Public building auditoriums: Seating requirements and fire indices

These requirements are a summary extracted from:

• Building Code of Australia (external site)
• Health (Public Buildings) Regulations 1992 (external site).

Aisles

• Aisles are required on both side of every row of seats that is more than 10 seats.
• There shall be no more than 42 seats between aisles.
• Steps within aisles:
  • must be the full width of the aisle and the minimum aisle width is 1 metre
  • should be uniform in size (both the riser and going)
  • going shall be between 280 mm and 355 mm
  • risers shall be between 115 mm and 190 mm.

Clearance between rows

The clearance between rows of seats shall be:

• 300 mm if the distance to an aisle is less than 3.5 metres, that is 8 seats

or

• 500 mm if the distance to an aisle is more than 3.5 metres.

NOTE: Where loose seating is set out in rows on a regular basis such as for school assembles and the like in a multi-use facility an approved seating layout should be displayed so that the seats are correctly set out each time.

Lighting

For venues where the lighting is normally dimmed or extinguished:

• Aisles and the tread of each step shall be illuminated whenever the venue is open to the public.
• The aisle lighting should be connected to the emergency lighting so that in the event of the aisle lighting failing, the emergency lighting is automatically energised.

Fixing arrangements

Unless otherwise approved by the local authority all seats shall be securely fixed to the floor unless fastened together in lengths of no less than 4 seats.

Fire hazard indices

Any material used in the seats must have:

• a spread of flame index of 0
• a smoke developed index of no more than 5.

Any ceiling finish, lining surface or attachment must have:

• a spread of flame index of no more than 6
• a smoke developed index of no more than 3.

Any wall finish, lining, surface or attachment must have:

• a spread of flame index of no more than 6
• a smoke developed index of no more than 5.

Any floor finish, lining surface or attachment must have:

• a spread of flame index of no more than 7
• a smoke developed index of no more than 5.

More information

• For information about organising an event, or information related to a public building, contact the relevant local government Environmental Health Services where the event or building is located. Refer to the online local government directory (external site) for contact details. Ask to speak to an Environmental Health Officer. 
• For events or public buildings located in Kings Park, Rottnest Island, or locations not within a local government district, contact the Environmental Health Directorate by emailing Public.Events@health.wa.gov.au or call 9222 2000