balcony or open portico with a roof. It can be screened in and/
or fitted with louvres.
VERTICAL OPENING: -
means an opening through a floor or roof.
WALLS: -
BEARING: - means a wall, which supports any vertical load in addition to its
own weight.
EXTERIOR: - means any wall not protected from fire or wind pressure by enclo-
sure.
FACED WALL: - means a wall in which masonry facing and backing are so bonded
as to exert a common action under load.
FIRE PARTITION: - means a partition for the purpose of restricting the spread
2-16
of fire or to provide an area of refuge but not necessarily vertically continuous
from floor to floor.
FIRE WALL: - means a wall for the purpose of sub-dividing a building or sepa-
rating building to restrict the spread of fire and which starts at the foundation
and extends continuously through all stories to and above the roof, or to the roof
if such slab is of concrete.
FOUNDATION: - means those exterior walls between the foundations and the
ground floor, or any other walls below the ground floor which are in contact
with or receive lateral earth pressure.
INTERIOR: - means a wall entirely surrounded by the exterior walls of the build-
ing.
NON-BEARING: - means a wall, which supports no load other than its own
weight.
PANEL: - means non-bearing wall in skeleton construction built between col-

umns and wholly supported at each storey.
PARTY WALL: - may take either of the following forms:
(a) COMMON PARTY WALL: - means a wall separating two adjoining build-
ings which is deemed to belong jointly to the two owners of the buildings,
the boundary between the two buildings being the centre of the thickness of
the wall.
(b) EXTERNAL PARTY WALL: - means the external wall of a building immedi-
ately adjacent to a property boundary and a similar wall located on the
contiguous lot. The walls shall either touch, or be so located as to prohibit
access between them.
RETAINING: - means any wall used to resist lateral displacement of any mate-
rial.
2-17
NOTES
2-18
PART II
ADMINISTRATION
CHAPTER 3
APPLICATION TO BUILD - NOTICES AND INSPECTIONS
301 GENERAL
302 APPLICATION TO BUILD
303 PRESENTATION OF PLANS
304 ALTERATIONS TO AND EXTENSIONS OF BUILDINGS
305 APPLICATIONS TO MAKE ALTERATIONS TO AND EXTENSIONS OF
BUILDINGS
306 MATERIALS USED FOR CONSTRUCTION
307 PLUMBING WORK AND FITTINGS
308 EXEMPTIONS
309 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE
310 FEES PAYABLE FOR BUILDING PERMITS
311 PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS
312 MANDATORY INSPECTIONS
313 TAKING SAMPLES
314 COMPLIANCE WITH CODE
315 NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE
316 NOTICE OF COMPLETION
317 APPROVED PRODUCTS
301 GENERAL
A person wishing to erect a building or to carry out a building operation, as defined in the
Buildings Regulation Act and Rules made thereunder, shall comply with the requirements
of the said Act and Rules and also with the requirements of this Code.
301.1 A person who intends to erect a building shall subject to the provisions
of Section 308 “Exemptions” furnish the Buildings Control Officer in a
manner provided in this Chapter.
302 APPLICATION TO BUILD
(a) Every application for a permit shall be made in writing on the official application
forms obtainable from the offices of the Building Control Division at the Ministry
of Works and Utilities building on J.F. Kennedy Drive, Nassau or from the office of
the Administrator in the case of a Family Island application, and the application
shall contain all the information required to complete the forms. The application
shall be signed by the applicant or by his agent.
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(b) For the island of New Providence, three copies shall be furnished to the Buildings
Control Division of all plans and documents accompanying an application and
these must be drawn or reproduced in a clear and intelligible manner on suitable
and durable material and must conform to all the applicable requirements of the
Code.
(c) For the Family Islands, excluding the Freeport Area of Grand Bahama, three copies
of all plans and documents accompanying an application shall be furnished to the
Administrator. One copy shall be kept by the Administrator and two copies re-
turned to the applicant, on the approval of the application. Should the Local Town
Council determine that the application requires the input of the Buildings Control
Division in Nassau, an additional copy should be obtained from the applicant and
the four copies shall be forwarded, one copy will be kept by the Buildings Control
Officer, one copy kept by the Administrator and two copies will be returned to the
applicant on the approval of the application.
(d) Persons wishing to build in the Freeport Area of Grand Bahama Island shall apply
to the Port Authority, Freeport, Grand Bahama.
302.1 All plans required under the Professional Architects Act, 1994 to be pre-
pared by a licensed Architect or Architectural Technician shall be sealed
and signed legibly by the said Architect or Architectural Technician whose
registration under the Professional Architects Act, 1994 must be current.
Any citizen or permanent resident of the Bahamas submitting an appli-
cation under the conditions of Section 30(4) of the Professional Archi-
tects Act shall be required to sign and legibly print their name on all
drawings for which they are responsible. The plans shall include every
floor, and section of every storey, floor, stairwell, and roof of the build-
ing, upon which sufficient details shall be included to show whether the
building complies with this Code. Such plans shall include:
(a) The level of the site of the building, the level of the lowest floor of
the building and the level of any street adjoining the premises in
relation to one another and above some known datum, in low-ly-
ing areas the level of the lowest floor should be at least 12” above
any known flood level or 18” above crown on adjacent road which-
ever is the greater.
(b) The position of barriers to moisture, the position from and dimen-
sions to the foundations, wall, windows, floors, roofs and several
parts of the building and the intended use of each room.
(c) The level of the invert of the public sewer, if available, into which
the building is to connect.
(d) The complete drawings and specifications as required by this Code
of all the Plumbing within the building together with the details of
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any septic tank or sewage treatment plant where a sewer is not avail-
able.
(e) The complete drawings and specifications as required by this Code

of the electrical system for the building together with the details of
any transformer vault or generator plant where these are required.
(f) The location and construction details of any boundary wall, or fence,
fronting onto any public highway, road, alley or similar access.
302.2 A site (lot) plan shall be included, drawn to a scale of 20' to the inch
showing:
(a) The size and position of the building, and its relationship to prop-
erty boundaries (all setbacks) and adjoining buildings and the names
of adjacent owners.
(b) The size and position of every garden, yard and/or open space of
the premises, with the dimensions of the boundaries of such
premises.
(c) The name of the subdivision and the land registration number of
the lot.
(d) The width of the adjacent road reservations and the width of the
actual road surface together with the size and location of any exist-
ing sidewalk, driveway and drainage ditches or wells.
(e) The mode of disposal for surface water which may originate from
any paved area on the site.
302.3 A location plan to a scale of 1:2500 shall also be included showing the
position of the site, or lot in relation to a named thoroughfare, road,
street, etc., when it is not sufficiently identifiable from the site plan.
302.4 When deemed necessary due to the size, or complexity of the project, or
to the topography of the site (lot), the Buildings Control Officer may re-
quire that the site (lot) plan be prepared by a Surveyor registered under
the Land Surveyor’s Act 1975.
302.5 (a) The Buildings Control Officer may, if he thinks fit, require engineer-
ing calculations to be supplied by the applicant in respect of—
(i) any portion of the structure; or
(ii) any portion of the mechanical or electrical installations in-
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tended to be placed therein, and in every case such calcula-
tions shall bear the name, address and qualifications or pro-
fessional seal of the person who prepared the same.
(b) Where calculations are required under Sub-section (a)(i) they shall
be prepared by a licensed Architect or Architectural Technician or
an Engineer recognised by the Minister, however, where the prepa-
ration has not been done by a person recognised by the Minister as
an engineer for the preparation of structural design and the calcu-
lations involve computations based on structural stresses, the
Buildings Control Officer may require that the preparation be done
by a person recognised as an engineer.
(c) Where calculations are required under Sub-section (a)(ii) they shall
be prepared as the case may require, by a qualified mechanical or
electrical engineer or master or licensed plumber or licensed three
phase electrical contractor recognised by the Minister.
(d) The person responsible for the preparation of the calculations, shall
also sign, or seal, all drawings that are based upon those calcula-
tions.
302.6 Sufficient particulars shall be provided to show whether the building

complies with this Code concerning:
(a) The requirements of the Group of Occupancy for the intended use.
(b) The requirements of the Type of Construction Classification into

which the building falls, and the materials of which it is constructed.
(c) The mode of sewerage disposal
(d) The means of water supply; and
(e) The means of electricity supply.
303 PRESENTATION OF PLANS
303.1 Plans shall be to a scale of not less than one inch to every four feet, or if
the building is so extensive as to render a smaller scale necessary, the
plan shall be not less than one inch to every eight feet. The scale shall be
indicated on all plans, sections and drawings and the north point shall
be indicated on all site (lot) and location plans.
303.2 Every plan, section drawing, notice or other document shall be signed in
the manner described in Sub-section 302.1 before submitting them to the
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Buildings Control Officer and if the plans have not been prepared by the
applicant then the plans shall state the name and address of the person
on whose behalf it has been furnished.
303.3 The maximum size sheet for presentation of drawings shall be 36”x48".
Projects requiring larger sheets shall make use of match lines.
The minimum size print shall be the same as a Pica typewriter type (10
spaces to the inch) and shall be clear, bold and legible.
304 ALTERATIONS TO AND EXTENSIONS OF BUILDINGS
(a) The provisions of this Code for construction and standards of building shall apply
to any alteration to, or extension of, any existing building erected after the date of
operation of this Code, and the person making any such alterations or extensions
shall comply with the requirements of this Code.
(b) No alteration or extension shall be made to any existing building, or building in the
course of erection, which will result in that building being so altered that it would
contravene this Code in any respect in which it had not contravened it, or to any
greater degree than that to which it had contravened it before the work was carried
out.
(c) All alterations or extensions to any existing building or building in the course of
erection shall be subject to the requirements of The Department of Physical Plan-
ning with regard to land usage and setbacks, it shall also be subject to the setback
requirements rendered necessary by Group of Occupancy and Type of Construction
into which it is classed, whichever is the more restrictive. In no case shall any part of
any alteration or extension to a building come within 6' of any septic tank.
305 APPLICATION TO MAKE ALTERATIONS TO AND EXTENSIONS OF

BUILDINGS
In the event of alterations to, or extensions of, a building the application shall include: -
305.1 Notice of intention to make an alteration to or extension of a building.
305.2 In the case of alterations not involving any extensions to a building, plans
and sections as required by Sub-section 302 of this Chapter of the altera-
tions and of the building, so far as such plans and sections are necessary
to show whether proposals will comply with this Code.
305.3 In the case of an extension of a building;
(a) The particulars referred to in Section 302 in relation to the extension
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as if the extension were the building therein referred to; and
(b) Plans and sections as required by Sub-section 302.1 of the buildings

so far as affected by extension; so far as such particulars, plans and
sections are necessary to show whether the proposal shall comply
with this Code.
306 MATERIALS USED FOR CONSTRUCTION
If the building, alteration or extension contains aluminium, steel, reinforced concrete work,
structural timber, fiberglass or other similar materials, the application shall include: —
306.1 A brief description of materials proposed to be used, including the fire

rating for these materials where applicable.
Where the materials are of a more unusual nature the description should
be backed up by tests data from a laboratory or organisation approved
by the Buildings Control Officer.
306.2 A statement as to the 28-day test strength for any poured concrete, pre-
cast concrete unit, mortar or concrete block and if necessary the design
mix proportions.
For small buildings the design mix proportions will suffice.
306.3 Drawings showing details of construction and in particular of any frame-

work and sizes and position of any reinforcing metal together with the
details necessary to show clearly the manner in which such framework
or reinforcing metal is to be protected to produce the required fire rating.
306.4 A statement as to the required strength and general requirements of the

reinforcing metal and structural steel.
306.5 A statement as to the required strength and general requirements of lum-

ber to be used including the grade of any plywood.
307 PLUMBING WORK AND FITTINGS
The provisions of this Section shall apply to the execution of any plumbing work includ-
ing a building sewer and the installation of any fittings and the person executing any such
works or installing any such fittings shall comply with the requirements of this Code. A
person who intends to execute any such works or install any such fittings shall furnish the
Buildings Control Officer in the manner provided in this Section.
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307.1 Notice of intention to execute plumbing work or install fittings in con-
nection with the building, particularly of the works or fittings so far as
necessary to show whether they comply with this Code.
307.2 Where it is proposed to install a building sewer, or install a water closet,

urinal, privy closet, septic tank, settlement tank or well, a plan showing
the following particulars, or so many of them as are applicable to the
proposal and are necessary to show whether it complies with this Code.
(a) The position of the installation.
(b) The lines of the building sewer, the size, depth and inclination of
every pipe, and the means to be provided for the ventilation of the
sewer.
(c) The position and level of the out-fall of the building sewer; and
(d) Where the building sewer is intended to be connected to a public

sewer, the position and level of the public sewer and the plan shall,
if the works or installations are in connection with the operations to
which this Chapter relates, be a site (lot) plan as required in Sub-
section 302.2.
307.3 Where it is proposed to construct or install a water closet, urinal, privy

closet, septic tank, settlement tank or well, or water tank or cistern for
the storage of rain water for human consumption, plans and sections of
the water closet or fittings so far as necessary to show that they comply
with the requirements of this Code.
308 EXEMPTIONS
For the purpose of this Code the following only are exempted from the need to obtain a
building permit.
308.1 Repairs or replacements to a building which do not exceed 25% of its

current value during the period of twelve months next preceding the date
of commencement of such repair, providing always that these repairs or
replacements do not include any alterations to the structure, plumbing
or wiring of the building, and that the repairs or replacements shall be
carried out in similar materials to those already in use on the building.
308.2 Notwithstanding the above, the applicant shall satisfy the requirements
of the Town Planning Act and also the restriction requirement on com-
bustible siding within the City of Nassau as set forth in the Buildings
Regulation Act.
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309 MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE
Where a material change of use takes place in an existing building or part of an existing
building or in a building under construction, that building or part of the building, shall
comply in all respects with Section 4 of the Rules of the Buildings Regulation (General)
Rules 1971.
310 FEES PAYABLE FOR BUILDING PERMITS
310.1 A BUILDING PERMIT shall be valid for a maximum period of 18 months

from the date of issuance of the permit.
310.2 BUILDING PERMIT RENEWAL shall be renewed for a maximum of three

(3) periods of 18 months from the original expiration date. A building
permit that has expired for more than a six month period or a permit
that has already been renewed for three periods shall not be renewable.
A new application and cost of the entire permit fee will be required.
There shall be charged and payable for every building permit or renewal a fee according
to the scale set out in the Rules made under the Buildings Regulation Act.
311 PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS
Application for buildings making use of pre-engineered components shall be accompa-

nied by calculations and drawings detailing the components, the method of assembly and
method of obtaining continuity in design. These shall be prepared by an Engineer recog-
nised by the Minister. Where pre-engineered units are used for multi-floor design, care
shall be taken to prevent failure due to progressive collapse arising from the failure of a
component part.
Components shall be tested by a testing laboratory or organisation approved by the Build-

ings Control Officer for both the structural strength and fire rating. The result of such tests
shall accompany the application.
312 MANDATORY INSPECTIONS
The Buildings Control Officer upon 48 hours notice exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and
declared Public Holidays from the builder shall make the following inspections and shall
either approve the portion of the works completed or shall notify the builder in writing
for keeping a log of the pile driving and shall supply a copy to the Buildings Control
Officer, where such work does not meet with his approval.
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312.1 FOUNDATION INSPECTION shall be made when the necessary exca-
vations have been completed, forms erected and the reinforcing steel
placed in position. Site (lot) markers shall be clearly identifiable.
312.2 PILING INSPECTIONS shall be made during the driving of the piles
and after all piles are driven and forms erected and reinforcing steel in
place and before any concrete is poured. The builder shall be responsible
312.3 TIE COLUMN INSPECTION shall be made when the wall blocks have
been laid, the tie columns formed and the reinforcing steel in place but
before the concrete is poured.
312.4 STRUCTURAL COLUMN INSPECTION shall be made before any blocks

are laid, the columns shall be formed up, the reinforcing steel in place,
but before the concrete is poured.
312.5 TIE BEAM INSPECTION shall be made when the block walls are com-
pleted to tie beam level, the tie columns formed and poured, reinforcing
steel in place but before the tie beam concrete is poured.
NOTE: For buildings of more than one floor and of bearing wall construction,
inspections 312.3 and 312.5 shall be made at each floor.
312.6 STRUCTURAL BEAM AND SLAB INSPECTION shall be made when

the beams and slabs have been formed up, reinforcing steel in place but
before the concrete is poured.
312.7 STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK INSPECTION if the structure is of steel

or of other similar materials forming a frame, inspection shall take place
on the complete frame for single floor buildings, for larger buildings it
shall be by floors before the framework is encased. This inspection or
inspections shall include any lightweight floor beam systems.
NOTE: For buildings of more than one floor of structural frame design, inspections,
312.4, 312.6 and 312.7 shall be made in each floor level.
312.8 ROOF INSPECTION shall be made when the roof frame is in place, the
upper surfaces covered with roof material but before the ceiling is in
place.
312.9 PLUMBING INSPECTIONS: The following Plumbing inspections shall

be made on all buildings and at all floor levels, if the building has more
than one floor:
(a) Roughing-in
(b) Plumbing in walls and baths in place for hydrostatic tests
(c) Fixtures in place.
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312.10 SPECIAL INSPECTIONS shall be made of all mechanical installations,
immediately on the completion the work or at such intervals during the
process of the work as the Buildings Control Officer or this Code may
deem necessary.
312.11 ELECTRICAL INSPECTIONS: The following electrical inspections shall

be made on all buildings, should the building have more than one storey,
inspections (b), (c) and (d) shall also be made at each storey.
(a) Services location
(b) Conduit roughing-in
(c) Conductors installed and joints made
(d) Final.
312.12 OTHER INSPECTIONS shall be made if the Buildings Control Officer

deems them necessary.
312.13 FINAL INSPECTION: To be made upon the completion of the building,

or structure, when it is ready for occupancy.
312.14 REINSPECTIONS: Where an inspection for a portion of the construc-

tion is required and the work is not ready for inspection or incorrect, a
reinspection shall be necessary. In this case, the BCO may require that
a reinspection fee be paid prior to carrying out the reinspection.
313 TAKING SAMPLES
The builder shall permit the Buildings Control Officer to take samples of the materials to
be used in construction of a building, or the execution of works, or installations of fittings
as may be necessary to enable him to ascertain whether such materials comply with this
Code. This taking of samples may be in the form of concrete cylinders or removal of sam-
ples of aggregate, timber, steel and other such materials. If deemed necessary, by the Build-
ings Control Officer cores shall be taken of the concrete already poured at the owner’s
expense.
314 COMPLIANCE WITH CODE
The issuing or granting of a permit shall not be deemed or construed to be a permit for, or
an approval of any violation of this Code. No permit presuming to give authority to vio-
late or cancel any provisions of this Code shall be valid. The issuing of a building permit
upon plans and specifications shall not prevent the Buildings Control Officer from there-
3-10
after requiring the correction of errors in such plans, specifications or from stopping any
part of the building operations when in violation of this Code, or any other regulations
applicable thereto. Compliance with this Code is the joint responsibility of the owner and
the builder.
315 NOTICE OF COMPLIANCE
If the builder has received a notice in writing from the Buildings Control Officer pointing
out any contravention of this Code and as a result shall have corrected such contraven-
tions to comply with this Code, he shall within seven (7) days give notice in writing to the
Buildings Control Officer as to the completion thereof.
316 NOTICE OF COMPLETION
The builder shall give the Buildings Control Officer notice in writing of the erection of a
building or the execution of works or the installation of fittings within seven (7) days after
completion.
317 APPROVED PRODUCTS
317.1 (a) Any person or firm wishing to supply any product, materials, equip-
ment, or assembly intended for use in the construction of a build-
ing, shall apply to do so in writing, to the Buildings Control Officer.
(b) Such application shall be accompanied by drawings, documenta-

tion, test results (from an independent testing agency approved by
the Buildings Control Officer) and/or calculations substantiating
that the product, material, equipment or assembly complies with
this Code and/or the relevant standards set forth in Appendix A.
(c) The Buildings Control Officer shall examine the application and: -
(i) if satisfied, he may approve the use of the product, material,

equipment or assembly with or without the imposition of any
condition or conditions.
(ii) if not completely satisfied, he may require the applicant to

submit additional information.
(iii) if not satisfied, he may refuse to allow the use of the product,
material, equipment or assembly in the construction of a build-
ing.
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(d) Such approval shall be for technical purposes in connection with
this Code only and shall not be construed as to negate the require-
ments of any other legislation.
(e) Any approval granted under this section shall be for a maximum of
three years and the person or firm may then re-apply for approval.
317.2 Where a product, material, equipment or assembly is produced in The

Bahamas, the approval may include requirements relating to the provi-
sion of—
(a) Shop drawings by an engineer recognised by the Minister.
(b) Tests by a recognised Testing Agency.
(c) Reports at intervals by the relevant Engineer as to the maintenance

of standards and/or conditions under which the approval was
granted.
(d) Evidence that, where deemed necessary by the Buildings Control

Officer, specific items are being fabricated by employees with cer-
tain documented levels of skill.
317.3 Should, subsequent to approval, it be determined by the Buildings Con-

trol Officer, that the product, material, equipment or assembly is no longer
being supplied in compliance with the standards and/or conditions of
approval, he may suspend, or revoke, the approval.
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PART III
REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY
CHAPTER 4
CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
401 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

402 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFIED
403 CHANGE IN USE
404 OCCUPANT CONTENT
405 ADJOINING OCCUPANCY
406 FIRE DIVISIONS
407 PARTY WALLS
408 OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS
409 SPECIAL HAZARD PROTECTION
410 EXIT FACILITIES FOR MIXED OCCUPANCIES
411 LOCATION ON THE PROPERTY
412 SANITATION
413 CEILING HEIGHTS
414 ALLOWABLE AREA
415 FACILITIES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
401.1 The intent of this Code is that buildings shall be of the Type of Construction
required for the occupancies contained herein.
401.2 No building or structure shall be erected nor shall any lot or portion of a lot be
subdivided or sold nor any lot line moved by sale of land or otherwise in such
a manner as to eliminate, nullify or reduce any required spaces for light and
ventilation or for exit purposes or in any way to create violations of any of the
provisions of this Code.
402 OCCUPANCY CLASSIFIED
402.1 Every building or portion thereof, whether existing or hereafter erected, shall
be classified by the Buildings Control Officer according to its use or the char-
acter of its occupancy, as a building of Group A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, or I Occu-
pancy, as defined in Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 respectively. Where
minor accessory uses do not occupy more than 10 percent of the area of any
floor of a building, not more than 10 percent of the basic area permitted by
Occupancy, the major use of the building shall determine the Occupancy clas-
sification.
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402.2 Any Occupancy not specifically mentioned shall be classified by the Build-
ings Control Officer in the Group it most nearly resembles.
403 CHANGE IN USE
403.1 No change in the character of occupancy of a building shall be made without

the approval of the Buildings Control Officer.
403.2 Buildings in existence at the time of the introduction of this Code may have
the existing use or occupancy continued, if such use or occupancy is legal at
the time of the passage of this Code, provided such continued use is not dan-
gerous to life. Nothing shall be construed to prohibit the Buildings Control
Officer from making inspections to see that the minimum standards of safety
are maintained.
404 OCCUPANT CONTENT
404.1 The occupant content shall be computed as set forth in Sub-section 2801.5.
405 ADJOINING OCCUPANCY
405.1 Adjoining units of different Occupancies within a fire division shall be sepa-
rated by a separation at least as fire-resistive as set forth in Section 408.
405.2 Two or more units of different Occupancy may be contained within a fire divi-
sion, but all such units shall conform to the provisions of Chapters 5 through
13 for the most restricted of the Occupancies so contained except as otherwise
set forth in subsection 402.1.
406 FIRE DIVISIONS
406.1 Where in this Code and particularly in Chapters 5 through 13, specific maxi-
mum allowable areas are set forth, the building may be separated into fire
divisions and each such fire division shall be considered a separate building
and be of the maximum allowable area provided the fire division separation
walls are as set forth in this Section.
406.2 (a) Fire division separation walls shall be not less than four-hour fire resis-
tive construction in buildings of Type I, three-hour fire resistive construc-
tion in buildings of Type II, and two-hour fire-resistive construction in
buildings of Types III, IV and V construction.
(b) The total width of all openings in such walls shall not exceed 25 percent
of the length of the wall in each storey.
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(c) Openings shall be protected as set forth in TABLE 32-II by a fire assem-
bly having a three-hour fire-rating in four hour and three-hour fire resis-
tive walls. An assembly with one and one half hour fire-resistive rating
will be required in two-hour fire-resistive walls.
406.3 Fire division separation walls need not extend to the outer edge of horizontal
projecting elements such as balconies, roof over-hangs, canopies, marquees
or ornamental projections provided that the exterior wall at the termination
of the fire division separation wall and projecting elements are not less than
one-hour fire-resistive construction for a width equal to the depth of the pro-
jecting elements. Wall openings within such widths shall be protected by not
less than three-fourths hour fire-resistive assemblies.
406.4 Fire division separation walls shall extend from the foundation to a point at
least 18" inches above the roof.
EXCEPTIONS: -
(a) Four-hour and three-hour fire division separation walls may terminate
at the bottom of the roof deck provided the roof deck is of non-combus-
tible construction for the area within 40 feet of each side of the wall.
(b) Two-hour fire division separation walls may terminate at the underside
of roof deck provided that the roof is of at least one-hour fire-resistive
construction on each side of the fire division separation wall termina-
tion.
406.5 Where a fire division separation wall separates portions of a building having
different heights, such wall shall terminate at a point 30" inches above the
lower level provided the exterior wall for a height of 10 feet above the lower
roof is one-hour fire-resistive construction with openings protected by three-
fourths hour fire-resistive assemblies.
EXCEPTION: The fire division separation wall may terminate at the deck of
the lower roof provided the lower roof is of at least one-hour fire-resistive
construction for the width of 10 feet without openings measured from the
wall.
406.6 Fire dampers in ducts passing through fire division separation walls shall be
required as set forth in Chapters 39, 40 and 41.
407 PARTY WALLS
407.1 GENERAL: Party walls shall extend from the foundation to a point at least
18" inches above the roof.
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EXCEPTION: -
(a) A party wall may terminate at the bottom of the roof deck provided the
roof deck is of noncombustible construction for the area within 40 feet of
each side of the wall.
407.2 EXTERIOR WALLS: Subject to the filing of a letter of permission to the Build-
ings Control Officer from the owner of an existing adjoining building, the
exterior walls thereof may be used as party wall when conforming to the fol-
lowing requirements:
(a) Where the Type or Types of Construction used and/or combined floor
areas of an existing and a proposed building are such that a separation
into fire division is required, such walls shall meet the requirements for
fire walls under the Code.
(b) Where not required as a fire wall but used to separate Occupancies, such
wall shall conform with the requirements for separations of Occupan-
cies under this Code.
(c) Such wall in all its parts shall conform to the engineering regulations of
this Code or shall be made to conform therewith.
407.3 COMMON PARTY WALLS: Shall be of no less than 8" unit masonry or 6"
reinforced concrete construction and shall not:
(a) Contain any opening whatsoever, or
(b) Be reduced in thickness at any point, or
(c) Have any metal or wooden beam or joist or any pipe, duct, flue or simi-
lar item embedded in or passing through it.
407.4 (a) WALLS BETWEEN TENANTS: Walls between tenants within Groups F,
G and H Occupancies, including walls between tenants and exit corri-
dors common to more than one tenancy in Groups F, G and H Occupan-
cies, shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction and
where partial height partitions in dormitory type use is otherwise ac-
cepted herein such partitions shall be of non-combustible material.
(b) Fire-resistive separation between tenants shall be continuous between

fire barriers. Where exposed combustible materials are used in an attic
or ceiling the separation between tenants shall be continuous to the deck
above such space and shall include any eaves or overhangs.
EXCEPTION: A barrier required for an occupied space below interstitial space

is not required to extend though the interstitial space provided the construc-
4-4
tion assembly forming the bottom of the interstitial space has a fire resist-
ance rating equal to that of the fire barrier.
408 OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS
Occupancy separations shall be provided between the various Groups and Divisions of
Occupancies as specified herein and in Table No. 4A of this Chapter, but shall be not less
fire-resistive than required by the Type of Construction.
TABLE No. 4A
REQUIRED OCCUPANCY SEPARATIONS IN HOURS,
IN BUILDINGS OF MIXED OCCUPANCY
* No general requirement for fire-resistive separtion by Group Occupany. See walls and
partions for Type of Construction.
408.1 FORM OF OCCUPANCY SEPARATION: Separations as specified in this Chap-

ter may be vertical, horizontal or inclined, depending upon the relative posi-
tion of the portions to be separated, and shall consist of a system of walls,
partitions, floors or other construction of such materials and construction, so
arranged as to provide a complete, secure and continuous fire break of the
required fire-resistive rating between the portions of the building so sepa-
rated.
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408.2 CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPANCY SEPARATION:
(a) Separations between occupancies within a fire division shall be classi-

fied, each classification designated by the number of hours of fire-rating
as set forth herein.
(b) A four-hour fire-resistive separation shall have no openings therein and

shall be of not less than four-hour fire-resistive construction.
(c) (1) A three-hour fire-resistive separation shall be of not less than three-
hour fire-resistive construction.
(2) All openings in walls of three-hour fire-resistive separations shall

be protected by a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-resistive
rating.
(3) The total width of all openings in any three-hour fire-resistive sepa-
ration wall in any one storey shall not exceed 25% of the length of
the wall in that storey and no single openings shall have an area
greater than 120 square feet.
(4) All openings in floors forming a three-hour fire-resistive separation

shall be protected by vertical enclosures extending above and be-
low such openings. The walls of such vertical enclosures shall be of
not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction and all openings
therein shall be protected by a fire assembly having a one and one-
half hour fire-resistive rating.
(d) A two-hour fire-resistive separation shall be of not less than two-hour

fire-resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be pro-
tected by a fire assembly having a one and one-half hour fire-resistive
rating.
(e) A one-hour fire-resistive separation shall be of not less than one hour fire
resistive construction. All openings in such separation shall be protected
by a fire assembly having a three-fourths hour fire resistive rating.
408.3 DESIGN AND MATERIAL OF OCCUPANCY SEPARATION: Walls which

form separations between Occupancies or between fire divisions shall also
conform with the provisions of PART V as they pertain to design and mate-
rial.
409 SPECIAL HAZARD PROTECTION
409.1 Protection shall be provided from any area having a degree of hazard greater
than that normal to the general occupancy of the building or structure, such
4-6
as storage of combustibles or flammables, heat-producing appliances, or
maintenance purposes, as set forth in this section.
(a) Enclosures with construction in accordance with Section 1507 of this

Code with a fire resistance rating as specified by the group of occupancy,
but not less than 1 hour without windows and with doors of 3/4-hour
fire protection rating, or
(b) Protection with automatic extinguishing systems in accordance with

Chapter 37 of this Code as required for the group of occupancy.
(c) Both (a) and (b) above when specified for the group of occupancy by
Chapter 37 or 28 both of this Code.
409.2 Where hazardous processes or storage are of such a character as to introduce

an explosion potential, explosion venting or an explosion suppression system
specifically designed for the hazard involved shall be provided as set forth in
Chapter 39 of this Code.
409.3 HAZARDOUS UTILITIES
(a) GENERAL: Individual feeders and shut-offs shall be provided for every
separate fire division in every building.
(b) ELECTRIC: Electrical installations shall comply in every detail with

the requirements of Chapter 44 of this Code.
(c) GAS: Where gas is served to separated fire divisions or occupancies, there
shall be individual valves, and valves and meters shall be located on the
exterior of the building in a conspicuous and accessible place.
Installation shall be as set forth in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act

1988.
(d) OTHER: Other utilities which may constitute hazards shall, in general,
be governed by the provisions of this Section and shall be subject to such
additional requirements as the Buildings Control Officer prescribe.
410 EXIT FACILITIES FOR MIXED OCCUPANCIES
410.1 Where two or more occupancies, having exit width based on different occu-
pant contents, occur on the same floor and have common exits, the number of
units required for each such occupancy shall be calculated separately, and the
units of width combined and proportioned to two or more exits as required
by travel distance limitations of the most restricted Occupancy.
4-7
410.2 Where two or more Occupancies, having exit widths based on different occu-
pant contents occur on different floors of the same building, the combined
width of exits at any floor, other than the first or ground floor, shall not be less
than required for the occupant content of that floor.
411 LOCATION ON PROPERTY
411.1 The location of all building and/or structures shall conform to the require-
ments of Town Planning and to the protection of certain opening requirements
of the Group of Occupancy in which such building is classified in this Code,
according to the use or the character of the occupancy, whichever is the more
restrictive.
412 SANITATION
412.1 WASTE STORAGE: Adequate permanent enclosures shall be provided as re-

quired by the Minister of Health.
412.2 TOILET ROOMS:

(a) Toilet facilities shall be provided on each floor for each sex using that
floor and shall be located to be readily accessible except that in a build-
ing where the two lower levels, such as a first floor and mezzanine or the
first floor and second floor where there is no mezzanine, are occupied by
a single tenant and the toilet facilities are not for public use, the com-
bined total toilet facilities required for these two levels may be located
on either the first or second level.
EXCEPTION: Toilet facilities for public use in Group A and B Occupan-

cies, restaurants, bars, transportation terminals and similar locations shall
be provided on each floor for each sex.
(b) Water closets for public use, except within the residence or apartment of
a single family, shall be of an elongated type and shall be equipped with
open front seats, and shall be separated from the rest of the room, and
from each other, by stalls of impervious materials. Such stalls shall be
equipped with self-closing door and shall be opened at the top and at
least 12 inches from the floor for ventilation.
(c) The floors and walls of public toilet rooms, to a height of five feet, shall
be tile or similar impervious materials.
(d) Toilet rooms connected to rooms where food is prepared or stored or

served to the public shall be separated therefrom by an intervening ven-
tilated space with close-fitting doors. Such intervening ventilated space
shall not be common to toilet rooms of both sexes.
4-8
(e) Toilet rooms connected to public rooms or passage-ways shall have an
intervening ventilated space and shall be arranged or screened to insure
decency and privacy.
(f) Public toilets shall bear signs plainly indicating for which sex and/or
group such room is intended.
(g) Required facilities in public buildings shall be available to employees

and the public without charge.
412.3 SCREENING: Food-storage and preparation rooms shall have outside open-
ings screened with 18 mesh-wire screening. Screen doors shall be equipped
with self closing devices.
Public dining rooms, restaurants, tearooms and similar places for serving food
to the public shall be completely screened; or such places may be equipped
with a system of fans, so arranged as to effectively prevent the entrance of
insects. This requirement for screening or installation of fans in public dining
rooms shall not be construed to prevent the serving of food to the public in
outdoor areas.
412.4 WALLS:
(a) All food preparation areas of restaurants and catering establishments
shall be provided with properly rounded corners connecting wall to wall
or wall to floor as required by the Minister of Health.
(b) The wall surfaces of all food preparation areas of catering establishments,
shall be tile or similar impervious material to a minimum height of five
feet above the adjacent floor level, or as required by the Minister of Health.
412.5 FLOORS:
(a) The floor surfaces of all food preparation areas of restaurants and cater-
ing establishments shall be tile or similar impervious material as required
by the Minister of Health.
(b) Drainage shall be provided as set forth in Chapter 36, and as deemed
necessary by the Minister of Health.
412.6 CEILINGS: All food preparation areas of restaurants and catering establish-
ments shall be provided with ceilings of a type approved by the Minister of
Health and the Buildings Control Officer.
4-9
413 CEILING HEIGHTS
413.1 GENERAL:
(a) The minimum ceiling heights for areas of human occupancy in buildings
of other than G and H Occupancy shall be not less than eight feet, clear
vertical distance.
EXCEPTIONS: -
(1) Headroom on stairs may be 7'-6", measured as specified in para-

graph 2801.4(e) of this Code.
(2) Pipes, ducts and stationary mechanical appurtenances may be per-

mitted to reduce the headroom at a point to not less than 6'-8". For
corridors serving as exit access, the term “point” shall be taken to
mean a section of the ceiling not exceeding two feet in the direction
of exit travel.
(3) The headroom under mechanical appurtenances with exposed mov-

ing parts, including any ceiling fan, shall be not less than 7’-0".
(b) Small storage closets, slop-sink closets, storage space under a stair and
similar small areas where persons do not generally walk into shall not
be limited to height.
(c) Doors connecting space where minimum ceiling heights are herein regu-
lated shall be of not less than 6'-8" in height.
(d) The minimum height of entrances for pedestrian or vehicular traffic and
for parking spaces under or within a building shall be 6'-8".
EXCEPTION: As otherwise set forth in (b), above.
(e) The ceiling height of a limited storage mezzanine or area where persons
may infrequently be and only for the purpose of placing or removing
stored materials shall not be limited.
414 ALLOWABLE AREA
414.1 GENERAL: The allowable areas as set forth in Chapters 5 through 13 herein
may be increased or decreased by the percentages shown, each percentage to
be applicable to the base figure and percentages may not be compounded.
4-10
414.2 AUTOMATIC FlRE-EXTINGUlSHING SYSTEMS
(i) The basic allowable areas given in Sections 502.1(a), 602.1(a), 702.1(a),
902.1(a), 1002.1(a) and 1102.1(a) may be tripled in single storey buildings
and doubled in buildings more than one storey in height, where such
buildings are protected with approved automatic fire-extinguishing sys-
tems as set forth in Chapter 37.
(ii) In buildings of Group D Occupancy basic area increases shall not apply
where automatic fire extinguishing systems are required.
415 FACILITIES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED OR RESTRICTED PERSONS
415.1 REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS: All plans and specifications

for the construction of buildings for use by physically handicapped or restricted
persons shall comply with those requirements deemed necessary by the
Minister and as set forth in Chapter 45.
415.2 Provision shall be made in all public buildings for at least one access to the
building to be ramped, to facilitate ease of entry by persons in wheel chairs.
Furthermore, the door adjacent to the ramped access and at least one toilet
cubical for each sex shall be of sufficient width to admit persons so handi
capped. The facilities for the handicapped shall be clearly marked by the
standard wheel chair symbol.
4-11
NOTES
4-12
CHAPTER 5
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP A OCCUPANCIES
501 GROUP A OCCUPANCY DEFINED

502 CONSTRUCTION, HEIGHT AND AREA ALLOWABLE
504 EXIT FACILITIES
505 LIGHT AND VENTILATION
506 ENCLOSURE OF VERTICAL OPENINGS
507 STAGES, PLATFORMS AND ROSTRUMS
508 PROJECTION BOOTHS
509 FIRE PROTECTION AND HAZARDS
510 PLUMBING AND TOILET FACILITIES
511 EXCEPTIONS AND DEVIATIONS
512 MIXED OCCUPANCY
513 ELEVATOR LOBBIES IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS
514 MINIMUM KITCHEN SIZES FOR CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS
515 ATRIUMS
516 ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
501 GROUP A OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group A Occupancy shall include assembly uses such as theatres, auditoria, motion-pic-
ture houses, exhibition halls, skating rinks, gymnasiums, bowling centres, pool rooms,
restaurants, churches, dance halls, club rooms, discotheques, night clubs, meeting rooms,
passenger rooms, casinos, and similar uses having an occupant content of 1,000 or more
persons.
502.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group ‘A’ because of use
and occupancy shall be limited in height and area as follows:
TYPE Allowable Height Area per Floor

I Not limited Not limited
II 60' (four storeys) 15,000 sq. ft.
5-1
(b) Areas of buildings located within the limits of the City of Nassau
shall be as above. However, in areas outside these limits:
(1) Areas of buildings located with public streets on two sides

may be increased by 25% and if on three or more sides, may
be increased by 50%.
(2) A side or rear yard providing means of access of not less than
30' in width to a public street may be considered a public
street for the determination of allowable areas where Town
Planning or other regulations require that such yard be per-
manently unobstructed.
(3) For the purposes of (1) and (2) above a public street shall be
any street with a reserve of no less than 30' in width.
(c) See Section 414.2 for increase in tabulated basic areas if an approved
fire-extinguishing system is installed throughout the building.
502.2 SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

(a) A fire-resistive ceiling shall not be required in the assembly space
of churches and school gymnasiums in one-storey buildings every
part of the roof structure of which is 18 feet or more above any
floor or above any balcony or gallery seating 50 or less persons.
(b) Assembly rooms shall not be located in a basement.
(c) In gymnasiums, dance halls and similar occupancies, finish floors

and running tracks may be of wood.
(d) Basements shall be of Type I Construction.
Buildings with Group A Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Plan-
ning and the requirements herein stated, whichever are the more restrictive. Buildings
with Group A Occupancy shall front directly upon a public street or on a (clear and per-
manently unobstructed) yard or court not less than 30 feet in width and connected to such
public street.
The main floor shall be located at or near grade.
Exterior walls shall have fire-resistance and opening protection, determined by location
on property, as set forth for the Type of Construction in Part IV.
5-2
504 EXIT FACILITIES
Exit facilities for Group A Occupancy shall be as set forth in this Section and Chapter 28.
504.1 (a) OCCUPANCY CONTENT: The occupant content permitted in any

assembly building structure, or portion thereof shall be determined
by dividing the net floor area or space assigned to that use by the
square footage per occupant as follows:
(1) An assembly area of concentrated use without fixed seats

such as an auditorium, church, chapel, dance floor, disco-
theque or lodge room: 7 sq. ft. per person.
(2) An assembly area of less concentrated use such as a confer-

ence room, dining room, drinking establishment, exhibit
room, gymnasium, or lounge: 15 sq. ft. per person.
(3) Bleachers, pews and similar bench-type seating: 18 linear

inches per person.
(4) FIXED SEATING: The occupant load of an area having fixed

seats shall be determined by the number of fixed seats in-
stalled. Required aisle space serving the fixed seats shall
not be used to increase the occupant load.
(5) LIBRARIES: In stack areas: 100 sq. ft. per person; in reading
rooms: 50 sq. ft. per person.
Notwithstanding the above areas required, the occupant content shall be

taken as not more than one person per fifteen square feet of aggregate
gross area of all floors or parts of the building used for assembly pur-
poses including lobbies, corridors, dressing rooms, toilets, and other com-
monly used connecting rooms and service areas used in conjunction with
assembly occupancy.
(b) POSTING OF OCCUPANT LOADS: Any room used for assembly

purposes and having an occupant load of greater than 50 persons
shall have the occupant load posted in a conspicuous place at or
near the main means of entrance to the room.
504.2 (a) WIDTHS OF EXITS: Means of egress shall be measured in units of

exits width of 22 inches. Fractions of a unit less than 12 inches
shall not be counted. Fractions of a unit comprising 12 inches or
more, added to one or more full units, shall be counted as a half
unit of exit width. The minimum exit width shall be 36 inches in
all cases.
5-3
EXCEPTION: Projections not to exceed 3-1/2” on each side shall
be permitted at and below handrail height.
(b) In determining the units of exit width for a doorway, only the clear
width of the doorway when the door is in the fully-open position
shall be measured. Clear width shall be the net, unobstructed width
of the door opening without projections into such width.
504.3 CAPACITY PER UNIT WIDTH:* The capacity in number of persons per
unit of width of required means of egress shall be as follows:
(a) Areas served by doors or horizontal exits leading to the outside of

the building - 100 for travel in either direction.
(b) Areas served by stairs or other type of exit not set forth in (a) above
- 60 for travel in either direction.
504.4 MAIN FLOOR EXITS:

(a) Not less than half of the required main floor exit widths shall be to
a main entrance and exit, and the remainder shall be proportioned
to the side exits. All required exits of Group A Occupancy shall
serve no other Occupancy.
(b) Exits no less in width than the full width of the aisles or gangway
leading thereto shall be provided at the rear of the main-floor as-
sembly and such exits shall lead into a foyer or into a passageway
to the outside of the building. Any change in elevation from a pub-
lic footpath to the back of the main floor assembly or foyer shall be
made by ramps having a slope of not more than one in ten. The
most obvious and direct exit to the public street shall be and re-
main unobstructed. The width of the foyer at any point shall not
be less than the combined width of the aisles, gangways, stairways
and passageways leading thereto. The foyer shall be separated from
the assembly spaces with partitions having a fire-rating of not less
than two hours. There shall be no less than two remote exits from
any Group A Occupancy.
(c) EXCEPTION:* In places of assembly such as churches, stadiums

and sports arenas exits may be distributed around the perimeter of
the building, provided that the total exit width provides 116-2/3
percent of the width needed to accommodate the permitted occu-
pant load.
504.5 SIDE EXITS:* Each level of places of assembly shall have access to the
main exit and shall in addition be provided with side exits of sufficient
5-4
width to accommodate two thirds of the total occupant load served by
that level. Such exits shall discharge directly to a street or into an exit
court, enclosed stairway, outside stairway, or exit passageway leading to
a street. All such exits shall be accessible from across aisle or side aisle.
(a) The number of side exits shall not be less than that required by
distance limitations as set forth in the following table.
Persons Min. number of side exits

200 – 1000 2
Over 1000 4
* Extracts from Life Safety Code NOTE LIFE SAFETY CODE® AND
101® ARE REGISTERED TRADE MARKS OF THE NATIONAL
FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION INC. QUINCY, M.A., U.S.A.
No exit shall be less than two exit units wide.
* Places of assembly of 50-200 person capacity shall have at least

two means of egress consisting of separate exits or doors leading
to a corridor or other spaces giving access to two separate and
independent exits in different directions.
(b) Where one or two side exits each side are required, one of such
exits each side shall be located at the front of the assembly space,
remote from the main-floor exits and where four or more exits each
side are required, the additional exits shall be proportionately
spaced along the length of the side walls.
Exits shall be so arranged that the maximum distance as measured

along the line of travel to the nearest floor exit from any point shall
not exceed 150 feet.
504.6 BALCONY EXITS: Exits from a balcony shall be as specified for main-
floor exits except as follows:
(a) Balconies having an occupancy content of less than thirty persons

may be served by one 44 inch stair, and for thirty persons or more
at least two exits shall be provided.
(b) In places of assembly with more than one balcony the total exit
width required for each balcony level shall be maintained to the
level of discharge in order to provide for the simultaneous evacu-
ation from the building.
5-5
504.7 EXIT DOORS:
(a) All doors in a means of egress, normally closed and latched, shall
be equipped with full sets of panic hardware. No single door shall
be more than 3’8" in width and no double door ways shall be less
than 3’9" in width.
504.8 MARKING OF EXIT DOORS:

(a) Above every exit door there shall be a lighted sign marked “Exit”
in letters at least 4” high lit normally by an electric bulb and in
addition, fitted with an emergency battery, or power source, to give
light in the event of power failure. The letters may be green or red
and the background white, and shall provide contrast with deco-
rations and interior finish. Doors which may be confused as lead-
ing to exits, shall be clearly marked “Private.”
(b)* A sign reading “EXIT” or similar designation with an arrow indi-

cating the direction shall be placed in every location where the di-
rection of travel to reach the nearest exit is not immediately appar-
ent.
504.9 AISLES AND SEATING:

(a) Aisles and gangways shall be located so that there are not more th-
an fourteen seats in any row between aisles or gangways nor more
than seven seats in any row extending from an aisle to a wall, pro-
vided that longer rows up to 11 seats with an aisle or ganway at ea-
ch end, or rows up to 11 seats with an aisle or gangway at one end
may be permitted subject to an increase in the seat-way of 1” per
additional seat. Fixed seats shall be securely fastened to the floor;
moveable or folding seats for the assembly of five hundred per sons
or more shall be fastened together in banks of six or more.
(b) Spacing of rows or seats shall be not less than thirty-three inches
from back to back and there shall be a clear unobstructed horizon
tal width of not less than twelve inches between the back of one
seat and the front of the seat immediately behind.
(c) No aisle or gangway having seats on both sides shall be less in

width than forty inches nor shall any aisle or gangway having seats
on one side only be less than thirty-six inches in width. Aisles or
gangways in the direction of exit travel towards the foyer or main
entrance or exit shall have a unit width of twenty inches per one
hun dred and fifty seats served thereby, with a minimum width of
forty inches.
5-6
(d) At each side exit, there shall be a cross aisle or gangway leading to
the centre of the width of the building. Cross aisles or gangways
shall be not less than forty-four inches in width.
(e) Where seating is at tables as in restaurants and night clubs, aisles

or gangways shall be located so that there is not more than twenty-
eight feet between aisles or gangways nor more than fourteen feet
between an aisle or gangway and a wall. At each side exit there
shall be a cross aisle or gangway leading to the centre of the width
of the building. Aisle or gangway widths shall be rigorously main
tained.
504.10 TURNSTILES: No turnstiles, revolving doors, or other devices to restrict

the movement of persons shall be installed in any assembly occupancy in
such a manner as to interfere with the egress of occupants.
504.11 IMPEDIMENTS TO EGRESS:
(a) Any device or alarm installed to restrict the improper use of a means
of egress shall be so designed and installed that it cannot, even in
case of failure, impede or prevent emergency use of such means of
egress.
(b) Means of egress shall be free of obstructions which would prevent

its use.
(c) No obstruction shall be placed in the required width of a means of

egress.
505.1 GENERAL: All portions of Group A Occupancies customarily used by

human beings and all dressing rooms shall be provided with light and
ventilation by means of windows or skylights with an area not less than
one-eighth of the total floor area, one-half of which shall be openable, or
shall be provided with electric light and mechanically operated ventilat-
ing system as set forth in Chapter 40. Ducts for the mechanical ventilation
system shall serve no other Group of Occupancy.
505.2 ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING: Artificial light shall be as set forth in accord-

ance with the requirements of Chapter 44, and emergency lighting shall
be provided in all assembly areas and in all means of egress as set forth
in Chapter 37.
5-7
505.3 HAZARDS: Registers or vents supplying air back stage, supplying a pro-
jection booth or passing through a fire wall shall be equipped with auto-
matic closing devices activated by smoke detectors located in the regis-
ters or vents, and supplying air fans shall be controlled with a smoke
sensing device
506.1 Vertical openings shall be enclosed as set forth in Part IV for the Type of
Construction, and in Chapter 28.
506.2 Elevators which serve dressing rooms, gridiron and fly galleries need not
be enclosed above the stage level.
Stages, platforms and accessory features thereof shall be designed and constructed as set
forth herein.
507.1 STAGES:
(a) STAGE CONSTRUCTION: All parts of the stage shall be designed
to support not less than 125 pounds per square foot and shall be of
Type I construction or fire retardant timber. The room directly under
the stage shall not be used for any purpose other than the working
of traps and mechanical apparatus necessary for a performance on
the stage.
*Openings through stage floors shall be equipped with tight-fitting trap

doors of non-combustible materials or of wood not less than two inches
thick. Where such an opening occurs sprinklers spaced 5ft. on centres
shall be provided around the opening at the ceiling below the stage, and
baffles at least 12 inches in depth shall be installed around the perimeter
of the opening.
(b) GRIDIRONS:* Every stage equipped with fly galleries, gridirons,

and rigging for moveable theatre-type scenery shall have a system
of automatic sprinklers at the ceiling, under the gridiron, in usable
spaces under the stage and in accessory room spaces and dressing
rooms, storerooms, and workshops. Where the distance from the
back of the stage to the proscenium wall is less than 30 ft. in lieu of
sprinklers under the entire gridiron area, complete peripheral
sidewall sprinklers with baffle plates may be substituted. Such
sidewall sprinklers shall be not more than 30 in. below the gridi-
ron or 6 in. below the baffle plates.
5-8
(c) ACCESSORY ROOMS:* Dressing rooms, workshops and store
rooms shall be located on the stage side of the proscenium wall
and shall be separated from each other and from the stage by two
hour fire-resistive construction. Such spaces shall comply with the
following:
(1) No point within any accessory room shall be more than 50

feet from a door providing access to an exit.
(2) There shall be at least two exits available from every acces-
sory room space, one of which shall be available within a
travel distance of 75 feet. A common path of travel of 20 feet
to the two exits shall be permitted.
(3) Accessory room spaces shall be equipped with automatic

sprinklers.
(4) No workshop involving the use of combustible or flamma-

ble paint, liquids, or gases or their storage shall open directly
upon a stage.
(d) PROSCENIUM WALLS: The proscenium wall separating the stage

portion from the auditorium shall be not less than two hour fire-
resistive construction and shall extend not less than four feet above
the roof. The proscenium wall shall not be finished or covered with
combustible materials. Proscenium walls may have in addition to
the main proscenium opening, one opening at the orchestra-pit level
and not more than two openings at the stage-floor level, each of
which shall be not more than 21 square feet in area. Such openings
shall be equipped with self-closing fire-resistive doors.
(e) PROSCENIUM OPENING PROTECTION: The proscenium open-

ing shall be protected by either of the following methods: -
(1) The main proscenium opening shall be provided with a self-

closing, tight-fitting, fire-resistive curtain. Such curtain may
be of fire retardant material with not more than ten percent
of weight of cotton or other combustible materials, with in-
ter-woven wires of monel metal, nickel, brass or equivalent
heat and corrosion-resisting metals. Such curtain shall be of
one-ply thickness and shall weigh not less than three pounds
per square yard and shall be painted with a mineral paint so
brushed into the cloth that no light or smoke can come
through. Proscenium curtains of non-combustible materials
other than fabric may be used, with the approval of the Build-
ings Control Officer.
5-9
Proscenium curtains, 35 feet or less in width, shall have a
rigid metal member, not less than the equivalent of a two-
inch standard steel pipe, at the top and bottom edges, pro-
tected by the fabric on both the stage and auditorium sides.
Curtains over 35 feet in width shall have a rigid metal frame,
protected on both sides against fire and such frame shall be
designed for a wind pressure of not less than 15 pounds per
square foot.
The proscenium curtain shall extend into non-combustible

and smoke-proof guides at the sides, a distance not less than
12 inches. The curtain shall overlap the top of the proscenium
opening not less than 24 inches, and the bottom edge shall
have a yielding pad of non-combustible materials not less
than four inches deep to form a seal against the floor.
The proscenium curtain shall be rigged and counter-balanced

with not less than six three-eighths-inch flexible steel cables
and six safety stop chains of one-quarter-inch straight link-
welded chain and shall be so arranged that it can be quickly
released to descend by gravity and completely close the open-
ing. The releasing device and its location shall be approved
by the Buildings Control Officer.
(2) (i)* A non-combustible opaque fabric curtain so arranged

that it will close automatically, and
(ii)* An automatic dry-pipe system of spray heads on both

sides of the curtain. Discharge and spacing shall be
such that the entire curtain will be wet. Water supply
shall be controlled by a deluge valve and shall be
sufficient to keep the curtain completely wet for 30
minutes or until valve is closed by fire department
personnel, and
(iii)* Curtain, spray heads, stage sprinklers, and vents shall

be automatically operated in case of fire, by rate-of-
rise and fixed temperature detectors. Spacing,
number and location of detectors shall be as required
by the devices used, with maximum centre-to-centre
distance of 10 feet. Detectors shall completely cover
the periphery of the sprinkled and protected area,
and
(iv)* Operation of a sprinkler or spray head deluge valve

shall automatically activate the emergency ventilat-
ing system and close the curtain.
5-10
(f) STAGE VENTILATORS: There shall be one or more ventilators
constructed of metal or other non-combustible materials near the
centre and above the highest point of any permanent stage, raised
above the roof and having a total ventilating area equal to at least
five percent of the floor area within the stage walls, doors or cov-
ers for ventilators shall open by gravity and shall be held closed
and manually operated by means of cords extending to each side
of the stage. These cords shall be equipped with three fusible links,
one of which shall be placed in the ventilator above the main roof
level and the other two at approved points, not affected by sprin-
kler heads. Such links shall fuse and separate at 160 degrees Fahr-
enheit. Glass, if used in such ventilators, shall be wire glass.
*Where mechanical ventilation is provided it shall be so arranged

that natural ventilation, at least equal to the above, will be avail-
able. Makeup air for mechanical ventilation shall not be obtained
from the audience (seating) areas.
(g) FLAME-RETARDING REQUIREMENTS: No combustible scenery,

drops, decorations or other combustible effects shall be placed on
any stage or enclosed platform unless it is treated with an effective
fire-retardant solution and maintained in a non-flammable condi-
tion as approved by the Fire Department.
(h) STAGE EXITS: At least one exit two feet six inches wide shall be
provided from each side of the stage opening, directly or by means
of a passageway not less than three feet in width, to a street or exit
court. An exit stair not less than two feet six inches wide shall be
provided for egress from each fly gallery.
Each tier of dressing rooms shall be provided with two remote paths
of egress, each not less than two feet six inches wide, and where
dressing rooms are provided more than one tier above the stage
floor, stairways to all tiers shall be enclosed.
Stage exits shall be as set forth in Chapter 28 except as otherwise

required in this Sub-section.
(i) STANDPIPES:* Each stage shall be equipped with a standpipe lo-

cated on each side of the stage, equipped with a standard fire de-
partment connection, and a 1-1/2 inch hose for occupant use, in-
stalled in accordance with Standard for the Installation of Stand-
pipes and Hose Systems, NFPA 14.
(j) OTHER REQUIREMENTS: There shall be no enclosed structure

for human occupancy located above a stage.
5-11
507.2 PLATFORMS:
(a) PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION: The platform shall be constructed
entirely of non-combustible materials, except that where the audi-
torium floor extends under the full area of such platform, construc-
tion may be of Type II omitting the fire-proofing on the beams and
girders.
(b) SIZE OF PLATFORM: The platform shall not extend from the rear
wall a distance greater than 18 feet, measured to the greatest pro-
jection of the platform, nor shall the ceiling over any platform be
more than five feet above the screen except that in Group C Occu-
pancies the platform may extend from the rear wall a distance not
greater than 25 feet.
(c) ACCESSORY ROOMS: No store room, no dressing or other rooms

for human occupancy shall be located on, under or above such
platform unless such rooms shall be completely separated
therefrom by not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction.
(d) SCREEN: The screen shall be rigidly attached to the platform and
to the rear wall, and a clear passageway, not less than 20 inches
wide, shall be provided between the screen or sound equipment
and the rear wall.
507.3 ROSTRUMS: ROSTRUM CONSTRUCTION: A Rostrum may be con-

structed of combustible materials, where it does not exceed 3 feet in height
and does not exceed 10 percent of the assembly room area. There shall be
no assessory rooms under, on or above any rostrum.
508 PROJECTION BOOTHS*
Unless otherwise stated the following requirements shall relate to projection booths han-
dling safety film in places of assembly intended for the regular showing of motion pic-
tures.
508.1 Every projection room shall be of permanent construction consistent with

the construction requirements for the type of building in which the pro-
jection room is located. Openings need not be protected. The room shall
have a floor area of not less than 80 square feet for a single machine and at
least 40 square feet for each additional machine.
Each motion picture projector, floodlight, spotlight, or similar piece of

equipment shall have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches on
each side and at its rear, but only one such space shall be required be-
tween adjacent projectors.
5-12
The projection room and the rooms appurtenant thereto shall have a ceil-
ing height of not less than 7 feet 6 inches.
508.2 Each projection room shall have at least one out-swinging, self-closing
door not less than 2 feet 6 inches wide by 6 feet 8 inches high.
508.3 The aggregate of ports and openings for projection equipment shall not
exceed 25 percent of the area of the wall between the projection room and
the auditorium.
All openings shall be provided with glass or other approved material so

as to completely close the opening.
508.4 Projection booth room ventilation shall be not less than the following.
(a) SUPPLY AIR. Each projection room shall be provided with two or
more separate fresh air inlet ducts with screened openings termi-
nating within 12 inches of the floor and located at opposite ends of
the room. Such air inlets shall be of sufficient size to permit an air
change every 3 minutes. Fresh air may be supplied from the gen-
eral building air conditioning system, providing it is so arranged
that the projection booth will continue to receive one change of air
every 3 minutes when no other air is supplied by the general air
conditioning system.
(b) EXHAUST AIR. Each projection room shall be provided with one
or more exhaust air outlets that may be manifolded into a single
duct outside the booth. Such outlets shall be so located as to en-
sure circulation throughout the room. Projection room exhaust air
systems shall be independent of any other air systems in the build-
ings. Exhaust air ducts shall terminate at the exterior of the build-
ing in such a location that the exhaust air cannot be readily
recirculated into the supply air system. The exhaust system shall
be mechanically operated and of such a capacity as to provide a
minimum of one change of air every 3 minutes. The blower motor
shall be outside the duct system.
The projection room ventilation system may also serve appurte-

nant rooms, such as the generator room and the rewind room.
508.5 Each projection machine shall be provided with an exhaust duct that will
draw air from each lamp and exhaust it directly to the outside of the build-
ing in such a fashion that it will not be picked up by supply inlets. Such a
duct shall be of rigid materials, except for a continuous flexible connector
approved for the purpose. The lamp exhaust system shall not be inter-
connected with any other system.
5-13
508.6 No one shall use an electric arc, xenon, or other light source that gener-
ates hazardous gases, dust or radiation, in any place of assembly.
508.7 No one shall use cellulose nitrate film in any place of assembly without
written approval from the Chief Fire Officer.
508.8 (a) Each projection room shall be provided with rewind and film stor-
age facilities.
(b) A maximum of four containers for flammable liquids of not greater

than 16 oz. capacity and of a nonbreakable type may be permitted
in each projection booth.
(c) Appurtenant electrical equipment such as rheostats, transformers,

and generators may be located within the booth or in a separate
room of equivalent construction.
509.1 Automatic sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, fire extinguishers,

fire alarm systems and standpipes shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.
509.2 Chimneys, flues and vents shall be as set forth in Chapter 38.
509.3 Heat-producing apparatus shall be as set forth in Chapter 38.
509.4 The service of hazardous utilities shall be as set forth in Section 409 and
other portions of this Code applicable thereto. Any gas service to the stage
portion of the building shall be separated from any other service to the
building, and every gas service shall be provided with shut off valve at a
convenient and conspicuous place outside the building, and adequately
marked.
509.5 Electrical installations shall be as required herein and as specified in Part

X.
509.6 Transformer vaults shall be as set forth in Chapter 39.
509.7 The storage of any flammable materials shall be as set forth in Chapter 39.
510.1 Plumbing shall be installed as set forth in Chapter 36 of this Code.
510.2 Sanitation shall be as set forth in Section 412.
5-14
510.3 The toilet units shall be provided as in the tables in Chapter 36 applica-
ble to: -
(a) Theatres, auditoria, motion-picture houses, exhibition halls, gym-

nasiums, bowling centres, pool rooms, churches, passenger rooms
and casinos.
Existing buildings not fully complying with the requirements of this Chapter may be used
for Group A Occupancies, if the requirements of Sections 502, 504, 509 and 510 are fully
complied with and providing there is not less than a two-hour fire separation between
such buildings and any other occupancies.
512 MIXED OCCUPANCIES
Separation of Group A Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

Divisions of Occupancies shall be as set forth in Chapter 4.
In all high rise buildings all elevator lobbies shall be protected by one hour fire rated
doors across the corridor or corridors leading to the elevator or elevators. These doors
shall be recessed in the corridor walls and shall normally be kept in an open position by
magnetic catches. These catches shall be activated by the fire alarm system on that floor, or
the general fire alarm, or by smoke detectors situated within, or adjacent to the lobby
areas. The doors shall be designed to close automatically, when activated, and to open
when pressure of 15 pounds is applied to them.
5-15
515 ATRIUMS
An Atrium may be installed in a Group A Occupancy building provided the following

criteria are met:
515.1 MINIMUM DIMENSIONS: No horizontal dimension between opposite

edges of the floor opening shall be less than twenty feet and the opening
shall have a minimum area of one thousand square feet.
515.2 MAIN ENTRANCE: Shall be located at the lowest level of the Atrium
which shall be at, or about, ground level.
515.3 ENCLOSURE: The atrium shall be separated from adjacent occupiable

spaces by fire barriers with at least two hours fire resistance rating. The
rated walls may be omitted only as follows:
(a) Where no more than one or two levels of a building open directly
to the atrium without enclosure, however the perimeter walls of
such levels shall be of two hours fire rating.
(b) Glass walls may be used in lieu of the fire rated walls provided
automatic sprinklers are placed no more than six feet apart along
both sides of the glass wall. Such sprinklers shall be located no
more than one foot from the glass. The sprinklers shall be located
so that the surface of the glass shall be completely wet upon the
operation of the sprinklers. The glass shall be float glass held in
place with a gasket system which shall permit the glass framing
system to deflect without loading the glass before the sprinklers
operate
515.4 EXITS: Shall be separately enclosed from the atrium and shall be pro-
tected in accordance with section 1507.2. These exits shall be sufficient to
provide for the simultaneous egress of all occupants of the following
spaces:
(a) at all levels in the atrium.
(b) in those areas opening directly onto the atrium without enclosure.
(c) in those areas whose direct access is from the atrium.
The areas of (a), (b) and (c) above shall be totalled and treated as a single
floor area and the exit capacity determined accordingly.
515.5 VISIBILITY: The entire atrium space shall be open and unobstructed in
such a manner that a fire within any part of the space should be readily
obvious to the occupants prior to the time it becomes a hazard to them.
5-16
(a) A building that includes an atrium shall be protected throughout
by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
EXCEPTION: For buildings of Groups C or F Occupancy of no more than

two storeys or less than 30 feet in height, ground floor to ceiling of atrium,
sprinklers may be omitted provided that separation is provided as re-
quired by Section 515.3 (a).
(b) Sprinklers may be omitted at the top of the atrium only, when the
ceiling of the atrium is more than fifty-five feet above the floor.
(c) An automatic smoke removal system shall be installed in such a

manner that the atrium and any levels of the building that open
onto the atrium without any enclosures, shall be provided with six
complete changes of air per hour in the event of an emergency.
(d) The automatic smoke removal system shall be activated by all the
following:
(1) Approved smoke detectors located at the top of the atrium,

and adjacent to each return air intake from the atrium, and
(2) The required automatic sprinkler system, and
(3) The required fire alarm system, and
(4) Manual controls which are readily accessible to the Fire De-
partment.
The requirements for the physically handicapped shall be as set forth in Chapter
45.
5-17
NOTES
5-18
CHAPTER 6
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP B OCCUPANCIES
601 GROUP B OCCUPANCIES DEFINED

604 EXIT FACILITIES
606 ENCLOSURE AND VERTICAL OPENINGS
608 MOTION-PICTURE MACHINE BOOTHS
611 MIXED OCCUPANCY
614 ATRIUMS
601 GROUP B OCCUPANCY DEFINED
601.1 GROUP B OCCUPANCY DEFINED: Group B occupancy shall include

assembly uses such as:
DIVISION 1: Assembly uses set forth in Section 501 having an occupancy

of 200 to 1,000 persons.
DIVISION 2: Assembly uses as set forth in Section 501 having an occu-

pant content of less than 200 persons except that the occupancy of any
room or space for assembly purposes of less than 50 persons in a building
of other Occupancy and incidental to such other Occupancy shall be
classed as part of the other Occupancy and subject to the provisions ap-
plicable thereto.
602.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group B because of use
or occupancy shall be limited in height and area as follows:
6-1
(b) Areas of Group B buildings may be increased in accordance with
Sub-section 502.1 (b).
fire extinguishing system is installed throughout the building.
(d) A single floor church of Group B Division 2 Occupancy may be of

Type IV or V construction.

(a) A fire-resistive ceiling shall not be required in the assembly space
of churches, gymnasiums and school-assembly halls in one-storey
buildings, every part of the roof structure of which is 18' or more
above any floor or balcony or gallery seating 50 or less persons.
(b) Group B assembly rooms having an occupant content of 100 or more shall
not be located in a basement.
(c) In gymnasiums, dance halls, and similar occupancies, floors and running
tracks may be of wood.
(d) Balconies, and the exits therefrom, shall be a minimum of Type II con-
struction.
(e) Basements shall be of Type I construction.
603.1 Buildings with Group B Occupancy shall comply with the requirements
of Town Planning and the requirements herein stated, whichever are the
more restrictive.
603.2 Buildings of Group B Occupancy shall front directly upon a public street
or on a clear and permanently unobstructed yard or court not less than 30
feet in width and connected to such public street.
6-2
Exterior walls shall have fire-resistance and opening protection, detemined
by location on property, as set forth for the Type of Construction in Part
V.
604 EXIT FACILITIES
Exit facilities for Group B Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter
28.
The requirements, as specified for exit facilities of Group A Occupancies in Section 504,
shall apply to Group B Occupancies unless otherwise specified.
604.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: The occupant content shall be computed as set

forth in Sub-section 504.1.
604.2 WIDTHS OF EXITS: The total width of all exits shall be as set forth in
Sub-section 504.2.
604.3 ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS:

(a) INTERIOR SPACES: Exits from rooms or spaces of Group B Occu-
pancies shall be as set forth in Section 504 except that exits for Di-
vision 2 Occupancies not having a stage, balcony or gallery may be
as follows:
(1) Such rooms may exit into a corridor, stairway, passageway

or court serving another Group of Occupancy in the same
building provided the total occupant content of the floor or
building includes the Group B Division 2 Occupancy.
(2) There shall be not less than two exit doors and such doors
shall be remote.
(3) The main exit shall be not less than 36 inches in width.
(b) FLOORS: Exits from any balcony or gallery shall be as set forth in
Section 504.
(c) DOORS: Doors in a means of egress, normally closed and latched,

and serving more than 50 persons, shall be equipped with panic
hardware.
(d) TRAVEL DISTANCE: Exits shall be arranged that the maximum

travel distance from any point, or from the door of separated spaces
less than 600 square feet, to the nearest floor exit shall not exceed
150 feet for buildings of Type I Construction or 100 feet for build-
ings of other Types of Construction.
6-3
604.4 SEATING AND AISLES: Where seating is at tables such as in restaurants
and night clubs, aisles shall be located so that there is not more than 28
feet between aisles nor more than 14 feet between an aisle and a wall.
There shall be a cross aisle leading from the centre aisle or aisles directly
to each required side exit. Aisle widths shall be unmistakably maintained,
and the Buildings Control Officer may order seats fastened to the floor, or
aisles outlined by rails or ropes or by painting on the floor, to maintain
the minimum unobstructed aisle widths.
All portions of Group B Occupancies customarily used by human beings shall have light
and ventilation as set forth in Section 505.
606.1 Vertical openings shall be enclosed as set forth in Part IV for the type of
construction, and in Section 604 and Chapter 28.
606.2 There shall be no openings in required stair or ramp enclosures except

entrances, exit and openings for ventilation.
Stages, platforms and rostrums shall be as set forth in Section 507.
608.1 Portable motion-picture machines using slow burning (cellulose acetate

or equivalent) type of film may be used without a motion picture ma-
chine booth. The slow-burning film shall have a permanent distinctive
marker for its entire length, identifying the manufacturer and the slow-
burning character of the film stock. Machines shall be marked with the
name and/or trademark of the maker and the voltage and current rating
for which they are designed, and shall also be plainly marked: “FOR USE
OF SLOW-BURNING FILMS ONLY.”
608.2 In buildings where the showing of motion pictures is the principal use,
motion-picture machine booths, as set forth in Section 508, shall be pro
vided.
6-4

other portions of this Code applicable thereto. Any gas service to the stage
building, and every gas service shall be provided with a shut-off valve at
a convenient and conspicuous place outside the building, and adequately
marked.
609.5 Electrical installations shall be as required herein and as specified in

Chapter 44.
609.7 The storage of flammable materials shall be as set forth in Chapter 39.
610.1 Plumbing shall be installed as set forth in Chapter 36.
610.3 The number of toilet units shall be provided as in the tables in Chapter 36.
611 MIXED OCCUPANCY
Separation of Group B Occupancies or division thereof from all other occupancies or divi-
sions of occupancies shall be as specified in Chapter 4.
Shall be required as set forth in Sub-section 513.
6-5
The minimum sizes for kitchens of catering establishments shall be as set forth in
Section 514.
614 ATRIUMS
The requirements for atriums shall be as set forth in Section 515.
The requirements for accessibility for the physically handicapped shall be as set
forth in Chapter 45.
6-6
CHAPTER 7
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP C OCCUPANCIES
701 GROUP C OCCUPANCY DEFINED

704 EXIT FACILITIES
712 MIXED OCCUPANCY
714 ATRIUMS
701 GROUP C OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group C Occupancy shall include all schools having classes more than four hours per
day or 12 hours per week and providing facilities for more than ten students or pre-
school children.
Accessory uses to schools not exceeding the following maximums may conform to the
requirements of this Chapter.
Assembly Halls……………………………... 2100 square feet
Dining Rooms………………………………. 3000 square feet
Gymnasiums………………………………... 3000 square feet
Woodwork Shops having portable or fixed power equipment or tools not exceeding a
combined total of 20 HP.
7-1
Such accessory uses exceeding the above maximums shall conform to the requirements
of the occupancy group, which includes such use.
702.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings, or parts of buildings classed in Group C because of use
or occupancy, shall be limited in height and area as follows:
Type Allowable Height Area Per Floor
I Not Limited Not Limited

II 60 feet (4 storeys) 18,000
III Protected 30 feet (2 storeys) 15,000
III Unprotected & IV 30 feet (1 storey) 13,500
V 30 feet (1 storey) 8,500
(b) Areas of Group C buildings may be increased in accordance with

Sub-section 502.1 (b).

(a) Rooms having an occupancy content of more than 100 persons and
rooms used for kindergarten, first, and second grade pupils, shall
not be located above the first storey above grade except in build-
ings of Type I construction.
(b) Where there is useable space under the first floor of two-storey
Type III buildings, basements, including the first floor shall be of
Type I construction.
703.1 Buildings with Group C Occupancy shall comply with the requirements
of Town Planning and the requirements herein stated, whichever are the
more restrictive. Buildings with Group C Occupancy shall front directly
7-2
upon a public street or on a clear and permanent unobstructed yard or
court not less than 30 feet in width and connected to such public street.
703.2 Exterior walls shall have fire-resistance and opening protection, deter
mined by location on property, as set forth for the Type of Construction in
Part IV.
704 EXIT FACILITIES
Exit facilities for Group C Occupancies shall be as set forth in this section and in Chapter
28.
704.1 OCCUPANCY CONTENT: For determining exit requirements of Group C

Occupancy, the occupant content shall be the area within the perimeter
of the building, or fire division at any floor level, with no deduction for
corridors, divided by the area per person as specified below:
Occupancy Area (Sq. Ft. Per Person)
Auditoriums 7
Dining Rooms 10
Gymnasiums-seating areas 6
Classrooms 16
Shops, laboratories 50
School Libraries 40
Other Uses 40
Day care centres 35
704.2 WIDTH OF EXITS: Exits shall be provided as follows:
(a) Doors leading directly outside of building at grade level or not

exceeding 21 inches above or below grade, one 22 inch unit of exit
width for each 100 persons or fraction thereof.
(b) Doors leading directly outside of building but requiring steps of

over 21 inches to reach grade and provided such steps have one-
third more units of width than doors, one 22 inch unit of exit width
for each 100 persons or fraction thereof.
7-3
(c) Stairs; one 22 inch unit of exit width for each 60 persons or fraction
thereof.
(d) Ramps and horizontal exits; one 22 inch unit of exit width for each
100 persons or fraction thereof.
(a) ROOMS: Classrooms, shops and similar small rooms occupied by

less than 40 persons may have one door thereto, provided such door
is not less than 36 inches in width and located at the teacher end
of the room. Classrooms, shops and similar rooms occupied by 41
or more persons shall have not less than two exit doors, not less
than 36 inches in width, the combined width of which shall be not
less than one 22 inch unit of exit width for each 100 persons or
fraction thereof. Doors shall be remote from each other. Rooms
with occupant content exceeding 300 persons shall have exits as
specified for Group A and B occupancy.
Classroom exits may be to corridors.
Rooms in basements shall have not less that 50 percent of the re-
quired means of egress therefrom opening directly to the exterior
of the building.
(b) CORRIDORS: Classrooms, assemblies of less than 300 persons, and

other subdivisions shall open directly to floor exits or shall con-
nect thereto by means of corridors. Corridors shall have a width of
not less than six feet nor less than four inches for every 300 square
feet, or major fraction thereof, of floor area served. Room doors or
locker doors swinging into corridors shall not at any point in their
swing reduce the clear effective width of the corridor to less than
six feet, nor shall drinking fountains or other equipment fixed or
moveable, be placed to obstruct the required minimum six feet
width.
(c) BALCONIES, used as exits shall not be less than five feet in width
at any point.
(d) FLOORS: There shall be not less than two remote means of egress
from each floor.
Floor exits shall be by means of stairways, ramps, horizontal exits,

passageways or smokeproof towers as specified in Chapter 28, or
by doors at or near grade, directly to the exterior.
7-4
The upper floors of two-storey buildings may have enclosed inte-
rior stairways or open exterior stairways.
The upper floors of three-storey buildings shall have enclosed in-

terior stairways for not less than one-half of the required floor ex-
its. Other upper floor exits may be open exterior stairways or en-
closed interior stairways.
The upper floor of building exceeding three stories shall have

smokeproof towers for not less than one-half the required floor
exits. Other upper floor exits shall be enclosed interior stairways.
(e) DOORS: Doors in means of egress, normally closed and latched,

shall be equipped with panic hardware except that doors leading
from classrooms directly to the outside of the building may be
equipped with the same knob-operated schoolhouse type lock as
is used on classroom doors leading to corridor with no provision
whatsoever for locking against egress from the classroom.
The minimum width of any required door in a means of egress

shall be 36 inches.
Doors of classrooms serving as required exits may swing against

the direction of exit travel when serving an occupant load of less
than 40 persons.
(f) TRAVEL DISTANCE: The exits shall be so arranged that the maxi-
mum travel distance from any point or from the door of separated
spaces less than 800 square feet, to the nearest floor exit shall not
exceed 100 feet except that the travel distance in any room where
one exit door is permitted shall not exceed 40 feet.
(g) MAXIMUM DEAD END CORRIDOR TRAVEL: Exits shall be so

arranged that at least 2 separate exits will be available from every
floor area. Exits shall be as remote from each other as practicable,
so arranged that there will be no pockets or dead ends of the ap-
preciable size in which occupants may be trapped, and in no case
shall any dead-end corridor extend more than 20'-0" beyond the
stairway of other means of exit therefrom.
(h) MAXIMUM DEAD END BALCONY OR EXTERIOR CORRIDOR

TRAVEL: Where exterior corridors or balconies are provided as
means of egress, they shall open to the outside air except for rail-
ings or balustrades with stairs or level exits to grade not over the
allowable travel distance apart, so located that an exit will be
available in either direction from the door to any individual room
7-5
or space, with dead ends not to exceed 20'-0". If balconies are en-
closed by glass or in any other manner, they shall be treated as
interior corridors.
All portions of Group C Occupancies customarily used by human beings shall have light
and ventilation as set forth in Section 505.
Vertical openings shall be enclosed as set forth in Part IV for the Type of Construction, and
in Section 704 and in Chapter 28.
Stages, platforms and rostrums shall be as set forth in Section 507, except that platforms
or rostrums constructed as part of classrooms and not occupying more than 15 percent of
the area of the floor may be constructed of combustible materials.
Portable motion-picture machines using slow-burning (cellulose acetate or equivalent)

type of film may be used in accordance with Section 608.
In buildings where the showing of motion pictures is the principal use, motion-picture
machine booths, as set out in Section 508 shall be provided.

other portions of this code applicable thereto. Any gas service to the stage
building, and every gas service shall be provided with a shut-off valve at
7-6
a convenient and conspicuous place outside of the building, and ad-
equately marked.

710.3 The number of toilet units shall be provided as in the tables in Chapter 36.
Except in buildings of Type I Construction, school classrooms used for kindergarten, first
and second-grade pupils shall be located on the ground floor.
712 MIXED OCCUPANCY
Separation of Group C Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

The minimum sizes for kitchens of catering establishments shall be as set forth in Section
514.
714 ATRIUMS
The requirements for the physically handicapped shall be as set forth in Chapter 45.
7-7
NOTES
7-8
CHAPTER 8
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP D OCCUPANCIES
801 GROUP D OCCUPANCY DEFINED

804 EXIT FACILITIES
809 MIXED OCCUPANCY
801 GROUP D OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group D Occupancy shall include such hazardous uses as the manufacture, storage and
use of highly combustible materials or explosives or flammable liquids or gases, com-
bustible film, dry-cleaning plants, grain elevators, distilleries, woodworking shops
(schools included), having portable or fixed equipment or tools exceeding a combined
total of 20 H.P., paint spraying, and similar uses.
802.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings, or parts of buildings classed in Group D because of use
I 50 feet (4 storeys) 11,250
III (protected) 20 feet (1 storey) 8,000
IV 20 feet (1 storey) 5,000
802.2 Attention is drawn to the Statute Law of the Commonwealth of The

Bahamas with reference to the following Acts and Rules made under these
Acts: -
8-1
(a) No. 17 of 1968 - The Explosives Act
(b) Chapter 250 - The Inflammable Liquids Act
(c) Chapter 295 - The Cinematographic Act
(d) No. 14 of 1988 - The Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act
relating to any special conditions for the storage of hazardous materials.

(a) Basements shall not be used for Group E occupancy purposes.
(b) Floors shall be of non-combustible materials protected against satu-

ration.
(c) Where a special explosion hazard is inherent to a high-hazard oc-

cupancy, no occupancy which is not directly related to the high
hazard occupancy shall be permitted in the same building.
(d) A distance separation of not less than 30 feet from a contiguous

building line shall be provided.
(e) Notwithstanding (d) above, should any Statute Law listed in Sec-
tion 802.2 require a greater distance separation than 30 feet that
distance shall govern.
Buildings with Group D Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Plan-
ning and the requirements herein stated, whichever are the more restrictive. Exterior walls
of buildings of Group D Occupancy shall have fire-resistance and opening protection de-
termined by location on property as set forth in Type of Construction in Part IV.
804 EXIT FACILITIES
Exit facilities for Group D Occupancies shall be as set forth in this section and in Chapter
28.
804.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: For determining exit requirements of Group D

Occupancies, the occupant content shall be the area within the perimeter
of the building, or fire division, at any floor level, with no deductions for
corridors, divided by an area of 100 square feet per person.
8-2
(a) Street floor exits shall be provided based on one 22 inch of exit
width for each 100 persons or fraction thereof on the street floor
plus one and one half units for each two units of stairway or ramp
from upper or lower floor where such floors discharge through the
street floor exit.
(b) Upper or lower floors other than street level floors shall have one
22 inch unit of exit for each 60 persons or fraction thereof except
that horizontal exits and smoke towers may serve 100 persons for
each 22 unit of exit width.

(a) INTERIOR SPACES: Occupied rooms including mezzanines, shall
have paths of egress so located that travel from such rooms to a
floor exit is not subjected to hazardous exposure.
Rooms including mezzanines, 400 square feet or more in area, shall

have not less than two remote exits.
(b) FLOORS:
(1) There shall be not less than two remote means of egress from
each floor.
(2) Floor exits shall be by means of stairways, ramps, horizon

tal exits, passageways or smokeproof towers, as specified
in Chapter 28, or by doors, at or near grade, directly to the
exterior.
(3) The upper floors of two storey buildings may have enclosed
interior stairways or exterior open stairways.
(4) The upper floors of three storey buildings shall have en

closed interior stairways for not less than one half the re
quired floor exits. Other upper floor exits may be open ex
terior stairways or enclosed interior stairways.
(5) The upper floors of buildings which exceed three stories shall
have smokeproof towers for not less than one half the re
quired floor exits. Other upper floor exits shall be enclosed
interior stairways.
(6) Where floors are divided into fire divisions, one exit from
each such division may be a horizontal exit.
8-3
shall be equipped with panic hardware.
(d) TRAVEL DISTANCE: Exits shall be so arranged that the maximum

travel distance from any point to the nearest floor exit shall be not
more than 75 feet.
EXCEPTION: The travel distance in any room, including mezzanines,

where one exit door is permitted, shall not exceed 25 feet.
805.1 All portions of Group D Occupancies customarily used by human beings

shall have light and ventilation as set forth in Section 505. All portions of
buildings where flammable liquids are used or stored shall be provided
with mechanical ventilation as set forth in Chapter 40.
805.2 In all buildings where flammable liquids are used or stored, mechanical
exhaust ventilation shall be provided, sufficient to produce one complete
change of air every 10 minutes. Such exhaust ventilation shall be taken
from a point at or near floor level and shall be in operation when the
building is occupied by human beings.
Vertical openings shall be enclosed as specified in Part IV for the type of construction and
in Section 804 and Chapter 28.
807.1 Automatic-sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, smoke control systems,

fire extinguishers and standpipes shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.
other portions of this Code applicable thereto.

8-4
807.7 The storage or use of flammable materials shall be as set forth in Chapter
39 and as required by Section 802.2.
807.8 Combustion heaters shall not be permitted in Group D Occupancies.
807.9 Each machine in dry-cleaning plants which use a flammable liquid shall
have an adequate steam line connected to it, so arranged as to automati-
cally fill the machine with steam in case of fire.
807.10 Paint spraying and dipping shall comply with the requirements set forth
in Chapter 39.
808.3 The toilet units shall be provided as in the tables in Chapter 36.
809 MIXED OCCUPANCY
Separation of Group D Occupancies or Divisions thereof from other Occupancies or Divi-

sions of Occupancies shall be as set forth in Chapter 4.
8-5
NOTES
8-6
CHAPTER 9
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP E OCCUPANCIES
901 GROUP E OCCUPANCY DEFINED

904 EXIT FACILITIES
909 MIXED OCCUPANCY
901 GROUP E OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group E Occupancy shall include storage and industrial uses as follows: —
DIVISION 1: Storage Occupancy shall include warehouses, storage buildings, freight

depots, public garages of any size where repair work is done, parking garages for
more than four cars, gasoline service stations, aircraft hangars or similar uses.
DIVISION 2: Industrial Occupancy shall include factories, assembly and manufac-

turing plants, processing mills, laboratories, loft buildings and similar uses.
902.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings, or parts of buildings classed in Group E because of use

III* 30 feet (2 storeys) 18,000
IV (1 storey) 12,000
III** & V 20 feet (1 storey) 10,000
*Protected
**Unprotected
9-1
(b) Areas of Group E buildings may be increased in accordance with
Sub-section 502.1(b).
(d) See Section 3701.3 for construction requirements for Group E sin-
gle storey buildings with specific distance separations.
902.2 Attention is drawn to the Statute Law of the Commonwealth of The

Bahamas with reference to the following Acts and Rules made under these
Acts:
(a) No. 17 of 1968 - The Explosives Act
(b) Chapter 250 - The Inflammable Liquids Act
(c) No. 14 of 1988 - The Liquified Petroleum Gas Act
relating to any special conditions for the storage of hazardous materi-

als.
902.3 (a) Motor vehicle service stations shall be Type I, II or III (Protected)
or IV Construction. The canopies over the pumps may, at the dis-
cretion of the Buildings Control Officer, be of exposed steel col-
umns and beams and sheet metal roofing.
Motor vehicle service stations shall not be of Type V Construction.
(b) Aircraft hangars shall be of Type Construction as approved by the

Buildings Control Officer and shall comply with the requirements
of the Minister charged with the responsibility for the control of
Civil Aviation.
(c) Parking garages used exclusively for parking and storing of pas-
senger motor vehicles shall be of Type I construction, except that
garages not exceeding four storeys above grade may have struc-
tural framework and floors unprotected and exterior walls of not
less than two-hour fire-resistive construction, except as otherwise
provided in Section 1504, and garages exceeding four storeys but
not exceeding eight storeys may have structural framework and
floors protected by one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(d) Floors in motor service stations, garages and aircraft hangars shall
be non-combustible materials protected against saturation.
9-2
(e) Vehicular ramps shall comply with the following:
(1) Where discharging to a sidewalk or street grade from below

grade, the slope shall not to exceed 1:20 for the last 20'-0" to
the point of discharge.
(2) Where discharging to a sidewalk or street grade from above

grade, the slope shall not exceed 1:10 for the last 20'-0" to
the point of discharge.
Buildings with Group E Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Plan-
of Group E Occupancy buildings shall have fire-resistance and opening protection, deter-
mined by location on property, as set forth for Type of Construction in Part IV.
904 EXIT FACILITIES
Exit facilities for Group E Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter
28 except that exit facilities for parking garages where no persons other than parking
attendants are permitted on upper floors shall be as set forth in Paragraph 904.3(e)2.
904.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: For determining exit requirements of Group E

Occupancy, the occupant content shall be the area within the perimeter of
the building, or fire division, at any floor level with no deduction for cor-
ridors, divided by an area of 100 square feet per person.
(a) Street floor exits shall be provided based on one 22-inch of exit
width for each 100 persons or fraction thereof on the street floor
plus one and one-half units for each two units of stairway or ramp
from upper or lower floor where such floors discharge through the
street floor.

(a) INTERIOR SPACES: Rooms or spaces shall have not less than two
remote exits except that where having an occupant content of less
than 25 persons having direct exit to public space and with travel
distance not exceeding 50 feet a single exit may be provided.
(b) FLOORS:
9-3
each floor except that floors or mezzanines of buildings not
exceeding two stories and having an occupant content of not
more than 25 persons, may have a single door, or an enclosed
stairway, exiting directly to the exterior.
(2) Floor exits shall be by means of stairways, ramps, horizontal

exits, passageways or smokeproof towers as specified in
Chapter 28, or by doors, at or near grade, directly to the exte-
rior.
(3) Dead ends in exit corridors, beyond a floor exit or other cor-
ridor having two remote exits, shall not exceed 20 feet.
(4) The upper floor of two-storey buildings may have interior

stairways, enclosed where required under Types of Construc-
tion, or open exterior stairways.
(5) The upper floors of three-storey buildings shall have en

closed interior stairways for not less than one-half of the re-
quired floor exits. Other upper floor exits may be open exte-
rior stairways or enclosed interior stairways.
(6) The upper floors of buildings which exceed three storeys shall
have enclosed interior stairways, except that buildings which
exceed five storeys shall have not less than one-half of the
required floor exits by smokeproof towers.
(7) Where floors are divided in fire divisions, one exit from each
such division may be a horizontal exit.

hardware.
(d) TRAVEL DISTANCE: The exits shall be so arranged that the maxi-
mum travel distance from any point, or from the door of separated
spaces having an occupant content of less than 50 persons, to the
nearest floor exit shall not exceed 150 feet except as follows: —
(1) In a building protected throughout by an approved sprin-

kler system in accordance with Section 3701, travel distance
may be increased to 300 feet.
(2)* Every area used for the storage of high hazard commodities
shall have an exit within 75 feet of any point in the area where
persons may be present.
9-4
(3)* If those areas in (2) above are in a building which is pro-
tected throughout with an approved sprinkler system in-
stalled in accordance with Section 3701, the travel distance
may be increased to 100 feet.
(e) PARKING GARAGES:

(1) Where persons other than parking attendants are permitted,
stairs and exits shall be as otherwise set forth herein.
(2) Where no persons other than parking attendants are permit-

ted and a ramp for transporting vehicles is constructed, or
where cars are mechanically lifted and parked without at-
tendants or passengers, there shall be not less than one stair-
way for each 10,000 square feet or fraction thereof. Where
cars are mechanically lifted and parked by attendants, one
additional exit shall be provided where such ramp is omit-
ted. Such ramps shall be considered an exit, and exits shall
be remotely located so that the maximum travel distance from
any point to a floor exit shall not exceed 100 feet.
(3) Stairs shall be not less than three feet wide and shall be en-
closed if more than 50 percent of the periphery of the build-
ing is enclosed or if the structure exceeds three storeys in
height.
(4) Continuous belts or lifts without cages shall be designed to

be safe.
All portions of Group E Occupancies customarily used by human beings shall have light
and ventilation as set forth in Section 505. All portions of buildings where flammable
liquids are used or stored or where automobiles are stored or handled shall be provided
with mechanical ventilation as set forth in Chapter 40, except that the Buildings Control
Officer may waive this requirement when the building is provided with unobstructed
openings and/or cross ventilation.
in Section 904 and in Chapter 28, except that, unless otherwise required by Type of Con-
struction, interior stair or ramp exits in buildings two stories in height need not be en-
closed.
9-5
907.1 Automatic-sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, fire extinguishers

and standpipes shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.
907.5 Electrical vaults shall be as set forth in Chapter 44 of this Code.
908 PLUMBING AND TOILET FIXTURES
909 MIXED OCCUPANCY
Separation of Group E Occupancies or Division thereof from all other Occupancies or

514.
9-6
CHAPTER 10
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP F OCCUPANCIES
1001 GROUP F OCCUPANCY DEFINED

1004 EXIT FACILITIES
1009 MIXED OCCUPANCY
1012 ATRIUMS
1001 GROUP F OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group F Occupancy shall include mercantile and business uses as follows:
DIVISION 1: Mercantile occupancy, shall include retail stores, shops, sales rooms,
markets and similar uses.
DIVISION 2: Business occupancy, shall include office buildings, banks, civic-ad-

ministration buildings, telephone exchanges, museums, art galleries, libraries and
similar uses.
DIVISION 3: Covered Malls.
1002.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings or parts of buildings classed in Group F because of use
10-1

III* 30 feet (2 storeys) 20,000
III** & IV 20 feet (1 storey) 18,000
* Protected
** Unprotected
(b) Areas of Group F buildings may be increased in accordance with
sub-section 502.1(b).
(d) See Section 3701.3 for construction requirements for Group F Divi-
sion I and III Occupancy with specific distance separation require-
ments.
(e) Type V construction shall not be permitted for covered malls.

(a) Basements shall be of Type I construction.
(b) Buildings on open lots, if used for the dispensing of gasoline, shall
be as set forth in paragraph 902.3(a).
(c) In covered malls, walls dividing stores and other spaces from each
other and those protecting exits shall extend from the floor to the
underside of the roof deck, or floor deck above. No separation is
required between a tenant space and the mall.
Buildings with Group F Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Planning
and the requirements herein stated, whichever are more restrictive. Exterior walls of build-
ings of Group F Occupancy shall have fire resistance and opening protection, determined
by location on property as set forth for the Type of Construction in Part IV.
Exit facilities for Group F Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter
28.
10-2
1004.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: For determining exit requirements of Group F
Occupancy, the occupant content shall be the area within the perimeter
of the building, or fire division, any floor level with no deduction for
corridors, divided by the specified area per person as given below:
(a) The occupant content of floors or spaces used for assembly pur-
poses shall be computed as set forth in Sub-section 504.1. The oc-
cupant content shall be the reasonable maximum capacity based
on the intended use as determined by the Buildings Control Of-
ficer.
(b) In the case of mezzanines or balconies open to the floor below, or

unprotected vertical openings between floors, the occupant load
(or area) of the mezzanine or other subsidiary floor level shall be
added to that of the street floor for the purpose of determining
required exits, provided, however, that in no case shall the total
number of exit units be less than would be required if all vertical
openings were enclosed.
1004.2 WIDTHS OF EXITS: Street floor exits shall be provided based on 22-inch
of exit width for each 100 persons or fraction thereof on the street floor
plus one and one-half units for each two units of stairway or ramp from
upper or lower floor where such floors discharge through the street floor.
(a) INTERIOR SPACES:

(1) Rooms or spaces shall have not less than two remote exits
except where having an occupant content of less than 25 per-
sons, having direct exit to public space and with travel dis-
tance not exceeding 50 feet a single exit may be provided.
(2) In self service stores, no check out stand or associated rail-

ing, turnstile or barrier shall obstruct exits, aisles or ap-
proaches thereto.
10-3
(3) Not less than one-half of the required exits from the first or
ground floor of a mercantile occupancy shall be to the main
entrance and exit.
(4) In self service stores where wheeled carts or buggies are used
by customers, adequate provision shall be made for the tran-
sit and parking of such carts to minimize the possibility that
they may obstruct exits.
(5) At least 1/2 of the required exits shall be so located as to be

reached without going through check-out stands. In no case
shall check-out stands or associated railings or barriers ob-
struct exits, required aisles or approaches thereto.
(b) FLOORS:
each floor except that floors of buildings not exceeding two
stories and having an occupant content of not more than 25
persons may have a single door, or an enclosed stairway, ex-
iting directly to the exterior.
(2) Floor exits shall be by means of stairways, ramps, horizontal

exits, passageways or smokeproof towers as specified in
Chapter 28 or by doors, at or near grade, directly to the exte-
rior. Dead ends in exit corridors beyond a floor exit or other
corridor having two remote exits shall not exceed 20 feet.
(3) The upper floor of two-storey buildings may have interior

stairways enclosed where required under Types of Construc-
tion, or open exterior stairways.
(4) The upper floors of three-storey buildings shall have enclosed

interior stairways for not less than one-half of the required
floor exits. Other upper floor exits may be open exterior stair-
ways or enclosed interior stairways.
(5) The upper floors of buildings which exceed three stories shall
have enclosed interior stairways, except that buildings which
exceed five storeys shall have not less than one-half of the
required exits by smokeproof towers.
(6) Where floors are divided in fire divisions, one exit from each
such division may be a horizontal exit.

hardware.
10-4
mum travel distance from any point or from the door of separated
spaces having an occupant content of less than 50 persons, to the
nearest floor exit shall not exceed 150 feet except that if high haz-
ard commodities are displayed or handled without protective wrap-
pings or containers the travel distance shall not exceed 75 feet.
(e) SPECIAL RESTRICTION: Smokeproof towers and enclosed inte-

rior stairways shall not be taken down to basement level. Base-
ment exits shall be separate.
(f) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: COVERED MALLS: *A covered mall

and all stores and other spaces contained therein shall be treated
as a single building for the purposes of calculating the means of
egress and shall be subject to the requirements of the appropriate
Group of Occupancy.
Notwithstanding the above:
(1) Any store, or other space, the total floor area of which ex-
ceeds 3000 square feet, shall have half its required exit widths
leading directly to the outside, without passage through the
mall.
(2) All Group A, Group B, or Group G Occupancies and major

department stores or merchandising centres not contained
within the covered mall but having direct access to it, shall
have all the required means of egress independent of the cov-
ered mall.
(3) The covered mall shall be of sufficient width to accommo-

date the egress requirements set forth in this and other Chap-
ters of this Code and in no case shall the width be less than
20 feet. This width shall be maintained free of all merchan-
dise, sale stands and similar obstructions at all times.
(4) The covered mall and all stores and other spaces contained
therein shall be protected throughout by an approved sprin-
kler system installed in accordance with Section 3701.
(5) In addition to the approved sprinkler system in (4) above all

those areas shall be equipped with an approved smoke con-
trol system and approved fire alarm system.
(6) Where the covered mall, stores and other spaces contained
therein are protected in accordance with (4) and (5) above,
10-5
the travel distance within an individual store or space shall
not exceed 150 feet. An additional 200 feet shall be permitted
for travel through the covered mall to an exit.
(7) Every floor of a covered mall shall have no less than two
exits located remote from each other.
All portions of Group F Occupancies customarily used by human beings shall have light
and ventilation as provided in Section 505.
in Section 1004 and in Chapter 28, except that, unless otherwise required by Type of Con-
struction, interior stair or ramp exits in buildings two stories in height need not be en-
closed.
1007.1 Automatic-sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, fire extinguishers

and standpipes shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.
1007.5 Electrical installations shall be as specified in Chapter 44 of this Code.
1008.2 Sanitations shall be as set forth in Section 412.
10-6
Separation of Group F Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

Division of Occupancies shall be as set forth in Chapter 4.
All elevator lobbies in high rise buildings shall be protected in accordance with Sub-sec-
tion 513.
514.
1012 ATRIUMS
The requirements for the physically handicapped shall be as set forth in Chapter 45 of
this Code.
10-7
NOTES
10-8
CHAPTER 11
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP G OCCUPANCIES
1101 GROUP G OCCUPANCY DEFINED

1112 ATRIUMS
1101 GROUP G OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group G Occupancy shall include multiple-residential uses such as hotels, motels, apart-
ment-hotels, houses, bungalows courts, rooming houses, dormitories, fraternity houses,
monasteries and similar uses which provide accommodations for more than six persons.
EXCEPTION: A single-family residence containing no more than three bedrooms where

no more than two bedrooms are rented, said rooms being used to house not more than
two persons per bedroom, shall be included in Group H Occupancy.
1102.1 (a) Buildings, or parts of buildings classed in Group G because of use

Type Allowable Height Area Per Floor (sf)

III (Protected) 30 feet (2 storeys) 13,500
III (Unprotected) 20 feet (1 storey) 9,000
11-1
(b) Areas of Group G buildings may be increased in accordance with
sub-section 502.1(b).
1102.2 EXCEPTION: Type III (Protected) buildings may be three storeys in height
if the floor level of the third floor is not more than 20 feet above the grade
adjacent thereto, but where this exception is used, load bearing walls shall
be of non-combustible materials.
1102.3 Basements shall be of Type I construction.
Buildings with Group G Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Plan-
of buildings of Group G Occupancy shall have fire-resistance and opening protection de-
termined by location on property as set forth in Type of Construction in Part IV.
Exit facilities for Group G Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter
28.
1104.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: For determining exit requirements of Group G

Occupancy, the occupant content shall be the area within the perimeter of
the building, or fire division, at any floor level, including all floors of resi-
dential apartments, with no deductions for corridors, divided by an area
of 125 square feet per person, except that dormitory rooms shall be com-
puted at 30 square feet per person.
1104.2 WIDTH OF EXITS:

(a) Exits from street or ground floors shall be provided on the basis of
one 22-inch unit of exit width for each 100 persons or fraction thereof
on the ground floor plus one and one half units of exit width for
each two units of exit width exiting through the ground floor from
other floors. Exits from upper or lower floors other than the ground
floor shall be provided on the basis of one 22-inch unit of exit width
for each 60 persons or fraction thereof.
(b) All required means of egress from floors shall be not less than 44
inches in width, except that where serving floors having not more
than four apartment units or eight hotel rooms, one such required
means of egress may be not less than 36 inches in width.
11-2
(c) The minimum width of exit doors from dwelling units or hotel
rooms shall be not less than the following:
Area of Unit Exit
(i) Less than 1000 square feet One 32-inch exit

(ii) 1001 to 2,000 square feet Two 32-inch exits
The area given in (i) above may be doubled, provided the building is
fully protected throughout by an approved sprinkler system
installed in accordance with Section 3701. In addition a mains-
wired smoke detector system shall also be installed. This system
shall be so designed that when activated it shall initiate an alarm
which is audible in the bedrooms.
(d) Residential-apartment units in multiple-apartment buildings, hav-

ing a second floor or balcony contained wholly within the unit shall
have an exit not less than 36 inches in width for upper area not
exceeding 1,000 square feet and an additional exit not less than 30
inches in width for upper areas exceeding 1,000 square feet. Width
of exits from main floors of residential-apartment units shall be as
otherwise set forth in this Section.
(e) A single family town house unit not exceeding two stories in height
shall be permitted to have a single exit provided:
(i) The unit has an exit door no less than 36" wide opening di-
rectly to the street or yard at ground level, or
(ii) That the unit has direct access to an outside stair that com-
plies with section 2803.9. Such stair shall serve no more than
two units located on the same floor and shall not exceed 10'
in height from the ground level.
(f) Exit courts on lot lines shall have a clear width, not less than re-
quired by Town Planning but not less than 44 inches, and inner
courts shall have a clear width of not less than ten feet.

(a) UNIT EXITS: Dwelling units and hotel rooms, 1000 square feet or
more in area, shall have not less than two remote exits, except as
otherwise provided for the upper floors of residential-type apart-
ments and as provided in 1104.2 (c) above.
11-3
The landing on the upper floor of residential apartment units shall
be directly accessible from all rooms on such upper floor, and the
stairway shall discharge on the main floor of the unit in close prox
imity to a means of egress from the unit. Where the upper floor of
such unit has a gross floor area in excess of 1,000 square feet, not
less than two exits shall be provided, one of which shall be en
closed and shall discharge directly to a means of egress from the
floor.
(b) FLOORS: There shall be not less than two remote means of egress
from each floor, except for two floor buildings containing only three
apartments per floor.
Floor exits shall be by means of stairways, ramps, horizontal exits,

passageways or smokeproof towers, as specified in Chapter 28, or
by doors, at or near grade directly to the exterior.
Dead ends in exit corridors beyond a floor exit or other corridor

having two remote exits shall not exceed 20 feet.
The upper floor of two-storey buildings may have interior stair-

ways, enclosed where required under Types of Construction, or
open exterior stairways.
Where access to rooms, or apartments, or a floor is by open bal-

cony and the floor exits by means of open stairways, Section 2803.9
shall apply.
Where access to rooms, or apartments, on a floor is by open bal-

cony and enclosed stairways or by passageway (corridor) and en-
closed stairways, the following shall apply: —
(i) Buildings of four storeys or less in height shall be provided

with enclosed stairways.
(ii) Buildings of five or more storeys shall have not less than one
half the required floor exits by smokeproof towers.
EXCEPTION: Where the floor level of the third floor does not ex-
ceed 20 feet above grade, all floor exits may be open exterior stair-
ways.
The upper floors of buildings which exceed three storeys shall have
enclosed interior stairways, except that buildings which exceed five
storeys shall have not less than one-half of the required floor exits
by smoke-proof towers.
11-4
Where floors are divided in fire divisions, one exit from each such
division may be a horizontal exit.

hardware.
mum travel distance from any point, or from the door of separated
space is less than 1,000 square feet to the nearest floor exit shall not
exceed 100 feet except that the travel distance in any room where
one exit door is permitted shall not exceed 50 feet.
1104.4 APARTMENTS:
(a) Exits and means of access thereto shall be so located that it will not
be necessary to travel more than 50 feet nor traverse more than one
flight of stairs, within any individual living unit to reach the near-
est exit, or to reach an entrance door of the apartment.
(b) Single family town house, or row house apartment units, no more
than 3 stories high and separated from adjacent units by 8” ma-
sonry walls or 6’’ reinforced concrete walls may have only one exit
per floor. This may be provided by an interior staircase enclosed
with a one hour fire resistance rating.
(c) Stairway enclosures shall not be required where a 1-storey stair

connects two levels within a single dwelling unit or suite.
1104.5 DOORS AND WINDOWS:

(a) Every sleeping room below the eighth floor in groups G and H
Occupancies shall have at least one openable window or exterior
door to permit emergency exit or rescue.
(b) Where windows are provided to comply with Sub-section 1104.5,

such windows shall have a sill height of not more than 48 inches
above the floor and shall provide not less than five square feet of
openable area with no dimension less than 22 inches.
1104.6 TRANSOMS AND VENTILATING OPENINGS: Buildings more than one

storey in height shall not have transoms or ventilating openings from guest
rooms to enclosed public corridors.
1104.7 SPECIAL PROVISIONS: Where Group G Occupancy buildings exceed

three storeys in height and where the distance between floor exits ex-
ceeds 100 feet, smoke doors shall be provided in the corridors. These smoke
doors shall be centrally located between the exits and shall take the form
11-5
of doors hung in recesses in the corridor walls. The doors, when in the
open position, shall be flush with the wall of the corridor. Smoke doors
shall be kept in an open position at all times, when not in use, by means of
magnetic catches. These catches shall be connected to the fire alarm sys-
tem in such a manner that the doors will be released when the alarm is
activated. When the doors are in a closed position they shall not be se-
cured by any means that impedes easy passage through the doorway.
The doors shall be of such size or framed in such a manner that when
closed they effectively control the spread of smoke in the corridor. The
doors shall be a minimum of 6 feet 8 inches in height and shall be of a
width deemed necessary to meet the exit requirements and shall be of 1-
3/8 inches solid construction with a 10 inches by 10 inches wired glass
panel. These smoke doors shall be tested in the presence of the Chief Fire
Officer at six month intervals.
1104.8 SPECIAL RESTRICTION: Smoke proof towers and enclosed interior stair-
ways shall not be taken down to basement level. Basement exits shall be
separate.
1105.1 GENERAL:
(a) Other spaces for human occupancy such as lobbies, locker rooms,
dining rooms, kitchens, and toilet rooms shall be provided with
light by means of windows as herein set forth or shall be provided
with electric light as set forth in Chapter 44 and a mechanically
operated ventilating system as set forth in Chapter 40.
(b) Rooms used for sleeping and living purposes where located as the
first-occupied space below a roof, shall be protected from extreme
temperatures. The overall coefficient of heat transmission or “U”
factor of such roof construction shall not be greater than 0.23.
(c) The floor area for an apartment shall be not less than required by
applicable Town Planning and Ministry of Health Regulations.
(d) Emergency lighting shall be provided as set forth in Section 505.
1105.2 ROOMS:
(a) (i) SLEEPING ROOMS: Rooms used for sleeping shall have a
minimum width of eight feet and a minimum floor area
within the immediate enclosing walls, exclusive of closets
and toilets, as required by the Minister of Health. Rooms
shall not be used for sleeping purposes, where the floor is
more than three feet below grade and which depend on
natural ventilation . The minimum average height of each
11-6
sleeping room shall be eight feet, and the least height shall
be seven feet.
(ii) NOTE: For applicants wishing to make use of the Hotels

Encouragement Act, that Act has special requirements for
the minimum cubic content of a sleeping room exclusive of
toilet facilities and closets. In such cases applicants should
contact the Office of the Prime Minister requesting informa-
tion concerning that Act.
(b) LIVING AND DINING ROOMS: Living and Dining rooms shall
have a minimum average height of eight feet and a least height of
seven feet.
(c) KITCHENS AND CORRIDORS: Kitchens and corridors shall have

a minimum height of seven feet.
(d) TOILET ROOMS: Toilet rooms shall have a minimum height of

seven feet, a minimum width of three feet and a minimum area of
15 square feet.
Vertical openings shall be enclosed as specified in Part IV for the Type of Construction,
and in Section 1104 and Chapter 28, except that, unless otherwise required by Type of
Construction, interior stair and ramp exits in buildings two storeys in height need not be
enclosed.
1107.1 Automatic-sprinkler systems, smoke control systems, fire alarm systems,

fire extinguishers and standpipes shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.

Chapter 44.
1107.6 The transformer vaults shall be as set forth in Chapter 39.
11-7
1107.7 The storage of flammable materials shall be as set forth in Chapter 39 and
as required by Section 802.2.
1108.1 Plumbing and toilet facilities shall be as provided in Table 11-A and shall
be installed as set forth in Chapter 36.
1108.2 (a) Toilet rooms serving a one-family-unit shall have outside open-
ings screened with 18-mesh-wire screening. The minimum
openable area shall be 2 square feet.
(b) For occupancies with an occupant content of ten or more persons,

separate facilities shall be provided for employees.
(c) Separate facilities consisting of water closet, a lavatory, and a bath

or shower shall be contiguous thereto and directly accessible from
each hotel room.
(d) Lavatories may be located in rooms provided there is no conflict

with minimum requirements otherwise set forth in Table 11-A.
NOTE: For sanitary convenience for patrons and employees of

catering areas see Section 412.
1109 MIXED OCCUPANCIES
Separation of Group G Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

All elevator lobbies in high rise buildings shall be protected in accordance with sub-sec-
tion 513.
11-8
514.
1112 ATRIUMS
The requirements for atriums shall be as set forth in Section 515, except that there shall not
be any direct access from the atrium to a bedroom.
The requirements for the physically handicapped shall be as set forth in Chapter 45.
11-9
NOTES
11-10
CHAPTER 12
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP H OCCUPANCIES
1201 GROUP H OCCUPANCY DEFINED

1201 GROUP H OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group H Occupancy shall include: All single-family uses and duplexes, dormitories, fra-
ternity houses and monastery uses when such buildings are used to domicile not more
than six persons; buildings classified as Group C Occupancy when such buildings are
used to house not more than six students and the appropriate supervisory personnel; and
rooming houses, when such rooming houses are operated in a single-family residence
containing no more than three bedrooms, where no more than two bedrooms are rented,
said rooms being used to house not more than two persons per bedroom.
Buildings, or parts of buildings classed in Group H because of use or occupancy shall be

limited in height and area as follows:
Type Stories Area Per Floor

II 3 15,000
III (Protected) 2 10,000
III (Unprotected), IV & V 1 7,500
EXCEPTION: Where intended as a single-family residence only, Type III (Unprotected)

or Type V Construction may be used for buildings two stories high.
12-1
Buildings with Group H Occupancy shall comply with the Requirements of Town Plan-
of buildings with Group H Occupancy shall have fire resistance and opening protection,
determined by location on property, as set forth for the Type of Construction in Part IV.
Exit facilities for Group H Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter
28.
1204.1 OCCUPANT CONTENT: The occupant content of Group H Occupancy

should not be less than 125 square feet per person.
1204.2 WIDTH AND ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS:

(a) FIRST FLOOR EXIT: The minimum number and width of exits shall
be as follows:
(b) SECOND-FLOOR EXITS: Second floors of single-family residences

not exceeding 1,500 square feet or other Group H Occupancies not
exceeding 750 square feet, may be served by a stairway not less
than 30 inches in width, discharging at or near a ground floor exit.
Second floors of single-family residences exceeding 1,500 square
feet or other Group H occupancies exceeding 750 square feet shall
have not less than two stairways, neither of which shall be subject
to severe fire exposure.
Duplex units of residential-apartment type shall have exits as set

forth in Section 1104.
(c) THIRD-FLOOR EXITS: Third floors which may be used for sleep-
ing purposes shall have stairways as provided for a second floor,
except that one such stairway shall be enclosed and shall discharge
directly to the exterior.
12-2
(d) ARRANGEMENT OF STAIRWAYS: Stairways shall be arranged
to provide the greatest accessibility to landings on floors above the
first or ground floor and to provide the shortest and safest practi-
cal means of egress to a street or other similar public space.
(e) TRAVEL DISTANCE: The exits shall be so arranged that the maxi-
mum travel distance to the nearest exit shall not exceed 75 feet.
1204.3 APARTMENTS: Exits and means of access thereto shall be so located that
it will not be necessary to travel more than 50 feet nor traverse more than
one flight of stairs, within any individual living unit to reach the nearest
exit, or to reach an entrance door of the apartment.
1204.4 DOORS AND WINDOWS:

(a) Every sleeping room of Group H Occupancies shall have at least
one openable window or exterior door to permit emergency exit or
rescue.
(b) Where windows are provided to comply with Sub-section 1204.4,

such windows shall a sill height of not more than 48 inches above
the floor and shall provide not less than five square feet of openable
area with no dimension less than 22 inches.
1204.5 SECURITY (BURGLAR) BARS: Where security or burglar bars are in-
stalled on the windows and/or doors in Group H, one or two windows or
exterior doors in the sleeping areas shall be provided with a mechanism
which can be operated quickly by any occupant to release the security
bar installation so that it does not interfere with the use of the window
or door as an emergency exit.
1204.6 TRANSOMS AND VENTILATING OPENINGS: Buildings more than one

storey in height shall have no transoms or ventilating openings from guest
rooms to enclosed public corridors.
1205.1 GENERAL: Rooms used for sleeping and living purposes shall be pro-
vided with light and ventilation as set forth in Section 1105.
1205.2 SLEEPING ROOMS: Rooms used for sleeping shall have a minimum width
of eight feet, and shall have a minimum floor area within the immediate
enclosing walls, exclusive of closets and toilets as set forth in table 12-A.
The minimum ceiling height shall be eight feet.
12-3
TABLE 12-A
For a house containing the following:
In any room, used for sleeping purposes in which there is a sloping ceil-
ing, the minimum ceiling height shall be required in only one half the
area thereof. However no portion of the room which measures less than
six feet from finished floor to finished ceiling shall be included in the
computation of the minimum area.
1205.3 LIVING AND DINING ROOMS: Living and dining rooms shall have a
minimum average height of eight feet and a least height of seven feet.
1205.4 KITCHEN AND HALLWAYS: Kitchens and hallways shall have a mini-
mum height of seven feet.
1205.5 TOILET ROOMS: Toilet rooms shall have a minimum height of seven feet,
a minimum width of three feet, and a minimum area of 15 square feet and
shall be ventilated as set forth in Section 1105.
in Section 1204 and Chapter 28, except that interior stair or ramp exits in buildings not
exceeding two storeys in height need not be enclosed.

Chapter 44.
12-4
1207.4 The storage of flammable materials shall be as set forth in Chapter 39 and
as required by Section 802.2.
1208.2 (a) Sanitation shall be as set forth in Section 412.
(b) Toilet rooms floors and base shall be of impervious materials.
(c) Toilet rooms shall have outside openings screened with 18-mesh-
wire screen.
(d) For each family unit the minimum toilet requirements shall be as
follows:
(i) 1 water closet
(ii) 1 wash basin
(iii) 1 tub or shower
(e) Ample provision shall be made for the storage of waste within the
lines of the lot or lots occupied.
Separation of Group H Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

12-5
NOTES
12-6
CHAPTER 13
REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP I OCCUPANCIES
1301 GROUP I OCCUPANCY DEFINED

1308 PLUMBING AND SANITATION
1301 GROUP I OCCUPANCY DEFINED
Group I Occupancy shall include:
DIVISION 1: Garages for four or less motor vehicles and carports.
DIVISION 2: Stadiums, reviewing stands, grandstands, bandstands and similar

structures.
DIVISION 3: Cabanas and bath or pool houses and similar structures.
1302.1 DIVISION 1: Buildings, or parts of buildings, classed in Group I-1, be-

cause of use or occupancy shall be limited to one storey in height and
1,000 square feet in area, except that Type V buildings shall be limited to
500 square feet in area.
1302.2 DIVISION 2:
(a) Stadiums, reviewing stands, grandstands, bandstands and simi-
lar structures shall conform to the Standards, “Places of Outdoor
Assembly” NFPA No. 102 of the National Fire Protection Associa-
tion which is hereby adopted, excepting that portion in reference
to tents, shall supplement, but not supersede, the specific require-
ments set forth herein and in Chapter 35.
(b) Permanent structures shall be constructed of Type I or Type IV con-

struction. Permanent construction of exposed combustible materials
13-1
shall not be permitted under public seating. Any enclosed space
under public seating not a part of or not actively used in connec-
tion with every public assembly in the grandstand shall be sepa-
rated therefrom as set forth in Section 408.
(c) Temporary structures shall be one storey only and may be con-
structed of unprotected steel or wood and shall be not more than
20 feet in height and not more than 40 feet in width, front to rear.
1302.3 DIVISION 3: Buildings classed in Division 3 of Group I shall comply to

the following specific restrictions:
Type Allowable Height Area Per Floor (sf)
I Unlimited Unlimited
III (Protected) 30 feet (2 storeys) 5,000
III (Unprotected) & IV 20 feet (1 storey) 3,000
Buildings of Group I Occupancy shall comply with the requirements of Town Planning
and the requirements herein stated, whichever are the more restrictive.
Exterior walls of buildings of Group I Occupancy shall have fire resistance and opening
protection, determined by location on property, as set forth for the Type of Construction in
Part IV.
Exit facilities of Group I Occupancies shall be as set forth in this Section and in Chapter 28.
1304.1 DIVISION 1: There shall be not less than two separate remote means of
egress from every area of more than 400 square feet, one of which may be
the main entrance door or doors.
1304.2 DIVISION 2: Exit facilities shall be as set forth in the standard in para-
graph 1302.2(a).
1304.3 DIVISION 3: There shall be not less than two exits from every room or
floor exceeding 450 square feet in area and two separate and remote means
of egress from every room or compartment door.
13-2
When such buildings are more than one storey in height, exits shall be as
set forth in Section 1104.
1305.1 DIVISION 1: Closed garages shall be provided with fixed louvres or

screened openings through the exterior walls at or near the floor level, the
clear area of which shall be not less than 60 square inches per motor vehi-
cle accommodated.
1305.2 DIVISIONS 2 and 3: All portions, customarily used for human occupancy,
shall have light and ventilation as provided in the Occupancy most suit-
ably applicable. Exit and emergency lighting may be omitted when such
occupancies are used only during daylight hours.
in Section 1304 and Chapter 28, except that interior stair or ramp exits in buildings not
exceeding two storeys in height need not be enclosed.
1307.1 GENERAL:
(a) Automatic-sprinkler systems, fire extinguishers and standpipes
shall be as set forth in Chapter 37.
(b) Chimneys, flues and vents shall be as set forth in Chapter 38.
(c) Heat-producing apparatus shall be as set forth in Chapter 38.
(d) The service of hazardous utilities shall be as set forth in Section 409
and other portions of this Code applicable thereto.
(e) Electrical installations shall be as required herein and specified in

Chapter 44.
(f) Transformer vaults shall be as set forth in Chapter 39.
(g) The storage of inflammable materials shall be as set forth in Chap-

ter 39.
13-3
1307.2 REQUIREMENT BY DIVISION:
(a) (1) Where more than three motor vehicles are stored in an en-
closed garage, such buildings shall be equipped with an ex-
tinguisher or extinguishers providing not less than one unit
of fire protection.
(2) Floors of carports attached to buildings of other than Group

H Occupancies and floors of enclosed garages shall be of non-
absorbent and non-combustible material. Asphalt paving
shall be permitted in carports of Group H Occupancy. When
a carport is enclosed for any purpose, the floor shall con-
form to the requirements of the proposed use.
(3) A garage attached to a residence shall be separated therefrom

by one-hour fire-resistive construction. The only openings
in such fire separations shall be personnel doors not enter-
ing directly into rooms used for sleeping purposes, air con-
ditioning ducts and trap doors to attic spaces. Personnel doors
shall be protected on the garage side with not less than 24-
guage sheet metal or shall be one and three-fourths inch solid-
core doors, and such doors shall be equipped with automatic
closers. No fire dampers will be required in ducts penetrat-
ing such wall. Trap doors to attic spaces shall be fire-resis-
tive. The floor of the main occupancy shall be not less than
seven inches above the garage floor.
(4) Where any garage or carport is located under another occu-

pancy, there shall be not less than one-hour fire-resistive
construction, separating such Group I Division 1 Occupancy
from Group H Occupancy and not less than two-hour fire-
resistive construction separation from all other occupancies.
(b) DIVISION 2: The space under temporary structures of Division 2

of Group I shall not be used for any purpose whatsoever.
1308 PLUMBING AND SANITATION
1308.2 Sanitation shall be as set forth in Section 412 except that the requirement
for sanitary fixtures may be proportionately adjusted for relatively small
occupant loads, where Section 412 is not specific and where sanitary stand-
ards are suitably maintained.
13-4
Separation of Group I Occupancies or Divisions thereof from all other Occupancies or

13-5
NOTES
13-6
PART IV
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
CHAPTER 14
CLASSIFICATION BY TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
1401 CLASSIFICATION
1402 EXISTING BUILDINGS
1401 CLASSIFICATION
1401.1 The requirements of TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION, in these chapters, are

minimum for the various Types of Construction and are intended to rep-
resent varying degrees of public safety and resistance to fire. For the pur-
pose of this Code, Type I shall be deemed to be the most fire-resistive and
Type V the least fire resistive Type of Construction.
1401.2 (a) All buildings and structures shall be classified by the Buildings
Control Officer into one of the Types of Construction set forth in:
Chapter 15: Type I Buildings (Fire Resistive);
Chapter 16: Type II Buildings (Semi-Fire Resistive);
Chapter 17: Type III Buildings (Ordinary Masonry), (Protected and

Unprotected);
Chapter 18: Type IV Buildings (Noncombustible);
Chapter 19: Type V Buildings (Wood Frame)
(b) In order that a building or structure may be classified in any spe-

cific Type of Construction, it is necessary that all the requirements
for that Type shall be at least equalled.
1401.3 No building or portion thereof shall be required to conform to the details

of a Type of Construction higher than that Type which meets the mini-
mum requirements based on Occupancy even though certain features of
such building actually conform to a higher Type of Construction.
1401.4 Where specific materials, types of construction or fire resistive protection

are required, such requirements shall be the minimum requirements, and
any materials, types of construction or fire-resistive protection which will
afford equal or greater public safety or resistance to fire, as specified in
this Code, may be used, subject to the requirements of the Code covering
alternate materials and types of construction.
14-1
1401.5 Where two or more Types of Construction occur in the same building and
are separated by firewalls as required in the Chapters of Occupancy, each
portion so separated may be classified as of the Type of Construction to
which it conforms. If firewalls are not provided as required in the Chap-
ters on Occupancy, the whole building shall be classified as the least fire-
resistive Type of Construction used and shall be subject to the restrictions
imposed upon that Type.
1401.6 The structural frame shall be considered to be the columns and the gird-
ers, beams, trusses, and spandrels having direct connections to the col-
umns and all other members which are essential to the stability of the
building as a whole. The members of floor or roof panels which have no
connection to the columns shall be considered secondary members and
not a part of the structural frame.
1401.7 Minor accessory buildings of unprotected noncombustible materials not

exceeding 10 percent of the ground floor of the primary building, nor
1500 square feet, whichever is larger, may, where separated from the pri-
mary building as required in the Code, be constructed without changing
the fire-resistive classification of the primary building based on Type of
Construction.
An existing building which by its construction cannot be definitely classed as Type I, II, III, IV,
or V as defined in this Code shall be defined for the purpose of this Code, by the Buildings
Control Officer into the least fire-resistive of the two types to which it most nearly conforms.
14-2
CHAPTER 15
TYPE I BUILDINGS (Fire-Resistive)
1501 DEFINITION
1502 GENERAL
1503 STRUCTURAL FRAMEWORK
1504 WALLS AND PARTITIONS
1505 FLOORS
1506 ROOFS
1508 STAIRWAYS
1509 DOORS AND WINDOWS
1510 PROJECTIONS FROM THE BUILDING
1511 ROOF STRUCTURES AND SKYLIGHTS
1512 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS REGULATED
1501 DEFINITION
The structural frame of Type I buildings or structures shall be of steel or reinforced con-
crete or masonry as noted below. Walls, permanent partitions, roofs and floors shall be of
noncombustible fire-resistive construction, except as otherwise set forth herein.
1502 GENERAL
1502.1 Allowable height and area shall be as specified in Occupancy Require-

ments provided that nothing shall be deemed to override the require-
ments of Town Planning.
1502.2 Loads and material stresses shall be as specified in the Chapters on Engi-
neering and Construction Regulations. (Chapters 20-27 inclusive).
1502.3 Buildings exceeding 75'-0" or five stories in height, shall also comply with
Chapter 46. A mechanical penthouse shall be considered as an occupi-
able storey if its area exceeds 25% of the area of the roof on which it is
located, or if it is used for any other purpose other than housing electrical
or mechanical equipment for the building.
1503.1 The primary structural framework shall be of not less than the following
fire-resistive construction: exterior frame four hours; interior frame three
hours.
15-1
EXCEPTION: The exterior frame may have the fire-resistance as set forth
for exterior walls in Sub-section 1504.2 of this chapter, for buildings eight
storeys or less or 100 feet or less in height, but in no case less than two
hours for buildings which exceed four storeys or 50 feet nor less than one
hour for buildings not exceeding four storeys or 50 feet.
1503.2 Unless specifically designed as a structural frame, the walls shall be con-
sidered as load-bearing and shall be constructed of masonry or reinforced
concrete except that 8 inch masonry block walls shall be limited to 20 feet
in height and 12 inch masonry block walls shall be limited to 30 feet in
height. Bearing walls shall be of fire-resistive construction as set forth in
Section 1504 but not less than as set forth for the structural frame in Para-
graph 1503.1 of this Chapter.
1504.1 Distance separations shall be measured at right angles from the wall or
opening to the building line of a contiguous lot or any building on the
same lot. The building line of a contiguous lot shall be taken as that for
the use of the contiguous lot which requires the least set back from the
property line, and in no case shall this set back be taken as more than five
feet from the parallel to the common lot line.
1504.2 (a) Main exterior walls shall be of noncombustible four-hour fire-re-

sistive construction except as follows:
(1) Main exterior bearing walls of buildings having a distance

separation of more than ten feet may be of three-hour fire-
resistive construction and where having a distance separa-
tion of more than 20 feet may be of one-hour fire-resistive
construction. The use of exterior bearing walls shall conform
to Subsection 1503.2 of this chapter.
(2) Main exterior non-bearing walls of buildings having a dis-

tance separation of more than five feet may be of three-hour
fire-resistive construction and where having a distance sepa-
ration of more than ten feet may be of two-hour fire-resistive
construction and where having a distance separation of more
than 20 feet may be of one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(3) Main exterior walls of buildings having a distance separa-

tion of 30 feet may be of unprotected noncombustible
construction with no limit on the area of openings, or such
walls may be omitted.
15-2
(b) Openings in main exterior walls shall be as follows:
(1) Walls having a distance separation of less than five feet, or

walls, except on street fronts, which are less than five feet
from the building line of a contiguous lot, shall have no open-
ings.
(2) Openings in walls of buildings having a distance separa-

tion of from five to ten feet shall be protected by a fire as-
sembly having a 3/4 hour fire-resistive rating, or in the case
of a building with an approved sprinkler system on all floors
the window may be protected in accordance with NFPA 13
Section 3-7 Outside Sprinklers for Protection against Expo-
sure Fires. The total area of openings in any storey shall be
limited to 30 percent with no single opening more than ten
percent of such wall area. Walls having a distance separa-
tion of more than ten feet but less than 30 feet shall be pro-
tected by ordinary doors or windows not exceeding 50 per-
cent of the wall area in any storey.
(c) Buildings having exterior walls without openings shall be provided

with access panels along street fronts or walls otherwise accessible
for fire-fighting entrance to the building as follows:
(1) The access openings in each accessible side of a building not

over 65 feet in height shall be not less than one suitably
marked access opening not less than 32 inches wide and 48
inches high with sill not over 32 inches above the floor spaced
not more than 50 feet apart on each floor each side.
(2) The access openings in each accessible side of a building over

65 feet in height shall be not less than
(i) windows spaced not more than 50 feet apart and

equivalent to 10% or more of the wall area, on each
floor of each such side, or
(ii) smokeproof towers spaced not over 100 feet apart on

each such accessible side. The smokeproof towers may
serve as a required exit way.
1504.3 Fire Division walls shall comply with Section 406 herein.
1504.4 Interior bearing walls shall be of three-hour fire-resistive construction.
15-3
1504.5 (a) FIXED PARTITIONS
(1) Fixed partitions shall be a minimum of one hour fire-resis-

tive construction, and of non combustible materials except
where required to comply with the requirements set forth
elsewhere in this Code for Fire Division Walls, Occupancy
Separation, Vertical Enclosures including Atriums and Exit
Enclosures.
(2) Partitions subdividing offices, stores, apartments and simi-

lar uses within the area occupied by a single tenant may be
constructed without a fire-resistive rating provided the ma-
terials of construction are:
(i) Noncombustible or
(ii) Fire-retardant treated wood or
(iii) Of other wood provided a space of not less than 18

inches, as measured down from the ceiling, shall be
open or of transparent noncombustible material.
(b) MOVABLE PARTITIONS
Movable partitions of a type and construction approved by the

Buildings Control Officer need not be of a fire rated construction
provided that:
(1) Such partitions shall not obstruct access to exits and shall
not form a corridor serving as an exit and shall not form a
corridor serving as an access to an exit for more than 50 per-
sons.
(2) Such partitions when in use shall be securely fastened in

position by approved means.
(3) Areas divided by such partitions shall be provided with

swinging egress doors where the occupant content of the
enclosed area exceeds 25 persons.
(4) The flame spread rating of the partition shall comply with
Section 3208.
1504.6 (a) Underground structures exceeding 2500 square feet in area shall
be provided with at least two means of access so located and of
such size as to permit their use by firemen at the time of fire.
15-4
(b) Where 10 or more occupants use the underground structure and
the required exits involve upward travel, a smoke proof tower shall
be provided.
1505 FLOORS
1505.1 MATERIAL:
(a) Floor systems shall be of noncombustible materials. Poured-in-place
concrete slabs shall be not less than 2-1/2 inches thick where re-
movable forms are used nor less than 2 inches thick where tile,
metal decking or similar structural-form element is to remain as a
permanent component of the structure.
(b) Where wood floors are laid over concrete slabs, the space between
the floor slab and the underside of the finish floor shall be filled
with noncombustible materials.
1505.2 FIREPROOFING: Floors for buildings more than eight storeys or more
than 100 feet in height shall be of not less than three-hour fire-resistive
construction; floors for buildings eight storeys or less or 100 feet or less in
height shall be of not less than two-hour fire-resistive construction. The
use of bar joists shall be limited to buildings of four storeys.
1505.3 CEILING PLENUMS: Ceiling plenums shall comply with this Subsec-
tion and other applicable provisions of this Code and with the require-
ments of NFPA 90 Standards for the installation of Air Conditioning and
Ventilating Systems.
(a) Plenums and other spaces above a ceiling shall be divided into
horizontal areas not exceeding 10,000 sq. ft. by draft stops from
the ceiling to the deck above.
(b) Draft stops shall be of 1/2" thick gypsum wall board, 22 gauge
sheet metal or 1/4" inch transite and shall be tight-fitted.
(c) Where multiple plenums are used for air movement, openings be-
tween plenums shall be protected by a fire damper.
(d) (1) Attic access openings shall be provided in the ceiling of the
top floor of buildings with combustible ceiling or roof con-
struction.
15-5
(2) Such openings shall be located in a corridor or hallway of
buildings of 3 or more stories in height and readily accessi-
ble in buildings of any height.
(3) Access openings shall be not less than 20" wide and 4 sq. ft.
in area.
(4) 30” minimum clear head room shall be provided above ac-
cess openings.
(5) Attics with a maximum vertical clear height of less than 30"
need not be provided with access openings.
1506 ROOFS
1506.1 MATERIALS: Roof systems shall be of noncombustible materials. Poured-

in-place concrete slabs shall be not less than 2-1/2 inches thick where
removable forms are used nor less than 2 inches thick where tile, metal
decking or similar structural-form element is to remain as a permanent
component of the structure.
1506.2 FIREPROOFING: Roofs for buildings more than eight storeys or more
than 100' in height shall be of not less than three-hour fire-resistive con-
struction. Roofs for buildings eight storeys or less, or 100' or less in height,
shall be of not less than two-hour fire resistive construction.
(a) Roofs, where every part of the structural framework is 20 feet or

more above any part of any floor, balcony, or gallery, need not be
fireproofed.
(b) Roofs, where every part of the structural framework is more than
15 feet and less than 20 feet above any part of any floor, balcony or
gallery, shall be not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
1506.3 ROOF COVERINGS: Roof coverings shall be fire-retardant and as speci-

fied in the Chapter on Roof Coverings (Chapter 30).
1506.4 ROOF DRAINAGE: Roof drainage and the disposal of rain water shall be
as specified in the Chapter on Plumbing (Chapter 36). In general, roof
systems not designed to support accumulated water shall be sloped for
drainage. Rain water drains or leaders where required shall be used and
sized in conformance with the Chapter on Plumbing (Chapter 36).
(a) Where parapets or curbs are constructed above the level of a roof,
provision shall be made, such as by scuppers or similar positive
15-6
overflow arrangements, to prevent rain water from accumulating
on the roof in the event that the rain water drains or leaders be-
come clogged.
(b) Where roofs are not designed in accordance with paragraph (a)
above, overflow drains or scuppers shall be placed to prevent an
accumulation of more than 3" of water on any portion of the roof.
(c) Drains or scuppers installed to provide the overflow drainage shall

not be less in aggregate area than three times the area of tributary
downspouts or leaders, but in no case shall be less than 3 inches in
diameter or, if rectangular in section, the minimum dimension shall
be 2 inches.
(d) All roofs shall be designed with sufficient slope or camber to en-
sure adequate drainage after the long-time deflection from dead
load, or shall be designed to support maximum loads including
possible ponding of water due to deflection.
(e) Roofs shall be designed to preclude instability from ponding loads.
(f) Each portion of a roof shall be designed to sustain the loads of all
rain water that could accumulate on it if the primary drainage
system for that portion is obstructed. Ponding instability shall
be considered in this situation. If the overflow drainage provi-
sions contain drain lines, such lines shall be independent of any
primary drain lines.
1506.5 FURRED SPACES ABOVE A CEILING: Access trap doors, not less than
16 inches by 30 inches, shall be provided to all spaces above a furred ceil-
ing having a minimum vertical distance of 36 inches. Such access trap
doors shall be from common spaces such as corridors and no part of such
furred space shall be more than 100 feet from an access trap door. Walk-
ways shall be provided in such furred spaces about the ceiling.
1507.1 GENERAL:
(a) ENCLOSURE REQUIRED: Any vertical opening within the outer

walls of a building which communicates between floors, unless by
permitted Sub-section 1507.1 (b), shall be enclosed, or protected to
prevent the spread of fire and smoke, except as follows: —
(1) Every vent, shaft, chute, pipe chase or other vertical opening
15-7
not otherwise specifically mentioned herein shall be enclosed
as set forth in Sub-section 1507.2.
(2) All atriums as defined in Chapter 2 shall be enclosed as set

forth in Sub-section 515.
(3) Stair wells and ramps shall be enclosed as required in Sub-

section 1507.2(b) and in Chapter 28.
(4) Elevators shall be enclosed as required in Sub-section

1507.2(b) and in Chapter 43.
(5) Escalators and transporting assemblies shall be enclosed as

set forth in Chapter 43.
(6) A court, any part of which is used as a means of egress from

a building shall comply with Sub-section 2807.
(b) UNENCLOSED OPENINGS PERMITTED: In certain low and or-

dinary hazard occupancies, where it would be an advantage to the
utilisation of the site, or function of design, unenclosed openings
of up to 3 communicating floor levels may be permitted without
enclosure protection between floors provided all the following con-
ditions are met: —
(1) The Occupancy is either Group A, Group B, Group E Divi-

sion 1, Group F or Group G—excluding bedroom areas.
(2) The whole of the communicating areas at each floor level are
fully protected with an automatic sprinkler system.
(3) The communicating areas are separated from all other areas
of the building with a minimum of two hour fire-resistive
construction.
(4) The lowest or next to lowest level shall be the street floor.
(5) The entire area including all communicating floor levels, shall
be sufficiently open and unobstructed so that fire, or other
hazardous conditions, in any part will be immediately ap-
parent to the occupants of all such levels and areas.
EXCEPTION: Where fire, or other hazardous conditions, are

not immediately apparent to the occupants in the entire area,
an early warning smoke detector system shall be installed.
15-8
(6) The exit capacity shall be sufficient to provide simultaneous
egress for the occupants of all such communicating levels
and areas. All communicating levels in the same fire area
shall be considered as a single floor area for the purpose of
determining the required exit capacity.
(7) Each and every floor level shall have at least one-half of its
required exit capacity provided by an exit or exits leading
directly out of that area without traversing another commu-
nicating floor level or being exposed to the spread of fire or
smoke therefrom.
(8) All other requirements of this code with respect to interior

finish, protection from other hazards, construction and other
provisions shall be fully observed.
1507.2 SHAFT ENCLOSURES
(a) Except as specified below, enclosures of vertical openings shall be

of non-combustible materials and not less than one-hour fire resis-
tive construction, and where such openings exceed eight square
feet in area shall be of not less than two-hour fire resistive con-
struction, with fire resistive doors and/or windows.
(b) Stair wells and elevator shafts shall be protected by a wall of mini-
mum thickness of 8 inches masonry or 6 inches reinforced con-
crete.
(c) All vertical pipe shafts shall be enclosed with walls of one-hour
fire resistive construction and shall be sealed at each and every
floor level in such a manner as to match the required fire resistive
construction of that particular floor. All pipes within the shaft shall
be sleeved at each floor level, with galvanised steel pipe sleeves of
an internal diameter not more than 1 inch greater than the outside
diameter of pipe passing through the sleeve. In all cases the space
between the outside surface of the pipe and the inside surface of
the sleeve shall be thoroughly packed with a non-combustible
material. Provision may be made for future pipes by the use of
extra sleeves passing through the floor construction, capped both
top and bottom by galvanised steel pipe caps.
(d) Vertical openings for air conditioning or ventilation, shall be pro-

tected for their entire height, including between floor spaces, by
not less than two-hour fire resistive construction. All access doors,
panels and frame assemblies shall bear a 1-1/2 hour Class B Un-
derwriters Laboratories Inc. label. Automatic dampers activated
15-9
by both fusible links and smoke detectors shall be located at all
floor levels.
(e) Vertical openings for laundry or refuse chutes shall not exceed nine
square feet in cross-sectional area and shall be fully protected by a
continuous enclosure of not less than two hour fire-resistive con-
struction. All access, in-take and discharge doors and frame as-
semblies, shall bear a 1-1/2 hour Class B Underwriters Laboratory
Inc. label. For normal use, chutes shall be constructed of not less
than 18 gauge steel and shall be no smaller than 18” in diameter.
They shall be supported at each floor level.
(f) No laundry or refuse chute shall open into any enclosed means of
egress; they may, however, open into an enclosed area room or closet
separated from the enclosed means of egress by a self-closing fire
assembly or may open onto an exterior balcony. The wall, ceilings,
floors and doors forming the enclosed area, room or closet shall be
a minimum of one-hour fire resistive construction.
(g) There shall be installed in every chute, above the uppermost in-
take door, a rushing spray and sprinkler head. These shall be read-
ily accessible, by means of an access door.
(h) All chutes shall extend, at full section, a minimum of 4 feet above
the roof level and shall be fitted with glass explosion vents, or spring
loaded fire vents, activated by fusible links.
(i) At the discharge end, chutes shall be fitted with either spring loaded
doors, held open by fusible links, or by self closing, self latching
doors held open by fusible links.
(j) In-takes for chutes shall be so sized that any reasonable object placed
therein shall not block the chute.
(1) Laundry Chutes—shall be loaded horizontally through bot-

tom, or side hinged, self latching in-take doors.
(2) Refuse Chutes—In-take doors for refuse chutes shall be of

the hopper type and shall provide access to the chute by
means of a throat. All in-take doors shall be self latching.
1508 STAIRWAYS
1508.1 Stairways shall be as required in Chapter 28, Exit Facilities and Stairs, and
the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4 through 13).
15-10
1508.2 Stairs, stair platforms, treads and risers shall be constructed of noncom-
bustible materials. Unprotected steel or iron stairways may be used only
when enclosed.
1509.1 Doors, windows and similar openings in exterior walls, fire walls and
enclosure walls shall be protected or entirely prohibited as set forth in
this Chapter, the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4 through 13), and
the Chapter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28).
1509.2 Doors and windows shall not project over public property or restricted
areas.
1510.1 (a) Cantilevering projections outside of the main exterior walls of the
building shall be of noncombustible materials and of not less than
one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(b) Canopies, awnings and marquees forming part of the construction

but outside of the main exterior walls of the building but not
cantilevered from the building shall be constructed of noncombus-
tible materials but need not have fire-resistive protection.
1511.1 Towers, pylons, masts, signs, and similar structures above a roof, when
not enclosed, shall be of noncombustible materials.
1511.2 Roof structures, including bulkhead areas, shall be limited in total com-
bined area to 30 percent of the area of the roof, shall extend not more than
50 feet above the roof and any enclosure having a floor area of more than
15 square feet, shall be constructed as required for the main portion of the
building. The requirements of Town Planning concerning roof structures
shall apply if more restrictive in height and area requirements than this
code.
1511.3 Minor roof structures having an area of 15 square feet or less, housing
ventilating shafts or similar openings shall be constructed of noncombus-
tible materials.
15-11
1511.4 Storage tanks, having a capacity of over 500 gallons, shall not be located
over stairways or elevators.
1511.5 Skylights shall be constructed of noncombustible materials, and trans-

parent or translucent materials shall be fire-resistive.
1511.6 Where required to control rain water runoff, a curb not less than eight
inches in height shall be provided.
1511.7 Where the public has access to roof areas, a guard rail not less than 36
inches above the roof shall be provided around all open wells or shafts
and at all exterior walls.
1511.8 Skylights placed over shafts, vent shafts, stair enclosures, and exit ways,
shall be glazed with glass or other approved non-combustible material
which may be easily pierced by fire-fighting personnel.
Combustible materials shall be permitted for the following uses unless otherwise specifi-
cally prohibited:
1512.1 Show-window bulkheads shall be of noncombustible materials but show

cases and other movable appurtenances of stores or other buildings may
be of wood.
1512.2 Trim, picture molds, furniture and permanent seats, chair rails, wainscot-
ing, baseboards, furring strips and blocking, handrails, show window
backing, temporary partitions conforming to Subsection 1504.5 of this
Chapter, floor finishes and sleepers may be of combustible materials. Wood
doors or windows or frames may be used except where fire-resistive pro-
tection is required.
1512.3 Loading platforms, and roofs over loading platforms, for warehouses,
freight depots and buildings of similar use may be of heavy timber con-
struction provided such heavy timber construction does not penetrate the
exterior walls.
1512.4 Interior finishes shall be as set forth in Chapter 32 on Fire-Resistive Stand-

ards.
1512.5 In places of public assembly, all draperies, hangings and other decorative
materials suspended from walls or ceilings shall be noncombustible or
flame-resistant meeting the requirements of the code as herein specified:
15-12
Noncombustible — The permissible amount of noncombustible decora-
tive hangings shall not be limited.
Flame-resistant — The permissible amount of flame-resistant decorative

hangings shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the total wall and ceiling
area.
1512.6 (a) (1) Decorative, non-structural materials of wood (including

shakes and shingles) and metal, plastic or fiber-glass trim,
tile or panels may be applied to the outside of exterior walls,
to cornices, architectural appendages, eave overhangs and
similar projections. Where an exterior wall is required to be
fire-resistive, such materials shall be separated from the in-
terior of the building by the vertical extension of the exterior
wall as set forth in paragraph 1512.6 (b). Such materials shall
have a distance separation of not less than 60 feet in the City
of Nassau and not less than 20 feet in other areas.
(2) Distance separation shall be measured horizontally from the

projection.
(3) Combustible materials, as set froth in subparagraph 1512.6

(a) (1), shall be limited to 40 feet above grade.
(4) Notwithstanding sub-section (3) above, such combustible

materials shall not be continuous from one floor level to an-
other.
(b) (1) Combustible exterior trim, cornices, architectural append-

ages, eave overhangs and similar projections, where an exte-
rior wall is required to be fire-resistive, shall have the fire-
resistive rating required for the exterior wall or shall be sepa-
rated from the interior of the building by the vertical exten-
sion of the exterior wall to the bottom of the roof deck, or as
a parapet where a parapet is otherwise required herein, with
a fire-resistive rating as required for the exterior wall.
(2) Combustible materials, as set forth in subparagraph 1512.6

(b) (1), shall be limited to 40 feet above grade.
(3) Notwithstanding sub-section (2) above, such combustible

materials shall not be continuous from one floor level to an-
other.
(4) Structural framework and supports shall be of non-combus-

tible materials where required by Type of Construction.
15-13
(5) An awning, a lean-to, shed roof or similar roof in whole or in
part, supported from the surface below may be of combusti-
ble materials as set forth in this Sub-section.
15-14
CHAPTER 16
TYPE II BUILDINGS (Semi-Fire-Resistive)
1601 DEFINITION
1602 GENERAL
1605 FLOORS
1606 ROOFS
1608 STAIRWAYS
1601 DEFINITION
1601.1 The structural frame of Type II buildings or structures shall be of steel or

reinforced concrete or masonry as noted below.
1601.2 Walls and permanent partitions shall be of noncombustible fire-resistive

construction except that permanent non-bearing partitions of one-hour
fire-resistive construction may use fire-retardant treated wood within the
assembly.
1602 GENERAL

ments provided that nothing shall be deemed to over-ride the require-
neering and Construction Regulations (Chapters 20-27 inclusive).
1602.3 Required fireproofing shall be as set forth in Chapter 32, Fire-Resistive

Standards.
16-1
1603.1 The primary structural framework shall be of not less than three-hour
fire-resistive construction for members in exterior walls and of not less
than one-hour fire-resistive construction for members in the interior frame.
EXCEPTION: Members in the exterior walls may have the fire protection
set forth in Sub-sections 1604.1 of this Chapter and 1504.1 of the Chapter
on Type I Buildings, but, where exceeding one storey in height, shall be of
not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
1603.2 Unless specifically designed as a structural frame the walls shall be con-
sidered as load-bearing and shall be constructed of masonry or reinforced
concrete, except that 8 inch masonry block walls shall be limited to 20 feet
in height and 12 inch masonry block walls shall be limited to 30 feet in
height.
1604.1 Exterior walls and openings therein shall be as set forth in sub-section
1504.1 and 1504.2 of the Chapter on Type I buildings.
1604.2 Fire walls shall be of the fire-resistive rating as required in the Chapters
on Occupancies (Chapters 4-13 inclusive).
1604.3 Interior bearing walls shall be of noncombustible one-hour fire-resistive

construction.
1604.4 Partitions shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction

except as provided in Sub-section 1504.5 of the Chapter on Type I Build-
ings.
1605 FLOORS
1605.1 MATERIALS:
(a) Floors shall be of noncombustible material or fire-retardant treated
wood.
EXCEPTION: Fire retardant treated wood may not be used in build-

ings exceeding two storeys in height.
(b) Wood joists shall not be used to support concrete and cement-base
tile or terrazzo floor surfaces other than for bathrooms of less than
16-2
(c) Spaces under a ground floor shall have the clearance and ventila-
tion as set forth in the Chapter on Wood. Access openings shall be
provided to all space under the building.
1605.2 FIREPROOFING: Floors and all parts thereof shall be of not less than one-
hour fire-resistive construction, except that where the space under a
ground floor has clearance of less than three feet, such fire protection for
the ground floor may be omitted.
1606 ROOFS
1606.1 MATERIALS: Roofs shall be of noncombustible materials or of fire-re-

tardant treated wood.
1606.2 FIREPROOFING: Roofs and all parts thereof shall be of not less than one-
hour fire-resistive construction, except as follows:

more above any part of the floor, balcony or gallery, may be of
unprotected non-combustible materials or fire-retardant treated
wood.
(b) Roofs of one-storey open sheds not more than 75 percent enclosed
by walls, in which the travel distance to the nearest exit does not
exceed 40 feet, may be of unprotected noncombustible materials.

