Greater uniformity and consistency

Assembly buildings cover a wide range of uses with varying degrees of hazards. E2D16 to E2D20 address 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 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 m²

The 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 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 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 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 I1, 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 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

E2D20 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.