Queensland Development Code

Queensland Development Code
Part 3.8 Cyclone shelters

2 Queensland Development Code, Part 3.8 Cyclone shelters
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Table of Contents
Guide to using the QDC part .................................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 1 Preliminary....................................................................................................................... 6
1 Name of QDC part ......................................................................................................................... 6
2 Purpose .......................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Application ..................................................................................................................................... 6
4 Requirements of BCA not varied ................................................................................................. 6
5 Referenced documents ................................................................................................................. 6
6 Definitions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Chapter 2 Performance criteria and acceptable solutions.......................................................... 13
Appendix A1 Requirements for external debris protection............................................................ 48
Appendix A2 Specification: Simulated windborne debris impact testing for external fabric of
cyclone shelters .............................................................................................................................. 51
Appendix A3 Specification: Simulated wind pressure testing for external fabric of cyclone
shelters .............................................................................................................................. 53
Appendix B Standardised site and building signage...................................................................... 54
Appendix C Ventilation specifications: Venturi ducts .................................................................... 55
Appendix D Specifications: Diesel generators................................................................................ 56
Uninterruptible power source......................................................................................................... 57
Appendix E Specification: Central battery systems ....................................................................... 58
Appendix F Dynamic thermal simulation and CFD simulation assessment ................................. 59
Appendix G Ductwork connectivity with natural ventilation devices ............................................ 61
Appendix H Required elements of a cyclone shelters fire and evacuation plan ......................... 62
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Publication date: 10 March 2017
Commencement date: XX XXX 2017
Guide to using the QDC part
Overview
This guide is intended to provide information that will help readers to understand and
apply the Queensland Development Code, part 3.8 Cyclone shelters (the QDC part).
The guide does not form part of the QDC part.
What is the Queensland Development Code (or QDC)
The Queensland Development Code (or QDC) is the part, or aspects of the parts, of the
document called Queensland Development Code published by the department.
Approval and commencement of the QDC part
The chief executive of the department may amend the QDC, including by adding
another part to it or replacing a part of it. However, an amendment does not take effect
until the chief executive publishes the amendment on the departments website and a
regulation approves the amendment.
A provision approving the addition of the QDC part to the QDC is set out in the Building
Regulation 2006, part 8, division 1. The provision (section XXYY) states that the
approval takes effect on X XXX 2017. Therefore, the QDC part takes effect on that day.
What buildings does the QDC part apply to
The QDC part applies to buildings that are proposed to be used as cyclone shelters
under a local government disaster management plan. Under the Building Regulation
2006 (section XX), a building must not be referred to as a cyclone shelter unless it
meets certain criteria (Note: The criteria will be added to this paragraph once the
wording of the amendment to the Building Regulation 2006 has been finalised).
How to comply with the QDC generally and the QDC part in particular
Under section 14 of the Building Act 1975 (Building Act), building work complies with the
QDC only if it complies with all relevant performance criteria under the QDC. The building
work complies with a relevant performance criteria only if it achieves a relevant building
solution under the QDC for the performance criteria.
The QDC part contains 28 performance criteria and 51 acceptable solutions. Under
section 14 of the Building Act, a relevant building solution for any of the performance
criteria can be achieved by
(a) complying with the relevant acceptable solution for the performance criteria; or
(b) formulating an alternative solution that complies with the performance criteria or
is shown to be at least equivalent to the relevant acceptable solution; or
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(c) a combination of paragraphs (a) and (b).
Relationship between the BCA and the QDC
The BCA contains performance requirements that building work must comply with. It also
contains building solutions for those requirements in the form of deemed-to-satisfy
provisions.
Under section 35 of the Building Act, if a part of the QDC is inconsistent with the BCA,
the part prevails to the extent of the inconsistency. This section allows the QDC part to
vary particular requirements in the BCA. In particular, section 35 allows the QDC part to
vary performance requirements in the BCA by setting performance criteria that replace or
vary those performance requirements. The section also allows the QDC part to vary the
relevant building solutions for particular performance requirements by setting acceptable
solutions that differ from the deemed-to-satisfy provisions for those performance
requirements.
Classification of cyclone shelters under the BCA provisions
A cyclone shelter is rarely dedicated solely for the purpose of an emergency shelter, and
usually operates during normal occupancy with a different type of use. Regardless of the
classification that applies for the buildings normal use under the BCA, the building
classification applicable while the building or part is operating as a cyclone shelter will be
a class 9b.
In assessing the compliance of the building against the requirements of the BCA, the
building certifier will apply both the classification that is applicable for the buildings normal
use and the classification of 9b as applicable while the building is operating as a cyclone
shelter, if this classification is different to that applying for the normal use.
This QDC part provides for additional requirements relevant to the use as a cyclone
shelter that vary, or apply in addition to, the requirements of the BCA for a class 9b
building. Where an aspect of the BCA is not varied specifically by this QDC part, the
provisions of the BCA for both the class 9b cyclone shelter use and the classification
applying for the normal use continue to apply.
Referral agency
Referral agency jurisdictions are specified in schedule 7 of the Sustainable Planning

Regulation for this QDC part.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Service (QFES) has jurisdiction as an advice
agency where an alternative solution is proposed for the fire safety system under this
QDC part. This includes performance criteria P3.3, P4.0, P4.1, P4.2 and P4.3.
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Associated requirements
The following legislation includes requirements that apply to cyclone shelters as defined
under the QDC part. These requirements are additional to the requirements in the QDC
part.
Building Act 1975
Building Code of Australia (BCA)
Building Regulation 2006
Sustainable Planning Act 2009
Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009.
Cyclone shelters are designed to be operated as part of a local or regional disaster
management response to a tropical cyclone event. Other legislation, such as the Disaster
Management Act 2003, applies to the operational activities of cyclone shelters.
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Chapter 1 Preliminary
1 Name of QDC part
This part of the Queensland Development Code (this QDC part) may
be cited as the Queensland Development Code, part 3.8 Cyclone
shelters.
NoteThis QDC part takes effect on X XXX 2017. See the Building Regulation 2006,
section XX.
2 Purpose
The purpose of this QDC part is to provide additional and varied
technical building requirements to those in the BCA that apply to
cyclone shelters.
3 Application
This QDC part is applicable to buildings or parts of buildings that are
proposed to be used as a cyclone shelter under a local government
disaster management plan.
4 Requirements of BCA not varied

Where a requirement of the BCA is not varied by this QDC part, that
requirement continues to apply.
5 Referenced documents
The table below sets out the number, year of commencement and
title of each Australian Standard referred to elsewhere in this QDC
part.
Number Year Title

AS/NZS 2005 Lighting for roads and public spaces Pedestrian
1158.3.1 area (Category P) lighting performance and
design requirements
Including Amendments 1, 2, 3 and 4
AS/NZS 2002 Structural design actions General principles
1170.0 Including Amendment 1, 3 and 4
AS/NZS 2002 Structural design actions Permanent, imposed
1170.1 and other actions
Including Amendment 1 and 2
AS/NZS 2011 Structural design actions Wind actions
1170.2 Including Amendment 1, 2 and 3
AS 1428.1 2009 Design for access and mobility General
requirements for access New building work
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Including Amendment 1
AS/NZS 1999 Methods for fire tests on building materials,
1530.3 components and structures Simultaneous
determination of ignitability, flame propagation,
heat release and smoke release
AS/NZS 2012 Specification for preservative treatment Part 3
1604.3 Plywood
AS 1668.2 2012 The use of ventilation and air conditioning in
buildings Mechanical ventilation in buildings
AS 1670.1 2015 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom
systems Systems design, installation and
commissioning Fire
AS 1670.4 2015 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom
systems Systems design, installation and
commissioning Sound systems and intercom
systems for emergency purposes
AS 1692 2006 Steel tanks for flammable and combustible
liquids
AS/NZS 1768 2007 Lightning protection
AS 2293.1 2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for
buildings Part 1: System design, installation and
operation
AS 2293.3 2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for
buildings Part 3: Emergency escape luminaires
and exit signs
AS 2419.1 2005 Fire hydrant installations, Part 1: System design,
installation and commissioning
AS 2441 2005 Installation of fire hose reels
AS 2444 2001 Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets
Selection and location
AS/NZS 2015 Plumbing and drainage Stormwater drainage
3500.3
AS 3600 2009 Concrete structures
Including Amendment 1 and 2
AS 3700 2011 Masonry structures
AS 4040.0 1992 Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding
Introduction, list of methods and general
requirements
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AS 4040.3 1992 Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding

Resistance to wind pressures for cyclone regions
AS/NZS 4505 2012 Garage doors and other large access doors
AS 4586 2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian
surface materials
Notes in the BCA about tests carried out prior to
the 2013 version also apply to this QDC Part
AS 5100.2 2004 Bridge design Design loads
6 Definitions
acceptable solution see the Building Act, section 14.
accessible see the BCA, volume 1.
additional restraints means fittings to an external door required for

structural continuity.
azimuthal direction means a horizontal angle measured clockwise

from a fixed reference plane.
baffled entry means an entry door permitting entry during high wind
conditions, protected by screening to avoid debris loads impacting the
entry door.
building see the Building Act, schedule 2.
Building Act means the Building Act 1975.
Building Code of Australia (BCA) see the Building Act, section 12.
Note
The BCA forms part of the National Construction Code Series published by the body
known as the Australian Building Codes Board.
building work see the Building Act, section 5.
central battery area means a room or space housing a central battery

system required to maintain equipment operating in the emergency
mode as described in this QDC part.
class see the Building Act, schedule 2.
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cyclone shelter, for the purposes of this QDC part, means a building
or part of a building that:
(a) is a Class 9B during its use as a cyclone shelter and a Class 5,

6, 7, 8 or 9 during its normal use (in accordance with the National
Construction Code, Volume 1); and
(b) is designed and constructed in accordance with this QDC part;

and
(c) on completion, will be included in a local government disaster

management plan as a building that a group of people can take
shelter in during a severe tropical cyclone.
Note see the Building Regulation 2006, section XX, for the definition of cyclone
shelter as it applies outside this QDC part.
debris screen means a screen capable of restricting windborne

debris from causing impact damage to building openings or elements
protected by the screen.
deemed-to-satisfy provision see the BCA, volume 1.
design debris impact load A means the load referred to in clause

2.5.8 (a) of AS/NZS1170.2, where VR is the regional wind speed
calculated in accordance with A2.0.0
design debris impact load B means the load referred to in clause

2.5.8 (b) of AS/NZS1170.2, where VR is the regional wind speed
calculated in accordance with A2.0.0
design flood event means the applicable flood event for design
based on an annual probability of exceedance of 1:500.
design flood level means the flood level as determined in

accordance with P1.0 and A1.0.1 of this QDC part.
design storm tide event means the applicable storm tide event as
determined in accordance with P1.0 and A1.0.0 of this QDC part.
diesel generator area means a room or space housing a diesel

generator required to maintain equipment operating in the emergency
mode as described in this QDC part.
exit has the same meaning as set out in the BCA, volume 1, and
where debris screens including doors or gates are incorporated as
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protection to a required exit such doors or gates are considered to be

doors forming part of the required exit.
fire brigade see the BCA, volume 1.
fire hazard see the BCA, volume 1.
fire and evacuation plan means the fire and evacuation plan required
for the building by s104E of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990
with the elements listed in Appendix H.
fire safety installation see the Building Act 1975, schedule 2
fire resistance level (FRL) see the BCA, volume 1.
flood hazard area means an area, whether or not mapped,

designated by a local government as a flood hazard area under the
Building Regulation, section 13.
floor area see the BCA, volume 1.
GVM means gross vehicle mass.
local disaster management group (LDMG) refer to the Disaster

Management Act 2003, Part 2, Division 3.
lockdown means the period during which the cyclone shelter is

closed with any additional restraints required for structural continuity.
lockdown period means a period not exceeding 18 hours during

which either the gust wind speed exceeds 100km/hr or the mean wind
speed exceeds 70km/hr during a cyclone event, during which the
cyclone shelter is closed with any additional restraints required for
structural continuity in place.
NOTE If conditions during a tropical cyclone do not exceed the wind speeds at which
lockdown is required, the total occupancy period may not include a lockdown period.
luminous reflectance value represents the amount of visible light

that a colour will reflect.
maximum flood level, for a design flood event, means a flood event
affecting the site having an annual probability of exceedance of 1:500,
and includes the backwater effects of a relevant design storm tide
event for sites in a storm tide hazard area.
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mean higher high water means the average height of the higher high
waters over a 19-year period. For shorter periods of observation,
corrections are applied to eliminate known variations and reduce the
result to the equivalent of a mean 19-year value.
natural ventilation device means a system of ductwork, internal and

external openings and manually operable systems enabling the
provision of outdoor air to the cyclone shelter during the lockdown
period.
non-combustible see the BCA, volume 1.
occupancy period means a total period of 36 hours during which the

cyclone shelter is in operation and evacuees may be present, and
includes the pre-lockdown period, the lockdown period and the post-
lockdown period.
NoteA cyclone shelter is intended for a total occupancy period of 36 hours made up of
the following:
(a) 12 hour period prior to design lockdown.

(b) 18 hour design lockdown period. Physical lockdown may not be necessary if the
wind speeds do not exceed the triggers for lockdown.
(c) 6 hour period after the abatement of winds but before occupants leave.
The occupancy period does not include the time taken by the LDMG to set up the shelter
and ready it for operation prior to the point at which evacuees are accepted.
post-lockdown period means a 6 hour period occurring after the

lockdown period has concluded, during which the effects of the
tropical cyclone are reduced but prior to occupants leaving the cyclone
shelter.
pre-lockdown period means a period, typically 12 hours, during

which occupants are being received at the cyclone shelter but before
the external wind speeds reach the point at which lockdown is
required.
predicted mean vote means an index for thermal comfort that

predicts the mean value of the votes of a large group of persons on
the 7-point thermal sensation scale.
probable maximum flood level means the flood level determined for
the largest conceivable flood event, determined from the probable
maximum precipitation and catchment characteristics.
Queensland Development Code (QDC) see the Building Act, section

13.
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registered testing authority has the meaning given the BCA,

Volume 1.
required see the BCA, volume 1.
shelter area means the area(s) where evacuees are accommodated

during a cyclone (i.e. the main seating area), and excludes kitchen,
office and amenities areas.
shelter space means all spaces within the cyclone shelter required to
support the operation of the shelter, except for the diesel generator
enclosure and the toilet amenities.
storm tide hazard area means a medium or high storm tide

inundation area shown on the State Planning Policy interactive
mapping system, or designated in a local governments planning
scheme.
storm tide height means the water height derived from the effect on
coastal water of a storm surge combined with the normally occurring
astronomical tide.
untenable means conditions generated during a fire that present a

threat to the life of the occupants, including excessive heat and
excessive smoke and products of combustion.
ventilation system means a system for the purpose of directing air in

a controlled manner to or from specific enclosures or parts of
enclosures by means of air-handling plant, ducts, plenums, air-
distribution devices and automatic controls.
wave effect means the combined effect of wave set-up and wave run-
up occurring in frontal areas along the coastline subject to ocean
waves during a tropical cyclone.
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Chapter 2 Performance criteria and acceptable

solutions
1 Siting
Storm tide and flood hazards
Performance criteria
P1.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to resist the impacts
of
(a) storm tide hazard;
(b) river and creek flood hazard.
Acceptable solution
A1.0.0
(1) A cyclone shelter in a storm tide hazard area must have a minimum floor
level determined from the following
(a) the sum of 1:10,000 AEP storm tide height (AHD), Mean Higher High
Water (AHD) and wave effect (frontal area only); and
(b) be increased to the next 0.5 m increment in AHD above the level
determined in (a).
Acceptable solution
A1.0.1
(1) A cyclone shelter in a flood hazard area must have a floor level above the
greater of
(a) the design flood event maximum flood level; or
(b) the probable maximum flood level less 1 m; or
(c) where flooding with a water flow velocity greater than 3m/s may occur,
the probable maximum flood level; and
(d) the design flood event in (a) shall have an annual probability of
exceedance of 1:500.
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Other significant hazards
P1.1
A cyclone shelter must be located so that it avoids, to the degree necessary,
the impacts of built and natural hazards during a tropical cyclone.
Acceptable solution
A1.1.0
(1) The minimum distance a cyclone shelter may be located from
(a) a tree with a mature trunk diameter of greater than 100mm, is the
mature height of the tree.
(b) buildings or structures, is the maximum height of the buildings or
structures.
Vehicle access
P1.2
A cyclone shelter must be located so that it is provided with suitable access
for vehicles and pedestrians prior to and after cyclone events.
Acceptable solution
A1.2.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with vehicular access that
(a) provides set-down for car and bus passengers within 200m of the
cyclone shelters primary entry point; and
(b) where located within the site, provides all-weather sealed access for
a vehicle with a GVM of 15 tonnes.
(2) Passenger set-down areas in (1) must be capable of being accessed and
left in forward gear.
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2 Design actions
Wind actions
P2.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed, to the degree
necessary, to resist the impacts of wind actions associated with severe
tropical cyclones.
Acceptable solutions
A2.0.0
(1) The magnitude of wind actions on a cyclone shelter in accordance with the
BCA must be determined using
(a) an annual probability of exceedance of the design event for safety
of 1:10 000; and
(b) an annual probability of exceedance for serviceability limit state of
1:50; and
(c) for AS/NZS1170.2, internal wind pressures that are calculated on
the basis of a large dominant opening existing on one wall only.
A2.0.1
(1) A cyclone shelter must have
(a) internal fabric, including walls and ceilings, that resists the internal
wind pressures calculated using AS/NZS1170.2 and A2.0.0; and
(b) internal fabric designed with a minimum net pressure coefficient of

