The ramifications of even a small fire for any building owner are likely to be dire. The potential for loss of life, any form of damage from fire, smoke and water plus loss of business productivity can all amount to significant devastation for any business or home owner. 

As a result, adhering to the rules outlined by the Building Code Of Australia can not only help to keep your building safe, but to ensure that you avoid any costly disasters further down the track. If you’re unsure as to what your new or existing structure requires, the types of fire ratings for walls and ceilings in a dwelling are as follows. 

• Class 1 and 10 Buildings are typically standalone single dwellings or townhouses, row houses or terraces, and requirements for fire safety are covered in Part 3.7 of BCA Volume 2.

In comparison, Class 2 to 9 Buildings are essentially all other building classes such as multi-residential and commercial buildings covered in the BCA Volume 1. General rules for these structures outlined in the BCA include – 

• Systems must provide protection from the spread of fire (wherever required by the building class and/or boundary setback)
• Be of non-combustible construction if Type A & Type B, construction as defined by the BCA is required. Type C construction may be combustible i.e. timber framing
• Systems providing vertical or lateral support to other fire rated elements must have equivalent or greater FRL
• Systems must meet BCA C1 – fire resistance and stability
• Systems must meet BCA C2 – compartmentalisation and separation
• Systems must meet BCA C3 – protection of openings

Finally, fire ratings for construction in bushfire prone areas are covered in the AS 3959-2009 Construction Of Buildings In Bushfire Prone Areas section of the code. Fire rating requirements to build a residential property in these areas include the following –

⦿ Applicable to Class 1 and Class 10 Buildings in designated bushfire prone areas

⦿ Materials and systems to meet Australian Standard and State Bushfire Authority construction and performance requirements

⦿ BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) classification range is applied to each area of:

⦿ BAL-Low

⦿ BAL 12.5

⦿ BAL 19

⦿ BAL 29

⦿ BAL 40

⦿ BAL-FZ (flame zone)

Site bushfire risk level is usually determined by a formal Bushfire Risk Assessment or Bushfire Report, and is typically prepared by a suitably qualified bushfire consultant.