Specification E1.5 Fire sprinkler systems

Clause 1 deals with the intent.

Specification E1.5 adopts three Parts of AS 2118:

• AS 2118.1—Automatic fire sprinkler systems Part 1: General systems; and
• AS 2118.4—Automatic fire sprinkler systems Part 4: Residential; and
• AS 2118.6—Automatic fire sprinkler systems Part 6: Combined sprinkler and hydrant.

Part 1 of AS 2118 applies to all Classes of building.

These clauses allow the use of Part 4 of AS 2118 for Class 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings as appropriate. The reason for using the term “as applicable” is that AS 2118.4 applies to low-rise Class 2, 3, 9a and 9c buildings. The scope of AS 2118.4 states that it only applies to those buildings containing no more than four storeys. If the building exceeds this height, it must comply with AS 2118.1. While the scope of AS 2118.4 may not mention Class 9a buildings, this is a case where A4.1 applies and the BCA requirement overrules the limited scope in AS 2118.4.

The sprinkler system specified under AS 2118.4 has been designed for use in low-rise residential buildings. AS 2118.4 also takes into consideration the economic aspects of a sprinkler system.

AS 2118.4 provides the requirements for sprinklers in residential buildings.

A sprinkler system installed in accordance with AS 2118.4 is designed to prevent the fire reaching the stage at which “flashover” occurs (i.e. total involvement of a room’s contents in a fire), thus reducing the risks to occupants.

Smoke detection matters are dealt with in Part E2.

Clause 2(c) allows the installation of a combined sprinkler and hydrant system provided it complies with AS 2118.6.

Specification E1.5 adopts two Technical Specifications developed by FPAA:

• FPAA101D—Automatic fire sprinkler system design and installation — Domestic water supply; and
• FPAA101H—Automatic fire sprinkler system design and installation — Hydrant water supply.

Clause 2(b) references Specification E1.5a providing an option to use automatic fire sprinkler systems complying with FPAA101D or FPAA101H in Class 2 or 3 buildings (excluding residential care buildings) with a rise in storeys of 4 or more and an effective height up to and including 25 metres.

The design of a sprinkler system is based on the size and intensity of an assumed fire in the building. The BCA assumes that fire size is controlled by the sprinkler system.

If a fire starts in a non-sprinklered part of the building, its development will be uncontrolled. It can even reach a size which could over-ride the sprinkler system if it spreads to the sprinklered part of the building (i.e. it could be beyond the design capacity of the system).

Clause 3(a) applies wherever there is a specific Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision.

The fire separation required by AS 2118.1, FPAA101D and FPAA101H may differ from that required by the BCA. Clause 3(b) clarifies that if a difference exists between AS 2118.1, FPAA101D and FPAA101H and the BCA, the BCA takes precedence.

AS 2118.1 generally requires a 120/120/120 FRL separation between the sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts of a building to minimise the risk of fire spread from non-sprinklered parts (where a fire’s development is substantially uncontrolled) to a sprinklered part (where the sprinkler system is designed on the basis of a likely fire in that part of the building).

The aim of Clause 4 is similar to Clause 3, but it particularly deals with the protection of openings, in the construction, between sprinklered and non-sprinklered parts of a building.

Where “fast response” sprinkler heads register a specific external temperature, their reaction time is much shorter than for a “normal” sprinkler head. They also have different discharge characteristics. Where “fast response” sprinkler heads are used, the sprinkler system must be designed specifically for their use.

Sprinkler control valves must be located in a secure area to prevent unauthorised tampering or vandalism.

Clause 6(a) requires that sprinkler alarm valves be in a room having “direct egress to a road or open space”. The intent is to help fire brigade personnel gain quick access to valves, and, if the need arises, to exit quickly.

When interpreting the expression “direct egress to a road or open space”, it should be noted that D1.10(c) requires that if an exit discharges to open space which is at a different level from the public road to which it is connected, the path of travel to the road must be by a ramp or stairway complying with the BCA.

The aim is to provide quick egress, if the need arises. For this purpose it would be reasonable to limit the stairway to one flight. The landing and stairway must not expose a user to fire or smoke generated by a fire in the building. Care must therefore be taken to make sure windows and other openings are correctly located, and that the external walls of the building have an appropriate FRL.

A dual water supply is required for buildings greater than 25 metres in effective height, however a concession for the secondary water supply is permitted in certain circumstances (see Clause 7(b)).

At least one water supply is required for buildings with an effective height of 25 m or less (see Clause 7(a)).

Clause 8 requires a sprinkler system (except for FPAA101D systems) to be connected to activate a warning system complying with Specification E2.2a, Clause 7. This is an AS 1670.1 warning system which is to operate throughout the occupied parts of the building.

AS 1670.1 allows the warning system to be:

• a warning system complying with AS 2220;
• electronic sounders generating evacuation tones in accordance with AS 2220; or
• another warning device approved by the appropriate authority.

See AS 2220.

Modern fire safety designs allow for the interaction of the various safety systems during a fire. Clause 9 requires that where a smoke hazard management system is activated by a smoke detector, “wherever practicable” it must also be activated by the sprinkler system.

Note this provision only applies “wherever practicable”. In other words, if a building proposal includes a smoke hazard management system which is activated by smoke detectors, but it is proposed that the smoke hazard management system will not be activated by the sprinkler system, the building proponent must satisfy the appropriate authority that it is not practicable to do so.

Stages used for live performances can contain high fire loads due to the scenery and other props used in these productions, and particularly hazardous stage activities, such as pyrotechnics.

Clauses 10(a) and (c) require that sprinkler valves located in an area normally used by the stage manager (for theatres, halls or over a stage area), to be fitted with anti-tamper devices connected to a monitoring panel.

Table 3.9 of Specification C1.1 grants concessions for the FRL of structural members within carparks in buildings required to be of Type A construction. Therefore, Clause 11 of Specification E1.5 only applies to such buildings.

Clause 11 does not apply to Tables 4.2 and Table 5.2 of Specification C1.1 for carparks in buildings required to be of Type B or Type C construction.

If a building required to be of Type A construction contains an enclosed carpark, in order to take advantage of the concession allowed by Table 3.9, it must contain a sprinkler system which is independent or can be separately isolated.

The reason for this requirement is so that the carpark’s protection is available at all times, and is not affected by such factors as maintenance or shutdown in other parts of the building.

Clause 2 of Specification E1.5 allows a sprinkler system in a Class 2 or 3 building, a Class 9a health care building used for residential care, or a Class 9c building to comply with AS 2118.4 instead of AS 2118.1. Clause 12(d) requires the addition of a monitored main valve and control valve assembly in accordance with AS 2118.1. The reason for the additional requirement is to ensure greater reliability of the sprinkler system.

Clause 12(e) specifies system monitoring requirements to enable a timely and appropriate response by the local fire brigade to emergencies.

Clause 2.10.1.3 of AS 2118.4 sets out the requirements for the installation of sprinklers in roof spaces, etc. Spaces such as roof spaces, crawl spaces, spaces below floor and above ceilings, and other concealed spaces that are not intended, nor used, for living purposes, storage or the installation of equipment such as flexible ductwork, heating and refrigeration equipment, are not required to be protected by sprinklers.

Roof and ceiling spaces that contain only items such as electrical wiring for light fittings and exhaust fans, etc are not required by this provision to be provided with sprinklers.