Existing shared accommodation buildings & automatic fire sprinklers (Vic)

Under Regulation 710 of the Building Regulations 2006 Class 3 buildings that are shared accommodation buildings, for example a boarding house or backpackers residence, that were constructed by or for which a building permit was granted before 1 July 2003 will require an automatic fire sprinkler system throughout the building; the regulation must be complied with by the owner of the building by 14 June 2009.

Note: The term “shared accommodation building” is defined in clause Vic A1.1 of the Victorian Appendix to Volume One of the Building Code of Australia (BCA)

This regulation does not apply to buildings with a rise in storey of not more than 2, but these buildings must be able to satisfy other requirements that relate to distances to exits, provision of fire services and protection of building elements.

It is possible for the owner to apply for a modification to the Building Appeals Board to either:

• extend the deadline for compliance
• delete the requirements for the automatic sprinkler system
• modify the requirements for the automatic sprinkler system
• delete the requirements for the automatic sprinkler system where the building is due to be decommissioned
• modify the requirements of selected sub regulations under regulation 710

Any necessary modification should be in effect by the deadline to prevent an offence being committed.

Any person who fails to comply with the regulation is guilty of an offence under the regulations and is liable to a penalty not exceeding 10 penalty units; currently 1 penalty unit equals $113.42.

The Building Regulations also require the owner of a building or a place of public entertainment constructed before 1 July 1994 to prepare an annual report in relation to the maintenance of essential safety measures; the first report must be provided before 13 June 2009 and subsequent reports annually before this date. This regulation affects Class 1b, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 buildings.

For further information HIA members can contact HIA’s Building Services staff on 1300 650 620 or hia_technical@hia.com.au.  

If you would like to become a HIA member, contact 1300 650 620 or enquiry@hia.com.au.

Ref No. VIC LEG 09-01

The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The contents do not constitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal specific advice should be sought by members with respect to particular matters before taking action.  ABN 99 004 631 752