The Ontario Building Code | Doors and Door Hardware

3.3.1.12. doors and door Hardware

(1) Except as required by Article 3.3.3.4., a door that opens into or is located within a public corridor or other facility that provides access to exit from a suite shall,

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 3.3.1.12.(1) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "and Sentences 3.3.4.11.(11), 3.8.3.3.(1) and (2)" after "Article 3.3.3.4.". (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 37 (1))

(a) provide a clear opening of not less than 800 mm if there is only one door leaf,

(b) in a doorway ="http://thehandyforce.com/doors/" title ="Toronto Door installer">doorway with multiple leaves, have the active leaf providing a clear opening of not less than 800 mm, and

(c) not open onto a step.

(2) A door in an access to exit shall be readily openable in travelling to an exit without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism, except that this requirement does not apply to a door serving a contained use area, or an impeded egress zone, provided the locking devices conform to Sentence (6).

(3) Except as permitted by Sentence (4), door release hardware shall be operable by one hand and the door shall be openable with not more than one releasing operation.

(4) An egress door from an individual dwelling unitor from a suite of residential occupancy is permitted to be provided with additional devices that require a releasing operation additional to the main door release hardware, provided the devices are readily operable from the inside without the use of keys, special devices or specialized knowledge.

Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 3.3.1.12.(4) of Division B of the Regulation is amended by adding "Except in a retirement home" at the beginning. (See: O. Reg. 139/17, s. 37 (2))

(5) door release hardware shall be installed not more than 1 200 mm above the finished floor.

(6) A door in a means of egress serving a contained use area or an impeded egress zone is permitted to be equipped with locking devices that can be released either locally or remotely in conformance with Sentence (7) or (8).

(7) Local locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be operable by a key from both sides of the door.

(8) Controls for the remote release of door locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) shall be located in an area readily available to security personnel.

(9) Locking devices permitted by Sentence (6) that are electrically operated shall be,

(a) designed to operate on emergency power, and

(b) capable of manual release by security personnel.

(10) A door in an access to exit is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentence 3.4.6.16.(4), except that this permission does not apply to a door,

(a) in an elementary or secondary school,

(b) a door leading from a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, or

(c) except as provided in Sentence (11), requiring a latch release device by Article 3.3.2.6.

(11) A door in an access to exit in a gaming premise is permitted to be equipped with an electromagnetic locking device conforming to Sentences 3.4.6.16.(4) and (7).