The Ontario Building Code | Elevator for Use by Firefighters
3.2.6.5. Elevator for Use by Firefighters
(1) At least one elevator shall be provided for use by firefighters in conformance with Sentences (2) to (6).
(2) The elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall have a useable platform area not less than 2.2 m2and shall be capable of carrying a load of 900 kg to the top floor that it serves from a landing on the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. within 1 min.
(3) Except where Measure K of MMAH Supplementary Standard SB-4, "Measures for Fire Safety in High buildings", is used, each elevator for use by firefighters shall,
(a) be provided with a closure at each shaft opening so that the interlock mechanism remains mechanically engaged and electrical continuity is maintained in the interlock circuits and associated wiring for a period of not less than 1 h when the assembly is subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN/ulc-S104, "Fire Tests of door Assemblies",
(b) be protected with a vestibule containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 45 min, or
(c) be protected with a corridor containing no occupancy and separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating not less than 1 h.
(4) Except as permitted in Sentence (5), an elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be capable of providing transportation from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5. to every floor that is above grade in the building and that is normally served by the elevator system.
(5) If it is necessary to change elevators to reach any floor referred to in Sentence (4), the system shall be designed so that not more than one change of elevator is required when travelling to any floor in the building from the storey containing the entrance for firefighter access referred to in Articles 3.2.5.4. and 3.2.5.5.
(6) Electrical conductors for the operation of the elevator referred to in Sentence (1) shall be,
(a) installed in service spaces conforming to Section 3.6. that do not contain other combustible material, or
(b) protected against exposure to fire from the service entrance of the emergency power supply, or the normal service entrance of the normal power supply, to the equipment served, to ensure operation for a period of 1 h when subjected to the standard fire exposure described in CAN/ULC-S101, "Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials".
In Plain Language
This clause requires exit stairs in high buildings to be pressurized, meaning fans push air into the stairwell to keep smoke from infiltrating, so occupants and firefighters can use the stairs safely during a fire.
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.