NLR 45/12 - Fire Protection Services Regulations under the Fire Protection Services Act

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 45/12 Fire Protection Services Regulations under the Fire Protection Services Act Amended by: 108/17 2/19 23/26 NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR REGULATION 45/12 Fire Protection Services Regulations under the Fire Protection Services Act (Filed May 8, 2012) Under the authority of section 33 of the Fire Protection Services Act, I make the following regulations. Dated at St. John’s , April 30, 2012. Kevin O'Brien Minister of Municipal Affairs REGULATIONS Analysis 1. Short title 2. Definitions PART I ADOPTION OF CODES 3. Codes adopted 4. Conflict PART II SMOKE AND FIRE ALARM DETECTION SYSTEMS 5. Application 6. Compliance with codes and standards 7. Requirements 8. Testing and maintenance PART III FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS 9. Fire extinguishers 10. Plans to be approved 11. Installation or service of unit or system 12. Persons qualified for servicing 13. Notice of commissioning 14. Equipment not to be inoperative PART IV FIREWORKS 15. Explosives Act ( Canada ) 16. Permit required for retail sale 17. Discharge of family fireworks 18. Purchase and discharge of aerial fireworks 18.1 Discharge of fireworks during forest fire season 19. Discharge inside a building PART V GENERAL 20. Transitional 21. Repeal 22. Commencement Schedule Short title 1. These regulations may be cited as the Fire Protection Services Regulations. 45/12 s1 Back to Top Definitions 2. In these regulations (a) "aerial fireworks" means high hazard fireworks as described in Class 7, Division 2, Subdivision 2 of the Explosives Regulations under the Explosives Act (Canada) ; (b) "family fireworks" means low hazard fireworks for recreation commonly referred to as consumer fireworks, and as described in Class 7, Division 2, Subdivision 1 of the Explosives Regulations under the Explosives Act (Canada) ; (c) "fireworks" means the type of explosive classified in accordance with paragraph 36(2)(f) of the Explosives Regulations, 2013 under the Explosives Act (Canada); (d) "fire extinguishing systems" means manual or automatic extinguishing systems designed to extinguish or limit the growth of a fire and include (i) sprinkler systems and other water based systems, (ii) foam based systems, (iii) carbon dioxide systems, (iv) halon systems, (v) dry chemical systems, (vi) wet chemical systems, (vii) wetting agents, and (viii) clean agent extinguishing systems; (d.1) "forest fire season" means a specific period declared by order of the minister; (e) "pyrotechics" means theatrical explosives as described in Class 7, Division 2, Subdivision 5 of the Explosives Regulations under the Explosives Act (Canada) ; (f) "recognized national testing laboratory" means an organization accredited by the Standards Council of Canada; (g) "residential occupancies, group C" means the occupancy or use of a building or part of a building by persons for whom sleeping accommodations are provided but who are not harboured or detained to receive medical care or treatment or are not involuntarily detained; and (h) "smoke alarm" means a combined smoke detector and audible alarm device designed to sound an alarm within the room or suite in which it is located upon the detection of smoke within that room or suite. 45/12 s2 ; 23/26 s1 PART I ADOPTION OF CODES Back to Top Codes adopted 3. (1) The following codes are adopted with the additions, alterations or changes as directed by and described in the schedule: (a) for the construction of all buildings (i) the National Building Code of Canada, 2015 edition, except Part 9 where relative to one and 2 family dwellings within Group C, and (ii) the National Fire Code of Canada, 2015 edition; and (b) for the use and operation of all buildings, processes, areas and vehicles (i) the National Fire Code of Canada, 2015 edition, and (ii) the NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2018 edition, as published by the National Fire Protection Association. (1.1) Amendments to the codes adopted under subsection (1), and further editions and amendments to those codes, are adopted 6 months following the date of their publication. (2) Notwithstanding (a) Division A, subsection 1.5.1.3 of the National Building Code of Canada and the National Fire Code of Canada; and (b) Division B, Subsection 1.3.1 of the National Building Code of Canada and the National Fire Code of Canada, the standards referenced in all codes adopted by these regulations shall be the current editions of those standards at the date these regulations come into force. (3) Where, after the coming into force of these regulations, referenced standards in codes adopted by these regulations change or are updated, those standards are adopted 6 months following the date of their publication. 