National Building Code of Canada: 1953

(1)

(2)

@

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

O F

CANADA

1953

I N D E X

The National Building Code is published by the National

Research Council as an advisory document for use

throughout Canada.

It is advisory only and has no legal

standing until and unless adopted for specific use by a

provincial government or municipal administration. The

Code is essentially a set of minimum regulations respecting

the safety of buildings with reference to public health,

fire protection and structural sufficiency.

It is not and

is not intended to be a text-book of building design, advice

upon which should be sought from professional sources.

The Code relates to buildings and simple structures but

it is not intended for use with specialized civil engineering

structures. Its essential purpose is the promotion of

public safety through the use of desirable building

standards throughout Canada.

Issued

by

the ASSOCIATE COMMITTEE ON THE NATIONAL

BUILDING

CODE

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

O ~ A W A , CANADA

-.---..-.

---..--

Snp. May, 193'1.

rice printed on the front cover of all

1

and Sections of the Code should be

ged to read 25 cents.

NRC

No. 3474

Ripted in Canada - - C - - - - C - T , Prices 25 cents

(3)

(Jatlonal Building Cod. of Canada 09S3). Errata Silp. May, 19S7. I

Inside front cover of all Parts and Sections of the Code. List of

organ-

iza tions to read

:

T h e use of this Code in Canada is commended

by

the

following

Organizations t

Association o f Canudian Fire Marshab

Association of Consulting Engineers of C d a Canudian Associution of Firo Chiefs

Canadian Congress of Labour Canudion Construction Association

Canadian Federation of Mayors and Municipalities Central nfortgage and Housing Corporation

Dominion Fire Prevention Association Engineering lnstitute of Canada

F6d6ration Nationale Catholique des MBtiers d u Biitiment

ct des Matgriaux de Construction Inc. (CTCC)

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

Trades and Labor Congress of C a d

LIST OF PARTS

AND

SECTIONS

OF

THE

NATIONAL

BUILDING

CODE 1953

1.

Administration

2. Climate

3. Use and Occupancy (including Exit, Health, five Load

Fire

Provisions) 4. Design 4.1. General 4.2. Foundations 4.3. Wood 4.4. Unit Masonry 4.5. Plain Concrete 4.6. Reinforced Concrete 4.7. Steel 4.8. Cladding

5.

Materiale

6.

General Services (including Heating, Ventilation, Refrigeration,

Elevators, etc.) 7. Plumbing Services

8. Construction Safety Measures

(4)

@

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA

1953

I N D E X

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

A

Guide to the Use of this Code

.

3 Index

.

5

(5)

A GUIDE TO THE USE OF THIS CODE

This Code is drafted in the form of a By-law so that, with the addition of any necessary changes

to Part 1: Administration it may be adopted for

legal use by any municipality in Canada. T h e arrangement of the Code is intended to facilitate its use and to permit of its future revision without difficulty.

I t is divided into eight Parts, each Part com-

plete in itself, with only a minimum of essential cross references. Each Part first deals with general

topics and then proceeds t o details.

Administration

I n this, the first Part, are to be found those regulations that pertain t o the efficient and effec- tive application of the Code. Its scope is defined and the powers, duties, and responsibilities of those concerned are set forth. Those definitions. or interpretations of terms, affecting every pa& of the Code, are given here.

Climate

This Part of the Code contains all those climatic factors, or loads, that affect the design of buildings. Maps are used to show anticipated rainfall, snow

Q

loads, wind speeds, and design temperatures. By

interpolation, climatic data peculiar to any municipality can be determined; a table is provided for listing this information.

Use and Occupancy

Here are assembled all those requirements and loads to which a building is necessarily subjected by reason of its occupancy or function. O n the basis of the intended use, a classification of buildings is first presented. T h e loads characteristic of these occupancies are then tabled, as are the limitations placed on the heights and areas of buildings. T o ensure that risks due to fire and health hazards are kept within tolerable limits, minimum standards for interior finishes, ventilation, plumbing, exits and other similar matters are set forth. Be- cause of differences of occupancy or function, it is necessary t o specify such minimum requirements

as size of rooms, indoor temperatures, and sound

transmission. T h e special requirements that affect the design of a proposed building which result from the intended use will all be found in this Part.

Design

Having now determined the requirements of a building with regard to space and loadings, it is necessary to design the structure to contain and

8

support these. T h e first section of this Part,

General Requirements, is intended to ensure that

those loads -already found applicable are applied in a proper manner taking into account the size and shape of the structure and that the construction of-parts is such that essential requirements are met. Also included with these general requirements are those requirements f o r fire resistance which apply to any structure regardless of the material used.

Subsequent sections under Design deal with

the specific problem of designing ;he parts of a building, as now qualified.

Materials

T h e quality of materials chosen for the various parts of a building is largely governed by this Part. Specifications controlling the composition and testing of these materials are listed without any legal implications as t o their end use, with the exception of minimum lumber grades, such applications being already covered under the technical

sections in Design. Provision is made for the use of

new, alternate, and used materials.

General Services

T h e services which a building is required t o contain will be dictated by its intended use. Here, in this Part, are the regulations for designing these

services to function efficiently without creating, in

themselves, another hazard. For example, a heating system must be so built and installed that it does

not become a serious fire hazard while serving its

purpose. Similarly, restrictions must be imposed on electrical installations, incinerators, elevators, and other services.

Plumbing

Although plumbing is a service and could be classified under that general heading, the promin- ence and extent of its regulations warrant separate treatment. Fixtures essential for personal services are first dealt with and sizes and qualities are presented. T h e pipes and fittings necessary to these fixtures are then taken into account, that is, soil and waste pipes, traps, vents, and connectors. Subsequent sections are devoted t o private water supply and waste disposal systems.

Construction Safety Measures

This Part of the Code deals with provisions necessary to ensure the safety of the worker and the public during the construction of buildings. Requirements for temporary services, the handling of materials, demolition, the use of equipment, and good housekeeping are stressed.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA, 1953

(6)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE 1953 INDEX

Access

. . . to adjoining property

to roofs, attic, crawl. and duct spaces

. . .

...

