74.19EM Emergency Resolution: High-Rise Buildings
Whereas, The whole of the Western Hemisphere has been made aware, through media coverage and particularly by graphic
television reports, of the many fires that have destroyed High-Rise Buildings with such a staggering loss of life;
and of the remarks attributed to the Fire Chief of Sao Paulo, Brazil to the effect that no fire department on these
two continents is equipped to deal with such fires; and,
Whereas, Statistics being compiled (i.e. one instance is the information available from HERITAGE CANADA) are proving
that high-rise buildings, contrary to the claims of promoters, ARE NOT adding to the economy of the community
but instead are a tremendous drain on the taxpayers’ dollars; and,
Whereas, Fire Chief Percy Clark of Saint John, N.B. has been quoted as saying that during a recent smoke disturbance in
the City Hall in Saint John it was necessary to break double panes of windows to allow smoke to escape because
NONE of the windows in this new structure were installed to allow them to be opened; and,
Whereas, It is being recommended by some concerned groups, including insurance underwriters, that any promoter being
licensed to construct a High-Rise Building be made responsible for the expense of adding adequate fire-fighting
equipment to the existing fire vehicles in the departments concerned; and,
Whereas, We consider the risks of fire of tragic scale which exist in ALL Canadian Cities with High-Rise Buildings, whether
homes, apartments or offices, with the resultant loss of life; therefore be it,
RESOLVED, That the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to enact legislation to incorporate
the following into the National Building Code of Canada:
- All buildings over five stories in height be equipped throughout with automatic sprinkler systems – consideration to be given to the aquamatic sprinkler head;
- An automatic alarm notifying the fire department by activating immediately when a sprinkler head breaks or smoke is sensed by heads;
- A communication and command control centre located in an area protected below ground be constructed;
- A two-way voice communication system between the command and control centre and public areas, ON ALL FLOORS, manned 24 hours;
- A designated safe area (refuge area) be maintained on each floor to which people can be directed in any emergency;
- Pivoting windows so fire fighters can open windows in the building to vent smoke or toxic gases, without breaking glass, be installed;
- An override system be installed on automatic elevators to prevent cars stalling at fire floors to both protect the occupants of the car and to enable fire fighters to have access and full emergency control;
- An automatic smoke detection and venting system be installed to prevent smoke travel to unaffected floors with an override control;
- Diesel pumps to take care of boosted water pressure requirements;
- A diesel power system to provide emergency electric power to exits and elevators and to the control areas if needed;
- Use of fireproof or fire resistant materials in the building construction and for furnishings throughout the building;
- The building be equipped with a stand-pipe system extending to and accessible to every floor.