General Presentation on ObjectiveBased Codes

1
National Research Council Canada
Conseil national de recherches Canada
CODE DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM OBJECTIVE-BASED CODES
Canada
2
Next Generation of Codes
New Code Development Process
Current Code Documents
Move Towards Objective-Based Codes
2005
3
Next Generation of Codes
New Code Development Process
Current Code Documents
Move Towards Objective-Based Codes
2005
4
National Code Documents
Code Development System

• National Building Code
• National Fire Code
• National Plumbing Code
• National Farm Building Code

• Model National Energy Code for Buildings
• Model National Energy Code for Houses
• National Housing Code 1998 and Illustrated
  Guide

5
Code Development System

• British North America Act / Constitution Act

• building regulation is a provincial /territorial
  responsibility

6
Historical Background
Code Development System

• 1937
• no national model codes
• no provincial codes
• multiplicity of municipal codes
• Federal Dep. of Finance ? NRC
• We need a model code to encourage greater
  uniformity.

7
National Building Code
Code Development System
1941
8
Code Development System
ASSOCIATE COMMITTEE ONTHE NATIONAL FIRE CODE
CANADIAN COMMISSION ON BUILDING AND FIRE CODES
9
Code Development System
Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes
CCBFC
TG
SC
SC
SC
SC
Standing Committees
(e.g. Standing Committee on Houses)
TG
Task Groups(e.g. Task Group on Stairs)
10
300 MEMBERS in 10 to 20 COMMITTEES
Code Development System
11
Public Review
Code Development System

• twice during each 5 year cycle
• forums across the country
• every single comment is considered
• 1995 Edition
• 15000 change packages issued
• gt 4000 comments by 900 commentors

12
Provincial/Territorial Responsibilities
Code Development System

• enact building and fire regulations
• inspect and enforce the Code
• provide legal interpretation
• initiate training programs
• license trades and professions
• provide policy guidance

13
Canadian Codes Centre
Code Development System

• Code Development
• evaluate proposed changes
• conduct studies for committees
• provide administrative support
• assist in application of Code(s)
• coordinate with IRC and other researchers
• Production and Marketing

14
Good Points
Code Development System

• broad consensus
• strong technical support
• technically driven isolated from non-technical
  pressures

15
Whats missing?
Code Development System

• only technically driven isolated from policy
  issues
• provinces and territories are not adequately
  engaged
• many code users in provinces with own codes
  dont participate in national process

16
One Goal of Strategic Plan
Code Development System

• Address provincial/territorial concerns in
  national model codes so well that they will not
  feel the need to make changes

17
New Code Development and Maintenance System
New Code Development System

• Endorsed by provincial/territorial deputy
  ministers and the CCBFC in February 2000

18
Key Added Elements
New Code Development System

• Concept of Core Codes
• National codes will only cover those issues that
  all P/Ts agree should be covered
• P/Ts will cover other issues separately

19
Key Added Elements (contd)
New Code Development System

• Provincial/Territorial Policy Advisory Committee
  on Codes (PTPACC)

• created by deputy ministers
• provides policy guidance to the CCBFC
• has three Sub-Committees
• Fire Regulation
• Building Regulation
• Plumbing Regulation

20
Key Added Elements (contd)
New Code Development System

• Coordinated public consultations
• engage code users in all provinces and
  territories in the national process and consult
  them only once

21
Key Added Elements (contd)
New Code Development System

• P/Ts can participate in current and planned code
  development activities at all stages
• no surprises
• P/T issues resolved by CCBFC before standing
  committees act
• no dead end activities

22
Key Added Elements (contd)
New Code Development System

• Attempt to resolve existing technical differences
• next cycle
• Share costs of national system in an equitable
  way
• revenue from code sales is important

23
Benefits of the New System
New Code Development System

• greater uniformity
• faster adoption

24
Benefits of Greater Uniformity
New Code Development System

• consistent levels of Health Safety
• effective, technically progressive codes
• reduction in design verification costs
• efficiencies in the regulatory system

25
Benefits of Greater Uniformity
New Code Development System

• efficiencies in industry
• international credibility for Canadian
  technologies
• facilitate harmonization with international codes
• mobility of code users

26
Next Generation of Codes
New Code Development Process
Current Code Documents
Move Towards Objective-Based Codes
2005
27
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

28
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

29
The Starting Point
Objective-Based Codes

• As part of 1995 CCBFC Strategic Plan development,
  1994 Survey of Code Users said codes should
• have clearer scope
• have clearer intents
• more accommodating to innovation
• be easier to apply to renovation

