(1)
Except as permitted by Sentences (3) and (4), where there is a common attic or roof space above more than two suites of residential occupancy or above more than two patients’ or residents’ sleeping rooms in a Group B, Division 2 or 3 occupancy, and the common attic or roof space projects beyond the exterior wall of the building, the soffit, and any opening in the soffits or other surface of the projection located within 2 500 mm of a window or door opening, shall be protected by
(a)
noncombustible material
(i)
not less than 0.38 mm thick, and
(ii)
having a melting point not below 650°C,
(b)
plywood not less than 11 mm thick,
(c)
strandboard or waferboard not less than 12.5 mm thick, or
(d)
lumber not less than 11 mm thick.
(2)
The soffit protection required by Sentence (1) shall extend the full width of the opening and to not less than 1 200 mm on either side of it, and shall apply to all openings through the soffit within this limit.
(3)
If an eave overhang is completely separated from the remainder of the attic or roof space by the use of fire blocks, the requirements of Sentence (1) do not apply.
(4)
The protection required by Sentence (1) for projections is permitted to be omitted if
(a)
the fire compartments behind the window and door openings are sprinklered in accordance with Article 3.2.5.12., and
(b)
all rooms, including closets and bathrooms, having openings in the wall beneath the soffit are sprinklered, notwithstanding exceptions permitted in the standards referenced in Article 3.2.5.12. for the installation of automatic sprinkler systems.