Getting rid of stairs and fire exits?

**sandrandave** · 25th August 2006, 01:36 PM

Not sure if this is the right section to put this question in but... We have an older 2 story house with exterior stairs form the second level on front and our back. As I have posted in a previous thread we are taking the front steps away and having internal stairs at teh front, but out the back can we take the back stairs away too and just have an exit downstairs/back? I am just wondering with regard to having fire safety exits.

I understand that in newer 2 story houses there are not even 1 exit from upper levels but maybe if houses are already built like that you cant change it. Looking at it like that it seems a really stoopid question, but cant help to ask (an I would like to plan kitchen and we can block off doorway if we dont need the stairs!)

Thanks

Sandra

**Wood Butcher** · 25th August 2006, 01:52 PM

Sandra, might be worth contacting a local building surveyor in regards to the current building code. Whatever you do it should conform to that at least.

**b1ueshift** · 25th August 2006, 07:00 PM

I haven't consulted the Building code lately on this, but I think it all has to do with distances of travel to an exit. If you don't excede the maximum distance of travel, you can remove an exit.

**b1ueshift** · 25th August 2006, 07:29 PM

Actually, after checking the Building Code, I can't find any distance of travel requirements, exit signage requirements etc for private, single dwelling houses.

Perhaps sombody could correct me on this, but apparently you could build a maze as a home and still meet building code requirements for fire safety.

**Pulse** · 26th August 2006, 10:25 PM

G'day Sandra, why were the stairs there? Was the house divided into upstairs/downstairs units?

The other guys have given good advice..

Cheers
Pulse

**sandrandave** · 31st August 2006, 09:20 AM

Yes the house is upstairs/downstairs (downstairs having rumpus, laundry, toilet, and office) and these are the back stairs. The door at the moment to get under the house is underneath the stairs (which is a pain in the rear if you ask me) so we were going to put in a new sliding door at the base of the stairs and fill in the old downstairs doors, then we will have to relpace the stairs anyway cos they are rotting and sagging. So we just thought that we not replace them at all if it is not really neccessary. Does this make sense? hmmm

Sandra

**sandrandave** · 31st August 2006, 09:21 AM

Suppose I could ask at the council next time I am in there huh

Sandra

**ausdesign** · 31st August 2006, 09:32 AM

Sandra there is no minimum requirements for class 1 buildings under the Building Code of Aus.

**thebuildingsurv** · 31st August 2006, 09:34 AM

If it is a single house (single occupancy) there is no requirement for 2 exits.

**sandrandave** · 1st September 2006, 09:03 AM

Thanks everyone.

**Big Pete** · 17th September 2006, 08:06 PM

Sandra, Contact your local fire station, who will give you a number for their community safety department, who will be able to advise you. I do not think their is any legislation covering private dwellings, though.

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