You have been appointed as the construction contractor for an extension to a large manufacturing facility. The extension to this commercial building will result in the fire hydrant coverage not being compliant with the BCA and AS 2419.1

The building is used to manufacture stone pavers and is considered to have a low fire hazard risk. However under the BCA deemed to satisfy clauses the extension to facility would still trigger the requirement to include additional fire hydrants on the site.

The fire engineer is suggesting a performance solution as an alternative to upgrading the hydrant system which would achieve a considerable cost saving for the project. The Performance Solution details that three lengths of fire hose (giving a total length of 90m) connected together could be used to achieve the required coverage to all parts of the building.

Question

How would the fire engineer would prepare the Performance Solution. Include the following points.

1. What are the relevant Performance Requirements from the BCA Volume 1 for this Performance Solution;
2. What are suitable types of assessment methods that could be used to demonstrate that this Performance Solution complies with the Performance Requirement identified in (1).
3. What is the documentation that you think will be required as proof that this Performance Solution complies with all the relevant Performance Requirements of the BCA and discuss the information that should be contained in each document; and
4. Who will decide if the Performance Solution is viable and formally approve or reject it? (Assume the building is located in Queensland) eg the local Authorities or council.