NCC 2019 Volume One Amendment 1
Part E2 Smoke hazard management (Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions)

Part E2 Smoke hazard management (Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions)

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

E2.0 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(a)

Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance RequirementsEP2.1 to EP2.2 are satisfied by complying with—

(i)
(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.

(b)

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable.

Intent

To clarify that the requirements of EP2.1 and EP2.2 will be satisfied if compliance is achieved with E2.1 to E2.3 in the case of all buildings, Part G3 in the case of buildings with an atrium, Part G4 in the case of buildings in alpine areas, Part H1 in the case of theatres, stages and public halls.

E2.1 to E2.3 and EP2.1 and EP2.2

Where a solution is proposed to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, except in buildings containing atriums, compliance with E2.1 to E2.3 achieves compliance with EP2.1 and EP2.2.

Buildings with atriums

In addition to achieving compliance with E2.1 to E2.3, to achieve compliance with EP2.1 and EP2.2 buildings with atriums must also comply with Part G3.

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable. (See commentary on Part A2).

E2.1 Application of Part

(a)

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of this Part do not apply to—

(i)
(ii)
(iii)

a Class 8 electricity network substation with a floor area not more than 200 m2, located within a multi-classified building.

(b)

The smoke exhaust and smoke-and-heat vent provisions of this Part do not apply to any area not used by occupants for an extended period of time such as a storeroom with a floor area less than 30 m2, sanitary compartment, plant room or the like.

Intent

To specify when E2.2 and E2.3 do not apply.

Open-deck carparks, open spectator stands and Class 8 electricity network substations—E2.1(a)

E2.1(a), E2.2 and E2.3 do not apply to open-deck carparks or open spectator stands. EP2.2 does not apply to such buildings because the smoke and hot gases can vent naturally.

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part E2 do not apply to small Class 8 electricity network substations, located in a multi-classified building. These smaller substations are usually located within a "host" building and the associated electrical equipment has its own sensitive dedicated systems that provide a rapid response signal to a central control room that is constantly staffed.

Smoke exhaust systems and smoke-and-heat vents—E2.1(b)

Under E2.1(b), the E2.2 and E2.3 provisions regarding smoke exhaust systems and smoke-and-heat vents do not apply to small areas used for short periods.

A small area will be easily evacuated before smoke build-up and if the area is only used for short periods, the risk of occupants being trapped in it during a fire is low.

E2.2 General requirements

(a)

A building must comply with (b), (c), (d) and—

(i)

Table E2.2a as applicable to Class 2 to 9 buildings such that each separate part complies with the relevant provisions for the classification; and

(ii)

Table E2.2b as applicable to Class 6 and 9b buildings such that each separate part complies with the relevant provisions for the classification.

(b)

An air-handling system which does not form part of a smoke hazard management system in accordance with Table E2.2a or Table E2.2b and which recycles air from one fire compartment to another fire compartment or operates in a manner that may unduly contribute to the spread of smoke from one fire compartment to another fire compartment must—

(i)

be designed and installed to operate as a smoke control system in accordance with AS 1668.1; or

(ii)
(A)

incorporate smoke dampers where the air-handling ducts penetrate any elements separating the fire compartments served; and

(B)

be arranged such that the air-handling system is shut down and the smoke dampers are activated to close automatically by smoke detectors complying with clause 7.5 of AS 1670.1; and

for the purposes of this provision, each sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building is treated as a separate fire compartment.

(c)

Miscellaneous air-handling systems covered by Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1 serving more than one fire compartment (other than a carpark ventilation system) and not forming part of a smoke hazard management system must comply with that Section of the Standard.

(d)

A smoke detection system must be installed in accordance with Clause 6 of Specification E2.2a to operate AS 1668.1 systems that are provided for zone pressurisation and automatic air pressurisation for fire-isolated exits.

Intent

To specify the requirements for minimising the smoke risks.

Class 2–9 buildings—E2.2(a)

Class 2–9 buildings must comply with E2.2(b), (c) and (d), which cover the fire mode operation of air-handling systems so that they do not contribute to the spread of smoke during a fire. This assists to maintain the basic smoke integrity of the fire compartments.

In addition to E2.2(b), (c) and (d), Class 2–9 buildings must comply with the requirements of Table E2.2a, which provides some general and specific strategies for smoke hazard management.

In addition to E2.2(b), (c) and (d) and Table E2.2a, Class 6 and Class 9b buildings must comply with the requirements of Table E2.2b, where applicable, which provides some general and specific strategies for smoke hazard management.

