NCC 2022 Volume One - Building Code of Australia Class 2 to 9 buildings
Search the National Construction Code editions
Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c

Filter

Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c

E4

Part E4 Visibility in an emergency, exit signs and warning systems

Part E4 Visibility in an emergency, exit signs and warning systems

Introduction to this Part

This Part is intended to provide a minimum level of visibility in evacuation routes in an emergency, including emergency lighting and signage to assist in locating and identifying exits. This part also includes requirements for emergency warning and intercom systems to alert occupants and assist evacuation.

Objectives

The Objective of this Part is, in an emergency, to safeguard occupants from injury by—

  1. having adequate visibility; and
  2. having adequate identification of exits and paths of travel to exits; and
  3. being made aware of the emergency.

This Objective covers three of the basic elements required to help occupants evacuate a building in an emergency:

  • visibility to see the evacuation route;
  • signage to indicate the evacuation route; and
  • warning of the emergency, so they know they need to evacuate.

Functional Statements

A building is to be provided with—

  1. adequate visibility upon failure of normal artificial lighting during an emergency; and
  2. adequate means—
    1. of warning occupants to evacuate; and
    2. to manage the evacuation process; and
    3. to identify exits and paths of travel to an exit.

Visibility in an emergency—E4F1(a)

Artificial lighting is often one of the first things to fail during a building emergency. This can significantly impair the ability of the occupants to evacuate the building. Accordingly, a building must provide adequate visibility on the failure of artificial lighting in an emergency.

Warning of occupants—E4F1(b)(i)

Many of the emergency protection systems built into the BCA are time related, particularly those designed to protect occupants from a fire. The effectiveness of this protection may be negated if occupants are not made aware of the need to evacuate. It is essential that adequate early warning systems advise of the need to evacuate the building as soon as possible.

Evacuation management systems—E4F1(b)(ii)

Emergency evacuation requires all evacuations to maximise the opportunity for occupants to reach a place of safety. Since the BCA generally relates to the construction of a building, rather than its on-going use, it can only require the installation of a system to assist in the management of the evacuation process. It cannot demand, for example:

  • training, so that the evacuation process is undertaken automatically;
  • allocation of staff to assist with evacuation, particularly if the building is likely to contain occupants who have been unable to benefit from prior training; or
  • a detailed evacuation plan.

Identification of exits and paths of travel—E4F1(b)(iii)

Occupants need to be able to identify their route to safety without hesitation. The emergency route must be signed in a way which is clear and unambiguous.

Performance Requirements

To facilitate safe evacuation in an emergency, a building must be provided with a system that—

  1. ensures a level of visibility sufficient to enable exits, paths of travel to exits and any obstacles along a path of travel to an exit to be identified; and
  2. activates instantaneously upon the failure of an artificial lighting system, to the degree necessary, appropriate to—
    1. the function or use of the building; and
    2. the floor area of the building; and
    3. the distance of travel to an exit.

Limitations

E4P1 does not apply to the internal parts of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2, 3 or 9c building or Class 4 part of a building.

The intent of E4P1 is to provide occupants with satisfactory visibility in an emergency. Sufficient visual conditions must be provided in a building to aid safe evacuation during an emergency. Accordingly, visibility must be sufficient to:

  • minimise the risk of panic; 
  • make the safe route to an emergency exit visible;
  • identify obstacles within the path; and
  • otherwise assist in the orderly and safe evacuation of the building.

E4P1 Limitations

E4P1 does not apply within sole-occupancy units of Class 2, 3 or 9c buildings or within the Class 4 part of a building.

Operation when artificial lighting fails

A system to provide visibility in an emergency within a building only needs to operate on the failure of the normal artificial lighting system (see E4F1(a)).

“To the degree necessary”

E4P1 uses the expression “to the degree necessary”. The BCA recognises that not all buildings need the same level of visibility in an emergency.

Any decision made in this context can extend to not requiring an item to be installed or a particular level of performance to be achieved, if that is the appropriate action to be taken.

