Section 9 - AS 3959:2018

BAL FZ Reference Guide

This reference guide is not an exhaustive list of all of the requirements of AS3959:2018, and should be read in conjunction with Australian Standards AS3959:2018, AS1530.8.1, AS1530.8.2 and official test reports and assessments.

BAL FZ - General (Clause 9.1)

A building assessed as being BAL FZ shall conform with Section 3 (General Construction Requirements) and Clauses 9.2 to 9.8 and have a minimum setback distance of 10m from the edge of the classified vegetation.

In circumstances where the 10m setback distance between the building and the edge of the classified vegetation cannot be achieved, those elements of the building that are less than 10m from the edge of the classified vegetation shall conform with AS1530.8.2.

The details for roof systems specified in Appendix H are the result of testing to AS1530.8.2 and are deemed to satisfy solutions for the purpose of this Standard.

Any element of construction or system that satisfies the test criteria of AS1530.8.2 may be used in lieu of the applicable requirements contained within Clauses 9.2 to 9.8 (see Clause 3.8).

BAL FZ - Subfloor Supports (Clause 9.2) 

- Unenclosed Subfloors.

Supports (stumps, etc.) shall (a) have a FRL of at least 30/—/— and shall be non-combustible, or (b) be a system conforming with AS1530.8.2. 

- Enclosed Subfloors.

No requirements if the subfloor is enclosed with a cladding that conforms with the wall requirements

BAL FZ - Floors (Clause 9.3)

- Unenclosed Subfloors.

Bearers, joists and flooring shall (a) have a FRL or at least 30/30/30 and the surface material shall be non-combustible, or (b) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with a 30 min resistance to incipient spread of fire system, or (c) be a system conforming with AS1530.8.2 when tested form the underside.

- Enclosed Subfloors.

No requirements if the subfloor is enclosed with a cladding that conforms with the wall requirements.

BAL FZ - Walls (Clause 9.4) 

Walls shall be (a) non-combustible (including brick, concrete, rammed earth and mud brick at min. thickness of 90mm), or (b) a system conforming with AS 1530.8.2 when tested from the outside, or (c) a system with an FRL of 30/30/30 or —/30/30 when tested from outside.

Any gaps greater than 2mm to be screened with 2mm mesh in corrosive resistant steel or bronze (no aluminium allowed).

BAL FZ - Windows & Doors (Clause 9.5) 

The two options are (a) be completely protected by a bushfire shutter, or (b) a window or door system tested to conform with AS1530.8.2.

(a) Bushfire Shutters.

Bushfire shutters can be used for non compliant windows and doors that are not tested to AS1530.8.2. Where fitted, they must conform with Clause 3.7 and Clause 9.5.1, except that perforations are not acceptable over door systems.

(b) Tested System.

Refer to window & door manufacturers for options.

Window and door systems shall (a) have an FRL of —/30/—, or (b) be a tested system to AS1530.8.2 when tested from the outside.

- Garage Doors.

Garage doors shall be non-combustible and require door seals to meet section 3 of AS3959:2018.

BAL FZ - Roofs (Clause 9.6)

- General.

Any roofing materials, systems or accessories shall be (a) non-combustible, and (b) sealed in accordance with AS3959:2018 Clause 3.6, and (c) any roof vents fitted with ember guards with 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel or bronze (no aluminium allowed).

- Evaporative coolers.

Evaporative coolers are not permitted.

- Fascias & Eaves.

Fascias & bargeboards shall conform with AS1530.8.2.

Eave linings shall be (a) a system with a FRL or —/30/30, or (b) a system conforming with AS1530.8.2

- Tiled Roofs.

To conform with Appendix. H of AS3959:2018 or a system tested to AS1530.8.2.

- Sheet Roofs.

To conform with Appendix. H of AS3959:2018 or a system tested to AS1530.8.2.

- Downpipes & Gutters.

No requirement for downpipes. 

Gutters shall be non-combustible.

Box gutters shall be non-combustible, and flashed with non-combustible materials.

- Gutter Guards.

No requirement to install gutter or valley guards, but if they are fitted shall be non-combustible.

- Skylights.

Refer to AS3959:2018 for requirements of skylight flashing and glazing.

- Roof Penetrations.

Refer to AS3959:2018 for requirements of roof penetrations such as skylights, evaporative coolers, vent pipes, aerials and support brackets, etc as there are many.

BAL FZ - Verandahs, Decks, Stairs (Clause 9.7)

- Verandah & Carport Roofs.

Verandah and carport roofs shall meet the roof requirements of the main roof, or be separated by an external wall conforming with the wall requirements and shall have non-combustible roof covering, and the complete support structure shall be (a) non-combustible material, or (b) timber rafters lined on the underside with min. 6mm cement sheet or material conforming with AS1530.8.2, or (c) a system conforming to AS1530.8.2.

- Verandah & Carport Posts.

Verandah and carport posts shall be non-combustible.

- Unenclosed Deck Supports & Framing.

Deck supports and framing shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) a system conforming to AS1530.8.2. 

- Enclosed Deck Supports & Framing.

If the subfloor is enclosed, it must be enclosed to match the wall requirements, and there are no requirements for the supports and framing.

- Decking Boards, Stairs & Ramps.

Decking boards, stair treads, landings and ramps shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) cement sheet, or (c) a system conforming to AS1530.8.2. 

- Balustrades.

Balustrades, handrails and other barriers within 125mm of any glazing or combustible wall, shall be non-combustible.

BAL FZ - Water & Gas Pipes (Clause 9.8)

Above ground exposed water supply pipes shall be metal, external gas pipes and fittings above ground shall be of steel or copper with a min. wall thickness in accordance with gas regulations or 0.9mm, whichever is the greater and shall extend a min. of 400mm within the building and 100mm below ground.