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Bushfire Construction Requirements | Australian Standards AS 3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas | Reference Guides Bushfire Construction Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) WHAT IS AS 3959:2018 The Australian Standards (AS) for the Construction of Buildings in Bushfire-Prone Areas outline the requirements that most buildings must be designed and built to when located in a Bushfire-Prone Area (BPA) or a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO). The current version, AS3959:2018, was released in 2018 and has since been updated with two amendments: Amendment 1 in 2019 and Amendment 2 in 2020. These standards are available for purchase through Standards Australia. CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS IN BUSHFIRE PRONE AREAS: AS 3959:2018 When building to a BAL rating, all buildings will need to meet the construction requirements of Section 3 of AS3959:2018 (General Construction Requirements) and a BAL assessment will determine which additional construction requirements are required (Sections 4-9 of AS3959:2018). Construction for all Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL): - General (Section 3) There are 6 categories of Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL): - BAL LOW * (Section 4) - BAL 12.5 (Section 5) - BAL 19 (Section 6) - BAL 29 (Section 7) - BAL 40 (Section 8) - BAL FZ (Section 9) * The Victorian Building Regulations (Items 157 & 158) state that a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 9a, 9b or 10a building in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) must be built to a minimum of BAL 12.5. To find out what the Bushfire Attack Level is for your new home, alteration and addition, shed, or subdivision, contact us to discuss your project and get a quote. Or continue reading for reference guides of AS3959:2018 Section 3 and Sections 5-9. Bushfire Attack Levels 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. What does a BAL number mean? A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) is a measurement of the intensity of radiant heat from a bushfire, this is measured in kilowatts per square meter (kW/m2). In a bushfire, radiant heat levels may be unsafe for humans and could also ignite combustible materials in the vicinity. The potential effects of radiant heat levels on both humans and selected materials listed below can assist in understanding the implications of the different BALs. Pain to humans after 10 to 20 seconds - 4kW/m2 Pain to humans after 3 seconds - 10 kW/m2 Self ignition of cotton after a long time - 25kW/m2 Self ignition of timber after a long time - 25kWm2 Self ignition of cotton after 5 seconds - 42kW/m2 Self ignition of timber after 20 seconds - 45kW/m2 A building that has been built to a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) in accordance with Australian Standards - Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas (AS3959:2018) is primarily concerned with improving the ability of buildings to better withstand attack from a bushfire giving the occupants a measure of protection until the fire front passes as well as to the building itself. A building that is built in accordance with AS3959 is not a guarantee that the house will not be impacted or destroyed by a bushfire. This is substantially due to the degree of vegetation management, the unpredictable nature and behaviour of fire, and extreme weather conditions. The survivability of buildings is also dependent on a combination of measures such as landscaping, water supplies, access, building design and maintenance. 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

BAL FZ - Section 9 of AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas Section 9 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL FZ (Flame Zone) 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 (Flame Zone) 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 (including Amendments 1 & 2), 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) There are two options available , they 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. 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. Window and door manufactures can have their products tested and given a BAL rating certificate to comply . Refer to window and door manufacturers for options. Note: BAL FZ timber windows and doors are available from Paarhammer. BAL FZ - Garage Doors (Clause 9.5.6) 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

Accredited Bushfire Consultants | Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments | Bushfire Management Overlay | Victoria | BPAD Accredited & FPA Australia Members BMO Reports Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments WHY YOU NEED A Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment 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 BMO Report. A Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment is a part of a BMO Report that's needed to address the objectives of the BMO for a planning application. It's an assessment of the bushfire hazard more than 150 metres from the site including what the existing vegetation and topography is, what the existing road network in the area is, what the bushfire management and prevention policy is, the bushfire history of the area, what past and future planned fuel reduction burns are there, locations of any Neighbourhood Safer Places (Place of Last Resort), the bushfire scenarios that could impact the area are, and what is the broader landscape bushfire risk to the building. We are Fire Protection Association Australia members & BPAD Level 2 accredited. If you need a Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessment, contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote, or continue reading for more information about BMO Reports... BMO Reports include... Bushfire Hazard Site Assessments Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments Bushfire Management Statements Bushfire Management Plans

One of the requirements of the Bushfire Management Overlay is Defendable Space, its one of four bushfire protection measures that need to be addressed in a BMO Report | Bushfire Design Consultants | Victoria 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 Static Water Supply Access (driveway) Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Timber density of 750kg/m3 - AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas 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...

