2024 OBC Fire Protection Requirements for Construction Camps | empcontracting.ca Inc.
Sarah's Expert Insight
OBC Compliance Specialist
"At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we find that strict adherence to spatial separation and freeze protection is critical for remote projects in Muskoka and Oakville where fire response times may be longer. Ensuring your site's worker housing meets these 30 and 45-minute fire-resistance ratings is essential for both worker safety and maintaining insurance compliance throughout the build."
Navigating the 2024 Ontario Building Code (OBC) is essential for safe and compliant developments. At empcontracting.ca Inc. your construction contractor in London, Ontario, we specialize in implementing fire safety standards across various project types, including specialized worker housing.
General Fire Protection Standards (OBC 9.10.20)
The OBC mandates specific precautions for all buildings to ensure equipment functionality and emergency preparedness during the construction phase and beyond.
Portable Extinguishers and Freeze Protection
- Portable Extinguishers: Must be installed in all buildings (except individual dwelling units) in strict conformance with the Fire Code.
- Freeze Protection: Fire protection systems located in unheated areas must be protected from freezing to ensure they remain operational during Ontario's harsh winters.
Fire Safety for Construction Camps (OBC 9.10.21)
Construction camps used for housing workers are subject to rigorous fire separation requirements to mitigate risks in temporary or specialized living environments.
Fire Separations and Floor Assemblies
- Sleeping Rooms: Must be separated from each other and the rest of the building by a fire separation with at least a 30-minute fire-resistance rating.
- Storey Separations: Floor assemblies between the first and second storeys require a minimum 30-minute fire-resistance rating.
- Connecting Walkways: Combustible walkways must be separated from buildings by a 45-minute fire-resistance rated separation.
Spatial Separation and Flame-Spread Ratings
To prevent fire spread between structures, camp buildings must maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters. Additionally, wall and ceiling surfaces in corridors must adhere to strict flame-spread ratings—generally not exceeding 25—to ensure safe egress paths for occupants.
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.