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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

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 29 - Section 7 of AS3959:2018 - Reference Guide | Australian Standards AS3959:2018 | Construction of Buildings in Bushfire Prone Areas Section 7 - AS 3959:2018 Construction Requirements for BAL 29 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 7 - AS 3959:2018 BAL 29 Reference Guide Refer to Sections 3 & 7 for all BAL 29 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. Link to 'Bushfire resisting timber ' BAL 29 General (Clause 7.1) A building assessed as being BAL 29 shall conform with Section 3 (General Construction Requirements) and Clauses 7.2 to 7.8 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 7.2 to 7.8 (see Clause 3.8). BAL 29 Subfloor Supports (Clause 7.2) - Unenclosed Subfloors. Supports (stumps, etc.) shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. - 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 29 Floors (Clause 7.3) - 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 29 Walls (Clause 7.4) Walls 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 on sarked walls that is (i) non-combustible, or (ii) min. 6mm thick cement sheet, or (iii) steel sheeting, or (iv) bushfire resisting timber. Any gaps greater than 2mm to be screened with 2mm mesh in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. BAL 29 Windows, Sidelights & Doors (Clause 7.5) This section of AS3959:2018 includes multiple compliance paths and detailed variations. Always confirm exact requirements using the current version of AS3959. * Compliance options for BAL 29 windows. (a) A system tested to conform with AS1530.8.1, or (b) Be completely protected by a bushfire shutter, or (c) - (not an option for windows) (d) Follow the 'Deemed To Satisfy' (DTS) provisions of AS3959:2018. * Compliance options for BAL 29 doors. (a) A system tested to conform with AS1530.8.1, or (b) Be completely protected by a bushfire shutter, or (c) Be completely protected externally by screens, or (d) Follow the 'Deemed To Satisfy' (DTS) provisions of AS3959:2018. (a) System Tested to AS1530.8.1. Window and door manufactures can have their products tested to comply with a BAL rating. Refer to window and door manufacturers for options. (b) Bushfire Shutters. Bushfire shutters can be used to protect windows and doors that are not: (a) tested to AS1530.8.1, or (b) do not meet the DTS requirements. Where fitted, they must conform with Clause 3.7 and be made from (a) non-combustible material, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. (c) Completely Screened. (not an option for windows) External screens can be used to protect doors that are not: (a) tested to AS1530.8.1, or (b) do not meet the DTS requirements. Where fitted, they must conform with Clause 3.6 and Clause 7.5.2. (d) Deemed To Satisfy (DTS). - DTS Frames. Window and door frames shall be (a) bushfire resisting timber, or (b) metal (inc. aluminium), or (c) metal reinforced uPVC. - DTS Glazing. For windows and sidelights, toughened glass with a min. thickness of 5mm. For doors, toughened glass with a min. thickness of 6mm. - DTS external glass protection information. For the DTS window option, any low level window glazing (within 400mm of the ground, decks, or roofs less than 18 degrees, etc.) shall be screened (glazing protection screens) externally and made from (a) metal, or (b) bushfire resisting timber, and have 2mm mesh or perforated sheet in corrosive resistant steel, bronze or aluminium. For the DTS door option, low level door glazing does not require screens (glazing protection screens) . * Understanding the term 'Screens' in AS3959:2018. The term, 'screen' in this section is used to describe three different applications: 1. Complete Screening . Screens need to be applied externally to cover the entire window or door assembly, including the frame, glazing, sash, sill and hardware. This gives maximum protection from embers and radiant heat. 2. Glazing Protection Screens . Only the glass area is protected by screens. These are fitted externally and reduce radiant heat exposure to glazing. T his could be done by fixing the screening to the window and/or door frame, or using an external insect/ ember screen door. 3. Insect/Ember Screens . These are required on openable windows and may be fitted internally or externally to prevent ember entry when the windows are open. These are required for openable windows at all Bushfire Attack Levels. Doors do not require these, but if fitted externally, need to comply with the screening material for each Bushfire Attack Level. * BAL 29 Screening Material. All screens must be made from mesh or perforated sheet (max. 2mm aperture) using: (a) corrosive resistant steel, or (b) bronze, or (c) aluminium. Refer to AS3959:2018 for frame requirements. BAL 29 Garage Doors (Clause 7.5.6) 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 29 Roofs (Clause 7.6) - 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 & Eaves (including alfresco ceilings) Fascias & bargeboards shall be (a) bushfire resisting timber, or (b) metal fixed at every 450mm. Eave lining shall be (a) min. 4.5mm thick cement sheet, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. Note: for alfresco ceilings, standard plasterboard is non-compliant at BAL 29. 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. - 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) bushfire resisting timber, or (c) timber rafters lined on the underside with min. 6mm cement sheet or material conforming with AS1530.8.1 - Downpipes & Gutters. No requirements for downpipes. Gutters shall be (a) metal, or (b) uPVC. 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 29 Verandahs, Decks, Steps & Landings (Clause 7.7) - Verandah & Carport Posts. Verandah and carport posts shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. - Unenclosed Deck Supports & Framing. Deck supports and framing shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. - 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) bushfire resisting timber. - Balustrades. Balustrades, handrails and other barriers within 125mm of any glazing or combustible wall, shall be (a) non-combustible, or (b) bushfire resisting timber. BAL 29 Water & Gas Pipes (Clause 7.8) 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

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

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