0.3, where AS/NZS1170.2 does not require a more severe net
pressure coefficient to be used; and
(c) imperforate lining materials, where used under the roof to satisfy
A2.0.2(1)(b), that are designed with a net pressure coefficient
between the lining and the roof cladding of 0 or -0.3, where
AS/NZS1170.2 does not require a more severe net pressure
coefficient to be used; and
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(d) ceiling membranes that
(i) are mechanically fixed to the supporting structure; and
(ii) retain adequate stability in wet conditions to avoid collapse;

and
(e) external doors (including roller doors), windows and similar

openings, and debris screens that are designed to resist the wind
actions determined in A2.0.0; and
(f) external glazing that is laminated; and
(g) roof sheeting that is mechanically screw fixed with cyclone washers
to resist design wind pressures.
A2.0.2
(1) Resistance of doors (including roller doors), windows, louvered openings,

roof and wall cladding, linings, debris screens and the like within the
external building fabric to the wind loads specified in A2.0.0 must be
demonstrated by
(a) evidence from a registered testing authority that the assembly has
been subjected to the tests specified in Appendix A3 after
withstanding the tests specified in Appendix A2; or
(b) where roof or wall cladding has not been tested in accordance with
Appendix A2 prior to the tests specified in Appendix A3, the
addition of an imperforate lining material designed to resist the wind
loads; or
(c) engineering calculation, where analysis methods are specified

under a relevant Australian Standard referenced within Volume 1 of
the BCA for the material or assembly; or
(d) for reinforced concrete walls, design in accordance with AS3600; or
(e) for reinforced concrete blockwork with all cores filled, design in
accordance with AS3700.
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A2.0.3
(1) Roof and wall bracing for a cyclone shelter shall be provided such that
(a) the design loads in each direction are resisted by a minimum of two
spatially separated roof and wall bracing systems; and
(b) the notional removal of any single bracing system referred to in

A2.0.3(1)(a) does not result in reduction in capacity of more than
50% of the design load.
(2) For A2.0.3(1)(a), bracing systems are considered to be spatially separated

when they are separated by the lesser of
(a) a distance of 6m measured horizontally; or
(b) a distance equivalent to one quarter of the length of the building in

the direction under consideration.
A2.0.4
(1) Where plywood is used as an imperforate lining material under
A2.0.2(1)(b), the plywood must be suitable for use in hazard class H3
exposure conditions as referred to in AS/NZS1604.3.
Windborne debris impact actions
P2.1
necessary, to resist the impacts of windborne debris.
Acceptable solution
A2.1.0
(1) Elements forming the external fabric of a cyclone shelter, including
windows, doors, roller doors, louvered openings, wall and roof cladding,
debris screens and the like, must
(a) be designed and constructed to meet Appendix A1; and
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(b) individual elements of the external fabric such as windows or

natural ventilation devices may be protected by a debris screen
complying with Appendix A1, in lieu of that individual element
complying with Appendix A1; and
(c) where an element protected by a debris screen is constructed to

resist the impact of design debris impact load B but not design
debris impact load A, the debris screen may be constructed to
resist design debris impact load A only; and
(d) where an entry door is protected by a baffled entry, that door may
be designed to resist design debris impact load B only.
(2) Evidence of compliance with the test specifications of Appendix A2 shall

be in the form set out in Appendix A2.
A2.1.1
(1) A debris screen must
(a) where required to resist design debris impact load A, have a

maximum aperture dimension of 40mm; and
(b) where required to resist design debris impact load B, have a

maximum aperture dimension of 8mm; and
(c) be located a minimum of 1.25 times the distance of the maximum

instantaneous deflection under the design impact loading away
from the surface of the element it is protecting; and
(d) provide adequate coverage over the element protected by
(i) returning to the external surrounding element on all sides; or

(ii) where the distance between the surrounding element and
the debris screen is less than 300mm, overlapping the
protected element by a distance that is at least twice the
distance between the surrounding element and the wall; or
(iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).
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A2.1.2
(1) A baffled entry must
(a) prevent the debris missile described in design debris impact load A
from impacting the external face of the door from any angle,
including after a single rebound at any angle from another wall; and
(b) include a soffit or ceiling that complies with the requirements of

A2.1.0.
(2) For A2.1.2(1)(a), where a missile impacts a wall of the baffled entry at an
angle of 90 or less to the face of the wall, the potential rebound trajectory
must be taken to occur at any angle from 90 to 180 to the wall.
Imposed actions for roofs
P2.2
necessary, to resist the additional imposed loading of debris build-up and
the like on horizontal exposed surfaces.
Acceptable solution
A2.2.0
(1) For the purposes of designing the roof membrane and supporting structure
in accordance with the BCA, the applicable uniformly distributed imposed
loading under AS/NZS1170.1 must be
(a) the greater of
(i) the uniformly distributed imposed loading as determined
under AS/NZS1170.1 for the design use; and
(ii) a uniformly distributed imposed load of 1.8kPa.
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Wave and water flow actions
P2.3
Where elements providing structural support to a cyclone shelter are
located below the design flood level within a storm tide or flood hazard
area, the elements must be designed and constructed, to the degree
necessary, to resist the impacts of wave and water flow actions.
Acceptable solution
A2.3.0
(1) For determining the applicable loads on the building structure in
accordance with the BCA
(a) water loads below the design event water level must be determined
in accordance with section 15 of AS5100.2; and
(b) where the element is exposed to a design storm tide event water
loads due to design storm tide event must include the effect of
waves, and be calculated for an annual probability of exceedance of
not less than 1:2000; and
(c) where the element is exposed to a design flood event (river and
creek) water loads must include the effect of debris mats 1.2m
thick and log impact, and be calculated for an annual probability of
exceedance of not less than 1:500; and
(d) where the element is exposed to both design storm tide event and
design flood event water loads must include the effect of waves,
debris mats 1.2m thick and log impact, and be calculated for a
combined annual probability of exceedance of not less than 1:500.
(2) Water loads determined in (1)(a) to (d) above must be applied

concurrently with wind loads as determined in A2.0.0 taken as acting
above the design event water level.
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3 Access, occupancy and egress
Building signage
P3.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to ensure occupants

are provided with sufficient information to identify its location.
Acceptable solution
A3.0.0
(1) Cyclone shelter signage must
(a) comply with Appendix B; and
(b) be located
(i) adjacent to occupant set-down areas; and
(ii) to give direction to occupants, between occupant set-down

areas and the cyclone shelters primary entry point; and
(iii) on the external fabric immediately adjacent the cyclone

shelters primary entry point.
(2) Signage in A3.0.0(1)(b)(iii) must be fixed between 1.2m and 2.1m above the
entry points finished ground surface level.
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Access during occupancy period
P3.1
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to ensure that, during

a tropical cyclone, occupants are provided with a safe means of access.
Acceptable solution
A3.1.0
(1) At least one entry point to a cyclone shelter must consist of either
(a) two doors in series, with an enclosure having a minimum dimension

of 4m long between doors, between the entry and the remainder of
the cyclone shelter; or
(b) a single doorway protected by a baffled entry.
(2) Entry to a cyclone shelter in A3.1.0(1) must
(a) have a minimum clear width of 1m, except at doorways; and
(b) have sufficient area to manoeuvre a horizontal stretcher, 2m long and