45/12 s3 ; 108/17 s1 ; 2/19 s1 Back to Top Conflict 4. In the event of a conflict between the codes adopted under section 3, the provisions of the National Building Code of Canada shall prevail with regard to design and construction, except as may be otherwise provided in the schedule. 45/12 s6 PART II SMOKE AND FIRE ALARM DETECTION SYSTEMS Back to Top Application 5. Smoke alarms which comply with the codes adopted under section 3 shall be installed in: (a) new and existing dwelling units and in each sleeping room not within a dwelling unit; (b) existing one and 2 family units, owner occupied or rented, unless governed by a municipal by-law; (c) privately owned and occupied seasonal cottages and seasonal homes; and (d) other areas which may be determined by the fire commissioner. 45/12 s5 Back to Top Compliance with codes and standards 6. The installation, testing and maintenance of smoke alarms shall comply with all codes and standards adopted under section 3 as described in the schedule. 45/12 s6 Back to Top Requirements 7. (1) The requirements for fire alarm and detection systems in new or existing buildings shall be as required by the codes and standards adopted under section 3 as described in the schedule, and may be varied by order of the fire commissioner for the safety of occupants. (2) Fire alarm and detection systems shall be designed only by qualified persons in accordance with the National Building Code of Canada and all components of fire alarm and detection systems shall be tested, listed and labelled by a recognized national testing laboratory or as otherwise approved by the fire commissioner. (3) The installation and verification of all newly installed fire alarm and detection systems and voice communication systems used in conjunction with fire alarm and detection systems shall comply with the National Fire Code of Canada. (4) Plans for the installation of fire alarm and detection systems shall be approved by the fire commissioner. 45/12 s7 Back to Top Testing and maintenance 8. (1) The testing and maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems in buildings shall be performed in accordance with the National Fire Code of Canada. (2) Qualified personnel performing the tests and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) shall follow the requirements of the National Fire Code of Canada. (3) A person shall not perform maintenance, repair, inspection, testing or verification of an installed fire alarm and detection system unless, in the opinion of the fire commissioner, that person (a) possess the necessary tools and testing equipment to do the work; (b) has passed certification examinations to the satisfaction of the fire commissioner; and (c) has received the applicable licences. (4) A licence to perform testing and maintenance of fire alarm and detection systems shall remain in force unless cancelled, suspended, or surrendered. (5) Fire alarm and detection systems shall be in working order. (6) Where services are required to installed fire alarm and detection systems, those systems shall not be inoperative for any longer than reasonably necessary for those services to be performed. (7) Where a fire alarm and detection system is temporarily inoperative in an occupied building required to have a fire alarm and detection system, the person responsible for completing the work shall: (a) immediately notify the fire department and monitoring station of the shut down and where that shut down is anticipated to last more than 24 hours, that notification shall be in writing; (b) post notices on all floors by elevators and at entrances, stating the fire alarm and detection system is inoperative and that work is being carried out on it and when that work is expected to be completed; (c) patrol the area at least once every hour; (d) notify the fire department, monitoring station and the building occupants and owner when the work has been completed and the system is operational; and (e) in addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (d), comply with the other fire and life safety requirements of the fire commissioner with respect to the shut-down, if any, for the protection of persons affected by it. (8) Inoperative fire alarm and detection systems referred to in subsection (7) shall be given high priority in regard to repairs or adjustments that may be required to restore them to full operation. 