As of 1 May 2023, all new buildings in Australia must comply with the latest fire test standards, known as AS 1530.4:2014. This means that all products used in the construction of buildings, including floors, walls, ceilings, doors, and service penetrations, must be tested to determine their fire resistance level. The change in the National Construction Code removes the ‘grandfather clause’, which previously allowed building products to be rated based on outdated fire safety test standards.

The change was introduced in the National Construction Code 2019 with a three-year grace period. Due to the limited availability of testing labs in Australia, suppliers were faced with an enormous backlog trying to get their products tested. Subsequently, the new regulations were pushed back to May 1st to coincide with NCC2022, which has now passed. So it’s time to ensure any solutions that you provide have up-to-date test reports.

Why AS 1530.4:2014 is so important

Passive fire protection is an essential aspect of building safety, and compliance with the new fire safety standards is necessary to ensure the safety of occupants and protect the property in the event of a fire. Passive fire protection systems are designed to contain the spread of fire and smoke and provide safe evacuation routes for occupants.

In addition to compliance with the new fire safety standards, there are several other benefits to investing in passive fire protection systems. These systems can reduce the risk of property damage, minimise the risk of injury or loss of life, and help building owners and developers meet their legal obligations regarding fire safety.

PROFINISH Fire Protection Director, Jye Bohm stated

“We expect that in the next 3-9 months there is going to be a lot of confusion in the industry, especially with projects already under construction and following the NCC 2019. Our stance, which is backed by our suppliers, is that any new projects starting post 1st May 2023 will follow the new testing and standards. It will be incredibly important for RBS, Builders and installers to all be in alignment and work together to achieve building compliance. “

PROFINISH Fire Protection is a company that specialises in providing passive fire protection solutions for buildings. With the change in the National Construction Code, the demand for fire safety test reports and data for building products has increased significantly. PROFINISH Fire Protection can take care of test report requirements for any project requiring passive fire protection. Our team of experts can assess building products for their fire resistance level and ensure compliance with the latest fire safety standards.

Get your fire protection test reports up to date

In conclusion, the change in the National Construction Code regarding passive fire safety systems highlights the importance of investing in high-quality fire protection solutions. PROFINISH Fire Protection can take care of test report requirements for any project requiring passive fire protection, ensuring compliance with the latest fire safety standards. By investing in passive fire protection systems, building owners and developers can protect their property and the safety of occupants, meet their legal obligations, and have peace of mind that their building is equipped with the latest fire safety systems.