The National Construction Code (NCC) has evolved significantly over the years to address emerging challenges and incorporate advancements in building technology. Initially focused on basic safety and structural integrity, the NCC has progressively expanded its scope to include sustainability, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
The NCC has released a draft of the NCC 2025 for public comment, giving us insight into what is expected for the industry. The changes in Fire Safety Engineering within the NCC are:
- Carpark fire safety improvements,
- Assisting future electrification and EV charging in homes, and
- Re-entry from fire-isolated exits.
The car industry has been forging ahead with new modern cars and electric vehicles. The NCC must keep up with these fast changes to ensure the safety of occupants. The increased fire load of modern vehicles due to the large amount of plastic components, coupled with the typical difficulties fire brigade vehicles have trying to enter car parks, sprinklers will be required in all car parks with more than 40 cars and creating more stringent requirements with the fire resistance levels. The combined active and passive fire safety measures will help enhance the overall level of protection provided to occupants in car parks.
The NCC will now have greater support for electric vehicles in homes. New homes being built will require more switchboard capacity and infrastructure to support faster charging of an EV in the garage. These changes will help accommodate the transition to more renewable energy sources for a more sustainable future.
In NCC 2025, more building classifications will require re-entry provisions. Occupants who inadvertently enter fire-isolated exits may become disorientated or trapped, which can lead to catastrophic scenarios in an emergency. Signage will be required on at least every second level indicating locations for re-entry to mitigate occupants from becoming disorientated or trapped.
SOTERA is prepared for all the fire safety engineering changes that NCC 2025 will bring. We are ready to assist in any problems or questions you may have.