2 Richardson Place, North Ryde, NSW

Sector

Industrial

Location

North Ryde, NSW

The project at 2 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113 involves a change of use for Ground Floor Unit 1 from an office to a high-technology industry facility.

This modification necessitates compliance with the Building Code of Australia (BCA) through a combination of Deemed-to-Satisfy (DtS) provisions and Performance Solutions. The building houses office, laboratory, and warehouse functions, requiring tailored fire engineering measures to address safety and regulatory compliance. Key project considerations include fire resistance, occupant egress, suppression systems, and chemical storage limitations. The Performance-Based Design Report (PBDR) prepared by Minerva Group outlines the approach taken to ensure compliance while maintaining operational functionality.

Key challenges:

Fire resistance and compartmentation – Reduction of fire-resistance levels from 240 minutes to 120 minutes for Class 7b and Class 8 compartments and implementation of fire compartmentation between office and laboratory and warehouse spaces.
Extended travel distances – Exceeding DtS travel distances, requiring performance-based egress solutions
- 30m to a point of choice in lieu of 20m – laboratory
- 60m to an exit in lieu of 40m – laboratory
- 90m between alternative exits in lieu of 60m – office
Fire suppression system exemptions – No fire hose reels provided in the laboratory and warehouse, requiring alternative fire suppression measures.
Chemical storage restrictions – Limiting storage of flammable chemicals to a combined 30L in designated fire-rated cabinets. Strict adherence to fire-rated cabinet specifications – 120-minute FRL.
Occupant warning and management procedures – Upgrading Building Occupant Warning System or BOWS to incorporate pre-recorded verbal messaging. Staff training on the use of portable fire extinguishers or PFEs and emergency procedures.

Key solutions:

Structural fire protection – Justification of reduced FRL using fire severity calculations and compliance with equivalent performance criteria.
Optimised egress strategy – Comparative analysis demonstrating Required Safe Egress Time or RSET remains within acceptable limits despite extended travel distances. Inclusion of enhanced occupant warning measures to improve evacuation efficiency.
Alternative fire suppression – Provision of ABE-type portable fire extinguishers in laboratory and warehouse areas. Implementation of a fire safety management plan ensuring compliance with chemical storage and suppression requirements.
Fire separation enhancements – Installation of a 120/120/120 FRL-rated fire wall between office and laboratory and warehouse spaces. Assessment confirming minimal risk of fire spread through unprotected external walls.
Comprehensive fire safety management plan – Management in use procedures for chemical and warehouse storage to maintain compliance with AS 2118.1-2017 for sprinkler protection. Fire safety training for Emergency Planning Committee and all staff members.

Key outcomes:

Achieved BCA compliance – Fire engineering solutions successfully addressed deviations from DtS provisions while ensuring compliance with Performance Requirements.
Maintained safe and efficient occupant egress – Extended travel distances mitigated through enhanced fire warning systems and optimised exit strategies.
Enhanced fire safety measures – Introduction of performance-based fire suppression methods tailored to laboratory and warehouse risks.
Sustainable and cost-efficient Fire Engineering Solutions – Rationalisation of fire-resistance levels balanced regulatory compliance with cost-effectiveness.
Improved Fire Safety Awareness and Management – Staff training and management procedures ensured effective emergency response capabilities.

The fire engineering solutions implemented at 2 Richardson Place, North Ryde NSW 2113 exemplify a robust approach to industrial fire safety within a mixed-use facility. By integrating performance-based solutions with strategic management plans, the project successfully achieved compliance while maintaining operational efficiency. The collaboration between design teams, regulatory bodies, and fire safety engineers ensured a seamless transition to a safe and compliant high-technology industry space. This project stands as a benchmark in balancing regulatory requirements, safety standards, and practical operational needs in fire engineering design.

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