Air-handling system which is not part of a smoke hazard management system—E2.2(b)
Smoke must not cross smoke barriers

E2.2(b) requires that an air-handling system that is not part of a smoke hazard management system be designed and installed with suitable strategies to ensure that, during a fire, it does not:

  • recycle air (and therefore smoke) from one fire compartment to another; or
  • otherwise contribute to the spread of smoke between fire compartments.
Comply with AS 1668.1E2.2(b)(i)

The effect of E2.2(b)(i) is that in a fire, an air-handling system must either operate as a smoke control system in accordance with AS 1668.1 (as specified in E2.2(b)(i)) or shut down (as specified in E2.2(b)(ii)).

A smoke purging system, in accordance with AS 1668.1, is allowable in buildings not covered by the general provisions in Table E2.2a, and, in some instances, in conjunction with other measures in accordance with Table E2.2a.

Non-smoke control systemE2.2(b)

An air-handling system not designed as a smoke control system must comply with the requirements set out in E2.2(b) as follows:

  • Automatic smoke dampers—E2.2(b)(ii)(A)

    Where the air-handling system is shut down in fire mode, it must incorporate automatic smoke dampers where the ducts penetrate any fire barriers.

    This requirement may apply to an air-handling system which supplies outside air to a group of residential sole-occupancy units.

  • System shut down—E2.2(b)(ii)(B)

    The air handling system must shut down, and smoke detectors must automatically activate smoke dampers.

  • Class 2 and Class 3 buildings

Sole-occupancy units in Class 2 and Class 3 buildings are, under E2.2(b), regarded as separate fire compartments.

Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1E2.2(c)

Air-handling systems, other than one in a carpark, serving more than one fire compartment covered by Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1 must be designed and installed in compliance with those sections of the Australian Standard. This will restrict the spread of smoke between fire compartments.

Provisions on the operation of carpark ventilation systems during a fire in the carpark are included under the general provisions in Table E2.2a.

Smoke detection systems to operate AS 1668.1 smoke control systems—E2.2(d)

An AS 1668.1 system for zone pressurisation and automatic air pressurisation for fire-isolated exits must be controlled by a smoke detection and alarm system installed in compliance with Specification E2.2a. Activation of these systems also requires the activation of a building occupant warning system.

E2.3 Provision for special hazards

Additional smoke hazard management measures may be necessary due to the—

(a)

special characteristics of the building; or

(b)

special function or use of the building; or

(c)

special type or quantity of materials stored, displayed or used in a building; or

(d)

special mix of classifications within a building or fire compartment,

which are not addressed in Tables E2.2a and E2.2b.

NSW Table E2.2a

Table E2.2a General provisions

Fire-isolated exits

A required

  1. fire-isolated stairway, including any associated fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp serving—
    1. any storey above an effective height of 25 m; or
    2. more than 2 below ground storeys, not counted in the rise in storeys in accordance with C1.2; or
    3. an atrium to which Part G3 applies; or
    4. a Class 9a building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; or
    5. a Class 9c building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; or
    6. a Class 3 building used as a residential care building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; and
  2. fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp with a length of travel more than 60 m to a road or open space,

must be provided with—

  1. an automatic air pressurisation system for fire-isolated exits in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
  2. open access ramps or balconies in accordance with D2.5.

Notes:

  1. An automatic air pressurisation system for fire-isolated exits applies to the entire exit.
  2. Refer D1.7(d) for pressurisation of a fire-isolated exit having more than 2 access doorways from within the same storey.

Buildings more than 25 m in effective height

Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building

A Class 2 and 3 building or part of a building and Class 4 part of a building must be provided with an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a.

Note: Refer C2.14 for division of public corridors greater than 40 m in length.

Class 5, 6, 7b,8 or 9b buildings

A Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b building or part of a building must be provided with a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1.

Notes:

  1. Refer Table E2.2b for Specific Provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and 9b building or part of a building.
  2. This requirement does not apply to a building that has a fire compartment containing a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b part (or a combination of these classes in the same fire compartment) where there is only one fire compartment containing these classifications in an otherwise Class 2, 3, 9a or 9c building.
  3. The requirement for pressurisation ‘between vertically separated fire compartments’ refers to fire compartments above and below each other, and does not apply to fire compartments within the same storey.

Class 9a buildings

A Class 9a building must be provided with—

  1. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; and
  2. a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1.

Notes:

  1. A building more than 25 m in effective height requires a sprinkler system under E1.5.
  2. The requirement for pressurisation ‘between vertically separated fire compartments’ refers to fire compartments above and below each other, and does not apply to fire compartments within the same storey.

Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height

Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building

A Class 2 and 3 building or part of a building and Class 4 part of a building—

  1. must be provided with an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; and
  2. where a required fire-isolated stairway serving the Class 2 or 3 parts also serves one or more storeys of Class 5, 6, 7 (other than an open-deck carpark), 8 or 9b parts—
    1. the fire-isolated stairway, including any associated fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp, must be provided with an automatic air pressurisation system for fire-isolated exits in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
    2. the Class 5, 6, 7 (other than an open-deck carpark), 8 and 9b parts must be provided with—
      1. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
      2. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5; and
  3. where a required fire-isolated stairway serving the Class 4 part also serves one or more storeys of Class 5, 6, 7 (other than an open-deck carpark), 8 or 9b parts—
    1. a system complying with (b)(i) or (b)(ii) must be installed; or
    2. a smoke alarm or detector system complying with Specification E2.2a must be provided except that alarms or detectors need only be installed adjacent to each doorway into each fire-isolated stairway (set back horizontally from the doorway by a distance of not more than 1.5 m) to initiate a building occupant warning system for the Class 4 part.

Notes:

  1. Refer C2.14 for division of public corridors greater than 40 m in length.
  2. Refer Table E2.2b for Specific Provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and 9b building or part of a building.

Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b buildings

In a—

  1. Class 5 or 9b school building or part of a building having a rise in storeys of more than 3; or
  2. Class 6, 7b, 8 or 9b building (other than a school) or part of a building having a rise in storeys of more than 2; or
  3. building having a rise in storeys of more than 2 and containing—
    1. a Class 5 or 9b school part; and
    2. a Class 6, 7b, 8 or 9b (other than a school) part,

    the building must be provided with—

  4. in each required fire-isolated stairway, including any associated fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp, an automatic air pressurisation system for fire-isolated exits in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
  5. a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1, if the building has more than one fire compartment; or
  6. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
  7. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.

Note: The requirement for pressurisation ‘between vertically separated fire compartments’ refers to fire compartments above and below each other, and does not apply to fire compartments within the same storey.

Large isolated buildings subject to C2.3

  1. In a Class 7 or 8 building, which does not exceed 18 000 m2 in floor area nor exceed 108 000 m3 in volume, the building must be provided with—
    1. a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5, and provided with perimeter vehicular access complying with C2.4(b); or
    2. an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with AS 1670.1 and monitored in accordance with Clause 8 of Specification E2.2a; or
    3. an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification E2.2b; or
    4. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification E2.2c; or
    5. natural smoke venting, with ventilation openings distributed as evenly as practicable and comprising permanent openings at roof level with a free area not less than 1.5% of floor area and low level openings which may be permanent or readily openable with a free area not less than 1.5% of floor area.
  2. In a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building, which exceeds 18 000 m2 in floor area or 108 000 m3 in volume, the building must be provided with—
    1. if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is not more than 12 m—
      1. an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification E2.2b; or
      2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification E2.2c; or
    2. if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is more than 12 m, an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification E2.2b.

Notes:

  1. Refer Table E2.2b for Specific Provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and 9b building or part of a building.
  2. Refer provisions under Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building in this Table where a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b building contains a Class 2, 3 or 4 part.
  3. Reference to "the building" being provided with specified measures, means to the nominated classes within the building. For parts of the building of other classes, see other parts of this Table.

Class 9a and 9c buildings

A Class 9a health-care building or a Class 9c building, or a building containing a part thereof, must be provided throughout with—

  1. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; and
  2. automatic shutdown of any air-handling system which does not form part of a zone pressurisation system (other than individual room units with a capacity not more than 1000 L/s, systems serving critical treatment areas and miscellaneous exhaust air systems installed in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1) on the activation of—
    1. smoke detectors installed in accordance with (a); and
    2. any other installed fire detection and alarm system including a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5; and
  3. in a building having a rise in storeys of more than 2 and not more than 25 m effective height (not being a Class 9c building)—
    1. a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
    2. a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5 throughout with residential sprinkler heads in patient care areas.

Notes:

  1. Refer to Clause 2 of Specification C2.5 for the provisions for smoke dampers.
  2. The requirement for pressurisation ‘between vertically separated fire compartments’ refers to fire compartments above and below each other, and does not apply to fire compartments within the same storey.

Class 7a buildings

A Class 7a building, including a basement, provided with a mechanical ventilation system in accordance with AS 1668.2 must comply with clause 5.5 of AS 1668.1 except that—

  1. fans with metal blades suitable for operation at normal temperature may be used; and
  2. the electrical power and control cabling need not be fire rated.

