Upgrading of Existing Buildings - Introduction

This webpage is designed to assist the Local Assistants to the Fire Commissioner (LAFC) in upgrading existing buildings. The contents on this webpage are not intended to provide legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. The access to this webpage is provided to British Columbia Fire Departments, Local Assistants to the Fire Commissioner and where applicable, other related agencies and authorities, for general information on fire-related upgrade issues.

The work by an ad-hoc group of stakeholders to review the mechanisms of upgrading existing buildings was completed April 2006. A report was sent to the Minister for information. This webpage is identified in the Minister’s report as a necessary resource to the LAFC.

OFC endeavors to provide ongoing information regarding upgrading existing buildings. The following are various topics on upgrades to existing buildings.

• What is Upgrading?
• General Philosophy and Approach
• Applicable Fire Legislation
  • Selecting the Appropriate Order for Upgrades
• Objectives of Upgrading Existing Buildings
  • Two Examples of how Fire Safety Equipment Meet an Objective
• Factors to Consider for Fire Safety Upgrade
• Example of a Fire Upgrade Evaluation
• Examples of Building Upgrades
  • Sprinkler Upgrades
  • Existing Standpipe Upgrades
  • Upgrading Delisted Fire Equipment
  • Smoke Alarm Upgrades
• Fire Risk Assessment Model
• A Guideline for Developing an Upgrading Program

Return to Main LAFC Resource Site
For general information visit the OFC Website