Appendix F - Bushfire Hazard Assessment and Managment Report

Bushfire Report


Summary of AS3959-2018 BAL-19 construction requirements
Note: this is a summary of some portions of the standard - the building designer,
builder and subcontractors should refer to AS3959-2018 in full prior to construction.

        •   Subfloor supports

The Standard does not provide construction requirements for sub-floor supports where the
sub-floor is enclosed in accordance with wall that conforms to the requirements for walls
listed below or is enclosed with corrosion resistant steel, bronze or aluminium mesh with a
maximum aperture of 2 mm.

Where the subfloor space is unenclosed, the support posts, columns, stumps, piers and
poles are to be of non-combustible material or bushfire resisting timber.

        •   Floors

The Standard does not provide construction requirements for concrete slabs on the ground.

Unenclosed subfloor space

The standard does not provide construction requirements for bearers, joists and floors if the
underside element is greater than 400mm above finished ground level

        •   External walls

The exposed components of external walls shall be as follows:

(a)   made of non-combustible materials (e.g. full masonry, brick veneer etc.) with a
minimum thickness of 90 mm, or

(b)         timber logs with a density of 680 kg/m3 and a minimum nominal thickness of 90mm;
or

(c)         cladding that is fixed externally to a timber or metal frame and is:

(i)         non-combustible; or

(ii)        fibre cement a minimum of 6mm thick; or

(iii)       bushfire-resisting timber.

        •   Joints

All joints in the external surface material of walls shall be covered, sealed, overlapped,
backed or butt-jointed.

Vents and weepholes

Vents and weepholes in external walls are to be screened with corrosion-resistant steel,
bronze or aluminium mesh with a maximum aperture of 2 mm.

External glazed elements, assemblies and doors

        •   Screens for windows and doors

Max Bushfire Protection Consulting                                                       55