What are the Bushfire Attack Levels in Australia?

Welcome to our "Building Design Services" Blog where our aim is to help you gain a better understanding of the planning approval process.

We are based on the Central Coast, NSW, and help locals with the daunting task of preparing building plans & documentation to submit to the relevant Certifying Authority.

Bushfire Attack Level is expressed as BAL and are shown below from best to worst case scenario. Best case being no BAL, thereafter:

BAL LOW – Low risk

BAL 12.5 – Moderate risk

BAL 29 – High risk

BAL 40 – Very high risk

BAL FZ (Flame Zone) Extreme Risk

Various treatments need to be applied to the building depending on the BAL. These treatments vary from BAL to BAL and could include upgrading of doors & windows, protection for doors and windows ie: bushfire screens or shutters. Glass in windows or skylights. Leaf guards, upgraded gutters or downpipes, sealing of gaps and penetrations, sprinkler systems. Types of non-combustible material used in selected BAL’s could include: Selected timber species, fibre cement, metal, masonry construction. Protection of eaves, decks, stairs or handrails.  

Please refer to the Australian Standard AS3959 for more detailed information.

Disclaimer

* This is general (not site specific) information based on information available at the time of the post.

Always check to ensure this is the latest information and stay tuned for updates.

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