Alberta Fire Safety Codes

Topia

I am having trouble finding a full document pertaining to the Alberta Fire Safety Codes. If anyone can find it for me that would be great.

Furthermore, if anyone knows laws well, I have a question regarding. I live in a first-floor apartment, and there is a door exiting the master bedroom to our balcony. When we moved in we were told that we would be able to use the door as a very convenient exit. However at the time the deadbolt was "broken." We later found out the deck (was at one point concrete) has been built up (wood) to block the door closed. We asked them to fix this, and they said they can't its an "insurance issue."

Now, this is a piss-off, but I am wondering how they can do this. I always thought of this door as a fire-exit due to the fact that there is a fire alarm right beside the door. Like 3 inches from the door frame. Is there any rules regarding fire-alarms and fire-exits in high-density residence?

Thanks for all your help!

Corvus

The rules about fire alarms and fire exits are likely set in your provincial building code. Which google is telling me is not available online. :?

However, you could probably ask your local fire department or city hall if the set up in your building is kosher.

If that door is not the only fire exit, then it's probably fine for them to block it off. It may even be that they were required to block it off for whatever reason.

Nesbit

I am not 100% sure but I think you may need the building code. I know that there is a copy of section 9 of the national building code kicking around on the internet somewhere (I know about a dozen people with a copy though I don't have it). The building code has a lot of fire codes in it so you may be able to find your answer there and the national building code and the Alberta building code are almost identical. If your building is under 3 stories tall and has less than a 600 sq meter footprint the building is covered by section 9 so it is a place to start.

Yeah I am pretty sure the door is a breach of code though there is a possibility, depending on the size of your building, that since that since the door is for private use (only a few people use it) you may only technically need one exit from your appartment. Though I doubt it. They may have breached there contract with you though given that you were told you could use the door. That would be a matter for lawers and I really have no idea on the matter.

Nesbit

oh yeah if your building is not part of section 9 then it falls under section 3. If thats the case there is a very good chance that it is illegal. Section 3 fire codes are alot tougher that section 9.

NorthGuard

Unfortunately, the Alberta Fire Code isn't available online. It'd be best to contact your local fire department.

Is your building sprinklered? Are there windows on the ground floor? Those are factors as well... it can vary a lot, but general rule of thumb is two methods of exit from the ground level, including a window, is sufficient for the code.

ihmmy

Fire Code Regulation

Building Code Regulation

A cursory look through them didn't show me anything specific to your situation, but then I haven't had any caffeine yet this morning so my brain may be melty. If you do not find that information in there, this site seems to be a semi decent resource (they have a contact us section, if nothing else)