45/12 s8 PART III FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS Back to Top Fire extinguishers 9. (1) A person shall not sell, use or install a portable fire extinguisher within the province unless and until it has been listed and labelled for use in Canada . (2) A person shall not sell, use or install an obsolete fire extinguisher, including a fire extinguisher which has been noted as obsolete by NFPA 10, Portable Fire Extinguishers, as published by the National Fire Protection Association. 45/12 s9 Back to Top Plans to be approved 10. (1) A plan for the installation of a fire extinguishing system and system components shall be approved by the fire commissioner before that system is installed. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), where a fire extinguishing system required for commercial cooking according to NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Cooking Operations is installed, plan approval by the fire commissioner is not required. 45/12 s10 Back to Top Installation or service of unit or system 11. (1) A person shall not install or perform a service on a fire extinguisher or fire extinguishing system until, in the opinion of the fire commissioner, that person (a) possesses the necessary tools and testing equipment to do that work; (b) has passed certification examinations to the satisfaction of the fire commissioner; and (c) has received the applicable licence issued by the fire commissioner. (2) A licence shall remain in force unless cancelled, suspended or surrendered. (3) All installation and servicing shall be performed in accordance with codes adopted under section 3 and as described in the schedule. (4) The fire commissioner may cancel or suspend a licence for non-compliance with the Act or these regulations. 45/12 s11 Back to Top Persons qualified for servicing 12. (1) Only persons or agencies fulfilling the requirements of subsection 11(1) shall perform servicing procedures. (2) An agency shall, as required by the fire commissioner, report the name and address of each qualified person and the number of and names of all trainees in its employ. (3) A trainee shall perform servicing procedures only under the direct supervision of a qualified person who shall be responsible for the work performed. 45/12 s12 Back to Top Notice of commissioning 13. Upon completion of the installation of a fire extinguishing system and upon commissioning of that system, a copy of the installer's or manufacturer's verification shall be submitted to the fire commissioner. 45/12 s13 Back to Top Equipment not to be inoperative 14. (1) Installed fire extinguishing systems shall be in working order. (2) Where services are required to installed fire extinguishing systems, those systems shall not be inoperative for any longer than reasonably necessary for those services to be performed. (3) Where a fire extinguishing system is temporarily inoperative in an occupied building required to have a fire extinguishing system, the person responsible for completing the work shall (a) immediately notify the fire department and monitoring station of the shut down and where that shut down is anticipated to last more than 24 hours, that notification shall be in writing; (b) post notices on all floors by elevators and at entrances, stating the fire extinguishing system is inoperative and that work is being carried out on it and when that work is expected to be completed; (c) patrol the area at least once every hour; (d) notify the fire department, monitoring station and the building occupants and owner when the work has been completed and the fire extinguishing system is operational; and (e) in addition to the requirements of paragraphs (a) to (d), comply with the other fire and life safety requirements of the fire commissioner with respect to the shut-down, if any, for the protection of persons affected by it. (4) Inoperative fire extinguishing systems referred to in subsection (3) shall be given high priority in regard to repairs or adjustments that may be required to restore them to full operation. 45/12 s14 PART IV FIREWORKS Back to Top Explosives Act ( Canada ) 15. Only fireworks which have been authorized under the Explosives Act (Canada) may be stored, sold or used in the province. 45/12 s15 Back to Top Permit required for retail sale 16. (1) A person shall not offer family fireworks for retail sale unless that person has obtained a permit from the fire commissioner authorizing the storage and sale of those fireworks in accordance with these regulations and the applicable federal requirements. (2) A permit issued under subsection (1) shall remain in force until cancelled, suspended or surrendered. (3) The fire commissioner may cancel or suspend a permit for non-compliance with the Act, these regulations or the applicable federal requirements. 