Access panels for fire fighting

. . .

Acoustical insulation. where required Administrative official

...

duties of

powers of

...

Aggregates. specifications for . . . Air conditioning (see also Ventilation. Heating.

and Cooling)

minimum outdoor air requirements

...

Alteration . . . definition of

. . .

of buildings Alternate materials . . . . . . Aluminum. specifications for

Area of buildings

. . . limitations

open-ainparking garages . . . Area of rooms . . . Asbestos cement. specifications for

...

Attic spaces

separation of . . . ventilation of . . .

Backfilling . . . Bags, stacking of . . . Balustrades of unit masonry . . . Barricades. requirements for . . . Basements drainage of

...

waterproofing of

...

Rearing values . . . effect of water on

for soil and rock

...

. . . interpretation of tests

Bituminous materials, specifications for

...

Blasting. permits required for

...

Beatswain's chair

. . .

. . . Borings for soil tests

. . .

Brass. specifications for

Brick

sand.lime. specifications for

...

specifications for

. . .

specifications for concrete

. . .

Bricklayers' square scaffolds . . . Building paper. specifications for . . . Building. definition of . . . Buildings. separation of

...

By.law. building. deviation from . . .

PART PAGE (3) (19) (20) (15) (3) (3) (4) (14) (5) (3 (3) (4) (8) (19) (17) (5) (12) (12)

...

Caissons, excavation for

...

Car for passenger elevators

...

Carpenters' bracket scaffolds

...

Cast stone. specifications for

...

Ceiling. fire resistance of

Cellars. waterproofing and drainage of

...

Cement. specifications for

...

Chimneys alternate

...

requirements for

. . .

tests required

...

Cladding definition of

...

. . . Clay. specifications for

...

Cleanouts in cleaning systems

Climatic data. table for listing

. . .

Closures (see also Separation)

...

of openings

requirements for

...

....

Cold riveted construction. specifications for

. . .

Combined loads

Combustible

construction requirements

. . .

...

doors and windows

...

exits

...

finish PART PAGE

...

types of construction 4.1 ( 6 )

Combustible dusts. definition of

...

3 (3) Combustible fibres and sheets. definition of

. . . .

3 (3) Concrete

...

details of construction 4.5 (15)

...

protective treatments for 4.5 (11)

...

tests 4.5 (8)

...

Concrete masonry units. specifications for 5 (10) Concrete. plain. (see Plain concrete)

Concrete. ready mix. specifications for

...

5 (9) Concrete. reinforced. (see Reinforced concrete)

...

Condensation control 4.1 (11) 4.8 (3)

...

Connections in plumbing systems 7 (11) Construction equipment derricks

...

8 (6) maintenance of

...

8 (5) operation of

...

8 (5) 8 (6) power.driven

...

8 ( 6 ) wood-working tools

...

8 (6) Construction hazards. prevention of

...

8 (2)

...

Construction loads 4.1 (3)

Construction separation. requirements for

. . .

3 (8) Cooling. equipment for

...

6 (4)

...

Cooling systems 6 (31)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE O F CANADA. 1953

(7)

INDEX

PART PAGE

...

Copper. specifications for 5 (10)

...

Cork. specifications for 5 (10)

...

Courts 3 (15)

. . .

Covered ways. requirements for 8 ( 2 )

...

Crane loads 4.1 ( 5 ) Crawl spaces

...

access to 3 (19)

...

height of 3 (17)

...

separation of 3 (12)

...

ventilation of 3 (12) . . . Damp-proofing of foundations 4.8 ( 4 ) Danger lightsrequired . . . 8 ( 2 )

posting of danger signs . . . 8 ( 3 )

signs required . . . 8 ( 2 ) Dangerous conditions . . . notice of 1 ( 3 ) . . . correction of 1 ( 3 ) . . . Dead loads 4.1 ( 3 ) . . . Decay hazard 4.3 (11) Definitions alteration . . . 1 ( 5 ) building . . . 1 ( 5 )

...

cladding 4.8 ( 3 ) . . . combustible dusts 3 (3) . . .

combustible fibres and sheets 3 ( 3 ) . . . dwelling unit 1 ( 5 ) . . . fire load 3 (3 flammable . . . 3 ( 3 ) floor area . . . 3 ( 3 ) . . . hazardous substance 3 ( 3 ) . . .

high occupant load 3 ( 3 )

infirm persons . . . 3 ( 3 ) . . . means of egress 1 ( 5 ) . . . occupancy 1 ( 5 ) partition

. . .

1 ( 5 )

...

permit 1 ( 5 ) . . .

liquefied petroleum gas 3 ( 3 )

pyroxylin plastic . . . 3 ( 3 ) . . . separation 1 ( 5 )

...

shaft 1 ( 6 )

...

storey 1 ( 6 )

...

wall, fire 1 ( 6 )

...

Degree days, mean annual total 2 ( 6 )

...

Demolition 8 (13-16)

...

application of By-law to wrecking 1 ( 3 )

...

mechanical method 8 (15) . . . precautions during 8 (14) . . . preparation prior to 8 (13) . . . requirements after 8 (15)

. . .

sequence of operation 8 (14) . . . Derricks, operation of 8 ( 6 )

. . .

Doorways 3 (20) . . . Drawings required 1 ( 4 ) 4.3 ( 3 ) 4.7 ( 3 ) 6 ( 4 ) 6.6 (35) PART PAGE

Drinking water. temporary service

...

8 (4) Duct spaces

...

access to 3 (19) . . . separation of 3 (12) Dwelling units definition of

. . .

1 ( 5 )

...

separation of 3 (11)

Dwellings. one- and twvo.family. classification of

.

3 ( 4 )

Earthquake probability

...

2

Earthquake load. calculation of

...

4.1

Egress (see Means of egress)

...

Electrical equipment 6

Electrical wiring. temporary requirements

. . .

8

Electricity. permit required for

...

1

. . .

Elevators 8

for hoisting materials . . . 8

...

installation of 6

Elevator shafts. fire protection

. . .

4.1

Enclosed straight slide escapes

. . .

3

...

