The Ontario Building Code | Construction
3.16.2.2. Construction
(1) Where the height of a shelf and rack storage system, measured from the floor supporting the system to the topmost portion of the shelf, exceeds 18 m,
(a) a fire alarm and detection system conforming to Subsection 3.2.4. shall be installed with,
(i) pull stations located at all exit doors including exit doors serving elevated decks and walkways, and
(ii) smoke detectors located, at the ceiling of all rooms and areas containing the shelf and rack storage system, within exit stair enclosures at the top, and at every third level of elevated deck or walkway, and
(b) the fire alarm and detection system required by Clause (a), shall be designed to notify the fire department upon activation, and
(c) the shelf and rack storage system shall be designed only for the storage of Class I, II and III commodities as defined in nfpa 13, "installation of Sprinkler Systems".
3.16.3. Storage of Group A, B and C Plastics and Rubber Tires
In Plain Language
Where a shelf and rack storage system for these commodity classes exceeds 18 m in height, a fire alarm and detection system with pull stations at all relevant exit doors must be installed, among other additional safeguards.
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.