Unsprinklered space intended for temporary use

An initial response to this came on June 4 in the form of the CCV’s interpretive decision titled “Monitoring and Detection of Single-Person Call Booths.” However, there was still uncertainty regarding fire suppression (sprinkler or water mist). This matter has now been clarified, and on November 28, a harmonization agreement was published regarding non-sprinklered spaces intended for temporary use.

Permissible Limit

A non-sprinklered space intended for temporary use—such as a phone booth, a meeting room, or a quiet area—may be excluded from sprinkler protection under the following conditions:

• The space is intended for short-term, temporary use;
• There is at least 500 mm of clearance between the ceiling above and the sprinklers located below it, or—if there is less than 500 mm of clearance—the sprinklers are properly designed in relation to the space(s);
• The space is separate from the sprinkler-protected area, and if more than one non-sprinklered space intended for temporary use is present, there is at least 150 mm of separation between them so that they do not form a continuous whole;
• The area of the space does not exceed 2.2 m² and is not used for storage;

These new guidelines significantly improve safety in buildings with phone booths. They ensure that these small spaces are not only practical but also comply with the fire safety standards that are essential for the well-being of building occupants. The full Harmonization Document can be found here.

Do you have phone booths in your building?

Check to see if they meet the latest safety requirements. Fire safety begins with compliance with the appropriate standards and guidelines.