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3.4.7.6.(1)
OS3
ObjectiveOS3 Safety in Use
Attribution
Application
Application 1: 
Minimum height of guards protecting the open sides of platforms, balconies and stairways forming part of a fire escape referred to in Sentence 3.4.7.1.(2), where:
This applies to fire escapes serving floor areas that are intended for occupancy, including mezzanines as stated in Sentence 3.4.2.2.(1), in buildings described in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A.
Application 2: 
This also applies to:
  • tents and air-supported structures, as stated in Sentences 3.1.6.1.(1) and 9.10.1.2.(1), and
  • existing buildings to which Part 9 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.3.(1) of Division A for application of Part 9], as stated in Sentence 9.9.2.1.(2).
Exceptions: 
except as stated in:
  • Sentence 3.1.6.2.(1), which prohibits air-supported structures from being located above the first storey on any building,
  • Sentence 3.1.6.2.(2), which prohibits air-supported structures from being used for classrooms or for Groups B, C, or Group F, Division 1 major occupancies,
  • Sentence 3.1.6.2.(3), which requires air-supported structures to be designed as open floor spaces without interior walls, mezzanines, intermediate floors or similar construction,
  • Sentence 3.3.1.3.(5), which applies to rooftop enclosures,
  • Sentence 3.4.2.2.(2), which applies to mezzanines that:
    • are not required to terminate at a vertical fire separation [see Article 3.2.8.1.],
    • are not intended for an occupant load more than 60,
    • do not exceed the area limits for rooms and suites in Table 3.4.2.2., and
    • have limited travel distances to egress doors or stairs, and
  • Sentence 3.4.2.2.(3), which applies to at least half of the required means of egress from a mezzanine if the mezzanine is not required to terminate at a fire separation as permitted by Sentence 3.2.8.2.(1).
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Intent
Intent 1: 
To exempt guards protecting fire escape platforms, balconies and stairways from the requirements of Sentence 3.4.6.5.(2) and permit a lower minimum guard height, on the basis that the fire escapes will be used infrequently.
This [the minimum guard height] is to limit the probability that:
  • persons using the fire escape will fall over the guard from a higher level to a lower level, which could lead to harm to persons, and
  • the absence of a high guard will inhibit the use of the fire escape during an emergency situation, which could lead to delays in the evacuation or movement of persons to a safe place, which could lead to harm to persons.
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