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September marked National Fire Protection Month. A timely reminder for Australians to be aware of fire prevention and safety measures.  

�������� is committed to prioritising fire safety, working with partners, organisations, and communities to minimise fire risks and safeguard lives, property, and the environment.  

�������� works to shape fire safety practices through a number of initiatives.  

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS 

To improve fire safety in NSW’s residential apartment buildings, a joint training program was developed to address fire doors safety measures in partnership with the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner (OBC). The module is delivered by TAFE NSW’s Digital Learning Platform.  

The organisation has also entered partnerships with organisations like FireMate. The technology provider uses its asset management app to integrate fire protection standards into technicians’ workflows, promoting efficient testing and maintenance in real time. AS 1851:2012, Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment - a key standard - is fully incorporated into the app, amongst other relevant Australian Standards™.  

The app is a good example of how �������� is achieving its promise to provide better access to standards under its Distribution and Licensing Policy Framework. 

�������� continues to seek innovative partnerships to enhance standards delivery and serve industries, communities, and customers effectively.  

IMPROVING HOME FIRE SAFETY STANDARDS 

While bushfires are a significant concern, residential fires claim more Australian lives on average than all natural hazards combined (as shown in a research³ from Macquarie University and the Bushfire and Natural Hazards Co-operative Research Centre).  

Some of the leading causes of house fires are electrical, heating appliances, lighting, smoking indoors, and cooking equipment.  

To counter these risks, new standards have been introduced to supplement existing standards: 

• – the updated standard streamlines the design, installation, and commissioning of smoke alarm systems for diverse residential properties. 
• – published in 2022, the revised standard has significant changes designed to mitigate property damage and house fires linked to multilayer gas pipes. 
• – this fundamental standard, also known as the ‘Wiring Rules’, provides the technical rules that help electricians design and construct electrical installations. 
• – it outlines passive fire protection systems that prevent flame spread, and includes guidance and testing methods for building materials, smoke doors and ventilation systems. 

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ADDRESSING BUSHFIRE CHALLENGES 

Bushfires are a serious threat to Australian society and economy. To reduce the risk and impact of bushfires, it’s imperative that industries, government, and the community follow best practices and standards for building and maintaining homes in bushfire-prone areas.  

Following the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer, the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) reported that more than 3,000 houses were lost across most states¹. To prevent a repeat, AS 3959:2918, Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas was officially adopted in March 2020. This standard covers the bushfire safety requirements of building in a bushfire-prone area, as well as providing the methodology to assess a home’s bushfire vulnerability levels.  

More recently, AFAC has released the Bushfire Seasonal Outlook Spring 2023², urging communities - especially in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory - to prepare for another significant bushfire season.  

�������� has many important initiatives underway to help inform Australians about fire protection. A handbook is being prepared – due to be published mid-2024 – with a focus on home maintenance in bushfire-prone regions, and a review of general construction requirements for buildings in bushfire areas. In addition, the standard AS 5334-2013, Climate change adaptation for settlements and infrastructure introduces a risk-based approach to climate change adaptation for settlements and infrastructure, addressing rising temperatures’ impact on bushfires recurrence.  

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