Basements (other than Class 7a buildings)

A basement, not counted in the rise in storeys in accordance with C1.2, must—

  1. comply with measures in accordance with this Table applicable to the building generally; and
  2. where the basement has a total floor area of more than 2000 m2, be provided with—
    1. if not more than 2 below ground storeys
      1. a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1, if the basement has more than one fire compartment; or
      2. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
      3. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5; or
  3. if more than 2 below ground storeys, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.

Notes:

  1. Refer Table E2.2b for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and 9b building or part of a building.
  2. Basements with more than 3 below ground storeys or containing Class 6 or 9b occupancies with a large number of occupants may require special consideration in accordance with E2.3.
  3. The requirement for pressurisation ‘between vertically separated fire compartments’ refers to fire compartments above and below each other, and does not apply to fire compartments within the same storey.

Atriums

Refer Part G3.

NSW Table E2.2b

Table E2.2b Specific provisions

Class 6 buildings — In fire compartments more than 2000 m 2

Class 6 buildings (not containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit )

  1. Where the floor area of a Class 6 part of a fire compartment is more than 2000 m2, the fire compartment, must be provided with—
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. if the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 3500 m2 and the building—
      1. is single storey, an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
      2. has a rise in storeys of not more than 2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.
  2. The provisions of (a) do not apply to—
    1. a Class 6 sole-occupancy unit that—
      1. has a floor area of not more than 2000 m2; and
      2. is single storey with a main public entrance opening to a road or open space; and
      3. is separated from other parts of the fire compartment by construction, including openings, penetrations and junctions with other building elements, that prevents the free passage of smoke; and
    2. parts of any other classification that are smoke separated from a Class 6 part by construction complying with (i)(C).

Class 6 buildings (containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit )

  1. Where the floor area of a Class 6 part of a fire compartment is more than 2000 m2, the fire compartment, including the enclosed common walkway or mall, must be provided with—
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. if the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 3500 m2 and the building has a rise in storeys of not more than 2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.
  2. The provisions of (a) do not apply to—
    1. a Class 6 sole-occupancy unit that—
      1. opens onto the enclosed common walkway or mall if the Class 6 sole-occupancy unit has a floor area of not more than 1000 m2; or
      2. does not open onto the enclosed common walkway or mall if the Class 6 sole-occupancy unit
        1. has a floor area of not more than 2000 m2; and
        2. is single storey with a main entrance opening to a road or open space; and
        3. is separated from other parts of the fire compartment by construction, including openings, penetrations and junctions with other building elements, that prevents the free passage of smoke; and
    2. parts of any other classification that are smoke separated from a Class 6 part by construction complying with (i)(B)(cc).

Note: A fire compartment having a floor area of more than 3500 m2 in a Class 6 building requires a sprinkler system under E1.5.

Class 9b — Assembly buildings

Nightclubs and discotheques and the like

A building or part of a building used as a nightclub, discotheque or the like must be provided with—

  1. automatic shutdown of any air-handling system (other than miscellaneous exhaust air systems installed in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1) which does not form part of the smoke hazard management system, on the activation of—
    1. smoke detectors installed complying with Clause 6 of Specification E2.2a; and
    2. any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5; and
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5 with fast response sprinkler heads.

Exhibition halls

A building or part of a building used as an exhibition hall must be provided with—

  1. automatic shutdown of any air-handling system (other than miscellaneous exhaust air systems installed in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1) which does not form part of the smoke hazard management system, on the activation of—
    1. smoke detectors installed complying with Specification E2.2a; and
    2. any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5; and
  2. where the floor area is more than 2000 m2 and not more than 3500 m2
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5; and
  3. where the floor area is more than 3500 m2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5 and—
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey.

Theatres and public halls

A building or part of a building used as a theatre or public hall which—

  1. is a school assembly, church or community hall, and has a stage and any backstage area with a total floor area of more than 300 m2; or
  2. is not a school assembly, church or community hall, and has a stage and any backstage area with a total floor area of more than 200 m2; or
  3. has a stage with an associated rigging loft—

    must be provided with—

    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey.

