OG 3009 Occupant Loads

Date of Issue: 1997/08/08
Revision Date:  2000/08/22; 2009/05/20

PURPOSE: 

To ensure personnel are consistent when determining and posting an Occupant Load for new and existing buildings.

OBJECTIVE:

New and existing building will meet the appropriate occupant load as per Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE).

SCOPE:

This policy applies to career and volunteer members of HRFE. 

DEFINITION: 

OCCUPANT LOAD

a)    New Buildings: Design: the number of persons for which a building, or part thereof, is designed (National Building Code).

b)    Existing Buildings where the design occupant load is unknown: The maximum permissible Occupant Load, for any room, shall be calculated in accordance with the regulations of the Fire Safety Act.


PROCEDURE:

Temporary Tents or Special Events requiring an Occupant load:


Occupant loads for the above, shall be calculated based on the design occupant load in accordance with Article 3.1.17.1. Of the National Building Code. Exiting requirements shall be based on Articles 3.4.3.1. And 3.4.2.1. Of National Building Code.

New Buildings: Where a Building Official has issued an occupancy permit and the design occupant load is noted on the permit, an occupant load certificate may be issued based on that information, providing the building has an approved Fire Safety Plan.

Existing Buildings: Where no occupant load certificate exists or the design occupant load for a building is unknown the occupant load shall be calculated based on “Net Floor Space”.

Process: The building owner shall be advised to obtain the services of a qualified individual and electronically submit plans, illustrating room area, area of furnishings and obstructions, location of and width of exits. For those buildings falling within the requirements of Section 2.8 of National Building Code, a Fire Safety Plan shall be part of the materials submitted. Exiting requirements shall be based on Articles 3.4.3.1. and 3.4.2.1., of the National Building Code. The submission shall include all calculations and total number of permissible persons. Upon review and acceptance of the submission, an occupancy load certificate may be issued.

CODE REFERENCES: 

Members should also be familiar with the following: Articles 3.1.17.1, 3.4.3.1. and 3.4.3.2. of the National Building Code and Section 30 Article 2.7.1.3 of the regulations.

RELATED POLICIES/ OPERATING GUIDELINES:

•    OG 3008 Tent & Air Supported Structures

OPERATING GUIDELINE REVIEW:

This operating guideline shall be reviewed when/if there are changes/amendments to the determination and posting of occupant loads to for new and existing buildings.