In Victoria, the Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) identify properties at extreme risk of bushfire | Bushfire Design Consultants provide bushfire assessments & reports in Victoria BMO WHAT IS A Bushfire Management Overlay The Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) applies to land that may be significantly affected by extreme bushfires. Whilst development in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) may only require a BAL assessment, developments in a BMO may require planning approval by complying with four bushfire protection measures: defendable space (vegetation management), bushfire construction (BAL), static water supply (water tank), and access (driveway construction). If you are planning to build, renovate or extend in a BMO, you may need a BMO Report , contact us today to discuss your project and get a quote. Map of Victoria's Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) shaded red, shows just how much of Victoria is at risk of extreme bushfires. Bushfire Hazard Site Assessments Bushfire Hazard Landscape Assessments Bushfire Management Statements (BMS) Bushfire Management Plans (BMP) BMO Reports Bushfire Design Consultants Contact Us Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

General - Section 3 of AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas 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 (including Amendments 1 & 2 ), 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

A requirement of the Bushfire Management Overlay is Water Supply, its one of four bushfire protection measures that need to be addressed in a BMO Report | Bushfire Design Consultants | Victoria Static Water Supply BMO Bushfire Protection Measures WHAT IS Static Water Supply When you are building in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), your project may require a water tank, reserved solely for firefighting use in the event of a bushfire. The water supply is known as a "static water supply'. This is an above ground water tank that must remain full and reserved solely for the use of firefighting. The size of the water tank and its location is determined by the size of your land, and if required, the location of any fire hydrants available in the street. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR Static Water Supply Water Supply Requirements (Table 4 of Clause 53.02-5) A static water supply of either 2,500 litres, 5,000 litres, or 10,000 litres. Be stored in an above ground water tank constructed of concrete or metal. Have all fixed above ground water pipes & fittings required for firefighting purposes made of corrosive resistant metal. Include a separate outlet for occupant use. Where a 10,000 litre water supply is required, the following must also be provided: The outlet/s of the water tank must be within 4 metres of the accessway and unobstructed. Be located within 60 metres of the outer edge of the approved building. Be readily identifiable from the building or appropriate identification signage to the satisfaction of the relevant fire authority. Incorporate a separate ball or gate valve (British Standard Pipe (BSP 65 millimetre) and coupling (64 millimetre CFA 3 thread per inch male fitting). Any pipework and fittings must be a minimum of 65 millimetres (excluding the CFA coupling). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION A larger water tank can be used to store the required firefighting water and household use water as long as the volume required for fire fighting is reserved at the bottom of the tank, by placing pipes for household use above the reserved fire fighting water line. Sometimes when a 10,000 litre static water supply and CFA emergency vehicle are required to get to within 4 metres of the the tank cannot be achieved, the use of a seperate CFA outlet can be used, these means you could have a tank located in the rear of the property, with an underground pipe from the tank to an up stand at the front of the property, this type of system is known as a 'CFA remote outlet'. WATER TANK SIZES AND SHAPES Water tanks can be purchased from any company as long as they meet your sites specific BMO requirements, most builders or building companies will have there own preferred supplier so it may not always be possible to get your own as its a requirement to get the building permit. Tanks can be any shape, round, slimline or other, and most come in a variety of 'height x length x width' configurations to suit your needs. If you require 2,500L or a 5,000L you won't need a CFA outlet on the tank, just a single outlet is needed for personal firefighting use. If you require 10,000L you will require the additional CFA outlet and a separate outlet for personal firefighting use. It's important that the amount of water you need, is above the level of the CFA outlet, in some cases you may need a slightly larger tank to ensure that the full amount of water needed can be accessed, best to confirm this with the tank manufacturer. Some examples of compliant tanks can be found here: 2,500L slimline 2,500L modline 5,000L round (1.9m wide) 5,000L slimline 5,000L 'skinny' slimline 5,000L 'ultra slim' modline 5,000L square 10,000L round (2.7m wide) 10,000L 'tall' round (2.3m wide) 10,000L 'tall' slimline S/S 10,000L 'squat' round (2.9m wide) S/S 10,000L "mid' round (2.55m wide) S/S 10,000 round (2.4m wide) S/S 10,000L 'tall' round (2.05m wide) Always refer to the requirements of your own Bushfire Management Plan (BMP) and ensure that your tank manufacture get this info to ensure its compliant. Bushfire Protection Measures Defendable Space Bushfire Construction Static Water Supply Access (driveway) Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Maps of Victoria's Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) & Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) Bushfire Map VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE PLANNING Bushfire Areas and Maps Most rural & urban fringe areas of Victoria are in a 'Bushfire Prone Area' (BPA), in addition the more extreme areas will also have a 'Bushfire Management Overlay' (BMO). If your property is in a BMO, it's also in a BPA. In Victoria, there are 2 categories for properties at risk of bushfires: Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON Current Bushfires If you are looking for information on current bushfires (or other emergencies) in Victoria, head to the Vic Emergency website, link here . BUSHFIRE PRONE AREA (BPA) & BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (BMO) Map of Victoria Map of Victoria's Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) shaded grey, and Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) shaded red, shows just how much of Victoria is at risk of bushfires. If your property is in a BMO, it's also in a BPA. BUSHFIRE PRONE AREA (BPA) Map of Victoria Map of Victoria's Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) shaded grey, shows just how much of Victoria is at risk of bushfires. BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (BMO) Map of Victoria Map of Victoria's Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) shaded red, shows just how much of Victoria is at risk of bushfires. BUSHFIRE PRONE AREA (BPA) & BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (BMO) Areas of Victoria Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo & Shepparton's BMP (shaded grey) & BMO (shaded red). IS YOUR PROPERTY IN A Bushfire Area To find out if your property is in a bushfire area, click here , enter your address, and view the planning property report. Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