Theatres and public halls (not listed above) including lecture theatres and cinema/auditorium complexes

A building or part of a building used as a theatre or public hall (not listed above) including a lecture theatre and cinema/auditorium complex—

  1. must be provided with automatic shutdown of any air-handling system (other than miscellaneous exhaust air systems installed in accordance with Sections 5 and 6 of AS 1668.1) which does not form part of the smoke hazard management system, on the activation of—
    1. smoke detectors installed complying with Specification E2.2a; and
    2. any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification E1.5; and
  2. other than in the case of a school lecture theatre, where the floor area of the fire compartment is more than 2000 m2
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. if the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 5000 m2 and the building has a rise in storeys of not more than 2—
      1. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
      2. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.

Other assembly buildings (not listed above) and excluding schools

  1. Each fire compartment, other than one in a building described in (b), having a floor area of more than 2000 m2 must be provided with—
    1. an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification E2.2b; or
    2. automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification E2.2c, if the building is single storey; or
    3. if the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 5000 m2 and the building has a rise in storeys of not more than 2—
      1. an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification E2.2a; or
      2. a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification E1.5.
  2. The following buildings are exempt from the provisions of (a):
    1. Sporting complexes (including sports halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, ice and roller rinks, and the like) other than an indoor sports stadium with a total spectator seating for more than 1000.
    2. Churches and other places used solely for religious worship.
Intent

To state that some special hazards may require additional smoke hazard management measures.

Additional smoke hazard measures

E2.3 states that certain factors may need additional smoke hazard management measures.

E2.3 reinforces the need for careful consideration and sound professional judgement in the application of the smoke hazard management provisions of the BCA.

Examples

Examples

E2.3 may be applicable in situations where:

  • A child care centre is located above ground floor level or within a commercial building. Safety of children is paramount. They will need assistance to evacuate. As egress arrangements depart from providing exits direct to a road or open space, (usually provided at ground floor level) so does the potential for things to go wrong. The BCA does not specifically address child care centres at other than the ground floor.
  • Occupants are held under detention in a correctional or health-care facility. The BCA does not specifically address the special circumstances surrounding these facilities. To ensure an acceptable level of safety is provided to occupants, special provisions may need to be provided.
  • A high hazard process is carried out in an industrial building. Due to the variance in such processes, it would be difficult to develop specific generic provisions. Such processes may also be subject to other legislation. Hence each process should be considered on its merits and additional safeguards provided as necessary.

Deemed-to-Satisfy ProvisionsTables E2.2a and E2.2b

Table E2.2a—General Provisions

EP2.1 requires automatic warning on the detection of smoke in buildings having sleeping accommodation, so that occupants may be alerted to the fire hazard. EP2.2, in terms of maintaining safe conditions in any evacuation route, deals with the period of time it would take occupants to evacuate that part of the building.

Table E2.2a provides whole-building strategies

Table E2.2a provides smoke hazard management strategies structured to help application to buildings of mixed classification. In the case of a multi-classified building, each classifiable part must comply with the relevant provisions for its classification. Certain Class 6 and Class 9b parts of buildings must also comply with the specific provisions in Table E2.2b.

Table E2.2a Zone pressurisation systems

Where zone pressurisation systems are specified in various locations in Table E2.2a to be in accordance with AS 1668.1, the provision states that zone pressurisation systems only apply between vertically separated fire compartments and not horizontal fire compartments.

Fire-isolated exits

Fire-isolated exits enable the safe evacuation of occupants, and also aid fire brigade access. Smoke must not unduly affect the conditions in such exits during an evacuation.

To minimise smoke intrusion, the exits may need to be pressurised with outside air for the entire exit route. See the following examples. Alternatively, the exits may be provided with open access ramps or balconies from which smoke can vent naturally.

Examples

Examples

Pressurised fire-isolated exits are required where:

  • tenable conditions must be maintained for an extended period due to a long distance of travel, such as exits which serve storeys above 25 metres in effective height or which are more than 60 metres in length to a road or open space;
  • tenable conditions must be maintained for an extended period of time to enable the safe evacuation of non-ambulatory occupants, such as in health-care buildings with a rise in storeys of more than 2;
  • the exits are the only possible means of escape, such as those serving basements more than two storeys below ground; or
  • the risk of smoke intrusion into the exits is high on account of a particular building characteristic, such as is generally the case in a building containing an atrium.
Buildings over 25 metres in effective height

In buildings more than 25 metres in effective height, tenable conditions need to be maintained in the fire-isolated exits and, where practicable, in other parts of the building to enable the staged evacuation of occupants.

Occupants of such buildings may continue to occupy compartments remote from the fire for an extended time before evacuation. Accordingly, suitable measures must be adopted to minimise the spread of smoke from the fire-affected compartment to non-affected compartments by way of a number of potential leakage paths.

