This section of the EFSG Design Guide relates to the application of the National Construction Code (NCC) and the referenced Australian Standards (AS) as the current building regulations.
Within the EFSG Design Guide a reference to the Building Code of Australia, BCA or building regulations is also to be read as a reference to the NCC.
Where a requirement of this section conflicts with that within another section of the EFSG Design Guide, the more onerous requirement or characteristic shall prevail.
Schools typically are classified as a Class 9b. There are some areas within a school that have a slightly different use, such as administration offices, which are a Class 5.
In accordance with New South Wales legislation, school projects are generally subject to the State Environmental Planning Policy (Educational Establishment and Child Care Facilities 2007)
Before the commencement of any building works, confirmation of the applicable approvals process must be sought from the Project Director.
Any required building permits must be obtained prior to the commencement of works.
National Construction Code (NCC) is a “performance-based” code, that permits compliance to be achieved via deemed-to-satisfy building solutions and/or alternative building solutions.
All design for the Department should be on the basis of the deemed-to-satisfy building solutions.
Where this is not possible due to an existing building, or heritage constraints, an alternative building solution may be proposed for consideration by the Department of Education Project Director and Technical Stakeholders.
The Project Certifier responsible for certifying the design and / or construction of the works must hold current Grade A1 accreditation under the Building Professionals Board New South Wales.
Any proposed building works must comply with the current version of the BCA, NCC,PCA, the associated AS's and other relevant legislation applicable at:
It is the responsibility of the appointed contractor to consult with their Project Certifier in regards to the applicable version of the NCC prior to the commencement of any building works.
DoE requires higher performance standards than that required by the BCA. These requirements are noted throughout the Design guide and are to be taken as at least satisfying the requirements of the BCA. They include areas such as construction of exits, widths of exits, stair design - width risers and goings, balustrade heights, fire hydrants, fire hose reels, fire extinguisher provision and lift size and specification requirements.
In the event of a discrepancy, the higher (safer) standard shall prevail.
16.01.05 Fire Brigade Approval
Note: 4.5m clear is required around perimeter of buildings for fire brigade access
16.01.06 Limitations
This Section of the Design Guide applies to DoE educational facilities for primary and secondary school developments. It should not be applied to developments with a different use type, notably residential portions of schools.
These provisions generally apply to developments containing buildings or building portions of an “effective height” of less than 25m.
Each use within a building must be classified separately as per the intended use of the spaces.
Where not more than 10% of the floor area of a storey is used for a different classification, the classification applying to the other 90% may apply to the whole storey (NB: this concession may not be applied where the minor use is a laboratory or Class 2, 3 or 4 residential).
A laboratory within a primary or secondary school is generally classified as 9b due to the educational nature of the use, in lieu of Class 8.
Schools are often divided up into groups of buildings which:
Where the buildings are linked they must comply with the applicable provisions of the NCC as if they are ‘one building’.
Unenclosed walkways that do not form a required exit for either building can be treated as a Class 10a building.
The presence of openings in the dividing walls between two buildings do not automatically create a united building, and need be assessed for the presence of structural, egress or fire protection interdependence.
Where no interdependence exists, the buildings can be treated as separate buildings and are then subjected individually to the requirements of the Building regulations.
All building works must be constructed in accordance with the structural provisions of the NCC
A new or existing building is to have the type of construction required in the NCC based on the use of the building and the number of storeys.
Fire resistance levels of building components depends on their function and proximity to fire source features.
16.04.02 Compartmentation And Separation
The NCC sets limits on the size and volume of a building in order to limit the potential hazard associated with a large building being involved in a fire and becoming a hazard to a large number of people.
The Deemed to Satisfy Provisions set out minimum requirements for the walkways, corridors, stairs, ramps and the like in order to ensure that there is sufficient width for the proper use and safe evacuation of a building during times of emergency.
Additionally DoE require that there are a minimum of two exists provided to each storey of a building of two or more storeys.
DoE has requirements over and above the minimum standards of the BCA, designed to enhance the functionality and safety of exits. The following are required:
Refer to DG / ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
All fire safety measures must be installed and maintained in accordance with the relevant standard(s) of performance nominated within the Building regulations
The NCC permits an exemption for schools where Fire hose reels need not be provided to classrooms and associated corridors in a primary or secondary school.
Fixed and portable fire fighting equipment is to be installed as required by building regulations.
All portable fire extinguishers must be selected and installed in accordance with the BCA and relevant AS, including the locating of units, the provision of signage, and mounting requirements.
DoE has a preference to NOT use chemical and powder type extinguishers. The Specification Guide lists preferred Fire Extinguisher locations and types.
With particular reference to portable fire extinguishers:
Portable fire extinguishers must not be located in:
Notwithstanding the location requirements of AS, the locating of portable fire extinguishers must also consider the obligation of staff to safely evacuate students.
Additionally, in accordance with DoE requirements:
The design and installation of all fire fighting equipment must be in accordance with the NCC, Workers Health and Safety and Rural Fire Service requirements.
Fire blankets must also be installed in accordance with relevant AS
16.06.03 Smoke Hazard Management
Smoke hazard management systems are to be installed as required by building regulations.
Additionally, in accordance with DoE requirements:
A Whole of Life assessment approach is to be used in determining the appropriate smoke hazard management systems to ensure systems that are fit for purpose and cost effective in both installation costs and maintenance costs.
Refer to DG / WHOLE OF LIFE
Emergency lighting and Exit signage are to be installed in all school buildings as required by building regulations.
Illuminated Exit Signs are to be provided in each storey on, above or adjacent to:
Exit signs are to comply with NCC and relevant AS.
16.06.06 Provision for Special Hazards
Dust extraction space – Material Workshop- Wood & Metal - Type 2:
The building regulations set out requirements for buildings to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the occupants of a building. All new school buildings are to be designed and built to meet or exceed the requirements of the building regulations.
The NCC provides details of the numbers and types of sanitary facilities that are to be included based on the number of students and staff in a building. Sanitary facilities will not always be provided in every building, as students, teachers and staff will often move between different buildings throughout the day.
The number of facilities required exceeds the NCC (BCA) . Toilets are distributed throughout the school buildings and areas to provide easy access to the facilities by the students and staff.
Refer to DG / LIGHT-NATURAL and DG / VENTILATION
16.07.04 Sound Transmission And Insulation
Some school facilities are used out of hours for activities such as weekend church groups, sport events and public meetings. The classification of spaces under the NCC may change due to the community use of facilities. Liaise with the Project Director to gain an understanding of any shared use, or community use arrangements that are being considered for the site.
New schools should be designed so that direct access to the open play space, fields , hall and gym can be achieved without the public gaining access to the buildings.
All new school buildings are to be designed to meet or exceed the requirements of building regulations for conditioned spaces.
Refer to DG / ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT and DG / WHOLE OF LIFE
In order to ensure that maintenance is available, on the completion of all buildings, drawings are to be provided showing the completed (As Built) building including all equipment and equipment access arrangements.