NCC 2016 Volume One
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Part E4 Visibility in an Emergency, Exit Signs and Warning Systems (Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions)

Part E4 Visibility in an Emergency, Exit Signs and Warning Systems (Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions)

E4.0 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(a)

Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements to are satisfied by complying with—

(i)

E4.1 to E4.9; and

(ii)

in a building containing an atrium, Part G3; and

(iii)

in a building in an alpine area, Part G4; and

(iv)

for additional requirements for Class 9b buildings, Part H1; and

(b)

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A0.7.

Intent

To clarify that compliance with to will be achieved by compliance with to in the case of all buildings, in the case of buildings with an atrium, in the case of buildings in alpine areas, in the case of theatres, stages and public halls and for farm buildings and farm sheds.

Where a solution is proposed to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, clarifies that, for most buildings, if compliance can be demonstrated with to , then compliance has been achieved with to . The exceptions to this general rule is that farm buildings and farm sheds must comply with Part H3 in addition to E4.1 to E4.9.

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with . (See comment on A0.7).

E4.1 *  *  *  *  *

Blank clause

This clause has deliberately been left blank.

In accordance with the decision not to change the numbering of the BCA from that of the previous edition, the space previously occupied by this provision has been left blank. The previous provisions are now located in the BCA Performance Requirements.

E4.2 Emergency lighting requirements

An emergency lighting system must be installed—

(b)

in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor area more than 300 m2—

(i)

in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and

(ii)

in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and

(iii)

in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2; and

(c)

in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening directly to—

(ii)

an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D1.8; or

(iii)

an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; or

(iv)

a road or open space; and

(d)

in every required non-fire-isolated stairway; and

(e)

in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if—

(i)

the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and

(ii)

an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an external stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and

(f)

in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey in a Class 6 or 9b building if—

(i)

the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or

(ii)

any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; or

(iii)

egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit sufficient light; or

(iv)

the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by (i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and

(g)

in a Class 9a health-care building—

(i)

in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and

(ii)

in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and

(h)

in every Class 9c building excluding within sole-occupancy units; and

(i)

in every required fire control centre.

Intent

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to see their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for emergency lighting

See the comment on .

Locations for emergency lighting

sets out the locations in buildings, and in some cases the classes of building, in which emergency lighting must be installed.

Each sub-provision of must be considered separately. It is possible that more than one may apply to any single building. Where any sub-provision requires emergency lighting, such lighting must be provided, even though another sub-provision may appear to provide an exemption.

Examples

Example

Consider a single storey building comprised of three open plan Class 6 sole-occupancy units of 150 m2 each, where each sole-occupancy unit has one exit direct to open space:

  • specifies that emergency lighting is not required in each sole-occupancy unit (note that the 300 m2 minimum in applies to an individual sole-occupancy unit); but
  • specifies that every room or space to which there is public access (in this case, each entire sole-occupancy unit—note that the 300 m2 minimum in applies to the entire storey) must have emergency lighting.

In this case, as requires emergency lighting, such lighting must be provided despite the fact that the sole-occupancy units do not require such lighting under .

Extent of emergency lighting

All fire-isolated exits—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in all fire-isolated exits, because it is unusual for them to be provided with sufficient amounts of natural lighting for safe evacuation.

Storeys over 300 m 2 in Class 5–9 buildings—

Emergency lighting is required in every storey with a floor area over 300 m2 in a Class 5–9 building, as follows:

  • Every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like forming part of a path of travel to an exit, because these areas are unlikely to be provided with sufficient amounts of natural lighting for safe evacuation.
  • Any room larger than 100 m2 which does not open to a corridor or other space containing emergency lighting, or a road or open space.
  • Any room larger than 300 m2. Note that this size of room is relatively large, and applies irrespective of whether or not the room opens to a corridor or other space containing emergency lighting or a road or open space.
Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4—

Emergency lighting is required in any passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like in Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts, if the distance of travel from the door leading from a sole-occupancy unit is greater than six metres to:

  • a fire-isolated exit;
  • an external stairway used in lieu of a fire-isolated stairway;
  • an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated exit; or
  • a road or open space.

This provision reflects the likelihood that such buildings will be occupied at night, when the occupants are likely to be asleep.

Non-fire-isolated stairways—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in all required non-fire-isolated stairways (note that applies even if the other provisions of do not require the installation of emergency lighting).