Accredited Bushfire Consultants | BAL Reports, BMO Reports, Bushfire Management Statements & Bushfire Management Plans | Bushfire Planning | FPA & BPAD Accredited What We Do SERVICING VICTORIA Bushfire Reports 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 We travel all of Victoria including, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula & Phillip Island, Mitchell & Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Hepburn & Bendigo, Goldfields & Grampians, Surf Coast & Otways, Bellarine Peninsula, Strathbogie & Shepparton. Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote

BAL LOW - Section 4 of AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas Section 4 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL LOW Section 4 - AS 3959:2018 BAL LOW The Victorian Building Regulations (Items 157 & 158) state that a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 9a, 9b or 10a building in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) must be built to a minimum of BAL 12.5. Refer to Section 5 - Construction Requirements for BAL 12.5. A dwelling is a Class 1a building, and a shed, garage or carport is a Class 10a building. 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

Bushfire Resisting Timber - AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas 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.

BAL 40 - Section 8 of AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas Section 8 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL 40 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 8 - AS 3959:2018 BAL 40 Reference Guide Refer to Sections 3 & 8 for all BAL 40 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 (including Amendments 1 & 2 ), AS1530.8.1, AS1530.8.2 and official test reports and assessments. BAL 40 - General (Clause 8.1) A building assessed as being BAL 40 shall conform with Section 3 (General Construction Requirements) and Clauses 8.2 to 8.8 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 8.2 to 8.8 (see Clause 3.8). BAL 40 - Subfloor Supports (Clause 8.2) - Unenclosed Subfloors. Supports (stumps, etc.) shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) a system conforming with AS1530.8.1. - 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 40 - Floors (Clause 8.3) - Unenclosed Subfloors. Bearers and joists shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) have the underside of the combustible elements of the floor system protected with non-combustible material (eg, cement sheet or metal sheet), or (c) a system conforming with AS1530.8.1. - 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 40 - Walls (Clause 8.4) Walls shall be (a) non-combustible (including brick, concrete, rammed earth and mud brick, etc. at min. thickness of 90mm), or (b) cladding on sarked walls that is (i) non-combustible, or (ii) min 9mm thick cement sheet, or (iii) steel, or (c) a system conforming with AS1530.8.1. Any gaps greater than 2mm to be screened with 2mm mesh in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. BAL 40 - Windows & Doors (Clause 8.5) Note: AS3959:2018 refers to 'screens' in three different ways: 1. 'Complete screening of the entire window/door frame and glazing', which prevents ember exposure to the frame and reduces heat exposure to the glass. 2. 'Glazing protection screens', designed to reduced the heat exposure to the glass. 3. 'Insect screens with ember mesh' which are insect screens fitted to openable windows with ember mesh to prevent embers entering the building if windows are left open. There are three options available , they are: (a) be completely protected by a bushfire shutter, or (b) a window or door system tested to conform with AS1530.8.1, or (c) 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 be made from non-combustible material. (b) Tested System. Window and door manufactures can have their products tested and given a BAL rating certificate to comply . Refer to window and door manufacturers for options. Note: BAL 40 timber windows and doors are available from Paarhammer. (c) Deemed To Satisfy (DTS). - DTS Frames. Window and door frames shall be metal (inc. aluminium). - DTS Glazing. For windows, sidelights and doors, toughened glass with a min. thickness of 6mm. All DTS glazing is to be protected by externally fitted screens (glazing protection screens) made from (a) metal, or (b) a tested system to AS1530.8.1, and have 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel or bronze (no aluminium allowed). Note: For the DTS window option, screens (glazing protection screens) must cover