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Contact Us Contact Form SERVICING ALL OF VICTORIA Bushfire Design Consultants Bushfire Design Consultants FPA Australia members BPAD Level 2 accredited Servicing all of Victoria ​ Phone Rob 0439 874 251 Carrie 0408 123 069 ​ Email info@bushfiredesignconsultants.com.au Business Hours Mon - Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Sat: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Sun: Closed Name Phone Email Bushfire Report Type Choose an option... Job Address (VIC only) Description Upload PDF's (Site Plan, Floor Plan, etc) Upload PDF Upload PDF Upload PDF Upload PDF Send OUR SERVICES Bushfire Planning & Building Reports in Victoria Bushfire Attack Level Assessments ​ ​ BAL Reports ​ Bushfire Management Plans for properties in a BMO BMP Bushfire Hazard Site Assessments Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments Bushfire Management Statements (BMS) Bushfire Management Plans (BMP) BMO Reports Bushfire Management Plans for sheds, garages & carports Outbuilding BMP MEET The Team Levi Carrie Hall Bushfire Planning & Design Consultant BPAD Level 2 accredited m: 0408 123 069 e: info@bushfiredesignconsultants.com.au ​ - GradCert Bushfire Planning & Management - Master of Architecture - Bachelor of Architecture - AdvDip Building Design Rob Hall Bushfire Planning & Design Consultant BPAD Level 1 accredited m: 0439 874 251 e: info@bushfiredesignconsultants.com.au ​ - Technical Advisory Committee member - FPA Australia Bushfire Attack Level Assessor course - Development & Building in Bushfire Prone Areas c. - Assessment of Bushfire Exposure MicroCert - AdvDip Building Design - Cert IV Carpentry & Joinery Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Bushfire Consultants BAL Reports & BMO Reports in Victoria Building in a bushfire-prone area? Get your BAL or BMO Report now for a safe and compliant project! Get In Touch WHAT WE DO Bushfire Planning & Design Consultants Planning a project or development in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) or Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO)? Bushfire Design Consultants conduct assessments, provide reports for planning & building applications and provide construction advice to complete your next project. ​ We are Fire Protection Association Australia members & BPAD accredited. ​ Providing Bushfire Reports for: New Homes Extensions & Renovations Carports, Garages & Sheds Studio's and Second Dwellings Subdivisions Commercial Projects ​ We travel all of Victoria, including Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula & Phillip Island, Mitchell & Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Hepburn & Bendigo, Goldfields & Grampians, Surf Coast & the Bellarine Peninsula, Strathbogie & Shepparton for homeowners, builders, designers & architects. ​ Contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote, or continue reading for more information about BAL Reports, BMO Reports, BMP's & Outbuilding BMP's... OUR SERVICES Bushfire Planning & Building Reports in Victoria Bushfire Attack Level Assessments ​ ​ BAL Reports ​ Bushfire Management Plans for properties in a BMO BMP Bushfire Hazard Site Assessments Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments Bushfire Management Statements (BMS) Bushfire Management Plans (BMP) BMO Reports Bushfire Management Plans for sheds, garages & carports Outbuilding BMP Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Section 9 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL FZ BAL 12.5 Sections 3 & 5 ​ Ember attack radiant heat below 12.5kW/m2. BAL 19 Sections 3 & 6 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 12.5kW/m2 and 19kW/m2. BAL 29 Sections 3 & 7 Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 19kW/m2 and 29kW/m2. BAL 40 Sections 3 & 8 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 29kW/m2 and 40kW/m2. Exposure to flames from a fire front likely. BAL FZ Sections 3 & 9 ​ Direct exposure to flames, radiant heat and embers from the fire front. Section 9 - AS 3959:2018 BAL FZ Reference Guide Refer to Sections 3 & 9 for all BAL FZ requirements 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. BUSHFIRE CONSTRUCTION Reference Guides General Section 3 Reference Guide BAL 29 Section 7 Reference Guide BAL 12.5 Section 5 Reference Guide BAL 40 Section 8 Reference Guide BAL 19 Section 6 Reference Guide BAL FZ Section 9 Reference Guide Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

BMO Reports Bushfire Management Plans (BMP) WHY YOU NEED A Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) In a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) and building a new home, extending, renovating, or building an office, studio, small second dwelling, carport, garage or shed, or subdividing your land? You may require a Bushfire Management Plan (BMP). A Bushfire Management Plan is a part of a BMO Report that's needed to address the objectives of the BMO for a planning application, or they can be used separately for developments in a Schedule to the BMO, or some types of outbuildings like sheds. A BMP is a site plan that has the location of the building on your property, and relevant bushfire protection measures including, defendable space (vegetation management), bushfire construction (BAL), water supply and access (for emergency service vehicles). These bushfire protection measures will become mandatory conditions and will need to be maintained on an ongoing basis after the works have been completed as part of the planning permit approval. We are Fire Protection Association Australia members & BPAD Level 2 accredited. If you need a Bushfire Management Plan, contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote, or continue reading for more information all about BMO Reports... BMO Reports include... Bushfire Hazard Site Assessments Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments Bushfire Management Statements Bushfire Management Plans

