Performance-based design brief / fire engineering brief consultation
An applicant should consult with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) as a stakeholder in the performance-based design brief (PBDB) / fire engineering brief (FEB) process.
When a development proposes to incorporate a fire engineered solution or performance solution related to fire safety, whether a building design having a performance solution in accordance with the National Construction Code (NCC) Volume 1 (Class 2 to 9 buildings) or other infrastructure where building codes are not applicable, FRNSW should be engaged in the PBDB/FEB process as a stakeholder.
Guidance on the development of a PBDB is presented in the International Fire Engineering Guidelines (2005) and referred to as a Fire Engineering Brief (FEB). The IFEG defines the FEB as “a process that defines the scope of work for the fire engineering analysis. Its purpose is to set down the basis, as agreed by the relevant stakeholders, on which the fire safety analysis will be undertaken.”
Note: Clause A2.2(4) of the National Construction Code applies from 1 July 2021. With regards to A2.2(4)(a) in NCC Volume One, which requires consultation with relevant stakeholders during the PBDB, FRNSW consider that for Class 2 to 9 developments within NSW the relevant fire service / brigade is a relevant stakeholder in all Performance Solutions relating to fire safety.
Both the performance-based design brief / fire engineering brief questionnaire (FEBQ) and Performance solution summary table should be submitted when consulting with FRNSW.
FRNSW will notify the applicant within 10 working days if comments will be provided or not. If being provided, FRNSW will endeavour to provide a response to the FEBQ to the applicant within 28 working days after the document receipt date.
If the PBDB/FEB relates to infrastructure or building works not intended to meet the NCC then the FRNSW written report application should be used for the consultation process. Examples include State significant infrastructure as per section 5.12 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 or Crown building work as per section 6.28 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Note: If the State significant infrastructure or Crown building work does involve a building intended to meet the NCC, the FEBQ should be used for consultation.
If the development is likely to be subject to State Environmental Planning Policy No.33 Hazardous and Offensive Development or a condition of consent requiring a fire safety study be done, then these should be finalised in conjunction with the performance solution.
The application is to include all relevant information necessary for the consultation to occur. The CFD/zone modelling inputs form should be provided when modelling is proposed in the assessment method.
Forms
Fire engineering brief questionnaire (MS Word)
Performance solution summary table (MS Word)
CFD/zone modelling inputs form (MS Word)
What do I get?
The applicant will receive a written report, such as formal comments in the FEBQ response, and the option of having a telephone meeting, face-to-face meeting or no meeting to discuss aspects of advice given by FRNSW.
Note: The meeting will be at the discretion of FRNSW, and the time allocated to any meeting will be based on the advice given.
Costs
The charge applicable is $2,600 for each day (or part of a day) spent by the Commissioner or a fire brigade member providing advisory, assessment or consultancy services.
For a full description of the charges applicable including terms, payment options, applying for a waiver or reduction of the charges, please refer to the fees and charges for services page.