FRNSW position statements
The following are the formal position of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) in regard to each given matter. These statements are provided in the public interest and FRNSW may not have any specific jurisdiction on the related matter. A responsible person or authority is expected to take relevant advice into consideration as appropriate to their given circumstance.
Use of National Construction Code (NCC) 2022
FRNSW are not in a position to determine the applicable NCC for a project. Further guidance can be obtained from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment at https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/buildings/national-construction-code.
However, FRNSW note that whilst NCC 2022 will be available from 1 October 2022, current advice is that it will not commence or be adopted until 1 May 2023 (refer https://abcb.gov.au/news/2022/building-ministers-finalise-ncc-2022). Therefore, justification should be provided, including evidence of advice from the certifier and indicative project timelines, that NCC 2022 will be the applicable NCC for the project if an FEBQ application to FRNSW is to use NCC 2022 as the applicable NCC.”
[Last updated: 3 November 2022]
Automated vehicle parking system
FRNSW endorse the Fire Safety Requirements Automated vehicle Parking Systems guideline as published by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council, as the appropriate guidance to practitioners who design and certify building that incorporate an automated vehicle parking system (e.g. a ‘car-stacker’).
[Last updated: 3 September 2018]
External combustible cladding
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will consider cladding risk assessment principles when being asked to provide advice in respect of buildings that have external combustible cladding (“Cladding”). Refer to External combustible cladding for further information.
[Last updated: 27 February 2020]
Fire hydrant system in existing premises
When the consent authority (e.g. Council) is assessing the adequacy of an existing fire hydrant system installed in accordance with the provisions of Ordinance 70 and Ministerial Specification 10 (or earlier), FRNSW recommend that the system be upgraded to meet the requirements of the current Australian Standard AS 2419.1 to facilitate the operational needs of FRNSW.
It may be appropriate for a partial upgrade of the existing fire hydrant system be undertaken. A partial upgrade may be proposed to address deficiencies in the design and/or performance of the existing fire hydrant system, when assessed against the requirements of Australian Standard AS 2419.1, so that the upgraded fire hydrant system will meet the operational needs of FRNSW. Where a hybrid fire hydrant system is proposed, which incorporates the design and performance requirements from two different standards, the proponent should consult with FRNSW on the requirements for the fire hydrant system.
[Last updated: 8 January 2019]
Fire hydrant system in new premises
FRNSW endorse the use of Australian Standard AS 2419.1-2021 in the design and installation of fire hydrant systems in new premises. If AS 2419.1-2021 is adopted in its entirety to meet performance requirement EP1.3 of the National Construction Code, instead of the referenced AS 2419.1-2005 version, FRNSW will be likely to support an exemption under section 111 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (Development Certification and Fire Safety) Regulation 2021 or a performance solution with regards to the fire hydrant system.
[Last updated: 7 July 2022]
Fire sprinklers in class 1 buildings
Volume 2 of the National Construction Code does not prescribe the installation of a fire sprinkler system in any Class 1 building. However, FRNSW does recommend a home fire sprinkler system be installed to the requirements of Australian Standard AS 2118.5-2008 in Class 1 buildings. A home fire sprinkler system, in conjunction with mandatory smoke alarms, significantly improves the safety of occupants in the home in the event of fire. Refer to the Home sprinklers fact sheet for more information.
[Last updated: 19 February 2020]
Fire sprinklers in class 2 and 3 buildings
FRNSW endorse recommendation no. 150 made by Deputy State Coroner HCB Dillon in respect to the Coronial Inquiry into fire at Unit 53, 4 West Terrace, Bankstown which recommends the installation of ‘fit-for-purpose’ fire sprinkler systems in all new Class 2 and 3 buildings.
FRNSW does not support the deletion of any required automatic fire sprinkler system in any new Class 2 and 3 building. Automatic fire sprinklers provide superior protection and saving of life and property.
[Last updated: 4 July 2018]
Fixed suction for below ground water supply
The design of any fixed suction provided for a fire brigade pumping appliance to draught from a below ground water supply is to satisfy Clause 4.4 of Australian Standard AS 2419.1-2017. The maximum length of dry pipe between lowest section water level and large bore suction connection is not to exceed 2.8 m due to the limitations of the primer on the fire brigade pumping appliance.
Note: The primer is used during draughting operations to remove air from the fixed suction pipework and semi rigid suction hose that is connected to the large bore suction connection.
[Last updated: 19 February 2020]
FRNSW hose connections
Hose connections on fire hydrant and fire sprinkler systems are required to be compatible with Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) equipment. Refer to FRNSW hose connections for information.
[Last updated: 31 October 2018]
FRNSW pump performance for high rise buildings
Clause 7.7 of Australian Standard AS 2419.1-2005 requires a ‘fire brigade relay pump’ be installed in buildings having an effective height greater than 50 m. The fire hydrant system is to be designed for a ‘boost pressure’ of 950 kPa being input into the fire brigade booster connection from a standard FRNSW pumper. Hydraulic consultants should use this FRNSW pump performance input when specifying the duty of the fire brigade relay pump used in the design.
As the fire brigade relay pump requires a full flow bypass for redundancy purposes, any building having an effective height greater than 100 m should be fitted with a PN 35 rated fire brigade booster connection and have suitable high pressure Storz fittings for use by an appropriate pumping appliance.
[Last updated: 21 October 2019]
Massive timber building systems
FRNSW endorse the Fire Safety Principles for Massive Timber Building Systems guideline as published by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), as the appropriate guidance to practitioners who design and certify building that incorporate massive timber building systems.
[Last updated: 3 September 2018]
Relevant stakeholders in the performance-based design brief (PBDB)
Clause A2.2(4) of the National Construction Code (NCC) 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.
Refer to the Performance-based design brief / fire engineering brief consultation page on our website for how to undertake consultation with FRNSW.
[Last updated: 30 July 2021]
Road tunnels
FRNSW endorse the Fire Safety for Road Tunnels guideline as published by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), as the appropriate guidance on fire safety to stakeholders involved in the design and construction of road tunnels.
[Last updated: 3 September 2018]
Security/screen doors fitted to sole-occupancy units (SOUs)
The fitting of security or screen doors to the main fire door of a unit is a matter to be determined by the appropriate regulatory authority (e.g. Council) or certifier.
However, FRNSW recommends against the fitting of security or screen doors to SOUs due to the increased likelihood of the main fire door of the unit being propped open, corridor egress being impeded by an open security/screen door, and the fire rating of the door frame being compromised from any modification when fitting any additional security or screen door.
[Last updated: 4 July 2018]