Question: Are there regulations regarding the combustibility of decorative items in foyers of NSW apartment buildings? Our strata manager has instructed that all decorative items such as tables and paintings must be removed.
I live in an 8-floor apartment building with 3 units per floor.
What are the strata fire regulations regarding decorative items in the foyers of each floor of a NSW apartment building?
We had one or two pictures on the walls, small metal hallway tables with small decorator items such as vases and in the alcove off the foyer on our level there was a round table with a table cloth and a vase with fake flowers.
Our Strata Manager has told us that no decorative items can be placed in common property areas of the building and all items need to be removed. This includes carpet mats in front of apartment doors and the lift door as that could be a “fire hazard”.
Are there regulations regarding the combustibility of decorative items in foyers?
Answer: If the common area is part of the egress pathway and the building reasonably new, likely this is reasonable.
My answer would need to be very contextual to building age, size and specific regulations referenced.
If the building’s AFSS references ‘fire hazard indices’ or similar, then it must have been a condition of building approval and strata is likely correct in removing them.
If the common area is part of the egress pathway and the building reasonably new, then also likely this is reasonable.
Ask your strata manager for clarification of the regulation requiring this and then if not satisfied, resubmit your question stating the exact regulation so we can provide more accurate information.
This post appears in Strata News #632.
Rob Broadhead
2020 Fire Protection
E: rob.broadhead@2020fire.com.au
P: 1300 340 210
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