Part E2 Smoke hazard management
Introduction to this Part
This Part is intended to reduce the risk of injury or loss of life for occupants due to the effects of smoke, including inhalation, if a fire occurs in a building. It provides for automatic warning of the presence of smoke or fire, and measures to ensure conditions within evacuation routes remain tenable long enough for occupants evacuate safely and to facilitate fire brigade intervention.
Objectives
E2O1
Objective
2019: EO2
The Objective of this Part is to—
- safeguard occupants from illness or injury by warning them of a fire so that they may safely evacuate; and
- safeguard occupants from illness or injury while evacuating during a fire.
Functional Statements
E2F1
Adequate safeguards
2019: EF2.1
A building is to be provided with safeguards so that—
- occupants are warned of a fire in the building so that they may safely evacuate; and
- occupants have time to safely evacuate before the environment in any evacuation route becomes untenable from the effects of fire.
Performance Requirements
E2P1
Automatic warning for sleeping occupants
2019: EP2.1
In a building providing sleeping accommodation, occupants must be provided with automatic warning on the detection of smoke so they may evacuate in the event of a fire to a safe place.
Applications
E2P1 only applies to a Class 2, 3, 9a or 9c building or Class 4 part of a building.
E2P2
Safe evacuation routes
2019: EP2.2
- the temperature will not endanger human life; and
- the level of visibility will enable the evacuation route to be determined; and
- the level of toxicity will not endanger human life.
- the number, mobility and other characteristics of the occupants; and
- the function or use of the building; and
- the travel distance and other characteristics of the building; and
- the fire load; and
- the potential fire intensity; and
- the fire hazard; and
- any active fire safety systems installed in the building; and
- fire brigade intervention.
Limitations
E2P2 does not apply to an open-deck carpark or open spectator stand.
Verification Methods
E2V1
Fire Safety Verification Method
2019: EV2.1
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
E2D1
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
2019: E2.0
- E2D2 to E2D21; and
- in a building containing an atrium, Part G3; and
- in a building in an alpine area, Part G4; and
- for additional requirements for Class 9b buildings, Part I1.
SA E2D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions2019: E2.0
E2D2
Application of part
2019: E2.1
- an open-deck carpark; or
- an open spectator stand; or
- a Class 8 electricity network substation with a floor area not more than 200 m2, located within a multi-classified building.
- For Class 6 buildings, in fire compartments more than 2000 m2—
- not containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit — must comply with E2D14; or
- containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit — must comply with E2D15.
- For Class 9b assembly buildings—
- nightclubs, discotheques and the like — must comply with E2D16; and
- exhibition halls — must comply with E2D17; and
- theatres and public halls — must comply with E2D18; and
- theatres and public halls (not covered by E2D18) including lecture theatres and cinema/auditorium complexes — must comply with E2D19; and
- other assembly buildings (not listed in (i) to (iv)) excluding schools — must comply with E2D20.
E2D3
General requirements
2019: E2.2
- to operate as a smoke control system in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
- such that it—
- incorporates smoke dampers where the air-handling ducts penetrate any elements separating the fire compartments served; and
- is 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.
E2D4
Fire-isolated exits
2019: Table E2.2a
- a required fire-isolated stairway, including any associated fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp serving—
- any storey above an effective height of 25 m; or
- more than 2 below ground storeys, not counted in the rise in storeys in accordance with C2D3; or
- an atrium to which Part G3 applies; or
- a Class 9a building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; or
- a Class 9c building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; or
- a Class 3 building used as a residential care building with a rise in storeys of more than 2; and
- a required fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp with a length of travel more than 60 m to a road or open space.
E2D5
Buildings more than 25 m in effective height: Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building
2019: Table E2.2a
An automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20 must be provided to the following:
- A Class 2 or 3 building which is more than 25 m in effective height.
- A Class 2 or 3 part of a building, or a Class 4 part of a building, in a building which is more than 25 m in effective height.
