ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE SECURITY SYSTEMS BRANCH PROTECTIVE POLICING DIRECTORATE OTTAWA, ONTARIO K1A 0R2

SECURITY GUIDE SSB/SG-26 SECURITY CONNOTATIONS OF THE 1985 NATIONAL BUILDING CODE MARCH 1990

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE

1.

INTRODUCTION ............................ 1

2.

AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION ........... 2

3.

SECURITY CODE ........................... 2

4.

NBC STANDARDS RELEVANT TO SECURITY DESIGN................................... 2

4.1.

Classification by Occupancy ............. 3

4.2.

Provisions Respecting Fire Separations .. 3

4.3.

Fire Exit Hardware and Panic Hardware ... 5

4.4.

Electromagnetic Locking Devices ......... 6

4.5.

Hardware on Non-Pedestrian Doors in Fire Separations (Service Spaces) NBC Section 3.5 ............................

7

4.6.

Central Alarm and Control Facility .....

8

4.7.

Use of Plastics in Non-Combustible Buildings ..............................

8

4.8.

Use of Glass in Fire Separations .......

9

5.

FIRE EXITS .............................

9

5.1.

Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas .................................. 10

5.l.l.

Minimum Number of Exits ................ 10

5.1.2.

Location of Exits ...................... 15

5.1.3.

Cross-Over Floors ...................... 16

6.

PROVISIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS ............ 16

6.1.

Elevator Keys .......................... 16

6.2.

Unobstructed Windows or Access Panels .. 17

Any suggestions for revision or other comments concerning this security guide should be directed to the O i/c Security Systems Branch, RCMP, 1200 Vanier Parkway, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2

1.

INTRODUCTION This security guide has been prepared to examine and explain those aspects of the National Building Code (NBC)which have potential security implications. Every security officer should ensure that planned security measures are compatible with the building code in effect in their particular geographical area. This security guide is based on the 1985 edition of the NBC. Every security officer should have an up-to-date NBC and, where applicable, the code that is appropriate to each building under his or her jurisdiction. The code applicable to a building is that code which was in effect at the time the building was being constructed, except under certain limited applications described in the Subsection 1.2.1. of the NBC. Every Canadian province has its own building code. These provincial codes contain standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the occupants and the public are protected from health hazards, structural deficiencies and fire. The NBC, issued by the Associate Committee on the National Building Code, National Research Council, is not federal legislation; however, it is presented in a form which readily lends itself to enactment in legislation by the appropriate provincial or municipal authority. Some provinces have adopted the entire NBC while others, as well as some municipalities, have modified or deleted existing sections or inserted additional sections.

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2.

AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION Municipal government enactments are not binding on provincial or federal governments, and likewise provincial government enactments are not binding on the federal government. The administration of the NBC is the responsibility of the "authority having jurisdiction", which is a provincial or municipal official appointed for this purpose. For federal government buildings, the local representative of the Fire Commissioner of Canada is the authority, except where the federal government shares a privately-owned building with other tenants. This arrangement could raise questions of jurisdiction and responsibility which are not clear under the law and which may give rise to delicate situations.

3.

SECURITY CODE Although protection of people and property against criminal activity is of increasing concern, the NBC does not address security requirements. There is a growing awareness of the need for a security code in Canada and abroad. Several American states and one Canadian province (British Columbia) have adopted or are in the process of adopting such codes.

4.

NBC STANDARDS RELEVANT TO SECURITY DESIGN Throughout the NBC there are specific statements and clauses which could affect the application and effectiveness of security systems.

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4.1. Classification by Occupancy The NBC classifies buildings into six groups: Group A

-

Assembly Occupancy

Group B Group C

-

Institutional Occupancy Residential Occupancy

Group D Group E

-

Business and Personal Services Occupancy Mercantile Occupancy

Group F

-

Industrial Occupancy

Group A is subdivided into four divisions, Group B into two divisions and Group F into three divisions for a total of 12 major occupancies. Two or more major occupancies within different groups or divisions contained in the same building must be separated by a fire separation. Certain occupancies cannot be located within the same building. See Subsection 3.1.3 of the NBC. 4.2. Provisions Respecting Fire Separations Fire separations are rated according to the number of hours of resistance provided against the spread of fire. Fire separations are required under a number of circumstances between: 1.

major occupancies (Article 3.1.3)

2. 3.

floors (Section 3.2) crawl spaces (Section 3.2) and

4.

cellars (Section 3.2).