Sole-occupancy unit in Class 5, Class 6 or Class 9—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in a sole-occupancy unit of a Class 5, Class 6 or Class 9 building if:

  • the area of the unit is larger than 300 m2; and
  • the exit from the unit does not open to the specified areas or spaces which are likely to have adequate natural lighting.
Publicly accessible room in Class 6 or Class 9b— E4.2(f)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in every publicly accessible room or space in a Class 6 or Class 9b building if:

  • the area of the storey is relatively large (i.e. greater than 300 m2);
  • any point on the floor is more than 20 metres from the specified doorways (which is a distance compatible with requirements);
  • egress requires a vertical rise of 1.5 metres;
  • egress requires any vertical rise, if insufficient light is not admitted from outside the building; or
  • the storey provides a path of travel from another storey included in –. In this case, once a person enters an area with emergency lighting, then that lighting must be maintained throughout the remainder of the egress path.

This provision reflects the likelihood that such buildings are used by large numbers of the public who do not have any knowledge of the building or its exits.

Class 9a—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in the specified areas in Class 9a buildings, because such buildings are used by patients who may require assistance to evacuate.

Class 9c—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed throughout Class 9c buildings excluding within the sole-occupancy units. The requirement is generally aligned with the principles for emergency lighting in Class 9a buildings as described above.

Required fire control centres—

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in required fire control centres, because they are designed for use by the fire brigade during an emergency, such as a fire.

E4.3 Measurement of distance

Distances, other than vertical rise, must be measured along the shortest path of travel whether by straight lines, curves or a combination of both.

Intent

To clarify how distance must be measured for the purposes of emergency lighting required under .

Reasons for emergency lighting

See the comment on .

To which distances does E4.3 refer?

While not specifically stated, the intention is that the distances referred to in to be those calculated in accordance with and .

Most direct route

The and distances are required to be measured the same way as those specified in . See .

E4.4 Design and operation of emergency lighting

Every required emergency lighting system must comply with AS 2293.1.

Intent

To specify how an emergency lighting system must operate, to minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to see their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for emergency lighting

See the comment on .

Emergency lighting system and safe evacuation

An emergency lighting system must provide the visual conditions necessary for safe evacuation during an emergency such as a fire. It must be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.1.

It should be noted that this is an emergency lighting system which is only required to operate during an emergency. requires artificial lighting to be provided within required stairways, passageways and ramps, but does not require such lighting to be illuminated at all times.

E4.5 Exit signs

An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must be installed on, above or adjacent to each—

(a)

door providing direct egress from a storey to—

(i)

an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and

(ii)

an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and

(iii)

an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and

(b)

door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of discharge to a road or open space; and

(c)

horizontal exit; and

(d)

door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey required to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4.2.

Intent

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find an exit.

Reasons for exit signs

See the comment on .

Locations of exit signs

sets out the locations in a building requiring the installation of exit signs. Signs must be clearly visible to occupants approaching the exit. They need to be located on, above or adjacent to the specified exits and doors.

Some exemptions to E4.5

provides some exemptions to . See .

E4.6 Direction signs

NSW E4.6

If an exit is not readily apparent to persons occupying or visiting the building then exit signs must be installed in appropriate positions in corridors, hallways, lobbies, and the like, indicating the direction to a required exit.

Intent

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for direction signs

Exits may not be visible from all locations within a building. In such cases, exit signs with directional indicators (such as arrows) are required to clearly indicate the direction of travel to required exits.

E4.7 Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 parts: Exemptions

E4.5 does not apply to—

(a)

a Class 2 building in which every door referred to is clearly and legibly labelled on the side remote from the exit or balcony—

(i)

with the word “EXIT” in capital letters 25 mm high in a colour contrasting with that of the background; or

(ii)

by some other suitable method; and

(b)

an entrance door of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building.

Intent

To specify some circumstances where risk levels do not warrant compliance with .

Class 2 buildings—E4.7(a)

The BCA considers that the risks to occupants of units within a Class 2 building are less than those to occupants of Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts. This is because occupants of Class 2 buildings are assumed to be more familiar with:

  • the layout of their unit;
  • the layout of the building within which the unit is located; and
  • Class 4 parts attached to parts of a building with different (and usually greater) fire loads.

Consequently, grants an exemption for Class 2 buildings from the need to comply with , on the condition that the buildings comply with certain specific provisions.