600mm wide, through the entryway.
(3) Entry to a cyclone shelter in A3.1.0 (1)(a) must
(a) not be through a required fire exit.
(b) have the outer door open inwards.
(c) have the inner door open outwards.
(4) Entry doors to a cyclone shelter in A3.1.0 (1) must be fitted with door
handles that are
(a) positioned vertically; and
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(b) a minimum 600mm in length; and
(c) located on both sides of the door; and
(d) with at least 100mm of the handle length located between 900mm and
1100mm from the entrys finished ground surface level.
Safe movement and occupancy
P3.2
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to ensure that prior to

and during a tropical cyclone, occupants are provided with a safe and
healthy environment.
Acceptable solution
A3.2.0
(1) The following floor surfaces must have a slip resistance not less than
classification R11 or P4 as determined by AS4586:
(a) the area extending internally 2m from the primary entry point and for
the full width of the entry points door.
(b) the area extending internally 2m from the entry point in A3.1.0 and for
the full width of that entry points door.
(2) Walls and ceilings in a cyclone shelter must be light in colour and have
(a) for walls, at least 50% of their area with a minimum luminous
reflectance value of 60%; and
(b) for ceilings, a minimum luminous reflectance value of 80%; and
(c) where there are no ceilings, reflective foil.
(3) A cyclone shelter must incorporate a path of travel for people with
disabilities complying with AS 1428.1 between the following areas
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(a) occupant set-down areas.
(b) registration areas.
(c) parts of the shelter area.
(d) amenities.
(e) kitchen areas.
Acceptable solution
A3.2.1
(1) For the purposes of the deemed-to-satisfy provisions of the BCA and
acceptable solutions of the QDC, the number of occupants accommodated
in the shelter area within a cyclone shelter must be determined by
(a) calculating the number obtained by dividing the floor area of each
part of the shelter area by 1.2m2, excluding any spaces set aside
for
(i) lifts, stairs, ramps and escalators.
NoteOccupancy for other areas within the shelter space of a cyclone shelter, such as
kitchen spaces, office and registration areas, storage spaces and the like, is determined
by applying the provisions of the BCA, clause D1.13.
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Egress
P3.3
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to ensure that

occupants are provided with the ability to safely evacuate in case of an
emergency at any time when external conditions are appropriate for
evacuation.
Acceptable solution
A3.3.1
(1) Where required exits in a cyclone shelter are fitted with additional
restraints, they must be
(a) capable of being locked in the open position at all times other than
during the lockdown period; and
(b) capable of being engaged in the closed position during the lockdown
period.
(2) Required exits in A3.3.1 (1) (b) must
(a) when engaged or locked in the closed position, be capable of being

disengaged or unlocked
(i) by hand by a person or persons, specifically nominated by the

LDMG, properly instructed as to the duties and
responsibilities involved and available at all times when the
building is in the lockdown period so that persons in the
building may immediately escape if there is a fire or other
emergency.
(3) If keys are used in conjunction with locking mechanisms in A3.3.1 (1) or
(2), they must
(a) be independent of the buildings normal use key system; and
(b) have a restricted and registered profile; and
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(c) have a key profile and custodianship determined by the LDMG

responsible for operating the cyclone shelter.
4 Fire safety
Fire hazard management
P4.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed with features so that,

if during the lockdown period external conditions are not appropriate to
permit evacuation, the risk of the shelter occupants becoming exposed to
untenable conditions as a result of a fire occurring within the building is
reduced to the degree necessary.
NOTE If a fire occurs within the building during lockdown conditions, the LDMG may determine that
conditions external to the building are not suitable to permit evacuation. In this case, the risk of a fire
developing to a size that presents a risk to the occupants during lockdown conditions must be reduced.
Acceptable solutions
A4.0.0
(1) Compliance with P4.0 is demonstrated by complying with acceptable

solutions A4.0.1 to A4.3.1.
Smoke reservoir height
A4.0.1
The shelter area must have a minimum ceiling height of 6m for a minimum of
80% of the floor area.
Access to permit manual fire suppression
A4.0.2
(1) All rooms and spaces within a building containing a cyclone shelter must
be
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(a) capable of being accessed from within the shelter space without travel
outside the building, so that occupants are able to attempt to
extinguish a fire in that area; or
(b) separated from all spaces functioning as part of the cyclone shelter by
fire-resisting construction having a minimum FRL of 120/120/120.
Fire hazard properties of materials
A4.0.3
(1) Within a cyclone shelter, fire hazard properties of materials must comply
with BCA volume 1, specification C1.10 and
(a) for Table 3 of BCA Specification C1.10, the shelter space is a specific
area; and
(b) any fixed seating within the shelter area must
(i) be non-combustible; or
(ii) have a maximum spread-of-flame index of 0 and a maximum

smoke-developed index of 5, as determined in accordance
with AS/NZS 1530.3.
Areas of high fire hazard
A4.0.4
(1) Ancillary use areas of a high fire hazard in cyclone shelters must
(a) be separated from the shelter space by construction having a

minimum FRL of 120/120/120; and
(b) have any doorway in that construction protected with a self-closing

fire door having an FRL of not less than -/120/30.
(2) The ancillary use areas in A4.0.3(1) include, but are not limited to
(a) laboratories.
(b) rooms containing combustible storage to a height greater than 4m.
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(c) carpentry workshops, welding workshops and the like.
(d) communications main distribution frame rooms.
(e) laundries, if the equipment includes gas fired dryers or the like.
(3) If supplied, all gas to the cyclone shelter must be able to be turned off
before the pre-lockdown period.
Management procedure
A4.0.5
(1) A management procedure is included in the cyclone shelters fire and

evacuation plan that addresses the required elements listed in Appendix
H.
Separation of equipment
P4.1
A cyclone shelter must prevent the spread of fire from and to services and
equipment having a high fire hazard or a potential for explosion, or required
to be capable of continued operation during the occupancy period.
Acceptable solution
A4.1.0
(1) The following services and equipment must be separated from the cyclone
shelter space and each other by construction elements achieving a
minimum FRL of 120/120/120 in accordance with BCA volume 1,
specification A2.3
(a) main electrical switchboard.
(b) emergency power switchboard.
(c) diesel generator.
(d) emergency lighting central batteries.
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(e) uninterruptible power source.
(2) Any doorway in the construction referred to in A4.1.0 (1) must be

protected with a self-closing fire door having an FRL of not less than -
/120/30.
Smoke detection and alarm system
P4.2
Occupants in a cyclone shelter must be provided with automatic warning
on the detection of smoke so that appropriate actions can be undertaken
in the event of a fire.
Acceptable solution
A4.2.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with
(a) a smoke detection and alarm system and fire indicator panel
complying with AS 1670.1; and
(b) an occupant warning system complying with clause 3.22 of AS1670.1,
and incorporating
(i) a device located at the FIP or MECP, providing the ability to
make voice announcements over the warning speaker
system; and
(ii) a warning speaker system having speech intelligibility
complying with AS1670.4, section 4.3.8; and
(iii) the ability to provide an alert signal prior to the evacuation
signal; and
(c) a separate detection zone for each room where the main source of
required ventilation is provided by natural ventilation; and
(d) zone isolation switches located at the fire indicator panel to enable
isolation of rooms in (c).
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Fire hose reels and fire extinguishers
P4.3
A cyclone shelter must be provided with services and equipment to allow
occupants to undertake initial attack on a fire during a tropical cyclone
event.
Acceptable solution
A4.3.0
(1) Fire hose reels serving a cyclone shelter must
(a) comply with AS 2441; and
(b) be located within the building; and
(c) be located so that coverage is provided to all spaces within the cyclone
shelter without the need to travel outside the building; and
(d) be located so that the hose does not need to pass through fire or
smoke doors, except for doors referred to in A4.0.4(1) and A4.1.0(1).
(2) Any part of the fire hose reel system located externally to the building must
be capable of resisting the loads in A2.0.0 and A2.1.0.
NOTE Fire hose reels serving parts of the building other than the cyclone shelter may be
located outside the building, provided that they are protected in accordance with A4.3.0(2).
(3) In addition to the town mains connection, a water storage tank must be
provided for a fire hose reel system within a cyclone shelter, and must
(a) have a minimum capacity of 5,000 litres; and
(b) be provided with a pump that is connected to the diesel generator
power supply in A7.0.2.
(4) The storage in A4.3.0(3) may be provided within the same tanks as the
water storage provided in A8.0.0, provided that
(a) suitable backflow prevention devices are provided; and
(b) the minimum 5,000 litre capacity is in addition to the amount required
under A8.0.0.
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Acceptable solution
A4.3.1
(1) Fire extinguishers complying with AS 2444 must be provided to cyclone
shelters in accordance with Table 2.
Table 2: Type, number and location of fire extinguishers
Type Size Rating Number Location
Water 9.1 litre 3A 2 Adjacent to each hose
reel
1 Within cyclone shelter
dedicated office
Dry 4.5kg 4A:20B:E 2 Within cyclone shelter
chemical dedicated office
1 Adjacent to a generator
room
1 Adjacent to a battery
room
1 Per 300m2 of floor area
and within 15m travel
distance to any point in
the building
Carbon 5.0kg 5B:E 1 Adjacent to a battery
dioxide room
1 Adjacent to any
communication/server
room
(2) A minimum 1m2 fire blanket complying with AS 2444 must be provided to
any kitchen within a cyclone shelter.
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Health and Amenity
External weatherproofing
P5.0
necessary, to resist rainfall events associated with a severe tropical
cyclone.
Acceptable solution
A5.0.0
(1) The stormwater drainage system for a cyclone shelter must be designed in
accordance with AS/NZS3500.3 to cater for a design rainfall event with an
average recurrence interval of 500 years.
(2) The roof of a cyclone shelter must
(a) be provided with sarking; and
(b) not include any penetrations through the roof sheeting for
downpipes, gutters and similar rainwater goods; and
(c) not include any box gutters.
Ventilation generally
P5.1
A cyclone shelter must be provided with ventilation that
(a) complies with the BCA, volume 1, FP4.3, FP4.4 and FP4.5; and
(b) achieves the following minimum criteria
(i) maximum CO2 1,000 PPM.
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(ii) Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) 2.5.
(iii) maximum 30 degrees Celsius temperature rise.
Verification Method
CV5.1
Compliance with P5.1 to ventilate a cyclone shelter during the occupancy period
is verified if the ventilation system meets the dynamic thermal and computational
fluid dynamic simulation assessment set out in Appendix F.
Fans used in ventilation systems
Acceptable solution
A5.1.0
Circulation, exhaust-air and supply-air fans used in a ventilation system