Defendable Space BMO Bushfire Protection Measures WHAT IS Defendable Space When you are building in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) you will need to provide and maintain an area of vegetation around your building to reduce the bushfire risk to the building and occupants, this is known as 'defendable space'. The size of the defendable space is determined by many factors including what the vegetation is, the slope of the land under the vegetation, and what the level of bushfire construction is. ​ WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR Defendable Space Defendable Space Requirements (Table 6 of Clause 53.02-5) Grass must be short cropped and maintained during the declared fire danger period. All leaves and vegetation debris must be removed at regular intervals during the declared fire danger period. Within 10 metres of a building, flammable objects must not be located close to the vulnerable parts of the building. Plants greater than 10 centimetres in height must not be placed within 3m of a window or glass feature of the building. Shrubs must not be located under the canopy of trees. Individual and clumps of shrubs must not exceed 5 sq. metres in area and must be separated by at least 5 metres. Trees must not overhang or touch any elements of the building. The canopy of trees must be separated by at least 5 metres. There must be a clearance of at least 2 metres between the lowest tree branches and ground level. Bushfire Protection Measures Defendable Space Bushfire Construction Water Supply (water tank) Access (to water supply) Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Links FIND OUT MORE Useful Websites Fire Authorities Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV): For information on the Victorian Fire Service, click here For information on bush & grassfire safety, click here ​ Country Fire Authority (CFA): For information regarding Planning and the BMO, click here For your CFA Fire Ready Kit, click here For a template and info on making a Bushfire Survival Plan, click here ​ Emergency Management Victoria (EMV): For information on Victorian emergency responses, planned burns & current bushfires, click here For emergency warnings and to set up alerts for your area, click here ​ Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic): For information on reducing Victoria's bushfire risk, click here Victorian Government Planning Property Report: To find out if your site is within a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) or has a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) click here ​ Department of Transport and Planning (DTP): For information on building in a BPA, click here For information on bushfires and planning, click here For information on vegetation removal for bushfire safety, click here ​ Vic Gov - Fire Planner: For information on preparing your home for the bushfire season and creating a fire plan, click here ​ Digital Twin Victoria: For a map showing Victoria's Bushfire Prone Areas, click here Also, refer to our Bushfire Map webpage here Organisations Fire Protection Association Australia (FPA Australia): For information on FPA Australia and the BPAD scheme, click here ​ Bushfire Resilience Inc (BRI): For information about bushfire resilience for households in regional areas and on the urban fringe, click here ​ CSIRO: For information on the CSIRO's research into bushfires , click here For information on how to improve the bushfire resilience of your home and garden, check out the bushfire best practice guide, click here For information on retrofitting your house to increase bushfire safety, click here For information on landscaping around your house to increase bushfire safety, click here ​ Wood Solutions: For information on all things timber related, click here For information on building in BPA's, and to download easy to read summaries of AS3959's requirements for using timber in construction, click here Or to go the very useful "ask an expert" page, which has a wealth of information, or to ask your own technical timber related question, click here ​ Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Appendix E - AS3959:2018 Timber species and densities Timber species with a density of 750 kg/m3 or greater Timber that is in solid, laminated or reconstituted form with a density of 750 kg/m' or greater at 12% moisture content is suitable for construction where specified in Sections 5, 6 and 7. Examples of suitable timber species are listed in Table E1 of AS3959:2018. Densities of timber species not listed in Table El may be found in AS 1720.2. Many of the timber species listed in Table E1 from various regions of Australia may not be available in all areas. Table E1 - Timber species with a density of 750 kg/m or greater: INFO COMING SOON...

