Did you know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) develops fire safety standards and codes in collaboration with the government of Canada? The NFPA is a nonprofit, international organization devoted to public safety. One of their main focuses is reducing the risk of fire and injury.
Canadian safety standards are constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date on the latest changes is important. Therefore, fire protection engineering consultants are in high demand. This blog post will discuss fundamental changes to Canadian fire codes in 2022.
What Is a Fire Code?
Aessentiale is a set of regulations that must be followed to help prevent fires and protect people and property. Fire prevention codes are constantly evolving. They are based on the latest research and technology. Local fire departments enforce fire codes. They cover a wide range of topics, including:
The National Fire Code of Canada
The National Fire Code of Canada is a set of rules and regulations designed to minimize fire risk and protect people and property from fire damage. The Code covers many topics, from storing flammable liquids to using fire extinguishers. The Code is updated every five years, with the most recent version being released in 2020.
Compliance with the National Fire Code can help ensure high fire safety in communities across Canada. It also establishes minimum standards for fire regulations in buildings, including provisions for sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. Insurance companies also use NFPA codes and NFPA guidelines to help determine premiums.
The Importance of Fire Codes
Building Occupant Safety
Fire codes are essential for various reasons, but occupant safety is one of the most important. In the event of a fire, building occupants must be able to evacuate quickly and safely. Well-designed fire codes can help ensure that occupants have adequate time to evacuate and are not exposed to excessive smoke or heat. In addition, fire codes can help to prevent fires from spreading by requiring certain materials and construction methods in buildings.
Ensures Compliance With Fire Safety Codes
To help ensure compliance with fire codes, the NFPA standards offer a variety of resources, including online courses and training programs. They also certify those who want to become accredited fire code professionals. The NFPA also provides a Fire Code Compliance Assistance Kit, which includes a variety of resources to help businesses comply with fire codes.
Fire suppression systems, for example, are required in many commercial buildings. The kit includes a list of recommended fire suppression systems and a guide to help business owners choose the best method for their needs.
Defend Yourself Against Hefty Penalties & Fines
When it comes to fire safety, there are no two ways about it: following the fire code is non-negotiable. Not only will failure to do so put lives at risk, but it can also result in hefty penalties and fines. After all, the last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for failing to comply with fire codes.
So how can you avoid these costly penalties? By making sure that your property is up to code, of course! For example, this means ensuring that all exit doors are marked and unobstructed, that your electrical systems are up to date, and that you have adequate fire extinguishers on hand.
Defend Yourself Against Hefty Penalties & Fines
When it comes to fire safety, there are no two ways about it: following the fire code is non-negotiable. Not only will failure to do so put lives at risk, but it can also result in hefty penalties and fines. After all, the last thing you want is to be slapped with a fine for failing to comply with fire codes.
So how can you avoid these costly penalties? By making sure that your property is up to code, of course! For example, this means ensuring that all exit doors are marked and unobstructed, that your electrical systems are up to date, and that you have adequate fire extinguishers on hand.
So What Exactly Are the Different Fire Codes in Canada?
Fire codes in Canada are a bit of a hot topic - literally. You see, where you live in our great nation dictates what kind of fire code your home or business must adhere to. The National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA) and the National Building Code (NBC) are important regarding fire safety. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) publishes the National Fire Codes (NFC) adopted by each Canadian province.
This includes the following:
Quebec Edition
Northwest Territories Edition
Northwest Territories Edition
Alberta Edition
British Columbia Edition
Nova Scotia Edition
Ontario Edition
Saskatchewan Edition
Prince Edward Island Edition
NFPA safety standards and codes are the foundation for fire safety in Canada, so it's essential to be familiar with them.
Common Fire Code Sections
Divided into nine sections, the NFPA fire code is a comprehensive document that covers everything from general provisions to specific requirements for various types of occupancies and businesses.
I. General Information.
II. Fire Safety.
III. Fire Safety for Industrial and Commercial Uses.
IV. Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
V. Hazardous Materials, Processes, and Operations.
VI. Fire Protection Equipment.
VII. Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Emergency Systems in High Buildings.