Notes
Refer to C3D15 for division of public corridors greater than 40 m in length.
E2D6
Buildings more than 25 m in effective height: Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b buildings
2019: Table E2.2a
Notes
Refer to E2D14 to E2D20 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and Class 9b building or part of a building.
E2D7
Buildings more than 25 m in effective height: Class 9a buildings
2019: Table E2.2a
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; and
- a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1,
if the building is more than 25 m in effective height.
Notes
A building more than 25 m in effective height requires a sprinkler system under E1D4.
E2D8
Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height: Class 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building
2019: Table E2.2a
In a Class 2 and 3 building or part of a building, or Class 4 part of a building, if the building is not more than 25 m in effective height—
- it must be provided with an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; and
- 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—
- 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
- the Class 5, 6, 7 (other than an open-deck carpark), 8 and 9b parts must be provided with—
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17; and
- 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—
- a system complying with (b)(i) or (b)(ii) must be installed; or
- a smoke alarm or detector system complying with Specification 20 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
- Refer to C3D15 for division of public corridors greater than 40 m in length.
- Refer to E2D14 to E2D20 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and Class 9b building or part of a building.
E2D9
Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height: Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b buildings
2019: Table E2.2a
- is a Class 5 or 9b school building or part of a building having a rise in storeys of more than 3; or
- is a 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
- has a rise in storeys of more than 2 and contains—
must meet the requirements of (2).
- 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
- 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
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
E2D10
Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height: large isolated buildings subject to C3D4
2019: Table E2.2a
- if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is not more than 12 m—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21; or
- automaticsmoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification 22; or
- if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is more than 12 m, an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21.
Notes
- Refer to E2D14 and E2D15 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 building or part of a building (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2).
- Refer to NSW E2D16 to NSW E2D19 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 9b building or part of a building.
- Refer to E2D5 and E2D8 where a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b building contains a Class 2, 3 or 4 part.
Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height: large isolated buildings subject to C3D4
- a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17, and provided with perimeter vehicular access complying with C3D5(2); or
- an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with AS 1670.1 and monitored in accordance with S20C8; or
- an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21; or
- automaticsmoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification 22; or
- 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.
- if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is not more than 12 m—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21; or
- automaticsmoke-and-heat vents in accordance with Specification 22; or
- if the ceiling height of the fire compartment is more than 12 m, an automatic smoke exhaust system in accordance with Specification 21.
Notes
- Refer to E2D14 to E2D20 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and Class 9b building or part of a building.
- Refer to E2D5 and E2D8 where a Class 5, 6, 7b, 8 and 9b building contains a Class 2, 3 or 4 part.
E2D11
Buildings not more than 25 m in effective height: Class 9a and 9c buildings
2019: Table E2.2a
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; and
-
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—
- smoke detectors installed in accordance with (a); and
- any other installed fire detection and alarm system including a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17; and
- 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)—
- a zone pressurisation system between vertically separated fire compartments in accordance with AS 1668.1; or
- a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17 throughout with residential sprinkler heads in patient care areas.
Notes
Refer to S11C2 for the provisions for smoke dampers.
E2D12
Class 7a buildings
2019: Table E2.2a
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.
E2D13
Basements (other than Class 7a buildings)
2019: Table E2.2a
- comply with measures in accordance with this Part applicable to the building generally; and
- where the basement has a total floor area of more than 2000 m2, be provided with—
- if not more than 2 below ground storeys—
- 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
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17; or
- if more than 2 below ground storeys, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
- if not more than 2 below ground storeys—
Notes
- Refer to E2D14 to E2D20 for specific provisions applicable to a Class 6 (in a fire compartment having a floor area of more than 2000 m2) and Class 9b building or part of a building.
- 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 E2D21.
E2D14
Class 6 buildings – in fire compartments more than 2000 m2: Class 6 building (not containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit)
2019: Table E2.2b
- a Class 6 sole-occupancy unit that—
- has a floor area of not more than 2000 m2; and
- is single storey with a main public entrance opening to a road or open space; and
- 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
- parts of any other classification that are smoke separated from a Class 6 part by construction complying with (a)(iii).
