For Public Buildings

GUIDELINES

FOR PUBLIC BUILDINGS

(Permanent)

HEALTH SERVICE

March 2004

Amended November 2009

CONTENTS PAGE

Introduction

The Steps for PublicBuilding Approval (flowchart)

1.0 What is a PublicBuilding?

1.1Definition

1.2Exemptions

1.3Scope of Application

2.0 Council Requirements

2.1Town Planning Requirements

2.2Building Construction Requirements

2.3Health Requirements

3.0 State Government Requirements

3.1Office of Racing,Gaming and Liquor

3.2The Water Corporation

3.3Environmental Protection Authority

3.4Alinta Gas and Western Power

4.0 PublicBuilding Requirements

4.1Constuction General

4.2Maximum Accommodation

4.3Floor area

4.4Exits

4.5Ventilation

4.6Sanitary Facilities

4.7Electrical Work

5.0 Safety Features, Fittings and Facilities

5.1Seating arrangements

5.2Aisles

5.3Guard Rails and Balustrades

5.4Handrails

5.5Exit Signs

5.6Door Latches

5.7Lighting

• Emergency lighting
• Safety lighting
• Illumination of Passages

• Artifical Lighting Systems
• Emergency Power Supply
• Open Fires
• Satge Curtians and Equipment
• Food Preparation Areas, Serveries and Bars
• Evacuation Plans
• Maintenance of Emergency Lighting
• Heaters
• Stage Equipment
• Fire Equipment / Control

6.0 References

Appendix 1

Form 1 Application to Construct, Extend or Alter a PublicBuilding

Form 2 Application for Certificate of Approval

Form 5 Certificate of Electrical Compliance

INTRODUCTION

These guidelines have been developed as a guide for owners builders and architects of public buildings based on current legislation.

If your proposed public building is a temporary public building such as a concert, fete, whether indoor or outdoors, then please refer to the “City of Swan - Guidelines for Large Public Events”.

This document is a guide only, reference should always be made to the relevant legislation to ensure that updated accurate information is submitted with your Building Licence Application

Should you require clarification or more specific details regarding your application please contact:

• The City of Swan Health Service
• Or the City of SwanBuilding Service.

It is important that you read through the Steps for PublicBuilding Approval on the following page. A public building requires further application forms to be submitted on the completion of the building so that a final inspection and a Certificate of Approval can be issued before use as a public building.

The Steps for PublicBuilding Approval

1.0WHAT IS A PUBLICBUILDING?

1.1Definition

A “PUBLICBUILDING” is where members of the public usually or occasionally assemble. The assembly must be a more formal than fortuitous collection of people. The assembly must also be the result of all members acting in concert and by some pre-arrangement having the common intention of congregating at the same time or for the same period, more or less (eg, functions, entertainment).

Buildings that are typically examined and inspected as public buildings under the Health Act include:

Amusement Centre
Billiards Centres
Business Colleges
Churches
Cinemas
Circuses
Community Centres, aged, youth etc
Concert Hall
Convention Areas
Dance Premises
Dog Tracks
Drive-in Cinemas
Enclosed Sports Grounds
Entertainment Centres
Grandstands
Halls
Hotel Entertainment Areas
Indoor Sports Courts
Karaoke Bars or Restaurants (Entertainment Provided)
Lecture Theatres
Local Authority Civic Centre
Temporary structures (eg, circus, concerts, shows) / Lodge Rooms
Multipurpose Recreation Centres
Nightclubs
Open Air Temporary Stand & Stages
Public Swimming Pools
Races Courses
Reception Lodges and Reception Areas to Hotels
Schools, Private
School Hostels, Dormitories
Show Grounds
Skating Rinks
Speedways (enclosed type)
Sporting Club Buildings
Taverns (where entertainment exists)
Temporary Seating Stands
Theatres
Trotting Tracks
Universities
Youth Club Buildings
HotelBeerGardens (enclosed)
Pre-schools (operated by community organisation)
Gymnasium (classes and group activities)

If your type of use is not listed and you are unsure if it is a public building please contact the City’s Health Service.

1.2Exemptions

Some public buildings are exempt from legislation by virtue of Crown ownership or jurisdiction (eg, Statutory Authority, Ministry of Education etc). Eg, family centres, state schools pre-primary schools, child care centres.

1.3Scope of Application

(a)Where public buildings are to be constructed, extended or altered and are subject to a normal building licence issued under the Local Government Authority, they are to be approved by the City of Swan Building Service under the BCA and will also include the requirements of the Public Building Regulations and any relevant comments from Planning/Health Services.

