Does your building site comply with Clause E1.9 of the National Construction Code?

Many builders who come to us are not aware that Section E1.9 of Volume 1 of the National Construction Code ("NCC") requires a special type of portable fire extinguisher as a precaution during construction. These fire extinguishers are required at all times on each storey adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit.

National Construction Code ("NCC"), Volume One, 2019

E1.9 Fire precautions during construction

In a building under construction—

1. not less than one fire extinguisher to suit Class A, B and C fires and electrical fires must be provided at all times on each storey adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit; and
2. after the building has reached an effective height of 12 m—
   1. the required fire hydrants and fire hose reels must be operational in at least every storey that is covered by the
      roof or the floor structure above, except the 2 uppermost storeys; and
   2. any required booster connections must be installed.

Every fire extinguisher is rated for the type (fire classification) of fire it can be used for as well as the relative performance of the fire extinguisher.  The combination of these two is different from the capacity (size, volume or weight) of the fire extinguisher.

The NCC requires all Class 2 to Class 9 building sites to be fitted with not less than one fire extinguisher for each storey, adjacent to each required exit or temporary stairway or exit.

If the building under construction you are managing does not comply with this requirement you may be at risk from disciplinary action or prosecution from the Victorian Building Authority ("VBA") for non compliance.