30
Current Codes
Objective-Based Codes
Current Canadian codes are mix of prescriptive
and performance requirements

• Prescriptive
• (e.g. swing type door in fire separation
• must have latch)
• Performance
• (e.g. exit stair will not contain more than1
  by vol. of contaminated air)

31
International Trend
Objective-Based Codes

• Many countries are moving towardsPerformance
  Codes
• But the trend is to write qualitative, not true
  (quantitative) performance codes

32
Two Options for CCBFC
Objective-Based Codes

• True Performance Code
• would require decades of research to set
  performance levels for all aspects of building
  performance currently dealt with in the codes
• Objective-Based Code
• uses current code requirements but gives
  user more info to
• interpret code
• evaluate equivalents

33
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

34
Whats New in Objective-Based Codes ?
Objective-Based Codes

• Each provision is linked to additional
  information, such as
• overall objectives (e.g. Health, Safety,
  Accessibility...)
• more detailed sub-objectives (e.g. Indoor
  Conditions inadequate indoor air quality)
• functional statements
• a specific intent (or reason)
• an application statement

35
Whats new? Objectives
Objective-Based Codes

• Each provision is linked to at least one
  Objective, which
• describes the overall goals that code provisions
  serve to fulfill
• is very broad

36
Whats new? NBC Objectives
Objective-Based Codes
SAFETY Fire Safety Structural Safety Safety in
Use Resistance to Unwanted Entry Safety at
Construction and Demolition Sites
ACCESSIBILITY Barrier-Free Path of
Travel Barrier-Free Facilities
FIRE STRUCTURAL PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS Fire
Protection of the Building Structural
Sufficiency of the Building Protection of
Adjacent Buildings from Fire Protection of
Adjacent Buildings from Structural Damage
HEALTH Indoor Conditions Sanitation Noise
Protection Vibration or Deflection
Limitation Hazardous Substances Containment
37
Whats new? NFC Objectives
Objective-Based Codes
SAFETY Fire Safety Safety in Use
FIRE PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES Fire
Protection of the Building or Facility Protectio
n of Adjacent Buildings or Facilities from Fire
HEALTH Hazardous Substances Containment
38
Whats new? NPC Objectives
Objective-Based Codes
SAFETY Safety in Use Fire Safety Structural
Safety
PROTECTION OF THE BUILDING OR FACILITY FROM WATER
AND SEWAGE DAMAGE
HEALTH Indoor Conditions Sanitation Hazardous
Substances Containment
39
Three Levels of Objectives

• OH Health
• An objective of this Code is to limit the
  probability that, as a result of the design or
  construction of the building, a person will be
  exposed to an unacceptable risk of illness.
• OH1 Indoor Conditions
• An objective of this Code is to limit the
  probability that, as a result of the design or
  construction of the building, a person in the
  building will be exposed to an unacceptable risk
  of illness due to indoor conditions. The risks
  of illness due to indoor conditions addressed in
  this Code are those caused by
•  OH1.1 - inadequate indoor air quality
•  OH1.2 - inadequate thermal comfort
•  OH1.3 - contact with moisture
•  OH2 Sanitation
• An objective of this Code is to . . .

40
Whats new? Functional Statements
Objective-Based Codes

• Each provision is linked to one or more
  functional statements, which
• describe the conditions to be achieved in more
  detail than objectives do
• are qualitative

41
Functional Statements
Objective-Based Codes

• NFC Division A
• Part 3 Functional Statements
• 3.2.1.1 Functional Statements
• The objectives of this Code are achieved by
  measures, such as those described in the
  acceptable solutions, intended to allow the
  building to perform the following functions

F01 To minimize the risk of accidental
ignition. F02 To limit the severity and effects
of fire or explosions. F03 To retard the
effects of fire on areas beyond its point of
origin. . . .
42
Objectives vs Functional Statements
Objective-Based Codes
OS1 Fire Safety An objective of this Code is to
limit the probability that, as a result of a)
activities related to the construction, use or
demolition of the building or facility, b) the
condition of specific elements of the building or
facility, c) the design and construction of
specific elements of the facility related to
certain hazards, or d) inadequate built-in
protection measures for the current or intended
use of the building, a person in or adjacent to
the building or facility will be exposed to an
unacceptable risk of injury due to fire. The
risks of injury due to fire addressed in this
Code are those caused by -
 OS1.1 fire or explosion occurring  OS1.2 fire or
explosion impacting areas beyond its point of
origin  . . .
F01 To minimize the risk of accidental
ignition. F02 To limit the severity and effects
of fire or explosions. F03 To retard the effects
of fire on areas beyond its point of origin. . .
.
43
Whats new? Intents
Objective-Based Codes

