Introduction Working with Churches Focus on Education Construction Considerations Experience & Services Personnel References Background Useful Links CONTACT INFORMATION Suite 2 265 Pennant Hills Rd. Thornleigh NSW 2120 Australia (Click here for map) Australia 02 9484 0393 Int. +61 2 9484 0393 info@aibee.com.au Copyright Aibee Architects

BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA COMPLIANCE FOR CHURCHES Whilst budgets are often a difficult issue for churches we need to encourage Churches, to be 'responsible citizens' and to consider whether they should plan to upgrade fire services and egresses, even if not required to do so by Council. BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA - 1996 VERSION (BCA96) This is the code which regulates acceptable standards of building construction throughout Australia and is used by local Councils to assess building applications. The code is compulsory for all new buildings. The code contains minimum construction requirements for buildings of different types and calls up Australian Standards as reference documents for specific details of complying construction. This code is upgraded regularly with amendments usually issued twice a year. EXISTING BUILDINGS  Whilst the BCA96 code is primarily used for assessing new buildings, local Councils do have the right at any time to request upgrades to existing buildings  to conform to this code. In reality however, Councils may accept lower levels than the code requires for existing buildings and rarely request upgrades unless an application is made to undertake other building work. Owners of buildings have a degree of responsibility to be 'good citizens' and to endeavor to maintain at least the fire safety requirements in the code wherever possible. The BCA96 code also requires the provision of access for disabled persons. Whilst remedial work may not be requested by Council for existing buildings there can still be liabilities if buildings are not accessible under the Disability Discrimination Act. Please refer to the separate guide " Guidelines on Accessibility for Churches". MAIN ISSUES Egress and fire services are the most critical aspects of the BCA96 and should be considered in relation to upgrading of existing building since they relate to occupant safety. Other aspects of the BCA96 are related to the protection of the building in event of fire and durability of the structure. These other aspects are usually difficult to upgrade. Some of the key items for consideration in relation to 'Class 9b' church buildings are; Exit Signs - required Fire Extinguishers - required Emergency Lighting - required once building exceeds over 300 sq.m Smoke detectors - required depending on height and floor area Hosereels - required once building exceeds 500 sq.m Hydrants - required once building exceeds 500 sq.m Travel distances Egress widths Egress stairs Exit door widths, hardware and swing direction Assessment of many of these items requires a site inspection by an experienced person such as an architect. There are many aspects that need to be examined on site to determine the suitability of the fire services and egress provisions.  PERMISSION FOR USE OF THIS ARTICLE - This article isfreely available for use by churches as they see fit but it would be appreciated if an acknowledgment of source to Aibee Architects was always retained. Commercial use of these guidelines for publication in other locations or by other Architects is prohibited without the written permission of Aibee Architects.