1606.4 ROOF DRAINAGE: Roof drainage shall comply in all respects to Section
1506.4.
1606.5 ATTIC SPACES: Attic spaces shall not be required, but where attic spaces
are provided such spaces shall have a minimum vertical dimension of 18
inches clear distance and where unprotected combustible material is ex-
posed, shall be divided, by firestops, into areas not exceeding 2500 square
feet, or less depending on individual occupancy. Access trap doors, not
less than 16 inches by 30 inches, shall be provided to all attic spaces. Such
access trap doors shall be from common spaces such as corridors, and no
part of an attic space shall be more than 100 feet from an access trap door.
The enclosure of vertical openings shall be in accordance with Section 1507.
16-3
1608 STAIRWAYS
1608.1 Stairways shall be as required in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-

13) and the Chapter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28).
1608.2 Stairs, stair platforms, treads and risers shall be constructed of noncom-
bustible materials. Unprotected steel or iron stairways may be used only
when enclosed.
1609.1 Doors, windows and similar openings in exterior walls, fire walls and
enclosure walls shall be protected or entirely prohibited as set forth in
this Chapter, the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) and the Chap-
ter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28).
areas.
1610.1 (a) Cantilevering projections outside of the main exterior walls of the
building shall be of noncombustible construction or fire-retardant
treated wood complying with Section 2409 of Chapter 24 - Wood
and shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction.
(b) Canopies, awnings and marquees forming part of the construction

but outside of the main exterior walls of the building, but not
cantilevered from the building, shall be constructed of noncom-
bustible materials or fire-retardant treated wood complying with
Section 2409 of Chapter 24 - Wood.
not enclosed, shall be of noncombustible materials. Roof structures ex-
tending more than 25 feet above the roof or signs more than 100 square
feet in area shall be supported to the ground by a noncombustible frame,
unless already incorporated into the building frame design. The require-
ments of Town Planning concerning roof structures shall control if more
restrictive in height and area requirements than this Code.
1611.2 Roof structures, including bulkheaded areas, shall be limited in total

combined area to 30 percent of the area of the roof, shall extend
16-4
not more than 20 feet above the allowable height, and any enclosure
having a floor area of more than 15 square feet shall be constructed
as required for the main portion of the buildings. The requirements
of Town Planning concerning roof structures shall control if more
restrictive in height and area requirements than this Code.
tible materials.
1611.4 Storage tanks having a capacity of over 500 gallons shall not be located

1611.6 (a) Parapets shall be required on exterior walls except where the roof
is of noncombustible, fire resistive construction.
(b) Parapets shall be not less than 20 inches above the roof immedi-
ately adjacent thereto where located 20 feet or less from the build-
ing line of a contiguous lot or any building on the same lot, and
shall be constructed as set forth in the Chapter on Masonry.
(c) Where required to control rain water runoff, a curb not less than
eight inches in height shall be provided where parapets are not
required.
1612.1 Combustible materials shall be permitted except where specifically pro-

hibited in this Chapter or in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapter 4-13
inclusive).
1612.2 Loading platforms for warehouses, freight depots and similar buildings
may be of heavy timber construction, with wood floors not less than one
and five-eighths inches thick. Such wood construction shall not be car-
ried through the exterior walls.
1612.3 Interior finishes shall be as set forth in the Chapter on Fire-Resistive

Standards (Chapter 32).
16-5
1612.4 Decorative, non-structural materials may be applied to the outside of ex-
terior walls in accordance with sub-section 1512.6.
16-6
CHAPTER 17
TYPE III BUILDINGS (Ordinary Masonry)
1701 DEFINITION
1702 GENERAL
1705 FLOORS
1706 ROOFS
1708 STAIRWAYS
1701 DEFINITION
1701.1 (a) Type III buildings or structures shall have an exterior structural
frame of steel or reinforced concrete or of fire-retardant treated
wood complying with Section 2409 of Chapter 24 - Wood; or shall
have exterior loadbearing walls of noncombustible, fire-resistive
construction.
(b) Type III buildings or structures shall have an interior structural

frame of steel, reinforced concrete, wood, or interior loadbearing
walls of noncombustible materials or wood.
(c) Partitions, floors and roof framing may be of wood.
1701.2 (a) Type III (protected) buildings shall have all interior bearing walls,
partitions, ceilings and floors of not less than one-hour fire-resist-
ant construction, except that the fire protection of floors may be
omitted as specified in Sub-section 1705.2 of this Chapter.
(b) Type III (unprotected) buildings may have interior walls, ceilings
and floors of unprotected steel, wood or concrete. Interior bearing
walls shall be fire protected as specified in Sub-section 1704.3 of
this Chapter. Floors shall be fire protected as specified in Sub-sec-
tion 1705.2 of this Chapter.
17-1
1702 GENERAL

neering and Construction Regulations, (Chapters 20-27).
1702.3 Required fireproofing shall be as specified in the Chapter on Fire Resis-

tive Standards (Chapter 32).
1703.1 MATERIALS:
(a) Unless specifically designed as a structural frame with panel walls,
the exterior walls shall be considered as load-bearing and shall be
constructed of masonry or reinforced concrete, except that 8 inch
masonry block walls shall be limited to 20 feet in height and 12
inch masonry block walls shall be limited to 30 feet in height. Where
designed as a structural frame, the materials shall be as set forth in
Paragraph 1701.1 (a), of this Chapter, with materials as specified in
the Chapters on Steel and Iron, Reinforced Concrete, Masonry and
Wood (Chapters 23, 22, 27 and 24).
(b) The interior structural support shall be of steel, reinforced concrete,

wood, or interior bearing walls of noncombustible materials or
wood studs.
1703.2 FIREPROOFING:
(a) Fireproofing shall be as required in the Chapters on Occupancy
(Chapters 4-13), or in this Chapter, or in Chapter 32 on Fire-Resis-
tive Standards. Where required, or where otherwise referred to in
this Code as being protected, the structural framework or supports
shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction except
that members in the exterior walls shall have the fire protection as
set forth in Sub-section 1704.1 of this Chapter.
(b) All steel members supporting masonry in buildings over one sto-
rey in height shall be fire-protected with not less than one-hour
fire-resistive construction.
(c) Heavy-timber structures, designed and constructed as set forth in

Sub-section 1703.3 of this Chapter shall be considered the equiva-
lent of one-hour fire-resistive protection.
17-2
1703.3 HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION:
(a) GENERAL: Heavy timber construction is that type in which fire
resistance is attained by placing limitations on minimum sizes of
wood structural members including the thicknesses and composi-
tions of wood floors and roofs and by the use of approved fastenings
and construction details.
(b) HEAVY TIMBER FRAMING: Heavy timber columns, floor sizes

and framing, roof sizes and framing, and construction details shall
be as specified in Section 2407 of the Chapter on Wood (Chapter
24).
(c) HEAVY TIMBER FLOORS: Heavy timber floors shall be constructed

as specified in Section 2407 of the Chapter on Wood (Chapter 24).
(d) HEAVY TIMBER ROOF DECKS: Heavy timber roof decks shall be
constructed as specified in Section 2407 of the Chapter on Wood
(Chapter 24).
1704.1 Exterior walls and openings therein shall be as set forth in Sub-section
1504.1 and 1504.2 of the Chapter on Type I buildings.
1704.2 Fire walls shall be of noncombustible materials and shall be of fire-resis-

tive ratings as required in the Chapters on Occupancy.
1704.3 Interior bearing walls and partitions shall be of non-combustible materi-

als or of wood studs, and for Type III (protected) buildings, or for Type III
(unprotected) buildings where supporting upper floors or where adja-
cent to common corridors shall be of one-hour fire-resistive construction.
1705 FLOORS
1705.1 MATERIALS:
(a) Floors shall be of noncombustible materials or wood.
(b) Wood joists shall not be used to support concrete and cement-base
tile or terrazzo floor surfaces other than for bathrooms of less than
(c) Wood post and girder construction shall not be permitted for a
ground floor and spaces under ground floors shall have the clear-
ance and ventilation as set forth in Chapter 24 - Wood. Access
openings shall be provided to all spaces under the building.
17-3
1705.2 FIREPROOFING: Floors and all parts thereof of Type III buildings shall
be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construction, except that where
a ground floor has clearance of less than three feet, such fire protection
may be omitted.
1706 ROOFS
1706.1 MATERIALS: Roofs shall be of noncombustible materials or wood.
1706.2 FIREPROOFING: Roofs and all parts thereof of unprotected Type III build-
ings and protected Type III buildings shall be of not less than one-hour
fire-resistive construction except as follows:

more above any part of any floor, may be of unprotected non-com-
bustible materials or of heavy timber, as specified in Section 2407
of Chapter 24 - Wood.
(b) Roofs of one-storey open sheds not more than 75 percent enclosed
by walls, and in which the travel distance to the nearest exit does
not exceed 40 feet, may be of unprotected combustible materials,
except that in areas designated by the Chief Fire Officer such roof
shall be of unprotected noncombustible materials or protected com-
bustible materials.

1506.4.
1706.5 ATTIC SPACES: Attic spaces shall not be required, but where attic spaces
are provided such spaces shall have a minimum vertical dimension of 18
inches clear distance and, where unprotected combustible material is ex-
posed, shall be divided by fire stops into areas not exceeding 2,500 square
feet, or less depending on individual occupancy. Access trap doors shall
be from common spaces such as corridors, and no part of an attic space
shall be more than 100 feet from an access trap door. Minimum vertical
dimension shall not be required for hip or gable roof construction.
The enclosure of vertical openings shall be in accordance with Section 1507.
17-4
1708 STAIRWAYS

13), and the Chapter on Exit Facilities (Chapter 28).
1708.2 Stairways may be constructed of noncombustible materials or wood ex-

cept where combustible materials are specifically prohibited in the Chap-
ters on Occupancy and the Chapter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter
28).
1709.1 Doors, windows, and similar openings in exterior walls, fire walls and
enclosure walls shall be protected or entirely prohibited, as set forth in
this Chapter, the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) or in the Chap-
ter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28), and such protection shall be
as specified in the Chapter on Fire-Resistive Standards (Chapter 32).
areas.
Cantilevering projections outside of the main exterior walls of the building shall be of
noncombustible construction and fire-resistive as specified in this Chapter except that the
projection of wood roof rafters of residential occupancies over private property shall be
permitted.
not enclosed, shall be of noncombustible materials. Roof structures ex-
tending more than 25 feet above the roof or signs more than 100 square
feet in area shall be supported to the ground by an incombustible frame
unless already incorporated into the building frame design. The require-
ments of Town Planning concerning roof structures shall control if more
restrictive in height and area requirements than this code.
1711.2 Roof structures, including bulkheaded areas, shall be limited in total com-
bined area to 30 percent of the area of the roof, shall not extend more than
20 feet above the allowable height, and any enclosure having a floor area
of more than 15 square feet shall be constructed as required for the main
portion of the building. The requirements of Town Planning concerning
17-5
roof structures shall control if more restrictive in height and area require-
ments than this code.
tible materials.
1711.4 Storage tanks, having a capacity of over 500 gallons, shall not be located

parent or translucent materials shall be fire resistive.
1711.6 (a) Parapets shall be required on exterior walls except:
(1) Where the roof is of noncombustible, fire-resistive construc-

tion.
(2) Where the walls of buildings for other than residential occu-
pancy are 20 feet from the building line of a contiguous lot
or any building on the same lot.
(3) Where the building is of residential occupancy.
(b) Parapets shall be not less than 20 inches above the roof immedi-
ately adjacent thereto and shall be constructed as set forth in the
Chapter on Masonry (Chapter 27), or Section 1704 of this Chapter.
(c) Where required to control rain water runoff, a curb not less than
eight inches in height shall be provided where parapets are not
required.
1712.1 Combustible materials shall be permitted except where specifically pro-

hibited in this Chapter or in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13).
1712.2 Loading platforms for warehouses, freight depots and similar buildings
may be of heavy timber construction, with wood floors not less than one
and five-eighths inches thick. Such wood construction shall not be car-
ried through the exterior walls.
1712.3 Interior finishes shall be as set forth in Chapter 32, Fire-Resistive Standards.
17-6
CHAPTER 18
TYPE IV BUILDINGS (Noncombustible)
1801 DEFINITION
1802 GENERAL
1805 FLOORS
1806 ROOFS
1801 DEFINITION
All structural and other elements of Type IV buildings shall be of noncombustible materi-
als.
1802 GENERAL

neering and Construction Regulations (Chapters 20-27).
1802.3 Required fireproofing shall be as specified in Chapter 32 on Fire-Resistive

Standards.
The structural framework shall be of steel, aluminium, or reinforced concrete, and fire-
proofing of structural members shall be required only when such members are a part of
an exterior wall as set forth in Sub-section 1804.1 of this Chapter.
18-1
1804.1 Distance separations shall be measured at right angles from the wall or
feet from and parallel to the common lot line.
1804.2 Main exterior walls shall be of noncombustible materials and such walls
shall be of fire-resistive construction with opening protection where lo-
cated as follows:
(a) Main exterior walls having a distance separation of less than five
feet, or walls except on street fronts which are less than five feet
from the building line of a contiguous lot, shall be of not less than
two-hour fire-resistive construction and have no openings therein.
(b) Main exterior walls having a distance separation of from five to

ten feet shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construc-
tion and openings therein shall be protected by fire assemblies
having a 3/4 hour fire resistive rating and shall be limited in area
to 30 percent of the wall area with no single opening of more than
ten percent of such wall area.
1804.3 Fire walls shall be of noncombustible materials and shall be of the fire-
resistive ratings as required in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-
13).
1804.4 Interior bearing walls and partitions shall be of non combustible materi-
als.
1805 FLOORS
Floor construction shall be of noncombustible material, provided, however, that a wood

surface or finish may be applied over such noncombustible materials.
1806 ROOFS
1806.1 Roofs shall be of any noncombustible material, and fireproofing shall not
be required.
1806.2 Roof coverings shall be as specified in the Chapter on Roof Coverings

(Chapter 30).
18-2
1506.4.
1807.1 Doors, windows and similar openings in exterior walls and fire walls shall
be protected or entirely prohibited as set forth in this Chapter, the Chap-
ter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28), or in the Chapters on Occu-
pancy (Chapters 4-13).
areas.
Projections from the building shall be of noncombustible materials.
1809.1 Roof structures may extend above the allowable height not to exceed 20
feet and shall be of noncombustible materials. The requirements of Town
Planning concerning roof structures shall control if more restrictive in
height and area requirements than this code.
1809.2 Skylights shall be constructed on noncombustible materials, and trans-

A loading platform may be constructed of heavy timber construction with wood floors
not less than one and five-eighths inches thick. A Type IV building or structure erected
over such platform shall be supported by noncombustible materials to the foundation.
18-3
NOTES
18-4
CHAPTER 19
TYPE V BUILDINGS (Wood Frame)
1901 DEFINITION
1902 GENERAL
1904 FLOORS
1905 ROOFS
1906 FIREPROOFING
1907 STAIRWAYS
1901 DEFINITION
All structural and other elements of Type V buildings shall be of noncombustible materi-
als or wood or any materials allowed by this code.
1902 GENERAL

ments provided that nothing shall be deemed to override the require-
neering and Construction Regulations (Chapters 20-27).
1902.3 Required fireproofing shall be as specified in the Chapter on Fire-Resis-

tive Standards (Chapter 32).
1903.1 Distance separation shall be measured at right angles from the wall or
feet from and parallel to the common lot line.
19-1
1903.2 Main exterior walls shall be of noncombustible materials or wood and
such walls shall be of fire-resistive construction with opening protection
where located as follows:
(a) Main exterior walls having a distance separation of less than five
feet, or walls except on street fronts which are less than five feet
from the building line of a contiguous lot, shall be of not less than
two hour fire-resistive construction and have no openings therein.
(b) Main exterior walls having a distance separation of from five to

ten feet shall be of not less than one-hour fire-resistive construc-
tion and openings therein shall be protected by fire assemblies
having a 3/4-hour fire-resistive rating and shall be limited in area
to 30 percent of the wall area with no single opening of more than
ten percent of such wall area.
1903.3 Fire walls shall be of noncombustible materials and shall be of fire-resis-

tive construction as required in the Chapters on Occupancy.
1903.4 Interior bearing walls and all partitions shall be fire-resistive where re-
quired based on provisions of this Code for fire division walls, occupancy
separation, tenant separation, protection of means of egress and vertical
openings where applicable; except that bearing walls shall be of a mini-
mum of one-hour fire-resistive construction.
1903.5 Where interior walls are non-bearing and are not required to be fire rated
by this Code, they may be of non-combustible materials or wood.
1904 FLOORS
1904.1 Floors shall be of steel, concrete or wood.
1904.2 Wood posts shall not be permitted under a girder supporting a ground
floor and spaces under ground floors shall have the clearance for ventila-
tion as set forth in Chapter 24 - Wood.
1904.3 Access openings shall be provided to all space under the building.
1905 ROOFS
1905.1 Roofs shall be of noncombustible materials or wood.
1905.2 Roof coverings shall be as specified in the Chapter on Roof Coverings

(Chapter 30).
19-2
1506.4.
1905.4 Attic spaces shall not be required, but where attic spaces are provided,
such spaces shall have a minimum vertical dimension of 18 inches clear
distance and, where unprotected combustible material is exposed, shall
be divided by fire stops into areas not exceeding 2,500 square feet or less
depending on occupancy. Access trap doors shall be from common spaces
such as corridors, and no part of an attic space shall be more than 100 feet
from an access trap door. Minimum vertical dimension shall not be re-
quired for hip or gable roof construction.
1906 FIREPROOFING
Bearing walls supporting floors shall not be less than one-hour fire-resistive protection
except that where a ground floor has clearance of less than three feet, such fire protection
may be omitted.
1907 STAIRWAYS

13) and the Chapter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28).
1907.2 Stairways may be of noncombustible or combustible materials.
1908.1 Doors, windows and similar openings in exterior walls and fire walls shall
be protected or entirely prohibited as set forth in this Chapter, the Chap-
ter on Exit Facilities and Stairs (Chapter 28) and the Chapters on Occu-
pancy (Chapters 4-13).
areas.
Projections from the building may be of wood.
1910.1 No materials more combustible than wood shall be permitted in the con-
struction of permanent portions of Type V buildings.
19-3
NOTES
19-4
PART V
ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 20
DESIGN LOADS
2001 SCOPE
2002 DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
2003 GENERAL
2004 MINIMUM LOADS
2005 SPECIAL LOAD CONSIDERATIONS
2006 LOAD COMBINATIONS
2007 ROOF LIVE LOADS
2008 LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS
2009 WIND LOADS
2010 LIVE LOADS POSTED
2001 SCOPE
2001.1 This chapter prescribes general engineering design requirements and de-
sign loads applicable to all construction regulated by this Code.
2001.2 APPLICATION: The design of all construction regulated by this Code

shall be based upon not less than the minimum loads and design criteria
set forth in this Chapter.
2002 DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS
2002.1 DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms are de-
fined as follows:
(a) ALLOWABLE STRESS DESIGN: A method of proportioning struc-

tural members such that the elasticity computed stress does not
exceed a specified limiting stress value.
(b) BEACH: The zone of unconsolidated material that extends land-

ward from the mean low water line to the place where there is a
marked change in material or physiographic form, or to the line of
permanent vegetation, usually the effective limit of storm waves.
“Beach” is alternately termed “shore”.
(c) BREAKAWAY OR FRANGIBLE WALL: A wall independent of sup-

porting structural members that will withstand design wind forces,
20-1
but will fail under hydrostatic wave, and run-up forces associated
with the design storm surge. Under such conditions, the wall will
fail in a manner such that it dissolves or breaks up into compo-
nents that will minimise the potential for damage to life or adja-
cent property. Breakaway wall collapse shall result from a water
load less than which would occur during the base flood.
(d) BUILDING SUPPORT STRUCTURE: Any structure which sup-

ports floor, wall, or column loads and transmits them to the foun-
dation, including beams, grade beams or joists, and includes the
lowest horizontal structural member exclusive of piles, columns,
or footings.
(e) COASTAL BUILDING ZONE: The land from the mean high water
line to a line 1500’-0” landwards or the entire island in question,
whichever is less.
(f) COASTAL OR SHORE PROTECTION STRUCTURES:

Shorehardening structures, such as seawalls, bulkheads,
revetments, rubble mound structures, groins, breakwaters, and
aggregates of materials other than beach sand used for shoreline
protection, beach and dune restoration, and other structures which
are intended to prevent erosion or protect other structures from
wave and hydrodynamic forces.
(g) DESIGN STRENGTH: The product of the nominal strength and a

safety factor.
(h) DUNE: A mound or ridge of loose sediments, usually sand-sized,

lying landward of the beach, and deposited by natural or artificial
means.
(i) FACTORED LOAD: The product of the nominal load and a load
factor.
(j) HABITABLE MAJOR STRUCTURE: Habitable major structures

include houses, apartment buildings, condominiums, motels, ho-
tels, restaurants, towers, other types of residential, commercial,
or public buildings, and other construction having the potential
for substantial impact on coastal zones.
(k) LIMIT STATE: A condition in which a structure or component be-

comes unfit for service and is judged either to be no longer useful
for its intended function (serviceability limit state) or to be unsafe
(strength limit state).
20-2
(l) LOADS: Forces or other actions that arise on structural systems
from the weight of all permanent construction, occupants and their
possessions, environmental effects, differential settlement, and re-
strained dimensional changes. Permanent loads are those loads
in which variations in time are rare or of small magnitude. All
other loads are variable loads (see also nominal loads).
(1) LIVE LOADS are those loads produced by the use and occu-
pancy of the building or structure and do not include envi-
ronmental loads such as wind load, rain load, or dead load.
Live loads on a roof are those produced during maintenance
by workers, equipment and materials, and during the life of
the structure by movable objects such as planters, and by
people.
(2) DEAD LOADS comprise the weight of all permanent con-

struction, including walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, stairways,
and fixed service equipment, plus the net effect of prestressing.
(m) LOAD EFFECTS: Forces and deformations produced in structural

members and components by loads imposed upon them.
(n) LOAD FACTOR: A factor that accounts for unavoidable devia-

tions of the actual load from the nominal value and for uncertain-
ties in the analysis that transforms the load into a load effect.
(o) MEAN HIGH WATER LINE: Shall mean the intersection of mean
high water with the shore. Mean high water is the average height
of high waters as established by the Department of Lands and
Surveys.
(p) MINOR STRUCTURE: Shall include, but shall not be limited to

dune and beach walkover structures; beach access ramps and walk-
ways; stairways, elevated viewing platforms; gazebos and
boardwalks; driveways; parking areas; shuffleboard courts; ten-
nis courts; handball courts; racquetball courts and other uncov-
ered paved areas; earth retaining walls and sand fences; privacy
fences; ornamental walls; ornamental garden structures; aviaries
and other ornamental construction. It shall be a characteristic of
minor structures that they are considered to be expendable under
design wave and storm surge forces.
(q) NOMINAL LOADS: The magnitudes of the loads specified in this

chapter, e.g. dead, live, soil, wind, rain.
(r) NOMINAL STRENGTH: The capacity of a structure or compo-

nent to resist the effects of loads, as determined by computations
20-3
using specified material strength, dimensions and formulas derived
from accepted principles of structural mechanics or by field labo-
ratory tests of scale models allowing for modeling effects and dif-
ferences between laboratory and field conditions.
(s) NON-HABITABLE MAJOR STRUCTURE: Includes, but is not lim-

ited to, swimming pools, pipelines, docks and piers, canals, lakes,
ditches, drainage structures and other water retention structures,
water and sewage treatment plants, electrical power plants, trans-
mission lines, distribution lines, transformer pads, vaults, and
substations, roads, bridges, streets and highways, and underground
storage tanks.
(t) SAFETY FACTOR: A factor that accounts for unavoidable devia-

tions of the actual strength from the nominal value and the man-
ner and consequence of failure.
(u) STRENGTH DESIGN: A method of proportioning structural mem-

bers using load factors and safety factors, in such a way that not
applicable limit state is reached.
2002.2 STANDARDS: The standards contained in Appendix A are hereby adopted.
2003 GENERAL
2003.1 DESIGN:
(a) Any system or method of design or construction shall admit of a
rational analysis in accordance with well-established principles
of mechanics and sound engineering practices.
(b) Buildings and other structures and all parts thereof shall be de-
signed and constructed to be of sufficient strength to support the
estimated or actual imposed dead, live, wind, and any other loads
both during construction and after completion of the structure,
without exceeding the stresses for the various materials as speci-
fied in this Code.
(c) The floor and roof systems shall be designed and constructed to
transfer horizontal forces to such parts of the structural frame as
are designed to carry these forces to the foundation. Where roofs
or floors are constructed of individual prefabricated units and the
transfer of forces to the building frame and foundation is totally
or partially dependent on such units, the units and the attachments
shall be capable of resisting applied loads in both vertical and
horizontal directions. Where roofs or floors are constructed of in-
dividual prefabricated units and the transfer of forces to the build-
ing frame and foundation is wholly independent of such units, the
20-4
units and the attachments shall be capable of resisting applied
loads normal to the surface in and out.
(d) Buildings and structural systems and building systems shall pro-
vide structural integrity so that the hazard associated with par-
tial or progressive collapse due to severe overloads or abnormal
loads not specifically covered in this Chapter are minimised.
2003.2 LOADS:
(a) No building or part thereof shall be designed for live loads less
than those specified in this Chapter.
(b) The live loads set forth herein shall be assumed to include ordi-
nary impact but where loading involves unusual impact, provi-
sion shall be made by increasing the assumed live load.
(c) Provisions shall be made in designing office floors for a load of

2000 pounds placed upon any space two and one-half feet square
wherever this load upon an otherwise unloaded floor would pro-
duce stresses greater than those caused by a uniformly distributed
load of 50 pounds per square foot.
(d) In designing floors, not less than the actual live load to be im-
posed shall be used in the design. Special provision shall be made
for machine or apparatus, or loads from moving equipment.
(e) Where partition locations are subject to change, floors shall be

designed to support, in addition to all other loads, a uniformly
distributed load equal to 20 pounds per square foot.
(f) Public garages and commercial or industrial buildings in which

passenger cars or loaded trucks are placed, used or stored shall
have the floor systems designed to support the maximum concen-
trated wheel load placed in any possible position.
2003.3 DEFLECTION: The deflection of any structural member or component,

when subjected to live, wind and other super-imposed loads, excluding
dead loads, set forth herein, shall not exceed the following ratios:
(1) Roof and ceiling or components supporting plaster..............span

360
(2) Roof members or components not supporting plaster
underneath....................................................................................span
240
(3) Floor members or components..................................................span
240
20-5
(4) Vertical and wall members or components with plaster or
masonry or brittle backing........................................................span
360
(5) Vertical and wall members or components without
plaster backing............................................................................span
180
(6) Roof and vertical members, wall members, and panels of carports,
canopies, marquees, patio covers, utility sheds and similar minor
structures not to be considered living areas, where the roof projec-
tion is greater than 12’-0” in the direction of the span, for free-
standing roofs and roofs supported by existing structures. Exist-
ing structures supporting such roofs shall be capable of support-
ing the additional loading................................................SPAN – 180
(7) For Group I Occupancies only, roof and vertical members, wall
members and panels of carports, canopies, marquees, patio cov-
ers, utility sheds and similar minor structures not to be considered
living areas, where the roof projection is 12’-0” or less in the direc-
tion of the span and for free standing roofs and roofs supported by
existing structures................................................................SPAN - 80
(8) Members supporting screens only......................................SPAN - 80
(9) Storm shutters and fold down awnings, which in the closed posi-
tion shall provide a minimum clear separation from the glass of
1” but not exceed 2” when the shutter or awnings is at its maxi-
mum point of permissible deflection.................................SPAN - 30
(10) (i) Roofs and exterior walls of sheds as defined in Chapter 2 of

this Code......................................................................SPAN – 80
(ii) Roofs and exterior walls of storage buildings larger than

utility sheds..............................................................SPAN - 180
2004 MINIMUM LOADS
2004.1 LIVE LOADS: Minimum uniformly distributed live loads shall be not
less than as set forth in Table 20-A1.
2004.2 CONCENTRATED LOADS: Minimum concentrated loads shall be not

less than as set forth in Table 20-A2.
2004.3 DEAD LOADS:

(a) Minimum design dead shall be not less than as set forth in Table
20-6
20-A3 unless actual values are substantiated by quantitative in-
formation.
(b) Minimum design loads for materials shall not be less than as set
forth in Table 20-A4.
2005 SPECIAL LOAD CONSIDERATIONS
2005.1 LIVE LOADS
(a) UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LOADS:
(1) REQUIRED LIVE LOADS: The live loads assumed in the

design of buildings and other structures shall be the maxi-
mum loads likely to be produced by the intended use or oc-
cupancy, but shall in no case be less than the minimum uni-
formly distributed unit loads set forth in Table 20-A1.
(2) PROVISIONS FOR PARTITIONS: In office buildings or

other buildings where partitions might be subject to erec-
tion or rearrangement, provision for partition weight shall
be made, whether or not partitions are shown on the plans,
unless the specified live load exceeds 80 psf.
(b) CONCENTRATED LOADS
(1) Floors and other, similar surfaces shall be designed to safely

support the uniformly distributed live loads prescribed by
Paragraph 2005.1(a) hereinabove or the concentrated load,
in pounds-force (lbf), given by Table 20-A2, whichever pro-
duces the greater stresses. Unless otherwise specified, the
indicated concentration shall be assumed to be uniformly
distributed over an area 2.5 sq. ft. and shall be located so as
to produce the maximum stress conditions in the structural
members.
(2) Any single panel point of the lower chord of roof trusses or
any point of other primary structural members supporting
roofs over manufacturing, commercial storage and warehous-
ing, and commercial garage floors shall be capable of safely
carrying a suspended, concentrated load of not less than 2000
lbf in addition to dead load. For all other occupancies, a
minimum load of 200 lbf shall be used.
(c) LOADS NOT SPECIFIED: For occupancies or uses not designated

in Paragraphs 2005.1(a) or (b) hereinabove, the live load shall be
20-7
determined in a manner satisfactory to the Buildings Control Of-
ficer.
(d) PARTIAL LOADING: The full intensity of the appropriately re-

duced live load applied only to a portion of the length of a struc-
ture or member shall be considered if it produces a more unfavour-
able effect than the same intensity applied over the full length of
the structure or member.
(e) IMPACT LOADS: The live loads specified in Sub-paragraph

2005.1(a)(1) shall be assumed to include adequate allowance for
ordinary impact conditions. Provision shall be made in the struc-
tural design for uses and loads that involve unusual vibration and
impact forces as follows:
(1) ELEVATORS: All elevator loads shall be increased by 100%

for impact, and the structural supports shall be designed
within the limits of deflection prescribed by American Na-
tional Standard Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators
ANSI/ASME A17.1.
(2) MACHINERY: For the purpose of design, the weight of ma-

chinery and moving loads shall be increased by the follow-
ing percentages to allow for impact, however, such percent-
ages shall be increased as recommended by the machinery
manufacturer:
(i) Elevator machinery loads shall be increased by 100%.
(ii) Loads for shaft or motor-driven light machinery shall

be increased by 20%.
(iii) Loads for reciprocating machinery or power driven units

shall be increased by 50%.
(iv) Loads for floor or balcony hangers shall be increased

by 33%.
2005.2 DEAD LOADS:

(a) WEIGHTS OF MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION: In estimat-
ing dead loads for purposes of design, the actual weights of mate-
rials and construction shall be used, in the absence of definite in-
formation, the loads shall be not less than as set forth in Table 20-
A3 herein.
(b) WEIGHT OF FIXED SERVICE EQUIPMENT: In estimating dead
20-8
loads for purposes of design, the weight of fixed service equipment
such as plumbing stacks and risers, electrical feeders, and heating,
ventilating and air conditioning systems shall be included when-
ever such equipment is supported by structural members.
(c) SPECIAL CONSIDERATION: Engineers, Architects, and building

owners are advised to consider factors that may result in differ-
ences between actual and calculated loads.
2005.3 COUNTERACTING LOADS: When the effects of design loads counteract

one another in a structural member or joint, special care shall be exer-
cised by the designer to ensure adequate safety with regard to possible
stress reversals.
2005.4 FLOORS: In the design of floors, consideration shall be given to the effect
of known or probable concentration of loads, partial load, impact and
machine loads. Design shall be based on the load or combinations of loads
which produce the higher stresses.
2005.5 BELOW GRADE STRUCTURES:

(a) In the design of basements, tanks, swimming pools and similar
below grade structures, provisions shall be made for the forces due
to hydrostatic pressure and lateral pressure of adjacent soil.
(b) For the lateral loads of soil on below grade structures, unless sub-
stantiated by more specific information, the angle of repose of frag-
mental rock and natural confined sand shall be 30 degrees and the
angle of repose of filled soil and much shall be 15 degrees to a hori-
zontal line.
(b) (1) For the hydrostatic pressure on any floor below ground wa-
ter level, calculations shall be based on full hydrostatic pres-
sure, and such floors shall be designed for live load without
uplift, and hydrostatic uplift without live load.
(2) Private swimming pools may be designed with an approved

pressure relief device for hydrostatic uplift.
2005.6 SAFEGUARDS:
(a) Railings, stair-railings and other similar safeguards shall be de-
signed to resist a load of 50 pounds per lineal foot applied in any
direction at the top of such barriers.
(b) Intermediate rails, balusters, pickets and other fillers shall be ca-
pable of resisting a uniform horizontal load over the gross area of
not less than 25 pounds per square foot, without restriction by
20-9
deflection, but of not less strength than required to resist applica-
ble wind loads as set forth herein.
(c) The main supporting members of such vertical barriers shall be

designed and constructed to resist the forces set forth in Paragraphs
2005.6(a) and (b) herein, whichever is more critical but the reac-
tion of the specified forces need not be additive.
(d) Handrails shall be designed and constructed to resist a load of not

less than 200 pounds applied in any direction and at any point on
the rail.
2005.7 ORNAMENTAL PROJECTIONS: Ornamental cantilevered projections

on the exterior of buildings shall be designed for not less than 60 pounds
per square foot live load or 200 pounds per lineal foot applied at the outer
edge, whichever is more critical.
2005.8 INTERIOR WALLS AND PARTITIONS: Permanent, full-height, interior

walls and partitions shall be designed to resist a lateral live load not
less than 5 pounds per square foot and if sheathed with lath and plaster,
deflection at this load shall not exceed L/360.
2006 LOAD COMBINATIONS
2006.1 GENERAL:
(a) The safety of structures may be checked using the provisions of
Sub-section 2007.2 hereinbelow.
(b) SYMBOLS AND NOTATION: Certain symbols and notations

used in this section are defined as follows:
(1) D = Dead loads shall be as defined by Section 2002 herein

and shall include:
(i) The weight of all materials of the member itself.
(ii) The weight of all materials of construction incorporated

into the building to be permanently supported by the
member, including built-in partitions.
(iii) The weight of permanent equipment.
(2) F = Loads due to fluids with well-defined pressures and maxi-

mum heights.
(3) L = Live loads due to intended use due to intended use and
occupancy, shall be those defined by Paragraph 2002.1(l)
20-10
herein, and shall include loads due to moveable objects and
movable partitions, and loads temporarily supported by the
structure during maintenance. The live load, L, includes any
permissible reduction. If resistance to impact loads is taken
into account in design, such effects shall be included with
the live load, L.
(4) Lr = Roof live loads. See section 2007 hereinbelow.
(5) H = Loads due to the weight and lateral pressure of soil and
water in soil.
(6) P = Loads, forces and effects due to ponding.
(7) T =Self-straining forces and effects arising from contraction

or expansion resulting from temperature changes, shrinkage,
moisture changes, creep in component materials, movement
due to differential settlement, or combinations thereof.
(8) W = Wind load.
2006.2 COMBINING LOADS:

(a) BASIC COMBINATIONS: Except when mandatory standards pro-
vide otherwise, all loads listed herein shall be considered to act in
the following combinations, whichever produces the most unfa-
vourable effect in the building, foundation, or structural member
being considered. The most unfavourable effect may occur when
one or more of the contributing loads is not acting.
(1) D
(2) D + L + Lr
(3) D+W
(4) D + L + Lr + W
(b) OTHER LOAD COMBINATIONS: When the structural effects

of F, H, P, or T loads are significant, they shall be considered in
design.
2007 ROOF LIVE LOADS

2007.1 ROOF LIVE LOADS SPECIFIED:
(a) Roofs shall be design for a live load of not less than 30 pounds per
square foot, except as set forth herein.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) Glass areas of greenhouse roofs shall be designed for a live
load of not less than 15 pounds per square foot.
20-11
(2) Ordinary pitched and curved roofs, with a slop of 1-1/2:12
or greater, where water in not directed to the interior of the
roof, without parapet or other edge of roof drainage obstruc-
tions, may be designed for an allowable live load of not less
than 20 pounds per square foot.
(b) SPECIAL PURPOSE ROOFS: Roofs used for assembly, roof gar-
dens, promenade or walkway purposes shall be designed for a mini-
mum live load of 100 lbs/ft2. Other special purpose roofs shall be
designed for appropriate loads as directed or approved by the Build-
(c) Roofs of screen enclosures shall be as set forth in Chapter 30 of

this Code.
2007.2 ROOF DECKING: Roof decking shall be designed to support the live load
set forth in Subsection 2008.1 hereinabove or a load of 100 pounds per
foot applied as a 1’-0” wide strip perpendicular to, and at the centre of,
the span of the decking between supports, whichever is more critical.
2007.3 ROOF DRAINAGE:

(a) Where parapets or curbs are constructed above the level of the roof,
provision shall be made to prevent rain water from accumulating
on the roof in excess of that considered in the design, in the event
the rain water drains or leaders become clogged.
(b) Where roofs are not designed in accordance with Paragraph

2007.3(a) herein-above, overflow drains or scuppers shall be placed
to prevent an accumulation of more than 3” of water on any por-
tion of the roof.
(c) Drains or scuppers installed to provide overflow drainage shall

be not less in aggregate area than 3X the area of tributary
downspouts or leaders, but not less than 3” in dimension in any
direction.
(d) All roofs shall be designed with sufficient slope or camber to as-
sure adequate drainage after the long term deflection from dead
load, or shall be designed to support maximum loads including
possible ponding of water due to deflection.
(e) PONDING LOADS: Roofs shall be designed to preclude instabil-

ity from ponding loads.
20-12
(f) PROVISION FOR DRAINAGE OBSTRUCTIONS: Each portion
of a roof shall be designed to sustain the loads of all rainwater
that could accumulate on it if the primary drainage system for
that portion is obstructed. Ponding instability shall be consid-
ered in this situation. If the overflow drainage provisions contain
drain lines, such lines shall be independent of any primary drain
lines.
2008 LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS
2008.1 APPLICATION: No reduction in assumed live loads set forth in this sec-
tion shall be allowed in the design of columns, walls, beams, girders and
foundations, except as permitted by the provision of this Section.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) No reduction of the assumed live loads shall be allowed in
the design of any slabs, joists or other secondary members
except as set forth herein.
(2) No reduction in live loads shall be permitted for buildings

or structures of Group A or B Assembly Occupancy.
(3) No reduction in roof live loads shall be permitted except as

set forth by Section 2008 hereinabove.
2008.2 ALLOWABLE REDUCTIONS:

(a) Subject to limitations given by Subsection 2009.1 herein, members
having an influence are of 400 sq. ft. or more may be designed for a
reduced live load determined as set forth in this Subsection.
(b) LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS
(1) REDUCTIONS BASED ON LIVE LOAD: For live loads of

100 lbf/ft2 or less, the total live load carried by a column or
footing may be reduced by the percentages given by Table
20-B1 herein, except where specifically prohibited by Sub-
section 2009.1 herein:
20-13
TABLE 20-B1
PERCENTAGE ALLOWABLE LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS FOR
LIVE LOADS NOT GREATER THAN 100 LBF/SQUARE FOOT
(2) REDUCTIONS BASED ON OCCUPANCY: For Groups F

and G Occupancies specified herein the total live loads car-
ried by a column or footing may be reduced by an amount
not exceeding the given percentages, except that the reduc-
tion at any floor or roof shall not be required to be less than
the average percentage reduction allowed for tributary mem-
bers at that floor or roof. The percentages herein set forth
shall be applicable to all live load in the building which is
tributary to the member.
(i) Live load reduction for Group E, Division 1 Occupancy

warehouses and storage buildings shall not exceed the
percentages allowed by Table 20-B2 hereinbelow.
TABLE 20-B2
WAREHOUSES AND STORAGE BUILDINGS
20-14
(ii) Live load reduction for Group E, Division 1 Occupancy
garages; Group E, Division 2 Occupancy manufactur-
ing buildings; and Group F Division 1 Occupancy mer-
cantile uses shall not exceed the percentages allowed
by Table 20-B3.
TABLE 20-B3
MANUFACTURING BUILDINGS, STORES AND GARAGES
(iii) In no case shall the total live load reductions for gird-
ers exceed those set forth in Subsection 2009.3 herein-
below.
2008.3 MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE REDUCTIONS FOR GIRDERS:

(a) A reduction of the total live load used in the design of girders based
on a specific tributary floor area shall be permitted as set forth in
Table 20-B4 hereinbelow.
(b) This reduction shall not be in addition to the permitted column

reduction nor shall such reduction be used in design of buildings
to be used or occupied as places or public assembly, warehouses or
for other storage purposes.
TABLE 20-B4
GIRDER LIVE LOAD REDUCTIONS
20-15
2009 WIND LOADS
2009.1 GENERAL:
(a) Buildings and structures, and every portion thereof, shall be de-
signed and constructed to meet the requirements of Section 6 of
Standard 7-88 of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE
7-88) entitled “Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and other
Structures”, as more specifically defined in this Section based on a
fifty-year mean recurrence interval.
(b) All buildings and structures within the Commonwealth of the

Bahamas shall be considered to be at the hurricane oceanline for
purposes of application of the Importance Factor, I (Windload)
contained within Table % of ASCE 7-88.
(c) Buildings and structures in the coastal building zone, as that term
is defined in Subsection 2002.1 above, shall be considered to be in
Exposure Category D as defined in Section 6.5.3 of ASCE 7-88.
(d) All buildings and structures not in the coastal building zone shall
be considered to be in Exposure Category C as defined in Section
6.5.3 of ASCE 7-88.
2009.2 OVERTURNING MOMENT AND UPLIFT:

(a) Computations for overturning moment and uplift shall be based
on the building as a whole and shall include appropriate vertical
surface shape factors.
(b) Overturning stability of any building, structure or part thereof

taken as a whole shall be provided, and shall be not less than 150
percent of its wind load overturning moment.
(c) Uplift stability shall be provided for any building, structure, part
thereof or isolated component thereof and shall be not less than
150 percent of the wind load uplift thereof.
(d) Stability may be provided by dead loads, anchors, attachements,

the weight of earth superimposed over footings or anchors, the
withdrawal resistance of piles or the resisting moment of vertical
members embedded in the ground.l
2009.3 STRESSES:
(a) For member carrying wind stresses only, and for combined stresses
due to wind and other loads, the allowable stresses and the al-
lowable loads on connections may be increased 33-1/3 percent from
the maximum set forth in this Code for the materials used.
20-16
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) Such increased stresses shall not apply to foundations ex-
cept as provided in Chapter 21 herein.
(2) Such increased stresses shall not apply to towers,

cantilevered projections or metal sheathing where vibrations
or fluttering action could be anticipated.
(3) Glass areas shall not be increased from those set forth in
Table 31-G.
(4) Such increased stresses shall not apply to glazing materials

other than glass.
(b) In no case shall the cross-section properties be less than required

for dead load plus live load without wind load.
2010 LIVE LOADS POSTED
2010.1 The live loads in every building, structure, or part thereof, of Group F or
Group G Occupancy approved by the Buildings Control Officer shall be
shown on plates supplied by the owner or his authorized agent, in that
part of each space to which such loads apply.
2010.2 Such plates shall be of approved durable materials displaying letters and
figures not less than 3/8” in height, and shall be securely affixed to the
structure in conspicuous places.
2010.3 Such notices shall not be removed or defaced and where defaced, removed
or lost, it shall be the responsibility of the owner to cause replacement as
soon as possible.
TABLE 20-A1
MINIMUM UNIFORMLY DISTRIBUTED LIVE LOADS
Occupancy or Use Live Load (lbf/ft2)
Amusement Park Structures 100*

Apartments (See Residential)
ASSEMBLY
Auditoriums
Fixed Seating 75
Moveable Seating 100
Balconies and Galleries
Fixed Seating 60
20-17
Moveable Seating 100
Dance Halls and Ballrooms 100
Gymnasiums 100
Lobbies 100
Platforms used for assembly 100
Projection Rooms 100
Public Rooms 100
Restaurants and Dining Rooms 80
Rinks Ice Skating 250
Roller Skating 100
Theaters Dressing Rooms 40
Stage Floors 150
ATTIC, NON-RESIDENTIAL
Storage 80+
Non-storage 25
Bakeries (Use Load for Kitchens)
Balconies, Exterior (See also Assembly)
Serving private units of Group H or I Occupancy and
Not used for assembly 60
Others 100
Broadcast Studios 100
Cabanas and Bath Houses 50
Corridors
First Floor 100
Other Floors
Same as occupancy served, except as otherwise
indicated for hospitals, libraries, penal institutions
and residential occupancies
Decks, Patio and Roof
Same as area served, or type of occupancy accommodated
Dormitories
Partitioned 40
Non-partitioned 80
Dwellings (See Residential)
File Rooms (See Offices)
Fire Escapes 100
Fire Escapes - Single Family dwellings only 40
Garages
Passenger Cars Only 50
Trucks and Buses *, ++
Grandstands (See Reviewing Stands and Bleachers)
Gymnasiums (See Assembly)
Hospitals (See Footnote)
Hotels (See Residential)
Kitchens, other than domestic 150
Libraries
20-18
Reading Rooms 60
Stack Rooms 150
Corridors Above First Floor 80
Manufacturing
Light 125
Heavy 250
Marquees and Canopies 75
Office Buildings 50
Offices
File Rooms
Card 125+
Letter 80+
Lobbies 100
Vaults 250+
Penal Institutions
Cell Blocks 40
Corridors 100
Public Rooms (See Assembly)
Ramps
Driveway (See Garage)
Pedestrian (See sidewalk)
Recreational Facilities 75+
Including Bowling Centres, Pool Rooms, and similar uses
Residential (See also Balconies)
One and Two-Family Dwellings
Attics, Habitable 30
Attics, uninhabitable 20
with storage
without storage 10
Other Areas 40
Multi-Family Dwellings and Hotels
Private Rooms and Corridors Serving Them 40
Public Rooms and Corridors Serving Them 100
Restrooms and Toilet 40
Rooms
Restaurants (See Assembly)
Reviewing Stands and Bleachers 100
Schools
Classrooms 40
Corridors above Ground floor 80
Stairs and Exitways 100
Storage
Light 125
Heavy 250+
20-19
Stores, Mercantile
Retail
Ground Floor 100
Upper Floor 75
Wholesale, All Floors 125
Theatres (See Assembly)
Walkways and Elevated Platforms (other than exitways) 60+
* Use weight of actual equipment when greater

+ Increase when occupancy exceeds this amount
++ See Table 20-A2 for concentrated load requirements
NOTES:
(a) For penal Institutions, Hospitals and other specialized occupan-
cies contact the Buildings Control Officer.
(b) The live loads specified above shall be assumed to include adequate
allowance for ordinary impact conditions. Provision shall be made
in the structural design for uses and loads which involve unusual
vibration and impact forces.
(c) All moving elevator loads shall be increased 100 percent for im-
pact and the structural supports shall be designed within the lim-
its of deflection prescribed by the standards given in Chapter 43 of
this Code, Elevators and Escalators.
(d) For the purpose of design, the weight of heavy machinery and mov-
ing loads shall be increased not less than 25 percent for impact
unless otherwise specified.
TABLE 20-A2
MINIMUM CONCENTRATED LOADS
*Floors in garages or portions of buildings used for the storage of motor vehicles
shall be designed for the uniformly distributed live loads of Table 20-A1 or the
following concentrated loads: (1) for passenger cars accommodating not more than
20-20
nine passengers, 2000 lbf acting on an area of 20 in2; (2) mechanical parking struc-
tures without slab or deck, passengers cars only, 1500 lbf per wheel; (3) for truck or
buses, maximum axle load on an area at 20 in2.
TABLE 20-A3
MINIMUM DESIGN DEAD LOADS*
Component Load - lbf/ft2
CEILINGS
Acoustical fiber tile 1
Gypsum board (per 1/8-inch thickness) 0.55
Mechanical duct allowance 4
Plaster on tile or concrete 5
Plaster on wood lath 8
Suspended steel channel system 2
Suspended metal lath and cement plaster 15
Suspended metal lath and gypsum plaster 10
Wood furring suspension system 2.5
COVERINGS, ROOF AND WALL
Asbestos-cement shingles 4
Asphalt shingles 2
Cement tile 16
Clay tile (for mortar add 10 lb)
Roman 12
Spanish 19
COMPOSITION
Three-ply ready roofing 1
Four-ply felt and gravel 5.5
Five-ply felt and gravel 6
Copper or tin 1
Deck, metal, 20 gage 2.5
Deck, metal, 18 gage 3
Decking, 2-inch wood (Douglas Fir) 5
Decking, 3-inch wood (Douglas Fir) 8
Fibreboard -inch 0.75
Gypsum sheathing, -inch 2
Insulation, roof boards (per inch thickness)
Cellular glass 0.7
Fibrous glass 1.1
Fibreboard 1.5
Perlite 0.8
Polystyrene foam 0.2
Urethane foam with skin 0.5
20-21
Plywood (per 1/8” thickness) 0.4
Rigid Insulation -inch 0.75
Skylight, metal frame, 3/8-inch wire glass 8
Slate, 3/16-inch 7
Slate, -inch 10
Waterproofing membrane
Bituminous, gravel covered 5.5
Bituminous, smooth surface 1.5
Liquid applied 1.0
Single-ply sheet 0.7
Wood sheathing(per 1-inch thickness) 3
Wood Shingles 3
FLOOR FILL
Lightweight concrete, per inch 8
Sand, per inch 8
Stone concrete, per inch 12
FLOORS AND FLOOR FINISHES
Cement Finish (1-inch) on stone-concrete fill 32
Ceramic or quarry tile (3/4-inch) on -inch mortar bed 16
Ceramic or quarry tile (3/4-inch) on 1-inch mortar bed 23
Concrete fill finish 12
Hardwood flooring, 7/8-inch 4
Linoleum or asphalt tile, -inch 1
Marble and mortar on stone-concrete fill 33
Slate (per inch thickness) 15
Solid flat tile on 1-inch mortar base 23
Subflooring, -inch 3
Terrazzo (1 -inch) directly on slab 19
Terrazzo (1-inch) on stone-concrete fill 32
Terrazzo (1-inch) 2-inch stone-concrete 32
Wood Block (3-inch) on mastic, no fill 10
Wood block (3 inch) on -inch mortar base 16
FLOORS, WOOD-JOIST (NO-PLASTER), DOUBLE
WOOD FLOOR
Joist 12-inch 18-inch 24-inch

Sizes Spacing Spacing Spacing
(inches) (lbf/ft2) (lbf/ft2) (lbf/ft2)
2x6 6 5 5
2x8 6 6 5
2 x 10 7 6 6
2 x 12 8 7 6
20-22
FRAME PARTITIONS
Moveable steel partitions 4
Wood or steel studs, 5/8-inch gypsum board each side 8
Wood studs, 2 x 4, unplastered 4
Wood studs, 2 x 4, plastered one side 12
Wood studs, 2 x 4, plastered two sides 20
FRAME WALLS
Exterior stud walls
2 x 4 @ 16”, 5/8” gypsum, insulated, 3/8” siding 11
2 x 6 @ 16”, 5/8” gypsum, insulated, 3/8” siding 12
Exterior stud walls with brick veneer 48
Windows, glass, frame and sash 8
MASONRY WALLS
4-inch concrete block
*Weights of masonry include mortar but not plaster. For plaster, add 5 lbf/ft2 for
each face plastered. Values given represent averages. In some cases there is a
considerable range of weight for the same construction.
TABLE 20-A4
MINIMUM DESIGN LOADS FOR MATERIALS
Material Load - lbf/ft3
Bituminous products 81
Asphaltum 135
Graphite
Paraffin
Petroleum, crude 55
Petroleum, refined 50
Petroleum, benzine 46
Petroleum, gasoline 42
Pitch 69
Tar 75
Brass 526
Bronze 552
Cast-stone masonry (cement, stone, sand) 144
Ceramic Tile 150
Charcoal 12
Concrete
Plain 144
Vermiculite and perlite aggregate, nonload-bearing 25-50
Other light aggregate, load bearing 70-105
20-23
Reinforced 150
Copper 556
Cork, compressed 14.4
Earth (not submerged)
Soil 100
Sand and gravel 110
Sand and gravel, and clay 120
Earth (submerged)
Soil 70
Sand and gravel 60
Sand and gravel, and clay 65
Gravel, dry 104
Gypsum, loose 70
Gypsum, wallboard 50
Ice 57.2
Iron
Cast 450
Wrought 480
Lead 710
Lime
Hydrated, loose 32
Hydrated, compacted 45
Masonry, ashlar
Granite 165
Limestone, oolitic 135
Marble 173
Sandstone 144
Masonry, brick
Hard (low absorption) 130
Medium (medium absorption) 115
Masonry, rubble mortar
Limestone. Oolitic 138
Marble 156
Mortar, hardened
Cement 130
Lime 110
Particleboard 45
Plywood 36
Sand, clean and dry 90
Steel, cold drawn 489
Stone
Limestone, marble, quartz 95
Tin 459
Water
Fresh 62.4
Sea 64
20-24
Wood, seasoned
Cypress, southern 34
Fir, Douglas, coast region 34
Hem fir 28
Pine, southern yellow 37
Redwood 28
Spruce, red, white and Sitka 29
Zinc, rolled, sheet 449
20-25
NOTES
20-26
CHAPTER 21
EXCAVATIONS, FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS
2101 EXCAVATIONS
2102 BEARING CAPACITY OF SOILS
2103 SOIL BEARING FOUNDATIONS
2104 PILE FOUNDATIONS
2105 FOUNDATION WALLS AND GRADE BEAMS
2106 RETAINING WALLS
2107 SEAWALLS, BULKHEADS AND DOCKS
2108 MATERIALS
2101 EXCAVATIONS
2101.1 GENERAL:
(a) Excavations or fills for any buildings or structure and excavations
or fills accessory thereto shall be so constructed or protected that
they do not endanger life and property.
(b) All excavations shall be properly guarded and protected so as to

prevent the excavations from becoming dangerous to life and prop-
erty and shall be sheet piled, braced and/or shored, where neces-
sary, to prevent the adjoining earth from caving in; such protection
to be by the person causing the excavation to be made.
(c) No fill or other surcharge loads shall be placed adjacent to any

building or structure unless such building or structure is capable
of withstanding the additional loads caused by the fill or surcharge.
(d) Footings or foundations which may be affected by any excavation

shall be underpinned adequately, or otherwise protected against
settlement, and shall be protected against lateral movement.
(e) Fills to be used to support the foundations of any building or struc-

ture shall be placed in accordance with the requirements of section
2102 of this chapter.
2101.2 PERMANENT EXCAVATIONS: No permanent excavations shall be made

nor shall any construction excavations be left on any lot or lots which will
endanger adjoining property or buildings or be a menace to public health
or safety. Any such excavations made or maintained shall be properly
drained and such drainage provisions shall function properly as long as
21-1
the excavation exists. Permanent excavations shall have retaining walls
of steel, masonry, concrete or similar approved material of sufficient
strength to retain the embankment together with any surcharged loads.
2101.3 ENFORCEMENT: Where, in the opinion of the BCO, an unsafe condition

may result or damage may occur as the result of an excavation, he may
order the work stopped or may approve the work of excavation subject to
such limitations as he may deem necessary.
2102 BEARING CAPACITY OF SOIL
2102.1 SOIL INVESTIGATION:

(a) Plans for new buildings or additions shall bear a statement as to
the nature and character of the soil under the structure. Where the
bearing capacity of the soil is not known or is in question, or the
load imposed on the soil is unusual, the BCO may require exami-
nation of sub-soil conditions such as by borings and other tests.
(b) The classification of the soil under all portions of every building
shall be based upon the examination of adequate test borings or
excavations made at the site when required by the BCO. When-
ever, in the opinion of the BCO, the adequacy and class of a soil
cannot be determined by the test borings or excavations, he may
require a special soil investigation by an engineer recognised by
the Minister before approving the use of the footings.
2102.2 PRESUMPTIVE CAPACITIES: The allowable bearing capacities on sup-

porting soils shall not exceed those set forth in the following table unless
the design bearing capacity is substantiated by recognised tests, analysis
and procedure. These values are considered safe in respect to actual fail-
ure of the supporting ground but do not necessarily ensure the preven-
tion of excessive foundation movements where any unusual soil or mois-
ture conditions are encountered. All muck, topsoil, organic material and
debris shall be removed from the supporting subgrade.
21-2
All stumps and roots shall be removed from the soil to a depth of at least
12 inches below the surface of the ground in areas to be occupied by build-
ings.
Where swampy conditions exist, the BCO may require the use of a Regis-
tered Engineer.
2103 SOIL BEARING FOUNDATIONS
2103.1 GENERAL: Footings shall be constructed of reinforced concrete, as set

forth in the Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter 22) and in this Sec-
tion, and shall, insofar as practicable, be so designed that the soil pressure
shall be reasonably uniform to minimise differential settlement.
2103.2 CONTINUOUS FOOTINGS:

(a) Footings under walls shall be continuous or continuity otherwise
provided and shall not be less than required to keep the soil pres-
sure within that set forth in Section 2102 of this Chapter nor less
than the following minimums:
*One-storey or two-storey dwellings may be constructed directly

on the surface only if solid rock exists at the surface, with a
minimum depth of rock strata of 5 feet. Footings may be designed
as reinforced concrete grade beams for the superimposed loads and
may be the thickness of the wall they support, but never less than
8 inches and shall be keyed 6 inches into the rock; rock bearing
pressures underneath shall not exceed the allowable bearing
capacity of the rock.
(b) Based on soil investigation as set forth in Sub-section 2102.1, of

this Chapter, the footing sizes may be reduced considering allow-
able bearing values and load, but the minimum width of a footing
under the main walls of a building shall not be less than 16 inches
nor less than eight inches more than the width of the foundation
wall, except as indicated above for direct bearing on rock.
21-3
(c) The minimum continuous footings specified in this section shall
be reinforced as follows:
Where footings are 30 inches or more in width, cross bars designed to

resist bending at the face of the foundation wall shall be provided.
(1) Equivalent areas in #4 reinforcing bars may be substituted
for the sizes as specified.
(2) Splices in reinforcing bars shall not be less than 24 bar diam-
eters and all corners shall be properly tied. When three or
more bars are required, the bars shall be held in place and
aligned by transverse bars spaced not more than four feet
apart.
(3) Reinforcing shall be uniformly spaced and shall provide a

minimum of three inches of concrete cover.
(d) Continuous footings on which the centre of gravity of the loads

fall outside of the middle one-third shall be considered eccentric
and provisions shall be made to limit the soil pressure at the edges
to acceptable values by means of counter-balancing or by other
approved methods.
(e) Concrete footings and pads shall not receive superimposed loads
until 12 hours or more after the concrete is placed.
(f) Excavations for footings and foundations which are to serve as

forms shall be thoroughly wet prior to the placing of concrete.
Standing water shall be removed from excavations prior to plac-
ing concrete.
21-4
(g) Excavations for continuous footings shall be cut true to line and
grade and the sides of footings shall be formed, except where soil
conditions are such that the sides of the excavation stand firm
and square. Excavations shall be made to firm clear bearing soil
or rock.
(h) Continuous footings shall be placed level and any changes in the
grade of such footings shall be made with a vertical tie of the same
cross section and design as the footings, or the smaller of the
footings, so joined.
2103.3 ISOLATED FOOTINGS:

(a) Isolated footings on which the centre of gravity of the load falls
outside the middle 1/3 of any line passing through the centre of
gravity of the footings shall be considered eccentric, and provi-
sions shall be made to limit the soil pressure at the edges by means
of footing straps or other approved methods.
(b) Where isolated footings support reinforced concrete columns, dow-

els equivalent in number and area to the column reinforcing and
having a length not less than 20 diameters above and below the
joint shall be provided in the footing. Where footing depth does
not allow straight dowels, standard hooks will be allowable. Such
dowels, or anchor bolts as required for steel columns, shall be held
to proper grade and location during the pouring of the footing by
means of templates or by other approved methods.
2103.4 GRILLAGE FOOTINGS: When grillage footings of structural steel shapes

are used on soils, they shall be completely embedded in concrete with at
least 6 inches on the bottom and at least 4 inches at all other points.
2103.5 CONCRETE SLABS ON FILL:

(a) Concrete floors within buildings where placed directly on the sup-
porting soil shall comply with this Sub-section.
(b) The minimum thickness of concrete floor slabs supported directly

on the ground shall be not less than four inches.
(c) Concrete floor slabs placed directly on the supporting soil shall be
reinforced with not less than 0.029 square inches area of reinforc-
ing per linear foot of slab in each direction (corresponds to 6" x 6"
10 ga./10 ga. steel wire. 10 ga. = 3.43 mm diameter).
21-5
2104 PILE FOUNDATIONS
2104.1 GENERAL:
(a) The use of types of piles not specifically mentioned in this Chap-
ter, and the use of piles under conditions not specifically covered
herein, shall be permitted, subject to the approval of the BCO, upon
submission of acceptable test data, calculations, or other informa-
tion relating to the properties and load-carrying capacity of such
piles.
(b) All foundations requiring piling shall be designed by an engineer

recognised by the Minister and all pile driving shall be supervised
by an engineer recognised by the Minister.
(c) All piles standing unbraced in air, water, or material not capable of
lateral support, shall conform with the applicable column formula
as specified in this Code. Such piles driven into firm ground may
be considered fixed and laterally supported at five feet (d) below
the ground surface and in soft material at ten feet (10) below the
ground surface unless otherwise prescribed by the BCO after an
acceptable foundation investigation has been made.
(d) Piles used for the support of any building or structure shall be
driven to a resistance and penetration in accordance with the plans
and/or specifications and as set forth herein.
(e) Jetting shall not be used except where and as specifically permit-
ted by the BCO. When used, jetting shall be carried out in such a
manner that the carrying capacity of existing piles and structures
shall not be impaired. After withdrawal of the jet, piles shall be
driven down until the required resistance is obtained, in no case
shall this be less than 12".
(f) The minimum centre to centre spacing of piles shall be not less
than twice the average diameter of round piles or 1-3/4 times the
diagonal dimension of rectangular piles but in no case less than 30
inches.
(g) Reinforced concrete caps shall be provided for all pile clusters and
such caps shall extend laterally not less than 6 inches beyond the
extreme pile surface and vertically not less than 4 inches below the
pile butt. Pile caps may be omitted when piles are used to support
grade beams, provided that the spacing of paragraph (f) above is
complied with and provided that the portions of the grade beams
acting in place of the pile cap shall be computed by a recognised
method of analysis to properly carry the loads.
21-6
(h) Piles shall be driven using an approved cushion block consisting
of material so arranged as to provide transmission of hammer en-
ergy equivalent to one-piece hardwood with the grain parallel to
the axis of the pile and enclosed in a metal housing to prevent its
lateral deformation between the hammer ram and the top of the
pile.
(i) Diesel hammers may be used for driving piles if provided with one
of the following means of determining the energy of the hammer’s
blow.
(1) Closed top diesel hammers shall be used with a rating in-
strument and charts to measure the equivalent Watt hour
(Wh) energy per blow of the hammer. The equivalent Wh
energy as measured by the instrument shall be the ram’s
weight times the equivalent ram stroke which is the actual
ram stroke plus an added value obtained from the energy
stored in the bounce chamber. The energy per blow shall be
the equivalent Wh energy for the closed top diesel.
(2) Open top diesel hammers shall be equipped with a ram stroke
indicator rod which is striped in increments above the ham-
mer body and fastened to the body of the hammer. The en-
ergy per blow for the open top diesel shall be computed as
the ram’s working stroke times the ram’s weight.
(3) The load bearing formula applicable for single-acting pile
hammers shall be used to compute the bearing capacity of
the driven pile.
(j) Followers shall be used only upon permission of the recognised

engineer and only where necessary to effect installation of piles. A
follower shall be of such size, shape, length, material and weight
as to permit driving the pile in the desired location and to the re-
quired depth and resistance, without loss of hammer energy in the
follower.
(k) Splices shall be avoided as far as practicable. Splices shall be so

constructed as to provide and maintain true alignment and posi-
tion of the component parts of the pile during installation and sub-
sequent thereto. Splices shall develop the required strength of the
pile.
(l) Pile driving hammers shall develop a minimum of one foot-pound

of energy per pound of pile or mandrel, but not less than 7,000
foot-pounds of energy per blow.
21-7
(m) Piles may be driven with drop or gravity hammers provided the
hammer shall weigh not less than 3,000 pounds and the fall of the
hammer shall not exceed 6 feet.
(n) Piles shall be driven with a variation of not more than 1/4 inch per
foot from the vertical, or from the batter line indicated, with a maxi-
mum variation of the head of the pile from the position shown on
the plans of not more than three inches.
(o) The recognised engineer shall be required to keep an accurate record

of the material and the principal dimensions of each pile; of the
weight and fall of the hammer, if a single-acting hammer or drop
hammer; the size and make, operating pressure, length of hose,
number of blows per minute and energy per blow, if a double-
acting hammer; together with the average penetration of each pile
for at least the last five blows, and the grades at tip and cut-off. A
copy of these records shall be filed with the Buildings Control Di-
vision and kept with the plans.
(p) Where piling must penetrate strata offering high resistance to driv-
ing or where jetting could cause damage, the recognized engineer
may require that the piles be set in pre-drilled or punched holes.
The equipment used for drilling or punching must be approved
by the recognized engineer. The piles shall reach their final pen-
etration by driving.
(q) The maximum load permitted on any pile shall not exceed 50 tons
unless substantiated by load test performed at the site as set forth
in Sub-section 2104.2 (c) of this Chapter. The BCO may require tests
on any pile where its performance is questionable.
(r) Piles shall be designed and driven to develop not less than 10 tons
safe bearing capacity.
(s) In soils in which the installation of piles caused previously installed

piles to heave, accurate level marks shall be put on all piles imme-
diately after installation and all heaved piles shall be reinstalled to
the required resistance.
(t) Piles shall not be driven closer than two feet nor jetted closer than
ten feet to an existing building or structure unless approved by the
recognized engineer.
21-8
2104.2 ALLOWABLE PILE LOADS:
(a) GENERAL: The allowable axial and lateral loads on piles shall be
determined by an approved driving formula, by load tests, or by a
foundation investigation by a recognized engineer. A foundation
investigation shall be made if required by the BCO.
(b) ALLOWABLE LOADS BY DRIVING FORMULA: The allowable

axial load on a pile shall not exceed the value given by the follow-
ing formulas, unless such load is otherwise determined as speci-
fied in 2104.2(c):
Drop Hammer: R = 2 Wh
S+1
Single Acting Hammers: R = 2 Wh
S+0.1
Double Acting or Differential Hammers: R = 2(W + AP) h
S + 0.1
In Which:
A = area of piston in square inches
P = pressure in pounds per square inch at the hammer
R = allowable total load in pounds
W = weight of striking part of hammer in pounds
h = height of fall of striking part of hammer in feet or stroke in feet
S = average penetration, in inches per blow, of not less than the
five final blows
E = actual energy delivered by hammer per blow in foot pounds
(c) STATIC LOAD TESTS:
When the allowable axial load of piling is determined by load test,

the following method shall be used:
The safe load-carrying capacities may be determined by means of

loading tests performed on not less than 2 typical piles of an instal-
lation and, where deemed necessary by the BCO, on not less than
one pile for each 15,000 square feet of building area. The test load
shall be twice the proposed load value of the pile and shall be ap-
plied in 6 equal increments starting with 1/2 the proposed work-
ing load. After the proposed working load has been applied and
for each increment thereafter, the test load shall remain in place
until there is no settlement in a 2-hour period. The total test load
shall remain in place until settlement does not exceed 1/1000 of a
foot in 48 hours. The total test load shall be removed in decrements
not exceeding 1/4 of the total test load with intervals of not less
than one hour. The rebound shall be recorded after each decre-
21-9
ment is removed, and the final rebound shall be recorded 24 hours
after the entire test load has been removed. The maximum allow-
able pile load shall be 1/2 that which causes a net settlement after
deducting the rebound of not more than 1/100 of an inch per ton
of total test load or shall be 1/2 that which causes a gross settle-
ment of one inch, whichever is less. Elastic shortening of the pile
shall not be included in the gross settlement.
2104.3 WOOD PILES:

(a) Wood piles shall be in one piece of approved timber containing no
evidence of decay, free from short kinks or reverse bends and hav-
ing uniform taper from butt to tip. A straight line drawn from the
centre of the butt to the centre of the tip shall lie wholly within the
body of the pile. The diameter of wood piles shall be not less than
6 inches at the tip and not less than 10 inches three feet from the
butt for piles which are 25 feet or less in length; or 8 inches at the
tip and 12 inches three feet from the butt for piles which exceed 25
feet in length. No piles which have a spiral grain exceeding one
complete turn in 40 feet shall be used.
(b) Untreated wood piles in all cases shall be cut off not higher than
mean low water and shall be capped with concrete.
(c) Untreated piles used in permanent construction, except where used

for light frame structures over water or marsh lands, shall be cut
off below permanent water level.
(d) Piles of southern pine, Norway pine, Douglas fir or red oak when
pressure treated by an empty cell process, with coal tar creosote to
a net final retention of not less than 12 pounds of creosote per cu-
bic foot of wood, may be used as follows: Where the upper portion
of the pile is exposed and accessible for inspection, the cut-off may
be above ground level or water level; where the upper portion of
the pile will not be readily accessible for inspection, the cut-off shall
be below the ground level but may be above the ground-water
level provided the tops are encased in masonry footings so that no
part of the pile will be exposed to the air. The tops of the cut-off
piles shall be treated with three coats of hot creosote.
(e) The treatment of other species of wood for piles to extend above
permanent ground-water level, and the use of other preservative
materials or methods, may be used subject to written approval of
the BCO.
(f) Wood piles shall be driven with a protective driving cap or ring
when necessary to prevent brooming or splitting of the butt. When
21-10
brooming or splitting occurs, such piles shall be cut back to solid
wood before the final resistance to penetrations is measured.
(g) If required, when driving through or to hard material or to rock,

wood piles shall be fitted with a metal protective drive shoe satis-
factory to the BCO.
(h) In the absence of load tests, the total load on any wood pile shall
not exceed these values:
Tip Diameter Butt Diameter Maximum Load
(Tons)
6" 10" 15
8" 12" 20
10" 14" 25
2104.4 PRECAST REINFORCED CONCRETE PILES:

(a) Precast concrete piles shall be cast of concrete having a compressive
strength of not less than 4,000 pounds per square inch at time of
driving based on standard 6 x 12 inch test cylinder.
(b) The piling shall be reinforced with a minimum of four longitudi-

nal steel bars having an area of not less than .01 nor more than .04
of the gross concrete area. The longitudinal reinforcement in driven
precast concrete piles shall be laterally tied with steel ties or wire
spirals, of not less than 3 inches centre to centre spacing for a dis-
tance of 18 inches from the ends and not more than 8 inches else-
where.
(c) All reinforcement shall be protected by 2 inches or more of con-

crete, except that for piles subjected to the action of open water,
waves, or other severe exposure a 3 inch protective covering shall
be furnished in the zone of such exposure.
(d) Piling shall be designed to resist stresses induced by handling and

driving as well as loads.
(e) Piling shall have their date of manufacture and the lifting points
clearly marked on the pile.
(f) In the absence of load tests, the maximum allowable load per pile
shall not exceed the values set forth in the following table:
Size (Inches) Maximum Load (Tons)
10 x 10 17
12 x 12 25
14 x 14 35
21-11
2104.5 PRECAST PRESTRESSED CONCRETE PILES (PRETENSIONED):
(a) Precast prestressed concrete piles shall develop a compressive
strength of not less than 4000 pounds per square inch before driv-
ing based on standard 6 x 12 inch test cylinder. The piles shall de-
velop an ultimate compressive strength at 28 days after pouring of
not less than 5000 pounds per square inch based on standard 6 x 12
inch test cylinder.
(b) The longitudinal reinforcement shall be high tensile seven wire

strand laterally tied with steel ties or wire spirals. Ties or spiral
reinforcement shall be spaced not more than 3 inches apart centre
to centre for a distance of 18 inches from the ends, and not more
than 8 inches elsewhere.
(c) Longitudinal reinforcing shall be protected by 2 inches of concrete.
(d) Precast prestressed piling shall be designed to resist stresses in-

duced by handling and driving as well as by loads. The effective
prestress in the pile shall not be less than 400 pounds per square
inch for piles up to thirty feet (30') in length, 550 pounds per square
inch for piles up to fifty feet (50’) in length, and 700 pounds per
square inch for piles greater than fifty feet (50') in length.
(e) The allowable compressive stress in the concrete due to externally

applied load shall not exceed 0.20 of the 28 day 6 x 12 inch test
cylinder strength.
(f) If the compressive stress due to effects of prestressing exceeds 0.20

of the 28 day 6 x 12 inch test cylinder strength, the allowable
compressive stress due to externally applied loads as permitted
above, shall be reduced accordingly.
(g) Effective prestress shall be based on an assumed loss of 30,000

pounds per square inch in the prestressing steel.
(h) The allowable stress in the prestressing steel shall not exceed the
values specified in the Chapter on Reinforced Concrete. (Chapter
22).
(i) Maximum allowable loads per pile, in the absence of load tests,
shall not exceed the values set forth in the table on Precast Rein-
forced Concrete Piles, Section 2104.4 of this Chapter.
21-12
2104.6 CONCRETE FILLED STEEL PIPE PILES:
(a) Concrete filled steel pipe piles driven open ended shall have a nomi-
nal outside diameter of not less than 10 inches and a nominal wall
thickness of not less than 0.25 inch except that pipes having a nomi-
nal outside diameter 14 inches or over shall have a nominal wall
thickness of not less than 0.375 inch. Concrete filled steel tubular
piles driven with ends closed may be of smaller sizes and wall
thickness but no tapered pile shall have a diameter of less than 8
inches at the top nor 6 inches at the foot, and no such pile of uniform
section shall have a diameter of less than 8 inches.
(b) A forged, cast steel or flat plated end of approved design shall be
used on concrete-filled steel pipe piles driven with a closed end.
(c) The compressive stress on any cross section of a concrete-filled steel

pipe shall not exceed .225 of the specified strength of the concrete
which shall have an ultimate compressive strength at the end of 28
days of not less than 2,500 pounds per square inch, based on the
standard 6 x 12 inch test cylinder, plus .35 of the specified mini-
mum yield strength of the steel when such steel shell is 1/10 of an
inch or greater. No compressive stress shall be permitted on steel
shells less than 1/10 of an inch thick. The minimum specified yield
strength of steel shells shall not be assumed greater than 36,000
pounds per square inch for computation purposes.
(d) The concrete shall be deposited in a continuous operation so as to

insure a full sized pile without voids or separation. Concrete shall
be placed in the dry. The pile may be sealed by depositing concrete
by tremie or other approved method.
2104.7 ROLLED STRUCTURAL STEEL PILES:

(a) Rolled structural steel piles shall conform to the Standards for
General Requirements for Hot-Rolled and Cold-Finished Carbon
and Alloy Steel Bars, ASTM A29, and Carbon Steel Bars Subject
to Mechanical Property Requirements, ASTM A306, set forth in
Section Appendix ‘A’ of this Code, except that copper may be added
to increase the corrosion-resistant properties of the material.
(b) Sections of such pile of H form shall have flange projections not
exceeding 14X the thickness of web or flange and total flange width
not less than 85% of the depth of the section.
(c) No section shall have a nominal thickness of metal less than 3/8".
21-13
(d) For end-bearing piles, the allowable stress may be determined on
the basis of an allowable stress of 25% of the yield value of the
steel.
(e) In the absence of adequate corrosion protection, 1/16" shall be de-

ducted from each face in determining the area of the pile section.
(f) The allowable load, when used as friction piles, shall be deter-
mined by load tests at the Site.
2104.8 SPECIAL PILES OR SPECIAL CONDITIONS: The use of types of piles

or conditions not specifically covered herein may be permitted, subject to
the approval of the Buildings Control Officer, upon submission of ac-
ceptable test data, calculations or other information relating to the prop-
erties and load-carrying capacity of such piles.
2104.9 LOAD TEST ON PILES:
(a) Single piles tested shall be loaded to at least twice the desired de-
sign load and should pile groups be tested, the test load shall be
not less than 1-1/2 times the total desired load for the group.
(b) The apparatus for applying known vertical loads to the top of the
pile shall maintain constant load under increasing settlement, and
shall apply the loads in such a way that no lateral forces or im-
pact will occur. Hydraulic jacks when used, shall be equipped with
a calibrated pressure gage. Uplift piles used to provide the jacking
resistance shall be a sufficient distance from the test pile so as not
to influence its behaviour under test.
(c) The test load shall be applied in increments of not more than 25%
of the design load until the total test load has been applied.
(d) The method for determining vertical movement shall be subject to

the approval of the BCO. Readings shall be sufficient in number
to define the time settlement and rebound curve.
(e) Each load increment shall be maintained for a minimum of 1 hour,

and until the rate of settlement is less than 0.01" per hour. The
total load shall be maintained until settlement does not exceed
0.01" in 24 hrs. Settlement readings shall be taken at regular inter-
vals during the test period.
(f) After the maximum load has remained on the pile for 24 hrs and
final settlement readings have been taken, the pile shall be un-
loaded in 50% decrements of design load. Re-bound readings shall
21-14
be taken at regular intervals during the unloading period, and fi-
nal reading taken approximately 12 hrs after the entire load has
been removed.
(g) The maximum allowable pile load shall be 1/2 of that load which
causes a net settlement of not more than 0.005" per ton of test
load, a gross settlement of 1", whichever is less, or a
disproportionate increase in settlement.
(h) Control test piles shall be tested in accordance with ASTM D1143,
Method of Testing Piles Under Axial Compressive Load. If quick
load test procedures are used, then the applied test load shall be
not less than 3 times the working pile capacity and in accordance
with the standard.
2105 FOUNDATION WALLS AND GRADE BEAMS
2105.1 EXTERIOR FOUNDATION WALLS:

(a) GENERAL:
(1) Exterior foundation walls of buildings, where the character
of the soil is such that allowable soil loads of 1,500 pounds or
less per square foot are used for design, shall be poured-in-
place reinforced concrete from the footing to the bottom of
the ground floor construction.
(2) Exterior foundation walls of buildings, where the character

of the soil is such that allowable soil of more than 1,500
pounds per square foot are used for design, may be of unit
masonry or concrete on continuous concrete footings.
(3) Under the exterior walls of buildings of Type V (Wood Frame)

construction, in locations where extreme dampness exists,
the BCO may approve isolated piers, provided such piers
are as otherwise set forth in Paragraph 2105.2 (b) of this Chap-
ter.
(b) DETAILED REQUIREMENTS:
(1) The thickness of the foundation wall shall be not less than 8
inches.
(2) Where wood joist construction is used for the ground floor,
the thickness of the exterior foundation walls shall be not
less than 8 inches plus 4 inches for the bearing of joists.
21-15
(3) Foundations of unit masonry supporting joists shall be
capped with 4 inches of concrete.
2105.2 INTERIOR FOUNDATION WALLS: Interior foundation walls shall be of

the material and design as specified in Section 2505.1 of this Chapter, ex-
cept as follows:
(a) Interior foundation walls which support stud walls shall be ex-
empted from the additional 4 inches of width required for the bear-
ing of joists.
(b) For wood frame buildings not exceeding one-storey in height, iso-
lated piers may be substituted for interior foundation walls where
such piers do not exceed 24 inches in height, are a minimum of 12
inches by 12 inches in cross-sectional dimension, and are located
at corners and points of concentration, but not more than six feet
apart. Where such piers rest on rock they shell be keyed 6 inches
into the rock.
2105.3 GRADE BEAMS:

(a) Grade beams, supporting loads between piles or piers, shall be re-
inforced concrete, or structural steel protected by 2 inches of con-
crete cover.
(b) Grade beams shall be the thickness of the wall they support but
never less than 8 inches nor less than set forth for foundation walls
herein.
(c) Grade beams shall be suitably designed and reinforced around

access openings and vents.
2106 RETAINING WALLS
(a) Walls built to retain or support the lateral pressure of earth or water or
other superimposed loads shall be designed and constructed of approved
masonry, reinforced concrete, steel sheet piling or other approved materi-
als within allowable stresses conforming to this code.
(b) Retaining walls shall be designed to resist the pressure of the retained
material including both dead and live load surcharges to which they may
be subjected, and to insure stability against overturning, sliding, exces-
sive foundation pressure and water uplift.
(c) Unless drainage is provided, the hydrostatic head of water pressure shall
be assumed equal to the height of the wall.
21-16
(d) All masonry retaining walls other than reinforced concrete walls shall be
protected with an approved coping.
2107 SEAWALLS, BULKHEADS, AND DOCKS
All dredging, waterfront filing and excavation, and waterfront construction such as docks,
piers, wharves, badges, groins, jetties, moles, break-waters, seawalls, revetments, and cause-
ways, shall be planned and designed by an engineer recognized by the Minister.
2108 MATERIALS
The quality and design of materials used structurally in excavations, footings, founda-
tions, retaining walls, seawalls, bulkheads and docks, shall conform to the requirements
specified in the Chapters forming the Engineering and Construction Requirements of this
Code. (Chapters 20-27).
21-17
NOTES
21-18
CHAPTER 22
REINFORCED CONCRETE
2201 GENERAL
2202 STANDARDS
2203 DEFINITIONS
2204 MATERIALS AND TESTS
2205 WORKING STRESSES AND QUALITY OF CONCRETE
2206 MIXING AND PLACING
2207 FORMS AND DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION
2208 PRECAST CONCRETE FLOOR AND ROOF UNITS
2209 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
2210 PNEUMATICALLY PLACED CONCRETE
2201 GENERAL
Structures in concrete of cast-in-place or precast construction, plain, reinforced or pre-

stressed shall be of the materials, proportions, strength and consistency as set forth in this
chapter and shall be designed by methods admitting of rational analysis according to
established principles of mechanics and in accordance with the standards adopted by this
Code and set forth in the Appendices.
2202 STANDARDS
The standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adapted as a part of this Code and supple-
ment, but do not supersede, the specific requirements as set forth herein.
2203 DEFINITIONS
The following words and terms shall for the purpose of this Code, have the meanings set
forth in this section:
ADMIXTURE, a material other than Portland cement, aggregate, or water added

to concrete to modify its properties.
AGGREGATE, inert material which is mixed with Portland cement and water to
produce concrete.
22-1
COLUMN, an upright compression member the length of which exceeds three times
its least lateral dimension.
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH OF CONCRETE, specified compressive strength of

concrete in pounds per square inch. Compressive strength shall be determined by
tests of standards 6 x 12 inch cylinders made and tested in accordance with ASTM
Standards at 28 days or such earlier age as concrete is to receive its full service load
or maximum stress.
CONCRETE, a mixture of Portland cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and

water.
CONCRETE, STRUCTURAL LIGHTWEIGHT, a concrete containing lightweight

aggregate.
GROUT, a large amount of cement paste to which has been added a small amount
of fine aggregate to produce a mixture of fluid consistency. When the amount of
fine aggregate is increased so that the mixture loses its fluidity and behaves as a
cohesive plastic, the mixture is termed MORTAR.
PLAIN CONCRETE, concrete that does not conform to the definition of reinforced
concrete.
PRECAST CONCRETE, a plain or reinforced concrete element cast in other than its
final position in the structure.
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE, reinforced concrete in which there have been intro-

duced internal stresses of such magnitude and distribution that the stresses result-
ing from service loads are counteracted to a desired degree.
REINFORCED CONCRETE, concrete containing reinforcement and designed on

the assumption that the two materials act together in resisting forces.
SHOTCRETE: Mortar or concrete pneumatically projected at high velocity onto a

surface.
SUPERPLASTICIZER: a chemical or a mixture of chemicals that, when added to

normal concrete.
(a) imparts extreme workability
(b) allows a large water reduction to be made beyond the limits or

normal plasticizing admixtures.
22-2
2204 MATERIALS AND TESTS
2204.1 MATERIALS: Portland cement, concrete aggregates, both coarse and fine,
and reinforcing steel shall conform to the requirements of the standards
listed in Appendix A.
2204.2 TESTS:
(a) The BCO may order or make a test of any material entering into
concrete or reinforced concrete to determine its suitability for the
purpose; may order or make a reasonable number of tests of the
concrete from time to time to determine whether the materials and
methods in use are such as to produce concrete of the necessary
quality; and may order or make a test under load of any portion of
a completed structure, when conditions have been such as to leave
doubt as to the adequacy of the structure to serve the purpose for
which it is intended.
(b) When cylinders are made at early ages to obtain advance informa-
tion on 28 day strengths, and these cylinders are lower than the
age-strength relationship generally established for the materials
and proportions used, the BCO may serve notice on the contractor
or owner that the concrete is suspect. The BCO may also order
changes in the concrete sufficient to increase the strength require-
ments and may order load tests for that portion of the structure
where the questionable concrete has been placed.
(c) To conform to the requirements of these specifications, the average

strength of the laboratory cured cylinders representing each class
of concrete as well as the average of any five consecutive strength
tests representing each class of concrete shall be equal to, or greater
than the specified strength and not more than 1 strength test in 10
shall have an average value of less than 90% of the specified
strength.
(d) Where earlier tests than 28 days are used the relationship between
the early tests and the 28 day strength of the concrete shall be es-
tablished by tests for the materials and the proportions used.
2205 WORKING STRESSES AND QUALITY OF CONCRETE
2205.1 WORKING STRESSES: The allowable working stresses in concrete shall

not exceed those set forth in the standards adopted as part of this Code in
Appendix A for the value of specified compressive strength of concrete
used.
22-3
2205.2 CONCRETE QUALITY:
(a) For the design of reinforced concrete structures, the specified
compressive strength used for determining the allowable stresses
shall be based on the 28-day compressive strength of the concrete
or the specified minimum compressive strength at the earlier age
at which the concrete may be expected to receive its full load. All
plans, submitted for approval or used on the job, shall clearly show
the assumed strength of concrete at a specified age for which all
parts of the structure were designed.
(b) The normal minimum quality of structural concrete recognized by

this Code shall be concrete having a design strength of 2,000 pounds
per square inch in 28 days based on 6 x 12 inch cylinders. The mini-
mum strength of light weight aggregate concrete, used structur-
ally, shall be not less than 500 psi based on 6 x 12 inch cylinders.
(c) The BCO may in particular cases accept concrete mixed in the pro-
portion of one cubic foot or one 94 lb. sack of Portland cement, two
cubic feet of sand and 3 cubic feet of coarse aggregate when ma-
chine mixed with sufficient water to make a plastic mix with no
free water, provided the use of concrete so proportioned and mixed
is limited to minor building components.
(d) The determination of the proportions of cement, aggregate, and

water to attain the required strengths shall be made by one of the
following methods:
Method 1—Without preliminary tests
Where preliminary test data on the materials to be used in the con-

crete have not been obtained, the water-cement ratio for a given
strength of concrete shall not exceed the values shown in the fol-
lowing table.
Method 2 — For combinations of materials previously evaluated

or to be established by trial mixtures.
Water-cement ratios or strengths greater than shown in the follow-

ing table may be used provided that the relationship between
strength and water-cement ratio for the materials to be used has
been previously established by reliable test data and the resulting
concrete satisfies strength requirements.
22-4
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE WATER-CEMENT RATIOS
FOR CONCRETE (METHOD NO. 1)^1
(Without Preliminary Tests)
1. The minimum cement content shall be not less than five bags per cubic
yard (a bag weighing not less than 94 pounds) unless the mix is designed
specifically for the project.
2. Including free surface moisture on aggregates.
3. Reduce water content for air-entrained concrete.
(e) When the structural design is based on a 28 day compressive

strength in excess of 2,500 psi (by 6" x 12' cylinder) proportioning
and mixing shall be approved by, and placing shall be under the
competent supervision of an engineer, recognized by the Minister.
(f) Concrete that will be exposed to sulfate-containing or other chemi-

cally aggressive solutions shall be proportioned in accordance with
the concrete proportions given in the Standards listed in Appen-
dix A.
2206 MIXING AND PLACING
2206.1 FORMS AND EQUIPMENT:

(a) Before placing concrete, all equipment for mixing and transport-
ing the concrete shall be cleaned, all debris removed from the spaces
to be occupied by the concrete, forms shall be thoroughly wetted
or oiled, masonry filler units that will be in contact with concrete
shall be well drenched, and the reinforcement shall be thoroughly
cleaned.
(b) Water shall be removed from place of deposit before concrete is

placed unless otherwise permitted by the BCO.
22-5
2206.2 MIXING OF CONCRETE:
(a) Unless otherwise authorised by the BCO, the mixing of concrete
shall be done in a batch mixer of approved type.
(b) All concrete shall be mixed until there is a uniform distribution of

the materials and shall be discharged completely before the mixer
is recharged.
(c) For job mixed concrete, the mixer shall be rotated at a speed rec-
ommended by the manufacturer and mixing shall be continued
for at least 1-1/2 minutes after all materials are in the drum. For
batches larger than one cubic yard, mixing time shall be increased
15 seconds for each additional cubic yard or fraction thereof.
(d) Ready-mixed concrete shall be mixed and delivered in accordance

with the requirements set forth in the Standards adopted in the
Appendices to this Code.
(e) Retempering concrete with the addition of water after the concrete
has taken an initial set shall not be permitted.
(f) No concrete shall be deposited in forms or used more than 1-1/2

hours after the mixing of that particular batch has been commenced,
or after water has been added to the batch. The BCO has the right
to reject all such concrete or order any such mobile equipment off
the job site, if in his opinion, mixing has taken place longer than 1-
1/2 hours.
2206.3 (a) SUPERPLASTICIZERS: Shall only be used where specified and

supervised by an engineer recognised by the Minister.
(b) The concrete shall exhibit a slump of approximately 2-1/2” prior

to the addition of the superplasticizing agent and approximately
8" after: Such concrete shall not exhibit excess bleeding or segrega-
tion, abnormal retardation and air entrapment shall also be absent.
(c) All concrete to which a superplasticizer been added shall be placed

within (30) minutes.
2206.4 CONVEYING:
(a) Concrete shall be conveyed from the mixer to the place of final
deposit by methods which will prevent separation or loss of the
materials.
22-6
(b) Equipment for chuting, pumping and pneumatically conveying
concrete shall be of such size and design as to insure a practically
continuous flow of concrete at the delivery end without separa-
tion of the materials.
2206.5 DEPOSITING:
(a) Concrete shall be deposited as nearly as practicable in its final po-
sition to avoid segregation due to rehandling or flowing. The con-
creting shall be carried on at such a rate that the concrete is at all
times plastic and flows readily into the spaces between the bars.
No concrete that has been contaminated by foreign materials shall
be deposited in the structure.
(b) When concreting is once started, it shall be carried on as a continu-

ous operation until the placing of the panel or section is completed.
(c) All concrete shall be thoroughly consolidated by suitable means

during placement, and shall be thoroughly worked around the re-
inforcement and embedded fixtures and into the corners of the
forms. Where concrete is placed in columns or walls, the placing
shall be so conducted that the concrete will not pass reinforcement
for more than 8 feet. Separate lifts shall be thoroughly compacted.
Vibrators may be used to aid in the placement of the concrete, pro-
vided that they are used under experienced supervision, that the
forms are designed to withstand their action, and that their action
is not directed to bars any part of which is in contact with concrete
which started to take its initial set.
(d) Where conditions make consolidation difficult, or where reinforce-

ment is congested, batches of mortar containing the same propor-
tions of cement to sand as used in the concrete, shall first be depos-
ited in the forms to a depth of at least 1 inch.
2206.6 CURING: In all concrete structures, concrete made with normal Portland
cement shall be maintained in a moist condition for at least the first seven
days after placing and high-early-strength concrete shall be so maintained
for at least the first three days. Other curing periods or methods of curing
may be used if the specified strengths are obtained.
2206.7 BONDING:
(a) Before new concrete is deposited on or against concrete which has
set, the forms shall be retightened, the surface of the set concrete
shall be cleaned of all foreign matter and laitance, and wetted. The
cleaned and wetted surfaces of the hardened concrete shall first be
slushed with a coating of neat cement against which the new con-
crete shall be placed before the mortar has attained its initial set.
22-7
(b) Where bonding of fresh to hardened concrete is necessary, construc-
tion joints and joints between footings and walls or columns and
beams or floors they support, and joints in unexposed walls shall
be accomplished by reinforcement, dowels, adhesives, mechanical
connectors, or other approved methods. Hardened concrete at joints
shall be dampened, but not saturated, immediately prior to the
placement of fresh concrete.
2206.8 HOT WEATHER: During hot weather (temperature in excess of 85°F.),

steps shall be taken to reduce concrete temperature and water evapora-
tion by proper attention to ingredients, production methods, handling,
placing, protection and curing.
2207 FORMS AND DETAILS OF CONSTRUCTION
2207.1 DESIGN OF FORMS:

(a) Forms shall conform to the shape, lines and dimensions of the
members as called for on the plans, and shall be substantial and
sufficiently tight to prevent leakage of mortar. Forms shall be prop-
erly braced or tied together so as to maintain position and shape.
Temporary openings at the bottom of columns shall be provided
to facilitate cleaning and inspection before depositing concrete.
When the concrete has attained sufficient strength, forms shall be
removed from at least two faces of all reinforced members, other
than where placed in contact with the soil or for slabs or joists, to
facilitate inspection of placing operations. Temporary openings
shall be provided at the base of column and wall forms to facilitate
cleaning and inspection.
(b) Design of formwork shall include consideration of the following

factors:
(1) Rate and method of placing concrete.

(2) Loads, including live, dead, lateral and impact.
(3) Selection of materials and stresses.
(4) Deflection, camber, eccentricity and uplift.
(5) Horizontal and diagonal shore bracing.
(6) Shore splices.
(7) Cross grain compression.
(8) Loads on ground or on previously placed structure.
(c) The Buildings Control Officer may require that formwork systems
for reinforced concrete structures shall be designed and the system
examined and approved by an engineer recognised by the Minis-
ter before concrete is placed therein.
22-8
2207.2 (a) REMOVAL OF FORMS: The removal of forms shall be carried out
in such a manner as to insure the complete safety of the structure.
Vertical forms may be removed in 24 hours, provided that the con-
crete has hardened sufficiently so that it is not injured. 14 days;
except that where tests indicate that the concrete has attained Bot-
tom forms and shoring for slabs, beams and girders shall not be
removed in less than sufficient strength to safely support itself and
any imposed loads in less time, adjustments in the above waiting
periods may be made by the BCO in conformance with the results
obtained.
(b) No construction loads exceeding the combination of superimposed

dead load plus specified live load shall be supported on any
unshored portion of the structure under construction, unless analy-
sis indicates adequate strength to support such additional loads.
2207.3 PLACING AND REINFORCEMENT: Metal reinforcement and welded

wire fabric shall be accurately placed and adequately secured in position
by concrete or metal chairs or spacers or other acceptable methods. The
minimum clear distance between parallel bars, except in columns, shall
be equal to the nominal diameter of the bars. In no case shall the clear
distance between bars be less than one inch, nor less than one and one-
third times the maximum size of the coarse aggregate. When reinforce-
ment in beams or girders is placed in two or more layers, the clear dis-
tance between layers shall not be less than one inch nor less than the di-
ameter of the bars, and the bars in the upper layers shall be placed di-
rectly above those in the bottom layer.
2207.4 SPLICES IN REINFORCEMENT: In slabs, beams, and girders, splices in

reinforcement at points of maximum stress shall be avoided wherever
possible. Such splices where used shall be welded, lapped or otherwise
fully developed, but in any case, shall transfer the entire stress from bar to
bar without exceeding the allowable bond and shear stresses. The mini-
mum overlap for a lapped splice shall be 24 bar diameters, but not less
than 12 inches for bars. The clear distance between bars shall also apply
to the clear distance from a contact splice and adjacent splices or bars.
2207.5 CONCRETE PROTECTION FOR REINFORCEMENT:

(a) The reinforcement of footings and other principal structural mem-
bers in which the concrete is deposited against the ground shall
have not less than 3 inches of concrete between it and the ground
contact surface. If concrete surfaces after removal of the forms are
to be exposed to the weather or be in contact with the ground, the
reinforcement shall be protected with not less than 2 inches of con-
crete.
22-9
(b) The concrete protective covering for reinforcement at surfaces not
exposed directly to the ground or weather shall be not less than 3/
4 inch for slabs and walls; and not less than 1-1/2 inches for beams,
girders and columns. In concrete ribbed or joist floors in which the
clear distance between ribs or joists is not more than thirty inches,
the protection of reinforcement shall be at least 3/4 inch. Cover is
to main bars.
(c) Concrete cover for reinforcement shall in all cases be at least equal
to the diameter of round bars, and one and one-half times the side
dimension of square bars.
(d) Exposed reinforcement bars intended for bonding with future ex-
tensions shall be protected from corrosion by concrete or other
adequate covering.
(e) The above protective coverings are minimums but protection shall
not be less than elsewhere set forth for required fire-resistive rat-
ings.
(f) For structures located in corrosive atmospheres such as along the

coastal shore line, slab reinforcement shall be epoxy-coated in ac-
cordance with the standard specification for Epoxy-Coated Rein-
forcing Steel Bars, ASTM A775.
(g) Exposed reinforcement, inserts and plates intended for bonding with
future extensions shall be protected from corrosion.
2207.6 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS:

(a) Joints not indicated on the plans shall be so made and located as to
least impair the strength of the structure. Where a joint is to be
made, the surface of the concrete shall be thoroughly cleaned and
all laitance removed. Vertical joints shall be thoroughly wetted, and
slushed with a coat of neat cement grout immediately before plac-
ing of new concrete.
(b) A delay of at least one day must occur in columns or walls before
concreting beams, girders, or slabs supported thereon. Beams, gird-
ers, brackets, column capitals, and haunches shall be considered
as part of the floor system and shall be placed monolithically there-
with.
(c) Construction joints in floors shall be located near the middle of the
spans of slabs, beams, or girders unless a beam intersects a girder
at this point, in which case the joints in the girders shall be offset a
distance equal to twice the width of the beam. Provision shall be
22-10
made for transfer of shear and other forces through the construc-
tion joint.
2208 PRECAST CONCRETE FLOOR AND ROOF UNITS
2208.1 GENERAL:
(a) Precast concrete units shall comply with the minimum requirements
set forth in this Chapter, and the Standards set forth in the Appen-
dices.
(b) All precast structural items shall be designed by an engineer rec-

ognized by the Minister.
(c) Only the material cast monolithically with the units at the time of
manufacture shall be used in computing stresses unless adequate
and approved mechanical shear transfer is provided.
(d) The BCO may require tests to be made by an approved testing labo-
ratory, as he may consider necessary to insure compliance with
this Code or uniformity of the products produced. The quantity of
tests shall be based on consideration of safety or volume of output.
(e) The BCO shall have free access to the plant of any producer at all
hours of normal operation, and failure to permit such access shall
be cause for revocation of approval.
(f) Failure of any product to satisfy in every respect the quality pre-
scribed, or failure to conform with plans and specifications, shall
be cause for rejection of the products.
2208.2 STRENGTH OF CONCRETE: Concrete for precast structural units made

of crushed stone or other heavy aggregate shall have a compressive
strength of not less than 2500 psi at 28 days based on 6 x 12 inch standard
cylinder.
2208.3 WORKMANSHIP:
(a) The mix, the gradation of the aggregate and the workability shall
be such as to insure complete filling of the form and continuous
intimate bond between the concrete and all steel.
(b) The use of precast structural units not complying with the Stand-
ards listed in the Appendices, or having visible cracks, honey comb,
exposed reinforcing except at ends or, with a compressive section
dimension more than one-eighth inch less than specified dimension
shall not be permitted.
22-11
2208.4 IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING: All joists, beams, girders, and other
units shall show some mark plainly indicating the top of the unit and its
location and orientation in the structure. Identification marks shall be re-
produced from the placing plans. This mark or symbol shall also indicate
the manufacturer, the date of the manufacture and the length, size and
type of reinforcing.
2208.5 CUTTING OF HOLES: No openings not provided for in the structural

design shall be made on the job without the specific approval of the rec-
ognized engineer and in accordance with his written, detailed instruc-
tions covering such work.
2208.6 ANCHORAGE: Anchorage of all precast concrete units shall be designed,

based on rational analysis to transmit loads and other forces to the struc-
tural frame.
2208.7 BRIDGING: Joists shall be secured against lateral displacement by cast-

in-place bridging, and such bridging shall be spaced not to exceed 32 times
the width of the compression flange of the joist except that for roof sys-
tems, cast-in-place Portland-cement concrete slabs embedding the top
flanges not less than 1/2 inch, or steel inserts cast in the joist heads to
which bulb-tees supporting gypsum decks are welded, shall be accepted
in lieu of bridging.
2208.8 CONNECTIONS: All joints and connections will perform their function
at all stages of loading without overstress and with proper safety factors
against failure due to overload. Loading conditions to be considered in
the design of joints and connections are service loads, including wind
forces, volume changes due to shrinkage, creep, and temperature change,
erection loads, and loading encountered in stripping forms, shoring and
removal of shores, storage, and transportation of members.
2208.9 TRANSPORTATION, STORAGE AND ERECTION:

(a) Units shall be so stored, transported, and placed that they will not
be overstressed or damaged.
(b) Precast concrete units shall be adequately braced and supported

during erection to insure proper alignment and safety and such
bracing or support shall be maintained until there are adequate
permanent connections.
22-12
2209 PRESTRESSED CONCRETE
2209.1 GENERAL:
(a) The term “prestressed concrete” refers to pretensioned concrete in
which the reinforcing is tensioned before hardening of the con-
crete; or to post-tensioned concrete in which the reinforcing is
tensioned after hardening of the concrete; or combinations of both
pre-tensioning and post-tensioning. The internal stresses intro-
duced are of such magnitude and distribution to counteract the
stresses resulting from service loads.
(b) All prestressed structural items shall be designed by an engineer

recognized by the Minister. Openings not provided for in the struc-
tural design shall not be made on the job without the specific ap-
proval of the recognized engineer.
(c) Allowable stresses, temporary, and at design loads, shall not ex-
ceed the allowable stresses set forth in the Standards listed in Ap-
pendix A. Stresses and ultimate strength shall be investigated at
service conditions and at all load stages that may be critical during
the life of the structure from the time prestress is first applied.
(d) The BCO may require tests to be made by an approved testing labo-
ratory, as he may consider necessary to insure compliance with
these Standards or uniformity of the products produced.
(e) The BCO shall have free access to the plant of any producer at all
hours of normal operation, and failure to permit such access shall
be cause for revocation of approval.
(f) Failure of any product to satisfy the quality prescribed or failure to

conform with plans and specifications shall be cause for rejection
of the product.
2209.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:

(a) Deflection under live load shall not exceed L/240 and where plas-
ter ceilings are to be applied shall not exceed L/360, where L = the
span length of the member.
(b) Calcium chloride shall not be used in concrete for prestressed mem-
bers.
2209.3 HANDLING AND INSTALLATION: Prestressed members must be main-

tained in an upright position at all times and must be picked up from
points near the ends as shown on the approved plans or as approved by
the recognized engineer. (Note: Disregard of this requirement may lead
to collapse of the member.)
22-13
2210 PNEUMATICALLY PLACED CONCRETE
2210.1 (a) Pneumatically placed concrete is a proportioned combination of

fine aggregate, Portland cement and water which, after mixing, is
pneumatically projected by air directly on to the surface to which
it is to be applied.
(b) Pneumatically placed concrete shall be proportioned and applied

2210.2 MATERIALS:
(a) Portland cement shall comply with the Standard Specifications for
Portland Cement, as set forth in Appendix A.
(b) (1) Aggregate shall comply with the Standard Recommended

for Shotcreting, as set forth in Appendix A.
(c) All reinforcement shall be clean and free of loose rust or other coat-
ings harmful to bond. Only round bars or wire mesh shall be used.
2210.3 PROPORTIONS:
(a) Unless otherwise specified, all pneumatically placed concrete shall
be mixed in the proportions of one part of cement to four and one-
half parts of sand based on loose, dry volume.
(b) (1) The Building Control Officer may require that core tests shall
be made to determine the strength of the material placed.
(2) Not less than two test cylinders shall be made of each day’s
operation.
(3) Test cylinder shall be furnished by the person or company

doing or causing the work to be done, and shall be six inches
in diameter and 12 inches in height.
(4) Forms for cylinders shall be of one quarter inch hardware

cloth, shall be shot with the same air pressure, nozzle tip and
hydration as the mortar in the structure and the hardware
cloth form shall be removed in 24 hours.
(5) Cylinders shall be cured and tested in accordance with the

Standard Method of Test for Compression Strength of Molded
Concrete Cylinders, as set forth in Appendix A.
(6) One cylinder shall be tested at seven days and shall develop
a compressive strength of not less than 2400 p.s.i. and one
22-14
cylinder shall be tested at 28 days and shall develop the speci-
fied strength but not less than 3000 p.s.i. based on 1:4-1/2
mix.
2210.4 CONSTRUCTION JOINTS: Construction joints shall be sloped to a thin

edge. No square joints will be allowed.
2210.5 CURING: A light spray of water shall be applied as soon as possible with-
out damage to the surface and the surface shall be kept moist for a period
of not less than five days.
2210.6 FORMS: Forms shall be true to line and level, shall be substantially braced
to avoid excessive vibration and shall be adequately supported to avoid
deflection. Forms for columns shall, where practicable, be on two sides
only. Forms for beams shall be a soffit and one side or may be a soffit only
with vertical backing of fine wire mesh near the centre. Forms shall be
clean and thoroughly wetted before application of mortar.
2210.7 PREPARATION OF SURFACES:

(a) Old concrete or masonry surfaces shall be thoroughly cleaned by
sand blasting. Sand blasting shall be done using approved equip-
ment and sand shall be clean, sharp, hard and uniform.
(b) All concrete and masonry surfaces shall be cleaned of dust and
loose particles by compressed air and water and shall be thoroughly
wetted and surface damp before application of mortar.
(c) Steel surfaces shall be cleaned free of substances that will prevent
bond and shall be sand blasted where necessary.
(d) Earth surfaces shall be thoroughly compacted, neatly trimmed to

line and grade, and shall be wetted and without free surface water
before application of mortar.
2210.8 PLACING OR MORTAR:

(a) A uniform water pressure, not less than 15 pounds per square inch
above the air pressure, shall be maintained at the nozzle.
(b) For lengths of hose up to 100 feet, pneumatic pressure at the gun
shall be 45 pounds per square inch or more. Where length exceeds
100 feet pressure shall be increased five pounds per square inch for
each additional 50 feet of hose required. Steady pressure shall be
maintained.
(c) The nozzle shall be held at right angles to the surface and at a dis-
tance of two and one-half to three and one-half feet.
22-15
(d) When enclosing reinforcing steel, the nozzle shall be held to direct
the material behind the bars. Each side of individual bars shall be
shot separately.
(e) When enclosing reinforcing steel, an air blow-out jet shall precede
the nozzlemen to blow out all rebound or sand which may have
lodged behind the bars.
(f) Mortar shall emerge from the nozzle in a steady uninterrupted flow
and when the flow becomes intermittent, the nozzle shall be di-
verted from the work. Hydration shall be thorough and uniform.
(g) In shooting walls and columns, application shall begin at the bot-
tom and the first coat shall completely embed the reinforcement to
the form.
(h) In shooting beams, application shall begin at the bottom and a sur-
face at right angles to the nozzle shall be maintained.
(i) In shooting slabs, the nozzle shall be held at a slight angle to the
work so that rebound is blown on to the finished portion where it
shall be removed. The limit of material in one layer shall be the
appearance of excess moisture on the surface.
(j) Before placing succeeding layers, all loose material rebound,

laitance, rebound pockets, sags or other imperfections harmful to
bond or strength shall be removed or carefully cut out and the sur-
face shall be damp. Sufficient time shall be allowed between layers
for the material to set.
(k) Finishing of surfaces may be by any method not harmful to the

strength of the material. A finish coat may be applied starting from
the top and working down.
22-16
CHAPTER 23
STEEL AND IRON
2301 GENERAL
2302 MATERIALS
2303 DESIGN LOADS
2304 MINIMUM THICKNESS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL
2305 CONNECTIONS AND WELDING
2306 TUBULAR COLUMNS
2307 PROTECTION OF METAL
2308 OPEN WEB STEEL JOISTS
2309 LIGHT-GAGE STEEL CONSTRUCTION
2301 GENERAL
2301.1 DESIGN: Steel and iron members and structures shall be designed by
methods admitting of rational analysis according to established princi-
ples of mechanics, and in accordance with the Standards adopted by this
Code and set forth in Appendix A.
2301.2 SCOPE: The design, fabrication and erection of steel and iron for build-
ings and other structures shall be as set forth in this Chapter and as set
forth in Appendix A.
2301.3 STANDARDS: The standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adopted as

a part of this Code and supplement, but do not supersede, the specific
requirements as set forth herein.
2302 MATERIALS
2302.1 STEEL: Steel shall conform to the physical requirements set forth in the
Standards, adopted as a part of this Code.
2302.2 HIGH-STRENGTH STEEL BOLTS: High-strength steel bolts shall conform

to the requirements set forth in the Standards adopted as a part of this
Code.
2302.3 RIBBED BOLTS: Ribbed bolts shall be made from a carbon manganese
steel with a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi.
2302.4 IDENTIFICATION: Where structural steel is furnished to a specified

minimum yield point greater than 36,000 pounds per square inch, the
structural steel shall be properly identified.
23-1
Where light gauge (gage) steel structural members are furnished to a speci-
fied minimum yield point greater than 33,000 pounds per square inch,
the grade and the specification designation shall be indicated by paint-
ing, decal, tagging or other suitable means on each lift or bundle of fabri-
cated elements. In the case of members having a yield point in excess of
33,000 pounds per square inch obtained through additional treatment,
the resulting minimum yield point shall be indicated in addition to the
specification designation.
Unidentified stock material, if free from surface imperfections, may be

used for short sections of minor importance, or for small unimportant
details, where the precise physical properties of the material would not
affect the safety of the structure.
2302.5 USED AND DAMAGED MATERIAL: All steel shall be straight and true,
and any section damaged so as to be out of shape shall not be used. Steel
previously used or fabricated for use or fabricated in error shall not be
used except with the approval of the BCO. Filled holes or welds shall not
be concealed. Straightened or retempered fire-burned steel shall not be
used except with the approval of the BCO.
2302.6 TESTS: The BCO may require tests and/or mill records to determine the
quality of materials.
2303 DESIGN LOADS
2303.1 Design shall be based on the dead, live, wind and other loads set forth in
the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20) and the additional stress
considerations set forth in this Chapter.
2303.2 Designs of arches and rigid frames shall include provisions for resistance
of lateral thrust at the support by means of tie rods, abutments, founda-
tions, or other adequate measures. When the superstructure is designed
separately from the foundation, the magnitude of the vertical and hori-
zontal reactions shall be made available to the foundation designer and
shall be shown on the plans.
2304 MINIMUM THICKNESS OF STRUCTURAL STEEL
The minimum thickness of exterior structural steel exposed to frequent rain, or

located within 100 yards of the High Water Mark and interior structural steel
subject to corrosive exposures shall be as set forth in the Standards contained in
Appendix A but shall not be less than:
23-2
(a) 5/16-inch for columns; lintels; girders; beams exterior trusses and exte-
rior bracing members;
(b) 3/16-inch for purling, girts, trusses and bracing members sheltered from
exposure to rain or located more than 100 yards from the High Water
Mark.
The controlling thickness of rolled shapes shall be taken as the mean thick-
ness of their flanges, regardless of web thickness.
2305 CONNECTIONS AND WELDING
2305.1 CONNECTIONS: Connections shall conform to the detailed requirements

of the Standards as set forth in Appendix A.
2305.2 WELDING:
(a) Welding in the shop or field shall be done only by persons who
have been tested and certified for the welds to be performed.
(b) Surfaces to be welded shall be free from loose scale, slag, rust, paint,
grease or other foreign matter.
(c) Surfaces which are to be welded after erection preferably shall not
receive any shop paint. If painted before erection, any shop paint
on surfaces adjacent to joints to be field welded shall be wire
brushed to reduce the paint film to a minimum.
(d) Steel construction which is to be welded shall be held in the correct

position by bolts, clamps, wedges, guy lines, struts, or other suit-
able devices or by tack welds until welding has been completed.
(e) Nothing in this Code shall prohibit arc or gas cutting in steel con-
struction; provided that arc or gas cutting shall not be done on a
member while it is under substantial stress.
(f) Cut edges shall be smooth and regular in contour, and when used
in the preparation of base metal parts for welding, special care shall
be taken to assure a surface suitable for welding.
(g) The cutting of holes shall not be permitted in structural members

unless such cutting is clearly shown on the permit drawings.
23-3
2306 TUBULAR COLUMNS
2306.1 (a) Tubular columns and other primary compression members, shall
have a minimum least dimension of 2-1/2 inches and a minimum
wall thickness of 3/16 of an inch.
(b) Secondary post and struts, not subject to bending, and whose de-
sign load does not exceed 2000 pounds may be exempted the mini-
mum dimension set out in (a) above.
2306.2 Tubular members when filled with concrete shall have one-quarter inch
diameter pressure relief holes drilled through the shell, within 6 inches of
the top and bottom of the exposed length of the member, and one hole at
mid height.
2306.3 Concrete fill in tubular members shall not be assumed to carry any of the
load except for compression members having a least dimension of 8 inches
or greater and having a one-inch inspection hole in the plate at each end.
2307 PROTECTION OF METAL
2307.1 All field rivets, bolts, welds and abrasions to the shop coat shall be spot
painted or treated with the material used for the shop coat, or an equiva-
lent comparable to the shop coat, after removal of all objectionable mate-
rials.
2307.2 Primary structural steel members, except where intended to be encased

in concrete, shall have one shop coat of paint and if exposed to the atmos-
phere in the completed building or structure shall receive a second shop
coat of paint or be field painted in addition to the initial shop coat with
lead, graphite, asphalt paint or other approved coating compatible with
the shop coat, except as herein provided. Surfaces of members in contact
with, but not encased in concrete or masonry shall be asphalt coated or
otherwise effectively coated where the thickness of the metal is 3/16 inch
or less.
2307.3 Members having a corrosion-resistive metallic or other equivalent ap-

proved coating are not required to have the shop and field painting.
2307.4 Where structural steel members are exposed to: —
(a) corrosive industrial fumes or gases: or
(b) fresh or salt water spray (this includes all such members located
within 100 yards of the High Water Mark): or
23-4
(c) any other corrosive agent,
such members shall be effectively protected with a corrosion-resis-

tive metallic or other equivalent approved coating.
2307.5 Where structural members are exposed to industrial fumes, fresh and/or
salt water, salt water spray, and other corrosive agents, such members
shall be effectively protected with a corrosion-resistive metallic or other
equivalent approved coating.
2307.6 Corrosion-resistant steels with or without painting or coating may be ap-

proved where sufficient test or other factual data establishing the satis-
factory performance under the particular exposure conditions or usage is
submitted to and approved by the BCO.
2307.7 Floor or roof construction which extends into an exterior wall shall be
adequately waterproofed and protected from the weather to prevent cor-
rosion.
2308 OPEN WEB STEEL JOISTS
2308.1 STANDARDS: Open web steel joists shall comply with the Standards
set forth in Appendix A.
2308.2 (a) DESIGN: Open web steel joist systems shall be designed to ac-
commodate the loads and forces set forth in the Chapter 20.
(b) Where the net uplift force is equal to or greater than the gravity
load of construction, all web and bottom chord members shall com-
ply with slenderness ratio requirements for top chord and for com-
pression members other than top chord as provided for in the stand-
ards set forth in Appendix A.
(c) The top chord for superimposed dead and live loads shall be con-
sidered to be stayed laterally if:
(1) A poured-in-place concrete slab is in direct contact with the

top chord.
(2) A light gage steel deck complying with Section 2309

hereinbelow is fastened to the top chord.
(3) Any other approved deck system such that attachments of

the top chord to the deck are capable of resisting a lateral
force specified in the standard set forth in Appendix ‘A’ and
the spacing of the fasteners does not exceed 36" along the
chord.
23-5
(d) When the bottom chord under net uplift loads is in compression,
the bottom chord shall be stayed laterally by a bracing system
adequately anchored at each end.
2308.3 CONNECTIONS: The joints and connections of members of steel joists

shall be made by welding, riveting or other approved methods.
2308.4 BRIDGING:
(a) Lateral bracing shall be provided at intervals suitable for intended
use and not greater than given in the following table:
(b) All bridging and anchors shall be completely installed before ap-
plication of any construction loads. Bridging shall be connected
to the chords of the joists by welding, bolting or other positive
mechanical means. Each attachment shall be capable of resisting
a horizontal force specified in the Standards set forth in Appendix
A. All bridging shall extend and be securely fixed into the end walls.
(c) Bridging members shall be of material having a thickness not less

than
(1) 1/2" inch diameter for round members

(2) 1/8 inch for not-rolled sections
(3) 0.0598 inches thick for cold-formed sections.
2308.5 END SUPPORTS AND ANCHORAGE:

(a) Joists shall not bear directly on unit masonry.
(b) The ends of every joist shall be bolted, welded or embedded at each
bearing to provide not less resistance in any direction than 50% of
the rated end reaction.
23-6
(c) The ends of joists shall have a minimum bearing, on reinforced
concrete and steel supports as specified in the Standards set forth
in Appendix A.
2308.6 SHOP STANDARDS: The BCO may require that shop drawings, prepared
by a recognized engineer, showing stress diagrams, sizes of members and
sizes of welds, be submitted for approval before erection of open-web
steel joists and that the designer make inspection of the joists in place and
certify that the fabrication and placing conforms to the design.
2308.7 MATERIALS:
(a) Joists shall be manufactured of hot rolled or cold-formed sections
having a minimum thickness of l /8 inch for shapes, flats and
formed sections, and 3/8 inch for round sections.
(b) Proof of the characteristics of the material may be required for any
steel for which a minimum yield point in excess of 36,000 pounds
per square inch is used as the basis of design.
2308.8 SPACING: H and J Series joists shall be spaced a maximum of 24 inches

on centres in floor construction.
2309 LIGHT-GAUGE STEEL CONSTRUCTION
2309.1 SCOPE: Light-gauge steel construction shall include individual structural

members, structural decks or wall panels, cold formed to shape from sheet
or strip steel.
2309.2 STANDARDS: Light gauge steel construction shall conform to the Stand-
ards set forth in the Appendices.
2309.3 STRUCTURAL MEMBERS OTHER THAN DECKS: Design and fabrica-

tion shall be as set forth in Sub-section 2309.2, except as follows:
(a) All connections shall be by welding, riveting, bolting or other suit-

able approved fastening devices or methods providing positive
fastening and resistance to loosening under wind and live loads.
Welding of members shall be made on two sides or two edges of
each hearing in such a manner as to resist effectively the stresses
developed.
(b) Light gauge steel for the treads. risers, stringers and landings of
stairways shall have a minimum thickness of .1046 inches.
(c) (1) Light-gauge steel studs for bearing walls shall have a mini-
mum thickness of .0478 inches and, except where specifically
23-7
designed as columns, shall be spaced not more than 24 inches
on centres. Provisions shall be made to resist horizontal wind
forces by diagonal members, diaphragm panels or other com-
parable means.
(2) Light-gauge steel studs for non-bearing partitions shall have

a minimum thickness of .0478 inches for exterior or exposed
locations and .0149 inches for interior locations.
(d) Light-gauge steel joists, rafters, purlins, and girts shall have a mini-
mum thickness of .0598 inches, minimum bearing of 4 inches on
concrete, minimum bearing of 2-1/2 inches on steel and each end
shall be positively anchored to resist the loads set forth in the Chap-
ter on Live and Dead Loads.
2309.4 STANDARDS: Light gauge steel construction shall conform to the Stand-
ards set forth in Appendix A.
(a) Except as herein provided, no structural value shall be allowed for

any fill material used with deck systems. Light weight concrete
fill, when permitted to provide stability or diaphragm action, shall
be a minimum thickness of 2 inches and have initial volume change
and thermal expansion characteristics that prevent objectionable
cracking and loss of bond to the deck. Lightweight concrete shall
develop a minimum compressive strength at 28 days of 125 p.s.i.
based on 6” x 12" cylinder strength, except when acting as a dia-
phragm it shall conform with the requirements set forth in the
Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter 22).
(b) (i) Decks and wall panels, where properly supported by and
attached to the building frame, may be considered to act as
a diaphragm in resisting lateral forces, where designed as
such by an engineer recognised by the Minister.
(ii) Unfilled decks and panels shall not be designed to act as

diaphragms except as redundant systems. Decks and panels
having an approved fill material may be designed as dia-
phragms in accordance with Diaphragm Design Manual of
the Steel Deck Institute provided other limitations in this
Code are complied with.
(c) Where large openings occur, the perimeter of the opening shall be
framed with adequate supports for the panels. Openings 12 inches
and smaller shall be reinforced as required so that the allowable
stresses in the adjoining materials are not exceeded.
23-8
(d) Positive attachment shall be provided as set forth in Paragraph
2309.3 (a). Maximum spacing of fastenings along each supporting
member is to be based on gravity, uplift, stress reversal, and dia-
phragm requirements, but not to exceed 8 inches nominal on cen-
tres at ends of sheets and 12 inches nominal on centres at interme-
diate bearings. At perimeters, parallel to direction of span, edges
of sheets are to be so supported as to provide for a maximum spac-
ing of fastenings of 12 inches on centres. An adequate sidelock or
other connection shall be made to provide for the distribution of
imposed loads. Where continuous interlocking or lightweight con-
crete fill is not provided, side edges shall be fastened together at
intervals not exceeding 12 inches where diaphragm action is re-
quired or 18 inches otherwise. Roof and floor panels having a con-
crete or lightweight concrete fill mechanically connected to the
structure may utilize the properly designed fill in diaphragm ac-
tion, where designed as such by an engineer recognized by the
Minister.
(e) Bolts, rivets or other suitable, and approved fasteners at supports

shall be not less than three-sixteenths inch in diameter, under the
head.
(f) Structural sheet sections spanning between supports shall be de-

signed to support the live and/or wind loads without exceeding
the deflections set forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads
(Chapter 20).
(g) The bending stress of metal siding and roof panels shall be de-
signed utilizing a safety factor of not less than 2.5.
(h) Minimum roof decking uplift loads shall comply with UL 580 Class
90.
(i) Metal building siding and roof decking shall be designed without
an allowable increase in stresses of 1/3 due to wind load.
2309.5 ROOFING AND SIDING: Sheet-metal sections not suitable by rational

analysis for self-supporting structural sheets, as set forth in Sub-section
2309.4, shall be termed roofing and siding. Roofing and siding shall be
used only over solid wood sheathing and shall be as follows:
(a) The minimum thickness of sheet-metal roofing and siding shall be

.0120 inches.
(b) Attachment shall be as set forth in Paragraph 2309.4 (d) but not
less than 12 inches on centres each way; except that attachment
23-9
may be by 8d nails, penetrating not less than three-fourths inch
into wood sheathing or by No. 6 screws.
2309.6 PROTECTION OF METAL: All members shall be treated with protective

paint coatings or equivalent protection except as follows:
(a) Where exposed to high humidity atmospheres, industrial fumes

fresh or salt water spray (including where located within 100 yards
of the High Water Mark) or other corrosive agents or where less
than .0299 inches thick steel is used, the sheets shall be protected
by being galvanized or be of an approved alloy or be otherwise
coated to provide equal durability and protection.
(b) Abrasions to the protective coating shall be spot treated with a

material and in a manner compatible to the shop protective coat-
ing.
2309.7 WELDING: Welding shall conform to the requirements of Sub-section

2305.2.
23-10
CHAPTER 24
WOOD
2401 DESIGN
2402 STANDARDS
2403 DEFINITIONS
2404 QUALITY AND SIZES
2405 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES AND LOAD TABLES
2406 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
2407 HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
2408 PROTECTION OF WOOD
2409 FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD
2410 MINISTRY OF WORKS LOW COST HOUSING PLANS
2401 DESIGN
Wood members used for structural purposes shall be designed by methods admitting of
rational analysis according to established principles of mechanics, and in accordance with
the Standards adopted by this Code and set forth in Appendix A.
2402 STANDARDS
The Standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adopted as a part of this Code and supple-
ment, but do not supersede, the specific requirements as set forth herein.
2403 DEFINITIONS
forth in this section:
GLUED-LAMINATED LUMBER, lumber composed of an assembly of wood lami-

nations bonded with adhesives in which the laminations are too thick to be classed
as veneers. See definition of Structural Glued-laminated Lumber.
GLUED BUILT-UP MEMBERS, structural members, the sections of which are com-
posed of built-up sawn lumber alone, plywood alone, or plywood in combination
with sawn or glued-laminated lumber; all parts bonded together with adhesives.
GRADE (Lumber), the classification of lumber in regard to strength and utility in

accordance with the Standards in Appendix A.
24-1
GRADE-STRESS (Lumber), a lumber grade defined in such terms that a definite
working stress may be assigned to it as set forth in the Standards in Appendix A.
NOMINAL SIZE (Lumber), the commercial size designation of width, and depth,
in standard sawn lumber and glued-laminated lumber grades; somewhat larger
than the standard net size of dressed lumber, in accordance with the Standards in
Appendix A.
PLYWOOD—CONSTRUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL SOFTWOOD is a built-up

panel of laminated veneers conforming to the Standards given in Appendix A.
STRUCTURAL GLUED-LAMINATED LUMBER, any member comprising an as-

sembly of laminations of lumber in which the grain of all laminations is approxi-
mately parallel longitudinally; in which the laminations are bonded with adhe-
sives; and which is fabricated in accordance with the Standards given in Appendix
A.
STRUCTURAL-USE PANEL: Is a panel product composed primarily of wood which,

in its commodity end use, is essentially dependent upon certain mechanical and or
physical properties for successful end-use performance in accordance with the
Standards in Appendix A.
2404 QUALITY AND SIZES
2404.1 QUALITY:
(a) All lumber used for joists, rafters, stringers and/or beams shall be
of a grade not less than 1200 psi extreme fiber stress in bending
and tension parallel to the grain.
(b) All lumber permanently incorporated into a building or structure

shall be air-dried or kiln-dried and shall contain not more than 19
percent moisture at the time of its use and/or at the time of treat-
ment with a wood preservative.
(c) The species and grade of all wood used for load-bearing purposes,
the design of which is based on stresses in excess of 1200 p.s.i. lum-
ber, shall be shown on the plans submitted with applications for
building permits.
(d) All lumber used as structural members or sheathing shall be pres-

sure treated against attack by termites and dampness.
2404.2 SIZES:
(a) Wood members shall be of sufficient size to carry the dead and
required live loads without exceeding the allowable deflections or
working stresses specified in this Code.
24-2
(b) Sizes of wood members referred to by this Code are nominal sizes.
Nominal sizes may be shown on the plans. The minimum accept-
able net sizes conforming to nominal sizes shall be within 2% of
the minimum net sizes contained in the Standard specified in Ap-
pendix A at 19% moisture content. Computations to determine the
required sizes of members shall be based on the net sizes contained
in the standard.
2404.3 IDENTIFICATION: All lumber and lumber products used structurally

shall be identified as follows: —
(a) Lumber, including end jointed lumber shall be identified by grade

mark and/or a certificate of inspection, by an approved lumber
grading or inspection agency in accordance with the Standards in
Appendix A.
(b) All plywood used structurally, including siding, diaphragms, built-

up members and all roof, wall and floor sheathing, shall be identi-
fied for grade and glue types by an approved testing and grading
agency in accordance with the Standards in Appendix A.
(c) Fire rated wood shingles and/or shakes shall be clearly identified
by bundle or certificate in accordance with the Standards in Ap-
pendix A.
(d) All structural-use panels shall be identified for end use grade and
exposure durability classification by the trade mark of an approved
testing and grading agency in accordance with the Standards in
Appendix A.
2404.4 PLYWOOD: Plywood permanently exposed in outdoor locations shall be

of exterior type and where used structurally for wall, floor or roof clad-
ding (including that exposed to the outdoors on the underside only) or
for diaphragms shall be of a type made with exterior type glue.
2404.5 STRUCTURAL-USE PANELS: Structural-use panels, when permanently

exposed in outdoor locations shall be classified Exterior, except that roof
sheathing of Exposure I durability classifications may be exposed to the
outdoors on the underside.
24-3
2405 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES AND LOAD TABLES
2405.1 GENERAL:
(a) Wood joists and rafters may be of the sizes set forth in the follow-
ing table without additional professional design or shall be de-
signed based on the allowable unit stresses set forth in the Stand-
ards in Appendix A. Where the design is based on allowable work-
ing stresses higher than the lowest stress-grade for the species, the
design shall be supported by computations submitted by an engi-
neer recognised by the Minister.
24-4
Loadings given in the table in pounds per square
foot correspond to these combinations of design
or working loadings:
67 psf: Floor joists with plaster below—50 psf live load and 17 psf dead
load.
57 psf: Floor joists with plaster below—40 psf live load and 17 psf dead
load, or roof rafters with a slope greater than 2-1/2 to 12 - 30 psf live load
and 27 psf dead load.
47 psf: Floor joists without plaster below—40 psf live load and 7 psf dead
load, or roof joists with plaster below—30 psf live load and 17 psf dead
load.
37 psf: Ceiling joists over living rooms and usable attic space—25 psf live
load and 12 psf dead load, or Roof joists without plaster under—30 psf
live load and 7 psf dead load.
22 psf: Ceiling joists without usable attic space—10 psf live load, and 12
psf dead load.
(a) The deflection of wood members shall not exceed that set forth in
the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads.
(b) The span of roof rafters shall be measured horizontally from bearing
to bearing, and the horizontal distance from plate to ridge or other
support shall be the span.
(c) Where there is an accessible space having a clear vertical height of

30 inches or more, ceiling joists shall be designed as having usable
attic space.
2405.2 PLYWOOD STRESSES:

(a) Plywood lumber structural assemblies shall not exceed the work-
ing stresses set forth in the Standards in Appendix A.
(b) Working stresses of plywood other than those in the Standards shall
be determined according to the species.
(c) All plywood permanently exposed in outdoor locations shall be of

exterior type, and where used for roof or exterior wall sheathing
shall meet the standards for exterior type plywood in Appendix A
unless otherwise approved by the BCO.
(d) Walls or roof sheathed with plywood may be considered as dia-

phragms to distribute horizontal forces subject to the approval of
the BCO, based on structural analysis and/or tests; and where so
used plywood shall be bonded with an exterior adhesive meeting
standards for exterior type.
24-5
(e) All plywood used structurally shall bear the identification of the
manufacturer as to type and grade, species of veneer used and con-
formance with the appropriate commercial standard.
2405.3 GLUED-LAMINATED:
(a) Glued-laminated members shall comply with the Standards set
forth in Appendix A. Where deemed necessary by the Buildings
Control Officer, the use of trussed rafters or the equivalent may be
requested.
(b) The BCO may require tests to determine the strength, permanence,
effect of moisture and insect resistance of adhesives; and only ap-
proved adhesives may be used.
(c) The BCO may limit or otherwise regulate the use of glued lami-
nated members.
2405.4 PREFABRICATED ROOF TRUSSES:

Prefabricated Roof Truss - means an assembly of rafter joists and bracing
members forming a single structural unit, made in a plant or factory for
erection elsewhere.
(1) DESIGN:
(a) Prefabricated wood trusses shall be designed and fabricated
in accordance with the specifications set forth in Appendix
A.
(b) Where Prefabricated wood roof trusses are used the roof
framing plans which constitute part of the permit documents
shall be provided and shall be signed by the truss manufac-
turer’s Engineers who shall be an Engineer recognised by the
Minister. Such roof framing plans shall be reviewed and
approved by the Architect or Engineer of Record.
(c) Trusses shall be designed for uniformly distributed live, dead

and concentrated loads, and such loads shall be indicated
on the truss design drawings. Where a girder or truss is sub-
jected to concentrated loads or any unusual loading condi-
tion, or where truss members have been cut or shifted to meet
construction needs, drawings and additional calculations
signed by the Manufacturers’ Engineer, who shall be recog-
nized by the minister, shall be submitted to the BCO for prior
approval.
(d) Standard roof trusses shall be designed for a minimum live

load of 30psf, a minimum dead load of 15 psf on the top chord,
and a minimum dead load of 10 psf on the bottom chord; or
24-6
a minimum total load of 55 psf, with no allowable stress
increase for dead or live loads. Where the roof design is such
that water is not directed to the interior of the roof and there
are no parapets or other roof edge drainage obstructions, roof
trusses with slopes of 1-1/2:12 or greater may be designed
for a live load of 20 psf and a minimum total load of 45 psf
with a 10% allowable stress increase for dead and live loads,
and this design method shall be considered and equivalent
to designs using a 55 psf total load with a 33 1/2% stress
increase for dead and live loads.
(e) The allowable deflection under live load for trusses shall
not exceed span/360 for plastered ceilings span/240 for
unplastered.
(f) Truss design drawings shall indicate that provisions have

been made for support and bearing of the roof structural sys-
tem, for the permanent cross/lateral bracing, for bracing to
transfer member buckling forces to the structure, and for all
bracing and anchor required to resist uplift and lateral forces.
Truss drawings shall be signed by an Engineer recognised by
the Minister.
(g) Flat roof trusses shall be designed for not less than the loads
set forth in Subparagraph 2405.4(1)(d) above, except that the
dead load on the top chord may be taken as 10 psf in lieu of
15 psf, and the total load reduced to 50 psf. No stress in-
crease for wind, live, or dead loading shall be permitted for
flat trusses.
(h) Gable end trusses shall be designed for a minimum live load
of 30 psf and a minimum dead load of 15 psf on the top chord.
The minimum load of 10 psf on the bottom chord may be
omitted where continuous support is provided.
In addition, the gable end trusses shall be designed to sus-

tain a horizontal wind spare load of not less than 30 psf
perpendicular to the plane of the truss. Such trusses shall be
anchored to the sub-structure at intervals of not more than
6'- 0".
(i) When girders exceed 2 members and when girder reactions

exceed the capacity of standard connectors or hangers, these
reactions shall be shown on the drawings and the connec-
tion must be designed and signed by an Engineer recognised
by the Minister.
24-7
(2) MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS:
(a) Trusses shall be fabricated of Southern Yellow Pine, Doug-
las Fir, Hem-Fir or Fir-Larch, applying the stress ratings
listed in the Standards set forth in forth in Appendix A.
EXEMPTION: The physical characteristics of Select Struc-

tural or Dense Select Structural Southern Pine set forth in
the Standards shall not be used to determine the maximum
span of any truss unless the material is actually used in its
manufacture.
(b) Top and bottom chords shall have a minimum rating of 1000
psi (fb) before any allowable stress increase shall be permit-
ted. Web members shall be of No.3 Grade Southern Yellow
Pine or better.
(c) For trusses spanning 20'-0" or less, the minimum percentage

of grade-marked members among top and bottom chords
shall be 50%.
(d) For trusses spanning more than 20'-0" the minimum percent-
age of grade-marked members among top and bottom chords
shall be 70%, and there shall be a minimum of 1 marked web
on each truss.
(e) All lumber shall be 2" x 4" nominal or larger, and no 2" nomi-
nal member shall be less in size than 1 1/2".
(f) The moisture content of all lumber used in wood truss fabri-
cation shall not exceed 19%.
(g) Approved connector plates shall be not less than 20 gauge

galvanized steel meeting ASTM A446, and shall be identi-
fied by the manufacturers stamp. The size and location of
all plates shall be shown on the truss design drawings.
(h) All connector plates shall bear the name, logo or other mark-
ings which clearly identify the manufacturer. Semi-annu-
ally, Plate manufacturers shall certify compliance with the
provisions of Section 202 of the TPI Design Specification for
Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses; with respect to the
grade of steel, thickness or gauge of material, and galvaniz-
ing to ASTM G-60 as a minimum. This certification require-
ment may be satisfied by submitting certified mill reports or
independent laboratory reports to the Buildings Control Of-
ficer.
24-8
(3) FABRICATION:
(a) Manufacturers and fabricators of prefabricated wood truss
assemblies shall obtain valid approval in accordance with
Section 317 of this Code.
(b) Each truss shall bear the fabricators stamp on a web mem-
ber and 75% shall be placed so as to be clearly visible after
erection.
(c) Multiple member girder trusses shall be pre-drilled at the

truss plant for connection bolts only. Hanger bolt holes shall
be drilled on-site.
(4) TRUSS ERECTION:

