Mandate

The National Model Codes Committee (NMCC) on Fire and Life Safety will develop proposed code changes to address fire and life safety risks in the National Model Codes as described below and in accordance with the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC) approved work plan in order to safeguard buildings, occupants and firefighters when performing their duties.

Note: the breakdown of mandates shown below does not necessarily reflect the recommended task groups and working groups being planned.

Additional considerations for energy retrofits in existing Part 9 buildings
  • Address barriers to improving thermal resistance due to fire risks raised during the development of energy efficiency proposed changes in the 2020–2025 code cycle:
    • Addition of exterior insulation and limiting distance,
    • Use of spray foam to increase thermal resistance of assemblies.
Encapsulated mass timber construction (EMTC)
  • Review technical changes developed by provinces and territories for inclusion in the National Model Codes.
Energy storage systems (ESSs) and electric vehicle (EV) charging
  • Develop technical requirements to address the potential fire and life safety hazards associated with installation and maintenance of ESSs and EV charging stations for new and existing buildings. In developing requirements, consider coordination with the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC).
Fire performance of floor assemblies in houses [pending direction from the CBHCC]
  • Develop technical requirements for the acceptable level of performance for a floor assembly in a house exposed to fire.
Review of attribution and intent statements related to firefighter safety
  • Upon reviewing the outcome of the research project that evaluates existing requirements, attribution and intent statements of the NBC and NFC with regards to firefighter safety when performing their duties, and subject to CBHCC approval of a new firefighter safety sub-objective:
    • Align attributions and intent statements of current code requirements of NBC and NFC for consistency, where applicable,
    • Attribute current requirements to the new OS6 sub-objective and functional statements, and recommend changes to intent statements where necessary.
Hazardous processes
  • Develop code changes regarding the classification, storage, handling, use and processing of dangerous goods, flammable and combustible liquids for lithium-ion batteries and the materials used to manufacture lithium-ion batteries,
  • Address risks to safety, health and property associated with hazardous processes and operations:
    • hot works (including roofing operations),
    • chemical waste and recycling (i.e., equipment standards, storage, inspections, etc.).
Fire-resistance ratings
  • Construction and fire rating of the exterior wall assembly in Table 9.10.3.1.-A.
Single egress
  • Consider code changes related to single egress in residential occupancies as well as their application limitations.
Multi-unit residential buildings – 3–8 dwelling unit houses
  • Consider the required fire and life safety requirements for small 3–8 unit multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) in Part 9 of the NBC and develop requirements where appropriate.

The NMCC is established by, and reports to, the CBHCC. The NMCC exists until the completion of its mandate or as otherwise directed by the CBHCC.

The NMCC will comply with the Operating Procedures of the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes.

Responsibilities

In accordance with the mandate described above:

  • develop proposed code changes for consideration for public review by the CBHCC;
    • in developing proposed code changes, consider:
      • harmonization with provincial/territorial variations where possible, if multiple provincial/territorial variations exist seek direction from the CBHCC;
      • code change requests forwarded by the CBHCC;
      • new and existing standards and guidelines; and
      • implications on other code requirements;
    • in developing proposed code changes, identify:
      • impacts of the proposed code changes; and
      • enforcement implications of the proposed code changes;
  • in consideration of public review comments received, recommend code changes for publication, for consideration by the CBHCC;
  • identify where research is needed to support the mandate and support coordination efforts;
  • identify opportunities for coordination with standard development and support coordination;
  • develop material on proposed changes for the relevant user’s guides and commentaries, where applicable;
  • prepare a final report outlining a brief summary of the deliberations and considerations that led to the recommendation including any outstanding unresolved issues or concerns; and
  • through the Chair:
    • monitor progress against the approved CBHCC work plan and provide regular progress updates to the CBHCC; and
    • participate on the Standing Codes Coordination Committee, to ensure that there are no overlaps with, or conflicts between, the work being developed and that of other committees.