OTTAWA — The Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) has announced the release of the 2020 National Model Codes, providing an updated set of construction codes such as building and fire codes.
Besides the National Building Code of Canada 2020 and the National Fire Code of Canada 2020, the new standards include the National Plumbing Code of Canada 2020 and the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020, stated a recent release.
The new codes incorporate more measures to address climate change and include such new requirements as strengthened protections for openable windows in residential occupancies to minimize the risk of falling; safety glazing in windows and doors for schools and similar buildings to reduce the hazards of wired glass; and updates to evaporative equipment and drain pans to minimize the growth and transmission of legionella and other bacteria.
Other new measures include adjustments to the minimum dimensions of building elements to accommodate people using a wider variety of mobility devices, and requirements for tactile signage and for more pedestrian entrances and floor levels to be accessible; and a tiered energy performance compliance process.
“These new codes are more reflective of the current world we live in,” said CCBFC chair Kevin Griffiths in a statement. “Thanks to these updates, it will be easier for Canadians with accessibility considerations to navigate different spaces; large farm buildings are now included in the Codes to reflect the evolving agricultural sector; and energy performance levels have been introduced to make buildings more energy efficient.” Stakeholders are invited to download the codes and review the changes. The 2020 codes include nearly 400 changes.
Current provincial and territorial building, fire, plumbing and energy regulations will remain in effect until the 2020 codes are adopted, with or without modifications, by the provincial or territorial authorities having jurisdiction.
The National Building Code has generated lots of discussion. Click here for one example of the coverage.
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