3.2.3.17.

(1) Except as permitted by Sentences (2) and (3), if a storey classified as a Group E or Group F, Division 1 or 2 major occupancy is required to be separated from the storey above by a fire separation,

(a) every opening in the exterior wall of the lower storey that is located vertically below an opening in the storey above shall be separated from the storey above by a canopy projecting not less than 1 000 mm from the face of the building at the intervening floor level, and

(b) the canopy required by Clause (a) shall have a fire-resistance rating not less than that required for the floor assembly but need not be more than 1 h, except as required elsewhere in this Subsection.

(2) Except as permitted by Sentence (3), the canopy required by Sentence (1) is permitted to be omitted if the exterior wall of the upper storey is recessed not less than 1 000 mm behind the exterior wall containing the opening in the lower storey.

(3) The requirements of Sentences (1) and (2) are permitted to be waived if sprinklers are installed in,

(a) the lower storey referred to in Clause (1)(a), and

(b) the storey immediately above the lower storey.