(a) All trusses shall be erected in accordance with Truss Plate
Institute Manual Commentary and Recommendations for
Handling & Bracing Metal Plate Connected Wood Trusses,
HIB, in addition to any requirements indicated on the ap-
proved permit document.
(b) For trusses having an overall length of the bottom chord in

excess of 40'-0" erection shall be supervised by an Engineer
recognised by the Minister retained by the contractor.
(c) Furring of a ceiling in contract with supporting joists shall

be not less than 1" x 3" for spans to 24 inches, 2" x 2" for
spans to 36 inches, and for longer spans shall be designed as
joists.
2406.1 COLUMNS OR POSTS:

(a) All wood columns and posts shall be framed to true-end bearings
and shall be securely anchored against lateral or vertical forces.
(b) All wood columns and posts shall have the bottom protected from
deterioration.
(c) Splicing of columns shall be done only in regions where lateral

support is adequately provided about both axes.
(d) No notching or cutting shall reduce the design dimensions of the

column.
2406.2 STUDS:
(a) SIZE: Studs shall be not less than 2"X 4" and, where supporting
24-9
more than one floor and a roof, shall be not less than 2"x 6” or 3"x
4".
(b) HEIGHT: Maximum allowable height of 2”x4” and 3"x4" stud fram-
ing shall be 14 feet, and of 2"x 6" stud framing shall be 20 feet,
unless the wall is otherwise laterally supported. Solid wood bridg-
ing shall be placed at intervals of not over eight feet.
(c) SPACING: Studs shall be spaced not more than 16 inches on cen-
tres when supporting floors. Vertical studs not more than 10 feet in
length may be spaced 24 inches on centres when supporting roof
and ceiling loads only.
(d) PLACED: Studs in exterior and bearing walls shall be placing with
the longest dimension perpendicular to the wall. Studbearing walls
shall, so far as is practicable, be carried directly to the foundation
or sills or beams at grade.
(e) PLATES: The top plate of stud-bearing walls shall be doubled and
lapped at each intersection with walls and partitions. Joints in the
upper and lower members of the top plate shall be lapped not less
than 4 feet. Double plates shall be used around entire exterior walls.
(f) BASE PLATES: Stud walls resting on masonry shall have base plates
or sills of wood treated with an approved preservative.
Sills of interior bearing walls, resting on masonry foundation walls

where wood floor joists are to be used, and sills of exterior stud
walls shall be of not less than 3"X 6" dimension, bolted to the ma-
sonry at the corners and at intervals of not more than 4 feet with 5/
8-inch bolts embedded 7 inches into the masonry or, in lieu thereof,
a 2"X 4" base plate, and each such stud anchored past the base plate
to the masonry with a 1/8"x 1" steel strap or equivalent.
Base plates of interior stud bearing walls resting on concrete slab

floors shall be effectively fastened thereto, and such plates shall
not be embedded in the concrete.
(g) CORNERS AND BRACING: Corners of stud walls or partitions

shall be framed solid by not less than three studs. Exterior stud
walls shall be effectively wind-braced with diagonal sheathing or
plywood.
(h) SPLICING: Bearing studs shall be spliced only at points where lat-
eral support is provided.
24-10
(i) NOTCHING: No notching or cutting whatsoever shall be permit-
ted in studs which carry loads in excess of 75 percent of their ca-
pacity.
Studs which carry 75 percent or less of their capacity or studs of

non-bearing partitions may be notched to a depth of 1/3 the depth
of the stud without limit of the number of consecutive studs.
(j) PIPES IN WALLS: Stud partitions containing plumbing or other

pipes shall be so framed and the joists underneath so spaced as to
give proper clearance for the piping. Where a partition containing
such piping runs parallel to the floor joists, the joists shall be dou-
bled and spaced to permit the passage of such pipes and shall be
bridged. Where plumbing or other pipes are placed in or partly in
a partition, necessitating the cutting of the plates, a metal tie not
less than 1/8 inch thick and 1-1/2 inches wide shall be fastened to
each side of the plate across the opening with 416d nails at each
end of each strap.
(k) HEADERS: All openings in bearing walls 4 feet or less in width

shall be provided with headers equivalent to double headers of
not less than 2-inch nominal thickness, placed on edge, securely
fastened together, and all openings more than 4 feet wide shall be
trussed or provided with headers or lintels. Such headers or trusses
shall have not less than 2-inch nominal solid bearing at each end to
the floor or bottom plate, unless other approved framing methods
or joint devices are used.
(l) STUDS JOINING MASONRY: Where stud walls or partitions join

masonry walls, such studs shall be secured against lateral move-
ment by nailing or bolting to the masonry.
(m) INTERIOR PARTITIONS: Interior partitions shall be constructed,

framed and firestopped as specified for interior bearing walls, ex-
cept that partitions may have a single top plate. In any occupancy,
interior partitions not more than 4 feet from a bearing wall and not
exceeding 9 feet in height may be of studs spaced 24 inches on
centres and placed flat in the wall.
2406.3 FIRESTOPS: Firestopping shall be provided to cut off all concealed draft
spaces both vertical and horizontal. Firestops shall form effective fire bar-
riers between storeys and between a storey and roof space. Firestops shall
be provided in specific locations, as follows:
(a) In exterior or interior stud walls, at ceilings and floor levels.
24-11
(b) In all stud walls and partitions, so placed that the maximum di-
mensions of any concealed space is not over 8 feet.
(c) Between stair stringers at intervals not exceeding 7 feet of vertical

height and at top and bottom.
(d) Around sliding door pockets.
(e) Other locations not specifically mentioned such as holes for pipes,
shafting, behind furring strips and similar places which could af-
ford a passage for flames.
(f) Firestops, when of wood, shall be of 2 inch nominal thickness in

direction of protection.
(g) Horizontal firestops of attic and ceiling plenums shall be provided

as specified in the Sub-sections under “Attic Spaces” given in the
Chapters under Types of Construction.
2406.4 JOISTS AND RAFTERS:

(a) SIZE: The minimum size of joists and rafters shall be as specified
in Section 2404 of this Chapter and shall be not less than 2"x 6"
nominal size, except that the BCO may approve 2"x 4" nominal
size rafters for spans and loadings not exceeding those given in
Section 2405 of this Chapter.
(b) SPACING: Maximum spacing of joists and rafters, where a plaster

ceiling is directly supported on the bottom of such members, shall
be 16 inches on centres.
(c) BEARING: Joists and rafters shall bear on wood plates and shall
not be directly in contact with masonry; except that joists and raft-
ers, when more than 6 feet above grade and bearing on concrete
beams cast in masonry walls which extend above the wood joists
and rafters, may bear on such concrete beams provided the ends
shall be fire-cut and anchored as specified in Paragraph (d) below.
Joists and rafters shall have not less than 4 inches of bearing, ex-
cept as follows:
(1) Ceiling joists may butt into the web of a steel beam and be
neatly fitted to bear on not less than 3 inch wide bottom flange
of such beam.
(2) Joists and rafters bearing on top of a concrete tie beam where
no parapet is to be erected, shall bear on a wood, wall plate
24-12
secured to the concrete with anchor bolts or metal straps as
set forth below except as noted in (iii).
Where anchorage for the roof members is provided by:
(i) approved metal fasteners nailed to both the wall plate

and each rafter or joist; the wood plate shall not be less
than 3"x 6".
(ii) 1/8"x 1" metal anchors embedded in the concrete tie

beam and secured directly to each rafter, or joist; the
wood plate should not be less than a 2"x 4".
(iii) channel—shaped metal saddles fastened directly to the

tie beam by a 1" x 1/8" metal anchors embedded in the
concrete, the wall plate may be omitted, provided each
joist, or rafter, in contact with the masonry is of an ap-
proved durable species or pressure treated with an ap-
proved preservative.
Any other form of anchor shall be submitted to the

Buildings Control Officer, for approval, prior to use.
(3) Floor joists may butt into a header beam if effectively

toenailed and if an approved saddle providing not less than
3 inches of bearing transmits the vertical load to the top of
the header.
(d) ANCHORAGE:
(1) Joists fire-cut into a masonry wall shall be anchored to the
concrete beam on which they bear. Such anchors shall be
spaced not more than 4 feet apart and shall be placed at op-
posite ends across the building on the same run of joists.
(2) All joists shall be nailed to the bearing plates, to each other
where they lap, and to the studs where such studs are adja-
cent; and ceiling joists shall be nailed to roof rafters, if practi-
cable.
(3) Every roof rafter and/or roof joist shall be anchored to the
beam or studs on which they bear, and roof rafters opposing
at a ridge shall be anchored across the ridge.
(4) Anchors securing wood to concrete shall be of not less than

1/8" x 1" strap iron embedded in the concrete and nailed to
the stud or joist or rafter with not less than 3-16d galvanized
24-13
nails or shall be a commercial anchor approved by the BCO,
anchoring each member to a plate provided such plate is not
less than 3"x 4" and anchored to the concrete by bolts spaced
not more than 48 inches apart.
(5) Anchors securing wood to wood shall be of 1/8"x 1" strap,

nailed to each member with 3-16d galvanized nails, or shall
be a commercial anchor approved by the BCO, anchoring
each member.
(6) Any anchoring systems shall be continuous from the foun-

dation to the roof and shall satisfy the uplift requirements of
the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20).
(e) ANCHOR BOLTS:

(1) Where a wall plate is required to secure rafters, or joists to a
concrete tie beam, the plate shall be attached to the tie beam
with 5/8" diameter bolts set not more than 4’- 0" on centres.
Each bolt shall be of galvanised steel, at least 10" in length
and be provided with a nut and a 1/8" thick washer of no
less than 1-1/4" external diameter.
Hooked, 1/2" diameter galvanised anchor bolts 10" long ex-

cluding the hook, may be substituted for the above, provided
they are set not more than 2'-0" on centres.
The projection of anchor bolts above the top of the tie beam
shall be such that the wall plates referred to in sub-section
(c) (2) of this section are securely bolted down without
reduction in thickness of the plate.
(2) METAL STRAPS: Where 1"x 1/8" metal straps are used to
secure rafters or joists to a wall plate, or to a metal saddle,
care shall be taken with their placement, bent over or mis-
aligned straps shall not be considered acceptable.
(3) OTHER ANCHOR SYSTEMS: Any other anchor system shall

be submitted to the Building Control Officer for approval
prior to use on site.
(f) SPLICING: No horizontal members shall be spliced between points

of support; except that the BCO, in special cases, may approve prop-
erly designed and bolted splices.
(g) FLOOR JOISTS: Floor joists under all walls parallel to any joists
shall be doubled. Such doubled joists may be separated not more
24-14
than 6 inches by solid blocking spaced at 4-foot intervals.
(h) CEILING JOISTS:

(1) In buildings without parapet walls, the ceiling joists, where
practicable, shall be nailed to the rafters to act as a collar tie.
(2) Ceiling joists shall not be used to support rafter loads.
(i) ROOF JOISTS: Roof joists may cantilever over exterior walls as lim-
ited by the allowable stress, but the length of such cantilever shall
not exceed the length of that portion of such joist inside the build-
ing.
(j) ROOF RAFTERS:

(1) Hip rafters, valley rafters and ridges shall be required and
shall be not less in size than the largest rafter framing thereto
nor less not that required to support the loads.
(2) Collar ties shall be provided at each pair of rafters, unless other
means of resisting the thrust of the rafters is required and
provided and/or the ridge is designed as a supporting pbeam.
Such collar ties shall be placed horizontally at or below the
upper-third point of the rafters, and shall be not less than 1"x
6" rough or 2"x 4" nominal size. Effectively nailed ceiling joists
may serve as collar ties.
(k) BRIDGING: Bridging of floor and roof joists shall be provided as

set forth in the Standards in Appendix A.
(l) MANUFACTURED ROOF TRUSSES: Shall be spaced, anchored and

provided with bearing, as set forth in subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e)
above.
2406.5 SUSPENDED OR FURRED CEILINGS:

(a) Joists or furring supporting a plaster ceiling shall be spaced not more
than 16 inches on centres.
(b) Joists of a suspended ceiling shall be not less than 2"x 4" members,
and wood hangers shall provide nailing and be not less than the
equivalent of 1"x 4" members.
(c) Furring of a ceiling in contact with supporting joists shall be not

less than 1"x 3" for spans to 24 inches, 2"x 2" for spans to 36 inches,
and for longer spans shall be designed as joists.
24-15
2406.6 SHEATHING:
(1) FLOOR SHEATHING:
(a) Floor sheathing, where a part of a required fire-resistive as-
sembly, shall comply with Chapter 32 of this Code.
(b) The finish floor shall be tongue-and-grooved not less than

nominal 1" lumber laid perpendicular to the joists with end
joints on the joists, or a sub-floor shall be provided as set
forth in Paragraphs (c) (d) (e) (g) and (i), tables B through D
below.
(c) Square-edged or spaced sub-flooring may be used under only

a finish floor having a strength equal to or greater than 1/2"
tongue-and groove wood strip flooring; and under finish
floors of less strength, a tongue-and-groove or plywood sub-
floor shall be required.
(d) (i) Lumber sub-flooring shall be laid diagonally, shall not

be less than 5/8" thick when joists are spaced no more
than 16" o/c nor less than 3/4" thick when joists shall
be staggered and parallel to the joists, and ends at walls
and similar places shall be supported by a ribbon or by
blocking.
(ii) Plywood sub-floors of C-D grade Underlayment grade

bonded to wood joist using adhesives meeting the re-
quirements of AFG-01 shall be applied using nails
spaced 12" o/c. The maximum clear spans for plywood/
lumber glued floor system shall comply with those pub-
lished in the APA Design/Construction Guide - Resi-
dential and Commercial.
(e) Plywood sub-flooring shall be continuous over 2 or more

spans with face grain perpendicular to the supports. The
allowable spans shall not exceed those set forth in Table 24-
B hereinbelow.
(i) Plywood panels shall be nailed to supports with 6d

common nails when up to 1/2" thick, 8d common nails
when 19/32" to 3/4" thick, and 10d common nails or 8d
ring shank nails when 1-1/8" thick.
(ii) Nail spacing shall be 6" o/c at panel edges and 10" o/c
at intermediate supports.
24-16
TABLE 24-B
ALLOWABLE SPANS FOR SUB-FLOOR [1]
[1] These values shall apply to Structural I and II C-D

Sheathing and C/C grades only. Spans shall be limited
to values shown, based on possible effect of concen-
trated loads.
[2] Identification Index appears on all panels in the con-

struction grade listed in Footnote [1].
[3] Plywood edges shall have approved tongued-and-

grooved joints or shall be supported with blocking un-
less 1/4 inch minimum thickness underlay is installed
or unless the finished floor is one-inch nominal wood
strip.
Allowance uniform load based on deflection of 1/360

of span is 100 lbs. sq. ft.
[4] May be 24 inches if a nominal one inch wood strip fin-

ished floor is laid at right angles to joists.
(f) Flooring shall be nailed with 8d common nails not less than
2 each board at each support.
(g) Floors for heavy timber buildings shall be sheathed as

specified for mill floors, Subsection 2407.2(f) hereinabove.
(h) Flooring shall not extend closer than 1/2" from masonry
walls.
(i) If resilient flooring is to be applied directly to a plywood

subfloor without separate underlayment, the plywood shall
have a top ply of C-plugged grade or better, and the ply
immediately under the face shall be as least C grade unless
the face ply is 1/6" or more in nominal thickness. Plywood
shall be continuous over 2 or more spans with face grain
24-17
perpendicular to supports. Maximum thickness and
maximum joist spacing shall comply with table 24-C below:
[1] Spans shall be limited to values shown because of pos

sible effect of concentrated loads.
[2] 10 psf dead load assumed.
[3] All panels support 85 psf floor live load plus 10 psf dead
load at rated maximum span.
[4] Edges may be supported with lumber blocking or other

approved types of edge support.
[5] Edges shall have approved tongued-and-grooved joints

or shall be supported by blocking unless 1/4” minimum
thickness underlayment or finished floor is 25/32” wood
strip.
(j) Underlayment Hardboard shall meet the property require-

ments for 7/32" and 1/4" service hardboard and shall be 0.215"
+/- 0.005" thickness; when supported in sub-flooring. Such
sub-flooring shall comply with the requirements of Para-
graphs (3) and (4) or (5) above.
(k) Particleboard floor underlayment shall conform to Type 1-

B-1 of the Standard listed in Appendix A of this Code.
Underlayment shall be not less than 1/4" in thickness and
shall be installed in accordance with the installation instruc-
tions of the National Particleboard Association.
24-18
(2) ROOF SHEATHING:
(1) Wood roof sheathing shall be boards, plywood or structural-
use panels, except as may be otherwise approved by the
Buildings Control Officer.
(2) Tongued-and-grooved roof sheathing shall have a thickness

of not less than 3/4 inch when the span is not more than 28
in or 5/8 inch when the span is not more 24 inches. The sheath-
ing shall have staggered joints and shall be nailed with 8d
common nails not less than two in each 6-inch board or 3 in
each 8-inch board at each support.
(3) Plywood roof sheathing shall be 19/32" inch minimum thick-

ness and shall be continuous over two or more spans with
the face grain perpendicular to the supports. The allowable
spans shall not exceed the following:
[1] Values apply to Structural I and II C-D Interior and C-

C Exterior grades.
[2] Identification Index appears on all panels listed in

Footnote [1]
(4) Plywood panels shall be nailed to supports with 6d common

nails, for 1/2 inch thickness and with 8d common nails for
5/8 inch, 3/4 inch and 7/8 inch thickness.
(5) Nail spacing in all applications shall be 6 inches on centres

at panel edges and at intermediate supports. Nail spacing
shall be 4" on centres at gable ends in all cases.
(6) Roof sheathing for heavy timber construction shall comply

with Sub-section 2407 of this chapter.
(7) Structural-use panels shall be 1/2 inch minimum thickness

and continuous over two or more spans with the long panel
dimension perpendicular to the supports unless otherwise
24-19
recommended by the panel manufacturer. Nailing shall be
in accordance with sub-sections (c) (i) and (c) (ii) above. Pan-
els may be used for the spacing of supports with live loads
not to exceed those given in the table in subsection 2406.6 (a)
(10).
(b) STORM SHEATHING:

(l) Exterior stud walls shall be wind-braced with storm sheath-
ing.
(2) Such storm sheathing shall be tightly fitted diagonally

placed, tongued-and-grooved sheathing, not less than 3/4 inch
thickness without tolerance, nailed with three 8d common
nails for 6 inch wide boards, and four 8d common nails for 8
inch wide boards to each support; or shall be the maximum
practicable size plywood panel, nailed with 6d common nails
for 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch thicknesses and 8d common nails
for 5/8 inch thickness and all such nails shall be 6 inches on
centres at edges of panel and 12 inches on centres to interior
panel supports.
(3) An effective water barrier shall be provided under all wood

exterior cladding between the cladding and the supporting
studs, and all openings shall be flashed.
(4) Plywood wall sheathing shall be applied utilizing maximum

stud spacing, minimum panel thickness and acceptable Iden-
tification Indexes as shown in the following table:
When plywood sheathing is used, building paper and di-

agonal wall bracing can be omitted.
24-20
(d) EXTERIOR WALL CLADDING:
(1) Plywood may serve for both sheathing and exterior cladding
provided:
(i) The panel thickness shall be not less than 3/8 inch ex-
cept for 303 speciality siding panels and Texture 1-11
panels and the supporting studs shall be spaced not
more than 16 inches on centres.
(ii) Plywood not less than 1/2 inch shall be used on stud
spacings of 24 inches centres.
(2) All joints shall be backed solidly with nailing pieces or studs
not less than two inches in width or joints shall be lapped
horizontally or otherwise watertight.
(3) Where face plies are vertical, bridging pieces spaced not far-
ther apart than three feet eight inches vertically shall be pro-
vided for support of plywood for first storey installation and
not farther apart than two feet four inches for second storey
installations.
(4) Where storm sheathing is provided in accordance with sub-

section 2406.6 (c), exterior cladding may be as permitted in
Chapter 31.
2406.7 FURRING: Where the interior of masonry walls are furred, such furring
shall be treated and firestopped as herein required and shall be securely
fastened to the masonry with not less than one cut nail in alternate courses
of block.
2406.8 CONNECTORS:
(a) The allowable loads on all types of connectors shall be as set forth
in the Standards listed in Appendix A.
(b) G-ring shank nails should be used for all roof sheathing.
(c) Nails, bolts and other metal connectors which are used in loca-
tions exposed to the weather shall be galvanised or otherwise cor-
rosion resistant.
(d) In general, nails shall penetrate the second member a distance equal
to the thickness of the member being nailed thereto. There shall be
not less than two nails in any connection.
24-21
TABLE 24-F
(b) NUMBER OF NAILS REQUIRED FOR CONNECTING WOOD
MEMBERS:
24-22
(e) Except for plywood and other laminated members manufactured
under technical control and rigid inspection, gluing shall not be
considered an acceptable connector in lieu of the connectors herein
specified.
(f) Safe loads and design practice for types of connectors not men-
tioned or fully covered herein shall be determined by the BCO be-
fore approval.
2406.9 WOOD SUPPORTING MASONRY: No wood shall support masonry or

concrete except as follows:
(a) Wood foundation piles may be used to support concrete or ma-

sonry.
(b) Wood joists may be used to support concrete and cement base tile
or terrazzo floor surfaces for bathrooms of less than 100 square
feet in area, having slabs not more than two and one-half inches
in thickness.
(c) There shall be an approved moisture vapor barrier between the

concrete or other cementitious materials and the wood.
(d) Wood members supporting concrete shall be preservative treated

in compliance with the Standards of AWPA and AWPB set forth
in Appendix A and Section 2408 of this chapter.
(e) Plywood decking shall be of C-D grade with exterior glue.
(f) Wood rafters may support concrete roof tile.
2407 HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION
2407.1 GENERAL: Heavy timber construction is that type in which fire resist-
ance is attained by placing limitations on the minimum size, thickness, or
composition of all load-carrying wood members; by avoiding concealed
spaces under floors or roofs; by using approved fastenings, construction
details, and adhesives; and by providing the required degree of fire-re-
sistance in exterior and interior walls.
2407.2 HEAVY TIMBER FRAMING:

(a) COLUMNS: Wood columns may be sawn or glued-laminated and
shall be not less than 8-inch nominal in depth when supporting
roof loads or floor loads.
24-23
Columns shall be continuous or directly superimposed, one above
the other with no girders or bolsters between columns, through-
out all storeys by means of reinforced concrete or metal caps with
brackets, or shall be connected by properly designed steel or iron
caps, with pintles and base plates, or by timber splice plates affixed
to the column by means of metal connectors housed within the
contact faces, or other approved methods.
(b) FLOOR FRAMING:

(1) Beams, girders and joists may be sawn or glued-laminated
and shall be not less than 6 inch, nominal, in width and 8
inch, nominal, in depth.
(2) Framed or glued laminated arches which spring from grade

or the floor line and support floor loads shall be not less than
8 inch, nominal, in any dimension.
(3) Framed timber trusses supporting floor loads shall have

members of not less than 8 inch, nominal, in any dimension.
(c) ROOF FRAMING: Beams, girders and joists may be sawn or glued-
laminated and shall be not less than 6 inch, nominal, in least di-
mension. Framed members or glued laminated arches which spring
from the floor line and do not support floor loads shall have mem-
bers of not less than 6 inch, nominal, in width and 6 inch, nominal,
in depth for the lower half of the height and not less than 6 inch,
nominal, in any dimension for the upper half of the height. Framed
members or glued laminated arches which spring from the top of
walls or wall abutments. framed timber trusses, and other roof fram-
ing which does not support floor loads, shall have members not
less than 4 inch nominal in width and 6 inch nominal in depth.
(d) CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: Wall plate boxes of self-releasing

type or approved hangers shall be provided where beams and gird-
ers enter masonry. An air space of 1/2" inch shall be provided at
top, end, and sides of members unless approved durable or treated
wood is used. Girders and beams shall be cross-tied to each other,
or inter-tied by caps, to transfer horizontal loads across the joint.
Wood bolsters may be placed on top of columns which support
roof loads only. Intermediate beams used to support floors shall
rest on top of girders or be supported on approved metal hangers
which transmit the vertical load to the top of the girder. Columns,
beams, girders, arches and trusses of material other than wood
shall have a fire-resistive rating of not less than one hour. Wood
beams and girders supported by masonry walls shall have not less
than 4 inches of solid masonry between their ends and the outside
24-24
face of the wall. Roof anchors shall be provided as set forth in
this Chapter but not less than required to resist the uplift loads as
set forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20).
(e) CONCEALED SPACES: Floors and roof decks shall be without

concealed spaces, except that building service equipment may be
enclosed provided the spaces between the equipment and enclo-
sures are fire-stopped or protected by other acceptable means.
(f) HEAVY TIMBER FLOORS: Floors may be of sawn or glued-lami-

nated plank, splined or tongued-and-grooved of not less than 3
inch, nominal thickness, or square edged plank not less than 4 inch,
nominal thickness, well spiked together. Planks shall be laid so that
a continuous line of joints will not occur except at points of sup-
port. Planks shall be covered with 1 inch, nominal, tongued and
grooved flooring laid crosswise, or diagonally. Planks and floor
shall not extend closer than 1/2 inch to wall to provide an expan-
sion joint and such expansion joint shall be covered at top and bot-
tom.
(g) HEAVY TIMBER ROOF DECKS: Roof decks shall be sawn or glued-
laminated, splined or tongued-and-grooved plank, not less than 2
inch, nominal, in thickness or of square edge plank not less than 3
inch, nominal, thickness well spiked together or of a double thick-
ness of 1 inch nominal tongued and grooved boards with staggered
joints. Other types of decking may be used if noncombustible when
approved by the BCO as being equal.
(h) CAMBERING: Trusses and long span girders shall be designed with
sufficient camber or other provision shall be made to counteract
any possible deflection.
2408 PROTECTION OF WOOD
2408.1 PRESERVATIVE TREATED OR DURABLE SPECIES WOOD:

(a) All wood in areas where deterioration would affect structural safety
shall be treated in an approved method with an approved preserva-
tive or shall be of durable species as approved by the BCO.
(b) All wood in contact with, or less than 18 inches from the ground
shall be treated in an approved method with an approved preserva-
tive or shall be of a durable species as approved by the BCO.
(c) All wood in contact with concrete or masonry including sills, sleep-
ers, plates, posts, columns, beams, girders and furring shall be
treated in an approved method with an approved preservative or
24-25
shall be of durable species as approved by the BCO, except that the
ends of joists not less than 8 feet above grade when in contact with
concrete or masonry, may be treated by dipping the ends in an
approved preservative for a period of not less than 5 minutes.
(d) Approval of the method and materials of treatment with a pre-

servative shall be in accordance with the Standards set forth in the
Appendix A.
2408.2 VENTILATION: Attic space between ceiling joists and roof rafters shall
be effectively ventilated. Openings shall be located to provide effective
cross ventilation, and such openings shall be covered with a corrosion-
resistant mesh with openings not greater than one-sixteenth inch.
2408.3 LIGHT AND VENTILATION:

(a) The space between the bottom of wood-floor joists and the ground
of any building, except such space as is occupied by a basement or
cellar, shall have ventilating openings through foundation walls,
and such openings shall be covered with a corrosion-resistant wire
mesh with openings not greater than one-sixteenth inch. Where
practicable, ventilating openings shall be arranged on three sides.
The minimum total area of ventilating openings shall be 2 square
feet for each 15 linear feet of exterior wall. Such openings need not
be placed in the front of the building.
(b) Where wood-floor joists are used, there shall be not less than 18
inches distance between the bottom of such floor joists and the
grade beneath.
2409 FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD
2409.1 Fire-retardant treated wood shall be treated with fire-retardant chemicals

in accordance with the Standards set forth in the Appendices and shall
have a flame-spread rating of not higher than 25 with no evidence of sig-
nificant progressive combustion when tested for 30 minutes duration in
accordance with ASTM Standard E84-61. (Standard Test Method For Fire
Hazard Classification of Building Materials.)
2409.2 Each member or piece of lumber receiving flame-retardant treatment

should be marked or identified by an underwriter’s label.
2409.3 Fire-retardant treated wood shall have no greater fuel contributed than
30 nor smoke developed greater than 65 as tested in accordance with ASTM
Standard E84 (Standard Test Method for Fire Hazard Classification of
Building Materials.)
24-26
2409.4 Fire retardant treated wood, where permitted and which may be exposed
to the weather, shall maintain required fire-retardant classification when
tested in accordance with the rain and weathering tests for durability of
fire-retardant treated wood of the Standard Test Methods for Fire-Resist-
ance of Roof Covering materials; UL 790.
2410 MINISTRY OF WORKS LOW COST HOUSING PLANS
2410.1 The details of construction given on the Ministry of Works Low-cost Tim-
ber House drawings shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this
Code.
24-27
NOTES
24-28
CHAPTER 25
ALUMINIUM
2501 GENERAL
2502 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES
2503 DESIGN
2505 FABRICATION AND ERECTION DETAILS
2506 DISSIMILAR MATERIALS
2501 GENERAL
2501.1 DESIGN: Structures in aluminium, and aluminium members shall be of

the materials and strength as set forth in this chapter and shall be de-
signed by methods admitting of rational analysis according to established
principles of mechanics and in accordance with the Standards adopted
by this Code and set forth in Appendix A.
2501.2 STANDARDS: The Standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adopted as

a part of this Code and supplement, but do not supersede the specific
requirements as set forth herein.
2501.3 WORKMANSHIP: Aluminium construction shall be in conformance with

the tolerances, quality, and methods of construction as set forth in Sub-
section 2501.2 here-in; and the American Welding Society’s Structural
Welding Code; Aluminium (D1.2).
2502 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES
2502.1 The design, fabrication and assembly of aluminium members for build-
ing and other structures shall conform to the Standard set forth in Sub-
section 2501.2 herein and as otherwise set forth herein.
(a) The design, fabrication and assembly of aluminium members for

buildings and other structures shall conform to the standards set
forth in Subsection 2501.2 of this Chapter, Section 2502 of this Chap-
ter, and as otherwise set forth in this Chapter and Code.
(b) The BCO may require that any structure using aluminium primary
or secondary members be designed by an engineer recognised by
the Minister.
25-1
(c) Working stresses are given below for the three most commonly
used structural aluminium alloys: 6061-T6, 6063-T6, and 6063-T5
(ASTM designations). Other aluminium alloys may be used with
allowable types of stress conforming to the types of stress given
below, in proportion to the yield strength, ultimate strength and
other properties of the aluminium alloy used.
2502.2 The use of aluminium alloys, other than those listed in the standard shall
provide performance not less than those required by the Standards con-
tained in Appendix ‘A’.
(a) Working stresses shall not exceed the stresses given below.
Exception: The working stresses for structural aluminium given in

this section may be increased by 33-1/3% when produced by wind
loads, acting alone or in combination with the design dead and
live loads, provided the resulting section computed on this basis is
not less than that required for the design dead and live load and
impact computed without the 33-1/3% increase.
(b) NON-WELDED STRUCTURAL ALUMINIUM MEMBERS AND

WELDED MEMBERS AT LOCATIONS FARTHER THAN ONE
INCH FROM ANY WELD WORKING STRESSES IN LBS. PER
SQUARE INCH.
(NOTE: These stresses may be increased by 33-1/3 for wind

stresses. See 2502.2 (a) above.)
(See Section 2502.4 regarding laterally unsupported sections.)
25-2
*Ratio of edge distance to rivet or bolt diameter of two or greater. For
smaller ratios, multiply this working stress by the ratio:
edge distance
twice the rivet or bolt diameter
(c) WELDED STRUCTURAL ALUMINIUM MEMBERS ON SEC-

TIONS WITHIN ONE INCH OF A WELD WORKING STRESSES
IN LBS. PER SQUARE INCH.
(NOTE: These stresses may be increased by 33 1/3% for wind

(See Section 2502.4 regarding laterally unsupported sections)
** Compressive working stresses for columns, single-web members, rec-

tangular tubes and box sections supported at both ends and welded at
the ends only. For cantilever columns or beams and for columns and beams
having welds at locations other than the ends, the working stresses shall
be determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 2501.2 of this
code.
25-3
*** Working stresses apply to all material welded with 5356 or 5556 filler
alloy and to material 3/5 inches or less in thickness welded with 4043
filler alloy. For thicker material welded with 4043 filler alloy, reduce these
working stresses by multiplying them by 0.8.
edge distance
twice the rivet or bolt diameter
**** Ratio of edge distance to rivet or bolt diameter of 2 or greater. For

smaller ratios, multiply this working stress by the ratio.
(d) If less than 15 percent of the area of a given cross section lies within
1 inch of a weld, the effect of the weld may be neglected and the
working stresses for non-welded structural members may be used.
If the area of a cross section that lies within 1 inch of a weld is
between 15 percent and 100 percent of the total area of the cross
section, the working stress shall be calculated in accordance with
the provisions of Section 2502.2 (a) of this code.
(e) WORKING STRESSES IN SHEAR FOR ALUMINIUM RIVETS

AND BOLTS SHALL NOT EXCEED THE FOLLOWING STRESS
IN POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH.
(NOTE: These stresses may be increased by 33-1/3% for wind

25-4
(f) WORKING STRESSES IN SHEAR FOR FILLET WELDS SHALL
NOT EXCEED THE FOLLOWING ALLOWABLE SHEAR STRESS
* IN LBS. PER SQUARE INCH.
(NOTE: These stresses may be increased by 33-1/3% for wind stresses.

See 2502.2 (a) above.)
* Shear stress is considered to be equal to the total load divided by the

throat area in square inches, regardless of the direction of loading.
** Single fillet welds in transverse shear may be treated as double fillet

welds in joints so designed as to prevent local bending of the parts adjacent
to the fillet weld.
*** These values are controlled by the shear strength of the parent mate-
rial; all other values are controlled by the strength of the fillet metal.
2502.2 Aluminium members shall be limited by the deflections set forth in the
relevant Subsections of Chapter 20 of this Code.
2502.3 The working stresses for structural aluminium compression members shall
vary with the ratio of effective length to the corresponding radius of gy-
ration (L/r) of the section in accordance with the provisions of Section
2501.2 of this code. For main compression members, the ratio of 120 shall
not be exceeded, except as provided by the provisions of Section 2501.2 of
this code; for bracing and other secondary members in compression, the
ratio of 200 shall not be exceeded.
2502.4 In laterally unsupported structural aluminium bending members, the

working stress in compression elements shall be reduced in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2501.2 of this code.
25-5
2502.5 The working stress in compression elements of columns and beams of
such proportions that local buckling controls the design shall be reduced
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2501.2 of this code.
2502.6 The working stress in shear in webs of beams shall vary with the ratio of
web height to thickness in accordance with the provisions of Section 2501.2
of this code.
2503 DESIGN
2503.1 The Buildings Control Officer may require that any structure using alu-
minium primary or secondary members be designed by an Engineer recog-
nised by the Minister.
2503.2 Increases in allowable unit stresses as set forth for wind loads in Chap-
ter 20 of this Code shall be applicable to aluminium structural members
except that allowable unit stresses thus increased shall not exceed 75%
of the minimum yield strength.
2503.3 In addition to flexural and shearing stresses, the critical factors of buck-
ling, fatigue, stress raisers such as notches or holes or shape re-entrant
corners, deflection and connections shall be considered and provided for
by proper design.
2504.1 CONNECTIONS: Aluminium members shall be designed as set forth in

the standards in Subsection 2501.2 hereinabove.
2504.2 STRUCTURAL DECKING AND SIDING:

(a) Aluminium sections spanning between supports shall be limited
in span to satisfactorily support the positive and negative loads
set forth in Chapter 20 of this Code and the deflection of decking
shall not exceed that set forth in Chapter 20.
(b) Aluminium sheets used for roof decking or siding shall be not less
than 0.019" in thickness.
(c) Aluminium sheets shall be secured to the supports to adequately

resist positive and negative loads. Attachments shall be at inter-
vals not exceeding 8-1/2" and shall be secured to each other at side
laps at intervals not exceeding 12" except that spacing of attach-
ments may be greater if based on rational analysis and/or tests.
25-6
(d) Fasteners shall have a head, and/or be provided with washers not
less than 1/2" in diameter.
(e) Fasteners located at end laps shall be placed not more than 2" nor
less than 1" from the end of overlapping sheets.
(f) Where roof or wall cladding is of aluminium an approved mem-

brane to protect against water intrusion to the interior shall be
provided or the aluminium cladding shall be designed and con-
structed with an approved continuous edge-interlock, overlap or
seam to prevent water intrusion.
2504.3 NON-STRUCTURAL DECKING AND SIDING:

(a) Non-structural aluminium sheets shall be backed with cladding
as set forth in Chapter 3 of this Code.
(b) Non-structural aluminium sheets shall have a minimum thickness

of 0.019".
(c) An approved membrane to protect against water intrusion shall

be provided or the aluminium cladding shall be designed and con-
structed with an approved continuous edge-interlock, overlap or
seam to prevent water intrusion.
(d) Non-structural decking and siding shall be attached as set forth in

Subsection 2504.2 hereinabove except that aluminium residential
siding shall be attached by means of 0.120" diameter aluminium
nails of sufficient length to penetrate studs 1". Nailing to studs
shall be maximum 24" on centre horizontally and not to exceed 8"
on centre vertically.
2505 FABRICATION AND ERECTION DETAILS
2505.1 OXYGEN CUTTING: Oxygen cutting of aluminium alloys shall not be

permitted.
2505.2 BOLTS: Bolts and other fasteners used with aluminium shall be alu-
minium, stainless steel, aluminized, hot-dip galvanized or electro-gal-
vanized steel.
2505.3 RIVETS: Rivets shall be driven hot or cold, as called for on the plans, and
shall fill the holes completely. Rivet heads shall be concentric with rivet
holes and shall be in proper contact with the surface of the metal. Defec-
tive rivets shall be removed by drilling.
25-7
2505.4 WELDING: Welding shall be accomplished by means of an arc of resist-
ance welding process. No welding process that requires the use of a weld-
ing flux shall be used.
2505.5 PAINTING: Except as prescribed in this section, painting or coating of

aluminium alloy parts shall be required only when called for on the plans.
2505.6 ERECTION: During erection, structural aluminium shall be adequately

braced and fastened to resist dead, wind and erection loads.
2505.7 FIELD JOINTS: Field joints shall not be finally made up until that part
of the structure which will be stiffened thereby has been properly aligned.
2505.8 WALL PANELS: Aluminium sheets used in wall panels shall have a thick-
ness of not less than .032 inch.
2505.9 EXPANSION, CONTRACTION: Aluminium work shall be designed and

anchored so that the work will not be distorted nor the fasteners over-
stressed from the expansion and contraction of the metal.
2506 DISSIMILAR MATERIALS
2506.1 Where aluminium surfaces come in contact with metals other than stain-
less steel, zinc, white bronze of small area or other metals compatible
with aluminium, aluminium surfaces shall be kept from direct contact
with such parts by one of these methods:
(a) Painting the dissimilar metal with a prime coat of zinc-chromate

primer or other suitable primer, followed by one or two coats of
aluminium metal-and-masonry paint or other suitable protective
coating, excluding those containing lead pigmentation;
(b) Painting the dissimilar metal with a coating of a heavy-bodied
bituminous paint;
(c) A good quality caulking material placed between the aluminium
and the dissimilar metal;
(d) A non-absorptive tape or gasket;
(e) Steel members hot-dip galvanized or zinc plated after fabrication.
2506.2 Dissimilar metals shall be painted if used in locations where drainage

from them passes over aluminium.
2506.3 Aluminium surfaces in contact with lime mortar, concrete or other ma-
sonry materials shall be protected with alkali-resistant coatings, such
as heavy-bodied bituminous paint or water-white methacrylate lacquer.
25-8
2506.4 Aluminium in contact with wood or other absorptive materials which
may become repeatedly wet shall be painted with two coats of aluminium
metal-and-masonry paint or a coat of heavy-bodied bituminous paint,
or the wood or other absorptive material shall be painted with two coats
of aluminium house paint and joints shall be sealed with a good quality
caulking compound.
2506.5 Where aluminium is in contact with treated wood, such wood shall be
treated with pentachlorophenol, 5 percent minimum concentration or creo-
sote or zinc naphthanate, following the protective measures outlined in
Subsection 2506.4.
25-9
NOTES
25-10
CHAPTER 26
REINFORCED GYPSUM CONCRETE
2601 DESIGN
2602 STANDARDS
2603 STRESSES
2604 TESTS
2601 DESIGN
2601.1 DESIGN: Reinforced gypsum concrete shall be designed by methods ad-

mitting of rational analysis based on established principles of mechanics.
The general assumptions and principles specified for reinforced concrete
in the Chapter on Reinforced Concrete shall be the basis of the design of
reinforced gypsum concrete so far as they are applicable.
2601.2 LIMITATIONS OF USE:

(a) Reinforced gypsum concrete used for roofs of occupancies produc-
ing unusually high humidities shall be constructed with the use of
non-absorptive formboard.
(b) Reinforced gypsum concrete shall not be used:
(1) For floors.
(2) For direct support of concentrated loads, such as water tanks,

fan bases, cooling towers, flag poles and signs. Details must
provide for transmitting such loads directly to the walls or
the primary framing.
(3) For exterior locations other than roofs.
(4) For ceilings of structures not completely enclosed, unless

constructed with the use of non-absorptive formboard.
2601.3 WORKMANSHIP: Reinforced gypsum concrete shall be in conformance

with the tolerances, quality, and methods of construction as set forth in
Standards referenced in this Chapter.
26-1
2602 STANDARDS
The Standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adopted to supplement, but not super-
sede, the specific requirements set forth herein.
2603 STRESSES
Allowable unit working stresses and ultimate compressive stresses for Reinforced Gyp-
sum Concrete shall be as follows:
NOTE: This table of working stresses is based on gypsum concrete developing a

minimum ultimate strength in compression as follows:
CLASS A: 500 psi

CLASS B: 1000 psi
2604 TESTS
The BCO may require a reasonable number of tests of gypsum-concrete units or the mate-
rials of gypsum-concrete construction to determine their quality.
2605.1 POURED-IN-PLACE GYPSUM:

(a) Roof slabs of poured-in-place gypsum shall be solid and, for spans
not exceeding 33 inches, shall have a minimum thickness of 2 inches
not including the formboard.
(b) Reinforcing fabric shall conform to ASTM Designation A185; shall
be galvanized with a zinc coating conforming to ASTM Designa-
tion B6 and contain a minimum weight of coating of 0.30 ounces
per square foot of uncoated wire surface determined in accord-
ance with ASTM Designation A90; shall have an effective cross-
sectional area of not less than 0.026 square inches per foot of width
26-2
or No. 12 gauge wire spaced four inches on centres as principal
reinforcing nor less than 0.0075 square inches per foot of width or
No. 14 gauge wire spaced eight inches on centres as temperature
reinforcing, and shall be lapped not less than 16 inches at the ends.
Sides of fabric shall be butted or spaced not more than four inches.
(c) Sub-purlin shall be designed to provide a mechanical lock or key

with the gypsum to resist uplift loads given in the Chapter on Live
and Dead Loads (Chapter 20).
(d) Sub-purlin shall be rigidly secured to the primary roof framing by

welding, riveting or bolting to the supporting members including
end supports, and where welded, such welding shall be not less
than 3/8 inch length on both sides of the sub-purlin. Sub-purlins
terminating at or on masonry walls shall be securely anchored to
the masonry by a continuous member. Supporting masonry run-
ning parallel to the sub-purlin shall not be used in the installation
of sub-purlin on or adjacent to the masonry.
(e) Where sub-purlins are not used, resistance to uplift loads given in
the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20) shall be other-
wise provided by suitable design equivalent to the sub-purlin.
(f) Welding of sub-purlins to supporting members shall be done only

under the supervision of a recognized welding inspector and such
welding inspector shall submit certification in writing to the BCO
that the welding was properly placed; or the BCO may require that
the welds not be covered or concealed until inspection and approval
by him.
(g) Sub-purlins shall not be field-spliced between supports.
(h) Suspended ceilings shall not be hung from the gypsum. Such ceil-
ings may be hung from the sub-purling where the sub-purling are
so designed.
(i) Roof coverings shall be applied as specified in the Chapter on Roof

Coverings.
2605.2 PRECAST GYPSUM UNITS:

(a) Precast gypsum-concrete units for roof construction shall be of
uniform thickness, solid or hollow or may be recessed on the un-
derside. The span of precast gypsum concrete shall not exceed six
feet eight inches. For the purpose of this section any span over
three feet shall be called a long span.
26-3
(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section 2605.2 (c) of this Chapter,
precast gypsum-concrete units shall have not less than the follow-
ing thicknesses:
(1) Solid units shall be not less than two inches thick; if a span
over three feet shall be not less than three inches thick.
(2) Hollow units shall be not less than three inches thick, nor the
shell in compression less than three-fourths inch thick; in a
long span (over three feet), the units shall be not less than
five inches thick nor the shell in compression less than one
and three-eighths inches thick.
(3) Recessed units shall be not less than five inches thick nor the
panel less than one and three-eighths inches thick.
(c) Precast solid reinforced gypsum-concrete units, not more than 15

inches wide and bound on the long edges with structural or pressed
steel of approved design anchored to the units, shall be not less
than two inches thick. If the length of units is not less than one and
one-half times the span and the steel binding on the edges is de-
signed to interlock with adjoining units in the manner of tongue-
and-grooved wooden plank and is of sufficient strength to trans-
mit the load on one unit to adjoining units, the end joints may be
staggered at random not less than two feet, and the construction
may be designed as continuous.
(d) Precast gypsum-concrete units for roof construction shall be rein-

forced, and unless the shape or marking of the unit is such as to
insure its being placed right side up, the reinforcing shall be sym-
metrical so that the unit can support its load either side up.
(e) Precast gypsum concrete units shall be bolted, or the edge-binding

securely welded, to the supporting members. Clips or other meth-
ods where lateral movement would reduce the resistance to verti-
cal uplift shall not be permitted.
26-4
CHAPTER 27
MASONRY
2701 DESIGN
2702 STANDARDS
2703 DEFINITIONS
2704 QUALITY, TESTS AND APPROVALS
2705 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES IN MASONRY
2706 CONSTRUCTION
2701 DESIGN
2701.1 Masonry in buildings or structures shall be of the materials, proportions,

strength and consistency as set forth in this Chapter and shall be designed
by methods admitting of rational analysis according to established prin-
ciples of mechanics and in accordance with the Standards adopted by this
Code and set forth in the Appendix A.
2701.2 Buildings not exceeding three storeys or 30 feet in height shall be designed
as either wall-bearing or skeleton frame or a combination thereof and all
buildings more than three storeys or 30 feet in height shall be designed as
a skeleton frame. Refer to Section 2706.2 of this Chapter for exterior wall
requirements.
2702 STANDARDS
2702.1 The Standards listed in Appendix A are hereby adopted as a part of this
Code and supplement, but do not supersede the specific requirements as
set forth herein.
2702.2 Masonry construction shall be in conformance with the tolerances, qual-

ity, and methods of construction as set forth in standards referenced in
this Chapter; the Portland Cement Association Concrete Masonry Hand-
book, ANSI A 4.1, A 41.2 and AWS Structural Welding Code: Reinforcing
Steel (D1.4). The Buildings Control Officer shall be contacted for any
details beyond these standards
2703 DEFINITIONS
forth in this Section:
27-1
DIMENSIONS: Dimensions given are nominal; actual dimensions of unit masonry
may not be decreased by more than one half inch (1/2").
GROSS CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF HOLLOW UNITS, the total area including

cells of a section perpendicular to the direction of loading. Re-entrant spaces are
included in the gross area, unless these spaces are to be occupied in masonry by
portions of adjacent units.
MASONRY UNIT, any brick, stone, or block conforming to the requirements speci-
fied in this Code.
HOLLOW MASONRY UNIT, a masonry unit whose cross-sectional area in any

plane parallel to the bearing surface is less than 75 percent of its gross cross-sec-
tional area measured in the same plane.
SOLID MASONRY, masonry consisting of solid masonry units laid contiguously

in mortar, or consisting of plain concrete.
SOLID MASONRY UNIT, a masonry unit whose net cross-sectional area in every
plane parallel to the bearing surface is 75 percent or more of its gross cross-sec-
tional area measured in the same plane.
2704 QUALITY, TESTS AND APPROVALS
2704.1 GENERAL:
(a) QUALITY: The quality of materials assembled into masonry and
the method and manner of their assembly shall conform to the re-
quirements of this Chapter.
(b) OTHER MATERIALS: A material of masonry, other than set forth
herein, which is noncombustible and otherwise sufficiently em-
bodies the characteristics and satisfies the requirements of one of
the materials herein may be approved by the BCO subject to such
tests as he may prescribe.
(c) TESTS: The BCO may require materials to be subjected to tests to
determine their quality whenever there is reason to believe the
materials used do not meet the requirements of this Code, and may
require any tests to be repeated if there is any reason to believe that
a material is no longer up to the standards on which the approval
was based. The cost of such tests shall be borne by the person or
persons proposing to use or continue the use of such material or
product. Concrete block strength shall not be less than 400 pounds
per square inch.
Tests of materials shall be made in accordance with the Standards

given in Appendix A.
27-2
(d) APPROVALS:
(1) Only such masonry units as bear the approval of the BCO
and are manufactured or fabricated by plants approved by
the BCO shall be considered acceptable for the construction
of buildings or other structures. Such approval shall be for a
period not exceeding 12 months.
(2) The provisions for tests for approval of masonry units shall
not be construed as a substitute for any tests otherwise re-
quired under this Chapter.
(3) Failure of a manufacturer of masonry units to obtain approval

or to submit tests as required in this Chapter, or such addi-
tional tests as the BCO may require, shall be cause for rejec-
tion of such masonry units.
2704.2 BRICK:
(a) GENERAL: Brick shall include masonry units usually about two
and one-fourth inches thick, three and three-fourths inches wide,
and eight inches long, and not less than 75 percent solid.
(b) TESTS: Tests shall be made in accordance with the Standards given
in Appendix A.
(c) QUALITY:
(1) Burned clay or shale brick shall conform to the Standards
given in the Appendix A.
(2) Sand-lime brick shall conform to the Standards given in the

Appendix A.
(3) Concrete brick shall conform to the Standards given in Ap-

pendix A.
2704.3 STONE: Stone for masonry shall be hard and durable.
2704.4 CAST STONE: Cast stone shall be made of Portland cement, aggregates
and water with or without admixtures. Cast stone for load-bearing ma-
sonry or where exposed to the weather shall have an average compressive
strength, at 28 days, of at least 3000 pounds per square inch and shall
have not more than seven percent water absorption by weight.
2704.5 CONCRETE BLOCKS:

(a) GENERAL:
(1) Concrete blocks shall be made of Portland cement, water and
approved aggregates. The materials shall conform to the
27-3
requirements for the materials of concrete specified in the
Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter 22), and the
finished units shall meet the requirements of this Section.
(2) Concrete blocks used for fire-resistive walls rated two hours
or more or used for load-bearing or exterior walls shall have
a minimum face-shell thickness of one and one-fourth inches,
a minimum web thickness of one inch, and shall have a net
cross-sectional area not less than 50 percent of the gross sec-
tion.
(3) Concrete blocks for other purposes shall have wall and web
thicknesses of not less than three-fourths inch.
(4) Where masonry walls are required by this Code to be eight

inches in thickness, hollow concrete block units may be 7-5/
8"x 7 5/8"x 15-5/8” modular dimension with corresponding
widths for tie columns and tie beams.
(b) QUALITY: Standard Units of hollow concrete block shall conform

to the Standards given in Appendix A.
2704.6 STRUCTURAL CLAY TILE:

(a) LIMITATIONS: All hollow burned clay wall tile used for fire-resis-
tive walls rated two hours or more, load-bearing or exterior walls
shall be load-bearing tile.
(b) TESTS: Tests shall be made in accordance with the Standards given
in Appendix A.
(c) QUALITY:
(1) Structural clay load-bearing wall tile shall conform to the
Standards given in Appendix A.
(2) Structural clay floor tile shall conform to the Standards given
in Appendix A.
(3) Structural clay non-load-bearing tile shall conform to the

2704.7 GYPSUM TILE:

(a) LIMITATIONS: Precast gypsum shall not be used in load-bearing
masonry or in any masonry which will be exposed to the weather.
(b) TESTS: Tests of gypsum tile shall conform to the Standards given
in Appendix A.
27-4
(c) QUALITY: Gypsum partition tile or block shall conform to the
2704.8 PLAIN CONCRETE: Plain concrete is concrete cast in place and not rein-
forced, or reinforced only for shrinkage or change of temperature. Plain
concrete shall be mixed, placed and cured as specified for concrete in the
Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter 22)., The minimum strength of
regular concrete shall be not less than 2000 psi in 28 days as determined
by 6"x 12" cylinders.
The minimum strength of light weight aggregate shall be not less than
500 psi in 28 days as determined by 6"x 12" cylinders.
2704.9 PLAIN GYPSUM CONCRETE: Plain gypsum concrete is gypsum con-

crete cast in place and either unreinforced or reinforced for shrinkage.
2704.10 MORTAR:
(a) GENERAL: Except as otherwise set forth herein, all mortars and
the materials therein shall conform to the “Mortar of Masonry
Units,” ASTM C 270.
(b) AGGREGATES:
(1) The gradation of aggregate for masonry mortar shall be such
that the fineness modulus is between 1.20 and 2.35 when de-
termined in accordance with “Aggregate for Masonry Mor-
tar” ASTM C144 - 62T.
(2) Aggregates should be quarried or washed in fresh water and

should contain not more than one-twentieth of one percent
salt by weight.
(c) MORTAR:
(1) Mortar used to bond unit masonry shall be of Type M, S, N,
or O and shall comply with either the specifications set forth
hereinafter or the Specifications of the Standards set forth in
Paragraph 2704.10 (a).
27-5
(2) The type of mortar based on consideration of the location of
the unit masonry construction shall be as follows:
(3) All solid unit masonry shall be laid in full beds with full end
joints. All hollow unit masonry shall be laid with full mortar
coverage of the face shells in both horizontal and vertical
joints.
27-6
2705 ALLOWABLE UNIT STRESSES IN MASONRY
2705.1 COMPRESSION:
(a) Allowable working compressive stresses in masonry walls shall
not exceed the limits in pounds per square inch of gross area given
in the following table:
(b) The maximum allowable working stress in plain concrete shall be

the following percentages of the ultimate strength of the concrete
in compression:
Compression 0.20 f’c

Shear and diagonal tension 0.02 f’c
where f’c represents the ultimate compressive strength.
2705.2 SHEAR: The shear in unit masonry shall not exceed one-tenth the allow-
able compressive stress.
2705.3 TENSION: Unreinforced unit masonry shall be assumed to have no value

in resisting tension.
2705.4 CONCENTRATED LOADS: Walls of hollow masonry units shall not di-
rectly support concentrated loads.
2706.1 GENERAL:
(a) Masonry walls of hollow or solid units or plain concrete shall be
constructed as specified in this Section.
(b) Designed reinforced concrete walls, columns and beams shall be

as specified in the Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter 22),
except that such designed columns and beams shall be not less
than the equivalent of the minimums herein set forth.
(c) Reinforced concrete required in this Section shall comply with the
27-7
(d) Reinforced unit masonry shall comply with Sub-section 2706.1
herein.
(e) Second-hand masonry units shall not be used unless they conform
to the requirements of this Code, are sound, and have been thor-
oughly cleaned and are approved for use by the BCO.
(f) (i) Horizontal joint reinforcement shall be provided at the joint

next below the average window opening. Standard 9 gauge
ladder type for reinforced masonry and truss type for all
others shall be provided. This reinforcement shall extend 4"
into tie columns or be tied to structural columns by approved
methods where structural columns replace the tie columns.
(ii) Where individual larger or smaller window openings occur,

the horizontal joint reinforcement shall extend into the ad-
jacent masonry units a minimum of 16" each side of the open-
ing. Where a tie or structural column occurs within 16" of
such opening the methods of tying the reinforcement shall be
as in (i) above.
2706.2 EXTERIOR WALLS:

(a) GENERAL:
(1) Exterior walls of unit masonry shall have a minimum thick-
ness of eight inches except as otherwise specified in Section
2706.2(b)(i) and Section 2704.5(a) and as specified under
Chapters covering Types of Construction for heights of ma-
sonry walls.
No roof or other members shall be placed to develop direct

horizontal thrust on walls unless such walls are specifically
designed for such thrusts.
8 inch thick unreinforced masonry block load-bearing walls

shall be limited to 20 feet in height and 12 inch thick
unreinforced masonry block load-bearing walls shall be lim-
ited to 30 feet in height.
12 inch masonry block load bearing walls may be used up to

the 1st storey above the ground floor, and 8 inch masonry
block load bearing walls may be used for the next 2 storeys.
The maximum area of wall panels of 8 inch thick unit ma-

sonry, as measured between the concrete members which
frame the panel such as the beams and tie columns, shall not
exceed 240 square feet.
27-8
Load bearing walls shall be analyzed and designed for
strength where floor loadings are 60 psf or more, or where
floors are of unusually long span.
Walls that are load bearing walls shall be so designated on

the plans.
(b) TIE COLUMNS:

(1) Concrete tie columns shall be required in all exterior walls
of unit masonry. Concrete tie columns shall be required at
all corners, and at intervals not to exceed 20 feet centre-to-
centre of columns, adjacent to any corner opening exceeding
four feet in width, adjacent to any wall opening exceeding
eight feet in width, and at the end of free-standing walls ex-
ceeding two feet in length. Where rough openings are be-
tween 3'-0" and 8'-0" in width, such openings shall have one
#5 vertical reinforcing bar at each side. Vertical bars shall
be into footings and tie beams. Structurally designed col-
umns may be substituted for the tie columns herein required.
(2) Intermediate tie columns shall be not less than 12 inches in

width. Tie columns having an unbraced height not exceed-
ing 15 feet shall be not less in thickness than the wall nor less
in thickness than a nominal 8 inches, and, where exceeding
15 feet in unbraced height, shall be not less in thickness than
12 inches.
(3) Corner tie columns shall be not less than 12 inches in width
on both sides of the corner, and not less in thickness than the
wall nor less than a nominal 8 inches. The unbraced height
shall be taken at the point of positive lateral support in the
direction of consideration or the column may be designed to
resist applicable lateral loads based on rational analysis.
(4) Intermediate tie columns shall be reinforced with not less

than four No. 5 vertical rods, nor less than 0.0125 of the gross
cross-sectional area (whichever is greater), tied with No. 2
(1/4") closed hoops spaced not more than 12 inches apart.
Vertical reinforcing shall have starter bars provided in the
footing and splices shall be lapped 24 bar diameters. Starter
bars are not required if the column steel is embedded in the
footing without splices at the bottom of the steel. For No. 5
bars, a standard lap distance of 15” shall be used. If high
strength steels are used to provide a structurally designed
column, laps shall conform to the standards given in the
27-9
(5) Corner tie columns shall be reinforced with not less than five
No. 5 vertical rods, nor less than 0.0125 of the gross cross-
sectional area (whichever is greater), tied with No. 2 (1/4")
closed hoops spaced not more than 12” apart, staggered so
that each longitudinal rod shall have lateral support provided
by the corner of a tie. Vertical reinforcing shall have starter
bars provided in the footing and splices shall be lapped 24
bar diameters. Starter bars are not required if the column steel
is embedded in the footing without splices at the bottom of
the steel. For No. 5 bars, a standard lap distance of 15" shall
be used. If high strength steels are used to provide a struc-
turally designed column, laps shall conform to the stand-
ards given in the Chapter on Reinforced Concrete (Chapter
22).
(6) The concrete tie columns set forth herein are a minimum to
limit masonry panel areas and provide an integrated frame-
work for masonry. The spacing of concrete columns for skel-
eton frame construction, designed as specified in the Chap-
ter on Reinforced Concrete, may exceed the spacing herein
set forth provided the masonry panels have an area of less
than 240 square feet and provided the structural system is
designed to transmit horizontal wind loads to the columns.
(7) Concrete tie columns designed to limit masonry panel areas

may be offset at tie beams or other horizontal members to
avoid openings, but the maximum spacing shall not be ex-
ceeded.
(8) Concrete columns in load-bearing walls shall be poured only

after masonry units are in place. Where masonry walls of
skeleton frame construction are laid up after the frame has
been erected, lugs not less than one inch deep by three inches
wide, or some other similar form of construction as approved
by the Buildings Control Officer, shall be provided in the con-
crete which forms the perimeter of such panels. Where struc-
tural steel members are made fire resistive with masonry
units, the panel walls shall be bonded into the fire-resistive
materials.
(9) In the case of a low cost housing scheme, designated as such

by the Minister responsible for Housing, the tie column re-
quirements set forth above may be relaxed provided that:
(i) Acceptable design computations, for each model of

building used in the scheme, which admit of a rational
27-10
analysis according to accepted engineering principles,
shall be furnished by an Engineer recognised by the
Minister and such computations shall be approved by
the Buildings Control Officer before construction com-
mences.
(ii) The Engineer responsible for the design analysis shall

be responsible for the supervision of all the structural
work on site. He shall keep a log of his inspections,
copies of which shall be lodged with the Buildings
Control Officer during the progress of the scheme.
(iii) The Engineer shall also test all materials used in the
construction of the buildings, on a regular basis, and
shall provide the results of all such tests to the Build-
(c) TIE BEAMS:

(1) A tie beam of reinforced concrete shall be placed in all walls
of unit masonry, at each floor or roof level, and at such inter-
mediate levels as may be required to limit the vertical heights
of the masonry units to 16 feet.
Well compacted and confined soil below grade may be con-

sidered to provide lateral restraint but such restraint shall
begin at a point one foot below grade.
(2) A tie beam shall be not less in dimension or reinforcing than

required for the conditions of loading nor less than the fol-
lowing minimums: A tie beam shall have a width of not less
than a nominal 8 inches, shall have a height of not less than
12 inches, and shall be reinforced with not less than four No.
5 reinforcing bars placed two at the top and two at the bot-
tom of the beam, in such manner that 1-1/2" protective cover
is maintained at the reinforcement. Unless otherwise required
by design, tie beams shall have #2 ties 12” on centre.
(3) The tie beam shall be continuous. Continuity of the reinforc-

ing in straight runs shall be provided by lapping splices not
less than 18 inches. Continuity shall be provided at corners
by bending two bars from each direction around the corner
18 inches or by adding two No. 5 bars which extend 18 inches
each way from the corner.
Continuity at columns shall be provided by continuing

horizontal reinforcing through columns or by bending hori-
zontal reinforcing in the columns a distance of 18 inches.
27-11
(4) Changes in level of tie beams shall be made at columns.
(5) A tie beam may follow the rake of a gable or shed end if the
slope does not exceed 3 in 12.
(6) The concrete in tie beams shall be placed to bond to the ma-
sonry units immediately below and shall not be separated
therefrom by wood, felt, or any other material which may
prevent bond. Felt paper no wider than the width of the cells
of the block may be used provided that it is depressed a mini-
mum of 2 inches in one cell of each block.
(7) Tie and coping beams subject to uplift and lateral wind forces
shall be sized and designed to resist all such forces. Tie beams
over openings shall be sized and designed to resist dead and
live loads combined with wind loads, whichever governs.
(8) Where metal fasteners or anchor bolts are required to secure

joists, rafters, or a wall plate, to a tie beam, they shall be as
set forth in Section 2406.4(d) or (e).
(d) GABLE AND SHED END (HALF GABLE) WALLS: All masonry
structures with gable end and shed end (half gable) walls shall
have such end walls constructed of masonry, only in accordance
with this subsection. A horizontal tie beams shall be provided in
line with the low ends of the gables and sheds, except as permitted
in Subparagraph 2706.2(c)(5) above, and designed in accordance
with Subparagraphs 2706.2(a) and load requirements as set forth
in Chapter 20 of this Code. A concrete coping following the rake of
the gable, not less than 64 sq.in. in area reinforced with two #5
shall be provided. Tie columns at gable and shed ends shall be
provided. Any intermediate tie columns required within the gable
shall extend to the coping beam. Tie beams resting on masonry
which are not subject to uplift and lateral wind forces shall be
provided according to Subparagraph 2706.2(c)(2) hereinabove.
(e) PARAPET WALLS: Masonry parapet walls shall be not less than
eight inches thick, shall be reinforced with minimum tie columns
and shall be coped with a concrete beam not less than 64 square
inches in cross-section, reinforced with two No. 4 reinforcing bars.
A parapet wall exceeding five feet in height above a tie beam or

other point of lateral support shall be specifically designed to re-
sist horizontal wind loads.
27-12
(f) PIERS:
(1) In any section of a masonry wall of an enclosed structure

where openings are arranged to leave sections of walls less
than 16", such sections shall be of steel or reinforced concrete.
(2) Isolated masonry piers of unclosed structures shall be so

constructed that the height of such piers shall not exceed ten
times the least dimension, that the cells are filled with ce-
ment grout and reinforced with not less than two #5 bars
anchoring the beam to the foundation.
(g) BRICK AND STONE WALLS: Walls of brick and stone shall be
laterally supported by tie columns and beams, or the equivalent
thereof, as provided in this section and shall meet these additional
requirements:
Tabby or rubble stone walls shall be four inches thicker than is

required for solid brick or concrete walls of the same respective
heights, but in no part less than 12 inches.
(h) WALL ADDITIONS: Where new walls are connected to existing

walls, such connection shall be by means of a starter column of
minimum 8" x 8" dimensions, reinforced with 2 No. 5 bars.
(i) CHASES, RECESSES AND OPENINGS:

(1) No chase or recess in any unit masonry wall shall be deeper
than one-half of the wall thickness. No horizontal chase or
the horizontal projection of a diagonal chase shall exceed
four feet. No required tie column or tie beam shall be re-
duced in required dimension by chasing or recessing. No re-
cess in a required thickness of a unit-masonry wall shall
exceed overall dimensions of two feet by three feet.
(2) Openings shall have lintels of reinforced concrete. Where such

lintel is precast or formed separately from a tie beam, it shall
bear not less than 8 inches on the masonry, at each end. Where
such lintel is formed integrally with the tie beam by deepen-
ing the tie beam above the opening, and the tie beam itself is
capable of safely supporting all loads, the beam may span
up to 6 feet in length and may be deepened not to exceed 4
inches without additional reinforcing.
(j) GLASS BLOCK MASONRY:

(1) Thickness: Glass block masonry used in non-bearing portions
of exterior or interior walls, shall have a minimum overall
27-13
thickness at the mortar joint of at least 3-1/2" inches and all
mortar surfaces shall have satisfactory treatment for mortar
bonding properties.
(2) Area permitted:

(aa) Glass block panels in exterior walls shall not exceed
144 square feet of unsupported wall surface nor 25
feet in length nor 20 feet in height between mullions
or other suitable supports. Glass block panels in inte-
rior walls or partitions shall not exceed 250 square feet
of unsupported area nor 25 feet in any direction be-
tween such supports.
(bb) Glass block panels, when used as window protectives

in accordance with the Chapter on Fire Resistive
Standards (Chapter 32), shall not exceed 100 square
feet in area nor 10 feet in width or height and shall
have reinforcement in every horizontal mortar joint,
except between the two top rows.
(3) Construction:
(aa) Glass blocks shall be laid in Type S or M mortar. All
mortar joints shall be completely filled and shall have
a thickness of at least 1/4-inch and not more than 3/
8-inch.
(bb) Horizontal mortar joints shall be reinforced with ties

which shall run continuously from end to end of mor-
tar joint, but must not “bridge” expansion joints.
Where splices occur the individual length shall be
lapped not less than 6 inches. The reinforcement shall
be spaced not more than 2 feet apart vertically and
shall be placed in the joint immediately below and
above any openings within a panel.
(cc) Reinforcement shall consist of two parallel longitudi-

nal galvanized steel wires, No. 9 gauge or larger,
spaced 2 inches apart, and having welded thereto No.
14 gauge or heavier cross wires at intervals not ex-
ceeding 8 inches, or the approved equivalent.
(dd) Exterior glass block panels shall be held in place in

the wall opening to resist both external and internal
pressures due to wind. Panels shall be set in recesses
at the jambs and, for panels exceeding 10 feet in hori-
zontal dimension between supports, at the head as
27-14
well, so as to provide a bearing surface at least one
inch wide along the panel edges; except that the BCO
may approve anchorage by means of corrosion resist-
ant perforated metal strips for panels not larger than
100 square feet in area with no dimension greater than
10 feet and located at a height not over 4 storeys or 52
feet above grade.
(ee) Exterior glass block panels shall be provided with ex-

pansion joints at the sides and top. Such joints shall
be entirely free of mortar, and shall be filled with re-
silient material.
(ff) Where glass blocks are used as veneer in masonry

construction, the glass block panels shall be self-sup-
porting, with suitable ties into the masonry wall, and
shall be clear from and not adhering to the masonry.
(k) GRILL BLOCK: Decorative grills or screens constructed of unit

masonry laid with cells open through the wall shall be as set forth
herein or designs shall be based on rational analysis to resist appli-
cable loads and computations shall be submitted to the BCO for
approval.
(1) Unit masonry grills or screens as described in this Paragraph

shall not be load-bearing.
(2) Unit masonry in exterior walls shall be laid in Type M or S

mortar.
2706.3 INTERIOR BEARING WALLS: Interior bearing walls shall be constructed

as specified in Section 2706.2 for exterior walls, except that interior-bear-
ing walls in one-storey buildings of occupancy where not required to be
more than one-hour fire-resistive construction may be constructed of four
inch concrete block not exceeding nine feet in height, capped with a rein-
forced concrete beam not less than four inches in width nor less than 12
inches in height, reinforced with two one-half inch rods, and such wall
shall support only a roof or ceiling not in excess of 700 pounds per lineal
foot with no chases or recesses.
2706.4 FIRE WALLS: Fire-walls shall be constructed as set forth in Section 2706.2
for exterior walls and as set forth in the Chapter on Fire-Resistive Standards
(Chapter 32).
27-15
2706.5 PANEL WALLS:
(a) Panel walls of unit-masonry shall be not less than eight inches thick
and shall be limited in panel dimensions as set forth in Section
2706.2.
(b) Panel walls of reinforced concrete shall be not less than four inches
thick nor less than required by design as specified in the Chapter
on Reinforced Concrete. (Chapter 22).
2706.6 VENEERED WALLS:

(a) MASONRY BACKING:
(1) Veneering or facing on masonry backing shall not be consid-
ered as adding any strength to such walls and shall be lim-
ited in height above foundations or between proper and
adequate supports to 30 feet. Veneering shall be securely an-
chored to masonry backing by means of substantial, non-
corroding metal wall ties, spaced not farther apart than 16
inches vertically or 24 inches horizontally.
(2) Tile veneering, not more than one inch thick with individual
units not exceeding 20 inches in any dimension and having
not more than 200 square inches of surface area with corru-
gations or scorings on the back side thereof, need not be an-
chored in accordance with the above requirements but shall
be cemented solid to the backing with Portland cement mor-
tar so as to provide a continuous integral support to the back-
ing. Other types of mortar or adhesives may be used if ap-
proved by the BCO.
(b) WOOD BACKING:

(1) In all cases, before applying masonry veneer, a substantial
water proofed paper or asphalt-saturated felt, weighing not
less than 14 pounds per 100 square feet shall be applied hori-
zontally, shingle fashion, over diagonal sheathing. Horizon-
tal joints in the paper or felt shall be lapped not less than
four inches and vertical end joints not less than six inches.
(2) Masonry veneer shall be not less than three and three fourths
inches thick and shall be bonded to the backing by means of
substantial non-corroding metal wall ties spaced not farther
apart than 16 inches vertically and 24 inches horizontally.
2706.7 PARTITIONS:
(a) The requirements specified herein shall apply to non-bearing inte-
rior separations, other than fire-walls, or unit masonry construc-
tion.
27-16
(b) The lateral distance between vertical supports of non-bearing inte-
rior partitions of unit-masonry shall not exceed 72 times the actual
thickness of the partition, including plaster.
(c) The height of unit masonry partitions shall not exceed 36 times the
actual thickness, including plaster.
(d) Bonding between interior partitions and exterior walls shall be

provided to the satisfaction of the BCO.
(e) A concrete foundation shall be provided under non-bearing ma-

sonry partitions and shall be 12" wide and 8" thick, with two No. 5
bars or depressed steel mesh for reinforcement.
2706.8 OTHER MASONRY WALLS: Walls of masonry materials or arrangements

of masonry units other than those specifically set forth in this Chapter
shall be in conformance with the general provisions of this Code, and
may be classified by the BCO as one of the types of arrangements pro-
vided for herein and subject to all or any of the requirements for this
classification, and any such additional requirements as the BCO may
prescribe.
2706.9 ALLOWABLE SHEAR ON STEEL BOLTS: The allowable shear on steel

bolts for all masonry except gypsum and unburned clay units shall not
exceed the following:
[1] Permitted only with not less than 2500 pounds per square inch
units.
27-17
NOTES
27-18
PART VI
DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 28
EXIT FACILITIES AND STAIRS
2801 GENERAL
2802 REQUIRED MEANS OF EGRESS
2803 STAIRWAYS
2804 RAMPS
2805 SMOKEPROOF TOWERS
2806 HORIZONTAL EXITS
2807 EXIT COURTS AND EXIT PASSAGEWAYS
2808 RAILINGS
2809 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
2810 AISLES AND CORRIDORS
2811 DOORS AND DOORWAYS
2812 EXIT SIGNS AND LIGHTS
2813 MAINTENANCE
2801 GENERAL
2801.1 PURPOSE: The purpose of this Chapter is to provide minimum stand-

ards of exit facilities for occupants of buildings.
2801.2 SCOPE:
(a) Every building or portion thereof hereafter erected shall be pro-
vided with exits as required by this Chapter and as set forth in the
Chapters on Occupancy. (Chapters 4-13 inclusive).
(b) No building or structure under construction shall be occupied in

whole or in part until all exit facilities required for the part occu-
pied are completed and available for use in case of emergency.
(c) No building or structure, including existing buildings and struc-

tures, shall be added to or altered so as to reduce the number or
capacity of exit ways to less than required in this Chapter, and as
set forth in the Chapters on Occupancy. (Chapters 4-13 inclusive).
(d) No building shall be occupied during additions or alterations un-

less all required exits and any required fire protection are continu-
ously maintained, or in lieu thereof other measures are taken which
provide equivalent safety.
28-1
(e) The National Fire Protection Association’s Life Safety Code NFPA
101 is recognised as a standard of good practice, however, it shall
not supercede the specific requirements set forth herein.
2801.3 DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this Chapter, certain terms are defined
as follows:
BALCONY, EXTERIOR EXIT, is a landing or porch projecting from the

wall of a building, and which serves as a required means of egress. The
long side shall be at least 60 per cent open, and the open area above the
guardrail shall be so distributed as to prevent the accumulation of smoke
or toxic gases.
EXIT: — means that portion of a means of egress that is separated from all
other spaces of the building, or structure, by walls, floors, doors or other
means which provide a protected way of travel to the exit discharge.
EXIT ACCESS: — means that portion of a means of egress which leads to

an entrance of an exit.
EXIT COURT: — means a yard or court providing egress to a public way

for one or more required exits.
EXIT DISCHARGE: — means that portion of a means of egress between

the termination of an exit and a public way.
EXIT PASSAGEWAY: — means a horizontal means of exit travel protected

from fire in a manner similar to an enclosed stairwell in order to provide
continuity of the protected means of egress, i.e. from an internal enclosed
stairwell to the exit discharge.
MEANS OF EGRESS: — means a continuous and unobstructed path of

exit travel from any point in a building or structure to a public way and
consists of three separate and distinct parts:
(a) Exit Access

(b) Exit
(c) Exit Discharge
A means of egress may comprise of both horizontal and vertical ways of

travel including intervening room spaces, aisles, doorways, corridors,
passageways, balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures, lobbies, escalators,
courts and yards.
OCCUPANT LOAD is the total number of persons that may occupy a

building or portion thereof at any one time.
28-2
PANIC HARDWARE: A type of latching device used on certain doors in
means of egress in which the release mechanism is operated by the appli-
cation of force in the direction of exit travel.
PUBLIC WAY is any parcel of land unobstructed from the ground to the
sky, more than ten feet (10') in width, appropriated to the free passage of
the general public.
TRAVEL DISTANCE: — means the distance to an exit measured on the

walking surface along the centre line of the natural path of travel, starting
one foot from the most remote point and ending at the centre of the door-
way, or other point, at which the exit begins.
(a) In the case of open areas, the distance to the exits shall be
measured from the most remote point subject to occupancy.
(b) In the case of individual rooms subject to occupancy by no

more than six persons, the distance to the exit shall be meas-
ured from the doors of such rooms provided the path of travel
from any point in the room to the room door does not exceed
fifty feet.
(c) Where the path of travel includes stairs, the measurement

shall be taken in the plane of the tread nosings.
(d) Travel distances in excess of the maximum distances set forth,

in Chapters 5—13 inclusive, may be approved by the Build-
ings Control Officer only if the building is equipped with a
complete automatic sprinkler system and provided also that
the smoke control system is such as to provide sufficient
egress time so as to permit the occupants to reach floor exits
in safety. In no case shall the travel distance to the nearest
floor exit exceed 400 feet. The permitted increased distances
are given in Table 37—1 Chapter 37.
2801.4 GENERAL:
(a) Means of egress shall be permitted across roofs only where the roof
construction is of protected noncombustible material.
(b) Ramps as herein specified, may be substituted for required stair-

ways.
(c) Escalators, when constructed and arranged as specified in Section

2809, may be used in the calculation of exit stairways only where
open interior stairways are permitted.
28-3
(d) The requirements of this Chapter shall not apply to single-family
and duplex occupancies except as specifically stated.
(e) Minimum head room in all means of egress shall be not less than
seven feet and six inches, except as follows:
(1) Head room at doors shall be not less than six feet eight inches.
(2) Head room at all points of stairs and landings shall be not
less than seven feet and six inches, measured vertically above
treads and landings, but shall not be less than six feet six
inches as measured perpendicularly to a line running through
the nosing of the flight.
(f) All exits shall provide a continuous way of egress to a public space,
so that buildings may be emptied with minimum danger to life.
(g) Means of egress shall continue with no decrease in required widths

to a public street or way.
(h) Nothing that could confuse the direction of exit travel shall be
placed in any means of egress.
(i) Travel distances shall be as set forth in this Chapter and the Chap-
ters on Occupancy. (Chapters 4-13 inclusive and Chapter 37).
(j) Unless otherwise specifically stated, exits from the ground floor
shall be proportioned on the basis of the exits required therefrom
plus the required unit of exit width from other floors that exit
through the ground floor exits.
(k) Where stairways serve two or more upper floors the same stair-
way required to serve one upper floor may serve other upper floors
except those serving atriums and permitted unenclosed vertical
openings.
2801.5 OCCUPANT CONTENT:

(a) The occupant content for which exit capacity shall be provided shall
be determined as set forth in the classification in the Chapters on
Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) and in this Chapter and shall be the
maximum number of persons that may be anticipated to occupy a
building or portion thereof at any time under any reasonably fore-
seeable condition. Where a building or fire division thereof is of
multiple Occupancy use, rooms and spaces incidental to the prin-
cipal Occupancy may be considered separately in accordance with
the occupant content most reasonably applicable. Where occupant
28-4
content is this computed for multiple Occupancy, exit facilities shall
be provided as set forth in the Chapters on Occupancy. (Chapters
4-13).
(b) Buildings shall not be occupied beyond the occupant content for
which exits are provided except that the BCO may permit propor-
tional adjustment of exit facilities where the occupant content is
clearly established as being more or less than set forth herein.
(c) The number of occupants of any building or portion thereof shall

not exceed the permitted or posted capacity.
2802 REQUIRED MEANS OF EGRESS
2802.1 GENERAL:
(a) Details of required means of egress including doorway and loca-
tion requirements are based upon the type of occupancy and are
given in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) and in this
chapter.
(b) Where exits serve more than one floor, only the occupant load of
each floor considered individually need be used in computing the
capacity of exits at that floor, provided that the exit capacity shall
not be decreased in the direction of travel.
EXCEPTION:
(i) Special exit requirements for certain Occupancies, where up
to three communicating floor levels may be permitted with-
out enclosure protection between floors, are given in Section
1507.1(b).
(ii) Exit facilities for atriums shall be in accordance with Section

515.4.
2802.2 ASSEMBLY OCCUPANCY: Occupant contents for buildings of assembly

occupancy shall be computed as given in the Chapters on Occupancy
(Chapters 4-13) and in this Chapter.
2802.3 WIDTH OF EXITS:

(a) Width of exits shall conform to the requirements given in the Chap-
ters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) and in this Chapter.
(b) Where a doorway is divided by mullions, the allowable units of

exit width for the entire doorway shall be the sum of the units of
exit width calculated separately for each individual door in the
opening.
28-5
(c) No door opening in the means of egress shall be less than 32" in
clear width.
(d) No single door in a doorway shall exceed 44" in width.
2802.4 ARRANGEMENT OF EXITS: Arrangement of exits shall conform to the

requirements given in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13) and in
this Chapter.
2802.5 TRAVEL DISTANCE: Travel distance from any point to the exit shall con-
form to the requirements given in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters
4-13) and in this Chapter.
2803 STAIRWAYS
2803.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

(a) Stairways shall be designed and constructed and shall be required
and limited as set forth in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-
13), the Chapters on Types of Construction (Chapters 14-19), and
in this Chapter.
(b) Stairways and intermediate landings shall continue with no de-

crease in width along the direction of exit travel.
(c) No flight of a stairway shall have less than three risers.
(d) No flight of a stairway shall have a height of more than ten feet,
and no flight of a stairway serving occupancies of more than 300
persons shall have a height of more than eight feet. Intermediate
landings shall be provided as set forth in Section 2803.7.
(e) The width of stairways shall be measured between walls or guard

rails. A hand rail projecting not more than three and one-half inches
shall not be considered to decrease a stair width.
(f) Stairways serving an occupant load exceeding 50 persons shall be

a minimum of 44” in width.
(g) Stairways serving an occupant load of 50 persons or less may be a

minimum of 36" in width.
(h) Stairways within single family dwelling units and stairways not
intended for public use serving an occupant load of 10 persons or
less, may be a minimum of 30" in width.
28-6
(i) The underside of all interior stairways which are of combustible
materials, other than single-family residences, shall be protected
by one-hour fire-resistive construction.
2803.2 ARRANGEMENT AND ACCESS:

(a) In every building of four or more stories in height one stairway
shall be extended to provide access to the roof, unless—
(i) the roof has a slope in excess of 3 in 12, or
(ii) access to the roof is purely for the maintenance of the roof
and equipment thereon.
(b) In buildings of three or more stories in height with a roof slope of

less than 3 in 12 and where a stairway to the roof is not provided, a
trap door or trap doors shall be provided to permit access to all
parts of the roof from a common space on the top floor, preferably
at a stairway. In such buildings, where permanent stairways are
not provided and there is equipment on the roof requiring frequent
maintenance permanent ladders at trap doors shall be provided.
(c) A stairway which serves a roof shall discharge directly to a street

or shall connect thereto by means of a passageway or exit court.
(d) Not less than one half of the required number of stairways shall
discharge directly to a street or shall connect thereto by means of a
passageway or exit court.
(e) All stairways which may be used for exit purposes shall be readily
visible and shall make clear the direction of egress to the street.
Provision shall be made, where stairways continue beyond the main
exit to the exterior, to prevent persons exiting from other floors
from passing the main exit.
(f) Stairways shall abut on not more than one side of an elevator en-
closure.
(g) In no case shall access to an exit be through kitchens, storerooms,

restrooms, workrooms, closets, bedrooms or similar spaces or other
rooms subject to locking. Except that where the exit access is re-
quired to serve only a bedroom or other room subject to locking, or
adjoining rooms constituting part of the same dwelling or apart-
ment used for single-family occupancy.
28-7
2803.3 TREADS AND RISERS:
(a) There shall be no variation exceeding 3/16” in the depth of adja-
cent treads or in the height of adjacent risers and the tolerance be-
tween the largest and smallest tread shall not exceed 3/8" in any
flight.
(b) All treads less than 10” deep shall have a nosing of not less than
one inch, or a rake of not more than two inches, over the level im-
mediately below.
(c) The surface of stair treads and landings shall be such as to not in-
volve danger of slipping. Continuous strip carpeting providing a
rounded and padded nosing shall be considered unsafe. Carpeted
treads with metal nosings may be accepted.
(d) So far as practicable, treads and risers shall be different shades or

colours, or a nosing strip to distinguish between tread and riser
shall be provided.
(e) Treads shall not vary more than three-sixteenths inch from level.
(f) Treads and risers shall be so proportioned that the sum of two ris-
ers and one tread, exclusive of nosing, shall be not less than 24
inches nor more than 25 inches. For main stairways of other than
residential occupancy, no riser shall be more than seven and one-
half inches, and no tread less than ten inches, exclusive of nosing;
and for other stairways, no riser shall be more than eight inches
and no tread less than nine inches, exclusive of nosing.
2803.4 WINDERS: Winders may be used in Group H Occupancies and within

single family dwelling units of Group G Occupancies, in stairways used
as a means of egress, provided that the minimum depth of tread, when
measured at a point not more than 18” from the side of the stairway where
the treads are narrowest, is the same depth as all the normal treads in that
flight of stairs.
2803.5 CIRCULAR STAIRWAYS: In Buildings with permitted unenclosed verti-

cal openings, a curved monumental stairway may be used to connect the
street level floor to the next level above. Such a stairway may be used as a
required means of egress if all the requirements for exit stairs are com-
plied with, including minimum depth of treads, the stairway shall also
have a minimum radius of 25 feet or more at the inner edges.
2803.6 SPIRAL STAIRS: A spiral stair, constructed of noncombustible materials,

may be used in a means of egress in Groups E and F Occupancies and
28-8
within single family dwelling units, where it serves an occupant load of
five or less persons provided: —
(a) The clear width of the stairs is not less than 26"
(b) The riser height shall not exceed 9-1/2"
(c) The minimum headroom shall not be less than 6’-6"
(d) At a point 12” from the face of the centre column the tread shall
have a minimum depth of 7-1/2"
(e) All treads shall be identical.
2803.7 LANDINGS:
(a) The length of intermediate landings shall be not less than the width
of the stairways in which they occur but shall not be required to
exceed 44 inches in straight-run stairs.
(b) Doors swinging into landings which serve as a path of egress from
floors above shall not reduce the width of such landings to less
than 22 inches nor, when open, interfere with the full use of the
landing except that in other than residential occupancies, swing-
ing doors during their swing shall not reduce the required width
of stairs or landings.
(c) The outer corners of landing of stairways in other than residential

occupancies shall be curved on a radius of at least two feet or shall
have a 45-degree splay not less than 20 inches apart.
(d) No door shall open directly onto a flight of stairs, but landings, as
specified in this section, shall be provided between a door and a
flight of stairs.
(e) The requirements for landings shall apply to all occupancies, in-
cluding residential occupancies, unless otherwise noted.
(f) The vertical distance between landings shall not exceed 10 feet.
2803.8 STAIRWAY ENCLOSURES:

(a) All stairways shall be enclosed where required under the Chapters
on Types of Construction (Chapters 14-19), or the Chapters on Oc-
cupancy (Chapters 4-13), and enclosures shall include the means
of egress, so that once inside enclosures, persons may go from any
part of the enclosure to the outside exit without leaving the enclo-
sure.
28-9
(b) Stairway enclosures shall not be used for storage or equipment.
(c) All stairway enclosures serving the upper stories of a building shall
discharge at the main street level floor. No such stairway shall con-
tinue below that level.
(d) Doors in connection with stairway enclosures shall be as specified

in Section 2811.
2803.9 OUTSIDE OPEN STAIRWAYS:

(a) Where enclosure of inside stairways is required, outside stairways
shall be separated from the interior of the building by walls hav-
ing the same fire rating as that required for the enclosure of the
inside stairways with fire doors protecting any openings therein.
EXCEPTION: The above protection shall not be required where

the open stairway is located on the side of the balcony away from
the building, if separated from the building by the full required
width of the balcony and if the building is less than three stories
high and the level of the top floor is no more than 20' above aver-
age grade.
(b) There shall be no opening within 15 feet measured horizontally

from any balcony, platform, landing or stairway constituting part
of the means of egress. This provision does not apply to any bal-
cony, platform, landing, or walkway, leading from the same floor
to an exit. Openings around an outside corner (outside 270 degrees)
of the building may be exempted from this restriction where there
is more than one exit.
(c) Outside open stairways shall be constructed of non-combustible

materials with solid risers, treads and landings, all access balco-
nies leading thereto shall also be constructed of non-combustible
materials.
(d) Notwithstanding the above no part of any outside open stairway

on buildings of four or more storeys shall be closer than thirty feet
to any contiguous building line or building on the same lot.
2803.10 FIRE ESCAPES:

(a) Fire escapes shall not be permitted as required means of egress for
new construction.
(b) Fire escapes may be permitted as a means of increasing the exit

facilities of existing buildings less than four floors in height (in-
cluding the ground floor) when additional exits are required, but
28-10
only where conditions do not permit the use of more adequate exit
facilities.
(c) Exterior fire escapes, where permitted, shall conform as far as pos-
sible with the requirements of Section 2803 of this Chapter, except
that widths shall be based on 18 inches per unit of exit width with
a minimum width of 24 inches; maximum height of risers shall be
eight inches; minimum width of tread shall be nine inches, exclu-
sive of nosing; landings shall be located to limit flights to not less
than three nor more than 13 risers between landings.
(d) Fire escapes shall be arranged and located as set forth in Section
2801.
(e) Balcony and stair guard rails shall be designed for a lateral load of
50 pounds per lineal foot with deflection under load limited to 1/
240 of the span and within the allowable working stresses of the
material used.
(f) Door openings located along or within ten feet below fire escapes
shall be protected by self-closing, fire-resistive doors. Other doors
or windows shall not be located within 10 feet of the full overall
width of the fire escape.
(g) The BCO may require permanent ladders to be provided for me-
chanics’ access to machine rooms, tank towers and spaces, and for
fire fighting access to flat roofs where no stairways serve the roof;
such permanent ladders shall meet these minimum requirements:
(1) Distance between rails shall be not less than 16 inches.
(2) Distance between rungs shall be 12 inches in every case; top

rungs shall be within six inches of the roof or parapet line.
(3) Rungs shall have a diameter of not less than seven-eighths

inch and shall be riveted or welded in place.
(4) Rails shall be supported at intervals of not more than ten

feet.
(5) Rails shall extend not less than 45 inches above the roof or
parapet line, except where such ladders are inside and pass
through trap doors.
(6) When the travel is between the ladder and the wall, the mini-
mum clearance shall be 27 inches; and when on the outside,
28-11
there shall not be less than six and one-half inches clearance
between the centre of the rungs and the wall.
(7) Ladders shall be vertical, or may be positively inclined. No

negative incline shall be permitted.
2804 RAMPS
Wherever stairways are required by this code, ramps may be substituted. The construc-
tion, width, enclosure, rails, and landings of such ramps shall be set forth in Section 2803
except as follows:
(a) Changes of direction shall be at a landing or by a curve with radius of not

less than 10 feet.
(b) Ramps shall have non-slip surfaces and shall have a slope not greater
than 1 in 10.
(c) There shall be no variation in slope in the flight of a ramp between land-
ings.
(d) Ramps with slopes greater then 1 in 12 shall have hand rails as set forth in
Sub-section 2808.2.
(e) EXCEPTION: In places of public assembly, where line-of-sight of a per-

formance is a consideration, the slope of viewing areas and aisles con-
tiguous thereto may exceed the slopes otherwise set forth herein but such
slopes shall be not greater than 1 in 5 as set forth in the Chapters on Occu-
pancy (Chapters 4-13). Landings and hand rails may be omitted in view-
ing area and aisles contiguous thereto.
2805 SMOKEPROOF TOWERS
Smokeproof towers shall be as required under Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13),

and Chapters on Types of Construction (Chapters 14- 19). A smokeproof tower shall con-
sist of a continuous fire-resistive stairway enclosure protecting a stairway from fire or
smoke in the building served, together with entrance vestibules or balconies and shall
provide a means of egress from the roof and all stories.
2805.1 VESTIBULES: Access to the stairway of a smokeproof tower enclosure

shall be provided from each storey through vestibules open to the outside
of an exterior wall or from balconies overhanging an exterior wall, but
such vestibule or balcony to its nearest point as measured at right angles
to the vestibule or balcony opening shall be not closer than 20 feet to the
building line of a contiguous lot or any building on the same lot. Every
such vestibule, balcony, or landing shall have an unobstructed length and
28-12
width not less than the required width of the stairway and every such
vestibule shall be directly open to a public street or alley or open yard or
court not less than 30 feet in width. Balconies or vestibules shall have
guard rails of non-combustible material not less than four feet high, as set
forth in Section 2808.
Balcony or vestibule floors shall be approximately level with the interior

floors, and there shall be no step from a vestibule or balcony into the stair-
way enclosure.
2805.2 DOORS: Access to vestibules or balconies and from the vestibules or bal-
conies to the stairway enclosure shall be through doorways not less than
40 inches wide. Such doorways shall be provided with self-closing, fire-
resistive doors swinging in the direction of exit travel. Door hardware
shall be as set forth in Section 2811.
An observation panel shall be required in each door from the stairway

enclosure. Such panel shall not exceed 100 square inches in area of 12
inches in maximum dimension and shall be glazed with clear wire-glass.
2805.3 STAIRWAYS: All other provisions of this chapter relating to stairways shall
also apply to smokeproof towers.
2805.4 EXIT DISCHARGE: Egress at ground level shall be to a public street or

through an exit passageway leading to a public street.
2805.5 ENCLOSURES: Smokeproof-tower enclosures shall be of Type 1 (fire-re-

sistive) construction. There shall be no openings in walls separating the
enclosure from the interior of the building. Fixed or automatic fire win-
dows are permitted in an exterior wall not subject to severe fire exposure
from the same or nearby buildings.
2806 HORIZONTAL EXITS
A horizontal exit is an exit from a building or a fire division of a building to another

building or another fire division of the same building. Such horizontal exit shall consist of
a passageway or opening from one fire division to another, through or around a fire wall
or by means of an enclosed passageway or bridge connecting two separate buildings or
portions of the same building.
2806.1 AREA OF REFUGE: The area of refuge for which credit is allowed in con-
nection with a horizontal exit shall have not less than one stairway of
non-combustible material, arranged to prevent obstruction by the same
fire or smoke, as the area from which refuge is taken.
The floor area on either side of a horizontal exit shall be sufficient to hold
the occupants of both floor areas.
28-13
Horizontal exits shall not exceed 50 percent of the required number of
floor exits from any exit area.
2806.2 BALCONIES: Balconies may be provided to lead around fire walls and
shall be constructed as balconies for smokeproof towers.
2806.3 BRIDGES: Bridges to another building or another fire division of the same
building, shall, when serving as part of a required path of egress, be of
Type 1 construction, entirely enclosed or with openings protected by fire-
resistive windows, and shall approximately meet the level of the floor
served.
2806.4 DOORS: Each opening serving as a horizontal exit shall be protected by a

self-closing swinging fire door. There shall be adjacent openings with
swinging doors at each side, opening in opposite directions, with signs
on each side of the wall indicating as the exit the door which swings with
the travel from that side, or other approved arrangements, providing doors
always swing with any possible exit travel. Doors shall be as specified in
Section 2811.
2806.5 GRADIENTS: Where there is a difference in level between the connected

floor areas, gradients of not more than 1 foot in 10 feet shall be provided.
No stairs or steps shall be used in a horizontal exit.
2807 EXIT COURTS AND EXIT PASSAGEWAYS
2807.1 EGRESS: Egress from an exit court shall be directly to a public street or by
a passageway to a public street. Not more than one required exit shall
open into an exit court unless such court is open at both ends to a public
street.
2807.2 WIDTH: Every exit court and exit passageway shall be not less in width
than the required total width of the tributary means of egress and shall be
a minimum of 44 inches wide.
2807.3 CONSTRUCTION: The walls of buildings within five feet of a required

exit court shall have all openings therein to a height of ten feet protected
by fire-resistive doors or windows; except that this requirement may be
waived by the BCO where, in his opinion, no severe fire hazard exists.
2807.4 PASSAGEWAY WIDTH: Every exit passageway shall be not less in width
than the required total width of the tributory means of egress and shall be
a minimum of 44 inches wide.
28-14
2807.5 PASSAGEWAY CONSTRUCTION: A passageway shall be without open-
ings other than entrance and exit doors and shall have walls, floors and
ceilings of the same period of fire-resistance as that of the building, but
not less than two-hour construction. Doors shall be as specified in Section
2811.
2808 RAILINGS
2808.1 GENERAL: The requirements of this section for guard rails and hand rails
shall be applicable to all Groups of Occupancy including residential oc-
cupancy.
2808.2 GUARD RAILS:

(a) Open sides of stairways, balconies and landings and any abrupt
differences in level exceeding twelve inches shall have well-secured
guard rails.
(b) Where the difference in level is less than 24 inches, such guard rails
shall be not less than 30 inches high, and for differences in level of
24 inches or more shall be 42 inches high above the floor of a bal-
cony or landing, or 33 inches high above the nosing of treads of a
stairway.
(c) In all public buildings, buildings of multiple residential, or resi-

dential occupancy and all buildings to which the public has access
in the normal course of events, guard rails shall be installed so that
a sphere of 6 inches diameter shall not pass through any openings
in such guard rails.
(d) Guard rails shall be substantially designed and constructed to with-

stand a load of 50 pounds per lineal foot applied in any direction,
within the allowable working stresses of the material used.
(e) At windows exceeding 24 inches in width, where the difference in

floor level on opposite sides of the window exceeds 6 feet, guard
rails shall be provided as herein set forth. A solar screen may serve
as a guard rail where such screen complies with the requirements
of strength for a guard rail and with the requirements of strength
for wind loads.
2808.3 HAND RAILS:

(a) Flights of three or more steps shall have hand rails. Hand rails shall
be on one side of such flights of steps, 44 inches or less in width,
and on both sides of such flights of steps which exceed 44 inches in
width.
28-15
(b) Any such flight of steps, 88 inches or more in width, shall be pro-
vided with one or more intermediate hand rails, the number to be
such that the spacing shall not exceed 66 inches.
(c) Hand rails shall be placed not less than 33 inches nor more than 39
inches above the nosing of the treads, and all ends shall be returned.
(d) Hand rails shall be so designed and erected that they will with-
stand a pressure of 50 pounds per lineal foot applied in any direc-
tion within the allowable working stresses for the material used.
(e) Not less than one and one-half inches of clearance shall be pro-
vided at all points between any hand rail and a wall.
(f) When guard rails or stairs meet the requirements for hand rails,
additional hand rails shall not be required.
(g) Handrails shall be so designed as to be continuously graspable

along the entire length.
(h) Handrail ends shall be returned to the wall or floor or shall termi-
nate at newel post.
(i) Handrails that are not continuous between flights shall be extended
horizontally a minimum of 12in. at the required height at the top
and bottom landings where a guard or wall exists.
2809 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
2809.1 ELEVATORS: Elevators shall not constitute part of a required means of

egress.
2809.2 ESCALATORS:
(a) Escalators of the horizontal tread type normally operating in the
direction of exit travel and complying with this Section may be
substituted for stairways.
(b) Escalators shall be constructed as set forth in the Chapter on El-

evators and Escalators. (Chapter 43).
(c) Only full units of exit width of an escalator may be substituted for
a required exit width of a stairway.
(d) Escalators serving as required exits shall be enclosed as required

for stairways. Escalators continuous for more than two floors shall
be enclosed or be protected by a water curtain or other method
28-16
meeting the requirements of the Standards given in the Appendi-
ces.
2810 AISLES AND CORRIDORS
Unless otherwise specified in the Chapters on Occupancy, aisles and corridors shall be as
set forth in this Section.
2810.1 AISLES: Aisles shall be provided in every building or part thereof, and
such aisles shall be not less than three feet in clear width and shall lead
directly to an exit and be arranged to be readily accessible. Every exit
shall have an evident and unobstructed aisle thereto.
2810.2 CORRIDORS:
(a) Corridors which are a required means of egress shall be constructed
of not less than one-hour fire resistive construction except as fol-
lows: In buildings of mercantile occupancy or office occupancy, or
the office portion of industrial occupancy buildings not exceeding
4 floors in height, and on any floor of single tenancy of a building
of any height, and on the ground floor of any building with the
exception of the required horizontal exits, the corridor walls may
be of noncombustible construction, doors may be of 1-3/8" solid
wood with or without glass panels, free openings may be used
provided the area of such openings does not exceed 10 percent of
the gross wall area, and the area of glass shall not exceed 40 per-
cent of the corridor-wall area as measured from the office side; the
ceilings not required for protection to the structure may be of non-
combustible construction. Ceilings required for protection of the
structure shall comply with the Chapter on Fire Resistive Stand-
ards. (Chapter 32).
2811 DOORS
2811.1 GENERAL:
(a) All doors serving required exits shall be substantially constructed,
installed and maintained.
(b) Doors serving required exits shall swing in the direction of exit
travel when serving an occupant load of ten or more persons un-
less otherwise specified in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters
4—13) inclusive).
(c) Doors in the path of exit travel shall be openable from the inside
without use of a key or any special knowledge or effort at all times
when the building, or portion of the building, or area served is
occupied.
28-17
(d) Unless fitted with panic hardware, all doors in the path of exit travel
shall be kept unlocked at all times when the building is occupied.
EXCEPTION:
(1) An exit door in a means of egress serving a secured area may
be kept locked provided that: —
(i) it does not form part of the means of egress for the
general public
(ii) it serves no more than 6 employees
(iii) that a key for the lock shall be installed in a glass

fronted box located adjacent to the lock
(iv) Such secured area shall be provided with a fire alarm

connected to the main panel
(v) both the box and the lock shall be well illuminated by
lights connected to an emergency power system.
EXCEPTION:
(2) In buildings protected throughout by an approved super-
vised automatic fire alarm or automatic sprinkler system,
unless in high hazard areas, exit doors may be locked if ap-
proved by the Buildings Control Officer, provided that such
doors shall: —
(i) unlock upon actuation of an approved supervised

automatic fire alarm system or fire extinguishing sys-
tem
(ii) unlock upon loss of power controlling the locking

device, and
(iii) initiate an irreversible process which will free the latch

within 15 seconds whenever a force of not more than
15 lbs. is applied to the release device and will not re-
lock the door until it has been opened. Operation of
the release device shall activate a signal in the vicinity
of the door for assuring those attempting to exit that
the system is functional.
(iv) the Buildings Control Officer may, in consultation with

the Director of Fire Services, approve a delay not to
exceed 30 seconds provided that reasonable life safety
is assured.
28-18
(v) signs shall be provided on the door adjacent to the
release device which shall read:
“KEEP PUSHING, THIS DOOR WILL OPEN IN 15

SECONDS, ALARM WILL SOUND”.
*or as in (iv) above.
(vi) the door shall be well illuminated by lights connected

to an emergency power system.
(e) Where pairs of exit doors are located in a means of egress each leaf
of the pair shall be provided with its own releasing device. De-
vices which depend upon the releasing of one door before the other
shall not be used.
(f) Revolving, folding, slicing and overhead doors shall not be used
in any means of egress unless exit doors of required width are in-
stalled adjacent thereto.
(g) No required doorways shall be less than 32" inches in width, and
no leaf of an exit door shall exceed 44" in width.
(h) Exit doors, equipped with self-closing devices, shall be operative

at any point in their swing by not more than 15 pounds of horizon-
tal pressure applied at the outer edge thereof, and such closing
device shall operate the door’s closing at a rate not to exceed 90
degrees of arc in five seconds.
2811.2 WIDTH AND HEIGHT:

(a) Door jambs shall not project into the required width of opening by
more than two inches, and a 20-inch doorway width is equal to a
22-inch unit of required exit width as herein set forth.
(b) Doorways shall be as specified in the following table:
*Twenty-eight inches is the minimum allowed for an individual

door.
28-19
The minimum height of a door serving as a means of egress shall
be six feet eight inches.
2811.3 FIRE-RESISTIVE DOORS: Doors required to be fire resistive and located

in required means of egress shall be self-closing and shall be kept free
from obstruction.
2811.4 HARDWARE:
(a) PANIC HARDWARE: Panic hardware shall consist of bars or pan-
els not less than two-thirds across the width of the door and not
less than 30 inches, nor more than 44 inches above the floor.
Exit doors shall be provided with panic hardware when required

in the Chapters on Occupancy, or for smokeproof towers in this
Chapter and such hardware shall be operative in the direction of
egress with 15 pounds of horizontal pressure. Only approved fire
exit hardware shall be used on fire doors.
(b) OTHER HARDWARE: Any required exit door shall be unlocked

during periods when the building is occupied or shall be equipped
with panic hardware or locking hardware, operative in the direc-
tion of egress, without the use of keys or any special knowledge or
skill.
2811.5 POWER-OPERATED DOORS:

(a) Power operated doors equipped with photoelectric-actuated
mechanisms, or similar devices, that open upon the approach of a
person, or doors with power assisted manual operation, shall be
so designed that in the event of power failure the door may be
opened manually, to permit exit travel, or closed when necessary
to protect the means of egress.
(b) * Any such power-operated door forming a part of the required

exit requirements shall also swing in the direction of exit travel by
manual means.
EXCEPTION: *Power-operated sliding doors activated by an au-

tomatic mechanism may be permitted, provided that their move-
ment can be manually overpowered and the door made to swing
in the direction of travel thereby providing the required exit widths.
The manual operation shall work at all times even when the other
features of the door’s mechanism (such as the treadle, an electric
eye, the sliding rail etc.) have failed.
28-20
2812 EXIT SIGNS AND LIGHTS
Exit signs and lights shall be as set forth in the Chapters on Occupancy (Chapters 4-13), in
the Electrical Chapter (Chapter 44) and in the Standards given in the Appendices.
At every required exit doorway, and wherever otherwise required to clearly indicate the
direction of egress, an exit sign with letters at least 4 inches high shall be provided from all
areas serving the occupant load specified in this Chapter. In interior stairways the floor
level leading direct to the exterior shall be clearly indicated, with directional signs as re-
quired by the BCO.
Exit signs shall be required for buildings with assembly occupancy and for hotels and
apartments, with an occupant load of more than 50, in conformance with the require-
ments of the Chapters on Occupancy. (Chapters 4-13).
Exit signs shall be required for buildings of all other occupancies serving an occupant
load of more than 100, in conformance with the requirements of the Chapters on Occu-
pancy. (Chapters 4-13).
Exit signs must be power battery operated and also be fitted with a spotlight. They shall
be illuminated at all times when the building is occupied.
EXCEPTION: Main exterior exit doors which obviously and clearly are identifiable as
exits need not be sign posted when approved by the BCO.
2813 MAINTENANCE
2813.1 PHYSICAL CONDITION: All required exitways shall at all times be main-
tained in good, safe, usable condition, and shall at all times be kept free
and clear of obstructions and readily accessible.
2813.2 OCCUPANCY PROHIBITED: No part of a stairway, whether interior or

exterior, nor of a hallway, corridor, vestibule, balcony, or bridge, serving
as an exit way shall be used for any purpose which will interfere with its
value as an exit way.
28-21
NOTES
28-22
CHAPTER 29
PRECAUTIONS DURING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
2901 GENERAL
2902 DEMOLITION
2904 EXCAVATION
2905 COVERED SIDEWALKS AND HOARDINGS
2906 STORAGE OF MATERlAL
2907 PLATFORM HOISTS
2908 HOISTING MACHINERY
2909 HOIST TOWERS
2910 DERRICKS AND CRANES
2911 CABLES, ROPES, CHAINS AND BLOCKS
2912 TEMPORARY FLOORING
2913 FLOOR OPENINGS
2914 RUNWAYS AND RAMPS
2915 TEMPORARY STAIRS
2916 LADDERS
2917 SCAFFOLDS
2918 GUARD RAILS AND TOE BOARDS
2919 TEMPORARY LIGHT AND POWER
2920 ACCIDENTS
2921 SANITATION
2922 WELDING AND CUTTING
2923 OPEN FIRES
2924 FIRE PROTECTION
2925 SPECIAL HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS
2926 INSPECTION
2901 GENERAL
The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to all work in connection with the erection,
addition to, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of buildings or structures.
29-1
The construction, erection, alteration and removal of scaffolds and the application,
installation and setting up of safeguards and equipment devices shall be done by skilled
workmen under the supervision of a person qualified by experience or training for
such work.
Where the demolition or erection of a building occurs adjacent to a highway boundary,

covered sidewalks or hoardings shall be required as set forth in subsection 2905.1. How-
ever no such covered sidewalk or hoarding shall be erected without the permission of the
Minister. Application to erect a covered sidewalk or hoarding shall be made in writing to
the Buildings Control Officer, that officer shall cause an inspection to be made of the
premises in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police. Based upon that inspection the
Buildings Control Officer shall make recommendation to the Minister. The Minister if
satisfied may grant approval subject to such requirements and conditions as he deems fit.
A safeguard, device or piece of equipment which is unsafe shall be reported to the super-
intendent or foreman, who shall take immediate steps to remedy such condition or re-
move such safeguard, device or equipment.
Scaffolds, ladders, stairs, fuel gas tanks and other devices or equipment regulated by this
Chapter shall be maintained in a good, safe and useable condition as long as in use.
Scaffolds, temporary floors, ramps, stairway landings, stair treads, and all other walkway
surfaces shall be kept free from protruding nails and splinters. They shall be kept free
from unnecessary obstructions so that the workers may move about safely.
Protruding nails and tie wire ends shall be removed, hammered in or bent in a safe condi-
tion.
Electric lines, moving ropes and cable gears, or similar hazards with which a worker might
come in contact, shall be encased or guarded.
Prior to making an excavation, drilling or otherwise disturbing the ground, the person
doing the work, or causing such work to be done, shall contact all public-utility organiza-
tions to determine the possible location of underground facilities, to avoid the hazard to
public safety, health and welfare caused by the inadvertent disruption of such facilities.
No person, firm or corporation, either personally or through an employee or agent of

another, shall operate or move any machinery, equipment, material, scaffolds or assembly
closer than 12 feet to any energized high voltage overhead electrical facilities except with
the approval of the Minister.
2902 DEMOLITION
2902.1 PERMISSION:
(a) A building permit shall be required for the demolition of a build-
ing.
29-2
EXCEPTION 1: No building permit is required if the building is the sub-
ject of a valid demolition order issued by the Minister under Sections 10
or 11 of the Buildings Regulation Act 1971.
EXCEPTION 2: A valid building permit for the erection of a building shall

be deemed as approval for the demolition of a building occupying the
same portion of the site, unless otherwise noted on the building permit.
(b) For other buildings, 48 hours notice shall be given to the Minister
of Works and permission shall be obtained from the Minister be-
fore starting demolition.
(c) The Minister may require the permit holder to submit a schedule
covering the demolition work.
2902.2 PUBLIC UTILITIES: Before commencing the work of demolition of a build-

ing or structure, all gas, electric, water and other meters shall be removed
and the supply lines disconnected, except such as are provided or required
for use in connection with the work of demolition.
2902.3 PRECAUTIONS:
(a) Glazed sashes and glazed doors shall be removed before the start
of demolition operations.
(b) No wall, chimney or other construction shall be allowed to fall as a

unit, except under competent supervision. Scaffolds or stagings
shall be erected for workers if walls or other elements of the struc-
ture are too thin or two weak to work on. Heavy structural mem-
bers, such as beams or columns, shall be carefully lowered and not
allowed to fall freely.
(c) Chutes for the removal of materials and debris shall be provided
in all parts of demolition operations which are more than 20 feet
above the point from which material is to be removed.
(d) Chutes shall be completely enclosed and shall be equipped, at in-

tervals of 25 feet or less, with substantial stops to prevent descend-
ing material from attaining dangerous speeds.
(e) The bottom of each chute shall be equipped with an adjustable

gate or stop for regulating the flow of materials; a danger sign shall
be placed at the discharge end of every chute; except for the dis-
charge of materials, the gate or stop shall be kept closed.
(f) Proper tools shall be provided and kept available to loosen mate-
rial or debris jammed in the chute.
29-3
(g) Chutes, floors, stairways and other locations shall be wetted down,
at frequent intervals, when the dust from such operations would
cause a menace or hardship to adjoining buildings or premises.
(h) Stairs and stair railings shall be kept in place and in usable condi-
tion as long as is practicable, and steps and landings shall be kept
free from debris.
(i) Floor openings, unless covered or otherwise protected, shall be

provided with guard rails and toe boards, as specified in Section
2918 of this Chapter.
(j) All areas of danger in demolition operations shall be properly en-

closed and danger signs posted. Sufficient watchmen shall be pro-
vided to warn workers of impending dangers, and all unauthor-
ised persons shall be excluded from places where demolition is in
progress.
2903.1 PROTECTION: All existing and adjoining public and private property
shall be protected from damage incidental to construction operations.
2903.2 ADJOINING WALLS: The owner of the new or altered structure shall
preserve all adjoining independent and party walls from damage as pro-
vided herein. He shall underpin where necessary and support the adjoin-
ing building or structure by proper foundations to comply with this Chap-
ter and the Chapter on Excavation, Footings and Foundations. (Chapter
21).
2903.3 MAINTENANCE: In case an existing party wall is intended to be used by

the person who causes an excavation to be made, and such party wall is
in good condition and sufficient for the use of both the existing and pro-
posed building, such person shall preserve the party wall from injury
and support it by proper foundations at his own expense, so that it shall
be and shall remain as safe and useful as it was before the excavation was
commenced. During the demolition, the party wall shall be maintained
weather-proof and structurally safe by adequate bracing until such time
as the permanent structural supports shall have been provided.
2903.4 BEAM HOLES: When a structure involving a party wall is being demol-
ished, the owner of the demolished structure shall, at his own expense,
bend over all wall anchors at the beam ends of the standing wall and shall
brick-up all open beam holes and otherwise maintain the safety and use-
fulness of the wall.
29-4
2903.5 PARTY WALL EXIT WAYS: No party wall balcony or horizontal fire exit
shall be destroyed unless and until a substitute means of egress has been
provided and approved by the BCO.
2903.6 ADJOINING ROOFS: When a building or structure is to be carried above

the roof of an adjoining building, protection for the skylights and roof of
such adjoining building shall be provided, at his own expense, by the
person constructing or causing the construction of such building or struc-
ture, unless permission to have the roofs and skylights protected is re-
fused by the occupier of the adjoining building.
2904 EXCAVATION
The sides of every excavation in connection with building operations, including trenches
for pipes or any other purposes, shall be sheet-piled, braced or shored when necessary to
prevent the soil from caving in on persons engaged in work within such excavation.
Where workers are employed adjacent to an excavation on work other than that directly
connected with the excavation, substantial railings or fences shall be provided to prevent
such workers from falling into the excavation.
Every trench, 5 feet or more in depth, shall have suitable means of exit or escape at least
every 25 feet of its length.
2905 COVERED SIDEWALKS AND HOARDINGS
2905.1 COVERED SIDEWALKS: Where buildings, which exceed 40 feet in height,

are to be erected or demolished closer than 10 feet to a highway bound-
ary, or buildings which exceed 20 feet in height are to be erected or de-
molished closer than 5 feet to a highway boundary, the owner or the per-
son doing or causing such work to be done shall erect and maintain dur-
ing such work adjacent to the highway boundary covered sidewalks of
sufficient strength and stability to sustain safely the weight of materials
that may be placed thereon and to withstand the shocks incident to the
handling of such materials or their preparation for use and to the acci-
dental jars from trucks delivering material.
When the roofs of such covered sidewalks are used for the storage of
material or for the performance of work of any kind, substantial railings
not less than 3 feet high and solid toe boards not less than 6 inches high
shall be placed along the open sides and ends of such roofs.
Covered sidewalks shall be designed to the satisfaction of the BCO to

withstand the loadings they may receive. Covered sidewalks shall be
constructed to afford an unobstructed walkway for pedestrians, not less
29-5
than 8 feet high and 3 feet wide. The street side shall be kept open for a
height of not less than 7 feet above the curb, and the covered sidewalk
shall be properly lighted at night with not less than one 100-watt bulb
every 20 feet of its length and at each change of grade or elevation of the
sidewalk surface, or by other suitable means of illumination.
Any obstructions in the public street or sidewalk caused by scaffolding,

hoarding, equipment, or materials shall be adequately marked and illu-
minated at night.
2905.2 TEMPORARY HOARDING OR BARRICADE: Buildings which are erected

or demolished closer than 5 feet to a street line and which are not re-
quired to have a covered sidewalk which shall be provided with protec-
tion on the street sides in the form of a substantial hoarding not less than
8 feet high unless this requirement is varied or waived by the Minister.
Such hoarding shall not restrict the sidewalk to less than 5 feet in width
and shall be built solid for its full length except for such openings as may
be necessary for a proper execution of the work.
2906 STORAGE OF MATERIAL
Materials to be stored at or near locations where workers are employed or on any public
property shall be piled or stacked in an orderly manner to avoid toppling over or being
otherwise displaced.
No materials shall be piled or stacked to a greater height than 6 feet, except in yards or
sheds intended especially for storage. When piles exceed 4 feet in height, the material
shall be so placed that the sides and ends of the piles taper back.
The placing of construction materials in a building or structure during building opera-

tions shall be done with due consideration of the effect of such loads on the structural
members, and such loads shall in general be placed as near to the points of support of the
structural members as possible. Such loading shall not cause stresses in any structural
member beyond the design stresses.
Waste material and rubbish shall not be stored nor allowed to accumulate within the build-
ing or in the immediate vicinity, but shall be removed from the premises as rapidly as
practicable.
2907 PLATFORM HOISTS
No person shall be permitted to ride on any platform hoist unless it has been designed
and constructed for passenger service as specified in the Chapter on Elevators and Escala-
tors (Chapter 43). Elevators used for the transportation of workers during construction
29-6
shall comply with the requirements of the Chapter on Elevators and Escalators (Chapter
43).
Platform hoists for the handling of materials within buildings under construction shall
have the car substantially constructed and provided with covers, either solid or wire mesh.
Sections of the cover may be arranged to swing upward for the handling of bulky materi-
als or the covers may be omitted if suitable overhead protection is provided.
Hoists shall be equipped with a broken-rope safety device.
Where wheelbarrows or buggies are used for handling material on platform hoists, cleats
shall be nailed to the platform to fix the proper position so that handles shall not project
beyond platform edges.
Supports for the overhead sheave shall be designed to carry, within the allowable stresses,
as specified in this Code, 2-1/2 times the weight of the maximum load plus the hoist
weight.
Platforms shall be fitted with automatically operated gates.
2908 HOISTING MACHINERY
Every hoisting engine shall be provided with adequate brakes, capable of holding the
maximum load at any point travel.
Guards shall be provided for exposed gears and other moving parts and around hoisting
cables at all points to prevent workers from tripping or getting clothing caught.
Ample room shall be provided around hoisting engines, motors or other machinery or
apparatus for the free and safe movement of those who operate or otherwise attend such
engines, motors or other machinery apparatus.
Hoisting machinery shall be enclosed to exclude unauthorized persons, and if placed out-
side the building, further protection against falling objects shall be provided.
When hoisting machinery is set on an elevated platform, such platform shall be of sub-
stantial construction, and guard rails, and toe boards shall be provided along all open
sides of such platform.
Where electric power is used, the panel boards, motor’s source of power, brakes and other
devices shall be installed as specified in Chapter 44 of this Code.
Steam boilers used in connection with building construction shall be installed, equipped
and maintained as specified in this Code, and operators in charge of such boilers shall be
competent persons.
29-7
The exhaust of an internal combustion engine shall be vented outside of any enclosing
structure.
2909 HOIST TOWERS
Hoist towers erected in connection with building construction shall be substantially con-
structed, and all members shall be so proportioned that the stresses shall not exceed those
specified for that material, when carrying the dead load of the tower plus 2-1/2 times the
weight of the platform or bucket or its maximum load.
Every hoist tower shall rest on a sufficiently solid foundation to avoid injurious settle-
ment or distortion.
Every hoist tower shall be secured in not less than 4 directions against swaying or tipping,
at intervals of not more than 32 feet in its height, by steel cable guys adequately anchored,
or by other satisfactory means. Such towers which are constructed adjacent to buildings
shall be secured to the building frame at each floor as the building progresses.
Landing platforms in hoist towers or platforms connecting a hoist tower to a building or

other structure shall be provided with guard rails and toe boards.
The bottom of every hoist tower shall be screened or otherwise protected on all sides to a
height of not less than 6 feet.
Hoist towers erected within the building, but not occupying the entire opening through
which they pass, shall be completely enclosed on all sides and shall be provided with
doors at the unloading points unless the platform hoist is solidly enclosed on all sides to
the height to which material is to be loaded or unloaded.
Towers shall be screened.
2910 DERRICKS AND CRANES
No one shall erect a derrick or crane on any site adjacent to any public highway or public
space without obtaining the written permission of the Minister. Application for such per-
mission shall be in writing and shall contain drawings clearly showing the height and
swing of any boom in relation to the site boundaries. Should the Minister grant permis-
sion with, or without conditions, he may also if he deems necessary, require that before
the derrick or crane is erected the contractor shall indemnify the Bahamas Government
against any or all claims that may arise from any accident involving such equipment.
Derricks shall be designed and assembled so that no part shall be stressed beyond the safe
working stress for the material, as specified in this Code, under its maximum-rated load
in any possible position. Such maximum rated load shall be conspicuously posted on each
derrick.
29-8
The foot-block of every derrick shall be firmly secured against motion in any direction.
Guy derricks shall have the top of the mast held by not less than 6 steel guy cables secured
by firm anchorages and so placed that the angle of the guy with the mast shall be as large
as possible.
The moving parts of derricks and cranes shall be kept well lubricated, and all parts shall
be inspected at least every other day.
2911 CABLES, ROPES, CHAINS AND BLOCKS
Cables, ropes, chains and blocks shall be of such size that the maximum load supported
by them will not exceed one sixth of their breaking strength.
Blocks designed for use with manila ropes shall not be used for steel cables. Blocks used at
or near floors or in other exposed places to change the direction of cables shall be enclosed
or otherwise effectively guarded.
All ropes and cables used in connection with scaffolds, derricks, and hoisting apparatus
shall be tested before being put to use and at least once every 30 days while in use, or more
frequently if required by the BCO, to insure their safety and suitability for the purpose to
which they are to be put. Any rope or cable found to be unsafe or unfit shall not be used.
A record of this test shall be maintained by the contractor with the times, dates and results
of such testing indicated in the records.
Chains shall not be used for slings, bridles or other similar purposes, but shall be restricted
to only such purposes as require a straight pull.
Open hooks shall not be used for hoisting buckets, cages or skips.
2912 TEMPORARY FLOORING
In buildings of skeleton construction, the permanent structural floor, except for necessary
hoistway openings, shall, when possible, be constructed as the building progresses.
Where deemed necessary, the BCO shall require that in buildings of skeleton construction
there shall be not more than 3 unfilled floors above the highest permanent floor, nor more
than one unfilled floor below permanent floors.
In buildings or structures on which construction of the frame is proceeding, the entire tier
of beams, known as the working floor, shall be planked over, except spaces required for
construction work, for rising or lowering materials and for stairways or ladders. Planks
shall be placed so that they cannot tip under the weight of a worker at any point and
secured so that they cannot slip out of place.
29-9
In buildings of wood joist construction, the underfloor shall be laid for each floor as the
building progresses.
2913 FLOOR OPENINGS
All floor openings, used as hoistways or elevator shaftways, shall be guarded on all sides,
except the side being used for loading or unloading. Guards shall be barricades not less
than 4 feet high along or near the edges of such openings, or guard rails not less than 3 feet
high, placed not less than 2 feet distant at all points from the edges of such openings. If
guard rails are used, toe boards shall be provided along the edges of the openings. Sides
left open for loading or unloading shall be guarded by similar solid doors or gates.
All floor openings used as stairways, or for the accommodations of ladders or runways,
shall be guarded by railings and toe boards.
All other floor openings shall be guarded on all sides by solid barriers not less than 3 feet
high, or by railings and toe boards or shall be planked over or otherwise covered over by
temporary construction capable of sustaining safely such loads as are likely to come thereon.
Barriers for the guarding of openings used as hoistways or for elevators shall be con-
structed so that workers cannot thrust head or limbs through them, and loose material
cannot fall or be pushed into the shaftway.
Barriers and guard rails around floor openings shall remain in place until permanent en-
closures or protection are otherwise provided.
2914 RUNWAYS AND RAMPS
Runways and ramps in connection with scaffolds or extending from storey to storey or
otherwise located and maintained for an extended period of time, or used for the transfer
of bulky material, shall be constructed of at least three 10-inch planks laid closely side by
side and substantially supported and braced to prevent unequal deflection and springing
action.
Runways and ramps shall have a slope not steeper than one in 3, and the total rise of a
runway or ramp between landings shall not exceed 12 feet.
When the rise is steeper than one in 6, or when the rise is more than 6 feet and steeper than
one in 8, runways or ramps shall be provided with cleats spaced not more than 8 inches
apart.
Runways and ramps, having a total rise of more than 6 feet, or passing over or near floor
openings, high tension wires or other dangerous places, shall be provided with guard
rails and toe boards.
29-10
2915 TEMPORARY STAIRWAYS OR LADDERS
When the construction of a building has progressed to a height exceeding 50 feet above
grade or when a building exceeding 50 feet in height is undergoing alterations, unless one
or more permanent stairways have been installed, at least one temporary stairway shall
be provided, continued in height as rapidly as the work progresses to the highest floor
that has been installed, and maintained in serviceable condition until a permanent stair-
way has been completed.
Stairs and stairways shall be of sufficient strength to support a load of at least 100 pounds
per square foot, and all stairways shall be guarded on all open sides with hand rails and
toe boards.
Temporary stairs shall be constructed so that treads and risers are uniform in width and
height in any one flight. The sum of the height of the two risers and the width of one tread
shall be not less than 24 inches nor more than 26 inches. Temporary stairways shall be not
less than 36 inches wide. Landings shall be no less than 30 inches long.
No flight of stairs of a temporary stairway shall have a vertical rise in excess of 12 feet,
and, when necessary, intermediate landings shall be provided.
Temporary and permanent stairways shall be adequately lighted as set forth in Section
2919 of this Chapter.
No door shall open directly onto a flight of stairs, but a landing equal to at least the width
of the door shall be provided between the door and the stairs.
Permanent stairs that are to be used during construction and on which treads are to be
filled in later shall have wooden treads firmly fitted in place for the full area of the tread.
The top surfaces of the temporary treads shall be maintained above the tops of the rises
or nosings.
The storage of materials on stairs or in stairways or adjacent to stair openings shall not be
permitted.
2916 LADDERS
Except where either permanent or temporary stairways or runways are required, ladders
shall be provided to give access to all floors, stagings or platforms where work is being
done more than five storeys above ground or above a permanent or temporary floor.
Ladders required by this Code shall be left in place until the permanent stairways are
ready for use or until temporary stairways are installed, and stairways shall be erected as
soon as the building exceeds 50 feet in height.
29-11
All ladders shall be substantial in construction.
All ladders, when in use, shall be set up in a manner to be secure and to prevent slipping.
Ladders, except stepladders or other self-supporting ladders, shall be securely fastened to
a permanent support at the top, and if necessary, at the bottom, and be braced to prevent
swaying, bending or shaking.
Ladders, leading to floors, stagings or platforms, shall extend at least 3 feet above the level
of such floors, stagings or platforms.
No single ladder shall exceed 20 feet between supports. When greater heights are to be
reached, intermediate platforms shall be erected. Ladder landings shall be at least 4 feet
square and equipped with handrails and toe boards.
Ladder rungs shall be spaced uniformly and as near to 12 inches on centres as is practica-
ble. Ladder rungs shall be properly notched into the main members.
When used temporarily, in place of stairways or runways, ladders serving traffic in both
directions simultaneously shall be at least 36 inches wide. If separate ladders are provided
for going up and coming down, they shall be marked “UP” and “DOWN” respectively at
each floor and platform level.
Ladders, other than sectional or extension ladders, shall not be extended by joining two or
more together.
Ladders shall not be placed or used in shafts of operative elevators or hoists except by
workers engaged in the erection, construction, alteration or repair of any such shafts,
hoistways or equipment.
Ladders shall not be painted, but may be oiled with linseed oil or otherwise treated with
preservative so as to permit the detection of faults. Every ladder shall be inspected by the
superintendent or foreman in charge before being put to use on a building operation and
thereafter at least once every 30 days while continued in use. Broken or weak ladders, or
ladders with weak or missing rungs, shall not be used or permitted to remain on the site
of building operations, but shall be repaired and made safe or destroyed.
2917 SCAFFOLDS
Properly constructed scaffolds shall be provided for all work which cannot be done safely
by workmen standing on permanent or solid construction except when such work can be
done safely from ladders. Each scaffold shall be substantially constructed, designed to
support at least four times as much load as it is expected to carry, but in no case less than
125 pounds per square foot. Scaffolds shall be secured to prevent swaying. Superintend-
ents shall be responsible for the inspection of these scaffolds.
29-12
Planks used in the construction of stationary scaffolds shall be not less than 2 inches nomi-
nal thickness of sound, seasoned lumber. Where such planks overlap at the ends, the over-
lap shall be not less than 6 inches. Planks shall be so placed that they cannot tip under the
weight of the worker at any point.
Adequate footings and cross bracing shall be provided for uprights used for scaffolding
supports.
Uprights, bracing and platform supports shall be constructed of good quality, seasoned
and straight grained lumber, or metal structural members which are clean and rust free.
Ropes, cables and blocks used in the support of cradled scaffolds shall be of sufficient size
and strength to sustain at least 6 times the maximum loads to which they will be sub-
jected. Where acids are likely to come into contact with them, ropes shall not be used in
the support of scaffolds, but steel cables properly protected by grease or oil or other effec-
tive method shall be used instead.
Every scaffold, the platform level of which is more than 6 feet above the ground or above
a permanent or temporary floor, other than iron workers’ scaffolds and carpenters’ bracket
scaffolds, shall be provided with guard rails and toe boards extending the full length of
the scaffold and along the ends except where ramps or runways connect with them, un-
less otherwise enclosed or guarded. On suspended, swinging and pole scaffolds, the space
between guard rails and toe boards shall be fitted with wire mesh screens securely at-
tached.
When objects are likely to fall on a scaffold from above, substantial overhead protection
shall be provided not more than 10 feet above the scaffold platform.
Roof brackets and similar forms of support shall be substantial in construction and se-
curely fastened in place when in use.
Barrels, boxes or other similar unstable objects shall not be used as supports for planking
where used as scaffolds or places of work.
When used over public sidewalks or other places of public use, scaffolds used for minor
building repairs, alterations, or painting, shall be equipped with some effective means to
prevent the falling of debris or paint.
Scaffolds used for sandblasting and guniting operations shall be entirely and effectively
enclosed, and the determination of effective enclosure shall be the complete absence of
particles of material of operation in the air at a horizontal distance of 50 feet from the point
of operation.
29-13
2918 GUARD RAILS AND TOE BOARDS
2918.1 GUARD RAILS: Guard rails, when required in this chapter, shall have the
top rail not less than 42 inches high above the platform level, and an inter-
mediate rail shall be provided between the top rail and the platform. All
guard rails shall have adequate support not more than 8 feet apart and
shall resist a load of 50 pounds per linear foot at the top rail.
2918.2 TOE BOARDS: Toe boards, when required, shall be solid to full height,
shall extend not less than 6 inches above the platform level and shall be
placed to fit close to the edges of the platform. They shall be adequately
supported, secured and braced along the entire length to resist the impact
of workers’ feet and the shifting of materials. Toe boards of wood shall be
not less than one inch nominal thickness with supports not more then 4
feet apart, and toe boards of metal shall be not less than one eighth inch
thick, with supports not more than 4 feet apart.
2919 TEMPORARY LIGHT AND POWER
All parts of buildings under construction, or other operations covered by the general pro-
vision of this chapter, and all sheds, scaffolds, covered walks, other work or storage areas,
and equipment in connection with such operations, should have sufficient light to insure
safety and protection of life and property. In passageways, stairways and corridors, the
average light intensity measured at the floor level should be not less than 2 foot candles.
At locations where tools and/or machinery are used, the average light intensity measured
at the floor level shall be not less than 5-foot candles. Natural or artificial illumination
shall be provided in such a manner that glare and shadows will not adversely affect the
safety and protection of workers’ property.
Temporary wiring for light or power shall be adequately protected against mechanical or
overcurrent failures. All conductive materials enclosing fixed or portable electric equip-
ment, or forming a part of such equipment, shall be grounded by one or more of the
methods permitted by this Code.
Temporary electric service poles shall be self-supporting or adequately braced or guyed at

all times.
2920 ACCIDENTS
2920.1 FIRST AID: On every building operation, an approved first aid cabinet
should be provided and maintained, to the satisfaction of the Minister of
Health.
29-14
2920.2 MEDICAL ATTENTION: Arrangements should be made for prompt medi-
cal attention in case of need, to the satisfaction of the Minister of Health.
2920.3 REPORTS: Accidents shall be reported to the BCO and to the Chief La-
bour Officer at the Ministry of Labour and recorded in the records main-
2921 SANITATION
Unless permanent provision is made, every building or structure in the course of erection,
alteration, repair or demolition shall be provided with suitable and adequate toilet and
drinking water facilities, to the satisfaction of the Minister of Health.
2922 WELDING AND CUTTING
Gas welding and cutting and arc welding in building construction and demolition opera-
tions should be restricted to experienced workers acceptable to the BCO.
Suitable goggles or helmets and gloves should be provided for and worn by workers
engaged in gas welding or cutting or arc welding. Noncombustible shields should be
provided to protect the worker when exposed to falling hot metal or oxide.
Welding equipment including but not limited to such items as regulators, torches and
hoses, when not attached to cylinders ready for use, shall be stored in clean locations
away from grease, oil and excessive heat.
Unless unavoidable, gas welding or cutting, or arc welding shall not be done above other
workers. When unavoidable, a noncombustible shield shall be provided between the work
and the workers below, or a watchman shall be stationed to give warning at places where
workers are likely to pass under a gas welding or cutting or an arc welding operation.
Unless avoidable, gas welding or cutting should not be carried on in any place where
ample ventilation is not provided, or from which quick escape is difficult. When unavoid-
able, workers engaged in such work in confined spaces should be allowed frequent access
to fresh air and a relief worker shall be stationed close at hand to assist the worker in case
of accident and to shut off the gases.
Tanks of fuel gas shall not be moved or allowed to stand for any extended period when
not in use unless the caps of such tanks are in place. Suitable cradles shall be used for
lifting or lowering oxygen or fuel tanks, to reduce to a minimum the possibility of drop-
ping tanks. Ordinary rope slings shall not be used.
Tanks supplying gases for welding or cutting shall be located at no greater distance from
the work than is necessary for safety. Such tanks shall be securely fastened in place and in
an upright position. They shall be stored, or set in place for use, so that they are not ex-
posed to the direct rays of the sun or to high temperatures.
29-15
Before steel beams or other structural shapes or elements of construction are cut by means
of a gas flame or other means, they shall be secured by cables or chains to prevent drop-
ping or swinging.
2923 OPEN FIRES
Open fires, for the purpose of disposing of waste materials, the heating of roofing or other
materials, or for any other purpose whatsoever, should not be allowed except with the
permission of the Chief Fire Officer.
Wherever any enclosed flame heaters or open fires are used, there shall be a workman in
constant attendance, whose duty shall be to have such heater or fire under proper control
at all times.
2924 FIRE PROTECTION
Storage of combustible material shall not be permitted under or near welding operations.
No part of the building shall be used for the storage of combustible materials until such
fireproofing in that part has been installed.
In every building of reinforced concrete construction, forms of combustible materials shall

be stripped from the concrete and removed from the building as soon as practicable. No
part of the building shall he used for the storage of combustible materials until such forms
have been removed in that part of the building.
In all buildings in which stand pipes are required and where water is available, such stand-
pipes shall be installed as the construction progresses, and installations shall be in such a
manner that they are always ready for firemen to use, to the topmost constructed floor.
Such stand pipes shall be provided with a connection acceptable to the Chief Fire Officer
on the outside of the building at the street level and with one outlet at each floor.
If available water pressure is insufficient to provide necessary water supply for fire fight-
ing, the installation of a fire pump may be required in the early stages of construction, but
not later than the construction of the 6th floor level.
Temporary standpipes may be provided in lieu of permanent systems if they are designed
and installed to accommodate not less than 50 gpm of water at 65 psi pressure, with
sufficient pumping equipment capable of providing this volume and pressure at any given
time.
In every building operation wherever a tool house, storeroom or other shanty is placed, or
a room or space is used for storage, dressing room or workshop, at least one approved
hand pump, tank or portable fire extinguisher shall be provided and maintained in an
accessible location in accordance with the requirements of the Chief Fire Officer.
29-16
During building operations, free access from the street to fire hydrants and to outside
connections for stand pipes, sprinklers or other fire-extinguishing equipment, whether
permanent or temporary, should be provided and maintained at all times.
No material or construction equipment shall be placed within 10 feet of such hydrant or

connection, nor between it and the central line of the street.
The requirements of the Chief Fire Officer shall be satisfied during all construction and
demolition operations.
2925 SPECIAL HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS
During such periods of time as are officially designated as being a hurricane warning or
hurricane alert, all construction materials or equipment shall be secured against displace-
ment by wind forces. Where a full complement of personnel is employed or otherwise in
attendance, or engaged for such protection purposes, normal construction procedures or
uses of materials or equipment may continue allowing such reasonable time as may be
necessary to secure such materials or equipment before winds of hurricane force are an-
ticipated. Construction materials and equipment shall be secured by guying and shoring,
and by tying down loose materials, equipment and construction sheds.
2926 INSPECTION
When inspection of any construction operation reveals that any unsafe or illegal condi-
tions exist, the BCO shall notify the owner and direct him to take the necessary remedial
measures to remove the hazard or violation.
When the strength and adequacy of any scaffold or other device or construction equip-
ment is in doubt, or when any complaint is made, the BCO shall inspect such equipment
and shall prohibit its use until tested satisfactorily or until all danger is removed. The
BCO may accept a strength test to two and one-half (2-1/2) times the superimposed live
load to which the material or structural member is to be subjected; the member shall sus-
tain the test load without failure.
29-17
NOTES
29-18
CHAPTER 30
ROOF COVERING AND APPLICATION
3001 GENERAL
3002 GUIDELINES FOR ROOFING APPLICATIONS
3003 CEMENT AND CLAY ROOF TILE
3004 METAL SHINGLES
3005 WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES
3006 ROOF INSULATION
3007 ROOFING ACCESSORIES
3008 ROOF MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
3001 GENERAL
3001.1 NEW ROOF CONSTRUCTION: In the City of Nassau, new roofs shall
require fire retardant Class B roofing, as described in Section 3001.3 of
this Chapter. In the City of Nassau fire retardant Class B roofing shall
also be required for the repair of more than 25% of the existing roof cov-
ering on any building or structure, such work shall require a building
permit.
3001.2 DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS:
(a) DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of this Chapter roofing terms shall
be defined in compliance with ASTM D1079 unless otherwise de-
fined below. Definitions enumerated below shall take precedence.
Other terms used herein be defined as set forth in Appendix A of
this Code.
(1) ANCHOR SHEET: a roofing felt mechanically attached to a

nailable deck with approved fasteners to which insulation
is then installed in a solid mopping of asphalt. The roofing
membrane is then installed to the insulation in the usual
manner.
(2) APPROVED ROOFING PRODUCT: means a component

covering or system which has been tested and approved by a
testing agency recognised by the Minister for such purposes.
The usage of an Approved Roofing Product shall be predi-
cated upon its use or installation in strict compliance with
the test under which it was approved. Such testing shall be
30-1
made based upon the fire requirements or live, wind and dead
loads that form part of this Code and are applicable to the
use of the component or system in question.
(3) BASE SHEET: The bottom or first ply of a Roof System As-
sembly over which subsequent roofing plys are applied. A
base sheet may be designed for mechanical attachment, full
or partial adhesion to the substrate.
(4) CLASSIFICATIONS: Roof coverings are intended for the

protection of roof decks from external fire exposure and evalu-
ated for performance by the Underwriters’ Laboratories un-
der the categories of Class A, Class B and Class C coverings.
Class A covering includes roof coverings which are effective

against severe fire exposures. Under such exposures roof cov-
erings of this class are not readily flammable and do not
carry or communicate fire; afford a fairly high degree of fire
protection to the roof deck; do not slip from position; pos-
sess no flying brand hazard; and do not require frequent re-
pairs in order to maintain their fire-resisting properties.
Class B covering includes roof coverings which are effective

against moderate fire exposures. Under such exposures roof
coverings of this class are not readily flammable and do not
readily carry or communicate fire; afford a moderate degree
of fire protection to the roof deck do not slip from position;
possess no flying brand hazard; but may require infrequent
repairs in order to maintain their fire-resisting properties.
Class C covering includes roof coverings which are effective

against light fire exposure. Under such exposures roof cov-
erings of this class are not readily flammable and do not
readily carry or communicate fire; afford some degree of fire
protection to the roof deck; do not slip from position; pos-
sess no flying brand hazard; and may require occasional re-
pairs or renewals in order to maintain their fire-resisting
properties.
(5) CONTINUOUS ROOF SYSTEM: an impervious Roof Cov-

ering composed from a single or multiple layers, forming a
homogenous membrane over the entire roof surface applied
to either a flat or pitched roof surfaces.
(6) CORROSION RESISTANT: any component that passes Ap-

pendix of Factory Mutual Research Corporation’s Test Stand-
ard 4470.
30-2
(7) COUNTER BATTENS: any wood batten strip installed in a
horizontal direction in conjunction with vertical battens.
Counter battens are required in clay and concrete tile sys-
tems, metal tile panels, and other prepared roof coverings,
as required by the Approved Roofing Product test relating
thereto.
(8) DISCONTINUOUS ROOF SYSTEM: a roof system with

unsealed overlapping components, where the combined roof
system has openings at the point of overlap, applied to a
sloped surface with a pitch of 2:12, or greater. A discontinu-
ous roof systems include asphalt shingle; concrete, clay or
metal tile; wood shingles or shakes, and cement fiber roof
systems.
(9) FASTENER WITHDRAWAL RESISTANCE TEST: a static

pullout test of mechanical fasteners, which are used to an-
chor any Roofing Component, to determine the force required
to withdraw a fastener from the substrate.
(10) FIRE RESISTANT ROOF COVERING: any Class A, Class B

or Class C Roof System Assembly applied to the appropri-
ate deck type within the specified slope of the listed classifi-
cation.
(11) MINIMUM CHARACTERISTIC RESISTANCE FORCE: a

force or pressure which is representative of date from with-
drawal resistance testing; static uplift testing and/or wind
uplift testing after the data has been statistically analyzed
to a 95% level of precision.
(12) MINIMUM ROOF COVERING: a Roof System Assembly

Approved for use on flat or pitched residential roof applica-
tions, up to and including 3, 12 in compliance with Subsec-
tion 3401.7 herein.
(13) ORDINARY ROOF SYSTEM ASSEMBLY: any Roof System

that has no classified fire rating.
(14) PREPARED ROOF COVERING: any manufactured or proc-

essed roof covering designed for use as the top layer of a Dis-
continuous Roof System applied to a sloped roof.
(15) RECOVERING: the process of covering an existing Roof