45/12 s16 Back to Top Discharge of family fireworks 17. A person shall not discharge or display family fireworks unless that person (a) is over 18 years of age; (b) discharges fireworks in accordance with instructions printed on each item or package; and (c) exercises care and caution in the discharge of those fireworks. 45/12 s17 Back to Top Purchase and discharge of aerial fireworks 18. (1) A person shall not discharge aerial fireworks unless a permit from the fire commissioner is obtained authorizing the discharge or display. (2) A permit issued for outside discharge or display of aerial fireworks is valid only for the date and area for which it is issued. (3) The discharge or display of aerial fireworks shall be under the direction of a person authorized to do so by the applicable federal regulatory authority. 45/12 s18 Back to Top Discharge of fireworks during forest fire season 18.1. A person shall not discharge fireworks outdoors during the forest fire season where the discharge of fireworks is prohibited under subsection 5(2) of the Forest Fire Regulations . 23/26 s2 Back to Top Discharge inside a building 19. (1) A person shall not discharge fireworks inside a building. (2) Notwithstanding subsection (1), the fire commissioner may issue a permit for the discharge of pyrotechnics within a building for special occasions, including theatrical performances, and may stipulate the conditions under which that discharge may be permitted. 45/12 s19 PART V GENERAL Back to Top Transitional 20. A permit issued under the Fire Protection Act, 1991, for installation, inspection or maintenance of (a) fire alarm and detection systems; or (b) fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing systems shall be valid for a period of 12 months following the coming into force of these regulations only, at which time all permits for those purposes issued under the former Act shall be cancelled. 45/12 s20 Back to Top Repeal 21. The following regulations are repealed: (a) Fire Prevention Fire Extinguisher and Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems Regulations , Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 958/96; (b) Fire Prevention Fireworks Regulations , Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 8/96; (c) Fire Prevention Flammable and Combustible Liquids Regulations , Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 959/96; (d) Fire Prevention Regulations, Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 9/96; and (e) Fire Prevention Smoke and Fire Alarm Regulations , Consolidated Newfoundland and Labrador Regulation 960/96. 45/12 s21 Back to Top Commencement 22. These regulations come into force on June 1, 2012. 45/12 s22 Back to Top Schedule Fire and Life Safety Interpretation 1. (1) In this Schedule (a) "addition" means an increase in building area, aggregate floor area, height, or number of stories of a structure; (b) "adopted code" means the applicable code as adopted under section 3 of the regulations; (c) "authority having jurisdiction" means the government body responsible for the enforcement of a part of the referenced code or the official or agency designated by that body to exercise that function; (d) "change of occupancy classification" means a change in the occupancy classification of a structure or portion of a structure; (e) "change of use" means a change in the purpose or level of activity within a structure that involves a change in application of the requirements of the Act, regulations and adopted codes; (f) "existing building or structure" means building or structure approved for occupancy by the AHJ or a building or structure which is currently occupied; (g) "historic building" means a building or facility considered to have historical, architectural, or cultural significance by a local, regional, or national authority; (h) "modification" means (i) the addition or elimination of load-bearing elements, (ii) the reconfiguration of any space, (iii) the addition or elimination of any door or window; (iv) the reconfiguration or extension of any system, or (v) the installation of any additional equipment; (i) "new construction" means a building or structure which is (i) under construction, or (ii) not approved for occupancy by the AHJ; (j) "reconstruction" means (i) the reconfiguration of a space that affects an exit, or a corridor shared by more than a single tenant, or (ii) the reconfiguration of space so that the rehabilitation work area is not permitted to be occupied because existing means of egress and fire protection systems, or their equivalent, are not in place or continuously maintained; (k) "rehabilitation" means any work on an existing building classified as: (i) repair, (ii) renovation, (iii) modification, (iv) reconstruction, (v) change