• Each provision has at least one intent statement
  (one per objective), which
• explains the thinking behind specific code
  requirements in plain language
• helps code users apply the code, assess
  equivalents/alternative solutions
• will only be published electronically

44
Intent Example from the database
Objective-Based Codes
NBC 3.8.1.3.(2)

• 2) Interior and exterior walking surfaces that
  are within a barrier-free path of travel shall
• a) have no opening that will permit the
  passage of a sphere more than 13 mm diam,
• b) have any elongated openings oriented
  approximately perpendicular to the direction of
  travel ...

Intent
To reduce the probability that a wheelchair or
other mobility assistance device used by a person
will be trapped in a walking surface, which could
lead to loss of balance of the person, which
could lead to harm to the person or persons
nearby.
45
Whats new? Application
Objective-Based Codes

• Each provision has an application statement,
  which
• describes the situations to which the code
  provision applies and does not apply
• will only be published electronically

46
Application Example
Objective-Based Codes
NBC 3.8.1.3.(2)

• A1. Openings in interior and exterior walking
  surfaces that are within a barrier-free path of
  travel, as stated in Sentences 3.8.1.2.(1) and
  (2), 3.8.1.4.(1), 3.8.2.1.(1) and (2), and
  3.8.2.2.(1), and Article 3.8.2.3.
• This applies to buildings described in Sentence
  2.1.2.1.(1).
• Exception except as stated in Sentence
  3.8.1.1.(1), which applies to
• A. houses, including semi-detached houses,
  duplexes, triplexes, town houses, row houses, and
  boarding houses,
• B. buildings of Group F, Division 1 major
  occupancy, and
• C. buildings that are not intended to be occupied
  on a daily or full time basis, including
  automatic telephone exchanges, pumphouses and
  substations.

Application
47
Application Example (contd)
Objective-Based Codes
NBC 3.8.1.3.(2)
A2. Also applies to lt buildings gt to which Part 9
applies see Sentence 2.1.3.1.(1), as stated in
Sentence 9.5.2.1.(1). Exception except as
stated in Article 9.5.2.3., which applies to
apartment lt buildings gt.
Application
48
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

49
Structure of New Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Division A - Compliance, Objectives and
  Functional Statements
• policy level,
• suitable for adoption by legislative authorities
• will change infrequently
• Division B - Acceptable Solutions
• working level
• will be updated regularly
• Division C - Administrative Provisions

50
Division A Compliance, Objectives and Functional
Statements
Objective-Based Codes

• Table of Contents
• Part 1. Compliance
• Part 2. Objectives
• Part 3. Functional Statements

51
Division B Acceptable Solutions
Objective-Based Codes

• Table of Contents
• Part 1. General
• Part 2. reserved for future use
• Part 3. Fire Protection, Occupant Safety and
  Accessibility
• Part 4. Structural Design
• Part 5. Environmental Separation
• Part 6. Heating, Ventilating and Air
  Conditioning
• Part 7. Plumbing Services
• Part 8. Safety Measures at Construction
• Demolition Sites
• Part 9. Housing and Small Buildings

52
Format
Objective-Based Codes

• Division B Acceptable Solutions
• Part 9 Houses and Small Buildings
• 9.9. Means of Egress
• 9.9.2. General
• 9.9.2.1. Egress from Roof Areas, Podiums,
  Terraces,
• Platforms and Contained Open Spaces

F10
1) An access to exit shall be provided from
every roof intended for occupancy and from
every podium, terrace, platform or contained open
space. 2) Where a roof is intended for an
occupant load of more than 60 persons, at least
2 separate means of egress .etc.
F10
53
Format
Objective-Based Codes
54
Format
Objective-Based Codes

• Division B Acceptable Solutions
• Part 9 Houses and Small Buildings
• 9.9. Means of Egress
• 9.9.2. General
• 9.9.2.1. Egress from Roof Areas, Podiums,
  Terraces,
• Platforms and Contained Open Spaces

F10
1) An access to exit shall be provided from
every roof intended for occupancy and from
every podium, terrace, platform or contained open
space. 2) Where a roof is intended for an
occupant load of more than 60 persons, at least
2 separate means of egress .etc.
F10
55
Example
Objective-Based Codes

• A designer proposes to use a preserved wood
  foundation for a fuel storage tank.