must be capable of operating on both generator and mains electricity.
Ventilation to shelter areas
P5.2
The shelter area of a cyclone shelter used by occupants must
(a) be provided with ventilation that will maintain adequate air quality
during the occupancy period; and
(b) if mechanical air-handling systems are installed, control
(i) the circulation of objectionable odours; and
(ii) the accumulation of harmful contamination by micro-

organisms, pathogens and toxins.
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Ventilation systems (under pre-lockdown and post-lockdown period

conditions)
Acceptable solution
A5.2.0
(1) A ventilation system must, under pre-lockdown conditions, provide
(a) for supply air, ventilation rates not less than 10 L/s/m2 of outside
air; and
(b) for exhaust air, ventilation rates not less than 11 L/s/m2; and
(c) air movement by circulation fans permanently fixed to walls or a

ceiling with air movement rates in accordance with Table 3; and
(d) at least 80% of the required air movement in a downward direction.
Table 3: Air movement rates

Occupied area Air movement rate
less than 50m2 not less than 100 L/s/m2
50m2 up to 100m2 not less than 200 L/s/m2
100m2 up to 200m2 not less than 300 L/s/m2
200m2 and above not less than 400 L/s/m2
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Configuration of equipment used in ventilation systems
Acceptable solution
A5.2.1
(1) Fans used for supply air, exhaust air and circulation of air to shelter
spaces must be configured so that, for areas greater than
(a) 250m2, failure of any one fan within the ventilation system does not
result in a reduction of minimum ventilation rate by more than 55%;
or
(b) 500m2, failure of any one fan within the ventilation system does not
result in a reduction of minimum ventilation rate by more than 35%.
(2) Supply air distribution outlets forming part of a ventilation system must
be
(a) configured so that 90% of the floor area served is not greater than
12m from a supply air outlet measured from the outlet; and
(b) located not more than the lesser of
(i) 3m above the finished floor level; or
(ii) one third the height of the occupied space.
(3) Exhaust air intake locations must not be located lower than two thirds the
height of the occupied space.
(4) Fans used for circulation of air must be capable of operating during the
lockdown period.
(5) Fans used for supply and exhaust air must
(a) not operate during the lockdown period; and
(b) be isolated from the effects of natural air-flow.
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Ventilation systems (under lockdown period conditions)
Acceptable solution
A5.2.2
(1) During the lockdown period, a cyclone shelter must be provided with
natural ventilation through
(a) natural ventilation devices located at its external parts that are
connected to the inside parts by
(i) ductwork complying with Appendix G; or
(ii) ductwork plenums; or
(iii) building plenums; or
(iv) a combination of (i), (ii) and (iii) above.
(2) The natural ventilation devices in A5.2.2 (1) must be capable of

modulation through manual interaction.
(3) The area of natural ventilation devices located on the external parts of a
cyclone shelter must be provided in accordance with Table 4.
Table 4: Area of natural ventilation devices

Volume Natural ventilation area of external
louvre
3m3 per occupant Larger of 0.06 m2 per occupant or 3%
of the floor area
3m3 to 12m3 per occupant Interpolate linearly
12m3 and above per occupant Larger of 0.04 m2 per occupant or 2%
of the floor area
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Pressure drop of natural ventilation devices (under lockdown period

conditions)
Acceptable solution
A5.2.3
(1) Where there is a pressure difference of 50 Pa in a natural ventilation

device, the areas of natural ventilation devices in Table 4 must be
proportionally increased or decreased.
(2) However, for a decrease in pressure of more than 50 Pa, changes to the
areas in Table 4 for natural ventilation devices must not exceed 50%.
Configuration of natural ventilation devices
Acceptable solution
A5.2.4
(1) Natural ventilation devices must be

(a) located on the external walls of a cyclone shelter so that a
minimum of 20% of the required areas in Table 4 are in each of
the following ranges of azimuthal directions
(i) 0 to 89 degrees;
(ii) 90 to 179 degrees;
(iii) 180 to 269 degrees;
(iv) 270 to 359 degrees; and
(b) protected from windborne debris in accordance with A2.1.0.
Configuration of internal openings for natural ventilation devices
Acceptable solution
A5.2.5
(1) Internal openings for natural ventilation devices must have a

(a) face area of not less than 25% of the natural ventilation device they
are connected to; and
(b) free area of not less than 80%.
(2) Internal openings for natural ventilation devices must be configured
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(a) so that at least 90% of the internal floor area of the building served
by the ventilation system is within 20m of an internal opening; and
(b) in accordance with Table 5; and
(c) in accordance with Figure 1.
Table 5: Location of internal openings

Min % required Required location
area
30 Below the lesser of
(a) 3m above the finished floor level; or
(b) the lower half of the internal height of the building
measured from the finished floor level to the ceiling.
30 Above the lesser of
(a) 3m above the finished floor level; or
(b) the upper half of the internal height of the building
measured from the finished floor level to the ceiling.
Figure 1
C
X
X
B

Legend
A 120
= Internal openings
X 1/16 x (A + B + C + D + E)
X = Minimum distance between

openings
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Ventilation of amenities areas
Acceptable solution
A5.2.6
(1) Amenities areas, during both pre-lockdown and post lockdown periods,
must
(a) be provided with mechanical exhaust systems in accordance with
AS 1668.2; and
(b) discharge vertically above the roof in the following locations
(i) outside the line of external walls; and
(ii) at the lowest end of any roof slope; or
(iii) along a barge-end; and
(c) have fans capable of operating on both generator and mains
power.
(2) Amenities areas, under lockdown conditions must
(a) be provided with a venturi suction system complying with Appendix
C; and
(b) be capable of modulation through manual interaction.
(3) Mechanical exhaust systems in A5.2.6(1) must not operate during the
lockdown period.
Ventilation of diesel generator areas pre-lockdown, post lockdown and

lockdown conditions
Acceptable solution
A5.2.7
(1) Diesel generator areas, under both pre-lockdown and post lockdown
conditions, must
AS 1668.2; and
(b) discharge vertically above the roof in accordance with A5.2.6 (2);
and
power.
(2) Diesel generator areas, under lockdown conditions, must be provided with
natural ventilation through natural ventilation devices connected to the
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internal part of the area by ductwork, ductwork plenums or building

plenums.
(3) Mechanical exhaust systems for diesel generator areas must not operate
under lockdown conditions.
(4) Natural ventilation devices in A5.2.2 (2) must have a minimum ventilation
area of at least 0.06m2 per kVA and be configured so that
(a) they are located on at least three external walls of the area with a
minimum azimuth angle separation angle of 90 and each is at
least 25% of the minimum area required; or
(b) they are located on at least two external walls of the area with a
minimum azimuthal angle separation angle of 90 and a venturi
suction system projecting above the roof complying with the
following
(i) W1 + W2 + 3V A
W1 and W2 0.25A
where:
A = Minimum natural ventilation device area (m2)