Fire separations may also be required in the subdivision of spaces depending on use, size, access, height above grade and whether the building is sprinklered (Subsection 3.1.3.2.).

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A major conflict between the requirements for fire separations and physical security may arise in the case of doors and their operation. A door assembly used in a fire separation is required to be "labelled"; that is, the door, and its lock, hinges, closer and frame must meet the fire protection ratings of the authority having jurisdiction. These ratings are based on tests conducted under the provisions of ULC-S104-1976 "Standard Method for Fire Tests of Door Assemblies". The rating required of the door assembly is dictated by the grade of the fire separation through which it affords passage, as shown in Figure 1.

+)))))))))))))))))))))))))))0))))))))))))))))))))))))))), * Required Fire-Protection *Grade of Fire Separation, Rating of Closures * * hr * hr * /)))))))))))))))))))))))))))3)))))))))))))))))))))))))))1 3/4 * 3/4 * 1 * 3/4 * 1 1/2 * 1 * 2 * 1 1/2 * 3 * 2 * 4 * 3 * .)))))))))))))))))))))))))))2)))))))))))))))))))))))))))-

* * * * * * * * *

FIGURE 1 This fire rating requirement limits the choice of lockset and locking functions. Since each component of the door package must be rated as per CAN4-S104, only those rated locksets may be used. The NBC requires that "every door in a fire separation other than doors to freight elevators and dumb waiters shall be equipped with a self-closing device designed to return the door to the closed position after each use" (3.1.6.8(1)) and "every swing-type door in a fire separation shall be equipped with a positive latching 4

mechanism designed to hold the door in the closed position after each use" (3.1.6.9). Notwithstanding this interpretation, there are a few locking devices which bear a ULC label of approval which are not of the general latch variety. In addition, for doors in fire separations which serve as doors to building service functions only, it is possible to gain a specific case exemption provided their use is limited and closely supervised. The operating mechanisms of latches required in doors protecting fire separations are governed by use, occupancy, and the number of people served. Sentences 3.4.7.12(12) and (13) of the NBC give explicit requirements in this regard: (12) Where a door is equipped with a latching mechanism, a device that will release the latch and allow the door to swing wide open when a force of not more than 90N is applied to the device in the direction of exit travel shall be installed on (a) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group A occupancy having an occupant load of more than 100 persons, (b) every door leading to an exit lobby from an exit stairshaft, and every exterior door leading from an exit stairshaft in buildings having an occupant load of more than 100 persons, and (c) every exit door from a floor area containing a Group F, Division 1 occupancy. 13) Every exit door shall be designed and installed so that when the latch is released the door will open in the direction of exit travel under a force of not more than 90 N, appplied at the knob or other latch releasing device. 4.3. Fire Exit Hardware and Panic Hardware The terms 'Fire Exit Hardware' and 'Panic Exit Hardware' are used synonymously throughout both the lock industry and the 5

security community. Sentences 3.4.7.12 (12) and (13) of the NBC, show that lock functions are often confused with the operating device for the lock. In general, 'Panic Exit Hardware' refers to the use of a full cross-bar type operator used without an approved lockset, for the "safe egress of persons in case of emergency" 1. The same type of operator is available with an approved lockset for use as stipulated in Sentence 3.4.7.12 (12) and is frequently called "Fire Exit Hardware". "Fire Exit Hardware" includes other types of operators as in 3.4.7.12 (14). Sentence 3.4.7.12 (14) does not require "acceptable" locksets for the exits, but specifies that they must be readily opened from the inside without requiring keys, special devices or specialized knowledge of the door opening mechanism. Note that this is subject to the provisions specified in Sentences 3.4.7.12 (12) and 3.1.6.9. Sentence 3.4.7.12 (7) requires that all fire exit doors be out-swinging, necessitating the use of non-removable-pin hinges or special lugs, which will prevent removal of the door when in the locked position. used to protect the latch bolt.

