2024 Ontario Building Code Guide: Door Hardware and Access to Exit Standards
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"Compliance with the 850 mm clear opening and the 13 mm threshold limit is the most frequent hurdle we see in Oakville and London commercial renovations. As empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we emphasize that selecting the right door hardware—installed precisely between 900 mm and 1100 mm—is not just a code requirement but a critical component of universal design and fire safety."
Compliance for Doors and Access to Exit in Ontario
Ensuring your building meets the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for safety and accessibility. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we specialize in navigating these complex requirements for commercial and residential developments.
Section 3.3.1.12: Sliding Doors and Movable Partitions
Specific exceptions exist for Group B, Division 1 occupancies and impeded egress zones. Sliding doors used in access to exit paths in these areas do not always need to swing on a vertical axis. Additionally, movable partitions separating public corridors from business or mercantile occupancies are permitted, provided they do not obstruct the primary means of egress.
Section 3.3.1.13: Door Width and Threshold Requirements
According to the OBC, doors providing access to exit from a suite must meet several physical criteria:
- Clear Opening: Must provide at least 850 mm of clear width.
- Active Leaf: In multi-door configurations, the active leaf must maintain the 850 mm clearance.
- Thresholds: Must not exceed 13 mm in height to prevent tripping hazards and ensure accessibility, except in specific spillage containment or exterior balcony scenarios.
- No Steps: Doors must not open directly onto a step.
Operational Hardware and Locking Devices
For safety, doors in an access to exit must be readily openable without keys or specialized knowledge. Hardware must be operable with one hand and a single motion, located between 900 mm and 1100 mm above the floor. While residential units may have additional security devices, they must remain operable from the inside without keys. In specialized facilities like gaming premises or contained use areas, electromagnetic locks or remote release systems are permitted under strict emergency power and manual override regulations.
Disclaimer: This content is generated from the Ontario Building Code for educational purposes. Always consult with a licensed professional engineer or your local building department before starting any construction project in London, Ontario.