Sleeping Pods/Capsule Accommodation

The Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works (the department) is aware of sleeping pods and capsules being incorporated into accommodation buildings. As this is an emerging form of accommodation, the department is considering potential fire safety implications.

Following the Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire in June 2000, significant changes were made to increase fire safety for budget accommodation buildings. Additionally, Queensland introduced requirements for interconnected, photovoltaic smoke alarms in detached homes following the tragic Slacks Creek house fire in 2011.

It has been identified that some pod/capsule style units have been considered furniture within accommodation buildings. This interpretation and resulting application of the National Construction Code, may negatively impact the adequacy of fire safety and access and egress requirements within the building. This interpretation may also mean a full assessment of the fire safety of the accommodation by suitably qualified practitioners is not occurring. 

New South Wales has provided guidance on the use of pods (e.g. work pods) in an office context, explaining when they are considered furniture versus a room.

The department is working closely with the Queensland Fire Department, other jurisdictions, and the Australian Building Codes Board with a view to develop consistent guidance on the use and assessment of sleeping pods in new and existing buildings.

Further guidance will be provided once investigations into the application of the NCC to sleeping pod products is complete.

Article source: Building Policy, Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works, Building and Plumbing e-lert