Astragals 2 should also be

4.4. Electromagnetic Locking Devices The NBC Appendix "A" Page 408 suggests; "where there is a need for security additional to that provided by traditional exit hardware, electromagnetic locking devices can be substituted." 1

ULC List of Equipment and Materials, Vol. 1 General, July, 1985, p. 19. 2

for lock

A molding applied to the meeting edges of pairs of doors protection against weather conditions, and to shield the bolt and latch. 6

Further review of this subsection reveals a weakness in the security of a electromagnetic device due to the conditions with which the user must comply, as stated in clause 3.4.7.12 (15) of the NBC. The 15 second delay provided by this locking device is, in most cases, insufficient time for an adversary to be delayed, considering a guard force probably could not respond under normal conditions. This device could provide a psysiological deterrent. In addition, the code further restricts the use of the delay feature by requiring the locking device to release immediately: (i) (ii)

upon activation of a fire alarm signal, in the event of a power failure, and

(iii)

upon actuation of a manually-operated switch accessible only to authorized personnel.

The code requires that the manual pull station (fire alarm signal) be located near every required exit (3.2.4.12). Anyone wishing to exit merely activates the pull near the exit and the delay feature is circumvented. Apart from providing a psychological deterrent, the physical security value of this type of locking device is limited for the dollar value spent. 4.5. Hardware on Non-Pedestrian Doors in Fire Separations (Service Spaces) NBC Section 3.5 In some buildings enclosed pipe chases are constructed as fire separations. Access ports, usually on each floor, allow access to pipe chases for equipment maintenance but could also serve as an entry point for an intruder.

The NBC outlines the types of hardware to be used on doors in fire separations.

Doors for access shafts must be rated to

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maintain the integrity of the fire separation, but a problem occurs when one wishes to lock these doors. Since these access doors are not normally used by pedestrians, the Fire Commissioner of Canada is not overly restrictive about locking them. However, if non-rated hardware (for example, a deadbolt keyed one side) is put on a rated door the rating is destroyed. This problem may be overcome by seeking special dispensation from the authority having jurisdiction to allow the use of deadbolts on access doors to floor areas. If using a keyed-one-side deadbolt (no thumbturn), ensure the cylinder is on the floor side of the access door. 4.6. Central Alarm and Control Facility If your building meets the NBC definition of high buildings (3.2.6.1.), a central fire alarm and control facility will be required (3.2.6.7.(1)). This room is potentially an excellent location for a security console. In addition to the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction, security console rooms should be equipped with: 1. washroom facilities, 2.

a separate equipment room to service the console room,

3. 4.

emergency power, and only one entrance.

If an information counter is required, it should not form part of the security console room. 4.7. Use of Plastics in Non-Combustible Buildings Some government departments require bullet-resistant materials installed to protect employees. Bullet-resistant glass presents no problem as far as the NBC is concerned.

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The finished surface of plastics (acrylic or polycarbonate) must have a flame spread rating. If the use of these materials is contemplated, consultation with the local Security Systems Section is recommended.

4.8. Use of Glass in Fire Separations Sentence 3.1.6.10(1) states that Georgian wired glass and glass block can be used in interior fire separations which have a fire-resistance rating of not more than one hour. Wired glass is not security glazing and is less resistant to breakage than ordinary glass. However, when it is broken, it will stay together, therefore providing the fire resistance required. 5.

FIRE EXITS The NBC strives to delineate pathways (i.e. means of egress) from the occupied space in a building to the outside, and to keep these paths unobstructed. In doing so, a path of entry is also delineated, a path which cannot be obstructed except as permitted by the authority having jurisdiction. The NBC also limits the types of locking devices which may be used on doors along this path. Since most perimeter doors of both buildings and floor areas are fire exits, they must be examined regularly to ensure effective security.

Cross-stairwell barriers, which allow access in one direction only, are generally unacceptable to the authority having jurisdiction because these barriers impede exit by occupants and access by firefighters. Barriers which reduce exit width below a specified minimum or which lack a handrail are also unacceptable. The section of the NBC dealing directly with exit width reads as follows:

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3.4.3.4(1) No fixture, turnstile or construction shall project into or be fixed within the required width of any exit, except as permitted in Sentences (2) to (4). (2)

Exit doors shall be so hung and arranged that when open they shall neither diminish nor obstruct the required width of the exit by more than 50 mm for each full unit of exit width.

