Single-Stair High Rise Building Fire Rescue Victoria
Solutions Guideline No. 07
Author: Fire Safety Advisory
Group
Custodian: Technical Department
Approval level: Fire Safety Authorised by: Director, Fire
First issued: December 2005 Safety
Review date: August 2017
Version number: 11
1. PURPOSE
This guideline is principally concerned with the design, construction and
commissioning of high rise buildings, which use a single fire-isolated stair as
their means of egress.
The purpose of this guideline is to:
describe the specific issues affecting occupant life safety and fire brigade
intervention
outline the Fire Rescue Commissioner’s position in respect of building
solutions that use a single fire-isolated stair as their means of egress
enhance the awareness of operational firefighters
identify a design, construction, commissioning and maintenance strategy
that is acceptable to the Fire Rescue Commissioner
inform industry of the Fire Rescue Commissioner’s position in relation to
Regulation 129 and 187 report and consent applications and any
concurrent Section 160A modification referrals that may be received from
the Building Appeals Board.
2. SCOPE
The scope of this guideline predominately relates to all high rise buildings that
are constructed or are proposed to be constructed within the Fire Rescue
Victoria district, which use a single fire isolated stair as a means of egress.
This guideline does not provide guidance in relation to the partial or staged
occupation of a high rise building, which uses a single fire isolated stair as a
means of egress. Guidance of this nature is beyond the scope of this guideline.
This guideline does not support the use of non-fire isolated stairs and open
stairs in high rise buildings as a means of egress.
Furthermore, this guideline is not applicable for buildings over 150m in
effective height and/or 50 storeys.
3. DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Fire Rescue Victoria
BAB Building Appeals Board
BCA refers to the National Construction Code Series,
Volume 1, Building Code of Australia
DTS the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA
FBIM Fire Brigade Intervention Model
FEB Fire Engineering Brief
FER Fire Engineering Report
Fire Compartment has the same meaning as Section 1.4.5 of AS 2419.1
as replicated below:
“The total space of a building; or any part of a building
required by the Building Code of Australia to be separated
from the remainder by walls and/or floors each having an FRL
not less than that required for a firewall for that type of
construction and where all openings in the separating
construction are protected in accordance with the Building
Code of Australia”
High Rise Building a building that is in excess of 25 metres in effective
height, as defined by the BCA.
IFEG International Fire Engineering Guidelines
RBS Relevant Building Surveyor
Scissor Stair a set of two interlocking stairways providing two
separate paths of egress located within one stairwell
enclosure. The stairs wind around each other and are
fire separated from each other within the enclosure. An
example of a typical scissor stair is shown in Figure 1
below (obtained from New Zealand Standard
NZS 4121-2001):
Transfer Floor a floor or level in a building used for ancillary or
exclusive provision of a dedicated floor path of travel
between one required exit and another
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4. BCA PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Fire Rescue Victoria
The relevant performance requirements applicable to high rise buildings which
use a single fire isolated stair as their means of egress, have been identified
within this guideline and are generally in accordance with the principles of
Clause A0.10 of the BCA.
4.1 RELEVANT DEEMED-TO-SATISFY REQUIREMENTS
The following DTS provisions are generally considered to be applicable:
CP9: Access to and around the building
D1.2: Number of exits required
D1.3: When fire-isolated stairways and ramps are required
D1.6: Dimensions of exits and paths of travel to exits
D1.7: Travel via fire-isolated exits
D3.2: General building access requirements
D3.3: Parts of buildings to be accessible
E2.3: Provision for special hazards.
4.2 RELEVANT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
A number of performance requirements relating to exit stairs need to be met in
order to satisfy the requirements of the BCA. Amongst these, the principle
performance requirements are:
DP1: Access to be provided
DP4: Number, location and dimension of exits for evacuation
DP5: Fire isolated exits
EP2.2: Conditions within the evacuation route.
