The Ontario Building Code | Dead-End Corridors
9.9.7.3. Dead-End Corridors
(1) A dead-end public corridor is permitted in an occupancy shown in Table 9.9.7.3., where,
(a) the dead-end corridor,
(i) does not exceed the distance of travel measured from the most remote point of the dead-end to a point where it is possible to go in opposite directions to each of two separateexits, and
(ii) is provided with doors equipped with self-closing devices, or
(b) there is a second and separate egress doorway from each room or suite not leading into the dead-end corridor.
Table 9.9.7.3.
Dead-End Public corridors
Forming Part of Sentence 9.9.7.3.(1)
| Item | Column 1 Occupancy | Column 2 Maximum Length of Dead-End Public corridor, m | Column 3 Maximum Occupant Load or Suites Served by Dead-End Public corridor |
| 1. | Group C | 6 | 4 suites |
| 2. | Group D | 6 | 30 |
| 3. | Group E | 9 | 30 |
| 4. | Group F | 9 | 30 |
(2) Dead-endpublic corridors in residential occupancies and business and personal services occupancies shall contain only suite door openings arranged so that not more than two such doors have to be passed to reach the nearest exit.
(3) The area of wired glass in doors required by Sentence (2) shall not exceed 645 cm².
In Plain Language
Dead-end corridors, ones with only one way out, are limited in length as set out in this article, since someone entering a dead end during an emergency has no alternative escape route if that path becomes blocked.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.