(3)

Swinging doors in their swing shall not reduce the effective width of exit stairs or landings to less than 750 mm or reduce the effective width of an exit passageway to less than the minimum required width.

(4)

No handrail or stair stringer shall project more than 100 mm into the required width of an exit.

Sentence (3) of section 3.4.7.5 of the NBC specifies handrails on stairwells as follows: "Handrails shall be constructed so that therewill be no obstruction on or above them which will break a hand hold". If the stairwell has sufficient landing width and depth, it may be acceptable to construct a cross-stairwell barrier as outlined in SSB/SG-13, entitled Cross-Stairwell Barriers. 5.1. Number and Location of Exits from Floor Areas 5.1.1.Minimum Number of Exits The NBC specifies the number of exits required from the floor area (3.4.2.1), distance between exits (3.4.2.2) and travel distance (3.4.2.3) as follows:

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SUBSECTION 3.4.2. NUMBER AND LOCATION OF EXITS FROM FLOOR AREAS 3.4.2.1

(1) Except as provided in Sentences (2) to (4), every floor area as regulated in Sentence 3.4.1.1.(1) shall be served by not fewer than 2 exits. (2) In buildings not exceeding 2 storeys in building height, a floor area may be served by 1 exit provided the floor area and travel distance requirements conform to Table 3.4.2.A. and the total occupant load served by the exit does not exceed 60.

(3)

Except as provided in Sentence (4), where a single exit is permitted in Sentence (2) from a floor area classified as Group C occupancy, the exit shall be an interior doorway not more than 1.5 m above adjacent ground level.

(4)

A floor area containing only dwelling units having access to exit conforming to Sentences 3.3.4.3(1) to (4) need not comply with Sentence (1).

(5)

Except as permitted in Sentence (6), mezzanines shall be provided with exits on the same basis as required for floor areas in this Section.

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Table 3.4.2.A Forming Part of Sentence 3.4.2.1(2) +))))))))))))))))0)))))))))))))))0)))))))))))))))))), * Maximum Floor * Maximum Travel * * Occupancy of * * * * * Area, m² * Distance, m * * Floor Area /))))))))))))))))3)))))))))))))))3))))))))))))))))))1 Group A * 150 * 15 * * * * * * Group B * 75 * 10 * * * * * * Group C * 100 * 15 * * * * * * Group D * 200 * 25 * * * * * * Group/ E * 150 * 15 * * * * * * * * * * Group F, * 150 * 10 * * Division 2 * * * * * * * * Group F, * 200 * 15 * * Division 3 * * * * * * * * .))))))))))))))))2)))))))))))))))2))))))))))))))))))-

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(6)

Mezzanines need not conform to Sentence (5) provided (a) (b) (c)

3.4.2.2

(1)

(2)

they are not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation in Article 3.2.8.1. the area of the mezzanine does not exceed the area limits for rooms and suites in Table 3.3.1.A. and the distance limits in Table 3.3.1.A. are not exceeded when measured from any point on the mezzanine to (i) the egress door from the room in which the mezzanine is located where that room has a single egress door, and (ii) an egress stair leading from the mezzanine where the room in which the mezzanine is located has 2 egress doors provided in conformance with Subsection 3.3.1. Except where a floor area is divided by a fire separation so that it is necessary to pass through it to travel from one exit to another exit, the least distance between 2 required exits from a floor area shall be (a)

one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but need not be more than 9 m for a floor area having a public corridor, or

(b)

one half the maximum diagonal dimension of the floor area, but not less than 9 m for all other floor areas.

The minimum distance between exits referred to in Sentence (1) shall be the shortest distance that smoke would have to travel between the required exits, assuming that the smoke will not penetrate an intervening fire separation.

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3.4.2.3.

(1)

Except as provided in Sentences (2) and (3), for the purposes of this Subsection, travel distance means the distance from any point in the floor area to an exit measured along the path of exit travel.

(2)

Where a room or suite is separated from the remainder of the floor area by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of at least 3/4 h, the travel distance may be measured from an egress door of the room or suite to the nearest exit.