Escalators 3

...

installation of 6 Excavations

...

access for 4.2

...

backfilling 4.2

...

dewatering of 8 ... means of egress 8 . . . precautions required 8 . . . preparation for 8

...

protection of 4.2 ... protection of adjoining property 8

. . .

stability of banks 8

. . .

use of explosives 8

... Exhaust systems. requirements for 3

Exits (see also Means of egress)

. . .

separation of 3

. . . use of combustible materials 4.1

Explosion

. . . hazard in basements 3

. . .

venting for 3

Explosives. use in excavations

...

8

. . .

Exterior finish 4.8 Exterior passageways

...

3

...

Exterior ramps 3

...

Fasteners. specifications for 5 (10)

Fencing. requirements for

...

8 ( 2 )

Fibreboard . . . insulating. application of 4.8 (21)

. . .

specifications for 5 (15)

. . .

Filled ground. foundations on 4.2 ( 3 )

Finish

. . .

combustible. permitted uses 4.1 ( 7 )

exterior (see Exterior finish) interior (see Interior finish)

Fire dampers. automatic

. . .

6 ( 5 )

. . .

Fire escapes 3 (20)

. . .

requirements for 3 (26)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA. 1953

(8)

INDEX

PART PAGE

Fire extinguishing equipment . . . 6 (35) Firefighting equipment, temporary requirements 8.4.1 (c) Fire load definition of . . . 3 (3 explanation of . . . 3 (30) of different occupancies . . . 3 (5) Fire resistance . . .

minimum thickness of concrete walls for 4.6 (24) of roofs . . . 4.1 (8) Fire-resistive construction . . . requirements for 4.1 (7) types of . . . 4.1 (6) Fire-resistive ratings . . . 4.1 (9) Fire separation (see Separations)

Fire stopping (see Separations)

. . .

Fire stops in stud walls 4.3 (32)

. . .

Fire tests of materials and constructio~l 4.1 (10) Fire walls (see also Walls, fire)

definition of . . . 1 (6) requirements for . . . 4.1 (10) Fireplaces, requirements for . . . 6 (13) First aid . . . 8 (16) Flame spread (see Interior finish)

Flammable, definition of . . . 3 (3) Floor area, definition of . . . 3 (3 Flooring, temporary . . . 8 (12) Flues, requirements for . . . 6 (24) Footings . . . 4.2 (5) reinforced concrete . . . 4.6 (25) Formed steel construction . . . 4.7 (16) Forms for concrete . . . 4.5 (14) Foundation walls . . . 4.2 (8) concrete . . . 4.6 (24) Foundations damp-proofing of . . . 4.8 (4) differential movement of . . . 4.2 (3) eccentric loads on . . . 4.2 (3) effect of frost action . . . 4.2 (3) on filled ground . . . 4.2 (3) on frozen soil . . . 4.2 (3) on organic material . . . 4.2 (3) on permafrost . . . 4.2 (4) pile . . . 4.2 (5) placing during freezing weather . . . 4.2 (3) settlement of . . . 4.2 (5) slab . . . 4.2 (5) soil tests . . . 4.2 (4) special . . . 4.2 (8) waterproofing of . . . 4.8 (4) Frost action on foundations . . . 4.2 (3)

. . .

Furnaces, temporary use of 8 (4)

Garage. attached. separation of . . . 3 (18)

. . .

Garage. public. disposal of waste 7 (14) Garages. open.air. parking . . . 3 (19) Glass specification for . . . 5 (10) veneer . . . 4.4 (9) Glass block masonry construction . . . specifications for . . .

Glued laminated timber. design of . . . . . . Gluing, for wood

Grades of lumber . . . . . . permits required Grandstands. seating . . . . . . Guardrails . . .

Guide rails for hoistways Gypsum

. . .

concrete

plastering . . . . . .

products, specifications for

roof decks . . . . . . specifications for . . . unit masonry wallboard, application of . . . PART PAGE Hazardous occupancies exits . . . 3 (20) special requirements . . . 3 (18) Hazardous substance, definition of . . . 3 ₍₃₎

. . .

Heat, temporary 8 (4)

Heating. equipment for . . . 6 (4) Heavy timber construction. requirements for ... 4.1 (8) Height of crawl spaces . . . 3 (17) of rooms . . . 3 (17) Height of buildings . . . limitations 3 (8)

open-air parking garages . . . 3 (19) High occupant load

definition of . . . 3 (3) exit restrictions . . . 3 (20-24) interior finish restrictions . . . 3 (15)

. . .

posting notice of 3 ₍₇₎

. . .

restrictions 3 (18)

seating requirements for . . . 3 (24) High tensile bolts

assembly with . . . 4.7 (18) use of . . . 4.7 (8)

. . .

Highways, permit required for 1 (4)

. . .

Hoist cars, construction of 8 (8) Hoisting towers interior . . . 8 (7) . . . exterior 8 Hoists (7) operators for . . . 8 (7) platforms for . . . 8 (7) power equipment for . . . 8 (7) Horizontal exits . . . 3 (20)

. . .

Horse scaffolds 8 (9)

Iinpact loads . . . 4.1 (3) Incinerators. requirements for . . . 6 (31)

(9)

INDEX

PART PAGE

Infirm persons

definition of . . . 3 ( 3 )

exit restrictions for

...

3(20.22. 23)

protection of

...

3 (15. 18)

Inspection of piles

...

4.2 ( 7 )

Interceptors in plumbing systems

...

7 (13)

Interior finish

...

4.8 ( 3 ) 3 (15)

. . .

Interior passageways 3 (20. 24) Interior ramps . . . 2 (20. 22)

. . .

Interior stairways 3 (20. 22) . . .

Iron. specifications for 5 (14)

Jacks

loads on . . . 8 (5

. . .

safety devices 8 ( 5 )

Joints in plumbing systems . . . 7 (1 1)

Joist, allowable clear span . . . 4.3 (36)

Ladder jack scaffolds . . . 8 (10)

Ladders . . . 8 (1 1-12)

Lighting

artificial . . . 3 (15)

of exits . . . 3 (25)

temporary requirements . . . 8 ( 4 )

Lights to warn of danger . . . 8 ( 2 )

Lime, specifications for . . . 5 (10)

Lintels, fire protection . . . 4.1 ( 7 )

Live load calculation of . . . 4.1 ( 2 ) concentrated . . . 3 ( 6 ) indication of . . . 3 ( 7 ) moving . . . 3 ( 6 ) of different occupancies . . . 3 ( 5 ) on railings . . . 3 ( 7 ) reduction of . . . 3 ( 6 )

Load, fire (see Fire load) Lumber

general use of . . . 8 ( 2 )

grades of . . . 5 (15, 16)

stackingof . . . 8 ( 3 )

Marble veneer . . . 4.4

Masonry (see also Unit masonry)

protection of . . . 4.4

units, stackingof . . . 8 . . .

wood members supported on 4.3

Materials . . . 5

alternate . . . 5

. . . for use in plumbing systems 7

handling of . . . 8 new . . . 4.1 5 specifications for . . . 5 storage of . . . 5 8 tests for . . . 5 used . . . 5 PART PAGE Meails of egress definition of

. . .

1 _{( 5 )}

exits from hazardous buildings

...

3 (19)

exits from parking garages

...

3 (19)

requirements for

. . .

3 (20-27)

Metal roofing

...

4.8 (27)

Metal siding

...

4.8 (27)

Methods of construction, new

...

4.1 ( 2 )

Mineral wool, specifications for

...

5 (1 1)

...

Mortar for unit masonry 4.4 ( 3 )

Motion picture machine booths

. . .

3 (18)

...

Moving. of buildings 1 ( 3 )

Muskeg

...

4.2 ( 3 )

Nails. specifications for

. . .

5 (10)

...

Needle beam scaffolds 8 _{( 9 )}

New materials

...

4.1 ( 2 ) 5 ( 3 )

...

New methods of construction 4.1 ( 2 )

Non-combustible types of co'nstruction . . . 4.1 ( 6 )

Non-conventional wood construction

...

4.3 (28)

Occupancy change of . . . 1 _{( 3 )} definition of . . . 1 ( 5 ) permits required . . . 1 _{( 4 )} Occupancies classification of . . . 3 _{( 4 )} hazardous

. . .

3 (18, 20) major. separation of

. . .

3 (11)

. . .

Occupant load of different occupancies 3 ( 7 )

One-family dwelling. smokepipes in

. . .

6 (25)

One- and two-family dwellings

access to attic. ducts. etc . . . 3 (19)

air intakes for . . . 6 _{( 6 )}

ducts in . . . 6 (27)

fansin . . . 6 ( 7 )

fireplaces for . . . 6 (14)

fire-resistive requirements . . . 3 (18)

fuel storage bins for . . . 6 (14)

interior grilles for . . . 6 ( 6 )

means of egress from . . . 3 (27)

Open-web steel joists

. . .

4.7 (12)

construction

. . .

4.7 (15)

Organic material. foundations on . . . 4.2 ( 3 )

Outrigger scaffolds

. . .

8

Owner

( 9 )

duties of

. . .

1 _{( 4 )}

responsibilities of . . . 1 _{( 4 )}

Paint. specifications for

. . .

5 (12)

Papers. building. specifications for

. . .

5 (11)

Papers. vapour barrier. specifications for . . . 5 (12)

Partitions

definition of . . . 1 ( 5 )

solid plaster . . . 4.8 (7).

use of combustible

. . .

4.1 ( 7 ) NATIONAL BUILDING CODE O F CANADA. 1953

(10)

INDEX

PART PAGE PART PAGE

Passageways

...

Penalties

. . .

Permafrost foundations on

. . .

limit of . . . Permits building. issuing of

...

building. revoking of

...

definition of

...

for demolition

...

for plumbing occupancy

...

posting of

...

required by builder

...

Petroleum gases. liquefied. definition of

...

Piers excavation for

...

Piles

...

loading tests

...

Pile-driving equipment for

...

precautions

. . .

records of

...

Pipe. plumbing

...

ferrous non-ferrous

...

non-metallic

...

tables of data Pits. test

...

@

plain concrete

...

Plank wall construction

...

Plastering

...

Plastic caulking compound. specifications for

...

Plastic. pyroxylin. definition of

...

Plumbing

facilities. required

...

fixtures

...

general requirements

...

permit required for

...

Plywood

...

application as cladding design using

...

specifications for

...

Pole-type scaffolds

...

Power-driven equipment

...

Precipitation. mean annual total

...

Private sewage disposal systems Public property

...

damage to

...

use of for construction

...

Putty. specifications for

Ranges. requirements for

...

6 (1 1)

Refractories. specifications for

...

5 (9)

Regrading of timber

...

4.3 (10)

Reinforced concrete

...

4.6 (3-28)

allowable unit stresses for

. . .

4.6 (4)

design of

...

4.6 (3)

Reinforcing steel

specifications for

...

5 (14)

...

stacking of 8 (3)

Residential construction. safety measures

. . . required 8 (2) Retaining walls

...

4.2 (8)

...

Roof coverings 4.8 (3-4) application of

...

4.8 (22-27) Roofs access t o

...

3 (19)

...

fire resistance of 4.1 (8) Rooms area of

...

3 (17) dividing of

...

3 (12) height of

...

3 (17) separation of

...

3 (12)

...

Safety factor. for hoist platforms 8

Salamanders. use of

...

8

...

Sand lime brick. specifications for 5

Sanitation. temporary requirements

...

8

Scaffolds

...

8

...

bricklayers' square type 8

...

carpenters' bracket type 8

...

horse type 8

...

inspection of 8

...

ladder jack type 8

...

needle beam type 8

...

outrigger type 8 pole type

...

8

...

suspended type 8

...

Seating. roofs above 4.1

...

Seats. removable. requirements for 3

...

Separate vent ducts. installation of 6

Separation

...

definition of 1

...

explanation of 3

...

of attached garages 3

...

of attic. crawl. and duct spaces 3

...

of buildings 3 of dwelling units

. . .

3

...

of exits 3 of major occupancies

...

3

...

of rooms 3 requirements for

...

3 (8)

...

Septic tanks 7 (34)

...

Rafters. allowable clear spans for 4.3 (36) Services

Rain. storm sewers for

...

7 (18) general

...

6 (3-36)

Rainfall. fifteen.minute

...

2 (13) temporary. requirements for . . . 8 (4)

...

Rain load. calculation of 4.1 (2) Sewage disposal

...

Ramps fields used for 7 (35)

...

exterior and interior

...

3 (20) private systems 7 (33)

...

temporary 8 (13) Sewers. permits required 1 (4)

(11)

INDEX PART Shafts . . . definition of 1 . . . for open-air parking garages 3

. . .

requirements for 3

. . .

Shale. specifications for 5

Sheathing

. . . plank wall construction 4.3

. . . wood-frame construction 4.3 Signs . . . permits required 1 . . . to warn of danger 8 . . .

Smokepipes. requirements for 6

. . . Smokestacks. requirements for 6

Snow load . . . calculation of 4.1 PAGE ( 6 ) (19) (10) ( 9 ) (36) (34) (4) ( 2 ) (25) (23) ( 2 )

. . .

computed maximum 2 (19) Soil . . .

alkali. use of concrete in 4.5 (12)

. . .

bearing values 4.2 ( 4 )

. . .

loading tests 4.2 (9)

. . .

tests. borings for 4.2 ( 4 )

. . .

Soil pipe 7 (10)

. . .

Solder. specifications for 5 ( 9 )

. . .

Space heaters. requirements for 6 (1 1 )

. . .

Space separation. requirements for 3 (10)

Specifications . . . for materials 5 ( 3 ) . . . required 1 ( 4 ) . . . Sprinkler systems 6 (36) . . . Stack vents 7 (15) . . . Stadia, seating 3 (24) . . . Stages 3 (18) Stairs

. . .

interior 3 (20. 22)

...

permanent 8 (12) required

. . .

8

. . .

temporary 8

. . .

Stairways. metal. fire protection of 4.1

. . . Standpipes. temporary service 8

. . . Steam supply. temporary 8

Steel

. . .

cold riveted construction 4.7

. . .

specifications for 5 . . . unidentified 4.7 . . . unit stresses 4.7

. . .

Steel construction 4.7

...

formed 4.7 . . . Steel joist construction. open-web 4.7

...

Steel joist. open-web 4.7

Steel. structural (see Structural steel)

. . . Steel studs for solid plaster partitions 4.8

. . .

Steel trusses. camber of 4.7

. . .

Stone. cast. specifications for 5

. . . Stone. natural. tests for 5

Storageofmaterials . . . 5 8 for concrete . . . 4.5

...

Storey. definition of 1 Storm sewers . . . 7

Stoves. requirements for

...

6

...

Street line. construction adjacent to 8

PART

...

Street occupancy. permit required for 1

. . . Streets. use of for construction 8

Structural steel for buildings

...

4.7 shop painting

...

4.7 thickness of material . . . 4.7 . . . Stucco. application of 4.8 Suspended scaffolds

...

8 PAGE (4) ( 2 ) (2-15) (14) ( 6 ) (26) ( 9 ) . . .

Tarpaulins for use on construction Temperature

. . . mean January daily minimum

. . . mean July daily maximum

minimum indoor

. . .

winter design

. . . Temporary services. requirements for

Tests alternate chimneys . . . . . . concrete . . . concrete. compression concrete. consistency . . . fire (see Fire tests)

formed steel construction . . . . . . foundation soil

. . . materials

... organic impurities in concrete

. . . pile loading

. . .

plumbing systems

...

quality of mortar

...

required by administrative official

...

required. elevators and escalators

...

soil loading

...

Theatres. seating Tile

...

specifications for veneer

...

Timber

. . .

allowable stresses. compression

. . . allowable stresses. tension

. . . allowable unit stresses

connectors . . . . . . decay hazard . . . engineering design . . . fasteners. requirements for

. . . modification of stresses . . . regrading of ... sawn Toeboards . . . ... Toilet rooms. ventilation of

. . .

Toilets. temporary service

. . .

Traps in plumbing systems

...

Trucks. use of

...

Trusses. steel. camber of

. . .

Tunnels. excavations for Types of construction

classification of

...

fire-resis tive

. . .

heavy timber

...

. . .

minimum requirements for

...

mixed

...

requirements for

(12)

INDEX PART Unidentifiedsteel

...

4.7 Unit masonry

...

4.4 design of

...

4.4

...

permissible stresses in 4.4

. . .

use of wood in 4.4 veneer

. . .

4.4

Unprotected metal, use of

...

4.1

Unprotected non-combustible construction,

requirementsfor . . . 4.1 Used materials . . . 5 PAGE (3) (3-1 1) (3-9) (3) (7) (9) (7) (8) (3)

...

Vapour barrier 4.1 (1 1) 4.8 (3) . . .

paper. specifications for 5 (12)

Veneer of tile. glass. and marble.. ... 4.4 (9)

Veneered walls of unit masonry . . . 4.4 (9)

Vent connector pipes. requirements for . . . 6 (26)

Vent ducts. separate. installation of . . . 6 (6)

Ventilation

...

equipmentior 6 (4)

...

exhaust systems, requirements for 3 (14)

. . .

for explosive substances 3 (14)

...

mechanical 3 (12)

...

natural 3 (12)

...

of attic spaces 3 (12) of crawl spaces

...

3 (12) of toilet rooms

...

3 (12)

Venting of plumbing systems

. . .

7 (14-17)

Ventstacks, requirements for

...

6 (24)

Vibration loads

...

4.1 (3)

Wall coverings. exterior

above grade

...

4.8 (4) application of

...

4.8 (23-25) below grade

...

4.8 (4) Walls PART PAGE

...

Waste materials. removal of 8 (3)

Waste pipe

...

7 (10)

Wastes. indirect. disposal of

...

7 (17)

...

Water distribution. requirements for 7 (19)

...

Watermains. permit required 1 (4)

Waterproofing

of concrete

. . .

4.5 (11)

. . .

of foundations 4.8 (4)

Water supply. requirements for

...

7 (19)

. . . Welding 8 (6)

. . .

bVheelbarrows. use of 8 (5) Wind

. . .

computed maximum gust speed 2 (20)

...

direction frequencies 2 (23)

...

Wind load. calculation of 4.1 (2)

. . .

Windowless buildings. access for fire fighting 3 (20)

Windows. required

. . .

3 (15)

...

Winter design temperature 2 (2)

Wiring . . . 6 (33)

Wood

construction ... 4.3 (3)

gluingof

. . .

4.3 (4)

. . .

in contact with masonry or concrete 4.3 (3)

preservative-treated . . . 4.3 (4) sawn . . . 4.3 (10)

...

specifications for 5 (15)

use in unit masonry

...

4.4 (7)

...

Wood preservatives. specifications for 5 (1 2)

Wood products. specifications for

...

5 (15)

...

Wood-working tools. power-operated 8 (6)

Wood-frame construction

...

4.3 (28-35)

Workmanship

unitmasonry

. . .

4.4 (11)

structural steel

...

4.7 (13)

concrete. thickness of

...

4.6 (24) Wrecking of buildings

...

1 (3)

fire (see Fire wall)

foundation

...

4.2 (8)

foundation. of concrete

...

4.6 (24) yard lumber. unit stresses of . . . a . S . . . . 4.3 (4)

...

masonry. height of 4.4 (7)

...

masonry. thickness of

...

4.4 (7) Yards 3 (15)

parapet

...

4.4 (9)

...

retaining 4.2 (8)

...

wood frame

...

4.3 (29) Zoning. permits required

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE O F CANADA. 1953

(13)

Associate Committee on the National Building Code (1949-1954) R. F. Legget (Chairman) 0. Beaulk A. E. Berry C. A. E. Fowler J. H. Jenkins R. G. Johnson N. D. Lambert E. Larose W. R. McCdrey T. A. McElhanney G. S. Mooney J. A. Russell B. P. Scull P. S. Secord C. A. Thomson R. S. Ferguson (Secretary) Copyright © NRC 1941 - 2019 World Rights Reserved © CNRC 1941-2019 Droits réservés pour tous pays

(14)

HOW THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE IS PRODUCED

This advisory document is a revision of the original National Building

Code issued in 1941 jointly by the National Research Council and the

Department of Finance. The Associate Committee on the National Building

Code of the Council is now responsible for the preparation of all parts of

the Code and their regular revision. The Associate Committee consists of

a group of about twenty Canadian citizens appointed for t h r e y e a r t e r m

by the Council. They sit as individuals and not as representatives of any

organization. The major task of the Committee is to promote the uni-

formity of building regulations throughout Canada. Continued study and

improvement to maintain the National Building Code as a satisfactory document containing regulations which can be conveniently adopted for local use will always be an important part of the Committee's work.

The Associate Committee is generally representative of all major

phases of building in Canada. Its direct responsibility for the preparation

and publication of the Code ensures the independence of this document. The staff of the Council are responsible only for the necessary technical and secretarial work, all of which is done to the direction of the Associate

Committee. This work is done within the Division of Building Research, to

which are referred the many research problems that the use and revision of the Code are continually revealing. In this way, the most up-to-date information is made available for the use of the Committee.

The actual work of preparing new parts of the Code and of revising existing parts is delegated by the Associate Committee to speeial technical committees. Engineers, architects, building officials, and other technical

experts sit upon these committees in order that the resulting documents

may represent contemporary practice in Canada, interpreted as necessary

to frame the minimum regulations of which the Code consists. Theee

committees always issue drafts of the new documents which they prepare. These are sent for comment to those who express interest in them.

Comments on the use of the Code and suggestions for its improvement will be welcome and may be sent to the Secretary, Associate Committee on the National Building Code, in care of the National Research Council,

Ottawa. If those who use this document will thus co-operate w i t h those

who have worked toward its preparation and revision, the true national character of the Code will be maintained and strengthened and its develop

ment as a satisfactory set of desirable building regulatione for nee by

municipalities and other agencies throughout Canada should steadily progress.

Ce document, ainsi que toutes les autres sections du Code National du Bbtiment, sera disponible en frangais #ici quelgue temps. T o m a demandes doivent Btre adresskes au Secretaire, Comit6 Associ6 sur Ze Code National du Biitiment, Conseil National de Recherches, Ottawa, Canada.

The National Building Code and the various parts or sectione may be

obtained by writing to:

The Secretary,

Associate Committee on the National Building Code, National Research Council,

(15)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE O F CANADA

1853

P A R T

1 ADMINISTRATION

The National Building Code is published by the National

Research Council as an advisory document for use

throughout Canada.

It is advisory only and has no legal

standing until and unless adopted for specific use by a

provincial government or municipal administration. The

Code is essentially a set of minimum regulations respecting

the safety of buildings with reference to public health,

fire protection and structural sufficiency.

It is not and

is not intended to be a text-book of building design, advice

upon which should be sought from professional sources.

The Code relates to buildings and simple structures bat

it is not intended for use with specialized civil engineering

structures. Its essential purpose is the promotion

of

public safety through the use of desirable building

standards throughout

Canada.

Zrrued

by

the

ASSOCIATE COMMITTEE ON

THE

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE

NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL

OWAWA,

CANADA

NRC

(16)

The Use of this Code in Canada is commended by the following

Organizations :

Association of Canadian Fire Marshals Canadian Association of Fire Chiejs Canadian Congress of Labour Canadian Construction Association

Canadian Federation of Mayors and Municipalities Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Dominion Fire Prevention Association Engineering lnstitute of Canada

Fkdkration Canadienne Catholique d u Travail

FBdkration Nationule Catholique des Mhtiers d u Biitiment

et des Matkriaux d e Construction Inc. (CTCC)

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Trades and Labor Congress of Canada

LIST OF PARTS AND SECTIONS OF

THX

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE 1953

1. Administration

2. Climate

3. Use and Occupancy (including Exit, Health, Live Load and Fire

Provisions) 4. Design 4.1. General 4.2. Foundations 4.3. Wood 4.4. Unit Masonry 4.5. Plain Concrete 4.6. Reinforced Concrete 4.7. Steel 4.8. Cladding 5. Materials

6. General Services (including Heating, Ventilation, Refrigeration,

Elevators, etc. )

7. Plumbing Services

8. Construction Safety Measures

(17)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA

1953

P A R T

1 ADMINISTRATION

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

. . .

Section1.1. ShortTitle

3 . . .

Section1.2. Scope 3

. . .

Section 1.3. Dwtiee of the Adnli~lietrative Official 3

. . .

Section 1.4.. Powere of the Adminietrative Official 3

. . .

Section 1.5. Dutiee of the Owner 4

. . .

Section 1.6. Responsibility of the Owner 4

. . .

Section 1.7. Documente .on the Site 4

. . .

Section1.8. Penaltiee 4

. . .

Section 1.9. Interpretation of Worde and Phrases 4

(18)

PART 1

BY-LAW NUMBER ---

+WHEREAS The Act provides that the Council may by By-law

regulate the erection and provide for the safety of buildings.

THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the --- of ---

enacts as follows:

PART

1:

ADMINISTRATION

SECTION 1.1 : SHORT TITLE (c) authorize work as set out in (b) and issue

This By-law may be cited as the Building a permit in the prescribed form when applicable

By-law. where the pro osed work as described in the

application con i! orms with this By-law;

SECTION 1.2: SCOPE

When:

(a) a building* is built this By-law shall apply

to the construction of the building;

(b) a building is moved in whole or in part this

By-law shall apply t o the whole building o r all

parts and associated buildings whether moved or

not;

(c) a building is wrecked in whole or in part

this By-law shall apply to any remaining part or associated buildings and to the work involved;

(d) a building is altered this By-law shall apply

to the whole building except that it may apply

only to part if such part is completely self-con- tained with respect to the facilities and safety measures required by this By-law;

(e) the occupancy of a building is changed this

By-law shall apply to all parts of the buitding

affected by the change.

SECTION 1.3: DUTIES OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL

The administnative official shall:

(a) keep proper records of all applications received, permits and orders issued, inspections and

tests made, and shall retain copies of all papers and documents connected with the administration of his duties for such periods as he sees fit;

(b) examine all applications for permission to do work in connection with building, plumbing, etc.;

?This preamble relates the By-law to enabling legislation and should be adjusted to conform to the powers delegated to the municipality.

*Italicized words are defined in Section 1.9 of this Part.

(d) give notice in writing, to the owner of a

building or to his agent, of any dangerous or unsafe

condition in the building or premises, and require

that such condition be rectified without delay; (e) revoke a penzit if in his opinion the conti- nuance of any work would cause a dangerous or unsafe condition; and

(f) enforce this By-law. -

SECTION 1.4: POWERS OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICIAL

The administrative official may:

(a) enter any building or premises at all reason-

able hours in the performance of his duties;

( b ) revoke a permit if

(i) construction is not started within a period of six months from the date of issuing of the pennit; or

(ii) construction is discontinued for a period of one year; o r

(iii) there is a violation of any condition under which the permit is issued;

(c) direct that any dangerous or unsafe condition which in his o ~ i n i o n reauires immediate action to avert an acdident be korrected at the owner's expense and without delay;

(d) direct that tests of a material, device, or construction be made or sufficient evidence or proof be submitted, at the expense of the owner or his agent when, in the opinion of the administrative official such tests, evidence, or proof are necessary

to determine whether the material, device, or construction meets the requirements of this By-law; (e) revoke or refuse to issue a p m i t when in

his opinion the test results are not satisfactory; and

(19)

PART 1 4

( f ) in special cases, which in his judgement warrant it, permit such deviation from this By-law as he may deem proper and safe under the cir- cumstances.

(This clause may be ad,justed in accordance with

the powers given to the administrative official.)

SECTION 1.5: DUTIES OF THE OWNER

T h e owner of the property or his agent shall; (a) prior to the commencement of any of the works described in Section 1.2:

(i) file with the administrative official a

signed application in the prescribed form which shall include a statement

of the intended use of the building,

together with duplicate copies of specifications and of drawings to scale

of the building o r buildings included

in the proposed work and showing whatever information is required by the administrative official including

the dimensions of such buildings, the

designated uses of all rooms o r floor

areas, the dimensions of the lot to be built on, the grades of the streets and sewers abutting, the position, height, horizontal dimensions of all existing

buildings on the lot, and any other information which is required bv this

By-law ;

(ii) obtain from the appropriate authority

permits relating to building, zoning, grades, sewers, watermains, plumbing,

signs, blasting, street occupancy, elec-

tricity, highways, and all other permits

required in connection with the proposed work; and

(iii) give reasonable notice to the adminis-

trative official of the intention t o start work;

( b ) obtain the written approval of the admin- istrative official before doing any work at variance with the documents set out in Paragraph l.S.(a) (i)

after the permit has been issued;

(c) notify the administrative official during the

progress of any of the work described in Section

1.2 as follows

. .

.

.;

(Here each municipality o r authority will insert the occasions when notification is necessary.) and as required b y this By-law;

( d ) notify the administrative official in writing

within 30 days of completion of the work described

in the permit; and

(e) obtain an occupancy permit:

(i) prior t o the initial occupancy of any

building or part thereof o r additional construction hereafter; or

(ii) prior to a change in the class of

occupancy of any building o r part thereof.

SECTION 1.6: RESPONSIBILITY OF THE -OWNER

Neither the granting of a per7?~it, nor the

approval of the drawings and specifications, nor the

inspections made by the administrative official

during erection of the building, shall in any way

relieve the owner of such building o r his ,agent

from full responsibility for carrying out the work in accordance with the requirements of this By-law.

SECTION 1.7: DOCUMENTS ON THE SITE

T h e applicant for a permit shall:

(a) keep posted in a conspicuous place on the

premises a copy of the perwit applicable thereto,

or a poster or placard in lieu thereof; and

( b ) keep a copy of the approved drawings and

specifications on the premises at all times during construction for inspection of the proposed work.

SECTION 1.8: PENALTIES

All persons who contravene any of the provi-

sions of this By-law shall upon conviction ...---...-. ..

(The municipality can insert here a penalty clause.)

SECTION 1.9: INTERPRETATION OF WORDS AND PHRASES

In this By-law:

Where such terms as "proper", "adequate", "sufficient", "ample", "suitable", "substantial", "necessary", "dangerous", and the like, o r derivatives thereof, are used, they shall be understood to mean proper, adequate, and so forth to the satisfaction o r

in the opinion of the administrative official and such

terms as "where practicable", "where required", "as far as possible" shall have a like significance.

Administrative official means, with respect to

the regulation of buildings, the (building inspector)

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA, 1953

(20)

PART 1

the regulation of plumbing installations, the

(plumbing inspector).

(Here the municipality may set forth the functions and titles of the appropriate officials.)

Alteration with reference to a building means a

change from one major occupancy class or division to another, o r a structural change such as an addition to the area o r height, o r the'removal of part of

a building, or any change to the structure such as

the construction of, cutting into or removal of any

wall, partition, column, beam, joist, floor, o r other

supPo&, or a change to or closing of any required

nzeans of egress or a change to the fixtures equip-

ment cladding or trim where they are regulated b y this By-law.

Approved means approved b y the ad?~ii~~istrative

official.

Baserizent means that portion of a bzrilding be-

tween two floor levels which is partly underground but which has at least one-half of its height from finished floor to finished ceiling above adjacent

finished grade as approved.

Building means any structure used or intended

for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy

as set forth in this By-law.

Cellar means that portion of a bzlilding between

two floor levels which is partly or wholly underground and which has more than one-half of its height, from finished floor to finished ceiling,

below adjacent finished grade as approved.

Closure means the con~plete assembly of a fire

door or doors, or shutters and equipment, including hardware, closing devices, frame and anchors.

All closures shall meet the requirements of an

approving authority acceptable

td

the administra-

tive official.

Dwelling unit means two or more rooms used

o r intended for the domestic use of one o r more individuals living as a single housekeeping unit, with cooking, living, sleeping, and sanitary facilities.

Dwelling, one-family

,

means any building used

or intended for one dwelling unit.

Dwelling, tuo-f amily

,

means any building used

or intended for two dwelling units.

Exit, (see Means of Egress).

Floor area means an area on any floor of a

building which is occupied, or intended to be

occupied. Floor areas shall not include exits, o r

attic, crawl, or duct spaces except as provided for in this By-law.

Means of egress means a doorway, hallway,

corridor, lobby, stair, ramp or other facility o r combination thereof, provided for the escape of

persons from a building, floor area, or room to a

public thoroughfare or other approved open space.

Means of egress include exits and access t o exits.

Exit means that part of a means of egress

which leads from the floor area it serves, in-

cluding any doorway leading directly from a

floor area to another floor area, a public tho-

roughfare o r an approved open space.

Exit, access to, means that part of a means of

egress within a floor area which provides access

t o an exit serving the floor area.

Exit, horizontal, means the connection b y a

bridge, balcony, vestibule, or doorway of t w o

floor arms at substantially the same level; such

floor areas being located either in different

buildings o r located in the same building and

fully separated from each other.

O c c u p m c y means the use or intended use of a

building o r structure or part thereof for the shelter

or support of persons, animals or property.

Occupatrcy, major, means the principal occu-

pnncy for which a buildilrg o r part of a building is

used or intended to be used. For the purposes of

the classification of buildings according t o occu-

pancy, a major occupancy shall be deemed to

include the subsidiary occupancies which are

contingent upon it.

Occupancy, street, means the temporary use of

a street or other public property for necessary

functions in connection with construction opera- tions, such as the storage of materials.

Opening, vertical, means an opening in a floor

between storeys of a building or in a ceiling be-

tween a storey and an attic space. It shall include

openings for stairs, elevators, air wells, and dumb- waiters, but shall not generally include openings for pipes, heating or ventilating ducts, o r electrical conduits.

Partition means an interior wall not more than

one storey in height.

P e m i t means a permission or authorization in

writing by the administrative official to perform

work regulated b y this By-law and in the case of

an occupancy permit to occupy any building o r

part of a building.

Separation means a barrier against the spread

of fire between buildings o r parts of buildings in

the form of fire-resistive construction, or of clear

(21)

PART 1 6

unobstructed space as measured by the distance across such space, o r of a combination of both construction and space.

Seprrration, construction, means a separation

consisting of a fire-resistive wall, partition, floor assemblv or other construction in which all openings ar; protected b y approved fire-resistive clos- ures or shafts. Construction separations shall be

graded as t o fire resistance in accordance with Table 3.7 of P a n 3: Use and Occupancy.

Separation, space, means the unobstructed space

adjacent to any building which is required to pre-

vent the spread of fire from that building to any

adjacent building, or from a wing of a building to

a wing of the same building as measured by the

distance from the building to the adjacent lot line,

or to the centre of a street o r lane, or the opposite boundary of such space where the buildings o r

parts of buildings are on the same lot. T h e required

distance between two buildings o r pans of buildings

on the same lot is the sum of the individual dis- tances required for each building or part of build-

ing. Space separations shall be graded as t o protec-

tion afforded in accordance with Table 3.7 of Part 3: Use and Occupancy.

Sbaft means a more or less vertical compartment

extending through one or more storeys of a builii- ing or through an attic space, connecting a series

of two or more openings in successive floors, o r in a floor and a roof, or in a ceiling and a roof, and shall include elevator, dumbwaiter, ducts and conveyor shafts.

Storey means that portion of any building

which is situated between the t o p of any floor nand the top of the floor next above it, or, if there be no floor above it, that portion between the top of such floor and the ceiling above it.

Storey, first, means the storey with its floor

closest t o grade and having its ceiling more than

6 feet above grade.

Storey, second, means the storey located imme-

diately above the first storey.

Wall, fire, means an interior wall which com-

pletely subdivides a structure into limited fire areas in all storeys, or which separates two o r more buildings, t o restrict the spread of fire, and which

has a grade of separation conforming to the requirements of Part 3: Use and Occupancy.

In other parts of this By-law where terms are defined the meaning of such terms shall apply to their use in that Part.

NATIONAL BUILDING CODE OF CANADA, 1953