TECHNICAL So what has changed as part of residential high rise buildings by • linking the evidence to indicating how it the amendment? referencing an updated sprinkler has been demonstrated that it complies The amendment includes the following: standard, AS 2118.1-2017. with relevant BCA provisions and scope • The introduction of a new Verification In conjunction with the amendment, of use and any limitations/conditions Method (CV3) for testing of external wall the ABCB has released an evidence of that apply assemblies for fire propagation. suitability/product assurance handbook • inclusion of a new requirement to • CV3 references a new testing standard, that HIA has been heavily involved in its consider the ‘appropriateness’ of the AS 5113-2016 ‘Fire propagation testing development. evidence being presented to support the and classification of external walls of The ABCB has also issued an updated use of the material, product, design or buildings’, and in most circumstances advisory note on fire performance on form of construction; and requires additional measures (e.g. external walls and included additional • introducing and encouraging the sprinkler protection) to mitigate the hazard commentary on the relevant clauses that use of product technical statements presented by a combustible façade. have been amended in the guide to BCA (PTS’s). • Revision of the NCC’s evidence of Volume One. For NCC 2019 the corresponding changes suitability provisions, including clarifying will be included in BCA Volume Two. the application and language of A2.2, Changes to BCA Evidence of strengthened wording of the current Suitability Provisions – A2.2 Further information options, and a new requirement to While much of the attention on the The ABCB has released further information consider the ‘appropriateness’ of the amendment has been on the changes on the changes and have also issued an evidence being presented to support the to the external wall fire safety provisions updated advisory note on fire performance use of the material, product, design or equally important is the revision of the on external walls and included additional form of construction. NCC’s evidence of suitability provisions. commentary on the relevant clauses that • Clarification of provisions, including The revision, which HIA was heavily have been amended in the Guide to BCA provisions relating to external wall involved in is a key part of the broader Volume One. claddings and attachments, provisions issues with building product conformity and that provide an exemption to the the compliant use of building products. These can be accessed electronically non-combustibility requirements, and The revision includes: through the ABCB website: www.abcb.gov.au provisions that control the fire hazard • clarifying the application and language HIA has produced an information properties of building elements. of A2.2 sheet which covers the changes in more • Increased stringency for the sprinkler • strengthened wording of the current detail and can be viewed on the website: protection of covered balconies of options www.hia.com.au BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 3/2018P19