Purpose
To inform stakeholders of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' (QFES) jurisdiction and expectations with respect to the fire safety performance of Class 2 - 9 buildings of Type A or Type B construction in Queensland.
This position statement is intended to be a readily identifiable policy applied by QFES as a Referral Agency for the purposes of Section 22(2)(b) of the Planning Regulation 2017.
QFES referral agency advice jurisdiction
QFES has a legislated role as a Referral Agency for building work and assessable developments proposed under the Planning Act 2016.
In this role, QFES provide important advice to regulators about operational requirements for reducing the risk to fire fighters and the community.
QFES referral jurisdiction extends to all fire safety related Performance Solutions. This includes Performance Solutions proposing the use of combustible cladding on Class 2 – 9 buildings of Type A or Type B construction.
Examples:
- An existing Queensland building determined to be an affected private building as defined by Part 4A of the Building Regulation 2006 that require building work.
- A Class 2 – 9 buildings of Type A or Type B construction currently proposed for construction in Queensland that intends to use external wall materials that would be capable of being determined as combustible as defined by the National Construction Code relevant to the building approval.
QFES referral agency fees
It is important for stakeholders to note that the referral of fire safety related Performance Solutions to QFES incurs statutory fees.
These statutory fees are legislated within Part 6 of the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
Of particular note; From 1 October 2020 the regulations have been updated to specifically reflect assessment and inspection of required special fire services – combustible cladding rectification work (refer Division 3A, Section 64A). Fees for submissions fitting the rectification work only criteria are calculated wholly on an hourly rate. This applies for Meetings, Request for Comment, Assessments and Inspections.
QFES key requirements for combustible cladding referrals
Satisfaction of QFES position statement for combustible cladding referrals can be achieved by satisfying QFES key requirements. These requirements identify QFES primary considerations when reviewing submissions and frame QFES Referral Agency Advice. QFES key requirements include:
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Involvement of the combustible cladding in fire does not compromise occupant life safety or prevent the safe evacuation of occupants from the building.
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Involvement of the combustible cladding in fire does not compromise firefighter life safety or firefighting operations with respect to the notification, access, conditions and equipment required by the QFES.
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The combustible cladding does not cause or contribute to vertical fire spread beyond the storey of fire origin.
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The combustible cladding does not cause or contribute to horizontal fire spread beyond the fire compartment of fire origin, or fire spread beyond other fire separating elements of construction.
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The combustible cladding does not contribute to fire spread between buildings on the same site or to adjoining properties.
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The combustible cladding does not produce flaming or falling debris which may result in fire spread to storeys below the storey of fire origin and/or that presents a hazard for egressing building occupants, bystanders, or intervening firefighters.
Other site-specific hazards that may give rise to additional fire brigade intervention requirements should be discussed with QFES during stakeholder consultation meetings and documented for demonstration in the design.
Determining the relevant evidence to support these conclusions on an individual building is the responsibility of a RPEQ in the practice area of Fire Engineering or Fire Safety.
The Queensland Government 'Guideline for Assessing Buildings with Combustible Cladding' may be a useful tool to identify components of a building's external wall that should be considered under the term 'combustible cladding' and aid those preparing referral submissions to QFES for what evidence may constitute relevant supporting documentation.
Application submission
Persons responsible for submissions to QFES as a Referral Agency should use established processes and apply using the appropriate QFES forms and QFES e-lodgement.
NOTE: Please ensure you identify the application involves cladding by ticking on the cladding specific question. This enables all cladding specific applications to be directed to the QFES Cladding Support Unit who will coordinate Referral Agency activities.