VIII. Demolition.
IX. Retrofit.
Current and Future Changes to Codes Canada 2020
To keep up with the latest advances in fire safety, the NFPA and the Canadian government regularly revise and update the National Fire Codes. The most recent edition was published in 2020, and it includes several changes and additions, including new requirements for installing sprinklers in certain types of occupancies.
Updates to Farm Building Regulations
For the first time in history, extensive farm buildings will also be included in the National Fire Code and the National Building Code. The idea is to improve safety for both farm workers and the general public, as well as to protect property and livestock.
Adaptation to Climate Change
With all the changes happening in the world today, ensuring that our fire codes are adaptable is more important than ever, with severe weather becoming much more common. Therefore, building requirements are changing in some ways: wind resistance, rainwater collection, extra measures to reduce flooding, air barriers, and much more.
Increased Visibility, Accessibility, & Egress Requirements
Everyone from all walks of life needs equal access to fire safety, and these changes help ensure that. To ensure that everyone can safely evacuate a building in an emergency, the National Fire Code has increased its requirements for visibility, accessibility, and egress. Many provinces and territories highly requested this.
Development of High Wood Buildings
Initially, the allowed height of wood buildings was six stories. With changes to how wood is manufactured and used, that number has increased to 12. This not only opens up new possibilities for construction but also helps to create a more sustainable future.
Disallowing the Use of Wired Glass
Wired glass has long been a staple in fire-rated glazing, but it's no longer up to code. It also has little impact resistance and can lead to dues when shattered. Recently some pretty terrible accidents have occurred as a result of wired glass shattering, so the National Fire Code has decided to disallow its use entirely.
U.S. vs. Canada Fire Codes: What’s Different?
National fire code
As any Canadian knows, the United States and Canada are two countries that are very different. However, Canada and the U.S. have very similar fire codes. But there are a few key differences that are worth noting.
Canada has its own set of model building codes separate from American ones. The National Research Council, an organization under the Canadian government rather than a non-profit like U.S. organizations such as ICC or NFFA, develops these fire safety codes and standards in collaboration with industry stakeholders.
In Canada, all electrical work must be completed by a certified electrician, while in the U.S., only work that involves circuitry of 110 volts or more requires certification.
The U.S. has a National Electric Code (NEC), while Canada has the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC). The CEC is based on the NEC but with some crucial distinctions. For example, GFCIs are not required in all dwelling units in Canada as they are in the U.S.
What Is UL and ULC Accreditation?
If you're in the market for a new home or office, you may have come across the terms "UL" and "ULC." But what does this accreditation mean, and why is it important?
UL is short for Underwriters Laboratories, a global independent safety science company. They test products and write standards for product safety. ULC, on the other hand, stands for Uniform Code Council, Inc., a nonprofit organization that develops building safety codes. Products must undergo rigorous testing to meet strict safety standards to receive either accreditation.
So why is this important when it comes to regulatory fire codes? Well, the UL and ULC logos assure that a product meets the highest standards for fire safety. That means that when you buy products with these logos, you can be confident that they will help protect your property in the event of a fire.
Defining CAN/UL S101-14
What exactly is CAN/UL S101-14? In short, it's a set of guidelines for designing and installing sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems are one of the most effective ways to prevent fire spread, and this standard will help to ensure that all new sprinkler systems meet a certain level of quality and performance.
For instance, the standard requires all sprinkler heads to be UL-listed, adequately spaced and positioned to provide adequate coverage. It also includes requirements for water supply, backflow prevention, and system testing.
Conclusion
While it is unclear exactly how the future of Canadian fire safety regulations will play out, one thing is for sure – they will continue to evolve and change to ensure all Canadians' safety. We’ll be keeping a close eye on any changes that occur and will make sure to keep you updated on everything you need to know.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or want more information about Canadian fire codes, our sales reps are here to help in any sector we serve! Contact us at