These paths include lift shafts, air-handling ducts, services risers, building penetrations, spandrels, and the like, through which smoke can be driven by buoyancy, expansion, stack and wind effects, and air-handling systems.

In order to minimise the spread of smoke, a zone pressurisation system is considered necessary in buildings more than 25 metres in effective height. This does not apply to the residential parts of a building in view of:

  • the alternative protection provided by the fire compartmentation of sole-occupancy units;
  • separation of public corridors by bounding construction; and
  • division of such corridors by smoke-proof walls into lengths of not more than 40 metres (see C2.14).

Additionally, this requirement does not apply to a building that contains only one single fire compartment containing a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b part (or a combination of these classes in the same fire compartment) in an otherwise Class 2, 3, 9a or 9c building. Reference to a Class 2, 3, 9a or 9c building does not include a building that also contains a Class 7a carpark (see Figure E2.2a). The reasons for this exemption are:

  • the provision of a zone pressurisation system is considered inappropriate for a single compartment in a building; and
  • any single fire compartment Class 9b building or Class 6 building with a floor area greater than 2000 m2 is also subject to the provisions of Table E2.2b, ensuring that smoke hazard management considerations are applied; and
  • to require compliance could create an anomaly with the exemption of sporting complexes, including gymnasiums and swimming pools from required smoke hazard management measures under Table E2.2b.

Notwithstanding the above, a smoke detection and alarm system must be provided in residential and health-care buildings to provide early warning to occupants who may be asleep, confused, or non-ambulatory and dependent on assistance.

Figure E2.2a Zone pressurisation concession
guide_E22a_2016.svg

Building A

Although the building has only one fire compartment containing a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b part, the concession does not apply because the building contains a Class 7a part.

Building B

A zone pressurisation system is required because the building contains more than one fire compartment containing a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b part.

Building C

A zone pressurisation system is not required because the building has only one fire compartment containing a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 or 9b part and the remainder of the building is solely Class 2.

Table E2.2a provisions are additional to other safety provisions for buildings with an effective height of more than 25 metres.

Buildings less than 25 metres in effective height

In buildings less than 25 metres in effective height, the necessary levels of protection may be achieved by measures other than zone pressurisation, depending on the Class and rise in storeys of the building.

In buildings other than health-care buildings, zone pressurisation may be substituted by either stairway pressurisation, smoke detection, or sprinkler protection. The rise in storeys before which the provisions become applicable depends on the building’s classification and use.

The above measures do not apply to the residential parts of a building because of the passive protection provided to such parts. However, where one or more fire-isolated exits join residential and non-residential parts, other than open-deck carparks, the fire-isolated exits must either be pressurised, or the non-residential parts provided with smoke detection or sprinkler protection. This is necessary to compensate for the potential additional hazard associated with the particular mix of Classes.

In health-care buildings, zone pressurisation may be substituted by a sprinkler system, providing residential sprinkler heads are used in patient care areas. The fast response of residential sprinkler heads promotes life safety by limiting fire growth and smoke development. Where zone control is not adopted, the air-handling systems must generally be shut down not only to maintain the integrity of the smoke and fire compartmentation, but also to minimise the spread of smoke within the fire-affected compartment.

Notwithstanding the above, a smoke detection and alarm system must be provided in residential and health-care buildings.

Large Class 7 or 8 buildings subject to C2.3

These provisions set out the smoke hazard management measures for large isolated Class 7 or 8 buildings subject to the requirements of C2.3(a) with a floor area of 18 000 m2 or less and a volume of 108 000 m3 or less. Such buildings are required to have:

Large Class 5 to 9 buildings subject to C2.3

These provisions set out the smoke hazard management measures for large isolated Class 5 to 9 buildings subject to the requirements of C2.3(b) having a floor area exceeding 18 000 m2 or having a volume exceeding 108 000 m3.

Such buildings are required to have:

  • where there is a ceiling height of 12 metres or less, either a specified automatic smoke exhaust system (see Specification E2.2b for details), or an automatic smoke-and-heat ventilation system (see Specification E2.2c for details); or
  • where there is a ceiling height of more than 12 metres, a specified automatic smoke exhaust system (see Specification E2.2b for details).
Roller shutters

Roller shutters and doors can be used for smoke venting purposes in accordance with the table if they are “readily openable”. A building proponent must satisfy the appropriate authority that such roller shutters and doors achieve the “readily openable” requirement.

However, if the openings are also used for egress purposes, they must also comply with the requirements of relevant provisions such as D2.19 and D2.21.