5. FIRE RESCUE COMMISSIONER’S POSITION
The Fire Rescue Commissioner does not actively support the design and
construction of high rise buildings that use a single fire isolated stair as their
means of egress due to the limitations they effectively impose upon occupant
evacuation, fire brigade operations and the increased likelihood of fire fighters
sustaining a fire ground injury. These limitations, difficulties and increased
risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
reduced options and redundancy for evacuation of occupants
increased likelihood of slips, trips and falls for firefighters and occupants
within the evacuation route and staging area
reduced redundancy for the provision of a smoke and heat free
environment for occupant evacuation and fire brigade intervention
greater stairwell congestion caused by increased density of evacuating
occupants and attending brigade members
increased likelihood of the firefighters staging area becoming
compromised due to increased congestion
reduced tactical options and fire fighting safety that are imposed by the
removal of second stair and subsequent staging area option
excessive contra-flow issues e.g., delayed firefighter access and occupant
evacuation caused by opposing travel direction in the staircase.
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Although the Fire Rescue Commissioner prefers multiple stairs for egress, the
Fire Rescue Commissioner recognises that particular building designs on Fire Rescue Victoria
smaller allotment sizes may become unfeasible if a second fire isolated exit
stair is required in accordance with the BCA. In these instances, the Fire
Rescue Commissioner believes that the implementation of a scissor stair case
arrangement will generally compliment fire brigade operations without
significantly compromising the building design.
6. FIRE SAFETY DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
Designers of high rise buildings containing a single fire isolated stair that
adopts the following fire safety design options and requirements are likely to
be supported by the Fire Rescue Commissioner.
6.1 SPRINKLER AND HYDRANT SYSTEM INFRASTRUCTURE
The sprinkler system and hydrant system may be serviced from the same
water mains connections and/or pump set however, the infrastructure of both
systems must remain independent and compliant with AS 2118.1, AS 2118.6
and AS 2419.1 as applicable. Where a combined water supply is proposed, it
must adhere to the following design requirements:
fixed on-site pumps provided to services both the sprinkler and hydrant
systems shall meet the duty requirements of AS2419.1 and AS2118.1,
including delivery of 150% of the combined flow at 65% of the required
pressure
pump set installations in single-stair buildings shall comprise of at least
one compression ignition engine
compliant control assemblies must be provided for the sprinkler system,
as required by Section 8 of AS 2118.1-1999
fire hose reel connections comply with Clause 4.4.2 of AS 2118.1-1999
no other connection shall be made to the water supply, expect where it
can be demonstrated to the Fire Rescue Commissioner that the other
connection would not decrease the overall performance or reliability of
the water supply.
6.2 SPRINKLER SYSTEM
The building shall be provided with an AS 2118.1 compliant automatic fire
sprinkler system that is provided with an enhanced level of protection within
egress routes and an appropriate level of system reliability, which includes:
the provision of flow valve monitoring and independent isolation valves
for each level contained within the stair accessible to firefighters
the provision of isolation valves (other than a dedicated valve and
isolation assemblies for the floor or storey) shall not be fitted to enable
total isolation for two or more continuous storeys
a dedicated and independent service input to the Alarm Signalling
Equipment
extension of the sprinkler system coverage into the fire isolated
staircase, along with protection adjacent to the stair entrance door
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the provision of a Grade 1 water supply. Where this is to be achieved
through the installation of static water supply tanks supplementing the Fire Rescue Victoria
town main supply, they shall be arranged as break tank(s) only. The
minimum combined capacity in this case shall be the greater of:
o 40,000 litres
o 25,000 litres for a sprinkler system serving building
occupancies that are classified as being no more hazardous
than Ordinary Hazard (OH2) as defined by AS 2118.1-1999.
Note: fire brigade suction must be provided from the tank supply under
positive head conditions only.
6.3 HYDRANT SYSTEM
The fire hydrant system must be provided in accordance with AS 2419.1 which
incorporates the following design additions and variations for improved
reliability and redundancy:
ring main or pressure zone isolations required under Clause 8.5.5 of
AS 2419.1 must not be capable of isolating the service to fire hydrants
on two or more continuous storeys so that an active hydrant is
maintained at the level above and below the isolated floor for every
isolation configuration
compliant fire hydrant coverage in accordance with Clauses 3.2.3.1
and 3.2.3.2 of AS 2419.1-2005: Fire Hydrant Installations – System
Design, Installation and Commissioning is achieved when measured
from the fire hydrant located at the floor level below the level being
assessed.
6.4 STAIRWELL PRESSURISATION SYSTEM
The fire isolated stair must be provided with a stair well pressurisation system
in accordance with AS.NZS 1668.1 which is provided with a reliable back-up
power supply that ensures its operation in the event of a power failure.
