Egress Requirements in Canada

Building Code in Canada

• The intent of the Building Code is to detail the minimum provisions acceptable to maintain the safety of  buildings, with specific regards to public health, fire protection, accessibility and structural sufficiency

• The National Building Code is the model code that forms the basis for all provincial code in Canada

• CSA user section guide must be used to select Windows as a minimum standard
• Building Code is a Law and we are responsible to follow the Law.

Egress Requirements

Section 9.7.1.2 – Bedroom Windows

(a) conforms to height and width requirements;

does not conform to area requirement

(b) and (c) conforms to height and width requirements; does conform to area requirement

Although bedroom windows are not considered to be ordinary escape routes, many occupants have been saved by using them in an emergency. By the time an occupant is able to respond to a smoke alarm the suite may be filled with smoke and their escape route from the bedroom blocked. 

Building Code article 9.7.1.2.establishes the general requirement that bedrooms must have at least one window that is large enough that it can be used as an exit in an emergency. 

Basement bedroom windows present an added challenge. Besides the height, width and overall area requirements that the window must meet, there are certain requirements for the window well on the building exterior.

9.7.1.2 Bedroom Windows 

1) Except where the suite has a sprinkler, each bedroom or combination bedroom shall have at least one outside window or exterior door operable from the inside without the use of key, tools or special knowledge and without the removal of sashes or hardware. 

2) The window referred to in Sentence (1) shall provide and unobstructed opening of not less than 0.35 m2 in area with no dimension less than 380 mm, and maintain the required opening during an emergency without the need for additional support. 

3) If the window referred to in Sentence (1) is provided with security bars, the security bars shall be operable from the inside without the use of any tools or special knowledge.

If a window well is required, it must be out from the window at least 550 mm (about 22") to provide safe passage. Awning style windows for example opening into a window well typically do not work because they sometimes cannot provide the necessary clearances and the hardware can obstruct the opening.

9.7.1.3. Window Opening into a Window-Well 

1) Where a window required in Article 9.7.1.2.opens into a window-well, a clearance of not less than 550 mm shall be provided in front of the window. 

2) Where the sash of a window referred to in Sentence (1) swings towards the window well, the 

operation of the sash shall not reduce the clearance in a manner that would restrict escape in an emergency. 

3) Where a protective enclosure is installed over the window well referred to in Sentence (1), the enclosure shall be operable from the inside without the use of keys, tools or special knowledge of the opening mechanism.