Canadian building code question

What are the building code requirements for elevator shaft fire protection in Canada?

Elevator shafts must be enclosed in a fire separation with a fire resistance rating that depends on the building height. The shaft enclosure, door openings, penetrations, and venting must all meet specific fire protection requirements. Elevator lobbies may be required in certain building types.

Elevator shafts are vertical service spaces that can act as chimneys during a fire, spreading smoke and flame between floors. The code requires fire-rated shaft enclosures, fire-protection-rated doors, and specific provisions for shaft venting and smoke control. These requirements interact with the elevator lobby provisions covered separately.

What to check first

  • Elevator shaft enclosure fire resistance rating increases with building height and is linked to floor-to-floor fire separation requirements.
  • Elevator doors and their frames must meet fire-protection rating requirements, with specific provisions for vision panels and smoke sealing.
  • Shaft venting at the top of the elevator shaft is required for smoke management, with specific vent size and activation requirements.

Jurisdiction notes

National baseline

Start with the NBC vertical service space provisions for elevator shafts, including fire resistance ratings, opening protection, and shaft venting.

Province and edition check

Some provinces amend shaft enclosure ratings or add requirements for specific building types.

Interaction with elevator lobby requirements

Elevator lobby requirements in certain building types add an additional layer of fire and smoke protection beyond the shaft enclosure itself.

Work through it in this order

  1. Determine the building height to identify the required fire resistance rating for the elevator shaft enclosure.
  2. Verify opening protection requirements for elevator doors, including fire-protection rating and smoke sealing.
  3. Check shaft venting requirements including vent size, location, and activation mechanism.
  4. Determine whether elevator lobbies are required based on building height, type, and occupancy.

Common questions

What fire resistance rating is required for an elevator shaft?

The required rating depends on the building height and the fire separation requirements for vertical service spaces. Verify the specific provision for your building height.

Do elevator doors need to be fire-rated?

Yes. Elevator doors must meet fire-protection rating requirements corresponding to the shaft enclosure rating. The door rating is typically a fraction of the shaft enclosure rating.

Is elevator shaft venting required?

The NBC requires shaft venting at the top of elevator shafts for smoke management. The vent size and activation requirements depend on the building height and the code edition.