of use of occupancy, or (vi) addition; (l) "renovation" means (i) the replacement in kind or strengthening of load bearing elements, or (ii) the refinishing, replacement, bracing, strengthening, or upgrading of existing materials, elements, equipment or fixtures, without involving the reconfiguration of spaces; and (m) "repair" means the patching, restoration, or painting of materials, elements, equipment, or fixtures for the purpose of maintaining those materials, elements, equipment or fixtures in good or sound condition. (2) Words and phrases used in this schedule that are not included in this section shall have the meanings which are commonly assigned to them in the context in which they are used, taking into account the specialized use of terms with the various trades and professions to which the terminology applies. (3) The following abbreviations are used in this schedule: (a) AHJ: authority having jurisdiction; (b) LSC: NFPA 101 Life Safety Code; (c) NBCC: National Building Code of Canada ; (d) NFCC: National Fire Code of Canada ; and (e) NFPA: National Fire Protection Association. Back to Top Application and use 2. (1) This schedule directs the application and use of the adopted codes. (2) This schedule directs the application and use of the appropriate codes, sections or chapters of codes that shall be used for (a) the design, construction, operation of new structures; and (b) the use and operation of existing structures. (3) This schedule identifies the procedures that owners or developers shall follow in the repair, renovation, modification, reconstruction, change of use or change of occupancy classification , and addition to existing structures including historic buildings . Back to Top Existing buildings 3. (1) This schedule permits repairs , renovations, modifications, reconstructions, additions, and changes of use that maintain or improve the health, safety, and well-being of occupants in existing buildings, without requiring full compliance with the adopted codes, except for proportional additional work as specified in this schedule and the LSC . (2) Nothing in this section shall be interpreted as requiring the repair , renovation , modification or reconstruction of existing buildings, but in all circumstances the requirements of the adopted codes shall be met. (3) All work shall be classified into categories of: (a) repair; (b) renovation; (c) modification; (d) reconstruction; (e) change of use; or (f) addition with specific requirements established for each category according to the LSC . Back to Top Compliance 4. (1) Existing life safety features which are obvious to the public, if not required by the adopted codes , shall be either maintained or removed. (2) This schedule shall not supersede any adopted codes or ordinances that address dangerous or unsafe buildings. (3) Buildings and structures located in whole or in part in a floodway or floodway fringe shall conform to the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Land Use Policy Flood Risk Areas . (4) The minimum design loads for a structure shall be the loads applicable at the time the building was constructed, provided that no structurally deficient condition is created. (5) Notwithstanding subsection (4), structural elements that are uncovered during the course of the building rehabilitation which are found to be unsound or structurally deficient shall comply with the load requirements of the NBCC . (6) Where a rehabilitation work area includes a commercial kitchen and the work includes reconfiguration or extension of cooking equipment or the installation of additional cooking equipment, existing grease ducts, exhaust equipment, and kitchen hoods shall be brought into compliance with the requirements of NBCC . (7) Where (a) a rehabilitation work area is more than 50 percent of the gross floor area; or (b) the occupant load is intended to be increased by at least 20 percent as a result of the rehabilitation work, the plumbing system shall be upgraded to the NBCC . (8) Rehabilitation work, including an addition, shall not create or extend any nonconformity to the adopted codes in the existing building in which the rehabilitation work or the addition is constructed. Back to Top Preliminary meeting 5. (1) Where a building permit is required for a rehabilitation project involving multiple adopted codes , before the submission of the construction permit application and upon the request of the applicant and the payment of any required fees, the AHJ or its designee and representatives from all necessary agencies may meet with the applicant to discuss plans for any proposed work or change of occupancy. (2) The meeting referred to in