Building of a Public Nature (Class 9)

Class 9 buildings are buildings of a public nature. Class 9 buildings include three sub classifications: Class 9a, Class 9b and Class 9c.

Class 9a building are health premises, such as hospitals, or health care buildings as defined under the NCC. Class 9b buildings are assembly buildings in which people may gather for social, theatrical, political, religious or civil purposes as per the BCA definitions. These premises include schools, universities, childcare centres, pre-schools, sporting facilities, nightclubs, or public transport buildings. 

Class 9c buildings are aged care buildings. Aged care buildings are defined as residential accommodation for elderly people. Due to varying degrees of physical incapacity associated with the ageing process, people who live in an aged care facility are provided with personal care services and 24-hour support. The services provided include the assistance of evacuation in the event of an emergency.

Accessibility provisions for Class 9 buildings often more onerous, as BCA requires that such premises to be made fully accessible to all areas normally used by the occupants. The occupants would include visitors, residents and staff members.

Class 9 building facilities, such as a communal kitchen, reception areas, waiting areas and service counters are required to be made fully accessible for all. The Access Design Guide in relation to access provisions of the common facilities can be found at Acumen Practice Notes on the Australian Institute of Architects website.

There are also provisions under the code that require Class 9c buildings to have a percentage of the sole occupancy units to be made fully accessible to cater for people with varying degrees of incapacity. For a detailed consultation in relation to the accessible sole occupancy units, please get in touch with us either via our Contact page or at info@amoeba-consulting.com.