The TG met for the 8th time to receive updates on NRC research and from the various working groups (WGs) that report to the TG.  The task group also reviewed the Part 3 proposed change for single egress (SE) requirements under development.  Codes Canada staff also presented the changes made to the "phase-one report" to collect input from the TG prior to it being shared with the National Model Code Committee on Fire and Life Safety.

We are following this TG in anticipation of this being discussed for Part 9, which is currently out of scope. 

Key Points of Interest:

• NRC is carrying out the supporting risk assessment (computational egress and smoke modelling) research for SE buildings along with Carleton University and continues to seek direction from the TG.
• NRC advised that experimental research (real-world testing) on evacuation is being "decoupled" from the proposed change for SE since it is not required for the work of the TG-SE.
• The WG on Mixed Use Buildings has produced a final report that was included in the agenda package and are recommending that exit lobbies can contain furniture provided they are sprinklered, and that an F3 occupancy is permitted in the same building.
• The TG on Risk Assessment proposed using a 3‑storey, 12‑unit per storey, 800 m² building with two separated stairs and one‑hour fire separations as the baseline for modeling and a 3‑storey, 6 unit per storey, 600 m² building for single egress.  The TG reached consensus on this recommendation which will allow Carleton University to move forward on their risk assessment.  
• The WG on Impact Analysis proposed a 3-storey archetype to be used for the impact analysis and the TG reached consensus which will allow the WG to begin with cost estimating work.
• The WG on Fire Service has reviewed a letter from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and was planning to meet again shortly.
• Staff reviewed the phase-one report which had been updated following the March 25-27 TG-SE meeting to capture all of the input received to date from the TG and it will be shared with the National Model Code Committee on Fire and Life Safety.  A representative for the fire chiefs recommended a modification to the referenced NFPA standards to address the variability of fire services across the country with both professional, composite and volunteer fire departments.
• The TG began reviewing the draft Part 3 proposed change for SE and will continue at their next meeting.

For any questions, please contact Jack.Mantyla@chba.ca