The VBA have identified a number of commercial and major residential development sites that do not comply with fire precautions required under the Building Code of Australia.

Fire precautions during construction are mandatory for any Cass 2 – 9 building. The level of precaution is dependant on the size and/or stage of the development or type of performance solution adopted.

What needs to be done?

Builders and site supervisors need to ensure suitable fire extinguishers are installed on each storey of the building, no matter what stage of construction. Fire extinguishes must also be located adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit.

When a building has reached a construction height of 12 meters or more, fully compliant and operational hose reels and hydrants must be installed on every storey, except the top two.

What can you do as a Practitioner?

Designers or architects – ensure approved plans include enough information to enable the building to comply with the requirements

Fire service designers – ensure that fire services can be constructed, commissioned and are fully operational relevant to the stage of construction.

Builders, site supervisors & project managers – ensure the required fire precautions are installed in the building while under construction

Building inspectors and engineers – Before inspection of any site, building inspectors and engineers should inspect the fire services and not approve any inspection stage where they are non-existent or non-compliant

Information source : VBA