Appendix A
Explanatory Materials
A - 1.3
The requirements of this standard are intended for certain types of EDP equipment. The word "essential" as defined in this
standard is intended to assist the administrative official to determine the strategic importance of the EDP equipment whose loss
would paralyse the operation.
The strategic importance of a particular EDP equipment can be evaluated by assessing the function of the equipment and the degree
of operational dependence upon such equipment.
There are several major areas where judgement is required in the application of this standard:
(a) Function:
Is the equipment vital/critical to the continuous operation?
(b) Dependency:
Is the processing highly centralized and is this the only facility performing this function?
Is an external service provided in case of breakdown?
(c) Recovery:
Is a replacement readily obtainable?
EDP equipment which is vital to life safety such as air traffic control systems or vital to uninterrupted operational
requirements is considered to be essential. EDP equipment is not considered to be essential when loss due to fire would result in
only temporary inconvenience and minor expense.
The administrative official should also consider the monetary value of the EDP equipment versus the cost of protection in
applying the standard (the recommended cost ratio is 100:4). Cost benefit analysis should be carried out to determine the
significance of a particular protection system prior to installation.
A - 1.4(c)
The extent of application of this standard to existing computer room to remove an unacceptable risk should be based on judgment
and the merits of each case.
A - 6.3(b)
Consideration should be given to extending sprinkler protection to the suite in which the computer room is located in order to
minimize exposure hazards.
A - 6.4
Assessments conducted by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
of the U.S. suggest that Halon gas emissions could contribute to possible depletion of the stratospheric ozone. The stratospheric
ozone layer protects humans from exposure to damaging ultraviolet radiation, the depletion of this ozone layer would lead to adverse
health and environmental effects.
In March 1985, Canada signed the Vienna Convention for the protection of the ozone layer. In September 1987, Canada signed the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Protocol establishes an international framework for reducing
emissions of specified ozone depleting substances, namely certain types of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons.
As a result, consideration should be given to evaluating all existing Halon systems as to their need and viability. Alternative
means of fire suppression systems should be used unless a gaseous system such as Halon is absolutely necessary.
A - 6.4(d)
Non-recoverable total flooding tests of Halon gas should be avoided where possible. Alternate test agent/method may be used in
lieu of Halon gas.
Appendix B
Reference Publications
This standard refers to the following codes and standards which are not found in this volume:
Fire Commissioner of Canada standards
Records Storage
Sprinkler Systems
These standards may be obtained from the Fire Commissioner of Canada, Labour Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0J2, or from Offices of
Labour Canada. As they are revised, they will be published in this volume.
Treasury Board publication
Treasury Board Manual
Materiel, Services and Risk Management volume
Fire Protection, Investigation and Reporting (Part III, chapter 5)
This volume may be purchased from the Canada Communication Group - Publishing, 45 Sacré-Coeur Blvd., Hull, Québec, K1A 0S9.
CSA Standard C22.1
CSA C22.1 - Canadian Electrical Code, Part I
CSA C22.2 0.3 - Test Methods for Electrical Wires and Cables
Canadian Standards Association publications may be purchased from Canadian Standards Association, 178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale,
Ontario, M9W 1R3.
National Research Council of Canada publications
National Building Code of Canada
National Fire Code of Canada
These publications may be purchased from the Secretary, Associate Committee on the National Building Code, National
Research Council, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6.
NFPA standard
NFPA No. 12A - Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems
National Fire Protection Association publications may be purchased from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, Mass. 02269 or from FIPRECAN, 7-1590 Liverpool Court, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4L2.
ULC standards
CAN4-S109 - Standard for Flame Tests of Flame Resistant Fabrics and Films
CAN4-S111 - Standard Method of Fire Tests for Air Filter Units
CAN4-S114 - Standard Method of Test for Noncombustibility of Building Materials
Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada publications may be purchased from the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada, 7 Crouse Road,
Scarborough, Ontario, M1R 3A9.
Appendix C
Summary of requirements
Protection Level of protection
requirements
Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
NBC & NFC Yes Yes Yes Yes
requirements
1. General Yes Yes Yes Yes
2. Classifications Yes Yes Yes Yes
3.1 Location No Yes Yes Yes
3.2 Building No No Yes* Yes*
construction
4.1 Room No In Yes Yes
construction part*
4.2 Raised floor No No Yes Yes
4.3 Computer No No Yes Yes
equipment
4.4 Occupancy No No Yes Yes
4.5 Records No Yes Yes Yes
5.1 Electrical No In Yes Yes
system part*
5.2 HVAC system No No Yes Yes
6.1 Extinguishers Yes Yes Yes Yes
6.2 Alarm systems No No Yes Yes
6.3 Sprinkler system No No Yes* Yes*
6.4 Halon system No No No Yes*
6.5 Other safety No Yes Yes Yes
measures
7. Fire safety Yes Yes Yes Yes
planning
Appendices Yes Yes Yes Yes
* : See text for details and exceptions
Yes : Requirements applicable
No : Requirements not applicable, see NBC or NFC for details
Note: This is ONLY a summary of the requirements and should NOT be
used to substitute the requirements in the standard.
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