System Assembly with Approved Roofing.
30-3
(16) REPAIR: the application of a roofing product to extend the
life of an existing roof and/or enhance the waterproofing
capabilities thereof.
(17) RE-ROOFING: the processing of removing an existing roof

system and replacing it with an Approved Roofing Product.
(18) ROOF COATINGS, ADHESIVES AND MASTICS: any and

all liquid materials applied to the roof membrane layer to
enhance ultraviolet light resistance; increase resistance to
fire; increase reflectivity of the Roof System Assembly; or, in
some way, enhance the performance of the Roof System As-
sembly. Roof coatings, adhesives or mastics shall not con-
tain asbestos materials.
(19) ROOF COVERING: an assembly of multiple field applied

components or a single component designed to weatherproof
of a building’s top surface. A roof covering may be a Roof
System Assembly or form a portion thereof.
(20) ROOF SYSTEM ASSEMBLY: a combination of Roofing Com-

ponents, comprising a weatherproofing membrane, with or
without an insulation layer, that comply with wind uplift;
fire; and physical property testing as defined in Sections 3401
and 3402 herein. A Roof System Assembly shall be defined
in the Approved Roofing Product Approval, including any
limitations of its use.
(21) ROOFING COMPONENT: a roofing product that is incor-

porated into various Roof System Assemblies.
(22) UNDERLAYMENT: one or more water shedding layers ap-

plied to a sloped roof prior to the application of a prepared
Roof Covering. The primary purpose of an underlayment is
defined as a water shedding layer to function in combina-
tion with a Prepared Roof Covering.
(23) WOOD SHINGLES: tapered pieces of red cedar, or other

wood types, swan on both faces of widths ranging from 3"
to 14" and lengths of 16", 18" and 24" applied to a sloped
roof forming a discontinuous Prepared Roof System.
(24) WOOD SHAKES: tapered or straight pieces of red cedar, or

other wood types, of widths ranging from 3" to 14" ranging
in lengths from 18" to 32" applied to a sloped roof in con-
junction with an approved underlayment, forming a discon-
tinuous Prepared Roof System.
30-4
3001.3 STANDARDS: The standards referenced in this Chapter shall be those set
forth in Appendix A and those defined within this Chapter.
(a) FIRE-RETARDANT ROOF COVERINGS REQUIRED:

(i) Roof coverings for all buildings in areas designated by the
BCO for all buildings of Type I or Type II construction and
for all buildings of other than single family and duplex oc-
cupancy shall be fire-retardant. A fire-retardant roof cover-
ing shall be any roof or any roof covering which meets the
requirements of or shall be any roof assembly bearing the
label of the Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc., for class A or B
roofing.
(b) MATERIAL STANDARDS: Every Roofing Component shall com-

ply with the applicable ASTM material standards adopted by this
Code.
(1) All such products shall bear the testing logo imprinted on
the material and/or container or shall be marked in a dis-
tinctive manner to define compliance with the standards.
(2) All such products shall be evaluated for compliance by the

Buildings Control Officer who may carry out or cause to be
carried out random testing of labelled products to confirm
compliance with ASTM material standards.
(c) WORKMANSHIP STANDARDS: All roofing work shall be per-

formed in compliance with the tolerances, quality and methods of
construction established herein or set forth in the standards
adopted by this Chapter. Roof System Assemblies and prepared
Roof Coverings detailed in Approved Roofing Product Approval
documents shall be installed in strict compliance with the method
of application set forth in the product of approval or, if not part of
the product approval, in compliance with manufacturer’s published
application instructions. In the event of a conflict between the
application instructions set forth in the product approval and those
contained in the manufacturer published application instructions,
the product approval application shall govern.
3001.4 (a) VENTING:

(1) Vapour retarders shall be installed, where applicable, to re-
duce moisture vapour flow into insulation from the warm,
humid building interior, leading to internal condensation.
Vents shall be installed to assist in the expulsion of mois-
ture vapour.
30-5
(2) Venting units shall not allow vapour to enter the roof space
when the high vapour pressure side is above the roofing mem-
brane.
(3) All sloped roofs covered with an underlayment comprised of

a 30lb or 43lb anchor sheet and a self adhering membrane
shall be vented from both the soffit and with 18" of the ridge.
The area of ventilation shall be in compliance with Section
2408 of this Code.
(4) All sloped roofs shall require soffit and ridge ventilation.
(b) SOFFIT VENTILATION
(1) Soffit ventilation shall consist of a continuous strip vent, 1"

wide running the length of the soffit, or an intermittent vent
with breaks not greater than 4 feet.
(2) Soffit ventilation strips shall be fabricated from corrosion

resistant wire mesh or perforated material not less than 1/
4" nor more than 1/2" in any direction.
(c) RIDGE VENTILATION
(1) Ridge ventilation systems shall be of a type approved by the

Buildings Control Officer for use with the prepared roof sys-
tem. Ridge vents shall be continuous over a 3/8" gap in the
sheathing along the entire length of the ridge area of the roof.
Alternatively, Approved roof louvers, turbines or gable vents
may be placed within 18" of the ridge, spaced not greater
than 8 feet apart. These vents may be alternated on either
side of the ridge.
(2) Ridge vents shall be tested for wind driven rain infiltration
resistance to a standard approved by the Buildings Control
Officer.
3001.5 FIRE RESISTANT ROOF COVERINGS: Shall be provided as required in

Section 3001.1 herein and as required by Chapters 14-19 of this Code.
3001.6 MINIMUM ROOF COVERING: Minimum Roof Coverings shall be

applied over wood or concrete decks only and shall not be applied
over insulation. Approved Roofing Product is required over all other
substrates.
30-6
(a) MATERIALS - A Minimum Roof Covering shall consist of the fol-
lowing:
(1) All based flashing and roof top penetrations flashing shall
have cant strips applied in hot asphalt. Approved cold ad-
hesive, or mechanically attached when the angle at the roof
deck and vertical surface exceeds 45 degrees.
(2) An ASTM D 226 type II organic base sheet; an ASTM D 2626

organic coated base sheet; an ASTM D 4601 type III, fiberglass
reinforced base sheet; or an ASTM D 4897 vented base sheet
attached in compliance with Subsection 3403.4(b)(1). A red
rosin paper may be applied prior to base sheet application.
A base sheet over a structural concrete deck shall be ASTM
D226 type I or type II felt; ASTM D 2178, type IV or type VI
ply sheet; or ASTM D 2626 organic coated base sheet. Base
sheet shall be mechanically fastened or mopped to a fully
primed and dry substrate with ASTM D 312, type III or IV
asphalt or Approved cold adhesive.
(3) Subsequent interply and cap sheets shall be of similar mate-

rial (e.g. organic or inorganic) to the base sheet unless dis-
similar materials are included in the Approved Roofing Prod-
uct approval.
(4) Interply membrane shall be one or more of the following:
ASTM D 226 type I or type II;

ASTM D 2178 type IV or type VI; or
ASTM D 4601 type I or type II
shall be applied in a full mopping of ASTM D 312, type III or

IV hot asphalt Approved cold adhesive.
(5) Top ply shall be one interply as defined above or a cap sheet
in compliance with ASTM D 3909 for fiberglass systems or a
single layer of SBS or other hot asphalt applied granular
surfaced modified bitumen membrane.
(6) If an interply membrane is applied as a top sheet, the Mini-

mum Roof Covering shall be coated with an Approved roof
coating for ultraviolet resistance and for compliance with
the fire rating requirements for the deck type and slope, or
covered with a flood coat of not less than 50 lb. per roofing
square of type III or IV hot asphalt and aggregate applied at
not less than 400 lb. per roofing square.
30-7
(7) A Minimum Roof Covering shall consist of not less than one
base sheet and two plies or a base sheet; interply and min-
eral surfaced cap sheet.
(8) A wide selvage edge organic cap sheet (ASTM D 371) applied
over an organic base shall be an acceptable Minimum Roof
Covering at slopes greater than 1:12 providing the Minimum
Roof Covering complies with the required fire classification.
(9) All other Roof System Assemblies shall be Approved Roof-

ing Products.
(b) APPLICATION: A Minimum Roofing Covering may be installed

only in Group H Occupancies; constructed on structures less than
or equal to 30 ft. in height from ground level; not greater than 50
roofing squares in area and not greater than 3:12 in slope.
(1) Mechanical fasteners and tin caps as defined in Subsection

3002.4 (b) shall be spaced in a minimum pattern of 12" o.c.
on a 4" overlap and 18" o.c. in two staggered rows in the
field area of the roof. Perimeter areas shall be fastened 9" in
the lap and 12" in the field.
(2) Perimeter area shall be defined as a perimeter band 40% of

the roof height surrounding the entire roof area. Multiple
roof areas on a single structure shall have the above noted
band around all sides of each area.
(3) Edge metal and other metal roof system components shall
be in compliance with Section 3007.
(4) All sloped roof applications, other than Minimum Roof Cov-
erings applied to a maximum slope of 3:12 shall be either
Prepared Roof Coverings installed in compliance with the
Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(5) All Minimum Roof Coverings shall be installed in compli-

ance with Guidelines for Roofing Application enumerated
in Section 3002 of this Code.
(6) Minimum Roof Covers applied in new construction shall

drain in such manner to leave the roof surface void of water
within 48 hours after rainfall.
30-8
(7) All applications applied over a slope of 1": 12" or greater
shall be blind nailed into the substrate at the side laps 12"o.c.
and at the head laps 6" o.c. with approved roofing nails and
tin caps.
3001.7 APPROVED ROOF SYSTEM ASSEMBLIES: All Roof System Assemblies

other than ‘Minimum Roof Covers’ as defined in section 3001.6 shall be
required to obtained a product approval from the Buildings Control Of-
ficer.
(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: All Roof System Assemblies shall

meet the following minimum requirements:
(1) All continuous Roof System Assemblies shall be tested by a

testing agency approved by the Minister for compliance with
Factory Mutual research Corporation test Standard 4470.
Only those components listed within the Roof System As-
sembly Approval shall be used with the roof covering. Roof
Systems Assemblies shall be acceptable for use providing
they comply with the test requirements under Standard 4470,
and providing they are in compliance with the fire classifi-
cation required for the structure to which the Roof system
Assembly is to be installed.
(2) All fastening devices and fastening assemblies used for in-
sulation, anchor sheet or roof coverings shall be in compli-
ance with the corrosion test requirements detailed in Ap-
pendix E of Dade County Protocol PA 114.
3001.8 SELF SUPPORTING ROOF COVERINGS: Roof Coverings intended to

be self supporting between structural members shall be designed and con-
structed as follows:
(a) STEEL: Steel roofing as sheets or composite panels shall comply

with Section 2309 of this Code. All steel sheet or composite Roof
System Assemblies shall have an Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval.
(b) ALUMINUM: Aluminum roofing as sheets or composite panels

shall comply with Chapter 25 of this Code. All aluminum sheet or
composite Roof System Assemblies shall have an Approved Roof-
ing Product Approval.
(c) PLASTIC: Plastics as sheets or composite panels shall comply

with Section 3105 of this Code. All plastic Roof System Assem-
blies shall have an Approved Roofing Product Approval.
30-9
3002 GUIDELINES FOR ROOFING APPLICATIONS
3002.1 DECKS: All Roof System Assemblies and prepared Roof Coverings shall
be installed over solid decks unless specifically approved for application
over spaced sheathing in the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing
product Approval. All roof decks shall be in compliance with the mini-
mum requirements of Chapter 22 for structural concrete decks; Chapter
26 for gypsum and insulting concrete decks; Chapter 23 for metal decks;
and Chapter 24 for wood decks.
3002.2 MINIMUM SLOPE:
(a) No Roofing Component, Roof System Assembly or Prepared Roof

Covering shall be installed at a slope of less than the minimum
slope set forth in the Roofing Component or Roof System Assem-
bly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(b) All Roof System Assemblies applied in new construction or re-

roof applications shall have sufficient slope to completely drain
all water from the entire roof area within 48 hours after a rainfall.
(c) All Roof System Assemblies applied in a re-roof or recover appli-

cation shall be constructed in such a manner as to minimize
ponding.
(d) All Roof System Assemblies and Prepared Roof Coverings shall
be installed at a slope no greater than the maximum allowed for
the required fire classification.
3002.3 GENERAL: All Roof System Assemblies and Prepared Roof coverings
shall have an Approved Roofing Product Approval and shall comply with
the minimum requirements of this Section.
(a) DECK PREPARATION:
(1) All roof decks, substrates, existing Roof System Assemblies

or Prepared Roof Coverings to which a new Roof System
Assembly is to be installed shall be broom cleaned, free from
dirt and silt and dry prior to commencement of the roofing
application.
(2) Where practical, eaves, parapet walls, vertical walls, pent-

houses and other roof level structures be completed prior to
the commencement of the roofing application.
(3) If such construction methods noted in Subsection 3403.3(2)
30-10
are not followed, precautions shall be taken to protect the
Roof System Assembly from wind loads and use as a con-
struction platform. The Buildings Control Officer may di-
rect the contractor to provide additional perimeter
securement as a temporary measure.
(4) Cant strips, where required by the Roof System Assembly

manufacturer and in all Minimum Roofing Systems shall be
extended not less than 3" up vertical flashing surfaces meas-
ured from the top of the new roof covering.
(5) All eaves shall provide a firm nailable substrate for secure
attachment of perimeter edge metal.
(6) Perimeter edge metal shall be fastened with nails or fasten-

ers fabricated from similar or compatible material. The nails
or fasteners shall be as set forth in the relevant Approved
Roofing Product Approval.
(7) All pre-cast and pre-stressed concrete deck components shall

be levelled with levelling fill, where such components edges
are greater than 1/2" from being flush. Rigid or semi-rigid
insulation panels shall be in 85% contact with the deck if
bonded in hot asphalt or cold adhesive. Mechanical attach-
ment of insulation panels at uneven areas shall be accept-
able. Cutting or scoring of insulation panels to provide con-
tact is not acceptable.
3002.4 BUILT-UP ROOFING COMPONENTS AND ROOF SYSTEM ASSEM-

BLIES:
(a) ADHESION: All adhered Roofing Components shall be bonded to

the various types of substrates in compliance with the require-
ments set forth in the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing
Product Approval and the following minimum requirements:
(1) A Minimum Roof Covering base sheet, as defined in Subsec-

tion 3401.7(a)(2), if hot mopped to a concrete substrate, shall
be mopped to a minimum of 20-25 lbs. per square yard of
approved asphalt. The hot mopped asphalt membrane is to
be applied to a dry primed surface. Additional plies over a
base ply shall be applied in a quantity not less than 20 lbs.
per square yard. Asphalt mopping shall provide a thin, even
layer, with no voids or dry spots. Pour coats over a top ply
shall be in a quantity not less than 50 lbs. per square. Appli-
cation temperatures shall be within +/- 25˚F of the
30-11
equiviscous temperature (EVT) printed on the asphalt or coal
tar carton or printed on the bulk delivery ticket.
(2) All packaged asphalt shall have the following data printed
on the carton wrapper:
(i) ASTM designation and type;
(ii) Flash point as determined by ASTM D 92, Flash and

Fire Point by Cleveland Open Cupl, and
(iii) Equiviscous temperature (EVT) at which the asphalt

attains a viscosity of 125 centipoise (25 centipoise for
coal tar) as determined by ASTM D 4402, Viscosity
Determinations of Unfilled Asphalt Using The
Brookfield Thermoset Apparatus.
(3) Asphalt types as defined by ASTM D 312 shall be employed

in all Roof Systems Assemblies.
(4) Cold adhesives, cements or other adhesive compounds shall

be subject to Approval by the Building Control Officer, shall
be listed as a Roofing Component and within any Roof Sys-
tem Assembly’s Approved Roofing Product Approval; and
shall be asbestos free.
(b) MECHANICAL ATTACHMENT: All mechanically attached Roof-

ing Components shall be attached to the various types of substrates
in compliance with the requirements set forth in the Roof System
Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval and the following
minimum requirements.
(1) BASE SHEET ATTACHMENT ON WOOD DECKS:
(i) Nails shall be minimum 12 gage annular ring shank

nails having not less than 20 rings per inch; heads not
less than 3/8" in diameter; and lengths sufficient to
penetrate through the plywood panel or wood plank
decking not less than 3/16" or to penetrate into a 1" or
greater thickness of lumber not less than 1". Nails shall
be hot dipped; electro or mechanically galvanized to a
thickness sufficient to resist corrosion. Evidence of
such compliance shall be provided to the Building Con-
trol Officer. Subsequent to the introduction of this re-
vision of the Code. All nail cartons or carbon labels
30-12
shall be labelled to note compliance with the corro-
sion resistance requirements.
(ii) Such fasteners shall be applied through ‘tin caps’ not

less than 1 5/8" and not more than 2" in diameter and
of not less than 32 gage (.010") sheet metal. ‘Cap nail’
with integral heads shall not be an acceptable substi-
tute.
(iii) Spacing of such fasteners shall be in compliance with

patters set forth in Roof System Assembly Approved
Roofing product Approval or in the Minimum Roof
Covering requirements set forth in Section 3001.6(b)(1)
of this Code.
(iv) Where the architectural appearance of the underside

is to be preserved, a base sheet may be secured in an
alternate method providing the attachment compo-
nents and spacing have been approved by the Roof
System Manufacturer and the spacing has been certi-
fied by an engineer recognized by the Minister to meet
the design pressures calculated for the structure under
(2) OTHER NAILABLE DECKS: The mechanical attachment of

Roofing Components which make up a continuous Roof Sys-
tem Assembly to other nailable decks shall be governed by
the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval.
(c) NON-NAILABLE DECKS: Poured and pre-cast structural concrete

and steel deck units are considered non-nailable.
(1) POURED AND PRECAST STRUCTURAL CONCRETE

DECKS:
(i) Concrete decks shall be clean, dry and fully primed with
ASTM D 41 primer applied at a rate of not less than
one gallon per square. Hot asphalt or cold adhesive
shall not be applied until the primer has fully dried.
(ii) Anchor sheets or insulation panels may be mechani-

cally fastened to a non-primed concrete deck with con-
crete fastener types which have Product Control Ap-
proval with the anchor sheet or insulation panel.
30-13
(iii) Where the slope of the roof deck exceeds 3:12 the base
shell of a Minimum Roof Covering shall be blind nailed
at the head laps at 6" o.c. The base sheet shall be ap-
plied parallel to the slope of the deck.
(iv) Application of continuous Roof Systems Assemblies

over poured and pre-cast concrete decks shall be gov-
erned by the Roof System Assembly Approved Roof-
ing Product Approval.
(v) In new construction applications, hot mopped appli-

cations over precast panels shall have grouted joints.
In re-roof applications, where joints have been grouted
in original construction, minimum 6" wide strips of
roofing felt or modified bitumen shall be bonded to the
joints with asphalt, approved mastic or approved cold
applied adhesive or shall be torched to a primed sur-
face.
(2) STEEL DECKS:
(i) Steel decks shall be covered with a Roofing Product

Approved roof insulation panel listed in the Roof Sys-
tem Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
Insulation panels shall be mechanically fastened with
an Approved Fastening assembly in compliance with
the mechanical attachment patterns listed in the Roof
System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval.
(ii) Steel decks for new construction applications shall be

a minimum of 22 gauge unless the Roof System As-
sembly has a specific Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval for application to a lighter deck type or a com-
posite roof deck system which has received such ap-
proval.
(iii) Steel decks shall be welded or mechanically attached

to the structure in compliance with the design pres-
sure requirements set forth in Chapter 20 of this Code.
(iv) Application of impervious Roof Systems Assemblies

over steels decks shall be governed by the Roof Sys-
(v) Composite wood and insulation panels shall be me-
30-14
chanically attached to steel decks in compliance with
the attachment requirements enumerated in the insu-
lation Roofing Component Approved Roofing Product
Approval. The composite wood insulation panel shall
be in compliance with the minimum sheathing require-
ments of this Code.
(3) OTHER NON-NAILABLE DECKS: Attachment to other non-

nailable decks shall be in compliance with the Roof System
Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval or, in the case
of Minimum Roof Coverings by methods approved by the
Building Control Officer.
(d) FLASHING:
(1) Flashing shall be constructed as detailed in the Roof System

Assembly Product Control Approval and in compliance with
the following minimum standards:
(i) A minimum flashing shall consist of a base layer of

ASTM D 226 type II; ASTM D 4601 type II; ASTM D
2626 base ply; or ASTM D 4897 venting base ply bonded
to a primed vertical surface with type IV asphalt or a
Product Control Approved cold adhesive or cement.
The base ply shall be covered with one interply of a
like material to the base ply bonded in type IV asphalt
or ASTM D 4586 flashing cement. The top flashing ply
shall have either a granular surface or be coated with
an Approved Roofing Product Approval aluminized or
emulsion coating to meet the fire classification and to
resist ultraviolet exposure.
(ii) Metal flashing shall be applied over the top roofing

ply and mechanically attached in place in compliance
with the requirements of the Building Control Officer.
All metal surfaces to which an asphalt product is to
be applied shall be fully primed with an ASTM D 41
primer. Metal flashing shall be ‘stripped’ or flashed
with a single ply of modified bitumen; a two ply sys-
tem of organic felts; or a two ply system of inorganic
plies.
(iii) Flashing shall be mechanically attached to the verti-

cal wall not more than 1 1/2" down from the upper
edge 6" o.c.. Felt flashing shall terminate under a metal
counter flashing or be finished with a metal surface
30-15
mounted reglet attached to the wall not less than 8"
on center. The reglet shall be weatherproofed with a
caulk bead of a suitable type to bond to both the metal
reglet and the wall surface.
(iv) Flashing of Approved Roofing Product Roof System

Assemblies shall be applied in strict compliance with
the application methods detailed in the Approved
(v) Flashing in all new construction projects shall be a

minimum of 8" above the roof membrane unless other-
wise indicated in the Roof System Assembly Approved
(vi) In all reroof applications, flashing shall be a minimum

of 8" above the roof membrane where job conditions
allow. In no case shall flashing be less than 4" above
the roof membrane.
(2) Metal flashing shall be fabricated from materials and in-

stalled in compliance with methods set forth in Appendix A.
(e) VALLEYS:
(1) Valleys shall in general, be fabricated from metal materials

and installed in compliance with methods set fort in Sub-
section 3007.4 of this Code and Appendix A.
(2) Minimum Roof Coverings, applied at slopes greater than 2":

12" may have valleys fabricated from composition materi-
als incorporating an additional interply of compatible ma-
terial.
(3) Valleys of Approved Roofing Product Roof System Assem-

blies shall be applied in strict compliance with the applica-
tion methods detailed in the Product Approval.
(f) PARAPET WALLS:
(1) Parapets for Approved Roofing Product Roof System As-

semblies shall be applied in strict compliance with the ap-
plication methods detailed in the Approved Roofing Prod-
uct Approval.
(2) Where the application is a Minimum Roof Covering the fol-

lowing application method shall be employed:
30-16
(i) The base flashing felts shall be ASTM D 4601, type II;
ASTM D 2626; or ASTM D 226 type II.
(ii) Base flashing shall extend a minimum of 4" above the

cant strip and terminated under a metal reglet or sur-
face mounted reglet as shown in Figure 2, below. If the
flashing is continued up the parapet wall to the top of
the parapet, the base flashing shall completely cover
the top of the parapet and shall be fastened 12" o.c.,
within 1 1/2" from the edge of the base flashing. The
top ply flashing shall be set in type IV asphalt or
Approved Roofing Product cold adhesive or cement.
(iii) Top ply flashing shall be a granular surface membrane

of similar reinforcement to the base flashing. Where a
coping cap is to be installed, the granular surface mem-
brane shall extend 2" beyond the base ply over the top
face of the parapet and fastened to the outside face or,
on a curved parapet, the granular surfaced membrane
shall extend past the apex to eliminate water build up
at the flashing edge. The granular surface edge shall
be fastened 6" o.c., 1" from the flashing edge. The flash-
ing shall be covered with a counter flashing coping cap
or a surface mounted reglet attached to the vertical
wall not less than 8" on center and weatherproofed
with a sealant bead of a material that will bond to
the metal reglet and to the vertical wall material.
(iv) If the parapet wall is higher than 18", measured from

the roof deck the top ply shall be blind nailed at the
selvage edge 6" o.c., and shall be applied vertically.
(g) INSULATION: Roof insulation shall be applied in compliance with

the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
No insulation shall be applied in Minimum Roof Covering
applications.
(h) SURFACING: Roof System Assemblies shall be surfaced in com-

pliance with the Approved Roofing Product Approval. Surfacing
shall be in sufficient quantity to comply with the required fire clas-
sification.
(1) Aggregate surfacing shall not be used on slopes greater than

3:12. Aggregate shall be embedded in a flood coat of bitu-
men applied over a prepared top ply.
30-17
(2) On slopes of 3:12 or less, not less than 400 lbs. of roofing
gravel or 300 lbs. of slag per square shall be applied. A mini-
mum of 50 percent of the aggregate shall be embedded in the
flood coat of hot asphalt. Aggregate shall be dry and free
from dirt and shall be in compliance with the sizing require-
ments set forth in ASTM D 1863. The Building Control Of-
ficer may request a test to confirm compliance with these
requirements.
(3) On inclines greater than 3:12, a smooth surface coating shall

be applied.
(4) Aggregate types and quantities set forth in the Approved

Roofing product Roof System Assemblies shall take prec-
edence over the requirements set forth in this Section.
(5) Mineral surfaced cap sheet applications shall not require any
additional surfacing unless required with the particular as-
sembly for a fire classification. Mineral surface cap sheets
shall be back nailed in Minimum Roof Covering applica-
tions at inclines greater than 1": 12" at 12" o.c. at head laps
of 6" o.c., at end laps when the cap sheet is applied parallel
to the slope.
(6) All smooth surface applications shall be coated with an

Approved Roofing Product aluminized or emulsion coating
in compliance with the application instructions in the Roof-
ing Component Approved Roofing Product Approval, but not
less than 1 1/2 gallons per square coating quantity shall be
in compliance with the required fire rating classification for
the structure.
(i) ATTACHMENT OF METAL TERMINATION:
(1) Edge metal shall be in compliance with the requirements set

forth in Section 3007.2.
(2) Edge metal systems shall be attached to resist wind loads
as calculated under Chapter 20 of this Code.
(j) EXPANSION JOINTS:
(1) Expansion joints shall be in compliance with the Roof Sys-

(2) Expansion joint covers shall be constructed of metal or metal

and elastomeric components. Pre-assembled components
30-18
shall have Roof Component Approved Roofing Product
Approval.
3002.5 PREPARED ROOF COVERINGS:
(a) MATERIALS:
(1) Prepared Roof Coverings shall be as defined in Section

3401.3(a)(12) of this Code and are, in general, limited to ap-
plication over sloped roof decks capable of receiving me-
chanical fasteners. Prepared roof coverings may be mechani-
cally fastened or in specific limited cases noted in the Ap-
proved Product Roofing Approval, set in an adhesive bond.
(2) The application of materials defined in this Section shall be

in compliance with the application instructions provided on
the product packaging; in the Roofing Component Approved
Roofing Product Approval and supplemented by the provi-
sions of this Chapter. Application instructions published in
the Approved Roofing Product Approval shall take
precedence.
(b) UNDERLAYMENT: Underlayment shall be a water shedding layer

as defined in Section 3001.3(a)(2) of this Code.
(1) Underlayment shall be attached in compliance with the Roof-

ing Component Product Control Approval and shall be in
compliance with the following minimum requirements:
(i) Underlayment shall be attached to a nailable deck in

a grid pattern of 12" with 6" spacing at the overlaps.
The grid pattern shall be decreased to 10" with 6" spac-
ing at the overlaps on all installations above 100 feet
(ii) Underlayment nails shall be as defined in Subsection

3003.4(b)(1)(i) of the Code. Underlayment nails do not
require ring shanks; however, all underlayment nails
shall be in compliance with the corrosion resistance
requirements set forth in the above mentioned
Subsection.
(iii) Underlayment nails shall be applied through ‘tin caps’
defined in Subsection 3002.4(b)(1)(i) of this Code.
(iv) Where the architectural appearance of the underside

is to be preserved, underlayment may be secured with
battens secured to the structural members providing
30-19
that the prepared roof covering is approved for pplications
over battens.
(2) If the underlayment is a self adhering membrane, the sloped

roof shall be vented in compliance with Subsection
3001.4(e)(3).
(3) If the underlayment is a self adhering membrane, the mem-

brane shall be applied over a mechanically attached anchor
sheet., attached in compliance with subsection 3002.5(b)(1)(i)
of this Code.
(4) All self-adhered or products termed single or double layer

nailed in place underlayment materials shall be tested as
required by the Building Control Officer.
(5) Single layer underlayment materials shall be tested as a part

of a Prepared Roof Covering, or under a generic test proto-
col for use with a number of prepared roof coverings.
(6) All underlayments applied at a roof pitch less than 4:12 shall
be applied in a double layer by applying a 50% overlap or by
the application of an ASTM D 226, type II organic felt or an
ASTM D 2626 coated base sheet as a base ply. Head laps
shall be 6". If a self-adhered underlayment is applied, a base
sheet shall be nailed prior to the application of the self-ad-
hered membrane.
(c) APPLICATION: Unless otherwise specified herein, Prepared Roof-

ing Components and Roof System Assemblies shall be applied at
such slopes and over such underlayment materials set forth in the
Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approvals.
(d) FIBRE-CEMENT SHINGLES:
(1) Fibre-cement shingles shall be applied in compliance with

the shingle manufacturer’s Roof System Assembly Approved
(2) Underlayments shall be only those approved in the Roof

System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval and
shall be applied in compliance with the application meth-
ods detailed in the Product Approval and the minimum re-
quirements set forth in Subsection 3002.5(b) if mechanically
attached.
30-20
(3) The Roof Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval
shall meet the following minimum requirements:
(i) All Non-Asbestos Fibre-cement shingles shall conform

to ASTM C 1225.
(ii) Fibre-cement shingles shall not be installed at a slope

less than 4:12.
(iii) Fibre-cement shingles shall be installed in compliance
with the nailing requirements set forth in the product
Approval; however, attachment of each component
shall be with not less than two corrosion resistant fas-
teners. If adhesive is used at the head or side laps, the
system shall be defined as a ‘sealed system’ with load
calculations in compliance with Chapter 20 of this
Code.
(iv) All intersections shall be flashed in metal as provided

in Section 3007 herein.
(f) ASPHALT SHINGLES:
(1) Asphalt shingles shall be applied in compliance with the Roof

System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(2) Underlayment shall be only those defined in the Roof Sys-

tem Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval, but shall
not be less than a single layer of ASTM D 226 type I felt
overlapped 19" or one layer of ASTM D 226 type II felt with
a 4" overlap on application on slopes of not less than 4:12.
All underlayments and shingles shall be nailed with a mini-
mum 12 gauge corrosion resistant roofing nail.
(3) Underlayments exceeding minimum underlayments shall be

applied in compliance with the application methods detailed
in the Roof System Assembly Product control Approval and
the minimum requirements set forth in Subsection 3002.5(b)
if mechanically attached. Self-adhered membranes shall not
require additional nailing except as may be noted in the Ap-
proved Roofing Product Approval.
(4) The Asphalt Shingle Prepared Roof Covering Approved Roof-

ing Product Approval shall meet the following minimum
requirements:
30-21
(i) Asphalt shingles applied over rigid insulation, wood
fibre gypsum or concrete decks shall be secured through
a sheathing panel of minimum 15/32" exterior grade
plywood or 1" x 6" tongue and groove wood sheathing
which has been anchored to the deck in compliance
with Chapter 20 of this Code, but not less than one
fastener every two square feet. Overlaid decking shall
have a ventilation channel between the existing deck
and the new sheathing.
(ii) Asphalt shingles shall be installed in compliance with

the Approved Roofing Product Approval, but in no case
with less than six approved roofing nails or approved
fastening devices which penetrate the sheathing or
wood plank a minimum of 3/16" or penetrate a 1" or
greater thickness of lumber a minimum of 1".
(iii) Intersections, eaves, rakes, valleys, gable ends, and the

starter course of Composition Shingles shall be set in
an 8" wide bed of approved cold adhesive or roofing
cement. Application of adhesive or cement shall be in
compliance with the application instructions of the
Roofing Component Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval.
(iv) All perimeter termination and valleys shall be fabri-

cated from metal. Minimum metal requirements are set
forth in Subsection 3007.4 of this Code.
(5) Composition shingles shall be tested in compliance with the

provisions set forth in Section 3402 of this Code.
3003 CEMENT AND CLAY ROOF TILE
3003.1 MATERIALS:
(a) Tile shall be clay, concrete or composition material of various con-

figurations complying with the physical property requirements of
this Code.
(b) Tile shall have an Approved Roofing Product Approval for a com-
plete Tile System, which shall include the tile, underlayment and
all related accessories required to provide a waterproof system. If
a tile profile may be attached using more than one method (i.e.
mortar or adhesive set or mechanically attached), Approved Roof-
ing Product Control Approval shall be obtained for each method
of application.
30-22
(c) Mortar shall be a pre-mixed unit consisting of ASTM C 91, type M
mortar in combination with ASTM C 150, type I Portland cement;
and/or lightweight aggregate in compliance with ASTM C 332; and/
or sand in compliance with ASTM C 144.
3003.2 APPLICATION:
(a) The entire application method of all Tile Systems shall be in com-
pliance with the system manufacturer’s Approved Roofing Prod-
uct Approval.
(b) The Approved Roofing Product Approval shall include a minimum

slope of each tile and underlayment system shall meet the follow-
ing slope requirements.
(1) Tile or other discontinuous Prepared Roof Coverings in-

stalled at slopes 4:12 or less shall be applied in a mortar or
adhesive set application or in a batten system applied over
vertical and horizontal batten strips (herein after referred to
as ‘Counter Battens’).
(2) Mortar or adhesive set nail -on and batten installed sys-
tems may be applied to roof pitches of 4:12 to 7:12. Only
batten installed systems shall be applied at slopes greater
than 7:12.
(c) Tile Systems shall be applied to a solid sheathing in compliance

with Section 3002 of this Code, or other nailable decks in which
the minimum characteristic resistance force is not less than 75 lbs
of withdrawal resistance per fastener. The Building Control Of-
ficer may by a recognised require testing by a recognised testing
agency to confirm fastener performance. Fasteners shall be in com-
pliance with ASTM A 641, class 1 for carbon steel galvanized nails,
or fabricated from aluminum, cooper or stainless steel. All nails
and threaded fasteners used to attach tile shall be non-ferrous.
Fasteners shall be in compliance with the corrosion resistance
requirements of this Code.
(d) Tile Systems shall be applied using methods detailed in the Ap-
proved Roofing Product Approval as a minimum criteria.
(e) The proposed method of attachment for systems shall be tested for
wind characteristics, in compliance with Chapter 20 of this Code.
(f) The proposed method of attachment for systems which are not
tested for wind characteristics shall provide a minimum charac-
30-23
teristic force (F’) to meet or exceed the design pressure requirements
for the building, determined in compliance with Chapter 20 of this
Code.
(g) The mortar or adhesive set tile systems, a field static uplift test be
required not less than 30 days after application to confirm the tile
adhesion. For mechanically attached tile systems, this field static
uplift test may be required at their discretion of the Building Con-
trol Officer.
(h) Tile Systems shall extend beyond the roof sheathing not less than
3/4" but not more than 2".
(i) Spanish ‘S’ tile, Barrel tile or other tile systems that create a void
between the deck and the underside of the tile shall closed at the
eaves with a prefabricated closure or mortar filler to close the eaves
and elevate the butt ends of the first course.
(j) Weepholes shall be provided in mortar or adhesive set systems to

drain any water reaching the underlayment.
(k) Mortar or Adhesive Set tiles applied at an incline from 4:12 to 7:12
shall have the first three courses of tile nailed with not less than
one nail per tile. As an alternate, the first three courses of tile
shall be applied in mortar over a single layer of minimum 12 gauge
wire mesh with square openings of not less than 3/8" which is
mechanically attached to the deck with not less than one roofing
nail per sq.ft. For roof pitches from 6:12 to 7:12 every third tile of
every fifth course, beginning at the eight course shall be nailed with
not less than one nail per tile.
(l) All tile set at an incline greater than 7:12 shall be nailed to the
deck over battens, regardless of the type of system.
(m) All tile systems shall be installed with a minimum 3" headlap or
with an approved headlap configuration which has been tested
for water infiltration.
(n) Vertical battens strips shall be minimum 1"x4" nominal pressure

treated or decay resistant lumber installed over the sheathing
nailed or screwed to the top chord of the roof trusses spaced not
greater than 24" o.c. Underlayment shall be applied over the ver-
tical battens and shall be secured with the horizontal battens.
(1) As an alternative the underlayment may be applied under

the vertical battens or;
30-24
(2) Vertical battens may be applied over the top of a self ad-
hered or nail-on single ply membrane providing a continu-
ous bead of compatible mastic is applied to the underside of
each batten.
(o) ALL TILE SYSTEMS:
(1) All tile application designs shall comply with the following
limitations in order to withstand the wind loads prescribed
in this section as well as all wind load requirements pre-
scribed in section 3402 of this Code.
(aa) Roof tiles shall be either mechanically attached or

bonded with mortar/adhesive. System combining both
applications shall be acceptable.
(bb) The tile shall be single lapped interlocking with a mini-

mum head of not less than 3", or a designed interlock-
ing headlap of not less than 2".
(cc) The length of each tile shall be not less than 12" and
not greater 21" and the exposed width of the tile shall
be between 8.5" and 15".
(dd) Maximum thickness of the nose (leading edge) of the

tile shall not exceed 1.3".
(ee) All tile systems shall be installed over solid sheathed

decks.
3004 METAL SHINGLES
3004.1 MATERIALS:
(a) (1) Corrosion resistant steel shingles shall be not less than 30
gauge in thickness. Aluminum Shingles shall not be less than
.019" thick. All other metal shingle products shall be an
equivalent weight. All metal shingle assemblies shall be
capable of withstanding reasonable foot traffic without dam-
age to the metal shingles.
(2) Metal Shingles shall have an Approved Roofing Product

Approval for a complete Metal Shingle System which shall
included the tile underlayment and all related accessories to
provide a complete waterproofing system.
30-25
3004.2 APPLICATION:
(a) The entire application method of all Metal Shingle Systems shall
be detailed in the Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(b) The Approved Roofing Approval shall include a minimum slope

for each Metal Shingle System which shall not be less than 4:12.
(c) Metal Shingles may be applied as a recover over a single layer of

asphalt shingles providing the deck is solid sheathed the existing
Prepared Roof Covering is in compliance with provisions of this
Code and the entire Metal Shingle system is applied as set forth in
the Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(d) Metal Shingle systems shall extend beyond the roof sheathing not
more than 1".
(e) Metal Shingles shall be installed in compliance with the attach-

ment criteria established in the Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval but with not less than three nails per shingle. Nails shall be
the type and length detailed in the attachment criteria of the Prod-
uct Approval.
(f) All intersections shall be flashed in metal as provided in Section

3408 herein.
30-26
3005 WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES
3005.1 MATERIALS:
(a) (1) Wood shingles and shakes shall be of the type and sizes set
forth in Table 30-C herein.
(2) Underlayment and/or interlayment strips shall be not less

than ASTM D 226, type II felt not less than 18" wide.
(3) Wood shingles and shakes shall have an Approved Roof

Product Approval for a complete Wood Shingle or Shake
System which shall include the shingle/shake, underlayment/
interlayment and all related accessories.
3005.2 APPLICATION:
(a) The entire application method of all Wood Shingle and Shake Sys-
tems shall be detailed in the Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(b) Wood shingles and shakes may be applied to spaced or solid

sheathed substrates.
(1) Spaced sheathing shall not be an acceptable substrate if the

slope is 4:12 or less
(2) Spaced sheathing shall be not less than a nominal 1" x 3"
batten board for shingles spaced not greater than the actual
board width, and a nominal 1" x 4" batten board for shakes
spaced not greater than the actual board width.
(c) The minimum slope for wood shingles shall be 3:12 and the
minimum slope for shakes shall be 4:12.
(d) Maximum weather exposure of wood shingles and shakes shall be

as set forth in Table 30-C herein.
(e) No underlayment/interlayment felt shall be exposed to the weather.
(f) All intersections shall be flashed in metal as provided in Section

3007 herein.
3005.3 FASTENING:
(a) Fasteners shall be of the type and length detailed in the Approved
30-27
Roofing Product Approval but shall not be less than two nails per
shake or shingle.
(b) All nails shall comply with the corrosion resistance requirements
set forth in this Code and shall be manufactured from copper, zinc,
zinc coated aluminum or commercially pure iron not less 14 B&S
gauge. All nails shall be not less than 1-1/2" long and shall have a
minimum head diameter of 7/32" and shall penetrate into the
sheathing 1" or through the thickness of sheathing a minimum of
3/16" whichever is less.
3005.4 TESTING:
(a) All Wood Shingle or Shake Systems shall be tested for wind driven
rain infiltration resistance to the satisfaction of the Building
Control Officer.
(b) Wood shingles and shakes shall be tested as a system including

the underlayment and/or interlayment strips and related
accessories. Testing shall be carried out by the producing mill or
by the trade association representing a group of mills providing
similar products to the South Florida market.
TABLE 30-C
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE TO WEATHER
Exposure of 24"x3/4" resawn handsplit shakes shall not exceed

5" regardless of slope.
3006 ROOF INSULATION
3006.1 MATERIALS:
(a) All roof insulation shall be approved by the Building Control officer
as an approved Roofing Component for use in Roof System
Assemblies. Roof insulation shall be installed as a Roofing
Component only in Approved Roofing Product Roof System
30-28
Assemblies listing the insulation type as Approved Roofing
Component.
(b) Foam insulation panels shall be overlaid with a perlite, fiberglass,

wood fiber, or rockwool overlay unless specifically stated to the
contrary in the Product Control Approval.
(c) Minimum Roof Coverings shall not include insulation.
(d) Mechanical fasteners shall be an approved attachment assembly

listed in the Approved Roofing.
3006.2 APPLICATION:
(a) Roof insulation shall be applied in strict compliance with the ap-
plication methods detailed in the Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval.
(b) Stored roof insulation either on the ground or on the roof top shall
be kept dry while on a job site awaiting installation. Should the
Building Control Officer find elevated moisture levels in store in-
sulation, he may instruct the removal of the insulation from the
job site.
(c) When applied in hot asphalt or cold adhesive no insulation pan-

els dimension shall be greater than 4 feet.
(d) Strip or spot mopping of insulation panels shall only be utilized

as an application method when approved in the Roof System As-
sembly approved Roofing Product Approval.
(e) Where more than one layer of insulation is applied joints between
layers shall be staggered.
(f) Application over steel decks and structural concrete, lightweight

concrete, wood and cementitious wood fiber decks shall be to a
standard acceptable to the Building Control Officer.
(g) Application in Approved cold adhesive shall be as detailed in the

Approved Roofing Product Approval and shall be in compliance
with the required fire classification.
(h) Nail boards or composite panels with a nailable surface may be

applied to sloped decks for the application of Prepared Roof Cov-
ering or metal roof systems, providing the nailing surface is in
30-29
compliance with minimum sheathing requirements of this Code
and the panel has been attached to the deck with approved fastening
assemblies at a density of not less than 1/2 sq.ft. Nail boards or
composite panels must allow for ventilation immediately adja-
cent to the underside of the nailable surface to which the prepared
roofing is applied.
(1) Composite panels shall be gapped a minimum of 1/8" to al-

low for expansion of the sheathing panel.
3007 ROOFING ACCESSORIES
3007.1 GENERAL:
(a) Metal accessories for roofs shall be not less than 26 gauge galva-
nized or stainless steel, 16 ounce copper 0.025" thick aluminum or
equivalent non-corrosive metal alloys or composite materials
manufactured for use as roof termination. All composite and non-
metallic flashing materials shall have Approved Roofing Product
Approval.
(b) Metal accessories may be of a manufactured shop fabricated or

field fabricated type, providing the materials and fasteners are in
compliance with the minimum requirements of this Code.
3007.2 GRAVEL STOP OR DRIP EDGE: Gravel stop or drip edge profiles shall
be as follows:
(a) All gravel stops shall be raised above the roof surface a minimum
of 2" Water shedding perimeters, such as gutters and scupper areas
are exempt from the requirement. The gravel stop shall be nailed
on the flange and nailed or clipped at the face. The deck flange
shall be not less than 3" in width.
(b) The vertical face shall be a minimum of 2" and shall extend down
not less than 3/4" below the sheathing or other member immedi-
ately contiguous thereto. Should the face of the gravel stop or
drip edge exceed 4", a continuous clip, (Hook strip) fabricated from
material not less than 10% thicker than the gravel stop/drip edge,
shall be installed. Non-clipped vertical faces greater than 3" shall
be fabricated from minimum 26 gauge steel or stainless steel; .040"
aluminum; 20 oz copper; or a similar thickness of other termina-
tion materials.
(c) Gravel stop shall be designed so that the bottom of the drip edge
shall have a minimum of 1/2" clearance from the structure.
30-30
(d) Gravel stop shall be attached to the sheathing or nailing strip with
minimum 12 gauge ring shank nails or other approved non-corro-
sive fasteners 1" long. Smooth shank nails shall not be acceptable
for the attachment of perimeter metal. Nails shall be fabricated
from similar and compatible material to the metal profile. If the
substrate is less than 1 1/2" of dimensional lumber, in combina-
tion of thickness, the gravel stop/drip edge shall be fastened with
minimum #10 diameter screws penetrating the substrate 1" or if
the sheathing is less than 1" through the substrate not less than
3’16". If the substrate is less than 1" the gravel stop/drip edge may
be fastened with #8 x 1/2" modified truss gimlet point fasteners
spaced 4" o.c..
(e) Gravel stops shall be installed after all roof felts have been ap-
plied or in compliance with the application method set forth in
the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
All asphalt or approved cold adhesive bonding areas shall be coated
with ASTM D 41 asphalt cut-back primer and allowed to dry prior
to application.
(f) Gravel stops shall be joined by one of the following methods:
(1) Lapped a minimum of 4" and the entire interior of the joints
shall be coated with approved flashing cement.
(2) At gables, only lap joints shall be used with a minimum lap
of 2".
(aa) Cover and splice plates shall be of the same material

as the gravel stop.
3007.3 EAVE AND GABLE DRIP:
(a) Eaves and gable drip for tile, fiber-cement shingles, asphalt shin-
gles, metal shingles, and mineral surfaced roofs shall have a roof
flange not less than 2" wide. The metal profile shall be nailed
with a minimum 12 gauge annular ring shank nail at 4" o.c. The
nail shall be manufactured from similar and compatible material
to the termination profile. All composite materials shall be fas-
tened with non-ferrous nails.
(b) The drip or face flange shall be a minimum of 2" in width and
extend not less than 3/4" below the sheathing.
(c) Eave and gable drip shall be designed so that the bottom of the
drip edge shall have a minimum of 1/2" clearance from the struc-
ture.
30-31
(d) The roof flange shall be installed in compliance with the Roof
System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Approval.
(e) Eaves and gable drip shall be lapped a minimum of 4" at perimeter
laps and shall be wrapped around and lapped a minimum of 5" at
corners.
3007.4 VALLEY METAL:
(a) Valley metal shall be of the materials set forth in Subsection 3007.1
herein
(b) Valleys shall be installed in compliance with the Roof System

Assembly Product Approval.
3007.5 BASE FLASHING:
(a) Base flashing shall be installed after the roofing felts have been
laid and turned up the vertical surfaces in compliance with the
Roof System Assembly Product Control Approval.
(1) Such felts shall be embedded in hot bitumen or an approval

adhesive.
(2) Metal surfaces shall be primed and allowed to dry prior to

receiving hot bitumen or cold adhesive.
(b) Metal base flashing where installed shall extend not less than 8"
up vertical surfaces in new construction applications and, where
possible in reroof and recover applications and shall extend not
less than 4" on the deck and shall be:
(1) Fastened to the deck with fasteners as provided herein for

gravel stop and stripped as set forth in Subsection
3002.4(d)(1)(ii) of this Code; and
(2) Locked and/or soldered at end laps.
(c) Base flashings constructed from multiple layers of reinforced as-

phalt materials shall be applied in compliance with the manufac-
turers’ published application instructions and in compliance with
the application instruction detailed in the Approved Roofing Prod-
uct Approval.
30-32
3007.6 METAL COUNTER FLASHING:
(a) Metal counter flashings shall be built into walls, set in reglets or
applied as stucco type and shall be turned down over base flashings
not less than 3".
(b) Metal counter flashings shall be side lapped a minimum of 3".
(c) Metal counter flashings where set in reglets or surface-mounted

shall be thoroughly weatherproofed with a sealant bead. Primer
shall be applied to the substrate surfaces where recommended by
the sealant manufacturer.
(d) Where metal counter flashing is used as the means of sealing (such
as a vented system) it shall be set in an approved sealant, sealed
with an approved adhesive on the top flange and all joints shall
be sealed with an approved sealant and lapped a minimum of 3".
3007.7 ROOF PENETRATION FLASHING:
(a) All pipes shall be flashed with approved lead sleeve-type pitch
pans or other approved methods detailed in the Roof System As-
sembly Approved Roofing Product Approval. Lead flashing shall
not be less than 2.5 lb. per square foot. Flanges shall be a mini-
mum of 4".
(b) Other roof penetrations shall be suitably flashed with curbs, col-
lars, pitch pans or other Approved weather-tight methods, in com-
pliance with the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Prod-
uct Approval.
(c) All rooftop equipment shall be secured to a curb unit constructed

from salt pressure treated or decay resistant wood or galvanised
metal that has been mechanically attached to the building struc-
ture. Attachment to wood ‘sloopers’ which are attached to the
deck shall not be an acceptable alternate.
3007.8 OVERFLOW SCUPPERS AND OUTLETS: Overflow scuppers and roof

outlets shall be lined with approved metal or other approved materials
set forth in the Roof System Assembly Approved Roofing Product Ap-
proval and shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 1506.4 and
Section 3611 of this Code.
3007.9 GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS: Gutters and downspouts shall be con-

structed of metal with lapped, soldered or caulked joints and shall be
securely fastened to the building with a corrosion resistant fastening de-
vice of similar or compatible material to the gutters and downspouts.
30-33
3008 ROOF MOUNTED EQUIPMENT
3008.1 Machinery, piping, conduit, ductwork, signs and similar equipment may
be mounted on roofs subject to the following:
(a) (1) Permanently mounted roof-top equipment shall be installed

with clearances sufficient to permit roof and roof covering
maintenance but no instances shall the clearance be less than
shown in Table 30-D.
(2) Electrical conduit, mechanical piping or any other service

lines running on the roof shall be raised not less than 8" above
the roof surface.
(3) Condensate lines shall not be required to have a minimum

roof-top clearance.
(b) Equipment supports signs and all anchorage shall be designed and
constructed to comply with the provisions of Chapter 20.
(c) Penetrations through and attachments to roofs required for the

support of such equipment, shall comply with Subsection 3007.7
herein.
30-34
CHAPTER 31
CLADDING AND GLAZING
3101 GENERAL
3102 LATHING
3103 PLASTER
3104 RENDERING AND STUCCO
3105 PLASTICS
3106 ASBESTOS CEMENT
3107 TILE
3108 GLASS AND GLAZING
3109 GLASS VENEER
3110 GYPSUM BOARD PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES
3111 SUSPENDED AND FURRED CEILINGS
3112 OTHER MATERIALS
3113 STORM SHUTTERS
3114 CURTAIN WALL AND STRUCTURAL GLASS
3101 GENERAL
3101.1 SCOPE: Wall coverings and glazing shall be as set forth in this chapter
and be fire-resistive where required by this Code, except that the require-
ments of this chapter shall be applicable to lath and plaster as follows:
(a) Where fire-resistive protection is required by this Code, lath, plas-

ter and stucco shall be as set forth herein and shall also comply
with the requirements of the Chapter on Fire Resistive Standards
(Chapter 32).
(b) Where fire-resistive protection is not required by this Code, lath-

ing shall be as set forth herein and plaster and stucco may be omit-
ted or otherwise varied.
3101.2 INTERIOR FINISHES: Interior finishes shall be as set forth in the Chapter
on Fire Resistive Standards (Chapter 32).
3101.3 EXISTING BUILDING: The BCO shall inspect existing buildings

having wood-stud exterior walls for which application for a permit
for exterior wall coverings is made, he shall have the authority to order
31-1
the uncovering of structural elements for inspection and may require
necessary repairs as a part of such approval for a permit.
3101.4 DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS: The terms used in this Chapter shall
be as defined in Chapter 2 of this Code, and the Standards referenced herein
shall be those set forth in Appendix A.
3102 LATHING
3102.1 GENERAL: Lath shall be gypsum, metal or wire lath, as set forth herein,
and shall conform to the Standards given in the Appendix A.
3102.2 GYPSUM LATH:

(a) Gypsum lath shall conform to the standards given in Appendix A
and shall be used for interior lath only.
(b) Gypsum lath shall be nailed to wood supports, at intervals not to

exceed five inches, with 13-gauge galvanised or blued nails hav-
ing 19/64-inch diameter flat heads. Nails shall be not less than one
and one-eighth inches long for three-eighths-inch lath nor less than
one and one-fourth inches long for one-half-inch lath. Each 16-inch
width of lath shall be secured to each support with not less than
five nails, except that where fire-resistive rated construction is not
required, there shall be not less than four nails. Lath shall be se-
cured to horizontal or vertical metal supports by means of approved
special clips.
(c) (1) The centre-to-centre distance between supports for three

eighths-inch thick gypsum lath shall exceed 16 inches, and
the centre-to-centre distance between supports for one-half
inch gypsum lath shall not exceed 24 inches.
(2) The centre-to-centre spacing for gypsum lath applied to metal

studs shall not exceed that set forth herein above for wood
supports except that 3/8 inch gypsum lath may be applied
to metal studs spaced 24 inches on centres where a mini-
mum of 3/4 inch, 3-coat plaster is applied over the lath.
(d) Lath shall be applied with face side out and with the long dimen-
sion at right angles to the framing members. Joints shall be broken
in each course, except that end joints may fall on one support when
such joints are covered with three-inch-wide strips of metal lath.
Lath shall be butted together.
31-2
(e) Corner bead shall not be required. Where reinforcement is used it
shall not be secured to the framing members.
(f) No interior lath shall be applied until the roof is on and the build-
ing is dried in.
3102.3 METAL AND WIRE LATH:

(a) Metal and wire lath and metal accessories embedded in the plaster
shall be galvanised or otherwise rust-resistant by approved means.
Weight tags shall be left on all metal or wire lath until approved by
the BCO.
(b) The weight of metal and wire lath and the spacing of supports
shall conform to the requirements set forth in this Table:
*V-stiffened flat expanded metal lath of equal rigidity and weight

is permissible on the same spacing as 3/8" rib metal lath.
**Paper-backed wire fabric, No. 16-gauge wire 2" x 2" mesh, wire
stiffener.
(c) Diamond mesh metal lath shall be lapped at sides not less than 1/
2 inch. Rib metal lath with edge ribs no greater than 1/8" in depth
shall be lapped 1/2 inch at sides or outside ribs shall be nested.
Sheet lath shall be lapped at sides by nesting outside selvage. All
metal lath shall be lapped 1 inch at ends or nested.
31-3
(d) All attachments for securing metal lath, wire lath and wire fabric
to supports shall be spaced not more than six inches apart, and
side laps shall be secured to supports and be tied between sup-
ports as not to extend nine inch intervals.
(e) Metal and wire lath shall be attached to vertical wood supports
with the equivalent of 4d-galvanized or blue common nails driven
to a penetration of at least three-quarters inch and bent over to
engage not less than three stands of lath. Metal and wire lath shall
be attached to ceiling joists or other horizontal wood supports with
equivalent of No. 11-gauge, barbed, galvanised or blued nails one
and one-half inches long having a head not less than seven-six-
teenths inches in diameter.
(f) Metal and wire lath shall be attached to horizontal and vertical
metal supports with the equivalent of No. 18 W. and M. gauge,
galvanised annealed wire.
3102.4 NON-BEARING LATH AND PLASTER PARTITIONS:

(a) Where reinforced plaster or pneumatically-placed plaster partitions
are used, they shall have vertical steel or iron channels with a depth
of not less than one-third the thickness of the partition and spaced
not more than 24 inches on centres. The thickness of metal in the
channels shall not be less than 16 gauge.
(b) Hollow non-bearing partitions of reinforced plaster or pneumati-

cally-placed plaster shall have a shell thickness of not less than
three-fourths inch.
(c) Metal reinforcing shall be as set forth in the Table in 31-A. The
minimum thickness of metal lath and plaster partitions shall be
not less than 2 inches, nor 1/84 of the distance between supports.
3102.5 SUSPENDED AND FURRED CEILING:

(a) GENERAL: Suspended or furred ceilings shall be designed to meet
the requirements of this section.
(b) MAIN RUNNERS: Main runners or carriers shall be rolled steel

channels not less than the sizes and weights set forth in Table: 31-
B:
31-4
A main runner shall be located not more than six inches from parallel
walls to support the ends of cross furring. The ends of main runners at
walls shall be supported by hangers located not more than 12 inches from
such ends. Splices in main runners shall be lapped 12 inches and tied,
each end, with double loops of No. 16-gauge wire.
(c) CROSS FURRING: Cross furring, or spaces, for various spacings

of main runners or other supports shall be not less than as set forth
in Table 31-C:
31-5
Cross furring shall be securely saddle-tied to the main runners by not less
than two stands of No. 16 W. and M. gauge galvanised wire or equivalent
approved attachments. Cross furring shall be attached to joists or beams
with double No. 14 W. and M. gauge galvanised wire or equivalent ap-
proved attachments. Splices in cross furring shall be lapped eight inches
and tied, each end, with double loops of No. 16-gauge wire.
(d) HANGERS: Hangers supporting suspended ceilings shall be not

less than the following minimums:
Hangers shall be saddle-tied or wrapped around main runners to develop

the full strength of the hangers. Hangers shall be fastened to, or embed-
ded in, the structural framing, masonry or concrete. Lower ends of flat-
strap hangers shall be bolted with three-eighth-inch bolts to runner chan-
nels or bent tightly around corners and bolted to the main part of the
hanger. Where the area of a plastered ceiling exceeds 100 square feet, suit-
able methods to resist uplift forces shall be provided for each 64 square
feet of ceiling.
3103 PLASTER
3103.1 GENERAL:
(a) The Standards given in Appendix A are adopted end supplement
but do not supersede the requirement for gypsum plastering set
forth herein.
(b) Plastering with gypsum, hardwall, lime or cement plaster shall be

three-coat work when applied over metal and wire lath and shall
be not less than two-coat work when applied over gypsum lath,
gypsum block, or concrete block.
31-6
(c) Portland cement plaster shall not be applied directly to gypsum
lath.
(d) In no case shall a brush coat be accepted as a required coat where

three-coat work is required by this section.
(e) Grounds shall be installed to provide for the thicknesses of plas-

ter as set forth in Table 31-E measured from the face of the lath.
(f) If monolithic-concrete ceiling surfaces require more than three

eighths inch of plaster to produce desired lines or surfaces, metal
lath or wire lath shall be attached thereto; except that special bond-
ing agents approved by the BCO may be used.
(g) The BCO may require test holes to be made for the purpose of de-
termining the thickness of plaster.
3103.2 MATERIALS:
(a) AGGREGATES:
(1) Inorganic aggregates used for plaster and stucco shall con-
form to Standards given in Appendix A.
(2) Aggregates should be quarried or washed in fresh water and

should contain not more than one-twentieth of one percent
salt, by weight.
(b) GYPSUM: Gypsum plaster shall conform to the Standards given

in Appendix A.
(c) LIME: Lime shall conform to the Standards given in Appendix A.

Lime putty shall be made from quicklime or hydrated lime and
shall be prepared in an approved manner, stored and protected for
an approved period of time. At the discretion of the BCO, local
lime may be used.
31-7
(d) KEENE’S CEMENT: Keene’s cement shall conform to the Stand-
ard given in Appendix A.
(e) PORTLAND CEMENT: Portland cement shall conform to the

Standards given in Appendix A. Approved types of plasticity agents
maybe added to Portland cement in the manufacturing process or
when mixing the plaster, but in no case shall the amount of the
plasticity agent exceed ten percent of the volume of cement in the
plaster mixture.
(f) MASONRY CEMENT: Masonry cement shall conform to the Stand-

ards given in Appendix A.
3103.3 PROPORTIONING AND MIXING: (a) BASE COATS: The proportions of

sand, vermiculite or perlite to 100 pounds of gypsum neat plaster shall
not exceed the following:
(1) GYPSUM OR HARDWALL PLASTER:
TABLE
* Except over monolithic concrete.

+ In lieu of the proportioning specified, the proportions may be
100 pounds of gypsum neat plaster to not more than 250 pounds of
damp, loose sand or 2-1/2 cubic feet of vermiculite or perlite,
provided this proportioning is used for both scratch and brown
coats.
(2) WOOD-FIBRE GYPSUM PLASTER: Wood-fibre gypsum

plaster for use on all types of lath, shall be mixed with water
only and shall be mixed in the proportion of one part of plas-
ter to one part of sand, by weight, for use on masonry.
(3) READY-MIXED PLASTER: Gypsum ready-mixed plaster
shall be in the proportion of 100 pounds of gypsum neat plas-
ter to not more than 250 pounds of sand; or when vermiculite
or perlite used as an aggregate, the proportions shall be 100
pounds of gypsum neat plaster to not more than two and
one-half cubic feet of vermiculite or perlite.
31-8
(4) PORTLAND-CEMENT PLASTER: For three-coat work, the
first two coats shall be as required for the first two coats of
exterior stucco, Section 3104.
(5) MASONRY CEMENT PLASTER: For 2 or 3 coat work all

work shall be set forth in Section 3104 herein.
(b) FINISH COATS FOR GYPSUM OR LIME PLASTER: The finish

coats shall be mixed and proportioned in accordance with the fol-
lowing procedures:
(1) Smooth white finish, mixed in the proportion of not less than
one part gypsum gauging plaster to three parts lime putty,
by volume, or an approved prepared gypsum trowel finish.
(2) Sand-float finish, mixed in the proportion of one-half part of

Keene’s cement to two parts of lime putty and not more than
four and one-half parts of sand, by volume, or an approved
gypsum sand-float finish.
(3) Keene’s-cement finish mixed in the proportion of three parts

Keene’s cement to one part lime putty, by Volume.
(4) Lime sand-float finish, mixed in the proportion of three parts

lime putty to three parts sand, by volume.
(5) Finish coat for perlite or vermiculite aggregate plasters, mixed

in the proportion of one cube foot of aggregate to 100 pounds
of unfibered gypsum plaster, or mixed according to manu-
facturer’s specifications.
(c) FINISH COAT FOR PORTLAND-CEMENT PLASTER: Finish coats

for interior Portland-cement plaster shall be one of the following:
(1) As required for the third coat of exterior stucco, Section 3104.
(2) A gauged cement plaster, mixed in proportion of one part

Portland cement to not more than 15 percent lime putty and
not more than four parts of sand, by volume.
(d) FINISH COAT FOR MASONRY CEMENT PLASTER: Finish coat

for masonry cement plaster shall be as set forth in Sub-paragraph
3103.4 (b) (3) herein.
31-9
3103.4 APPLICATION:
(a) BASE COATS:
(1) GYPSUM PLASTER: The scratch coast shall be applied with
sufficient material and pressure to form a full key or bond.
For two-coat work it shall be doubled back to bring the plas-

ter out to grounds and straightened to a true surface and left
rough to receive the finish coat.
For three-coat-work, the scratch (first) coat shall be scratched

to a rough surface. The brown (second) coat shall be applied
after the scratch coat has set firm and hard, brought out to
grounds, straightened to a true surface with rod and darby
and left rough, ready to receive the finish (third) coat.
The finish coat shall be applied to a practically dry base coat

or to a thoroughly dry base coat which has been evenly wet-
ted by brushing or spraying.
The use of excessive water shall be avoided in the applica-

tion of all types of finish coat plastering.
(2) PORTLAND-CEMENT PLASTER: The first two coats shall

be as required for the first two coats of exterior stucco, ex-
cept that the interval between the first and second coats shall
be not less than 24 hours.
(3) MASONRY CEMENT PLASTER: Where masonry cement is

the only cementitious material, the second coat may be ap-
plied to the base coat as soon as the base coat has attained
sufficient strength and rigidity to support the second (fin-
ish) coat.
(b) FINISH COATS:

(1) Smooth white finish shall be applied over the base coat which
has set for a period of not less than 24 hours and is surface
dry. Thickness shall be from one-sixteenth inch to one-eighth
inch.
(2) Sand-float finish shall be applied over the set base coat which
is not quite dry.
(3) Keene’s cement finish shall be applied over the set base coat
which is not quite dry. Thickness shall be from one-sixteenth
inch to one-eighth inch, unless finish coat is marked off or is
jointed; in which case, the thickness may be increased as re-
quired by depth of marking or jointing.
31-10
(4) The finish coat for interior Portland-cement plastering shall
be applied in the same manner as required for the third coast
of exterior stucco, except that other types of finish coat may
be applied as specified in Section 3104.
(5) The finish coat for lightweight aggregate plastering shall be

applied over a base coat which is not quite dry. The thick-
ness shall be from one-sixteenth inch to one-eighth inch.
(c) PLASTER ON CONCRETE:

(1) Monolithic-concrete surfaces shall be clean, free from efflo-
rescence, damp, and sufficiently rough to insure adequate
bond.
(2) Gypsum plaster applied to monolithic-concrete ceilings shall

be specially-prepared bond plaster for use on concrete, to
which only water shall be added. Gypsum plaster on mono-
lithic walls and columns shall be applied over a scratch coat
of bond plaster, or other bonding material before it has set.
The brown coat shall be brought out to grounds, straight-
ened to a true surface and left rough, ready to receive the
finish coat.
(3) Portland cement plaster applied to interior concrete walls or

ceiling shall conform to requirements for application to exte-
rior concrete walls as specified in Section 3104.
3104 RENDERING AND STUCCO
3104.1 RENDERING CONCRETE OR MASONRY:

(a) GENERAL:
(1) Rendering base coat shall be mixed in the proportion of one
part Portland cement and 3-1/2 parts of sand by volume, or
one part Portland cement to one part Type S lime and 4-1/2
parts sand by volume or shall be any approved prepared
product containing not less than one-third, by weight, Port-
land cement.
(2) Finish-coat rendering shall be mixed in the proportion of one

part Portland cement to 2 parts sand, by volume, with not
more than 15 percent lime, by volume, or shall be one part
Type II masonry cement to 2 parts sand, by volume.
(3) Where stucco is required to meet fire resistive standards, it

shall be mixed in the portions of at least one part by volume
of Portland Cement to no more than two and one half parts
sand.
31-11
(b) MATERIALS: The materials for rendering shall conform to the
standards set forth in Section 3103.
(c) ADMIXTURES: Plasticity agents shall be of approved types and

amounts; and if added to Portland cement in the manufacturing
process, no later additions shall be made. Colour may be added to
the finish coat in approved amounts.
(d) APPLICATION:
(1) Rendering concrete or masonry shall consist of not less than
two coats, and the total thickness shall be not less than five
eighths inch, nor shall any one coat be less than one-fourth
inch thick
(2) The masonry surface which is rendered shall be clean, free

from efflorescence, damp, and sufficiently rough to insure
proper bond.
(3) The first coat shall be well forced into the pores of the ma-
sonry, shall be brought out to grounds, straightened to a true
surface and left rough to receive the finish coat. The first coat
of two coat work shall be rodded and water-flooded with no
variations greater than one-quarter inch under a five-foot
straight edge in any direction.
(4) The base coat shall be damp cured for a period of not less
than 24 hours.
(5) The finish coat shall be applied over a uniformly damp but
surface dry base.
(6) Rendering shall be kept damp for a period of not less than 48
hours after any type finish coat application.
(7) Where masonry cement with a minimum of 25 percent by

weight of Portland cement is used, there shall be a period of
not less than 24 hours of damp curing between subsequent
coats.
3104.2 STUCCO ON WALLS OTHER THAN CONCRETE OR MASONRY:

(a) GENERAL: Stucco shall be as provided in Subsection 3104.1.
(b) BACKING: Studs shall be wood sheathed. Wood sheathing shall

be covered with 15 pound roofing felt, or other approved moisture
resisting material and metal reinforcement.
31-12
(a) METAL REINFORCEMENT:
(1) Stucco shall be reinforced with expanded metal weighing not
less than 1.8 pounds per square yard or welded or woven
wire fabric, weighing not less than one pound per square
yard.
(2) Metal reinforcement shall be furred out from the backing at

least one-quarter inch by an approved furring method, which
shall be spaced not more than six inches vertical and 16 inches
horizontally. Nailing shall be by galvanized nails with heads
not less than 3/8" in diameter driven to full penetration us-
ing a minimum of 2 nails per sq. ft.
(3) Diamond mesh metal lath shall be lapped at sides not less
than 1/2 inch. Rib metal lath with edge ribs greater than 1/8
inch in depth shall be lapped at sides by nesting outside ribs.
Rib metal lath with edge ribs no greater than 1/8 inch in depth
shall be lapped 1/2 inch at sides or outside ribs shall be
nested. All metal lath shall be lapped not less than 1 inch at
ends. Stucco mesh shall be lapped one diamond at sides and
ends.
(b) APPLICATION:
(1) Stucco applied on metal lath shall be three coat work.
(2) The first coat shall be forced through all openings in the re-
inforcement to fill all spaces and scored horizontally.
(3) The second coat shall be rodded and water-floated, with no

variation greater than one -quarter inch in any direction un-
der a five -foot straight edge.
(4) The third coat shall be troweled to a thickness of not less

than one eighth inch.
3104.3 PNEUMATICALLY-PLACED STUCCO: Pneumatically placed stucco shall

consist of a mixture of one part Portland cement to not more than five
parts sand, conveyed through a pipe or flexible tube and deposited by
pressure in its final position. Rebound material may be screened and re-
used as sand in an amount not greater than 25 percent of the total sand in
any batch. Plasticity agents may be used as specified in Paragraph 3104.1
(c).
31-13
3105 PLASTICS
3105.1 GENERAL:
(a) Plastic materials used as structural elements shall be designed by

methods admitting of rational analysis according to established
principles of mechanics.
(b) Plastic materials may be permitted as set forth herein. The physi-
cal properties, such as, not but limited to, weather resistance, fire
resistance, and flame spread characteristics, shall comply with the
requirements of this Code.
(c) Application and plans submitted for proposed construction shall

identify the plastic material intended for use and such material
shall be stamped or otherwise marked so as to be readily identifi-
able in the field.
(d) Plastic structural elements, other than sheets, shall be designed

by an Engineer recognised by the Minister.
3105.2 INSTALLATION: Plastic shall be secured to supports at intervals not ex-

ceeding six inches, and edges and sidelaps of sheets shall be secured at
intervals not exceeding 12 inches. Fastening shall be through one-half-
inch diameter cushion washers and shall develop not less than 40 pounds
pullout.
3105.3 EXTERIOR VENEER: Exterior veneer may be of approved plastic materi-

als and shall conform to the provisions of this Code.
Plastic veneer shall not be attached to any exterior wall above the second
storey.
3105.4 AREA LIMITATIONS: Where buildings or parts of buildings are enclosed

with solid walls, other than screen, plastic panels in roofs shall be limited
to one-fourth of the roof area and plastic panels in walls shall be limited
to the following table:
31-14
3106 ASBESTOS CEMENT
3106.1 GENERAL: The use of asbestos cement products shall not be permitted
except with the prior written approval of the Minister.
3107 TILE
3107.1 Ceramic and Portland cement floor tile should be set on a concrete slab or
on wood sheathing on wood joists as set forth in the Section on Floors in
the Chapter on Type III Buildings (Chapter 17) and protected by a water-
proof membrane, or set directly on fill.
3107.2 Floor tile shall be set in a mortar bed of one part Portland cement to 3
parts sand or otherwise bedded in an approved adhesive material.
Ceramic and Portland cement wall tile used in areas subject to frequent
wetting shall be backed with masonry, stucco on wire lath or approved
tile backer board. Wall tile used in areas not subject to frequent wetting
shall be backed by a cladding having the rigidity of stucco on wire lath
and shall be bedded in cement mortar or other approved adhesive mate-
rial.
3107.3 Portland cement or other porous tile shall be soaked in water not less
than one hour before placing when set on a mortar bed.
3107.4 Built-in tubs with overhead showers shall have waterproof joints be-
tween the tub and the wall and floor.
31-15
3108 GLASS AND GLAZING
3108.1 GENERAL:
(a) Windows, doors, glass and glazing shall be as set forth herein and,
where required to be fire-resistive for the protection of openings,
shall also comply with the requirements of the Chapter on Fire
Resistive Standards (Chapter 32).
Windows, doors and glazing that are not protected with approved
storm shutters shall be as set forth in this section and where re-
quired to be fire resistive by Section 1504 of this Code they shall
comply with Section 3206.
(b) Glass shall comply with the Standards given in Appendix A.
(c) Installed glass shall not be less than Single Strength, B quality un-
less otherwise approved by the BCO and where edges are exposed
they shall be seamed or fire polished.
(d) Where a light of glass is of such height above grade that the top 50
percent or more is in a zone of greater wind load, the area of the
entire light shall be limited as for the greater height above grade.
(e) (1) Appropriate measures shall be provided to deter persons

from walking into fixed glass panels where the floor con-
tiguous thereto on both sides is approximately the same level.
Glass panels more than 24 inches in width and 6 feet or more
in height adjacent to wall openings shall be safety glass un-
less a bulkhead of opaque material not less than 18 inches
high is provided. Glass panels not adjacent to wall openings
shall be made obvious by horizontal bars at guardrail height,
an 18 inch opaque bulkhead, distinctive glass such as etched
or translucent for guardrail height or other appropriate con-
struction aggrangement.
(2) Where differences in level on opposite sides of a glass panel

are 24 inches or more, positive protection shall be provided
by a guard rail or other horizontal bar complying in strength
and height with the Chapter on Exit Facilities and Stairs
(Chapter 28).
(f) The requirements set forth herein shall also apply to the replace-
ment and reglazing of existing windows, doors and fixed panels.
31-16
3108.2 FIXED GLASS IN EXTERIOR WALLS:
(a) LIMITS OF SIZE OF GLASS:
(1) Regular plate and sheet glass used in exterior walls shall not
exceed the areas set forth in this Table.
The Table is based on short duration wind loadings and shall

not be used for other types of loadings. The areas apply to
rectangular lights firmly supported on all four sides in a ver-
tical position. Glass mounted at a slope not to exceed one
horizontal to five vertical may be considered vertical. The
table applies for short side to long side ratios from 3:10 up to
10:10. For other ratios use Sub-section 3108.2 (a) (3).
*Velocity increases with height in conformance with the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads
(Chapter 20).
31-17
(2) The allowable area of glass, other than regular plate and sheet,
used in exterior walls shall not exceed the areas obtained by
multiplying the areas in the Table by the following factors:
**Adjustment factor may vary with amount of depreciation

and types of glass.
Each light with special performance characteristics such as

laminated or fully tempered shall bear the manufacturer’s
identification showing the special characteristic and thick-
ness by etching or other permanent identification that shall
be visible after the glass is glazed.
(3) Corrugated glass or other special glass shall be limited to

spans determined by analysis or test to resist the loads set
forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20)
based on fibre stresses not exceeding 4000 psi.
(4) Glass for special uses such as swimming pool windows,

tanks, skylights, and floors shall be designed by qualified
engineers recognized by the Minister.
(b) CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: (1) Each light of fixed glass more than
3 feet in width shall have 2 setting blocks or suspension clamps
made of lead or other approved materials.
(2) Fixed lights shall be set in frames of non-corrosive metal, or

other non-corrosive material where substantiated by load
tests and permitted by fire requirements.
(3) Wind load requirements shall be as set out in Chapter 20.
(4) Fixed lights may be set in wooden frames where wood con-
struction is permitted.
(5) Wood shall have been treated with an approved preserva-

tive as set forth in the Chapter on Wood (Chapter 24).
31-18
(6) Attachment shall be as set forth in the Chapter on Live and
Dead Loads and shall be corrosion-resistant (Chapter 20).
(7) Glass in fixed lights shall be securely and continuously sup-

ported at the perimeter of each sheet unless the design is
based on one or more unsupported edges. Supporting mem-
bers such as division bars and mullions shall be designed by
rational analysis to support the wind pressures set forth in
the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20). Support-
ing bars shall be attached at the ends to resist the loads set
forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20).
(8) The deflection of structural supporting mullions, when sub-

jected to live, wind or other superimposed loads as set forth
in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads, shall not exceed 1/
180 of the span.
(9) The depth of the glazing rebate and depth of engagement in

the rebate, for fixed glass, shall be based on consideration of
the dimensional reduction due to deflection and the dimen-
sional changes due to temperature.
(10) Where one or more sides of any light of glass is not supported,
or where glass is subjected to unusual loading conditions,
detailed shop drawings, specifications and analysis or test
data assuring safe performance for the specific installation
shall be prepared by engineers experienced in this work.
3108.3 DOORS AND OPERATIVE WINDOWS IN EXTERIOR WALLS:

(a) The design and approval of doors and operative windows, includ-
ing their supporting members in exterior walls shall be based on
the proposed-use height above grade in accordance with the Chap-
ter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter 20). Maximum glass sizes
shall comply with the Table in Section 3108.2
(b) The frames of doors and operative windows shall be of

noncorrosive metal or other non-corrosive material, unless other-
wise restricted by load tests or fire requirements.
EXCEPTION: The frames of doors and operative windows may be

of wood, where wood construction is permitted.
(c) The design and approval of operative windows, sliding doors and
swinging doors having more than one-half of the door area in glass
shall be supported by tests as nearly as practicable simulating the
conditions of use at the proposed height above grade.
31-19
(d) Window and door assemblies shall be tested in accordance with,
and shall comply with the Standards for Windows and Doors given
in Appendix A, which are hereby adopted to supplement, but not
supersede, the requirement set forth herein.
(1) Windows and doors with permanent muntin bars shall be

tested with muntin bars in place.
(2) When a static pressure of 10 percent of the design wind load

in psf but not less than 2.86 psf, has been stabilized, 5 gallons
of water per hour per square foot of overall frame dimen-
sion shall be applied to the exterior face of the unit for a pe-
riod of 15 minutes.
No water shall pass the interior face of the window or door

frame.
EXCEPTIONS: Entrance doors without a continuous frame

with tempered glass not less than 1/2 inch in thickness and
swinging entrance doors with continuous frame are not re-
quired to meet the water resistance requirements set forth
herein where protected by storm shutters.
(e) Doors shall be equipped to be readily operative without contact

with glass.
(f) Swinging doors of glass in exterior walls without a continuous

frame shall be only fully tempered glass not less than 1/2 inch in
thickness.
(g) The glazing in sliding doors in exterior walls shall be safety glass.
(h) The glazing in swinging doors and similar fixed doors in exterior
walls where such doors have a stile and rails less than 5 inches in
width shall be safety glass.
(i) Windows and door assemblies shall be installed in accordance with

the conditions of test, analysis, and approval.
3108.4 INTERIOR LOCATIONS:

(a) Swinging or sliding doors of glass in all buildings other than sin-
gle family residences shall be of only fully tempered glass not less
than 3/8 inch in thickness. All single family residence swinging or
sliding doors of glass are recommended to comply with this speci-
fication.
31-20
(b) Wherever existing glass is replaced, safety or tempered glass shall
be provided in the replacement, if required by this chapter in the
cases of new construction.
(c) A decal, permanent marking or fixed bar must be provided across

all frameless glass doors, glass in doors, fixed glass panels and simi-
lar glazed openings which may be subject to accidental human
impact.
(d) The glazing in swinging doors in interior locations having stiles

and rails less than 5 inches in width shall be of safety glass.
(e) The glazing in fixed panels adjacent to paths of egress shall com-
ply with Paragraph 3108.1 (f) herein.
(f) Glass shall not be solid painted or otherwise concealed where such
painted glass may be mistaken for other construction materials.
(g) Mirrors more than 9 square feet in area shall be directly secured to
supports and shall not be hung.
3108.5 SAFETY GLASS: Safety glass where required shall meet the following
specifications:
(a) FULLY TEMPERED GLASS: Particle test. The fully tempered safety
glass panel shall be fractured by impact with a spring loaded cen-
tre punch with a hammer. The point of impact shall be 1/2 to 1
inch from any glass edge. When fractured, there shall be no indi-
vidual fragment larger than 0.15 ounces.
(a) LAMINATED GLASS:

(1) Boil test shall comply with Test No. 4 of the Standard set
forth in Appendix A.
(2) Impact test shall comply with Tests No. 9 and 12 of the Stand-
ard set forth in Appendix A.
(c) WIRED GLASS: Impact test shall comply with Test No. 11 of the
Standard set forth in Appendix A.
(d) PLASTICS: Plastics with or without reinforcing or acrylic modifi-

ers shall comply with Section 3105 herein and consideration of di-
mension reduction caused by deflection and/or dimensional in-
stability of the material shall be given in the determination of the
depth of the glazing rabbet and engagement of the plastic in the
31-21
rabbet. Plastics shall be limited to spans determined by analysis
and test to resist the loads set forth in the Chapter on Live and
Dead Loads (Chapter 20).
3109 GLASS VENEER
Glass veneer shall be as set forth in this section.
3109.1 DIMENSION: Glass-veneer units shall be not less than 11/32 inch in thick-
ness. No unit shall be larger in area than ten square feet where 15 feet or
less above the grade directly below, nor larger than six square feet more
than 15 feet above the grade directly below.
3109.2 ATTACHMENT: Every glass-veneer unit shall be attached to the backing

with approved mastic cement and corrosion-resistant ties and shall be
supported upon shelf angles.
(a) Where more than six feet above grade, veneer shall be supported
by shelf angles; and ties shall be used in both horizontal and verti-
cal joints.
(b) Below a point six feet above grade, veneer shall rest on shelf angles.
Veneering shall not be supported on construction which is not an
integral part of the wall, and over sidewalks shall be supported on
a shelf angle not less than one-fourth inch above grade.
(c) All edges of glass veneer shall be ground.
3109.3 MASTIC:
(a) The mastic shall cover not less than one half of the area of the unit
after the unit has been set in place and shall be neither less than
one-fourth inch nor more than one-half inch in thickness.
(b) The mastic shall be insoluble in water and shall not lose its adhe-
sive qualities when dry.
(c) Absorbent surfaces shall be sealed by a bonding coat before mastic

is applied. The bonding coat shall be cohesive with the mastic.
(d) Glass-veneer surfaces to which mastic is applied shall be clean and

uncoated.
(e) Space between edges of glass veneer shall be filled uniformly with
an approved type pointing compound.
31-22
3109.4 SHELF ANGLES AND TIES:
(a) Shelf angles shall be of corrosion-resistant material capable of sup-
porting four times the weight of the supported veneer. The shelf
angles shall be spaced vertically in alternate horizontal joints, but
not more than three feet apart. Shelf angles shall be secured to the
wall at intervals not exceeding two feet with corrosion-resistive
bolts not less than one-fourth-inch diameter. Bolts shall be set in
masonry and secured by lead shields.
(b) Ties shall be of corrosion-resistant metal as manufactured espe-

cially for holding glass-veneer sheets to masonry surfaces. There
shall be not less than one such approved tie for each two square
feet of veneer surface.
3109.5 BACKING: Exterior glass veneer shall be applied only upon masonry,
concrete or stucco.
3109.6 EXPANSION JOINTS: Glass-veneer units shall be separated from each

other and from adjoining materials by an expansion joint at least one-
sixteenth inch in thickness. There shall be at least one sixty-fourth inch
clearance between bolts and the adjacent glass.
3110 GYPSUM BOARD PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES
3110.1 GENERAL: The use of gypsum wallboards and related items and acces-
sories for partitions, walls and ceilings shall be as set forth in this section.
3110.2 GYPSUM WALLBOARD:

(a) Gypsum wallboard shall comply with the standards set forth in
Appendix A and shall not be less than one-half inch in thickness.
(b) Supports for 1/2" or 5/8” thick gypsum wallboard shall not be
spaced more than 24” on centres.
(c) Where used in fire-rated assemblies the gypsum wallboard shall

be of a tested and rated category and marked accordingly by the
manufacturer.
3110.3 WOOD STUDS AND WOOD CEILING SUPPORTS: Wood studs and
wood ceiling supports shall comply with Chapter 24.
3110.4 STEEL STUDS, CEILING SUPPORTS, TRACK RUNNERS:
(a) Steel studs and runners used to construct fire-resistive walls or

partitions shall be hot-dipped galvanized in accordance with
31-23
ASTM A525, of channel or “C” type shape and not less than 0.019"
in thickness if unpainted and 0.020" in thickness if painted after
galvanizing. Structural properties of such studs and runners shall
comply with ASTM C645.
(1) Steel studs supporting wall hung plumbing fixtures shall be

doubled or not less than 20 gage with a minimum effective
moment of inertia equal of 0864 in.4
(2) Such studs shall be rigidly connected top and bottom to pre-
vent significant end rotation or displacement.
(3) A horizontal member securely fastened to not less than two

studs shall be installed for the attachment of each wall hung
plumbing fixture.
(b) The unsupported height of partitions shall comply with the loads
and deflections set forth in Chapter 20 of this Code and where
wallboard is suitably attached, the composite action may be ac-
counted for in the design.
(c) Steel ceiling supports shall comply with Subsection 3102.5 of this
Code.
(d) Steel studs track runners and ceiling supports in walls, including
curtain walls, shall comply with ASTM A525.
3110.5 ATTACHMENTS:
(a) Attachment shall be as set forth herein and for fire-rated assem-
blies shall also conform to the material and conditions of the as-
sembly tested.
(b) (1) Attachment to wood supporting members shall conform to

the Standard set forth in Subsection 3110.2 hereinabove.
(2) Nails and screws attaching gypsum wallboard shall, with-

out substantially fracturing the surface paper, be driven be-
low the surface and spotted with finishing joint compound.
(c) Attachment to metal members shall be as follows:
(1) Gypsum wallboard shall be attached to metal members by

self-drilling, self-tapping sheet metal screws.
(2) The spacing of screws attaching gypsum wallboard to metal

studs and runners, shall be not more than 12"o/c.
31-24
(3) Screws for attaching gypsum wallboard to metal studs shall
be not less than 7/8" long for 1/2" wallboard nor 1" long for
5/8" wallboard.
(4) Screws attaching gypsum wallboard shall be driven below

the surface and spotted with finishing compound.
(5) Runners shall be fastened to the ceiling, contiguous walls

and partitions and to the floor at intervals not exceeding
24"o/c. Such attachment may be by nails penetrating the
base material not less than 5/8" or by self-drilling, self-tap-
ping sheet metal screws attaching metal to metal.
3111 SUSPENDED AND FURRED CEILINGS
3111.1 Lath and plaster ceilings shall be as set forth in this Chapter.
3111.2 Suspended and furred ceilings, other than lath and plaster where provid-
ing fire protection shall comply with Subsection 3205.5 of this Code.
3111.3 Suspended and furred ceilings, other than lath and plaster shall be sus-
pended and supported in conformance with the conditions of fire-tests
or, if not tested, as recommended by the manufacturer or as required for
structural stability.
3112 OTHER MATERIALS
3112.1 WOOD:
(a) Wood and wood products used for wall claddings shall comply
with the Chapter on Wood (Chapter 24).
(b) Wood and wood-products used for wall cladding as non-structural

exterior trim, fascia and soffits on buildings of Type I, Type II and
Type III Construction may be used provided such materials com-
ply with Subsection 1512.6 of this Code.
3112.2 ASPHALT SHINGLES: Asphalt shingles shall be applied only to solid

wood sheathing and shall be tin-capped and spot-stuck, as set forth in the
Chapter on Roof Coverings (Chapter 30).
3112.3 ROLL SLATE OR FELT: Roll slate or felt shall be applied only to solid
wood sheathing and shall be secured by nailing, as set forth in the Chap-
ter on Roof Coverings (Chapter 30).
31-25
3112.4 METAL SHINGLES: Metal shingles shall be applied only to solid wood
sheathing and shall be secured with 6d nails spaced not more than 12
inches apart, each way, not less than one nail in each piece of metal.
3112.5 STEEL SIDING: Steel siding shall be designed and applied as set forth in
the Chapter on Steel (Chapter 23).
3112.6 ALUMINIUM SIDING: Aluminium siding shall be designed and applied

as set forth in the Chapter on Aluminium (Chapter 25).
3112.7 VENEERS: Masonry veneers shall be applied as set forth in the Chapter
on Masonry (Chapter 27).
3112.8 GYPSUM WALLBOARD: Gypsum wallboard shall comply with the Stand-
ards given in Appendix A.
3112.9 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS: Combustible materials and fire-resistive

characteristics of all materials shall be regulated as otherwise required by
this Code for the “Group of Occupancy” or “Type of Construction,” or as
“Interior Finishes” in the Chapter on Fire Resistive Standards (Chapter
32).
3112.10 OTHER MATERIALS: Other materials and assemblies shall be classified

by the BCO as described in this Code and shall comply with the require-
ments of loading or fire resistance herein required.
3113 STORM SHUTTERS
3113.1 Unless exterior wall components including but not limited to structural
glazing, doors and windows of enclosed buildings, are specifically de-
signed and constructed to preserve the enclosed building envelope against
wind pressures as set forth in Section 2010 of this Code, and impact loads
as set forth in Chapter 20 of this Code, all such components shall be pro-
tected by engineered storm shutters.
3113.2 The storm shutters shall be designed and constructed to insure a mini-
mum of a 1" separation at maximum deflection with components and
frames of components they are to protect unless the components and frame
are specifically designed to receive the load of storm shutters, and shall
be designed to resist the wind pressures as set forth in Section 2110 of this
Code by methods admitting of rational analysis based on established
principles of design. Storm shutters shall also be designed to comply
with the impact load requirements included within Chapter 20 of this
Code.
31-26
3113.3 The storm shutter design calculations and detailed drawings, including
attachment to the main structure, shall be prepared by an Engineer recog-
nised by the Minister. The Architect or Engineer of record shall, in all
instances, review and approve documents prepared by the delegated En-
gineer.
3113.4 Storm shutters shall be approved by the Buildings Control Officer and
shall bear the name of the company engraved in every section of the sys-
tem.
3113.5 Deflection shall not exceed the limits set forth in Section 2003 of this
Code.
3113.6 Unless storm shutters are permanently attached to the main structure,
all such storm shutters shall, where practicable, be neatly stored at all
times in a designated and accessible area within the building.
3114 CURTAIN WALLS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
3114.1 DEFINITIONS: The terms used in this section shall be defined as set
forth in Chapter 2 of this Code.
3114.2 PRELIMINARY: Where it is proposed to used curtain walls and or struc-

tural glazing in a building, the Architect shall, at the preliminary design
stage, discuss the method of cladding with the Buildings Control Officer.
3114.3 DESIGN AND TEST DATA: The Buildings Control Officer may require: -
(a) Calculations showing that the curtain walls and or the structural
glazing will be capable of withstanding the design loads as set
forth in Chapter 20 of this Code.
(b) Test results to indicate that the curtain wall and or structural glaz-
ing elements have been tested to the maximum design loads by an
approved testing agency.
(c) Test results to indicate that the method of attaching the curtain
wall and or structural glazing can withstand the design loads as
set forth in Chapter 20 of this Code.
(d) Test data to indicate that the required fire resistance deemed nec-
essary for the outer cladding of the building can be achieved by the
curtain wall and or the structural glazing.
31-27
NOTES
31-28
PART VII
FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS
CHAPTER 32
FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS
3201 GENERAL
3202 FIRE-RESISTIVE MATERIALS AND ASSUMPTIONS
3203 PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
3205 FLOOR-CEILINGS OR ROOF-CEILINGS
3206 FIRE-RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES FOR PROTECTION OF OPENINGS
3207 FIRE RETARDANT ROOF COVERINGS
3208 INTERIOR FINISHES
3209 INSULATING MATERIALS
3210 CALCULATIONS OF FIRE RESISTANCE
3201 GENERAL
3201.1 GENERAL:
(a) Materials of construction and assemblies or combinations thereof
shall be classified for fire-resistive, fire-retardant or flame-spread
purposes in terms of performance in authoritative tests made by a
recognised laboratory in accordance with the standards set forth
herein.
(b) For the purpose of determining the degree of fire-resistance af-

forded, some materials and assemblies are listed in this Chapter
and shall be assumed to have the fire resistance set forth herein.
(c) Other materials and assemblies not listed herein and for which re-
sults of standard tests are available, such as those conducted by
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. or the Canadian Standards Asso-
ciation, shall be acceptable if substantiated by suitable documen-
tary evidence and used exactly as tested.
(d) Other materials and assemblies not listed herein and for which re-
sults of standard tests are not available shall be given ratings by
the Buildings Control Officer based upon reasonable interpolation
of ratings herein set forth and/or performance in standard tests.
3201.2 APPLICATIONS: Every material component, assembly or system used

to comply with the fire resistance requirements of this Code shall comply
with this Chapter.
3201.3 DEFINITIONS: For the purpose of compliance with Table 37-A, the
32-1
following terms are defined for this Chapter. Other terms used in this
chapter shall be defined as set forth in Chapter 2 of this Code; and ASTM
E176, Terminology Relating to Fire Standards.
(a) GRADE A CONCRETE: Concrete in which the coarse aggregate

consists of limestone, calcareous gravel, trap rock, burnt clay or
shale, cinders containing not more than 25% combustible mate-
rial and not more than 5% volatile material, and other materials
complying with the provisions of this Code and containing not
more than 30% quartz chert, flint, and similar material.
(b) GRADE B CONCRETE: Concrete in which the coarse aggregate

consists of granite quartzite, siliceous gravel, standstone, gneiss,
cinders containing not more than 40% combustible material, and
other materials complying with the provisions of the Code and
containing not more than 30% quartz, chert, flint, and similar
materials.
(c) LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATE V CONCRETE: Concrete made

with aggregates of expanded clay, shale, slag, or slate or sintered
fly ash and natural sand. Its unit weight is generally between 85
to 115 pcf.
(d) SAND-LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE: Concrete made with a com-

bination of expanded clay, shale, slag, or slate or sintered fly ash
and natural sand. Its unit weight is generally between 105 and
120 pcf.
(e) SILICEOUS AGGREGATE CONCRETE: Concrete made with nor-

mal weight aggregates consisting mainly of silica or compounds
other than calcium or magnesium carbonate.
(f) PNEUMATICALLY - PLACED CONCRETE: P n e u m a t i c a l l y

placed concrete without coarse aggregate shall be classified as
GRADE A OR GRADE B in accordance with the Aggregates used.
3201.4 STANDARDS: The Standards set forth in this Subsection are hereby
adopted and may be used to achieve compliance with this Chapter. Other
standards are contained in Appendix A of this Code.
3201.5 (a) The following designations of the American Society for Testing
Materials (ASTM):
(1) ASTM D2899, Accelerated Weathering on Fire-Retardant

Treated Wood for Fire Testing.
32-2
(2) ASTM E84, Surface Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials.
(3) ASTM E119, Fire Tests of Building Construction Materials.
(4) ASTM E108, Fire Tests of Roof Coverings.
(5) ASTM E136, Behaviour of Materials in a Vertical Tube Fur-

nace at 750 degrees C.
(6) ASTM E163, Standard Specification for Fire Tests of Win-

dow Assemblies.
(7) ASTM E152, Standard Method of Fire Tests for Door Assem-
blies.
(8) ASTM E176, Terminology Relating to Fire Standards.
(9) ASTM E814, Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops.
(b) The following National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Stand-

ards:
(1) NFPA 80, Fire Doors and Windows.
(2) NFPA 90A, Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilation

Conditioning Systems.
(3) NFPA 90B, Installation of Warm Air Type Heating and Air
Conditioning Systems.
(4) NFPA 105, Smoke-and-Draft-Control Door Assemblies.
(5) NFPA 251, Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materi-

als.
(6) NFPA 252, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
(7) NFPA 257, Fire Tests of Window Assemblies.
(8) NFPA 703, Fire Retardant Impregnated Wood and Fire Re-
tardant Coatings for Building Material.
(c) The following standards and publications of Underwriters Labo-

ratories, Inc. (UL):
32-3
(1) UL 9, Fire Tests of Window Assemblies
(2) UL 10, Fire Tests of Door Assemblies.
(3) UL 168, Standard for Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective

Signalling Systems.
(4) UL 555, Fire Dampers and Ceiling Dampers.
(5) UL 1256, Fire Tests of Roof Deck Construction.
(6) UL 1479, Through-Penetration Fire Stops.
(7) Fire Resistance Directory.
(8) Building Materials List.
(d) The fire Resistance Design manual of the Gypsum Association

(GA).
(e) The Product and Approval Guides of the Factory Mutual Research
Corporation (FM).
3201.5 WORKMANSHIP: Fire Resistive Materials and assemblies shall be in-

stalled in conformance with the tolerances, quality, and methods of con-
struction as set forth in the Standards referenced in this Chapter; The
United States Gypsum Company Gypsum Construction Handbook, the
Gypsum Association Fire Resistance Design manual GA-600; The Un-
derwriters Laboratory Building Materials Directory; Through-Penetra-
tion Firestops Systems (XHEZ), the Fill, Void or Cavity materials
(XHHW); NFPA 70 National Electric Code; and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code.
3202 FIRE-RESISTIVE MATERIALS
3202.1 GENERAL: Materials and systems used for fire-resistive purposes shall
be limited to those specified in this Chapter unless accepted under the
procedure given in Section 3202.2 of this Chapter and shall conform to
the material and test standards given in Appendix A. For standards for
the specific materials of construction referred to in this Chapter, see the
appropriate Chapter in this code specifically regulating such materials.
3202.2 DETERMINATION OF FIRE RESISTANCE RATING:

(a) The fire resistance rating of structural members and of wall, floor,
ceiling or roof assemblies and systems may be determined based
on the values given in Tables 32A, B and C herein. The values of
32-4
minimum thickness given in the tables shall be assumed to afford
the fire resistance ratings indicated for listed member, assembly or
system.
(b) The fire resistance rating of materials, assemblies and systems may
also be determined based on the results of testing performed by an
accredited testing laboratory in accordance with applicable stand-
ards adopted in Section 3701 herein, and such materials, assem-
blies and systems shall be assumed to afford the fire resistance
determined by such results.
(c) remains the same
(d) The fire resistance rating of an assembly or system substantially

similar to one which has been tested or one for which values are
given in the tables, may be determined by interpolation of test re-
sults or tabular values, provided such interpolation is acceptable
to the Buildings Control Officer and can be supported by rational
analysis.
(e) The fire resistance rating of an assembly or system may also be

determined by calculation in accordance with Subsection 3210
herein.
3202.3 PENETRATION OF FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES:
(a) Penetrations through fire-resistive assemblies or fire barriers, in-

cluding passages of pipes, conduits, bus ducts, cables, wires, air
ducts, pneumatic ducts, and similar building service equipment
shall be protected in accordance with this Subsection.
EXCEPTION: Penetrations protected by fire rated assemblies com-

plying with Section 1507 of this Code or Section 3206 herein, as
applicable.
(b) (1) The space between the penetrating item and the fire assem-
bly or fire barrier shall be firestopped against the passage of
hot flame and gases with a material capable of maintaining
the fire resistance of the fire barrier, or protected by an ap-
proved system or device designed to provide such protection
which has been tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL
1479.
(2) Firestops and firestop materials shall be designed to remain

securely in place for the period of the fire resistance rating of
the penetrated assembly. Where penetrating items are of
32-5
approved combustible materials, firestopping shall be ca-
pable of maintaining the fire integrity of the penetrated as-
sembly or barrier by closing the opening created when the
penetrating item burns through or melts away.
(3) Firestops and firestop materials shall be installed by quali-

fied persons in accordance with both the limitations of their
listing and requirements of the manufacturer.
(4) Where a sleeve is used at the penetration it shall be solidly

set in the fire assembly or barrier and the spaces between the
items, the sleeve, and the fire assembly or barrier shall be
protected as required herein.
(5) No insulation or coverings for pipes or ducts shall pass

through the fire assembly or barrier unless the firestop list-
ing permits the insulation material to pass through the as-
sembly or barrier.
(6) No device designed for vibration isolation shall penetrate a

fire assembly or barrier unless it is constructed entirely of
materials capable of maintaining the fire resistance of the
assembly or barrier.
(c) Openings occurring at points where floors or fire barriers meet the
outside walls of a building shall be protected as required for
penetrations in Paragraph (b), above.
3202.4 PENETRATIONS OF SMOKE BARRIERS:
(a) Penetrations through floors or smoke barriers, including passages

of pipes, conduits, bus ducts, cables, wires, air ducts, pneumatic
ducts, and similar building service equipment shall be protected in
accordance with this Subsection and shall be inspected as set forth
in Section 312 of this Code.
(b) The space between the penetrating item and the smoke assembly
or barrier shall be protected against the passage of smoke and hot
gases with material capable of maintaining the smoke resistance
of the smoke barrier, or protected by an approved material or de-
vice designed to provide such protection which meets the accept-
ance criteria of ASTM E814 and is installed in accordance with
the manufacturers specifications. Where a smoke barrier is required
to be fire resistive, smokestop materials shall be designed to re-
main securely in place for the period of the fire resistance rating of
the penetrated assembly.
32-6
Note: Where penetrating items are of approved combustible mate-
rial, smokestopping shall be capable of maintaining the smoke
resistance of the assembly or barrier in the event the penetrating
item burns through or melts away.
(1) Where a sleeve is used at the penetration, it shall be solidly

set in the smoke assembly or barrier and the spaces between
the item, the sleeve, and the smoke assembly or barrier shall
be protected as required herein.
(2) No insulation or coverings for pipes or ducts shall pass

through the smoke assembly or barrier unless the insulation
material is capable of maintaining the smoke resistance of
the assembly or barrier.
(3) No device designed for vibration isolation shall penetrate a

smoke assembly or barrier unless it is constructed entirely
of materials capable of maintaining the smoke resistance of
the assembly or barrier.
(c) Openings occurring at a point where floors or smoke barriers meet

the outside walls, other smoke barriers, or fire barriers of a build-
ing shall be protected as required for penetrations in Subsection
(b), above.
(d) Plans and specifications detailing how penetrations will be

smokestopped shall be provided as set forth in Section 302 of this
Code.
3202.5 FIRE-RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES:
(a) GENERAL: The fire resistivity of materials of construction or as-

semblies shall be as set forth in this Chapter or acceptable under
the provisions of Standards set forth in Section 3201 herein.
(b) CONCRETE: Concrete shall be as set forth in Chapter 22 of this

Code and have a 28-day strength of not less than 2500 psi.
(c) MASONRY: Masonry shall be as set forth in Chapter 27 of this

Code and shall be laid in cement lime or masonry cement mortar;
except gypsum tile shell, and clay tile may be laid in gypsum mor-
tar when not exposed to the weather. Masonry shall be bonded by
breaking joints in successive courses.
(d) LATH:
(1) Gypsum lath shall be as set forth herein and in Chapter 31 of
this Code.
32-7
(2) Metal lath shall be as set forth herein and in Chapter 31 of
this Code.
(e) PLASTER:
(1) Plaster shall be as set forth herein and in Chapter 31 of this
Code. Thickness of plaster is measured from the face of the
plaster base; except that with metal lath, it is measured from
the back of the lath unless otherwise stated. The usual 1/16"
white or finish coat may be included in the required plaster
thickness.
(2) Pneumatically-placed stucco shall be rated as Portland-Ce-

ment plaster.
(f) OTHER FIRE RESISTIVE MATERIALS: Approved foams, caulks,

mastics, grouts and intumescents shall be installed or applied in
accordance with manufacturers specifications.
3203 PROTECTION OF STRUCTURAL MEMBERS
3203.1 GENERAL: Structural members having the fire-resistive protection set

forth in Table 32 shall be assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings set
forth therein.
3203.2 PROTECTIVE COVERINGS:

(a) Thickness of protection: The thickness of fire-resistive materials
required for protection of structural members shall be not less than
set forth in Table 32 except as modified in this Section. The figures
shown shall be the net thickness of the protecting materials and
shall not include any hollow space back of the protection within
the thickness.
(b) Unit Masonry Protection: Where required, metal ties shall be em-
bedded in transverse joints of unit masonry for protection of steel
columns. Such ties shall be as set forth in Table 32 or be equivalent
thereto.
(c) Reinforcement for cast-in-place concrete column protection: Cast-

in-place concrete protection for steel columns shall be reinforced
at the edges of such members with wire ties of not less than .18
inch in diameter wound spirally around the columns on a pitch of
not more than eight inches (8").
(d) Embedment of Pipes: Conduits and pipes shall not be embedded

in required fire protection of structural members.
32-8
(e) Column Jacketing: Where the fire-resistive covering on columns is
exposed to damage from moving vehicles, the handling of mer-
chandise or other means, it shall be protected in a manner approved
by the BCO.
(f) Ceiling Protection:

(1) Where a ceiling is used to fire-protect floors or roofs of non-
combustible construction, the constructions and the support-
ing structural beams, girders and columns need not be indi-
vidually fire-protected;
EXCEPTION: Where such beams, girders and columns sup-

port loads from more than one floor, roof, or contributory
area exceeding 2,000 square feet, such members shall be in-
dividually protected.
(2) Such ceilings shall be continuous but may have openings for
noncombustible pipes, ducts and electrical outlets provided
the area of such pipes, ducts and electrical outlets aggregate
not more than 100 square inches in 100 square feet of ceiling
area and provided the spaces above such ceilings are divided
into areas not exceeding 10,000 square feet.
(3) All openings for light fixtures and ceiling diffusers or other
devices in ceilings where the aggregate area of all openings
exceed that set forth in Paragraph (2) above shall be protected
in a manner that will provide the same rating as the ceiling
and the manner of protection shall be based on the results of
fire tests.
(4) The material of construction of draft stops shall be as set forth

in Type of Construction.
3203.3 PROTECTED MEMBERS:

(a) Attached metal members: The edges of lugs, brackets, rivets, and
bolt heads attached to structural members may extend to within
one inch (1") of the surface of the fire protection.
(b) Reinforcing: Thickness of protection for concrete or masonry rein-

forcement shall be measured to the outside of the reinforcement
except that stirrups and spiral reinforcement ties may project not
more than one-half inch (1/2") into the protection.
(c) Bonded Prestressed Concrete Tendons: For members having a sin-

gle tendon or more than one tendon installed with equal concrete
cover measured from the nearest surface, the cover shall be not
32-9
less than set forth in Table 32A.
For members having multiple tendons installed with variable con-

crete cover, the average tendon cover shall be not less than that set
forth in Table 32A provided:
(1) The clearance from each tendon to the nearest exposed sur-
face is used to determine the average cover.
(2) In no case can the clear cover for individual tendons be less
than one-half of that set forth in Table 32A. A minimum cover
of three-fourths inch (3/4") for slabs and one inch (1”) for
beams is required for any aggregate concrete.
(3) For the purpose of establishing a fire-resistive rating, ten-

dons having a clear cover less than that set forth in Table 32A
shall not contribute more than 50 per cent of the required
ultimate moment capacity of the member. For structural de-
sign purposes, however, tendons having a reduced cover are
assumed to be fully effective.
(d) Pipe columns: In buildings not exceeding one storey in height and
10,000 square feet in area where fire-resistive protection not ex-
ceeding one hour is required, concrete-filled pipe columns will be
accepted in lieu of the required one-hour rating provided such pipes
are filled with 2500 psi concrete, have wall thicknesses not less than
0.237 inch, are a minimum 4 inch inside diameter and are provided
with pressure relief holes as set forth in Section 2306.
(e) Where structural steel columns, required by this Code to be fire-

protected, are enclosed within walls or partitions, the required fire-
resistive protection for such steel columns shall be provided for
the full vertical length of such columns.
(f) Where structural steel, concrete filled pipe columns are enclosed
within a wall or partition of one-hour fire-resistive rating which is
of noncombustible materials, the assembly will be accepted as one-
hour fire protection for the structural pipe column.
3203.4 FIRE PROTECTION OMITTED: Fire protection may be omitted from the
bottom flange of lintels, spanning not over six feet (6), shelf angles, or
plates that are not a part of the structural frame.
3203.5 EXPOSED EXTERIOR STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMES: The Buildings

Control Officer may accept a reduction in the fire protection of an ex-
posed exterior structural steel frame. Such reduction shall be based upon
32-10
calculations, prepared by an Engineer recognised by the Minister, which
shall show: -
(a) The effects of fire exposure
(b) The heat gain
(c) The effects of ventilation
(d) The temperature profile
Furthermore such calculations shall clearly show the effect that

ultra violet rays and saline atmospheric conditions will have on
any protective coatings on the steel.
3204.1 GENERAL: Fire-resistive walls and partitions shall be assumed to have

the fire-resistance ratings set forth in Table 32B.
3204.2 COMBUSTIBLE MEMBERS:

(a) Combustible members framed into a wall shall be protected at their
ends by not less than one-half the required fire-resistive thickness
of such wall.
(b) Materials, excluding pipe and conduit, may be attached to or placed

between the studs under the required wall claddings and, where
such wall or partition is required to be of non-combustible mate-
rial or have a fire-resistive rating of more than one-hour, such ma-
terial shall be noncombustible.
3204.3 EXTERIOR WALLS: In fire-resistive exterior wall construction the fire -

resistive rating shall be maintained for such walls passing through attic
areas.
3205 FLOOR-CEILINGS OR ROOF-CEILINGS
3205.1 GENERAL: Fire-resistive floor-ceiling, or roof-ceiling construction sys-

tems shall be assumed to have the fire-resistance ratings set forth in Table
32C.
LIMITATION: Steel Joist Construction shall not be used in buildings over

4 floors in height, regardless of the fire-resistance ratings set forth in Table
32C for various types of protection for Steel Joist Construction.
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3205.2 FLOORS: Fire-resistive floors shall be continuous and all openings for
mechanical and electrical equipment shall be enclosed as specified in this
Code.
EXCEPTIONS:
(a) Occasional pipes, conduits, sleeves and electrical outlets of cop-
per, sheet steel or ferrous construction may be installed within or
through fire-resistive floor systems provided such installations do
not unduly impair the required fire-resistance of the assembly.
(b) The provisions of this Section shall not apply when such openings
are in accordance with the results of tests conducted pursuant to
the provisions of Section 3202.2 of this Chapter.
(c) No lumber shall be used as ceiling supports in fire rated floor or

ceiling assemblies except as may be permitted by Section 3111.2.
3205.3 ROOFS: Fire-resistive roofs may have the same openings as permitted for
floors and may contain other openings as permitted by this Code.
3205.4 UNUSABLE SPACE ABOVE OR BELOW: In one-hour fire-resistive con-

struction the ceiling may be omitted over unusable space and flooring
may be omitted where unusable space occurs above.
3205.5 SUSPENDED CEILING SYSTEMS:

(a) Where a ceiling is constructed of suspended tile or board it shall
comply with Section 3208 or it shall be non-combustible or fire re-
sistive as set forth herein.
(b) If the suspended board is to provide the required fire protection

then:
(1) All tiles or boards shall be attached to the supporting sus-

pension system in such a manner as to resist uplift.
(2) Suspended ceilings exceeding 100 square feet in area shall

be provided with adequate means for every 64 square feet of
ceiling to resist uplift forces on the entire suspended system.
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3206 FIRE RESISTIVE ASSEMBLIES FOR PROTECTION OF OPENINGS
3206.1 GENERAL: Where required by this Code for fire protection of openings,
fire-resistive assemblies shall comply with the standards set forth in this
Section and in Appendix A and Table 32-I.
3206.2 IDENTIFICATION OF FIRE ASSEMBLIES:

(a) All fire assemblies required to have fire-protection ratings of three
hours, one and one-half hours, one hour, and three-fourths hours
shall bear a label or other identification showing the rating thereof
except that such label shall not be required for doors complying
with Sub-paragraph 3206.2 (c) (2) herein and windows complying
with the paragraphs of Sub-section 3206.6 herein.
(b) Such label shall be issued by an approved testing agency having a

service for inspection of materials and workmanship at the factory
during fabrication and assembly.
(c) EXCEPTIONS:
(1) A three-fourths-hour labeled fire assembly door may be used
where a one-hour rating is required provided the door is
tested, together with the frame and type of hardware as set
forth in this Code, for a period of three-fourths hour.
(2) Where a fire assembly having a fire-protection rating not

exceeding three-fourths hour is required, any of the follow-
ing doors may be installed provided such doors meet with
other requirements of this section for frames, hardware, and
glazing.
(i) Sheet-metal doors constructed of two sheets of metal

not less than .0179" thick, fastened to a structural steel
frame in such manner as to leave a one-inch space be-
tween the panels, which space shall be approved with
non-combustible material.
(ii) Metal-clad doors which shall be wood-panel doors with

frame not less than one and three-fourths inch in thick-
ness and with wood panels not less than three-fourths
inch in thickness, the whole door covered with not less
than .0179" thick metal. The panels of such doors shall
fit into the frame not less than three-fourths inch and
all joints of metal shall be lapped with sufficient lap
width and nailed tightly to the wood frames.
(iii) Doors of solid wood not less than one and three-fourths
inches thick.
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3206.3 FIRE-RESISTIVE TESTS:
(a) The fire-protection rating of all types of required fire assemblies,
except doors complying with Subparagraph 3206.2 (c) (2) and win-
dows complying with the paragraphs of Sub-section 3206.6, shall
be determined in accordance with the requirements set forth in
Appendix A.
(b) A minimum transmitted temperature and end point shall not be

required except for fire-exit doors in stairway enclosures where
the temperature shall not exceed 450°F. at the end of 30 minutes of
the fire exposure set forth in the standards.
3206.4 HARDWARE:
(a) Every fire assembly required to have a three-hour fire-protection
rating shall be an automatic closing type.
(b) Every fire assembly required to have a one and one-half hour, one-
hour, or three-fourths-hour fire-protection rating shall be an au-
tomatic or self-closing type, or as indicated in Table 32-I.
TABLE 32-I
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TABLE 32-I (Continued)
A- Self closing.
B- Automatic closing. Shall close when released by activation of a
detector set to operate when smoke reduces the intensity of a one-
foot long beam of white light by four percent, or any other detection
device which will operate within that limitation.
C- None required except doors from enclosed corridors to rooms of
hazardous uses such as linen rooms, trash rooms, mechanical repair
rooms, etc.
D- Automatic closure at 165° degrees F, fusible link or equal.
E- Self closing, rising butt hinge or closer.
1- For hardware requirements see Sub-section 3206.4
2- For glazing see Sub-sections 3206.5 and 3206.7
3- Ratings of 3, 1-1/2, 1, 3/4, 1/2, or 1/3 hours indicate the duration of
the test exposure. Such numbers are followed by letters A, B, C, D,
or E to indicate the classification of wall opening.
4- For doors connecting residences to attached garages, see Sub-
paragraph 1307.2(a)(3)
(c) (1) Doors shall have closing devices as provided in TABLE 32-I
and as set forth in Section 2811 of this Code.
(2) Closing devices may be omitted where three-fourths-hour

fire-resistive assemblies are required in exterior walls and in
interior walls and partitions unless otherwise required in
Section 2811.
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(d) Heat-activated devices used in automatic fire assemblies shall be
installed, one on each side of the wall at the top of the opening and
one on each side of the wall at ceiling height where the ceiling is
more than three feet above the opening.
(e) Devices detecting products of combustion shall meet the approval

of the Buildings Control Officer as to installation and location, and
shall be subject to such periodic tests as may be required by Sec-
tion 3708 herein.
3206.5 GLAZED OPENINGS IN FIRE DOORS AND WINDOWS:

(a) There shall be no glazed openings in a fire door required to have a
three-hour fire-resistive rating.
(b) The area of glazed openings in a fire door required to have one-
and-one-half-hour or one-hour fire-resistive ratings shall be lim-
ited to 100 square inches with a minimum dimension of four inches.
(c) Where both leafs of a pair of doors have observation panels, the
total area of the glazed openings shall not exceed 100 square inches
for each leaf.
(d) Glazed openings shall be limited to 1200 square inches in wood

and plastic faced composite or hollow metal doors, per light, when
fire resistive assemblies are required to have a three-fourths-hour
fire-resistive rating.
(e) Windows required to have a three-fourths-hour fire-resistive rat-

ing may have an area not greater than 84 square feet with neither
width nor height exceeding 12 feet.
3206.6 FIRE WINDOWS: Where windows are provided in openings required by

this Code to be protected by a fire-resistive assembly having a three-
fourths-hour fire-protection rating, such windows shall be labelled as set
forth in Sub-section 3206.2 or shall be as follows:
(a) Windows shall have frames and sash of solid steel sections or of
hollow steel or iron shapes and be fabricated by pressing, riveting,
interlocking, welding, or crimping together, but not by the use of
solder or other fusible alloy.
(b) Wire glass and glazing shall comply with Sub-section 3206.7.
(c) Maximum height of hollow-metal-frame windows shall be 10 feet.
32-16
(d) Maximum width of hollow-metal-frame windows shall be six feet
for double-hung, counter-weighted, counter-balanced, and fixed-
sash type windows and shall be five feet for all other types.
(e) Solid-section-frame windows shall have a maximum area of 84

square feet with neither width nor height exceeding 12 feet, except
that, when used with unprotected steel mullions, the width shall
not exceed seven feet.
(f) Solid-section mullions, where used in lengths exceeding 12 feet

shall be fire-protected.
3206.7 GLAZING:
(a) Glazing shall be glass not less than one-fourth inch thick and shall
be reinforced with wire mesh No. 24 gauge or heavier embedded
in the glass with openings not larger than one inch square.
(b) Glass not conforming to these requirements may be used when

qualified by tests in accordance with the standards set forth in this
Chapter.
(c) Glass shall be held in place by steel glazing-angles except that in

casement windows wire clips may be used.
3206.8 TIN-CLAD DOORS: If constructed as set forth in the standards, tin-clad

fire doors installed on each side of openings requiring protection shall be
considered as providing a fire assembly having a three-hour fire-protec-
tion rating provided each door bears the label of an approved testing
agency showing the classification thereof.
3206.9 INSTALLATION: A fire assembly shall be installed as set forth in the stand-
ards.
3206.10 SIGNS: A sign may be deemed necessary by the Buildings Control Officer
at or near each required fire door in letters not less than 4" high to read as
follows:
FIRE DOOR
DO NOT OBSTRUCT
Where corridors change direction, doors which are not exit doors shall be
marked PRIVATE.
32-17
3207 FIRE RETARDANT ROOF COVERINGS
Roof coverings shall be required to be fire retardant where and as set forth in the Chapter
on Roof Coverings (Chapter 30).
3208 INTERIOR FINISHES
3208.1 GENERAL:
(a) Interior finish means the exposed interior surfaces of buildings in-
cluding, but not limited to, fixed or moveable walls and partitions,
columns and ceilings and any surfacing material such as paint or
wallpaper applied thereto.
(b) Interior floor finish means the exposed floor surfaces of buildings
including coverings which may be applied over a normal finished
floor.
(c) Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used as interior

finish.
3208.2 CLASSIFICATION:
(a) Interior finish materials shall be classified by their average flame
spread and smoke development ratings as determined by the re-
sults of a test conducted in accordance with NFPA 255 ‘Method of
Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials’.
Class A Interior Finish: Flame spread rating 0-25, smoke developed

0-450, includes any material classified at 25 or less on the flame
spread test scale and 450 or less on the smoke test scale. Any ele-
ment thereof when so tested shall not continue to propagate fire.
Class B Interior Finish: Flame spread rating 26-75, smoke devel-

oped 0-450, includes any material classified at more than 25 but
not more than 75 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on
the smoke test scale.
Class C Interior Finish: Flame spread rating 76-200 smoke devel-

oped 0-450, includes any materiel classified at more than 75 but
not more than 200 on the flame spread test scale and 450 or less on
the smoke test scale. The classification of the interior finish materi-
als shall be that of the basic material used by itself or in combina-
tion with other materials.
(b) Interior floor finishes shall be classified by their critical radiant flux
ratings as determined by the results of a test conducted in accord-
32-18
ance with NFPA 253 ‘Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant
Flux of Floor Covering Systems, Using a Radiant Heat Energy
Source.’
Class I Interior Floor Finish: Critical radiant flux, minimum of 0.45

Watts per square centimetre.
Class II Interior Floor Finish: Critical radiant flux, minimum of 0.22

Watts per square centimetre.
(c) The flame spread ratings and the critical radiant flux ratings for
various groups of occupancy shall be as set forth in Table 32-II be-
low: -
TABLE 32-II
INTERIOR FINISH REQUIREMENTS BASED UPON OCCUPANCY
* C on moveable partitions not more than 5’ high.

** Interior Floor Finish Classifications.
32-19
(1) Exposed portions of structural members complying with the
requirements for heavy exposed timber construction may be
permitted.
(2) Automatic sprinklers—where an approved automatic sprin-

kler system is installed the following may pertain: —
3208.3 FIRESTOPPING IN BACK OF WAINSCOTING AND PANELING: Ex-

cept in single family and duplex residential occupancies, all spaces be-
tween combustible wainscoting or panelling and the wall or partition to
which it is attached shall be firestopped to form areas not exceeding seven
feet in any dimension.
If panelling is applied directly to the wall with no air space, or if the space
between battens and back of the wall is filled and surface treatment con-
forms to these requirements, firestopping is not required.
3209 INSULATING MATERIALS
3209.1 GENERAL: Insulating materials having a flame spread rating of 25 or

less and a smoke development rating of 100 or less, shall be used as set
forth herein.
(a) Insulating materials may be used within non-fire-rated assemblies.
(b) Insulating materials may be used within fire-rated assemblies if

such assemblies are tested in accordance with ASTM E119.
(c) Insulating materials may be applied to the room side surface of

combustible or non-combustible assemblies if the insulation is pro-
tected by a thermal barrier having a finish rating of not less than 15
minutes.
NOTE: Finishing rating: means the time as determined in accord-

ance with ASTM E 119, at which a thermal barrier reaches a tem-
32-20
perature of 250 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient or an individual
temperature rise of 325 degrees Fahrenheit above ambient as meas-
ured on the plane of the thermal barrier nearest to the insulating
material.
3209.2 EXCEPTIONS:
(a) The requirements of Section 3209.1 (b) may be waived if such as-
semblies are protected by an approved fire extinguishing system.
(b) The requirements of Section 3209.1 (c) shall not apply to single fam-
ily residences of Group ‘H’ Occupancy.
3210 CALCULATIONS OF FIRE RESISTANCE
3210.1 GENERAL:
(a) SCOPE: The fire resistance rating of any construction component

or assembly required to be fire resistive may be calculated in
accordance with the provision of this Section. The procedures for
the calculation of fire resistance shall comply with the provisions
of this Sections.
(b) APPLICATION: The procedures and requirement established herein

shall be applicable and shall be valid only for this Section.
3210.2 STANDARDS: Calculations of fire resistance shall be based upon the

methods established in this Section, and/or one or more of the following
Standards:
(a) NCMA TEK 80A, Increasing the Fire Resistance of Concrete

Masonry.
(b) AISI, Designing Fire Protection for Street Trusses
(c) AISI, Designing Fire Protection for Steel, Columns
(d) CRSI, Reinforced Concrete Fire Resistance
(e) PSI, Design for Fire Resistance of Precast Prestressed Concrete
32-21
3210.3 CONCRETE WALL WITH GYPSUM WALLBOARD OR PLASTER
FINISHES
The fire resistance rating of cast-in-place or precast concrete walls with

finishes of gypsum wallboard or plaster applied to 1 or both sides may be
calculated in accordance with the provisions of this Section:
(a) Where the finish of gypsum wallboard or plaster is applied to the

non-fire-exposed side of the wall, the contribution of the finish to
the total fire-resistance rating shall be determined as follows: The
thickness of finish shall first be corrected by multiplying the actual
thickness of the finish by the applicable factor determined from
Table 32-A based on the construction and type of aggregate. The
corrected thickness of finish shall then be added to the actual
thickness or equivalent thickness of concrete and the fire-resistant
rating of the concrete and finish determined from Table 32B.
(b) Where gypsum wallboard or plaster is applied to the fire-exposed

side of the wall, the contribution of the finish to the total fire-
resistance rating shall be determined as follows: The time assigned
to the finish as established by Table 32-B shall be added to the
fire-resistance rating determined from Table 32-B for the concrete
alone, or to the rating determined in Paragraph 3210.3(a) herein
for the concrete and finish on the non-fire exposed side.
(c) For a wall having no finish on 1 side or having different types or

thicknesses of finish on each side, the calculation procedures of
Paragraphs 3210.3(a) and 3210.3(b) herein shall be performed twice,
i.e. assume that either side of the wall may be the fire-exposed
side. The fire resistance rating of the wall shall not exceed the
lower of the two values calculated.
EXCEPTION: For exterior wall with more than 5’-0” of horizon-

tal distance separation, the fire may be assumed to occur on the
interior side only.
(d) When the finish applied to a concrete wall contributes to the fire-
resistance rating, the concrete alone shall provide not less than 1/
2 the total required fire-resistance rating.
(e) Finishes on concrete walls which are assumed to contribute to the

total fire resistance rating of the wall shall comply with the in-
stallation requirements of Paragraph 3210.4(f) hereinbelow.
32-22
3210.4 CONCRETE MASONRY WALLS
(a) The fire resistance rating of walls and partitions constructed of

concrete masonry units shall be determined from Table 32-B. The
rating shall be based on the equivalent thickness of the masonry
and type of aggregate used.
(b) Where plaster or gypsum wallboard is applied to the non-fire-ex-

posed side of the wall, the contribution of the finish to the total
fire resistance rating shall be determined as follows: The thick-
ness of gypsum wallboard or plaster shall be corrected by multi-
plying the actual thickness of the finish by the applicable factor
determined from Table 32-A. This corrected thickness of finish shall
be added to the equivalent thickness of masonry and the fire re-
sistance rating of masonry and finish determined; from Table 32-
B.
(c) Where plaster or gypsum wallboard is applied to the fire-exposed

side of the wall, the contribution of the finish to the total fire re-
sistance rating shall be determined as follows: The time assigned
to the finish as established by Table 32-B shall be added to the fire
resistance rating determined in Paragraph 3210.4(a) hereinabove
for the masonry alone, or in Paragraph 3210.4(b), hereinabove fore
the masonry and finish on the non-fire-exposed side.
(d) For a wall having no finish on one side or having different types or
thicknesses of finish on each side, the calculation procedures of
this section shall be performed twice, i.e., assume that either side
may be the fire-exposed side of the wall. The fire resistance rating
of the wall shall not exceed the lower of the two values calcu-
lated.
EXCEPTION: For exterior wall with more than 5’-0” of horizon-

tal distance separation, the fire shall be assumed to occur on the
interior side only.
(e) When the finish applied to a concrete masonry wall contributes to

the fire resistance rating, the masonry alone shall provide not less
than 1/2 the total required fire resistance rating.
(f) Installation of finishes shall be as follows:
(1) Gypsum wallboard and gypsum lath applied to concrete

masonry or concrete walls shall be secured to wood or steel
furring members spaced not more than 16” o/c.
32-23
(2) Gypsum wall board shall be installed with the long dimen-
sion parallel to the furring members and shall have all joints
finished.
(3) Other aspects of the installation of finishes shall comply

with the applicable provisions of Chapter 31 of this Code.
32-24
32-25
32-26
32-27
32-28
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32-30
32-31
32-32
32-33
32-34
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32-37
32-38
32-39
32-40
32-41
32-42
32-43
32-44
32-45
32-46
CHAPTER 33
INTERIOR DECORATIVE FINISHES
3301 GENERAL
This Chapter is intended to set out standards for the fixed interior decorative features,
fixed seats, wall papers, wall fabrics, paneling, drapes, carpets and other similar items.
3301.1 All drawings and specifications for interior decorative finishes and fea-
tures to be installed in conjunction with building operations for Groups
A, B, F, and G Occupancies shall be submitted to the Buildings Control
Officer, for approval, prior to the issue of a Certificate of Occupancy. These
drawings and specifications shall clearly show the materials to be used,
and their location within the building.
3301.2 Interior finishes shall include the exposed interior surfaces of the build-
ing including, but not limited to fixed or moveable walls and partitions,
columns and ceilings. All interior finishes shall comply with the flame
spread ratings and critical radiant flux ratings set forth in Section 3208.
3301.3 Fixed interior decorative features shall not substantially increase the fire
load of the building and for the purposes of this Code shall include but
not be limited to the artificial furring down of ceilings and raising of floor
levels in certain areas, the installation of columns, posts and beams which
are not of a structural nature, and the installation of railings, panels, trim
and other similar decorative features.
3301.4 Cellular or foamed plastic materials shall not be used:

(a) as an interior finish or
(b) as trim.
EXCEPTION: Cellular or foamed plastic may be used for trim, not in ex-
cess of 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area, provided, it is not less than 20
lbs./cu. ft. in density, is limited to 1/2 inch in thickness, 4 inches in width
and complies with the limits for Class A or B interior finish.
3301.5 The fire rating, flame spread and smoke development properties of the
material to be used should either be stamped upon the material, or the
material should come in packages labelled as to its properties by an ap-
proved testing agency. In all other cases the material shall be accompa-
nied by a covering letter from the supplier indicating that these materials
have been tested by an approved agency.
33-1
3301.6 No interior finish nor decorative feature shall be allowed to impede ac-
cess to any fire exit or fire fighting equipment, nor shall any decoration be
permitted to cover up or obscure any fire exit or exit signs or fire fighting
equipment.
3301.7 No interior finish or decorative feature shall be used that gives off toxic
fumes when subject to heat or flame.
3301.8 Drapes, curtains and similar furnishings and decorations used in connec-
tion with Groups A, B, F and G Occupancies shall be flame resistant.
33-2
PART VIII
MISCELLANEOUS
CHAPTER 34
FABRIC AWNINGS, CANOPIES, TENTS AND BLEACHERS
3401 GENERAL
3402 DEFINITIONS
3403 PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
3404 LOCATION AND USE
3405 CONSTRUCTION
3406 TENTS
3407 BLEACHERS
3401 GENERAL
3401.1 GENERAL: Fabric awnings, canopies and tents shall be of materials,

proportions and strength as set forth in this Chapter. The limitations of
zoning or of the Department of Physical Planning shall apply where more
restrictive with respect to location, use, size and height.
3401.2 PURPOSE:
(a) It is the intent and purpose of this Chapter to regulate the erection
and location of:
(i) awnings and canopies on private property and to set forth

the conditions under which awnings may be constructed over
public property.
(ii) any tent to which the public is to be admitted.
(iii) any bleachers which are to be used by the public.
3402 DEFINITIONS
AWNING, any movable rooflike structure, cantilevered, or otherwise entirely supported

from a building, so constructed and erected as to permit its being readily and easily moved
within a few minutes time to close an opening, or rolled or folded back to a position flat
against the building or a cantilevered projection thereof, or is detachable.
BLEACHERS: Bleachers are tiered or stepped seating facilities without backrests in which
an area of three square feet or less is assigned per person for computing the occupant load.
34-1
CABANA, a sun and wind protection erected nearby and in connection with swimming
areas having removable fabric roof and walls, on a fixed metal frame.
CANOPY, any fixed rooflike structure, not movable like an awning, and which is
cantilevered or in whole or in part self-supporting, but having no side walls or curtains
other than valances not more than 18 inches deep. Lean-to-canopies, fixed umbrellas and
similar structures are included in this classification. Structures having side walls or val-
ances more than 18 inches deep shall be classified as a tent or cabana as set forth herein.
FABRIC, cloth or any material similarly flexible or woven.
ROLLER CURTAIN, shall be included in the classification of a movable awning and shall
be defined as having a roller attached to the lower edge of a fabric and supported in
whole or in part by the awning material.
SELF-SUPPORTING, supported to the ground or construction below by columns or walls,

but not cantilevered.
TENT, a shelter or structure, the covering of which is made of a pliable material which
achieves its sole support by mechanical means such as beams, columns, poles, arches and/
or cables.
3403 BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS
3403.1 PERMITS:
(a) A building permit shall be required for: —
(i) the construction, fabrication, installation, repair or replace-

ment of any awning, canopy, or any other fabric structure
erected over public property or over private property used
for business or industrial purposes or over private property
when such structure is in whole or in part self supported.
(ii) the erection of any tent to which the public is to be admitted.
(iii) the erection of any bleachers which are to be used by the

public.
EXCEPTION: Permits will not be required for the repair or

replacing of fabric when the existing structural framework
is not altered or removed and when such framework is in
compliance with the requirements of this Code.
(b) Application for permit shall be accompanied by plans. When re-

quired by the BCO such plans shall be prepared by an engineer
recognized by the Minister.
34-2
(c) Where the proposed structure is to be erected over public property,
applications will be accepted from only the adjacent owner or his
agent.
(d) Permission to erect a tent shall be temporary and for a period not
exceeding 30 days. Such permission may be revoked on 24 hours
written Notice from the Buildings Control Officer.
3403.2 INSPECTION:
(a) The permit holder shall request the BCO to make a final inspection
when the work is completed.
(b) The name of the manufacturer shall be affixed and shall be visible
and legible.
3404 LOCATION AND USE
3404.1 LOCATION:
(a) Fabric awnings and canopies located over public property or in
areas accessible to the general public shall be constructed so that
no rigid part of such fabric awning or canopy shall be less than
seven feet and six inches from the grade directly below, and no
part of the cloth drop shall be less than six feet and six inches. The
minimum clearance under awnings or canopies located over high-
way rights-of-way shall be as required by the Minister.
(b) No cantilevered portion of an awning or canopy exceeding nine

feet in projection shall extend over public property, nor shall any
portion be closer than 18 inches to the curb lines.
(c) Canopies in whole or in part support directly by the ground shall

comply with building set back requirements unless otherwise regu-
lated by the Department of Physical Planning.
3404.2 USE:
(a) Fabric awnings or canopies may be used for the shading and
weather protection of windows, door entrances, restaurant tables
not enclosed with insect screening, seats and playgrounds. Fabric
awnings and canopies used for the shading or weather protection
of cars or boats in connection with single family or duplex residen-
tial occupancies shall be limited to a size to cover not more than 2
such vehicles or craft.
34-3
(b) Fabric awnings and canopies may not be used for general storage
or combustible materials or goods packaged in combustible mate-
rials.
(c) Fabric awnings and canopies may not be enclosed with any mate-
rial other than a valance not more than 18 inches in vertical depth
or fabric roller curtains for temporary shade and weather protec-
tion.
3405 CONSTRUCTION
3405.1 AREA:
(a) No fabric awning or canopy shall exceed the area of the building
to which it is attached.
(b) No fabric awning or canopy shall exceed ten percent of the area of
the lot on which such awning or canopy is located.
3405.2 MATERIAL:
(a) Fabric used for any purpose herein defined shall be a minimum of
10.10 army duck. Fabric for tents shall be flame-resistant in accord-
ance with the Standard for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films,
NFPA No. 701.
(b) Supports for fabric awnings, and canopies shall be of metal or simi-
lar durable material.
3405.3 DESIGN:
(a) The minimum size of structural members for cantilevering awn-
ings or canopies, or cabanas shall be not less than as set forth
hereinafter, nor less than required to resist 75 mph wind with ap-
plicable shape factors as set forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead
Loads (Chapter 20). Design of the structural frame shall not be
based on the removal or repositioning of parts, or the whole, dur-
ing periods of high wind velocity. All fabric shall be designed for
quick removal.
The materials and design of the structural members and frame shall
conform to the requirements of the specific chapters in this Code
for such materials.
34-4
’
34-5
(b) The cloth parts of canopies and awnings shall be securely laced,
tied or otherwise fastened to the frame; no rafter or front bar will
be permitted in pockets; and in no case shall a rolling curtain be
caused to operate over a canopy frame.
(c) The front bar of an awning, when pulled up, shall not be higher
than the head of the awning.
(d) The awning head bar may be of wood, provided such wood is
treated to resist rot and weather deterioration.
(e) When attaching awnings or canopies to masonry walls or columns,

lags and expansion bolts in metal shields shall be required. Wood
plugs are prohibited. Fastening shall be not less than three-eighths
inch bolts, nor more than three feet apart.
(f) The horizontal projection of cantilevered portions shall not be

greater than two times the height, except where the building con-
struction does not permit a proper installation; in which case, vari-
ance may be permitted by the BCO, based on special design and
construction. All fabric awnings, except roller-gear awnings with
folding arms, must be equipped with fire chains, one end of which
fastens to the front bar or side arm, not more than six inches back
of the front bar and the other end of which fastens to a point just
under the head bar, but not to the head bar or head-bar fastenings.
Such chains and fastenings shall be of sufficient strength to with-
stand the stress of the awning being dropped and to keep the frame
from going below the required minimum.
3406 TENTS
3406.1 Tents may not be used for general storage of any character whatsoever
and may not be used for sleeping purposes without permission.
3406.2 All fabric, curtains, cloth, rope, netting and decorative material used for,
or in, or on, a tent shall be rendered flameproof, provided that
flameproofing will not be required for tents open on one side and with
standing capacity only for 20 or less persons. Tents required to be of
flameproofed materials shall be inspected by the BCO, who may require
written verification from the owner as to the flame-proofing of the mate-
rials before issuing an Occupancy Certificate.
3406.3 Tents shall be adequately guyed, supported and braced to withstand a

wind pressure or suction of 10 pounds per square foot. The poles and
their supporting guys, stays, stakes, fastenings, etc., shall be of sufficient
strength and attached so as to resist wind pressure of 20 pounds per square
foot of projected area of the tent. No tier of seats shall rise to a height
exceeding 12 feet. All lighting shall be by electricity. A minimum of two
34-6
exits shall be provided where a tent is used as a place of assembly for 100,
or more, persons. Where tents are used as a place of assembly, with a
capacity of 500 or more persons, each exit shall be not less than nine-feet
wide, and the number of exits shall be one additional exit for each addi-
tional 500 persons or major fraction thereof. Exits shall be spaced not more
than 75 feet apart. Aisles shall be not less than 44 inches in width, pro-
vided such aisles shall not be less in width than the combined width of
aisle that they connect. There shall be not more than ten seats between
any seat and aisle, and if the seating capacity or such tent exceeds 500
persons, collapsible chairs shall be fastened together in banks of ten.
3406.4 Tents shall not be less than 30 feet from side or rear property lines or from
other buildings on the same property. No tent shall be erected in zones
designated by the Chief Fire Officer as being of high fire hazard.
3406.5 No smoking, fireworks, or unapproved open flame of any kind shall be

permitted in any tent while occupied by the public. “No smoking” signs
shall be conspicuously posted in any tent open to the public.
3406.6 Tents shall not be used for the display of motion pictures unless safety
film is used.
3407 BLEACHERS
3407.1 (a) All bleachers and grandstands shall conform to the provisions of
this Code and this section. All bleachers and grandstands shall be
designed by an engineer recognized by the Minister.
(b) Where the height of any row of seats in any bleachers or grand-
stand is more than 6 feet above the adjacent grade, the erection of
the bleachers or grandstand shall be supervised by an engineer
recognized by the Minister.
3407.2 Bleachers employing combustible framing shall be limited to 11 rows or 9

feet in height.
3407.3 The minimum unit live load for bleachers, grandstands and reviewing
stands shall be 100 pounds per square foot of horizontal projection for the
structure as a whole. Seat and floorboards shall be designed for 120 pounds
per lineal foot. The sway force, applied to scab, shall be 24 pounds per
linear foot parallel to the seats, and 10 pounds per lineal foot perpendicu-
lar to the seats.
3407.4 SPACING OF SEATS:

(a) Row spacing: The minimum spacing of rows of seats measured
from back to back shall be: Twenty-two inches (22") for seats with-
34-7
out backrests in open air stands; thirty inches (30") for seats with
backrests, and thirty-three inches (33') for chair seating.
There shall be a space of not less than twelve inches (12") between
the back of each seat and the front of the seat immediately behind
it.
(b) Rise between rows: The maximum rise from one row of seats to
the next shall not exceed sixteen inches (16").
(c) Seating capacity: For determining the seating capacity of a stand,

the width of any seat shall be not less than eighteen inches (18")
nor more than nineteen inches (19").
(d) Number of seats between aisles: the number of seats between any
seat and an aisle shall not be greater than 15 for open air stands
with seats without backrests; nine for open air stands with seats
having backrests; nine for seats without backrests within build-
ings, and six for seats with backrests in buildings.
3407.5 AISLES:
(a) Aisles required: Aisles shall be provided in all stands.
EXCEPTION: Aisles may be omitted when all of the following con-

ditions exist:
1. Seats are without backrests.
2. The rise from row to row does not exceed twelve inches (12)
per row.
3. The number of rows does not exceed 11 in height.
4. The top seating board is not over ten feet (10') above grade.
5. The first seating board is not more than twenty inches (20")
above grade.
(b) Obstructions: No obstruction shall be placed in the required width

of any aisle or exitway.
(c) Stairs required: When an aisle is elevated more than eight inches
(8") above grade, the aisle shall be provided with a stairway or
ramp whose width is not less than the width of the aisle.
(d) Dead end: No vertical aisle shall have a dead end more than 16
rows in depth regardless of the number of exits required.
34-8
(e) Width: Aisles shall have a minimum width of forty-two inches (42").
(f) Stairs and Ramps:

(1) Scope: The requirements of this Section shall apply to all stairs
and ramps except for portions that pass through the seating
area.
(2) Stair rise and run: The maximum rise of treads shall not ex-
ceed eight inches (8") and the minimum width of the run
shall be eleven inches (11"). The maximum variations in the
width of treads in any one flight shall be not more then three-
sixteenths inch (3/16") end the maximum variation in the
height of two adjacent risers shall not exceed three-sixteenths
inch (3/16").
(3) Ramp slope: The slope of a ramp shall not exceed one foot
(1') in eight feet (8'). Ramps shall be roughened or shall be of
approved non-slip material.
(4) Handrails: A ramp with a slope exceeding one foot (1') in ten
feet (10') shall have handrails. Stairs from stands shall have
handrails.
(5) Guardrails: Guardrails shall be required in all locations where

the top of a seat plank is more than four feet (4') above the
grade and at the front of stands elevated more than two feet
(2') above grade. Where only sections of stands are used,
guardrails shall be provided as required in this Section.
Railings shall be forty-two (42") above the rear of a seat plank

or forty two inches (42") above the rear of the steps in an
aisle when the guardrail is parallel and adjacent to the aisle.
EXCEPTION: The height may be reduced to thirty-six inches

