Canadian Fire Codes in 2022: What to Know

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.

In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the key changes coming to Canadian fire codes in 2022. Canadian safety standards are constantly evolving, and it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest changes. Therefore, fire protection engineering consultants are in high demand. Keep reading to learn more!

What Is a Fire Code?

A fire code is a set of regulations that must be followed in order to help prevent fires and protect people and property. Fire prevention codes are always evolving. They are based on the latest research and technology. Fire codes are enforced by local fire departments. They cover a wide range of topics, including:

• Fire alarms
• Sprinkler systems
• Emergency exits
• Fire extinguishers

The National Fire Code of Canada

The National Fire Code of Canada is a set of rules and regulations designed to minimize the risk of fire and protect people and property from fire damage. The Code is updated every five years, with the most recent version being released in 2020. The Code covers a wide range of topics, from the storage of flammable liquids to the use of fire extinguishers.

It also establishes minimum standards for fire regulations in buildings, including provisions for sprinkler systems and smoke detectors. Compliance with the National Fire Code can help to ensure a high level of fire safety in communities across Canada. Insurance companies also use NFPA codes and NFPA guidelines to help determine premiums.

The Importance of Fire Codes

Here is why fire codes are so important:

Building Occupant Safety

Fire codes are important for a variety of reasons, but one of the most important is occupant safety. In the event of a fire, building occupants need to be able to evacuate quickly and safely. Well-designed fire codes can help to ensure that occupants have adequate time to evacuate and that they 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

In order to help ensure compliance with fire codes, the NFPA standards offer a variety of resources, including online courses and training programs. They also offer certification for those who want to become certified fire code professionals. The NFPA also offers 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, as well as a guide to help business owners choose the best system 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 an adequate number of 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 an adequate number of 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 both important when it comes to fire safety. The National Research Council Canada (NRC) is responsible for publishing the National Fire Codes (NFC) that each Canadian province has adopted.

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 important 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

In order 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 a number of changes and additions, including new requirements for the installation of sprinklers in certain types of occupancies.

Updates to Farm Building Regulations

For the first time in history, large farm buildings will also be included in the National Fire Code as well as 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 that are happening in the world today, it's more important than ever to make sure that our fire codes are adaptable with severe weather becoming much more common. Therefore, building requirements are changing in some of the following ways: wind resistance, the collection of rainwater, extra measures to reduce flooding, air barriers, and much more.

Increased Visitability, Accessibility, & Egress Requirements

To make sure that everyone can safely evacuate a building in the event of an emergency, the National Fire Code has increased its requirements for visitability, accessibility, and egress. Everyone from all walks of life needs to have equal access to fire safety, and these changes help to ensure that. This was highly requested by many provinces and territories.

Development of High Wood Buildings

Originally, the allowed height of wood buildings was six stories. Now, with changes to the way that 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. 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. It also has very little impact resistance and can lead to some injuries when it is shattered.

U.S. vs. Canada Fire Codes: What’s Different?

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 that are 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 important distinctions. For example, in Canada GFCIs are not required in all dwelling units 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., which is a nonprofit organization that develops building safety codes. To receive either accreditation, products must undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet strict safety standards.

So why is this important when it comes to fire regulatory codes? Well, the UL and ULC logos are your assurance 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 the design and installation of 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 that all sprinkler heads be UL-listed and that they be properly 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 are going to continue to evolve and change in order to ensure the safety of all Canadians. 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 would like more information about anything related to Canadian fire codes, our Calgary fire code consultants are here to help in any sectors we serve! Thanks for reading.