Code Compliance Reviews
Our Fire Code Consulting Team works to assist owners, architects, developers, and authorities to plan and implement designs that meet safety objectives, codes, and standards.
Our fire code consulting team’s extensive understanding of fire code requirements and code intent mitigate code-related issues by developing alternative performance-based solutions that provide the requisite level of fire safety while remaining cost-effective.
Since 1983, PLC Fire Safety Engineering (PLC) has provided professional code compliance services for clients across Canada and internationally.
Our Fire Code Standards Knowledge and Expertise
Many members of our organization participate on committees that oversee the creation and evolution of life safety and fire protection codes and standards such as the National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Protection Association, Canadian Standards Association and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada codes and standards.
Our extensive technical code development experience allows our team to have a deep understanding and working knowledge of not only the codes and standards themselves but the intent behind them and potential alternate solutions that satisfy the code intent.
This is especially important where codes are not prescriptive or where existing site conditions do not directly satisfy code requirements. Learn more about how we analyze and resolve code compliance issues.
Our Commitment to Fire Safety Industry Excellence
PLC’s code compliance and fire code consulting teams of engineers participate in the following committees:
- National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) – Standing Committee on Use and Egress
- National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) – Standing Committee on Fire Protection
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Committees:
- NFPA 12 – Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
- NFPA 12A – Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
- NFPA 13 – Technical Committee on Sprinkler System Discharge Criteria
- NFPA 13 – Technical Committee on Sprinkler System Installation Criteria
- NFPA 24 – Technical Committee on the Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances
- NFPA 25 – Technical Committee on the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection System
- NFPA 68, 69 – Technical Committee on Explosion Protection Systems
- NFPA 307 – Standard for the Construction and Fire Protection of Marine Terminals, Piers, and Wharves
- NFPA 2001 – Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
- Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC), Committee on Fire Tests
- CAN/ULC S100 – Standard for Fire Tests
- CAN/ULC S524 – Standard for Installation of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC S536 – Requirements for the Inspection and Testing of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC S537 – Standard for Verification of Fire Alarm Systems
- CAN/ULC – Other Committee on Fire Alarm and Life Safety Equipment and Systems (CAN/ULC S500F/SC6, S525 to S531, S533, S537 to S541, S548, S552, S553, S559, S561, S572, S573, S576, S588 to S590)
- CSA N293 – Fire Protection for Nuclear Power Plants
- CSA N393 – Fire Protection for Facilities That Process, Handle, or Store Nuclear Substances
How Can We Help?
We’d love to understand your fire and life safety needs to see how we can help. Please reach out to us to schedule a conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of code compliance services does PLC provide?
- We provide the following code compliance services including plan reviews for new designs, code compliance audits, accessibility and means of egress reviews, fire system design reviews, code issue resolution and alternate solutions, and performance-based code-compliant designs to address unique building designs.
- Our code compliance services typically involve reviews for compliance to applicable building and fire codes, NFPA standards, insurance standards, life safety studies, and other regulatory fire protection and life safety documents. These code compliance reviews are done to support designs or modifications of buildings, processes and fire protection systems.
Do I need a code consultant for my project?
- Code consultants are recommended on all projects – big or small, new or retrofit – to ensure all code-related items are incorporated into the design. The scope of the code consultant will be dependent on the type, size and scope of the project. Engaging a code consultant with expert knowledge of the applicable codes and standards will ensure that the project addresses fire and life safety concerns as well as reduce multiple risks such as budget and schedule.
What are the benefits of hiring a code consultant?
- As a building code consultant with expertise in fire protection and life safety designs, we collaborate with your consulting team to resolve issues related to codes and standards and also focus on the requirements and needs of your facility.
- A good code consultant will tailor the solution to the exact requirements of the building ensuring that fire systems designs are appropriate for the hazards without being over-designed.
- We will liaise with the authority having jurisdiction for the approval of permits, code variances, alternate solutions and performance-based designs.
When should I bring PLC’s code compliance team onto my project?
- Engaging our fire code consulting team at the beginning of a project will reduce costs and risks by identifying issues right away so that they can be addressed. Engaging our code consulting services at a later stage can result in significant costs and delays due to re-work of the design and potential construction changes.
Which industry sectors does PLC specialize in for code compliance consulting?
- PLC’s fire code consulting services team specializes in many sectors which include the following: nuclear, health care, institutional, transportation and transit, petroleum and petrochemical, mining, manufacturing (wood products, agricultural/food industry, pharmaceutical, etc.), heritage buildings, commercial assembly and retail buildings (stadiums, arenas, shopping malls, clubs, etc.), educational facilities, and residential facilities.
- If you don’t see your type of facility listed above, chances are we have experience in that industry. Reach out to us at the contact below to see if we can help.
Why should I hire PLC to advise on my project’s code compliance?
- PLC has several years of technical expertise and industry experience performing code consulting services in facilities throughout Canada and Internationally. In addition, members of our team participate on codes and standards committees for the National Building Code of Canada, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Underwriters Laboratories of Canada. PLC innovative approach allows for early schedule planning, reduced financial commitments and optimal resource utilization. Engaging PLC on your project will ensure that your facility is compliant with all fire and life safety regulations and reduces the risk of issues that can arise during plan review and approval processes with local authorities.
Download our Complete Services Guide
Our Services Guide provides complete descriptions of all our fire and life safety services, a mapping of services to sectors, plus information about our:
- Quality Management Program
- Health and Safety Program
- Corporate Security Program