W1 and W2 = Natural ventilation device area on each wall (m2)
V = Free area of the venturi suction system (m2)
(5) Diesel generator areas using natural ventilation in A5.2.7 (2) must also be
fitted with a venturi suction system complying with Appendix C and
A5.2.6(2).
Ventilation of central battery areas pre-lockdown, post lockdown and

lockdown conditions
Acceptable solution
A5.2.8
(1) Central battery areas, under both pre-lockdown and post lockdown
conditions, must
AS 2676.2; and
(b) discharge vertically above the roof in accordance with A5.2.6 (2);
and
power.
(2) Mechanical exhaust systems for central battery areas must not operate
under lockdown conditions.
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(3) Under lockdown conditions, central battery areas must be provided with a
venturi suction system complying with Appendix C.
Lighting
Internal and external lighting
P6.0
A cyclone shelter must be provided with lighting that
(a) is appropriate to the function of the space; and
(b) permits safe operation within the space.
Acceptable solution
A6.0.0
(1) Artificial lighting within a cyclone shelter must be connected to mains and
diesel generator electricity supply and provide a minimum of
(a) 400 lux in spaces used for
(i) the application of first aid.
(ii) food preparation and cooking.
(iii) office and administrative activities for the operation of
the cyclone shelter.
(b) 160 lux to all other areas including amenity areas.
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Acceptable solution
A6.0.1
(1) External lighting is to be provided to the cyclone shelters main entrance

and any other entry point used during the lockdown period.
(2) External lighting must
(a) be visible from any vehicle set-down area; and
(b) comply with AS/NZS1158.3.1 for category P3.
Emergency lighting
P6.1
To facilitate proper management of an emergency, a cyclone shelter must

be provided with an emergency lighting system that
(a) ensures a level of visibility sufficient to enable exits, paths of travel to

exits and any obstacles along a path of travel to an exit be identified;
and
(b) activates instantaneously upon failure of an artificial lighting system.
Acceptable solution
A6.1.0
(1) Emergency lighting within a cyclone shelter must

(a) comply with the following;
(i) the requirements of BCA volume 1 Part E4; and
(ii) AS 2293.1 and 2293.3 except as varied by A6.1.0
(b); and
(b) provide a minimum of
(i) 15 lux in spaces used for the following purposes;
A. the application of first aid; and
B. food preparation and cooking; and
C. office and administrative activities for
the operation of the cyclone shelter;
and
(ii) 1 lux to all other areas; and
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(c) be connected to a central, 24-hour battery backup system

complying with Appendix E.
(2) The central battery system in A6.1.0 (c) must not be shared with any UPS
battery system.
Services and equipment
Power distribution
P7.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed with electrical services
and equipment appropriate to the use of the building.
Acceptable solution
A7.0.0
(1) Electrical distribution switchboards must be

(a) located inside the cyclone shelter; and
(b) accessible without having to leave the internal parts of the cyclone
shelter.
Lightning protection
P7.1
A cyclone shelter must be provided with a means of protecting occupants

and equipment from the effects of lightning.
Acceptable solution
A7.1.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must

(a) comply with the requirements of AS/NZS 1768:2007 for;
(i) lightning protection risk assessment; and
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(ii) protection measures to limit the risk of lightning strike

to occupants and equipment.
Emergency power
P7.2
A cyclone shelter must be provided with an alternative source of electricity

supply sufficient to support minimum operational and emergency services.
Acceptable solution
A7.2.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with

(a) a diesel generator, complying with Appendix D, to maintain power in
the event of a mains power failure; and
(b) a central battery system, complying with Appendix E, to maintain
emergency lighting in the event of a diesel generator failure; and
(c) an uninterruptible power source, to maintain power for a minimum of
24 hours in the event of a diesel generator failure, to general
purpose outlets in spaces used for the following purposes;
(i) the application of first aid; and
(ii) food preparation and cooking; and
(iii) office and administrative activities for the operation of
the cyclone shelter.
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Stored water supply
Water storage tanks
P8.0
A cyclone shelter must be designed and constructed to include a water
storage facility so that water suitable for human consumption, food
preparation, food utensil washing and personal hygiene appropriate to the
number of occupants during the design occupancy period is capable of being
stored prior to the occupancy period.
Acceptable solution
A8.0.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with tanks suitable for water storage
that
(a) provide the volumes in Table 6; and
(b) are connected to serve hand washing, drinking fountains and
kitchen facilities within the cyclone shelter during the occupancy
period; and
(c) are located in a space inside the cyclone shelter; and
(d) are fitted with pumps connected to a diesel generator complying
with A7.0.2 to provide pressure for delivery of the stored water; and
(e) have bypass valves installed to permit the stored water to gravity
flow to services in the event of a diesel generator failure.
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Table 6: Requirements for water tank storage

Facility Stored tank water volume litres per
occupant
Toilet 25
Wash basin 15
Drinking fountain 10
Kitchen fixtures 10
NOTE During the periods when the building is used for its normal occupancy, it is not necessary for
the cyclone shelter water tanks to be at full capacity or service the listed features, provided
that the tanks are able to be readily deployed to serve the occupancy period.
Ancillary provisions
Kitchen amenities
P9.0
A cyclone shelter must be provided with suitable spaces in the building to
facilitate basic food and medicaments storage and preparation.
Acceptable solution
A9.0.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with a kitchen space for the
preparation and serving of food.
(2) A kitchen space must
(a) be located adjacent to the primary entry point to the cyclone shelter
and have access from the foyer; and
(b) have a floor area calculated on the basis of 2.5 m2 per 100 persons
or a minimum of 13m2, whichever is the greater; and
(c) incorporate a hand wash basin no more than 5m from any part of a
bench used for the preparation of food; and
(d) have a minimum of two 10 amp, general purpose electrical outlets
connected to the mains and diesel generator power source.
(3) Benches in kitchen spaces must
(a) for the serving of food
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(i) have a minimum length of 2.1m in cyclone shelters

accommodating up 400 people; and
(ii) an additional 0.3m for each additional 400 people or
part thereof; and
(b) for the preparation of food
(i) have a minimum length of 2.4m in cyclone shelters
accommodating up 400 people; and
(ii) an additional 0.6m for each additional 400 people or part
thereof.
Office facilities
P9.1
A cyclone shelter must be provided with a suitable space for the

administration of functions required to operate during the design occupancy
period.
Acceptable solution
A9.1.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with an office space to facilitate

management of operations during the design occupancy period.
(2) A space to be used as an office must
(a) be located
(i) adjacent to the primary entry point and main shelter area;
and
(ii) so that there is a line of sight to at least 80% of the floor
area of the main shelter area; and
(b) have a minimum floor area of 10m2; and
(c) have a minimum of four 10 amp, general purpose electrical outlets
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Emergency first aid space
P9.2
A cyclone shelter must be provided with a suitable space within a room for
the provision of first aid activities.
Acceptable solution
A9.2.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with a discrete space to facilitate

emergency first aid during the design occupancy period.
(2) A room for emergency first aid must
(a) have a minimum floor area of 12m2; and
(b) have a minimum of two 10 amp, general purpose electrical outlets
Chair store
P9.3
A cyclone shelter must be provided with suitable storage space for chairs for
use during the design occupancy period.
Acceptable solution
A9.3.0
(1) A cyclone shelter must be provided with a room for the storage of chairs.
(2) A room for the storage of chairs must have a minimum floor area
calculated on the basis of 4m2 per 100 occupants or part thereof.
Appendix A1 Requirements for external debris protection
A1.1 Debris impact loading
The external fabric of a cyclone shelter must be constructed to resist the impact
of design debris impact load A and design debris impact load B.
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External building fabric elements, including windows, doors, roller doors, louvered
openings, wall and roof cladding, debris screens and the like, must comply with
the test specifications in Appendix A2 and A3.
All glass in the external building fabric must be laminated.
The impact load trajectories to be resisted by building elements are described in
Table A1.
Table A1
Element Trajectory of Impact load Additional requirements