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Appendix F - AS3959:2018 Bushfire Resisting Timber Bushfire-resisting timber is timber that is in solid, laminated or reconstituted form and has been tested and is deemed to be acceptable to withstand exposure up to a BAL 29 condition. Timber may be "bushfire-resisting' by means of one or more of - The inherent properties of the material itself; Being impregnated with fire-retardant chemicals; or ​ The application of fire-retardant coatings or substrates. ​ ​ 1. Bushfire resisting timber species: - Silvertop Ash (Eucalyptus sieberi) - Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) - River Redgum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) - Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) - Red Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) - Kwila (aka Merbau) (Intsia bijuga) - Turpentine (Syncarpia glomulifera) 2. Timbers with fire retardant chemicals: There are a few products around that can meet these requirements, such as: - FLAMEfixx (up to BAL 40) - https://flamefixx.com.au 3. Fire retardant coatings: There are a few products around that can meet these requirements, such as: - FSA Firecoat (up to BAL 40) - https://fsafirecoat.com.au - Exfire Fireshell F1E - https://www.exfire.com.au/product/fireshell-f1e/ There are more and more products being tested and approved to meet these requirements, the ones listed above are just a few of them.

BPA WHAT IS A Bushfire Prone Area In Victoria, a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) is an area designated by the government as having a high risk of bushfires. These areas are determined based on factors such as vegetation type, topography, historical fire data, and weather conditions. Living in a BPA means that there is an increased likelihood of bushfires occurring, which can pose significant risks to both property and lives. ​ If you are planning to build, renovate or extend in a BPA, you may need a BAL Report , contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote. Map of Victoria's Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) shaded grey, shows just how much of Victoria is at risk of bushfires. Bushfire Attack Level Assessments ​ ​ BAL Reports ​ Bushfire Design Consultants ​ Contact Us Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Section 5 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL 12.5 BAL 12.5 Sections 3 & 5 ​ Ember attack radiant heat below 12.5kW/m2. BAL 19 Sections 3 & 6 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 12.5kW/m2 and 19kW/m2. BAL 29 Sections 3 & 7 Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 19kW/m2 and 29kW/m2. BAL 40 Sections 3 & 8 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 29kW/m2 and 40kW/m2. Exposure to flames from a fire front likely. BAL FZ Sections 3 & 9 ​ Direct exposure to flames, radiant heat and embers from the fire front. Section 5 - AS 3959:2018 BAL 12.5 Reference Guide Refer to Sections 3 & 5 for all BAL 12.5 Requirements 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. Link to 'Bushfire resisting timber ' BAL 12.5 - General (Clause 5.1) A building assessed as being BAL 12.5 shall conform with Section 3 (General Construction Requirements) and Clauses 5.2 to 5.8 of AS3959:2018. Any element of construction or system that satisfies the test criteria of AS1530.8.1 may be used in lieu of the applicable requirements contained within Clauses 5.2 to 5.8 (see Clause 3.8). BAL 12.5 - Subfloor Supports (Clause 5.2) - Unenclosed Subfloors. Supports (stumps, etc.) shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater. - Enclosed Subfloors. No requirements if the subfloor is enclosed with a cladding that conforms with the wall requirements (sarking not required behind subfloor cladding). BAL 12.5 - Floors (Clause 5.3) - Unenclosed Subfloors. No requirements for bearers and joists with more than 400mm clearance above the ground, if closer than 400mm, bearers and joists shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, and the flooring shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) timber, particleboard or plywood with a sarking type material, or mineral wool insulation. - Enclosed Subfloors. No requirements if the subfloor is enclosed with a cladding that conforms with the wall requirements (sarking is not required behind the subfloor cladding). BAL 12.5 - Walls (Clause 5.4) No requirements for wall cladding above 400mm from the ground, decks, carport roofs, awnings or similar. Any walls within 400mm from the ground, decks, carport roofs, awnings or similar, shall be (a) non-combustible (including brick, concrete, rammed earth and mud brick, etc. at min. thickness of 90mm), or (b) timber logs of a certain density, or (c) cladding that is (i) non-combustible, or (ii) min. 6mm thick cement sheet, or (iii) bushfire resisting timber, or (iv) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater, or (v) steel sheeting. Any gaps greater than 2mm to be screened with 2mm mesh in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. BAL 12.5 - Windows & Doors (Clause 5.5) The four options are (a) be completely protected by a bushfire shutter, or (b) be completely protected externally by screens, or (c) a window or door system tested to conform with AS1530.8.1, or (d) a 'Deemed To Satisfy' (DTS) option. (a) Bushfire Shutters. Bushfire shutters can be used to protect non compliant windows and doors that are not tested to AS1530.8.1, and