Over the last 80 years, prescriptive height and area limitations have remained relatively unchanged in North American building codes while technological advances and fire service capabilities have improved considerably. Through an examination of historical code development and identification of the risk factors on which codes are based, we can set the stage for a re-examination of public perception with regard to combustible construction.

The risk of involvement of cladding in non-combustible construction has long been an issue culminating in the advent of  Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) in the 1980s and 90s. The development of the CAN ULC S- 134 test method for use in non-combustible construction enabled representation of the typical scale of exterior fires and is generally indicative of the potential hazard arising from cladding in non-combustible construction.

Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid Fixed Extinguishing Systems for property protection, fire and life safety.

The protection of special hazards has long utilised various clean agents that will suppress and control the fire while significantly reducing equipment damage.

Since the phasing out of halon extinguishing systems due to environment and ozone depletion issues, various clean agent with limited ozone depletion potential have been developed.

The Canadian model building code (NBCC) has provision forcompliance using Alternative Solutions that achieve a level of performance required by comparison to Acceptable Solutions. The level of performance is defined by Objectives statements which are specified in terms of minimising the PROBABILITY of risk exposure that the design and construction of the building would pose to occupants (and in some situations properties) in or adjacent to the building in case of emergency.

To create a board,  Magnesium oxide is reacted with either magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate or phosphates forming a cement mixture  that can be cast into thin panels using fiberglass mat reinforcing. These panels are then specially cured to make them useable in residential and commercial building project applications. The result is a strong alternative sheathing material with antimicrobial properties that can  be used over wood and metal structural framing.

The question of what is an acceptable supply for fire protection? depends on the specific criteria for acceptance. In building code terms, this has long been controversial. At one time, virtually all water supply assessments were carried out by insurance groups of one kind or another. In terms of water supply infrastructure, Insurance Service offices in the USA and Fire Underwriters’ Survey (FUS) in Canada laid out criteria for acceptance and grading of water supplies in municipalities and their ability to fight fire through organization and logistical response.

MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM SEMINAR
7:30 AM — 3:30 PM

Learn how to maximize public safety. Be prepared when your organization needs a Mass Notification System.

Responsibility for Mass Notification Systems (MNS) requires understanding of the origin and purpose of MNS, regulations, system complexities, the installation process, and system operation.

This seminar features presentations from three leading providers: Jensen Hughes Consulting Canada, Tyco Integrated Fire and Security, and Eaton.

The education of fire protection engineers in British Columbia, in Canada and internationally is an increasing challenge.

In BC the Masters programme in fire protection engineering at UBC had a major impact internationally but closed in 1997 due to lack of mainstream funding.

The UBC symposium programme managed to deliver leading edge courses including Fire Science and Fire Investigation that contributed to the emergence of leading companies in forensic analysis of fires.

The development of new fire products often aligns with existing test standards. When this occurs it is relatively easy- with the right advice- to qualify the product and obtain a listing on successful completion of the testing process. While it should be relatively easy to align products for successful testing this is often not the case and even routine testing can be unsuccessful due to a variety of factors including temperature on the day of the test.