BAL-19, a Bushfire Attack Level rating in Australia, sets construction requirements for moderate bushfire risk. Consequently, it guides builders to enhance fire safety.
Some of the construction requirements for BAL-19 rated buildings:
- Roof: Use non-combustible materials like concrete, steel, or tiles. Seal the roof to prevent the entry of burning embers and ensure it is fully sarked.
- External Walls: Construct parts less than 400 mm above ground or decks with non-combustible materials, 6 mm fiber cement clad, or bushfire-resistant timber.
- External Windows: Protect with bushfire shutters or steel, bronze, or aluminum mesh screens. Use 5 mm toughened glass within 400 mm of ground or decks. Screen openable portions with metal or bushfire-resistant timber frames.
- External Doors: Use bushfire shutters or screens made of steel, bronze, or aluminum mesh, or 5 mm toughened glass. Choose non-combustible or 35 mm solid timber for the lower 400 mm. Ensure doors fit tightly with weather strips.
- Vents: Screen vents with non-corroding metal mesh to block burning embers.
- Decks, Verandahs, and Balconies: Enclose sub-floor spaces with no specific material requirements except within 400 mm of ground. Use non-combustible or fire-resistant decking within 300 mm horizontally and 400 mm vertically from glazed elements.
- Gutters and Downpipes: Implement non-combustible materials or gutter guards to prevent leaf and debris buildup.
- Floors: No specific requirements.
- Subfloor Supports: No special material requirements except within 400 mm of the ground.
These requirements are essential for BAL-19 ratings; however, additional regulations may apply based on your site and design. Therefore, consult a professional designer or architect with bushfire-prone area experience to ensure full compliance. Moreover, bushfire consultants offer further guidance on construction standards.

Go to the STANDARDS AUSTRALIA website to buy the AS3959.
You can also give Dwayne from WA Fire & Safety a Call first for some expert advice or send you our BAL construction requirements Cheat Sheet!!
or again if you want to test out the AI driven advice we have on the WAFS website that is a great option to:
