Theatre Building Codes

Hello.

We're currently involved in bringing a hall up to standard as a performance venue. Does anyone know where I could get a copy of the Public Halls Act or the Building Code for public venues.

I think thats what I need?!?

Something that can tell me things like how many exits are needed? what sort of fire protection is needed? how many extinguishers? how many bathrooms? things like that.

Oh, We're in Victoria (I don't know if it's state or federal requirements).

Thanks in advance for your help.

Tom Warneke
Production Manager
Mainstage Technical Services
twarneke@mainstage.s5.com
www.mainstage.s5.com
MOB: 0414 717 426 (24 Hours)

Good morning Tom,

I'm not sure that I can help, but try this website:

http://www.abcb.gov.au

It is the Federal Government's Australian Building Control Board. They could probably steer you in the right direction.

Cheers,
Russell E Williams

I think you will find The Federal Building Code is a model adopted by State & Local authorities. In most instances interpretation of the Code, Policy, Rules & regulations can depend upon
"In the Inspectors opinion" - So therefore variations, inclusions & exemptions can be expected dependant upon local area conditions or just one inspectors opinion. This can be a mine field & become bigger than ‘BEN’- If your venue is listed or considered Heritage building in anyway!.
I suggest you get on to your local Council Building Department & ask them as many questions as you can &/or get approval for all major structural changes. They produce a lot of info & most can be gained from your Local Councils web site. As well as suggested by Russell here.
The other way - get a Qualified Builder or Architect to come on board & join your group - even give them free membership!- to help the group out!
Best of luck Tom
Chookas
Joe

Hi Tom,
If you call the building control commission in Victoria they may be able to help, or realistically your local engineer should have all those details.
The building control commissions number is (03) 9285-6418

If you need any of this sort of info just give me a holler.

Regards

robyn

Hi Tom (again),

I had another thought. I occasionally work in a nice little theatre (254 seats). The primary access to the auditorium is via a single (wide) flight of stairs. For those wheel-chair (or like) patrons the easiest access for them is to be escorted around the outside of the building and enter via a ground-level emergency exit. All a bit tedious, really.

You might check with ACROD (the Australian Council for the Rehabilitation Of the Disabled). I'm sure they could give you some their requirements, too... Just use your search engine and type in ACROD. You'll fine it easily enough.

Cheers,
Russell

If your main concern is fire exits , access & extinguishers contact your local Fire Brigade. They have protection Officers that will inspect your venue & advise what you need. This is a free service normally.

Tom,

Hope it's going well. When I became involved in changing the layout of the Downstairs Theatre at Belvoir Street, I was able to check out the BCA on CD-Rom at a university library (the librarian thought I was a an architecture/engineering student and kicked off the other students who were only emailing home anyway).

If you are increasing the capacity of the hall then you will have to consider size and number of exits, and if you are modifying seating configurations then naturally enough you need to look at egress passages.

The BCA may seem long-winded at times, and not give you straight forward answers - in fact I seem to remember it gave me what I thought to be conflicting answers from different sections - but stick with it (you may have completed the project by now) and good luck!

Jason