Class 7a buildings

A carpark ventilation system is consistent with the treatment of miscellaneous air-handling systems in AS 1668.1. Accordingly, the electric power and control cabling for a carpark ventilation system need not be fire rated.

Likewise, a concession is granted to allow fans with metal blades suitable for operating at normal temperatures to be used instead of fans required to operate at elevated temperatures as required by Clause 4.8.1 of AS 1668.1.

To make sure that the manual override provision of Clause 5.5.3 of AS 1668.1 is not subject to the control of any general installation main switches, the power supply arrangement must comply with AS 3000.

Basements (other than Class 7a buildings)

The provisions for basements are more stringent due to the special problems they pose for evacuation, search and rescue, and firefighting operations.

As the total floor area of the basement increases to above 2 000 m2, certain minimum measures have been stipulated. In basements with three or more below ground storeys, a sprinkler system is considered necessary.

Atriums

The provisions of this Part, as well as Part G3, apply to atrium buildings.

Table E2.2b—Specific Provisions
Table E2.2b and Class 6 and Class 9b buildings

The provisions of Table E2.2b are additional strategies which only apply to certain Class 6 and Class 9b buildings where there is a high risk that occupants may not be able to safely evacuate the fire-affected compartment. This risk may be due to factors such as:

  • building design;
  • function;
  • usage;
  • fire load; or
  • nature of occupancy.

Occupants of such buildings are also not necessarily familiar with the building or the procedures for evacuation.

Maintenance of safe conditions in evacuation routes

Table E2.2b addresses requirements under EP2.2 in terms of maintaining safe conditions in any evacuation route within the fire-affected compartment of Class 6 and Class 9b buildings, for the period of time it would take occupants to evacuate that part of the building.

Class 6 buildings

There are specific provisions for large Class 6 buildings in Table E2.2b for the installation of either an automatic smoke exhaust system or automatic smoke-and-heat vents to control smoke during a fire. These apply to the whole fire compartment where the floor area of the Class 6 part of the fire compartment is more than 2 000 m2.

There are specific concessions that vary these requirements. These are—

  • for buildings where the floor area of the fire compartment does not exceed 3 500 m2, it is permitted to install—
    • an automatic smoke detection and alarm system in lieu of a smoke exhaust or smoke venting system if the building is single storey; or
    • a sprinkler system if the building has a rise in storeys of not more than 2.
  • for single storey shops with a floor area less than 2 000 m2 (within a larger fire compartment) which have a main entrance opening to a road or open space and are smoke separated from the fire compartment. See Example 1.
  • for another part of the building with a different classification (i.e. other than Class 6) which is smoke separated, including openings, junctions and joints of building elements, etc., from the Class 6 part.

Example 1

Example 1

Example 1 looks at a single storey shopping complex which does not contain a mall, as shown in Figure E2.2b(1). The fire compartment has a floor area of 5 300 m2, so smoke exhaust/venting is required. The floor area of the fire compartment is more than 3 500 m2, therefore a smoke detection and alarm system or a sprinkler system cannot be used in lieu of smoke exhaust venting. However, smoke exhaust venting need not be provided in shops A and C because their individual floor areas are less than 2 000 m2, they are not interconnected to shop B, and their main entrances open to a road or open space.

Smoke exhaust or smoke-and-heat venting must be provided to shop B.

Example 1: Single storey shopping complex not containing a mall

Shop

Area

Entry

Smoke exhaust OR smoke-and-heat vents OR smoke detection and alarm OR sprinkler system

A

900 m2

From open space

None required

B

2 500 m2

From open space

Smoke exhaust or smoke-and-heat venting required as the floor area exceeds 2 000 m2

C

1 900 m2

From open space

None required

Figure E2.2b(1) Plan of shopping centre for Example 1
guide_E22B1_2007.svg

The specific smoke hazard management provisions for Class 6 buildings containing shops and an enclosed common walkway or mall are similar. Where such a building has a fire compartment with a floor area of more than 2 000 m2, an automatic smoke exhaust system or an automatic smoke-and-heat vent system to control smoke during a fire is required.

However, where a single storey shop does not open onto the mall and its main public entrance opens to a road or open space, it does not need to have any smoke exhaust or smoke venting, if its floor area does not exceed 2 000 m2. This is similar to the concession for a shop in a building which does not contain a mall.

Another concession applies to shops that open onto the mall. They do not need to have any smoke exhaust or smoke venting system if their individual floor areas are less than 1 000m2.

A concession is also available for another part of the building with a different classification (i.e. other than Class 6) which is smoke separated, including openings, junctions and joints of building elements, etc., from the Class 6 part.

In a Class 6 building containing a mall, a sprinkler system can also be used in lieu of a required automatic smoke exhaust system or an automatic smoke-and-heat vent system, if the floor area of the whole fire compartment is not more than 3 500 m2.

Example 2

Example 2

Example 2 looks at a single storey shopping complex containing a mall, as shown in Figure E2.2b(2). The fire compartment is 15 900 m2, therefore smoke exhaust/venting is required (if the floor area of the fire compartment had been less than 3 500 m2, a sprinkler system could have been used instead of a smoke exhaust/venting system). Smoke exhaust or venting is not required to shop B, which opens onto the mall, because the floor area is less than 1 000 m2. It is also not required to shop D, because the floor area is less than 2 000 m2, it does not open onto the mall, and the main entrance is to a road or open space.

Example 2: Single storey shopping complex containing a mall

Shop

Area

Entry

Smoke exhaust OR smoke-and-heat vents

A

900 m2

From open space

None required as it is single storey, the floor area is less than 2 000 m2 and the main entrance opens to a road or open space

B

900 m2

From mall

None required as the floor area is less than 1 000 m2

C

900 m2

From mall and open space

None required as the floor area is less than 1 000 m2

D

1 900 m2

From open space

None required as it is single storey, the floor area is less than 2 000 m2 and the main entrance opens to a road or open space

E

1 900 m2

From mall

Required as the floor area is over 1 000 m2 and opens onto mall

F

1 900 m2

From mall and open space

Required as the floor area is over 1 000 m2 and opens onto mall

G

2 500 m2

From open space

Required as the floor area is more than 2 000 m2

H

2 500 m2

From mall

Required as the floor area is over 1 000 m2 and opens onto mall

I

2 500 m2

From mall and open space

Required as the floor area is over 1 000 m2 and opens onto mall

Mall

Required as the fire compartment has a floor area over 2 000 m2

Figure E2.2b(2) Plan of shopping centre for example 2
Class 9 assembly buildings
Table E2.2b —greater uniformity and consistency

Assembly buildings cover a wide range of uses with varying degrees of hazards. Table E2.2b addresses some of the uses to enable greater uniformity in the treatment of the buildings or parts of buildings. It provides for assembly buildings generally, except for certain low hazard occupancies which have been exempted from compliance.

Exempted assembly buildings

Certain Table E2.2b provisions for assembly buildings do not apply to schools, apart from the automatic shutdown of air-handling systems in lecture theatres. This is because such buildings may have alarm systems with which the occupants are familiar, and the occupants are usually under a sufficient level of control to enable quick and orderly evacuation.

Concessions are granted for sporting complexes, excluding indoor stadiums with total spectator seating of more than 1000, principally because the risk levels are not high, particularly with regard to open-air complexes. Buildings used solely for religious worship are also exempt.

Assembly buildings with floor area over 2 000 m 2

The Table E2.2b provisions for smoke exhaust or smoke-and-heat vents are applicable to fire compartments having a floor area of more than 2 000 m2, except that certain concessions apply to low rise buildings.

If the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 5 000 m2, smoke extraction need not be provided if the building has a rise in storeys of two or less, and a smoke detection and alarm system, or a sprinkler system is installed.

Nightclubs, discotheques and the like

The Table E2.2b provisions apply to all nightclubs, discotheques and the like, regardless of the floor area, in recognition of the high hazards generated by such factors as:

  • occupant density;
  • access control;
  • indoor environment;
  • quantity and location of soft furnishings;
  • whether or not smoking is permitted; and
  • occupant behaviour.
Exhibition halls

The Table E2.2b provisions for exhibition halls which are used for trade displays and the like are based on them having hazards similar to those for shopping centres and indoor markets.

Theatres and public halls

The Table E2.2b provisions only apply to those theatres and public halls which are considered a high hazard occupancy due to the potential fire load associated with the stage and backstage areas and/or rigging lofts. Under Part H1, such theatres and public halls are also required to be sprinkler protected or have the stage and backstage areas separated from the audience by a proscenium wall.

The Table E2.2b provisions for these occupancies are similar to those for assembly buildings. The provision for automatic shutdown of air-handling systems (which do not form part of a smoke management system) is applicable in all such buildings, including those serving school lecture theatres not more than 2 000 m2 in area.

Other assembly buildings

Table E2.2b includes provisions for general assembly buildings not covered elsewhere. Museums and art galleries with fire compartments in excess of 2000 m2 are covered by these provisions.