2008:05PU CHANGING THE NATIONAL BUILDING CODE TO IMPROVE SAFETY FROM FIRE
Whereas 1 in 1974 the National Council of Women of Canada urged the Government of Canada to incorporate several fire safety items into the National Building Code, and in 1975 urged the Government of Canada to enforce the National Building Code, and in 1984 urged the Government of Canada to find a replacement for synthetic materials in home furnishings that pose a fire hazard and educate the public about same; and
Whereas 2 the current National Building Code and associated standards have not responded positively to submitted material related to clear guidelines for safe buildings and fire behaviour associated with spatial separation between buildings and eaves and other projections from buildings; and
Whereas 3 there is significant ambiguity in interpretation and usage of Building Code definitions related to building height, particularly in consideration of sprinkler requirements and determination of combustible and non-combustible construction; and
Whereas 4 there are performance differences between floors constructed of solid lumber and floors supported by engineered wood systems in a fire situation; therefore be it
Resolved 1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for changes in the National Building Code to improve the fire safety of Canadians; and be it further
Resolved 2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to ensure that the National Research Council and the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) amend the National Building Code (NBCC) to address fire safety issues, including but not limited to the following:
a. spatial separation between buildings as it relates to construction materials and building design;
b. determination of height limitations and fire safety system requirements for combustible multi-family buildings based on occupied levels and physical height; and
c. safety concerns related to engineered wood floor systems and other current building materials, when exposed to fire.