(36") for guardrails located in front of the grandstand.
A midrail shall be placed adjacent to any seat to limit the

open distance above the top of any part of a seat to ten inches
(10") where the seat is at the extreme end or at the extreme
rear of the bleachers or grandstand. The intervening space
shall have one additional rail midway in the opening.
EXCEPTION: Railings may be omitted when stands are

placed directly against a wall or fence giving equivalent pro-
tection.
34-9
Stairs and ramps shall be provided with guardrails.
Handrails at the front of stands and adjacent to an aisle shall

be designed to resist a load of 50 pounds per lineal foot ap-
plied at the top rail. Other handrails shall be designed to re-
sist a load of 20 pounds.
(g) Floorboards: Floorboards shall be provided for all rows of seats

above the third row, or beginning at such point where the seating
plank is more than two feet (2') above grade.
EXCEPTION: Where the same level is used for both seats and foot-
rests, and these levels are not less than twenty-two inches (22") in
width, footrests will not be required.
3407.6 EXITS:
(a) Distance to exit: The line of travel to an exit shall be not more than
one hundred and fifty feet (150'). For stands with seats without
backrests this distance may be measured by direct line from a seat
to the exit from the stand.
(b) Aisle used as exit: An aisle may be considered as only one exit
unless it is continuous at both ends to a legal building exit or to a
safe dispersal area.
(c) Two exits required: A stand with the first seating board not more
than twenty inches (20”) above grade or floor may be considered
to have two exits when the bottom of the stand is open at both
ends.
Every stand or section of a stand within a building shall have at

least two means of egress when the stand accommodates more then
50 persons.
Every open air stand having seats without backrests shall have at
least two means of egress when the stand accommodates more than
300 persons.
(d) Three exits required: Three exits shall be required for stands within
a building when there are more than 300 occupants within a stand,
and for open air stands with seats without backrests where a stand
or section of a stand accommodates more than 1000 occupants.
(e) Four exits required: Four exits shall be required when a stand or
section of a stand accommodates more than 1000 occupants.
34-10
EXCEPTION: For an open air stand with seats without backrests
four exits need not be provided unless there are accommodations
for more than 3000 occupants.
(f) Determination of exit width: The total width of exits in feet shall
be not less than the total occupant load served divided by 50.
EXCEPTION: For open air stands with seats without backrests the
total width of exits in feet shall be not less than the total occupant
load served divided by 150 when exiting by stairs, and divided by
200 when exiting by ramps or horizontally. When both horizontal
and stair exits are used, the total width of exits shall be determined
by using both figures as applicable.
(g) Minimum exit width: No exit shall be less than forty-two inches
(42") in width.
(h) Exit arrangement: Exits shall be arranged a reasonable distance

apart. When both two exits are provided, they shall be spaced not
more than one-fifth of the perimeter apart.
34-11
NOTES
34-12
CHAPTER 35
RIGID AWNINGS, CANOPIES, SCREEN ENCLOSURES
AND UTILITY SHEDS
3501 GENERAL
3502 PERMITS AND INSPECTION
3503 DESIGN
3504 LOCATION
3505 OUTDOOR THEATRE SCREENS AND BANDSHELLS
3501 GENERAL
3501.1 GENERAL: Rigid awnings and canopies and screen enclosures shall be of
the materials, proportions and strength as set forth in this chapter.
3501.2 DEFINITIONS:
AWNING, any fixed rooflike structure, cantilevered, or otherwise entirely

supported from a building, so constructed and erected as to permit its
being readily and easily moved within a few minutes time to close an
opening, or rolled or folded back to a position flat against the building or
a cantilevered projection thereof, or is detachable.
CANOPY, any fixed rooflike structure not movable like an awning and
which is cantilevered or in whole or in part self-supporting, but having
no side walls or curtains other than valances not more than 18-inches deep.
Lean-to-canopies, fixed umbrellas and similar structures are included in
this classification. Structures having side walls or valances more than 18
inches deep shall be classified as a building of a Type of Construction as
set forth in this Code.
CANOPY SHUTTER, any fixed rooflike structure which is movable like

an awning and which is cantilevered or in part supported to the ground
or construction below by removable columns or posts, but having no side
walls or curtains other than valances not more than 18 inches deep. A
canopy shutter is so constructed and erected as to permit its being readily
and easily moved within a few minutes time to close an opening by fold-
ing back to a position flat against the building when the building is unat-
tended or act as a storm shutter during periods of high wind velocity.
RIGID, not flexible as distinguished from fabric.
SCREEN ENCLOSURE, a building or part thereof, in whole or in part
35-1
self-supporting, and having walls of insect screening and a roof of insect
screening, plastic, aluminum, or similar light-weight material.
SELF-SUPPORTING, supported to the ground or construction below by

columns or walls, but not cantilevered.
UTILITY SHED: any building designed for the storage of small equip-
ment, tools and/or miscellaneous items of use and which shall have maxi-
mum dimensions of 10’-0” length, 10’-0” width and 7’-0” height.
3502 BUILDING PERMITS AND INSPECTION
3502.1 PERMITS:
(a) A building permit will be required for the construction, fabrica-
tion, installation, alteration or repair of any rigid awning, canopy
or canopy shutter, or screen enclosure.
(b) Application for permit shall be accompanied by plans, and, when

required by the Buildings Control Officer, such plans shall be pre-
pared by an engineer recognized by the Minister.
3502.2 INSPECTION: The permit holder shall request the BCO to make a final
inspection when the work is completed.
3502.3 POSTING: Structures designed to be readily removed or repositioned

during periods of high wind velocity shall be posted with a legible and
readily visible decal or painted instructions to the owner or tenant to re-
move or reposition the structure or part thereof during such periods of
time as are officially designated as being a hurricane warning or alert.
3503 DESIGN
3503.1 LOADS: Rigid awnings, canopies, canopy shutters and screened enclo-
sures shall be designed to resist the loads set forth in the Chapter on Live
and Dead Loads (Chapter 20) herein except that structures or parts thereof
which are intended to be removed or repositioned during periods of high
wind velocity shall be designed in their open or extended position to re-
sist velocity pressures not less than that based on 75 MPH wind with
applicable shape factors and to resist not less than 15 pounds per square
foot roof live load. Where such structure is intended to be folded or other-
wise repositioned to close an opening when the building is unattended or
act as a storm shutter the design in the closed position shall also comply
with the full wind loads given in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads
(Chapter 20).
35-2
3503.2 ALLOWABLE STRESSES: The allowable stresses shall not exceed those
set forth in this Code for the materials of construction used.
3503.3 MATERIALS: Rigid awnings canopies or canopy shutters located over

public property shall be of non-combustible materials unless specifically
exempted by zoning regulations.
3503.4 SCREEN ENCLOSURES:

(a) The maximum allowable deflection of roof supporting members
shall not exceed a ratio of L/180 based on design load done. The
top flange of these members shall be laterally supported by positive
means at spacings not to exceed 40 times the flange width of the
composite member and the entire structure shall be braced in the
plane of the roof.
(b) Vertical members shall be designed to resist applicable axial and

bending loads. Positive rational means shall be provided to trans-
mit beam reactions to the columns and column loads to the footings.
(c) The supporting members of screens having openings of less than

40 percent of the gross area shall be designed to resist 30 psf wind
load on the screen. The supporting members of screens having
openings of 40 percent or more but not more than 60 percent shall
be designed to resist 20 psf wind load on the screen. The support-
ing members of screens having openings of more than 60 percent
shall be designed to resist 10 psf wind load on the screen. The shape
factors set forth in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter
20) shall be applied.
(d) Application for permit shall be accompanied by scaled drawings

and, where required by the BCO shall be prepared by an engineer
recognized by the Minister. Drawings shall show a foundation plan,
roof framing plan, all elevations, plot plan, properties and dimen-
sions of members and, where required by the BCO computations
of design.
(e) Screen enclosure walls shall be supported by a continuous con-

crete foundation not less than 8 inches deep, 8 inches wide and
reinforced with one #5 continuous bar, or 16"x 16" pads with two
#4 bars each way. The vertical members supporting beams, at all
corners, and at least every 18 feet along all sides shall be attached
to the foundation with at least a 3/8 inch diameter bolt at each
such column.
(f) Screen enclosure roof framing members may be attached to a fas-

cia at the end of rafter overhang only where such fascia is not less
35-3
than a nominal two inches in thickness and the fascia is attached
to each rafter with an anchor capable of resisting 1000 pounds ver-
tical load.
An analysis of the ability of the existing structure to carry the

enclosure loads shall be made.
(g) Aluminium structural members shall be not less than .055 inches
in thickness with .006 inch tolerance. Tests to determine the physi-
cal properties of any alloy may be required by the BCO. All struc-
tural aluminum members shall be viably marked to indicate the
alloy and heat treatment.
(h) Aluminium columns supporting aluminum roof beams shall be

designed in accordance with the Chapter on Aluminum (Chapter
25) for both axial and bending wind, dead and live loads.
(i) The minimum bolt size shall be 1/4 inch diameter for any struc-
tural attachment Sheet metal screws may be used only where spe-
cifically approved by the BCO based on the result of satisfactory
tests.
3503.5 UTILITY SHEDS:

(a) The foundations for utility sheds shall comply with the applica-
ble provisions of subsection 2103.5
(b) The provisions of subsection 3503.4 (a), (b), (d), (g), and (h) herein
above shall be met by all utility sheds.
3504 LOCATION
3504.1 Rigid awnings canopies or canopy shutters located over public property
or such awnings or canopies located over private property shall be not
less than seven feet above the grade directly below.
3504.2 No cantilevered portion of an awning, canopy or canopy shutter exceed-

ing nine feet in projection shall extend over public property, nor shall any
portion be closer than 18 inches to the curb line.
3504.3 Rigid canopies and canopy shutters, in whole or in part self-supporting

and screen enclosures shall comply with the zoning setbacks for build-
ings.
35-4
3505 OUTDOOR THEATRE SCREENS AND BANDSHELLS
3505.1 Outdoor theatre screens and bandshells shall be designed by a qualified

engineer recognized by the Minister, with stresses conforming to the re-
quirement of this Code for the materials used.
3505.2 (a) Secondary portions of theatre screens and secondary portions of

bandshells between the structural framing members may be de-
signed for a wind loading not over that caused by a 75 miles per
hour wind, if the screens will be removed during a period of hurri-
cane alert, as officially designated.
(b) This method of design and construction shall be permitted at the

discretion of the BCO and, if permitted, permanent markings must
be placed indicating the portions of the screen to be removed dur-
ing a period of, hurricane alert. Procedures and names of person-
nel designated to remove these screens must be on file with the
BCO.
(c) Permanent portions of the frame shall be designed for the full wind
loadings given in the Chapter on Live and Dead Loads (Chapter
20).
35-5
NOTES
35-6
PART IX
MECHANICAL
CHAPTER 36
PLUMBING
SUB INDEX
3601 ADMINISTRATIVE
3602 DEFINITIONS
3603 GENERAL
3604 MATERIALS
3605 DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND DISPOSAL
3606 INDIRECT WASTE PIPING AND SPECIAL WASTES
3607 JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS
3608 TRAPS AND CLEANOUTS
3609 HANGERS AND SUPPORTS
3610 VENTS AND VENTING SYSTEMS
3611 STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
3612 INTERCEPTORS AND SEPARATORS
3613 PLUMBING FIXTURES AND REQUIREMENTS
3614 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION
3615 SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
3616 SUPPLY AND DISPOSAL WELLS
3617 PLUMBING CODE FOR SMALL BUILDINGS
3601 ADMINISTRATIVE

3601.1 Title and Scope 36-2
(a) Title 36-2
(b) Purpose 36-3
(c) Scope 36-5
(d) Application to Existing Plumbing
Installations 36-5
(e) Maintenance 36-5
3601.2 Power and Duties of Inspectors 36-6
3601.3 Insanitary Buildings and Premises 36-6
3601.4 Alternate Materials and Types of 36-6
Construction
36-1
(a) Standards 36-6
(b) Application 36-6
(c) Appeal 36-6
(d) Repeated Tests 36-6
3601.5 Building Permits & Plumbing Permits 36-7
(a) Permits Required 36-7
(b) Other Approvals 36-7
(c) Plans and Specifications 36-7
(d) Precontract Examination of Plans 36-8
(e) Examination of Plans 36-8
(f) Building Permit Fee 36-8
(g) Permits Available at Work Site 36-9
3601.6 Inspection and Tests 36-9
(a) Inspections 36-9
(b) Final Inspection 36-9
(c) Tests 36-9
(d) System Test 36-9
(e) Methods of Testing 36-9
(f) Combined Bathtub or Sewer and
Water Pipe Inspection 36-10
(g) Tests Where All Parts of System
Are Outside of Building 36-11
(h) Covering of Work 36-11
(i) Defective Work 36-11
(j) Correction Notices 36-11
(k) Tests of Alterations, Repairs
or Extensions 36-11
(l) Test of Rainwater Pipes 36-11
(m) Test of Water Distribution System 36-11
(n) Workmanship 36-11
(o) Certificates of Approval 36-12
(p) Test of Existing Installations 36-12
(q) Inspection and Tests – Exceptions 36-12
(r) Damages Resulting from Required
Tests 36-12
PLUMBING
3601 ADMINISTRATIVE
3601.1 TITLE AND SCOPE:

(a) TITLE: This Chapter shall be known as “THE BAHAMAS PLUMB-
ING CODE,” may be cited as such or as the “PLUMBING CODE.”
36-2
(b) PURPOSE: The basic principles of the Plumbing Code are desig-
nated to protect the public health, welfare and safety by properly
designing installing and maintaining plumbing systems. While
details of plumbing installations must of necessity vary, the basic
principles of sanitation and safety remain the same. The following
basic principles are necessary to obtain these results and while
unforseen situations will no doubt arise which are not included in
this Code, the following principles may serve to define the intent.
(1) All premises intended for human habitation, occupancy or

use shall be provided with sanitary facilities as deemed nec-
essary by the Minister of Health. When plumbing fixtures
are installed, they shall not be connected to unsafe water
supplies nor be subject to the dangers of backflow or
backsiphonage, and shall be connected to an approved
method of public or private sewage disposal.
NOTE: Notwithstanding the requirements of the above para-

graph: —
(i) a brackish or re-usable water supply may be used for

flushing toilets, or
(ii) a brackish water supply may be used for an automatic

sprinkler system.
provided always that there is no connection whatso-

ever between any brackish, or re-usable supply and
the potable supply.
(2) Plumbing fixtures, appliances and appurtenances shall be

supplied with a sufficient supply of water at adequate pres-
sure to enable them to function properly without undue noise
under normal operating conditions.
(3) Appurtenances for heating and storing water shall be de-

signed and installed that dangers from overheating and ex-
plosion are eliminated.
(4) Where any plumbing installation is installed in a new resi-

dence the minimum facilities shall be a water closet, a shower
or tub, a lavatory, and a kitchen sink.
(5) Every building having plumbing fixtures installed and in-

tended for human habitation, occupancy, or use on premises
abutting on a street, alley or easement in which there is a
36-3
public sewer existing at a suitable elevation and within a rea-
sonable distance, shall have a connection with the sewer.
(6) The drainage system shall be designed to prevent fouling

and depositing of solids. Cleanouts shall be provided so that
pipes may be readily cleaned.
(7) Every fixture connected to the drainage system shall be

equipped with a water-seal trap.
(8) All conventional drainage systems shall be designed so as to

provide a free circulation of air with no danger of siphonage
or forcing of trap seals. Vacuum systems shall be as specified
hereinafter.
(9) No substance which will produce explosive mixtures, ob-

struct free flow in piping, destroy the pipes or joints, or in-
terfere with the sewage disposal system shall be allowed to
enter the drainage system.
(10) Proper protection shall be provided to prevent contamina-

tion of food, water and similar materials by backflow of sew-
age.
(11) All plumbing fixtures shall be installed in regard to spacing

so that they will be readily accessible for their intended use.
(12) Plumbing shall be instilled in such a manner as to preserve

the strength of structural members.
(13) Sewage and other waste from a plumbing system which may
be deleterious to surface or subsurface waters shall not be
discharged into the ground or into any lakes, ponds, streams,
ditches or tidal waters unless it has first been rendered in-
nocuous by some form of treatment and approved by the
Minister of Health.
(14) The pipes conveying water to water-closets shall be of suffi-

cient size to supply the water at a rate required for adequate
flushing without unduly reducing the pressure at other fix-
tures.
(15) Plumbing fixtures shall be made of smooth non-absorbent

materials, and shall be free from concealed fouling surfaces.
(16) Each vent terminal shall extend full size upward through the
36-4
roof and have a free opening with the roof terminal being so
located that there will be no danger of gas passing from it to
any window, louver or air intake mechanism and no danger
of clogging the pipe by articles being thrown into it, or of
roof water drainage into it.
(17) Liquid wastes from air conditioning equipment, swimming

pools, etc., shall be disposed of by an accepted and approved
method, as hereinafter described.
(c) SCOPE:
(1) New plumbing or drainage systems or parts thereof or addi-
tions, alterations, repairs or changes to existing plumbing or
drainage installations or fixtures or appliances shall conform
to the requirements of this plumbing code.
(2) A previously issued lawful plumbing permit shall be valid

under the terms of the Plumbing Code under which it was
issued, provided the permit is not over two years old.
(d) APPLICATION TO EXISTING PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS:

Nothing contained in this code shall be deemed to require any
plumbing or drainage system or part thereof, or any other work
regulated by this code and existing prior to the effective date of
this code, to be altered changed, reconstructed, removed or de-
molished if such work was installed in accordance with all appli-
cable laws in effect prior to the date this code became effective,
except when any such plumbing or drainage system or other work
regulated by this code is dangerous, unsafe, insanitary or a men-
ace to life, health or property, in the opinion of the Minister of
Health.
(e) MAINTENANCE:
(1) All installations regulated by this code shall be maintained
and executed in such a manner as not to constitute a nui-
sance or to threaten or impair the health of any individual or
the public in general.
(2) It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation

whether owner or agent of owner, to create, keep, cause,
maintain, propagate or permit the existence of a nuisance as
defined in this code.
(3) The Minister of Health shall have the power to abate any
nuisance by the issuance of a notice in writing, to correct and/
or eliminate the nuisance within a reasonable length of time.
36-5
3601.2 POWER AND DUTIES OF INSPECTORS: The power and duties of in-
spectors (Plumbing) shall be as defined in the Buildings Regulation Act
1971 and in the rules made thereunder.
3601.3 INSANITARY BUILDINGS AND PREMISES: Whenever any building or

premises is found by the Minister of Works, Minister of Health, or a duly
authorized Inspector, to be in an insanitary or unsafe condition, proceed-
ings for correction shall be initiated in accordance with the Act and the
Rules.
3601.4 ALTERNATE MATERIALS AND TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION: The Pro-

visions of this Plumbing Code are not intended to prevent the use of types
of construction or materials or methods of design as an alternate to the
standards herein set forth, but such alternates may be offered for approval,
and their consideration shall be as set forth in this Subsection.
(a) STANDARDS: The types of construction or materials or methods

of design referred to in this Plumbing Code shall be considered as
standard of quality. New types of construction or materials or meth-
ods of, design shall be at least equal to these standards for the cor-
responding use intended. Most referenced standards in this Code
are available for public inspection at the Ministry for Works. Ad-
dresses for procurement of copies of all referenced standards are
available at the Ministry for Works.
(b) APPLICATION: Any person desiring to use types of construction

or materials or methods of design not specifically mentioned in
this Plumbing Code shall file with the BCO authentic proof in sup-
port of claims that may be made regarding the sufficiency, and re-
quest approval and permission for use. The Buildings Control Of-
ficer or the Minister of Health shall approve such alternates if it is
clear that the standards of the Plumbing Code are at least equalled.
If, in the opinion of the BCO the standards of the Plumbing Code
will not be satisfied by the requested alternate, he shall refuse ap-
proval.
(c) APPEAL: Any person whose request for alternate types of con-
struction or materials or methods of design has been refused may
appeal the decisions by written request, and such written request
will be transmitted to the appropriate Minister for review and fi-
nal decision.
(d) REPEATED TESTS: The Buildings Control Officer may require tests
of a fixture, method, device or appurtenances to be requested if, at
any time, there is reason to believe that an approved fixture,
method, device or appurtenance no longer conforms to the charac-
teristics on which its approval was based.
36-6
3601.5 BUILDING PERMITS & PLUMBING PERMITS:
(a) PERMITS REQUIRED: It shall be unlawful to commence work on
any building or premises on which plumbing is required or is to be
installed; perform any work covered by the Plumbing Code in-
cluding, but not limited to, the excavation or obstruction of any
public or private street, alley or other thoroughfare for the pur-
pose of installing plumbing, sewer or drainage work or connect to
any public or private water supply system and/or sewer or ap-
purtenance thereof, commence the construction, reconstruction,
alteration, repair and/or remodeling of any plumbing, sewer, sep-
tic tank, sewage or liquid waste treatment system, surface drain-
age, public swimming pools, supply or drainage wells, fire lines,
water supply and waste connections from air handling and heat-
ing units and/or other drainage work without first having filed
application and obtained a permit from the BCO, except that no
permit will be necessary for the repair of leaks, unstopping of sew-
ers or waste pipes, repairing faucets or valves or cleaning of a sep-
tic tank where such work is located within the property lines. The
cost of permits shall be as set forth in the Act and Rules, in accord-
ance with current published rates. Effective January 1st, 2003 a
plumbing permit shall also be obtained from the Buildings Control
Officer before work commences on any building or premises on
which plumbing works is required.
(b) OTHER APPROVALS: In addition to the building permit, permits

shall be required by other regulatory authority having jurisdiction.
Such other approvals shall be as set forth in the Act and Rules.
(c) PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS:

(1) Each application for a permit shall be accompanied by three
sets of plans and specifications when required by the BCO.
The BCO may authorize the issuance of a building permit
without plans or specifications for relatively small such as a
single-family unit, if one of the Typical Drainage Drawings
shown in Appendix B is to be used for the installation work.
(2) Contract documents are required for multi-family, multi-

story, commercial or industrial buildings as follows: Plans,
and a brief, but complete design analysis, with calculations
as required to demonstrate that the basic design is satisfac-
tory for the intended purpose, and conforms to the intent of
this Code, shall be prepared by qualified engineers approved
by the Minister.
(3) Plans shall be mechanically reproduced prints on substan-

tial paper or cloth with the main details, other than isometric
36-7
drawings, drawn to scale and shall be suitably descriptive
and shall fully and clearly illustrate together with the speci-
fications, sufficient detail and data to show the nature, char-
acter and location of the proposed work. Where, in the opin-
ion of the Buildings Control Officer, isometric plans are nec-
essary to describe the proposed work, and particularly, but
not limited to, proposed residential buildings having eight
or more units or store buildings having five or more stores,
riser diagrams of both water and sanitary piping services
shall be submitted. Specifications where general expressions
are used to the effect that “Work shall be done in accordance
with the Plumbing Code” or “to the satisfaction of the BCO,
and the Minister of Health” shall be deemed imperfect and
incomplete and every reference to the Plumbing Code shall
be by the section or subsection applicable. Plans shall be ad-
equately identified.
(d) PRECONTRACT EXAMINATION OF PLANS: Preliminary plans

should be submitted to the BCO before a contract for the proposed
work is entered into by the owner. It is the duty of the BCO to
cooperate with owners, designers and contractors to provide
precontract examination of plans and specifications, to insure the
sufficiency and Plumbing Code compliance of such plans before
final contracts for construction are made. Application for permit
may not be required for such examination.
(e) EXAMINATION OF PLANS: The BCO and the Minister of Health

will examine all plans and applications for permits. Plans and ap-
plications shall be examined in the order received, except that plans
previously given precontract examination shall be examined first.
When approvals by other agencies having authority may logically
be required to be affixed to the plan before approval by the BCO,
such approval shall be affixed on the plans before examination by
the BCO. If the application or plans do not conform to the require-
ment of all pertinent laws or regulations, the BCO shall reject such
application in writing, stating the reasons therefore. Plans which
are rejected, as stated hereinabove shall be returned for correction.
Penciled notations on mechanically reproduced plans may be ac-
cepted for only minor corrections. If the application, plans, and
specifications, upon examination are found to comply with the re-
quirements of the Plumbing Code, the plans shall be signed and
marked “Approved.”
(f) BUILDING PERMIT FEE: Any person desiring a permit to be is-

sued shall, in addition to filing an application therefore, and be-
fore such permit is issued, pay a permit fee in accordance with
Section 310.
36-8
(g) PERMITS AVAILABLE AT WORK SITE: All permits shall be kept
at the work site and shall be exhibited on request to do so by an
authorized person.
3601.6 INSPECTION AND TESTS:

(a) INSPECTIONS:
(1) All materials and installations covered by the Plumbing Code
shall be inspected by the BCO to insure compliance with the
requirements of the Plumbing Code.
(2) The permit holder shall notify the Buildings Control Officer
when the work is ready for test and inspection.
(b) FINAL INSPECTION: When the work for which a permit is issued
is completed, the permit holder shall request final inspection and
such request shall be made before the building or construction in
which such work done is occupied or used and not more than 30
days after completion of the work.
(c) TESTS: Before approving any plumbing system or addition thereto

or part thereof for use the Buildings Control Officer may require
that such system, in whole or in part, be tested to prove its suffi-
ciency. All equipment, material, power and labour necessary for
inspections and tests shall be supplied by the permit holder.
(d) SYSTEM TEST: All the piping of the plumbing system shall be tested
with water or air. The Buildings Control Officer may require the
removal of any cleanouts, plugs or caps to ascertain if the pressure
has reached all parts of the system.
(e) METHODS OF TESTING:

(1) WATER TESTS, GENERAL: For building sewer tests a fit-
ting shall be placed at the property line for the purpose of
inserting a test plug and such building sewer shall be con-
nected with proper fittings to the public sewer lateral at time
of test. The water test may be applied to the drainage system
in its entirety or by sections. If applied to the entire system,
all openings in the piping shall be tightly closed, except the
highest opening above the roof. When tested in sections, at
least the lower five feet of the next section above shall be
retested, so that every joint and pipe in the plumbing drain-
age system shall have been submitted to a test of not less
than a five-foot head of water.
(2) AIR TEST: The air test shall be made by attaching the air
compressor or test apparatus to any suitable opening, and
36-9
closing all other inlets and outlets to the system, then forcing
air into the system until there is a uniform pressure, suffi-
cient to balance a column of mercury ten inches in height or
five pounds-per-square inch on the entire system. Safety de-
vices shall be used to prevent dangerous air pressure build-
up.
(3) WATER TESTS IN UNFRAMED ONE-STOREY BUILDINGS:

For one-storey, unframed buildings with bathtubs on the
ground floor and where plumbing is installed prior to com-
pletion of building walls, partitions and roofing, the test shall
be made by plugging all openings except the terminus of the
vent stacks and filling the mains and waste branches which
are to be concealed with water to a point in vent stacks five
feet above the highest fixture branch. On ground inspections
for one-storey buildings entering a common sewer and hav-
ing more than one stack, a five-foot head of water will not be
required where steel, copper or P.V.C. stacks are to be in-
stalled; provided one stack is filled to a point five feet above
the highest fixture branch. Other stacks may be plugged
above the fixture opening provided all lead and P.V.C. joints
are made and tested. Free standing stacks shall not exceed
14 feet above the horizontal soil line.
(4) WATER TESTS IN FRAMED BUILDINGS: Where building

walls and partitions are in place and support the stacks, the
water test shall be applied to test the entire system to the
overflow point of the highest vent terminus above the roof.
(5) BATHTUB CONNECTION WATER TEST: After the test re-

quired in (2) and (3) has been applied and approved, the bath-
tub on the first floor shall be set and properly connected and
the drainage system and first floor tub filled with water to
the flood rim level of the first floor tub. The water test above
the required five-foot head shall be waved and a visual in-
spection substituted provided all P.V.C., bad caulked, screwed
or sweated type joints are properly made and accepted by
the Buildings Control Officer. Above the ground floor, tub
connections shall be tested by the plumber with the tub filled
with water to the overflow point flowing through the over-
flow connection and with the tub draining. See Section 36-03
“GENERAL” for access to tub, waste and overflow fittings.
(f) COMBINED BATHTUB OR SEWER AND WATER PIPE INSPEC-

TION: The required bathtub and water pipe or sewer and water
pipe inspection shall be called for and made at the same time.
36-10
(g) TESTS WHERE ALL PARTS OF SYSTEM ARE OUTSIDE OF
BUILDING: Where all parts of soil, waste and vent lines are out-
side a building and visible the fixtures may be set and the system
filled with water to the point of overflow of the lowest fixture on
the highest floor.
(h) COVERING OF WORK: No drainage or plumbing system or part

thereof shall be covered until it has been inspected, tested and ap-
proved. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the permit holder
to determine if work has been inspected before it is covered or con-
cealed. Any drainage or plumbing system or part thereof that is
covered or concealed before being inspected, tested and approved
shall be uncovered upon order of the BCO.
(i) DEFECTIVE WORK: If on inspection and tests any plumbing work

shows defects, the defective work or materials shall be replaced
and inspection and test repeated.
(j) CORRECTION NOTICES: The Buildings Control Officer shall make

written notice of violation of the Plumbing Code and/or correc-
tions ordered and such notice shall be served on or mailed or de-
livered to the permit holder or his job representative or may be
posted at the site of the work. Refusal, failure, or neglect to comply
with such notice or order shall be considered a violation of this
code and shall be subject to the penalties as set forth in the Act and
the Rules.
(k) TESTS OF ALTERATIONS, REPAIRS OR EXTENSIONS: All altera-

tions, repairs, or extensions which include more than ten feet in
length of piping and fittings shall be inspected and tested before
final approval.
(1) TEST OF RAINWATER PIPES: Rainwater pipes and their roof con-
nections within buildings and extending to a point five feet out-
side the building shall be tested by the water test.
(m) TEST OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: Upon the completion

of the entire water distribution system it shall be tested inspected
and proved tight under a water pressure of not less than the maxi-
mum working pressure under which it is to be used. Water shock
or hammer in water supply system will be cause of condemnation
on final inspection.
(n) WORKMANSHIP: All plumbing work shall be done in a work-

manlike manner, and in compliance with the provisions of this
Plumbing Code.
36-11
(o) CERTIFICATES OF APPROVAL: After the satisfactory completion
and final inspection of the plumbing system, or any part thereof,
and upon request, a Certificate of Approval shall be issued by the
Buildings Control Officer to the permit holder.
(p) TEST OF EXISTING INSTALLATIONS: The Buildings Control Of-

ficer may require that a suitable test be applied to any existing
plumbing system which he has reason to believe has become in-
sanitary or defective. The Buildings Control Officer shall notify the
owner or agent of the property to apply such test within a reason-
able length of time but not to exceed ten days. If defects or insani-
tary conditions are, by such tests, found to exist correction of the
defects or insanitary conditions shall be made within ten days.
(q) INSPECTION AND TESTS—EXCEPTIONS: A test shall not be re-

quired for a plumbing system or part thereof set up for exhibition
or demonstration purposes and not to be used for the disposal of
body wastes. A test shall not be required after the repairing or re-
placing of an old faucet or valve, nor after forcing out stoppages
and repairing leaks. A test shall not be required for a building storm
sewer.
(r) DAMAGES RESULTING FROM REQUIRED TESTS: Damage

caused by breakage or faulty installation during required tests shall
be the responsibility of the permit holder.
36-12
SUB-INDEX
3602 DEFINITIONS
Page No.
Accessible 36-14
Battery of Fixtures 36-15
Building Storm Sewer 36-16
Drainage Well 36-17
Grade 36-18
Loop Vent 36-19
Plumber-Master 36-20
Plumbing Fixtures 36-20
Relief Vent 36-21
Soil Pipe 36-22
Vacuum Drainage System 36-23
Wet Vent 36-24
36-13
PLUMBING (Continued)
3602 DEFINITIONS
Unless otherwise expressly stated, all words other than herein defined shall have the mean-
ing implied by their context in the Code or their ordinarily-accepted meanings in the con-
struction industry; words used in the present tense shall include the future; words in the
masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter, the singular number shall in-
clude the plural; and the plural number shall include the singular.
Wherein a definition set forth in this Chapter varies from a definition set forth in other
sections of the Building Code, the definition set forth as follows shall be applicable only to
The Bahamas Plumbing Code.
ACCESSIBLE: Visible, unobstructed and within physical reach.
ACT: The Buildings Regulation Act 1971.
AIR GAP: An air gap in a water-supply system is the unobstructed vertical dis-
tance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from any pipe or
faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other device and the flood
level rim of the receptacle.
APPROVED: Approved means accepted under an applicable specification stated

or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable for the proposed use under procedures
and powers of the Minister of Works and Minister of Health.
AREA DRAIN: An area drain is a receptacle designed to collect surface or rain

water from an open area.
BACKFLOW: Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or substances

into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water, and any other fixture or
appliance, from any source or sources other than its intended course. (See Back-
siphonage.)
BACKFLOW CONNECTION: Backflow connection or condition is any arrange-

ment whereby backflow can occur.
BACKFLOW PREVENTER: A backflow preventer is a device or means to prevent

backflow into the potable water system.
BACK-SIPHONAGE: Back-siphonage is the flow of water or other liquids, mix-

tures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water, or any
other fixture, device, or appliance, from any sources other than its intended course,
due to a negative or lower differential pressure in such pipe.
BASEMENT: A level of a building, the floor of which is two feet or more below
36-14
grade and the ceiling of which is not more than four feet and six inches above
grade.
BATTERY OF FIXTURES: A “battery of fixtures” is any group of two or more simi-

lar adjacent fixtures which discharge into a common horizontal waste or soil branch.
BOILER BLOW-OFF: A boiler blow-off is an outlet on a boiler to permit emptying

or discharge of the water or sediment in the boiler.
BRANCH: A branch is any part of a piping system other than a main.
BRANCH, FIXTURE: See Fixture Branch.
BRANCH, HORIZONTAL: See Horizontal Branch.
BRANCH INTERVAL: A branch interval is a length of soil or waste stack corre-

sponding in general to a storey height, but in no case less than eight feet within
which the horizontal branches from one floor or storey of a building are connected
to the stack.
BRANCH VENT: A branch vent is a vent connecting one or more individual vents
with a vent stack or stack vent.
BUILDING: A building is a structure built, erected, and framed of component struc-

tural parts designed for the housing, shelter, enclosure, or support of persons, ani-
mals, or property of any kind. For further definition see the Act.
BUILDING CLASSIFICATION: Building Classification is the arrangement adopted

by the Building Code for the designation of buildings in classes based upon their
use and occupancy.
BUILDING DRAIN: The building (house) drain is that part of the lowest horizon-
tal soil piping of a building drainage system, including groundfloor soil branches,
exclusive of storm sewer, which receives the discharge from soil, waste, and other
drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to the building (house)
sewer beginning five feet outside the building wall.
BUILDING SEWER: The building (house) sewer is that part of the horizontal pip-
ing of a drainage system which extends from the end of the building drain and
which receives the discharge of the building drain and conveys it to a public sewer,
private sewer, or individual sewage disposal system.
BUILDING STORM DRAIN: A building (house) storm drain is a drain used for
conveying rain water, surface water, ground water, subsurface water, condensate,
cooling water, or other similar discharge to a building storm sewer or a combined
building sewer, extending to a point not less than five feet outside the building
wale.
36-15
BUILDING STORM SEWER: A building (house) storm sewer is the extension from
the building storm drain to the public storm sewer, combined sewer, or other point
of disposal.
BUILDING SUBDRAIN: A building (house) subdrain is that portion of a drainage

system which cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer.
CODE: The word “Plumbing Code” or “Code” when used alone shall mean these
regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any emergency rule or regulation
which may be lawfully adopted.
COMBINED BUILDING SEWER: A combined building sewer receives storm wa-

ter, sewage and liquid waste. (Combined sewers are normally not permitted.)
COMMON VENT: A common vent is a vent above the junction of two fixture drains
installed at the same level in a vertical stack and serving as a vent for both fixture
drains.
CONDUCTOR: A “Leader.” (Usually for rain water.)
CONTINUOUS WASTE: A continuous waste is a drain connecting the compart-

ments of a combination fixture to its trap or connecting other permitted fixtures to
a common trap.
CROSS-CONNECTION: A cross-connection is any physical connection or arrange-

ment between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains pota-
ble water and the other water of unknown or questionable safety, or any other kind
of matter, whether element, compound or mixture, whereby water may flow from
one system to the other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differen-
tial between the two systems. (See Backflow and Backsiphonage.)
DEAD END: A dead end is a branch leading from a soil waste or vent pipe, build-
ing drain or building sewer which is terminated at a developed distance of two feet
or more by means of a plug or other closed fitting.
DEVELOPED LENGTH: The developed length of a pipe is its length measured

along the centre line of the pipe and fittings.
DIAMETER: Unless specifically stated, the term “diameter” is the nominal diam-
eter as designated commercially.
DOWNSPOUT: A “Leader.” (Usually for rain water.)
DRAIN: A drain is any pipe which carries liquid, waste water or water borne wastes
to an approved point of disposal.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM: A drainage system (drainage piping) includes all the piping
36-16
within public or private premises, which conveys sewage, rain water, or other liq-
uid wastes to a legal point of disposal.
DRAINAGE WELL: A drainage (disposal) well in this Code is any cavity, drilled,
driven or natural, which taps the underground water and into which surface wa-
ters; waste waters or industrial wastes are placed. All drainage wells shall be cased.
See Appendix B.
DURHAM SYSTEM: Durham system is a term used to describe soil or waste sys-
tems where all piping is of threaded pipe, tubing, or other such rigid construction,
using recessed drainage fittings to correspond to the types of piping.
EFFECTIVE OPENING: The effective opening is the minimum cross-sectional area

at the point of water-supply discharge, measured or expressed in terms of: the di-
ameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area.
ENGINEER: For purposes of this Chapter of the Code, an engineer is a person

approved by the Minister to prepare contract documents and/or supervise con-
struction of plumbing work in all its branches and aspects.
FIXTURE BRANCH: A fixture branch in a drainage system is the drain from the
trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with a vent.
FIXTURE DRAIN: A fixture drain is the drain from the fixture branch to the junc-
tion of that drain with any other drain pipe.
FIXTURE UNIT: A fixture unit is a design factor so chosen that the load-producing
values of the different plumbing fixtures can be expressed approximately as multi-
ples of that factor. For the purposes of this Code, one fixture unit flow rate shall be
deemed to be one cubic foot (or 7.5 United States gallons) of water per minute.
FIRE LINES: The fire control system, including water service, standpipe, siamese
connections and pumps.
FLOOD-LEVEL RIM: The flood-level rim is the top edge of the receptacle from
which water or other liquids overflow.
FLOOR DRAIN: A floor drain is an opening or receptacle located at approximately

floor level connected to a trap to receive the discharge from indirect waste and
floor drainage.
FLUSHOMETER OR FLUSH VALVE: A flushometer or flush valve is a device which

discharges a predetermined amount of water to fixtures for flushing purposes and
is actuated by direct water pressure.
GALLON: Gallon as used in this Code is a United States Gallon. One cubic foot is
equal to 7.5 U.S. Gallons, for purposes of this Chapter of the Code.
36-17
GRADE: Grade is the slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a horizontal plane.
In drainage it is usually expressed as the fall in a fraction of an inch per foot length
of pipe.
GREASE INTERCEPTOR: A device to collect grease from a greasy water flow.
GREASE TRAP: An “Interceptor.”
GUTTER: An open channel for carrying away rain water.
HANGERS: “Supports.”
HORIZONTAL PIPE: Horizontal pipe means any pipe or fitting which makes an
angle of more than 45 degrees with the vertical.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH: A horizontal branch is a drain pipe extending laterally

from a soil or waste stack or building drain, with or without vertical sections or
branches, which receives the discharge from one or more fixture drains and con-
ducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the building (house) drain.
INDIRECT WASTE: An indirect waste pipe is a pipe that conveys liquid wastes
(other than body wastes) by discharging them into an open plumbing fixture or
receptacle, the overflow point of which is at a lower elevation than the item drained
and which is properly connected to the drainage system, soakage pit or discharge
well.
INDUSTRIAL WASTES: Industrial wastes are liquid wastes resulting from the proc-
esses employed in industrial establishments and are free of body wastes.
INSANITARY: Contrary to sanitary principles — injurious to health.
INTERCEPTOR: An interceptor is a device designed and installed so as to separate

and retain deleterious, hazardous, or undesirable matter from normal wastes and
permit normal sewage or liquid wastes to discharge into the disposal terminal by
gravity.
LEADER: A leader (downspout) is the vertical water conductor from the roof to the
building storm drain, combined building sewer, or other means of disposal.
LIQUID WASTE: Liquid waste is the discharge from any fixture, appliance, or ap-
purtenance, in connection with a plumbing system which does not receive body
waste.
LOAD FACTOR: Load factor is the percentage of the total connected fixture unit
flow rate which is likely to occur at any point in the drainage system. It varies with
the type of occupancy, the total flow unit above this point being considered, and
with the probability factor of simultaneous use.
36-18
LOOP VENT: A series of fixtures installed on a horizontal branch. A vent shall be
installed vertically within five feet down stream from the first fixture branch, and
another vent installed vertically between the last two fixture branches; all fixture
branches shall enter the circuit or loop vented branch at intervals not to exceed five
feet.
MAIN: The main of any system of continuous piping is the principal artery of the
system, to which branches may be connected.
MAIN VENT: The main vent is the principal artery of the venting system, to which
vent branches may be connected.
MAY: The word “may” is a permissive term.
MEZZANINE: Is an intermediate floor placed in any storey or room. When the

total area of any such mezzanine floor exceeds 3-1/3 percent of the total floor area
in that room or storey in which the mezzanine floor occurs, it shall be considered as
constituting an additional storey. The clear height above or below a mezzanine-
floor construction shall be not less than seven feet.
PENTHOUSE: An enclosed structure extending not more than 12 feet above the
roof of a building other than a roof structure which occupies not more than 25 per
cent of the roof area and considered a storey.
PERSON: Person is a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns;

and includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their successors or assigns.
Singular include plural; male includes female.
PITCH: “Grade.”
PLUMBING: Plumbing means, includes and refers to:

(1) The materials including pipe, fittings, valves, fixtures and appli-
ances attached to and a part of a plumbing system for the purpose
of creating and maintaining sanitary conditions.
(2) That part of a water supply and sewage and drainage system ex-
tending from either the public water supply mains or private storm
sewers or to a private sewage disposal plant, septic tank, disposal
field, pit, box filter bed or any other receptacle or into any natural
or artificial body of water, water course upon public or private prop-
erty.
(3) The design, installation or contracting for installation, removal and
replacement, repair or remodelling, of all or any part of the materi-
als, appurtenances or devices attached to and forming a part of a
plumbing system, including the installation of any fixture, appur-
tenance or devices used for cooking, washing, drinking, cleaning,
fire fighting, and miscellaneous steam and process, mechanical or
manufacturing purposes.
36-19
(4) For further definition and interpretation see the Act and Rules.
PLUMBER-MASTER: A Master Plumber is a person at least 25 years of age holding

a Certificate of Competancy issued by the Minister to engage in plumbing work in
all its branches and aspects. For further definition and interpretation see the Act
and Rules.
PLUMBER-LICENCED: A Licensed Plumber is a person who, on or before the

31stday of December, 1969, had passed the Bahamas Licensed Plumbers Examination
of the Ministry of Works. A Licensed Plumber holding a Certificate of Competancy
issued by the Minister is entitled to engage in plumbing work in all its branches
and aspects. For further definition and interpretation see the Act and Rules.
PLUMBER-JOURNEYMAN: A Journeyman Plumber is a person at least 21 years of

age holding a Certificate of Competancy issued by the Minister to engage in the
business of a plumbing contractor in respect only of such building operations as
may be specified in the “Small Buildings” part of the Code. A Journeyman Plumber
may engage in the physical or mechanical execution of plumbing work in all its
branches and aspects only under the supervision and responsibility of Master
Plumbers and/or Licensed Plumbers holding current Certificates of Competancy
issued by the Minister. For further definition and interpretation see the Act and
Rules.
PLUMBER-APPRENTICE: An Apprentice Plumber is a person holding a Certifi-

cate issued by the Minister, allowing him to perform the physical or mechanical
work of plumbing under the direction of, and in the presence of, Master, Licensed,
or Journeyman Plumbers holding current Certificates of Competancy issued by
the Minister. For further definition and interpretation see the Act and Rules.
PLUMBING FIXTURES: Plumbing fixtures are receptacles, devices, or appliances

which are supplied with water or which receive or discharge liquids or liquid borne
wastes, with or without discharge into the drainage system with which they may
be directly or indirectly connected.
PLUMBING SYSTEM: The plumbing system under the jurisdiction of the Bahamas
Plumbing Code, includes the drainage system water supply and water-supply dis-
tribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps; soil, waste, and vent pipes; building
drains and building sewers; building storm drains and building storm sewers; liq-
uid waste piping, and appliances and appurtenances; including their respective
connections and devices, with the private property limits of the premises, and wa-
ter and sewer-treating or water and sewer-using equipment and fire standpipe sys-
tems. Included under the jurisdiction of the Bahamas Plumbing Code, shall be mis-
cellaneous categories of piping and equipment as specified in the Act and Rules.
POTABLE WATER: Potable water is water which is satisfactory for drinking, culi-
nary and domestic purposes, and meets the requirements of the Minister of Health.
36-20
PLUMBER-JOURNEYMAN (RESTRICTED): A Journeyman Plumber (Restricted)
is a person who on, or before, the 31st day of March, 1974 had passed a qualifying
examination set by the Ministry of Works. A Journeyman Plumber (Restricted) hold-
ing a Certificate of Competancy issued by the Minister may engage in plumbing
work as a journeyman plumber (as set out above) in the island, or district, for which
his Certificate is restricted.
PRIVATE PROPERTY: Private property for the purpose of this Code shall mean all
property except streets or roads dedicated to the public and easements (excluding
easements between private parties.) See the Act and Rules for further definition
and interpretation.
PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE: In the classification of plumbing fixtures, private ap-

plies to fixtures in residences and apartments and to fixtures in private bathrooms
of hotel and similar installations where the fixtures are intended for the use of a
family or an individual.
PRIVATE SEWER: A private sewer is a sewer privately owned and not directly
controlled by Government.
PUBLIC OR PUBLIC USE: In the classification of plumbing fixtures “public” ap-

plies to fixtures in commercial and industrial establishment, in restaurants, bars,
public buildings, comfort stations, schools, gymnasiums, or places to which the
public is invited or which are frequented by the public without special permission
or special invitation, and other installations (whether pay or free) where a number
of fixtures are installed so that their use is similarly unrestricted.
PUBLIC SEWER: A public sewer is a common sewer directly controlled by Govern-

ment.
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL: A public swimming pool is a pool together with its
buildings and appurtenances where the public is allowed to bathe or is open to the
public for bathing purposes by consent of the owner.
RELIEF VENT: A relief vent is a vent, the primary function of which is to provide
circulation of air between drainage and vent systems.
REVENT: A revent pipe is a vent which connects directly with an individual waste,
or group of wastes underneath, or back of the fixture, and extends either to the
main, loop, or circuit vent, or branch vent pipe.
RIM: For the purpose of this Code a rim is an unobstructed open edge at the
overflow point of a fixture.
ROCK DRAINFIELD: Three-quarter inch drainfield rock 100 percent passing a

one inch screen and a maximum of ten percent passing a one-half inch screen.
36-21
ROOF-DRAIN: A roof drain is an outlet instilled to receive water collecting on the
surface of a roof and to discharge it into the leader (downspout).
ROUGHING-IN: Roughing-in is the installation of all parts of the plumbing sys-

tem which can be completed prior to the installation of fixtures, or finishing work.
RULES: Rules in this Chapter of the Code, mean subsidiary legislation to the Act
known as The Buildings Regulation (Plumbing) Rules.
SANITARY SEWER: A sanitary sewer is a pipe which carries sewage and excludes
storm, surface and ground water.
SECOND HAND: Second hand as applied to material or plumbing equipment is

that which has been installed, and has been used or removed.
SEPARATOR: See Interceptor.
SEPTIC TANK: A septic tank is a watertight receptacle which receives the discharge
of a drainage system or part thereof, and is designed and constructed so as to sepa-
rate solids from the liquid, digest organic matter through a period of detention,
and allow the liquids to discharge into the soil outside of the tank through a sub-
surface system of open-joint or perforated piping, or other approved methods.
SEWAGE: Sewage is any liquid waste containing animal, mineral or vegetable matter
in suspension or solution, and may include liquids containing chemicals in solu-
tion.
SHALL: The word “shall” is a mandatory term.
SHOULD: The word “should,” for purposes of this Chapter of the Code is permis-
sive, but implies a strong recommendation for compliance.
SLOPE: See Grade.
SOIL WATER: Soil water is waste water which contains human or animal excretions.
SOIL PIPE: A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys the discharge of water closets or
fixtures having similar functions, with or without the discharge from other fix-
tures, to the building drain or building sewer.
SPECIAL WASTE PIPE: See Indirect Waste Pipe.
STACK: A stack is the vertical pipe of a system of soil, waste, or vent piping.
STACK VENT: A stack vent (sometimes called a waste vent or soil vent) is the ex-
tension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to the
stack.
36-22
STORM DRAIN: See Building Storm Drains.
STANDPIPE SYSTEMS: A system of piping installed for fire protection purposes

having a primary water supply constantly or automatically available at each hose
outlet.
STORM SEWER: A storm sewer is a sewer used for conveying rain water and/or
surface water.
STOREY: That part of a building comprised between a floor and a floor or roof next
above, including a basement with a ceiling which is six feet, or more above the line
and grade of the sidewalk but neither a cellar, an attic nor a penthouse.
SUBSURFACE DRAIN: A subsoil drain is a drain which receives only subsurface

or seepage water and conveys it to a place of disposal.
SUMP: A sump is a tank or pit which receives sewage or liquid waste, located
below the normal grade of the gravity system and which must be emptied by me-
chanical means.
SUPPORTS: Supports, hangers, and anchors are devices for supporting and secur-
ing pipe and fixtures to walls, ceilings, floors, or structural members.
SUPPLY WELL: Any artificial opening in the ground designed to conduct water
from a source bed through the surface when water from such well is used for pub-
lic, semi-public or private use.
TRAP: A trap is a fitting or device so designed and constructed as to provide a

liquid seal which will prevent the back passage of air without materially affecting
the flow of sewage or waste water through it.
TRAP SEAL: The trap seal is the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a trap will
retain, measured between the crown weir and the top of the dip of the trap.
V.W.C.: V.W.C. is an abbreviation for “vacuum water closet” for use with a vacuum
drainage system.
VACUUM DRAINAGE SYSTEM: A vacuum drainage system is a piping system

for conveying water under the motive force of a negative pressure in the system.
VACUUM BREAKER: See Backflow Preventer.
VENT STACK: A vent stack is a vertical vent pipe installed primarily for the pur-
pose of providing circulation of air to and from any part of the drainage system.
VENT SYSTEM: A vent system is a pipe or pipes installed to provide a flow of air to
or from a drainage system or to provide a circulation of air within such system to
36-23
maintain integrity of trap seals.
VENTILATION—TOILET ROOMS: The process or means of supplying or remov-

ing air which may or may not be conditioned for temperature and humidity by
natural or mechanical means to and from the outside atmosphere.
VERTICAL PIPE: A vertical pipe is any pipe or fitting which is installed in a verti-
cal position or which makes an angle of not more than 45 degrees with the vertical.
WASTE: See Liquid Waste and industrial Wastes.
WASTE WATER: Waste water is water which does not contain human or animal
excretions.
WASTE PIPE: A waste pipe is any pipe which receives the discharge of any fixture,
except water closets or fixtures having similar functions and conveys it to the build-
ing drain or to the soil or waste stack.
WATER-DISTRIBUTING PIPE: A water-distributing pipe in a building or

premises is a pipe which conveys water from the water-service pipe to the
plumbing fixtures, appliances and other water outlets.
WATER MAIN: The water (street) main is a water supply pipe for public or
community use.
WATER OUTLET: A water outlet, as used in connection with the water-distribut-

ing system, is the discharge opening for the water,
(1) to a fixture;
(2) to atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank which is part of
the water-supply system);
(3) to a boiler or heating system;
(4) to any water-operated device or equipment requiring water to op-
erate.
WATER SERVICE PIPE: The water-service pipe is the pipe from the water main or
other source of water supply to the building served.
WATER-SUPPLY SYSTEM: The water-supply system of a building or premises con-

sists of the water-service pipe, the water-distributing pipes, standpipe system and
the necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control valves, and all appurtenances in or
on private property.
WET VENT: A wet vent is a waste pipe which serves to simultaneously vent and
convey waste from fixtures other than water closets.
YOKE VENT: A yoke vent is a pipe connecting upward from a soil or waste stack to
a vent stack for the purpose of preventing pressure changes in the stacks.
36-24
SUB-INDEX
3603 GENERAL
3603.1 Conformance With Code 36-26

3603.2 Change in Direction 36-26
3603.3 Prohibited Fittings and Connections 36-26
3603.4 Repair and Alterations to Existing Plumbing 36-26
3603.5 Trenching, Excavation, and Backfilling 36-26
(a) Support of Piping 36-26
(b) Open Trenches 36-26
(c) Backfilling 36-26
3603.6 Structural Safety 36-27
3603.7 Higher Requirements 36-27
3603.8 Protection of Pipes 36-27
(a) Breakage and Corrosion 36-27
(b) Cutting or Notching 36-27
(c) Pipes Through Footings or Foundation Walls 36-27
3603.9 Damage to Drainage System or Public Sewer 36-27
3603.10 Industrial Wastes 36-28
3603.11 Sleeves 36-28
3603.12 Vermin Proofing 36-28
3603.13 Used or Second-Hand Equipment 36-28
3603.14 Condemned Equipment 36-28
3603.15 Piping in Relation to Footings 36-28
3603.16 Connections to Plumbing System Required 36-28
3603.17 Sewer Required 36-28
3603.18 Location of Fixtures 36-29
(a) Light and Ventilation 36-29
(b) Improper Location 36-29
3603.19 Floor Connections for Integral Trap Fixtures 36-29
(a) Lead or Cast Iron 36-29
(b) Reducing 36-29
(c) Copper or P.V.C. 36-29
(d) Wood Floor Construction 36-29
3603.20 Dead Ends 36-29
3603.21 Temporary Toilets 36-29
(a) General 36-29
(b) Construction Sites 36-30
(c) Public Assembly 36-30
(d) Temporary Toilet Enclosure 36-30
(e) Water-Borne Flush Type 36-31
(f) Portable Chemical Type 36-32
3603.22 Colour Code for Piping 36-32
3603.23 Special Piping Systems 36-33
3603.24 Accessibility for Service 36-33
3603.25 General Safety 36-34
36-25
3603 GENERAL
3603.1 CONFORMANCE WITH CODE: All plumbing systems hereafter installed

shall conform to the minimum requirements and provisions as set forth
in this Code.
3603.2 CHANGE IN DIRECTION: Changes in direction in drainage shall be made

by appropriate use of 45-degree wyes, long-or-short-sweep quarter bends,
sixth, eighth, or sixteenth bends, or by a combination of these or other
approved fittings. Single and double sanitary tees, quarter bends and one-
fifth bends may be used in vertical sections of drainage lines only where
the direction of flow is from the horizontal to the vertical.
3603.3 PROHIBITED FITTINGS AND CONNECTIONS:

(a) No fitting having a hub in the direction opposite to flow, or tee
branch shall be used as a drainage fitting.
(b) No running threads, bands, or saddles shall be used in new

drainage systems.
(c) No drainage or vent piping shall be drilled or tapped.
3603.4 REPAIR AND ALTERATIONS TO EXISTING PLUMBING: Alteration,

repair or renovation of existing plumbing or drainage installations may
be made at variance from the provisions of this Code, provided such de-
viations conform to the intent of the Code and are approved in writing by
the Minister. Any previously installed fixture or material found to be de-
fective, deteriorated or dangerous to personal health or safety by the Min-
ister of Health shall be replaced in accordance with the provisions of the
Act and Rules, and this Chapter of the Code.
3603.5 TRENCHING, EXCAVATION, AND BACKFILLING:

(a) SUPPORT OF PIPING: Buried piping shall be securely supported
in an approved manner to prevent sagging, misalignment and
breaking.
(b) OPEN TRENCHES: All excavations required to be made for the

installation of a plumbing piping system shall be open trench work
and shall be kept open until the piping has been inspected, tested
and accepted.
(c) BACKFILLING: Adequate precaution shall be taken to insure

proper compactness of backfill around piping without damage to
such piping. Backfilling to a point not less than 12 inches above the
36-26
top of the pipe shall be placed in thin layers with clean fill which
does not contain stones, boulders, cinder-fill, or other material
which would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action.
3603.6 STRUCTURAL SAFETY: The work of installing or repairing any part of a

plumbing and/or drainage system shall not impair the structural safety
of the building or premises. The building or premises shall be left in a safe
structural condition in accordance with the requirements of this Code,
and the Act and Rules.
3603.7 HIGHER REQUIREMENTS: Nothing herein contained shall be construed

to prevent the owner from using higher requirements than those set forth
in this Code.
3603.8 PROTECTION OF PIPES:

(a) BREAKAGE AND CORROSION: Pipes passing under or through
walls shall be protected from external loadings or against
differential settlement. Pipes in contact with cinders, concrete or
other corrosive materials shall be protected from external corrosion
by sleeves, coating, wrapping or other approved methods which
will prevent such corrosion.
(b) CUTTING OR NOTCHING: NO STRUCTURAL MEMBER, TIE

BEAM, OR THE COLUMN, SHALL BE REDUCED IN AREA BY
CUTTING, NOTCHING, OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT TO THE
EXTENT PERMITTED BY THE BCO. NO EXTERIOR BLOCK
WALL SHALL BE NOTCHED, CUT OR CHASED TO ALLOW
INSTALLATION OF PLUMBING, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT
PERMITTED BY THE BCO.
(c) PIPES THROUGH FOOTINGS OR FOUNDATION WALLS: All

piping passing under a footing shall have a clearance of at least
two inches between the top of the pipe and bottom of the footing.
All piping passing through cast-in-place concrete construction shall
be sleeved to provide one-half inch annular space around the entire
circumference of pipe to be sleeved.
3603.9 DAMAGE TO DRAINAGE SYSTEM OR PUBLIC SEWER: It shall be un-

lawful for any person to deposit by any means into the building drainage
system or into a public or private sewer any ashes; cinders; rags; flamma-
ble, poisonous, or explosive liquids; gases; oils; grease; or any other del-
eterious material which would or could obstruct, damage, or overload
such system or sewer.
36-27
3603.10 INDUSTRIAL WASTES: Wastes detrimental to the public or private sewer
system or detrimental to the functioning of the sewage-treatment plant
shall be treated and disposed of as directed by the Minister and/or the
Minister of Health. Air conditioning equipment shall not discharge di-
rectly or indirectly into rainwater leaders which discharge into any sur-
face gutter.
3603.11 SLEEVES: Annular space between sleeves and pipes shall be filled or
tightly caulked with coal tar or asphaltum compound, lead or other ma-
terial found equally effective and approved as such by the BCO.
3603.12 VERMIN PROOFING: All inaccessible or concealed lead work within the
enclosing walls of a building not enclosed in concrete or fill, shall be made
ratproof by covering with copper or galvanised wire cloth well secured.
Interior openings through walls, floors, and ceilings shall be sealed ver-
min proof.
3603.13 USED OR SECOND-HAND EQUIPMENT: It shall be unlawful to pur-

chase, sell, or install used equipment or material for plumbing installa-
tions unless it complies with the minimum standards set forth in this Code.
3603.14 CONDEMNED EQUIPMENT: Any plumbing equipment condemned by

the BCO or the Minister of Health, shall not be re-used for plumbing pur-
poses.
3603.15 PIPING IN RELATION TO FOOTINGS: Unless otherwise approved by

the BCO, by reason of a special design, no excavation for piping or drain-
age work shall be placed within the angle of pressure as transferred from
the base of an existing structure to the sides of an excavation on a 45-
degree angle, other than an excavation making an angle of more than 45
degrees to the wall.
3603.16 CONNECTIONS TO PLUMBING SYSTEM REQUIRED: All plumbing fix-

tures, drains, appurtenances, devices and appliances used to receive or
discharge liquid wastes or sewage shall be connected to a drainage sys-
tem, in accordance with the provisions of this Code.
3603.17 SEWER REQUIRED:

(a) Every building in which plumbing fixtures are installed shall have
a connection to a public sewer if available within 300 feet.
(b) When a public sewer is not available for use, sewage and drainage
piping shall be connected to an approved individual sewage, or
waste disposal system.
36-28
3603.18 LOCATION OF FIXTURES:
(a) LIGHT AND VENTILATION: Plumbing fixtures shall be located
in compartments or rooms provided with ventilation and illumi-
nation as set forth in the appropriate Chapters of the Building Code.
(b) IMPROPER LOCATION: Piping, fixtures, or equipment shall not

be located in a manner to interfere with the normal operation of
windows, doors, or other exit openings.
3603.19 FLOOR CONNECTIONS FOR INTEGRAL TRAP FIXTURES:

(a) LEAD OR CAST IRON: Four-inch lead or cast iron bends and stubs
shall be used on floor standing water closets or similar integral
trap fixtures. The outlet may be dressed or swedged to receive a
three-inch ferrule. No three-inch lead stubs will be permitted for
fixtures with integral trap.
(b) REDUCING: Four-by-three-inch reducing one-quarter bends or 4

x 4-inch or 3 x 3-inch one-quarter bends are acceptable.
(c) COPPER OR P.V.C.: Annealed copper stubs with brass closet flanges
on a copper drainage system, may be installed by the use of a 4” x
3”-90 ell on 4 stub and standard brass closet flange, soldered to
copper stub, or 3 stub with 4 x 3 brass closet flange. P.V.C.
connections may be installed in a manner similar to copper.
(d) WOOD FLOOR CONSTRUCTION: Connections to conventional

water closets, or similar fixture installed on wood floor in single or
multi- storey buildings shall be with lead stubs or bends, except
where, in the opinion of the BCO, the piping design incorporates
sufficient flexibility to preclude damage to the fixture if settlement
of the floor occurs.
3603.20 DEAD ENDS: In the installation or removal of any part of a drainage

system, dead ends shall be avoided except where necessary to extend a
cleanout so as to be accessible, or where lines are extended to serve future
fixtures in specific, planned locations.
3603.21 TEMPORARY TOILETS:

(a) GENERAL:
(1) Sanitary facilities shall be required at construction sites, fairs,
carnivals, revivals, encampments and other locations where
numbers of people congregate for short periods of time and
such sanitary facilities shall be permanent facilities as set forth
herein or, where permanent facilities are not practicable, may
be temporary toilets either of a water-borne flush type with
sewer connection or of a portable chemical type, either of
which shall comply with the requirements set forth herein.
36-29
(2) Pit, bucket or ground surface privies shall be used only after
approval of the Minister of Health.
(3) Any persons desiring to provide or erect temporary toilet

facilities shall first submit plans and secure approval (as set
forth in this Chapter) from the Minister of Health.
(4) The permit for a temporary toilet shall be for such period of
time as the facilities may actually be needed but not to ex-
ceed 3 months, except that for construction sites such period
may be for 6 months, or longer as approved by the Minister
of Health.
(5) Temporary facilities are acceptable only where permanent

facilities are not available.
(6) Temporary toilets shall be not less than 50 feet from any sup-
ply well or underground potable water tank.
(b) CONSTRUCTION SITES:

(1) PERMANENT TOILETS: Permanent toilet facilities located
in a structure where alterations or additions are being made,
or toilet facilities within 200 feet of the construction work,
may be used provided the owner or party in possession
thereof shall have given written consent for the use of such
facilities during the entire period of construction and that a
letter of written consent is attached to the approved plans.
(2) MINIMUM FIXTURES: A water closet shall be provided for

each 25 workmen or fraction thereof, and where the build-
ing under construction is multi-storeyed, such facilities shall
also be provided on the fifth and tenth floors.
(c) PUBLIC ASSEMBLY: In places of public assembly such as fairs,

carnivals, encampments and similar temporary assembly, where
permanent facilities are not available, toilet facilities shall be
provided as approved by the Minister of Health, and may be of the
temporary type as set forth herein.
(d) TEMPORARY TOILET ENCLOSURE:

(1) Regardless of the type of fixtures, all temporary toilets shall
be enclosed in fly-tight, weather protected, well ventilated
buildings with self-closing doors or the containers shall be
enclosed to be fly-tight and ventilated with screened vents
having an area not less than 1/7 of the floor area.
36-30
(2) Doors to stalls shall be provided with internal lock.
(3) Urinals shall be non-absorbent, and non-corrosive and de-

signed to drain completely.
(4) Toilet tissue shall be furnished.
(5) Enclosures shall be constructed of non-corrosive materials

not readily absorptive of odour or moisture.
(6) Enclosures shall be maintained in sanitary condition and shall

be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected at least twice weekly.
(7) Enclosure shall be not less than 11 square feet total inside
area.
(e) WATER-BORNE FLUSH TYPE:

(1) Flush tanks or flush valves shall be connected to an approved
public or private water supply except that where such water
supply is not available water pressure shall be provided by
means of a well and pump, as approved by the BCO.
(2) Where a public sewer is available, a permit to connect thereto

shall be obtained and a proper branch fitting inserted be-
tween the reducing fitting at the property line and the test
fitting. Upon completion of the construction work or termi-
nation of use of the temporary toilet, temporary sewer and
water branches shall be removed and the branch sewer open-
ing closed with a cast iron plug or cleanout caulked in place
with an oakum and lead caulked joint. Water lines shall be
permanently capped or plugged.
(3) A permanent building sewer or drain may be installed to

serve temporary toilets provided such sewer or drain com-
plies with all requirements of this Chapter.
(4) Where a public sewer is not available, disposal may be to a

septic tank and drain field. Fixtures may be connected by a
proper fitting in the building sewer between the septic tank
and the test fitting; except that at construction sites fixtures
may be placed over the septic tank on a temporary wood
platform, by either removing the permanent concrete top
cover or by providing a temporary wood platform over a
manhole. A hole shall not be cut into a septic tank cover for
the insertion of a water closet outlet unless the entire cover
section is replaced on the tank.
36-31
(5) Fixture vents shall not be required for temporary water clos-
ets, unless three, or more, water closets are to be installed on
a common drain line.
(6) Full caulked oakum joints with lead shall be used for tempo-
rary water closet branches. P.V.C. or copper joints shall be
soldered or solvent jointed.
(f) PORTABLE CHEMICAL TYPE:

(1) Containers shall have a capacity of not less than 24 gallons.
(2) The top of the seat shall be not less than 8 inches above the
liquid level in the container.
(3) Containers shall be of non-absorptive, non-corrosive mate-

rial.
(4) Drain line from urinal to container shall be minimum 1/2

inch ID plastic or non-corrosive material.
(5) Containers shall be completely emptied, thoroughly cleaned

and disinfected in accordance with requirements of the Min-
ister of Health.
(6) An approved type disinfectant shall be used in sufficient

quantity to provide odourless operation with normal usage.
(7) Waste shall be collected, transported and disposed of in a

manner as approved by the Minister of Health.
(8) Units shall be marked with the name, address and telephone
number of the servicing company.
3603.22 COLOUR CODE FOR PIPING: In order to prevent misuse or a wrong

connection at a later date, it is mandatory that the following colour code
system be provided for piping in large buildings (five water closets, or
more): —Color may be inherent in the material or permanent painted 2
inch wide bands on three foot centres.
36-32
An approved colouring dye shall be injected into the system where non-
potable treated effluent is used for flushing or any other purpose. Provi-
sions for dye injection shall be fully automatic for constant and continu-
ous colouring of the non-potable water. Injectors requiring electric mo-
tors shall be connected to emergency power sources, when available, or
the injection point shall be near the influent point of non-potable water
storage reservoir for residual effect during power cuts.
3603.23 SPECIAL PIPING SYSTEMS: Special piping systems, including but not
limited to, those noted in the definition of “PLUMBING” in Section 3602,
“DEFINITIONS” shall be subject to specific approval by the BCO. Where
these special systems are not covered in detail in The Bahamas Plumbing
Code, or in other Chapters of the Building Code covering such systems
they shall be considered special cases and all information, design data,
drawings, specifications, or physical samples as required by the BCO shall
be submitted for review. Contractors, and their employees shall be sub-
ject to approval by the BCO prior to beginning installation of any special
piping system.
3603.24 ACCESSIBILITY FOR SERVICE: All items of equipment requiring rou-

tine service, such as valves, machinery equipment with moving parts,
etc., shall be installed in a manger to allow service or repair without dam-
age to the building. No valve which not have a replaceable seat (or de-
signed for simple re-grinding shall be imbedded in a tile or concrete wall.
Unless otherwise approved by the BCO in special cases, all bathtub waste
and overflow fittings shall be accessible by means of an access panel.
36-33
3603.25 GENERAL SAFETY: In addition to considerations of Structural Safety,
specified herein before, general safety precautions shall be exercised dur-
ing the installation, and testing of work included in this Chapter. All ex-
cavations for piping, tanks or equipment shall be barricaded where a po-
tential hazard to life and property exists. For further requirements see the
Act and Rules.
36-34
SUB-INDEX
3604 MATERIALS
3604.1 Materials 36-36

(a) Minimum Standards 36-36
3604.2 Materials for Piping Systems 36-36
(a) General 36-36
(b) Above Ground Drains Within Buildings 36-36
(c) Underground Drains Within Buildings 36-36
(d) Underground Drains in Highly Corrosive
Areas 36-36
(e) Acid Waste Piping 36-37
(f) Pressure Piping 36-37
3604.3 Buildings Sewer 36-37
(a) General 36-37
(b) Vitrified Clay or P.V.C. Installation 36-37
(c) Test Required 36-39
(d) Old Building Drains and Sewers 36-39
(e) Building Storm Sewer 36-39
(f) Inside Leaders and Drains 36-39
(g) Collection Boxes 36-39
(h) Outside Leaders 36-39
3604.4 Material for Cleanouts 36-40
3604.5 Materials for Venting 36-40
(a) Vents 36-40
(b) Piping Above Ground 36-40
(c) Underground 36-40
(d) Fittings 36-40
(e) Acid Systems 36-40
3604.6 Materials—Special Requirements 36-40
(a) Caulking Ferrules 36-40
(b) Soldering Nipples and Bushings 36-43
3604.7 Identification of Materials 36-43
3604.8 Sinks and Special Fixtures 36-43
3604.9 Periodic Review 36-43
3604.10 Special Materials 36-43
3604.11 Effective Standards 36-43
36-35
3604 MATERIALS
3604.1 MATERIALS:
(a) MINIMUM STANDARDS: Standard specifications for materials for
plumbing installations are listed in Tables A, B and C. Products
conforming to the specifications listed for such products shall be
considered acceptable in the construction, installation, alteration,
or repair of any part of a plumbing and drainage system, except
that the BCO may allow the extension, addition, or relocation of
existing soil, waste, or vent pipes with materials of like grade or
quality.
3604.2 MATERIALS FOR PIPING SYSTEMS:

(a) GENERAL: Pipe, tubing and fittings for plumbing systems shall
comply with the requirements of this section, and Section 3607,
“JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS.”
(b) ABOVE GROUND DRAINS WITHIN BUILDINGS: Piping for a

drainage system within a building or structure conveying non-
corrosive, non-salt or non-brackish wastes, shall be of centrifugally
spun cast iron soil pipe, galvanised wrought iron, galvanised steel,
brass or copper pipe, Schedule 40 polyvinyl-chloride pipe and
fittings, or copper tube Type K, L, M or DWV. Piping for a drainage
system within a building or structure conveying corrosive, salt, or
brackish wastes shall be Schedule 40 P.V.C. or cast iron. Cast iron in
buildings exceeding three stories shall be extra heavy weight.
(c) UNDERGROUND DRAINS WITHIN BUILDINGS: All drains

conveying non-corrosive, non-salt or non-brackish wastes, within
buildings, when underground, shall be cast iron soil pipe, Schedule
80 P.V.C. pipe, or brass pipe; except that copper tube and fittings
Type K or L may be used for underground drainage installations
for private residential or duplex work, including indirect waste
lines. All underground piping conveying corrosive, salt or brackish
wastes, within buildings shall be cast iron pipe or Schedule 80 P.V.C.
All underground cast iron piping in buildings exceeding three
stories shall be extra heavy weight.
(d) UNDERGROUND DRAINS IN HIGHLY CORROSIVE AREAS: On

all filled ground where the presence of hydrogen sulphide gas or
other injurious elements are known, and in areas being or having
been filled below high tide, all underground soil, vent and waste
piping and fittings shall be extra heavy cast iron or Schedule 80
P.V.C.
36-36
(e) ACID WASTE PIPING: All pipes and fittings in a system convey-
ing liquids with high acid content to a point of approved neutrali-
sation, or dilution, including the connecting fitting in a main drain
or sewer, shall be 14% silicon cast iron, Schedule 80 P.V.C., vitrified
clay pipe, glass, or other approved material.
(f) PRESSURE PIPING: Pressure piping within buildings, including

potable cold water distribution piping, shall be type K or I, copper
tube, non-toxic schedule 40 or 80 P.V.C., brass, galvanised wrought
iron or steel schedule 40 pipe, or cast iron pressure pipe. All piping
shall be as recommended by the manufacturer for the temperatures
and working pressures involved. CPVC may be used in certain
cases for hot water piping, provided the prior approval of the
Buildings Control Officer has been obtained.
Underground piping shall be copper, cast iron, or P.V.C. P.V.C.

piping shall not be used for fire lines. All pressure piping within a
building under a concrete floor slab shall be Schedule 80 P.V.C.,
Type K copper, or cast iron pressure pipe. Pressure piping systems,
conveying salt or brackish water for flushing water service shall
be P.V.C., or cast iron. Galvanised steel for any water service other
than for fire lines is not recommended. See Section 3614, “WATER
SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION” for further recommendations.
3604.3 BUILDINGS SEWER:

(a) GENERAL: The building sewer shall be of not less than four inch
diameter and shall be cast iron soil pipe, Schedule 40 P.V.C. pipe,
or vitrified clay pipe conforming to A.S.T.M. specification C-200,
extra strength including 4-inch size, with an approved interlock-
ing P.V.C. compression-joint formed on vitrified clay pipe at the
factory. Joints shall be water-tight and rustproof.
(b) VITRIFIED CLAY OR P.V.C. INSTALLATION:

(1) USE: Vitrified Clay Pipe conforming to ASTM specifications
C-200, extra strength including 4” size, with an approved
interlocking compression joint formed on vitrified clay pipe
at the factory and made of elasticised— polyvinyl chloride
to specifications established by the National Clay Pipe Manu-
facturers, Inc. ASTM-C425. Installation methods for bedding,
backfill and depth of cover of vitrified clay pipe and P.V.C.
shall be the same.
(2) PLASTIC PIPES:

(a) USE: The use of plastic pipe for building sewers shall
be limited to Schedule 40 or 80 P.V.C. properly installed
to allow for expansion-contraction and adequately sup-
ported.
36-37
(3) MATERIAL: Plastic pipe and fittings shall be manufactured
of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) conforming to Commercial
Standard C272 as developed by the U.S. Department of Com-
merce, Office of Commodity Standards.
(4) JOINTS: All joints shall be made so that pipe and fittings shall
be fully seated with no open space in the invert. Joints shall
be solvent welded with sleeves, or butt welded by heat fu-
sion using the heat plate as recommended by the manufac-
turer. Jointing between cast iron and plastic pipe shall be
made by use of hot poured joints. Installation procedures and
solvents shall conform to CS 272, or as approved by the BCO.
(5) PIPE BEDDING:

(1) Where the top of the barrel is shallower than 3 ft. 0 in.
under roads which could be used by motor vehicles,
or 1 ft. 6 in. elsewhere, such pipes shall be protected
either by reinforced concrete slabs or by strengthening
the pipe with concrete.
(6) Trenches at the level of the top of the pipe shall not be more
than 12 inches wider than the outside diameter of the pipe
collars hubs, or joints. Trenches shall be excavated at least 4
inches below the underside of the pipe and this space re-
filled with well-compacted fill, free from large rocks or boul-
ders. After pipelaying the trench shall be refilled up to the
level of the middle of the pipes with fill free from large rocks
or boulders, carefully compacted. From this level to a height
of 12 in. above the top of the pipes the trench shall be refilled
with fill carefully compacted by hand in layers of not more
than 6 inches.
(7) Where slabs are used to protect a shallow pipeline they shall
be made of reinforced concrete, the thickness reinforcement
being decided by the Buildings Control Officer; supported
on unexcavated ground on each side of the trench: and set
with the underside of the slabs not less than 2 in. above the
tops of the pipe collars.
(8) Where a shallow pipeline is protected by strengthening with

concrete the trench shall be excavated, pipes tested, and the
trench partly refilled, then the upper half of the pipe shall be
covered with concrete to a depth of at least 4 inches with the
concrete extending on either side of the pipeline at least as
far as the outside of the collars. Provide a vertical gap 1/2
inch wide at each joint to permit flexibility. The trench shall
36-38
not be refilled above the concrete until it has cured for at
least 48 hours.
(9) FITTINGS: Manufactured fittings or reducers shall be used

at all changes in line, grade or size of sewer and adapters for
connection to vitrified clay or cast iron pipe shall be furnished
with joints as specified for vitrified clay or cast iron pipe. All
P.V.C. fittings buried under floor slabs which constitute a
change in direction of more than 45 degrees shall be encased
with 6 inches of concrete.
(c) TEST REQUIRED: Before approval, each installation shall be tested

as follows: The end of the building sewer shall be plugged at the
point of connection with the public sewer. The building sewer shall
then be filled with water and tested with not less than a ten-foot
(10’) head of water and proven tight.
(d) OLD BUILDING DRAINS AND SEWERS: Old building drains and
building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings or
new plumbing and drainage work only when they are found on
examination or test, to conform in all respects to the requirements
governing new building drains and building sewers.
(e) BUILDING STORM SEWER: The building storm sewers shall be

clay pipe, cast iron, P.V.C., cement-asbestos, concrete pipe, or other
material approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
(f) INSIDE LEADERS AND DRAINS: When placed within the

building or run in an inner or interior court or shaft, all roof leaders
shall be constructed of Schedule 40 P.V.C., or cast iron with oakum
and lead caulked joints; copper tube, brass, galvanised wrought
iron or galvanised steel pipe with recessed drainage fittings. Where
only one roof drain is to be installed, the roof must have emergency
overflow scuppers, in sizes approved by the Buildings Control
Officer to prevent flooding.
(g) COLLECTION BOXES: Connection to sheet metal collection boxes

shall be made only with lead pipe wiped on a ferrule or an adapter,
flared and soldered to the bottom of each box. Cast iron or brass
roof drains with domes or strainers shall be connected with oakum
and lead caulked joints, screw threads or copper tube with soldered
sweat joints.
(h) OUTSIDE LEADERS: Outside rain leaders shall be installed as

follows: Where located in a place accessible or exposed to contact
with vehicles, cast iron shall be extended five feet above grade. All
36-39
other locations, cast iron shall extend at least one inch above grade.
Install foot block at bottom of leader eight inches above grade and
six inches beyond leader. Foot block shall be concrete.
3604.4 MATERIAL FOR CLEANOUTS: Cleanouts shall be a brass to iron or other

approved connection and conform to the weight and materials required
for pipe and fittings of the same metal, and extend not less than one-
quarter inch above the hub.
3604.5 MATERIALS FOR VENTING:

(a) VENTS: Pipe, tubing and fittings for the vent piping system shall
comply with the standards and provisions of this Code. (See Table
C.)
(b) PIPING ABOVE GROUND: Vent piping shall be of cast iron,

galvanized wrought iron, galvanized steel, lead, brass, or copper
tube, or Schedule 40 P.V.C.
(c) UNDERGROUND: Vent piping placed underground shall be cast

iron soil pipe or Schedule 80 P.V.C.
(d) FITTINGS: Fittings shall conform to the type of pipe used in the
vent system as required by Sub-Section 3604.2 Drainage pattern
fittings shall not be required in a dry vent system.
(e) ACID SYSTEMS: Vent piping on acid-waste systems shall conform

to that required for acid-waste piping specified in Sub-Section
3604.2 “MATERIALS FOR PIPING SYSTEMS.”
3604.6 MATERIALS — SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

(a) CAULKING FERRULES: Brass caulking ferrules shall be of brass
pipe conforming to FS WW-P-351 or of heavy cast brass of weight
and dimensions in accordance with the Table A. Seamless copper
ferrules may be used in lieu of cast brass, provided they correspond
in size and weight. (See Table C.)
36-40
36-41
36-42
* Corrosion-resisting metal sinks shall be either stainless steel or monel metal. Alloy
compositions conforming to Nickel-copper alloy or corrosion-resisting steel as
specified in WW-P-541a Table VIII or type number 302 or 430 will be acceptable.
For domestic use the minimum permitted metal thickness shall be 0.0375 inches
(#20 U.S. Standard Gage for Sheet and Plate Iron and Steel) and for other than
domestic use a minimum of 0.050 inches (#18 gauge). Bowls shall be seamless drawn
welded with well rounded corners and edges. All exposed welds shall be made
smooth and invisible and all visible surfaces shall have a smooth satin finish. The
entire underside of fixture shall be coated with an adherent compound that will
effectivelydeadensound.
(b) SOLDERING NIPPLES AND BUSHINGS: Soldering nipples and
bushings shall be brass pipe, standard size conforming to FS WW-
F-351 or ASTM Specification B251-58 or of heavy cast brass of
weight and dimensions in accordance with Tables B and C.
3604.7 IDENTIFICATION OF MATERIALS: Each length of pipe, and each pipe

fitting, trap, fixture, and device used in a plumbing system shall have
cast, stamped, or indelibly marked on it the maker’s mark or name, the
weight, type, and classes of the product, when such marking is required
by the approved standard that applies.
3604.8 SINKS AND SPECIAL FIXTURES: Sinks and special fixtures may be made
of soapstone, chemical stoneware, or may be lined with lead, copper-base
alloy, nickel-copper alloy, corrosion-resisting steel or other materials es-
pecially suited to the use for which the fixtures are intended.
3604.9 PERIODIC REVIEW: The Minister shall periodically, at least once every
two years, review the approved list of United States Standards for materi-
als in plumbing installations and, if more recent revisions of such recog-
nized standards are available and acceptable, adoption of such standards
may be recommended.
3604.10 SPECIAL MATERIALS: Descriptive data and/or samples of materials for

special piping systems as referenced in Section 3, GENERAL, shall be sub-
mitted to the BCO for approval.
3604.11 EFFECTIVE STANDARDS: The edition, or revision, to any Standard or

Specification referenced in this Code which was in effect at the time that a
Building Permit was actually issued shall be the governing document for
the purposes of this Code. Most referenced standards in this Code are
available for public inspection at the Ministry for Works. Addresses for
procurement of copies of all referenced standards are available at the Min-
istry for Works.
36-43
SUB-INDEX
3605.1 General Requirements 36-46

(e) Encroachment on Private Property -
Easement Required 36-46
(f) Sewer Easement 36-47
(g) Plans and Specifications and Information
Required 36-47
3605.2 Regulations Governing the Discharge of
Liquid Wastes and/or Sewage into the Public
Sewer System 36-47
(b) Approval and Permits Required Before
Commencing 36-47
(c) Prohibited Discharges to Sewers 36-47
(d) Sewer Connections Required and
Limited 36-47
(e) Impeding, Impairing, or Surcharging
Public Sewer Prohibited 36-48
3605.3 Sewage and Liquid Waste Disposal
Where a Public Sewer is Available 36-48
(b) Liquid Waste Disposal Where a
Public Sewer is Available 36-48
3605.4 Conditional Retention and Time
Discharge to Public Sewers 36-49
3605.5 Sewage and Liquid Waste Disposal
Where a Public Sewer is Not Available 36-50
(c) Dilution Tank Required for Corrosive
Wastes 36-51
(d) Independent Systems 36-52
(e) Limits for Discharge of Liquid Waste
Into Septic Tanks and Drainage Pipes 36-52
(f) Discharge of Sewage or Liquid Waste
Into Natural or Artificial Bodies of Water 36-52
(g) Garbage Contributed to Sewers from
Domestic and Commercial Food Grinders 36-52
3605.6 Fixture Units: Values for Fixtures 36-52
3605.7 Determination of Sizes for the
Gravity Drainage System 36-54
(a) Maximum Fixture-Unit Load 36-54
(b) Sizes of Horizontal Sewers and Drains 36-54
(c) Sizes of Vertical Soil and Waste Stacks 36-55
3605.8 Restrictions 36-56
(a) Minimum Size of Vertical Soil and Waste
Stacks 36-56
36-44
(b) Future Fixtures 36-56
3605.9 Sumps and Ejectors—Drainage
Below Street Level 36-56
(a) Sumps, Sewage and Liquid Waste Ejectors 36-56
(b) Minimum Number Ejectors Required 36-57
3605.10 Sump Construction 36-57
3605.11 Sump Vents 36-57
3605.12 Motors and Compressors for Ejectors 36-58
3605.12 (b) Connections 36-58
(c) Subsoil Drains 36-58
(d) Building Subdrains 36-58
3605.13 Vacuum Operated Drainage Systems 36-58
3605.14 Connections to Public Sewers 36-58
36-45

(a) Sewage and liquid waste shall be treated and disposed of as
hereinafter provided in Section 3615, “Sewage and Liquid Waste
Disposal Systems.” Septic tanks, sewage treatment systems,
soakage pits, drainage wells, and/or other drainage work on or
from premises or building sites shall be constructed, installed and
maintained as herein provided.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to cause, suffer, or permit the
disposal of sewage, human excrement and/or liquid waste in any
place or manner except through and by means of an approved
plumbing and drainage disposal system installed and maintained
in accordance with the provisions of this Code, except for those
buildings covered under the Small Building Code, Section 3617.
(c) In areas where no public sewer is provided or where a connection

to the public sewer is not permitted or where no sewer connection
through an easement is available, plumbing and drainage of all
properties shall be connected to a private disposal system
constructed in compliance with the provisions hereinafter set forth.
(NOTE): Some public sewers are surcharged or over-loaded. In
some instances, therefore, the Minister may prohibit the disposal
of additional waste to these sewers. Liquid wastes shall then be
disposed of by means of an approved soakage pit, drainage well,
or other means approved by the Minister of Health.
(d) No septic tank, drainfield pipe, soakage pit, drainage well or water
supply well or other drainage work shall be installed or discharged
on any public property outside the property lines of the premises
or structures served without first securing written approval from
the Minister of Health.
(e) ENCROACHMENT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY—EASEMENT

REQUIRED: No sewer, septic tank, drainfield pipe, soakage pit,
drainage well, water supply well or other drainage work shall be
located or installed or discharged on any privately owned prop-
erty outside the property lines of the premises or structures served
except as specifically permitted herein. Permission for such
installation may be granted upon presentation to the Minister of a
36-46
property executed easement which has been recorded with the
Minister. Such easement properly executed and recorded as
aforesaid must be filed before a permit for such work may be
approved. The common ownership of the property for which such
permit is approved and the property encumbered by such easement
shall not waive any of the above requirements.
(f) SEWER EASEMENT: At the option of the owner of a property which

does not abut a public sewer but where a sewer connection can be
secured through an adjoining lot or property whether of the same
ownership or not, a connection to the public sewer may be made
through such adjoining lot or property by virtue of a properly
executed and recorded easement under such conditions as the
Minister and The Registrar General shall permit.
(g) PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION RE-

QUIRED: Complete and detailed specifications, plans and other
information shall be provided as required in this Code from the
person designing the work and/or by the owner of the premises
desiring to dispose of liquid waste or sewage before a permit is
approved and construction work of any nature is commenced.
3605.2 REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE DISCHARGE OF LIQUID WASTES

AND/OR SEWAGE INTO THE PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEMS:
(a) The volume of liquid waste discharged into the public sewer system
shall be regulated in such manner as not to impede or overload or
surcharge or cause the public sewer system to overflow or back up
into private property or flood public thoroughfares or private
property.
(b) APPROVAL AND PERMITS REQUIRED BEFORE COMMENC-

ING: No work shall be commenced before the approval of the BCO
is secured in writing upon plans submitted or before a building
and plumbing permit is issued. The Minister shall not give approval
for the discharge of liquid waste to a public sewer except in
accordance with the following terms and restrictions:
(c) PROHIBITED DISCHARGES TO SEWERS: Storm or rainwater or

other liquid waste shall not discharge into a sanitary sewer, nor
shall sewage discharge into a public storm sewer, except as herein
provided for.
(d) SEWER CONNECTIONS REQUIRED AND LIMITED: Connection

for the disposal of sewage and liquid waste shall be made to a public
36-47
sewer when and where such connection can be made without
impeding, over-loading or surcharging the public sewer system.
(e) IMPEDING, IMPAIRING, OR SURCHARGING PUBLIC SEWER

PROHIBITED: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Code,
no person, firm or corporation shall permit any sewage, substance
or liquid waste to discharge into a public or private sewer, which
would injure, impede, impair, overflow, surcharge overload, stop
or clog such sewer. No person, firm or corporation shall permit
any explosive or volatile substances, cleaning fluids, solvents, gas,
smoke, exhaust fumes, gasoline, benzine, naphtha, steam, acid, oil,
grease, sand, glass or any other deleterious substances to enter or
discharge into a plumbing system or a public sewer system.
3605.3 SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL WHERE A PUBLIC SEWER

IS AVAILABLE:
(a) Sewage and liquid waste shall discharge into a public sewer if such
sewer is available and abutting the property except as herein
provided. Rainwater only may discharge to street gutters (not over
sidewalks) if permitted by the Minister.
(b) LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL WHERE A PUBLIC SEWER IS

AVAILABLE: Liquid waste may discharge into a public sewer only
upon approval of the Minister. Such approval shall accompany
request for plumbing plan approval and the permit therefor shall
be obtained from the Minister of Works if not permitted to discharge
into a public sewer, liquid waste may discharge to soakage pits or
drainage wells; however, the responsibility for satisfactory
operation shall rest upon the owner, and permits shall be issued
conditionally with the owner (not the contractor or other person)
assuming full responsibility for the maintenance and operation.
NOTE: Some types of liquid wastes cannot be successfully disposed

of via pits or wells. Pits and wells receiving liquid wastes from
establishment such as automobile wash floors, refrigerators,
laundries, milk bottling plants, bars and food processing plants
generally result in unsanitary conditions and public nuisance, and
therefore must be abated by legal action. Soakage pits and drainage
wells for rainwater or other clear water wastes have operated
successfully in the majority of installations.
36-48
3605.4 CONDITIONAL RETENTION AND TIME DISCHARGE TO PUBLIC
SEWERS:
(a) Where the Minister of Works determines a public sewer to be over-
loaded and/or surcharged at times of peak usage, said Department
is hereby empowered and authorized to issue a conditional permit
for the discharge of sewage or liquid waste to the public sewer
system, provided that the owner and designer shall comply with
all conditions and requirements set forth in said conditional permit
and/or contained in this Code and before a sewer permit is issued.
Conditional permits shall provide:
(1) That a retention tank of suitable and acceptable size be pro-

vided, designed to hold and retain all of the sewage and liq-
uid waste at times when the public sewer is overloaded and
surcharged and to discharge the contents of said tank at such
time as the Minister of Works may require and specify. See
Section 3615, SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL
SYSTEMS.
(2) That such tank be provided with an automatic time control

device designed to limit and regulate the flow from the tank
to the public sewer at a time when and in such quantity as
within the capacity of the public sewer to care for same.
(3) That the premises be open to inspection at such time and

place as the Minister of Works may specify, and that the in-
stallation be maintained in good and proper working
condition.
(4) That upon a violation of any of the provisions herein con-

tained the conditional permit shall be revoked and the sewer
connection be removed and plugged as directed by the
Minister.
(5) That should such connection not be removed upon proper

notice, the Minister of Works is hereby authorized to cause a
disconnection and assess the cost of same to the owner and/
or management of the property in accordance with the Rules
and Regulations.
(6) Any permit issued for connection to a public sewer under

any of the conditions set forth in any of the foregoing sec-
tions, shall be issued and accepted conditionally.
36-49
(b) Such conditional permit shall be issued in writing by the Minister
of Works and the acceptance of the terms and conditions of issuance
shall be indicated thereon by the signature of the person to whom
such permit is granted. It is expressly provided, however, that in
the event of change of ownership and/or occupancy of the property
and/or premises for which such permit has been granted then such
permit shall become void and of no effect, unless renewed by the
Minister of Works. Upon the change of ownership and/or
occupancy the person to whom a conditional permit is granted
shall forthwith surrender such conditional permit to the Minister
for regranting and/or cancellation.
3605.5 SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE DISPOSAL WHERE A PUBLIC SEWER

IS NOT AVAILABLE:
(a) Where a public sewer is not available, sewage, all waste from
plumbing fixtures, except liquid waste of a non-fecal character, shall
discharge into a septic tank or other acceptable method of sewage
disposal as hereinafter provided. Liquid wastes of a non-fecal
character shall discharge into an approved soakage pit, drainpipe
field or bed or drainage well for that purpose only and/or shall be
disposed of by a form of treatment acceptable to the Minister of
Health. Rainwater soakage pits shall be separate structures used
only for the purpose of rainwater disposal.
(b) Where a permit to connect to a public sewer is refused, or where

no public sewer is available, the factors in Table E shall govern and
apply in the disposal of liquid wastes from establishments as herein
set forth or similar establishments.
36-50
(c) DILUTION TANK REQUIRED FOR CORROSIVE WASTES: No
corrosive waste which has a pH of less than 5.0 shall discharge
into any plumbing pipe or any house drain or a house sewer of
standard material and construction without first discharging into
a neutralizing tank or basin. Every neutralizing tank or basin used
for this purpose shall be constructed of earthenware or glass or
other non-corrosive material and shall be provided with a standing
waste and overflow or other approved means to insure
neutralization. A chamber shall be provided to retain a sufficient
quantity of lime or other approved neutralizing material which
shall be removed as often as may be necessary to render such
neutralization effective. Such neutralizing tank or basin shall be
provided with a controlled supply of water or neutralizing medium
to make its contents non-injurious to an ordinary plumbing system
36-51
or to the public sewer system. All pipes and fittings to neutralizing
tanks and to a point of approved neutralization in a plumbing
system, including the connecting fitting in a main drain or sewer,
shall be 14% silicon cast iron, schedule 80 P.V.C., vitrified clay pipe,
or equal.
(d) INDEPENDENT SYSTEMS: The septic tank and drainage system

of each building shall be separate and independent of any other
building except that where buildings are built on single lot or
building site of single ownership and it is apparent that the lot
cannot be subdivided and result in dual ownership, one septic tank
and drainage system may be installed.
(e) LIMITS FOR DISCHARGE OF LIQUID WASTE INTO SEPTIC

TANKS AND DRAINAGE PIPES: Liquid waste shall not discharge
into an existing septic tank or drainpipe thereof when such septic
tank and drainpipe constitute the minimum requirement of this
Code for the disposal of sewage.
(f) DISCHARGE OF SEWAGE OR LIQUID WASTE INTO NATURAL

OR ARTIFICIAL BODIES OF WATER: The discharge of any sewage
or liquid waste (as herein defined) whether treated or untreated
into any body of water natural or artificial is hereby prohibited
except as expressly permitted by the Minister of Health.
(g) GARBAGE CONTRIBUTED TO SEWERS FROM DOMESTIC AND

COMMERCIAL FOOD GRINDERS: Garbage contributed from
domestic and commercial food grinders shall not enter a sewer
which conveys same to a sewer treatment plant unless approved
by the Minister of Works.3605.6
3605.6 FIXTURE UNITS: VALUES FOR FIXTURES: Fixture unit values as given
in Table G designate the relative load weight of different kinds of fixtures
which shall be employed in estimating the total load carried by a soil or
waste pipe and shall be used in connection with the tables of sizes for soil,
waste, and drain pipes for which the permissible load is given in terms of
fixture units.
36-52
36-53
3605.7 DETERMINATION OF SIZES FOR THE GRAVITY DRAINAGE
SYSTEM:
(a) MAXIMUM FIXTURE-UNIT LOAD: The maximum number of
fixture units that may be connected to a given size gravity drain
line are given in Tables I and J.
(b) SIZES OF HORIZONTAL SEWERS AND DRAINS: The required

sizes of horizontal building drains, building sewers, and horizon-
tal branches shall be determined on the basis of the total number
of fixture units drained by them in accordance with Tables G and
H.
36-54
NOTATIONS:
(1) Not over two fixtures having integral traps requiring three
or four-inch waste connection (residential buildings only),
may connect to a 3-inch horizontal drain. No water closets
may discharge into a 3" line graded at less than 1/8" per foot.
(2) Size building sewers shall be a minimum of 4-inches with

the exception that if connecting to a septic tank and if the
developed length measured along the pipe and fittings from
the exterior of the building wall to the septic tank does not
exceed 10 feet, the building sewer may be sized the same as
the building drain. Septic tanks located more than 20-feet
from a building shall be provided with a 4-inch diameter lo-
cal vent.
(3) No water closets in Commercial, Catering, or Industrial Build-

ings shall be connected to less than a 4-inch horizontal drain.
(c) SIZES OF VERTICAL SOIL AND WASTE STACKS: The required

sizes and permitted lengths of vertical soil or waste stacks shall be
independently determined by the total fixture units of all fixtures
connected to the stack in accordance with Tables G and H. as
permitted in Table J.
36-55
NOTATIONS:
No kitchen sinks or other sinks receiving greasy wastes shall be installed

in a waste stack less than 2" in diameter, nor on any wet vent 2" or less in
diameter except as set forth for “Food Waste-Disposal Connections” speci-
fied hereinafter. No pump discharge fixtures shall be installed on a cross
less than 2 1/2" stack diameter. Domestic food grinder s and domestic
dish washing machines shall not be considered as pump discharge fixtures.
3605.8 RESTRICTIONS: No water closet shall discharge into a stack less than
three inches in diameter. Not more than two water closets shall discharge
into a three-inch stack at the same point. Not more than four water closets
shall discharge into a three-inch stack at the same level. All horizontal
soil and waste sections shall be governed by Table I.
(a) MINIMUM SIZE OF VERTICAL SOIL AND WASTE STACKS: No

vertical soil or waste stack shall be smaller than the largest
horizontal branch connected thereto except that a 3x4 one quarter
bend connected to a water closet outlet shall not be considered as a
reduction in pipe size.
(b) FUTURE FIXTURES: When provision is made for the future

installation of fixtures, those provided for shall be considered in
determining the required sizes of drain pipes. Construction to
provide for such future installation shall be terminated with a
plugged fitting or fittings.
3605.9 SUMPS AND EJECTORS — DRAINAGE BELOW STREET LEVEL:

(a) SUMPS, SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE EJECTORS: In all
buildings, in which the whole or part of the plumbing or drainage
system serving fixtures or appliances lies below the crown level of
the street, sewage or liquid waste shall discharge into a sump or
receiving tank by gravity from which sump or receiving tank the
sewage or liquid waste shall be lifted and discharged into the
building sewer or drain by ejectors. Such ejectors shall automatically
empty the sump, which shall be large enough to receive peak flow
for 30 minutes, unless approved in writing for smaller sizes by the
Buildings Control Officer. Sump discharge pipes shall be provided
with a check valve located on the sump side of a gate valve located
as close to the sump as possible.
36-56
(b) MINIMUM NUMBER EJECTORS REQUIRED: Single ejector for
one or two family buildings. Duplex ejectors for all other build-
ings for sumps collecting sewage. (See definition of sewage.) One
ejector permitted for liquid waste provided such a single ejector is
not located in a place where failure to operate will flood a place
where food or drink is stored or prepared. A single air ejector, with
duplex air compressors, may be provided for public buildings
provided the ejector can pass 3 inch diameter solids.
3605.10 SUMP CONSTRUCTION: Sump basins or receivers shall be waterproof

concrete adequately reinforced with steel rods, cast iron, or vitrified clay.
If of vitrified clay pipe the bottom shall rest on a concrete base extending
at least six inches laterally from the pipe. All basins and receivers shall be
water tight. Due to the high salt content of most waste water, steel basins
are subject to special approval by the Buildings Control Officer.
3605.11 SUMP VENTS:

(a) Plumbing fixtures discharging into a sump shall be vented.
(b) All sumps receiving the discharge from plumbing fixtures shall
be vented as follows:
(1) No less than a three-inch vent for sumps receiving body waste
from plumbing fixtures.
(2) For clear water liquid waste, separate sump vent optional,
no cover required.
(3) Vents from pneumatic ejectors or similar equipment shall be

carried separately through the roof.
(c) Such sump and fixture vents may be connected to the plumbing
system discharging into a public sewer or septic tank or ex-
tended independently to above the roof.
(d) All sumps for other than clear wastes, shall be provided with a
metal cover. Sumps receiving sewage or liquid waste shall be
provided with a gas and air tight metal cover securely fastened
in place and provided with an air and gas tight manhole for
access for repairs.
36-57
3605.12 MOTORS AND COMPRESSORS FOR EJECTORS:
(a) All motors, air compressors, and air tanks shall be located where
they are open for inspection and repair at all times. The air tanks
shall be so proportioned as to be of equal cubic capacity to the
ejectors connected therewith, in which there shall be maintained
an air pressure of not less than two pounds per square inch for
each foot of height the sewage is to be raised.
(b) CONNECTIONS: No direct connection of a steam exhaust,

blowoff, or drip pipe shall be made with the building drainage
system. Waste water when discharged into the building drainage
system shall be at a temperature not higher than 140°F. When
higher temperature exists, approved cooling methods shall be
provided.
(c) SUBSOIL DRAINS: Where subsoil drains are placed under the
cellar or basement floor or are used to surround the outer walls
of a building, they shall be made of open-jointed or horizontally
split or perforated clay tile, or perforated bituminized fiber pipe
or asbestos cement pipe, not less than four inches in diameter.
When the building is subject to backwater, the subsoil drain shall
be protected by an accessibly located backwater valve. Subsoil
drains may discharge into a properly trapped area drain or
sump. Such sumps do not require vents.
(d) BUILDING SUBDRAINS: Building subdrains located below the

public sewer level shall discharge into a sump or receiving tank
the contents of which shall be automatically lifted and dis-
charged into the drainage system as required for building sumps.
3605.13 VACUUM OPERATED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: Plumbing systems em-

ploying a vacuum to evacuate the contents of plumbing fixtures may be
installed in lieu of gravity drainage systems. Such systems shall be con-
sidered special design and will require approval of the Minister of Works
and the Minister of Health. Specifications and design calculations will be
required for these systems, together with completely detailed plans and
diagrams.
3605.14 CONNECTIONS TO PUBLIC SEWERS: Where a sewer or drain from a

building is to be connected to a public sewer the plumber or the owner of
the building shall complete the work as prescribed by the Minister of
Works.
36-58
SUB INDEX
3606.1 Indirect Waste Piping 36-60

(a) General 36-60
(b) Food Handling 36-60
(c) Connection 36-60
(d) Sterile Materials 36-60
(e) Drips 36-60
3606.2 Material and Size 36-60
3606.3 Clear Water Wastes 36-61
3606.4 Steam Connections 36-61
3606.5 Drinking Fountains 36-61
3606.6 Special Wastes 36-61
3606.6 (c) Neutralizing Device 36-61
3606.7 Air Conditioning Condensate Drains 36-62
36-59
3606.1 INDIRECT WASTE PIPING:

(a) GENERAL: Wastes from the following shall discharge, to the
building drainage system, through an indirect waste pipe serving
the individual fixtures, devices, appliances or apparatus.
(b) FOOD HANDLING: Establishments engaged in the storage,

preparation, selling, serving, processing, or otherwise handling of
food shall have the waste piping from all refrigerators, ice boxes,
cooling or refrigerating coils, laundry washers, extractors, steam
tables, egg boilers, coffee urns or similar equipment discharge
indirectly into a floor drain or as otherwise provided in this Code,
or as permitted by the Minister of Health.
(c) CONNECTION: Indirect waste connections shall be provided for

drains, overflows, or relief vents from the water supply system.
(d) STERILE MATERIALS: Appliances, devices or apparatus such as

stills, sterilises, and similar equipment requiring water and waste
connections and used for sterile material shall be indirectly
connected and provided with an air gap between the trap and the
appliance.
(e) DRIPS: Appliances, devices, or apparatus not regularly classed as

plumbing fixtures but which have drips or drainage outlets and
condensate drain from air-conditioning equipment, may be drained
by indirect waste pipes discharging into an open receptacle, or as
permitted by the Buildings Control Officer.
3606.2 MATERIAL AND SIZE:

(a) Indirect wastes, when above the floor, shall be a minimum of three-
quarter inches diameter, but not less than the size of fixture or
appliance outlet and if less than one and one quarter inches
diameter shall be of copper tube or Schedule 40 P.V.C. If galva-
nized waste pipe is used below floor in slab or fill, shall be encased
in concrete throughout. If waste is below slab or in fill, it shall be a
minimum of one and one-quarter inches in diameter and shall be
cast iron pipe, Schedule 80 P.V.C. or Type “L” copper tube with
drainage fittings. Indirect waste piping shall be so installed as to
permit ready access for flushing and cleansing.
(b) Indirect waste pipes shall be sized in accordance with Tables I and
36-60
J, except drains above floors from defrosting pans may be a
minimum of three-quarter inch tubing.
(c) Drip pipes from walk-in refrigerator floors or store room floors
where food is stored shall be installed as indirect wastes and such
drip pipes shall discharge into an approved fixture. The drip pipe
shall be equipped with a flap check as close as possible to the drain
outlet. Such floors shall be two inches above overflow point or
receiving fixture.
(d) Any fixture or appliance where food or drink is stored, and which
is equipped with a drain, shall be independently and indirectly
connected to an approved fixture or receptacle whose overflow level
is below the bottom of such fixture or receptacle.
3606.3 CLEAR WATER WASTES: Water lifts, expansion tanks, cooling jackets,
sprinkler systems, drip or overflow pans, or similar devices, which waste
clear water only shall discharge into the building drainage system through
an indirect waste, as permitted by the Buildings Control Officer.
3606.4 STEAM CONNECTIONS: No live steam pipe shall connect directly to

any part of a drainage or plumbing system.
3606.5 DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Drinking fountains may be installed with in-

direct waste only for the purpose of resealing required traps of floor drains
installed to receive other clear wastes.
3606.6 SPECIAL WASTES:

(a) Acid and chemical indirect waste pipe and fittings shall be of
materials unaffected by the discharge of such wastes.
(b) Liquid wastes having a pH of less than 5 or more than 10 shall be

properly neutralized and diluted before being discharged into any
soil or waste pipe or any building drain or sewer.
(c) NEUTRALIZING DEVICE: In no case shall corrosive liquids, spent

acids, or other harmful chemicals which might destroy or injure a
drain, sewer, soil or waste pipe and fittings or which might create
noxious or toxic fumes, discharge into the plumbing system without
being thoroughly diluted or neutralized by passing through a
properly constructed and acceptable dilution or neutralizing device.
Such device shall be automatically provided with a sufficient intake
of diluting water or neutralizing medium, so as to make its contents
non-injurious before being discharged into the soil or sewage
system. See Sub-section 3605.5 (c).
36-61
3606.7 AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSATE DRAINS:
(a) Condensate drains shall be a minimum of 3/4 inch diameter for
one unit or any number of connected unite totalling not over 10
tons of refrigeration capacity, where the length of piping to the
point of disposal is no more than 20 feet.
(b) Air Conditioning condensate drains shall be a minimum of 1-1/4

inch diameter for one unit or any number of connected units
totalling over 10 tons osr refrigeration capacity, where piping runs
exceed 20 feet.
(c) Connections to the unit drain pans shall be either flexible connec-
tions or rigid piping. Flexible connections shall have a dip in the
connection two diameters below the invert to top of flexible
connection. Rigid piping on units larger than 3 tons shall be
provided with a minimum three-inch trap seal and a union installed
on pan side of trap. Flexible connections shall not exceed 18 inches
in length.
(d) Condensate drainage systems may be vented.
(e) Air conditioning condensate drains for units with not more than 5
tons capacity may discharge upon a pervious area. Units with not
more than ten tons capacity may discharge to a 10-inch diameter
by 24-inch long pipe without cover, filled with 3/4 inch crushed
rock.
(f) Air conditioning condensate drains for units regardless of tonnage

may discharge to a drainage well, storm sewer, adequate soakage
pit, drainfield or the building drainage system where such discharge
is approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
Connections to storm sewer or building drains shall be by indirect

connections.
(g) The materials to be used in condensate drains for air conditioning

equipment shall comply with the minimum standards as set forth
in Section 3604 or shall comply with the minimum standards for
Schedule 40 PVC of Commercial Standard C272.
36-62
SUB-INDEX
3607.1 Tightness 36-63

3607.2 Types of Joints
(a) Caulked Joints 36-64
(b) Threaded Joints—Screwed Joints 36-64
(c) Wiped Joints 36-64
(d) Soldered or Sweat Type Joints 36-64
(e) Hot-Poured Joints 36-64
(f) Precast Joints for Non-Metallic Pipe 36-65
(g) Brazed Joints 36-65
(h) Cement Mortar Joints 36-65
(i) Burned Lead or Plastic Joints 36-65
(j) Asbestos Cement Sewer Pipe Joints 36-65
(k) Bituminized Fiber Pipe Joints 36-65
(l) P.V.C. Joints 36-66
(m) Mechanical Joints 36-66
3607.3 Special Joints
(a) Copper Tubing to Screwed Pipe
Joints 36-66
(b) Welding or Brazing 36-66
(c) Slip Joints 36-66
(d) Expansion Joints 36-66
(e) Ground Joint Brass Connections 36-66
3607.4 Unions (Screwed)
(a) Drainage System 36-67
(b) Water Supply System 36-67
3607.5 Floor Connected Fixtures with Integral
Trap 36-67
3607.6 (a) Prohibited Joints and Connections in
Drainage Systems 36-67
(b) Exceptions 36-67
3607.7 Waterproofing of Openings 36-67
3607.8 Increasers and Reducers 36-67
3607.1 TIGHTNESS: Joints and connections in the plumbing system shall be gas-
tight for the pressure required by test, or use, with the exceptions of those
portions of perforated or open-joint piping which are installed for the
purpose of collecting and conveying underground or seepage water.
36-63
3607.2 TYPES OF JOINTS:
(a) CAULKED JOINTS: Caulked joints for cast-iron bell-and-spigot soil
pipe shall be firmly packed with oakum or hemp and filled with
molten lead not less than one inch deep and after the joint has been
properly caulked the lead shall extend up to not less than one-eighth
inch below rim of hub. No paint, varnish, or other coatings shall be
permitted on the jointing material until after the joint has been tested
and approved.
(b) THREADED JOINTS — SCREWED JOINTS: Threaded joints shall

conform to American National Taper Pipe thread, ASA B2, or FS
GGG-P-351a. All burrs shall be removed. Pipe ends shall be reamed
or filed out to size of bore and all chips removed. Pipe-joint cement
and paint shall be used only on male threads.
(c) WIPED JOINTS: Joints in lead pipe or fittings, or between lead pipe
or fittings and brass or copper pipe, ferrules, solder nipples, or traps,
shall be full wiped joints, rolled lead joints, or approved soldered,
or burned lead joints.
Wall or floor flange lead-wiped joints shall be made by using a lead

ring or flange placed behind the joints at wall or floor. Joints between
lead pipe and cast-iron, steel, or wrought iron shall be made by
means of a caulking ferrule, soldering nipple, or bushing. Minimum
lengths of lead from joint to fixture connection shall be four inches.
(d) SOLDERED OR SWEAT TYPE JOINTS: Soldered or sweat type

joints for tubing shall be made with approved fittings. Surfaces to
be soldered shall be cleaned bright. The joints shall be properly
fluxed and made with approved solder in accordance with Table
C. Screwed joints from copper to cast iron or steel pipe shall be
made by the use of approved adaptors.
(e) HOT-POURED JOINTS: Hot-poured compound for clay or concrete

sewer pipe shall not be water absorbent and when poured against
a dry surface shall have a bond of not less than 100 psi. All surfaces
of the joint shall be cleaned and dried before pouring. If wet surfaces
are unavoidable, a suitable primer shall be applied. Compound shall
not soften sufficiently to destroy the effectiveness of the joint when
subjected to a temperature of 160 deg. F. nor be soluble in any of
the waste carried by the drainage system. Approximately 25 per
cent of the joint space at the base of the socket shall be filled with
jute or hemp. A pouring collar, rope or other device shall be used to
hold the hot compound during pouring. Each joint shall be poured
in one operation until the joint is filled. Joints shall not be tested
until one hour after pouring.
36-64
(f) PRECAST JOINTS FOR NON-METALLIC PIPE: Precast collars
shall be formed in both the spigot and bell of the pipe in advance
of use. Collar surfaces shall be conical with side slopes of 3 degrees
with the axis of the pipe and the length shall be equal to the depth
of the socket. Prior to making joint contact, surfaces shall be cleaned
and coated with solvents and adhesives as recommended in the
standard. When the spigot end is inserted in the collar, it shall bind
before contacting the base of the socket. Material shall be inert and
resistant to both acids and alkalies.
(g) BRAZED JOINTS: Brazed joints shall be made in accordance with

the provisions of Section 6 of the Code for Pressure Piping. ASA
B31.1.
(h) CEMENT MORTAR JOINTS: Cement joints shall be used only when
specifically permitted in other chapters of this Code or when
approved by the Buildings Control Officer, as sufficient to
accomplish the purpose of this Code. A layer of jute or hemp shall
be inserted into the base of the joint space and rammed to prevent
mortar from entering the interior of the pipe. Jute or hemp shall be
dipped into a slurry suspension of Portland cement in water prior
to insertion into bell. Not more than 25 per cent of the joint space
shall be used for jute or hemp. The remaining space shall be filled
in one continuous operation with a thoroughly mixed mortar
composed of one part cement and two parts sand, with only
sufficient water to make the mixture workable by hand. After one-
half hour of setting, the joint shall be rammed around entire
periphery with a blunt tool to force the partially stiffened mortar
into the joint and to repair any cracks formed during the initial
setting period. Pipe interior shall be swabbed to remove any
material that might have fallen into the interior. Additional mortar
of the same composition shall then be troweled so as to form a 45
degree taper with the barrel of the pipe.
(i) BURNED LEAD OR PLASTIC JOINTS: Burned (welded) lead or

plastic joints shall be lapped and fused together to form a uniform
weld at least as thick as the material being joined.
(j) ASBESTOS CEMENT SEWER PIPE JOINTS: Joints in asbestos

cement pipe shall be made with sleeve couplings of the same
composition as the pipe, sealed with rubber rings. Joints between
asbestos cement pipe and metal pipe shall be made by means of an
adapter coupling properly caulked. All installations to be made in
accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
(k) BITUMINIZED FIBER PIPE JOINTS: Joints in bituminized fiber
36-65
pipe shall be made with tapered type couplings of the same material
as the pipe. Joints between bituminized fiber pipe and metal pipe
shall be made by means of an adapter coupling properly caulked.
All installations to be made in accordance with manufacturer’s
specifications.
(l) P.V.C. JOINTS for assembling P.V.C. piping shall be in accordance

with the piping material and installation standards of the
manufacturer. All P.V.C. joints shall be made with solvent cement,
or by thermal welding. Threaded joints shall be used with Schedule
80 only. Threaded joints shall be used only in systems requiring
frequent disconnection for service or cleaning.
(m) MECHANICAL JOINTS: Mechanical joints shall be of the type

approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
3607.3 SPECIAL JOINTS:

(a) COPPER TUBING TO SCREWED PIPE JOINTS: Joints from copper
tubing to threaded pipe or threaded connection shall be made by
the use of brass copper converter fittings. The joint between the
copper pipe and the fittings shall be properly soldered, and the
connection between the threaded pipe and the fitting shall be made
with a standard pipe size screw joint. In order to minimize
electrolysis, except for valves, all connections between copper and
iron or steel shall be by using male copper adapters into female
ferrous fittings, or by means of insulating bushings or unions. All
connections to domestic water heaters shall be by means of
insulating fittings.
(b) WELDING OR BRAZING: Brazing or welding shall be performed

in accordance with requirements of recognized published standards
of practice.
(c) SLIP JOINTS: In drainage systems, slip joints may be used only on
the inlet side of the trap or in the trap seal except by specific
approval by the Buildings Control Officer. In water piping, only
one slip joint connection shall be allowed on each exposed supply
to a fixture.
(d) EXPANSION JOINTS: Expansion joints must be accessible and may

be used where necessary to provide for expansion and contraction
of the pipes. Expansion bends need not be accessible.
(e) GROUND JOINT BRASS CONNECTIONS: Ground joint brass

connections which allow adjustments of tubing but provide a rigid
joint when made up shall not be considered as slip joints.
36-66
3607.3 UNIONS (SCREWED):
(a) DRAINAGE SYSTEM: Unions may be used in the trap seal and on
the inlet side of the trap. Unions shall have metal-to-metal seats.
(b) WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM: Unions in the water-supply system shall

be metal-to-metal with ground seats.
3607.5 FLOOR CONNECTED FIXTURES WITH INTEGRAL TRAP: A brass floor

flange shall be wiped or soldered as required. The connection shall be
bolted, with an approved gasket or washer or setting compound between
the earthenware and the connection. The floor flange shall be set on an
approved firm base. The use of commercial putty or plaster is prohibited.
3607.6 PROHIBITED JOINTS AND CONNECTIONS IN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS:

(a) Any fittings or connection which has an enlargement, chamber, or
recess with a ledge, shoulder, or reduction of pipe area, that offers
an obstruction to flow through the drain, is prohibited.
(b) EXCEPTIONS: Floor or urinal strainers may be caulked. A

directional fitting may be used to connect a domestic food-waste
disposal unit in a two-compartment sink.
(c) The drilling and tapping of drains, sewers, soil leaders, waste or
vent pipes and the use of saddle hubs and bends is prohibited,
except for repair work in existing system and then only after specific
approval from the Buildings Control Officer.
3607.7 WATERPROOFING OF OPENINGS: Joints at the roof, around vent pipes,

shall be made watertight by the use of lead, copper or pitch pan. Exterior-
wall openings shall be made watertight.
3607.8 INCREASERS AND REDUCERS: Where different sizes of pipes, or pipes

and fittings are to be connected, the proper size increasers or reducers or
reducing fittings shall be used between the two sizes.
36-67
SUB-INDEX
3608.1 Traps 36-68

(a) Fixture Traps 36-68
(b) Table K 36-69
(c) Horizontal Distance of Fixture
Trap from Vent 36-69
(d) Traps Protected 36-69
(e) Relation to Fixture Drains 36-69
(f) Type of Traps 36-69
(g) Traps Prohibited 36-69
(a) Trap Seal 36-69
(b) Trap Cleanouts 36-69
(c) Trap Level and Protection 36-70
3608.3 Cleanouts 36-70
(b) Exceptions for One Storey Dwellings,
Motels and Apartment Houses 36-71
3608.4 Cleanout Sizes 36-71
3608.1 TRAPS:
(a) FIXTURE TRAPS: Plumbing fixtures, excepting those having
integral traps, shall be separately trapped by a water seal trap.
TABLE K
HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF FIXTURE TRAP

FROM VENT OPENING
36-68
(b) The top of the vent pipe opening serving a future branch, except
water closets, floor drains and similar fixtures, shall not be below
the crown weir of the fixture trap. The vertical drop of a pipe serving
a floor connected integral trap fixture shall not exceed twenty-four
inches. Floor drains requiring a vertical drop greater than eighteen
inches on the inlet side of the trap may be installed by a vertical
rise not to exceed 6 feet from the horizontal drain except, that the
horizontal section of the rise shall be a minimum of three feet from
the outlet of the trap to the vertical section. Other fixture trap inlets
shall not be more than eighteen inches measured vertically from
the bottom of the future to the top of trap seal.
(c) HORIZONTAL DISTANCE OF FIXTURE TRAP FROM VENT: The

distance shall be measured along the centre of the fixture branch
from the crown weir of the trap to the vent opening except for
fixtures with integral traps in which case the horizontal distance
shall not exceed (Table K) from the vent to the downstream edge of
the vertical section of the fixture outlet branch. The total grade of a
fixture branch to the vent shall not exceed the internal diameter of
the branch.
(d) TRAPS PROTECTED: Every fixture trap shall be protected against

siphonage and back pressure; and air circulation shall be assured
by means of a soil vent, waste vent, revert, stack vent, a common
vent, loop, circuit or wet vent. No crown vent shall be installed.
(e) RELATION TO FIXTURE DRAINS: No trap outlet shall be larger

than the fixture branch to which it is connected.
(f) TYPE OF TRAPS: Fixture traps shall be self-cleaning, except

interceptor traps.
(g) TRAPS PROHIBITED: No form of trap which depends for its seal
upon the action of movable parts shall be wed. No bell trap, 3/4 S
trap, drum trap, pot trap, or bottle trap shall be used. Traps in
covered or concealed places shall be of cast iron, cast brass or lead.
Accessible traps except integral traps, including tail pieces, trap
arms, overflow and trap assembly, shall be of cast iron, cast brass,
lead or (.045) 17 gauge brass or copper.

(a) TRAP SEAL: Each fixture trap shall have a water seal of not less
than two inches and not more than four inches, except when deeper
seals are required for interceptors, or special-purpose fixtures.
(b) TRAP CLEANOUTS: Trap cleanouts are prohibited on all concealed

traps.
36-69
(c) TRAP LEVEL AND PROTECTION: All traps shall be set level in
relation to their water seals and protected from siphonage. See
Subsection 3613.13 (c) for re-seal requirements.
3608.3 CLEANOUTS:
(a) A cleanout shall be required at the base of each soil and waste stack
excluding interior rain water leaders.
(1) Every building drain or branch drain shall have an accessible

cleanout every 50 feet. Such cleanout shall be located in a
basement, or flush with finished floor or outside of building
and brought to finish grade or, in a vertical stack, not more
than five feet above finished floor.
(2) No cleanout will be required in the base of a stack rising

vertically from a horizontal building drain provided the
building drain cleanout is upstream from the vertical stack
connection.
(3) All cleanouts shall be accessibly located and have 18 inches

clearance to permit downstream rodding. Wall cleanouts shall
be flush with, or protrude beyond finished walls, or made
accessible through access doors. Floor cleanouts shall be flush
with finished floor and furnished with flush type plugs.
(4) In lieu of a cleanout at the base of a stack, or in the vertical

section of the stack, the cleanout may be extended from the
upstream side of the stack base to the finished floor level, or
to outside of building and brought to finish grade level, or to
outside of building into a pit or box with metal cover brought
to finish grade.
(5) The base of a stack shall be deemed to mean the lowest point
of any vertical soil or waste stack inclusive of horizontal
section in such vertical stacks.
(6) Maximum distance between cleanouts on a building sewer

shall be 75 feet.
(7) Where cleanout plugs are installed in horizontal underground

lines outside the building, they shall be encircled with a 12
inch diameter concrete marker for protection and ready
visibility.
(8) Every manhole or cleanout shall permit ready access to the

pipe for inspection and cleaning purposes; shall be of
36-70
sufficient strength, watertight, and in the case of manholes,
shall have suitable channels and eloping benchings for
smooth flow.
(b) EXCEPTIONS FOR ONE STOREY DWELLINGS, MOTELS AND

APARTMENT HOUSES: In lieu of cleanouts at base of stack,
cleanout locations may be as follows:
(1) Full size cleanout located outside, in building sewer line and
within five feet of building wall from point of exit of house
sewer and which permit upstream rodding to the base of the
stack and downstream rodding, provided that the building
drain or sewer has no more than one 90 degree change of
direction. Such cleanout shall be brought to grade.
(2) Any trapped opening in a vertical stack receiving an exposed

screwed fixture trap and which has no arms or bends between
the trap outlet and stack opening.
(3) A waste stack extending full waste stack size through the
roof and which is vertical throughout.
(4) Grease interceptor cleanout shall be located in the stack above

the interceptor waste branch connection.
(5) A cleanout fitting shall be provided in the horizontal arm

sections of grease interceptors.
(6) Test fittings shall be placed at property line with suitable

cleanout fittings. Such cleanout need not be brought to grade.
3608.4 CLEANOUT SIZES: Cleanouts shall be the same nominal size as the pipe
into which they are installed up to six inches and not less than six inches
for larger pipe.
36-71
SUB-INDEX
3609.1 Strains and Stresses 36-72

3609.2 Vertical Piping 36-72
(a) Attachment 36-72
(b) Cast-Iron Soil Pipe 36-72
(c) Screwed Pipe Cold 36-73
(d) Screwed Pipe Hot 36-73
(e) Copper Tubing 36-73
(f) Copper Tubing 36-73
(g) Lead Pipe 36-73
(h) Plastic Piping 36-73
3609.3 Horizontal Piping 36-73
(a) Supports 36-73
(b) Cast-Iron Soil Pipe 36-73
(c) Screwed Pipe 36-73
(d) Copper Tubing 36-73
(e) Lead Pipe 36-73
(f) In Ground 36-73
3609.4 Hangers and Anchors 36-73
(a) Material 36-73
(b) Attachment 36-65
3609.5 Bases of Stacks 36-65
(a) Supports 36-65
(b) Piping Material 36-65
3609.6 Wood Supports 36-65
3609.1 STRAINS AND STRESSES: Piping in a plumbing system shall be installed

without undue strain and stresses and provisions shall be made for
expansion, contraction and structural settlement.
3609.2 VERTICAL PIPING:

(a) ATTACHMENT: Vertical piping shall be secured at sufficiently close
intervals to keep the pipe in alignment and carry the weight of the
pipe and contents.
(b) CAST-IRON SOIL PIPE: Cast-iron soil pipe shall be supported at

not less than at every storey height and its base.
36-72
(c) SCREWED PIPE COLD: Screwed pipe (I.P.S.) shall be supported at
not less than every other storey height.
(d) SCREWED PIPE HOT: Screwed pipe (I.P.S.) shall be properly

supported to provide for expansion.
(e) COPPER TUBING: Cold copper tubing shall be supported at each

storey.
(f) COPPER TUBING: Hot copper tubing shall be properly supported

to provide for expansion, and contraction.
(g) LEAD PIPE: Lead pipe shall be supported at intervals not exceeding
four feet.
(h) PLASTIC PIPING: Plastic piping shall be supported at maximum

5 feet intervals, or less spacing depending on size. Full allowance
for expansion and contraction based on a potential temperature
differential of 50°F. Installation shall conform to latest, published
recommendations of the manufacturer.
3609.3 HORIZONTAL PIPING:

(a) SUPPORTS: Horizontal piping shall be supported at sufficiently
close intervals to keep it in alignment and prevent sagging.
(b) CAST-IRON SOIL PIPE: Cast-iron soil pipe shall be supported at

not more than five foot intervals.
(c) SCREWED PIPE: Screwed pipe (I.P.S.) shall be supported at

approximately ten foot intervals.
(d) COPPER TUBING: Copper tubing shall be supported at

approximately eight foot intervals.
(e) LEAD PIPE: Lead pipe shall be supported for its entire length.
(f) IN GROUND: Piping in the ground shall be laid on a firm bed for
the entire length, except where support is otherwise provided which
is adequate in the judgement of the Buildings Control Officer.
3609.4 HANGERS AND ANCHORS:

(a) MATERIAL: Hangers and anchors shall be of metal of sufficient
strength to support the pipe and contents in proper alignment and
to prevent rattling. Hangers and anchors shall be of the same
material as being supported, or if different materials, they shall
not be subject to electrolysis.
36-73
(b) ATTACHMENT: Hangers and anchors shall be securely attached
to the building construction in an approved manner.
3609.5 BASES OF STACKS:

(a) SUPPORTS: Bases of cast-iron soil stack shall be supported on
masonry construction, metal brackets attached to the building
construction, or by other methods approved by the Buildings
Control Officer.
(b) PIPING MATERIAL: Other piping materials shall be supported

and/or anchored as required by the Buildings Control Officer.
3609.6 WOOD SUPPORTS: No wooden supports shall be used except where

attachment is made to wood frame construction. Platforms, or equipment
bases may be wood unless prohibited by fire-resistive standards in other
chapters of the Building Code.
36-74
SUB-INDEX
3610 VENTS AND VENTING SYSTEM
3610.1 Vent Terminals 36-75

(c) Flashings 36-76
(d) Flag Poling 36-76
(e) Roof Terminal 36-76
3610.2 Vent Grades and Connections 36-76
(a) Grade 36-76
(b) Vertical Rise 36-76
(c) Height Above Fixtures 36-76
3610.3 Common Vent 36-76
3610.4 Wet Venting 36-76
3610.5 (a) Circuit or Loop Vent 36-77
(b) Size of Circuit or Loop Vent 36-77
3610.6 Cabana Showers 36-78
3610.7 Fixtures Washed by Water Closets 36-78
3610.8 Combination Waste and Vent 36-78
3610.9 Main Vents to Connect at Base 36-79
(c) Size of Individual Vents 36-79
(d) Size of Vent Piping 36-79
3610.10 Soil Waste and Vent Stacks 36-80
3610 VENTS AND VENTING SYSTEM
3610.1 VENT TERMINALS:

(a) Extensions of vent pipe through a roof shall be terminated at least
six inches above the roof.
(b) All extensions of soil, waste, and vent stacks shall extend full size
at least one-half foot above the roof. Vent stacks on the exterior
walls of a structure with parapet walls shall extend six inches above
same. Vent extensions above the roof shall not exceed three feet if
of cast-iron or ten feet if of screw pipe or copper tube. Screw pipe
or copper tube shall extend in one piece at least five feet under the
roof and be securely fastened to prevent wind damage. Where roofs
are used for sun decks, solariums or similar purposes all vents shall
extend not less than seven feet above the deck and shall be properly
supported at, and below, the roof level.
36-75
(c) FLASHINGS: Each vent terminal shall be made water-tight with
the roof by proper lead or copper flashings or pitch pan. Where
vent pipes extend more than 12 inches above the roof a collar or
draw band shall be installed around the top of the lead flashing
and thoroughly caulked in place.
(d) FLAG POLING: Vent terminals shall not be used for the purpose
of flag poling, TV aerials, or similar purposes.
(e) ROOF TERMINAL: The roof terminal of any vent pipe if within 10
feet of any door, window or ventilating opening shall extend at
least three feet above such door, window or ventilating opening.
No vent terminal of a sanitary system of a building shall be within
15 feet developed distance of any mechanical air intake opening
unless approved by the Buildings Control Officer and Minister of
Health.
3610.2 VENT GRADES AND CONNECTIONS:

(a) GRADE: All vent and branch-vent pipes shall be 80 graded and
connected as to drain dry, and provide for free un-impeded
circulation of air within the vent.
(b) VERTICAL RISE: Where dry vent pipes connect to a horizontal

soil or waste pipe, the vent shall be taken off above the centre line
of the soil pipe, and the vent pipe shall rise vertically, or at an angle
not more than 45 degrees from the vertical to a point at least six
inches above the flood-level rim of the fixture it is venting before
offsetting horizontally or before connecting to the branch vent. The
fitting installed at the connection of both wet, or dry vents shall
have a sanitary pattern, in the direction of flow of the horizontal
drain.
(c) HEIGHT ABOVE FIXTURES: A connection between a vent pipe

and a vent stack or stack-vent shall be made at least six inches above
the flood-level rim of the highest fixtures served by the vent. Vent
pipes above this height may be horizontal (graded) and fittings
can be straight pattern.
3610.3 COMMON VENT: Where fixtures are located directly adjacent to one
another, and connect to a vertical stack at the same level, the fixture traps
may be served by a common vent, sized in accordance with TABLE M.
3610.4 WET VENTING:

(a) Horizontal wet vents shall not exceed 15 feet and shall receive
discharge from fixture branches only. Wet vent piping fittings shall
be sanitary or drainage pattern, up to, and including the connection
of the highest fixture.
36-76
(b) Vertical wet vents connecting to a horizontal wet vent shall not
exceed six feet. (EXCEPTION: See Combination Waste and Vent
Subsection).
(c) The following table shall be used to determine the minimum size
and the maximum capacity of wet vents:
2" Vent: Four fixture units. (Exception: No sinks or urinals or

pressure discharge fixtures.)
2 1/2" Vent: Ten fixture units, no water closets or fixtures requiring

a waste opening greater than two inches shall be permitted.
3" Vent: Sixteen fixture units, no water closets or fixtures having an

opening greater than 3 inches.
4" Vent: Thirty-two fixture units, no water closets or fixtures having

an opening greater than 4 inches.
(d) Above the points of intersection of fixtures in wet vents, vent size
can be reduced to minimum requirements for dry vents providing
all fixtures are on the same floor level.
(e) Two water closets on a horizontal section may be vented by a wet

or dry vent stack taken off between the two water closets, providing
the vent intersection is within five feet horizontal developed length
from each water closet vertical outlet, and all fixtures are on same
storey level.
3610.5 CIRCUIT OR LOOP VENT:

(a) A series of adjacent fixtures may be installed on a horizontal drain.
A vent shall be installed vertically within five feet downstream from
the first fixture branches, and another vent installed vertically
between the last two water-supplied fixture branches connected to
the horizontal drain section provided all fixtures are located in the
same or adjoining toilet rooms at the same level. The horizontal
drain shall not exceed a distance of 24 feet between the initial and
terminal, vents. If a change in direction (horizontal plane only) is
required, a 2 diameter vent shall be installed within 12 inches of
each change in direction.
(b) SIZE OF CIRCUIT OR LOOP VENT: The pipe of the dry vent section
of a circuit or loop vent may have a diameter of one pipe size less
than the diameter of the pipe of the horizontal soil or waste drain
it serves.
36-77
TABLE 1
SIZES OF CIRCUIT AND/OR LOOP VENTS
*Eight (8) of the allowable thirty-six (36) waste fixture units maybe
connected into either the initial vent, or the terminal vent serving a 4"
horizontal drain, by means of waste arms only provided that the total of
36 units in the horizontal drain is not exceeded, and the size of the vent
pipe is increased from 3" to 4".
3610.6 CABANA SHOWERS: Multiple cabana showers may be installed on a

circuit or loop vented branch and not limited as to distance between fixture
branches, provided all cabana shower drains shall waste through an
approved sand interceptor before entering the sewer, drainage or disposal
system.
3610.7 FIXTURES WASHED BY WATER CLOSETS: Urinal traps and floor drains
installed downstream from a water closet in a circuit or loop vent group
shall be three inches. Any other fixture trap installed downstream from a
water closet shall be reverted.
3610.8 COMBINATION WASTE AND VENT:

(a) In buildings for residential occupancy only, fixture branches other
than water closets or fixtures requiring a flushometer value on the
water supply and requiring a waste opening not greater than two
inches may be installed on a combined waste and vent stack as
follows: Such branches will be allowed to discharge into a waste
stack extended undiminished in size through the roof according to
the following table provided that the stack is vertical throughout,
and that no kitchen sinks be placed on a two inch combined waste
and vent stack. All fixture branches shall be connected to the main
stack by means of combination wye and 1/8 bends.
36-78
TABLE 2
SIZES OF COMBINATION WASTE & VENT
NOTATIONS:
For drinking fountains and fountain cuspidors, the fixture units may be
increased ten times and the permitted length increased two times above
those specified.
3610.9 MAIN VENTS TO CONNECT AT BASE:

(a) All main vents or vent stacks shall connect full size at their base to
the main soil or waste stack, at or below the lowest fixture branch
of such waste stack. Such base shall be washed by a fixture or group
of fixtures. The diameter of the vent pipe shall not exceed the
diameter of the soil or waste stack to which it connects.
(b) All soil, waste and vent stacks carried to the second floor level of a
building shall extend full size above the roof, or shall be connected
to a vent stack of the same diameter or larger. In a multi-storey
building soil and waste stacks may enter a horizontal building drain
suspended below the second floor level and such horizontal section
shall be considered a part of the building drain.
(c) SIZE OF INDIVIDUAL VENTS: The diameter of an individual vent

shall be not less than 1-1/4 inches nor less than one-half the
diameter of the drain to which it is connected. No vent for a water
closet shall be less than two inches in diameter.
(d) SIZE OF VENT PIPING: The nominal size of vent piping shall be
determined from its developed length and the total of fixture units
connected thereto, as provided in Table M. Fixture unit shall be
taken from Table G or Table H. Section 3605.
36-79
TABLE M
SIZE AND LENGTH OF VENT PIPING
Horizontal section not to exceed 20 percent of the above total lengths for a
particular vent size.
3610.10 SOIL WASTE AND VENT STACKS:

(a) For each building having a single building sewer receiving the
discharge of a water closet there shall be at least one minimum
size vent stack, extending above the building roof no less than
three inches in diameter, or of a larger diameter, as set out in Table
M.
(1) Main vent stack size for buildings having multiple building
sewers. In buildings having more than one building sewer,
each building sewer receiving the discharge of a water closet
shall have at least one minimum size vent stack, no less than
three inches in diameter or that of a larger diameter
extending above the building roof as set out in Table M.
36-80
(2) Vent stacks for accessory buildings. For accessory buildings
on a lot or building site connected by a common building
sewer, the minimum size for a vent stack shall be as provided
for in Table M. If a water closet is installed in an accessory
building the minimum size vent shall be two inches.
36-81
NOTES
36-82
SUB-INDEX
3611 STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM
3611.1 General: Roof Drainage 36-83

3611.2 Size of Gutters and Vertical Leaders 36-84
3611.3 Minimum Number of Roof Drains 36-84
3611.4 Design of Roof Drain Strainers 36-85
3611.5 Connections with Leader Prohibited 36-85
3611.6 Requirements Governing the Disposition of
Rainwater 36-85
3611.7 Protection from Mosquitoes 36-88
3611.8 Soakage Pit Lids 36-88
3611.9 Disposal to Pervious Ground 36-90
3611.10 Soakage Pit Sizes 36-90
3611 STORM SYSTEM
3611.1 GENERAL: ROOF DRAINAGE: Where public water supply is judged to

be in limited quantity, rainwater collection and storage tanks shall be
required as defined in Section 3617, Plumbing Code for Small Buildings.
The required sizes of storm water drains and sewers for roofs shall be
determined on the basis of the total drained area in horizontal projection
except that where a building will extend above the roof or court in such a
manner as to drain onto the roof or court, one third of the vertical section
shall be added to the horizontal projection and sized in accordance with
Table O (1). When roof drains are to be installed, in lieu of exterior gutters
and leaders, installation in accordance with Sub-Section 3611.3 shall be
required. Each roof drain shall be provided with a clamped flashing not
less than 30 inches diameter, of 14 oz. copper, 4 lb. sheet lead, or approved
composition material extended under the normal roofing material.
36-83
TABLE O (1)
SIZE OF STORMWATER DRAINS,VERTICAL LEADERS AND

GUTTERS
NOTATIONS:
For required sizes of ground surface drainage, see Table O (2)
3611.2 SIZE OF GUTTERS AND VERTICAL LEADERS:

(a) No gutter or leader shall be less than set forth in Table O (1). Areas
in excess of those shown are not permitted for gutters or leaders.
(b) There shall be no reduction in size of rainwater leaders or drains in

the direction of flow.
(c) The above sizes of rain leaders are based on diameter of circular
rain leaders, and gutters based on semicircular sheet-metal gutter
with the top dimension given. Other shapes shall have the same
cross sectioned area, except that the aspect ratio of rectangular
leaders shall not exceed 2 to 1. For example, 4"x8" leaders would
be permitted, but 4”x 9“would not.
(d) Gutters and exterior leaders shall not be used on buildings over
six (6) stories. Interior leaders and roof drains shall be required for
buildings seven (7) stories and higher.
3611.3 MINIMUM NUMBER OF ROOF DRAINS: When the roof perimeter has
a parapet, or other raised construction, a minimum of two (2) roof drains
shall be provided, and in addition a minimum of two overflow scuppers,
each with a free area of not less twice that of each roof drains (or leader
size) to be provided. Scuppers shall conform to the requirements in Chapter
30, Section 3010.
36-84
3611.4 DESIGN OF ROOF DRAIN STRAINERS: Where roof surfaces drain
through the roof, as to the inside leader, a strainer shall be provided and
such strainer shall extend not less than four inches above the surface of
the roof immediately adjacent to the roof drain. Furthermore, such strainers
shall have an available inlet area, of not less than two and one-half times
the area of the conductor or leader to which the drain is connected, with
the exception that roof drain strainers for use on sun decks, parking decks,
and similar areas, normally serviced and maintained, may be of the flat
surface type.
3611.5 CONNECTIONS WITH LEADER PROHIBITED: Leader pipes shall not

be used as soil, waste or vent pipes; nor shall any soil waste or vent pipes
be used as leaders. Air conditioning equipment shall not discharge or
overflow upon any roof where rain water leaders discharge into any
surface or curb gutter at grade except by specific approval by the Minister
of Works.
3611.6 REQUIREMENTS GOVERNING THE DISPOSITION OF RAINWATER:

(a) Rainwater or other liquid wastes from any premises shall be
disposed of where same originates and/or falls in such manner as
herein provided. The disposal of any rainwater or other liquid
wastes by causing or allowing same to be disposed of or flow on or
across any adjoining property or sidewalk, either public or private,
shall be deemed a nuisance, and shall be corrected by properly
disposing of same in accordance with the provisions of this Code
and/or as directed by the Minister of Works and Minister of Health.
(b) Rainwater shall be disposed of as follows with required preference

in order listed:
(1) To a storm sewer or a storm sewer catch basin where

permitted.
(2) To a street gutter but only if first approved.
(3) Into a drainage well, if approved. Drainage wells shall have

sufficient depth to extend to salt or brackish water.
(4) Into a soakage pit.
(5) Upon pervious ground.
(6) All rainwater drainage openings which discharge

objectionable gases, and which are within 15 feet of adjacent
building openings, interior courts or air share, windows,
ventilating openings, air intake equipment, or where roof is
used by human beings for sun bathing or other purposes,
36-85
shall be protected from discharging such gases by installation
of accessibly located back water valves or automatic self
sealing traps. Back water valves shall be so constructed as to
remain in a closed position when not discharging liquids.
(7) All rain or storm water drains shall be installed to drain dry.
(c) Rainwater pipes shall not discharge over sidewalks.
(d) No liquid waste, except rainwater, shall be discharged into

rainwater pipes which terminate at a street or sidewalk or above
the ground surface.
(e) The following table based on rainfall statistics of one-half inch rain
in five minutes over one square foot of roof or impervious, or paved
area shall be used to compute the drainage requirements for the
disposal of rainwater.
1 minute .00833 cu. ft. or 14.4 cu. inches or .0625 gallons
2 minutes .01667 cu. ft. or 28.8 cu. inches or .1260 gallons
5 minutes .0417 cu. ft. or 72.0 cu. inches or .3126 gallons
(f) (1) Pipe to carry rainwater only, where located under a sidewalk
and discharging into a street gutter, shall be cast iron pipe
with oakum and lead caulked and or one ring oakum and
one-half cement and one-half sand mortar joints. Where such
pipe cannot be installed by reason of the depth of the curb
being less than the pipe, diameter plus the necessary concrete
cover over such a pipe, bituminous fiber pipe, a 14-inch gauge
(5/64) galvanised sheet metal flume box, P.V.C. plastic of
equivalent cross sectional area may be substituted for the
pipe.
(2) The following table shall be used to compute such cross

sectional area:
36-86
(3) A concrete cover not less than two inches thick, reinforced with
6"x6" No.10 gauge road mesh wire shall be required over a
pipe or flume box under a public sidewalk The bottom and
sides of a flume box through which bituminous fiber or P.V.C.
pipe pass shall be of poured concrete at least four inches thick
and the concrete shall be of not less strength than 3000 psi in
28 days.
(4) In the construction and installation of flume boxes and/or pipe

under sidewalks to or street gutter for disposal of rainwater,
all plumbing permits and inspection for work inside the
property line shall be secured from the Minister of Works.
Permits and inspection for work outside the property line shall
be secured from the Minister of Works.
(g) No public sidewalk or driveway may be patched. Public sidewalks

and driveways which are cut, tunneled, channeled or which have a
pipe driven under same shall be replaced with full size blocks.
(h) The minimum size for sloping rainwater drains and storm sewers
for surface drainage (not including pipes or building drains for roof
drainage) shall be not less than the following size based on the
horizontal projection of the surface area drained:
TABLE O (2)
MINIMUM PIPE SIZES AND SLOPES FOR GROUND SURFACE
STORM SEWERS
NOTATIONS:
Where ground surface storm sewers are connected to the buildings
storm sewer, the size of the combined storm sewer shall be as set
forth in Table O (1). Use Table O (1) for drainage of roofs, and portions
of structures.
36-87
3611.7 PROTECTION FROM MOSQUITOES:
(a) A film or oil or other equally effective substance shall be maintained
on the surface of all liquids in any exposed basin, trap, tank, or
receptacle not in regular use.
(b) A flap check or flapper valve shall be placed on each soakage pit
pipe inlet connection from rainwater surface catch basin and such
flap or flapper shall be suitable to prevent the passage of mosquitoes
and vermin. The flap check shall be hung so as to completely close
the pipe inlet when not in use.
(c) Emergency inverted overflow fittings of the same size as the leader
pipe up to and including four inch shall be provided at the base of
each rainwater leader discharging directly into soakage pits. In lieu
of an overflow on each leader, one overflow of the same size as the
largest pipe, extending from such pipe, may be provided. Such
fittings shall discharge at points which, in the opinion of the
Minister of Health, are the least possible to become a nuisance to
the public, to occupants of a premises, or to neighbouring property.
Should the overflow from such a fitting become a nuisance, it shall
be sealed and some other acceptable method of disposal be
provided. For leaders five inches and over, the emergency overflow
shall be a minimum of four inches. All overflow openings shall be
screened to prevent entrance of mosquitoes. Screens shall be brass
or stainless steel.
3611.8 SOAKAGE PIT LIDS:

(a) Soakage pit lids shall be designed to support the anticipated
loadings but not leas than that of a 10 - ton truck. Not less than the
following minimum slab thickness and reinforcement areas shall
be permitted: Each lid shall have an access manhole not less than
18”x24”.
* Eighth-inch slab over six-foot trenches require additional No. 5

bars six inches o.c. placed 3/4 inch from top of slab.
(b) Reinforcing across trench is to be placed 3/4 inch up from bottom

of slab. Temperature reinforcing lengthwise in the lid shall be No.
4 bars 9 in. o.c.
36-88
(c) Support of slab lid shall be on block walls or on rock trench walls.
(d) If slab lid is supported on block walls, such walls shall be laid on
an 8 in. deep by 10 in. wide footing and a reinforced beam, not less
than 12 inches deep with not less than 4 No. 5 bars, shall be poured
over the block. Vertical support shall be provided about every 15
feet by reinforcing two adjacent block cells with one No. 5 vertical
bar, and filling the cell with concrete.
(e) Support may be on rock trench walls, provided the rock is solid
and free from honeycombing. A footing, 10 inches deep (including
slab thickness) by sixteen inches wide with two No. 5 bars, shall be
provided. Trench width shall be computed from the centre of such
footing for the table given above.
(f) Any reasonable combination of these methods may be used. Under

unusual conditions on filled soil where the entire pit will rest on
such fill, a design by a qualified engineer approved by the Minister
of Works shall be required.
(g) When the block wall bearing is used it is necessary that a properly
designed cantilever, 18 inches in width, be constructed to retard or
prevent back wash and honeycombing. Such cantilever shall be of
the same thickness as the slab and the principal slab reinforcing
shall be alternately bent bars.
(h) Concrete blocks shall be laid on mortar with the block cells vertical
and with the vertical block intersection having a one-fourth inch
gap without mortar.
(i) Inspection shall be required and requested when blocks are in place
and sewer is connected to soaking pit, and before top form is placed
over soakage pit.
(j) No concrete shall be poured until steel is tied and in place and
approved. Concrete shall be 3000 p.s.i., in 28 day strength.
36-89
3611.9 DISPOSAL TO PERVIOUS GROUND:
(a) Rainwater may be disposed to uncovered, pervious areas where
not otherwise disposal of as set forth above.
(b) Sufficient uncovered pervious areas for rainwater seepage shall be

provided on each building sib on a minimum ratio of ten square
feet of impervious area to one square foot of pervious area, of
suitable porosity.
(c) For the purposes of this Code, pervious area shall be deemed to
mean ground unpacked by traffic or uncoated by any material,
and of suitable porosity.
(d) Where there is reason to believe the ground is of low porosity, the
Minister of Works may require that the owner submit the results of
a percolation teat to support his request for disposal thereto.
3611.10 SOAKAGE PIT SIZES: The net, effective internal capacity in cubic feet, or
U.S. gallons, shall be determined by multiplying the total area to be served
by 0.0417 cubic feet per square foot to obtain internal capacity in cubic
feet. To obtain the required capacity in U.S. gallons, multiply the total
area by 0.3125 U.S. gallons per square foot. Capacities determined by the
factors, above, should be considered to be minimum, and in areas of low
porosity percolation test may be required with resultant increases in
capacity.
36-90
SUB-INDEX

(a) Interceptors Required 36-91
(b) Approvals 36-92
(c) Separation 36-92
(d) Interceptor Efficiency 36-92
(e) Accessibility 36-92
(f) Maintenance 36-92
(g) Venting Interceptors 36-92
3612.2 Commercial Grease Interceptors 36-92
(a) When Required 36-92
(b) Minimum Size 36-92
(c) Venting Grease Interceptors 36-93
(d) Structural Design 36-93
3612.3 Gasoline, Oil and Sand Interceptors 36-93
(a) Required 36-93
(b) Floor Drains 36-93
(c) Minimum Dimension 36-93
(d) Pipe Connections 36-93
3612.4 Laundry Interceptors 36-94
3612.5 Bottling Establishments Interceptors 36-94
3612.6 Slaughter Interceptors 36-94

(a) INTERCEPTORS REQUIRED: Interceptors (including grease, oil
and sand interceptors), shall be provided where required herein
for the interception and the separation from liquid wastes materials
such as grease, flammable wastes, sand, plaster, ground glass and
all other ingredients or liquids considered harmful to the building
drainage system, the public sewer or sewage plant or processes.
The terms interceptor and separator may be used interchangeably
and may be prefaced by a term indicating the material separated
or the location or use. See Section 3615, SEWAGE AND LIQUID
WASTE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS.
36-91
(b) APPROVALS:
(1) Interceptors shall not be installed unless approved by the
Buildings Control Officer and Minister of Health.
(2) The size, type and location of each interceptor together with
drawings including all pertinent information, shall be
submitted to the Buildings Control Officer, and Minister of
Health for approval before installation.
(3) Manufactured grease interceptors shall not be approved

unless of a type having been tested by an approved laboratory
and found to conform to all applicable requirements of this
Code, and the Buildings Control Officer.
(c) SEPARATION: A mixture of light and heavy solids or liquids and

solids having various specific gravities may be treated and then
separated in an interceptor. Wastes not requiring treatment or
separation shall not be discharged into or through an interceptor.
(d) INTERCEPTOR EFFICIENCY: Interceptors shall be rated and

approved for their efficiency in accordance with accepted practice,
and as required by the Minister of Works.
(e) ACCESSIBILITY: Interceptors shall be so installed as to provide

ready accessibility to the cover and contents and means of servicing
and maintaining the interceptor in working and operating
condition.
(f) MAINTENANCE: Interceptors shall be maintained in efficient

operating condition by periodic removal of accumulated contents.
(g) VENTING INTERCEPTORS: Interceptors shall be so designed and

installed that they shall not become air-bound if closed covers are
used.
3612.2 COMMERCIAL GREASE INTERCEPTORS:

(a) WHEN REQUIRED: A grease interceptor may be omitted for single
family residences but shall be installed in the waste line leading
from sinks, drains or other fixtures in the following establishments;
restaurants, hotel kitchens or bars, factory cafeterias or restaurant,
clubs, processing plants or other establishment where grease can
be introduced into the drainage system in quantities that can affect
line stoppage or hinder sewage disposal.
(b) MINIMUM SIZE: Exterior Concrete interceptors shall be of not less

size than set forth in Section 3615, “SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE
DISPOSAL.”
36-92
(c) VENTING GREASE INTERCEPTORS: Grease interceptors shall be
vented.
(d) STRUCTURAL DESIGN: Interceptors shall in general comply

structurally with the requirements set forth for septic tanks, except
that the outlet be shall extend to within 8 inches of the bottom of
the teak and the invert shall discharge a minimum of 2-1/2 inches
above the liquid level line. Lids may be of any material providing
structural stability for the location. A 22 inch diameter, or 18"x24"
rectangular, clean-out manhole brought to grade shall be provided.
3612.3 GASOLINE, OIL AND BAND INTERCEPTORS:

(a) REQUIRED: An approved gasoline, oil and sand interceptor shall
be provided in the following places:
(1) Public storage garages where floor drainage is to be provided.
(2) Where motor vehicles are washed; private individuals

excluded.
(3) Any place where motor vehicles are repaired and floor
drainage is provided.
(4) Shops, manufacturing and assembly plants where parts are

washed to remove oil and or greasy substances or anything
deleterious to any public sewer.
(5) Where oil, gasoline or other volatile liquid becomes a

nuisance.
(b) FLOOR DRAINS: Floor drains shall be of a bucket type with

minimum 4 inch diameter outlet.
(c) MINIMUM DIMENSION: Oil interceptors shall have a minimum

depth of not less than 2 feet below the invert of the discharge drain
and a minimum capacity of 18 cubic feet per twenty gallon per
minute flow. See Drawing No. 11 in Appendix B.
(d) PIPE CONNECTIONS:

(1) The minimum inlet, outlet and vent pipes shall be 4 inches
except as otherwise set forth herein.
(2) The 4 inch outlet shall be taken off the outer wall at the bottom
of the interceptor basin at a 45 degree angle in such manner
as to provide a trap seal of approximately 24 inches.
(3) The invert of the 4 inch drain inlet to interceptor basin shall
36-93
be located not less than one inch above the water line.
(4) The interceptor local vent for the interceptor basin shall be
taken off vertically not more than 6 inches below the cover.
(5) Approved commercial interceptors may be used.
(6) The local vent for the interceptor basin shall be a minimum
size of 3 inches, and shall not be interconnected with other
venting systems.
(7) When service sinks, drinking fountains or novelty boxes are

installed in or adjacent to wash areas, the interceptor local
vent may be installed on the drain line for the purpose of
receiving the wastes from such fixtures.
(8) STRUCTURAL DESIGN: Interceptors shall be structurally

adequate to support the loads superimposed thereon
dependent on their location. A 5/8" thick removable metal
cover may be used under vehicular traffic loads where the
interceptor area does not exceed 9 square feet. A 3/8" thick
removable metal cover may be used where vehicle traffic
loads are not possible and the interceptor area does not exceed
9 square feet. For larger areas or greater load capacities or at
the option of the designer, concrete lids may be used but cast
iron manholes brought to grade must be provided. All covers
must be accessible and brought to grade.
3612.4 LAUNDRY INTERCEPTORS: Commercial laundries shall be equipped

with an interceptor having a non-removable one-half inch mesh screen
metal basket or similar device that will prevent strings, rags, buttons or
other materials detrimental to the collection and treatment system from
passing into the drainage system. Such 1/2 inch screen metal basket or
similar device shall be designed to be easily cleaned without completely
removing such basket or device.
3612.5 BOTTLING ESTABLISHMENTS INTERCEPTORS: Bottling plants shall

discharge their process wastes into an interceptor designed to provide the
separation of broken glass or other solids, before discharging liquid wastes
into the drainage system.
3612.6 SLAUGHTER INTERCEPTORS: Slaughtering rooms and dressing rooms

shall be provided with floor drains equipped with metal screen type baskets
piped to separators which shall prevent the discharge into the drainage
system of feathers, entrails or other materials likely to clog the drainage
system. Metal screen type baskets shall prevent passage into the drainage
system of solids exceeding one half inch.
36-94
SUB INDEX

3613.2 Overflows 36-96
(a) Design 36-96
(b) Connection 36-97
3613.3 Special Fixtures and Specialties 36-97
(a) Water and Drain Connections 36-97
(b) Approval 36-97
(c) Vacuum Operated Plumbing
Fixtures 36-97
3613.4 Installation 36-97
(a) Cleaning 36-97
(b) Grouting or Sealing 36-97
(c) Securing Fixtures 36-97
(d) Wall-Hung Fixtures 36-97
(e) Setting 36-98
3613.5 Prohibited Fixtures and Connections 36-98
3613.6 Water Closets 36-98
(a) Public Use 36-98
(b) Flushing Device 36-98
(c) Float Valves 36-98
(d) Close-Coupled Tanks 36-98
(e) Automatic Flush Valve 36-98
3613.7 Urinals 36-98
3613.8 Lavatories 36-98
(a) Lead 36-99
(b) Copper 36-99
3613.9 Shower Receptors and Compartments 36-99
(a) Shower 36-99
(b) Dimensions 36-99
(c) Public or Institution Showers 36-99
(d) Walls 36-100
(e) Joints 36-100
3613.10 Sinks 36-100
(a) Waste Outlets 36-100
(b) Food Grinders 36-100
3613.11 Food Grinders—Where Permitted 36-100
(a) Food Grinders 36-100
(b) Food-Waste-Disposal Connections 36-100
(c) Grease Interceptors 36-100
(d) Commercial-Type Grinders 36-100
3613.12 Drinking Fountains 36-101
(a) Design and Construction 36-101
36-95
(b) Protection of Water Supply 36-101
3613.13 Floor Drains and Back Water Valves 36-101
(a) Prohibited Location 36-101
(b) Floor Drain Traps 36-101
(c) Water Trap Supplies 36-101
(d) Floor Drains 36-101
(e) Floor Drains Shall Be Provided With
Traps and Strainers 36-102
(f) Floor Drains Considered Fixtures 36-102
(g) Backwater Valves 36-102
3613.14 Dishwashing Machines 36-102
3613.15 Multiple Wash Sinks 36-102
(a) Circular Type 36-102
(b) Straight-Line Type 36-102
3613.16 Garbage-Can Washers 36-103
(a) Discharge 36-103
(b) Baskets 36-103
(c) Connections 36-103
3613.17 Laundry Trays 36-103
3613.18 Bathtubs 36-103
3613.19 Tabulation of Minimum
Fixture Requirements 36-103
through 109
3613.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: Plumbing fixtures shall be constructed from

approved materials, have smooth impervious surfaces, be free from defects
and concealed fouling surfaces, and, except as permitted elsewhere in
this Code, shall conform in quality and design to one of the standards in
Table C. Fixtures shall not be constructed of pervious material. Fixtures
equipped with a waste outlet to retain water, shall not be permitted, except
where a drainage system is under a vacuum. For special types of fixtures,
or fixture accessories see the requirements for water conservation in Section
3614, “WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION.”
3613.2 OVERFLOWS:
(a) DESIGN: When any fixture is provided with an overflow, the waste
shall be so arranged that the standing water in the fixture cannot
rise in the overflow when the fixture is empty.
36-96
(b) CONNECTION: The overflow pipe from a fixture shall be
connected on the house or inlet side of the fixture trap, and it shall
be unlawful to connect such overflows with any other part of the
drainage system.
3613.3 SPECIAL FIXTURES AND SPECIALTIES:

(a) WATER AND DRAIN CONNECTIONS: Baptistries, ornamental
pools, aquaria, ornamental fountain basins, developing tanks or
sinks and similar constructions when provided with water supplies
shall be protected from back-siphonage as required in Section 3614
“WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION.”
(b) APPROVAL: Specialties requiring water and waste connections

shall be submitted to the Buildings Control Officer for approval
before installation.
(c) VACUUM OPERATED PLUMBING FIXTURES: Plumbing fixtures

which are intended to be installed in a system which employs a
vacuum shall be subject to all general requirements of this Section.
Fixtures shall be designed, and/or connected in such a manner to
positively prevent backflow of contents into the water supply
system as required in Section 3614, “WATER SUPPLY AND
DISTRIBUTION.”
3613.4 INSTALLATION:
(a) CLEANING: Plumbing fixtures shall be installed and spaced in a
manner to afford easy access for cleaning and their intended use.
Where practical, all pipes from fixtures shall be run to the nearest
wall. Any closet bowl or closet bend shall be roughed in SO as to
have not less than 16 inches from the centre of the closet bowl outlet
to any finished wall which is set paralled to the long axis of the
closet bowl.
(b) GROUTING OR SEALING: Where a fixture surface comes in

contact with a wall or floor, the point of contact shall be sealed
watertight with white cement grout or other approved means.
(c) SECURING FIXTURES: Floor-outlet fixtures shall be rigidly secured

to the brass flange and floor by brass bolts and/or screws.
(d) WALL-HUNG FIXTURES: Wall-hung water-closet bowls and

urinals shall be rigidly supported by a concealed metal supporting
member with brass bolts so that no strain is transmitted to the
fixture pipe connection. Suitable backing shall be provided for other
wall hung fixtures including shower rods.
36-97
(e) SETTING: Fixtures shall be set level and in proper alignment with
reference to adjacent wars.
3613.5 PROHIBITED FIXTURES AND CONNECTIONS: Fixtures, pan, valve,

(except V.W.C.) plunger, offset, washout, latrine, frostproof, and other
water closets having an invisible seal or an unventilated space or having
walls which are not thoroughly washed at each discharge, shall be
prohibited. Any water closet which might permit siphonage of the contents
of the bowl back into the tank shall be prohibited. Through urinals are
prohibited except for temporary use during construction. Pedestal urinals
are prohibited in school installations.
3613.6 WATER CLOSETS:

(a) PUBLIC USE: Water-closet bowls for public use shall be equipped
with open front seats.
(b) FLUSHING DEVICE: Water-closet tanks shall have a flushing

capacity sufficient to properly flush the water-closet bowls with
which they are connected.
(c) FLOAT VALVES: Float valves in flush tanks shall close tight and
provide water to properly refill the trap seal in the fixture.
(d) CLOSE-COUPLED TANKS: The flush-valve seat in close-coupled

water-closet combinations shall be one inch or more above the rim
of the bowl.
(e) AUTOMATIC FLUSH VALVE: Flush valves shall be so installed

that they will be readily accessible for repairing. When the valve is
operated, it shall complete the cycle of operation automatically,
opening fully and closing positively under the service pressure. At
each operation the valve shall deliver water in sufficient volume
and at a rate that will thoroughly flush the fixture and refill the
fixture trap. Means shall be provided for regulating flush-valve
flow. Not more than one fixture shall be served by a single flush
valve, except as approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
3613.7 URINALS: Tanks, or plumbing devices, flushing more than one urinal
shall be automatic in operation and of sufficient capacity to provide the
necessary volume to flush and properly cleanse all urinals simultaneously.
All stall urinals shall be equipped with beehive strainers.
3613.8 LAVATORIES: Lavatories shall have waste outlets not less than one-and-
one-fourth inches in diameter. Wastes may have open strainers or may be
provided with stoppers.
36-98
(a) LEAD: (See Table C). Sheet lead shall be not less than the following:
For safe pans, not less than 4 lbs. psf.
For flashings of vent terminals, not less than 3 lbs. psf.
Lead bends, lead stubs and lead straps shall not be less than 1/8
inch wall thickness. (8 lbs. psf.)
(b) COPPER: Sheet copper shall be not less than the following: Safe
pans—12 oz. per sq. ft. Vent terminal flashings—8 oz. per sq. ft.
3613.9 SHOWER RECEPTORS AND COMPARTMENTS:

(a) SHOWER: All shower compartments, except free-standing,
prefabricated shower compartments, shall have approved pans of
lead, copper or other approved material and shall turn upon all
sides at least two inches above the finished curb level or 3 1/2 inches
above the rough curb level. A separate shower pan may be omitted
for shower compartments built integrally with a concrete slab on
the first floor level where the construction provides a concrete curb
having a height on the enclosed sides at least one inch higher than
the entrance curb finish height so that the water level may not rise
to the height of any surrounding wood plates or studs. Lead and
copper shower pans shall be protected against the corrosive effects
of concrete or mortar by a coating of asphaltum paint inside and
outside before being placed in position. Pans shall be securely
fastened to the trap stubs at the invert of the weep holes, to provide
a watertight joint between the pan and trap. Shower receptacle
waste outlets on all showers shall be not less than two inch and
shall have removable strainers. Before the completed pan is placed
in the space provided for the shower stall, a 30-pound asphalt
saturated felt or a 1/2 inch thick layer of sand shall be placed under
the pan for protection against rough surfaces or projecting nails.
Strainers for 2-inch stubs shall have a minimum three and one-half
square inches of free area including the removable plate. All
strainers and pans shall be installed and ready for inspection at
time of tub and/or water-pipe inspection. Free standing
prefabricated shower stalls or receptors shall require individual
approval.
(b) DIMENSIONS: Shower compartments shall be not less than 900

square inches in floor area, and shall measure not less than 30 inches
x 30 inches.
(c) PUBLIC OR INSTITUTION SHOWERS: Floors of public shower

rooms shall be drained in such a manner that no waste water will
pass over areas occupied by other bathers.
36-99
(d) WALLS: Walls of smooth, non-corrosive and non-absorbent
waterproof materials shall be provided at showers to a height of 6
feet above the floor for shower compartment and stalls not having
a tub and to a height of 4 feet above the rim of the tub where a
shower is provided in a tub.
(e) JOINTS: Built-in tubs with overhead showers shall have water-
proof joints between the tub and the wall.
3613.10 SINKS:
(a) WASTE OUTLETS: Sinks shall be provided with waste outlets not
less than one and one-half inches in diameter. Waste outlets may
have open strainers or may be provided with stoppers.
(b) FOOD GRINDERS: Where commercial food-waste grinders are

installed, the waste from those unite shall discharge direct into the
building drainage system and not through a grease interceptor.
Although connection to a public sewer may be allowed, it shall be
mandatory that the owner his agent secure written permission to
connect commercial food grinders to a public sewer. Small
residential grinders will generally be acceptable for connection to
a public sewer.
3613.11 FOOD GRINDERS — WHERE PERMITTED:

(a) FOOD GRINDERS: Sinks on which a food grinder is installed shall
have a waste opening not less than three and one-half inches in
diameter.
(b) FOOD-WASTE-DISPOSAL CONNECTIONS: A domestic food-

waste-disposal unit in a two-compartment sink on a 2 inch line
shall waste through a 2"x 1 1/2" double tapped vertical sanitary
tee fitting. The trappings shall be no more than 6 inches apart on
the vertical, and each compartment shall be separately trapped and
separately wasted to the stack or vented branch. In existing sink
installations where the second waste opening is not available a
domestic food grinder may be installed on a two-compartment sink
and waste through a single 1 1/2-inch trap provided an approved
directional tee or is used.
(c) GREASE INTERCEPTORS: No food-waste grinder shall be

connected through a grease interceptor.
(d) COMMERCIAL-TYPE GRINDERS: Commercial-type food

grinders shall be provided with a waste line equal in size to the
discharge opening of the machine, but not less than two inch waste
line. Each waste shall be trapped and vented as provided in other
sections of this Code.
36-100
3613.12 DRINKING FOUNTAINS:
(a) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Drinking fountains shall
conform to American Standard Specifications for Drinking
Fountains.
(b) PROTECTION OF WATER SUPPLY: Stream projectors shall be so

assembled as to provide an orifice elevation as specified by
American Standard Air Gaps in Plumbing Systems. Drinking
fountains equipped with water heating devices shall be equipped
with approved pressure and temperature valves.
3613.13 FLOOR DRAINS AND BACK WATER VALVES:

(a) PROHIBITED LOCATION: Floor drains serving indirect waste
pipes serving food or drink storage rooms or appliances shall not
be installed in any toilet room nor in any inaccessible or
unventilated space such as a closet or store room. No floor drain or
other plumbing fixture shall be installed in a room containing air
handling machinery, even where the room is not an air plenum.
Equipment drains shall be conveyed through an indirect waste to
a floor drain located outside such room or other approved point of
disposal.
(b) FLOOR DRAIN TRAPS: A floor drain shall connect into a trap so
constructed that it can be readily cleaned and of a size to serve
efficiently the purpose for which it is intended. The floor drain
inlet shall be so located that it is at all times in full view. When
subject to backflow or back pressure; such drains shall be equipped
with an approved backwater valve. One or more floor drains may
be connected to the same fixture branch without a revent provided
that all traps are within 15 feet measured horizontally from the
vented sewer line.
(c) WATER TRAP SUPPLIES: Every trap which is directly connected

to the drainage system, shall be provided with a permanent water
seal, fed from an approved source water, or by means of an
approved automatic priming device designed and installed for that
purpose, except where in the opinion of the Buildings Control
Officer such water seal is not necessary for safety or sanitation.
(d) FLOOR DRAINS: Floor drains sized three inches and larger may
be installed within 15 feet, measured horizontally, from a vented
sewer line without a revert; provided that no floor drain shall
connect to a soil line within five feet of the base of a soil stack,
serving more than six water closets or equivalent fixture units.
Except for individual showers all floor drains shall be 3" minimum.
36-101
(e) FLOOR DRAINS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITH TRAPS AND
STRAINERS: Approved bucket type traps shall be provided for
filling stations, garages, garbage areas, chicken and fish cleaning
arena, bottling plants, food processing plants and other floor areas
where solids could find entry into a drainage system.
(f) FLOOR DRAINS CONSIDERED FIXTURES: A floor drain shall be

considered a plumbing fixture. See Table G.
(g) BACKWATER VALVES:

(1) Backwater valves shall be so constructed as to insure a
mechanical seal against backflow.
(2) Backwater valves, when fully opened, shall have a capacity

not less than that of the pipes in which they are installed.
(3) Backwater valves shall be so installed as to provide ready

accessibility to their working parts.
3613.14 DISHWASHING MACHINES:

(a) Domestic dishwashing machines shall comply with the
requirements set forth in Section 3614 “WATER SUPPLY AND
DISTRIBUTION.”
(b) Gravity discharge dishwashing machines installed on ground floors

shall have an emergency overflow not less than one inch diameter
connected to the machine tailpiece and terminating outside of
building wall above grade.
(c) Wastes from dishwashers with pump discharges shall rise to a

height equal to the height of the underside of dishwasher top and
may connect to the tailpiece of the sink by means of a “Y”
connection. If a food-disposal unit is provided, the domestic
dishwasher shall connect to the inlet side of the food-disposal-unit.
3613.15 MULTIPLE WASH SINKS:

(a) CIRCULAR TYPE: Each 18 inches of wash sink circumference
(circular type) shall be equivalent to one lavatory.
(b) STRAIGHT-LINE TYPE: Multiple wash sinks of the straight-line

type shall have hot and cold combination spouts not closer than 18
inches from adjacent similar spouts and each spout shall be
considered the equivalent of one lavatory.
36-102
3613.16 GARBAGE-CAN WASHERS:
(a) DISCHARGE: Garbage-can washers shall not discharge through a
trap serving any other device or fixture.
(b) BASKETS: The receptacle receiving the wash from garbage cans
shall be provided with a bucket type strainer or similar device to
prevent the discharge of solids into the building drainage system.
(c) CONNECTIONS: Water supply connections shall conform to

Section 3614 “WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION.”
3613.17 LAUNDRY TRAYS: Each compartment of a laundry tray shall be provided

with a waste outlet not less than one end one-half inches in diameter and
with a stopper.
3613.18 BATHTUBS: Bathtubs shall be provided with waste outlets not less than
one and one-half inches in diameter.
3613.19 TABULATION OF MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS.
TABLE P (1)
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS—GENERAL
(Applicable to factories, stores offices buildings, places of employment

not serving food or drink, and residential).
NOTATIONS:
(1) Every dwelling unit for residential occupancy shall have one
water closet, one lavatory, 1 tub or shower and 1 kitchen sink,
except for those dwellings covered in Section 17, covering Small
Buildings. At least 1 laundry tub or the roughing for a washing
machine is required for each duplex dwelling unit. Apartments
require 1 laundry tub or wash machine for the first 5 and 1 for
each additional 10 apartments.
36-103
(2) See “Small Buildings Plumbing Code” for requirements for small
buildings.
(3) If employees exceed 5 persons, separate rooms and facilities shall

be provided for each sex, and for more than 5 males, add a urinal.
(4) Female urinals may be substituted for required water closets up

to one-half.
(5) Wash-up sinks may be substituted for lavatories where type of

employment would warrant.
(6) For factories the listed fixtures are minimum and may be adjusted
upward depending upon the type of operation, when it is
considered minimum requirements will not be adequate.
(7) Provide one drinking fountain within 50 feet of all operational

processes, and at react one for each 75 persons.
(8) Toilet facilities shall be provided on each floor for each sex using
that floor and shall be readily accessible except where there is a
mezzanine, occupied by a single tenant and the toilet facilities are
not for public use. Toilet facilities accessible only through private
offices shall be considered in addition to the above minimum
requirements and the personnel occupying such offices maybe
subtracted from the total employment. EXCEPTION: Toilet
facilities for public use in places of public occupancy, restaurants,
bars, transportation terminals and similar locations shall be
provided on each floor for each sex.
(9) In any building, one drinking fountain shall be provided if there

are over 10 employees and a minimum of one conveniently located
for each 75 employees; not to be located in any toilet room or
vestibule to a toilet room.
(10) Where there are 10 offices or more, and 26 occupants, a service

sink shall be provided on each floor.
(11) Arcades with stores 400 sq. ft. or less in area may have centrally
located toilet facilities.
(12) Filling stations shall be provided with a minimum of 1 water closet

and 1 lavatory for each sex and at least 1 basket type floor drain
connected to a gas and oil interceptor, and a service sink in the
wash area.
36-104
TABLE P (2)
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS
PATRONS OF CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS
(Applicable to Restaurants, Bowling Alleys, Beer and Liquor Bars,

Clubs, and Eating and Drinking Establishments)
NOTATIONS: Where beverages of any kind are served, 18" of counter or bar space
and/or 15 square feet of serving area equals one person. All toilet rooms shall be of
easy and convenient access to both patrons and employees on the same floor with
and under the responsible direction of the management of the premises served,
and shall not be over 50 feet developed length from the nearest exit to the dining
room, bar or food service area.
Provide one 3-compartment sink (16"x16"x16") minimum size.
Provide a floor drain for each 50 square feet of back-bar or back-counter working
space.
Sinks must have a constant supply of 180 F. water.
36-105
TABLE P (3)
EMPLOYEES OF CATERING ESTABLISHMENTS
(Applicable to Restaurants, Bowling Alleys, Beer and Liquor Bars,

Clubs, and Eating and Drinking Establishments)
NOTATIONS: Where beverages of any kind are served, 18" of counter or bar space
and/or 15 square feet of serving area equals one person. All toilet rooms shall be of
easy and convenient access to both patrons and employees on the same floor with
and under the responsible direction of the management of the premises served,
and shall not be over 50 feet developed length from the nearest exit to the dining
room, bar or food service area.
Provide one 3 compartment sink (16"x16"x16"), minimum size.
Provide a floor drain for each 50 square feet of back-bar or back-counter working
space.
Sinks must have a constant supply of 180° F. water.
36-106
TABLE P (4)
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS—PLACES OF PUBLIC
ASSEMBLY
(Applicable to Theatres, Churches, Arenas, Stadiums, Lodge Halls, etc.)
NOTATIONS: Hotels, places of public assembly, public toilet rooms, places of

employment, stores, hospitals, convalescent homes, schools, dormitories, day
nurseries, rooming houses, filling stations, places of detention community toilet
and all locations that may be classed as other than private residential or private
apartments shall have open-front seats on all water closets.
Drinking fountains shall be provided at a ratio of 1 for each 200 persons up to 800
total number of persons, over 800 to be considered a special problem and design is
to be submitted for approval.
The occupancy total of drive-in theatres shall be based on 3 persons per parking
space.
36-107
TABLE P (5)
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS - DORMITOIES
NOTATION: Where there are 10 offices or rooms or more, and 25 employees or persons,
a service sink shall be provided on each floor.
TABLE P (6)
NURSERIES AND NURSERY SCHOOLS
NOTATION: Toilets shall be accessible from the playground as well as from inside
building; 10" rim height on water closets for children under 8 years; 13" rim height for
children 8 years or over.
36-108
TABLE P (7)
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS—SCHOOLS
1) WASHING FACILITIES
Basins should be set at a suitable height for the children who are to use
them. For infants they should be at varying heights between 18 and 22
inches. For older children they should be at varying heights up to, but not
exceeding 32 inches. For the first 30 pupils there should be two basins for
each sex, one additional basin for each sex for every additional 30 pupils
up to a total of 300 and then one additional basin for each sex for every
additional 60 pupils.
2) DRINKING FACILITIES
There should be an adequate supply of drinking water obtained from

fountain of the bubble or spray type, thus eliminating drinking cups. The
most suitable patterns are of the upward jet variety from which the water
is delivered from a covered orifice, and one should be provided for ever
100 children in large schools and small schools should have at least two.
3) TOILET FACILITIES
In the case of infants there may be a common approach but internal

separation of boys and girls accommodation is necessary. Each closet
should be at least 2 feet 6 inches wide and should be provided with a door
and a partition not less than 6 feet high. For pupils over the age of 12,
doors should have inside fastenings. Accommodation on the following
scale should be provided: —
GIRLS — For the first forty (40) pupils, three (3) toilets; every additional
forty (40), two toilets up to three hundred and twenty (320), thereafter
one extra toilet for every additional fifty (50) pupils.
BOYS—For the first forty (40) pupils, three (3) toilets; every additional
forty (40) two toilets up to three hundred and twenty (320), thereafter one
additional toilet for every fifty (50) pupils. One third of the required
sanitary facilities for boys shall be water closets the remainder shall be
urinal stalls.
4) SERVICE SINKS: Contact the Minister of Health.
NOTATIONS: For shower facilities, hot water facilities or other sanitary

facilities for special-purpose schools, contact the Minister of Health and
Minister of Education.
36-109
NOTES
36-110
SUB-INDEX
Paragraph Paragraph Title Page No.

No.
3614.1 Quality of Water Supply 36-112
(a) Public Water Service Required 36-112
(b) Approval 36-113
(c) Acceptable Sources 36-113
(d) Potable Water Conservation and
Storage 36-113
(1) When Required 36-113
(2) Dual Systems 36-113
(3) Potable Water Storage Required 36-113
(4) Flow Control Devices 36-114
(5) Leak Detection 36-114
(6) Unnecessary Use of Potable Water 36-115
3614.2 Water Supply Mandatory 36-115
3614.3 Protection of Potable Water Supply 36-115
(a) Water Discharge Outlets 36-115
(b) Approval of Devices 36-116
(c) BackFlow 36-116
(d) Special Devices 36-116
3614.4 Vacuum Breakers and Air Gaps 36-116
(a) Flushometer 36-116
(b) Flushing Tanks 36-116
(c) Equipment Water Connections 36-116
(d) Valve Outlet 36-117
3614.5 Water Service Pipe 36-117
(b) Stop-and-Waster Valve Combination 36-117
(c) Private Water Supply 36-117
3614.6 Water Pumping and Storage
Equipment 36-118
(a) Pumps and Other Appliances 36-118
(b) Water-Supply Cisterns or Tanks 36-118
(c) Cleaning, Painting, Repairing Water Tanks
3614.7 Water-Supply House Cisterns or Tanks 36-118
(a) When Required 36-118
(b) Surge Tanks 36-118
(c) Auxiliary Pressure: Supplementary 36-118
Tank
(d) Support 36-118
(e) Overflow for Water-Supply Tanks 36-118
(f) House Tanks Supply 36-119
(g) Drains 36-119
(h) Size of Overflow 36-119
(i) Pressure Tanks 36-119
3614.8 Water-Distribution Pipe, Tubing
and Fittings 36-119
3614.9 Allowance for Character of Water 36-119
36-111
(a) Selection of Materials 36-119
(b) Used Piping 36-120
3614.10 Water Supply Control 36-120
3614.11 Water Supply Distribution 36-120
(a) Water-Service Pipe 36-120
(b) Demand Load 36-121
3614.12 Procedure in Sizing the Water
Distribution System of a Building 36-121
3614.13 Size of Fixture Supply 36-124
3614.14 Minimum Pressure 36-125
3614.15 Variable Street Pressures 36-125
3614.16 Hazard and Noise 36-125
3614.17 Hot-Water Distribution 36-125
3614.18 Safety Devices 36-125
(a) Pressure-Relief Valve 36-125
(b) Temperature Relief Valves 36-125
(c) Approvals 36-125
(d) Relief-Valve Location 36-126
(e) Relief Outlet Wastes 36-126
(f) Drips—Location for Buildings 36-126
(g) Relief Valve Discharge Lines 36-126
3614.19 Storage Tanks 36-127
(a) Applicable Requirements 36-127
(b) Marking 36-127
(c) Minimum Pressures 36-127
(d) Drain Cock 36-127
(e) Line Valves 36-127
(f) Water Used for Processing 36-127
3614.1 QUALITY OF WATER SUPPLY:

(a) PUBLIC WATER SERVICE REQUIRED: Except for small buildings
whose water supply requirements are defined in section 3617,
“PLUMBING CODE FOR SMALL BUILDINGS,” all premises
intended for human habitation or occupancy, including but not
limited to, establishments to be used for household, domestic, food
36-112
processing, food handling, restaurant, dairy or bottling purposes,
public buildings and places of assembly or other establishments
where a water supply is or may be used for human consumption,
shall be supplied from the approved public water mains, where
such mains are available. Where a water supply is not available
from approved public water mains such premises shall be supplied
with potable water (as herein defined) from a privately owned well
or other source which has been properly approved by the Minister
of Works and Minister of Health. “WATER SUPPLY AND
DISPOSAL WELLS” shall be as set forth in Section 361
(b) APPROVAL: No water supply of a non-potable nature shall be used

for commercial or industrial purposes unless such use and the
source of supply has first been approved by the Minister of Works
and Minister of Health.
(c) ACCEPTABLE SOURCES: Where a public supply of potable water

is not available, the requirements of the Minister of Works and
Minister of Health shall be satisfied. All wells intended as a supply
for dietetic use shall be inspected before use and treatment facilities
shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Minister of Works and
Minister of Health.
(d) POTABLE WATER CONSERVATION AND STORAGE:

(1) WHEN REQUIRED: All new structures, whether public or
private, where the use of five or more vacuum type or
conventional water closets is contemplated, shall be subject
to the following requirements for conservation of water.
(2) DUAL SYSTEMS: Dual piping systems which provide for

collection, storage, treatment, and eventual re-use of water
from fixtures not specifically intended to receive fecal wastes,
such as lavatories, tubs, showers, or similar usage shall be
incorporated in the design of a building plumbing system
containing 5 or more water closets. Quantity of storage for
water intended for re-use shall be selected by the design
engineer, but shall not be less than an 8 hour supply to the
water closets and urinals, calculated for peak conditions.
Auxiliary potable water supplied to the cistern through
automatic float valves with 6-inch air gap will be permitted.
Cased salt water supply wells with duplex pumps and piping
system serving water closets and urinals may be used in lieu
of collection and re-use facilities.
(3) POTABLE WATER STORAGE REQUIRED: In addition to the

requirement for dual systems and re-use of waste water, all
36-113
multi-family buildings with five or more units shall be
provided with potable water storage tanks and attendant
pumping systems. The tanks shall be sized on a basis of 100
gallons of effective capacity per dwelling unit. Tanks shall
be filled from the public mains by gravity through float valves
with a minimum 6-inch air gap to prevent back-siphonage.
All house pumping facilities shall be fully automatic and shall
employ duplex pumping. All hotels or motels which maintain
complete food service facilities shall maintain a 24-hour
potable water supply. Piping connections to cisterns shall be
designed in such a manner to prevent stagnation of tank
contents by means of cross withdrawal to system.
(4) FLOW CONTROL DEVICES: All conventional plumbing

fixtures shall be designed to limit flow rates (at any reasonable
system pressure) to an amount not in excess of that required
for satisfactory operation and acceptable use as intended.
Flow control devices may be pressure regulators, variable
orifice, or other approved devices to limit flow to the
following values (plus or minus 10%):
*Rate depends on the type of head.
Any device which conserves water is strongly recommended

for installation in The Bahamas, and will be given
consideration.
(5) LEAK DETECTION: Any system with 24 water closets or

more of any type shall have the water supply system arranged
36-114
in such a manner to allow “check metering” of the entire
system in a minimum of 25 per cent sections, as follows: The
main water service line shall be divided into four individual
services. Each service shall be provided with two valves and
a removable section of pipe eighteen inches long with a pair
of unions at two elbows for removal of the section and
temporary insertion of a check meter. Actual meters are not
required to be installed by the Owner.
(6) UNNECESSARY USE OF POTABLE WATER: It shall be

construed to be a violation of the intent of this Code where
excess potable water is used except where no other reasonable
means is available for a particular system. Types of water
use which are not allowable include the following:
(a) Condensing water for air conditioning equipment.
(Cooling towers with drift eliminators are acceptable).
(b) No swimming pools shall be filled with potable water

from a public supply.
(c) Decorative fountains shall have pumps for recirculation

of fresh water.
(d) Laundrys with 6 or more 18 lb. machines must filter,

treat and recirculate water.
(e) Commercial car wash establishments are prohibited

unless equipment for re-claiming filtering and re-use
is provided.
(f) Process cooling which is designed for non-circulated

and auxiliary cooling of water shall be prohibited.
(g) No lawn or ground sprinkler systems will be permitted

where the source of supply is a public system, except
where water has been used initially for sanitary
purposes and has been collected, properly treated, and
filtered.
3614.2 WATER SUPPLY MANDATORY: Every building in which plumbing

fixtures are installed and are for human occupancy or habitation shall be
provided with an ample supply of water meeting the standards set forth
by the Minister of Health.
3614.3 PROTECTION OF POTABLE WATER SUPPLY:

(a) WATER DISCHARGE OUTLETS: Potable water supply piping and
36-115
water discharge outlets shall have backflow prevention devices or
similar equipment and shall not be so located as to make possible
their submergence in any liquid or substance.
(b) APPROVAL OF DEVICES: Before any device for the prevention of

backflow or back-siphonage is installed, it shall have first been
certified as meeting the requirements of ASA A40.6 by a recognized
testing laboratory acceptable to the Minister of Works. Devices
installed in a potable water supply for protection against backflow
shall be maintained in good working condition by the person or
persons having control of such devices. The Minister of Works may
inspect such devices and, if found to be ineffective or inoperative
shall require the replacement thereof.
(c) BACKFLOW: The water-distributing system shall be protected

against backflow. Every water outlet shall be protected from
backflow preferably by having the outlet end from which the water
flows spaced a distance above the flood-level rim of the receptacle
into which the water flows sufficient to provide a “minimum
required air gap” as defined in ASA A40.4. Where it is not possible
to provide a minimum air gap, the water outlet shall be equipped
with an accessibly located backflow preventer complying with ASA
A40.6, installed on the discharge side of the manual control valve.
(d) SPECIAL DEVICES: Where it is not possible to provide either a

minimum air gap or a backflow preventer, as may be the case in
connection with cooling jackets, condensers or other industrial or
special appliances, the Minister of Works shall require other
approved means of protection.
3614.4 VACUUM BREAKERS AND AIR GAPS:

(a) FLUSHOMETER: A flushometer shall be equipped with an
approved vacuum breaker. The vacuum breaker shall be installed
on the discharge side of the flushing valve with the critical level at
least one inch above the top of any fixture or appliance with integral
waterway except such fixtures as conform to ASA Standard A40.4
for required air gaps.
(b) FLUSHING TANKS: Flushing tanks shall be equipped with an

approved ball-cock. The ball-cock shall be installed with the critical
level of the vacuum breaker at least one inch above the full opening
of the overflow pipe. In cases where the ball-cock has no hush tube,
the bottom of the water supply inlet shall be installed one inch
above the full opening of the overflow pipe.
(c) EQUIPMENT WATER CONNECTIONS: Connections of potable

water to cooling towers, expansion tanks, boilers, chillers or any
36-116
piece of equipment whose contents could contaminate a potable
water system shall have backflow preventers as approved by the
Minister of Works.
(d) VALVE OUTLET: The hot and cold-water supply to fixtures with
hose attachments, and other appliances physically connected to a
water supply system, shall be protected from backflow, back-
siphonage and back pressure. Where hot and cold water valves are
connected to supply tempered water to another valve for use in
fixtures such as bed pan washers, bidets and needle showers, check
valves or combined valve and check devices shall be provided to
prevent the cross flow of water in the water distributing system.
3614.5 WATER SERVICE PIPE:

(a) The water-service pipe may be placed in the same trench with the
building drain and building sewer provided the following
conditions are satisfied:
(1) The water-service pipe and all other pipe or piping or conduit,
shall be placed on a solid shelf excavated at one side of the
common trench, above the sanitary sewer line, with a
minimum of ten inches between pipes or conduits.
(2) The number of joints in the service pipe shall be kept to a

minimum.
(3) The materials and joints of sewer and water-service pipe shall
be installed in such manner and shall possess the necessary
strength and durability to prevent the escape of solids,
liquids, and gases, therefrom, under all known adverse
conditions such as corrosion, strains due to temperature
changes, settlement, vibrations and superimposed loads.
(b) STOP-AND-WASTE VALVE COMBINATION: Combination stop-

and-waste valves and cocks shall not be installed in an underground
service pipe.
(c) PRIVATE WATER SUPPLY:

(1) No private water supply shall be interconnected with any
public water supply.
(2) Where temporary approval in writing has been granted to

provide for emergency use of public-private water supplies
either a multi-port valve or a piped jumper connection
designed to preclude simultaneous use of public or private
supplies shall be provided.
36-117
3614.6 WATER PUMPING AND STORAGE EQUIPMENT:
(a) PUMPS AND OTHER APPLIANCES: Water pumps, tanks, filters,
softeners, and all other appliances and devices shall be protected
against contamination.
(b) WATER-SUPPLY CISTERNS OR TANKS: Potable-water-supply

tanks shall be properly covered and screened to prevent the
entrance of foreign material or insects into the water supply. Soil
or drainage lines shall not pass directly over such tanks.
(c) CLEANING, PAINTING, REPAIRING WATER TANKS: A potable-

water-supply tank used for domestic purposes shall not be lined,
painted, or repaired with any material which will affect either the
taste, colour, or the potability of the water supply when the tank is
returned to service. Tanks shall be disconnected from the system
during such operations, to prevent any foreign fluid or substance
from entering the distribution piping.
3614.7 WATER-SUPPLY HOUSE CISTERNS OR TANKS:

(a) WHEN REQUIRED: When the water pressure from the community
mains during flow is insufficient to supply all fixtures freely and
continuously, the rate of supply shall be supplemented by a gravity
house tank or booster system even where less than 5 water closets
are to be installed.
(b) SURGE TANKS: In any structure that requires an auxiliary pump

to supplement the available water supply, such pump shall be
supplied from a surge tank to be supplied with water from public
or private main through a float valve with a 6 inch air gap. The
minimum size of a surge tank shall provide sufficient volume for
ten minutes operation of booster pumps at peak flow rate.
(c) AUXILIARY PRESSURE: SUPPLEMENTARY TANK: If the residual

pressure in the system, regardless of size of the building, is below
the minimum allowable at the highest water outlet when the flow
in the system is at peak demand, an automatically controlled
pressure tank or gravity tank shall be installed, of sufficient capacity
to supply sections of the building installation which are too high
to be supplied directly from the public water mains.
(d) SUPPORT: All water-supply tanks shall be supported in accordance

with the building code.
(e) OVERFLOW FOR WATER-SUPPLY TANKS: Overflow pipes for

gravity tanks shall discharge to a visible point of disposal. Rain
water gutters discharging into a street gutter are not considered
36-118
approved points of disposal. Adequate overflow pipes properly
screened against the entrance of insects and vermin shall be
provided.
(f) HOUSE TANK SUPPLY: The water-supply inlet within the house
tank shall be at an elevation not less than is required for an air gap
in an open tank with overflow, but in no case shall the elevation be
less than four inches above the overflow. If a drop pipe is added to
the ball cock or filling device an air inlet shall be inserted in the
drop pipe at least six inches above the overflow.
(g) DRAINS: Water-supply tanks shall be provided with valved drain

lines located at their lowest point and discharged as an indirect
waste or as required for overflow pipes in paragraph 3614.7 (e).
(h) SIZE OF OVERFLOW: Overflow drain openings for water supply

tanks shall not be less than twelve square inches of free opening or
as required to preclude rim overflow.
(i) PRESSURE TANKS: Pressure tanks used for supplying water to

the domestic water distribution system, combined supply to fire
standpipes and domestic water systems, or to supply standpipes
for fire equipment only, shall be equipped with an accessible water
and pressure gauge.
3614.8 WATER-DISTRIBUTION PIPE, TUBING AND FITTINGS:

(a) Materials for water-distributing pipes and tubing shall be as
specified in Section 3604.
(b) Pipes conveying fire and domestic water shall not be installed
underneath a concrete slab on fill in any location inside the building
walls of buildings on filled ground where the presence of hydrogen
sulfide gas or other injurious elements is known, and in areas being
or having been recently filled below high tide areas. Such piping
and fittings may be installed in concrete trenches with removable
covers or in an approved conduit. Fire lines shall be of metallic
materials.
3614.9 ALLOWANCE FOR CHARACTER OF WATER:

(a) SELECTION OF MATERIALS: When selecting the material and
size for water-supplying pipe, tubing, or fittings, due consideration
shall be given to the action of the water on the interior and of the
soil, fill or other material on the exterior of the pipe. No material
that would produce toxic conditions in a potable-water-supply
system shall be used for piping, tubing, or fittings.
36-119
(b) USED PIPING: No piping material that has been used for other
than potable-water-supply system shall be re-used in the potable-
water-supply system.
3614.10 WATER SUPPLY CONTROL:

(a) In addition to the requirements for leak detection, each building
shall have a separate water control valve, independent of the meter
valve. Each apartment or store in a building shall have a separate
independent control valve or individual fixture control valve
controlling all the fixtures in such apartment or store. Main control
valves shall be located at or near the foundation line outside the
building above the ground or in a separate box with cover. Such
box shall be constructed in accordance with the drawing in
Appendix C.
(b) Supply lines taken from pressure or gravity tanks shall be valved
at or near the tank. Tanks in connection with a domestic water
system shall have a drain cock installed on the discharge side of
such valve.
(c) Each water closet and urinal supply shall have an independent
water control valve placed above the floor and all single fixtures or
groups of fixtures in hotels, office buildings, hospitals, clinics, places
of public assembly and manufacturing plants shall either have
separate fixture control valves or a single control valve for each
group of fixtures in a single room. Each water storage tank shall
have a water control valve and draw off valve.
(d) A shut-off valve minimum size three-quarter-inch, shall be provided

in the cold water branch line, accessible and adjacent to each water-
storage tank of each water heater.
(e) Sillcocks for all multiple residential occupancies of more than two
units served by a single water service shall be separately and
individually valved or otherwise arranged to shut off the supply
to the sillcocks without interrupting water supply to the resident
units.
3614.11 WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION:

(a) WATER-SERVICE PIPE: The water-service pipe from the street main
to the water-distribution system for the building shall be of
sufficient size to furnish an adequate flow of water to meet the
requirements of the building at peak demand, and in no case shall
be less than three-quarters-inch nominal diameter. If flushometers
or other devices requiring a high rate of water flow are used, the
water-service pipe shall be designed to supply this flow.
36-120
(b) DEMAND LOAD: The demand load in the building water-supply
shall be based on the number and kind of fixtures installed and the
probable simultaneous use of these fixtures.
3614.12 PROCEDURE IN SIZING THE WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM OF A

BUILDING: The sizing of the water distribution system shall conform to
good engineering practice. Methods used to determine pipe sizes shall be
approved by the Minister of Works, and shall be in accordance with BMS66,
National Bureau of Standards, or the following tables:
THE TABLES ARE APPLICABLE TO ONLY THE MOST FAVOURABLE

CONDITIONS, WHERE WATER MAIN PRESSURE DOES NOT FALL
BELOW 50 P.S.I AT ANY TIME, AND ARE INTENDED AS A GUIDE
ONLY.
IN GENERAL FOR 3 OR 4-STOREY BUILDINGS, OR WHERE MAIN

PRESSURE FALLS BELOW 50 P.S.I., THE NEXT LARGER SIZE GROUP
SHOULD BE USED. SIZES SHOWN FOR COPPER ARE APPLICABLE
TO P.V.C. PIPING.
WHERE CONDITIONS DO NOT CONFORM TO THE FOLLOWING

TABLE, THE PROVISIONS OF BMS-66 NATIONAL BUREAU OF
STANDARDS PUBLICATIONS SHALL APPLY. IT SHALL BE THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE DESIGN ENGINEER TO DETERMINE
PREVAILING WATER PRESSURES IN ANY PARTICULAR AREA.
FURTHER, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NOISE DUE TO VELOCITY
OF FLOW MAY RESULT FROM THE USE OF PIPE SIZES LISTED.
36-121
TABLE Q
MINIMUM WATER SERVICE PIPE SIZE FOR

ONE AND TWO-STOREY BUILDINGS
36-122
TABLE R
MINIMUM WATER SERVICE PIPE SIZE FOR

ONE AND TWO STOREY BUILDINGS
36-123
TABLE S
REQUIRED PRESSURE DURING FLOW FOR DIFFERENT FIXTURES
3614.13 SIZE OF FIXTURE SUPPLY: The minimum size of a fixture-supply pipe

from the riser or main to the wall opening shall be as follows:
TABLE T
MINIMUM FIXTURE SUPPLY PIPE SIZES
A group of not more than two fixtures shall be connected to a half-inch, cold water
supply.
36-124
3614.14 MINIMUM PRESSURE: Minimum, fairly constant, service pressure, at
the point of outlet discharge shall not be less than 8 p.s.i. for all fixtures
except for direct flush valves, for which it shall be not less than 15 p.s.i.
for all fixtures except for direct flush valves, for which it shall be not less
than 15 p.s.i., and except where special equipment is used requiring higher
pressure. In determining the minimum pressure, allowance shall be made
for the pressure drop due to friction loss in the piping system during
maximum demand periods as well as head, meter, and other losses in the
system.
3614.15 VARIABLE STREET PRESSURES: When the street main has a wide
fluctuation in pressure during the day, the water distribution system shall
be designed for minimum pressure available.
3614.16 HAZARD AND NOISE: Water pipe installations shall be adequately

protected from water hammer by use of air chambers or other approved
devices. Air chambers shall be installed in such manner that will permit
draining without disconnecting fixture supply. Air chambers or shock
absorbers shall be installed and air chambers shall be not less in volume
than a 12-inch length of pipe one size larger than the pipe it serves.
3614.17 HOT-WATER DISTRIBUTION: The sizing of the hot-water distribution

piping shall conform to good engineering practice.
3614.18 SAFETY DEVICES:

(a) PRESSURE-RELIEF VALVE: Pressure-relief valves shall be installed
for all equipment used for heating or storage of hot water. The rate
of discharge of such a valve shall limit the pressure rise for any
given heat input within ten per cent of the pressure at which the
valve is set to open.
(b) TEMPERATURE RELIEF VALVES: Temperature relief valves shall

be installed for equipment used for the heating or storage of
domestic hot water. Each temperature relief valve shall be of the
reseating type and be rated as to its BTU capacity. In all cases the
BTU rating of the temperature relief valve shall be greater than the
BTU input rating of the appliance.
(c) APPROVALS: Combination pressure and temperature relief valves

separate pressure and temperature relief valves, which have been
tested and approved by, or meet the specification requirements of
the American Gas Association, A.S.M.E., or other recognized
approval authorities, shall be considered acceptable. THE USE OF
ELECTRICAL HIGH LIMIT SWITCHES DOES NOT ALLOW
OMISSION OF SAFETY VALVES.
36-125
(d) RELIEF-VALVE LOCATION: Combination pressure and
temperature valves, or temperature relief valves shall be located in
the tank, or in hot water outlet from tank so as to be actuated by
the water in the top of the tank served and in no case more than
four inches developed length away from such tank. Pressure-relief
valves may be located adjacent to the equipment they serve. There
shall be no check valve or shut-off valve between a relief valve and
the heater or tank for which it is installed.
(e) RELIEF OUTLET WASTES: The outlet of a pressure, temperature,

or other relief valve shall not be connected to the drainage system
as a direct waste. THE RELIEF LINES SHALL NOT BE SMALLER
THAN THE OUTLET FROM THE VALVE.
(f) DRIPS—LOCATION FOR BUILDINGS: Each temperature and

pressure relief valve or combination thereof shall be provided with
a drip pipe connected to the valve discharge outlet. Drip pipes shall
discharge as follows:
(1) For hot water storage tanks placed above the roof: as in (2)
and (3) or upon the roof, on a concrete block.
(2) In cases where a building covers an entire lot; to any suitable

plumbing fixture or floor drain terminating above the floor
level except a water closet, urinal, bidet, bath or shower.
(3) In all other buildings except those described in the foregoing;

to an observable point outside a building. The terminus of
all drip pipes shall be without a thread. Where terminated
outside a building; pointing down to within sex inches of
ground level.
(g) RELIEF VALVE DISCHARGE LINES: Relief valve discharge line

shall be sized as follows:
Up to 69,000 B.T.U. 3/8 inch ID Minimum
Above 69,000 to 127,000 B.T.U. 1/2 inch ID Minimum
Above 127,000 to 340,000 B.T.U. 3/4 inch ID Minimum
Above 340,000 to 600,000 B.T.U. 1 inch ID Minimum
SIZES SHOWN ABOVE ARE MINIMUM—NO RELIEF LINE

SHALL BE SMALLER THAN A VALVE OUTLET.
This table shall be applicable for the relief line from single valves
36-126
or where the lines are manifolded. The manifold size shall be
determined by the cumulative B.T.U. total of the relief valves served
thereby, except that no discharge pipe shall be smaller than the
largest valve outlet size discharging through that relief line or
manifold.
3614.19 STORAGE TANKS:

(a) APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS: All storage tanks for domestic
hot water shall meet the applicable A.S.M.E. and listed
requirements. It shall be unlawful to install any water heaters in
the attic of any structure.
(b) MARKING: Any tank hereafter installed for the storage of domestic
hot water shall have clearly and indelibly stamped in the metal of
the tank, or marked upon a plate welded thereto, or otherwise
permanently affixed, the maximum allowable working pressure
and the hydrostatic test pressure which the tank is cosigned to
withstand, and the year of manufacture. Such marling shall be
placed in an accessible position so inspection and reinspection shall
be readily accomplished.
(c) MINIMUM PRESSURES: The minimum hydrostatic test pressure

shall be 300 lbs. per square inch and the working pressure shall be
not more than 42 1/2 per cent of the indicated hydrostatic test
pressure.
(d) DRAIN COCK: All storage tanks shall be equipped with adequate
accessible drain cocks.
(e) LINE VALVES: Valves in the water-supply distribution system,

including hot water heaters and group shut-off valves, except those
immediately controlling one fixture supply, when fully opened shall
have a cross-sectional area of the smallest orifice or opening through
which the water flows at least equal to 80 per cent of the cross-
sectional area of the nominal size of the pipe in which the valve is
installed.
(f) WATER USED FOR PROCESSING: Water used for cooling of

equipment or similar purposes shall not be returned to the potable-
water distributing system. When permitted, the waste water shall
be discharged through an indirect waste pipe or air gap to the
drainage system or other approved point of disposal.
36-127
NOTES
36-128
SUB-INDEX

3615.1 Size of Septic Tanks 36-130
(a) General 36-130
(b) Small Apartment Houses and Hotels 36-130
(c) Public Buildings 36-130
3615.2 Approvals 36-130
3615.3 Unlawful to Sell 36-130
3615.4 Building Permits 36-131
3615.5 Location, Design, Construction and Specifications 36-131
3615.6 (a) Factors Covering the Type and Method of
Disposal of Sewage and Liquid Waste 36-134
(b) Absorption of Drainage 36-136
(c) Exception to Drainfield Requirements 36-136
(d) Percolation Teats Required 36-136
(e) Disposition of Sludge and Contents from
Septic Tanks 36-136
(f) Minimum Disposal Facilities 36-136
(g) Design and Construction of Grease Trap
Tanks 36-137
3615.7 General Provisions Covering the Construction of
Drainfields 36-138
3615.8 Compression and Strength Tests 36-140
3615.9 Construction and Installation 36-140
3615.10 Disposal of Domestic Clothes Washers Liquid
Waste for Single and Duplex Residences 36-141
3615.11 Testing, Strength Requirements and Reporting of
Tests 36-143
(a) Three-Quarter Inch Drainfield Rock 36-143
(b) Four-Inch Draintile for Non-Vehicular
Traffic Areas 36-144
(c) Reservoir Drainfield Unit 36-144
(d) Tests and Reports 36-144
(e) Test Result 36-145
3615.12 Waste Water Treatment Plants 36-145
(a) General 36-145
(b) Prefabricated Plants 36-145
3615.13 Minimum Standards 36-146
3615.14 Septic Tank Operators 36-146
36-129
3615.1 SIZE OF SEPTIC TANKS:
(a) GENERAL: The minimum effective capacity of any septic tank

installation shall be 750 U.S. gallons. There must be strict adherence
to the Requirements of the Minister of Health on all sewage and
liquid waste disposal systems. Buildings with a daily flow of more
than 6,000 U.S. gallons shall be provided with disposal systems as
required by the Minister, as specified in Sub-Section 3615.12 Waste
Water Treatment Plants.
(b) SMALL APARTMENT HOUSES AND HOTELS: Septic tank

installations for hotels, apartment houses, and similar
establishments shall be based on the following requirements: 1,200
U.S. gallons total capacity for the first four persons served plus an
additional 75 U.S. gallons effective capacity for each person over
four, unless otherwise specifically shown in Tables. The number of
persons to be served shall be computed on the basis of two persons
per bedroom, or on the basis of the actual number of persons to be
served by the tank; whichever may be greater.
(c) PUBLIC BUILDINGS:

(1) Public buildings, such as assembly halls, office buildings, and
similar structures requiring septic tanks in excess of 2,500
U.S. gallons, total capacity shall be considered special
problems and complete plans and specifications for the
installation of any sewage and/or liquid waste disposal
system for such structures shall be submitted to the Ministry
of Health.
(d) EFFECTIVE AND TOTAL CAPACITY: Effective capacity, for

purposes of this section shall mean the “design” capacity plus 10
per cent added for sludge storage in the first compartment. Total
capacity shall mean the total septic tank volume which would allow
for sludge storage and final compartment space. See Appendix B.
3615.2 APPROVALS: For septic tanks over 2,100 gallon capacity, calculations,
plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Minister of Health and
the Buildings Control Officer for approval before construction work of
any kind shall be commenced or a permit issued.
3615.3 UNLAWFUL TO SELL: No person, firm or corporation shall install,

contract for, sell, manufacture or offer for sale within the area of jurisdiction
36-130
of this code, any septic tank, liquid waste or sewage treatment system or
similar device, including chemical additives, which does not conform to
the requirements of the Code, and who has not received approval therefor
from the Minister of Works and Minister of Health.
3615.4 BUILDING PERMITS: No tank shall be installed until a permit for

construction or installation has been obtained.
3615.5 LOCATION, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND SPECIFICATIONS:

(a) The siting of sewage and liquid waste disposal systems shall be
such that no insanitary condition, nuisance or hazard to fresh water
supply occurs.
(1) A minimum distance of 6 ft. (for tanks up to 2,100 U.S. gallons)

shall from a dwelling house, public building or any habitable
structure, and the boundary of the property. Tanks over 2,100
U.S. gallons shall be sited as approved by the Minister of
Health.
(2) A minimum distance of 12 ft. shall be maintained from any

water storage tank.

fresh water supply well or spring.
(4) It is recommended that siting of septic tanks be on sides of a

property adjacent to public streets, or easements to facilitate
future connection to a public sewer system.
(5) The siting, construction or method of construction shall not

pollute any water storage tank, well or spring.
(6) Septic tanks, shall be constructed of concrete or other

approved impervious materials.
(7) The excavation for a septic tank shall be properly protected

and covered pending completion of the septic tank system.
(b) Concrete septic tanks shall be pre-cast or poured in place

construction. All concrete used in the construction of septic tanks
shall have a strength of not less than 3000 p.s.i. in 28 days. Tests to
determine water-tightness where required shall be made by filling
tank with water to overflow point at the time inspection is called
for. The interior wall of all septic tanks shall be finished smooth
and impervious. Voids, pits, or protuberances on or in the inside
walls of septic tanks are prohibited. The Minister may require that
36-131
plans for new buildings or additions bear a statement, by a person
known to be qualified, as to the character of the soil under the
bottom of the proposed septic tank to assure sufficient support for
same. Water test of tanks may be required.
(c) Precast septic tanks shall have a minimum wall thickness of two
inches. Sectional precast tops poured in place shall have a minimum
thickness of three inches. One-piece tops poured in place shall have
a minimum thickness of four inches, and all tops shall be reinforced
with #3 bars set laterally and longitudinally on six-inch centres
where non-traffic loads are anticipated. All septic tank tops shall
be of reinforced concrete, reinforced as stated above, and provided
with an 18"x 24" manhole, and 12"x 12" inspection openings. Precast
tanks shall be sufficiently reinforced to resist cracking during
handling or installation with a minimum reinforcement of 6x6 —
10/10 wire mesh or mesh of equivalent area. Precast septic tanks
shall have a monolithically poured bottom. Precast septic tanks
shall not be located where vehicular traffic or other overburden
loads are anticipated unless a permanent above grade construction
arrangement is erected to guard the tank, or a positive arrangement
is provided to prevent such loads from bearing on the tank. Where
such support over the tank is required, it shall be on block walls or
rock trench as set forth in the Sub-section describing SOAKAGE
PIT LIDS. The method of construction shall be approved by the
Buildings Control Officer.
(d) (1) Cast-in-place septic tanks shall have a minimum wall

thickness of 4" and a floor or lid thickness of 6 inches of
concrete.
(2) Cast-in-place septic tanks subject to overburden e not in

excess of 2 feet of fill and not subject to vehicular loads shall
be as follows:
Walls and floors shall be reinforced with #4 bars 6" on centres

each way with continuity around corners. Bars shall be
located in the centre of the wall or floor slab. Lids spanning
not more than 4 feet 6 inches may be reinforced with #4 bars
6" on centres short way end #3 bars 6" on centres long way
and such bars shall be located one inch from the bottom of
the dab.
(3) Cast-in-place septic tanks subject to overburden loads in

excess of the loads set forth in Sub-paragraph (2) above shall
support the load of a ten-ton truck and shall have poured
concrete lids having not less than the following thickness and
reinforcing.
36-132
TABLE U
TRAFFIC LIDS FOR SEPTIC TANKS AND SOAKAGE PITS
*In addition to the bottom bars shown in the table, place #4 bars 6
inches o.c. in top of slab parallel to the bottom bars. Bottom bars
shall be pieced 3/4 inches from bottom of slab.
Temperature reinforcing lengthwise in the lid shall be #4 bars

spaced 10" o. c.
Traffic lids for cast-in-place septic tanks subject to loads other than
those described in this Sub-section shall, when deemed necessary
in the opinion of the Buildings Control Officer, be designed by an
engineer recognized by the Minister.
(e) Ventilation of septic tanks and drainpipes shall be provided through

septic tank inlet and outlet tees thence through the plumbing
system. Where a tank is over 20 feet from the building a 4" local
vent shall be provided.
(f) (1) Inlets and outlets shall be of T junction pipes, open at the
top, with the invert of the outlet pipe 3 in. below the level of
the invert of the inlet pipe. These pipes may be made, of cast
iron, pitch fibre, salt glazed ware, concrete, or P.V.C. plastic.
A 12"x12" (minimum) inspection opening shall be placed over
the inlet and outlet tees.
(2) The floor shall be of concrete at least 6 in. thick. The walls
shall be of concrete plain or reinforced as approved by the
Buildings Control Officer, at least 6 in. thick of concrete. The
covering slab shall be of reinforced concrete, either precast
or cast in place. Where precast slabs are used they shall be
readily removable to provide access. Where cast-in place slab
is used it shall have an access opening at least 18 in. by 24 in.
with a metal cover or a concrete cover slab over it.
36-133
(3) There shall be at least 11 in. clear between the top of the liquid
and the underside of the slab.
(4) All inside surfaces shall be rendered smooth with mortar mix.
(g) Any person wishing to supply or install precast concrete septic

tanks or septic tanks constructed of other impervious materials,
shall apply in writing to the Minister of Health. The Minister of
Health, if satisfied with the proposal, may approve the use of the
septic tank with or without conditions.
(h) Septic tanks, drainfields, soakage pits, and drainage wells shall not
be located within any structure, nor under any roof or projection
of any building structure except with the express approval of the
Minister of Health and the Buildings Control Officer.
(i) Unless otherwise approved by the Buildings Control Officer, by

reason of special design, no excavation shall be made within the
angle of pressure as transferred from the base of an existing
structure to the sides of an excavation on a 45 degree angle.
(j) Physical sizing of septic tanks shall be accomplished by

proportioning the dimensions of the first compartment to contain
a volume equal to a 24 hour design flow plus 10% added for sludge
space. The final compartment shall be approximately 50% of the
required capacity of the first compartment.
(k) Drainfield relays for commercial occupancies shall be equivalent

to the requirements as set forth for new installations. Drainfield
relays for single-family or duplex occupancies shall comply with
the requirements in effect at the time the drainfield being replaced
wee installed. In the event same drainfield locations are used, a
percolation test may be required.
3615.6 FACTORS COVERING THE TYPE AND METHOD OF DISPOSAL OF

SEWAGE AND LIQUID WASTE:
(a) Any person or persons designing, constructing and/or installing
sewage and/or liquid waste disposal systems shall in the design,
installation or construction of such systems be governed by the
following factors:
36-134
36-135
(b) ABSORPTION OF DRAINAGE: Any liquid wastes containing
material which retards or prevents absorption or drainage in the
ground shall be disposed of and treated in a manner acceptable in
(c) EXCEPTION TO DRAINFIELD REQUIREMENTS: Where ground

is exceptionally impervious; where the water table is too close to
the surface; in an old installation to correct an insanitary condition;
or where other exceptional conditions prevail making the
installation of a drain or disposal well, in accordance with the
provisions of this Code impractical, then the Minister of Health
may waive the requirements herein and permit installation of such
type of drainfield or substitute therefor as may be deemed practical.
(d) PERCOLATION TESTS REQUIRED: Where soil porosity appears

to be of a less than usual character, the Minister of Works may
require, when in his opinion it is necessary, a percolation test and/
or core boring to be made. The results or such tests shall be
submitted to the Minister of Works, and shall determine deviation
from requirements as set forth in this Code. The person designing
such work and/or the owner shall furnish and supply such
information.
(e) DISPOSITION OF SLUDGE AND CONTENTS FROM SEPTIC

TANKS: Sludge and contents from septic tanks shall not be
deposited in any canal, reservoir, bay or other water, nor upon the
top of the ground nor buried under the ground without approval.
Method of disposal of sludge and contents from septic tanks and
grease traps shall be approved by the Minister of Health.
(f) MINIMUM DISPOSAL FACILITIES: Disposal of non-sanitary

waste containing grease or oil, or other industrial wastes, not
otherwise specifically mentioned in this chapter shall have the
approval of the Minister of Health.
36-136
TABLE V
MINIMUM DISPOSAL FACILITIES FROM CATERING

ESTABLISHMENTS
*Either drainfields or soakage pits may be used.

**See Table W for Sanitary Waste Disposal.
(g) DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF GREASE TRAP TANKS:

Grease tanks shall be of the same design as septic tanks except that
the outlet tee shall be extended to within eight inches of bottom of
tank. Liquid capacities of grease tanks are based on a single or
multiple tanks connected in series. The occupant content shall be
determined on the basis of 18 linear inches of counter length per
person and 15 sq. ft. of dining room area per person.
Establishments serving more than 150 persons shall be considered

a special problem and the determination of disposal requirements
shall be established by the Minister of Works and Minister of Health
after site consideration.
TABLE W
MINIMUM EFFECTIVE CAPACITIES FOR SEPTIC TANKS
AND SQUARE FEET OF DRAINFIELDS FOR WATER CLOS-
ETS, URINALS AND LAVATORIES IN CATERING ESTABLISH-
MENTS (SANITARY WASTE DISPOSAL)
NOTATIONS:
(1) Septic tank capacity for non-sanitary wastes from Table V
must be added to capacity listed herein if combined septic
tank is used.
(2) Drainfield area from Table V must be added to area listed
herein if combined septic tank is used.
36-137
NOTATIONS (Continued):
(3) Drive-in restaurants: One person per 100 square feet of

parking area. Occupancy content shall be determined on the
basis of 18 linear of counter length per person plus 10 sq. ft.
of dining area per person.
3615.7 GENERAL PROVISIONS COVERING THE CONSTRUCTION OF

DRAINFIELDS: The following provisions shall apply to and govern the
installation, design and method of all work and material in connection
with septic tanks, drainfields, soakage pits and drainage wells:
(a) Drainfields from private sewage and liquid waste disposal systems
shall not be placed under any impervious paving or in an area
where they may be subject to damage by vehicles.
(b) To provide equal distribution of effluent from a septic tank,

distribution boxes having a minimum size of 18 inches by 18 inches
inside dimension shall be in all installations as follows:
(1) Where more than two branch lines are taken from the main
effluent line of a septic tank, all branches shall be taken from
the main line within ten feet of the tank outlet.
(2) Where more than one reservoir type lateral is required, each
field lateral line shall be connected separately to the
distribution box and shall not be subdivided.
(3) The invert of all box outlets shall be level and the inlet invert
of all lines shall be at least one inch above the invert of the
box outlet.
(c) The minimum requirements for septic tanks and square feet of
drainfield shall be as set out in Tables T, U, V, W and as shown in
the Appendix B.
(d) Minimum spacing of tiles from contra to centre when laid in

trenches shall be 32 inches.
(e) Minimum cover over drainfield tile shall be 10 inches.
(f) Maximum cover over drainfield tile shall be 20 inches.
(g) Grade of drainfield tile shall be not less than two inches nor more
than four inches per 100 feet.
36-138
NOTE: A grade of two inches 100 feet is approximately one-
sixteenth inch per three feet; four inches per 100 feet is
approximately one-eight inch per three feet.
(h) Maximum length of a single drainfield tile line shall be 50 feet.
(i) Minimum width of drainfield tile trenches shall be 16 inches,

measured at the trench bottom.
NOTE: One drainfield tile in a 16-inch wide trench shall be

considered equivalent to one square foot trench.
(j) Minimum inside diameter of drainfield tile shall be four inches.
(k) Minimum depth of washed drainfield rock required under

drainfield tile for the full width of a sixteen-inch trench shall be 6
inches, except where grease or oil is in the waste from commercial
buildings, where 12" shall be used.
(l) Drainfield tile shall be enclosed in washed drainfield rock for the
full width of the trench and brought up to the top of the drainfield
tile.
(m) The space between ends of drainfield tiles shall be one-fourth inch.
(n) Minimum width and length of bituminous saturated paper (or

equal) required over space between drainfield tiles shall be four
inches by sixteen inches.
(o) Minimum weight of bituminous saturated paper shall be thirty

pounds per square.
(p) Minimum distance from structure foundation for any drainfield

shall be 6 feet.
(q) Minimum distance of edge of excavation for septic tanks,

drainfields drainage wells and soakage pits to lot lines shall be 6
feet.
(r) Minimum distance, as measured horizontally, from septic tanks,

drainfields drainage wells and soakage pits from any domestic
water supply well shall be 50 feet.
(s) Minimum distance from all sewage and liquid waste disposal
systems shall be 12 feet.
(t) Minimum distance from all sewage and liquid waste disposal
system to basement walls or to lower terraced area shall be 10 feet.
36-139
(u) The reservoir type drainfield may be substituted for four-inch
draintile under the following conditions:
(1) The units comprising the reservoir in this type of drainfield

shall have an internal or storage capacity of area equivalent
to four times that of the internal area or capacity of four-inch
draintile.
(2) The excavation for the reservoir type drainfield shall be a

maximum width of four feet and a minimum length
consistent with Tables V, W, X and Y, based on the square
feet area of the trench bottom.
3615.8 COMPRESSION AND STRENGTH TESTS: For compression and strength

tests and testing procedure see Sub-section 3615.11.
3615.9 CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION:

(a) The minimum width of reservoir drainfield trench shall be four
feet. The minimum depth of drainfield rock under the reservoir
unit shall be six inches.
(b) Minimum drainfield rock on both sides of the reservoir unit shall
extend the full width of the trench and to a height not lower than
the top of the reservoir unit.
(c) Grade away from the septic tank or distribution box shall be a
minimum of two inches per 100 feet and a maximum of four inches
per 100 feet.
(d) The length of a single reservoir drainfield line shall be a maximum

of 75 feet.
(e) Adjacent reservoir units shall be butted to each other where a

suitable slot or fixed opening is provided in the construction of the
reservoir unit for effluent seepage. Where such slot or opening is
not provided, a distance of one-quarter inch shall be maintained
between adjacent reservoir units.
(f) The top seam created by the joining of adjacent blocks shall be
covered by one of the following methods:
(1) Each seam shall be covered by a strip of 30 pounds per square

bituminous saturated paper four inches by suitable length
to cover the top, seam, and four inches down each side.
(2) The reservoir unit shall be covered for the entire length of
36-140
the field with a piece of 30 pounds bituminous saturated paper
of suitable width to cover the top and four inches down each
side.
(3) The joints shall be mortared.
(g) A strip of bested paper 48 inches wide shall be placed over the rock
area the entire length of the field before backfilling.
(h) A tight-jointed pipe, from either the septic tank or the distribution
box, shall be laid into the fixed reservoir unit and the pipe mortared
closed.
(i) The tight-jointed pipe shall enter or connect with the reservoir unit
to make usable, without flooding the inlet pipe to the septic tank,
the storage capacity used in calculating the required capacity of the
reservoir unit.
EXCEPTION: Officially designated critically low areas as decided

by the Minister of Works and the Minister of Health.
(j) The lower end or terminus of the reservoir drainfield shall be sealed
by mortar or by mortaring a concrete block across the opening.
(k) No single change of direction of a reservoir drainfield shall exceed

90 degrees.
(l) The minimum cover over the top of the reservoir unit shall be 6
inches.
(m) The maximum cover over the top of the reservoir unit shall be 12
inches.
3615.10 DISPOSAL OF DOMESTIC CLOTHES WASHERS LIQUID WASTE FOR

SINGLE AND DUPLEX RESIDENCES: Liquid waste discharged from
domestic clothes washers may be disposed of as follows:
(a) One machine — 40 square feet area of drainfield.
(b) Two machines — 60 square feet area of drainfield.
36-141
TABLE X
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPTIC TANKS FOR NORMAL

RESIDENTIAL USE UP TO 6 BATHROOMS
(Based on 2 persons per bedroom) and 1,200 Gallons Total Capacity
(Tanks over 2,100 Gallons require Special Approval)
*The minimum requirement for residences are based upon the following
factors: 1200 gallon capacity and 50 sq. ft. of drainfield for the first
bathroom.
**Top slabs require No. 3 steel set six inches on centres each way for normal
overbearing loads. For tanks placed under driveways, or elsewhere where
overbearing load is above normal, see Paragraph 3615.5.
***See Minimum Standard Drawings in the Appendix to the Small

Buildings Code, Section 3617, for septic tanks and drain requirements up
to 4 bathrooms.
TABLE Y
MINIMUM EFFECTIVE CAPACITIES UP TO 2,100 U.S GALLONS FOR

SEPTIC TANK AND LENGTH OF DRAIN TILE FOR SINGLE STORE,
FACTORIES AND/OR OTHER PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT, NOT
INCLUDING STORES OCCUPIED AS BARS, AND/OR CATERING
ESTABLISHMENTS
*See separate liquid disposal requirements as set forth in Paragraph 3615

6(f).
**Occupancy shall be deemed to mean the number of persons who work

in a store.
36-142
***Reservoir Drain may be substituted as shown in Appendix B and Sub-
Section 3615.9.
TABLE Z
MINIMUM QUANTITIES OF SEWAGE ANTICIPATED FOR DESIGN

OF DISPOSAL SYSTEMS ON LARGE UNITS
3615.11 TESTING STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS AND REPORTING OF TESTS:

(a) THREE-QUARTER INCH DRAINFIELD ROCK: All rock referred
to herein which is designed as a filter material for use in connection
with drainage works shall meet the specifications of 3/4 inch
drainfield rock. Three-quarter inch drainfield rock shall be held to
mean washed rock 100 per cent of which shall pass a one-inch screen
and 0 to 10 percent of which will pass a one-half inch screen.
(b) FOUR-INCH DRAINTILE FOR NON-VEHICULAR TRAFFIC

AREAS: Four-inch draintile for non-vehicular traffic areas shall
conform to A.S.M.E. specifications for draintile (C4). Physical test
requirements shall not be less than those of standard draintile.
36-143
(c) RESERVOIR DRAINFIELD UNIT: Reservoir drainfield units shall
conform to or exceed the following strength requirements where
the unit is to be installed in a traffic area where anticipated loads
will not be in excess of 10 ton trucks. The provisions of C4 shall
apply where applicable. Physical tests shall be conducted as follows:
(1) Where the unit is of one piece construction, the lower surface
(which in actual installation would be in contact with the
gravel bed) shall be tested in a plaster of parts bed, or placed
in a sand box having a sand bed not less than two-inches
thick.
(2) Where the unit is made up of component parts these

components shall be assembled as in an actual installation
and bedded as above.
(3) The application of the test load shall be as set forth in C4 and
the load transmitted through an eight-inch by eight-inch steel
plate sufficiently thick to uniformly transmit the anticipated
loads. The eight-inch by eight-inch plate may be bedded to
compensate for inequalities of the upper surface and shall
be so placed on the upper surface of the reservoir unit as to
render the most severe test conditions.
(4) Tests shall be made on not less than five individual specimens
of random selection. The average load sustained shall be 5,500
pounds total load and no single specimen shall fall below 25
percent of the average.
(5) Where there is a single span and vertical supporting sides to

the reservoir unit, the above provision shall apply. Where
uniqueness of shape or multiple spans indicate deviation
from the above provisions then such additional information
shall be supplied by the manufacturer or his agent to the
satisfaction of the Buildings Control Officer. Such information
and/or evidence shall be provided prior to consideration for
acceptance and the requirement of test procedure and
strength shall become a condition of acceptance and/or
continued acceptance.
(d) TESTS AND REPORTS: All persons, firms or corporations selling

or offering for sale three-fourths-inch drainfield rock, four-inch
draintile or reservoir drainfield unite or components of reservoir
drainfield units shall have such tests made as are necessary to
maintain product control within the limits set forth above.
36-144
(e) TESTS: RESULTS: Any product, the required periodic reports of
which do not show maintenance of minimum product standards
as set forth in this Code shall not be approved for use. If the products
in such installation fail to comply, the Buildings Control Officer
shall order removal of the products from the site or redesign based
on the qualities indicated by test.
3615.12 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS:

(a) GENERAL: Where the average daily flow is greater than 6,000 U.S.
gallons per day the Minister may require the installation of
secondary, (or tertiary treatment) where any question of
contamination of ground water, or surface water resources exists.
Treatment plants meeting the minimum criteria in paragraph (b)
are strongly recommended for flows exceeding 6,000 U.S.G.P.D.
Septic tanks in combination with disposal wells may be installed
only after special approval from the Minister of Health and Minister
of Works. The effluent quality specified below shall be considered
minimum, and higher efficiencies of treatment may be required by
the Minister of Health in some installations where reasons of public
health so require.
(b) TREATMENT PLANTS: Prefabricated “packaged type,” or field-

erected extended aeration type plants shall be used when the
average daily flow does not exceed 20,000 U.S.G.P.D. Where
relatively constant flows in excess of 20,000 U.S.G.P.D. are expected
“Contact-stabilization” systems, or extended-air may be used.
Any plant of this type shall include at least the following

components
(1) Screening and/or comminution.
(2) Aeration section.
(3) Final settling compartment.
(4) Sludge recirculation.
(5) Chlorination.
(6) Flow measurement.
(7) Test kit.
Any plant of this type shall at least meet the following criteria:
36-145
(1) Aeration time—18 to 24 hours based on design flow.
(2) Final Settling—3 to 6 hours based on design flow.
Any plant of this type shall be capable of producing an effluent

from the unit which will satisfy the following criteria:
(1) Maximum 5 day 20°C biochemical oxygen demand—35 mg/

1.
(2) Maximum suspended solids—30 mg/1.
(3) Chlorine residual after 15 minutes detention—0.5 mg/1.

Disposal of the effluent from this type of plant shall be in
one of the following manners:
(1) Cased well to salt water.
(2) Drain field in accordance with the criteria specified

herein-before.
(3) Lagoon with 1-3 days detention.
(4) Sand filter.
The request for approval of this type of plant shall include a

certification of design by an engineer recognized by the
Minister, manufacturer’s brochures, design information,
construction details, and operating instructions. Also, the
developer or owner shall specifically designate what person
shall be charged with the responsibility of operating and
maintaining the plant. Material of construction shall be
corrosion resistant and suitable for the characteristics of the
waste water being treated. Where high concentrations of
chlorides are present in the influent, or where brackish or
salt water flushing systems are used in the system, tanks shall
be precast concrete a minimum of 3" thick, or poured-in-place
a minimum of 6 inches thick. Steel tanks shall require special
approval.
3615.13 MINIMUM STANDARDS: Minimum standards for guidance to the

construction of small septic tanks, drainfields and disposal wells pertinent
to this section are included in Appendix B.
3615.14 SEPTIC TANK OPERATORS: Any person receiving a license from the
Minister of Health as a septic tank operator shall comply with the following
before any application for permits may be accepted or such permits issued:
36-146
(a) Maintain a vehicle equipped with a sewage-tight tank of not less
than 1,000 U.S. gallons capacity, equipped with suitable pumps and
at least 80 feet of three-inch-minimum diameter suction hose.
(b) Have at least the following centrifugal pump equipment: one two-
inch hose and one 10,000 U.S. gallon per hour centrifugal pump.
36-147
NOTES
36-148
SUB-INDEX

3616.1 Potable Water Supply Wells 36-131
(a) Permit Required 36-131
(b) Well Construction 36-131
(c) Development of Well 36-131
(d) Drawdown 36-131
(e) Access to Well 36-131
(f) Siting 36-131
(g) Disinfection 36-131
3616.2 Salt Water Supply Wells 36-131
3616.3 Disposal Wells 36-131
3616.4 Closed Well Systems 36-132
3616.5 Minimum Standards 36-132
3616.1 POTABLE WATER SUPPLY WELLS:

(a) PERMIT REQUIRED: A permit must be obtained from the Minister
of Health before any well is constructed. Written application shall
be made to the Minister of Health stating the proposed use, desired
rate of withdrawal, proposed construction features, exact
geographic location, elevation relative to mean sea level, and
additional data as may be required by the Minister of Health and
the Minister of Works. Design of potable water wells located in
known fresh water producing land areas shall be based on a
maximum withdrawal of 1200 U.S. gallons per acre per day. Current
and future Acts for Conservation of ground water as a natural
resource may require rejection of an application for a well. Periodic
renewal of a permit to operate a well will be required.
(b) WELL CONSTRUCTION: Supply wells for potable water may be

open drilled holes with surface concrete cap and drop pipes.
Casings will be required if natural rock formation is not sufficiently
stable to prevent cave-in of open bore holes.
(c) DEVELOPMENT OF WELL: Wells shall be developed and free of

all loose sand and sludge. The method of developing must be
approved to prevent salt water intrusion.
36-149
(d) DRAWDOWN: Draw down shall be a function of toe design of the
well.
(e) ACCESS TO WELL: A tee, of the same size as the drop-pipe, shall
be installed on the top of the well to allow for proper inspection,
introduction of disinfecting agents, and for measurements of depth
and static water level. In lieu of a be on the drop pipe other means
of access may be approved.
(f) SITING: Wells shall be so sited as to be free of danger of

contamination from unsafe water supply and shall be at least 50
feet from a septic tank, drainfield, soakage pit or disposal well and
of sufficient depth to preclude surface water contamination, and
provide constant supply of water.
(g) DISINFECTION: Before a new potable water supply well, or one

which has been repaired, is placed in use, it shall be disinfected in
accordance with the method approved by the Minister of Health
and shall be pumped clear of the disinfecting agent after disinfection
has been completed.
3616.2 SALT WATER SUPPLY WELLS: Wells for salt or brackish water shall be
cased as required for disposal wells. Salt water supply wells shall be
approved by the Minister of Health before a permit is issued. All data
required for supply wells in Sub-section 3616.1 shall be submitted for salt
water supply wells.
3616.3 DISPOSAL WELLS:

(a) A disposal well shall be drilled to a stratum yielding water having
a content of not less than 1500 P.P.M. of chloride iron. A disposal
well for septic tank effluent, waste water, or storm water, shall be
continuous, new, six (6) inches minimum size, cased hole drilled
to a depth to reach broken rock strata suitable for drainage i.e.
underground cavities of not less than 18 inches drop of the drilling
bit. Casings for disposal wells shall be standard-weight, schedule
40, wrought iron, or steel pipe with welded joints. The well shall
furnish upon a pump test not less than five hundred (500) U.S.
gallons per minute with a draw down not exceeding three (3) feet
from standing water level over a period of thirty (30) minutes. The
annular space between the casing and the bore hole shall be
continuously sealed with high strength cement grout. The method
of grouting shall be approved. A discharge well for an area drain,
rain water or roof water disposal shall be preceded by a settling
tank, of approved design and capacity.
(b) Disposal wells shall be approved by the Minister of Health before
36-150
a permit is issued. All data required for supply wells in Sub-section
3616.1 shall be submitted for disposal wells.
3616.4 CLOSED WELL SYSTEMS:

(a) Location of air conditioning supply wells shall be as distant as
practicable or as necessary from disposal wells to minimize cross-
circulation. Only salt water wells may be used for air conditioning
systems.
(b) Air conditioning supply wells shall be located not less than 25 feet
horizontally from a septic tank, drain field or soakage pit.
3616.5 MINIMUM STANDARDS: See drawings for supply and disposal wells in
Appendix B. These relate to single family residences only.
36-151
NOTES
36-152
SUB-INDEX

3617.1 Administrative 36-154
3617.2 Definitions 36-154
(a) Accessible 36-154
(b) Branch 36-155
(c) Cross-Connection 36-156
(d) Floor Drain 36-157
(e) Plumber Master 36-158
(f) Plumber Journeyman 36-158
(g) Private Sewer 36-159
(h) Stack Vent 36-161
(i) Water Main 36-162
3617.3 Application for Permits 36-162
3617.4 Multiple Dwellings 36-162
3617.5 Materials and Workmanship 36-162
3617.6 Existing Plumbing Systems 36-163
3617.7 Maintenance of Systems 36-163
3617.8 Insanitary Conditions 36-163
3617.9 Right of Entry 36-163
3617.10 Medium Plumbing Fixtures 36-163
3617.11 Waste or Soil Water Disposal 36-165
(a) Minimum Requirements 36-165
(b) Sewers and Drain 36-166
(c) Materials and Installation 36-168
(d) Ventilation of Sewers and Drains 36-169
(e) Septic Tanks-General 36-170
3617.12 Rainwater•Disposal 36-172
(b) Field Drains 36-172
(c) Gutters 36-173
(d) Rainwater Drain Lines 36-173
(e) Sizes of Rainwater Lines and Gutters 36-173
(f) Sizes of Outside Ground Surface
Storm Sewers 36-174
(g) Materials for Rainwater Conveyors 36-174
(h) Rainwater Storage Tanks 36-174
(i) Open Drains 36-175
(j) Ground Water Drains 36-175
(k) Soakaways 36-176
(l) Drainage Wells 36-176
3617.13 Water Supply Systems 36-176
(b) Fresh Water Wells 36-176
(c) Dual Water Systems 36-177
3617.14 Drainage Piping Test 36-178
36-153
3617.1 ADMINISTRATIVE: This Section is applicable to Small Buildings. The

purpose of this Section is to set forth general plumbing requirements for
small buildings such as one and two family dwellings, dry goods stores,
hardware shops, or other small, single storey structures not exceeding
2600 square feet in area where plumbing facilities consist of fewer than
eight fixtures. Buildings, regardless of size, such as restaurants, bars,
gasoline and diesel service stations involving other than conventional
plumbing fixtures shall be subject to all requirements of The Bahamas
Plumbing Code as defined in other Sections of this Code. Whether a pro-
posed building plumbing system is applicable to these regulations, or to
those of The Bahamas Plumbing Code shall be decided by the Buildings
Control Officer.
3617.2 DEFINITIONS: Wherein a definition set forth in this Section varies from a
definition set forth in other sections of the Building Code, the definition
set forth as follows shall be applicable only to the Plumbing Code for
Small Buildings.
ACCESSIBLE: Visible, unobstructed and within physical reach.
ACT: The Buildings Regulation Act 1971.
AIR GAP: An air gap in a water-supply system is the unobstructed vertical

distance through the free atmosphere between the lowest opening from
any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other
device and the flood level rim of the receptacle.
APPROVED: Approved means accepted under an applicable specification

stated or cited in this Code, or accepted as suitable for the proposed use
under procedures and powers of the Minister of Works and Minister of
Health.
AREA DRAIN: An area drain is a receptacle designed to collect surface or

rain water from an open area.
BACKFLOW: Backflow is the flow of water or other liquids, mixtures or

substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of water, and
any other fixture or appliance, from any source or sources other than its
intended path of flow. (See Back-siphonage.)
BACKFLOW CONNECTION: Backflow connection or condition is any

arrangement whereby backflow can occur.
36-154
BACKFLOW PREVENTER: A backflow preventer is a device or means to
prevent backflow into the potable water system.
BACK-SIPHONAGE: Back-siphonage is the flow of water or other liquids,

mixtures or substances into the distributing pipes of a potable supply of
water, or any other fixture, device, or appliance, from any sources other
than its intended path of flow, due to a negative or lower differential pres-
sure in such pipe.
BRANCH: A branch is any part of the piping system other than a main.
BRANCH, FIXTURE: See Fixture Branch.
BRANCH, HORIZONTAL: See Horizontal Branch.
BRANCH VENT: A branch vent is a vent connecting one or more

individual vents with a vent stack or stack vent.
BUILDING: A building is a structure built, erected, and framed of

component structural parts designed for the housing, shelter, enclosure,
or support of persons, animals, or property of any kind. For further
definition see The Act.
BUILDING DRAIN: The building (house) drain is that part of the lowest
horizontal soil piping of a building drainage system, including first floor
soil branches, exclusive of storm sewer, which receives the discharge from
soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and
conveys it to the building (house) sewer beginning five feet outside the
building wall.
BUILDING SEWER: The building (house) sewer is that part of the

horizontal piping of a drainage system which extends from the end of the
building drain and which receives the discharge of the building drain
and conveys it to a public sewer, approved by (private sewer, or indi-
vidual sewage disposal system).
BUILDING STORM DRAIN: A building (house) storm drain is a drain

used for conveying rain water, surface water, ground water, subsurface
water, condensate, cooling water, or other similar discharge to a building
storm sewer or a combined building sewer, extending to a point not less
than five feet outside the building wall.
BUILDING STORM SEWER: A building (house) storm sewer is the

extension from the building storm drain to the public storm sewer,
combined sewer, or other point of disposal.
36-155
BUILDING SUBDRAIN: A building (house) subdrain is that portion of a
drainage system which cannot drain by gravity into the building sewer.
CODE: The word “Plumbing Code” or “Code” when used alone shall
mean these regulations, subsequent amendments thereto, or any
emergency rule or regulation which may be lawfully adopted.
COMMON VENT: A common vent is a vent above the junction of two

fixture drains installed at the same level in a vertical stack and serving as
a vent for both fixture drains.
CONDUCTOR: A “Leader.” (Usually for rain water.)
CONTINUOUS WASTE: A continuous waste is a drain connecting the

compartments of a combination fixture to its trap or connecting other
permitted fixtures to a common trap.
CROSS-CONNECTION: A cross-connection is any physical connection

or arrangement between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of
which contains potable water and the other water of unknown or
questionable safety, or any other kind of matter, whether element,
compound or mixture, whereby water may flow from one system to the
other, the direction of flow depending on the pressure differential between
the two systems. (See Backflow and Back-siphonage.)
DEVELOPED LENGTH: The developed length of a pipe is length

measured along the centre line of the pipe and fittings.
DIAMETER: Unless specifically stated, the term “diameter” is the nominal

diameter as designated commercially.
DOWNSPOUT: A “Leader.” (Usually for rain water.)
DRAIN: A drain is any pipe which carries liquid, waste water or water
borne wastes to an approved point of disposal approved by the Buildings
Control Division, Department of Environmental Health, and the Water
and Sewerage Corporation.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM: A drainage system (drainage piping) includes all

the piping within public or private premises, which conveys sewage, rain
water, or other liquid wastes to a legal point of disposal approved by the
Buildings Control Division, the Department of Environmental Health, and
the Water and Sewerage Corporation, to ensure the legal point of dis-
posal is satisfactory to the public’s health.
36-156
DRAINAGE WELL: A drainage well, referred to in this Code is any cav-
ity, drilled driven or natural, which taps the under ground water and into
which surface waters; waste waters or industrial wastes are placed.
EFFECTIVE OPENING: The effective opening is the minimum cross-sec-

tional area at the point of water-supply discharge, measured or expressed
in terms of: the diameter of a circle of equivalent cross-sectional area. (This
is applicable to air gap.)
FIXTURE BRANCH: A fixture branch in a drainage system is the drain

from the trap of a fixture to the junction of that drain with a vent.
FIXTURE DRAIN: A fixture drain is the drain from the fixture branch to
the junction of that drain with any other drain pipe.
FIXTURE UNIT: A fixture unit is a design factor so chosen that the load-
producing values of the different plumbing fixtures can be expressed
approximately as multiples of that factor. For the purposes of this Code,
one fixture unit flow rate shall be deemed to be one cubic foot or 7.5 United
States gallons of water per minute.
FLOOD-LEVEL RIM: The flood-level rim is the top edge of the receptacle
from which water or other liquids overflow.
FLOOR DRAIN: A floor drain is an opening or receptacle located at

approximate floor level connected to a trap to receive the discharge from
indirect waste and floor drainage.
GALLONS: Gallons as used in this Code is a United States Gallon. One

cubic foot is equal to 7.5 U.S. Gallons, for purposes of this Code.
GRADE: Grade is the slope or fall of a line of pipe in reference to a

horizontal plane. In drainage it is usually expressed as the fall in a fraction
of an inch per foot length of pipe.
GUTTER: An open channel for carrying away rainwater or any other waste
that comes it’s path (example leaves).
HORIZONTAL PIPE: Horizontal pipe means any pipe or fitting which

makes an angle or more than 45 degrees with the vertical.
HORIZONTAL BRANCH: A horizontal branch is a drain pipe extending

laterally from a soil or waste stack or building drain, with or without
vertical sections or branches, which receives the discharge from one or
more fixture drains and conducts it to the soil or waste stack or to the
building (house) drain.
36-157
INDIRECT WASTE: An indirect waste pipe is a pipe that conveys liquid
wastes (other than body wastes) by discharging them into an open
plumbing fixture or receptacle, the overflow point of which is at a lower
elevation than the item drained and which is properly connected to the
drainage system, soakage pit or discharge well.
INSANITARY: Contrary to sanitary principles — injurious to health.
LEADER: A leader (downspout) is the vertical water conductor from the

roof to the building storm drain, combined building sewer, or other means
of disposal.
LIQUID WASTE: Liquid waste is the discharge from any fixture, appliance,
or appurtenance, in connection with a plumbing system which does not
receive body waste.
MANHOLE (OR CLEANOUT): Means any chamber or opening

constructed on a sewer or drain to provide access for inspection and
cleaning.
MAY: The word “may” is a permissive term.
OPEN AIR: Means the air over a street, yard or other open space.
PERSON: Person is a natural person, his heirs, executors, administrators

or assigns; and includes a firm, partnership or corporation, its or their
successors or assigns. Singular includes plural; male includes female.
PITCH: “Grade.”
PLUMBER—MASTER: A Master Plumber is a person at least 25 years of

age holding a Certificate of Competency issued by the Minister to engage
in plumbing work in all its branches and aspects. For further definition
and interpretation see The Act and Rules.
PLUMBER—LICENCED: A Licensed Plumber is a person who, on or

before the 31st day of December, 1969, had passed the Bahamas Licenced
Plumbers Examination of the Ministry of Works. A Licenced Plumber
holding a Certificate of Competency issued by the Minister is entitled to
engage in plumbing work in all its branches and aspects. For further
definition and interpretation see the Act and Rules.
PLUMBER—JOURNEYMAN: A Journeyman Plumber is a person at least

21 years of age holding a Certificate of Competency issued by the Minister
to engage in the business of a plumbing contractor in respect of only of
such building operations as may be specified in the “Small Buildings”
36-158
part of the Code. A Journeyman Plumber may engage in the physical or
mechanical execution of plumbing work in all its branches and aspects
only under the supervision and responsibility of Master Plumbers and or
Licenced Plumbers holding current Certificates of Competency issued by
the Minister. For further definition and interpretation see the Act end Rules
PLUMBER-JOURNEYMAN (RESTRICTED): A Journeyman Plumber (Re-

stricted) is a person who on, or before, the 31st day of March, 1974 had
passed a qualifying examination set by the Ministry of Works. A
Journeyman Plumber (Restricted) holding a Certificate of Competency
issued by the Minister may engage in plumbing work as a journeyman
plumber (as set out above) in the island, or district, for which his Certificate
is restricted.
PLUMBING FIXTURES: Plumbing fixtures are receptacles, devices, or

appliances which are supplied with water or which receive or discharge
liquids or liquid borne wastes, with or without discharge into the drainage
system with which they may be directly or indirectly connected.
PLUMBING SYSTEM: The plumbing system under the jurisdiction of the

Small Buildings Plumbing Code, includes the drainage system; water-
supply and water-supply distribution pipes; plumbing fixtures and traps;
soil, waste, and vent pipes; building drains and building sewers; building
storm drains and building storm sewers; liquid waste piping, and
appliances and appurtenances; including their respective connections and
devices, with the private property limits of the premises, and water and
sewer-treating or water and sewer-using equipment approved by the
Buildings Control Officer, the Department of Environmental Health, and
the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
POTABLE WATER: Potable water is water which is satisfactory for

drinking, culinary and domestic purposes, and meets the requirements
of the Minister of Health.
PRIVATE PROPERTY: Private property for the purpose of this Code shall
mean all property except streets or roads dedicated to the public and
easements (excluding easements between private parties). (See definition
of Plumbing.)
PRIVATE OR PRIVATE USE: In the classification of plumbing fixtures private

applies to fixtures in residences and apartments and to fixtures in private
bathrooms of similar installations where the fixtures are intended for the
use of a family or an individual example: toilets, tubs, lavatories etc.
PRIVATE SEWER: A private sewer is a sewer privately owned and not

directly controlled by public authority.
36-159
PUBLIC SEWER: A public sewer is a common sewer directly controlled
by Government.
RIM: For the purpose of this Code a rim is an unobstructed open edge at
the overflow point of a fixture.
ROCK DRAINFIELD: Three-quarter inch drainfield rock 100 percent pass-

ing a one inch screen and a maximum of ten percent passing a one-half
inch screen.
ROOF-DRAIN: A roof drain is an outlet installed to receive water collecting

on the surface of a roof and to discharge it into the leader (downspout).
ROUGHING-IN: Roughing-in is the installation of all parts of the

plumbing system which can be completed prior to the installation of
fixtures. This includes drainage, water-supply, and vent piping, and the
necessary fixture supports.
SANITARY SEWER: A sanitary sewer is a pipe which carries sewage and

excludes storm, surface and ground water.
SECOND HAND: Second hand as applied to material or plumbing

equipment is that which has been installed, and has been used or removed.
SEPTIC TANK: A septic tank is a watertight receptacle which receives the

discharge of a drainage system or part thereof, and is designed and
constructed so as to separate solids from the liquid, digest organic matter
through a period of detention, and allow the liquids of discharge into the
soil outside of the tank through a subsurface system of open-joint or
perforated piping, or other approved methods.
SEWAGE: Sewage is any liquid waste containing animal, mineral or

vegetable matter in suspension or solution, and may include liquids
containing chemicals in solution.
SHALL: The word “shall” is a mandatory term.
SOIL WATER: Soil water is waste water which contains human or animal
excretions.
SOAKAWAY: A pit or channel suitably prepared to receive water for

seepage into the surrounding ground.
SOIL PIPE: A soil pipe is any pipe which conveys the discharge of water
closets or fixtures having similar function, with or without the discharge
from other fixtures, to the building drain or building sewer.
36-160
STACK: A stack is the vertical pipe of a system of soil, waste, or vent
piping.
STACK VENT: A stack vent (sometimes called a waste vent or soil vent) is
the extension of a soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain
connected to the stack.
STORM DRAIN: See Building Storm Drains.
STORM SEWER: A storm sewer is a sewer used for conveying rain water
and/or surface water.
SUBSURFACE DRAIN: A subsurface drain is a drain which receives only

subsurface or seepage water and conveys it to a place of disposal.
SUPPORTS: Supports, hangers, and anchors are devices for supporting

and securing pipe and fixtures to walls, ceilings, floors, or structural
members.
SUPPLY WELL: Any artificial opening in the ground designed to conduct

water from a source bed through the surface when water from such well
is used for public, semi-public or private use.
TRAP: A trap is a fitting or device so designed and constructed as to

provide a liquid seal which will prevent the back passage of air without
materially affecting the flow of sewage or waste water through it.
TRAP SEAL: The trap seal is the maximum vertical depth of liquid that a
trap will retain, measured between the crown weir and the top of the dip
of the trap.
VACUUM BREAKER: See Backflow preventer.
VENT STACK: A vent stack is a vertical vent pipe installed primarily for
the purpose of providing circulation of air to and from any part of the
drainage system.
VENT SYSTEM: A vent system is a pipe or pipes installed to provide a

flow of air to or from a drainage system or to provide a circulation of air
within such system.
VERTICAL PIPE: A vertical pipe is any pipe or fitting which is installed in

a vertical position or which makes an angle of not more than 45 degrees
with the vertical.
36-161
WASTE WATER: Waste water is water which does not contain human or
animal excretions.
WASTE PIPE: A waste pipe is any pipe which receives the discharge of
any fixture, except water closets or fixtures having similar functions and
conveys it to the building drain or to the soil or waste stack.WATER-DIS-
TRIBUTING PIPE: A water-distributing pipe in a building or premises is
a pipe which conveys water from the water-service pipe to the plumbing
fixtures, appliances and other water outlets.
WATER MAIN: The water (street) main is a water supply pipe for public
or community use.
WATER OUTLET: A water outlet, as used in connection with the water-

distributing system, is the discharge opening for the water; (1) to a fixture;
(2) to atmospheric pressure (except into an open tank which is part of the
water-supply system); (3) to any water-operated device or equipment
requiring water to operate.
WATER SERVICE PIPE: The water-service pipe is the pipe from the water
main or other source of water supply to the building served.
WATER-SUPPLY SYSTEM: The water-supply system of a building or

premises consists of the water-service pipe, the water-distributing pipes,
standpipe system and the necessary connecting pipes, fittings, control
valves, and all appurtenances in or on private property.
WET VENT: A wet vent is a waste pipe which serves to vent and convey
waste from fixtures other than water closets.
3617.3 APPLICATION FOR PERMITS: Every application for a permit to install

plumbing in a new or existing small building shall be on the prescribed
form and shall show all the particulars required on that form. No plumbing
work shall be started until a plumbing permit is issued. Applications for
inspection at certain stages of the work and for permission to occupy and
use the building shall be on the prescribed forms furnished by the Ministry
of Works.
3617.4 MULTIPLE DWELLINGS: Where more than five dwellings are to be

developed, or constructed on one property, such dwellings and their means
for water supply and sewage disposal shall be erected in compliance with
the full requirements of the Bahamas Plumbing Code.
3617.5 MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP: All materials and workmanship

shall be to the satisfaction of the Buildings Control Officer. New plumbing
or drainage systems or parts thereof, or additions alterations, repairs or
36-162
changes to existing plumbing or drainage installations or fixtures or ap-
pliances shall conform to the requirements of this Plumbing Code.
3617.6 EXISTING PLUMBING SYSTEMS: Nothing contained in this Code shall

be deemed to require any plumbing or drainage system or part thereof,
or any other work regulated by this Code, to be altered, changed, recon-
structed, removed or demolished if such work was installed in accord-
ance with all applicable laws in effect prior to the date this Code became
effective except when any such plumbing or drainage system or other
work regulated by this Code is dangerous, unsafe, insanitary or a menace
to life, health, or property, in the opinion of the Minister of Works and
Minister of Health.
3617.7 MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS: All installations regulated by this Code

shall be maintained and executed in such a manner as not to constitute a
nuisance or to threaten or impair the health of any individual or the public
in general.
3617.8 INSANITARY CONDITIONS: It shall be unlawful for any person, firm,

or corporation, whether owner or agent of owner, to create, keep, cause,
maintain, propagate or permit the existence of an insanitary condition.
The Minister of Health shall have the power to abate any violation of this
Code by the issuance of a notice in writing, to correct and/or eliminate
the violation within a reasonable length of time.
3617.9 RIGHT OF ENTRY: Upon presentation of proper credentials, duly

authorized representatives of the Minister of Health or the Minister of
Works may enter, at any reasonable time, any building, structure or
premises for the purpose of inspection or to prevent violations of the
Plumbing Code. Representatives from these Ministries may enter
singularly, or jointly this entire section needs to be publicised, newspa-
per, radio and t.v.
3617.10 MEDIUM PLUMBING FIXTURES:

(a) RESIDENCES: Every small home for private use, shall be provided
with sanitary facilities as deemed necessary by the Enforcing
Authority. Where any plumbing installation is proposed to be
installed in a new residence the minimum facilities shall be a water
closet, a shower or tub, a lavatory, and a kitchen sink. See typical
pipe drawings or isometric for acceptable layouts in Appendix B
to the Code.
(1) Kitchen Sink: Every kitchen shall be provided with a sink

which measures on the inside not less than 15 inches by 14
inches by 6 1/2 inches deep, with a draining board fixed on
one side of the sink and having an area of not less than three
square feet.
36-163
(2) Sinks shall be of fireclay, porcelain enamelled cast iron, por-
celain enamelled pressed steel or stainless steel, or fibre-glass,
and be provided with a 1 1/2 waste outlet.
(3) Draining boards shall have an upper surface of cast iron

enamelled with porcelain, fireclay, plastics pressed steel sheet
enamelled with porcelain, stainless steel hard-wood, or monel
metal and shall be securely mounted.
(4) Every bathroom shall contain either a bath of rectangular or

tub pattern at least 4 ft. 6 in. long overall, or a 5" high curbed
shower bath fabricated or smooth, impervious materials, and
not less than 30 inches minimum sides.
(5) Any shower bath provided shall be equipped with a spray

operated (where hot water is provided) by a suitable mixing
shower valve, or a single shower valve for cold water only.
(6) Every bathroom shall contain a lavatory not less than 14 in.
by 9 in. internal dimensions.
(7) Where deemed necessary by the Minister of Health each small

house shall be provided with a water-flushed closet, of
conventional design.
(8) Every bath, shower bath, lavatory and sink shall have a piped
supply of water with tap or spray outlet, installed in an
approved manner to prevent contamination of the water
supply system.
(9) In every kitchen sink there shall be a clearance of at least 12

inches between the outlet at the tap supplying water to the
sink and the bottom of the inside of the sink, unless other-
wise approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
(b) SMALL BUILDINGS: Plumbing fixtures shall be provided in small,

light-commercial buildings in accordance with the following table.
MINIMUM FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS - GENERAL

(Applicable to factories, stores, office buildings, places of employ-
ment not serving food or drink, and residential)
36-164
NOTES:
(1) Wash-up sinks may be substituted for lavatories where type of
employment would warrant.
(2) Provide one drinking fountain within 50 feet of all operational

processes.
(3) Shower shall be provided for each 15 persons subject to excess

heat or to contamination, infections or irritating material
(4) Where no more than 5 persons of both sexes are employed toilet
facilities may consist of tone water closet end one lavatory for bath
sexes.
(5) Water-closet bowls for public use shall be equipped with open frost
seats.
(c) PROHIBITED FIXTURES AND CONNECTIONS: Water closets

having an invisible seal or an unventilated space or having walls
which are not thoroughly washed at each discharge, shall be
prohibited. Any water closet which might permit siphonage of the
contents of the bowl back into the tank shall be prohibited. Through
urinals are prohibited except for temporary use during construction.
3617.11 WASTE OR SOIL WATER DISPOSAL:

(a) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
(1) Every small building shall be provided with an adequate and
hygienic system for the disposal of soil or waste water.
(2) Every house sewer shall be connected to a public sewer if

one exists at a suitable level and with in a reasonable distance
from the building.
(3) Where access to a public sewer is not reasonably practicable,

soil or waste water shall be conveyed by a drain to a septic
tank.
(4) Effluent from a septic tank shall be conveyed by a sewer to a

soakaway pit, drainfield, or disposal well. See minimum
standards in Appendix B.
(5) No sewer shall be connected to a public storm or surface

drain.
36-165
(b) SEWERS AND DRAINS:
(1) Where a sewer from a small building is to be connected to a
public sewer the licensed plumber or the owner of the
building shall complete the work as prescribed in the Act
and Rules.
(2) Every sewer and every drain shall be sized in accordance

with the following. Fixture unit values as given in the Table
designate the relative load weight of different kinds of fixtures
which shall be employed in estimating the total load carried
by a soil or waste pipe and shall be used in connection with
the tables of sizes for soil, waste, and drain pipes for which
the permissible load is given in terms of fixture units.
(3) The Minister of Works shall make the connection as soon as

practicable after payment of the connection charge.
(4) The above procedures shall be followed where a drain from

a small building is to be connected to a public drain or sewer.
FIXTURE UNITS PER FIXTURE

Fixture Type Fixture Unit Min. Size
Value as Of Trap
Load Factors Inches
Bathtub (with or without overhead shower) 2 1 1/2
Bidet 2 1 1/2
Drinking Fountain 1/2 1 1/4
Dishwasher domestic 2 1 1/2
Floor Drains 3 3 or 4
Lavatory 1 Small P.O. 1 1/4
Lavatory 2 Large P.O. 1 1/2
Lavatory (barber, beauty parlor) 2 1 1/2
Laundry tray (1 or 2 compartments) 2 1 1/2
Shower stall, domestic 2 2
Combination sink-and-tray 3 Nominal 1 1/2
Combination sink-and-tray with food disposal
units 3 1 1/2
Kitchen sink, domestic 2 1 1/2
Kitchen sink, domestic with food waste grinder 3 1 1/2
Service sinks, combination trap standard 3 3 or 4
Service sink (P Trap ordinary) 2 2
Wash sink, (circular or Multiple) each set of
faucets 1 1 1/2
Urinal, wall 4 2
Urinal stall, washout 4 2
Water closet, tank-operated 4 Nominal 3
Water closet, valve-operated 8 Nominal 3
Automatic dish washer (domestic) 2 1 1/2
Automatic clothes washer 4 1 1/2
36-166
GRAVITY BUILDING DRAINS, SEWERS AND HORIZONTAL
BRANCHES
NOTES:
(l) Two fixtures having integral traps requiring three or four inch
waste connection may be installed on a 3" line in residential
buildings only.
(2) Size of building sewers shall be a minimum of 4 inches with

the exception that if connected to a septic tank and if the
developed length measured along the pipe and fittings from
the exterior of the building wall to the septic tank does not
exceed 10 feet, the building sewer may be sized the same as
the building drain.
The required sizes of vertical soil or waste stacks shall be
independently determined by the total fixture units of all fix-
tures connected to the stack in accordance with the follow-
ing table.
SIZE OF VERTICAL SOIL OR WASTE STACKS
NOTES:
(1) No kitchen sinks or other sinks receiving greasy wastes
shall be installed in a waste stack less than 2" in diam-
eter. No pump discharge fixtures shall be installed on
a cross less than 2 1/2" stack diameter. Domestic food
grinders and domestic dish washing machines shall
not be considered as pump discharge fixtures.
36-167
(2) No water closet shall discharge into a stack less than
three inches in diameter. No more than two water
closets shall discharge into a three inch stack at the same
point.
(3) No soil or waste stack shall be smaller than the largest

horizontal branch connected thereto except that a 3"x
4” one quarter bend connected to a water closet outlet
shall not be considered as a reduction in pipe size.
(c) MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION:

(1) Drain lines under a floor slab shall be cast iron, copper, or
Schedule 80 P.V.C. P.V.C. pipes shall be encased in a 6 inch
envelope of concrete at each change in direction greater than
45°.
(2) Sewer or drain pipes not under a floor slab shall be of

concrete, salt glazed ware, cast iron, Schedule 40 Polyvinyl
Chloride Plastic P.V.C. or pitch fibre, and, in the case of pitch
fibre or P.V.C. pipes they shall be bedded in sand and topped
with sand.
(3) Pipes shall be laid at gradients not flatter than 1/8" per ft.
(4) Where the pipes are not made of metal and the top of the
barrel is shallower then 3 ft. 0 in. under roads which could
be used by motor vehicles, such pipes shall be protected ei-
ther by reinforced concrete slabs or by strengthening the pipe
with concrete.
(5) Trenches wherever possible at the level of the top of the pipe
shall not be more than 12 in. wider than the outside diameter
of the pipe collars hubs or joints. Trenches for non-metallic
lines shall be excavated at least 4 in. below the underside of
the pipe and this space refilled with well-compacted fill, free
from large rocks or boulders. After pipelaying the trench shall
be refilled up to the level of the middle of the pipes with fill
free from large rocks or boulders, carefully compacted. From
this level to a height of 12 in. above the top of the pipes the
trench shall be refilled with fill carefully compacted by hand
in layers of not more than 6 inches.
(6) Where slabs are used to protect a shallow pipeline they shall
be made of reinforced concrete, the thickness and
reinforcement being decided by the Buildings Control Officer,
supported on unexcavated ground on each side of the trench;
36-168
and set with the underside of the slabs not less than 2 in.
above the tops of the pipe collars.
(7) All fittings or joints shall form a smooth bore with no ob-
struction to flow.
(8) A manhole or cleanout plug shall be provided at each point

where there is a change in direction greater than 90°, and at
no more than 50 ft. spacing when inside a building and 75 ft.
spacing when outside of a building.
(9) Where cleanout plugs are installed in horizontal underground

lines outside the building, they shall be encircled with a 12
inch diameter concrete marker for protection and ready
visibility.
(10) Every manhole or cleanout shall permit ready access to the

pipe for inspection and cleaning purposes, shall be of
sufficient strength, water-tightness, and in the case of
manholes, shall have suitable channels and doping benchings
for smooth flow.
(11) Where a pipe passes through the wall it shall not have any
joint within the thickness of the wall. Exterior walls shall not
be chased to greater than 1/3 their thickness. No chasing
whatsoever is permitted in any structural member unless part
of a specific design and no chasing is permitted in any belt
beam or tie column.
(12) All pipes shall be suitably supported and attached to the

building so as to permit movement. All pipes shall be so
placed as to be reasonably accessible for maintenance and
provided with such means of access as are necessary for
internal cleaning to take place.
(13) Access panels shall be provided to repair or replace all tub

waste and overflow fittings.
(d) VENTILATION OF SEWERS AND DRAINS:

(1) Every sewer or section of a sewer shall be ventilated as near
as is practicable to its highest part.
(2) No sewer shall be extended to the open air except through

an approved vent.
(3) Ventilation of a sewer shall be through a soil pipe, a soil-

waste pipe or other approved vent.
36-169
(4) There shall be an easily accessible two inch deep trap be-
tween every sanitary appliance and the sewer through which
the effluent from the sanitary appliance is conveyed; this trap
may be an integral part of the appliance.
(5) Ventilation of fixtures shall conform to the drainage and vent

diagrams in Appendix B. Every water closet shall be served
by a minimum size 2" vent.
(6) Every system of ventilation pipes shall prevent, under

working conditions, the destruction of the water seal in any
trap.
(7) Ventilation pipes shall be taken up to a point above the level

of the eaves or 10 inches above a flat roof and in no case not
less than 3 ft. above the head of any window within a
horizontal distance of 10 ft. from the ventilation pipe.
(8) For each building having a single building sewer receiving

the discharge of a water closet there shall be at least one vent
stack, extending above the building roof no less than three
or four inches in diameter.
(9) Vents in small buildings shall be sized in accordance with

the following Table.
SIZES OF VENT PIPING
(e) SEPTIC TANKS-GENERAL: Septic tanks shall be constructed of

poured in place concrete, or of precast concrete or other impervi-
ous materials as approved by the Minister of Health.
(1) Poured in place concrete septic tank disposal systems for

residences shall be sized and constructed in accordance with
minimum standards as shown in Appendix B. Septic tank
disposal systems for small commercial buildings shall be
sized as required by the Minister of Health for the particular
type of business or occupancy.
36-170
(2) Adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent the entry of
surface, tidal, or flood water or the entry of mosquitoes or
other insects.
(3) Septic tanks shall be of the double chamber type.
(4) All dimensions shall be adequate depending on the intended

service. The depth of liquid in it shall be at least 5 ft. and the
length of the tank should be about 2 1/2 times the width.
(5) Inlets and outlets shall be of T junction pipes, open at the

top, with the invert of the outlet pipe 3 in. below the level of
the invert of the inlet pipe. These pipes may be made of cast
iron, pitch fibre, salt glazed ware, concrete, or P.V.C. plastic.
(6) The floor shall be of concrete at least 6 in. thick. The walls
shall be of concrete, plain or reinforced as approved by the
Buildings Control Officer and at least 4 in. thick. The covering
slab shall be of reinforced concrete, either precast or cast in
place. Where precast slabs are used they shall be readily
removable to provide access. Where a cast-in place slab is
used it shall have an access opening at least 20 in. by 20 in.
with a metal cover or a concrete cover slab over it.
(7) There shall be at least 12 in. clear between the top of the liquid
and the underside of the slab.
(8) All inside surfaces shall be rendered smooth with mortar mix.
(9) Pre-cast concrete septic tanks or septic tanks of other

impervious materials shall not be installed unless they are of
a type approved by the Minister of Health.
(10) The siting of septic tanks, soakaway pits, drainage wells, and
drainfields shall be such that no insanitary condition,
nuisance or hazard to fresh water supply occurs.
(11) A minimum distance of 6 ft. shall be maintained from a dwell-
ing house, public building or any habitable structure, or the
boundary of the property.

water storage tank.

fresh water supply, well or spring.
(14) The siting, construction or method of construction shall not

pollute any water storage tank, well or spring.
36-171
3617.12 RAINWATER • DISPOSAL:
(1) Adequate means should be provided for the collection and

disposal of any rain water which may fall on a small building
so as to prevent any dampness in, or damage to, any building.
(2) Rain water may be either collected on roofs and conveyed to

storage tanks or connected to drains which lead to public
drains, soakaways, or storm drains. Recommended sizes of
rain water storage tanks are shown in Appendix B. Rainwa-
ter storage tanks are strongly recommended for any small
building, however installation is not mandatory. Further in-
formation on the sizing of rainwater tanks is given in
Appendix E.
(3) Rainwater may be allowed to fall from the roof on to an open

drain or a filled drain leading to a soakaway or to a public
open drain, where permitted.
(4) Rain water shall be discharged on to a public highway, or

into a public sanitary sewer.
(5) Where approved by the Minister of Works, rain water may

discharge to an open pervious area within the limits of the
property.
(6) Where approved by the Minister of Works rain water may

discharge to a drainage well to salt water.
(b) FIELD DRAINS:

(1) Field drains for collecting rain water from a roof shall be
provided so that the side of the drain nearer the building
will catch drops falling from the eaves, and the width of the
drain shall be sufficient for the outer side of the drain to catch
the runoff from the eaves during periods of heavy rainfall.
The width of the drain shall in no case be less than 30 inches.
(2) FIELD DRAINS: Field drains may be used which consist of a

trench filled with clinker, rubble, broken stone or other coarse
material of 3 in. gauge at the bottom of the trench graded to
finer material at the top. The length of each trench shall be
decided by the Buildings Control Officer.
36-172
(c) GUTTERS:
(1) Every enclosed roof, parapet gutter and valley gutter shall
be provided with adequate outlets.
(2) Every gutter and channel provided for collecting or convey-

ing rain water from roofs, canopies or balconies shall be made
of durable materials with suitable watertight joints; and shall
be of adequate size, securely attached to the building, and
provided with adequate outlets.
(d) RAINWATER DRAIN LINES:

(1) Every rain water pipe shall be made of durable materials
with suitable joints; and shall be of adequate size; be securely
attached to the building; and shall discharge over a lower
roof, over an open drain, over a gutter leading to a drain, to
a public drain where this is permitted by the Minister of
Works, or to a rainwater storage tank.
(2) No rain water pipe shall also be used for soil water or waste
water, or as a ventilating pipe.
(3) No rain water pipe shall discharge on to a public highway,

public footway, sidewalk, or path or onto another persons
property.
(e) SIZES OF RAINWATER LINES AND GUTTERS: The required sizes

of storm water drains and gutters for roofs shall be determined on
the basis of the total drained area.
SIZE OF RAINWATER DRAINS, VERTICAL LEADERS AND

GUTTERS
MAXIMUM ROOF AREA (Square Feet)
NOTE: The size in this table are for the building only.
36-173
(f) SIZES OF OUTSIDE GROUND SURFACE STORM SEWERS: The
required size of lines removing exterior surface drainage shall be
in accordance with the following table
MINIMUM PIPE SIZES AND SLOPES FOR GROUND SUR-

FACE STORM SEWERS
(g) MATERIALS FOR RAINWATER CONVEYORS: Acceptable Ma-

terials for rainwater lines are aluminum, copper, cast iron, galva-
nized steel, wrought zinc, or plastics. Gutters made of plastics shall
be supported not more than 3 ft. apart; supports for gutters made
of other materials shall not be more than 6 ft. apart.
(h) RAINWATER STORAGE TANKS:

(1) Every rain water storage tank shall be made of durable ma-
terials, be watertight and be of a capacity approved by the
Minister of Works and Minister of Health. Tanks shall be
provided with an overflow pipe, the end of which is cov-
ered with mosquito gauze and discharges over an open drain
or a gutter to a drain. All storage tanks shall be covered and
provided with means of access for internal cleansing. All stor-
age tanks shall be properly sited relative to the building or
sources of contamination. See drawing for Minimum Stand-
ards for Rainwater Storage Tanks in Appendix B.
(2) Any draw-off tap or the end of any suction pipe shall be not
less than 3 inches above the bottom of the tank.
(3) Pipes conveying rain water to a tank the top of which is above
ground level shall discharge in the open air over an inlet
which is covered with mosquito gauze.
(4) All pipes connected to a tank which is wholly below

groundlevel shall be of metal and the joint between any pipe
and the tank shall be watertight.
36-174
(5) Each rain water storage tank shall require a building permit.
(6) All tanks which are wholly above ground shall be made of
treated wood, Galv. mild steel, concrete, or other approved
materials.
(7) Tanks which are wholly or partly below ground level shall
be made of burnt brick in mortar mix, or concrete, in such a
manner as to be impervious. All inside surfaces shall be
rendered with mortar mix with all internal corners rounded
to facilitate cleaning.
(8) The external surfaces of any metal used underground shall

be galvanized or suitably painted.
(9) Tanks shall be a minimum of 12 ft. from any source of

contamination.
(10) NO SEWERS OR DRAINS SHALL PASS OVER OR

THROUGH A TANK.
(i) OPEN DRAINS:

(1) Open drains shall be bricks laid in mortar mix, concrete slab
1 1/2 in. thick, concrete inverts made of concrete, cast in place
concrete, or any two of the items preceding in combinations.
(2) Covers where required shall be reinforced concrete slabs, and

shall be fixed or anchored where required by the Buildings
Control Officer.
(j) GROUND WATER DRAINS:

(1) Groundwater drains for subsurface drainage shall be either
pipe drains with open joints or Field drains as decided by
the Minister of Works.
(2) Pipes for groundwater drains shall be of any durable material,

porous or otherwise, and shall be at least 2 1/2 inches internal
diameter.
(3) Pipes shall be laid with open joints to line and gradient, and
shall be not less than 1 ft. 6 in. deep to invert. They may have
saw cuts or holes in the lowest third of the pipe spaced not
more than 12 in. apart.
(4) The width of the trench shall not exceed the external diam-
eter of the pipe by more than 6 in.
36-175
(5) After laying the pipes they shall be covered with a layer at
least 3 in. thick of stone, gravel, broken brick or rubble to
prevent silt entering the joints. Trench refilling shall be done
with care to prevent displacement of the pipes.
(k) SOAKAWAYS:
(1) Soakaways shall be of either the bore well pit or the field
type and conform to the details in Appendix B.
(2) No part of a soakaway shall be within 6 ft. of a small build-

ing.
(3) Soakaway pits shall be constructed as shown in Appendix B.
(4) A field soakaway shall be not less than 20 ft. long, 1 ft. 3 in.
wide and 2 ft. 0 in. deep.
(l) DRAINAGE WELLS:

(1) Drainage or disposal wells where permitted, shall be installed
in a manner to prevent contamination of the fresh water, as
shown in Appendix B and as required in Section 3616, SUP-
PLY AND DISPOSAL WELLS.
(2) Any drainage well shall be carried to the cavernous area.
(3) Approval of the proposed installation shall have been re-

ceived from the Minister of Health.
(4) A permit shall have been issued by the Minister of Health.
3617.13 WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS:

(1) Every small building with plumbing fixtures shall have an
approved water supply.
(2) The flow capacity, flowing pressure and overall design of

the system shall be sufficient to properly operate all installed
sanitary fixtures.
(3) All water systems shall be designed, and installed, to pre-

vent undue waste, undue consumption, misuse, or contami-
nation, whether from public or private source.
(b) FRESH WATER WELLS: A fresh water well supply system to serve
a small building shall be a type, and in a location approved by the
Minister of Health.
36-176
(1) A fresh water well shall be at least 50 ft. from a septic tank,
drainfield, or soakaway.
(2) The maximum flow rate, and the method and details of in-
stallation shall be approved by the Minister of Health.
(3) A permit shall be received from the Minister of Health.
(4) All wells shall be tested. All well water intended for dietetic
use shall be potable water. Treatment facilities shall be
installed to the satisfaction of the Minister of Health.
(5) Any emergency, connection between a public water supply

and a well water supply shall be installed in a manner so as
to prevent cross-flow of the two supplies, as directed by the
Minister of Works.
(c) DUAL WATER SYSTEMS: A dual system of freshwater to serve
lavatories, sinks and showers, and collect and re-use waste water
or rainwater, for flushing water closets and urinals, in a small
building, shall be a type approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
(1) All pipes in a dual system both where concealed and exposed,
shall be colour coded as directed by the Buildings Control
Officer to clearly show which pipes are for freshwater and
which are for waste water.
(2) There shall be no actual physical connection whatever,

between freshwater piping and waste water, flushing pip-
ing.
(3) The freshwater supply portion of the dual system shall com-
ply with all requirements for public or well water supply
systems.
(4) Where either a freshwater storage tank and/or rainwater

storage tank are installed, they shall be separated by not less
than 12 ft., if underground, and 2 feet, if aboveground, from
a tank for collection and/or storage of waste water. No
common wall, between fresh storage and waste water storage
tanks, will be permitted.
(5) A water supply system, in a small building, installed to

plumbing fixtures from a rainwater storage tank shall be a
type approved by the Buildings Control Officer.
(6) Where a rainwater storage tank is to be used, the collection

surfaces of the roof, or other collecting areas, shall not be
painted with any injurious, or toxic substance.
36-177
(7) The rainwater storage system may be supplemented by a well
system, provided the installation complies with the
requirements for protection from sources of contamination.
(8) The rainwater storage system may be in combination with a

waste water flushing system provided the installation
complies with the requirements for protection from
contamination of freshwater systems.
(9) There shall be no actual physical connection whatever

between a public water supply and the rainwater storage
system, except that an approved float valve connection from
a public supply through a 6 inch air gap may be permitted
for use as a supplemental supply to the storage tank.
(10) A building permit will be required prior to construction of a

rainwater storage tank.
(11) A brackish water supply system to serve a small building

may be installed and shall be a type approved by the Minister
of Works.
(12) A brackish water supply shall be considered to be the same

as waste water and shall be installed in accordance with all
requirements for protection of the freshwater supply system.
(13) A brackish water supply well shall not be sited within the
boundaries of a Public Freshwater Supply Area; except with
the approval of the Minister of Health, and the Minister of
Works.
3617.14 DRAINAGE PIPING TEST: PART I —Alternative tests for drains which
are to carry no soil or sewage water.
TEST 1: The drain or section thereof to be tested shall be suitably plugged

and filled with water at a pressure equivalent to a head of 2 feet of water
at the highest part of the drain or section under test. The test shall be so
arranged that a pressure of 3.4 pounds per square inch (equivalent to a
head of 8 feet of water) is not exceeded at any point in the drain or section
under test. After sufficient time has elapsed to permit the absorption of
water by the pipes, joints and fittings the pressure shall be restored to that
equivalent to a minimum head of 2 feet of water.
This test shall be satisfied if the drain thereafter maintains that pressure
for a period of at least 10 minutes.
36-178
TEST 2: At the option of the BCO, the drain or section thereof to be tested
shall be suitably plugged and filled with air (with or without smoke) at a
pressure equivalent to a head of 2 inches of water (.07 pounds per square
inch).
This test shall be satisfied if the drain for 5 minutes thereafter maintains a
pressure equivalent to a head of at least 1 1/2 inches of water. (.054 pounds
per square inch.)
PART II—Alternative tests for drains to carry soil or sewage water.
TEST 3: The drain or section thereof to be tested shall be suitably plugged

and filled with water at a pressure equivalent to a head of 5 feet of water
at the highest part of the drain or section under test. The test shall be so
arranged that a pressure of 3.4 pounds per square inch (equivalent to a
head of 8 feet of water) is not exceeded at any point in the drain or section
under test. After sufficient time has elapsed to permit the absorption of
water by the pipes, joints and fittings the pressure shall be restored to that
equivalent to a minimum head of 2 feet of water.
This test shall be satisfied if the drain thereafter maintains that pressure
for a period of at least 10 minutes.
TEST 4: At the option of the BCO, the drain or section thereof to be tested
shall be suitably plugged and filled with air (with or without smoke) at a
pressure equivalent to a head of 4 inches of water (.14 pounds per square
inch).
This test shall be satisfied if the drain for 5 minutes thereafter maintains a
pressure equivalent to a head of at least 3 inches of water (.108 pounds
per square inch).
PART III—Test for soil pipes, soil-waste pipes, waste pipes and ventilating
pipes.
TEST 5: The soil pipes, soil-waste pipes, waste pipes and ventilating pipes
or any section thereof to be tested, shall be suitably plugged and filled
with air (with or without smoke) at a pressure equivalent to a head of 2
inches of water (.07 pounds per square inch.)
This test shall be satisfied if this pressure remains constant for a period of
5 minutes thereafter.
NOTE: Flexible joints trap air at the crown of each pipe and a water test is
not decisive unless this air is expelled.
NOTE: All test equipment shall be furnished by the licensed plumber or
owner.
36-179
NOTES
36-180
CHAPTER 37
FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
3701 GENERAL
3702 AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
3703 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
3704 CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEMICAL, HALON, EXPANDING FOAM OR
APPROVED EXTINGUISHING AGENT
3705 STANDPIPES
3706 WATER SUPPLY FOR FIRE FIGHTING
3707 FIRE-DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
3708 YARD HYDRANTS
3709 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
3710 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
3711 ALARM, FIRE DETECTION AND SMOKE VENTING SYSTEMS
3712 EXIT & EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
3713 AUXILIARY STAND-BY EMERGENCY SERVICE
3701 GENERAL
3701.1 SCOPE: This Chapter prescribes requirements for fire protection equipment
in buildings and structures regulated by this Code.
3701.2 (a) APPLICATION: Every building subject to compliance with this

Code, shall comply with the requirements of applicable Sections
of this Chapter.
(b) Any building added to, repaired or altered as set out in Section 104
of this Code shall comply with the requirement of this chapter.
3701.3 DEFINITIONS AND STANDARDS:

(a) The terms in this Chapter shall be defined as set forth herein and
in Chapter 2 of this Code, and the Standards referenced herein shall
be those set forth herein or in Appendix A of this Code.
(b) Combustible goods or merchandise, as used herein, shall include

goods or merchandise made of wood, plastics, cloth or rubber; those
containing flammable liquids; those packed with excelsior, paper
or moss; those packaged or packed in paper, cardboard or wood
containers and other goods or merchandise of equivalent, or greater
combustibility.
37-1
3702 AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
3702.1 GENERAL:
(a) Approved automatic-sprinkler systems in accordance with NFPA
13 shall be installed and maintained as provided in this Chapter,
except that the Buildings Control Officer may require or may per-
mit approved alternative automatic fire extinguishing systems, to
be used in lieu of sprinklers as provided in Paragraph 3802.2(b)
herein. Sprinkler systems in buildings over 60'-0" in height shall
also comply with Chapter 39 of this Code.
(b) The installation of fire extinguishers or standpipes shall not pre-

empt or mitigate the requirements for automatic fire
extinguishment systems required by this Chapter or Chapter 39 of
this Code.
(c) Plans and specifications for automatic fire extinguishment systems

shall be prepared by an Engineer recognised by the Minister.
3703 AUTOMATIC-SPRINKLER SYSTEMS:
3703.1 In new buildings, or buildings altered to increase the area or height, and
in existing buildings, approved automatic-sprinkler systems shall be
installed as required by the BCO and the Director of Fire Services, and
maintained in accordance with the following paragraphs, except that the
BCO and the Director of Fire Services may require, or may permit a fire
extinguishing system, as set forth in Section 3702, to be used in lieu of
such sprinkler system. The areas referred to shall be the areas set forth in
“Groups of Occupancy,” as allowable floor areas for the various Types of
Construction. Combustible goods or merchandise shall include those made
of wood, cloth or rubber; those containing flammable liquids; those packed
with excelsior, paper or moss; and other goods or merchandise of
equivalent, or greater combustibility. Approved automatic sprinkler
systems shall be required as follows: -
(1) GROUPS A AND B OCCUPANCIES:

(a) In the following locations of Groups A and B Occupancies
having a stage:
(i) In projection booths where nitrocellulose film is used.
(ii) In all accessible locations on the stage side of a

proscenium opening, including under the stage floor,
gridiron, and tie and fly galleries.
37-2
(iii) In dressing rooms, workshops and storerooms.
A line of sprinklers shall be installed on the stage side

and immediately to the rear of the proscenium curtain
and not more than five feet above the proscenium arch.
(b) For an alternate sprinkler protection to proscenium openings

see Section 507.1(e)(ii).
(c) In projection booths of Groups A and B Occupancy buildings

not having a stage and seating more than 500 persons.
(2) GROUP C OCCUPANCIES: Auditoriums having a stage shall

be protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler
system.
(3) GROUP D AND E OCCUPANCIES:

(a) In Groups D and E Occupancy buildings or portions of
buildings having an area of more than 1,500 square feet and
having hazardous uses such as, but not limited to, planning
mills, wood working shops, dry goods and apparel
manufacturing shops, mattress factories, box factories, film
exchanges, dry cleaning plants using flammable liquids, paint
spray rooms, paint manufacturers or storage rooms, rooms
where combustible fibres or dust is manufactured, processed
or generated and rooms for processing and storage of waste
paper and rags.
(b) In buildings, or within fire divisions, of buildings one and

two stories in height used for the manufacture, sale or storage
of combustible goods or merchandise and exceeding 20,000
square feet in area. In buildings, or within fire divisions, of
buildings three or more stories in height used for the
manufacture, sale or storage of combustible goods or
merchandise and exceeding 10,000 square feet in area.
Any goods or merchandise packaged or packed in paper,

cardboard or wood containers and similar packing or
packaging shall be considered combustible.
(c) In repair garages over one storey in height, repair garages

exceeding 8,000 square feet in area and located in a building
of mixed occupancy, and one-storey repair garages exceeding
15,000 square feet in area.
(d) In all portions of flammable film-storage rooms, other high-
37-3
hazard spaces, and in basements used for storage or
maintenance workrooms in all buildings more than two
stories in height.
(4) GROUP F OCCUPANCY:

(a) DIVISION 1 - Mercantile buildings having an area of more
than 12,000 square feet, or a gross area of more than 24,000
square feet.
(b) Division 3 - Covered malls set forth in Section 1004.3(f)(iv).
(c) Automatic sprinkler systems in mercantile buildings of

Division 1 and 3 of more than 30,000 sq. ft. or 3 floors shall
be supervised as set forth in subsection.
(5) GROUP G OCCUPANCY:

(a) Buildings up to three stories in height; no special provisions
unless required by the BCO or Director of Fire Services.
(b) Buildings of four or more stories but with the floor level of
the ‘upper most’ floor less than sixty feet above adjacent
grade-all corridors, public areas and areas not occupied 24
hours a day.
(c) High rise buildings i.e. buildings with floors more than sixty
feet above adjacent grade-shall be sprinkled throughout,
except sprinklers may be omitted in: -
(i) Closets not over 24 square feet in area.
(ii) Bathrooms not over 55 square feet in area after

deducting the area of the tub and shower.
(iii) Mechanical and electrical spaces as described

elsewhere in this Code.
(6) ATRIUMS AND PERMITTED UNENCLOSED VERTICAL

OPENINGS: as set forth in Sections 515, 614, 714, 1012, 1112 and
1507.1(b) respectively.
3703.2 BASEMENTS:
(a) In basements used as workshops or for storage of combustible
goods in buildings of Groups A, B, C and G Occupancy buildings,
that exceed 5,000 square feet in area.
37-4
3703.3 REDUCTION IN FIRE PROTECTION:
(a) Where an approved automatic fire extinguisher system is installed
in other than Group D Occupancies, the fire resistive requirements
may be reduced by one hour in the area or portion of the buildings
so protected provided: -
(i) such buildings are no more than 60 feet in height.
(ii) that no required fire rating shall be reduced to less than one
hour.
(b) In buildings over 60 feet in height, partitions (except those used

for stair enclosures) trusses, columns, beams, floors and the
protection of vertical openings, may have their fire rating reduced
by one hour if the building has an approved automatic sprinkler
system installed by “no component” or assembly shall be less than
one hour protected.
(c) Single storey buildings of Group E and F Division 1 Occupancies,

that do not contain hazardous materials may be constructed of
unprotected non-combustible materials, without restriction as to
area provided that: -
(i) the building is fully protected with an approved automatic

sprinkler system.
(ii) the distance separation to all boundaries shall be a minimum

of 60 feet.
(iii) the building shall also be provided with an approved smoke

venting system in accordance with Section 3711.10 and 4605
(d) Single storey buildings of Group F Division III Occupancy that

comply with (c)(i), (ii) and (iii) above, that do not contain any
hazardous materials, may be erected without restriction as to area
provided always that construction shall be of non-combustible
materials that provide a minimum of one hour fire restive
construction.
3703.4 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS:

(a) The “Standard for the installation of Sprinkler Systems” NFPA
No.13 is as part of this Code and supplements, but does not
supercede, the requirements set forth herein. Only “wet-pipe”
systems may be used except with special approval of the BCO and
Director of Fire Services.
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(b) The alarm valve required for a standard sprinkler systems shall be
required only for more than 200 Person Occupancy and basements
exceeding 3,000 square feet of other occupancies.
3703.5 WATER SUPPLY: The water supply for sprinkler systems shall be as set
forth in Sub-Section 3706.
3703.6 (a) TRAVEL DISTANCE: Where a building is fully protected with an

approved automatic sprinkler system the maximum travel
distances given in Chapter 5-13 (Groups of Occupancy) may be
increased as follows:
(b) The measurement of travel distance shall be as set forth in Section

