Fire Resistance Inspection

Per NBC 3.1.7 and 3.2.1, fire separations must achieve the fire-resistance rating shown on the drawings, as determined by CAN/ULC-S101 testing or NBC Appendix D tabulated ratings. Required ratings vary from 45 minutes (suite separations in Part 9 buildings) to 2 hours or more (exit stairways, firewalls). Assemblies must be constructed exactly per the ULC listed design.

1. Verify fire separation locations match the drawings and NBC requirements for the building occupancy and size

2. Confirm assembly construction matches the referenced ULC design number — correct materials, layers, and fasteners

3. Check that fire-resistance ratings meet NBC Table 3.1.7.1 minimums for the separation type

4. Verify continuity of fire separations from floor slab to underside of floor or roof above

5. Confirm no unauthorized openings or penetrations that could compromise the rated assembly

- Fire separations terminated at suspended ceiling instead of extending to the structural deck above

- Assembly details not matching the referenced ULC listing

- Required fire separation omitted between suite and corridor

- Insufficient rating applied for the building height and occupancy classification

Per NBC 3.1.9, all penetrations through fire separations must be sealed with firestop systems tested and listed per CAN/ULC-S115. The firestop must match the F-rating (flame) and T-rating (temperature) of the assembly being penetrated. Each firestop installation must correspond to a specific ULC system number for the penetration type, size, and annular space.

1. Verify all pipe, duct, cable tray, and conduit penetrations through fire separations are firestopped

2. Confirm firestop products are ULC-listed and match the specific system number for the penetration configuration

3. Check that the F-rating and T-rating of the firestop system equal or exceed the fire separation rating

4. Verify proper depth and fill of firestop material per the manufacturer's listed installation instructions

5. Confirm firestop identification labels are installed at each location per the authority having jurisdiction

- Penetrations left unsealed during construction and not addressed before close-in

- Generic caulk or spray foam used instead of ULC-listed firestop products

- Firestop system installed does not match the ULC listing for the penetration size or type

- Firestop depth insufficient per the listed system requirements

Per NBC 3.1.8, closures (fire doors) in fire separations must have a fire-protection rating not less than that required by NBC Table 3.1.8.4. Fire doors must be tested per CAN/ULC-S104 and bear a permanent label from an accredited certification organization. Door hardware, frames, and glazing must all be rated components of the listed assembly.

1. Verify fire doors bear a permanent ULC or certified label indicating fire-protection rating per CAN/ULC-S104

2. Confirm door rating matches NBC Table 3.1.8.4 requirement for the fire separation (e.g., 45 min door in 1 hr separation)

3. Check that frames are fire-rated, properly anchored, and bear certification labels

4. Verify self-closing devices function correctly — door must latch positively every time

5. Check clearances at door edges — maximum 6 mm at head and jambs, 20 mm at sill per ULC listing

- Fire door labels removed, painted over, or missing

- Self-closing devices defeated by wedges, hooks, or improper hold-open devices

- Non-rated hardware or glazing installed in fire-rated door assemblies

- Door clearances excessive allowing smoke passage

Per NBC 3.2.2, the fire-resistance rating of the structural system must meet requirements based on building height, area, and occupancy. Steel structural members require applied fire protection (spray-applied fireproofing, intumescent coatings, or encasement) unless the NBC permits unprotected construction. Fireproofing thickness must match the ULC design listing for the required rating.

1. Verify spray-applied fireproofing thickness meets the ULC listed design — use thickness gauge at multiple points

2. Confirm fireproofing coverage is continuous with no exposed steel at connections, hangers, or penetrations

3. Check that fireproofing has not been damaged by subsequent trades and any damage has been repaired

4. Verify intumescent coatings are applied to the specified dry film thickness per manufacturer's listing

5. Confirm concrete encasement dimensions match the NBC Appendix D or ULC listed requirements

- Spray-applied fireproofing knocked off by subsequent trades and not repaired

- Insufficient fireproofing thickness at beam-column connections

- Fireproofing not applied to steel deck underside where required

- Intumescent coating applied below minimum dry film thickness

Per NBC 3.1.8.6 and NFPA 80, fire dampers are required where ducts penetrate fire separations. Smoke dampers are required where ducts penetrate smoke barriers. Dampers must be ULC-listed per CAN/ULC-S112 (fire dampers) or CAN/ULC-S112.1 (leakage-rated dampers) and installed per the manufacturer's listed instructions. Access panels must be provided for inspection and maintenance.

1. Verify fire dampers are installed at all duct penetrations through fire separations per NBC 3.1.8.6

2. Confirm dampers bear ULC listing labels and rating matches the fire separation rating

3. Check that damper fusible links are the correct temperature rating and not painted or obstructed

4. Verify access panels are provided and accessible for each fire and smoke damper

5. Test smoke dampers for proper operation of actuators where connected to fire alarm system

- Fire dampers omitted at duct penetrations through fire separations

- Access panels missing making future inspection and maintenance impossible

- Fusible links painted over during finishing work preventing proper operation

- Damper sleeves not properly secured to the fire separation assembly

Per NBC 3.4.4, exit stairways must be enclosed in fire separations with a minimum 1-hour rating for buildings up to 4 storeys and 2-hour rating above 4 storeys. Exit corridors require ratings per NBC 3.3.1. Exit signs must be illuminated per NBC 3.4.5 and connected to emergency power. No combustible storage or penetrations are permitted within exit enclosures.

1. Verify exit stairway enclosures meet the required fire-resistance rating per NBC 3.4.4

2. Confirm no combustible materials, storage, or piping other than that serving the exit is within the exit enclosure

3. Check that exit signs are illuminated, visible from approach corridors, and connected to emergency power per NBC 3.4.5

4. Verify exit door hardware allows immediate egress without special knowledge — push bars or single-action hardware

5. Confirm exit corridors achieve required fire-resistance rating and are free of obstructions

- Combustible storage placed inside exit stairways

- Exit sign lighting not connected to emergency power supply

- Penetrations through exit stairway walls not properly firestopped

- Door hardware requiring special knowledge to operate in exit paths

Per NBC 3.2.4 and CAN/ULC-S524, buildings requiring a fire alarm system must have all components installed, connected, and verified per the fire alarm system design. The system must be installed per CAN/ULC-S524 (Installation of Fire Alarm Systems) and verified per CAN/ULC-S537 (Verification of Fire Alarm Systems). All devices must be ULC-listed.

1. Verify all fire alarm devices (pull stations, detectors, speakers, strobes) are installed per the approved fire alarm design

2. Confirm manual pull stations are located within 1.5 m of each required exit door per NBC 3.2.4.17

3. Check that fire alarm annunciator panel is located near the principal entrance per CAN/ULC-S524

4. Verify system verification has been completed by a certified person per CAN/ULC-S537

5. Confirm fire alarm system interfaces correctly with fire dampers, door hold-open devices, and elevator recall

- Fire alarm verification not completed before occupancy

- Pull stations missing at required exit locations

- Audible/visual notification devices insufficient for the space — coverage gaps

- Fire alarm not properly interfaced with building systems (dampers, elevators, hold-open devices)