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22; or
- if the floor area of the fire compartment is not more than 3500 m2 and the building—
- is single storey, an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- has a rise in storeys of not more than 2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
E2D15
Class 6 buildings – in fire compartments more than 2000 m2: Class 6 building (containing an enclosed common walkway or mall serving more than one Class 6 sole-occupancy unit)
2019: Table E2.2b
- a Class 6 sole-occupancy unit that—
- 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
- does not open onto the enclosed common walkway or mall if the Class 6 sole-occupancy unit—
- has a floor area of not more than 2000 m2; and
- is single storey with a main entrance opening to a road or open space; and
- 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
- parts of any other classification that are smoke separated from a Class 6 part by construction complying with (a)(ii)(C).
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22; or
- 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 17.
Notes
A fire compartment having a floor area of more than 3500 m2 in a Class 6 building requires a sprinkler system under E1D4.
E2D16
Class 9b – assembly buildings: nightclubs, discotheques and the like
2019: Table E2.2b
The following provisions apply to all Class 9b assembly buildings:
- A building or part of a building used as an assembly building must be provided with automatic shutdown of any air-handling system (other than non-ducted individual room units with a capacity not more than 1000 L/s and 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—
- smoke detectors installed complying with S20C6; and
- any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
- A basement not counted in the rise in storeys in accordance with C2D3, less than 2000 m2 used as an assembly building or part of an assembly building containing an auditorium or other public area, must be equipped with—
- an automatic smoke detection system in accordance with Specification 20; or
- an automatic zone pressurisation system in accordance with AS 1668.1 if the basement has more than one fire compartment; or if the basement forms part of a multi fire compartmented building served by the zone pressurisation system; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
-
Stages and backstages:
- For the purposes of this clause, where a stage is separated from the auditorium by a proscenium wall incorporating a proscenium opening, a backstage room or area that is not separated from the stage by construction having an FRL of not less than 60/60/60, is taken to form part of the stage.
- A building or part of a building used as an assembly building which has a stage with a floor area of more than 50 m2 and not more than 150 m2 must, over the stage, be provided with—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21 (including Figure S21C2); or
- roof mounted automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with NSW I4D59, in a single storey building or the top storey of a multi storey building.
- A building or part of a building used as an assembly building which has a stage with a floor area of more than 150 m2 must, over the stage, be provided with an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21 (including Figure S21C2).
- A building or part of a building used as an assembly building which has a stage equipped with means of flying scenery must, over the stage, be provided with an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21 (including Figure S21C2).
Explanatory information
Smoke hazard management provisions for an assembly building used for multiple purposes must comply with all the relevant provisions of NSW E2D16, NSW E2D17, NSW E2D18 and NSW E2D19 according to usage.
Class 9b – assembly buildings: all
A Class 9b assembly building which is a nightclub, discotheque or the like 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—
- smoke detectors installed complying with S20C6; and
- any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17; and
- at least one of the following:
- An automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21.
- If the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22.
- A sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17 with quick response sprinkler heads.
E2D17
Class 9b – assembly buildings: exhibition halls
2019: Table E2.2b
A building or part of a building being a night club, discotheque or the like, must be provided with—
- in an auditorium—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- roof mounted automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22, in a single storey building or the top storey of a multi storey building; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17 with fast response sprinkler heads; and
- in all other areas—
- where a building or part of a building has a floor area not more than 2000 m2—
- one of the smoke hazard management measures listed under (a) above; or
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- where a building or part of a building has a floor area of more than 2000 m2, smoke hazard management measures as provided for under NSW E2D19.
- where a building or part of a building has a floor area not more than 2000 m2—
Notes
- Paragraph (a) applies only to an auditorium designed principally to accommodate an audience to an entertainment.