debris impact type
Roofs less than Vertical A+B

10 slope generally
Roofs Combined A+B Combined trajectory velocity at

horizontal and right angles to the roof is
- less than 10 slope
vertical
if within a horizontal = 2 sin + 2 cos
distance that is half
the height of a where
vertical surface VC = the speed of the combined
projecting above the trajectory impact
roof level VH = the speed of the horizontal
trajectory impact
- all other roofs of VV = the speed of the vertical

trajectory impact
10slope or greater
= angle of the roof to the
horizontal plane
External walls Horizontal A+B
External doors and Horizontal A+B

windows (where not
protected by debris
screens)
Roof fascias and Horizontal A+B Soffits, fascias and barges are
barges exempt from debris impact loads
if external walls that resist the
loads extend to the underside of
Eaves soffits flat Vertical A+B the upper roof sheeting.
or downward
sloping from wall
Eaves soffits other Horizontal A+B

types
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Debris screens Horizontal A+B Where the element protected is

designed to resist design debris
impact load B, the debris screen
may be designed to resist
design debris impact load A only
Baffled entries Horizontal A

walls
Baffled entries As for eaves soffits

ceilings or soffits noted above
Baffled entries Horizontal B

doors
Natural ventilation Horizontal A+B

devices external
to the building,
where not an
element protected
by a debris screen
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix A2 Specification: Simulated windborne debris impact

testing for external fabric of cyclone shelters
A2.1 Test equipment and accuracy

The impact speed of the missile must be measured to an accuracy of plus or
minus 0.5 m/s.
The maximum displacement of the test specimen at any stage of the test must be
measured to an accuracy of 2 mm.
The test specimen must be supported by the test frame in a manner to replicate
the intended method of support on the building, including restraint fixings.
The maximum displacement of the test frame at its connection to the test
specimen must be 5 mm at any stage of the test. The frame must be assessed by
impacting the test frame at the connection point to the test specimen with the
impact load A.
In the case of doors, testing must be in accordance with AS/NZS4505 Appendix
B and this Appendix.
A2.2 Simulated windborne debris test impacts

Impact load A:
End-on impact of a piece of timber 4 kg in mass, with cross-sectional
dimensions of 100 mm by 50 mm, impacting at the speed specified for the
trajectory. The timber must be seasoned and have a density of not less
than 900 kg/m3.
Impact load B:
Series of five steel balls of 2 g mass (8 mm diameter) impacting at the
speed specified for the trajectory.
A2.3 Test sequence

A test specimen of cladding or debris screen must be subject to successive
impact loads applied in the following order:
1. Impact load A
2. Impact load B
Impact load A must impact the most critical locations of the assembly, as
determined by the testing authority.
NOTE Testing carried out in accordance with James Cook University Cyclone Testing Station
Technical Note No.4. Simulated Windborne Debris Impact Testing of Building Envelope
Components is considered to satisfy this Appendix.
Impact load B must successively impact at various random locations.

A test specimen is exempt from impact load B when the specimen is:
a uniform sheet material without perforations or additional layers
a debris screen protecting elements that are capable of resisting impact
load B.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
A2.4 Acceptance criteria

A test specimen must:
prevent a debris missile from penetrating through the screen/cladding
in the case of a debris screen protecting glazing, not deflect more than 0.8
times the clear distance between the screen and the glazing at any stage
of the test
in the case of a debris screen protecting elements other than glazing, not
deflect more than the clear distance between the screen and the element
at any stage of the test
in the case of laminated glass, no spalling of glass from the internal
lamination.
in the case of doors, the acceptance criteria shall be as specified in
AS/NZS4505, except that where a door is designated as an exit door from
the cyclone shelter, the door must be capable of being opened after the
completion of the test.
A2.5 Test Report

The test report must include description of:
date and location of test
name of the testing officer
impact criteria
acceptance criteria
test specimens including fixings
test apparatus including test frame displacement, speed measurement
accuracy, displacement measurement accuracy
procedure
results.
The record of results must include for each:
testthe location of impact, impact velocity, maximum displacement at
any stage of the test, magnitude of permanent displacement, observations
of the specimen and its fixings
specimena pass or fail statement.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix A3 Specification: Simulated wind pressure testing for

external fabric of cyclone shelters
A3.1 Test equipment and set-up

The cladding must be tested in an airbox test rig to simulate the combined effect
of suction pressure on the external surface and positive pressure on internal
surface experienced during a cyclone. The airbox test rig is an open top pressure
chamber. The top of the chamber is sealed by the cladding and the combined
suction and positive pressure are repeatedly applied to the inside face of the
cladding.
NOTE an appropriate test rig and test method is described in James Cook University, Cyclone Testing
Station Technical Note No.2 Simulated Wind Load Testing of Roof and Wall Cladding Systems.
A3.2 Test specification

Roof cladding: BCA Volume 1, specification B1.2
Wall claddings: AS4040.0 and AS4040.3
A3.3 Acceptance criteria

A test specimen must sustain the test load.
A3.4 Test Report

The test report must include description of:
date and location of test
name of testing officer
details of the test set-up
details of the test specimen, fixing and support
details of the loading sequence
behaviour of the specimen including fastenings
results.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix B Standardised site and building signage
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix C Ventilation specifications: Venturi ducts

C1.1 Venturi ducts
A venturi suction system must incorporate vertical circular exhaust stack(s) (open
at top, located outside building external walls and drained at the base), main and
branch ductwork and ceiling grilles. The venturi suction system may share
components of the mechanical exhaust system subject to the requirements in this
guideline.
Venturi ductwork system must be sized based upon a friction loss of no greater
than 0.6 Pa/m utilizing the air flow rates that would otherwise be applicable for a
mechanical exhaust system provided in accordance with AS1668.2.
The external exhaust pressure must be determined in accordance with

AS/NZS1170.2 excluding local pressure factors for a mean 10 minute wind speed
defined in Appendix E of that Standard.
Backdraft damper(s) must be incorporated within the venturi suction ductwork to

prevent amenity air (odours/smells) migration into other cyclone shelter internal
areas due to internal building pressure.
Ducts and their fixings located outside the building must resist the gust ultimate
wind pressure defined in A2.0.0 including local pressure factors.
The top of the venturi duct must be located in a region of the roof subject to
negative pressure for all wind directions.
The venturi duct projection above the roof level must be minimised to reduce
wind loads on the duct and fixings.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix D Specifications: Diesel generators

The shelter must be provided with a prime rated emergency generator set.
The emergency generator must be capable of providing power to:

100% of lighting including external lighting and emergency lighting
UPS
emergency lighting central battery system
ceiling and wall fans
supply air and exhaust air systems
circulation fans
water supply pumps
fire and life safety systems (including fire indicator panel and emergency
evacuation panel)
kitchen equipment (including fridges, stoves, ranges and hot water
boiler)
roller shutter motors
nominated general purpose power outlets in the emergency first aid
room, shelter office, kitchen and shelter area.
The emergency generator must be provided with adequate fuel storage for 24
hour continuous operation at full rated load. Fuel storage must be via steel
tank(s) with integral secondary containment and fuel shut off systems.
A fuel polishing system must be provided to maintain fuel life for long storage
periods.
The emergency generator is to start upon sense of power failure and provide
supply to nominated emergency equipment within 30 seconds of loss of power.
An automatic transfer switch must be provided to switch to generator power in
the event of mains power failure. The automatic transfer switch must also revert
to mains power should it be restored.
Diesel engine exhaust must be piped to the external environment with

discharge not less than 6 m from any natural ventilation devices or outside air
intake.
The diesel generator must be located within the shelter building, in a dedicated
room, have access from within the building without the need to exit the building,
and have external access in addition to the internal access.
The generator must be provided with the following controls:
key operated local engine start/stop control
controls for auto/off/manual/load test
emergency manual shutdown
speed indicator, kW meter, frequency meter, ammeter, kVAR meter,
power factor meter, and hours run meter
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
oil pressure indicator

coolant temperature indicator.
Notes:
1. Typically, outside of the cyclone season, the generator should not auto start on mains power
failure.
2. The operational sub plan should contain a procedure to ensure that the diesel generator fuel
tank is full at the commencement of the shelter period.
3. Signage must include a sign indicating the Auto Transfer Switch.
4. Fuel storage compliance with AS1940 and AS1692 is generally referenced under applicable
work health and safety legislation and guidelines.
Uninterruptible power source

The cyclone shelter must be provided with an uninterruptible power source.
An uninterruptible power source (UPS) must be provided to maintain power for