Alternative designs will be assessed on a case by case basis.
A smoke isolated lobby should also be considered to provide redundant
protection to the single fire isolated stair.
6.5 FIRE DETECTION AND INTERCOM SYSTEM
A smoke detection system compliant with Clause 4 of Specification E2.2a of
the BCA must be provided in all public corridors and other internal common
spaces.
An AS 1670.4 compliant Sound System and Intercom System for Emergency
Purposes (SSISEP) must be installed throughout the building which provides
occupants with early warning and direction in an emergency with automatic
voice-over activated instructions.
A smoke isolated lobby should also be considered to provide redundant
protection to the single fire isolated stair.
6.6 FIREFIGHTER ACCESS
Floor re-entry provisions shall be provided as follows:
re-entry from the fire isolated staircase to the adjacent floor area must
be provided on at least every second storey and to all doors during the
general fire alarm
doors determined as re-entry doors must not be fitted with locks or any
other measure to prevent or delay access at any time
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signage must be fixed to all re-entry doors advising that re-entry is
available at that level. The signage must read “RE-ENTRY Fire Rescue Victoria
AVAILABLE AT THIS LEVEL” in type, colour contrast and size
complying with Clause D2.23 (b) of the BCA.
6.7 ACCEPTABLE LANDING AND STAIRCASE DESIGN CONFIGURATION
The width and length of the landing and the effective width of the staircase
must be increased in size by an additional 1160mm to the DTS requirements
as indicated in Figure 2 below (i.e. DTS 1000 + 1160mm):
Furthermore, a smoke lobby is recommended to provide redundant protection
to the single fire isolated staircase.
6.8 SEPARATION OF RUBBISH CHUTES
Where rubbish chutes are proposed, they shall not be installed within the fire
isolated stair. They should be provided within a separate fire isolated shaft that
is accessible by the building’s occupants through a separate smoke resistant
room, cabinet or enclosure.
7. FIRE SAFETY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The fire safety design strategy for any fire isolated single-stair high rise
building solution must encompass systems that are provided with a high level
of redundancy and reliability, which fully integrates with each other and do not
promote an overburdening maintenance obligation for building owners and
their maintenance providers.
The strategy must be underpinned by an appropriate emergency management
plan that concurrently considers fire brigade operations and be inclusive of,
but not limited to, the following:
where evacuation strategies rely on the use of transfer floors and lifts,
references may be made to FRV Fire Safety Guideline GL-31 – Use of
Lifts for Evacuation. It should be noted however that neither this guideline,
nor GL-31, provides specific guidance in relation to the concurrent use of
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transfer floors and lifts. Reference to Australian Building Codes Board
publication Lifts Used During Evacuation should also be made Fire Rescue Victoria
the provision of documented evacuation strategies and the minimum
training requirements must be provided and implemented. Implementation
of these requirements shall be listed as an essential service and be
implemented by the building’s emergency planning committee or
emergency control organisation
the evacuation strategy must be detailed in the FER and be specific to the
proposed building solution rather than a generic strategy. All referenced
material and assumptions adopted in the formulation of the strategy must
be included, along with the following information:
o evacuation modelling undertaken in accordance with the principles
of IFEG
o an FBIM assessment undertaken in accordance with FRV Fire
Safety Guideline GL-17 – Fire Brigade Intervention Model (FBIM) –
General Provisions to assess the likely extent of contra-flow
between occupants and firefighters who may be using the staircase
simultaneously. The outcomes of the assessment shall be used in
the formulation of the building’s evacuation strategy to ensure that
congestion and the resulting contra-flow within the stair is
minimised
o consideration for occupants with a disability, and the relevant
requirements of Part D3 of the BCA specific classification and/or
business objectives. The cohesiveness of the evacuation plan, with
respect to occupants with a disability, must be demonstrated and
may require specialist consultation with appropriate professional
bodies and accredited disability access consultancies
Note: all documentation used in the formulation of the evacuation
strategy must be included in the FER.
other emergency events must be addressed within the fire safety design
strategy, e.g. gas leaks, bomb threats and other life safety hazards. In
particular, access and egress provisions for the building should also
consider the response of paramedics and their associated medical
responder equipment and stretchers.
The above issues shall form part of the Fire Engineering Brief and the Fire
Engineering Report provided to FRV as per FRV Fire Safety Guideline GL-33
– Performance Based Design within the Built Environment.
8. FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM COMMISSIONING AND DESIGN
SPECIFICATION MANUALS
8.1 FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM PERFORMANCE AND INTERFACE
COMMISSIONING
A commissioning demonstration of all active fire safety measures is
recommended, which includes interaction and interfacing with other active fire
safety measures. This may require physical validation and the successful
demonstration of performance in the presence of delegates of the Fire Rescue
Commissioner prior to occupation of the building.
Where required, the commissioning demonstration must validate the
successful interaction and interfacing of individual safety measures to the
design specifications, to show that the complete system achieves the fire
safety design requirements of this guideline and those of the applicable fire
safety engineering solution.
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The Fire Rescue Commissioner will not offer their consent to an application
that is made under Regulation 187 where the installed fire safety measures do Fire Rescue Victoria
not function as they are intended. Similarly, the Fire Rescue Commissioner
will not offer their consent where the construction of the building differs from
the design that was originally supported under Regulation 129.
8.2 DESIGN SPECIFICATION MANUALS – DESIGN, OPERATION,
COMMISSIONING AND TESTING
Fire safety specification manuals that encompass the operation,
commissioning, testing and maintenance of the building fire safety system
must be developed and include adequate detail to demonstrate the required
performance for each individual safety measure, inclusive of interactions with
other fire safety measures. This is particularly important for all fire safety
measures included in a design that does not have a dedicated reference
design standard.
Directions and procedures for conducting system interface testing at specified
intervals must be included, along with single page network diagrams in the
form of Cause and Effect charts, or similar, to clearly demonstrate the
required interfacing of the fire safety systems.
The manual must be kept on site at all times and a copy of the manual must
also be lodged with the relevant municipal council as part of the relevant
building surveyor’s Section 73 lodgement.
9. MECHANISMS FOR REFERRALS TO THE BUILDING APPEALS BOARD
9.1 DESIGN STAGE
A Section 160A determination from the Building Appeals Board shall be
obtained where a single-stair high rise building proposal does not demonstrate
full compliance with this guideline. A Section 160A application may be lodged
either concurrently or prior to seeking the Fire Rescue Commissioner’s report
and consent under Regulation 129. The Building Appeals Board, upon receipt
of an application for a Section 160A determination, is likely to seek the Fire
Rescue Commissioner’s advice prior to determining the matter.
Prospective report and consent applicants should therefore be aware that the
Fire Rescue Commissioner will not consider any report and consent
application under Regulations 129 and 187 that do not comply with this
guideline, or have the written support of the Building Appeals Board under
Section 160A of the Building Act 1993 (the Act).
9.2 CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Non-compliant building work that cannot be remedied to achieve compliance
with the approved building permit documentation and Building Regulations
2006 must also be referred to the Building Appeals Board for a Section 160A
Determination. The Building Appeals Board, upon receipt of an Application for
a Section 160A Determination, is likely to seek the Fire Rescue
Commissioner’s advice prior to determining the matter.
10. REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN A REPORT AND CONSENT
The requirement for the report and consent of the Fire Rescue Commissioner
in respect to Regulations 129 and 187 are not removed where a solution
complies with the minimum fire safety design requirements contained within
Section 6 of this guideline. Similarly, compliance with this guideline does not
obviate the need to obtain the Fire Rescue Commissioner’s endorsement of
the FEB and FER as identified in FRV Fire Safety Guideline GL-33 –
Performance Based Design within the Built Environment.
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Where the minimum fire safety design requirements referred to in Section 6 of
this guideline are implemented, the Fire Rescue Commissioner also assumes Fire Rescue Victoria
that all other aspects of building solutions will be designed to a standard that is
commensurate with the prescriptive provisions of the BCA. If any other
deviations from the prescriptive provisions of the BCA are proposed, the entire
design solution must also be referred to the Building Appeals Board for a
Section 160A determination.
11. APPLICATION OF PRECEDENT
Applicants who seek the Fire Rescue Commissioner’s report and consent
under Regulations 129 and 187 need to be aware that a supporting decision
for one building solution does not automatically infer support for another
building solution. Every building solution that is referred to the Fire Rescue
Commissioner will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Note: this is a controlled document and may only be modified by authorised personnel
after review by FRV Fire Safety Advisory Group.
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