With regard to , while the size and wording of the exit sign are specified, the structure, method of attachment, or colour and the like are not specified. However, the colour of the word must contrast with that of the background. The building proponent can make this decision as long as the appropriate authority is satisfied.

With regard to , if a suitable alternative means of notification can be found to the requirements of , it may be used. The decision is made by the building proponent, who must satisfy the appropriate authority.

Entrances to Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4—E4.7(b)

The BCA assumes that the occupants of units in Class 2 or Class 3 buildings, or in Class 4 parts of a building are familiar with the layouts of their units to allow to grant an exemption so that exit signs are not required above what is described as the “entrance door”, being either:

  • the main door from the unit into the remainder of the building; or
  • the door leading directly outside from the unit.

E4.8 Design and operation of exit signs

Every required exit sign must comply with—

(a)

AS 2293.1; or

(b)

for a photoluminescent exit sign, Specification E4.8; and

be clearly visible at all times when the building is occupied by any person having the right of legal entry to the building.

Intent

To specify how exit signs must be designed and operate, to minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find an exit.

Criteria for exit signs

sets out the provisions for required exit signs, which must meet the following criteria:

  • they must be visible at all times when the building is occupied by a person who has a legal right of entry. Exit signs have a function during normal periods to make occupants aware of the location of exits; and
  • the system must comply with—
    • AS 2293.1; or
    • for photoluminescent exit signs, , which varies some of the requirements of AS 2293.1.

E4.9 Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes

A sound system and intercom system for emergency purposes complying where applicable with AS 1670.4 must be installed—

(a)

in a building with an effective height of more than 25 m; and

(b)

in a Class 3 building having a rise in storeys of more than 2 and used as—

(i)

the residential part of a school; or

(ii)

accommodation for the aged, children or people with a disability; and

(c)

in a Class 3 building used as a residential aged care building, except that the system—

(i)

must be arranged to provide a warning for occupants; and

(ii)

in areas used by the residents, may have its alarm adjusted in volume and content to minimise trauma consistent with the type and condition of residents; and

(d)

in a Class 9a building having a floor area of more than 1000 m2 or a rise in storeys of more than 2, and the system—

(i)

must be arranged to provide a warning for occupants; and

(ii)

in a ward area, may have its alarm adjusted in volume and content to minimise trauma consistent with the type and condition of patients; and

(e)

in a Class 9b building—

(i)

used as a school and having a rise in storeys of more than 3; or

(ii)

used as a theatre, public hall, or the like, having a floor area more than 1000 m2 or a rise in storeys of more than 2.

Intent

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants through lack of knowledge that an emergency exists or an evacuation is required.

Reasons for emergency warning systems

See the comment on .

Types of buildings requiring such a system

sets out the types of buildings requiring the installation of a sound system and intercom system.

AS 1670.4

Building proposals using the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to achieve the Performance Requirements must comply with AS 1670.4, where applicable.

Building with an effective height of more than 25 metres—E4.9(a)

In a building with an effective height of more than 25 metres, if a fire starts on one floor, there is a considerable risk that occupants of the other floors might not be aware it has started. Co-ordination of the evacuation process is important. This reduces confusion and congestion in the stairways and accordingly the time taken for the evacuation.

The people most at risk

In a building fire, the highest degree of risk is attached to such people as the very young, people with certain types of disability (such as a mobility disability), the elderly, and those asleep.

The BCA cannot address all possible permutations of people who are likely to be in any particular building. Nonetheless, it does attempt to address the risks that are most likely to be attached to the people most likely to be in particular types of building.

Installation for larger buildings

In most cases, the need to install a sound system and intercom system only applies to larger buildings. The reason for this requirement is the heightened risk that occupants may not be aware of a fire in another part of the building.

Residential aged care and Class 9a buildings

In Class 3 residential aged care buildings and in Class 9a buildings, many of the occupants or patients are unable to evacuate without assistance. There is also an enhanced risk in many of these buildings that residents or patients will be traumatised by loud or insistent alarms. To minimise this risk, the sound system and intercom system:

  • must be arranged to warn occupants, including staff, residents and patients; and
  • may be adjusted to take account of any special issues regarding residents or patients.

It should be noted that does not apply to aged care buildings. The reference to aged persons in is not a reference to an aged care building as defined in the BCA. The reference is intended to apply to a Class 3 building used to accommodate the listed people, but not an aged care building. During an evacuation staff would be assisting the occupants to evacuate and would not be expected to perform the function of fire wardens.