24 hours to the nominated general-purpose outlets in the first aid room, shelter
office and communications mode.
The minimum power demand per DGPO must be determined for the essential
equipment to be connected.
Notes:
1. The devices connected to the nominated power outlets should be low wattage to conserve
the UPS power supply.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix E Specification: Central battery systems

Centrally supplied battery systems must have a working life sufficient to
maintain 80% of rated capacity at 10 years.
UPS batteries must be designed with

ageing factor = 1.25
design margin = 1.1
normal ambient temperature = 25oC
ambient temperature during discharge = not to exceed 35oC.
Notes:
1. Emergency lighting and UPS central battery systems, while separate systems, may be co-
located in the same fire isolated room.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix F Dynamic thermal simulation and CFD simulation

assessment
F1.1 Dynamic thermal simulation
Carbon dioxide concentration and indoor air temperature must be assessed using
Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IES VE) or Thermal
Analysis Software (TAS). The cyclone shelter must be modelled to full scale.
F1.2 Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation

CFD simulation for ascertaining internal air velocities for the purpose of informing
the calculation of thermal comfort (PMV) must be carried out using PHOENICS or
like software that simulates processes involving fluid flow, heat or mass transfer,
chemical reaction and combustion in engineering equipment and the
environment.
F1.3 Dynamic thermal simulation zone size

Vertical zoning <2.1 m above finished floor level must be set to the following:
00.75 m
0.752.1 m.
Vertical zoning >2.1 m above finished floor level must be limited to the following:
Zone height not to exceed 2 m.
Horizontal zoning
Not be greater than 10 m2.
Ancillary areas (e.g. first aid room, chair store) with a floor area of less than 15 m2
may be considered as one horizontal zone.
F1.4 Dynamic thermal simulation inputs

Building form must be as shown on the architectural documentation.
Occupancy to the shelter floor area must be determined in accordance
with Clause 3.4 and Clause 5.7.
Occupancy to other spaces must be determined in accordance with
Clause 5.1.1.
Occupant heat load must be 50 watts sensible per person and 80 watts
latent per person.
Occupants must be represented as cylindrical/cube shapes (maximum
height of 1.5 m) within each horizontal zone and may be grouped (only
within each horizontal zone) together (maximum group of 10 persons) for
simulation simplicity.
Occupant CO2 output must be 0.525 g CO2/minute per person.
Lighting load must be in accordance with the electrical services
documentation assuming generator/mains power is available.
Simulation time for lockdown must be a total of 30 hours, with a pre-
lockdown period of 12 hours and a lockdown period of 18 hours.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Occupancy to be increasing lineally for the first 8 hours of pre-lockdown

and then maintained at full occupancy.
Pre-lockdown and lockdown ambient temperature and wind must be as
defined for the ventilation design cyclone climate.
External wind pressures must be determined in accordance with
AS/NZS1170.2 excluding local pressure factors for the mean 10 minute
wind speed.
F1.5 Ventilation design cyclone climate

Pre-lockdown and lockdown design ambient temperature must be as per
Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) DA09
Air-conditioning Load Estimation for the location geographically closest to the site
and comfort conditions less 3 degrees Celsius.
The mean 10 minute wind speed at the start of pre-lockdown simulation must be
10 km/hr increasing linearly to 70 km/hr at lockdown and maintained at this speed
during lockdown.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix G Ductwork connectivity with natural ventilation devices

Ductwork connecting natural ventilation devices to internal openings must have
an internal cross-sectional area determined by:
AD 0.25 ANVD KT
where:
AD = area of ductwork connecting natural ventilation devices to internal
openings (m2)
ANVD = area of natural ventilation device (m2)
KT = the aggregate loss co-efficient of proposed ductwork fittings (bends,
transitions, offsets, plenums, expansions, contraction) connecting the
natural ventilation device to the internal opening, determined with a
Reynolds number correction value of 1.0.
The minimum internal cross-sectional area of the ductwork connecting the natural
ventilation devices to internal openings must be not less than 20% the size of the
natural ventilation device.
Ductwork connecting natural ventilation devices to internal openings must be
limited to 20 m in length.
The use of turning vanes in ductwork is not permitted.
Internal openings must have a face area determined by:

AIO 0.5 ANVD

where:
AIO = area of internal opening (m2)
ANVD = area of natural ventilation device (m2)
P = pressure drop (Pa) of a 1 m2 reference sample of the internal opening
with a face velocity of 3.5 m/s.
The internal opening must not have an area of less than 30% of the natural
ventilation device area.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Appendix H Required elements of a cyclone shelters fire and

evacuation plan
1. Cyclone shelter identification.
2. Allowable occupant numbers
3. The proposed maintenance schedule for the cyclone shelters fire safety
installations.
4. A plan of action to be taken in the event of fire or activation of the cyclone

shelters fire alarm including:
(a) written instructions with the following priorities:
i. preventing ignition sources being brought into the cyclone shelter.

ii. reducing the amount of flammable or combustible materials being
brought into the cyclone shelter.
iii. monitoring the cyclone shelter for fire hazards.
iv. clearly communicating to cyclone shelter occupants their
responsibilities in preventing fire and the actions to be taken by
them in the event of a fire or activation of the cyclone shelters fire
alarm.
v. clearly identifying the roles and responsibilities of cyclone shelter
staff to prevent fire, including the monitoring of the cyclone shelter
for fire hazards.
vi. providing rapid first response to contain or control a fire within the
cyclone shelter.
(b) a simple and legible diagram of the building, drawn to a reasonable scale,
indicating the cyclone shelters evacuation routes, required exits and
assembly points; and
(c) a list of persons (described by reference to the positions they hold or in

another suitable way) responsible for administering the cyclone shelters
fire and evacuation plan.
______________________________________________________________

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Queensland Development Code - Part 3.8 - Cyclone Shelters

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Part 3.8 Cyclone shelters

What is the Queensland Development Code (or QDC)

Approval and commencement of the QDC part

What buildings does the QDC part apply to

(c) a combination of paragraphs (a) and (b).

Relationship between the BCA and the QDC

Classification of cyclone shelters under the BCA provisions

Referral agency jurisdictions are specified in schedule 7 of the Sustainable Planning

4 Requirements of BCA not varied

Number Year Title

AS 4040.3 1992 Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding

accessible see the BCA, volume 1.

additional restraints means fittings to an external door required for

azimuthal direction means a horizontal angle measured clockwise

building see the Building Act, schedule 2.

Building Act means the Building Act 1975.

building work see the Building Act, section 5.

central battery area means a room or space housing a central battery

class see the Building Act, schedule 2.

(a) is a Class 9B during its use as a cyclone shelter and a Class 5,

(b) is designed and constructed in accordance with this QDC part;

(c) on completion, will be included in a local government disaster

debris screen means a screen capable of restricting windborne

deemed-to-satisfy provision see the BCA, volume 1.

design debris impact load A means the load referred to in clause

design debris impact load B means the load referred to in clause

design flood level means the flood level as determined in

diesel generator area means a room or space housing a diesel

protection to a required exit such doors or gates are considered to be

fire brigade see the BCA, volume 1.

fire hazard see the BCA, volume 1.

fire safety installation see the Building Act 1975, schedule 2

fire resistance level (FRL) see the BCA, volume 1.

flood hazard area means an area, whether or not mapped,

floor area see the BCA, volume 1.

GVM means gross vehicle mass.

local disaster management group (LDMG) refer to the Disaster

lockdown means the period during which the cyclone shelter is

lockdown period means a period not exceeding 18 hours during

luminous reflectance value represents the amount of visible light

natural ventilation device means a system of ductwork, internal and

non-combustible see the BCA, volume 1.

occupancy period means a total period of 36 hours during which the

(a) 12 hour period prior to design lockdown.

post-lockdown period means a 6 hour period occurring after the

pre-lockdown period means a period, typically 12 hours, during

predicted mean vote means an index for thermal comfort that

Queensland Development Code (QDC) see the Building Act, section

registered testing authority has the meaning given the BCA,

required see the BCA, volume 1.

shelter area means the area(s) where evacuees are accommodated

storm tide hazard area means a medium or high storm tide

untenable means conditions generated during a fire that present a

ventilation system means a system for the purpose of directing air in

Chapter 2 Performance criteria and acceptable

Storm tide and flood hazards

Other significant hazards

(1) A cyclone shelter must have

(b) internal fabric designed with a minimum net pressure coefficient of

(d) ceiling membranes that

(i) are mechanically fixed to the supporting structure; and

(ii) retain adequate stability in wet conditions to avoid collapse;