Canopies separating openings between storeys in the exterior wall of a building, where:

• the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 m behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey,
• the [lower] storey in the building is classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy,
• the [lower] storey is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation, and
• the openings in the exterior wall of the lower storey are located vertically below openings in the storey above.

This applies to buildings described in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A.

This also applies to the protection of openings with combustible vertical glazing, as stated in Clause 3.1.5.4.(4)(b).

To supersede the requirements of Sentence 3.2.3.17.(1), which would otherwise require a canopy, if certain conditions are met [the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 m behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey]. This [the wall recessing] is to limit the probability of the spread of fire from one storey to the storey above through openings in the exterior wall during the time required to achieve occupant safety and for emergency responders to perform their duties, which could lead to harm to persons in the storey above.