56
Acceptable Solutions
Objective-Based Codes

• National Fire Code
• Division B Acceptable Solutions
• Part 4 Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• . . .
• 4.3.3.1. Foundations and Supports
• 1) Storage tanks shall rest on the ground or on
  foundations, supports or piling made of
  concrete, masonry or steel in conformance with
• a) Appendix B of API 650, Welded Steel Tanks
  for Oil Storage and
• b) Appendices C and D of API 620, Design and
  Construction of Large, Welded, Low-Pressure
  Storage Tanks.

F02
F20
F20
57
Functional Statements
Objective-Based Codes

• NFC Division A
• Part 3 Functional Statements
• 3.2.1.1 Functional Statements
• The objectives of this Code are achieved by
  measures, such as those described in the
  acceptable solutions, intended to allow the
  building to perform the following functions

. . . F02 To limit the severity and effects
of fire or explosions. . . .
58
Objectives
Objective-Based Codes

• National Fire Code Division A
• 2.2.1.1. Objectives
• 1) The objectives of this Code are as follows
• Safety
• . . .

OS1 Fire Safety An objective of this Code is to
limit the probability that a person in or
adjacent to a building or facility will be
exposed to an unacceptable risk of injury due to
fire. The risks of injury due to fire addressed
in this Code are those caused by . .
. OS1.2 fire or explosion impacting areas beyond
its point of origin . . .
59
Intents
Objective-Based Codes

• 4.3.3.1. (1) Storage tanks shall rest on the
  ground or on foundations, supports or piling made
  of concrete, masonry or steel . . .
• Intent for this portion of 4.3.3.1.(1)
• To limit the probability that combustible
  supports will contribute to a fire under the
  tank, which could lead to failure of the tank
  from exposure to the fire, which could lead to
  fire growth and spread of fire, which could lead
  to harm to persons.

60
Compliance
Objective-Based Codes

• National Fire Code
• Division A
• Part 1 Compliance
• ...
• 1.2.1.1. Compliance with the Code
• 1) Compliance with this Code shall be achieved by
  
• a) complying with the applicable acceptable
  solutions in
• Division B, or
• b) using alternatives solutions that will
  achieve at least the minimum level of
  performance required by Division B in the areas
  defined by the objectives and functional
  statements attributed to the applicable
  acceptable solutions.

61
Acceptance of Alternative Solutions
Objective-Based Codes

• Local/regional alternative solutions may be
  authorized by the authorities having jurisdiction
  
• Generic alternative solutions may beadded to
  Codes (Acceptable Solutions) via standing
  committee route
• National repository of alternative solutions may
  reduce the reinventing of wheels
• No change in current approach as perNBC 2.5.
  Equivalents

62
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

63
Workplan Status
Objective-Based Codes

• Intent Analysis Review of intents by consultant
  complete
• Development of Format and Structure ongoing
  (CCC Staff, TG on Drafting Obj.-bas. Codes)
• Public Review Objectives/General
  Concept complete Fall 2000
• Intent Analysis Winter 2003
• Technical Changes Winter 2003
• Test Drive of 1995 Codes in Objective-based
  Form Winter 2003
• Codes Publication expected 2005

64
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

65
Benefits
Objective-Based Codes

• More consistent application
• Existing requirements retained Minimum
  disruption to users
• More information to evaluate equivalents and
  innovative solutions
• Easier to apply to existing buildings
• Compatible with international direction of codes

66
Objective-Based Codes
Objective-Based Codes

• Why Objective-Based Codes?
• What are they?
• How do they work?
• When will they come into effect?
• What are the benefits?
• Summary

67
Summary
Objective-Based Codes

• Objectives - are top level
• Functional Statements - describe conditions to be
  achieved
• Intents - give detailed reason for each specific
  requirement/solution in plain language
• Acceptable Solutions - are current and future
  prescriptive and performance requirements
• Alternative Solutions - no change in current
  approach for compliance with National Codes

68
Summary
Objective-Based Codes

• Strong overall support for move towards
  Objective-based Codes
• National effort - including a unique opportunity
  for training and education
• Some restructuring will take place
• Public Review - Winter 2003
• Business as usual - for users satisfied with
  provisions in Acceptable Solutions
• Publication - in 2005

69
The Starting Point
Objective-Based Codes

• As part of 1995 CCBFC Strategic Plan development,
  1994 Survey of Code Users said codes should
• have clearer scope
• have clearer intents
• more accommodating to innovation
• be easier to apply to renovation

70
Further Information?
Objective-Based Codes

• www.nationalcodes.ca
• www.nrc.ca/codes