do not meet DTS requirements. Where fitted, they must conform with Clause 3.7 and Clause 5.5.1. (b) Fully Screened. External screens can be used to completely protect non compliant windows and doors that are not tested to AS1530.8.1, and do not meet the DTS requirements. Where fitted, they must conform with Clause 3.6 and Clause 5.5.2. Screens to be made from (a) non-combustible material, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater. Screens to be 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. (c) Tested System. Refer to window and door manufacturers for options. (d) Deemed To Satisfy. Frames... Window and door frames shall be (a) bushfire resisting timber, or (b) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater, or (c) metal (inc. aluminium), or (d) metal reinforced uPVC. Glazing... Grade A safety glass with a min. thickness of 4mm. Screens... (insect screens with ember mesh) Openable windows require screens (fitted internally or externally). Openable doors do not require screens. Screens fitted shall be made from (a) metal, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) (internally only) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater, and have 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. - Garage Doors. Garage doors shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater, and requires door seals to meet section 3 of AS3959:2018 BAL 12.5 - Roofs (Clause 5.6) - 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, bronze or aluminium. - Fascias and Eaves. Fascias and eave gaps to be fitted with 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. - Tiled Roofs. Tiled roofs to be fully sarked and shall (a) be located on top of roof framing, except battens may be fixed above the sarking, and (b) cover the entire roof, inc ridges and hips, and (c) extend into gutters and valleys. - Sheet Roofs. Sheet roofs to be fully sarked and shall (a) be located on top of roof framing, except battens may be fixed above the sarking or foil backed insulation blankets may be installed over the battens, and (b) cover the entire roof, inc ridges and hips, and (c) extend into gutters and valleys, and (d) have any gaps sealed at the fascia or wall line, hips and ridges by (i) 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium, or (ii) mineral wool, or (iii) other non-combustible material. - Downpipes & Gutters. No requirements for downpipes or gutters. 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 AS 3959:2018 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 12.5 - Verandahs, Decks, Stairs (Clause 5.7) - 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, except where the roof covering is translucent or transparent material. - Verandah & Carport Posts. Verandah and carport posts shall be (a) mounted on galvanised brackets with a clearance of not less than 75mm above the adjacent finished ground level, or (b) if within 400mm from the ground or deck, etc to be (i) non-combustible, or (ii) bushfire resisting timber, or (iii) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater. - Deck Supports & Framing. Decks have no requirements for supports or framing (except for posts for verandahs or carports). There are no requirements to enclose the sub floor of a deck, but if enclosed any material used to enclose a subfloor space within 400mm of the ground shall match the wall requirements. - Decking Boards, Stairs & Ramps. Decking boards, stair treads, landings and ramps have no requirements if they are further than 300mm from glazed elements (windows and doors) that are less than 400mm above that surface. Any decking boards, stair treads, landings or ramps within 300mm of glazed elements shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) a timber species with a density of 750kg/m³ or greater. - Balustrades. Balustrades, handrails or other barriers have no requirements. BAL 12.5 - Water & Gas Pipes (Clause 5.8) 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. BUSHFIRE CONSTRUCTION Reference Guides General Section 3 Reference Guide BAL 29 Section 7 Reference Guide BAL 12.5 Section 5 Reference Guide BAL 40 Section 8 Reference Guide BAL 19 Section 6 Reference Guide BAL FZ Section 9 Reference Guide Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Access BMO Bushfire Protection Measures WHAT IS Access When you are building in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), and your project requires a 10,000 litre water supply, it will also require 'Access' which means allowing emergency service vehicles (a CFA tanker for example) to be able to get within 4m of your water supply. ​ To achieve this, minimum design and construction requirements apply to your driveway. These include the construction method, width, steepness, radius of any bends, and clearance to allow emergency vehicles safe access. ​ It's not only your driveway that needs to comply, but any road to your property, such as gravel roads or tracks in rural areas, that also need to meet this requirement. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR Access Access Requirements (Table 5 of Clause 53.02-5) Fire authority vehicles must be able to get within 4m of the water supply outlet. The following access/driveway design and construction requirements apply: All-weather construction. A load limit of at least 15 tonnes. Provide a minimum trafficable width of 3.5 metres. Be clear of encroachments for at least 0.5 metres on each side and at least 4 meters vertically. Curves must have a minimum inner radius of 10 metres. The average grade must be no more than 1 in 7 (14.4%) (8.1°) with a maximum grade of no more than 1 in 5 (20%) (11.3°) for no more than 50 meters. Dips must have no more than a 1 in 8 (12.5%) (7.1°) entry and exit angle. If the length of access/driveway is more than 100 metres, but less than 200 metres, these additional design and construction requirements apply:​ A turning area for fire fighting vehicles must be provide close to the building by one of the following: A turning circle with a minimum radius of 8 metres. A driveway encircling the dwelling. The provision of other vehicle turning heads such as a T or Y head - which meet the specification of Austroad Design for an 8.8 metre service vehicle. If the length of access/driveway is greater than 200 metres, this additional design and construction requirement applies:​ Passing bays are required at least every 200 metres and be a minimum 20 metres long and a minimum trafficable width of 6 metres. ​ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION In a major fire event you should not rely upon CFA to assist. However in some circumstances firefighters may be available to provide support (CFA 2023). ​ Access and egress to the road network is crucial to safety during an emergency event for both occupants and emergency services. Properties must provide safe passage for emergency vehicles. Access must comply with requirements Australian Design Rules for vehicles. Bushfire Protection Measures Defendable Space Bushfire Construction Water Supply (water tank) Access (to water supply) Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Section 3 - AS 3959:2018 General Construction Requirements BAL 12.5 Sections 3 & 5 ​ Ember attack radiant heat below 12.5kW/m2. BAL 19 Sections 3 & 6 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 12.5kW/m2 and 19kW/m2. BAL 29 Sections 3 & 7 Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 19kW/m2 and 29kW/m2. BAL 40 Sections 3 & 8 ​ Increasing ember attack and windborne debris, radiant heat between 29kW/m2 and 40kW/m2. Exposure to flames from a fire front likely. BAL FZ Sections 3 & 9 ​ Direct exposure to flames, radiant heat and embers from the fire front. Section 3 - AS 3959:2018 General Reference Guide Applies to ALL Bushfire Attack Levels 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. ​ General (Clause 3.1) This section specifies general requirements for the construction of buildings for all Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL’s). ​ ​ Construction Requirements for Specific Structures (Clause 3.2) - Attached structures and structures sharing a common roof space. Where any part of a garage, carport, verandah, cabana, studio, storage area or similar roofed structure is attached to, or shares a common roof space with, a building required to conform with this Standard, the entire garage, carport, verandah or similar roofed structure shall conform with the construction requirements of this Standard, as applicable to the subject building. Alternatively, the structure shall be separated from the subject building by a wall that extends to the underside of a non-combustible roof covering, and that conforms with one of the following: (a) The wall shall have an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 for load bearing walls, and -/60/60 for non-load bearing walls when tested from the attached structure side and shall have openings protected as follows: (i) Doorways - By self-closing fire doors with an FRL of -/60/30, conforming with AS1905.1 and tested in accordance with AS 1530.4. (ii) Windows - By fire windows with an FRL of -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4 and permanently fixed in the closed position. (iii) Other openings - By construction with an FRL of not less than -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4. Note: Control and construction joints, subfloor vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes and conduits need not conform with Item (iii). or, (b) The wall shall be of masonry, earth or masonry-veneer construction with the masonry leaf of not less than 90 mm in thickness and shall have openings protected as follows: (i) Doorways - By self-closing fire doors with an FRL of -/60/30, conforming with AS1905.1 and tested in accordance with AS1530.4. (ii) Windows - By fire windows with an FRL of -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4 and permanently fixed in the closed position. (iii) Other openings - By construction with an FRL of not less than -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4. Note: Control and construction joints, subfloor vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes and conduits need not conform with Item (iii). - Adjacent structures on the subject allotment. Where any garage, carport, or similar roofed structure on the subject allotment is not attached to a building required to conform with this Standard, that structure shall conform with the construction requirements of this Standard. Alternatively, the adjacent structure shall be separated from the subject building by one of the following: (a) A distance of not less than 6m from the building required to conform with this Standard. This distance is measured as any of the horizontal straight lines from the adjacent structure to the subject building. or, (b) A wall of the building required to conform that extends to the underside of a