the glazing, and must prevent embers from entering an open window, the use of two screens may be needed in certain cases (see insect screen info below). Note: For the DTS door option, screens (glazing protection screens) must protect the glazing by either screen doors or screens fixed to the face of the openable door to protect glazing (s eperate screen doors are not a requirement). - DTS Screens. (insect screens with ember mesh) Openable windows require screens (fitted externally). Openable doors do not require screens. Screens must prevent embers from entering an open window. Screens fitted shall be made from (a) metal, or (b) a tested system to AS1530.8.1, and have 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel or bronze (no aluminium allowed). BAL 40 - Garage Doors (Clause 8.5.6) Garage doors shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) 6mm cement sheet, and requires door seals to meet section 3 of AS3959:2018. BAL 40 - Roofs (Clause 8.6) - 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 AS1530.8.1. Eave lining shall be min. 6mm thick cement sheet. Fascias and eave gaps to be fitted with 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel or bronze (no aluminium allowed). - 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 or bronze (no aluminium allowed), or (ii) mineral wool, or (iii) other non-combustible material. - 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 40 - Verandahs, Decks, Stairs (Clause 8.7) - 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 AS1530.8.1, or (c) a system conforming to AS1530.8.1. - 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 AS1530.8.1. - 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 AS1530.8.1. - Balustrades. Balustrades, handrails and other barriers within 125mm of any glazing or combustible wall, shall be non-combustible. BAL 40 - Water & Gas Pipes (Clause 8.8) 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

BPAD Accredited | Bushfire Design Consultants provide bushfire assessments & reports throughout Victoria | Get in touch with us to discuss your project & get a quote today 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 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 SERVICING ALL OF Victoria We travel all of Victoria including, Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula & Phillip Island, Mitchell & Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Hepburn & Bendigo, Goldfields & Grampians, Surf Coast & Otways, Bellarine Peninsula, Strathbogie & Shepparton. 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 - Vic Bushfire Working Group 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

One of the requirements of the Bushfire Management Overlay is Bushfire Construction, its one of four bushfire protection measures that need to be addressed in a BMO Report | Bushfire Design Consultants | Victoria Bushfire Construction BMO Bushfire Protection Measures WHAT IS Bushfire Construction When you are building in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) or a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO), your project will need to be designed and built to Australian Standards AS3959:2018 - Construction of buildings in a bushfire prone area. In Victoria, there's 5 possible construction levels, known as Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL): BAL 12.5 Sections 3 & 5 BAL 19 Sections 3 & 6 BAL 29 Sections 3 & 7 BAL 40 Sections 3 & 8 BAL FZ Sections 3 & 9 WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR Bushfire Construction All buildings will need to be designed and built to Section 3 of AS3959:2018 (General Construction Requirements) and the BAL Assessment & Report will determine which additional construction requirements are required (Sections 4-9 of AS3959:2018). Construction for all Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL): General (Section 3) In AS3959:2018, there are six Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL): BAL LOW * (Section 4) BAL 12.5 (Section 5) BAL 19 (Section 6) BAL 29 (Section 7) BAL 40 (Section 8) BAL FZ (Section 9) * The Victorian Building Regulations (Items 157 & 158) state that a Class 1, 2, 3, 4, 9a, 9b or 10a building in a Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) must be built to a minimum of BAL 12.5. Refer to our AS3959 page (under the Construction tab) for further info and for bushfire construction reference guides for each section. Bushfire Protection Measures Defendable Space Bushfire Construction Static Water Supply Access (driveway) Servicing all of Victoria Request A Quote