New Standard on Fire Propagation of External Walls - AS 5113
Posted on : Wednesday, 30 March 2016
Standards Australia recently completed the development of AS
5113, Fire propagation testing and classification of external walls
of buildings.
The standard sets out procedures for testing and classification
of external walls according to their tendency to limit the spread
of fire across their surface and between neighbouring buildings. It
can be applied to external vertical surfaces and external wall
systems. AS 5113 also integrates international standard test
methods where practicable.
According to the independent Chair of the Committee, Paul
England, the expected impacts for Australia are:
• Improved fire safety through appropriate classification of the
performance of external walls
• Improved energy efficiency
• Improved selection criteria for facade materials/system for
the building industry
• Net saving on reducing compliance costs and facilitating the
use of cost effective façade systems
"The standard will facilitate quantification of performance in
the area of fire safety consistent in with ABCB initiatives.It will
assist with the compliance of the energy efficiency requirements of
the NCC whilst contributing to the maintenance of acceptable levels
of public safety'' added Mr England.
The standard was prepared by Technical Committee FP-018, Fire
Safety. This committee has representatives from industry
associations, fire authorities, testing laboratories, and
Australian Building Codes Board.
FPA Australia understand that ABCB is considering changes to the
NCC to adopt AS 5113 however no decision on timings has yet been
announced.
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