(b)Where public buildings are to be constructed, extended or altered and are not subject to a normal building licence issued under the Local Government Authority - Building Regulations 1989 (ie change of use of existing building, temporary structures such as circus tents, spectator stands, outdoor concerts etc) they are to be approved by Health and Building Services under the Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 subject to relevant Town Planning comments and with consideration to the “City of Swan - Guidelines for Large Public Events” where applicable.

2.0COUNCIL REQUIREMENTS

2.1Town Planning Requirements

The suitability of your proposed business will be assessed (your chosen location), in relation to the zoning, amenity, parking requirements and any other relevant planning details. A ‘Development Application Form' is required to be submitted to Council and Planning approval received, before seeking building licence approval.

2.2Building Construction Requirements

Once planning approval has been given by Council, a Building Licence Application must be submitted with the required fee, plans and supporting information (where a building or structure is to be erected). Plans will be assessed and a building licence to commence building work must be obtained prior to work commencing on any construction associated with the public building.

2.3Environmental Health Requirements

(a)Public buildings must comply with the Health (PublicBuilding) Regulations 1992 (as amended).

(b)Before building, opening, altering or extending any public building, Council’s Health Service must be advised and approval obtained. (submit 'FORM 1' attached).

Note:Buildings owned by the Government should comply with relevant Health requirements, despite being exempt from the Local Government Act requirement to obtain any building licenses.

(c)The premises must be issued with a 'Certificate of Classification from Building Services and a Certificate of Approval'from Health Services once they are constructed, altered or extended to requirements. It is an offence to allow the public to use a public buildingprior to these certificates being issued. Council’s Environmental Health Officers are available to answer any queries on this matter.

3.0STATE GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS

3.1Office of Racing, Gaming and Liquor

If alcohol is to be sold to the public, it is necessary to obtain the relevant licence from the Office of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.

3.2The Water Corporation

All plumbing is to be carried out by a licensed plumber, in accordance with the Local-Laws. The Industrial Waste Section should be consulted to determine if a grease trap is required.

3.3Environmental Protection Authority

Sound levels created by the public building shall not exceed the provision of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

3.4Alinta Gas & Western Power

All electrical and gas fitting equipment should be approved by the relevant Authorities and installed in accordance with the relevant regulations.

4.0REQUIREMENTS OF THE PUBLIC BUILDING REGULATIONS 1992

4.1Construction - general

Compliance with the Building Code of Australia is required. This includes construction, egress, compatible non-combustible or fire retarded internal finishes and fittings, fire safety, seating arrangements and other relevant details. Consideration should also be given to disabled access and facilities to ensure compliance with the Disabilities Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disabilities Services Act 1993. Council’s Building Surveyors are to be consulted for further structural details where a building licence is to be issued.

4.2 Maximum Accommodation

The maximum number of persons permitted in a public building is set by a table in the Health (PublicBuilding) Regulations 1992 with limitations set by the following criteria:

• Floor area
• Exits
• Sanitary facilities
• Ventilation

AREA PER PERSON ACCORDING TO USE (REG. 7(1))

Measurement units

Type of Usem2 per person

Art gallery, exhibition area, museum4

Auditorium1

Cafe, church, dining room1

Conference room- unfixed seating0.5

Gymnasium3

Hall1

Indoor sports stadium area10

Library - reading space2

- storage space30

Licensed premises (subject to reg 9A)0.85

Meeting/conference room1

Restaurant1

School - general classroom2

- multi purpose hall1

- trade and practical area: primary4

secondary5

Skating rink, based on rink area1.5

Spectator stand, audience viewing area:

- bench seating450 mm/person wide

750 mm deep (minimum)

- fixed seating450 mm/person wide (minimum)

- seating not fixed1

- standing viewing area0.5

Swimming pool based on pool area1.5

(a)The Executive Director, Public Health, may on application by the owner and after consulting the City of Swan vary the ratio for any standing viewing area of spectator accommodation to 0.3m2 per person.

(b)The calculation of floor area for licensed premises may be varied to 0.5m²/person subject to approval from the local government and a counting system approved by the Executive Director of Public Health.

(c)Risk Management Plans in accordance with AS/NZS 4360 must be provided and applied for licensed premises with density ratios between 0.85 and 0.5m²/person and all events exceeding 5000 people.

(d)Where no provision is made in the table in relation to a particular building or a particular class of public building the maximum number of persons that may be accommodated in the public building of that class shall be such number as is approved by the Executive Director, Public Health after consulting the City of Swan.

(e)Early childhood centres were deleted from the above table by G.G. from 11th Feb 2004. The floor area is to be based on Reg 7(3) of the Public Building Regulations, by EDPH determination. The EDPH determined in the above amendment that the provisions of Childcare Regulations shall apply, currently 3.25 sq.metres per child for play area and additional one sq. metre per each child aged 0-2 years age. See details at reg. 43 of the Childcare Regulations.

4.3Floor area

This includes the measured floor area (internal wall to wall) of the public building area, where members of the public assemble. Itdoes not include lifts, stairs, ramps, escalators, corridors, hallways, lobbies, storerooms, service ducts, kitchens, stages, offices, sanitary compartments, DJ boxes and staff areas. Areas across and behind the bar (excluding fridges) are classified as public building.

4.4Exits

• Exits/egress must comply with the BCA (Part D) and the Health (PublicBuilding) Regulation 14,15 and 16.

• Exit doors are to swing in the direction of escape (except for sliding doors) and exits should be unobstructed and open onto a road or open space.

• No point on a floor must be more than 20 m from an exit, or a point from which travel in different directions to 2 exits is available, in which case the maximum distance to one of those exits must not exceed 40 m.

• Where greater than 50 persons are to be accommodated in any area, at least two exits shall be provided.
• Exit dimensions to be:-

-not less than 2 m height;

-where not more than 100 persons are accommodated exit widths shall be 800 mm wide;

-where not more than 200 persons are accommodated exit widths shall be 800 mm plus 250 mm for each 25 persons in excess of 100;

-where more than 200 persons are accommodated the door width shall be 1.75 m plus 500 mm for every 75 persons in excess of 200;

-please note exceptions to dimensions in BCA – Part D1.6.

4.5Ventilation

• Ventilation must be mechanical or natural. Mechanical ventilation systems must comply with the Australian Standard 1668.2 “Mechanical Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality” and the ASHRAE standard “Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy”.

• A kitchen exhaust hood is to be provided where the cooking apparatus, in a commercial kitchen, has a total maximum electrical power input exceeding 8kW or a total gas power input exceeding 29 MJ/h.

• Ventilation must comply with the BCA – Part F and the Health (PublicBuilding) Regulation 17.

4.6Sanitary Facilities

• Sanitary conveniences must comply with the BCA – table F2.3 (below) and table F2.4 (facilities for disabled persons).

Table F2.3 BCA As at 1st April 2001
SANITARY FACILITIES
Class of
Building / User / Max Number Served by
Closet(s)
Fixture(s) / Urinal(s) / Washbasin(s)
9- Public Buildings
other than Schools / Employees
Males
Females / 12each
extra
204020
153015 / 12each
extra
255050 / 12each
extra
306030
306030
6- Restaurants
Cafes, Bars with live entertainment / Patrons
Males
Females / 100300200
25 50**50 / 50100*50 / 50200200
50150200
* Where the number of male patrons exceeds 250, not less than 5 urinals must be provided plus one additional urinal for every additional 100 males in excess of 250.
** Where the number of female patrons exceeds 250, not less than 6 closet fixtures must be provided plus one additional closet fixture for every 100 females in excess of 250.
9a - Health-care
buildings / Patients
Males
Females / 12each
extra
-168
-168 / 12each
extra
-
- / 12each
extra
8168
8168
- Other facilities / (a) One shower of each 8 , or part, patients or inmates.
(b) One island-type plunge bath in each storey containing a patient care area.
9b - Schools
Admt 1 / Employees
Males
Females
Students
Males
Females / 204020
52015
307070
102020 / 204530
-
307035
- / 306030
306030
204040
204040
9b - Early child-
hood centres / Children / -315 / - / -3025
- Other facilities / (a) One bath or shower-bath must be provided.
(b) If the centre accommodates children under 2 years of age a bench type baby
bath must be provided.
9b - Sporting
venues,
theatres
art galleries / Participants
Males
Females / 204020
102010 / 102010
- / 102010
102010
- Other facilities / One shower of each 10, or part, participants
Spectators or
Patrons
Males
Females / 250500500
75150 75 / 100200100
- / 150300150
150300150
9b - Churches
Chapels or
the like / Patrons
Males
Females / 12each
extra
300800500
150300150 / 12each
extra
200400200
- / 12each
extra
250500250
250500250
9b - Public halls
function rooms
or the like / Patrons
Males
Females / 100300200
25 50**50 / 50100*50 / 50200200
50160200
* Where the number of male patrons exceeds 250, not less than 5 urinals must be provided plus one additional urinal for every additional 100 males in excess of 250.
** Where the number of female patrons exceeds 250, not less than 6 closet fixtures must be provided plus one additional closet fixture for every 100 females in excess of 250.
Notes:
Urinals - a urinal need not be provided if the number of males employed is less than 10.
Unisex facility - instead of separate facilities of each sex, if not more than 10 persons are employed. A unisex facility may be provided comprising one closet pan, one washbasin and means of the disposal of sanitary towels.
Combined facilities - if the majority of employees are of one sex, not more than 2 employees of the other sex may share toilet facilities if:-
(a)facilities for females include adequate means for the disposal of sanitary towels; and
(b)the facilities are separated by means of walls, partitions and doors to afford privacy.
Use of public facilities - sanitary facilities for employees need not be separate from those required for public use in a Class 6 or 9b building, other than a school or early childhood centre.
Amendment 1 / Health care buildings - in patient care areas where each area is provided with its own facilities - closet pans, washbasins and showers as set out in Table F2.3 need not be provided.

4.7Electrical Work

A licenced electrician must certify all work and submit a Form 5 (refer to attached form) into Council on completion of all work.

5.0SAFETY FEATURES, FITTINGS AND FACILITIES

5.1Seating Arrangements

(a)Except with the approval of the City of Swan all seats used for seating audiences in a public building shall be securely fixed to the floor unless fastened together in groups of not less than 4 seats,

(b)Where seats are arranged in regular rows the seats shall be arranged so that:

(i)aisles are provided on both sides of every row of seats that exceeds 10 seats in length;

(ii)the number of seats in a row between aisles shall not exceed 42 seats; and

(iii)dead end rows shall not extend beyond 10 seats

5.2Aisles

(a)Every aisle shall have direct access to an exit.

(b)Any transverse aisle –

(i)shall be of uniform width; and

(ii)shall be on the same level and free from steps or obstructions.

5.3Guard Rails and Balustrades

Adequate enclosing wall or guard rails to be provided around the edges of raised or tiered seating and at any change in level which may present a hazard to the public. Generally, balustrades to be positioned 865 mm above floor level. Refer to BCA specification D2.16 for further details of balustrade dimensions and placing.

5.4Handrails

Steps and landings are to be provided with hand rails on each side unless the City of Swan otherwise approves. Generally, handrails to be positioned 865 mm above floor level or nosings of steps, and a minimum of 50 mm away from walls. Refer to BCA specifications D2.17 for further details of handrail dimensions and placing.

5.5Exit Signs

All public building exits are to be marked with an “Exit” sign that conforms with Australian Standard 2293.

Exit signs should be mounted between 2m and 2.5m above the floor level or immediately above the exit door.

Exit signs should be clearly visable to all persons approaching the exit. Where there is no direct view of an exit sign or there is any dout as to the direction of an exit a directional sign or series of signs should be provided. Directional signs should bear the legend “EXIT”, together with a supplementary arrow which should be a part of the sign.

Where a passage or exit does not provide a clear means of egress the exit or passage sould be marked with a ‘NO ESCAPE’ sign in letters not less than 100mm high and 12mm wide.

5.6Door Latches

Locking devices, such as barrel bolts, pad bolts and hasp and staple bolts are not permitted because of difficulty in manoeuvring the latch in an emergency. Approved types of door latches include automatic panic bolts and espagnolette bolts. (See appendix 1)

Where a building is intended to accommodate more than 400 people it shall be fitted with panic bolts.

Manually operated sliding doors are permitted where the maxium occupancy does not exceed 50 people

5.7Lighting

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting shall be provided in a public building in accordance with Building Regulations and Australian Standard 2293 - “Emergency Evacuation Lighting in Buildings” Part 1 and 2.

Where indirect luminaries are provided, the adjacent reflecting surfaces shall have a reflectance of not less than 50 percent. Indirect luminaries in stairways shall have an installed lamp wattage of not less than twice the value specified for direct luminaries based on the plan area of the stairwell.

Generally, emergency luminaries shall be installed as follows:

(a) Emergency luminaries shall be located within 2 m of exits, changes of direction in passages, corridors or dividing walls, changes in floor level, master emergency control points and warden intercommunication points.