Photos courtesy of Trend Windows
and Doors. Fully tested and compliant
window, rated at BAL-40. To get a BALFZ rating, the end user needs to add
the Smoke Control Shutters (purchased
direct from Smoke Control).
members along with (for those caught up in this) letters for their
customers and the public. In consultation with BRANZ and the
CSIRO, the AWA fast tracked and funded a series of tests with
the CSIRO on behalf of members (with members supplying
the timber and Firetard 120 product). The first of these tests
concluded in early October and the report states that none of
the three specimens tested meet the requirement for bushfireresisting timber specified in AS 3959, Appendix F.
We make the very important point that the use of this product
on Western Red Cedar does not automatically mean that the
affected part of a building will burn during a bushfire event, or if
it does, that this product will lead to catastrophic failure. Testing
provides a formal indication of performance characteristics in
representative conditions. There are many areas on the building
envelope that need to be constructed in conformance to the
provisions in AS 3959 for the building to work as a whole.
Specimens have not been subjected to the weathering
procedure of ASTM D 2899 as specified in the Standard, but this
accelerated testing is underway now. The weathering process is,
however, expected to return worse outcomes but we must give
it a try for the sake of accuracy and completeness.
The shocking thing about this situation is the issuance of
fraudulent test certificates in areas where critical human life and
safety issues abound and the heavy reliance by manufacturers
on information that seemingly provided a cost effective and
bushfire resistant solution to a popular timber.
As soon as the full testing program is complete, the AWA will
contact affected members and, in the interim, work with the
CSIRO and BRANZ on options to inspect, rectify and accredit
products of concern in-situ (on site and in buildings).
If you know or suspect that Firetard 120 treated Western Red
Cedar timber has been used or is currently used in the manufacture
of your products, we strongly advise that you discontinue using
Firetard 120 subject to absolute clarification as to whether it meets
Australian Standards requirements. Alternatively, contact the
AWA Sydney office for further information.
Along this journey we have been made aware of many affected
parties and products in potentially thousands of houses in
bushfire designated areas nationally.
Summer 2013 www.awa.org.au 9