- Smoke hazard management provisions for an assembly building used for multiple purposes must comply with all the relevant provisions of NSW E2D16, NSW E2D17, NSW E2D18 and NSW E2D19 according to usage.
Class 9b – assembly buildings: night clubs, discotheques and the like
A Class 9b assembly building which is an exhibition hall 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—
- smoke detectors installed complying with Specification 20; and
- any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17; and
- where the floor area is more than 2000 m2 and not more than 3500 m2—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17; and
- where the floor area is more than 3500 m2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17 and—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- automaticsmoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22, if the building is single storey.
E2D18
Class 9b – assembly buildings: theatres and public halls
2019: Table E2.2b
A building or part of a building used as an exhibition hall, museum, art gallery or the like, must be provided with—
- where the floor area is more than 2000 m2 and not more than 3500 m2—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- roof mounted automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22 in a single storey building or the top storey of a multi storey building; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17; and
- where the floor area is more than 3500 m2, a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17 and—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- roof mounted automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22 , in a single storey building or the top storey of a multi storey building.
Notes
Smoke hazard management provisions for an assembly building used for multiple purposes must comply with all the relevant provisions of NSW E2D16, NSW E2D17, NSW E2D18 and NSW E2D19 according to usage.
Class 9b – assembly buildings: exhibition halls, museums and art galleries
- 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
- 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
- has a stage with an associated rigging loft.
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22.
E2D19
Class 9b – assembly buildings: theatres and public halls (not listed in E2D18) including lecture theatres and cinema/auditorium complexes
2019: Table E2.2b
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- roof mounted automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22, in a single storey building or the top storey of a multi storey building; or
- 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—
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
- Sporting complexes, (including sports halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, ice and roller rinks, and the like) other than indoor sports stadiums with total spectator seating for more than 1000 persons.
- Churches and other places used solely for religious worship.
- School classrooms.
Notes
Smoke hazard management provisions for an assembly building used for multiple purposes must comply with all the relevant provisions of NSW E2D16, NSW E2D17, NSW E2D18 and NSW E2D19 according to usage.
Class 9b – assembly buildings: other assembly buildings (not listed in NSW E2D16 to E2D18)
- 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—
- smoke detectors installed complying with Specification 20; and
- any other installed fire detection and alarm system, including a sprinkler system complying with Specification 17; and
- other than in the case of a school lecture theatre, where the floor area of the fire compartment is more than 2000 m2—
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22; or
- 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—
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
E2D20
Class 9b assembly buildings: other assembly buildings (not listed in E2D16 to E2D19)
2019: Table E2.2b
Class 9b assembly buildings: other assembly buildings (not listed in E2D16 to E2D19)
E2D20 does not apply in NSW. This clause is deleted from the BCA in NSW, as requirements for Class 9b – Assembly buildings in NSW are covered under NSW E2D16 to NSW E2D19.
- apply to a Class 9b assembly building where the building or part of the building is used for a purpose other than—
- do not apply to—
- sporting complexes (including sports halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, ice and roller rinks, and the like) other than an indoor sports stadium with total spectator seating for more than 1000; or
- churches and other places used solely for religious worship.
- an automatic smoke exhaust system complying with Specification 21; or
- if the building is single storey, automatic smoke-and-heat vents complying with Specification 22; or
- 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—
- an automatic smoke detection and alarm system complying with Specification 20; or
- a sprinkler system (other than a FPAA101D or FPAA101H system) complying with Specification 17.
E2D21
Provision for special hazards
2019: E2.3
Additional smoke hazard management measures may be necessary due to the—
- special characteristics of the building; or
- special function or use of the building; or
- special type or quantity of materials stored, displayed or used in a building; or
- special mix of classifications within a building or fire compartment,
In bulk grain storage facility—
- suitable natural smoke venting by fixed vents must be provided at the top of elevator towers and overhead galleries in a cell type silo; and
- smoke venting is not required in a storage shed.
Smoke venting in bulk grain storage facilities