2024 OBC Elevator Standards: Stretcher Access and Fire Separation Guide
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"In my experience consulting on multi-family projects in London and luxury builds in Muskoka, the 2,010 mm stretcher requirement is one of the most common oversights in the design phase for buildings just crossing the three-storey threshold. At empcontracting.ca Inc., we emphasize early coordination between architectural plans and elevator specifications to avoid the massive structural costs of widening a hoistway after the foundation is poured."
Navigating the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for any major development. When you choose empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, you ensure that every vertical service space meets stringent safety and accessibility regulations.
OBC Section 3.5.3: Fire Separation for Vertical Transportation
Vertical service spaces, including elevator hoistways and dumbwaiters, must be protected by fire separations. The fire-resistance rating (FRR) of these separations is determined by the rating required for the floor assemblies they penetrate.
Table 3.5.3.1. Breakdown
- Floor Assembly < 45 min: Requires a 45 min hoistway FRR.
- Floor Assembly 1 h: Requires a 1 h hoistway FRR.
- Floor Assembly 2 h or more: Requires a 1.5 h hoistway FRR.
Elevator Machine Rooms
Per Article 3.5.3.3., elevator machinery must be housed in rooms separated from the rest of the building by a fire separation equal to or greater than the rating required for the hoistway itself, ensuring critical infrastructure remains operational during an emergency.
OBC Section 3.5.4: Elevator Car Dimensions and Stretcher Access
For buildings exceeding three storeys in height, the OBC mandates specific dimensions to accommodate emergency medical services.
Patient Stretcher Requirements
At least one elevator in the building must be sized to accommodate a patient stretcher measuring 2,010 mm long and 610 mm wide in the prone position. This ensures that paramedics can provide rapid response without equipment interference.
Exemptions for LULA Elevators
Limited-use/limited-application (LULA) elevators, installed according to ASME A17.1 / CSA B44 standards, are generally exempt from the specific stretcher dimension requirements outlined in Sentence (1), provided they meet specific application criteria.
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.