Member Knowledge Centre
member Knowledge centre
The Knowledge Centre provides CHBA members with access to information and resources. It is a growing resource that is currently focused on updating members about national building code information. Please note that this information is a benefit of your membership, and should not be shared beyond your company/organization.
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This information is provided by CHBA for informational purposes only and cannot be used as an official or authoritative document.
Task Group on Fire Service
Task Group on Fire Service
This group is primarily tasked with soliciting perspective from fire safety professionals for feedback to the higher level task group on Fire and Life Safety (NMCC-FLS). A significant portion of the discussion focused on a proposed survey to be circulated by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), including questions on topics like emergency response tactics, training, and firefighters’ anecdotal experiences with sprinkler reliability. The group agreed to also circulate the survey to the Canadian Council of Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners (CCFMFC). The survey was explicitly focused on firefighter perspectives and operational experience rather than broader stakeholder views or scientific research. Its primary objective is to seek responses within approximately one month, but participants noted the poor timing for the FS sector, especially in the midst of the widespread forest fires happening presently. There was extended discussion about how to maximize uptake of the survey by simplifying its format.
The group briefly discussed proposed archetypes for single-exit stair (SES) buildings, including a maximum height of 18 m to the top occupied floor, a maximum of four suites and 30 occupants per storey, travel distance limits of 25 m within suites and 6 m from suite doors to the exit, NFPA 13 sprinkler protection (not 13R typical for residential), and enlarged stair landings with a minimum depth of 1.5 m. These archetypes will be discussed in greater detail at the higher-level task group on Fire and Life Safety (NMCC-FLS), which will include consideration from other perspectives beyond FS professionals.
Meaningful revisions to Note A‑3 were presented to reflect practical fire service realities, including variations in municipal staffing models and non-prescriptive approaches to water supply. However, changes to this note were deemed outside the group’s mandate and would need referral to NMCC-FLS and eventual public review. The next meeting is scheduled for August 21.
Contact Derek Satnik for more information: derek.satnik@chba.ca