AS 3959
Australian Standard governing the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas, defining the BAL system and material requirements for each level.
Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas, the standard called up by the National Construction Code for sites mapped as bushfire-prone. It sets out two assessment methods (a simplified Method 1 and a more detailed Method 2) to determine the Bushfire Attack Level: BAL-LOW, BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40, and BAL-FZ. The standard then prescribes construction requirements for each rated level, covering external walls, roofs, windows, doors, decks, subfloors, and water and gas service lines. Bushfire-resisting timber species are listed in Appendix F. AS 3959 has been updated several times; ensure designers and surveyors are using the version called up by the current NCC. For buyers, the specified BAL drives almost every external material choice on the project.
Values and references on this page are indicative and drawn from common industry sources. Always verify the current AS/NZS standard, manufacturer data sheet or NIAA policy publication before relying on figures for design, specification or compliance work.
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