non-combustible roof covering and has an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 for load bearing walls and -/60/60 for non-load bearing walls when tested from the outside. Any openings in the wall shall be protected in accordance with the following: (i) Doorways - By self-closing fire doors with an FRL of -/60/30, conforming with AS1905.1 and tested in accordance with AS 1530.4. (ii) Windows - By fire windows with an FRL of -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4 and permanently fixed in the closed position. (iii) Other openings - By construction with an FRL of not less than -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4. Note: Control and construction joints, subfloor vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes and conduits need not conform with Item (iii). or, (c) A wall of the building required to conform that extends to the underside of a non-combustible roof covering and is of masonry, earth or masonry-veneer construction with the masonry leaf of not less than 90mm in thickness. Any openings in the wall shall be protected in accordance with the following: (i) Doorways - By self-closing fire doors with an FRL of -/60/30, conforming with AS1905.1 and tested in accordance with AS 1530.4. (ii) Windows - By fire windows with an FRL of -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4 and permanently fixed in the closed position. (iii) Other openings - By construction with an FRL of not less than -/60/- when tested in accordance with AS1530.4. Note: Control and construction joints, subfloor vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes and conduits need not conform with Item (iii). ​ ​ External Mouldings (Clause 3.3) Unless otherwise required in Clause 3.6.1 and Sections 5 to 9, combustible external mouldings, jointing strips, trims and sealants may be used for decorative purposes or to cover joints between sheeting. Higher Levels of Construction (Clause 3.4) A higher level of BAL construction can be used in lower level of BAL Construction (ie: if your building is BAL 29 for example, construction complying with BAL 40 or BAL FZ is acceptable). Reduction in Construction Requirements due to Shielding (Clause 3.5) The Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) may be able to grant a reduction to the next lower BAL to a wall that is not exposed to the bushfire threat (see AS3959:2018 for further information and diagrams). This does not apply to floors, roofs or walls exposed to the bushfire threat. Vents, Weepholes, Gaps and Screening Materials (Clause 3.6) - Vents, Weepholes, Joints and the like. All gaps including vents, weepholes and the like shall be screened, except for weepholes to the sills of windows and doors. All joints shall be suitably backed with a breathable sarking or mesh, except as permitted by Clause 3.3. The maximum allowable aperture size of any mesh or perforated material used as a screen shall be 2mm. - Gaps to door and window openings. Where screens are fitted to door openings for ember protection, they shall have a maximum aperture of 2mm and be tight fitting to the frame in the closed position. Gaps between doors including jambs, heads or sills (thresholds) shall be protected using draught seals and excluders or the like (see AS3959:2018 Figure 3.2). Windows conforming with AS2047 will satisfy the requirements for gap protection. Screens fitted to window openings (insect screens with ember mesh) shall have a maximum aperture of 2mm and these shall be tight fitting to the frames. Bushfire Shutters (Clause 3.7) Refer to AS3959:2018 for requirements of bushfire shutters if they are being provided. If bushfire shutters are fitted to all external doors then at least one of those shutters shall be operable from the inside to facilitate safe egress from the building. Testing of Materials, Elements of Construction and Systems to the AS 1530.8 series (Clause 3.8) Refer to AS3959:2018 for requirements details on AS1530.8 series. Where any element of construction or system satisfies the test criteria in the AS1530.8 series without screening for ember protection, the requirements of this Standard for screening of openable parts of windows shall still apply. Where a window protected with a shutter satisfies the test criteria of the AS1530.8 series, the additional requirements of this Standard for screening of openable parts of windows do not apply. Glazing (Clause 3.9) Glazing requirements shall be in accordance with Sections 5 to 9 of this Standard. Sarking (Clause 3.10) Where sarking is required in Sections 5 to 9, the flammability index shall not be greater than 5 when tested in accordance with AS1530.2. Timber Log Walls (Clause 3.11) Where the thickness of a timber log wall is specified in Sections 5, 6 and 7, two criteria are nominated, as follows: (a) The nominal overall thickness is the overall thickness of the wall. (b) The minimum thickness is the thickness of the wall at the interface of two logs in the wall. Note: For most log profiles, the thickness of the log at the interface with an adjacent log is less than the overall thickness of the wall. BUSHFIRE CONSTRUCTION Reference Guides General Section 3 Reference Guide BAL 29 Section 7 Reference Guide BAL 12.5 Section 5 Reference Guide BAL 40 Section 8 Reference Guide BAL 19 Section 6 Reference Guide BAL FZ Section 9 Reference Guide Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

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