May 2014

Legislative Review for Canada

In their November 2013 issue, Sprinkler Age magazine featured its Annual Legislative Review for the United States and Canada. This summary of legislation and codes offers an overview of regulations affecting the fire sprinkler industry in individual Canadian provinces. The information was obtained from a survey mailed to the fire marshals in all 10 provinces. Listed below are the responses and findings for Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. A dash (-) indicates no response.

PROVINCE

PROVINCE CODE ADOPTION

ADD’L NFPA STANDARDS

NFPA 13 ED. ADOPTED

LOCAL JURISDICTION CAN USE LATEST NPA 13 Ed.

PROV. REQUIRES PE TO DO SPRINKLER DESIGN

Alberta

2006 Alberta Building Code (amended 2005 NBCC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2002

Yes, with AHU approval

Yes

British Columbia

2006 BC Building Code (amended 2005, NBCC), NFCC

1999

Yes

No

Ontario

2006 Ontario Building Code (amended 2005 NBCC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

2007

Yes, with AHU approval

Yes

Quebec

2008 Quebec Construction Code (amended 2005 NBCC)

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

1999

Yes, with AHU approval

Yes

Saskatchewan

2010 NBCC

NFPA 13D, 13R, 14, 20

Yes

NBCC – National Building Code of Canada

Required for those who perform inspection, testing and maintenance of water-based fire protection systems

Seismic protection required on fire sprinkler systems

PROVINCE

NICET LEVEL II

NICET LEVEL III

NO REQ.

YES/NO

Alberta

N

N

No req.

Only in active seismic areas

British Columbia

N

N

Yes

Ontario

N

N

No req.

Only in active seismic areas

Quebec

N

N

Province req.

Only in active seismic areas

Saskatchewan

N

N

No req.

Only in active seismic areas

Risk Logic, Inc. can be of assistance regarding fire protection Codes and Regulations. We can ensure that the above codes, as well as NFPA and FM Global standards, are being followed to avoid a major property loss.