2801.3.
(c) Travel distances in excess of those set forth above may be approved
by the Buildings Control Officer and Director of Fire Services only
if the building is fully protected by an approved automatic sprinkler
system and in addition it is provided with an approved automatic
smoke venting system.
37-6
3704 CARBON DIOXIDE, DRY CHEMICAL, HALON, EXPANDING FOAM OR
APPROVED EXTINGUISHING AGENT
3704.1 GENERAL: Chemical type fire-extinguishing systems may be substituted

for required sprinkler systems in places not commonly used by the Public
as follows:
(a) The BCO or Director of Fire Services may require such substitution.
(b) The BCO or Director of Fire Services may approve such

substitution.
3704.2 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:

(a) Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems shall comply in all
respects with the “Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing
Systems” NFPA Code-12.
(b) Expanding foam fire extinguishing systems shall comply in all

respects with the “Standard for Foam Extinguishing Systems”
NFPA Code-11.
(c) Dry chemical fire extinguishing systems shall comply in all respects
with the “Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems”
NFPA Code-17.
(d) Halogenated fire extinguishing systems shall comply in all respects

with the “Standard on Halogenated Fire Extinguisher Agent
Systems Halon 1301” NFPA Code-12 A, or halon 1211 NFPA Code-
12 B.
3704.3 WHERE PERMITTED: Carbon dioxide, Dry Chemical or halon fire

extinguishing systems may be used in rooms or enclosures containing
flammable liquids in enclosed or open containers, ovens, dryers, electrical
and other special machinery and apparatus and processes involving the
use of flammable liquids, vapor or dusts, fur storage, lumber kilns, loose
textile stocks, grain-handling machinery, and in other enclosures
containing stocks through which gas may permeate and where protection
by water or other means may be ineffective or undesirable; also, in vaults,
library stockrooms, organs and other such places where fires may be
extinguished by carbon dioxide gas with less loss than if water is used.
Expanding foam my be used in all rooms or enclosures where no live
electrical equipment is present, unless main disconnects are located
accessible to fixed systems for foam.
37-7
3704.4 WHERE REQUIRED: Hazardous areas in large buildings, such as boiler
rooms, equipment rooms, and similar spaces, may required to have built-
in foam inlets with access doors on exterior walls, thereby allowing
immediate connection of mobile foam generators from a Fire Service.
Where important buildings having hazardous spaces are located remote

from a Fire Service with Mobile foaming equipment, it is mandatory to
provide for the installation of fixed foaming equipment which may be
either automatic or semi-automatic. It is impossible to anticipate all
types of hazards which would require these fixed systems, and such
installations shall be considered special cases at the discretion of the
BCO and the Director of Fire Services. Such facilities will require written
application for consultation and decision by the BCO and the Director of
Fire Services during initial planning of the specific type of system to be
required in a new facility.
Consideration will be given by the BCO and the Director of Fire Services
to architects, engineers, or builders who wish to present for approval plans
using various types of chemical extinguishing systems, such as carbon
dioxide, dry chemical, halon, or other approved extinguishing agent, in
lieu of foam.
3705 STANDPIPES
Wet standpipes having a primary water supply constantly or automatically available at

each hose outlet shall be provided as required in this Section in buildings hereafter erected,
or existing buildings altered to increase the area or height or existing buildings where in
the Occupancy is changed.
3705.1 WHEN REQUIRED: One or more interior standpipes not less than 4-
inch interior diameter for buildings not exceeding four stories in height
and not less than 6-inch interior diameter for buildings exceeding 4 storeys
in height shall be required as follows:
(a) In every building of 200 person Occupancy or more of any height.
(b) In every building of Assembly Occupancy of more than 200 persons

having a stage and such requirement shall be only for standpipes
on the stage side of the proscenium wall.
(c) In every building of Industrial, Institutional, Hazardous, Storage,

or mercantile Occupancy where required by the BCO or Director
of Fire Services.
(d) In every building of Residential Occupancy four or more storeys

in height.
37-8
(e) In every building of Residential or Business Occupancy three or
more stories in height and having interior corridors.
(f) EXCEPTION: In buildings of Assembly Occupancy which are 2

stories or less in height, not having a permanent stage and having
an occupant content not exceeding 750 persons, 2-inch standpipes
equipped with 1 1/2-inch hose connections and 75 feet of hose will
be acceptable.
(g) Public schools shall be excluded from the requirements herein and
shall be considered individually by the BCO and Director of Fire
Services.
3705.2 NUMBER REQUIRED: The number of standpipes and hose stations shall
be such that all parts of every floor area can be reached within 20 feet by
a nozzle connected to not more than 75 feet of hose connected to a
standpipe.
3705.3 LOCATION:
(a) In buildings of Assembly Occupancies, standpipes and hose
stations shall be located on each side of the proscenium wall on
each side of the stage entrance opening, on each side of the rear of
the auditorium, and on each side of the balconies adjacent to the
exit opening.
(b) In buildings of General Occupancy having a stage, standpipes and

hose stations shall be located on each side of the proscenium wall
on each side of the stage entrance opening.
(c) In buildings of Residential Occupancies, standpipes shall be

located as follows:
(1) Where buildings are within 75 feet of a multi-storey building,

standpipes for 2 1/2-inch streams shall be located to afford
protection against exterior exposures as well as to the interior
of the building.
(2) Standpipes shall be so located that they are protected against

mechanical and fire damage, with outlets for hose stations
located a minimum of three feet and a maximum of ten feet
from each stairway door. There shall be no windows or glass
between the stairway door and the hose station.
(3) In buildings divided by numerous partitions, standpipes shall

be so located that the streams can be brought to bear in any
room.
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(4) In buildings having larger areas, the standpipes for small
hoses supplying first aid streams shall, under ordinary
conditions, be located at the interior columns.
3705.4 STANDARDS: Standpipe systems and materials required by this Code

shall comply in all respects with the requirements of NFPA 14 “Standard
for the installation of Standpipe and Hose Systems”, where not contrary
to the specific requirements set forth herein.
3705.5 MATERIALS: Standpipes shall be of wrought iron or galvanized steel,

and together with fittings and connections shall be of sufficient strength
to withstand 200 pounds per square inch water pressure at the topmost
outlet. P.V.C. piping will not be permitted.
3705.6 TESTS:
(a) Tests shall be conducted by the owner or contractor in the presence
of the Fire Services Inspecting Officer whenever deemed necessary
and ordered by the BCO or the Director of Fire Services. The tests
shall be applied at the top or bottom connections of such
standpipes, and the owner or contractor shall be responsible for
any damage caused by breakage or faulty installation while such
tests are being conducted.
(b) Standpipe system 4 inches in size and over shall be tested

hydrostatically at not less than 200 pounds per square inch pressure
at the top for at least two hours.
(c) Standpipe systems under 4 inches in size including service lines

shall be tested at normal working pressures, or a minimum of 100
psi.
3705.7 OUTLETS: All standpipe hose stations shall be equipped with 2 1/2" inch
valves adapted for 2 1/2" inch NST Fire Department hose connection in
each outlet, including the basement and with the centreline of the 2 1/2
inch valve located not less than 5 feet and 6 inches nor more than 6 feet
above the floor. Easily removable 2 1/2 inch by 1 1/2-inch adaptors may
be placed in the valve outlets. All standpipes in buildings 4 or more stories
in height shall extend above the roof a minimum of 28 inches and be
equipped with 2 1/2 inch gate valve and a 2-way 2 1/2 inch outlet adapted
for Fire Department 2 1/2 inch NST hose connection. See Sub-Section
3705.2.
37-10
3705.8 HOSE STATIONS:
(a) HOSE STATIONS: Each hose station outlet shall be fitted with a
rubber or neoprene lined hose not less than 1 1/2 inch minimum in
diameter. Such hose shall be equipped with an approved brass or
bronze diffuser nozzle and shall be not more than 75 feet in length.
An approved standard form of wall-hose reel or rack, recessed in
the wall or protected by suitable cabinet, shall be provided for the
hose and shall be located to make the hose readily accessible at all
times.
(b) HOSE REELS (PERMITTED ONLY BY SPECIAL APPROVAL):

Where water supply pressures are designed to provided a minimum
of 50 psi residual pressure at the hose station, hose reels with
automatic control valves may be provided. Hoses shall consist of
3/4 inch or 1-inch diameter, non-kinking rubber hose, not more than
75 feet long. Approval shall be obtained from the Director of Fire
Services.
3706 WATER SUPPLY FOR FIRE FIGHTING
3706.1 REQUIRED: All sprinkler systems, standpipes and yard hydrants shall
be connected to the public water supply. “Available” shall be considered
to be within 150 feet from a street watermain of not less than four-inch
diameter as measured from the nearest point of the building. Where public
water service is not available or where the water pressure is insufficient
to maintain 65 pounds pressure at the topmost outlet, connections to a
gravity tank, pressure tank or fire pump shall be required; and such supply
shall be sufficient to furnish 65 pounds of residual pressure at the topmost
outlet, with a flow of not less than 250 U.S. G.P.M.
3706.2 ACCEPTABLE WATER SUPPLY: Connection to a public water supply

shall be equipped with control valve located in the public street or other
public space, and an Underwriter’s approved horizontal check valve
protecting the main and accessibly located inside the property line. Fire
wells may be provided after special approval, in accordance with the
requirements and limitations of Chapter 36 -“PLUMBING.”
3706.3 STORAGE TANKS:

(a) Tanks shall have a capacity of not less than 2,500 U.S. Gallons of
rainwater for the first standpipe plus 1,000 U.S. gallons for each
additional standpipe and/or an amount to operate the sprinkler
system (if any) on any one floor for a period of not less than 10
minutes. Such tanks shall be located to provide not less than 65
pounds pressure at the topmost outlet for its entire supply; and
where storage tanks are used for domestic purposes, the supply
37-11
pipe for domestic purposes shall be located to maintain such
minimum-required fire-fighting capacity. Where required by the
Building Control Officer major buildings which require standpipes
shall have a minimum storage of 5,000 U.S. Gallons of rain water.
(b) Tanks shall be equipped with a ladder and platform, drain pipe,
water and pressure gauges. Non-combustible supports shall be
provided for all supply tanks. Supply pipes for fire-extinguishing
apparatus shall lead from the bottom of the tank and shall be
provided with a check valve protecting the tank.
(c) Buildings which have sufficient potable water in storage may be

indirectly connected to a fire protection system to satisfy the
requirement for fire storage. Swimming pools, re-use water storage,
or wells may satisfy storage requirements.
(d) Where buildings have swimming pools, it is recommended that

bypass pipe connections be installed to allow withdrawal of the
pool contents for emergency supply to the standpipe system.
Standpipe systems shall normally be charged with fresh water to
minimize interior pipe corrosion. Pipe accessories shall be provided
to facilitate draining and recharging of a system which has been
supplied during an emergency with salt or brackish water. A piping
system and accessory equipment for charging a standpipe system
with fresh water shall be constructed in such manner to preclude
contamination of the fresh water piping system.
3706.4 PRESSURE TANKS: Detailed plans shall be submitted to the BCO where
pressure tanks are proposed. Pressure tanks shall be permitted only where
a qualified building superintendent, acceptable to the inspector having
jurisdiction, is employed. Pressure tanks shall be designed and maintained
as set forth for gravity tanks and shall be tested and proved tight at a
hydrostatic pressure of 50 percent in excess of the working pressure
required.
(a) Where the pressure at any fire hose outlet exceeds 65 p.s.i., an
approved calibrated, pressure-reducing valve shall be installed.
3706.5 FIRE PUMPS:

(a) Detailed plans shall be submitted to the BCO where fire pumps
are proposed such installations shall comply with N.F.P.A. 20. Fire
pumps shall be permitted only where a full time building
superintendent is employed. Fire pumps serving standpipes, shall
be capacities of not less than 65 p.s.i. at 250 U.S. G.P.M. per
standpipe, measured at the topmost outlet. The source of water
supply shall be a private water main of not less than four-inch
37-12
diameter or a well or cistern containing 5,000 U.S. gallons. Pumps
shall be supplied with an adequate source of power and shall be
automatic in operation. Where approved by the BCO smaller
capacity fire pumps designed for combination fire-domestic use
may be used, in small buildings only.
(b) Where a capacity of 500 gpm or more is required, fire pumps shall
be UL listed.
(c) Fire pump controllers shall be UL listed and may be of limited

service for motors of 30 HP or less.
(d) The source of water supply for a fire pump shall be a street main of
not less than 4" diameter and capable of supplying the quantity of
water at which the pump, or pumps, will operate; or shall be a
well or cistern having not less than a 1/2-hour supply.
(e) Electric motor-driven fire pumps shall be supplied with a separate

electric service and where a standby generator is provided, or
otherwise required by this code, shall be connected through a
separate automatic transfer switch to such standby generator, as
required by NFPA 20.
(f) Fire pumps shall be automatic in operation.
(g) A minimum pressure on a standpipe system of 15 lbs psi at the roof

shall be maintained by a jockey pump actuated by a pressure
switch; or by connection to a suitable domestic system through
two 170 psi check valves, one with a soft seat and one with a hard
seat.
(h) Fire pump installations shall be fitted with a full-size bypass

provided with approved gate and check valves.
3707 FIRE-DEPARTMENT CONNECTIONS
3707.1 (a) One Siamese (duplex) Fire Department connection shall be provided
for the first three required standpipe risers except that a single
standpipe not exceeding 2 1/2 inches in diameter need not have a
Fire Department connection when in the opinion of the BCO or
Director of Fire Services, sufficient pressure or volume is provided.
When a building is required to have two or more Siamese
connections such connections shall be located remote from each
other and where a building faces on two or more streets a
connection shall be located on each street exposure. All standpipes
37-13
shall be cross-connected at their bases. Siamese (duplex)
connections shall be of the same pipe diameter as the largest
diameter of any standpipe connected thereto and shall be protected
by a U.L. Listed check valve. Additional connections may be
required at the discretion of the Director of Fire Services.
(b) One Siamese (duplex) Fire Department connection shall be provided

for each sprinkler system. Where a building faces on two or more
streets there shall be not less than two Siamese connections located
remote from each other on separate street exposures. Siamese
connections shall be not less than four-inch diameter.
3707.2 Fire Department connections shall be 2 1/2-inch hose connections located

on the street-front wall not less than one foot nor more than three feet
above grade. Piping shall not project over public property and recesses
shall be provided in property line walls. Connections shall be 2 1/2 inch
American National Standard Fire Hydrant Thread. Written approval of
the Director of Fire Services shall be secured for every connection.
3707.3 A permanent, legible sign with letters at least one inch high shall be
attached to the exterior of the building adjacent to the connection, and
such sign shall read “STANDPIPE” and/or “SPRINKLER” as applicable.
3707.4 Location of all Siamese connections shall be approved by the Director of

Fire Services.
3708 YARD HYDRANTS
3708.1 WHERE REQUIRED: Yard Hydrants shall be required in boatyards, school

yards, oil storage tanks, lumber yards or exhibition parks or other similar
enclosures, when deemed necessary by the BCO or Director of Fire Services.
These shall be not less than one yard hydrant and hose for each 20,000
square feet of area.
3708.2 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS: When required, yard hydrants shall not

be located over 250 feet apart. Dockside hydrants with 75 feet of hose
shall be provided.
The piping for yard hydrants shall be not less than four inches and shall
be connected by screw fittings, flanges or unions.
Hydrants shall have two and one-half inch American National Standard
Fire Hydrant Threads, uniform with that of the local fire-department;
with not less than 100 feet of standard two and one-half inch fire hose
and an approved-type nozzle. A hose house and equipment shall be
37-14
provided at each hydrant, unless well located portable hose reels and
equipment are accepted by the Director of Fire Services. Hose houses shall
have painted thereon brightly the word, “FIRE HOSE,” in legible letters
not less than six inches high on all exposed sides. Location of all yard
hydrants shall be approved by the Director of Fire Services.
3709 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
3709.1 WHERE REQUIRED: Portable fire extinguishers shall be installed and

maintained in buildings intended for Commercial or Multi-Residential
Occupancy.
3709.2 QUANTITY: At least one extinguisher shall be provided for every 2,000
square feet of floor area in locations to be decided by the Director of Fire
Services.
3709.3 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS: A portable fire extinguisher shall consist

of a container or containers having a capacity of not less than one unit of
fire protection, as defined by the National Fire Protection Association,
so arranged and equipped that pressure may be generated and the contents
discharged through a hose and nozzle, or a portable extinguisher of other
type, approved as equal by the Inspector having jurisdiction. The design
and construction of portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the
National Fire Protection Association’s recommendations and be approved
by the Director of Fire Services.
Portable fire extinguishers, where required, shall be mounted in corridors

or other approved locations generally accessible to the occupants of the
building. Where they are placed in cabinets, they shall be visible, and the
doors shall be unlocked or of glass which can be broken to give access to
the extinguisher in case of fire.
3710 INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
3710.1 GENERAL: All required fire extinguishing apparatus shall be inspected,

and maintained as defined in the Act and Rules.
3710.2 PRESSURE TESTS: Every system of automatic sprinklers, standpipes or

yard hydrants and all parts thereof except linen hose, shall satisfactorily
meet a pressure test of 100 pounds per square inch in excess of the static
pressure due to height of the water, except as may be otherwise set forth
herein.
37-15
3710.3 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: The maintenance of all portable
fire extinguishers shall comply with the National Fire Protection (NFPA)
Code 10.
3711 ALARM, FIRE DETECTION AND SMOKE VENTING SYSTEMS
3711.1 ALARM SYSTEMS - GENERAL:

(a) Manually operated fire alarm equipment shall be provided as
specified by the applicable provisions of Sections 38 - Heat
Producing Apparatus, 39 - Special Hazards, 40 - Mechanical
Ventilation, 41 - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and 43 -
Elevators and Escalators, and as specified herein.
(b) Where a building is divided by fire walls into separate fire sections
with adequate safeguards against the spread of fire from one section
to another, each section may be considered a separate building for
the purposes of application of fire alarm system requirements based
on size of building or population content, or Occupancy.
(c) All required fire alarm and detection systems shall comply with
the following NFPA publications: -
(1) NFPA 71, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and

use of Central Station Signaling Systems;

use of Local Protective Signaling Systems for Fire Alarm and
Supervisory Service;

use of Auxiliary Protective Signaling Systems for Fire Alarm
Service;
(4) NFPA 71, Standard for the Installation, Maintenance and use
of Remote Station Protective Signaling Systems;

use of Proprietary Protection Signaling Systems;
(6) NFPA 71, Standard on Automatic Fire Detectors;

use of Household Fire Warning Equipment; and
(8) NFPA 71, Public Fire Service Communications.
37-16
(d) Every alarm system shall be under the supervision of a responsible
person who shall cause proper tests to be made at intervals as
specified by the Director of Fire Services and have general charge
of all alterations and additions. A current log book shall be
maintained.
(e) Fire alarm signaling equipment shall be restored to service as

promptly as possible after each test or alarm, and shall be kept in
normal condition for operation. Equipment requiring rewinding
or replenishing shall be rewound or replenished as promptly as
possible after each test or alarm. Any major repairs shall be
completed within one week. Simple reset shall be completed within
24 hours and the Director of Fire Services shall be so informed.
(f) Each manually operated sending station and alarm sounding device
in a single system shall be of the same general type.
(g) The fire alarm system in a Type G Occupancy building shall be

subject to the full audio test, witnessed by the Director of Fire
Services.
3711.2 ALARM SENDING STATIONS - GENERAL:

(a) A manually operated sending station shall be provided near each
main exit and in the natural path of escape from fire, at readily
accessible and visible points which are not likely to be obstructed.
(b) Each sending station shall be so located that from any part of the
building not more than 100 feet will have to be traversed in order
to reach a sending station on the same floor.
(1) A station shall be located opposite the main elevator access

to each floor, so that it is clearly visible to all persons
arriving at that floor.
(2) They should be located at a maximum of 100 feet on centres

along the corridors.
(3) They are to sound initially upon that floor giving alarm and
activate the main fire alarm panels located in the telephone
exchange and the front desk and Superintendent’s or
Engineer’s Office.
(4) The alarm on every floor shall be fitted with a key type lock,
which can activate the general alarm for the whole building.
37-17
(c) The arrangement of sending stations, and the manner of their
connection with sounding devices shall be such that there will be
no difference between the sounding of actual alarms and drill
signals.
(d) A manual fire alarm station shall be provided in the natural path
of escape near each required exit from an area.
(e) Each manual fire alarm station on a system must be accessible,

unobstructed, visible, and of the same general type.
(f) Where sprinkler system provides automatic detection and alarm

system initiation it shall be provided with an approved alarm
initiation device that will operate when the flow of water is equal
to or greater than that from a single automatic sprinkler.
3711.3 SOUNDING DEVICES - GENERAL:

(a) A required sounding device shall be used for fire alarm purposes
only.
(b) Alarm sounding devices shall be provided of such character and so

distributed as to be effectively heard in every room above all other
sounds. Alarm devices shall be horns or bells. Horns shall be used
where bells are used for normal signal purposes, and bells where
horns are normally used. Visible alarm devices may be used in
lieu of audible devices only where specifically permitted by detailed
requirements for institutional occupancies, for places of assembly
and special hazard occupancies.
(c) Every alarm sounding device shall be distinctive in pitch and

quality from all other sounding devices and shall be clearly audible
in any part of the building under conditions or normal occupancy.
(d) A code signal indicating where the alarm originates shall not be
used except to such extent as specifically authorized by the BCO
or the Director of Fire Services.
(e) Each system shall be so arranged that no manual intervention will

be required, following the actuation of a sending station, for
causing effective response of all required sounding devices. No
facilities shall be provided whereby such response can be controlled
or modified except where otherwise specifically permitted by the
Building Control Officer and the Director of Fire Services.
(f) Pre-recorded or live voice evacuation instructions to occupants

shall be permitted. Pre-recorded instructions shall be preceded by
37-18
not less than 5 seconds or more than 10 seconds of a continuous
alerting signal. Upon completion or failure of pre-recorded
instruction, the fire alarm evacuation signal shall sound. Pre-
recorded instructions shall be repeated 2 or more times. Live voice
instructions shall be permitted to interrupt, delay or discontinue
the pre-recorded message or the fire alarm evacuation signal.
3711.4 AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION - GENERAL:

(a) An automatic fire detection system, where installed to meet specific
requirements specified herein, shall be of a standard approved by
the BCO and the Director of Fire Services and shall be so installed
as to provide effective warning of incipient fire in any part of the
premises.
(b) A connection may be made between a required manually operated

alarm system and automatic fire detection system or automatic
sprinkler system, provided that the effectiveness and dependability
of operation of the alarms from manual sending stations is not
thereby impaired.
3711.5 INCIDENTAL FUNCTIONS - GENERAL: A manually or automatically

operated fire alarm system may be arranged for the accomplishment of
incidental functions such as the release of self-opening or self-closing
doors, cutting off supplies of gas, fuel oil, or electric power, switching on
emergency lights, the stopping of air supply ventilating fans, and the like,
in so far as the accomplishment of such incidental functions does not in
any way impair the effectiveness or reliability of the required sounding
devices in response to the required sending stations.
3711.6 FIRE DEPARTMENT NOTIFICATION:

(a) It is strongly recommended that future arrangements shall be made
for the prompt notification of the public fire department or such
other outside assistance as may be available in case of fire or other
emergency.
(b) Automatic fire department connections when installed shall be so

arranged as to permit drills to be conducted by those in authority
without calling out the fire department, and so that the actuation
of any required alarm sending station will call such department.
3711.7 BUILDING SERVICE EQUIPMENT (GENERAL): No air conditioning,

ventilating, heating, cooking, or other service equipment shall be so
installed or operated as to endanger ways of exit, spread fire or smoke
through buildings, or otherwise create an abnormal hazard to occupants
such as to endanger their safety before they have opportunity to utilitize
available exit facilities.
37-19
3711.8 AIR CONDITIONING AND VENTILATING - GENERAL:
(a) Every air conditioning and ventilating system shall be so installed
and maintained as to minimize the danger of spread of fire or smoke
thereby from one floor or fire area to another, or from outside into
any occupied building or structure.
(b) Each air conditioning and ventilating system circulating air to

more than one floor or fire area shall be provided with dampers
designed to close automatically in case of fire and thereby prevent
spread of fire or smoke, and shall also be provided with automatic
controls to stop fans in case of fire.
(c) Any air conditioning system serving places of assembly,

department stores or hotels shall be provided with effective means
for preventing circulation of smoke through the system in case of
fire in air filters or from other sources drawn into the system even
though there is not sufficient heat to actuate heat sensitive devices
controlling fans or dampers.
Such means shall consist of an approved photo-electric or other

smoke sensitive control or, subject to the approval of the BCO and
Director of Fire Services, may be manually operated controls in
cases where qualified personnel responsible for operation of
controls are continuously on duty while the premises are occupied.
3711.9 ALARM SYSTEMS BASED UPON OCCUPANCY
(a) GROUPS A AND B OCCUPANCIES.
(i) Buildings of Groups A and B Occupancy shall be provided

with approved manual stations.
(ii) An activated alarm shall not sound automatically in

audience areas, but shall alert a constantly manned position
with an audio or visual signal.
(iii) The manned position shall replay alarm by voice message

to audience areas by Public Address system by pre-recorded
type.
(iv) The P A system shall be connected to the emergency power

supply.
(v) Activation of the sprinkler system shall initiate the alarm

system.
37-20
(b) GROUP C OCCUPANCY
(i) Buildings of Group C Occupancy shall be provided with

approved manual stations, where acceptable to the BCO and
Director of Fire Services.
(ii) The actual alarm should not be a bell in order to avoid

confusion with the normal audio controls in the building.
(c) GROUP D OCCUPANCY
The alarm systems for Group D Occupancy building shall be as

directed by the BCO and Director of Fire Services based upon the
design and usage of the building.
(d) GROUP E OCCUPANCY
(i) Buildings of Group E - Division 1 Occupancy shall have

approved manual stations, or an automatic system which
shall activate a continuous signal.
(ii) Buildings of Division 2 Occupancy shall have approved

manual stations, that activate an alarm in a continuously
manned position for the purpose of initiating emergency
action. In High Hazard Industrial Occupancies the system
shall initiate an evacuation alarm signal. The alarm shall
also sound at the continuously manned position.
(e) GROUP F OCCUPANCY
(i) Buildings of Group F - Division 1 Occupancy shall be

provided with a manual fire alarm system where the floor
area exceeds 2,500 square feet.
(ii) Buildings of Group F - Division 2 Occupancy shall be

provided with a manual fire alarm system where: -
(aa) there are two or more storeys above the level of exit
discharge or
(bb) where the total occupant content exceeds 100 persons.
EXCEPTION No. 1 - buildings protected throughout by an

approved automatic fire detection and alarm initiation
system.
37-21
EXCEPTION No. 2 - buildings protected throughout by an
approved automatic sprinkler system fitted with an alarm
initiation device.
(iii) Buildings of Group F - Division 3 Occupancy shall be

provided with an approved automatic fire detection and
alarm initiation system throughout. Activation of the
sprinkler system shall also initiate the alarm.
(f) GROUP G OCCUPANCIES
(Hotels, apartment hotels, and apartment blocks with

accommodation for more than 10 hotel bedrooms or 10 apartment
units.)
(1) Direct access - single and two storey buildings - Manual fire
alarms throughout.
(2) Direct access - three storeys and up - Manual fire alarms

throughout, plus: -
(a) in dormitory areas one smoke detector in each bedroom

or apartment, such detector shall not be subject to the
loss of power from a wall switch.
(b) in other areas of the building smoke detector shall be

installed in areas not occupied 24 hours per day.
(3) Corridor access - One and two storey buildings - Manual

fire alarms throughout, plus smoke detector initiated alarms
in dormitory corridors.
(4) Corridor access - Three storey buildings - Manual fire alarms

throughout, plus smoke detector initiated alarms in
dormitory corridors and areas not occupied 24 hours per day
plus smoke detectors as in (2)(a).
(5) Corridor access - Four floors and up in hotels an apartment

hotels, shall be protected as in (4) above except all manual
stations and all smoke detectors including those in
apartments, but not those in individual rooms, shall be
connected not only to the relevant floor alarms but also to
an annunciator panel located in an area manned 24 hours
per day. Activation of the sprinkler system shall also initiate
the alarm system.
37-22
(6) Corridor or lobby access in apartment blocks of seven or more
storeys shall be protected as in (5) above.
(7) High rise hotels, apartment hotels and apartment blocks

shall, in addition to fire alarm systems as set forth in (5)
and (6) above, have voice communication from a central
control point to all corridors, elevators, lobbies, assembly
areas and other areas as may be designated by the Buildings
Control Officer or Director of Fire Services.
(g) GROUP H OCCUPANCY
Buildings shall be provided with at least one smoke detector on

every level, installed to the ceiling or to the wall within 12 inches
below the ceiling, such that the alarm is readily audible in all
sleeping areas.
3711.10 SMOKE VENTING:

(a) Smoke Venting facilities shall be required in all windowless
buildings, underground structures, atriums, shopping malls and
all industrial, storage and mercantile buildings exceeding 40,000
square feet in area. The Buildings Control Officer or the Director
of Fire Services may also require smoke venting in any building or
part of a building where, due to the nature of the design and usage
rapid smoke build-up could interfere with prompt access to exits.
Smoke vents shall be initiated by automatic means. Such means
shall consist of an approved photo-electric or other smoke sensitive
control, or subject to the approval of the Buildings Control Officer
and Director of Fire Services, may be manually operated in cases
where qualified personnel responsible for operation of controls are
continuously on duty while the premises are occupied.
(b) Natural draft smoke venting shall utilitize roof vents or vents in
walls at or near the ceiling level; such vents to be normally open
or if closed shall be designed for automatic opening by approved
means in case of fire.
(c) Where smoke venting facilities are installed for purposes of exit
safety they shall be adequate to prevent dangerous accumulations
of smoke during the period of time necessary to evacuate the area
served, using available exit facilities with a margin of safety to
allow for unforeseen contingencies.
(d) The discharge apertures of all natural draft smoke vents shall be
so arranged as to be readily accessible for opening by Fire Services
personnel working from the exterior.
37-23
(e) A power-operated smoke exhausting system may be substituted
for required natural draft vents only by specific permission of the
Buildings Control Officer and Director of Fire Services.
(f) NFPA No.204 “Guide for Smoke and Heat Venting” is hereby
adopted as part of this Code and supplements, but does not
supercede the requirements set forth herein.
3711.11 HEATING AND COOKING EQUIPMENT: No portable or open flame

heating or cooking equipment shall be located in exits, in ways of approach
thereto or in any other location potentially endangering the safe use of
exits.
3711.12 HIGH PRESSURE EQUIPMENT: No high pressure boiler, air compressor

or other high pressure equipment shall be located in or under main exits.
3711.13 FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, GASES, CHEMICALS, EXPLOSIVES: No

flammable liquid, compressed gas, hazardous chemical or explosive
material shall be stored or used in such a manner as to endanger the safety
of exits. See Act No.13 of 1967 for complete requirements.
3711.14 RUBBISH CHUTES, LINEN CHUTES, AND FLUED INCINERATORS:

No such chutes or incinerator flues shall, in new construction, open directly
on any exit, or corridor to an exit, but shall be in a separate room or
closet separated from the exit (or from the corridor) by an approved self-
closing fire door, except that this requirement shall not apply to private
dwellings and that in apartment houses, automatic sprinkler protection
may be provided in lieu of the self-closing fire door. All terminal trash or
linen collection rooms shall be provided with approved photo-electric, or
smoke sensitive devices connected to the alarm system. All rubbish or
linen chutes shall be provided with automatic fire sprinkler heads at the
top, and at intervals not to exceed three floors.
3712 EXIT & EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS
3712.1 EXIT ILLUMINATION:

(a) Illumination of means of egress to exit doorways shall be provided
for buildings and structures where artificial lighting is provided
for normal use and occupancy. However, no artificial lighting for
means of egress shall be required in any building that is designed
solely for occupancy during daylight hours, and its use, as such,
has been approved by the BCO.
(b) Every exit and necessary means of egress thereto shall be

illuminated to facilitate egress thereto. Such illumination shall be
continuous during the time that the conditions of occupancy require
37-24
that the means of egress be available for use. Artificial lighting
shall employ electric service to such places and for the periods of
time as required to maintain the illumination to the minimum foot
candle value set forth as follows.
(c) Floors and exit ways shall be illuminated at all points such as
angles and intersections of corridors and passageways, stairways,
landings on stairs and exit doorways, to a value of not less than
one (1.0) foot candle measure 30 inches above the floor on a
horizontal plane with such floor area.
(d) The normal lighting service for such means of egress shall be from
a source of assured reasonable lighting service such as from a public
utility service company or other assured reliable service.
(e) Artificial lighting for the lighting of exit signs and directional exit
signs, may be provided by any method that will produce the desired
results, subject to the approval of the BCO and the Director of Fire
Services such as, an arrangement whereby the exit signs are fed
from an emergency lighting panel.
(f) In auditoria or other assembly places where motion pictures or

other projections are made by directional light, the illumination
at the floors of the exit ways therefrom may be reduced during
such projection periods to not less than one-fifth foot candle.
(g) No luminescent, fluorescent, or reflective material may be used as

a substitute for any required illumination herein specified for
artificial lighting or emergency light.
(h) No battery operated lighting device, nor any portable type lamp
or lantern shall be used for primary exit egress lighting.
3712.2 PANIC EMERGENCY LIGHTING:

(a) Emergency standby lighting to prevent panic and injury shall be
provided as set forth herein subject to the approval of the BCO or
Director of Fire Services as to the suitability of the equipment used
for the intended use, and its reliability to perform and its
dependability to be maintained in working order at all times.
(b) Panic emergency lighting facilities shall be provided to maintain

the specified illumination for a period of not less than one hour in
the event of failure to the normal lighting service.
(c) Battery operated emergency lighting equipment shall use only

reliable type storage batteries, nickel cadmium or lead acid types
37-25
and provided with suitable charging equipment to recharge the
batteries from complete discharge to full charge within 12 hours
and with trickle rate of charge to maintain the batters at full charge
during standby use. Batteries shall be provided of capacities to
carry the connected loads for the period of one hour to not less
than 91% of the systems voltage rating.
(d) For Battery systems serving central emergency systems, the battery
and charging equipment shall be housed in a separate room,
adequately ventilated to the outdoors and kept under lock and key
condition to be secured at all times against unauthorized entry;
limited quantity banks of 3 or 4 batteries for generator starting, or
other localized usage, may not require a separate room if approved
by the B.C.O.
(e) The emergency lighting shall be so arranged as to provide the

required illumination automatically in the event of any failure to
the normal lighting system due to the failure of the main electrical
service.
(f) Where continuous illumination depends on the changing from one

source of electric power to another standby source, there shall be
no delay or interruption of the lighting during the ‘change over’.
3712.3 PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF EMERGENCY LIGHTING EQUIPMENT:

(a) Two separate electric lighting systems, with entirely independent
wiring, each adequate to provide the specified egress lighting, one
supplied from an outside source such as a public utility service
and the other from an electric generator on the premises and driven
by an independent source of power, both sources of illumination
being in regular use and capable of simultaneous operation
whenever the building is occupied during periods of darkness.
(b) Two separate electric systems, with entirely independent wiring,

each adequate to provide the specified egress lighting, one supplied
from an outside source such as a public utility service and the other
an approved rechargeable battery system, nickel cadmium or lead
acid battery type, with suitable provided charging equipment to
maintain the batteries in a fully charged condition and with trickle
rate of change to maintain the battery at full charge. Such battery
systems to be provided with automatic controls so that after the
battery comes into use after a failure to the normal lighting service,
or due to the turning off of the primary source for any exit areas, it
will be shut off automatically when the electric service is restored.
(c) Unit devices (six volt units) with individual batteries in each and
with chargers to maintain the batteries at full charge and with
37-26
automatic means for turning on the emergency lights after each
normal lighting service failure and with automatic means to turn
off the emergency lights when the normal service is restored.
Batteries shall be either nickel cadmium or lead acid types.
(d) Unit devices shall be limited to not more than four lamps lighted
therefrom and with a limit of two lamps allowed to be remote
from the basic unit. Remote lamps shall not exceed a distance of
15 feet from the basic unit.
(e) Unit devices utilizing extension cords for connection into the
outlets of the normal lighting service shall have extension cords
limited to not over 36 inches in length and shall be wired
permanently into the AC outlets. Plug in type cords will be
permitted.
3712.4 INTENSITY OF EMERGENCY ILLUMINATION FOR PANIC

LIGHTING:
(a) Emergency lighting systems, other than the unit device types
utilizing flood or spot light type of distribution shall produce and
maintain for a period of not less than one hour, a minimum
intensity of illumination measured on a horizontal plane 30 inches
from the floor as follows:
(1) Five-tenths(.5) of a foot candle of light at exit doors,

hallways, corridors, passageways, stairways, runways,
ramps, etc., leading to the outside building exits.
(2) Twenty-five hundredths(.25) of a foot candle of light at other

locations requiring emergency panic lighting.
(3) Fifteen-hundredths(.15) of a foot candle of light with special

permission of the BCO or Director of Fire Services in motion
picture theaters where arrangements have been made to
continue the performance through a normal electric lighting
power failure.
(4) Unit storage battery devices shall be installed with the

lighting fixtures thereon directed towards the exits and
located so as to provide distribution of light over the areas
with glare and sharp shadows kept to a minimum. The
minimum allowable operating lamp load measured at the
end of one hour battery operation shall be in accordance with
the following:
One-tenth(.1) watt per square foot area of Hallways,
37-27
Passageways, stairways, ramps, corridors, etc., leading to
the outside building exits; and Five-hundredths(.05) watt per
square foot area at all other areas requiring emergency panic
lighting.
3712.5 WIRING AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR PANIC EMERGENCY

LIGHTING:
(a) Branch circuits intended to supply emergency lighting service shall
be so installed to provided emergency lighting service immediately
when the normal lighting service fails to any such location within
the building such as stairways, hallways, ramps, passageways,
corridors, etc.
(b) Emergency circuit wiring shall be kept entirely independent of any

and all other wiring and equipment and shall not enter into the
same raceway, box, or cabinet, except in transfer switches and in
Exit signs or emergency lighting fixtures supplied from two sources
of electric power.
(c) Wiring of all emergency lighting circuits shall have wires of proper
thickness (gauge) to maintain the voltage to not more than a five-
percent voltage drop measured at the battery and compared with
the voltage at the most distant lamp.
(d) No appliances or lamps, other than those specified as necessary

for emergency lighting shall be connected into an emergency lighting
circuit.
(e) Emergency lighting shall include all required exit signs and their
fixtures and lights specified as required for emergency lighting to
allow for safe and orderly passage from the building when the
normal lighting service fails.
(f) Emergency lighting systems shall be so designed that the failure of

any single element such as the burning out of a single lamp bulb,
will not leave any place in total darkness.
3713 AUXILIARY STAND-BY EMERGENCY SERVICE
3713.1 (a) As noted under 3712.3, electric generators, driven by an independent

source combustible fuel engine may be utilize for panic emergency
lighting provided that both systems (consisting of the normal
lighting service and the engine drive generator) are capable of being
operated simultaneously whenever the building is being occupied
during periods of darkness and provided the generator service is
37-28
wired to provide service to also meet the requirements of Section
3711.5 during failure of the normal lighting service within the
building as well as to the incoming service to the building and
provided that the use of such generator meets the requirements of
3712.3 whereby the two wiring systems are called for independent
of each other, one for normal lighting and one for emergency
lighting. Generators shall comply with the following.
(i) Generator Sets: Generator sets shall be housed in a separate

masonry enclosure of two hour fire resistant construction,
with a self closing door of fire resistance construction. Such
room or compartment shall not be located beneath any large
assembly room or corridor that leads therefrom unless ceiled
over by a concrete slab of not less than four inches in thick-
ness.
(ii) All fuel storage installations shall be in strict accordance

with N.F.P.A. No. 30 The “Flammable and Combustible Liq-
uids Code”.
(iii) No reserve supply of gasoline shall be stored in the com-

partment of a building with the exception that a reservoir
tank not exceeding one quart liquid capacity may be used to
preclude delay in starting of the engine. The compartment
shall not be used for storage of flammable oils or other com-
bustible materials.
(iv) Proper and adequate ventilation to the outdoors shall be

provided to prevent temperature rises in generators, engines,
and controls in excess of manufacturers recommendations.
The ambient room temperature shall not exceed 110 degrees
Fahrenheit.
(v) Engines and generators shall be installed on solid founda-

tions not likely to permit sagging of fuel, exhaust, or lubri-
cating oil piping and damage to parts resulting in leakage
at joints. Such foundations shall be raised at least 6 inches
above the floor level.
(vi) Engine generators and controls shall be installed in a loca-

tion that will permit of ready accessibility parts for repairs,
maintenance, cleaning or replacement.
(vii) A strainer shall be provided in the fuel supply line through

which the fuel shall pass before reaching the valve parts
37-29
which are likely to become clogged. This strainer shall be
readily accessible for cleaning.
(viii) Gravity feed of the fuel to the carburetion or compression

ignition engines shall not be permitted except that a reser-
voir tank as provided for 3713.1(d) may be used.
(ix) Combustible fuel engine generator systems when placed

within the walls of the building shall be placed in a room or
compartment and separated from the remainder of the build-
ing by partitions at least equivalent to an eight-inch ma-
sonry wall.
(x) Exhaust pipes shall be of sufficient length to withstand the

service and shall be connected to the engine so that the emis-
sion of sparks, flames or gas within the building is prevented.
They shall be adequately supported throughout their run to
terminate outside the building at a point where the hot gases
or sparks will be discharged harmlessly and not against any
combustible materials, or in close proximity to fuel lines. If
necessary to prevent obnoxious gases from entering into the
building proper, an exhaust stack shall be installed to emit
the gases above the roof of the building. An effective device
shall also be provided to permit prompt removal of the ex-
haust condensation.
3713.2 OCCUPANCY REQUIREMENTS:

(a) Occupancy Types A, B and F Division 3 shall have both stand-by
generator and battery powered emergency exit signs and lighting
as required by the BCO and Director of Fire Services.
(b) Occupancy Type C shall have an emergency lighting system except

where the building is not to be used at night. If the building is
used at night, emergency lighting systems shall be provided at the
time the occupancy is extended to night time, as approved by the
BCO.
(c) Occupancy Types D and E shall be provided with both battery

powered emergency exit lights and standby generator equipment.
(d) Occupancy Type F Divisions 1 and 2 shall have battery powered

emergency lighting only for two floor buildings or for greater than
1000 square feet. No stand-by generator will be required unless
special occupancies are incorporated which require stand-by
generators, or if fire pumps, emergency elevators, or other special
37-30
equipment is installed. Neither battery or stand-by generators,
will be required for single floor shops or stores with less than 100
square feet, unless special occupancies are incorporated which
require battery or stand-by generator systems. Office occupancies
exceeding 2,000 square feet, and more than one floor shall have
Emergency Battery operated lighting systems, unless special
occupancies require stand-by generator systems.
(e) Occupancy Type G - All buildings of four or more storeys shall

have emergency power generation systems installed that comply
with the Canadian Electrical Code Part I and with the following:-
(1) (i) Such systems shall be equipped with suitable means

for automatically starting the generator-set upon
failure of the normal electrical service and for
automatic transfer and operation of all required
electrical functions at full power within 60 seconds
of such normal service failure.
(ii) Two independently operated transfer switches shall be

provided; one for the fire pump and the other for
elevators, emergency lighting and required mechanical
ventilation.
(iii) Transfer switches shall provide approved means to

manually transfer from emergency to normal
operation.
(2) An on-premises fuel supply sufficient for not less that 24

hours full-demand operation of the system shall be provided.
(3) All power, lighting, signal and communication facilities

provided in this Chapter and in Chapters 28 and 46 of this
Code shall be transferable to the emergency power system.
The single station smoke detectors in hotel bedrooms need
not be transferable to the emergency power system.
(4) The power requirements shall be determined so as to provide

service to, but not limited to, the following:
(i) Fire Alarm System
(ii) Exit and Emergency lighting
(iii) Fire Protective Equipment
37-31
(iv) Required Mechanical Ventilation
(v) Fire Department Use Elevators
(vi) Water flow indicators and supervisory switches
(vii) Fire Pump
(viii) Voice Communication System (where applicable)
(5) Emergency power generating equipment, including transfer

switches, and fire pump operation shall be inspected semi-
annually at full connected load under the direction and
supervision of qualified personnel and approved written
records of the inspections shall be maintained.
(6) All buildings of Group G Occupancy of three stories or less

where smoke detectors are required, other than those in
bedrooms, shall have a battery back-up operated Fire alarm
panel. All smoke detectors, other than those in bedrooms,
and all manual alarms shall be connected to that panel. The
capacity of such panel shall be at least six hours.
All required emergency lighting may be battery operated.
(f) Occupancy Type H does not require battery back-up or standby

generator systems.
(h) Occupancy Type I shall have systems as required by the BCO.
37-32
CHAPTER 38
HEAT-PRODUCING APPARATUS
3801 GENERAL
3802 GAS-BURNING APPLIANCES
3803 OIL-BURNING APPLIANCES
3804 FRESH-AIR SUPPLY
3805 SPACE HEATERS
3806 RANGES
3807 GAS WATER HEATERS
3808 BOILERS
3809 INCINERATORS
3810 SOLAR HEATERS
3811 BUILDING EXITS
3801 GENERAL
3801.1 SCOPE: Heat-producing appliances and apparatus, other than electrical

appliances, shall conform to the requirements of this Chapter and Act
No. 13 of 1967.
3801.2 STANDARDS: The following standards are hereby adopted to supplement,

but not supercede, requirements set forth here-in:
(a) The National Fire Protection Association pamphlets: —
No. 31 “Standards for the Installation of Oil Burning

Equipment”.
No. 54 “Standards for the Installation of Gas Piping and Gas

Appliances in Buildings”.
No. 58 “Standards for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied

Petroleum Gases”.
No. 59 “Standards for the Storage and Handling of Liquefied

Petroleum Gas at Utility Plants”.
No. 89M “Standards for Clearances for Heat Producing

Appliances”.
38-1
(b) The American Standards Association, “Code for Pressure Piping”
ASA B 31.1.”
3801.3 APPROVALS: All heat-producing appliances and accessories, other than

domestic gas appliances, installed or offered for sale within the jurisdiction
of this code shall be inspected, tested and listed as defined in the Act and
Rules.
3801.4 SLEEPING ROOMS: There shall be no exposed or open flame heating

apparatus in bedrooms and rooms normally used for sleeping.
3801.5 GARAGES: Appliances may be installed on the floor of a residential garage

provided a door or the garage opens to an adjacent ground or driveway
level that is at or below the level of the garage floor. Where this condition
does not exist, appliances shall be installed not less than 18 inches above
the floor.
3801.6 TYPE OF FUEL: No appliance shall be converted from the fuel specified
on the rating plate for use with a different fuel without consulting the
manufacturer’s instruction and/or securing approval of the fuel supplier.
3801.7 INSTALLATION: The installation of heat producing appliances, whether

or not specifically mentioned in thus Chapter shall conform to the
conditions of approval as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions
attached to the appliance. All heat producing apparatus shall, where
applicable, be securely anchored to prevent overturning. All such
apparatus shall be corrosion resistant.
3801.8 LABELLING: Every heating device delivered and installed as a

manufactured article shall bear a permanent and legible nameplate on
which shall appear the following descriptive data where applicable. Such
plate or plates shall be appropriately located on the appliance, and lettered
and positioned to be legible to the operator.
(a) The manufacturer’s name.
(b) The manufacturer’s rating of the appliance.
(c) A model and serial number.
(d) Instructions for the lighting, operation and shutdown of the

appliance.
(e) The type of fuel approved for use in the appliance.
(f) A seal of approval to the appliance by an approved testing

laboratory if acceptance is based on such approval.
38-2
(g) Data on electric-power demand and output.
3801.9 ACCESSIBILITY: Every heat-producing appliance shall be accessible for

inspection, service, repair and replacement without removing permanent
construction. Sufficient room shall be available to enable the operators to
observe the burner, control and pilot while starting the appliance. The
operating instructions must be in a position where they can be easily read.
3801.10 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

(1) Where heat-producing apparatus is installed in locations where
the occupants of the space for reasons of age or physical limitations
may, in the opinion for the BCO or Chief Fire Officer, be required
to be protected by additional safeguards, controls and devices shall
be designed and installed to be inaccessible or inoperative to
unauthorized persons and protective guards or screens installed
to prevent physical contact with heated parts, Where necessary to
prevent injury. Steam, hot water or other hot lines shall be insulated.
3802 GAS-BURNING APPLIANCES:
(1) GENERAL:
(a) Gas-burning appliances shall comply with the requirements of Act
No. 14 of 1988.
(b) All domestic gas appliances, devices or accessories, offered for sale
or installed shall bear the stamp or seal of approval of the American
Gas Association Laboratories or the Underwriters’ Laboratories,
Inc. and shall have been approved by the BCO. Domestic gas
appliances, devices or accessories without the said stamp or seal
of approval shall not be installed.
3803 OIL-BURNING APPLIANCES
(1) GENERAL:
(a) Oil-burning appliances shall conform to the requirement of NFPA
Code No. 31 “Installation of Oil Burning Equipment.”
3804 FRESH-AIR SUPPLY:
(1) All fuel-burning appliances shall be assured a sufficient supply of fresh

air for proper fuel combustion.
(2) VOLUME: Combustion air shall be supplied or provided at the rate of 8

Cubit feet per minute (CFM) per boiler horsepower plus an additional
two CFM ventilation.
38-3
(3) METHODS OF SUPPLYING FRESH AIR: Where provisions for fresh air
are required in this section, the BCO shall specify which of the following
methods shall be used:
(a) Permanent openings or ducts leading from the appliance location

to the outside of the building. For gas-burning appliances, such
openings or ducts shall have a total unobstructed area of not less
than one square inch per 1000 British Thermal Units (BTU’s)
maximum-input rating of all such appliances in the space; and for
space heaters the area of openings shall be a minimum of 100 square
inches. For liquid fuel-burning appliances, such openings or ducts
shall have a total unobstructed area of not less than one and one-
half times the area required for gas-burning appliances.
(b) Permanent openings or ducts leading from the appliance location

to other interior areas which meet the minimum-required volume
specified in Sub-section 3804(2), except for those other interior areas
where combustible liquids are stored or noxious gases may be
produced. Such openings or ducts shall be not less in size than
those specified in Paragraph 3804 (3) (a).
Where openings or ducts are used, they shall consist of two or more
of approximately equal area, one or more within six inches of the
ceiling of the appliance enclosure, and one or more within six inches
of the floor of the appliance enclosure.
3805 SPACE HEATERS:
(1) GENERAL:
(a) Gas or oil burning space heaters shall be vented as set forth in
Sections 3802 and 3803.
3806 RANGES:
(1) COMMERCIAL: Stoves and ranges such as used in kitchens of restaurants,

hotels, clubs and similar establishments shall be supported on floors of
not less than two-hour fire resistive construction.
(2) DOMESTIC: Wood ceiling, shelving or cabinets over domestic appliances,

used for a single family, shall not be less than 30 inches above an appliance
burning solid, liquid or gas fuel, not less than 24 inches above an electric
range of hot plate.
(3) VENTILATION:
(a) All ranges, except those for single-family use shall be provided
with hoods as set forth in Chapters 39 and 40.
38-4
(b) When range hoods and/or ducts are used for single-family
residences they should be constructed of non-combustible materials
tightly fitted, and when vented they shall extend to the outside of
the building.
(4) SMOKE CONNECTIONS: All ranges which use solid or liquid fuels shall
be connected directly or by means of smoke-pipes to a Type A flue or
vent, as set forth in Section 3803. No such connection shall be to any flue
or vent to which a gas-burning appliance is connected.
3807 GAS WATER HEATERS:
(1) LOCATION:
(a) The location of water heaters shall comply with the standard set
forth in Act No. 14 of 1988.
(b) Water heaters which burn solid, liquid or gas fuel shall not be
installed in bathrooms, bedrooms, or any occupied rooms normally
kept closed. Listed water heaters shall be installed in accordance
with their listing and the manufacturer’s instructions. In no case
shall the clearances be such that as to interfere with the requirements
for combustion air, draft hood clearance and relief, and accessibility
for servicing. See following table for minimum clearances for listed
water heaters:
(2) VENTILATION:
(a) All enclosures for water heaters using solid, liquid or gas fuel shall
be provided with an adequate system of ventilation as set forth in
Chapters 39 and 40, located at or near the floor and ceiling levels;
and the area of such openings shall be not less than 36 square inches,
independent of doors and windows. Louvred doors will be
acceptable.
38-5
(b) All water heaters which use solid, gas or liquid fuels shall be
connected, either directly or by means of smokepipes, to flues or
vents, as set forth in Chapters 39 and 40.
3808 BOILERS AND UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSELS
3808.1 STANDARDS:
(a) The design, installation, alteration, location, operation and
inspection of all boiler and pressure vessels, including boilers
generating steam under pressure, unfired pressure vessels, and
related piping installation for such boilers and vessels shall be as
set forth herein.
(b) The American Society of Mechanical Engineers(ASME

International) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code as amended prior
to the publication of the Code is hereby adopted as set forth in
Appendix A of this Code.
(c) The ASME International code for Pressure Piping, Building Services
Piping (ANSI/ASME B31.9) as set forth in Appendix A of this Code,
is hereby adopted.
(a) A high-pressure steam boiler is any boiler generating steam or vapor
at pressures over 15 pounds-per-square-inch (psi).
(b) A low-pressure steam boiler is any boiler generating steam or vapor

at 15 psi or less.
(c) A hot-water heating boiler operating at pressures under 160 psi

and temperatures under 250 degrees F, is classified as a low-pressure
boiler.
(d) A hot-water heating boiler operating at pressures of 160 psi or

higher and at temperatures of 250 degrees F or higher, shall be
classified as a high-pressure boiler.
(e) A hot-water supply boiler having a BTU rating of more than 200,000
BTU per hour or having a capacity of 120 gallons or more or
operating at a temperature of more than 200 degrees F, is classified
as a low-pressure boiler.
3808.3 ENCLOSURES FOR HIGH-PRESSURE BOILERS:

(a) High pressure boilers shall be enclosed and separated from the rest
of the building by walls, floors and ceilings of not less than 2-hour
fire-resistive construction.
38-6
(b) There shall be no openings in such enclosure except for doors and
as required for ventilation.
(c) There shall be not less than 2 doors remotely located and all doors
to the inside of the building shall be a one-hour fire-resistive
assembly complying with Section 3206 of this Code.
(d) Clearances or boiler appurtenances shall be a minimum of 18” all

around the boiler. Where a manhole opening is provided in the top
of a boiler shell a minimum clearance to ceiling shall be 36”.
(e) Boilers of 3 HP or less generating steam at less than 100 psi may
be installed without enclosures but; shall not be placed on
combustible flooring; and shall comply with the standard set forth
in Paragraph 3808.1(b) herein.
3808.4 ENCLOSURES FOR LOW-PRESSURE BOILERS:

(a) Low pressure boilers shall be enclosed and separated from the rest
of the building by walls, floors and ceiling of not less than one-
hour fire-resistive construction.
(b) There shall be no openings in such enclosure except doors and as

required for ventilation.
(c) Doors to the inside of the building shall be a one-hour fire-resistive

assembly complying with Section 3206 of this Code.
(d) Clearances from boiler appurtenances shall be a minimum of 18”

all around the boiler. Where a manhole opening is provided in the
top of the boiler shell a minimum clearance to ceiling shall be 36”.
(e) Boilers of 3 HP or less generating steam at less than 100 psi may
be installed without enclosures; shall not be placed on combustible
flooring; and shall comply with the standard set forth in Paragraph
3808.1(b) herein.
3808.5 DETAILED REGULATIONS:

(a) High pressure steam boilers may be blown off only to a blow-off
tank complying with the requirements of the pamphlet entitled,
“Blower Blow-Off Equipment” NBBPVI, as set forth in Appendix
A of this Code.
(b) Boilers shall be connected to an approved flue or vent where

required and as set forth in this Chapter.
(c) Combustion air shall be supplied or provided as the rate of 8 cubic
38-7
feet per minute (CFM) per boiler horsepower (hp) plus an additional
2 CFM per hp per minute of ventilation.
(d) Any person manufacturing or dealing in the sale of boilers or

pressure vessels shall, on sale or delivery of such apparatus, notify
the Buildings Control Officer, giving the name and address of the
purchaser.
(e) Second-hand or used boilers and pressure vessels shall be inspected

by an agency approved by the Buildings Control Officer and a
certificate shall be applied for and approved by the Buildings
Control Officer before such apparatus is painted or offered for sale.
3808.6 CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTIONS:

(a) A Certificate of Inspection shall be required, stating the maximum
allowable approved pressures, and shall be conspicuously posted.
(b) The Certificate of Inspection for a steam boiler operating in excess

of 15 pounds per square inch, or for a boiler not having an
unassisted gravity return, or for a pressure vessel operating in
excess of 60 pounds per square inch and having a volume in excess
of five cubic feet, shall be for a fixed period not exceeding six months.
Semi-annual inspection and compliance with this code for renewal
of the Certificate of Inspection shall be required.
(c) The BCO shall require tests for new installations and for the annual
inspection, as well as at any time as is, in his opinion, necessary
in the interest of safety. The proposed installation of boilers of
any size and pressure shall be considered to be a special case and
special installation requirements may be required.
3809 INCINERATORS:
(1) GENERAL: Incinerators for the reduction of refuse, garbage, or other waste
materials shall not be permitted where, in the opinion of the Minister of
Health, BCO, or Chief Fire Officer, a nuisance or fire hazard may result.
Incinerators, where permitted, shall be located as required by the Minister
of Health.
3810 SOLAR HEATERS:
(1) It is recommended that provision be made during the construction of new

buildings for the installation, or eventual installation, of solar heating.
(2) Solar tanks, coils and systems shall be as set forth herein and in Chapter
36, Plumbing.
38-8
(3) Coil boxes shall be made of not less than 24-gage, corrosion resistant metal,
securely constructed, supported and anchored. Anchorage to sloping roofs
shall be by bolting through the roof to the supporting members of rafters;
and standard anchorage to wood-rafted roofs shall be by means of a 7/
16-inch J-bolt through the frame of the coil box and under the rafter, for
each four square feet of coil box, but not less than four bolts. Anchorage
for coil boxes, where the slope is different from that of the roof, shall be
through back brances of 1 1/4"x 1 1/4" x 1/8" steel angle iron, spaced not
more than four feet apart and bolted with not less than 7/16-inch bolts to
the coil box and roof. Pitch pans shall be provided at roof anchor points
where through bolts penetrate roofing felts.
(4) Tanks for solar heaters shall be of corrosion-resistant metal and shall be
securely supported and anchored. No single tanks shall exceed 60 gallons
unless the supports are designed therefor.
Tanks shall be designed to operate under pressure not less than 100 pounds
per square inch. Enclosures for tanks may be of wood, provided such
wood is suitably treated for decay and water repellency. Enclosures for
tanks, of wood, shall be not less in size than a 2"x 4" and sheathed with
one-inch sheathing or one-half inch, exterior-grade plywood, either of
which is protected by expanded wire lath and stucco; or shall be a metal
frame of 1 1/4" 1 1/4"x 1/8" steel angle iron covered with expanded-wire
lath end stucco; or shall be a cover box of .027-inch thickness of corrosion-
resistant sheet metal. Tanks and enclosures shall be bolted through the
roof to the supporting members with not less than four bolts, 7/16-inch
in diameter.
3811 BUILDING EXITS:
No boilers, furnaces or direct fired equipment shall be installed in building exits.
38-9
NOTES
38-10
CHAPTER 39
SPECIAL HAZARDS
3901 TRANSFORMER VAULTS

3902 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
3903 VENTILATING DUCTS
3904 FILM
3905 EXPLOSIVES
3906 AIR CONTAMINANTS
3907 RADIATION PROTECTION
3908 PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS AND DIP TANKS
3909 RESTAURANT HOODS, AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHER SYSTEMS
3901 TRANSFORMER VAULTS
3901.1 STANDARDS: Sub-Section 26-150 through 216-164 “Electrical Equipment

Vaults” of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part I herein supplements, but
does not supersede, the requirements set forth herein for transformer
vaults. Transformer vaults will normally be designed by The Bahamas
Electricity Corporation in consultation with the Architect or the Engineer.
3901.2 LOCATION: Wherever such arrangement is practicable, transformer

vaults shall be at or near the point of entrance of the service conductors to
the building, ventilated to the outside air without the use of ducts and
with unimpeded access and egress directly to and from the exterior at all
times.
3901.3 CONSTRUCTION:
(a) Transformers vaults shall be constructed in accordance with the
following:
(1) Required Thickness of Walls—Transformers Vaults: All

transformer vaults shall be 6 inch reinforced concrete, 8 inch
solid masonry or 12 inch hollow-unit masonry.
Transformer-vault floors on the ground shall be of reinforced

concrete, not less than 6 inches thick. Floors with open spaces
below, and ceilings, shall be of reinforced concrete not less
than six inches thick. Vault walls of hollow-unit masonry shall
have a stuccoed surfacing not less than ‘three fourths’ inch
in thickness on the inside. All openings in walls, floors or
39-1
ceilings shall be protected by approved firedoors or wire-
glass windows, with a two (2) hour rating, except that the
ventilating openings to the exterior of the building may be
provided with corrosion-resistant, non-combustible louvres.
(b) A sill of sufficient height to confine within the vault one-third more
oil than the capacity of the largest transformer, but not less than
four inches high, shall be provided across all doors.
(c) Entrance doors shall be provided with a hasp for padlocking and
shall be kept locked, with access available only to authorized
persons.
(d) Where transformer vaults are installed within the confines of a

building, the access door shall have a two (2) hour rating. Where
the door is used for ventilation, the ventilation openings shall have
an automatic means of tight closure, such as approved dampers,
or other devices as may be approved by the BCO.
(e) As set forth in Section 3702 of this Code, transformer vaults shall
not be sprinklered by an automatic-sprinkler system.
3901.4 DRAINAGE: A transformer vault, located below ground water level or

which, for other reasons, may be subject to flooding or water infiltration,
shall be provided with an adequate system of drains and/or automatic
ejectors. Floors of above-grade vaults shall slope to a minimum 24”x 24”
x 10” deep sump which shall be provided with a pressure-lock type cover
installed flush with the vault floor. Such sump shall be located in
accordance with the requirements of the Bahamas Electricity Corporation,
constructed of concrete of same thickness as the vault floor, and shall be
provided with a minimum 2” diameter pump-out pipe extending out of
the sump and terminating outside the vault wall. The pipe shall be
provided with a strainer at the sump terminus, and a 2” threaded cap
with a chain at the pump-out terminus. All vault-drainage installations
shall be subject to the approval of the Minister responsible for the
Bahamas Electricity Corporation.
3901.5 VENTILATION:
(a) Vaults shall be so designed that there shall be adequate air space
around all equipment to allow for heat dissipation and personnel
access. This space shall not be less than six inches between any
heat source and a wall and not less than twelve inches between
adjacent heat sources, for heat dissipation only.
(b) The location and dimensions of ventilation openings in transformer

vaults shall be such as to prevent an air temperature rise in excess
39-2
of 15°F based on the total full load losses of installed transformers
and having due regard to the possibility of transformer capacity
increase in the future.
(c) Ventilation openings shall be located as far as practicable from

adjacent doors, windows, exit facilities and combustible materials.
Such openings shall be covered with suitable grates, screens or
louvres, constructed of corrosion-resistant, non-combustible
materials.
(d) Where mechanical ventilation is proposed the quantity of air flow

shall be designed for a 15°F temperature rise, and the ventilation
system shall include automatic firestat cut-out, air inlet filters, and
special approval from the BCO is required. No aluminum ducts
may be used. Automatic fire dampers shall be installed where ducts
penetrate vault walls. Guillotine type dampers shall be adequately
screened to protect personnel if damper operates.
3901.6 SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS: No pipes for sanitary plumbing, water or gas

supply or for any other purposes foreign to the vault installation shall
pass through or under a transformer vault. No toilets or wash basins shall
be installed in the vault. Any conduit or piping required in connection
with sump pumps or similar necessary equipment shall be insulated
electrically from the exterior of the vault. Vaults shall not be used for
storage, nor for any other purpose than to contain and protect the
transformers and the necessary equipment incident thereto.
3902 FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
3902.1 STANDARDS: The Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, National

Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30, and the Standard for the
Installation of Oil Burning Equipment, NFPA 31, are hereby adopted, as
set forth in Appendix A.
3902.2 SCOPE: These provisions shall apply to new buildings, equipment and
installations and to existing buildings, equipment and installations which
constitute a hazard.
(a) FLAMMABLE LIQUID: — means a liquid having a flash point
below 100°F (37.8°c) and having a vapour pressure not exceeding
40 pounds per square inch (absolute) at 100°F shall be known as a
Class I liquid.
Class I Liquids shall be further subdivided as follows:
39-3
Class I A shall include those having flash points below 73°F
(22.8°c) and having a boiling point below 100°F (37.8° c).
Class I B shall include those having flash points below 73°F

(22.8°c) and having a boiling point at or above 100°F (37.8°c).
Class I C shall include those having flash points at or above

73°F (22.8°c) and below 100°F (37.8°c).
(b) COMBUSTIBLE LIQUID: — means a liquid having a flash point

at or above 100°F (37.8°c).
Combustible liquids shall be further subdivided as follows: —
Class II liquids shall include those having flash points at or

above 100°F (37.8°c) and below 140°F (60°c).
Class III A liquids shall include those having flash points at

or above 140°F (60° c) and below 200°F (93.4°c).
Class III B liquids shall include those having flash points at

or above 200°F (93.4°c).
(c) This Code does not cover Class III B liquids. Therefore where the
term combustible liquids is used, it shall mean Class II and III A
liquids, similarly the use of the term Class III liquids shall mean
Class III A only.
(d) Any manufactured liquid or fluid commodity, such as paint,

varnish, dry-cleaning, cleaning solution and polishing liquid, which
contains flammable liquids, shall be considered a flammable liquid
and shall be classified according to the flash point of the mixture.
3902.4 DETAILED REGULATIONS:

(a) No Class I, II or III liquids shall be stored in glass containers, except
containers approved by (ICC) regulations.
(b) No Class I or Class II liquids shall be kept or stored in any building

of Public Assembly occupancy nor in School occupancies except in
laboratories for experimental purposes.
(c) Except in sealed containers, no Class I or II liquids shall be stored

within ten feet of any stairway or other path of egress unless
separated therefrom by a four-hour fire-resistive wall or partition.
(d) In buildings of other than residential occupancy, there shall be not
39-4
less than two remote paths of egress from the point of storage or
use of Class I or II flammable liquids; except that a single exit from
a room may be permitted where the travel distance does not exceed
15 feet.
(e) Flammable liquid for agriculture use (at the point of use) shall be
exempted from the requirements of this Section, subject to the
approval of the BCO based on location and hazard.
(f) Fuel-oil tanks shall not be located in garages attached to buildings

of Residential occupancies, or on the roof of any building.
(g) Containers of Class I or Class II liquids shall not be filled, or used

to fill other containers or appliances, unless outside of the building.
Containers of Class III liquids of over five-gallon capacity shall not
be filled, or used to fill other containers and appliances, unless
outside of the building.
(h) All containers of Class I or Class II liquids shall be properly labelled

and conspicuously marked or painted, as set forth in the standards,
subsection 3902.1, to indicate danger.
(i) In all rooms or parts of buildings which contain flammable liquids

in open containers or in which the vapours from flammable liquids
are present, or in which flammable liquids are used in any
manufacturing process; open flame, sparks or smoking shall be
prohibited. Suitable “NO SMOKING” signs shall be displayed.
(j) Flammable liquids shall not be stored, drawn or handled in the

presence of open flame or fire, nor shall they be stored, drawn or
handled in garages and utility rooms of Residential Occupancies
which contain heat producing appliances or other sources of
ignition. Where the storage, drawing or handling of flammable
liquids is permitted under this Code and other appropriate laws,
lighting shall be by explosion-proof incandescent lamps.
(k) Pumps for dispensing gasoline to the tanks of operating equipment

shall not be located inside of buildings or sheds that are more than
50 percent enclosed with walls, and such pumps shall be not less
than 15 feet from property lines and not less than ten feet from any
building opening.
(l) Underground tanks shall be protected from damage caused by

above-grade or lateral loads, shall be placed on a firm and well-
tamped earth foundation and, where necessary to prevent flotation,
shall be securely anchored and weighed.
39-5
(m) (1) LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF VENTS FOR CLASS
I LIQUIDS: Vent pipes from underground storage tanks
storing Class I liquids shall be so located that the discharge
point is outside of buildings, higher than the fill pipe opening,
and not less than 12’-0” above the adjacent ground level.
Vent pipes shall not be obstructed by devices provided for
vapor recovery or other purposes unless the tank and
associated piping and equipment are otherwise protected to
limit back-pressure development of less than the maximum
working pressure of the tank and equipment by the provision
of pressure-vacuum vents, rupture discs or other tank venting
devices installed in the tank vent lines. Vent outlets and
devices shall be protected to minimise the possibility of
blockage from weather, dirt, or insect nests, and shall be so
located and directed that flammable vapors will not
accumulate or travel to an unsafe location, enter building
openings, or be trapped under eaves. Tanks containing Class
IA liquids shall be equipped with pressure and vacuum
venting devices which shall be normally closed except when
venting under pressure or vacuum conditions. Tanks storing
Class IB or Class IC liquids shall be equipped with pressure-
vacuum vents or with listed flame arrestors. Tanks storing
gasoline are exempt from the requirements for pressure and
vacuum venting devices, except as required to prevent
excessive back pressure, or flame arrestors, provided the vent
does not exceed 3” nominal inside diameter.
(2) LOCATION AND ARRANGEMENT OF VENTS FOR CLASS

II OR CLASS IIIA LIQUIDS: Vent pipes from tanks storing
Class II or Class IIIA liquids shall terminate outside of
building and higher than the fill pipe opening. Vent outlets
shall be not less than 6” above normal ground level. They
may be fitted with return bends, coarse screens or other
devices to minimize ingress of foreign material.
Vent pipes shall be laid as to drain toward the tank without

sags or traps in which liquid can collect. They shall be
located so that they will not be subjected to physical damage.
The tank end of the vent pipe shall enter the tank through
the top.
(n) Underground storage tanks shall be filled only through fill spouts,
terminating outside of buildings at a point at least five feet from
any building opening at the same, or at a lower level. Fill terminals
shall be closed tight when not in use. Fill terminals shall be
identified and at a location free from any source of ignition.
39-6
(o) Underground tanks temporarily out of service for a period not
exceeding 90 days shall immediately have the fill line, gage openings
and pump suction capped and secured against tampering. The vent
lines shall be left open. Underground tanks out of service for a
period of 90 days to one year shall be removed or filled with sand
or water or other non-combustible material. Underground tanks
out of service for more than one year shall be considered
permanently abandoned and shall be removed or filled with sand.
The responsibility for such protective measures shall be that of
the owner of the property.
(p) Underground tanks installed in soil known to be unusually

corrosive due to the conditions hereinafter set forth shall be
protected from corrosion based on evaluation and design by an
Engineer recognized by the Minister:
(1) Low soil resistivity to current flow.
(2) Very acid or very alkali soil.
(3) Excessive anaerobic bacteria.
(4) High water table.
(5) Backfill and land fill areas with high organic content.
(6) Location near water front areas.
(7) Any condition known to cause an abnormal breakdown

of standard metal or non-metal underground tanks.
3903 VENTILATION & EXHAUST DUCTS
3903.1 STANDARDS: The following “Standards” of the National Fire Protection

Association (NFPA) are hereby adopted as part of this code to supplement,
but not supercede the requirements set forth herein: —
No. 90A For the Installation of ‘Air Conditioning’ and Ventilating Systems
(Non-Residential),
No. 90B For the Installation of Residential Warm Air Heating and Air
Conditioning Systems,
No. 96 For Ventilation of Restaurant Cooking Equipment;
39-7
No. 91 For the Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems for Dust Stock
and Vapour Removal,
No. 644 Code for the Prevention of Dust Explosions in Wood Working
and Wood Floor Manufacturing Plants,
The following standards of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning

Contractors National Association (SMACNA),
(i) Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard 15d. Fifth Edition,

and
(ii) The HVAC Duct Construction Standard, Metal and Flexible;
and
(iii) The Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide
for HVAC Systems
are hereby adopted as part of this Code to supplement, but

not to supercede the requirements set forth herein.
3903.2 GENERAL:
(a) All air ducts shall be constructed in accordance with the Standards
in Paragraph 4102.1.
(b) In attic fan installations used to ventilate living areas through

the attic, a firestat shall be installed to shut off the fan and a fusible
link installed to close the opening. Attic fans used solely to
ventilate the attic space shall be exempt from this requirement.
(c) Ducts shall be tight throughout, with no openings except those

essential to the required functioning of the system. Ducts shall be
substantially braced or supported by metal hangers, brackets or
their equivalents from substantial structural members. No
combustible materials shall be used for hangers, supports or
bracing.
(d) Ducts shall not pass through fire walls unless unavoidable, and, in
such cases, approved, automatic fire doors or shutters shall be
provided.
(e) All ventilating ducts shall be extended, continuous, to the exterior

of the building, or to an accepted location approved by the BCO.
(f) Ducts shall be constructed of metal or other non-combustible

materials to provide structural strength and durability at least equal
to the requirements set forth in NFPA Code 90A.
39-8
3903.3 HOODS OVER RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT:
(a) HOODS REQUIRED: Restaurant-type ranges, candy kettles and
appliances for the frying of bakery or confectionery products shall
be provided with ventilating hoods and ducts to take off the smoke
gases and vapours, unless such appliances are enclosed and vented
in an approved manner.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) Hoods shall not be required in kitchens having natural light
and ventilation to the outside used solely for the preparation
of food for one family.
(2) Hoods to carry off heat only from kitchen units such as dish-
washers, coffee urns and water heaters, and where grease is
not anticipated, may be exempt from the provisions of this
sub-section.
(b) LOCATION: Such hoods shall not be raised more than seven feet
from the floor. The length and width of kitchen hoods shall extend
a minimum of 12 inches beyond the appliance over which they are
installed. Where space conditions permit, range hoods shall be not
less than two feet high to provide a reservoir to confine momentary
bursts of smoke and steam until the exhaust system can evacuate
the hood. Range hoods shall be located as low as possible to increase
their effectiveness. Exhaust connections to range hoods shall be
made at the top and/or back of the hoods.
(c) GAS - APPLIANCE VENTS: Vents of gas-burning cooking

appliances other than ovens shall extend through or beyond the
grease screen or filter and shall be further regulated as set forth in
Chapter 38, and Act No. 13 of 1967.
(d) HOOD DESIGN:

(1) Hoods over kitchen-cooking equipment shall be constructed
of non-combustible materials, with tight joints and having a
clearance of at least 18 inches from all unprotected
combustible material.
(2) Duct systems shall create a conveying air velocity in the

exhaust system of not less than 1,500 feet per minute and not
more than 2,200 feet per minute. The average air velocity
across the face of any hood in the exhaust system shall be
not less than 100 feet per minute.
(3) Range or grease filters or equally-effective grease traps shall

be installed in all commercial-use installations and shall be
39-9
of non-combustible construction, proportioned not to de-
crease the air velocity in the duct belong the limit set forth in
Paragraph 3903.3 (d) (2). Grease filter efficiency shall be a
minimum of 98%.
(4) In range hoods where mechanical draft is used, a suitable

safety control shall be installed.
(e) DUCTS:
(1) Ducts from hoods shall be constructed of 20 U.S. standard
gauge or heavier sheet metal, with tight joints and separated
at least 18 inches from all unprotected combustible material.
Inside laps in duct joints shall project in a direction against
the air flow.
(2) Ducts shall lead as directly as possible to outside.
(3) The ducts shall constitute an independent system in no

manner connected with any other ventilating system.
(4) Access for inspection and cleaning purposes, equipped with

tight fitting sliding or swinging doors and latches, shall be
provided in horizontal sections of exhaust ducts. Such
openings should be at the side of the horizontal run in order
to prevent dripping of residue. Spacing of such openings shall
not exceed 20 feet.
(5) Vertical risers located outside of buildings shall be adequately

supported by the exterior walls. Risers located inside of
buildings shall be enclosed in a shaft of fire-resistive material,
(6) At the base of each vertical riser, a residue trap shall be

provided, with provisions for cleanout.
(7) Exhaust ducts shall not pass through firewalls. Where ducts
pass through partitions of combustible construction, the
clearance shall be 18 inches unless insulated to provide at
least one-hour fire-resistive protection; in which case, the
clearance may be reduced to three inches.
(f) FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM REQUIRED: All commercial

hoods shall be protected by automatic fire extinguishing systems
in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 37, “FIRE
PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS,”
Section 3702, and Sections 3903 and 4005.
39-10
3903.4 HOODS AND VENTILATING DUCTS OVER DOMESTIC RANGES:
Hoods and ventilating ducts over domestic ranges shall be as set forth in
Sub-section 3806.3.
3903.5 EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR FLAMMABLE VAPOURS: Exhaust systems

for flammable vapours shall be as set forth in the “Standards for Blowers
and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock and Vapour Removal,” NFPA Code
No. 91 of the National Fire Protection Association. Where fans are used in
connection with the exhausting of flammable vapours protective devices
shall be installed to stop the operation of the fan in event of fire.
3904 FILM
The storage and handling of cellulose nitrate motion-picture film shall conform to the
“Standards of Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Motion Picture Film,” NFPA
Code No. 40 of the National Fire Protection Association, except that the provision of this
section does not apply to the following:
(a) Films for amateur photographic use in original packages of “roll” and
“film pack” films in quantities of less than 50 cubic feet.
(b) Safety film (cellulose—acetate base).
(c) Dental X-ray film.
(d) Films stored or being used in standard motion-picture booths.
3905 EXPLOSIVES
The transportation, handling and use of explosives shall comply with the requirements of
the Explosives Act 1968 and the rules made there-under.
3906 AIR CONTAMINANTS
Air contaminants shall be subject to the requirements, and regulations of the Minister of
Health.
3907 RADIATION PROTECTION
Radiation apparatus and devices for medical or industrial uses shall comply with the
recommendations of the Minister of Health.
39-11
3908 PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS AND DIP TANKS
3908.1 SCOPE: The application of flammable or combustible paint, varnish,

lacquer, stain or other flammable or combustible liquid applied as a spray
in continuous or intermittent processes; and dip tank operations in which
articles or materials are passed through contents of tanks, vat or containers
of flammable or combustible liquids, including coating, finishing, treating
and similar processes shall comply with the requirements of this section.
3908.2 PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS:

(a) WHERE REQUIRED:
(1) Paint spraying, spray finishing, or dipping operations shall

not be conducted in a Group A, B, C, G or H Occupancy except
in a room complying with the standards as set forth herein,
and protected with an approved system of automatic
sprinklers, of a type approved by the BCO and the Chief Fire
Officer and separated vertically and horizontally from other
areas by construction having not less than 2 hours fire
resistance.
(2) In buildings of Group D, E and F Occupancy where spraying

apparatus is used repeatedly, such operations shall be
conducted in spray booths or spray areas constructed as set
forth herein.
(3) Spraying operations shall be confined to the smallest

practicable space commensurate with the operation.
(4) Where quantity of spraying or dipping materials used in a

day does not exceed 2 quarts and the total amount of
materials stored does not exceed 20 gallons, the BCO and/or
the Chief Fire Officer may waive or vary these requirements
subject to the consideration of safety.
(b) STANDARDS: Paint spraying and spray finishing shall comply

with the standard, “Spray Finishing” NFPA Code No. 33 of the
National Fire Protection Association which is hereby adopted to
supplement, but not supersede the requirements set forth herein.
3908.3 DIP TANKS: Dip tank operations shall conform to the Standard “Dip
Tanks” NFPA Code No. 34 of the National Fire Protection Association,
which is hereby adopted to supplement but not supersede the
requirements set forth herein.
39-12
3909 RESTAURANT HOODS, AUTOMATIC FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM
3909.1 SCOPE: All commercial cooking grease exhaust hoods, ducts, deep fat
fryers, complete range top, upright broilers, griddles, and char-broilers
shall be protected against fire by the installation of automatic dry chemical
fire extinguishing systems. Each system shall be installed in accordance
with Underwriter’s Laboratories and Factory Mutual’s listings and to
conform to all requirements of the BCO and Chief Fire Officer.
Automatic fuel shut-off, gas and/or electric, shall be provided for all
cooking appliances that are protected by the dry chemical system. Fuel
shut-off shall automatically operate upon the actuation of the system.
3909.2 CONSTRUCTION: The system cylinder shall be of the stored pressure

type of sufficient capacity, as determined by Underwriters’ Laboratories’
listing, to provide a high concentration of dry chemical in the plenum
area/areas and exhaust duct system. The dry chemical shall be stored in a
spun metal, ICC tested cylinder, pressured with dry nitrogen at no less
than 350 psi and equipped with a pressure gauge to verify operational
readiness. Nozzles located in the plenum/plenums and grease exhaust
duct shall be of the spring loaded, self-closing type, capable of functioning
with a heavy accumulation of grease. Nozzles for deep fat fryer and other
associated cooking equipment shall be either of the self-closing type or
shall be fitted with nozzle covers as supplied by the manufacturer. The
entire system shall be self-purging. All splitting of Dry Chemical piping
shall be by Venturi assemblies only to assure proper dry chemical
distribution to each nozzle.
Persons or firms making the installation of such equipment shall be

approved by the Minister.
3909.3 ALTERNATE SYSTEMS: Alternate systems utilizing other approved

extinguishing agents may be considered for approval by the BCO and
Chief Fire Officer after submission of details.
39-13
NOTES
39-14
CHAPTER 40
MECHANICAL VENTILATION
4001 SCOPE
4002 APPLICATION
4003 REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE
4005 HOODS OVER RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT
4006 EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR FLAMMABLE VAPOURS
4007 EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR SPECIAL HAZARDOUS STORAGE AREAS
4008 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SANITARY FACILITIES
4009 FIRE CONTROL
4001 SCOPE
4001.1 SCOPE: All portions of buildings customarily occupied by human beings

shall be provided with natural ventilation by openings to the exterior as
set forth in “Requirements Based on Occupancy,” Chapters 5 through 13,
inclusive, or by mechanical ventilation, and defined herein.
4002 APPLICATION
4002.1 APPLICATION: Mechanical ventilation shall be forced ventilation

supplying outside air, as set forth in this chapter or shall be air conditioning
as set forth in Chapter 41. Required forced ventilation supplying outside
air shall be in operation when the building or portion thereof is occupied
by human beings, and each room or space shall be separately considered;
except that closets and similar minor spaces connected to the properly-
ventilated main rooms need not be individually ventilated. The Minister
of Health may waive or vary the requirements for forced ventilation and
the supply of outside air or the exhaust of noxious, hazardous or otherwise
objectionable fumes or vapors, subject to the consideration of the hazards,
arrangement of building components and equipment, and of special
equipment for specific conditions of use. The published “Standards” of
the National Fire Protection Association and the “Guide” as published by
the American Society of Heating and Refrigerating and Air Conditioning
Engineers, Inc., shall be accepted as standards of good practice. Standards
of the National Fire Protection Association pertinent to this Chapter shall
be as follows:
NFPA No. 90A—Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems.
40-1
NFPA No. 91—Installation of Blower and Exhaust Systems.
NFPA NO. 96—Ventilation of Cooking Equipment.
NFPA NO. 101—The Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings and
Structures.
NFPA No. 204—Guide for Smoke and Heat Venting.
The following Standards of the sheet Metal and Air Conditioning

Contractors National Association (SMACNA) are hereby adopted: -
(aa) Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard 15d, Fifth Edition;
(bb) The HVAC Duct Construction Standard, Metal and Flexible;
(cc) The Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide for
HVAC Systems.
4003 REQUIREMENTS BASED ON USE
4003.1 Subject to the consideration of the standards of good practice as set forth
in sub-section 4002, there shall be not less than one complete change of air
in each occupied room or space every 30 minutes except as follows:
(a) In buildings which include assembly uses such as theatres,

auditoria, motion-picture houses, exhibition halls, skating rings,
gymnasia, bowling alleys, pool rooms, restaurants, kitchens,
churches dance halls, club rooms, night clubs, meeting rooms,
passenger rooms, recreation piers, and similar uses there shall be a
minimum of ten cubic feet per minute of outside air per occupant
but not less than one change of air every 30 minutes. If the velocity
at the intake exceeds ten feet per second, the intake shall be placed
not less than eight feet above the floor directly beneath.
(b) In all buildings used for storage or handling of automobiles

operating under their own power, and in all buildings where
flammable liquids are used or stored, exhaust ventilation shall be
provided to produce one complete change of air every ten minutes.
Such exhaust ventilation shall be taken form a point at or near the
floor.
(c) In buildings or portions thereof used for dry-cleaning plants, there

shall be a complete change of air every three minutes.
40-2
(d) In public toilet rooms there shall be a complete change of air every
three minutes.
(e) In below-grade vaults and equipment rooms, unless continuous

ventilation is provided, there shall be a complete change of air every
three minutes during periods of human occupancy.
(f) In paint-spray booths, woodworking shops with fixed or portable

power equipment or tools exceeding a combined total of 20 HP,
manufacturing places using plastics and similar hazardous
locations, there shall be a complete change of air every minute.
4004.1 (a) GENERAL: All air ducts shall be constructed entirely of metal or
other approved non-combustible materials of suitably equal
strength.
(b) In attic-fan installations, a firestat shall be installed to shut off the

fan and a fusible link to close the opening in lieu of the
aforementioned requirements.
(c) Ducts shall be tight throughout, with no openings except those

essential to the required functioning of the system. Ducts shall be
substantially braced or supported by metal hangers, brackets or
their equivalents from substantial structural members.
(d) Ducts shall not pass through fire walls unless unavoidable, and in
such cases, approved automatic fire dampers or shutters shall be
provided.
(e) Ducts shall be constructed of metal or other non-combustible

materials to provide structural strength and durability at least equal
to the requirements set forth in the “Standards” referenced in Sub-
section 4002.1.
4005 HOODS OVER RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT
4005.1 (a) HOODS REQUIRED: Restaurant-type ranges, candy kettles and

appliances for the frying of bakery or confectionery products shall
be provided with ventilating hoods and ducts to take off the smoke,
gases and vapours. See the parallel, and supplemental
requirements, stipulated in Sections 3903 and 3909 herein before.
40-3
(1) EXCEPTIONS: Hoods shall not be required in kitchens used
solely for the preparation of food for one family.
(2) Hoods to carry off heat only from kitchen units such as
dishwashers, coffee urns and water heaters, and where grease
is not anticipated, may be exempt from the provisions of this
sub-section.
(b) LOCATION: Such hoods shall not be raised more than seven feet
from the floor. The length and width of kitchen hoods shall extend
a minimum of 12 inches beyond the appliance over which they are
installed. Where space conditions permit, range hoods shall be not
less than two feet high to provide a reservoir to confine momentary
bursts of smoke and steam until the exhaust system can evacuate
the hood. Range hoods shall be located as low as possible to increase
their effectiveness. Exhaust connections to range hoods shall be
made at the top and/or back of the hoods.
(c) GAS-APPLIANCE VENTS: Vents of gas-burning cooking

appliances other than ovens shall extend through or beyond the
grease screen or filter.
(d) HOOD DESIGN:

(1) Hoods over kitchen-cooking equipment shall be constructed
of non-combustible materials, with tight joints and having a
clearance of at least 18 inches from all unprotected
combustible material.
(2) Duct systems shall create a conveying air velocity in the

exhaust system of not less than 1500 feet per minute and not
more than 2200 feet per minute. The average air velocity
across the face of any hood in the exhaust system shall not
be less than 100 feet per minute.
(3) Range or grease filters or equally-effective grease traps shall

be installed in all commercial-use installations and shall be
of non-combustible construction, proportioned not to
decrease the air velocity in the duct below the limit set forth
in Paragraph 3903.3 (d).
(4) In range hoods where mechanical draft is used, a suitable

firestat shall be installed.
(e) DUCTS:
(1) Ducts from hoods shall be constructed of 20 U.S. standard
gauge or heavier sheet metal, with tight joints and separated
40-4
at least 18 inches from all unprotected combustible material.
Inside laps in duct joints shall project in a direction against
the air flow.
(2) Ducts shall lead as directly as possible to outside.
(3) The ducts shall constitute an independent system in no

manner connected with any other ventilating system.
(4) Access, for inspection and cleaning purposes, equipped with

tight-fitting sliding or swinging doors and latches, shall be
provided in horizontal sections of exhaust ducts. Such
openings should be at the side of the horizontal run in order
to prevent dripping of residue. Spacing of such openings shall
not exceed 20 feet.
(5) Vertical risers located outside of buildings shall be adequately

supported by the exterior walls. Risers located inside of
buildings shall be enclosed in a shaft of fire-resistive material,
extending continuously through the roof.
(6) At the base of each vertical riser, a residue trap shall be

provided with provisions for cleanout.
(7) Exhaust ducts shall not pass through firewalls. Where ducts
pass through partitions of combustible construction, the
clearance shall be 18 inches unless insulated to provide at
least one-hour fire-resistive protection; in which case, the
clearance may be reduced to three inches.
4006 EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR FLAMMABLE VAPOURS:
Exhaust systems for flammable vapours shall be as set forth in the “ Standards for Blowers
and Exhaust Systems for Dust, Stock and Vapour Removal,” NFPA Pamphlet No. 91 or
“DipTanks,” No. 34. Where fans are used in connection with the exhausting of flammable
vapors, protective devices shall be installed to stop the operation of the fan in event of fire.
4007 EXHAUST SYSTEMS FOR SPECIAL HAZARDOUS STORAGE AREAS:
Exhaust systems for toxic substances, explosives, radio-active materials or similar special
hazard shall be subject to the special approval by the B.C.O. and Minister of Health for the
particular facility.
40-5
4008 MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC SANITARY FACILITIES:
Minimum standards for arrangement shall conform to the specification herein and to the
general requirements shown in Appendix C. All public spaces adjacent to sanitary facilities,
shall be separated from the water closet compartment by an Intervening Ventilated Space
similar in plan to that shown in Appendix C.
4009 FIRE CONTROL:
Where deemed necessary by the Buildings Control Officer, the exhaust portion of a
ventilating system shall be fitted with a smoke detector immediately adjacent to the
ventilating unit Activation of the smoke detector shall cause the automatic shut down of
the ventilation system and the sounding of the fire alarm. Provision for the re-activation
of the system, or part thereof, by the Chief Fire Officer may also be required.
40-6
CHAPTER 41
AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION
4101 GENERAL
4102 STANDARDS
4103 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
4104 FIRE CONTROL
4101 GENERAL
4101.1 (a) PURPOSE: The purpose of this Chapter is to provide certain

minimum Standards, regulations and requirements for safe and
adequate design, methods of construction and uses of materials in
mechanical apparatus and equipment to secure the expressed intent
for reasons of public safety.
(b) SCOPE: All air conditioning and refrigeration equipment shall be

as herein set forth and existing installations not conforming with
the requirements of this Chapter shall be made to comply, when
relocated, re-sized, or when altered or repaired, the cost of which
exceeds 25% of the value of the existing installations.
4101.2 (a) A permit, as set forth in Chapter 3 of this Code, shall be required
for the installation, alteration or major repair of any air
conditioning or refrigeration system. A permit shall not be required
for repairs that do not change the location, size, or capacity of a
compressor, coil, or duct.
(b) An application for a permit will be accepted from only qualified

persons or firms.
(c) (1) An application for a permit shall be accompanied by

sufficient description to clearly define the proposed work and
when such work is for the installation or major alteration
of a system of more than 1-1/2 ton capacity or is connected
to two or more separately occupied areas, application for
permit shall be accompanied by plans describing that work.
(2) When any of the following parameters are exceeded, plans

and specification for heating, ventilation and air
conditioning and refrigeration work shall be prepared by and
each sheet bear the impress seal and signature of an Engineer
recognised by the Minister.
41-1
(i) The system exceeds a total of more than 15 tons
capacity.
(ii) The system’s capacity is designed to accommodate 100

or more persons.
(iii) The work is proposed in a structure for public assembly

that exceeds 5000 sq. ft. in area.
(d) Plans and specification for heating, ventilation and air

conditioning and refrigeration work for any new building or
addition that includes a medical, gas, steam, vacuum, toxic
air filtration, Halon, fire alarm, or security alarm system
shall be prepared by, and each sheet bear the impress seal
and signature of an Engineer recognised by the Minister.
4101.3 (a) INSPECTIONS AND TESTS:

(1) INSPECTIONS: All materials and installations covered by
the Mechanical Code shall be inspected by the Buildings
Control Officer to insure compliance with the requirements
of this Code.
The Contractor shall notify the Buildings Control Officer

when the work is ready for test and inspection.
(2) FINAL INSPECTION: When the work for which a permit is

issued is completed, the Builder shall request final inspection
and such request shall be made before the air conditioning
or refrigeration system is used and not more than 30 days
after completion of the work.
(3) TESTS: Before approving any Air Conditioning System or

part thereof for use the Buildings Control Officer may require
that such system, in whole or in part, be tested to prove its
sufficiency.
(4) INSPECTION: Inspections shall be requested and made at

the following stages:
(a) Before concealing any portion of the system.
(b) The time of final inspection.
4101.4 WORKMANSHIP: Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Systems shall be

installed in conformance with the tolerances, quality, and methods of
construction as set forth in Standards referenced in this Chapter and in
Appendix A.
41-2
4102 STANDARDS
4102.1 The following Standards, as set forth in Appendix A of this Code, are
hereby adopted for this Chapter.
(a) The Safety Code for Mechanical Refrigeration. ANSI/ASHRAE 15.
(b) The Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and

Ventilating Systems. NFPA 90A (See also Sections 1504 and 3206
of this Code.)
(c) The Standard for the Installation of Warm Air Heating and Air
Conditioning Systems. NFPA 90B.
(d) The following ANSI Standards:
(1) National Fuel Gas Code. ANSI Z223.1.
(2) AMSE Code for Pressure Piping, Building Services Piping,

ANSI/ASME B31.9.
(3) Code for Refrigeration Piping, ANSI/ASME B31.5.
(4) Chillers and other related, unfired pressure vessels shall

comply with the applicable provisions of the ANSI/ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.
(5) Chemical Plant and Petroleum Refinery Piping, ANSI/ASME

B31.3.
(e) The Standard on Water-Cooling Towers, NFPA 214.
(f) The following standards of the Sheet metal and Air Conditioning
Contractors National Association (SMACNA):
(1) Fibrous Glass Duct Construction Standard 15d, Fifth Edition;

and
(2) The HVAC Duct Construction Standard, Metal and Flexible;

and
(3) The Fire, Smoke and Radiation Damper Installation Guide

for HVAC Systems.
(g) The Code for Safety to Life from Fire in Buildings, NFPA 101.
41-3
4102.2 (a) MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY: Beyond the scope of this
installation standard lies the responsibility for the maintenance of
equipment including air filers, motors, fire dampers and controls,
and cleanliness of ducts and plenums. There shall be developed a
greater awareness by owners, of the potential hazards of duct
systems which do not receive periodic attention by qualified
personnel.
4103 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS
4103.1 (1) WINDOW TYPE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS: All individual air
conditioning units installed in walls or windows shall be securely
anchored to the walls by approved methods. Units installed over
public property, paths of egress or more than 10'-0" above grade
shall be secured to the structure by bolts or screws to resist
horizontal wind loads. Such units cantilevering more than 8" on
the exterior of a building shall be supported by steel angle brackets
secured by bolting. Bolts in masonry shall be set in lead shields or
similarly rot-resistant fastenings.
(2) NOISE CONTROL: The following special requirements should

apply to the control and regulation of noise nuisance from air-
conditioning machinery:
(a) All equipment, existing or hereafter installed, regardless of

location, shall be maintained in good working order.
Equipment so located that normal operating noises create a
nuisance to adjacent owners or occupants shall be provided
with sound proofing, or sound absorbing baffles, or
enclosures, as approved, to insure maintenance of a
reasonable noise level.
(b) All equipment on outer walls, on roofs, or in other exposed

locations, which are unduly noisy, and which cause valid
complaints from adjoining property owners or occupants,
may be required to be relocated, redesigned and/or enclosed
in noise retarding materials when, in the opinion of the B.C.O.
and Minister of Health, such enclosure is necessary or would
be effective.
(c) Special consideration shall be given to the planning of all

future installations to minimize the noise nuisance to
adjoining property owners or occupants, and the B.C.O. and
Minister of Health shall have authority to reject or require
the re-design, of any system which, in his opinion, would
cause such a noise nuisance.
41-4
(3) WASTE WATER: Special consideration shall be given to the disposal
of waste and over flow water, and means of disposal shall be subject
to approval of the B.C.O. and Minister of Health.
(4) MAINTENANCE OF SYSTEMS: All refrigerating systems shall be

maintained by the user in a clean condition free from accumulation
of oily dirt, waste, and other debris, and shall be kept readily
accessible at all times.
(5) SIGNS REQUIRED:

(a) Each refrigerating system shall be provided with a legible
and securely attached permanent sign indicating thereon the
names and addresses of the manufacturer and installer, the
kind and total number of pounds of refrigerant required in
the system for normal operations, and the refrigerant leak
field test pressure applied.
(b) It shall be the duty of the person in charge of the premises on

which a refrigerating system containing more than 50 pounds
of refrigerant is installed, to maintain a conspicuously posted
card as near as practicable to the refrigerant compressor
giving directions for the operation of the system, including
preparations to be observed in case of a breakdown or leak
as follows:
(1) Instructions for shutting down the systems in case of

an emergency.
(2) The name address, and day and night telephone

numbers for obtaining service.
(6) LOCATION AND ACCESS:

(a) All air-conditioning and/or refrigerating equipment shall be
located to be readily accessible for inspection or repair. To be
accessible, such equipment shall have reasonable and
adequate work room on all sides and above with all parts
capable to being readily reached.
(b) No corridor, stair enclosure, passageway or other path of

egress in a building, any part of which is normally used for
sleeping purposes, shall be used for the supply or return of
air, nor shall any air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment
be installed therein.
(c) No attic, basement or concealed space in a building shall be

used as an integral part of a duct system, unless it conforms
to all the requirements for ducts.
41-5
4103.1 (7) OUTSIDE AIR SUPPLY:
(a) All air conditioning or mechanically refrigerated spaces
normally occupied by persons shall be provided with outside
air in accordance with ASHRAE Standards.
EXCEPTIONS:
(1) Outside air shall not be required where a unit or units

serve Group H Occupancy.
(2) Outside air shall not be required for single-family units

of Group G Occupancy where each such single-family
unit is served by a closed system for that unit only,
the unit has not less than 2 exterior walls and complies
with Section 1105 of this Code.
(b) The point of air intake shall be separated from any vent
terminal of a sanitary plumbing system in accordance with
Paragraph 3610.1(e) of this Code.
(8) DUCTS: All ducts used shall comply with the requirements in
Sections 3903 of this Code and 4102 hereinabove.
(9) COOLING TOWERS:

(a) The Standard for Water Cooling Towers, NFPA 214, as set
forth in Appendix “A” of this Code, is hereby adopted.
(b) Induced draft cooling towers of combustible construction,

the main structure of which has a volume of greater than
2000 CF shall be protected with automatic sprinklers as set
forth in NFPA 214.
(10) NON-METALLIC PIPING SYSTEMS:

(a) Prefabricated insulated non-metallic piping systems shall
be approved for exterior underground use and shall terminate
at a point inside and within 12" of the exterior mass and
above the lowest building level, but in no case shall there be
more than 5'-0" of this piping material within the building.
(b) Drawings for approval of such systems shall include all

necessary calculations required to properly size and locate
all thrust blocks, anchor points, expansion loops or joints,
and all pertinent data that may be required.
(c) Underground piping shall have a minimum cover of 12" of

backfill.
41-6
(d) All water service piping shall have a minimum working
pressure of 160 psi with permanent identification markings.
(e) All prefabrication insulated non-metallic piping systems

shall be installed as recommended by the manufacturer and/
or the Plastic Pipe Institute.
4104 FIRE CONTROL
4104.1 FIRE CONTROL: Where deemed necessary by the Buildings Control Officer
a return air system shall be equipped with a smoke detector immediately
adjacent to the air handling unit. Activation of the smoke detector shall
cause the automatic shut down of the air conditioning system and the
sounding of the fire alarm. Provision for the reactivation of the system or
part thereof by the Chief Fire Officer may also be required.
4104.2 FIRE RESISTIVE RATINGS:

(a) Where walls and ceilings are required by this Code to be fire
resistive, the ducts and other appurtenances of an air conditioning
or ventilating system within or penetrating such fire resistive
assemblies shall comply with Chapter 32 of this Code, or other
applicable Sections of this Code and the Standards set forth in
Section 4102 hereinabove.
(b) Such wall and ceiling assemblies shall be constructed in accordance

with the conditions of the approved fire test made with such
assemblies.
(c) Fire dampers shall not be required where duct systems penetrate
1-hour rated walls or partitions.
EXCEPTION: Where fire resistance reductions for sprinklering are

employed, duct penetrations of 2-hour rated walls or partitions
reduced to 1-hour based on such fire resistance reductions shall
require a fire damper.
(d) Where a building partition requires a fire damper, a smoke damper

shall also be required.
41-7
NOTES
41-8
CHAPTER 42
SWIMMING POOLS
4201 DEFINITIONS
4202 SWIMMING POOLS GENERAL
4203 SWIMMING POOL—APPLICATIONS
4204 SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION
4205 SWIMMING POOL WATER QUALITY
4206 SWIMMING POOL RECIRCULATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
4207 SWIMMING POOL—PIPING AND HYDRAULICS REQUIREMENTS
4208 SWIMMING POOL—FILTRATION SYSTEMS
4209 SURFACE SKIMMING FOR POOLS
4210 PIPING FOR POOLS
4211 SWIMMING POOL—EQUIPMENT ROOMS
4212 SWIMMING POOL—DIVING AREAS
4213 SWIMMING POOL LIGHTING
4214 SWIMMING POOL—DRESSING ROOMS AND SPECTATOR PROVISIONS
4215 SWIMMING POOL—SANITARY FACILITIES
4216 HOT TUBS AND SPAS
4201 DEFINITIONS
4201.1 (a) “Swimming Pool” means a structure of concrete masonry or other

approved material and finish, located either indoors or outdoors
used or designed to be used for bathing or swimming purposes by
humans, and filled with a controlled water supply, together with
buildings, appurtenances and equipment used in connection there-
with. All swimming pools shall conform to the requirements of
(b) “Public Pool” means a swimming pool operated by a hotel, motel,

apartment house, club, school, college or institution to which
patrons, guests, members, students or the public are admitted with,
or without payment.
(c) “Private Pool” means a facility used only by an individual citizen

and his family or house guests and shall not include any type of
cooperative housing or joint tenancy of two or more families.
42-1
4202 SWIMMING POOLS—GENERAL
4202.1 The requirements of this Chapter are for the purpose of ensuring that all
swimming pools, in so far as their design, construction, operation and
maintenance do not threaten or impair the life or health of the user.
4203 SWIMMING POOL—APPLICATIONS
4203.1 A building permit application shall be required for the construction of

any swimming pool.
4203.2 (a) The application shall contain three sets of detailed drawings and,
in the case of a public pool, isometric mechanical drawings. Elec-
trical drawings may also be required, together with such other
details and specifications as may be requested by the Minister of
Health or the Buildings Control Officer, these may include tests by
a recognized Testing Agency and/or engineering calculations by
an engineer recognized by the Minister.
(b) PERMITS AVAILABLE AT WORK SITE: All permits and approved

drawings shall be kept at the work site and shall be exhibited on
request to do so by an authorized person.
(c) INSPECTIONS AND TESTS: All materials and installations cov-

ered by the Mechanical Code shall be inspected by the B.C.O. to
insure compliance with the requirements of the Code. All matters
pertaining to operation, and/or sanitary conditions shall be
inspected by the Ministry of Health.
(d) FINAL INSPECTION: When the work for which a permit is issued
is completed, the permit holder shall request final inspection and
such request shall be made before the pool is used and not more
than 30 days after completion of the work.
(e) TESTS: Before approving any plumbing system or addition thereto

or part thereof for use, the B.C.O. may require that such system, in
whole or in part, be tested to prove its sufficiency.
4204 SWIMMING POOL CONSTRUCTION
4204.1 Pools shall be constructed of concrete or other impervious materials with

a finish adapted to the bathing demands of different areas of the pool. All
side walls and the bottom surfaces in areas where the depth of water is
greater than five and one-half (5 1/2) feet shall be as smooth as possible.
42-2
Bottom surfaces in areas of five and one-half (5 1/2) feet depth or less
shall be smooth but have a non-slip finish. Floors and walls shall be light
in colour. A suitable paint shall be used as often as necessary to maintain
the walls in good condition and to facilitate cleanliness.
(a) Shape and size — Pools shall be constructed of such shape and
size as to be efficiently and safely controlled. Size shall be adapted
to the anticipated bathing load. Proportioning of the deep and
shallow water shall be in accordance with the anticipated uses of
the swimming pool.
(b) Depth — Other than zero entry pools, the minimum depth of water
in any public swimming pool shall be three (3) feet. The minimum
depth at the deep end or deep portion of any public pool shall be
six (6) feet. The depth at the slope break shall be five feet six inches
except in pools fifty feet or less in length in which this depth may
be reduced to five feet. The depth of water in the diving pool shall
be as stipulated in Section 4212. Permanent depth markings shall
be provided on both sides of the pool and on the immediate
walkway surface, at the shallow end, slope break and diving depth.
Such markings shall be readily visible from the inside or outside
of the pool.
(c) Slopes — The floor slope in the shallow end of pools shall not be
steeper than one foot in fifteen (15) feet. Designs incorporating
steeper slopes involving possible greater hazards to bathers and
hence possibly greater liability to pool owner, will be considered
on the basis of one foot in twelve (12) feet for pools fifty (50) feet or
less in length but greater than or equal to thirty-eight (38) feet in
length and one foot in ten (10) feet for pools less than thirty eight
(38) feet in length.
(d) Steps and ladders — Steps and/or ladders shall be so located to

provide adequate exit from the pool. They shall be of an easily
cleaned impervious material having a nonslip finish. They shall be
so designed and constructed that no water is left on them when
the pool is emptied. Handrails shall be provided on all steps and
shall be anchored in the bottom step and extend over the coping
and anchor in the deck. Ladders shall also extend over the coping
and anchor in the deck.
(e) Walk areas — Walk areas around the pool shall be ample for bathing
loads and adequately drained. The decks shall be a minimum width
of four (4) feet and have a nonslip finish.
(f) Outdoor pools: the walkway shall have a minimum pitch of three
42-3
(3) inches in ten (10) feet away from the pool or to deck drains and
the pool shall be protected with a curb at least six (6) inches high
and twelve (12) inches wide.
(g) Indoor pools: the walkway may drain to the scum gutters at the
same minimum pitch and no curb is required.
(h) Overflow gutters — Overflow gutters shall be constructed of

material which shall be of sufficient size to prevent normal overflow
from washing back into the pool, and have the lip of the gutter
uniformly level. The bottom of the gutter shall slope approximately
one-half inch from the high point to the drains. The spacing between
drains shall not exceed ten (10) feet for two (2) inch drains nor
fifteen (15) feet for two and one-half (2 1/2)-inch drains. Either
recessed type or open type gutters shall be used on outdoor pools;
however, special designs may be considered. Recessed type gutters
shall be not less than four (4) inches deep and four (4) inches wide,
and no part of the recessed gutter shall be visible down the edge of
the curb coping. Open type gutters shall be not less than six (6)
inches deep and twelve (12) inches wide, and the lip of the gutter
shall slope one (1) to two (2) inches towards the drains. The drain
lines shall be designed to carry the overflow to waste or return the
flow to the recirculation system.
4205 SWIMMING POOL WATER QUALITY
4205.1 (a) The water supply for all pools shall be clean, clear, and reasonably
free of objectionable minerals and physical characteristics, meeting
the bacteriological requirements of the Ministry of Health for a do-
mestic water supply. No swimming pool may be filled with public
water. See Chapter 36, Plumbing.
(b) To avoid a cross-connection, an atmospheric break must be

provided in each potable water line. Minimum break shall be six
(6) inches.
(c) Where separate water wells are used as a source of water, the colour
shall not exceed 100 and the iron content 0.3 ppm before filteration.
(d) Raw water not meeting these requirements shall be given approved
preliminary treatment prior to its introduction to the pool.
(e) Bacteriological quality — A sufficient number of bacteriological

water samples shall be taken each month to ascertain adequately
the sanitary quality of the pool water and aid in proper control.
42-4
These samples shall be taken while the pool is in use and preferably
at peak bathing load.
(f) Chemical quality — The pool shall be maintained in an alkaline

condition at all times with the pH between 7.2 and 8.0. Chemicals
used in controlling algae and the quality of the water shall be those
which have been specifically approved for the purpose by the Min-
istry of Health, after having been demonstrated as not imparting
toxic or potentially toxic properties to the water.
(g) Cleanliness — The bottom and side walls of pools shall be kept
free from sediment and visible dirt by frequent brushing and
vacuum cleaning. Visible scum shall be removed at least daily. Pools
shall be emptied and scrubbed or painted when so required by the
Ministry of Health.
(h) Clearness — At all times when the pool is in use the water shall be
sufficiently clear to permit a black disc six (6) inches in diameter
on a white field, when placed on the bottom of the pool at the
deepest point, to be clearly visible from the sidewalks of the pool
at all distances up to ten (10) yards measured from a line drawn
across the pool through side disc.
4206 SWIMMING POOL RECIRCULATION SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
4206.1 A recirculation system, consisting of pumps, piping, filters, water condi-

tioning and disinfection equipment and other accessory equipment shall
be provided which will clarify, condition and disinfect the pool volume
of water. The equipment shall be operated on a twenty-four (24) hour
basis to obtain the required number of turnovers per day. The pattern of
recirculation developed in the pool shall be either recirculation through
the main drain or partial flow through the main drain and the remainder
through the over flow gutters. A surge tank shall be provided on pres-
sure filter systems utilizing over-the-gutter recirculation. When over-the-
gutter recirculation is not used, sufficient make-up water shall be added
to maintain the water level at the weir edge of the overflow gutter. Un-
less specifically approved by the Ministry of Health the required mini-
mum complete turnover of the pool contents shall be in an eight-hour
period.
(a) Pumps — Pump(s) shall be of adequate size and capacity to pro-

vide the required pool turnover rate and whenever possible shall
be so located as to eliminate the need for priming. If pump or suc-
tion piping is located above the overflow level of pool, the pump
42-5
shall be self-priming. The pump or pumps shall supply the
recirculation rate of flow or backwash flow at a dynamic head suf-
ficient to overcome the friction losses in the piping, appurtenances,
and the maximum headloss through the filter.
(b) Filters — Filter(s) sized to handle the required recirculation flow

shall be provided. The tank on pressure filters and its integral parts
shall be constructed of substantial material capable of withstand-
ing continuous anticipated usage and shall be designed for a pres-
sure safety factor of four (4) based on the maximum shutoff head
of the pump. This shutoff head for design shall not be considered
less than fifty (50) pounds per square inch.
(c) Piping — The hydraulic considerations for the piping shall be in

accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 4210.
(d) Inlets — Adjustable inlets shall be located in conjunction with pro-

posed method of recirculation to provide effective and uniform
circulation of the incoming water throughout the pool and pre-
vent unnecessary deadspots. The maximum spacing of inlets shall
be twenty (20) feet based on the pool perimeter.
(e) Outlets — All pools shall be provided with an outlet(s) at the deep-
est point to permit the pool to be emptied completely and easily.
Outlets must be covered by an acceptable grating which is not read-
ily removable by bathers. The open area of grating shall be at least
four (4) times the cross-sectional area of the discharge pipe or pro-
vide sufficient area so that the maximum velocity of water passing
through the openings will not exceed 1 1/2 feet per second. Multi-
ple outlets shall be installed in pools when pool width is greater
than thirty (30) feet at its widest point. Pools not designed for hy-
draulic uplift shall be provided with a hydrostatic relief valve if
area is subject to high ground water.
(f) Hair and lint strainer — A strainer shall be provided on the suction
side of the recirculation pump if the pump takes suction directly
from the pool. In such cases, the strainer shall be one full size larger
than the main drain (suction) line. Secondary pumps on vacuum
filter systems should be protected by a strainer sized to protect the
pump adequately.
(g) Vacuum cleaning system — A vacuum cleaning system shall be

provided. When the system is an integral part of the recirculation
piping; vacuum fittings shall be located to allow cleaning the pool
with fifty (50) feet of hose. Portable pump operated cleaners are
acceptable; however, the use of bag type cleaners which operate as
ejectors on portable water supply pressure is not permitted.
42-6
(h) Rate of flow indicators — A rate of flow indicator, reading in U.S.
G.P.M., shall be installed on sand and gravel filters or filters with
similar material so that the rate of recirculation and backwash rate
will be indicated. On diatomaceous earth and cartridge type filters
the indicator should be installed on the pool return line and indi-
cate the recirculation rate only. The indicator shall be capable of
measuring at least 1 1/2 times the design flow rate. The clearances
upstream from the indicator shall comply with the manufacturers’
requirements. Rate of flow controllers are recommended on pools
over one hundred thousand (100,000) U.S. gallons capacity.
(i) Heaters — Pools equipped with heaters shall have a fixed ther-
mometer in the recirculation line at the heater outlet. Valves and
piping adequate to remove the heater from the system shall be pro-
vided. All heaters shall be provided with a safety relief valve.
4207 SWIMMING POOL— PIPING AND HYDRAULIC REQUIREMENTS
4207.1 Piping shall be of non-toxic material, able to withstand the maximum op-
erating pressures and designed to reduce friction loss to a minimum.
(a) Pressure lines — The velocity in pressure piping shall not exceed
ten (10) feet per second.
(b) Main drain or suction line — The size of the main drain line on
pressure filters shall be based on a total of five (5) feet of handpipe
all fittings and the hair and lint strainer. Negative elevation head
shall be included in the losses; however, positive elevation head
shall not be considered. The main drain shall be designed on full
flow when over-the-gutter recirculation is used. Plastic pipe used
on this line shall have a collapse rating in excess of the external
pressures on the installed pipe.
(c) Gravity lines — The main drain line on vacuum or gravity filters
shall be sized to obtain the required flow with the elevation head
available. The collapse rating shall also be used in the design of
plastic pipe for this line.
(d) Waste lines — Pool waste may be discharged to disposal wells,

storm sewers, settling tanks for diatomaceous earth removal and
dry wells. Waste lines shall be sized to handle the expected flow.
There shall be no direct physical connection between the sewer
system and any drain from the pool or recirculation system.
(e) Piping details — Engineering plans on all types of installations

must include complete details of the main drain line. The pipe sizes
42-7
must be shown for all lines. Pertinent elevations shall be included
on the drawings. Plastic pipe shall be supported in accordance with
manufacturer’s schedule.
4208 SWIMMING POOL FILTRATION SYSTEMS
4208.1 GENERAL:
(a) Filtration equipment for public pools shall be in accordance with
Standard set forth in Appendix A.
(b) Filtration equipment for residential pools shall be in accordance

with provisions set forth herein.
(c) All filtration equipment used on swimming pools constructed and

installed in accordance with this Chapter shall be approved by
the Ministry of Health.
4208.2 RAPID SAND FILTERS:
(a) Pressure rapid sand filters shall have a filtration rate not to exceed
5 gpm per sq. ft. of filter area.
(b) Pressure rapid sand filters shall have a backwash rate not less
than 12 gpm per sq. ft. of filter area.
(c) Filtering materials shall consist of not less than 19 inches of suit-
able grades of screened, sharp silica sand properly supported on a
graded silica gravel bed, with the effective size of particles of sand
from 0.4 to 0.5 mm and with a uniformity coefficient of 1.5 to 2.0.
(d) There shall be a sufficient free-board above the surface of the sand
and below the overflow troughs or pipes of the filter to permit a
50% expansion of the sand during backwash cycles without loss
of sand.
(e) A pressure gauge shall be installed on the pressure side of each

filter tank.
(f) A sight glass shall be installed on the backwash line if discharge is

not visible.
(g) All filter tanks shall be tested to a pressure of 50 psi.
(h) An inlet baffle shall be provided.
42-8
(i) An indirect under-drain shall be provided to prevent loss of sand
and re-entry into the pool.
(j) (i) Steel tanks placed underground shall be not less than 10 gauge
material, and with non-corrosive exterior coating except that
such tanks may be of not less than 14 gauge steel where such
tanks are hot-dip, zinc-coated (galvanised) after fabrication
with not less than 1.25 ounces of zinc psf of surface.
(ii) A manhole 11"x 15" minimum, and cover shall be provided.
(k) Tanks of construction other than steel may be used subject to

approval by the Buildings Control Officer.
4208.3 HI-RATE SAND FILTERS:

(a) Hi-rate sand filters shall be sand type filters in which the total
sand bed is used as a filter.
(b) Pressure hi-rate sand filters shall have a maximum filtration and
backwash rate not to exceed 20 gpm psf of filter area.
(c) Filtering materials shall consist of suitable grades of screeded sharp

silica sand with effective size of the particles of sand from 0.4 to
0.5 mm and a uniformity coefficient of 1.5 to 2.0.
(d) There shall be sufficient free-board above the surface of the sand
and below the overflow troughs or pipes of the filter to permit
expansion of the sand during backwash cycles and to prevent loss
of sand during these cycles. The effective depth of the sand filter
bed shall not be less than 12" as measured up from the top point of
the under-drain system.
(e) A pressure gauge shall be installed on the pressure side of each

filter tank.
(f) A sight glass shall be installed on the backwash line if discharge is

not visible.
(g) All filter tanks shall be tested to a pressure of 50 psi.
(h) An inlet baffle to ensure laminar flow shall be provided.
(i) An indirect under-drain shall be provided to prevent loss of sand

and to prevent re-entry of sand into the pool.
(j) A manhole permitting complete access and service to the parts of

the filter shall be provided in all tanks.
42-9
(k) The filter pump for this system shall be capable of full design flow
at a minimum of 60-feet Total Dynamic Head (T.D.H.)
4208.4 DIATOMACEOUS EARTH FILTERS:

(a) Diatomite-type filters shall be either pressure or vacuum.
(b) The filtration rate shall not exceed 2 gpm psf of effective filter area.
(c) Provision shall be made to introduce filter aid into the filter in
such a way as to evenly precast the filter septum or element at the
beginning of the filter cycle.
(d) There shall be provisions for removing the cake by either backwash,
flushing or simple disassembly.
(e) Filters shall be so designed and installed to permit ready

disassembly and removal of filter elements.
(f) Filters shall be equipped with pressure or vacuum gauges and such
gauges shall be located to determine the need for cleaning.
(g) For pressure diatomite filters, pumps shall have the capacity to
provide design flow at a minimum of 60'-0" T.D.H. Vacuum
diatomaceous earth filters shall have pumps capable of the design
flow at a minimum of 50'-0" T.D.H.
(h) All pressure filter tanks shall be tested to a minimum pressure of

50 psi.
(i) Filter elements shall have a minimum of 1" clear spacing from face
to face.
(j) A sight glass in the backwash line shall be provided if discharge is

not visible.
4208.5 CARTRIDGE FILTERS:
(a) Cartridge type filters may be either pressure or vacuum.
(b) The filtration rate shall not exceed 1 gpm psf of actual effective
filter area.
(c) The cartridge must be manufactured of materials suitable for use

in potable water.
(d) Filters shall be so designed and installed as to permit ready

disassembly and removal of cartridges for cleaning.
42-10
(e) Filters shall be equipped with a pressure or vacuum gauge and such
gauges shall be located to determine the need for cleaning.
(f) Filter tanks shall be hydrostatically tested to a minimum pressure

of 50 psi.
(g) For pressure or vacuum cartridge filters pumps shall be capable of

providing a design flow at a minimum of 50'-0" T.D.H.
4208.6 PUMPS:
(a) Pumps shall be capable of filtration and backwash when required
at a head, pressure and rate adequate for the filter and piping
system.
(b) Swimming pool pumps shall have hair and lint strainers with a
basket not less than 4" in diameter.
(c) Pumps shall be mounted on a solid formed base elevating the

bottom of the motor at least 4" above the surrounding area.
4208.7 AIR RELIEF:

All pressure filter tanks shall be designed to remove air from the tank by
an approved method or device.
4208.8 OTHER EQUIPMENT:

Other types of filtration equipment may be used, if shown by test to be
equal in efficiency as compared to an approved filter system.
4209 SURFACE SKIMMING FOR POOLS

(a) At least one skimming device shall be provided for each 600 sq. ft. of
surface area or fraction thereof.
(b) Skimmers shall be built into the pool wall and shall meet the following
general specifications.
(i) The rate of flow through the skimming devices should be adjust-
able up to at least 50% of the swimming pool filter system.
(ii) Skimmer weirs shall be automatically adjustable to variations in

water level over a range of 3” and shall be a minimum of 5” in
width.
(iii) An easily removable basket with a minimum volume of 75 cubic

inches shall be provided and this basket shall be accessible through
a deck opening with a minimum diameter of 5”.
42-11
(c) An overflow gutter for at least one end of the pool with drainage grates,
piping and connections, may be substituted.
4210 PIPING FOR POOLS
4210.1 MATERIALS:
(a) The materials of swimming pool piping shall be as approved for
use in potable water and as specified in Appendix A.
(b) Where dissimilar metals are used, insulating dielectric fittings

between the two shall be provided.
4210.2 INSTALLATIONS:
(a) Pool piping shall be as set forth herein.
(b) Thermoplastic pipe and fittings shall be installed and supported

in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations and as
set forth herein.
(c) Pool piping, except where supported directly on existing ground,

or incorporated into the pool structure, the pipe and fittings shall
be supported around pool perimeter by pipe hangers or heavy duty
plumber straps, which shall be secured to the pool structure at a
maximum of 4'-0" o/c.
(d) Where thermoplastic pipe and fittings are used all pipe trenches
and backfill around the piping shall be free of rocks larger than 3/4"
in diameter.
(e) Short Radius 90 degree piping elbow fittings shall not be installed
on any suction piping below grade.
(f) The filter piping shall be so designed that there will be the capa-
bility of vacuuming to waste, vacuuming while filtering, the nor-
mal filtration cycle, and backwash if required.
(g) Valves, pumps, filters and other equipment shall be installed so as

to be readily accessible for operation maintenance and inspection.
(h) Below-ground level equipment room shall be provided with an

access cover and adequate drainage.
(i) All suction piping and valves shall be not less than 2" in size.
42-12
4211 SWIMMING POOL— EQUIPMENT ROOMS:
4211.1 Pumps, chlorinators and other electrical equipment shall be enclosed on

at least three sides and above. The fourth side may be a wire gate or open
if otherwise protected from unauthorized entrance.
(a) Ventilation and drainage — Above grade installations with cross

draft ventilation are recommended. Where the equipment room
must be recessed, stairway access and suitable drainage (sump
pump if necessary) shall be provided. If an open stairwell is used,
ventilation through a fully louvered door and a permanently open
louvered vent on at least one other side is required. Enclosed stair-
ways require louvered vents on three sides of the room and/or an
exhaust fan. The access opening shall be a minimum size of three
by six feet.
(b) Equipment clearance — Sand filter tanks shall be at least six (6)
inches apart and eighteen (18) inches clear distance from the walls
and ceiling. Pressure diatomite filters shall be at least eighteen (18)
inches from the wall and adequate clearance between the wall or
ceiling shall be provided as prescribed by the manufacturer to dis-
mantle the tank and remove the filter elements. Clearance on
vacuum filters shall be sufficient to allow normal maintenance
operation.
(c) Size of room — The size of the filter room shall be determined
under (b) above with additional working space adequate to per-
form routine operations. Space shall also be provided for storage
of chemicals and auxiliary equipment. In rooms with fixed ceil-
ings, the minimum height shall be seven (7) feet.
4212 SWIMMING POOL— DIVING AREAS:
4212.1 The width, depth and length of the diving area should be commensurate
with the anticipated uses of the pool.
(a) Diving depth — The minimum depth of water for any board placed
one meter or less above the water shall be eight (8) feet. Where one
meter standard with competitive boards are used, special consid-
eration should be given to the depth. The diving depth for boards
above one meter shall be increased one foot for each meter or frac-
tion thereof above one meter.
(b) Length of diving area — The minimum distance from the deep
end wall to the slope break for height of boards one meter or less
shall be twenty (20) feet with special consideration given to com-
42-13
petitive boards set on one meter standards, this length shall be in-
creased two (2) feet for each one foot or fraction thereof of the board
height above one meter. The minimum required width shall be
maintained throughout the entire length of the diving area.
(c) Width and clearances — Horizontal separation of ten (10) feet shall
be provided between adjacent diving boards and between any div-
ing board and side wall. This distance may be reduced to eight (8)
foot for boards set two (2) feet or less above the water.
(d) Wall depths — The minimum depth of water at the deep end wall
shall be six (6) feet for boards up to and including one meter. For
curved wall construction the six (6) foot depth shall be no further
than fifteen (15) inches from a vertical projection of the lip of the
gutter. This depth shall be maintained across the deep end wall
and along the side walls to a point opposite the maximum depth.
This minimum depth shall be increased one foot for each meter of
diving board height above one meter. At least fifteen (15) feet of
free and unobstructed clearance shall be provided above diving
boards and platforms.
(e) Safety ledges — Safety ledges may be used only in special training
pools. The minimum depth of ledges shall be four and one-half (4
1/2) feet and the width shall be between four (4) and six (6) inches.
Ledges shall not overhang into pool and they shall slope one-half
inch toward the outside edge.
(f) Diving boards — Diving boards and platforms shall have a non-
slip finish, and if covered with absorbent materials, such covers
shall be disinfected daily.
(g) Special provisions — Where diving platforms higher than three (3)
meters are constructed, the use of such facilities shall be limited to
adequately/trained personnel and not open to the general public.
In all competitive type pools special considerations should be given
to the diving facilities and also the depths and areas should com-
ply with the competitive rules and regulations under which the
pool will operate.
(h) Signage — In all public pool areas there shall be clear, highly vis-
ible signage indicating whether or not: -
(1) A lifeguard is on duty.
(2) The pool is suitable for diving and if so at which end.
42-14
4213 SWIMMING POOL LIGHTING
4213.1 The installation of all electrical work and fittings, used in connection
with any swimming pool, shall comply with Chapter 44.
4213.2 Inspections shall be required as follows:
(a) Main shell for the bonding of all reinforcement, pipes and fittings.
(b) Final.
4214 SWIMMING POOL— DRESSING ROOMS AND SPECTATOR PROVISIONS
4214.1 Dressing room shall be sanitary and proportioned to the maximum bathing
load, with entirely separate provisions for men and women. Provisions
made for spectators shall be outside the pool areas, completely separated
from facilities used by swimmers and no access shall be available to bather
facilities.
(a) Floors — Floors in dressing rooms shall be of smooth, impervious

material with nonslip surface. They shall slope to drains and coved
at the wall junction for thorough cleaning
(b) Walls — Partition walls shall terminate at least six (6) inches above
the floor or shall be placed on continuous raised masonry or
concrete bases at least four (4) inches high.
(c) Waiver — When facilities are conveniently available to pool patrons

the requirements of this section may be waived.
(d) Water Fountains — Water for drinking purposes should be

conveniently accessible to all bathers. Where food or drink is
proposed in the immediate area of the pool, such facilities shall be
approved by the Ministry of Health.
4215 SWIMMING POOL— SANITARY FACILITIES
4215.1 The sanitary facilities shall be proportioned to the maximum bathing load
with separate facilities provided for men and women. In determining the
number of units required, the bathing load shall be considered as three-
fifths men and two-fifths women. The Ministry of Health may require
additional facilities to suit particular construction and/or special
conditions.
42-15
(a) Toilets — One toilet shall be provided for each sixty (60) men or
forty (40) women or fractions thereof.
(b) Urinals — One urinal shall be provided for each sixty (60) men or
fraction thereof.
(c) Lavatories — One lavatory shall be provided for each sixty (60)
men or women or fraction thereof.
(d) Showers — One shower shall be provided for each forty (40) men
or women or fraction thereof.
(e) Layout — The layout of the bathhouse shall be such that the bathers
on leaving the dressing room pass the toilets and showers enroute
to the pool.
(f) Floors — Toilet room floors shall have a pitch of five (5) inches in
ten (10) feet to drain and hose connections shall be provided for
frequent cleaning.
4216 HOT TUBS AND SPAS
4216.1 GENERAL:
Persons wishing to install public hot tubs or spas shall contact the
Buildings Control Office with outline details prior to making a formal
application.
42-16
CHAPTER 43
ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS
4301 STANDARDS
4302 DEFINITIONS
4303 GENERAL
4304 ELEVATORS
4305 ESCALATORS, DUMBWAITERS AND MOVING STAIRWAYS
4306 TRANSPORTING ASSEMBLIES
4307 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER SECTIONS
4308 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
4309 FIREMAN CONTROL ELEVATORS
4301 STANDARDS
4301.1 SCOPE:
(a) Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, inclined stairway chairlifts,
inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts and transporting assemblies
shall be designed and constructed of the material, proportions and
strength admitting of rational analysis based on established
principles of mechanics and shall be maintained and operated in a
manner to insure public safety.
(b) Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, inclined stairway chairlifts,

inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts and transporting assemblies
shall comply with ANSI/ASME A17.1, except as they may be
modified herein.
4301.2 STANDARDS:
(a) Elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, inclined stairway chairlifts,
inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts shall conform to the American
Standard Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and
Moving Walks, hereinafter referred to as “The Elevator Safety
Code”, ANSI/ASME A17.1, as set forth in Appendix A.
(b) Manlifts shall conform to the American Standard Safety Code for
Manlifts, ANSI A90.1, as set forth in Appendix A.
43-1
4302 DEFINITIONS
Definition of terms shall be as set forth in Chapter 2 or in the Elevator Safety Code ANSI/
ASME A17.1 or as follows: -
ALTERATION: Shall mean any change to an existing installation other than repair
or replacement of worn or broken parts necessary for normal operation.
TRANSPORTING ASSEMBLIES: Shall mean any permanent or semi-permanent

device, manually or power-operated, other than elevators, dumbwaiters or
escalators used for transporting material or persons in any horizontal, inclined or
vertical direction, and such assemblies shall include but shall not be confined to the
following:
(a) Amusement devices used to convey persons as a form of

amusement.
(b) Inclined devices, with or without seats, but not considered as

escalators.
(c) Man hoists, stage and orchestra lifts, tiering and piling machines,
skip hoists and wharf ramps.
(d) Belt, buckets, scoop, roller or similarly inclined or vertical freight

conveyers.
(e) Hoists which are used for handling material during construction
of buildings and structures.
4303 GENERAL
4303.1 PERMITS: Any elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator or transporting assembly

shown on the approved drawings, that form part of a valid building
permit, shall not require any other approval or permit. In the case of the
installation in an existing building of a new elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator
or transporting assembly, or the relocation thereof, a building permit shall
be required.
(1) Servicing and repairs and replacements necessary for normal

maintenance, which are made with parts of equivalent materials,
strength and design to those replaced shall not require a permit.
(2) Installation or alteration of several amusement devices shall be

considered for the purposes of a permit as one installation.
(3) Material hoists for construction operations shall be exempted from

the need for a permit, but such exemption shall not relieve the
43-2
owners thereof from the provisions herein nor from the
responsibility of requesting inspection and securing approval of
such device from the B.C.O. before its use or service.
Nothing in this section shall exempt the above from complying

with safety requirements.
4303.2 APPROVED CONTRACTORS:

(a) The instruction and/or maintenance of any elevator, dumbwaiter
or escalator shall only be undertaken by an elevator contractor
currently approved as such by the Minister.
(1) Any elevator or escalator, other than one located, in a single

family residence, shall be serviced and maintained by an
approved elevator contractor under the terms of a full
maintenance contract.
(2) It shall be the duty of the owner to inform the B.C.O. in

writing as to the name of the approved elevator contractor
duly appointed by him to maintain his equipment.
(b) The installation of transporting assemblies shall only be undertaken

by persons or firms who manufacture, or who are qualified to
install, such devices; except that for relatively minor installations
not to be permanently incorporated into building structures and
not involving the transporting of persons, application may be
accepted by the B.C.O. from bona-fide general contractors.
4303.3 RESPONSIBILITY: Responsibility for the care, operation and maintenance

of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, transporting assemblies and
amusement devices, shall be as follows:
(1) EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER: The manufacturer and the

elevator contractor whose qualifications have been approved by
the Minister shall be responsible for the failure of the equipment
or any part thereof, until the installation has been approved. The
manufacturer and the elevator contractor shall be responsible for
all tests of new and altered equipment until the installation has
been approved.
(2) THE OWNER: The owner or his duly appointed elevator contractor
shall be responsible for the safe operation and proper maintenance
of the elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, transporting assemblies
and amusement devices after the installation has been approved.
The owner and the elevator contractor shall also make and be
responsible for all routine tests.
43-3
(3) ELEVATOR CONTRACTOR: Shall be responsible for sending to
the B.C.O. a quarterly report covering all elevators that he
maintains. The report shall give full details of work performed and
indicate which parts may have been replaced. The report shall also
include details of any major maintenance or replacement of parts
planned for the next quarter.
4303.4 ACCIDENTS: The owner or his elevator contractor shall promptly notify
the Minister of each and every accident involving the equipment wherein
any person is injured to the extent of requiring the services of a physician
or disability exceeding one day, or damage exceeding one hundred
Bahamian dollars or more has been done to the equipment, and shall afford
the B.C.O. access for inspection of damage or cause of damage and shall
prevent the use of such equipment or assembly until its use is approved.
The B.C.O. will inspect the site of an accident and record in detail all
material facts and information available and the cause or causes, insofar
as they can be determined, and said site shall be open to official inspection
at all reasonable hours. Any damaged construction or operating
mechanism shall not be removed from the premises until inspection by
the B.C.O.
4303.5 (a) INSPECTIONS: The Buildings Control Officer shall inspect or

cause to be inspected any new elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator,
transporting assembly or amusement device during erection, for
compliance with this Code or the Elevator Safety Code.
(b) TESTS AND CERTIFICATES REQUIRED: Any new, altered or

moved elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, transporting assembly or
amusement device shall not be placed in operation until such
equipment has been tested, inspected and approved as requested
by this section and a certificate so stating has been issued.
(c) ELEVATORS, DUMBWAITERS AND ESCALATORS: The elevator

contractor installing, moving or altering elevators, dumbwaiters
or escalators shall notify the B.C.O. in writing at least three days
before completion of the work, and shall, in the presence of the
official or his representative, subject the new, moved or altered
portions of the equipment to tests required to show that such
equipment meets the requirements of this code.
(d) TRANSPORTING ASSEMBLIES AND AMUSEMENT DEVICES:

The permit holder installing, moving or altering transporting
assemblies or amusement devices shall, in the presence of the B.C.O.
or his representative, make such tests as the official may prescribe
in order to determine the safety of such equipment.
43-4
(e) CERTIFICATES OF INSPECTION:
(1) ISSUING OF CERTIFICATES: The B.C.O. shall file a full
report of each and every inspection made, showing the exact
condition of the equipment, with a statement of any repairs
or replacements required. If this report indicates that the
equipment meets the requirements of this Code and is in a
safe operating condition, the B.C.O. will issue a certificate of
operation for a load capacity not to exceed that named in the
report of inspection. This certificate shall be valid for six
months after the date of inspection for freight elevators,
escalators, building hoists and manlifts, and twelve months
after date of as to dumbwaiters of either electric or hand
powered type, freight elevators of the hand power type or
other lifting apparatus, unless subsequent inspections
indicate an unsafe condition.
No passenger elevator, freight elevator, dumbwaiter,

escalator, hoist or other lifting apparatus may be operated
without this certificate first having been conspicuously
posted.
A new certificate shall be issued or an endorsement made on

the existing certificate by the B.C.O. following each inspection
period.
(2) POSTING OF CERTIFICATES: The required certificate shall

be posted in a conspicuous location in the elevator car, and
on, near or plainly visible from the dumbwaiter, escalator,
amusement device or transporting assembly. The certificate
shall be suitably framed with a glass cover.
4303.6 ROUTINE INSPECTION, TESTS AND MAINTENANCE:

(a) ELEVATORS, DUMBWAITERS AND ESCALATORS: Elevators,
dumbwaiters and escalators shall be inspected by the B.C.O. and
tested by the owner or his elevator contractor in the presence of a
representative of the B.C.O. in accordance with the requirements
set forth in the elevator Safety Code.
(b) AMUSEMENT DEVICES AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Amusement devices and special equipment shall be tested and
inspected on a semi-annual schedule in accordance with such
requirements and procedures as the Buildings Control Officer may
reasonably request.
43-5
4303.7 EXISTING INSTALLATIONS:
(a) Existing installations of elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators and man
hoists, legally instated before the adoption of this Code, may be
used without being reconstructed to comply with the requirements
of the Elevator Safety Code as herein adopted except as follows:
(1) Within a period of two years all power attachments on hand

power elevators shall be removed.
(2) Within a period of three years all elevators and dumbwaiter

hoistway entrance doors or gates shall be made to meet the
requirements of this Code, and the Act and Rules.
(b) Existing installations may be altered to obtain the advantage of

any provisions of this Code, and the Act and Rules, provided the
safety requirements covering such provisions are met and permit
secured.
4303.8 REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS: Ordinary repairs and replacements of

damaged, broken or worn parts, necessary for normal maintenance, may
be made with parts of equivalent material, strength and design, except
that replacement of wood overhead beams, guide rails and wood car
frames shall be made with metal meeting the requirements of the Elevator
Safety Code. Broken or damaged parts subject to tension, torsion or
bending or parts on which the support of the elevator car depends, shall
not be repaired by welding.
4303.9 UNSAFE EQUIPMENT:

(a) Whenever an elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator or transporting
assembly is, in the opinion of the Buildings Control Officer, in an
unsafe condition, he shall have the authority to order the
discontinuance of use of such assembly until repaired, replaced or
tested, or he may order demolition.
(b) For the consideration of unsafe equipment, Section 104.3 herein, as

it pertains to buildings, shall be applied to elevator and escalator
installations based on the total cost of such installation exclusive
of the hoistway.
4304 ELEVATORS
4304.1 ENCLOSURES:
(a) The enclosure of elevator hoistways shall be as specified in Part
III—Requirements Based On Occupancy and Part IV—Types of
Construction.
43-6
(b) Unenclosed Elevators may be permitted within an atrium provided
that the installation complies in all respects to the Elevator Safety
Code.
(c) All elevator shafts exceeding two stories in height shall be vented
at their uppermost point to facilitate evacuation of smoke in the
event of fire.
(d) Elevator lobbies in high rise buildings shall be protected as set forth
in Section 513.
(e) An elevator connecting only one floor and a mezzanine common

to that floor need not be enclosed.
4304.2 Guide rails for cars and counterweights shall be of steel.
4304.3 When there are three or fewer elevator cars in a building, they may be
located within the same hoistway enclosure. When there are four elevator
cars, they shall be divided in such a manner that at least two separate
hoistways enclosures are provided. When there are more than four
elevators, not more than four elevator cars shall be located within a single
hoistway enclosure. Hoistway enclosures shall be protected in accordance
with Section 1507.
4304.4 Elevators shall not be included in the calculation of required stairways.
4304.5 Elevator call buttons, for routine operation (if of a type actuated by heat)
shall be designed, and guaranteed by the manufacturer not to function if
the temperature at any particular landing is in excess of 150°Fahrenheit.
The key-operated switch, located within the car, as defined in Section
4309(a)(4), shall not be rendered inoperative by the temperature limiting
feature of the exterior call button.
4304.6 (a) (1) All elevators having automatic operation shall be arranged
for Fire Department emergency use, as set forth in the
Standard provided in Paragraph 4301.2(a).
(2) There shall be a legible and permanent sign affixed to the

wall in a conspicuous location at such elevators at each floor
reading—
IN CASE OF FIRE DO NOT USE ELEVATORS

USE STAIRWAYS
4304.7 (a) Passenger elevators in public buildings shall be made accessible to

the physically handicapped person.
43-7
(b) Unless all elevators provided meet the requirements of this section,
those made accessible shall be identified at each level.
4305 ESCALATORS, DUMBWAITERS AND MOVING STAIRWAYS
4305.1 Escalators, dumbwaiters and moving stairways moved from one shaft or
location to another shall conform to the requirements of Subsection 4301.2.
4305.2 (a) No escalator shall serve as a component of a required means of

egress.
(b) Treads shall not be less than 22 inches in length.
(c) There shall be an unobstructed space of at least 4 inches outside

the grip-rail and above the grip-rail for the full length of the
escalator.
(d) No single escalator shall have an uninterrupted vertical travel of

more than one storey.
4306 TRANSPORTING ASSEMBLIES
4306.1 TEMPORARY MATERIAL LIFTS:

(a) Temporary material lifts for construction work on multiple-storey
buildings having a hoistway and platform may be constructed
without a permit therefor, but shall not be assembled or constructed
without the written approval of the B.C.O.
(b) All temporary material lifts for the work of construction shall be as
set forth in this chapter and in, “Precautions During Building
Operations.”
(c) Service and inspection shall be each three months.
4306.2 AMUSEMENT DEVICES: Amusement devices shall not be placed in

operation until the design, materials of construction and operation are
approved by the B.C.O. in accordance with such regulations or
requirements as he may deem necessary in the interest of public safety.
Amusement devices shall be equipped with safety clutches. The care or

receptacles which persons are permitted to occupy shall have handrails
of sufficient number and height, or other approved appliances or
safeguards, to prevent persons from being thrown therefrom or from
coming in contact with structural members.
43-8
4306.3 INCLINED STAIRWAY CHAIRLIFTS:
(a) Inclined chairlifts shall be installed only within living units of
Groups G and H occupancies.
(b) Inclined stairway chairlifts shall meet the requirements of Section

4301 and shall comply with ANSI/ASME A17.1.
4306.4 INCLINES AND VERTICAL WHEELCHAIR LIFTS:

(a) Inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts shall meet all the applicable
requirements of this Chapter and Code.
(b) Inclined and vertical wheelchair lifts, where used or installed, shall
not obstruct the required width of any means of egress.
4306.5 OTHER DEVICES: Other devices shall be serviced and inspected not less
frequently than annually, or at such periods as may be required by the
B.C.O.
4307 COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER SECTIONS
Construction and installation of equipment covered by this chapter shall incorporate and
comply with the requirements of other sections of this Code. In particular reference is
made to the requirements of Section 3710 ‘EXIT AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS’
and Section 3711 ‘AUXILIARY STAND-BY EMERGENCY SERVICE’.
4308 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
4308.1 Where elevators are installed in buildings containing four floors or more,
at least one elevator shall be connected to an emergency source of power.
In multi-storey buildings, with multiple elevators, the B.C.O. or the Chief
Fire Officer may require that additional elevators be connected to
emergency power.
4308.2 It is mandatory that vertical safety screens between adjacent elevators be

installed in all new installations. It is recommended (in compliance with
Sub-section 4303.7) that vertical safety screens be installed in all existing
installations. A maximum of two elevators shall be installed in any single
elevator shaft in any new installation.
4308.3 Escalators shall operate between two floors only, from one floor to the
next. Escalators to additional floors shall be treated as enclosed stairways.
4308.4 Exterior elevator shafts shall have fire doors plus elevator door.
43-9
4308.5 All buildings shall maintain suitable ladders for use in access to emergency
openings in elevators.
4309 FIREMAN CONTROL ELEVATORS
4309.1 GENERAL:
(a) In any building equipped with automatic elevators, all elevators
shall descend to the main lobby floor, to discharge passengers
immediately upon activation of the fire alarm system, all existing
car calls shall be cancelled. The elevators shall remain at the lobby
level unless reactivated as in (b) below.
(b) In any building where all the elevators have automatic operation,
one elevator or more than one elevator, if necessary to provide
access to all landings, shall be arranged for use by firemen as
follows:
(1) A key-operated switch with light jewel shall be provided

adjacent to the elevator at the street floor landing subject to
the discretion of the B.C.O. or Chief Fire Officer the key
operated switch shall remove the elevator from normal
service and place it on firemen’s service.
(2) The key-operated switch shall, when operated, cancel existing

car calls, prevent registration of further car calls, prevent the
opening of the elevator door except at the landing at which
the switch is located and cause the car to travel to that landing
bypassing other landing calls. The light jewel shall be
illuminated when the car is returning to the firemen’s landing
in response to the operation of the key-operated switch.
(3) When the car arrives at the firemen’s landing, the doors shall
open and remain open until closed by the operation of the
elevator from the car.
(4) A key-operated switch shall be provided in the car which

can be operated only by the key which operates the firemen’s
landing switch and which, when operated, shall permit
operation of the elevator only from the car-operating buttons
and cause the elevator to bypass landing calls.
(5) Emergency power generators shall be provided for any

elevators equipped for ‘’fireman’s’’ control.
43-10
(6) Operation of the key-operated firemen’s switch shall initiate
a signal to the central control panel or annunciator station,
when the building has a central alarm system.
(7) In all emergency elevators provide speaker panel to main

control panel in lobby or switchboard.
(8) Emergency lighting shall be provided in all emergency

elevators.
(9) Firemen’s control system shall be on emergency power.
(10) The elevator car having a firemen’s control system shall be

clearly identified as such by a permanent sign.
(11) A minimum of two keys for firemen’s use shall be housed in

a “breakglass” front cabinet located a minimum of 6’-6” end
a maximum of 7’-0" from the floor level sited adjacent to each
group of elevators, on street floor landing, subject to the
discretion of the B.C.O. or Chief Fire Officer. Two spare keys
for test purposes shall be maintained at each building site at
the switchboard, chief engineer’s office, or other location
approved by the B.C.O. and the Chief Fire Officer.
(12) The elevator, or elevators, designated for fireman use shall

have an inbuilt communication system between the lobby
area and the elevator for emergency use.
43-11
NOTES
43-12
PART X
ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES
CHAPTER 44
ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES
4401 ELECTRICAL
4402 TELEPHONE SERVICES
4403 TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD INSTALLATIONS
4404 TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS WITHOUT SWITCHBOARDS
4405 TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS IN DWELLING HOUSES
4401 ELECTRICAL
4401.1 GENERAL: The requirements contained herein supplement but do not

supercede the following:
The Buildings Regulation Act

The Electricity Act
The Out Islands Electricity Act
and any Rules or Regulations made thereunder. In addition to the

foregoing the Canadian Electrical Code Part I has been adopted for use in
the Bahama Islands.
4401.2 GROUNDING: A rod electrode shall be driven to a depth of 12 inches

below mean water table level.
4401.3 EQUIPMENT AND METER ROOMS:

(a) The electrical Meter Room shall be accessible to authorised persons
at all times.
(b) Electrical Equipment or Meter Rooms shall be provided with

adequate ventilation.
4401.4 PORTABLE WIRING: Wiring used in connection with motion picture,

stage and television production sets, including wiring not fixed as to
location, shall be of approved flexible cables and cords. Flexible cords
used to supply such sets may be spliced or tapped provided: -
(a) the circuits are protected at not more than 20 amperes, and
(b) only approved devices are used.
44-1
4401.5 PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS:
(a) Plans and specifications shall be submitted to the Buildings
Control Officer for approval prior to the issuance of a building
permit. Plans shall be mechanically reproduced prints on
substantial paper or cloth, drawn to scale, except that an isometric
or riser diagram need not be scaled. Designated electrical
equipment rooms shall be drawn at a minimum of 1/2" = 1'-0" scale.
When any of the following parameters are not exceeded, plans

and specifications for electrical work may be prepared by any
competent person:
(i) The system requirements do not exceed a total

connected electrical load of more than 1,000
amperes.
(ii) The systems capacity is designed to accomodate

not more than 100 persons.
(iii) The work is proposed in a structure for public

assembly which does not exceed 5,000 sq. ft. in
area.
However, the BCO shall reserve the right to request the services of
an engineer recognized by the Minister in that discipline where he
deems necessary for any particular application.
Where the services of a registered professional are required then

that pertinent parts of the works shall be supervised by that
professional.
(b) The plans shall show the size of service and feeder wires and
conduit, the location of service switches and centers of distribution,
the arrangement of circuits showing the number of outlets
connected thereto, and a load schedule for each panel.
(c) Plans for electrical work for any new building or addition that
includes a medical gas, oxygen, steam, vacuum, toxic air filtration,
Halon, fire alarm or security and security alarm system, the cost
of which exceeds $5,000.00 shall bear the signature of an Engineer
recognised by the Minister.
44-2
4402 TELEPHONE SERVICES
4402.1 GENERAL:
(a) The following requirements supplement but not supercede the
Telecommunications Act and the Rules made thereunder. More
detailed information is contained in “Facilities for telephones in
New Buildings and Subdivisions” which is available from the main
office of The Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC/
BaTelCo) on John F. Kennedy Drive, Nassau.
(b) The applicant for a major project i.e. one that involves a
switchboard, or an apartment block or condominium of more than
six units, is advised to contact an Authorized Telecommunications
Utility at the earliest opportunity in order that the detailed service
drawings, containing telephone layouts, are prepared based upon
consultation with that Department.
(c) The examination of the mechanical and electrical drawings

submitted to the Building Control Division of the Ministry of
Public Works, in connection with the building permit application,
does not include a plan-check for telephone services. The applicant
for any major project should therefore submit four sets of the
drawings detailing the telephone layouts to an Authorized
Telecommunications Utility. One set of such drawings will be
retained by that utility, one set will be filed in the Building Permit
records at the Building Control Division and two sets will be
returned to the applicant for his use.
(d) No overhead service will be provided to any building containing

more than two dwelling units.
4402.2 SAFETY OF CIRCUITS:

(a) Telephone cables shall be kept entirely apart from the electrical
supply services, by the use of separate conduits.
(b) Where it is necessary for an electrical supply cable or service to

cross a telephone cable the following minimum separations shall
apply:
(i) Low and Medium Voltage Cables...…2"

(less than 650 V)
(ii) High Voltage Multicore Cables......…12"

(exceeding 650 V)
(iii) High Voltage Single Core Cables.......18"

(exceeding 650 V)
44-3
(c) No telephone cable shall be installed in any area or space
containing hazardous fuels or gases without the prior approval of
the Buildings Control Officer and an Authorized
Telecommunications Utility.
(d) Where a building, or part of a building, contains a system of

communication circuits in addition to an Authorized
Telecommunications Utility circuits, such circuits shall be
separated one from another wherever possible.
(e) The telephone system in any building shall be provided with an

adequate earth connection.
(f) In addition to the above, all telephone-related interior wiring or

cabling requirements of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1.
(g) All interior wiring or cabling related to the telephone system shall
be installled under the supervision and responsibility of a Licensed
Electrical Contractor.
4403 TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD INSTALLATIONS
4403.1 GENERAL:
The requirements set out herein are for installations using switchboards
such as offices, hotels and other similar occupancies.
4403.2 LEADING-IN MAIN CABLE:

(a) The incoming cable shall be taken into the building through a duct
located at a point at least 18” below sidewalk or adjacent grade
level. Both location and size of the duct shall be approved by an
Authorized Telecommunications Utility.
(b) The electrical contractor shall leave a pull wire in the duct for
pulling the external cable.
4403.3 TERMINATION OF CABLES:

(a) The incoming cable and distribution cables within the building
shall terminate on a distribution cabinet or frame depending upon
the size of the system.
(b) The distribution cabinet or frame shall be located in a dry, well

ventilated room. Such room shall be secured from entry by
unauthorised persons.
EXCEPTION: In small buildings the distribution cabinet may be

fitted into a wall in a convenient position.
44-4
4403.4 CABLING IN BASEMENTS:
All cabling in basements shall be run in PVC conduits.
4403.5 VERTICAL RISERS TO VARIOUS FLOORS:

(a) No telephone outlet on any floor shall require more than 90 feet of
cable to connect it to the nearest riser.
(b) The minimum size riser shall be 3 1/2" diameter PVC conduit.
(c) Risers should be fixed to the permanent structure wherever possible.
(d) Risers shall not be located in elevator shafts.
(e) Risers sharing vertical openings with other services shall be

separated as set forth in Section 4402.2.
(f) Vertical openings containing risers shall be protected as set forth

in Section 1507.
4403.6 ACCESS TO RISER:

(a) Access to each riser should be provided at every floor level from a
corridor or other similar common space.
(b) Where the riser is located in a vertical opening any access shall be
in accordance with Section 1507.2(d).
(c) In other locations access should be by hinged door instead of a

screw panel.
4403.7 HORIZONTAL CABLE RUNS:

(a) It is not possible, before hand to set out the exact requirements as
to where ducts or conduits should be run or where outlets should
be located at each floor level, as these vary with the use and design
of the building.
(b) Corridor ducts or conduits shall have a minimum area of two

square inches.
(c) Ducts or conduits leading from a corridor duct or conduit to an

outlet shall have a minimum area of one square inch.
4403.8 LAYOUT OF DUCT OR CONDUIT SYSTEM:

The cross sectional area of the duct or conduit running from the riser to
the first junction box shall be so sized as to avoid cable congestion. This
may be achieved by either of the following methods:
44-5
(a) The installation of multi-way ducts between the riser and the first
junction box, or
(b) The linking of more than one junction box to a riser (see drawing
in Appendix D).
4403.9 SWITCHBOARDS:
(a) Switchboard accommodation should have ample natural lighting.
(b) It should be located in a quiet area away from busy streets,

corridors and elevator shafts, acoustical treatment is
recommended.
(c) Toilet facilities should be within easy reach.
(d) A clock should be installed so that it is readily visible to the

switchboard operator(s).
(e) A three-pin socket outlet of standard pattern should be provided

for a battery charger.
(f) A second three-pin socket should be provided to facilitate the use

of inspection lamps.
(g) The minimum level of illumination on the horizontal key-shelf

should be five lumens per square foot (54 lux) and the lamps should
be located vertically above the front edge of the key-shelf.
4403.10 APPARATUS ROOM:

(a) A separate apparatus room adjacent to the switchboard room will
be required for all but the smallest PABX or PMBX installations.
(b) The apparatus room should be located as close as possible to one

of the risers.
(c) The room should be reasonably dust-proof and be provided with

normal ventilation.
(d) Two-three pin socket outlets of standard pattern should be provided

as in Section 4403.9(e) and (f).
44-6
4404 TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS WITHOUT SWITCHBOARDS
4404.1 GENERAL:
This category includes apartments, condominiums containing more than
two family units and are without switchboard facilities.
4404.2 Horizontal feeds to apartments need not be greater than 3/4" diameter
PVC conduit.
4405 TELEPHONE INSTALLATIONS IN DWELLING HOUSES
4405.1 UNDERGROUND SERVICE:

(a) Where the external service is underground, a one inch PVC conduit
shall be provided from a convenient point in the house to the street,
or wayleave boundary of the lot.
(b) The Electrical Contractor shall leave a pull wire in the conduit.
4405.2 OVERHEAD SERVICE:

(a) Where the external service is overhead, a 3/4" inch diameter
standard electrical conduit should be provided commencing at the
eaves near the external wires, passing through the top of the outside
wall and continuing inside the house to the telephone or
distribution point.
(b) The drop wire shall be clamped at the eave and shall continue
through the 3/4 inch conduit to terminate at the distribution panel.
(c) Precaution shall be taken to prevent water from entering the

conduit (See drawing in Appendix D).
4405.3 INTERNAL WIRING BETWEEN ROOMS

(a) If full concealment of the telephone wire distribution system is
desired, then conduits should be installed.
(b) Where conduits are provided they shall be of no less than 3/4 inch
diameter PVC, run as straight as possible and should terminate at
skirting level.
(c) Internal wire should be terminated in a flush plug similar to

Drawing in Appendix D.
44-7
NOTES
44-8
PART XI
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
CHAPTER 45
ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED
4501 APPLICATION
4503 EXCEPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPANCIES
4501 APPLICATION
4501.1 (a) The accessibility provisions of this section shall be applicable to

all new construction, including factory-built buildings, substantial
improvements, alterations, additions, and changes in occupancy,
as such terms are used in this section. Such standards shall apply
as follows:
(1) All new construction except as exempt herein.
(2) Existing buildings which are substantially improved shall

be made to comply with the provisions of this section for
new construction.
(b) Private residences need not ordinarily be made to comply with

accessibility requirements for physically handicapped.
4502.1 (a) The general requirements for accessibility set forth in this section
shall apply to all buildings, subject to the application provisions
of Subsection 4501.1 and the exceptions for specific conditions and
groups of occupancy provided in Subsection 4503.1, both of this
Code.
(b) ACCESS ROUTES REQUIRED:

(1) Accessibility to buildings shall be provided from rights-of-
way and parking areas by means of walks, curb-cuts or ramps
to at least one entrance generally used by the public and from
such entrance to elevators, if any. Such pathways shall be
at least 60" wide and shall be devoid of stairs/steps or other
abrupt changes in elevation greater that one-half inch.
45-1
(2) Accessibility in buildings shall be provided at each floor and
accessible grade level, except as otherwise provided in this
section.
(c) INTERIOR CORRIDORS, AISLES AND HALLWAYS:

(1) Interior corridors shall conform to all applicable
requirements and shall be at least 44" wide when part of a
required means of egress. Other interior aisles, corridors and
hallways shall be at least 36" wide.
(2) Where the configuration of a corridor, aisle or hallway

requires the making of 180-degree turns, accessibility shall
be provided by a space of at least 60" in diameter or, a space
of at least 52" x 72".
(d) FLOORS, SLIP RESISTANT: Floors shall have a slip resistance

finish.
(e) WALKWAYS:
(1) Walkways shall be at least 48" wide.
(2) Where doors swing out over a continuous walkway which

runs perpendicular to the path of egress, the walkway shall
be at least 60" wide.
(3) Walkways shall be of a continuing common plane and not

interrupted by steps or abrupt changes in level.
(4) Walkways that are grade level leading to entrance doors shall
have a level platform of at least 60" wide x 60" deep if the
door swings out. The platform shall extend at least 24 inches
beyond the latch side of the door. Above grade level,
platforms shall have security rails or walls. If the door
swings in, the platform shall be at least 60" wide x 60" deep,
however if the door swings out the platform shall be at least
72" x 72".
(f) FLOORS, COMMON LEVEL: All floors on a particular story of a

building shall be of a common level or to be connected by a ramp
or incline or vertical wheelchair lifts that are operated by a disabled
person.
(g) RAMPS: Ramps shall conform to the following requirements:
(1) Ramps shall have a slip resistant surface.
45-2
(2) Ramps that are part of a required means of egress or are used
by handicapped persons shall be at least 44" wide.
(3) Ramps 30" in length or longer shall have a maximum gradi-

ent of ‘1:20’ or the ramps shall have a level platform at least
60" deep in the direction of the ramp at 30'-0" intervals and
at changes in direction over 15 degrees and shall be of a slope
of no more than 1:12.
(4) Ramps shall have a level platform at the top which is at

least 72” wide x 72” deep, except as specified in this section.
If the door swings out onto the platform, the platform shall
extend at least 24" beyond the latch side of the door. If the
door swing in, the level platform shall be at least 36” deep x
60” wide. All above-grade-level platforms shall have
security rails or walls.
(5) The bottom of each ramp shall have at least 72" of straight
and level clearance.
(6) (i) Ramps shall have smooth handrails on both sides

which are 32" above the upper surface of the ramp,
measured vertically to the top of the rail, allowing a
variation of not more than 1/2". Handrails on ramps
shall be 1-1/2" round in outside diameter. Handrails
that are not continuous between flights shall be
extended horizontally at least 18" at the required
height at the top and bottom landings if a guard or
wall exists.
(ii) Ramps or curb-cuts from parking areas that are

privately owned, to the walkway level, shall be
provided and if more than one is provided, shall be
spaced along such walkways at intervals of no more
than 100'-0" and such ramps or curb-cuts shall be
located as close as practical to main entrances and
exits to buildings.
(7) Handrails shall not be required on ramps 84" or less in length

that are not integral to a walkway, platform, courtyard, or
other paved area and if the sides of the ramp are protected
with built-up curbs or flared sides.
(8) Handrails are not required on curb-cuts with flared sides.
45-3
(9) Curb-cuts used in lieu of ramps shall have a maximum rise
of 8". If a curb-cut is located where pedestrians must walk
across it, it shall have flared sides. The maximum slope of
the flare shall not exceed 1" vertically for each 10" horizon-
tally with respect to inclined curbs, or 1" vertically for each
12" horizontally for built up curbs. Curb-cuts shall have a
level platform at the top of at least 60" x 60".
(h) REQUIRED DOORS AND WALKTHROUGHS: Required doors

and walkthroughs shall comply with the following requirements:
(1) Single-leaf walk-through swinging doors and at least one

leaf of manually operated multiple-leaf swinging doors shall
be at least 32" wide.
(2) All walk-through openings shall have at least 32” in clear

width.
(3) Handrails, pulls, locksets, and other operating mechanisms

on entrance doors, restroom and toilet room doors, and other
mechanisms or U-shaped handles shall have a shape that is
easy to grasp with one hand and does not require tight
grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate.
The requirement shall be satisfied by the 5 foot-pound
standard as described in National Institutes for Standards
and Technology (NIST) (1986) Standard 4.13.11.
(4) A door that is not intended for regular use and that could
prove dangerous if used by a blind person shall have a knurled
handle or knob or a handle or knob coated with an abrasive
plastic coating. Such doors shall also have warning signs
as provided in this Section.
(5) Manoeuvring clearances at doorways shall be unobstructed.
(6) If a side-hinged swinging door is double-acting, there shall

be at least 3" of horizontal clearance on the latch side both
inside and outside the doorway. If an exterior side-hinged
swinging door swings one way, there shall be, on the latch
side, at least 24" of horizontal clearance on the pull side and
at least 3" of horizontal clearance on the push side. There
shall be, on the latch side of the interior side-hinged swinging
doors, at least 12" of horizontal clearance on the pull side of
the door.
(7) All doors shall be openable by a single effort. The maximum

force required to open a door shall be as follows, except that
45-4
such requirements do not apply to the effort required to retract
latch bolts or disengage other devices which keep the door
closed for safety reasons:
(i) Exterior swinging doors shall be openable by a force

of not more than 8.5 pounds applied to the latch stile.
(ii) Interior swinging doors shall be openable by a force of

not more than 8.5 pounds applied to the latch stile.
(iii) Sliding or folding doors shall be openable by a force of

not more than 5 pounds.
(iv) If an automatic door is used it must comply with the

American National Standard for power operated doors,
ANSI A156.10-1979.
(i) PEDESTRIAN CONTROL DEVICES:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, posts, bars,
railings, and other similar barricades or pedestrian control
devices shall not be placed in the common or emergency
entranceways or exitways to buildings or in the exterior
sidewalks, walkways or other public paths serving them
which are located on private property.
(2) Interior and exterior turnstiles are prohibited, except that,

in occupancies serving over 100 persons, turnstiles may be
used if there is available an alternate adjacent means of
passage, unlocked, with operating mechanisms as set forth
in this section, which provide at least 32" of clearance.
(3) All stores shall have one check-out station with at least 36"
inches of clear passage.
(j) REQUIRED RESTROOM AND TOILET ROOMS: Required

restrooms and toilet rooms shall comply with the following
requirements:
(1) Each restroom and toilet room shall have a minimum clear
passage of at least 44" to the accessible toilet stall. If turns
of 45 degrees or more are required, this passageway shall be
at least 66" wide.
(2) The accessible toilet stall shall be at least 68" wide x 72" in
length and shall contain an accessible lavatory within it.
45-5
(3) The accessible water closet shall be located in the corner di-
agonal to the stall door.
(4) The stall door shall be located in the wall adjacent to the
accessible lavatory, as far from the lavatory as possible. The
accessible stall door shall swing out and shall be at least
32" wide and shall be of the self-closing type. Such lavatories
shall be counted as part of the required fixture count for the
building.
(5) (i) Accessible lavatories shall have lever operated

faucets and narrow aprons which, when mounted,
are at a height of from 28" to 34", measured vertically
from the floor to the bottom of the apron, to allow
for use of the lavatory by persons in wheelchairs.
(ii) Hot water and drain pipes under lavatories or sinks

shall be insulated or otherwise protected. There shall
be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories or
sinks.
(6) At a location adjacent to accessible lavatories there shall be

at least one towel dispenser within the toilet stall or toilet
room.
(7) Accessible water closet seats shall be at a height of no less

than 19" and no more than 20", measured vertically from the
finished floor to the top of the seat.
(8) A grabrail shall be provided, located 33” from and parallel

to the finished floor measured vertically to the top of the
rail with a variation of not more than 1/2", and:
(i) Shall have an outside diameter of 1-1/2" inches.
(ii) Shall provide 1-1/2" of clearance between the rail and

the wall.
(iii) Shall be so designed and supported as to withstand

a load of not less than 250 pounds applied at any
point, downward or horizontally.
(iv) Shall be continuously graspable along the entire

length.
(v) Shall be at least 24" long and shall be centered at the

leading edge of the water closet.
45-6
(9) Restrooms shall have an unobstructed space of at least 60"
in diameter or 53” wide x 72” deep finished inside dimensions
adjacent to the lavatory area.
(10) Restroom vestibules having a series of doors shall have an

unobstructed width of at least 52" and an unobstructed depth
of at least 72”, finished inside dimensions.
(i) The inside door must swing into the restroom.
(ii) There must be at least 12" of clear space on the latch

side of the door, unless the door is double acting.
(k) CONTROLS: Switches and controls for light, heat, ventilation,

windows, and draperies, and all other controls of frequent or
essential use, shall be placed between 42" and 52" from the floor.
(l) DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Where water fountains or other means

of dispensing water are provided, at least one such fountain or
device shall be accessible and shall have up front spouts and either
hand-operated or hand-and-foot-operated controls.
(m) RETAIL CHANGING ROOMS: In retail occupancies providing

changing rooms for the public, at least one changing room shall:
(1) Provide an opening of at least 29" clear width.
(2) Have unobstructed finished inside dimensions of at least 36"

wide x 60" deep.
(3) If a door is provided, have a door that swings out.
(n) SIGNAGE: Where room names or numbers are provided, raised, or

recessed numbers shall be used. Such names or numbers shall
whenever possible, be located adjacent to the door on the hinge
side at a height between 54 and 66 inches from the floor.
(o) WARNING SIGNALS: Where warning signals are used, audible

signals shall be accompanied by visual signals for the benefit of
the hearing-impaired, and visual signals shall be accompanied by
audible signals for the benefit of the blind.
45-7
4503 EXCEPTIONS FOR SPECIFIC CONDITIONS AND OCCUPANCIES
4503.1 (a) EXEMPT AREAS WITHIN BUILDING: If the owner of the build-
ing certifies that particular areas of the building are used only by
employees and that the work performed in such areas cannot rea-
sonably be performed by handicapped persons, such areas are ex-
empt from this section unless they provide the only means of ac-
cess from one area normally used by handicapped persons to an-
other such area.
(b) TWO-STOREY BUILDINGS: The second storey of a building which

is used other than for retail or office use, or which is used for retail
or office use by a single tenant, shall be deemed to be in compliance
with this section and need not be accessible when:
(1) The owner of the building provides an affidavit that the

building will not be occupied for retail or office use or that
the building will be occupied by a single tenant. The affidavit
must be maintained on file with the occupancy certificate
for the building.
(2) The building provides accessibility at the habitable grade

level in accordance with this section.
(3) All building facilities and services normally sought and used
by the general public or employees working in the building
are accessible to, and usable by, the physically handicapped
at habitable grade level.
(4) There shall be no elevator in the building.
(c) USE OF WHEELCHAIR LIFTS: Wheelchair lifts may be used to

provide accessibility to and within buildings and structures.
(d) GROUP A AND B OCCUPANCIES:

(1) PUBLIC FOOD SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT: Public food
service establishments and establishments licensed under
Law for consumption on the premises, which establishments
use fixed tables or booths, shall comply with the following:
(i) Aisles adjoining such booths or tables shall provide

clear space for wheelchairs.
(ii) Where there are open positions along both sides of

such aisles, the aisles shall be at least 52" wide.
45-8
(iii) Where there are open positions along only one side
of such aisles, the aisles shall at least be 52" wide or
there shall be, on the opposite side of such aisles,
loose or unfixed tables which can be easily moved.
(2) ACCESSIBILITY IN FIXED SEATING ARRANGEMENTS:

Public assembly occupancies with fixed seating
arrangements shall provide level viewing or seating positions
for wheelchairs in the following amounts:
(i) For the first 100 fixed seats, there shall be one such
space for each 50 fixed seats or a fraction thereof.
(ii) For all remaining fixed seats, there shall be one such
space for each 100 fixed seats or a fraction thereof.
Such space shall be either clear space or space
containing an easily removed portable chair. Such
space shall be at least 30" wide x 48" long.
(e) MOTELS AND HOTELS: With: -
(1) more than twenty but less than one hundred guest rooms
shall provide at least one guest room that shall include the
following special accessibility features as required by this
section, and
(2) one hundred or more guest rooms shall provide at least one
guest room per one hundred extra guest rooms or part thereof
with the following special accessibility features as required
by this section:
(i) Grabrails in bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be

located 33" from and parallel to the finished floor,
measured vertically to the top of the rail, with a
variation not to exceed 1/2".
(ii) All standard water closet seats shall be at a height

of 15", measured vertically from the finished floor to
the top of the seat with a tolerance of plus or minus
1/2". A portable or attached raised toilet seat shall
be provided in all designated handicapped accessible
rooms. All such designated rooms shall have a 60" x
30" roll-in shower, and there shall also be a fold-
down seat in the shower of such designated rooms
and said seat shall conform to American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) A117.1 (1986) Standard.
45-9
All such designated rooms shall have the following
in the 60" x 30" shower: shower curtains, grabrails,
and accessible shower head controls. There shall be
no curbs at shower entrances.
(iii) Rooms shall have accessible mirrors, lavatories, and

control switches as set forth in American National
Standards Institute A117.1 (1986) Standard.
(iv) The toilet-room shall be at least 68" x 68".
(v) All beds in designated accessible guest rooms shall

be open-frame type to permit passage of lift devices.
(vi) The toilet room door shall not swing into the toilet
room.
45-10
PART XII
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
ENGINEERING PRACTICE STANDARDS
A-1
A-2
A-3
A-4
A-5
A-6
A-7
A-8
A-9
A-10
A-11
A-12
A-13
A-14
A-15
A-16
A-17
A-18
APPENDIX B
MINIMUM STANDARD DRAWINGS: Drawings on the succeeding pages

represent a basic guide to the minimum acceptable requirements for frequently
used systems or equipment. Included are the following standards:
1. Minimum Standard - Septic Tank and Soakaway Pit
2. Minimum Standard - Septic Tank and Disposal Well
3. Minimum Standard - Drainfields
4. Typical “Flat” Drainage System
5. Typical “Flat” Drainage System
6. Typical “Vertical” Drainage System
7. Typical Duplex Drainage System
8. Minimum Standard - Rainwater Storage Tanks
9. Minimum Standard - Disposal Well
10. Minimum Standard - Potable Supply Well
11. Gas and Oil Interceptor
12. Minimum Standard - Manhole
13. Minimum Standard - Water Meter Connection
14. Minimum Standard - Grease Trap
B-1
APPENDIX B
B-2
APPENDIX B
B-3
APPENDIX B
B-4
APPENDIX B
B-5
APPENDIX B
B-6
APPENDIX B
B-7
APPENDIX B
B-8
APPENDIX B
B-9
APPENDIX B
B-10
APPENDIX B
B-11
APPENDIX B
B-12
APPENDIX B
B-13
APPENDIX B
B-14
APPENDIX B
B-15
NOTES
B-16
APPENDIX C
This appendix relates to the provision of an intervening ventilated space (I V

S) between a public area and the water closet/urinal space.
C-1
APPENDIX C
C-2
APPENDIX D
This appendix has been included at the request of Batelco to facilitate the
installation of telephone services in new buildings.
D-1
APPENDIX D
D-2
APPENDIX D
D-3
APPENDIX D
D-4
APPENDIX E
This appendix has been prepared by the Hydrologists in the Ministry of Works
and Utilities to facilitate the design of rainwater tank capacities.
E-1
INTRODUCTION
Charts of required rainwater storage in U.S. gallons and U.S. gallons/square

feet of roof area versus reliability and demand were generated for roof catch-
ment areas of 750, 1,200 and 2,500 square feet, for three areas of The Bahamas.
The weekly demands in U.S. gallons/week used in the simulation exercise,

and displayed on the charts, were selected to maximize the roof catchment
potential. Weekly demands less than the lowest demand on the charts are
easily met by the system. Weekly demands greater than the highest, shown
in the charts, are not easily met by the system, or will be met at a lower reli-
ability than that indicated. In this case consideration should be given to the
installation of a brackish supply for toilet flushing purposes or of increasing
the catchment area.
This analysis was intended for use as a general set of guidelines in the design
of a Rainwater catchment and cistern system. It is recommended that the
Government Hydrologist (Family Island Division, Ministry of Works and
Utilities) be contacted if a more extensive analysis or evaluation is required.
E-2
Sizing of rainwater (cistern) tanks based on a 10 year rainfall simulation exer-
cise for The Bahamas.
1. GENERAL COMMENTS
(A) 10 year rainfall data for The Bahamas(1974 to 1983) pro-

vided by the Meteorological Department has been used in
this simulation exercise. Green Turtle Cay was used to rep-
resent the Northern Bahamas, New Providence (the Nas-
sau International Airport) represents the Central Bahamas
and Matthew Town, Inagua represents the Southern Baha-
mas.
(B) Reliabilty is defined here as the percentage of the 10 year

simulation period that the system meets the demand placed
on it. For example a reliabilty of 90% indicates that over a
10 year period, the system will meet the demand 90% of
the time and fail or not meet the demand 10% of the time.
(C) The reliabilty of the system is based on the number of fail-

ures (defined as no water) over the entire 10 year simula-
tion period. Excess water or spills are not considered in the
reliabilty calculations.
(D) Alternate supply sources (eg: Public supplies or brackish

supplies) are not considered.
(E) Only system reliabilities of 50 to 95% are considered over a

ten year period.
(F) Required Storages between 1 and 30 (US gallon/sq. ft of

roof area) were considered.
(G) All volumes are in U.S. gallons.
E-3
2. ASSUMPTIONS
(A) The rainwater tank (or cistern) was assumed to be full at the be-
ginning of the 10 year simulation exercise.
(B) A roof catchment efficiency of 75% was assumed.
(C) The weekly demand on the system is assumed to be constant.
3. HOW TO USE THE CHARTS
(1) Select the general zone (i.e. Northern, Central or Southern Baha-
mas).
(2) Select the charts of catchment area that is closest to the gross square
foot area of the structure. Note that in two storied structures only
the roof plan area should be considered.
(3) Determine the weekly demand in U.S. gallons/week for the resi-
dence.
(4) Determine the economically desired reliability of the system.
(5) Plot the required storage in U.S. gallons/sq. ft. of roof area (left
axis), or, tank size in U.S. gallons (right axis) by:
(i) drawing a vertical line through the required reliability (%)

over 10 years and the weekly demand in U.S. gallons/wk,
(ii) drawing a line at right angles to the first line in (i),
(iii) reading off the required storage (in U.S. gallons/sq. ft.) on
the left side and the tank size in U.S. gallons along the axis
of the right side.
E-4
APPENDIX E
E-5
APPENDIX E
E-6
APPENDIX E
E-7
APPENDIX E
E-8
APPENDIX E
E-9
APPENDIX E
E-10
APPENDIX E
E-11
APPENDIX E
E-12
APPENDIX E
E-13
APPENDIX E
E-14
APPENDIX F
Nail and gauge sizes.
F-1
APPENDIX F
F-2
APPENDIX F
F-3
NOTES
F-4
APPENDIX G
Conversion Factors - S.I. Units
Note: The units of measure used in the Code are Imperial except as
follows:
(1) All references to gallons means U.S. gallons.

1 gal. U.S. = 0.83 gal. Imperial
(2) All references to metal guages are in U.S. gauges.

See Appendix F.
G-1
APPENDIX G
G-2
APPENDIX H
The following drawings show methods of providing fire protection for light
fixtures that are recessed into fire-rated ceiling systems.
H-1
APPENDIX H
H-2
APPENDIX H
H-3
NOTES
H-4
PART XIII
INDEX
(For Index by Parts, Chapters and Sections, see Front of Book)

Section
A
A - OCCUPANCIES, Group A – Assembly
By 1,000 or more ................................................................................................... Chapter 5
Definition of ..................................................................................................................... 501
ACCESS
Accessibility to Exits ...................................................................................................2802.4
Accessibility for Handicapped ................................................................................415, 516
Attic ..............................................................................................................................1506.5
Panels, for Fire Department................................................................................... 1504.2(c)
Roof...............................................................................................................................2803.2
Under Ground Floors.................................................................................1705.1(c), 1904.3
ACCESSORY BUILDINGS ...............................................................................................1401.7
ACCESSORY USES ............................................................................................................ 402.1
ACCIDENTS
During Construction (First Aid).................................................................................2920.1
Persons in Elevators ....................................................................................................4303.4
Precautions During Construction ......................................................................Chapter 29
ACOUSTICAL CEILINGS...................................................................................... 3110, 3205.5
ADDITIONS, extensions ............................................................................................104.2, 304
ADHESIVES
Glued Construction.......................................................................... 2403, 2405.3, 2406.8(e)
ADJOINING BUILDING..................................................................................................2101.1
ADJOINING OCCUPANCIES.................................................................405, 407.2, 407.4, 408
ADMINISTRATIVE ................................................................................................... Chapter 3

Additions to Existing Buildings ................................................................... 104.2, 304, 305
Alterations (and Repairs)....................................................................104.1, 104.3, 304, 305
Change of Occupancy (Material Change of Use) .................................... 103.3, 309, 403.1
Historical Buildings...................................................................................................... 104.6
Hurricane Precautions .........................................................................................2925, 3113
Purpose of Code .............................................................................................................. 102
Repairs and Alterations ......................................................... 104.1, 104.3, 304, 305, 3001.1
Roofing Replacement ..................................................................................................3001.1
Scope of Code .................................................................................................................. 103
Structural Defined ........................................................................................................ 302.5
Title of Code..................................................................................................................... 101
AGGREGATES
Concrete ......................................................................................................................... 2204
Masonry, Mortar........................................................................................................2704.10
Index-1
Section
Plaster ...................................................................................................................... 3103.2(a)
Pneumatically placed concrete...................................................................... 2210.1, 2210.2
Precast concrete units..................................................................................................2208.1
AIR CONDITIONING ..............................................................................................Chapter 41

Automatic cut-off ........................................................................................................3711.8
AIRCRAFT HANGERS (Occupancy - Group E, Div. 1) .................................................... 901

Exit Facilities .................................................................................................................... 904
Special Provision ................................................................................................ 902.2, 902.3
Sprinkler Requirement................................................................................................. 907.1
AIR INTAKES (see Ventilation all Occupancies)

Boilers ............................................................................................................................. 3808
Projection Booths.......................................................................................................... 508.4
Requirements based upon use ..................................................................................... 4003
AIR SPACE
Under floors .................................................................................................................2408.3
AISLES .......................................................................................................... 504.9, 2810, 3407.5
ALARM SYSTEMS
General .........................................................................................................................3711.1
Required - based upon occupancy.............................................................................3711.9
ALLEY (Definition of)................................................................................................ Chapter 2
ALLOWABLE AREA ............................................ 414, “*02” Section, Chapters 5 through 13
ALTERATIONS and extensions........................................................................................... 304
ALUMINIUM
Construction ........................................................................................................Chapter 25
Design............................................................................................................................. 2503
Roofing ............................................................................................ 3001.3(a), (b), 3001.8(b)
Roofing accessories .....................................................................................................3007.1
Shingles .......................................................................................................................... 3004
Siding............................................................................................................................3112.6
AMUSEMENT PARKS
Devices for ...................................................................................................................4306.2
Electrical requirements for .................................................................................Chapter 44
Special requirements for .............................................................................................4303.5
ANCHORING (Roofing)
Built-up felts .................................................................................................................. 3002
ANCHORS
Concrete units..............................................................................................................2208.6
Index-2
Section
Steel joists .....................................................................................................................2308.5
Wood components .................................................................................................2406.4(d)
ANNUAL INSPECTION ............................................................................ 3808.6(c), 4303.5(e)
APARTMENT (Defined) ........................................................................................... Chapter 2
APARTMENT BUILDING (Defined) ....................................................................... Chapter 2

Occupancy Group ‘G’ .........................................................................................Chapter 11
APPENDICES
A - Engineering Practice Standards ............................................................................... A-1
B - Mechanical drawings..................................................................................................B-1
C - Ventilation of Public Sanitary Facilities................................................................... C-1
D - Telecommunication drawings.................................................................................. D-1
E - Rainwater tank sizes...................................................................................................E-1
F - Nail and gauge sizes ...................................................................................................F-1
G - S.I. Unit Conversions ................................................................................................ G-1
H - Tenting of Recessed Light Fixtures .........................................................................H-1
APPLIANCES
Gas-burning ................................................................................................................... 3802
Oil-burning .................................................................................................................... 3803
APPLICATION
For Approved products .................................................................................................. 317
For Pre-Engineered buildings ........................................................................................ 311
To build ............................................................................................................................ 302
To existing buildings....................................................................................................... 104
To make alterations to and extensions of buildings ..................................................... 305
APPROVED (see Definitions) ................................................................................... Chapter 2
APPROVED PRODUCTS ..................................................................................................... 317
ASBESTOS CEMENT PRODUCTS

Use restricted ................................................................................................................. 3106
ASPHALT
Saturated felt and compounds ...................................................................................3002.4
Shingles ....................................................................................................................3002.5(f)
Roof flashings .........................................................................................................3002.4(d)
ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS (Occupancy Groups A and B)............................................501, 601
ASSUMPTIONS
Dead loads .................................................................................... 2002(l)(2), 2004.3, 2005.2
Live loads ................................................................... 2002(l)(1), 2004.1, 2005.1, 2008, 2010
Live loads posted........................................................................................................... 2010
Live load reductions...................................................................................................... 2008
Index-3
Section
Minimum loads ............................................................................................................. 2004
Reinforced concrete design...............................................................................Table 20-A4
Roof live loads ............................................................................................................... 2007
Wind load....................................................................................................................... 2009
ATRIUMS
Definition .............................................................................................................. Chapter 2
Requirements.................................................................................515, 614, 714, 1012, 1112
ATTACHMENTS
Glass veneer ................................................................................................................... 3109
Gypsum board ............................................................................................................... 3110
Gypsum lath ................................................................................................................3102.2
Metal and wire lath .....................................................................................................3102.3
Roof insulation............................................................................................................... 3006
Suspended ceiling runners and furring.....................................................................3102.5
ATTIC
Access to and division of ............................................................................................1706.5
Ventilation....................................................................................................................2408.2
AUDITORIA (Occupancy Groups A and B)................................................................501, 601
AUTOMATIC FIRE-DETECTION SYSTEMS.................................................... 3711.4, 3711.5
AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Automatic-sprinkler...................................................................................................... 3703
Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, halon, expanding foam ............................................. 3704
AWNINGS
Fabric.............................................................................................................................. 3401
Definition ........................................................................................................... 3402, 3501.2
Rigid .............................................................................................................................3501.1
AUTOMOBILE GARAGES (Occupancy Group E, Division 1) ......................................... 901

Automatic sprinkler system, area increase .......................................................... 3703.3(c)
Minimum ceiling heights................................................................................................ 413
Ramps, stairs, lifts and means of egress ........................................................................ 904
Service Stations......................................................................................................... 902.3(a)
AUXILIARY STAND-BY EMERGENCY SERVICE ......................................................... 3713
Index-4
Section
B
B - OCCUPANCIES (Group B - Assembly of less than 1,000)........................................... 601
BALCONY
Access balconies ..........................................................................................................2803.9
In places of assembly ................................................................................................... 504.6
Width as exit ............................................................................................................. 704.3(c)
BANDSHELLS..................................................................................................................... 3505
BARRICADES - construction ................................................................................. 2905.2, 2918
BARS
Concrete protection for ...............................................................................................2207.5
Placing ..........................................................................................................................2207.3
Splicing.........................................................................................................................2207.4
Reinforcing (see Reinforcing) .......................................................................... Appendix A
BASEMENT
Construction Type.................................................................. 502.2, 602.2(e), 702.2, 1102.3
Special provisions.................................................. 502.2, 602.2, 802.3(a), 1004.3(e), 1104.8
Sprinklers required......................................................................................................3703.2
BATHROOMS (see Ventilation in Occupancy Group)

Ceiling height - general................................................................................................... 413
Residential - minimum dimensions......................................................................1105.2(d)
Toilet rooms and facilities............................................................... 412, 3613, Appendix C
BEAMS
Grade - concrete or steel .............................................................................................2105.3
Laminated wood..........................................................................................................2405.3
Live load reduction of ................................................................................................... 2008
Protection of wood ........................................................................................................ 2408
Tie-concrete............................................................................................................. 2706.2(c)
Wood .............................................................................................................................. 2407
BEARING
Capacity of soil .............................................................................................................. 2102
Interior foundation walls supporting stud walls......................................................2405.2
Interior wall .................................................................................................................2706.3
Partition, (see definition) ..................................................................................... Chapter 2
Steel joists .....................................................................................................................2308.5
Wood joists and rafters ......................................................................... 2105.1(b), 2406.4(c)
BEARING WALLS, EXTERIOR

Fire resistive ratings ............................................................................................ Table 32-B
Types I, II and III Construction .................................................................................... 1504
Type IV Construction.................................................................................................... 1804
Index-5
Section
Type V Construction ..................................................................................................... 1903
BEARING WALLS, INTERIOR

Fire resistive rating.............................................................................................. Table 32-B
General construction .................................................1504.4, 1604.3, 1704.3, 1804.4, 1903.4
BLEACHERS (Occupancy Group I, Division 2) .............................................................1302.2

Definition ....................................................................................................................... 3402
Detailed requirements................................................................................................... 3407
BLOCKS
Concrete - General.................................................................................................. 2704.5(a)
Glass ......................................................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
Grill..........................................................................................................................2706.2(k)
Quality..................................................................................................................... 2704.5(b)
BOILERS .............................................................................................................................. 3808
BOLTING
Connections ................................................................................................................... 2305
Open web steel joist anchorage..................................................................................2308.5
Wood plates to masonry ................................................................. 2406.2(f), 2406.4(d), (e)
BOLTS, Anchor............................................................................................................. 2406.4(e)

High strength steel ......................................................................................................2302.2
Protection of................................................................................................................... 2307
Ribbed ..........................................................................................................................2302.3
BOND
Concrete .......................................................................................................................2206.7
Construction joints ......................................................................................................2207.6
Mortar.................................................................................................................... 2704.10(c)
Pneumatically placed concrete............................................................................... 2210.8(j)
Reinforcing bars......................................................................................... 2207.4, 2207.5(d)
Tie Beam concrete...............................................................................................2706.2(c)(6)
BORINGS
Soil investigations................................................................................................... 2102.1(b)
BOWLING CENTRES (Occupancy Groups A and B).................................................501, 601
BRACING
Concrete forms ............................................................................................................2207.1
During erection....................................................................................................... 2003.1(b)
Frame construction......................................................2405.4(1)(a), 2406.2(g), 2406.6(2)(b)
Masonry walls, lateral............................................................................................ 2706.2(b)
BRICK.................................................................................................................................2704.2
Allowable stresses .......................................................................................................2705.1
Walls ........................................................................................................................2706.2(g)
Index-6
Section
BRIDGING
Concrete joists..............................................................................................................2208.7
Steel joists .....................................................................................................................2308.4
Wood joists..............................................................................................................2406.4(k)
BUILDING CODE
Application to existing buildings..........................................................................104, 1402
Exemptions ...................................................................................................................... 308
Purpose of ........................................................................................................................ 102
Scope................................................................................................................................. 103
Title of............................................................................................................................... 101
BUILDING PERMITS
Alterations and extensions of buildings........................................................................ 304
Application to build ........................................................................................................ 302
Application to make alterations to and extensions of buildings................................. 305
Compliance with Code ................................................................................................... 314
Exemptions ...................................................................................................................... 308
Fees payable for building permits ................................................................................. 310
General ............................................................................................................................. 301
Mandatory inspections ................................................................................................... 312
Material change of use .................................................................................................... 309
Materials used for construction...................................................................................... 306
BUILDINGS
Accessory .......................................................................................................... 402.1, 1401.7
Classification by Types of Construction...................................................................... 1401
Classification by Group of Occupancy .......................................................................... 402
Existing......................................................................................................... 104, 403.2, 1402
Precautions during building construction ........................................................Chapter 29
BUILDINGS CONTROL OFFICER (B.C.O.)

Defined .................................................................................................................. Chapter 2
Index-7
Section
C
C - OCCUPANCIES (Group C - schools) ................................................................. Chapter 7
Definition of ..................................................................................................................... 701
CABLES, ROPES AND CHAINS....................................................................................... 2911
CANOPIES
Construction and design......................................................................................3405, 3503
Definition ........................................................................................................... 3402, 3501.2
Fabric .............................................................................................................................. 3401
Over public property ..................................................................................... 3404.1, 3504.1
Permit required.................................................................................................. 3403, 3502.1
Rigid ............................................................................................................................... 3501
CARBON-DIOXIDE FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS................................................ 3704
CARPORTS (Occupancy Group I, Division 1).................................................................. 1301
CASINOS (Occupancy Group A) ........................................................................................ 501
CAST STONE ....................................................................................................................2704.4
CEILINGS
Design load ........................................................................................... 2003.3, Table 20-A3
Fire resistive................................................................................................................... 3205
Heights - Living areas ............................................................................ 413, 1105.1, 1205.3
One-storey churches........................................................................................... 502.2, 602.2
Special provisions............................................................................................... 502.2, 602.2
Suspended and furred ......................................................................... 3102.5, 3111, 3205.5
CEMENT
Asbestos ......................................................................................................................... 3106
Plaster ............................................................................................................................. 3103
Portland........................................................................................................... 2204.1, 2210.2
Proportion of acceptable concrete......................................................................... 2205.2(c)
Proportion of pneumatically placed concrete ...........................................................2210.3
CERTIFICATE
Of inspection - boilers .................................................................................................3808.6
Of inspection - elevators .............................................................................................4303.5
Of occupancy - (see Statute Law)
CHANGE IN USE ................................................................................................................. 403
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY (see Material Change of Use)............................................. 309
CHASES
Fire resistive requirements ........................................................................................... 1507
In masonry walls ..................................................................................................... 2706.2(i)
Index-8
Section
CHIMNEYS, FLUES, VENTS AND FIREPLACES.................................................Chapter 38
CHURCHES (Occupancy Groups A and B) ................................................................501, 601

Ceilings in ........................................................................................................... 502.2, 602.2
CHUTES
Enclosures for ................................................................................................................ 1507
CLASSIFICATION
Of buildings by Occupancy ............................................................................................ 402
Of buildings by Types of Construction .....................................................................1401.2
Of materials and assemblies for fire resistance........................................................... 3201
CLEAN-OUT
In forms ........................................................................................................................2207.1
Plumbing......................................................................................................... 3604.4, 3608.3
CLEAN-UP
Of building area before construction........................................................................... 2901
CLEARANCE
For Heat Producing Appliances...................................................................... Appendix A
Of wood flooring and masonry walls.............................................. 2406.6(1)(h), 2407.2(f)
CLUBS (Occupancy Groups A and B)..........................................................................501, 601
CODE
Application to existing buildings..........................................................................104, 1402
Compliance with ............................................................................................................. 314
Connected Legislation..................................................................................................... 106
Motion Picture and Television Production Sets ........................................................... 105
Purpose of ........................................................................................................................ 102
Scope of ............................................................................................................................ 103
Title of............................................................................................................................... 101
COLUMNS
Concrete filling effect on strength..............................................................................2306.3
Concrete starter ......................................................................................................2706.2(h)
Concrete tie ............................................................................................................. 2706.2(b)
Isolated footings for ............................................................................................... 2103.3(b)
Live load reduction of ................................................................................................... 2008
Pipe, exterior, fire protection not required...........................................................3203.3(d)
Pipe requirements when concrete filled ....................................................................2306.2
Precast concrete ............................................................................................................. 2208
Steel, fire protection of .............................................................................. 3203, Table 32-A
Tubular steel .................................................................................................................. 2306
Wood ...........................................................................................................2406.1, 2407.2(a)
COMBINED STRESS.........................................................................................................2009.3
Index-9
Section
COMBUSTIBLE
Interior finish, restrictions ............................................................................................ 3208
Liquids..................................................................................................................... 3902.3(b)
Materials regulated ................................................................. 1512, 1612, 1712, 1810, 1910
COMPUTATIONS may be required ................................................................................ 302.5
CONCENTRATED LOADS
On floors.......................................................................................................................2003.2
On walls .......................................................................................................................2705.4
CONCRETE, BLOCKS - materials and dimensions of...................................................2704.5
CONCRETE, BRICK - materials and dimensions of ......................................................2704.2
CONCRETE, PLAIN .........................................................................................................2704.8
CONCRETE, PLAIN GYPSUM........................................................................................2704.9
CONCRETE, reinforced............................................................................................Chapter 22
Aggregates for ....................................................................................2204.1, 2208.2, 2210.2
Construction joints in..................................................................................................2207.6
Cover for reinforcement................................................................ 2103.2(c), 2207.5, 3203.2
Fire resistive classification ..........................................................................................3202.3
Footings........................................................................................................... 2103.1, 2103.2
Forms for ............................................................................................................ 2207, 2210.6
Foundation walls............................................................................................ 2105.1, 2105.2
Grade beams ................................................................................................................2105.3
Gypsum................................................................................................................Chapter 26
Lightweight........................................................................................................ 2203, 2204.1
Lintels .................................................................................................................. 2706.2(i)(2)
Mixing and placing ....................................................................................................... 2206
Over wood ...................................................................................................... 1705.1, 2406.9
Pile caps...................................................................................................................2104.1(g)
Piles precast .................................................................................................................2104.4
Piles prestressed ..........................................................................................................2104.5
Piles steel pipe-filled ...................................................................................................2104.6
Pneumatically placed .................................................................................................... 2210
Precast units....................................................................................................... 2208, 2605.2
Prestressed ..................................................................................................................... 2209
Proportions for................................................................................................... 2205, 2210.3
Protection from fire ....................................................................................................... 3203
Quality and strength of..................................................................................... 2205, 2205.2
Slabs on fill...................................................................................................................2103.5
Superplasticizer ...........................................................................................................2206.3
Tests.............................................................................. 2204.2, 2208.1(d), 2209.1(d), 2210.3
CONNECTED LEGISLATION ............................................................................................ 106
Index-10
Section
CONNECTIONS
Dissimilar materials ...................................................................................................... 2506
Electrical ......................................................................................................................... 4401
Fire protection of .................................................................................................... 3203.3(a)
Fire Department ............................................................................................................ 3707
For precast units ..........................................................................................................2208.8
For structural steel.......................................................................................................2305.1
For wood components ...........................................................................................2406.4(d)
Gas appliance................................................................................................................. 3802
Nailed ...................................................................................................................... 2406.8(b)
Plumbing................................................ 3605.2(d), 3606.4, 3607, 3610.2, 3611.5, 3613.2(b)
................................................................................ 3613.5, 3613.11(b), 3613.16(c), 3614.4(c)
Protection of............................................................................................................ 2406.8(c)
Siamese.........................................................................................................................3707.1
Smoke ......................................................................................................................... 3806(4)
Telephone....................................................................................................................... 4402
Water meter .......................................................................................................Appendix B
Welded ............................................................................................................ 2305.2, 2309.7
CONSTRUCTION HEIGHT AND AREA (see Occupancies by Group)
CONSTRUCTION JOINTS concrete................................................................... 2207.6, 2210.4
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Fire resistive ................................................................................................................... 3202
Safe use of ....................................................................................................................2003.1
Weights of ..........................................................................................................Table 20-A4
CONTAMINANTS ....................................................................................................3906, 3907
COOLING TOWERS (see Types of Construction) .................................................... 4103.1(9)
CORRIDORS
Assembly Occupancies ............................................................................................504, 604
General ........................................................................................................................... 2810
Hazardous Occupancies ................................................................................................. 804
Mercantile, Business and Mall Occupancies ............................................................... 1004
Residential Occupancies ......................................................................................1104, 1204
School Occupancies......................................................................................................... 704
Storage and Industrial..................................................................................................... 904
COURTS
Exit - definition ............................................................................................................2801.3
General ........................................................................................................................... 2807
COVERED MALLS .......................................................................................................1004.3(f)
COVERINGS
For fire protection, general .................................................................................Chapter 32
Index-11
Section
For roofs ...............................................................................................................Chapter 30
For walls...............................................................................................................Chapter 31
CRANES and derricks ........................................................................................................ 2910
CRITICAL RADIANT FLUX Classifications ............................................................. 3208.2(b)
CURTAIN Proscenium .................................................................................................. 507.1(e)
CURTAIN WALL................................................................................................................ 3114
CUT-OFF, untreated wood piles................................................................................. 2104.3(b)
Index-12
Section
D
D - OCCUPANCIES (Group D - Hazardous) .......................................................... Chapter 8
Definition of ..................................................................................................................... 801
DAMPERS
Air conditioning and ventilating .......................................................................... 3711.8(b)
Fire ................................................................................................................. 1507.2(d), 3206
DANCE HALLS (Occupancy Groups A and B) ..........................................................501, 701
DEAD ENDS................................................................................ 904.3(b), 1004.3(b), 1104.3(b)
DEAD LOAD
Weight of materials for calculation of ......................................................................... 2010
DECORATIVE FINISHES, INTERIOR ....................................................................Chapter 33
DECORATIVE PROJECTIONS
Combustible materials regulated........................................... 1512, 1612, 1712, 1810, 1910
Design loads.................................................................................................................2005.7
DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ Chapter 2

Of mandatory inspections .............................................................................................. 312
Of Occupancies..................................................... “*01” Sections - Chapters 5 through 13
Of Types of Construction................................... “*01” Sections - Chapters 15 through 19
Of Plumbing................................................................................................................... 3602
DEFLECTION
Allowable span of wood joists, regulated by............................................................2405.1
Exterior glass installation regulated by ....................................................................... 3108
In storm shutter design, where provided.................................................................... 3113
Plywood allowable load based on .............................................................................2406.6
Structural members subjected to superimposed loads ............................................2003.3
Structural use panels allowable load based on.........................................................2406.6
DEMOLITION
Permit required............................................................................................................2902.1
Precautions...................................................................................................................2902.3
Public utilities ..............................................................................................................2902.2
DERRICKS and Cranes....................................................................................................... 2910
DESIGN
Aluminium...................................................................................................... 2501.1, 2502.1
Doors and operative windows ...................................................................................3108.3
Elevators and escalators..............................................................................................4301.1
Footings and foundations ....................................................................................2104, 2103
Loads ....................................................................................................................Chapter 20
Index-13
Section
Masonry ................................................................................................................2701, 2705
Open web joists ...........................................................................................................2308.2
Plastics ............................................................................................................................ 3105
Precast concrete units.................................................................................................... 2208
Prefabricated roof trusses ...........................................................................................2405.4
Prestressed concrete ...................................................................................................... 2209
Proscenium curtain .................................................................................................. 507.1(e)
Reinforced concrete..............................................................................................2201, 2205
Reinforced gypsum concrete .....................................................................2601.1, 2605.1(c)
Stages............................................................................................................................. 507.1
Structural Steel.............................................................................................................2301.2
Swimming pools............................................................................................................ 4202
Wood .............................................................................................................................. 2401
DIP TANKS ......................................................................................................................... 3908
DISTANCE SEPARATION ................................................................................................ 1504
DOORS
By Construction Classifications ............................................. 1509, 1609, 1709, 1807, 1908
By Occupancy Group ‘A’................................................................................... 504.7, 504.8
By Occupancy Group ‘B’ ......................................................................................... 604.3(c)
By Occupancy Group ‘C’ ......................................................................................... 704.3(e)
By Occupancy Group ‘D’......................................................................................... 804.3(c)
By Occupancy Group ‘E’ ......................................................................................... 904.3(c)
By Occupancy Group ‘F’........................................................................................ 1004.3(c)
By Occupancy Group ‘G’ ....................................................................................... 1104.3(c)
By Occupancy Group ‘H’....................................................................................... 1204.4(a)
Fire escapes ..................................................................................................................2805.2
Fire rated ......................................................................................... 2811.3, 3206, Table 32-I
General .........................................................................................................................2811.1
Glass panels in .......................................................................................... 3206.5, Table 32-I
Hardware .....................................................................................................................2811.4
Horizontal exits ...........................................................................................................2806.4
Outside open stairways ..............................................................................................2803.9
Power-operated ...........................................................................................................2811.5
Smokeproof towers .....................................................................................................2805.2
Tin clad.........................................................................................................................3206.8
Width............................................................................................................................2811.2
DOWNSPOUTS
General ........................................................................................................3611, Table O(1)
DRAINAGE
Roof.....................................................1506.4, 1606.4, 1706.4, 1806.3, 1905.3, 3611, 3617.12
Storm .............................................................................................................................. 3611
Swimming pool ....................................................................4204.1(h), 4206.1(e), 4207.1(b)
System and disposal................................................................................ 3605, Appendix B
Transformer vaults ......................................................................................................3901.4
Index-14
Section
DRAWINGS required for
Awnings, canopies etc ..........................................................................3403.1(b), 3502.1(b)
Building permits.............................................................................................................. 302
Derricks and cranes....................................................................................................... 2910
Interior decorative finishes Occupancy Groups A, B, F and G ................................. 3301
Swimming pools.................................................................................................... 4203.2 (a)
DRESSING ROOMS................................................................. 507.1(c), 507.2(c), 3701.3(1)(iii)
DRINKING WATER required for

Construction personnel................................................................................................. 2921
Fountains (minimum required)..........................................3613.12, Table P(1), Table P(7)
Premises for human habitation ...............................................................3614.1(a), 3617.13
DUCTS ........................................................................................................................3903, 4004
DUMBWAITER ................................................................................................ 4301, 4302, 4303
DUPLEX Occupancy Group H ................................................................................Chapter 12
DWELLING Occupancy Group H...........................................................................Chapter 12

Definition of .......................................................................................................... Chapter 2
Index-15
Section
E
E - OCCUPANCIES (Group E - Storage and Industrial) ........................................ Chapter 9
Definition of ..................................................................................................................... 901
EARTH PRESSURE
Below grade structures, action on..............................................................................2005.5
Foundations, action on...............................................................................2103.1, 2103.2(a)
Precautions due to......................................................................................................... 2904
EAVES
And gable drip.............................................................................................................3007.3
Wind pressure coefficients ........................................................................................... 2009
ECCENTRIC LOAD
On continuous footing ................................................................................................2103.3
On isolated footing.................................................................................................2103.2(d)
EGRESS
Definition (see Means of Egress)......................................................................... Chapter 2
Facilities for, general ...........................................................................................Chapter 28
Facilities for, mixed occupancy ...................................................................................... 410
Illumination of ............................................................................................................... 3712
ELECTRIC
Appliances, heat producing .......................................................................................3801.8
Auxiliary Stand-by Emergency Service....................................................................... 3713
General ........................................................................................................................... 4401
Lighting-emergency and signs............................................................................2812, 3712
Lines and equipment, before demolition ..................................................................2902.2
Lines, precautions during building operation ............................................................ 2901
Signs ......................................................................................................................2812, 3712
Specifications and plans..............................................................................................4401.5
Wiring............................................................................................................................. 4401
ELECTRICAL
Calculations .................................................................................................................. 302.5
Chases for conduit................................................................................................... 2706.2(i)
Code for The Bahamas .................................................................................................. 4401
Equipment and Meter rooms .....................................................................................4401.3
Grounding....................................................................................................................4401.2
Inspections ...................................................................................................................312.11
Plans ............................................................................................................. 302.6(b), 4401.5
Portable wiring .............................................................................................................. 4401
Standards ....................................................................................................................... 4401
ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS .........................................................................Chapter 43

Enclosures ...................................................................................................................... 1507
Fireman control ............................................................................................................. 4309
Lobbies, high rise buildings ................................................................ 513, 612, 1010, 1110
Index-16
Section
Shafts ............................................................................................................................1507.2
EMERGENCY LIGHTING
Exit signs ........................................................................................................................ 2812
Exits ................................................................................................................................ 3712
Standby emergency service, auxiliary ......................................................................... 3713
ENCLOSURE OF VERTICAL OPENINGS

Fire resistive requirements ........................................................................................... 3204
Requirement as to Occupancy..................................."*06" Section, Chapter 5 through 13
Requirement as to Type Construction ...................................................... 1507, 1607, 1707
ENGINEERING (see also Design)

Aluminium - allowable unit stresses ........................................................................... 2502
Glass - maximum area of fixed exterior ....................................................................3108.2
Live and Dead Loads ..........................................................................................Chapter 20
Masonry - allowable unit stresses ................................................................................ 2705
Pile driving formula load............................................................................................2104.2
Reinforced unit masonry, general design .................................................................2706.1
Wood - allowable unit stresses..................................................................................... 2405
Wood joists and rafters allowable span.............................................................Table 24-A
ESCALATORS ..................................................................................................................... 4305
EXCAVATIONS .........................................................................................................2101, 2904
EXHAUST
Systems.................................................................................................................508.4, 3903
Ventilation (see Ventilation)
EXISTING BUILDINGS
Application of Code to.................................................................................................... 104
Classification by Occupancy ....................................................................................... 403.2
Classification by Types of Construction...................................................................... 1402
EXIT (see Means of Egress)
EXIT COURT
Defined .........................................................................................................................2801.3
EXIT FACILITIES
Mixed Occupancies ......................................................................................................... 410
Requirement as to Occupancy.............................. "*04" Section, Chapter 5 – 13 inclusive
EXIT ILLUMINATION (lights).......................................................................................... 2812
EXPLOSIVES (see also Occupancy Group D)................................................................... 3905
EXTERIOR STAIRWAY....................................................................................................2803.9
Index-17
Section
EXTERIOR TRIM ................................................................................................. 1512.6, 1612.4
EXTERIOR WALL OPENINGS................................. 1504.2(b), 1604.1, 1704.1, 1804.2, 1903.2

Protection of..............................................................................................1504.2(b)(2), 3206
EXTERIOR WALLS
Construction of ..........................................................1503.2, 1603.2, 1703.1, 1804.2, 1903.2
Masonry .......................................................................................................................2706.2
Protection of...............................................................1504.2, 1604.1, 1704.1, 1804.2, 1903.2
EXTERNAL WALL - Definition of ........................................................................... Chapter 2
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS .............................................................................................. 3704
Index-18
Section
F
F - OCCUPANCIES, Group F - (Mercantile, Business and Covered Malls) ........Chapter 10
FACILITIES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED ........................................................... 415
FACTORIES - (Occupancy Group E - Division 2) .............................................................. 901
FAMILY - Definition of.............................................................................................. Chapter 2
FASTENINGS (see Adhesives, Anchors, Attachments, Connections)

Aluminium bolts and rivets .......................................................................... 2505.2, 2505.3
Awnings, fabric ...........................................................................................................3405.3
Glass block ............................................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
Ladders........................................................................................................................... 2916
Plastics ..........................................................................................................................3105.2
Precast gypsum units ............................................................................................. 2605.2(c)
Roofing ........................................................................................................................... 3002
Roofing accessories, metal ...................................................................................3007, 3010
Roof tile .................................................................................................................3003, 3004
Seats ..................................................................................................................... 504.1, 504.9
Shingles ..........................................................................................3002.5(d), (f), 3004, 3005
FEES, payable for building permits..................................................................................... 310
FENCES............................................................................................................................302.1(f)
FILL, concrete slabs on .....................................................................................................2103.5
FILM
Projection booths ............................................................................................................. 508
Slow burning.................................................................................................................... 608
Sprinklers required......................................................................................... 3703.1(1)(a)(i)
Storage and handling .................................................................................................... 3904
FINAL INSPECTION (mandatory) .................................................................................312.13
FINISHES, Interior (see also Interior Finishes)............................................. 3208, Chapter 33
FIRE ALARMS
General ........................................................................................................................... 3711
Required.......................................................................................................................3711.9
Tests......................................................................................................3711.1(d), (e), (f), (h)
FIRE ASSEMBLY
Automatic closing, when required ............................................................................3206.4
Fire control ............................................................................................................4009, 4104
Fire doors ................................................ 3206.1, 3206.2, 3206.3, 3206.4, 3206.5, Table 32-I
Fire rating determined by National Standards.........................................................3206.3
Fire windows ...............................................................................................................3206.6
Index-19
Section
For protection of openings..........................................................................................3206.1
Glazed opening in .......................................................................................................3206.7
Hardware .....................................................................................................................3206.4
Signs for......................................................................................................................3206.10
Testing Agency label required ...................................................................................3206.2
Tin-clad doors..............................................................................................................3206.8
FIRE DAMPERS ...............................................................................406.6, 1507.2(d), 4004.1(d)
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Connections ................................................................................................................... 3707
Elevators, for emergency use by ...................................................................... 4304.6, 4309
FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS............................................................................................. 3711
FIRE DIVISIONS
General ............................................................................................................................. 406
Ducts through ............................................................................................................... 406.6
Openings in................................................................................................ 406.2(b), 406.2(c)
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Automatic systems - Restaurant hoods ....................................................................... 3909
Portable .......................................................................................................................... 3709
FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Automatic sprinklers, where required ......................................................................3703.1
Carbon dioxide .............................................................................................................. 3704
Dry Chemical ................................................................................................................. 3704
Expanding foam ............................................................................................................ 3704
Halon .............................................................................................................................. 3704
Hydrants where required ............................................................................................. 3708
Inspections and tests ..................................................................................................... 3710
Standpipes...................................................................................................................... 3705
FIRE PROTECTED PASSAGEWAYS (see exit passageway) ........................................2801.3

For exit courts ..............................................................................................................2807.5
Width............................................................................................................................2807.4
FIRE PROTECTION (see Types of Construction)

Fire resistive standards .......................................................................................Chapter 32
FIRE PROTECTION DURING CONSTRUCT1ON.......................................................... 2924
FIRE PUMPS......................................................................................................................3706.5
FIRE RESISTIVE RATINGS

Assemblies, general.....................................................................................................3206.1
Building - (see Types of Construction) ........................................................................ 1401
Calculations of ............................................................................................................... 3210
Ceilings............................................................................. 3110, 3203.2(f), 3205, Table 32-C
Index-20
Section
Combustible members ................................................................................................3204.2
Corridors ......................................................................................................... 1504.5, 2810.2
Courts ............................................................................................................................. 2807
Doors ......................................................................... 2805.2, 2806.4, 2811, 3206, Table 32-I
Floor and roof systems.................................................................................................. 3205
Horizontal exits ............................................................................................................. 2806
Interior Finishes......................................................................................... 3208, Chapter 33
Lathing where rating is required ...............................................................................3101.1
Materials......................................................................................................................... 3202
Passageways .................................................................................................................. 2807
Protection of structural components........................................................ 3203, Table 32-A
Roof coverings ............................................................................................ 3001, 3002, 3207
Smokeproof towers .............................................................................1507.2(b), 1508, 2805
Stairways, outside open..............................................................................................2803.9
Vertical openings........................................................................................................... 1507
Walls and partitions ...................................................................................3204, Table 32-B
Windows ......................................................................................................................3206.6
FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS ................................................................3201.4, Appendix A
FIRE SEPARATION
Classification of ............................................................................................................ 408.2
Design and materials of ............................................................................................... 408.3
Form of .......................................................................................................................... 408.1
Required between Occupancies .................................................................... 408, Table 4A
FIRE WINDOWS...............................................................................................................3206.6
FIRE-RETARDANT TREATED WOOD............................................................................ 2409
FIRESTOPS ........................................................................................................................2406.3
FIRE-WALLS .....................................................................................................................2706.4
FIRST AID, during construction ......................................................................................2920.1
FLAME SPREAD, Interior finishes................................................................ 3208, Chapter 33

Classification by Class.................................................................................................3208.2
Interior finish defined .................................................................................................3208.1
Requirements based upon Occupancy .............................................................. Table 32-II
FLAMMABLE, definition .......................................................................................... Chapter 2
FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS..................................................................................................... 3902

Classified......................................................................................................................3902.3
Defined .................................................................................................................... 3902.3(a)
Detailed regulations ....................................................................................................3902.4
Index-21
Section
FLASHING
Felt (membrane base) .............................................................................................3002.4(d)
Membrane base (felt)..............................................................................................3002.4(d)
Metal base ....................................................................................................................3007.5
Metal counter...............................................................................................................3007.6
Roof penetration ..........................................................................................................3007.7
FLOOR AREA, limitations ............................................"*02" Section, Chapters 5 through 13

Allowable ......................................................................................................................... 414
Bedrooms ................................................................................................ 1205.2, Table 12-A
Definition (Area - whole or part of building) .................................................... Chapter 2
Kitchens, catering establishments ........................................ 514, 613, 713, 910, 1011, 1111
Toilet rooms .................................................................................................................1205.5
FLOOR CONSTRUCTION (see also Types of Construction)

Aircraft hangers, garages, service stations.............................................................902.3(d)
As form of separation...................................................................................................... 408
Below grade .................................................................................................................2005.5
Concrete, pneumatically placed............................................................................. 2210.8(i)
Concrete, precast units.................................................................................................. 2208
Concrete, prestressed units........................................................................................... 2209
Concrete, slab on ground............................................................................................2103.5
Fill under wood over concrete ............................................................................. 1505.1 (b)
Fire resistivity, how to obtain................................................................ 3205.2, Table 32-A
Heavy timber ..............................................................................................1703.3(c), 2407.2
Loading consideration .......................................................................2003.2, 2003.3, 2005.4
Openings, protection of .......................................................................................408.2(c)(4)
Permanent elements under.........................................................................................1505.1
Plywood sheathing......................................................................................................2406.6
Projection room ............................................................................................................... 508
Stages platforms and rostrums............................................................... 507.1, 507.2, 507.3
Steel joists, open web .................................................................................................... 2308
Structural sheets ..........................................................................................................2309.4
Temporary...................................................................................................................... 2912
Toilet room............................................................................................... 412.2(c), 2406.9(b)
Wood floor joists............................................................................................. 2406.4, 2406.9
Wood laminated ..........................................................................................................2405.3
Wood sheathing and flooring................................................................................ 2406.6(1)
Wood structural-use panel sheathing............................................................... 2406.6(1)(i)
FLOOR LOADS
Assumed live ...............................................................................................................2003.2
Dead and live load defined ................................................................................. Chapter 2
Reductions allowed....................................................................................................... 2008
Required signs before occupancy ................................................................................ 2010
Unit dead........................................................................................................................ 2010
Unit live.................................................................................................... 2010, Table 20-A1
FLOOR OPENINGS
Fire resistive requirements ..................................................................................408.2(c)(4)
Index-22
Section
Protection during construction .................................................................................... 2913
Protection during demolition ................................................................................. 2902.3(i)
FLY GALLERIES ............................................................................................................507.1(b)
FOOT BLOCK...............................................................................................................3604.3(h)
FOOTINGS
Continuous...................................................................................................................2103.2
Elapsed time before use ......................................................................................... 2103.2(e)
General reinforced concrete........................................................................................2103.1
Inspection (mandatory)................................................................................................ 312.1
Isolated .........................................................................................................................2103.3
Protection of.................................................................................................. 2101.1, 3603.15
Reinforcing for........................................................................................................ 2103.2(c)
FORCED VENTILATION (Mechanical ventilation) ..............................................Chapter 40
FORMS
Application for permit .................................................................................................... 302
Excavation used as ..................................................................................................2103.2(f)
For concrete..................................................................................................................2207.1
For pneumatically placed concrete ............................................................................2210.6
Removal of, concrete construction.............................................................................2207.2
FOUNDATION
Concrete, design of......................................................................................................2205.2
Excavation for ..............................................................................................................2101.1
Footing for...................................................................................................................... 2103
Grade beams .................................................................................................................. 2105
Inspection (mandatory)................................................................................................ 312.1
Liability of excavator...................................................................................................2101.1
Load test on piles.................................................................................................... 2104.2(c)
Opening in wall for ventilation..................................................................................2408.3
Piling for......................................................................................................................... 2104
Retaining ........................................................................................................................ 2106
Walls exterior...............................................................................................................2105.1
Walls interior ...............................................................................................................2105.2
FOUNDATION WALLS..................................................................................................... 2105
FRAME BUILDINGS (see Type V Buildings).........................................................Chapter 19
FRAME INSPECTION (Mandatory) ................................................................................ 312.7
FRESH-AIR SUPPLY .......................................................................................................... 3804
FURRING
Ceilings..................................................................2406.5, 3102.5, 3111, 3205.5, Table 32-C
Cross ........................................................................................................................ 3102.5(c)
Index-23
Section
Masonry walls .............................................................................................................2406.7
FUSIBLE LINKS
Attic fan opening .................................................................................................... 3903.2(b)
Openings in proscenium walls................................................................................ 507.1(e)
Projection booths ............................................................................................................. 508
Stage ventilators ........................................................................................................507.1(f)
Index-24
Section
G
G - OCCUPANCIES, (Group G, Multiple Residential)..........................................Chapter 11
GALLERIES, Fly.............................................................................................................507.1(b)
GALVANISING
Protection of metal ......................................................................................................2309.6
GAUGES, sizes ........................................................................................................ Appendix F
GARAGE PARKING (Occupancy Group E, Division 1) ................................................... 901

Continuous belts or lifts.......................................................................................904.3(e)(4)
Exits .................................................................................................................................. 904
Floors .........................................................................................................................902.3(d)
Means of egress ............................................................................................................ 904.3
Ramps........................................................................................................................ 902.3(e)
Special Construction ................................................................................................ 902.3(c)
Stairs to be enclosed when.......................................................................................904.3(b)
Travel distances ........................................................................................................904.3(d)
Ventilation........................................................................................................................ 905
GARAGE, PRIVATE (Occupancy Group I - Division 1) ................................................. 1301

Attached to residence, requirements ................................................................1307.2(a)(3)
Definition (see also carport) ................................................................................ Chapter 2
Fire extinguisher required when.......................................................................1307.2(a)(1)
Floors ...................................................................................................................1307.2(a)(2)
Located under another Occupancy...................................................................1307.2(a)(4)
Ventilation....................................................................................................................1305.1
GAS-LP (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Act No. 13 of 1967)

Appliances ..................................................................................................................... 3802
Standards .....................................................................................................................3801.2
Water Heaters ................................................................................................................ 3807
GLASS BLOCK MASONRY......................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
GLASS VENEER.................................................................................................................. 3109
GLAZING installations ...................................................................................................... 3108

Area limits, exterior.............................................................................................Table 31-G
Details of .............................................................................................................3108.2(a)(2)
Divided wind load .................................................................................................3108.1(d)
Doors sliding and swinging exterior .................................................................... 3108.3(a)
Doors without frames, exterior .........................................................................3108.3(c)(2)
Fire windows .................................................................................................. 3206.6, 3206.7
Interior..........................................................................................................................3108.4
Openings, fire doors and windows ...........................................................................3206.5
Plastic.......................................................................................................................3108.5(d)
Protection by arrangement .................................................................................... 3108.1(e)
Index-25
Section
Protection by marking, size and safety glazing .............................3108.3(d)(2), 3108.3(f),
.................................................................................................... 3108.3(g), 3108.3(h), 3108.4
Replacement requirements .....................................................................................3108.1(f)
Safety glazing...............................................................................................................3108.5
GLUE............................................................................................................................. 2406.8(e)
GLUE LAMINATED MEMBERS........................................................................... 2403, 2405.3
GRADE OF LUMBER ......................................................................................................... 2403
GRANDSTANDS (Occupancy Group I - Division 2)....................................................... 1301

Permanent ............................................................................................................... 1302.2(b)
Standards ................................................................................................................ 1302.2(a)
Temporary............................................................................................................... 1302.2(c)
GRAVITY TANKS........................................................................................................ 3706.3(a)
GRIDIRONS....................................................................................................................507.1(b)
GROUND FLOOR - Definition ................................................................................. Chapter 2
GROUNDING ...................................................................................................................4401.2
GROUNDS, for plastering........................................................................................... 3103.1(e)
GROUPS, BUILDING, classified.......................................................................................... 402

A - Assemblies of 1,000 persons or more............................................................ Chapter 5
B - Assemblies of less than 1,000 persons........................................................... Chapter 6
C - Schools............................................................................................................. Chapter 7
D - Hazardous storage and handling ................................................................. Chapter 8
E - Storage and industrial .................................................................................... Chapter 9
F - Mercantile, business and shopping malls ....................................................Chapter 10
G - Residential, multiple .....................................................................................Chapter 11
H - Residential, single family and duplex.........................................................Chapter 12
I – Miscellaneous .................................................................................................Chapter 13
GUEST, definition ...................................................................................................... Chapter 2
GUEST HOUSE, definition........................................................................................ Chapter 2
GUEST ROOM, definition ......................................................................................... Chapter 2
GUNITE (see concrete pneumatically placed).................................................................. 2210
GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS .......................................................................... 3007.9, 3611

Definition ....................................................................................................................... 3602
Discharge over public property ............................................................................ 3611.6(c)
Discharge under public property...........................................................................3611.6(f)
Footblock required .................................................................................................3604.3(h)
Index-26
Section
GYMNASIUMS - Occupancy Groups A and B ...........................................................501, 601
Special provisions............................................................................................... 502.2, 602.2
GYPSUM
Concrete plain..............................................................................................................2704.9
Lathing .........................................................................................................................3102.2
Plaster ......................................................................................................... 3103.1(b), 3103.3
Tile ................................................................................................................................2704.7
Wallboard....................................................................................................................... 3110
GYPSUM BOARD PRODUCTS AND ACCESSORIES.................................................... 3110
GYPSUM REINFORCED..........................................................................................Chapter 26
Limitations of use ........................................................................................................2601.2
Poured-in-place ...........................................................................................................2605.1
Precast units.................................................................................................................2605.2
Index-27
Section
H
H - OCCUPANCIES (Group H - Single family and duplex).................................Chapter 12
HABITABLE ROOM
Bedroom, minimum size................................................................................ 1105.2, 1205.2
Bedroom temperature, protection..............................................................................1105.1
Ceiling height.............................................................1105.2, 1205.2, 1205.3, 1205.4, 1205.5
Fire protection and hazards.................................................................................1107, 1207
Light and ventilation............................................................................................1105, 1205
Means of egress ....................................................................................................1104, 1204
Windows minimum area ...................................................................1105.1, 1204.4, 1205.1
HANDBASINS (see lavatories)
HANDRAILS.....................................................................................................................2808.3
HARDWARE........................................................................................................ 2811.1, 2811.4
HAZARD PROTECTION, Special ....................................................................................... 409
HAZARDOUS OCCUPANCIES (see Group D)...................................................... Chapter 8
HAZARDOUS UTILITIES................................................................................................. 409.3
HEADERS
Floor joists, wood ...............................................................................................2406.4(c)(3)
General ....................................................................................................................2406.2(k)
HEAT-PRODUCING APPARATUS........................................................................Chapter 38
HEATERS
Gas water ....................................................................................................................... 3807
Solar ................................................................................................................................ 3810
Space............................................................................................................................... 3805
HEAVY TIMBER CONSTRUCTION..................................................................... 1703.3, 2407
HEIGHT, definition ................................................................................................... Chapter 2

Awnings above grade .................................................................................... 3404.1, 3504.1
Buildings .............................................................."*02" Sections, Chapters 5 - 13 inclusive
Ceilings, general .............................................................................................................. 413
Ceilings, residential units .............................................................................. 1105.2, 1205.2
Curb, rainwater control ......................................................................................... 1711.6(c)
Doors, minimum .................................................................................... 2801.4(e)(i), 2811.2
For wind load................................................................................................................. 2009
Garage, residential occupancy ...................................................................................1302.1
Interior bearing wall....................................................................................................2706.3
Landings, maximum vertical..................................................................................2803.7(f)
Index-28
Section
Parapets................................................................................................................... 1711.6(b)
Railings, horizontal ................................................................................................ 2808.2(b)
Stair-railings............................................................................................................ 2808.3(c)
Stairways.............................................................................................................2801.4(e)(2)
Steel joists limitations..................................................................................................3205.1
Tie columns........................................................................................................ 2706.2(b)(2)
HIGH RISE BUILDING definition............................................................................ Chapter 2
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS ............................................................................................... 104.6
HOARDING ........................................................................................................................ 2905
HOIST TOWERS ................................................................................................................. 2909
HOISTING MACHINERY.................................................................................................. 2908
HOLLOW-UNIT MASONRY
Defined ........................................................................................................................... 2703
General .........................................................................................................................2704.5
Restrictions in height and area.............................................................................. 2706.2(a)
Unit Stresses allowable ................................................................................................. 2705
HOODS, RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT

Automatic fire extinguishing systems ......................................................................... 3909
Design......................................................................................................................4005.1(d)
Ducts........................................................................................................................ 4005.1(e)
Location................................................................................................................... 4005.1(b)
Required.................................................................................................................. 4005.1(a)
Vents, gas appliance............................................................................................... 4005.1(c)
HORIZONTAL AREA SEPARATION

Adjoining occupancy ...................................................................................................... 405
Between mixed occupancies, required ................................................................. Table 4A
Between tenants............................................................................................................ 407.4
Classification of ............................................................................................................ 408.2
Fire divisions.................................................................................................................... 406
Party walls ............................................................................................... 407.1, 407.2, 407.3
HORIZONTAL EXITS
Accessibility to................................ “*04” Sections, Chapters 5 - 13 inclusive, 2806, 2810
Aisles and Corridors ..................................................................................................... 2810
Balconies.......................................................................................................... 2803.9, 2806.2
Courts as a means of egress.............................................................................. 2801.3, 2807
Dead ends............................................................................... 904.3(b), 1004.3(b), 1104.3(b)
Definition ....................................................................................................................... 2806
Emergency lighting of................................................................................................... 3712
Enclosure wall protection ...........................................................................................2810.2
Illumination of ................................................................................................... 2812, 3712.1
Opening protection, enclosure walls ........................................................................... 3206
Index-29
Section
Opening protection, separation walls........................................................................2408.2
Passageways .................................................................................................................. 2807
Ramps............................................................................................................................. 2804
Signs required......................................................................................................504.8, 2812
Travel distance (defined) ............................................................................................2801.3
Travel distance maximum .......................... 504.5(b), 604.3(d), 704.3(f), 804.3(d), 904.3(d)
............................................................................... 1004.3(d), 1104.3(d), 1204.2(e), 2801.4(i)
Travel distance, increase due to sprinklers ........................................... 3703.6, Table 37-1
Used as required means of egress.................................................................................. 410
Width of ..................................................... 504.2, 604.2, 704.2, 804.2, 904.2, 1004.2, 1104.2
HOSE, fire
Cabinets................................................................................................................... 3705.8(a)
Connections ....................................................................................................... 3705.7, 3707
Nozzles.................................................................................................................... 3705.8(a)
Reels......................................................................................................................... 3705.8(b)
Size of ...................................................................................................................... 3705.8(a)
Station location ............................................................................................................3705.3
HOT TUBS ........................................................................................................................... 4216
HOT WATER
Distribution................................................................................................................3614.17
Safety devices.............................................................................................................3614.18
Storage tanks..............................................................................................................3614.19
HOTELS (Occupancy Group G) ........................................................................................ 1101
HOUSE Apartment, Rooming, Fraternity - Group G ...................................................... 1101
HURRICANE PRECAUTIONS.................................................................................2925, 3113
HYDRANTS, YARD
Connections and hose requirements..........................................................................3708.2
Hose houses and equipment ......................................................................................3708.2
Location........................................................................................................................3708.1
Pipe size........................................................................................................................3708.2
Signs required..............................................................................................................3708.2
Where required............................................................................................................3708.1
HYDROSTATIC
Pressure to be considered ...................................................................................... 2005.5(b)
Index-30
Section
I
I - OCCUPANCIES Group 1 ....................................................................................Chapter 13
Division 1 - Garages for four or less motor vehicles and carports
Division 2 - Stadiums reviewing stands, grandstands, bandstands & similar structures
Division 3 - Cabanas and bath or pool houses and similar structures.
ILLUMINATION
During construction ...................................................................................................... 2919
Means of egress ....................................................................................................2812, 3712
Sign .......................................................................................................................504.8, 2812
INCINERATORS................................................................................................................. 3809
INCOMBUSTIBLE (see Non-combustible)
INCREASE IN AREA, allowable ......................................................................................... 414
INDUSTRIAL (Occupancy Group E - Division 2).............................................................. 901
INFLAMMABLE (see Flammable)
INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS (see Flammable Liquids)
INSPECTION
Awnings and canopies................................................................................... 3403.2, 3502.2
Boilers ......................................................................................................... 3808.6(a), (b), (c)
Building, mandatory general.......................................................................................... 312
Electrical .......................................................................................................................312.11
Final ..............................................................................................................................312.13
Fire extinguishing.......................................................................................................... 3710
Foundation...................................................................................................................312.10
Mandatory........................................................................................................................ 312
Other.............................................................................................................................312.12
Piling.............................................................................................................................. 312.2
Plumbing....................................................................................................................... 312.9
Reinspections ...............................................................................................................312.14
Roof................................................................................................................................ 312.8
Special...........................................................................................................................312.10
Structural beam and slab ............................................................................................. 312.6
Structural column......................................................................................................... 312.4
Structural framework................................................................................................... 312.7
Tie beam ........................................................................................................................ 312.5
Tie column .................................................................................................................... 312.3
INSULATING MATERIALS .............................................................................................. 3209
INSULATION
Exhaust ducts......................................................................................................3903.3(e)(7)
Incombustibles used for fire protection.............................................................Table 32-A
Index-31
Section
Required when .......................................................................................... 1105.1(b), 1205.1
Roof................................................................................................................................. 3006
INTERIOR FINISHES (see Flame-spread) ...............................................................3208, 3301

Classified by flame-spread rating ..............................................................................3208.2
Defined .........................................................................................................................3208.1
Requirements, by occupancies .......................................................... 3208.2(c), Table 32-II
Requirements, for floor finishes ........................................................ 3208.2(b), Table 32-II
INTERIOR FOUNDATION WALLS ...............................................................................2105.2
INTERIOR PARTITION (a non-bearing separation)

In Type I construction .................................................................................................1504.5
In Type II construction................................................................................................1604.4
In Types III, IV and V construction...................................................1704.3, 1804.4, 1903.4
Masonry .......................................................................................................................2706.7
INTERIOR STAIRWAYS (see also vertical openings) ..........................................1507.1(a)(3)

Enclosure construction........................................................................................... 1507.2(b)
Enclosure design..........................................................................................................2803.8
Enclosure required .........................................................................1507, 1607, 1707, 2803.8
Protection to underside........................................................................................... 2803.1(i)
Safeguards required ...................................................................................................... 2808
Use of enclosure restricted..................................................................................... 2803.8(b)
INTERIOR TRIM...............................................................................................................1512.2
Index-32
Section
J
JOINTS
Construction in concrete .............................................................................................2207.6
Design considerations, concrete.................................................................................2208.8
End lumber ............................................................................................................. 2404.3(a)
Expansion glass block panels ......................................................................... 2706.2(j)3(ee)
Expansion, glass veneer ..............................................................................................3109.6
Glass block ...........................................................................................................2706.2(j)(1)
Masonry mortar................................................................................................ 2704.10(c)(3)
Welded .........................................................................................................................2305.2
JOISTS
Anchorage (see Anchors)......................................................... 2208.6, 2406.4(d), 2406.4(e)
Bridging, concrete........................................................................................................2208.7
Bridging, steel ..............................................................................................................2308.4
Bridging, wood, nailing ......................................................................................... 2406.8(b)
Ceiling, wood..........................................................................................................2406.4(h)
Concrete precast ............................................................................................................ 2208
Concrete prestressed ..................................................................................................... 2209
Floor; wood .............................................................................................................2406.4(g)
Roof; wood............................................................................................................... 2406.4(i)
Steel, open web .............................................................................................................. 2308
Steel, open web, height limitations ............................................................................3205.1
Wood, allowable span.........................................................................................Table 24-A
Wood, allowable stresses............................................................................................2405.1
Index-33
Section
K
KEENE'S CEMENT
Application ........................................................................................................ 3103.4(b)(3)
Finish for masonry cement plaster................................................................... 3103.3(b)(3)
Sand-float finish for gypsum plaster ............................................................... 3103.3(b)(2)
Specifications for ....................................................................................................3103.2(d)
KITCHENS
Dishwashers...............................................................................................................3613.14
Fixture units, plumbing ..............................................................................................3605.6
Food disposal, domestic ...................................................................................... 3613.10(b)
Grease interceptors, required ................................................................................ 3612.2(a)
Hoods, commercial .....................................................................................................3903.3
Minimum height................................................................................. 413, 1105.2(c), 1205.4
Minimum sizes for catering establishments........................ 514, 613, 713, 910, 1011, 1111
Outlets ..........................................................................................................................4401.1
Plumbing, minimum facilities..................................................................................3613.19
Prohibited (see Guest House).............................................................................. Chapter 2
Receptacles...................................................................................................................4401.1
Screening ....................................................................................................................... 412.3
Supply pipe, sizes......................................................................................................3614.13
Surface finishes, ceilings .............................................................................................. 412.6
Surface finishes, floors ................................................................................................. 412.5
Surface finishes, walls .................................................................................................. 412.4
Ventilation....................................................................................................... 1105.1, 1205.1
Index-34
Section
L
LABELS
Fire assembly, required............................................................................ Table 32-I, 3206.2
Fire door .................................................................................................... Table 32-I, 3206.2
Fire window.................................................................................................................3206.6
Issued by ................................................................................................................. 3206.2(b)
Tin-clad doors..............................................................................................................3206.8
LADDER
Permanent, roof equipment access ....................................................................... 2803.2(b)
Swimming pool ......................................................................................................4204.1(d)
LAMINATED
Glass ....................................................................................................................3108.2(a)(2)
Members......................................................................................................................... 2403
Plywood .................................................................................................................. 2404.3(b)
Structural use panels..............................................................................................2404.3(d)
Timber ............................................................................................................................ 2403
LANDINGS OF STAIRS
Length and width requirements ........................................................................... 2803.7(a)
Reduction, due to door swing ............................................................................... 2803.7(b)
Vertical distance between .......................................................................................2803.7(f)
LATERAL BRACING
Masonry walls ..............................................................................2706.2(b)(2), 2706.2(b)(3)
May be omitted.............................................................................................. 2406.6(2)(b)(4)
Stud walls................................................................................................................2406.2(g)
LATH
Attachment to metal supports...............................................................3102.2(b), 3102.3(f)
Attachment to wood supports ............................................................. 3102.2(b), 3102.3(e)
Corner bead and inside angle................................................................................ 3102.2(e)
Metal, wire and accessories ................................................................................... 3102.3(a)
When not to be applied...........................................................................................3102.2(f)
LAVATORIES, (Sinks, Hand basins) minimum requirements ...................................3613.19
LEADERS (see Gutters and Downspouts)
LIGHT (see Illumination) Also see ......................... "*05" Sections, Chapters 5 – 13 inclusive
LIGHTING SYSTEMS, exit and emergency...................................................................... 3712
LIGHTWEIGHT AGGREGATES................................................................................ 2205.2(b)
LIME.............................................................................................................................. 3103.2(c)
LIME PLASTER............................................................................................................ 3103.3(b)
Index-35
Section
LINTEL
Masonry opening ............................................................................................... 2706.2(i)(2)
Wood .......................................................................................................................2406.2(k)
LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG)................................................................. 3801.2, 3802
LIQUIDS (see Flammable Liquids)
LIVE LOAD
Consideration of ..........................................................................................................2005.1
On screen enclosures..................................................................... 2007.1(c), 3503.1, 3503.4
Posting required ............................................................................................................ 2010
Reductions allowed....................................................................................................... 2008
Roof................................................................................................................................. 2007
Stress increase allowed ...............................................................................................2009.3
Wind ............................................................................................................................... 2009
LOAD, OCCUPANT
Determination of .................................................................................................404, 2801.5
LOAD (see Dead, Floor and Live Loads)

Allowable on soil.........................................................................................................2102.2
Bearing, pile ................................................................................................................... 2104
Masonry wall, concentrated .......................................................................................2705.4
Ornamental projection, design...................................................................................2005.7
Retaining wall, design................................................................................................... 2106
Roof................................................................................................................................. 2007
Safeguards....................................................................................................................2005.6
Special considerations................................................................................................... 2005
Wind ............................................................................................................................... 2009
LOCATION ON PROPERTY
General ............................................................................................................................. 411
Walls and partitions ...................................................................Chapters 15 - 19 inclusive
LOCKS ................................................................................................................................. 2811
LOT, definition ........................................................................................................... Chapter 2
LOT LINES, definition............................................................................................... Chapter 2
LOT PLAN (site plan) required ........................................................................................ 302.2
LOT SURVEY, may be required ....................................................................................... 302.4
LUMBER
Allowable unit stresses .......................................................................................... 2405.1(a)
Index-36
Section
Grade and species........................................................................................................2404.1
Identification................................................................................................................2404.3
Moisture content..................................................................................................... 2404.1(b)
Protection of................................................................................................................... 2408
Sizes ..............................................................................................................................2404.2
Sub-flooring ............................................................................................................ 2406.6(1)
Index-37
Section
M
MALLS, covered (Occupancy Group F - Division 3) ....................................................... 1001
Area, allowable .............................................................................................................. 1002
Construction ...................................................................................................... 1002, 3701.3
Exits ...............................................................................................................1004.3(f)(6), (7)
Smoke control system required......................................................................... 1004.3(f)(5)
Special requirements ... ...........................................................................................1004.3(f)
Sprinklers required............................................................................................. 1004.3(f)(4)
Travel distance.................................................................................................... 1004.3(f)(6)
MANDATORY INSPECTIONS ................................................................. ...........................312
MANUFACTURING PLANTS (Occupancy Group E - Division 2).................................. 901
MASONRY ................................................................................................................Chapter 27
Additions to existing walls....................................................................................2706.2(h)
Aggregates mortar................................................................................................ 2704.10(b)
Aggregates, concrete blocks ..............................................................................2704.5(a)(1)
Area of panels, 8 inches thick ................................................................................ 2706.2(a)
Backing .................................................................................................................... 2706.6(a)
Bearing walls, exterior ................................................................................................2706.2
Bearing walls, interior.................................................................................................2706.3
Bond..........................................................................................................................2706.1(f)
Brick and stone ..............................................................................2704.2, 2704.4, 2706.2(g)
Buildings, height allowable ........................................................................................2701.2
Chases, and recessed openings in .......................................................................... 2706.2(i)
Copings, required on ............................................................................2706.2(d), 2706.2(e)
Glass block ............................................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
Mortar.................................................................................................................... 2704.10(c)
Non-reinforced unit masonry, allowable unit stresses .............................................. 2705
Parapet walls........................................................................................................... 2706.2(e)
Partitions (non-bearing separations) .........................................................................2706.7
Plain concrete...............................................................................................................2704.8
Plain gypsum concrete................................................................................................2704.9
Stresses allowable in ..................................................................................................... 2705
Supporting wood components...........................................................................Chapter 29
Tests......................................................................................................................... 2704.1(c)
Tie beams in ............................................................................................................ 2706.2(c)
Tie column requirements may be relaxed ....................................................... 2706.2(b)(9)
Tie columns in......................................................................................................... 2706.2(b)
Tie columns not required when ........................................................................ 2706.2(b)(l)
Tile ................................................................................................................... 2704.6, 2704.7
Units for fire-resistive walls ..............................................................................2704.5(a)(2)
Units general........................................................................................................... 2704.5(a)
Units, modular dimensions ......................................................... 2704.5(a)(3), 2704.5(a)(4)
Unsupported height (partitions) ........................................................................... 2706.7(c)
Unsupported height (walls) ...............................................................................2706.2(c)(l)
Unsupported width (partition) ............................................................................. 2706.7(b)
Index-38
Section
Used as fire-resistive material ............................................................................... 3203.2(b)
Used units ............................................................................................................... 2706.1(e)
Wood supporting ........................................................................................................2406.9
MASTIC .............................................................................................................................3109.3
MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE ...................................................................... 103.3, 309, 403.1
MATERIALS
Combustible, regulated........................................................... 1512, 1612, 1712, 1810, 1910
Dissimilar ....................................................................................................................... 2506
Drainage ........................................................................................... 302.2(d), 302.2(e), 3605
Fire-resistive................................................................................................................... 3202
For concrete.................................................................................................................... 2204
For pneumatically placed concrete ............................................................................2210.2
For wall cladding and glazing.................................................................. 3112, Chapter 31
Non-combustible, definition ............................................................................... Chapter 2
Other than approved............................................................................... 2704.1(b), 3112.10
Used for construction...................................................................................................... 306
Weight of................................................................................................................. 2005.2(a)
MEANS OF EGRESS
Aisles ......................................................................................................... 504.9, 604.4, 2810
Building.......................................................................................................................... 3811
Corridors ......................................................................................................... 704.3(b), 2810
Courts ............................................................................................................................. 2807
Definition .................................................................................................. Chapter 2, 2801.3
Doors .............................................................................................................................. 2811
Emergency lights for ..................................................................................................... 3712
Enclosures, exit ........................................... 1507.1(a)(3), 1507.2(b), 1607, 1707, 2803, 2807
Escalators ..............................................................................................................2809, 4305
Exit discharge ..............................................................................................................2805.4
Exit signs and lights ...................................................................................................... 2812
Exterior balconies .............................................................................................. 2803.9, 4305
Exterior stairways (see outside open stairways)
Fire doors ....................................................................................................................... 3206
Horizontal exit ............................................................................................................... 2806
Malls, covered..........................................................................................................1004.3(f)
Outside open stairways ..............................................................................................2803.9
Passageways .................................................................................................................. 2807
Power-operated doors.................................................................................................2811.5
Ramps............................................................................................................................. 2804
Signs for................................................................................................................504.8, 2812
Smokeproof towers ....................................................................................................... 2805
Special requirements by Occupancy.................. "*04", Section, Chapters 5 - 13 inclusive
Stage ..........................................................................................................................507.1(h)
Stairways........................................................................................................................ 2803
Width of ............................................................. "*04.2" Section, Chapters 5 - 13 inclusive
MECHANICAL VENTILATION.............................................................................Chapter 40
Index-39
Section
MERCANTILE OCCUPANCY, (Group F - Division I).................................................... 1001
METAL
Aluminium...........................................................................................................Chapter 25
Clad doors..........................................................................................3206.2(c)(2)(ii), 3206.8
Columns ......................................................................................................................... 2306
Doors, steel..................................................................................................... 3206.2(c)(2)(ii)
Joists, bar ........................................................................................................................ 2308
Lath.......................................................................................................................... 3102.3(b)
Reinforcing..................................................................................................................... 2202
Roof accessories ............................................................................................................. 3007
Roofing and siding .............................................................................2309.5, 3112.5, 3112.6
Runners (suspended ceilings) .................................................................. 3102.5(b), 3110.4
Shingles .......................................................................................................................... 3004
Steel and iron .......................................................................................................Chapter 23
Studs .............................................................................................................................3110.4
Ties................................................................................................................................3109.4
Wire lath.................................................................................................................. 3102.3(e)
MEZZANINE
Definition (Area limitation) ................................................................................. Chapter 2
MILL CONSTRUCTION (Heavy Timber) ........................................................................ 2407
MINIMUM DIMENSIONS..................................................................................... 1105.2, 1205
MIXED OCCUPANCIES ......................... 410, 512, 611, 712, 809, 909, 1009, 1109, 1209, 1309
MONASTERIES (Occupancy, Group G) ........................................................................... 1101
MORTAR, Masonry ........................................................................................................2704.10
MOTELS, (Occupancy, Group G) ...................................................................................... 1101
MOTION PICTURE AND TELEVISION PRODUCTION SETS ....................................... 105
MOTION PICTURE HOUSES (Occupancy, Groups A and B)...................................501, 601
MOVING STAIRS ............................................................................................................... 4305
MULTIPLE-RESIDENTIAL (Occupancy, Group G) ........................................................ 1101
Index-40
Section
N
NAILS
Galvanised, where used......................................................................................... 2406.8(c)
Number required to connect wood members...........................................................2406.8
Sizes .................................................................................................................... Appendix F
NEW MATERIALS AND TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION .................................................. 317
NOMINAL DIMENSIONS
For masonry units ..............................................................................................2704.5(a)(4)
For wood ................................................................................................................. 2404.2(b)
NON-BEARING WALLS, EXTERIOR

Fire-resistivity ratings ......................................................................................... Table 32-B
Type I Construction............................................................................................1504.2(a)(2)
Type II Construction ...................................................................................................1604.1
Type III Construction ..................................................................................................1704.1
Type IV Construction..................................................................................................1804.2
Type V Construction ...................................................................................................1903.2
NON-BEARING WALLS, INTERIOR

Fire-resistivity ratings ......................................................................................... Table 32-B
Type I Construction.....................................................................................................1504.5
Type II Construction ...................................................................................................1604.4
Type III Construction ..................................................................................................1704.3
Type IV Construction..................................................................................................1804.4
Type V Construction ...................................................................................................1903.4
Unit masonry (other than fire-walls) .........................................................................2706.7
NON-COMBUSTIBLE, defined ................................................................................ Chapter 2
NOTICES
For inspections................................................................................................................. 312
Of completion .................................................................................................................. 316
Of compliance.................................................................................................................. 315
Index-41
Section
O
OCCUPANCY
Adjoining ......................................................................................................................... 405
Change in use ...........................................................................................................309, 403
Classified.......................................................................................................................... 402
Mixed.......................................................................................... see Chapters 5 through 13
Separations....................................................................................................................... 408
When not specifically mentioned in Code ................................................................. 402.2
OCCUPANT LOAD
Determination of ............................................. "*04.1" Section, Chapters 4 to 13 inclusive
OFFICE BUILDINGS (Occupancy Group F - Division 2) ................................................ 1001

Special provisions........................................................................................................1002.2
OIL-BURNING APPLIANCES .......................................................................................... 3803
OPEN WEB STEEL JOISTS................................................................................................. 2308
OPENINGS TO BE PROTECTED (see Types of Construction)
ORDINARY MASONRY CONSTRUCTION - Type III .........................................Chapter 17
OVERTURNING MOMENT AND UPLIFT ...................................................................2009.2
Index-42
Section
P
PAINT
Aluminium in contact with other metals .................................................................... 2506
Classified. .....................................................................................................................3902.3
Not permitted, ladders.................................................................................................. 2916
Protection of metal (steel) ................................................................................. 2307, 2309.6
Storage prohibitions ....................................................................................................3902.4
PAINT SPRAY BOOTHS.................................................................................................... 3908
PANEL WALL
Bonding .............................................................................................................. 2706.2(b)(8)
Glass block ............................................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
Openings .................................................................................................................. 2706.2(i)
Reinforced concrete, thickness .............................................................................. 2706.5(b)
Unit masonry, thickness ........................................................................................ 2706.5(a)
PANIC HARDWARE
Definition .....................................................................................................................2801.3
Description...................................................................................................................2811.4
Required uses.................................................... 504.7, 604.3(c), 704.3(e), 804.3(c), 904.3(c),
..................................................................................................................1004.3(c), 1104.3(c)
Special locking delay....................................................................... 2811.1(d) Exception(2)
PARAPET WALL
Construction ........................................................................................................... 2706.2(e)
Required.......................................................................................................................1711.6
PARTY WALLS
Common, definition ............................................................................................. Chapter 2
Details............................................................................................................................... 407
External, definition............................................................................................... Chapter 2
PASSAGEWAYS
Exit, definition .............................................................................................................2801.3
Requirements................................................................................................................. 2807
PEDESTRIAN PROTECTION............................................................................. 2905.1, 2905.2
PENTHOUSE, Definition .......................................................................................... Chapter 2
PERLITE
Fire protection for floor and roof systems......................................................... Table 32-C
Mixed with Portland cement for wall protection ............................................. Table 32-B
Plaster protection for primary steel members ..................................................Table 32-A
Proportions in plaster base coats ...........................................................................3103.3(a)
Proportions in plaster finish coats ................................................................... 3103.3(b)(5)
Index-43
Section
PERMIT
Air conditioning ..........................................................................................................4101.2
Alteration (of structures) ................................................................................................ 304
Application for..........................................................................................................302, 305
Awning............................................................................................................ 3403.1, 3502.1
Change of use, material .................................................................................................. 309
Demolition ..................................................................................................................... 2902
Does not permit violation of Code................................................................................. 314
Electrical .......................................................................................................................4401.1
Elevator ........................................................................................................................4303.1
Explosives ...................................................................................................................... 3905
Fees ................................................................................................................................... 310
Plans required for............................................................................................................ 302
Plumbing..............................................................................................................307, 3601.5
Presentation of plans for ................................................................................................. 303
Roofing repairs, or re-roofing.....................................................................................3001.1
Swimming pool ...........................................................................................................4203.1
When required................................................................................................................. 301
PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, FACILITIES FOR ..............................................Chapter 45
PIERS MASONRY.........................................................................................................2706.2(f)
PILES
Allowable loads ...................................................................................................... 2104.2(a)
Driving formula load ............................................................................................. 2104.2(b)
General .........................................................................................................................2104.1
Precast prestressed concrete ......................................... .............................................. 2104.5
Precast reinforced concrete.........................................................................................2104.4
Steel pipe, concrete filled ...................................................... ...................................... 2104.6
Structural steel, rolled .................................................................................................2104.7
Tests..........................................................................................................................2104.2(c)
Wood ............................................................................................................... .............2104.3
PIPE COLUMNS
Attached metal members....................................................................................... 3203.3(a)
Compression members, minimum dimensions........................................................2306.3
Concrete filled, pressure relief requirements............................................................2306.2
Concrete filling in lieu of one-hour protection ....................................................3203.3(d)
Jacketing .................................................................................................................. 3203.2(e)
Protection required other than fire-resistivity ............................................................ 2307
Reinforcement of cast in place protection .............................. .............................. 3203.2(e)
Welding ........................................................................................................................2805.2
PLAIN CONCRETE ..........................................................................................................2704.8
PLANS REQUIRED
Air conditioning .............................................................................................. 4101.2(c), (d)
Awning...................................................................................................3403.1(b), 3502.1(b)
Building.....................................................................................................................302, 303
Index-44
Section
Electrical ........................................................................................................302.1(e), 4401.1
Plumbing installations ............................................................................302.1(d), 3601.5(c)
Screen enclosures....................................................................................................3503.4(d)
Survey............................................................................................................................ 302.4
Swimming pools..................................................................................................... 4203.2(a)
PLANTS MANUFACTURING (Occupancy Group E - Division 2).................................. 901
PLASTER AND PLASTERING .......................................................................................... 3103
PLASTERBOARD, GYPSUM (used with or without plaster) ......................................... 3110
PLASTICS ........................................................................................................... 3105, 3108.5(d)
PLATE GLASS
Maximum area of fixed panels, exterior walls..........................................................3108.2
PLATFORM HOISTS .......................................................................................................... 2907
PLATFORM, loading ..................................................................... 1512.3, 1612.2, 1712.2, 1810
PLATFORMS ...................................................................................................................... 507.2
PLOT PLAN (site, lot)........................................................................................................... 302
PLUMBING ...............................................................................................................Chapter 36
PLUMBING, ADMINISTRATIVE
Alternative materials and construction .....................................................................3601.4
Application to existing installations .....................................................................3601.1(d)
Certificate of approval ........................................................................................... 3601.6(o)
Concealed work......................................................................................................3601.6(h)
Fees ............................................................................................................................3601.5(f)
Final inspection....................................................................................................... 3601.6(a)
Insanitary buildings and premises ............................................................................3601.3
Maintenance of installation ................................................................................... 3601.1(e)
Permits required ..................................................................................................... 3601.5(a)
Plans required (see plans)........................................................ 302.1(d), 3601.5(c), 3605.13
Powers and duties of Inspectors ................................................................................3601.2
Purpose of Plumbing Code.................................................................................... 3601.1(b)
Tests......................................................................................................................... 3601.6(c)
Title of Plumbing Code.......................................................................................... 3601.1(a)
Workmanship .........................................................................................................3601.6(n)
PLUMBING, BUILDING CODE REFERENCES

Automatic sprinkler system ......................................................................................... 3703
Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems................................................................. 3704
Chases masonry....................................................................................................... 2706.2(i)
Cutting holes, concrete................................................................................................2208.5
Facilities for the handicapped ........................................................................................ 415
Index-45
Section
Fire department connections ........................................................................................ 3707
Fire resistive floors, pipes in.......................................................................................3205.2
Hydrants ........................................................................................................................ 3708
Mandatory inspections ................................................................................................... 312
Notching of wood members................................................................................... 2406.2(i)
Pipes in walls, wood framing................................................................................. 2406.2(j)
Pressure tests ...............................................................................................................3710.2
Requirements by Groups of Occupancy.....................................Chapters 5 - 13 inclusive
Sanitation ......................................................................................................................... 412
Sanitation during construction..................................................................................... 2921
Solar tanks and systems................................................................................................ 3810
Standpipes...................................................................................................................... 3705
Swimming pool inspections .................................................................................. 4203.2(c)
Swimming pool piping materials.................................................................. ................4207
Swimming pool permit required ...............................................................................4203.1
Toilet rooms (based upon Occupancy)...................................................................412, 415
Vent pipe flashing, roof ..............................................................................................3007.7
Water supply, fire-fighting ........................................................................................... 3706
PLUMBING DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................... 3602
PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS AND MATERIALS

Backwater valve.................................................................................................... 3613.13(8)
Caulking Ferrules ................................................................................................... 3604.6(a)
Circuit loop vent..................................................................................................... 3610.5(a)
Cleanout and Traps .........................................................................................................3608
Disposal and supply wells............................................................................................ 3616
Drain fields............................................................................3615.6(b) to 3615.10 inclusive
Drainage system and disposal ..................................................................................... 3605
Ejectors .........................................................................................................................3605.9
Filters, swimming pool ................................................................................................. 4208
Fire extinguishing apparatus........................................................................................ 3703
Fixtures minimum requirements .............................................................................3613.19
Fixtures, plumbing ........................................................................................................ 3613
Grease interceptors........................................................................................................ 3612
Hangers and supports................................................................................................... 3609
Indirect waste piping .................................................................................................... 3606
Industrial wastes .......................................................................................................3603.10
Interceptors .................................................................................................................... 3612
Joints and connections .................................................................................................. 3607
Loop vents............................................................................................................... 3610.5(a)
Material Standards (see Standards) ............................................................................. 3604
Mosquitoes, protection from ......................................................................................3611.7
Prohibited fittings........................................................................................................3603.3
Rainwater ....................................................................................................................... 3611
Retention and time discharge.....................................................................................3605.4
Safety relief devices...................................................................................................3614.18
Separator ........................................................................................................................ 3612
Septic tanks .............................................................................................. 3615, Appendix B
Service pipe sizing................................................................................ .....................3614.13
Index-46
Section
Sewer required...........................................................................................................3603.17
Sinks, materials............................................................................................................3604.8
Small Buildings Plumbing Code .................................................................................. 3617
Soakage pit lids............................................................................................................3611.8
Special wastes ..............................................................................................................3606.6
Standpipes...................................................................................................................... 3705
Storage tanks, water ..................................................................................................3614.19
Storm drainage system ................................................................................................. 3611
Structural safety.............................................................................................. 3603.6, 3603.8
Sump vents ................................................................................................................3605.11
Supply wells................................................................................................................... 3616
Supports and hangers ................................................................................................... 3609
Swimming pools..................................................................................................Chapter 42
Tests (see Administrative) ..........................................................................................3601.6
Toilet facilities for workman .......................................................................... 2921, 3603.21
Traps and cleanouts ...................................................................................................... 3608
Used equipment and materials ................................................................................3603.13
Vacuum operated drainage systems........................................................................3605.13
Vent stacks .................................................................................................................3610.10
Venting materials ........................................................................................................3604.5
Vents and venting systems ........................................................................................... 3610
Water supply ................................................................................................................. 3614
Yard hydrants ................................................................................................................ 3708
PLUMBING STANDARDS .................................................................. 3604.1(a), Appendix A
PLUMBING WORK AND FITTINGS ................................................................................. 307
PLYWOOD
Exterior wall cladding....................................................................................... 2406.6(2)(d)
Floor sheathing ....................................................................................................... 2406.6(1)
Identification................................................................................................................2404.3
Protection of................................................................................................................... 2408
Quality..........................................................................................................................2404.4
Roof sheathing ........................................................................................................ 2406.6(2)
Storm sheathing................................................................................................. 2406.6(2)(b)
PNEUMATICALLY PLACED CONCRETE ..................................................................... 2210
PORTLAND CEMENT
For concrete mixes......................................................................................................... 2204
For plaster mixes .................................................................................................... 3103.2(e)
POSTING, live loads ........................................................................................................... 2010
POSTS
Wood not permitted....................................................................................................1904.2
Wood requirements....................................................................................2406.1, 2408.1(c)
POWER-OPERATED DOORS .........................................................................................2811.5
Index-47
Section
PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDINGS ........................................................................................ 311
PRECAST CONCRETE UNITS .......................................................................................... 2208

Aggregates for .............................................................................................................2208.3
Anchorage of................................................................................................................2208.6
Bridging, joist...............................................................................................................2208.7
Connections of .............................................................................................................2208.8
Cutting of .....................................................................................................................2208.5
Professional design required................................................................................. 2208.1(b)
Strength of....................................................................................................................2208.2
Transportation, storage and erection of ....................................................................2208.9
PRESTRESSED CONCRETE .............................................................................................. 2209

Calcium chloride prohibited ................................................................................. 2209.2(b)
Deflection limited ................................................................................................... 2209.2(a)
Professional design required................................................................................. 2209.1(b)
PRESSURE TANKS...........................................................................................................3706.4
PRIVATE GARAGES (see Garage, Private)
PROJECTION BOOTHS ........................................................................................ 508, 608, 708
PROJECTIONS FROM THE BUILDING...............................................1610, 1710, 1808, 1909

Awnings ................................................................................................................3404, 3504
PROSCENIUM CURTAINS AND WALLS.......................................................... 507, 607, 707
PROTECTION OF WOOD ................................................................................................. 2408
PUMPS, FIRE.....................................................................................................................3706.5
PURPOSE OF CODE............................................................................................................. 102
Index-48
Section
Q
QUALITY AND DESIGN, materials of construction
Aluminium..................................................................................................................... 2503
Glass .............................................................................................................................3108.1
Masonry ................................................................................................................2701, 2704
Plastics .....................................................................................................................3108.5(d)
Reinforced Concrete...................................................................................................... 2205
Steel..................................................................................................................... 2301.1, 2302
Wood ........................................................................................................... 2401, 2404, 2405
Index-49
Section
R
RADIATION PROTECTION.............................................................................................. 3907
RAFTERS, Wood
Anchorage ...............................................................................................................2406.4(d)
Bearing .................................................................................................................... 2406.4(c)
Glued-laminated...........................................................................................................2405.3
Heavy timber ..................................................................................................... 1703.3, 2407
Nailing..........................................................................................................................2406.8
Roof........................................................................................................................... 2406.4(j)
Size, minimum........................................................................................................ 2406.4(a)
Spacing, for plaster ceilings...................................................................... 2406.4(b), 3102.2
Spacing, for plywood sheathing .................................................................. 2406.6(2)(b)(4)
Supporting roof tile .................................................................................................2406.9(f)
Trusses, prefabricated roof ............................................................................ 2405.4, 2406.4
RAINWATER TANK, capacities ...........................................................................Appendix E
RAMPS................................................................................................................................. 2804
May be means of egress if............................................................................................. 2804
Parking Garage ......................................................................................................... 902.3(e)
Slope ............................................................................................................ 2804(b), 2804(d)
RANGES .............................................................................................................................. 3806
READY MIXED CONCRETE......................................................................................2206.2(d)
RECESSES in masonry.................................................................................................. 2706.2(i)
REDUCTIONS IN LIVE LOAD ......................................................................................... 2008
REINFORCED CONCRETE (see Concrete Reinforced)
REINFORCEMENT
Concrete, protection for ..............................................................................................2207.5
Cast in place, protection for................................................................................... 3203.2(c)
Footing concrete ..................................................................................................... 2103.2(c)
Pile caps...................................................................................................................2104.1(g)
Piles, concrete (see Piles)
Placing in concrete.......................................................................................................2207.3
Protection for (Concrete cover) ..................................................................... 2207.5, 3203.3
Slabs, concrete on fill...................................................................................................2103.5
Splices...........................................................................................................................2207.4
RENDERING ....................................................................................................................... 3104
REPAIRS, of existing building .......................................................................................... 104.3
RESTAURANT HOODS............................................................................................3909, 4005
Index-50
Section
RETAINING WALLS.......................................................................................................... 2106
REVOLVING DOORS, prohibited as means of exit..............................................2811.1(d)(f)
ROOF COVERINGS..................................................................................................Chapter 30
Anchoring built-up to concrete decks ..............................................................3002.4(c)(1)
Anchoring built-up to wood decks.................................................................. 3002.4(b)(1)
Asphalt shingles .......................................................................................................3002.5(f)
Attachment of anchor sheet to gypsum decks..................................................... 3002.4(b)
Attachment of anchor to insulation ............................................................................. 3006
Built-up........................................................................................................................... 3002
Classifications .....................................................................................................3001.2(a)(4)
Clay tile .......................................................................................................................... 3003
Concrete tile ................................................................................................................... 3004
Fibre-cement shingle ...............................................................................................3002.5(d)
Fire retardant required...................................................... ..............3001.2(a)(10), 3001.3(a)
Gravel or pea rock surfacing, restricted use............................................... ..........3002.4(h)
Insulation ................................................................................................................3002.4(g)
Membrane flashings...............................................................................................3002.4(d)
Metal accessories to ....................................................................................................... 3007
Metal shingles ................................................................................................................ 3004
Replacement, restrictions............................................................................................3001.1
Wood shingles and shakes ........................................................................................... 3005
ROOF DRAINAGE ...........................................................................................................1506.4
ROOF FIREPROOFING...........................................................................1506.2, 1606.2, 1706.2

(Exceptions due to height above floor included)
ROOF MOUNTED EQUIPMENT...................................................................................... 3008
ROOF STRUCTURES AND SKYLIGHTS .............................................1511, 1611, 1711, 1809
ROOF TRUSSES, prefabricated wood ................................................................ 2405.4, 2406.4
ROOFING ACCESSORIES ................................................................................................. 3007
ROOM CONTENT (see Occupant Load)
ROSTRUM
Construction ................................................................................................................. 507.3
RUBBLE MASONRY (Tabby) .....................................................................................2706.2(g)
Index-51
Section
S
SAFEGUARDS
During construction ............................................................................................Chapter 29
SAMPLES, taking .................................................................................................................. 313
SAND
Masonry ........................................................................................................................2204.1
Mortar.........................................................................................................................2704.10
Plaster ...........................................................................................................................3103.3
SANITATION...............................................................................................................412, 4008
SANITATION DURING CONSTRUCTION .................................................................... 2921
SCAFFOLDS ........................................................................................................................ 2917
SCHOOLS (Occupancy Group C)........................................................................................ 701
SCOPE of Code...................................................................................................................... 103
SCREEN ENCLOSURES..................................................................................2007.1(c), 3503.4
SCREEN VENTS
Attic spaces ..................................................................................................................2408.2
Under first floor, wood-frame....................................................................................2408.3
SCREENS, Outdoor Theatres ............................................................................................. 3505
SEATING CAPACITY .................................................................................. 504.1, 504.9, 604.4
SEATS
Bleachers ........................................................................................................................ 3407
Fastening of................................................................................................................... 504.9
Increase in spacing ....................................................................................................... 504.9
Standard spacing .......................................................................................................... 504.9
SELF-CLOSING DOORS ........................................................................................... Table 32-I
SEPARATION
Between tenants............................................................................................................ 407.4
Distance ......................................................................1504.1, 1604.1, 1704.1, 1804.1, 1903.1
Fire Divisions ................................................................................................................... 406
Party Walls....................................................................................................................... 407
SHAFT ENCLOSURES (see Vertical openings)
SHEATHING
Exterior wall....................................................................................................... 2406.6(2)(d)
Index-52
Section
Floor......................................................................................................................... 2406.6(1)
Roof.......................................................................................................................... 2406.6(2)
Storm .................................................................................................................. 2406.6(2)(b)
SHEDS, utility.......................................................................................................... 3501, 3503.5
SHINGLES AND SHAKES, WOOD.................................................................................. 3005

Application to buildings .............................................................................................1512.6
Exposure to weather, maximum ........................................................................ Table 30-C
SHOW CASES (and other movable appurtenances)......................................................1512.1
SHOW WINDOWS (shop front)

Backing .........................................................................................................................1512.2
Bulkheads.....................................................................................................................1512.1
Glazing ............................................................................................................ 3108.1, 3108.2
Replacement.............................................................................................................3108.1(f)
SHUTTERS, STORM ........................................................................................................... 3113
SIAMESE CONNECTIONS................................................................................................ 3707
SIDEWALKS, COVERED, during construction ............................................................... 2905
SIDING
Aluminium...................................................................................................................3112.6
Steel...............................................................................................................................3112.5
SIGNS
Exit .................................................................................................................................. 2812
Illuminated.............................................................................................................. 3712.1(e)
SKYLIGHTS.............................................................................................1511, 1611, 1711, 1809
SLABS, CONCRETE, on fill..............................................................................................2103.5
SMOKE CONNECTIONS .............................................................................................. 3806(4)
SMOKE DOORS, required in corridors...........................................................................1104.7
SMOKE VENTING .........................................................................................................3711.10
SMOKEPROOF TOWERS (Stair towers) .......................................................................... 2805
SOIL
Bearing allowable .................................................................................................2102, 2103
Investigation required.................................................................................................2102.1
Plans to include statement of condition ....................................................................2102.1
Retaining walls for ........................................................................................................ 2106
Index-53
Section
SOLAR HEATERS............................................................................................................... 3810
SPACE UNDER FLOORS.................................................................................................2408.3
SPAS ..................................................................................................................................... 4216
SPECIFICATIONS, PLANS (see Plans required)
SHINGLES, METAL ........................................................................................................... 3004
SPLICES
Reinforcing bars...........................................................................................................2207.4
Wood members.......................................................................................................2406.2(h)
SPRAY PAINTING
Hazardous use – Group D .............................................................................................. 801
Special requirements ..................................................................................................... 3908
Sprinklers required.............................................................................................3703.1(3)(a)
SPRINKLERS, AUTOMATIC............................................................................................. 3703

Floor area increase due to............................................................................................. 3703
Reduction in interior finish requirements due to .................................Table 32-II Note 2
Required.......................................................................................................................3703.1
Travel distance increase due to .............................................................. 3703.6, Table 37-1
Where provided shall operate alarm system ............................................................3711.9
STAGES, PLATFORMS AND ROSTRUMS ......................................................... 507, 607, 707

Accessory rooms........................................................................................ 507.1(c), 507.2(c)
Combustible regulated.............................................................................................507.1(g)
Construction .............................................................................507.1(a), 507.2(a), (b), 507.3
Gridirons, fly galleries .............................................................................................507.1(b)
Means of egress, stage..............................................................................................507.1(h)
Other requirements ................................................................................................... 507.1(j)
Projection rooms............................................................................................... 508, 608, 708
Proscenium curtains................................................................................................. 507.1(e)
Proscenium walls .....................................................................................................507.1(d)
Sprinkler requirements ................................................................................507.1(e), 3703.1
Standpipes..................................................................................................................507.1(i)
Ventilators..................................................................................................................507.1(f)
STAIRWAYS (vertical openings)

Access arrangements............................................ “*04” Section, Chapter 5 – 13 inclusive
Access to roof...............................................................................................................2803.2
Basement ....................................................................................1004.3(e), 1104.8, 2803.2(e)
Circular.........................................................................................................................2803.5
Enclosures for ............................................................................................ 1507.2(b), 2803.8
Exterior (open outside) ...............................................................................................2803.9
Guardrails ....................................................................................................................2808.2
Handrails......................................................................................................................2808.3
Headroom clearance ..........................................................................................2801.4(e)(2)
Index-54
Section
Interior................................................................................................1508, 1608, 1708, 1907
Landings.......................................................................................................................2803.7
Ramps, substitute for .................................................................................................... 2804
Signs required................................................................................................................ 2812
Smokeproof towers ....................................................................................................... 2805
Spiral.............................................................................................................................2803.6
Width..........................................................................................................2803.1(e)(f)(g)(h)
Winders ........................................................................................................................2803.4
STANDARDS ......................................................................................................... Appendix A
STANDPIPES AND HOSE STATIONS............................................................................. 3705
STEEL STRUCTURAL ..............................................................................................Chapter 23
STORE FRONT (see Show Windows)
STOREY, definition .................................................................................................... Chapter 2
STORM SHUTTERS (see Shutters, storm)
STRUCTURAL GLASS ....................................................................................................... 3114
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIFLOOR FRAMED

BUILDINGS .......................................................................................................................2003.1
STRUCTURAL USE PANELS

Floor sheathing ....................................................................................................... 2406.6(1)
Identification...........................................................................................................2404.3(d)
Protection of................................................................................................................... 2408
Quality..........................................................................................................................2404.5
Roof sheathing ........................................................................................................ 2406.6(2)
STUCCO............................................................................................................................... 3104
STUDS, WOOD .................................................................................................................2406.2
SUPERPLASTICIZERS .....................................................................................................2206.3
SURVEY required .............................................................................................................. 302.4
SUSPENDED CEILINGS ....................................................... 3102.5, 3111, 3205.5, Table 32-C
SWIMMING POOLS.................................................................................................Chapter 42
Index-55
Section
T
TABBY MASONRY......................................................................................................2706.2(g)
TANKS
Dilution ................................................................................................................... 3605.5(c)
Dip ................................................................................................................................3908.3
Flushing................................................................................................................... 3614.4(b)
Hot water storage ......................................................................................................3614.19
Pressure .................................................................................................................... 3614.7(i)
Rainwater ...........................................................................................................Appendix E
Retention ......................................................................................................................3605.4
Septic .............................................................................................................................. 3615
Surge........................................................................................................................ 3614.7(b)
Temporarily located, construction sites ...................................................................... 2922
Underground ............................................................................... 3902.4(l), (m), (n), (o), (p)
Water supply ......................................................................................... 3614.6(b), 3614.7(a)
TELEPHONE SERVICES.................................................................................................... 4402

Drawings........................................................................................................... Appendix D
Dwelling Houses ........................................................................................................... 4405
Installations without switchboards.............................................................................. 4404
Switchboard installation ............................................................................................... 4403
TELEVISION AND MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION SETS ....................................... 105
TENTS .................................................................................................................................. 3406
TESTS
Boilers ...................................................................................................................... 3808.6(c)
Concrete ......................................................................................................................... 2204
Fire-resistive materials................................................................................................3201.1
Gypsum.......................................................................................................................... 2604
Masonry ......................................................................................................................... 2704
May be required (taking of samples)......................................................................306, 313
New materials and methods (Approved Products) ..................................................... 317
Piles.......................................................................................................................... 2104.2(c)
Roof tile ........................................................................................................................3003.2
Roof, proprietary coverings................................................................................... 3001.3(b)
Soil bearing ..................................................................................................................2102.1
Steel...............................................................................................................................2302.6
THEATRE, (Occupancy, Groups A and B) ..................................................................501, 601
TILE ...................................................................................................................................... 3107
TILE, ROOF ......................................................................................................................... 3003
TIMBER
Glued-laminated..........................................................................................................2405.3
Index-56
Section
Heavy construction ....................................................................................................... 2407
TITLE OF CODE.................................................................................................................... 101
TOILET ROOMS ........................................................................... 412.2, 415, 1105.2(d), 1205.5
TRANSFORMER VAULTS................................................................................................. 3901
TRANSPORTING ASSEMBLIES ....................................................................................... 4306
TRASH CHUTES................................................ 1507.1(a)(1), 1507.2(a), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), (j)
TRAVEL DISTANCE
Definition .....................................................................................................................2801.3
Maximum distances ................................... 504.5(b), 604.3(d), 704.3(f), 804.3(d), 904.3(d),
..........................................................................................1004.3(d), (f), 1104.3(d), 1204.2(e)
Increased distance allowed..................................................................... 3703.6, Table 37-1
TREADS, Stair ...................................................................................................................2803.3
TRIM................................................................................................ 1512.2, 1512.6, 1612.4, 3208
TRUSSES, wood ................................................................................................................2405.4
TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
Classification.................................................................................................................. 1401
Type I – Fire-Resistive.........................................................................................Chapter 15
Definition ....................................................................................................................... 1501
Type II – Semi-Fire-resistive...............................................................................Chapter 16
Definition ....................................................................................................................... 1601
Type III – Ordinary Masonry .............................................................................Chapter 17
Definition-General........................................................................................... 1701.1(a), (b)
Definition-Protected............................................................................................... 1701.2(a)
Definition-Unprotected.......................................................................................... 1701.2(b)
Type IV Noncombustible....................................................................................Chapter 18
Definition ....................................................................................................................... 1801
Type V Wood frame ............................................................................................Chapter 19
Definition ....................................................................................................................... 1901
Index-57
Section
U
UNDERGROUND TANKS .............................................................. 3902.4(l), (m), (n), (o), (p)
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES INC. (UL) ................................................. Appendix A
USE OF BUILDINGS, Material change of........................................................................... 309
UTILITIES, HAZARDOUS................................................................................................ 409.3
UTILITY SHEDS........................................................................................................Chapter 35
Index-58
Section
V
VALVES, for hazardous utilities....................................................................................... 409.3
VENEER
Glass ............................................................................................................................... 3109
Masonry backing for .............................................................................................. 2706.6(a)
Plastic exterior .............................................................................................................3105.3
VENTILATED SPACE, INTERVENING................................412.2(d), 412.2(e), Appendix C
VENTILATING DUCTS ............................................................................................3903, 4004
VENTILATION
Air conditioning ..................................................................................................Chapter 41
Attic spaces ..................................................................................................................2408.2
Mechanical (forced).............................................................................................Chapter 40
Private garage ..............................................................................................................1305.1
Requirements based on Occupancy.................... ”*05” Section, Chapter 5 – 13 inclusive
Under first floor, wood-frame....................................................................................2408.3
VENTS
Plumbing........................................................................................................................ 3610
VENT SHAFTS (see Vertical Openings)
VERTICAL OPENINGS
By Occupancy Group ..........................................“*06” Section, Chapters 5 – 13 inclusive
Requirements for ........................................................................................................... 1507
Unenclosed openings permitted .......................................................................... 1507.1 (b)
Index-59
Section
W
WALKWAYS
Covered mall............................................................................................................1004.3(f)
Covered mall, definition ...................................................................................... Chapter 2
Covered, openings in ..................................................................................................1504.1
During construction ...................................................................................................... 2905
WALL (see also Partitions)

Anchoring of wood .................................................................................................2406.2(f)
Brick and stone .......................................................................................................2706.2(g)
Chases, recesses and openings in masonry........................................................... 2706.2(i)
Concrete, plain.............................................................................................................2704.8
Decorative block (Grill block)................................................................................2706.2(k)
Design of ........................................................................................................................ 2005
Enclosure construction.................................................................................................. 1507
Enclosure openings in.................................................................................................1507.2
Fire resistive................................................................................................................... 3204
Fire walls ......................................................................................................................2706.4
Foundation..................................................................................................................... 2105
Gable end shed end walls......................................................................................2706.2(d)
Glass block ............................................................................................................... 2706.2(j)
Grill block (Decorative block)................................................................................2706.2(k)
Interior bearing masonry ...................................................................1504.4, 1604.3, 2706.3
Lath and plaster....................................................................................................3102, 3103
Masonry (see Masonry)
Masonry faced .............................................................................................................2706.6
Masonry, concentrated loads on ................................................................... 2705.4, 2308.5
Masonry, not listed......................................................................................................2706.8
New masonry connected to existing.....................................................................2706.2(h)
Panel .............................................................................................................................2706.5
Parapet..................................................................................................................... 2706.2(e)
Party ................................................................................................................................. 407
Piers in masonry ......................................................................................................2706.2(f)
Projection booth................................................................................................ 508, 608, 708
Smokeproof towers, construction ..............................................................................2805.5
Smokeproof towers, openings in ...............................................................................2805.2
Stucco.............................................................................................................................. 3104
Stud, steel ............................................................................................... 3102.2(c)(2), 3110.4
Stud, wood ...................................................................................................................2406.2
Thickness, masonry....................................................................................2704.5, 2706.2(a)
Toilet, tiled ................................................................................................................ 412.2(c)
Water curtain, protected ...................................................................507.1(e)(2)(i), 515.3(b)
Wood sheathed ............................................................................................2406.6(2)(b), (d)
Wood supporting masonry ........................................................................................2406.9
Wood ....................................................................................................................Chapter 24
WALLBOARD Gypsum ..................................................................................................... 3110
WAREHOUSE (Occupancy Group E – Div. 1) ................................................................... 901
Index-60
Section
WATER
Cement ratio ...........................................................................................................2205.2(d)
Closets .......................................................................................................... 412.2(b), 3613.6
Curtain............................................................................................. 507.1(e)(2)(iii), 515.3(b)
Drinking (during construction).................................................................................... 2921
Fountains (drinking) .................................................................................. 3613.12, 3613.19
Heater ..................................................................................................... 3614.19, 3807, 3810
Supply ................................................................................................... 302.6(d), 3706, 3614
Swimming pool ...........................................................................................................4205.1
Tanks (see Tanks)
WATER SUPPLY........................................................................................ 302.6(d), 3614, 3706
WELDING STANDARDS ............................................................. 2301.3, 2305, 2309.3, 2309.7

Bar joist connections....................................................................................................2308.3
Certified persons required..........................................................................................2305.2
Shop standards ............................................................................................................2308.6
Steel joist anchorage ....................................................................................................2308.5
WET STANDPIPES ............................................................................................................. 3705
WIDTH
Aisle ........................................................................................................ 504.9, 604.4, 2810.1
Atrium ........................................................................................................................... 515.1
Continuous footing .....................................................................................................2103.2
Corridor........................................................................................................ 704.3(b), 2810.2
Cross aisles.................................................................................................................... 504.9
Door, maximum and minimum .................................................................................2811.2
Exit courts and exit passageways................................................................................. 2807
Malls .................................................................................................................... 1004.3(f)(3)
Means of Egress, required ............................................................................................ 2802
Ramps, pedestrian......................................................................................................... 2804
Room and toilet doors for handicapped........................................................................ 415
Seating ................................................................................................................. 504.9, 604.4
Stair treads ...................................................................................................................2803.3
Stairway landings........................................................................................................2803.7
Temporary sidewalks.................................................................................................... 2905
Tie beams, masonry................................................................................................ 2706.2(c)
Tie columns, masonry ............................................................................................ 2706.2(b)
Toilet rooms, residential ........................................................................... 1105.2(d), 1205.5
Unit of exit width ............................................... “*04.2” Section, Chapters 5-13 inclusive
Windows for rescue ....................................................................................................1104.5
Yard may increase allowable area ....................... “*02” Section, Chapters 5-13 inclusive
WIND LOAD REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................... 2009
WINDOWS .................................................................................... 1509, 1609, 1709, 1807, 1908

Area required...........................................................“*05” Section, Chapter 5-13 inclusive
Fire resistive assembly .......................................................................3206.5, 3206.6, 3206.7
Installation details ......................................................................................................... 3108
Index-61
Section
Rescue...........................................................................................................................1104.5
WIRE
Supporting suspended ceiling components................................................. 3110.4, 3205.5
WIRE GLASS
Glazing in fire windows .............................................................................................3206.5
WIRE LATH ......................................................................................................................3102.3
WOOD........................................................................................................................Chapter 24
Allowable unit stresses ................................................................................................. 2405
Anchor bolts............................................................................................................ 2406.4(e)
Anchorage ...............................................................................................................2406.4(d)
Base plates................................................................................................................2406.2(f)
Bearing .................................................................................................................... 2406.4(c)
Bridging...................................................................................................................2406.4(k)
Ceiling joists............................................................................................................2406.4(h)
Columns and posts......................................................................................................2406.1
Connectors, (nailing)...................................................................................................2406.8
Connectors, protection........................................................................................... 2406.8(c)
Connectors, safe loads.............................................................................................2406.8(f)
Corners and bracing...............................................................................................2406.2(g)
Definitions...................................................................................................................... 2403
Design............................................................................................................................. 2401
Durable species............................................................................................................2408.1
Exterior wall cladding....................................................................................... 2406.6(2)(d)
Fire-retardant treated .................................................................................................... 2409
Firestops .......................................................................................................................2406.3
Floor joists ...............................................................................................................2406.4(g)
Floor sheathing ....................................................................................................... 2406.6(1)
Furring..........................................................................................................................2406.7
Glue ......................................................................................................................... 2406.8(e)
Glued-laminated members............................................................................... 2403, 2405.3
Grade and species.............................................................................................. 2403, 2404.1
Headers ...................................................................................................................2406.2(k)
Heavy timber construction ............................................................................... 1703.3, 2407
Identification................................................................................................................2404.3
Joists entering masonry..................................................................................... 2406.4(d)(1)
Ministry of Works Low Cost Housing Plans .............................................................. 2410
Moisture content..................................................................................................... 2404.1(b)
Nail penetration......................................................................................................2406.8(d)
Notching................................................................................................................... 2406.2(i)
Openings .................................................................................................................2406.2(k)
Partitions, interior .................................................................................................2406.2(m)
Piles...............................................................................................................................2104.3
Pipes in walls ........................................................................................................... 2406.2(j)
Placing studs...........................................................................................................2406.2(d)
Plywood ....................................................................... 2403, 2404.3, 2404.4, 2405.2, 2406.6
Prefabricated roof trusses .......................................................................... 2405.4, 2406.4(l)
Index-62
Section
Preservative, treatment of............................................................................................. 2408
Roof joists ................................................................................................ 2406.4(a), 2406.4(i)
Roof rafters.............................................................................................. 2406.4(a), 2406.4(j)
Roof sheathing ........................................................................................................ 2406.6(2)
Sizes ..............................................................................................................................2404.2
Spacing ................................................................................................... 2406.2(c), 2406.4(b)
Span tables .....................................2406.6(1)(e), 2406.6(1)(i), 2406.6(2)(1), (3), Table 24-A
Splicing................................................................................................... 2406.2(h), 2406.4(f)
Standards ....................................................................................................................... 2402
Structural use panels...............................................................2403, 2404.3(d), 2406.6(2)(7)
Trusses........................................................................................................2405.4, 2406.4 (1)
Ventilation, attic spaces ..............................................................................................2408.2
Ventilation, under floor ..............................................................................................2408.3
Wood supporting masonry ........................................................................................2406.9
Index-63
Section
X
X-RAY FILM
Not classed like cellulose nitrate film .......................................................................... 3904
Index-64
Section
Y
YARD HYDRANTS ............................................................................................................ 3708
YARDS
Accepted as street for increase in area............................................................... 502.1(b)(2)
Building location in .............................................. “*03”Sections, Chapters 5-13 inclusive
Index-65
NOTES
Index-66

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Buiding Codes Bahamas PDF

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BAHAMAS BUILDING CODE

Third Edition - 2003

Ministry of Works & Utilities

A collection of government buildings throughout New Providence.

Ministry of Works & Utilities

All rights reserved.

MINISTER OF WORKS AND UTILITIES

ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

BUILDINGS CONTROL OFFICER

PRINCIPAL RESEARCHER AND EDITOR

The contributions of the following are hereby acknowledged, with gratitude:

The Minister wishes to acknowledge the assistance of the Board of County

PART I - TITLE AND DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER 1 TITLE AND PURPOSE

CHAPTER 3 APPLICATION TO BUILD-NOTICES AND INSPECTIONS

PART III - REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY

CHAPTER 4 CLASSIFICATION AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER 5 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP A OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 6 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP B OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 7 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP C OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 8 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP D OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 9 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP E OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 11 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP G OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 12 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP H OCCUPANCIES

CHAPTER 13 REQUIREMENTS OF GROUP I OCCUPANCIES

PART IV - TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 14 CLASSIFICATION BY TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 15 TYPE I BUILDING (Fire-Resistive)

CHAPTER 16 TYPE II BUILDINGS (Semi-Fire-Resistive)

CHAPTER 17 TYPE III BUILDINGS (Ordinary Masonry)

CHAPTER 18 TYPE IV BUILDING (Noncombustible)

CHAPTER 19 TYPE V BUILDINGS (Wood Frame)

PART V - ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS

CHAPTER 20 DESIGN LOADS

CHAPTER 21 EXCAVATIONS, FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS

CHAPTER 22 REINFORCED CONCRETE

CHAPTER 23 STEEL AND IRON

CHAPTER 26 REINFORCED GYPSUM CONCRETE

PART VI - DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

CHAPTER 28 EXIT FACILITIES AND STAIRS

CHAPTER 29 PRECAUTIONS DURING BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 30 ROOF COVERING AND APPLICATION

CHAPTER 31 CLADDING AND GLAZING

PART VII - FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS

CHAPTER 32 FIRE RESISTIVE STANDARDS

CHAPTER 33 INTERIOR DECORATIVE FINISHES

PART VIII – MISCELLANEOUS

CHAPTER 34 FABRIC AWNINGS, CANOPIES, TENTS AND BLEACHERS

CHAPTER 35 RIGID AWNINGS, CANOPIES, SCREEN ENCLOSURES AND

CHAPTER 37 FIRE PROTECTION AND EMERGENCY LIGHTING SYSTEMS

CHAPTER 38 HEAT-PRODUCING APPARATUS

CHAPTER 39 SPECIAL HAZARDS

CHAPTER 40 MECHANICAL VENTILATION

CHAPTER 41 AIR CONDITIONING AND REFRIGERATION

CHAPTER 42 SWIMMING POOLS

CHAPTER 43 ELEVATORS AND ESCALATORS

PART X - ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES

CHAPTER 44 ELECTRICAL AND TELEPHONE SERVICES

PART XI – ACCESSIBILITY FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED