Div. B › Part 3 › 3.2 › 3.2.4 — Fire Alarm and Detection Systems

3.2.4.24 — One-Way Voice Communication Systems

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(1) Except for Group B, Division 1 and Group F, Division 1 major occupancies, a one-way voice communication system shall be installed in a building where,

(a) a fire alarm system is required under Subsection 3.2.4.,

(b) a two-stage fire alarm system is installed, and

(2) The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall consist of loudspeakers that are,

(a) operated from the central alarm and control facility or, in the absence of a central alarm and control facility, from a designated area, and

(b) designed and located so that transmitted messages are audible and intelligible in all parts of the building, except in elevator cars.

(3) A voice communication system required by Sentence (1) that is installed in a building that is not intended to be staffed, at times when the building will be occupied, with persons trained to provide instructions over loudspeakers described in Sentence (2) shall include a pre-recorded message.

(4) The voice communication system required by Sentence (1) shall meet the silencing and transmission requirements of Sentences 3.2.4.23. (2) to (5).

OBC Definitions

Defined terms on this page

major occupancy

means the principal occupancy for which a building or part of a building is used or intended to be used, and is deemed to include the subsidiary occupancies that are an integral part of the principal occupancy. The major occupancy classifications used in this Code are as follows: (a)Group A, Division 1 - Assembly occupancies intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts, (b)Group A, Division 2 - Assembly occupancies not elsewhere classified in Group A, (c)Group A, Division 3 - Assembly occupancies of the arena type, (d)Group A, Division 4 - Assembly occupancies in which occupants are gathered in the open air, (e)Group B, Division 1 - Detention occupancies, (f)Group B, Division 2 - Care and treatment occupancies, (g)Group B, Division 3 - Care occupancies, (h)Group C - Residential occupancies, (i)Group D - Business and personal services occupancies, (j)Group E - Mercantile occupancies, (k)Group F, Division 1 - High hazard industrial occupancies, (l)Group F, Division 2 - Medium hazard industrial occupancies, and (m)Group F, Division 3 - Low hazard industrial occupancies.

occupancy

means the use or intended use of a building or part of a building for the shelter or support of persons, animals or property.

occupant load

means the number of persons for which a building or part of a building is designed.

stage

means a space that is designed primarily for theatrical performances with provision for quick change scenery and overhead lighting, including environmental control for a wide range of lighting and sound effects, and that is traditionally, but not necessarily, separated from the audience by a proscenium wall and curtain opening.

building

(a) a structure occupying an area greater than ten square metres consisting of a wall, roof and floor or any of them or a structural system serving the function thereof including all plumbing, works, fixtures and service systems appurtenant thereto,
(b) a structure occupying an area of ten square metres or less that contains plumbing, including the plumbing appurtenant thereto,
(c) plumbing not located in a structure,
(c.1) a sewage system, or
(d) structures designated in the building code; Act

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