Rescinded [2010-04-01] - Fire Protection Standard for Electronic Data Processing Equipment

This standard establishes minimum requirements for fire protection of electronic data processing equipment (henceforth referred to as EDP equipment) in order to minimize risks to Government of Canada property and operations, and to protect and conserve the Government's financial position.

This standard applies to:

1. departments and agencies listed in Schedules A and B of the Financial Administration Act (FAA) with the exception of the Department of National Defence;
2. branches designated as departments for the purposes of the FAA; and
3. those departments and other portions of the Public Service as defined in Part I of Schedule I of the Public Service Staff Relations Act.

This chapter replaces chapter 7-3 of PMM Volume 12.

This standard describes the fire protection engineering requirements for EDP equipment that is:

1. essential to the operation of Government of Canada departments and agencies; or
2. not essential but of a value that warrants protection from the effect of fire.

(See appendix A)

This standard applies to:

1. new computer room construction and EDP equipment installations;
2. additions and alterations to existing computer room and EDP equipment installations; and
3. existing computer room and EDP equipment installations where conditions present a risk to property or operational continuity. (See appendix A)

1. The Fire Commissioner of Canada or his authorized representative is responsible for the administration and enforcement of this standard.
2. This standard is not to be interpreted as permitting practices specifically prohibited by provincial or other legislation.
3. Where reference is made to other codes and standards, unless otherwise stipulated, the reference shall be to the latest edition including amendments to that code or standard.
4. In the event of an inconsistency between this standard and any other standard, the requirements of this standard shall prevail.

Certain terms used in this standard are defined.

administrative official (agent administratif) - means the official designated by the department or agency responsible for the administration of the property

alarm signal (signal d'alarme) - means an audible signal transmitted throughout a zone or zones or throughout a building to advise occupants that a fire emergency exists

alert signal (signal d'alerte) - means an audible signal to advise designated persons of a fire emergency

annunciator (annonciateur) - means a device to indicate visually a signal received from the fire alarm system or the fire detection system

combustible (combustible) - means that a material fails to meet the acceptance criteria of CAN4-S114 "Standard Method of Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Materials"

computer room (salle des ordinateurs) - means a room in which EDP equipment is located

electronic data processing (EDP) equipment (matériel de traitement électronique de l'information (TEI)) - means computer equipment along with all peripherals, supports, memories, programs or other associated equipment electronically interconnected with it

essential (essentiel) - as determined by the Administrative Official, means vital to the operations of the department and agency. (See appendix A-1.3)

fire alarm system (réseau avertisseur d'incendie) - means a combination of devices designed to warn the building occupants of an emergency condition

fire compartment (compartiment étanche au feu) - means an enclosed space in a building that is separated from all other parts of the building by enclosing construction providing a fire separation having a required fire-resistance rating

fire detector (détecteur d'incendie) - means a device which detects a fire condition and automatically initiates a signal and includes heat detectors and smoke detectors

fire-resistance rating (degré de résistance au feu) - means the time that a material or assembly of materials will resist the effects of fire as determined by the appropriate standard fire test prescribed in the NBC

fire separation (séparation coupe-feu) - means a construction assembly that acts as a barrier against the spread of fire

flame-resistant (difficilement inflammable) - means that such material conforms to CAN/ULC - S109, "Standard for Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films"

flame-spread rating (indice de propagation de la flamme) - means an index or classification indicating the extent of spread-of-flame on the surface of a material or an assembly of materials as determined by the appropriate standard fire test prescribed in the NBC

Government of Canada property (propriétés du gouvernement du Canada) - means real or personal property under the administration and control of a federal government department or agency, including property leased to the government

Halon 1301 system (réseau d'extincteurs au Halon 1301) - means a fire suppression system consisting of containers of Halon 1301 gas as the extinguishing medium and shall include total flood systems and local application systems

local application system (réseau à projection locale) - means a fixed fire suppression system consisting of containers of Halon 1301 gas as the extinguishing medium so arranged to discharge the Halon gas directly on the burning material

non-combustible (incombustible) - means that a material meeting the acceptance criteria of CAN4-S114, "Standard Method of Test for Determination of Non-Combustibility in Building Material"

records (documents) - means media for the storage of information and includes paper records, punch cards, plastic or metal-base tapes, microfilm or other photographic media, magnetic discs, optical discs, memory drums and cores or other means of maintaining or storing information

smoke detector (détecteur de fumée) - means a fire detector designed to operate when the concentration of airborne products of combustion exceeds a predetermined level

smoke developed classification (indice de dégagement des fumées) - means an index or classification indicating the level of smoke developed by a material or assembly of materials as determined by the appropriate standard for test prescribed in the NBC

total flood system (réseau à saturation) - means a fixed fire suppression system consisting of containers of Halon 1301 gas as the extinguishing medium so arranged to discharge the Halon gas into an enclosed space or room

1. The abbreviations in this standard for the names of associations shall have the meanings assigned to them in this clause.
   CSA - Canadian Standards Association
   FC - Fire Commissioner of Canada or the authorized representative of the Fire Commissioner of Canada
   NBC - National Building Code of Canada
   NFC - National Fire Code of Canada
   NFPA - National Fire Protection Association
   ULC - Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada
2. The abbreviations of words and phrases in this Standard shall have the meanings assigned to them in this clause.
   oC - degree(s) Celsius
   HVAC - Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning
   h - hour(s)
   m - meter(s)
   lx - lux
   min - minute(s)
   No. - number
   s - second(s)
   $ - dollar(s)

EDP equipment shall be protected by one of the following levels of protection according to the value of each unit or units which are in very close proximity to each other:

1. (a) Level 3 -
   For essential EDP equipment.
2. (b) Level 2 -
   For non-essential EDP equipment of high value exceeding $1,000,000.
3. (c) Level 1 -
   For non-essential EDP equipment of medium value, equal to or greater than $250,000 but does not exceed $1,000,000.
4. (d) Level 0 -
   For non-essential EDP equipment of a value less than $250,000.

1. EDP equipment requiring Level 3 protection shall conform to this standard.
2. EDP equipment requiring Level 2 protection shall conform to this standard with the exception of subsection 6.4.
3. EDP equipment requiring Level 1 protection shall conform to this standard with the exception of subsection 3.2, articles 4.1(d), subsection 4.2, articles 4.3(b) to (e), subsection 4.4, article 5.1(e), articles 5.2(b) to (d), subsections 6.2, 6.3, and 6.4.
4. EDP equipment requiring Level 0 protection shall be considered as normal office equipment and shall be protected by fire extinguishers in conformance with 6.1. No additional protection is required other than that described in the NBC and NFC.

(See appendix C - Summary of requirements)

1. EDP equipment shall be located to minimize possible exposure to fire, water, corrosive fumes and smoke from adjacent areas.
2. EDP equipment shall not be located above, below or adjacent to areas or structures where hazardous processes are present, unless protective features are provided.
3. Where practicable, EDP equipment shall be located in sprinklered buildings.

Note:

This Subsection applies only to EDP equipment requiring Level 2 and Level 3 protection.

1. EDP equipment shall be located in buildings of non-combustible construction (as defined by the NBC) except as permitted in (b).
2. EDP equipment may be located in buildings of combustible construction (as defined by the NBC) if the entire building, including the space occupied by the EDP equipment, is protected by a sprinkler system.

1. Except as provided in (b), EDP equipment shall be located in a room separated from the remainder of the building by a fire separation having a fire-resistance rating of:
   1. 3/4 h where the floor assembly is required to have a fire-resistance rating of not greater than 3/4 h;
   2. 1 h where the floor assembly is required to have a fire-resistance rating of 1 h or more; and
   3. not less than 2 h, if the computer room is exposed to industrial occupancies as defined by the NBC.
2. For EDP equipment requiring Level 1 protection, the fire separation in (a) is not required if the equipment is located in a building protected by a sprinkler system or equipped with a fire alarm system.
3. Openings in the fire separation of the computer room shall be protected by closures as described in the NBC.
4. The interior finish of walls, partitions and ceilings shall be constructed of non-combustible materials or of materials having a flame-spread rating of 25 or less, and a smoke developed classification of 50 or less.
5. All concealed spaces above suspended ceilings shall be provided with access panels or hatches designed and located so that all portions of the void space are accessible.
6. Any floor immediately above the computer room shall be made watertight to minimize possible water damage to the EDP equipment. Any openings in the floor including those for columns, beams, pipes or conduits shall be sealed.
7. Where there is a possibility of water damage to the EDP equipment, protection shall be provided by means of
   1. adequate drainage to remove excess water; or
   2. water detection equipment to sense the presence of water.
8. Building services, such as fuel lines and water pipes, other than those serving the computer room shall not be located within the computer room.

1. Supporting members for raised floor shall be constructed of non-combustible material.
2. Decking for raised floors shall be constructed of:
   1. steel, aluminum or other non-combustible material; or
   2. a core material of wood or wood products covered on the top and bottom with metal, with all openings or cut edges covered with metal or plastic clips or grommets so that none of the core is exposed, and the assembly has a flame-spread rating of 25 or less.
3. Access panels, suitably identified, shall be provided in all raised floors to give ready access to the space beneath.
4. Except as permitted in (e), high pressure laminates, or carpeting on raised floors shall have a flame-spread rating of 75 or less and a smoke developed classification of 150 or less.
5. When the computer room is protected by a sprinkler system, commercial grade carpeting is permitted on raised floors.
6. Carpeting on raised floors as permitted in (d) and (e) shall be installed so as not to obstruct or interfere with openings required for access to the space beneath.
7. Openings into the space under raised floors shall be covered or screened to prevent the entry of debris.
8. The floor beneath raised floors shall be curbed by impermeable materials to prevent the entry of water from the adjacent floor areas.
9. Raised floor of metal construction shall be electrically grounded.
10. Before the installation of a raised floor is made on combustible flooring, the flooring shall be covered with non-combustible materials.

1. All electrical equipment used in EDP equipment shall be certified by CSA or the provincial electrical inspection authority.
2. All non-electrical parts such as housing, frames and supporting members shall be constructed, as far as practicable, of non-combustible materials.
3. Air filters for use in individual units of EDP equipment shall be of non-combustible materials or conform to the requirements for Class 1 filters in accordance with CAN4-S111, "Standard Method of Fire Tests for Air Filter Units".
4. Fluids required for lubrication, cooling or hydraulic purposes shall have a flash point of 150oC or higher and their containers shall be of sealed construction, equipped with automatic pressure relief devices venting to a safe location.
5. All sound deadening material used in EDP equipment shall have a flame-spread rating of 25 or less and a smoke-developed classification of 50 or less.

1. Only an activity or occupancy directly associated with the EDP equipment shall be permitted to be located in the computer room.
2. Furniture in the computer room shall be of materials that do not contribute significantly to the combustible contents.
3. Draperies shall be flame-resistant.

1. Records other than as described in (b) shall be stored in record storage facilities in accordance with FC No. 311, "Standard for Record Storage".
2. Records kept within the computer room shall be limited to the minimum needed for daily requirements and be stored in closed metal containers or cabinets unless the records are essential to operations in which case they shall be stored in containers having a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 h.
3. Master records from which operating or current records may readily be reproduced, shall be stored in a different fire compartment or stored off-site in containers conforming to (b).
4. After each periodic updating of recorded data, the previous record or generation of data shall be removed to the record storage facility referred to in (a).

1. Except as provided in this Subsection, electrical wiring and installations shall conform to the CSA C22.1, Canadian Electrical Code, Part I.
2. Power supply cables may be installed under a raised floor provided the branch circuit power supply conductors to receptacles are in metallic raceways or metal-sheathed cables.
3. All exposed wiring and cables in plenum and underfloor spaces shall have a flame test classification of FT4 when tested in conformance with CSA C22.2 No. 0.3, "Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables".
4. Service transformers are not permitted in the computer room unless they are of the dry type or a type filled with dielectric medium having a flash point of 300oC or higher.
5. Except for lighting and smoke detection systems, a disconnecting means shall be provided to disconnect power to all EDP equipment in the computer room. The disconnecting means shall be controlled from locations readily accessible to the operator at the main egress door of the computer room, and provided with cover plate to prevent accidental operation.
6. Uninterruptible power supply system (UPS) dedicated to the EDP equipment shall be located away from other building hazards and in a dedicated enclosure having a fire-resistance rating equal to the fire separation provided for the computer room, except that UPS system with sealed type batteries are permitted to be located within the computer room.
7. An enclosure for unsealed type battery bank associated with a UPS system shall be used for no other purpose. It shall be ventilated as required by CSA C22.1 for the type of battery used, and the floor and walls shall be water tight and resistant to the battery electrolyte used.
8. Where the EDP equipment and the UPS system are in different fire compartments, the electrical conductors connecting the EDP equipment and the UPS system shall be protected against fire exposure to ensure continued operation for a duration of at least 1 h.
9. Emergency lighting to an average level of 10 lx measured at the floor level shall be provided for the computer room for a duration in conformance with the NBC.

1. HVAC systems shall conform to the requirements of the NBC, Part 6.
2. Independent air conditioning systems shall be provided for the computer room, separate from service to other areas, where practicable.
3. Air ducts serving other areas should not pass through the computer room. Where it is not practicable to re-route such ducts, they shall be enclosed in a construction having a fire-resistance rating equal to that of the computer room.
4. Air filters for use in an air conditioning system shall be of non-combustible materials or conform to the requirements of Class 1 Filters in accordance with CAN4-S111, "Standard Method of Fire Tests for Air Filter Units".

Carbon dioxide extinguishers with a minimum rating of 5-B,C shall be provided in the computer room such that all EDP equipment is within 9 m travel distance of the extinguisher.

Note:

This subsection applies only to EDP equipment requiring Level 2 and Level 3 protection.

1. A fire alarm system, designed, installed and maintained in accordance with chapter 3-4, Standard for fire alarm systems, shall be provided for the building.
2. Smoke detectors, connected to a local annunciator, shall be provided in the computer room.
3. Smoke detectors shall be located throughout the computer room, including rooms housing the uninterruptible power supply system, underfloor spaces and ceiling spaces. The location of detectors in all concealed spaces shall be identified by the local annunciator.
4. The operation of any smoke detector or fire detector in the computer room shall:
   1. cause a visual and audible signal at the local annunciator in the computer room; and
   2. automatically transmit a signal to the building fire alarm control panel in accordance with chapter 3-4, Standard for fire alarm systems.
5. The local annunciator in (b) shall be located at or near the main egress door of the computer room.
6. Where a local control panel is provided for the control of the smoke detectors within the computer room, the power to the control panel shall be supplied from separate branch circuit(s) independent from the other branch circuits supplying power to the computer room.

Note:

This subsection applies only to EDP equipment requiring Level 2 and Level 3 protection.

1. Except as otherwise indicated in this Subsection, sprinkler systems protecting computer rooms shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with FC No. 403, "Standard for Sprinkler Systems".
2. For EDP equipment located in buildings of non-combustible +M construction, a sprinkler system shall be provided for the computer room. (See appendix A)
   Note: For EDP equipment located in buildings of combustible construction, the entire building shall be sprinklered as per subsection 3.2.
3. Sprinklers may be omitted in an underfloor space constructed in accordance with this standard.
4. The sprinkler system for the computer room shall be interconnected with the building fire alarm system and so arranged that the operation of any sprinkler within the computer room shall:
   1. cause a visual and audible signal at the local annunciator in the computer room;
   2. automatically transmit a signal to the building fire alarm control panel in accordance with chapter 3-4, Standard for fire alarm systems;
   3. shut down the power to the EDP equipment; and
   4. shut down the air handling system for the computer room.
5. The sprinkler system for the computer room shall be provided with a flow switch, a test pipe and an indicating control valve located outside of the room. The locations of the test pipe and the control valves shall be marked and identified.

(See appendix A)

Note:

This subsection applies only to EDP equipment requiring Level 3 protection.

1. A Halon 1301 system or other acceptable gaseous fire suppression system shall be installed in the computer room where a fire risk analysis concludes that, in addition to sprinkler protection, a gaseous fire suppression system is necessary to minimize potential fire damage to the EDP equipment.
2. Plans and specifications shall be submitted to the FC for review in accordance with chapter 3-2, Fire protection standard for design and construction.
3. Upon completion of the installation of a Halon 1301 system, the contractor shall:
   1. advise the FC in writing that installation has been completed, the piping and associated equipment have been tested for mechanical tightness and freedom from dangerous pipe movements during discharge, and the system is in operating condition and conforms to the requirements of the specifications;
   2. report and identify all unclosable openings and sources of agent loss; and
   3. provide a copy of the operating manual and schematic layout of the system in the computer room.
4. Before acceptance of the installation is granted, the completed system shall be tested by the contractor in accordance with the procedures described in NFPA Standard No. 12A, "Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems", including procedures described in the appendix A of that standard.
5. Except as provided in this Subsection, Halon 1301 systems shall be designed, installed and maintained in accordance with NFPA Standard No. 12A, "Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems".
6. Halon 1301 systems shall be designed and installed to provide a 5% concentration of Halon 1301 agent within 10 s of actuation and held for:
   1. 10 min. for total flood systems;
   2. 1 min. for individual EDP equipment.
7. Smoke detectors shall be installed within the spaces protected by total flood systems. The location of detectors concealed in underfloor and ceiling spaces or within computer units shall be identified by the local annunciator.
8. Except as permitted in (j) for manual activation, total flood systems shall be actuated by the smoke detectors in the computer room.
9. The operating sequence for the activation of the total flood system shall be as follows:
   1. The operation of one smoke detector shall activate the visual and audible signals as described in 6.2(d); and
   2. The operation of two or more smoke detectors in a protected area or the operation of a manual station shall:
      1. cause a visual and audible signal at the local annunciator in the computer room,
      2. cause a distinctive signal throughout the computer room,
      3. automatically transmit a signal to the building fire alarm control panel in accordance with chapter 3-4, Standard for fire alarm systems,
      4. shut down the power to the computer room except as permitted by (j),
      5. shut down the air handling system in the computer room, and
      6. discharge the Halon gas after a period of not more than 30 s from actuation of the second smoke detector and not more than 5 s from the operation of a manual station.
10. EDP equipment linked with special operational equipment such as that for air traffic control or an EDP equipment under continuous surveillance of a qualified operator may be permitted to continue to operate until manually shut down. Such an arrangement shall have the approval of the administrative official, and may include the manual operation of a Halon 1301 system.
11.  
    1. Means to manually actuate the total flood system shall be provided at a readily accessible location at or near each egress door of the computer room.
    2. All manual stations that are used to release Halon gas shall be properly identified. Where manual stations for more than one system are provided in close proximity, they shall be clearly marked as to which area they affect.
    3.  Manual stations shall be provided with tamper covers or shall be of a type requiring double action for activation.
12.  
    1. When an abort switch is provided for the system, the switch shall be clearly marked and identified as to its use, and shall be installed so as not to override any manual station. The abort switch shall have a different colour from that of the manual station.
    2. The operation of any abort switch shall cause a visual and audible signal at the local annunciator.
13. Local application systems for the protection of individual computer units or similar applications shall be designed and installed to be actuated manually and by fire detectors located within the EDP equipment or within the enclosed space in which the equipment is located.
14.   
    1. Computer rooms that are protected by Halon 1301 systems shall be provided with discharge indicator and signage outside the room indicating that it is so protected.
    2. Containers of Halon gas shall be either located within the computer room or in an area protected by a fire suppression system and accessible only to authorized personnel.
    3. Rooms outside of the computer room used for the storage of Halon containers shall not be used for other purposes.
    4. Unless the Halon gas containers are clearly visible within the computer room, the location of the containers shall be marked and identified.

1. Where the computer room has a raised floor, "floor panel lifter" shall be provided for emergency use near each egress door in an accessible location within the computer room.
2. A sufficient number of waterproof and flame-resistant treated covers or tarpaulins to protect the EDP equipment and a sufficient number of mops or squeegees to reduce water damage, shall be provided and kept outside of, but immediately accessible to, the computer room.

The general emergency procedures to be followed shall be in accordance with the requirements of chapter 3-1, Standard for fire safety planning and fire emergency organization.

The effect upon continuity of operations for each EDP equipment should be determined and when necessary arrangements made for the use of alternative facilities, including the transportation of personnel, data and supplies.

1. A fire safety plan for the computer room shall be prepared and posted.
2. The following specific duties, in addition to chapter 3-1, Standard for fire safety planning and fire emergency organization, shall be assigned to designated personnel:
   1. assure the safe egress of personnel from any area of danger from fire or other emergency;
   2. ensure that power to the computer room has been shut off either automatically or manually subject to operational requirements;
   3. ensure that the air handling system, when a separate air conditioning system is provided for the equipment area, has been shut off either automatically or manually;
   4. conduct fire fighting operations with special equipment if safe to do so; (v) direct the fire department to the scene of the fire and to stand by to aid and provide information;
   5. direct the removal and preservation of equipment and records endangered by fire;
   6. undertake salvage operations, including the use of waterproof covers or tarpaulins, to minimize damage due to fire, smoke and water; and
   7. notify the FC of the incident in accordance with FC No. 11, "Standard For Investigating and Reporting of Fires".

To ensure that the fire safety plan described in 7.3 is effective, the designated personnel shall receive regular training on the necessary actions to be taken in the event of a fire emergency. have been promulgated on the provision of clothing.