Criteria for visibility in an emergency

As set out in E4P1, a system to provide visibility in an emergency must be installed when necessary, and be appropriate to a number of factors, including:

  • the use of the building will affect the fire load in the building;
  • the size of the building’s floor area which is a measure of the size of any potential fire, and the area through which occupants must travel to reach safety; and
  • the distance of travel to an exit which is a measure of the distance occupants must travel to reach safety (and therefore the time necessary to reach safety).

“Appropriate to”

The system to provide visibility in an emergency must be “appropriate to” the matters listed in E4P1, which relate to the amount of visibility in a particular building, and which is necessary to enable evacuation in an emergency.

Examples

The following are two examples of what may or may not be “appropriate” in this case. They should not be regarded as absolute.

Examples
A commercial poultry building:

  • has a high level of natural light;
  • is occupied by only a few workers, likely to know the shed well;
  • is rarely occupied by humans at night;
  • is without a substantial floor space accessible by humans; and
  • has short and direct routes to the exit doors.

In such a case, it may be reasonable for no system to provide visibility in an emergency in this particular building.

Note that for the example above, it is assumed that the building in question has not met the criteria to be considered a farm building or farm shed in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. 

Examples
A cinema, unlike the commercial poultry building in the previous example:

  • has no natural light; and
  • is occupied regularly by large numbers of people who do not know the building or its evacuation plan well.

In such a case, even having no regard to the floor area or the distance of travel to an exit, it is probable that the building will require a system to provide visibility in an emergency such as an artificial illumination system and/or a way guidance system. 

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

E4D2 provides a number of examples where emergency lighting systems must be installed if the proposal being considered involves a solution which utilises the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Performance Solutions

If a Performance Solution is being used, it may be appropriate to assess it using E4D2 for guidance purposes.

Stand-by lighting and safety lighting

If the system to provide visibility in an emergency is an emergency lighting system, it should not be confused with the following:

  • Stand-by lighting: This is a term used to describe a lighting system providing a relatively high lighting level to allow normal activities to continue in case of a failure of the normal lighting system.
  • Safety lighting: This is a term used to describe a lighting system provided for the safety of occupants working near hazardous equipment or processes.

Examples 
A generator may be used to provide a “working” level of light in case of a power failure. Such a level of light may be directed to different locations than the emergency routes required to achieve a safe evacuation. This would be considered stand-by lighting. The safe operation of specific equipment may require a level of lighting beyond that normally required for work conditions, and significantly beyond that required for safe evacuation. This would be considered safety lighting.

To facilitate evacuation, suitable signs or other means of identification must, to the degree necessary—

  1. be provided to identify the location of exits; and
  2. guide occupants to exits; and
  3. be clearly visible to occupants; and
  4. operate in the event of a power failure of the main lighting system for sufficient time for occupants to safely evacuate.

Limitations

E4P2 does not apply to the internal parts of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 or Class 4 part of a building.

The intent of E4P2 is to provide occupants with clear and concise information on what route to take to evacuate a building in an emergency. This may require the installation of emergency signage or other suitable means to identify egress routes and exits and assist in orderly evacuation.

This information must be easily obtainable, despite the reduced lighting conditions, even though emergency lighting systems have been provided.

E4P2 Limitations

E4P2 does not apply within sole-occupancy units of Class 2 or 3 buildings or within the Class 4 part of a building.

“To the degree necessary”

E4P2 uses the expression “to the degree necessary”. The BCA recognises that not all buildings need signs or markers to facilitate evacuation.

Any decision made in this context can extend to not requiring an item to be installed or a particular level of performance to be achieved, if that is the appropriate action to be taken.

Criteria for identification of exits

A building proposal must make sure that the means used to identify egress routes and exits are sufficient to enable occupants:

  • to locate the exits;
  • to find their way to the exits;
  • to clearly see any signs or other markers; and
  • to be able to continue to see any signs or markers during their evacuation, in case of a failure of the normal lighting system.

Examples

The following are two examples of what may or may not be suitable exit identification. They should not be regarded as absolute.

Examples
A commercial poultry building:

  • has a high level of natural light;
  • is occupied by only a few workers, who are likely to know the shed well;
  • is rarely, if ever, occupied by people at night; and
  • has direct routes to the exit doors.

In such a case, occupants will be able to easily find the way to the exits. Accordingly, exit signs would not be necessary.

Note that for the example above, it is assumed that the building in question has not met the criteria to be considered a farm building or farm shed in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Examples
A cinema, unlike the commercial poultry building in the previous example:

  • has no natural light; and
  • is occupied regularly by large numbers of people who do not know the building or its evacuation routes.

In such a case, clear and illuminated signage would be required, located in common view points to encourage evacuees to continue travelling in a specific direction.

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

If a builder is undertaking a solution using the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, there are a number of relevant provisions regarding:

  • the installation of exit signs; and
  • the size, colour and wording of signs.

Performance Solutions

If a Performance Solution is being used, it may be appropriate to assess it using the Part E Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for guidance purposes.

To warn occupants of an emergency and assist evacuation of a building, an emergency warning and intercom system must be provided, to the degree necessary, appropriate to—

  1. the floor area of the building; and
  2. the function or use of the building; and
  3. the height of the building.

Early warning and communication

The intent of E4P3 is to maximise the opportunities for occupants to evacuate. This may include giving them as early a warning as possible and providing means of communicating both the need for evacuation and the process of evacuation.

Evacuation management systems

Emergency evacuation requires that the evacuation maximises the opportunity for occupants to reach a place of safety. Since the BCA relates to the construction of a building it can only require the installation of a system. It cannot require:

  • training, so that the evacuation process is undertaken automatically;
  • allocation of staff to assist with evacuation, particularly if the building is likely to contain occupants who have been unable to benefit from prior training; or
  • a detailed evacuation plan.

“To the degree necessary”

E4P3 uses the expression “to the degree necessary”. The BCA recognises that different buildings require differing types and degrees of emergency warning and intercom systems for occupants.

Any decision made in this context can extend to not requiring an item to be installed or a particular level of performance to be achieved, if that is the appropriate action to be taken.

Criteria for emergency warning and intercom system

As set out in E4P3, to warn occupants and assist with an evacuation, an emergency warning and intercom system must be appropriate to a number of factors, including:

  • the floor area of the building which is a measure of the size of any potential fire, the area to be covered by a warning sound or signal, and the difficulty of intercommunication;
  • the function of the building will affect the fire load in the building, and the difficulty such a load may cause in evacuating occupants; and
  • the height of the building which is a measure of the difficulty of evacuation, search and rescue, and communication.

“Appropriate to”

The emergency warning and intercom system must be “appropriate to” the matters listed in E4P3, which principally relate to the type of system which is necessary to enable evacuation in an emergency.

The BCA recognises that different emergency warning and communication needs may exist, depending on the size of the building, its function, use and height.

Examples

The following reveal what may or may not be “appropriate”. They should not be regarded as absolute.

Examples
A commercial poultry building:

  • has a comparatively small floor area accessible by occupants;
  • is occupied by only a few workers, who are likely to know the shed well; and
  • has good sight lines around the building.

In such a case, the ability of occupants to notice an emergency starting, particularly a fire, and their capacity to easily notify other occupants and exit quickly may mean that there is little or no need for emergency warning and intercom systems.

Note that for the example above, it is assumed that the building in question has not met the criteria to be considered a farm building or farm shed in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Examples
In a cinema, however, there is a large number of people who do not know the building or its evacuation routes. In such a case, the building’s occupants may be:

  • unlikely to notice the commencement of an emergency, which could involve electrical or equipment failure in parts

of the building beyond the auditorium; and

  • unlikely to automatically know when or how to exit the building.

Accordingly, there may be a need for specialised emergency warning and intercom systems.

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

If the proposal being considered involves a solution which utilises the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, the Deemed-to- Satisfy Provisions provide a number of situations where emergency warning and intercom systems must be installed.

Performance Solutions

If a Performance Solution is being used, it may be appropriate to assess it using the Part E4 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for guidance purposes.

Verification Methods

(1) Compliance with E4P1 is verified for the level of visibility for safe evacuation in an emergency and instantaneous activation, when an emergency lighting system satisfies the requirements of (2) to (5).

(2) The calculated horizontal illuminance is not less than—

  1. 0.2 lux at floor level in the path of travel to an exit; and
  2. 1 lux at each floor level or tread in every required—
    1. fire-isolated stairway; or
    2. fire-isolated passageway; or
    3. fire-isolated ramp; or
    4. non-fire-isolated stairway; or
    5. non-fire-isolated ramp.

(3) The emergency lighting provides a level of illuminance not less than—

  1. 10% of that required by (2) within 1 second of energisation; and
  2. 80% of that required by (2) within 15 seconds of energisation.

(4) The full level of illumination required by (2) must be achieved within 60 seconds of energisation.

(5) An emergency lighting system must operate at not less than the minimum required level of illuminance for not less than 90 minutes.

E4V1 does not verify full compliance with E4P1. E4V1 is a means of verifying if a proposed emergency lighting system achieves the level of visibility for safe evacuation and the instantaneous activation required by E4P1 in an emergency. The appropriate authority will still need to be satisfied that the proposed emergency lighting system is appropriate to:

  • the function or use of the building;
  • the floor area of the building; and
  • the distance of travel to an exit.

It is not compulsory for a designer to use E4V1. The designer has the choice of using:

  • E4V1 to verify that the proposal achieves E4P1;
  • the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of E4D2 to E4D4; or
  • another means of verifying that E4P1 will be achieved.

If E4V1 is used to verify compliance, a designer may choose the method used to determine the:

  • calculated horizontal illuminance at E4V1(2);
  • illumination and delay at switch-on at E4V1(3) and (4); and
  • operation time at E4V1(5).

Compliance with E4P1, E4P2 and E4P3 is verified when a building is designed in accordance with C1V4.

Compliance for E4P1, E4P2 and E4P3 is verified when a building is designed in accordance with C1V4. C1V4 is a Verification Method that stipulates a method of demonstrating compliance with E4P1, E4P2 and E4P3 among other Performance Requirements.

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(1) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements E4P1 to E4P3 are satisfied by complying with—

  1. E4D2 to E4D9; and
  2. in a building containing an atrium, Part G3; and
  3. in a building in an alpine area, Part G4; and
  4. for a building containing an occupiable outdoor area, Part G6; and
  5. for additional requirements for Class 9b buildings, Part I1; and
  6. for farm buildings and farm sheds, Part I3.

(2) Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3) as applicable.

To clarify that compliance with E4P1 to E4P3 will be achieved by compliance with E4D2 to E4D9 in the case of all buildings, Part G3 in the case of buildings with an atrium, Part G4 in the case of buildings in alpine areas, Part G6 in the case of occupiable outdoor areas, Part I1 in the case of theatres, stages and public halls and Part I3 for farm buildings and farm sheds.

Where a solution is proposed to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, E4D1 clarifies that, for most buildings, if compliance can be demonstrated with E4D2 to E4D9, then compliance has been achieved with E4P1 to E4P3. The exceptions to this general rule are as follows:

  • If the building contains an occupiable outdoor area, it must comply with Part G6 in addition to E4D2 to E4D9.
  • Farm buildings and farm sheds must comply with Part I3 in addition to E4D2 to E4D9.

Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3) as applicable. (See commentary on Part A2).

NCC Blurbs

An emergency lighting system must be installed—

  1. in every fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; and
  2. in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has a floor area more than 300 m2—
    1. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and
    2. in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and
    3. in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2, except that—
      1. in a farm building any area primarily used for the storage of hay can be excluded when calculating the floor area of the storey or room of the building for the purpose of determining emergency lighting requirements; and
      2. emergency lighting is not required in a farm building where automatic back-up power is provided by a fuel driven back-up generator or where no artificial lighting is provided in the building; and
      3. an emergency lighting system is not required in a farm shed, Group C farm building or at ground floor level in cell type silos or storage sheds; and
      4. in a bulk grain storage facility the spacing of emergency lights can be increased to twice the distance required for Class 7 buildings; and
  3. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening directly to—
    1. a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; or
    2. an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D2D13; or
    3. an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; or
    4. a road or open space; and
  4. in every required non-fire-isolated stairway; and
  5. in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if—
    1. the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and
    2. an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an external stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and
  6. in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey in a Class 6 or 9b building if—
    1. the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or
    2. any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; or
    3. egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit sufficient light; or
    4. the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by (i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and
  7. in a Class 9a health-care building—
    1. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and
    2. in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and
  8. in every Class 9c building excluding within sole-occupancy units; and
  9. in every required fire control centre; and
  10. in an underground passage in a bulk grain storage facility.
NCC Title
Emergency lighting requirements
NCC State
SA
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Emergency lighting requirements

An emergency lighting system must be installed—

  1. in every fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; and
  2. in every storey of a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building where the storey has an area more than 300 m2—
    1. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, that is part of the path of travel to an exit; and
    2. in any room having a floor area more than 100 m2 that does not open to a corridor or space that has emergency lighting or to a road or open space; and
    3. in any room having a floor area more than 300 m2; and
  3. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, having a length of more than 6 m from the entrance doorway of any sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building to the nearest doorway opening directly to—
    1. a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; or
    2. an external stairway serving instead of a fire-isolated stairway under D2D13; or
    3. an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated passageway or fire-isolated ramp; or
    4. a road or open space; and
  4. in every required non-fire-isolated stairway; and
  5. in a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 5, 6 or 9 building if—
    1. the floor area of the unit is more than 300 m2; and
    2. an exit from the unit does not open to a road or open space or to an external stairway, passageway, balcony or ramp, leading directly to a road or open space; and
  6. in every room or space to which there is public access in every storey in a Class 6 or 9b building if—
    1. the floor area in that storey is more than 300 m2; or
    2. any point on the floor of that storey is more than 20 m from the nearest doorway leading directly to a stairway, ramp, passageway, road or open space; or
    3. egress from that storey involves a vertical rise within the building of more than 1.5 m, or any vertical rise if the storey concerned does not admit sufficient light; or
    4. the storey provides a path of travel from any other storey required by (i), (ii) or (iii) to have emergency lighting; and
  7. in a Class 9a health-care building—
    1. in every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like, serving a treatment area or a ward area; and
    2. in every room having a floor area of more than 120 m2 in a patient care area; and
  8. in every Class 9c building excluding within sole-occupancy units; and
  9. in every required fire control centre.

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to see their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for emergency lighting

See commentary for E4P1.

Locations for emergency lighting

E4D2 sets out the locations in buildings, and in some cases the classes of building, in which emergency lighting must be installed.

Each sub-provision of E4D2 must be considered separately. It is possible that more than one may apply to any single building. Where any sub-provision requires emergency lighting, such lighting must be provided, even though another sub- provision may appear to provide an exemption.

Examples
Consider a single storey building comprised of three open plan Class 6 sole-occupancy units of 150 m2 each, where each sole-occupancy unit has one exit direct to open space:

  • E4D2(e) specifies that emergency lighting is not required in each sole-occupancy unit (note that the 300 m2 minimum in E4D2(e)(i) applies to an individual sole-occupancy unit); but
  • E4D2(f) specifies that every room or space to which there is public access (in this case, each entire sole-occupancy unit—note that the 300 m2 minimum in E4D2(f)(i) applies to the entire storey) must have emergency lighting.

In this case, as E4D2(f) requires emergency lighting, such lighting must be provided despite the fact that the sole- occupancy units do not require such lighting under E4D2(e).

Extent of emergency lighting

The following sections outline the extent of emergency lighting required in each of the different scenarios listed under E4D2.

All fire-isolated exits—E4D2(a)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in all fire-isolated exits, because it is unusual for them to be provided with sufficient amounts of natural lighting for safe evacuation.

Storeys over 300 m2 in Class 5–9 buildings—E4D2(b)

Emergency lighting is required in every storey with a floor area over 300 m2 in a Class 5–9 building, as follows:

  • Every passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like forming part of a path of travel to an exit, because these areas are unlikely to be provided with sufficient amounts of natural lighting for safe evacuation.
  • Any room larger than 100 m2 which does not open to a corridor or other space containing emergency lighting, or a road or open space.
  • Any room larger than 300 m2. Note that this size of room is relatively large, and E4D2(b)(iii) applies irrespective of whether or not the room opens to a corridor or other space containing emergency lighting or a road or open space.

Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4—E4D2(c)

Emergency lighting is required in any passageway, corridor, hallway, or the like in Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts, if the distance of travel from the door leading from a sole-occupancy unit is greater than six metres to:

  • a fire-isolated exit;
  • an external stairway used in lieu of a fire-isolated stairway;
  • an external balcony leading to a fire-isolated exit; or
  • a road or open space.

This provision reflects the likelihood that such buildings will be occupied at night, when the occupants are likely to be asleep.

Non-fire-isolated stairways—E4D2(d)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in all required non-fire-isolated stairways (note that E4D2(d) applies even if the other provisions of E4D2 do not require the installation of emergency lighting).

Sole-occupancy unit in Class 5, Class 6 or Class 9—E4D2(e)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in a sole-occupancy unit of a Class 5, Class 6 or Class 9 building if:

  • the area of the unit is larger than 300 m2; and
  • the exit from the unit does not open to the specified areas or spaces which are likely to have adequate natural lighting.

Publicly accessible room in Class 6 or Class 9b—E4D2(f)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in every publicly accessible room or space in a Class 6 or Class 9b building if:

  • the area of the storey is relatively large (i.e. greater than 300 m2);
  • any point on the floor is more than 20 metres from the specified doorways (which is a distance compatible with Section D requirements);
  • egress requires a vertical rise of 1.5 metres;
  • egress requires any vertical rise, if insufficient light is not admitted from outside the building; or
  • the storey provides a path of travel from another storey included in E4D2(f)(i), (ii) and (iii). In this case, once a person enters an area with emergency lighting, then that lighting must be maintained throughout the remainder of the egress path.

This provision reflects the likelihood that such buildings are used by large numbers of the public who do not have any knowledge of the building or its exits.

Class 9a—E4D2(g)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in the specified areas in Class 9a buildings, because such buildings are used by patients who may require assistance to evacuate.

Class 9c—E4D2(h)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed throughout Class 9c buildings excluding within the sole-occupancy units. The requirement is generally aligned with the principles for emergency lighting in Class 9a buildings as described above.

Required fire control centres—E4D2(i)

Emergency lighting is required to be installed in required fire control centres, because they are designed for use by the fire brigade during an emergency, such as a fire.

Distances, other than vertical rise, must be measured along the shortest path of travel whether by straight lines, curves or a combination of both.

To clarify how distance must be measured for the purposes of emergency lighting required under E4D2.

Reasons for emergency lighting

See commentary for E4P1.

To which distances does E4D3 refer?

While not specifically stated, the intention is that the distances referred to in E4D3 are to be those calculated in accordance with E4D2(c) and E4D2(f)(ii).

Most direct route

The E4D2(c) and (f)(ii) distances are required to be measured the same way as those specified in clause D2D20.

 

Every required emergency lighting system must comply with AS/NZS 2293.1.

To specify how an emergency lighting system must operate, to minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to see their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for emergency lighting

See commentary for E4P1.

Emergency lighting system and safe evacuation

An emergency lighting system must provide the visual conditions necessary for safe evacuation during an emergency such as a fire. It must be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 2293.1.

It should be noted that this is an emergency lighting system which is only required to operate during an emergency. F6D5(1)(a) requires artificial lighting to be provided within required stairways, passageways and ramps, but does not require such lighting to be illuminated at all times.

NCC Blurbs

An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must be installed on, above or adjacent to each—

  1. door providing direct egress from a storey to—
    1. an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and
    2. an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and
    3. an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and
  2. door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of discharge to a road or open space; and
  3. horizontal exit; and
  4. door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey required to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4D2; and
  5. requiredexit in a farm building.
NCC Title
Exit signs
NCC State
SA
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Exit signs

An exit sign must be clearly visible to persons approaching the exit, and must be installed on, above or adjacent to each—

  1. door providing direct egress from a storey to—
    1. an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and
    2. an external stairway, passageway or ramp serving as a required exit; and
    3. an external access balcony leading to a required exit; and
  2. door from an enclosed stairway, passageway or ramp at every level of discharge to a road or open space; and
  3. horizontal exit; and
  4. door serving as, or forming part of, a required exit in a storey required to be provided with emergency lighting in accordance with E4D2.

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find an exit.

Reasons for exit signs

See commentary for E4P1.

Locations of exit signs

E4D5 sets out the locations in a building requiring the installation of exit signs. Signs must be clearly visible to occupants approaching the exit. They need to be located on, above or adjacent to the specified exits and doors.

Some exemptions to E4D5

E4D7 provides some exemptions to E4D5 See E4D7.

NCC Blurbs

If an exit is not readily apparent to persons occupying or visiting the building, then exit signs must be installed—

  1. in appropriate positions in corridors, hallways, lobbies, foyers, auditoria, and the like, indicating the direction to a required exit; and
  2. in a Class 9b building used as an entertainment venue — in any external egress path to a road where the exit does not open directly onto a road.
NCC Title
Direction signs
NCC State
NSW
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Direction signs

If an exit is not readily apparent to persons occupying or visiting the building then exit signs must be installed in appropriate positions in corridors, hallways, lobbies, and the like, indicating the direction to a required exit.

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find their way along an exit path of travel.

Reasons for direction signs

Exits may not be visible from all locations within a building. In such cases, exit signs with directional indicators (such as arrows) are required to clearly indicate the direction of travel to required exits.

E4D5 does not apply to—

  1. a Class 2 building in which every door referred to is clearly and legibly labelled on the side remote from the exit or balcony—
    1. with the word “EXIT” in capital letters 25 mm high in a colour contrasting with that of the background; or
    2. by some other suitable method; and
  2. an entrance door of a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building.

To specify some circumstances where risk levels do not warrant compliance with E4D5.

Class 2 buildings—E4D7(a)

The BCA considers that the risks to occupants of units within a Class 2 building are less than those to occupants of Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts. This is because occupants of Class 2 buildings are assumed to be more familiar with:

  • the layout of their unit;
  • the layout of the building within which the unit is located; and
  • Class 4 parts attached to parts of a building with different (and usually greater) fire loads.

Consequently, E4D7(a) grants an exemption for Class 2 buildings from the need to comply with E4D5, on the condition that the buildings comply with certain specific provisions.

With regard to E4D7(a)(i), while the size and wording of the exit sign are specified, the structure, method of attachment, or colour and the like are not specified. However, the colour of the word must contrast with that of the background. The building proponent can make this decision as long as the appropriate authority is satisfied.

With regard to E4D7(a)(ii), if a suitable alternative means of notification can be found to the requirements of E4D7(a)(i), it may be used. The decision is made by the building proponent, who must satisfy the appropriate authority.

Entrances to Class 2, Class 3 or Class 4—E4D7(b)

The BCA assumes that the occupants of units in Class 2 or Class 3 buildings, or in Class 4 parts of a building are familiar with the layouts of their units to allow E4D7(b) to grant an exemption so that exit signs are not required above what is described as the “entrance door”, being either:

  • the main door from the unit into the remainder of the building; or
  • the door leading directly outside from the unit.
NCC Blurbs

(1) Every required exit sign must—

  1. comply with—
    1. AS/NZS 2293.1; or
    2. for a photoluminescent exit sign, Specification 25; and
  2. be clearly visible at all times when the building is occupied by any person having the right of legal entry to the building.

(2) The requirements of (1) do not apply to—

  1. a farm building where—
    1. the use of illuminated exit signs could adversely affect the behaviour or welfare of animals being kept in the building; and
    2. non-illuminated exit signs are provided that comply with clauses 5.5, 5.6 and 5.8 of AS/NZS 2293.1; or
  2. a farm shed.
NCC Title
Design and operation of exit signs
NCC State
SA
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Design and operation of exit signs

Every required exit sign must—

  1. comply with—
    1. AS/NZS 2293.1; or
    2. for a photoluminescent exit sign, Specification 25; and
  2. be clearly visible at all times when the building is occupied by any person having the right of legal entry to the building.

To specify how exit signs must be designed and operate, to minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants during an emergency because of an inability to find an exit.

Criteria for exit signs

E4D8 sets out the provisions for required exit signs, which must meet the following criteria:

  • they must be visible at all times when the building is occupied by a person who has a legal right of entry. Exit signs have a function during normal periods to make occupants aware of the location of exits; and
  • the system must comply with—
    • AS/NZS 2293.1; or
    • for photoluminescent exit signs, Specification 25, which varies some of the requirements of AS/NZS 2293.1.

An emergency warning and intercom system complying, where applicable, with AS 1670.4 must be installed—

  1. in a building with an effective height of more than 25 m; and
  2. in a Class 3 building having a rise in storeys of more than 2 and used as—
    1. the residential part of a primary or secondary school; or
    2. accommodation for the aged, children or people with a disability; and
  3. in a Class 3 building used as a residential care building, except that the system—
    1. must be arranged to provide a warning for occupants; and
    2. in areas used by the residents, may have its alarm adjusted in volume and content to minimise trauma consistent with the type and condition of residents; and
  4. in a Class 9a building having a floor area of more than 1000 m2 or a rise in storeys of more than 2, and the system—
    1. must be arranged to provide a warning for occupants; and
    2. in a ward area, may have its alarm adjusted in volume and content to minimise trauma consistent with the type and condition of patients; and
  5. in a Class 9b building—
    1. used as a school and having a rise in storeys of more than 3; or
    2. used as a theatre, public hall, or the like, having a floor area more than 1000 m2 or a rise in storeys of more than 2.

To minimise the risk of death or injury to occupants through lack of knowledge that an emergency exists or an evacuation is required.

Reasons for emergency warning systems

See commentary for E4P3.

Types of buildings requiring such a system

E4D9 sets out the types of buildings requiring the installation of an emergency warning and intercom system.

AS 1670.4

Building proposals using the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to achieve the Performance Requirements must comply with AS 1670.4, where applicable.

Building with an effective height of more than 25 metres—E4D9(a)

In a building with an effective height of more than 25 metres, if a fire starts on one floor, there is a considerable risk that occupants of the other floors might not be aware it has started. Co-ordination of the evacuation process is important. This reduces confusion and congestion in the stairways and accordingly the time taken for the evacuation.

The people most at risk

In a building fire, the highest degree of risk is attached to such people as the very young, people with certain types of disability (such as a mobility disability), the elderly, and those asleep.

The BCA cannot address all possible permutations of people who are likely to be in any particular building. Nonetheless, it does attempt to address the risks that are most likely to be attached to the people most likely to be in particular types of building.

Installation for larger buildings

In most cases, the need to install an emergency warning and intercom system only applies to larger buildings. The reason for this requirement is the heightened risk that occupants may not be aware of a fire in another part of the building.

Residential care and Class 9a buildings

In Class 3 residential care buildings and in Class 9a buildings, many of the occupants or patients are unable to evacuate without assistance. There is also an enhanced risk in many of these buildings that residents or patients will be traumatised by loud or insistent alarms. To minimise this risk, the sound system and intercom system:

  • must be arranged to warn occupants, including staff, residents and patients; and
  • may be adjusted to take account of any special issues regarding residents or patients.