(3)

Where a room or suite is not separated from the remainder of the floor area in conformance with Sentence (2) and is served by a public corridor, the travel distance may be measured from the entrance to that room or suite provided. (a) (b)

(c) (d)

the public corridor has a width of at least 9 m, the ceiling height in the public corridor is not less than 4 m above all floor surfaces, the building is sprinklered, and not more than ½ of the required egress doorways from a room or suite open into the public corridor when the room or suite is required to have more than one egress doorway.

Exits required for fire safety may also be potential access points for intruders and must be considered in a security design. The NBC requires at least two emergency exits per floor area. One exit is permitted for floor areas designed for an occupant load of not more than 60 persons in one or two-storey buildings provided the floor area and travel distance requirements conform to subsection 3.4.2. of the NBC.

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5.1.2.

Location of Exits Article 3.4.2.4. of the NBC states the location of exits: 3.4.2.4.

(1)

Except as provided in Article 3.3.2.4(6), where more than 1 exit is required from a floor area, such exits shall be located so that the travel distance to at least 1 exit as described in Sentence 3.4.2.3 shall be not more than (a) 25 m in any Group F, Division 1 occupancy, (b) 45 m in any sprinklered floor area that contains an occupancy other than Group F, Division 1, (c) 40 m in any Group D occupancy, (d) 60 m in any public corridor where the conditions conform to the requirements in Clauses 3.4.2.3(3)(a) to (d), and (e) 30 m in any other occupancy.

(2)

Except for a Group F, Division 1 occupancy, Sentence (1) need not apply if exits are placed along the perimeter of the floor area and are not more than 60 m apart, measured along the perimeter, provided each main aisle in the floor area leads directly to an exit.

(3)

Where more than 1 exit is required, every exit shall be considered as contributing not more than ½ the required units of exit width.

(4)

Exits shall be located and arranged so that they are clearly visible or their locations are clearly indicated and they are accessible at all times.

(5)

Where an exit stair in any assembly hall or theatre serves more than 1 balcony level, the exit stair shall be separated from the remainder of the building in conformance with Article 3.4.4.1. and the required units of exit width for the exit stair shall conform to the appropriate requirements for stairs serving interconnected floor spaces in Subsection 15

5.1.3.

3.4.3. Cross-Over Floors The stairwell sides of fire exit stairwell doors are generally not locked during working hours, although exceptions are made in response to security requirements. Clause 3.4.7.12(16) (a)(ii) stipulates that, in any building that is more than 6 storeys, the travel distance shall not exceed 2 storeys in either direction to an unlocked door or every fifth floor must be a cross-over floor. In addition, the top or secondto-top floor area must be accessible from the exit stairwell. The exit stairwell doors on every cross-over floor shall not have locking devices on the stairwell side and must allow access out of smoke-filled or otherwise hazardous stairwells. This restriction could create serious security problems as it requires approximately 20 percent of the building floor space to be left unlocked. To comply with this requirement and still maintain adequate building security, security officers must ensure that sensitive operations are not located on cross-over floors. Under clause 3.2.5.1.(6), exit doors fitted with locking devices preventing access to floor areas must have a master key available to all fire fighters, or a wire glass panel 645 cm² in size must be located not more than 300 mm from the door-opening hardware.

6.

PROVISIONS FOR FIREFIGHTERS

6.1. Elevator Keys The NBC requires that elevators be equipped with a key-operated emergency switch to give firefighters complete control of access to any part of the building serviced by the

16

elevator. In some municipalities, fire departments have master-keyed emergency switches in buildings throughout the municipality. Clause 3.2.6.3.(2) requires the elevator control keys to be located in a conspicuous location at each elevator lobby. This requirement could have serious security consequences since the keys are accessible to persons other than the firefighters. 6.2. Unobstructed Windows or Access Panels Under subsection 3.2.5.1(3) "Access panels above the first storey shall be readily openable from both inside and outside, or the opening shall be glazed with plain glass." Although this provides a readily accessible entry for firefighters, these entries are also open to everyone else. This allows an entry point for any would-be intruder, therefore impeding control of access and weakening physical security of the building.

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