subsection (1) shall, to the extent possible, include the officials responsible for permit approval and enforcement with respect to the following, as applicable to the rehabilitation project: (a) National Building Code of Canada; (b) National Plumbing Code of Canada; (c) NFPA 101, LSC; (d) Canadian Electrical Code; (e) National Fire Code of Canada; (f) Public Safety Act ; (g) Building Accessibility Act ; and (h) Historic Resources Act ; (3) Decisions made at the meeting shall be documented and circulated to those in attendance. (4) For a rehabilitation project or portion of it that is in the repair , renovation, or modification category of work, a preliminary meeting may be permitted to be granted at the discretion of the AHJ when a request for a preliminary meeting is made by the prospective applicant prior to the submission of the construction permit application. (5) The rehabilitation work area shall be clearly identified on all construction permit applications, construction documents, and permits required by the AHJ . Back to Top Design, coustruction, use & occupancy - new construction 6. (1) Building plans submitted for approval shall meet the requirements of the regulations, adopted codes and this schedule. (2) All new construction , including construction and development shall meet the requirements in the table: New Construction OCCUPANCY TYPE DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, USE & OCCUPANCY GENERAL NOTES NBCC Occupancy Classification LSC Occupancy Classification Group A - Division 1,2,3,4 Assembly ASSEMBLY NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 12 LSC Group A - Division 2 Assembly EDUCATION NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 14 LSC Group A - Division 2 Assembly DAY - CARE NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 16 LSC AND DAY - CARE REGS. Group B - Division 1 Detention DETENTION & CORRECTIONAL NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 22 LSC Group B - Division 2 Treatment HEALTH CARE NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 18 LSC Group B- Division 3 Care RESIDENTIAL BOARD AND CARE NBCC, NFCC, Chapter 32 LSC and NL Personal Care Home Policy Manual Group C Residential ONE & TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS NO REQUIREMENTS Group C Residential LODGING & ROOMING HOUSES NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 26 LSC Group C Residential HOTELS & DORMITORIES NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 28 LSC Group C Residential APARTMENT BUILDINGS NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 30 LSC Group D Business and personal services AMBULATORY HEALTH CARE NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 20 LSC Group D Business and personal services BUSINESS NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 38 LSC Group E Mercantile MERCANTILE NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 36 LSC Group F - Division 1,2,3 Industrial INDUSTRIAL NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 40 LSC Group F - Division 2,3 Industrial STORAGE NBCC, NFCC AND CHAPTER 42 LSC (3) N ew construction shall follow the NBCC for design and construction with the only exception of the means of egress. (4) Means of egress for new construction shall comply with Chapter 7 of the LSC unless otherwise provided for or modified by the individual occupancy chapters, which shall prevail. (5) The requirements for the use and occupancy of the building shall follow the NFCC and the applicable occupancy chapter for new construction requirements in the NFPA 101, LSC . (6) The use and occupancy requirements shall be incorporated into the design and construction of the building. (7) There shall be no use and occupancy requirement for design and construction that exceeds (a) the requirements of the NBCC; or (b) section 2, Means of Egress, of the applicable occupancy chapter of the NFPA 101, LSC. Back to Top Use and occupancy - existing buildings 7. (1) E xisting buildings shall meet the requirements of the regulations, adopted codes, this schedule and the requirements in the table: Existing Buildings OCCUPANCY TYPE USE & OCCUPANCY GENERAL NOTES EXISTING ASSEMBLY NFCC AND CHAPTER 13 LSC EDUCATION NFCC AND CHAPTER 15 LSC DAY - CARE NFCC AND CHAPTER 17 LSC AND DAY - CARE REGULATIONS HEALTH CARE NFCC AND CHAPTER 19 LSC AMBULATORY HEALTH CARE NFCC AND CHAPTER 21 LSC DETENTION & CORRECTIONAL NFCC AND CHAPTER 23 LSC ONE & TWO FAMILY DWELLINGS NO REQUIREMENTS LODGING & ROOMING HOUSES NFCC AND CHAPTER 27 LSC HOTELS & DORMITORIES NFCC AND CHAPTER 29 LSC APARTMENT BUILDINGS NFCC AND CHAPTER 31 LSC RESIDENTIAL BOARD & CARE NFCC AND CHAPTER 33 LSC AND PERSONAL CARE HOME POLICY MANUAL MERCENTILE NFCC AND