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Explore our curated selection of online courses designed to Architects and Engineers enhance your expertise in fire safety.

Beyond The Checklist: A Deeper Look At Passive Fire Protection & Façade Fire Safety Compliance

Passive fire protection is one of the most critical, and least visible, elements of building fire safety. Once it’s concealed behind walls, ceilings and shafts, construction is the only practical window to verify it’s installed correctly. Façade fire safety carries a similar risk: certification belongs to a complete system, not to individual products, and even one substituted material can break compliance.
In this session, our fire engineers cover:
  • What passive fire protection actually is, and why it can’t be inspected after handover
  • What happens when verification is missed during construction
  • Common SFRM and fire-stopping installation mistakes seen on site
  • Why façade certification applies to the full system, not individual components
  • Real examples of product substitution risk in façade compliance

OBC Part 3: Spatial Separation Requirements | Ontario Building Code Webinar

Navigating spatial separation requirements under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) can be one of the most challenging aspects of designing Part 3 buildings. Decisions related to limiting distance, unprotected openings, and exterior wall assemblies have a direct impact on life safety, code compliance, project costs, and overall building design.
In this recorded webinar, Vortex Fire Consulting’s Jack Keays (Principal, MSc (Fire Safety Engineering), P.Eng.) and Oprite Bobmanuel (Team Lead, MSc (Fire Safety Engineering), RHFAC Professional, P.Eng.) provide a practical, step-by-step overview of OBC Part 3 spatial separation requirements. Using real-world examples and industry insights, they explain how to interpret code requirements, complete the OBC Data Matrix, and optimize exterior wall designs while maintaining compliance.

OBC Part 11: Renovation Requirements | Practical Application & Case Studies

Renovation projects present unique code compliance challenges that differ significantly from new construction. As buildings age and usage patterns evolve, understanding how to apply Part 11 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) becomes essential for delivering safe, compliant, and cost-effective renovation outcomes.
This technical webinar provides a comprehensive overview of OBC Part 11, with a focus on the practical application of renovation requirements through detailed case studies. The session explores how to navigate the code’s provisions for alterations, repairs, and additions, helping participants understand when and how specific requirements apply to their projects.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): An Introduction to NFPA 855

Battery Energy Storage Systems are being rapidly deployed across the Middle East to support renewable energy integration, grid resilience, and critical infrastructure performance. While these systems deliver significant operational and sustainability benefits, they also introduce complex fire, explosion, and toxic gas hazards that differ substantially from conventional buildings and industrial facilities.
High energy density, thermal runaway, cascading failure, and the challenges associated with fire suppression and emergency response have made BESS facilities a growing focus for authorities, insurers, designers, and operators worldwide. Recent international incidents have further highlighted the need for dedicated design frameworks and a clear understanding of system behaviour under fault and fire conditions.

Mezzanines Under the 2024 Ontario Building Code Presented by Vortex Fire Consulting

The 2024 Ontario Building Code introduces important updates to mezzanine definitions and applications, bringing Ontario closer in line with the National Building Code of Canada. These changes impact how mezzanines are interpreted, designed, and reviewed — making it essential for architects, engineers, and designers to stay informed.

Fire Damper Strategies for Architects: Reducing Costs and Simplifying Design Presented by Vortex Fire Consulting & BPA

Fire and smoke dampers can significantly influence both architectural design and construction budgets. This session explores how architects, engineers, and contractors can simplify design coordination, minimize unnecessary costs, and ensure compliance with the 2024 Ontario Building Code. Learn where dampers are required, and where they are not, while uncovering strategies to improve project efficiency and collaboration across disciplines.
Presented by Vortex Fire Consulting in collaboration with BPA, this session covers critical code clarifications, best practices for arch-mech coordination, and real-world examples illustrating both effective and inefficient damper strategies. Perfect for design professionals seeking to balance compliance, cost-effectiveness, and creative flexibility.

Session 2 | Interconnected Floor Spaces and Floor Openings

Explore the evolving design requirements for vertical openings and interconnected floor spaces under the 2024 Ontario Building Code. This session examines how the latest updates impact common design features in schools, offices, and assembly spaces, including convenience stairs, ventilation requirements, occupant loads, and the protection of elevators and exit stairs.
Gain practical insights into navigating the new limitations, safety considerations, and design flexibility introduced in the updated Code. Ideal for architects, engineers, building officials, and fire protection professionals seeking to stay compliant and informed in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

Session 1 | Construction Requirements and Cladding

Stay ahead of Ontario’s 2024 Building Code updates with this in-depth session focused on construction and cladding changes impacting architects, engineers, and design professionals. Explore key updates including the harmonization of the Ontario and National Building Codes, the reorganization of OBC 3.2.2, new construction articles, encapsulated mass timber, and evolving requirements for exterior cladding and combustible windows.
Whether you are an architect, engineer, building official, or fire protection specialist, this session provides valuable insights into new design opportunities, compliance strategies, and construction best practices under the updated code.