CHAPTER 37 LSC BUSINESS NFCC AND CHAPTER 39 LSC INDUSTRIAL NFCC AND CHAPTER 41 LSC STORAGE NFCC AND CHAPTER 43 LSC (2) E xisting buildings shall meet the requirements of NFCC ; and the applicable chapter for existing buildings in the NFPA 101, LSC . (3) Means of egress for existing buildings shall comply with Chapter 7 of the LSC unless otherwise provided for or modified by the individual occupancy chapters. (4) There shall be no use and occupancy requirement for existing buildings that exceeds (a) the requirements of the NBCC; or (b) the applicable existing occupancy chapter of the NFPA 101, LSC . (5) Where an existing building requires upgrading to meet the requirements of subsection (2), the owner may be subject to a fire commissioner's order to correct any deficiencies and that order shall be implemented in accordance with sections 8 and 9. (6) Subject to the approval of the AHJ , where a deficiency has been identified and a directive has been issued for the correction of the deficiency, the period for compliance to meet subsection (2) may be extended as follows: (a) fire protection features, 5 years; (b) structural requirements, 5 years; (c) means of egress requirements, 2 years; and (d) fire alarm and detection systems, 2 years. (7) The owner may submit a life safety evaluation in accordance with section 12 to comply with subsection (2). (8) This section shall not apply to historic buildings that are not undergoing rehabilitation . Back to Top Rehabilitation work areas 8. (1) Where a rehabilitation work area is in a building that is required to have a fire alarm and detection system in accordance with the NBCC, the fire alarm and detection system shall be installed throughout the entire building. (2) Where a rehabilitation work area is in a building that is not equipped with a fire alarm and detection system, and the rehabilitation work when completed, changes the occupancy classification or the occupant loading, a fire alarm and detection system shall be installed throughout the entire building in accordance with the NBCC. (3) Where a rehabilitation work area is in a building that is required to have a sprinkler system in accordance with the NBCC, the sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building. (4) Where a rehabilitation work area is in a building that is not equipped with a sprinkler system, and the rehabilitation work when completed, changes the occupancy classification, building area or number of stories, a sprinkler system shall be installed throughout the entire building in accordance with NBCC. (5) Where a rehabilitation work area is in a building that is not equipped with a sprinkler system and the rehabilitation work is less than 50% of the aggregate floor area a life safety evaluation may be provided in accordance with section 12. Back to Top Historic buildings 9. (1) The repair, renovation , modification , reconstruction , and change of use or occupancy of historic buildings shall comply with: (a) NFPA 101, LSC; (b) NFPA 914, Code for Fire Protection of Historic Structures; or (c) Fire Safety Alternatives for Heritage Buildings in St. John’s , NL. (2) For historic buildings or structures located in whole or in part in floodway or floodway fringe, work on the building or structure shall be permitted, provided that both of the following are met: (a) the proposed work will not preclude continued designation as a historic building or structure; and (b) approval has been given by the Department of Municipal Affairs under the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Land Use Policy, Flood Risk Areas. Back to Top Code conflicts 10. Where a conflict exists or appears to exist between 2 or more adopted code requirements, sections 6 and 7 shall apply. Back to Top Code application where uncertainty 11. (1) Where the NBCC or the NFCC does not, in the opinion of the fire commissioner, address an issue or does not provide detailed requirements, the applicable Chapter for new construction of NFPA 101, LSC shall apply. (2) Where the NFCC does not, in the opinion of the fire commissioner, address an issue or does not provide detailed requirements, the applicable Chapter for existing buildings of NFPA 101, LSC shall apply. (3) There shall be no use and occupancy requirement for existing buildings that exceeds the requirements of the NBCC or section 2 of the applicable occupancy chapter for existing buildings of the NFPA 101, LSC. Back to Top Life safety evaluation 12. Where the owner of an existing building feels it is impractical to upgrade to meet code compliance, the owner may submit a life safety evaluation to the AHJ for approval to meet fire and life safety equivalency in accordance with the adopted codes.