Dear Member,
Testimony on standards for building in bushfire prone areas was finalized on Tuesday September 1
Chris Orr, FPA Australia
On AS: 3959
- FPA had two representatives on the FP 20 Committee
- AS:3959 was raised and discussed at the board level of FPAA
- Chris Orr stood in for Rob Llewellyn at the Feb 25 2009 meeting (Chris was not regular rep)
- Issues raised by FPA with Standards Australia on AS:3959 were, scope of the standard, flame temperature (FPA supported 1090K), flame zone (it opposes 'deemed to satisfy' solutions), window shutters
- FPA voted 'no' on adopting the Standard - the two important issues were flame temperature and 'deemed to satisfy' provisions in the flame zone.
- FPA was asked if they would withdraw their negative votes. They were asked by Standards Australia if they could support publication of the document.
- They said they could support publication if some new informative clauses were put in, but would not withdraw their negative votes.
- FPA objects to building in the flame zone as the Standard is for improving survivability when the fire front passes, but in the flame zone the surrounding vegetation means there may be a standing fire after the front passes. The house is then expected to act as a bunker while the fire burns, which is not what the Standard is for.
- Mr Orr believes that once you get into the flame zone, you need to consider more than just the building Standard when building.
On FPA bushfire planning and design certification scheme
- Outlined the NSW model and discussed the potential for Victoria to establish its own course
- Mr Orr gave evidence on the building and planning process used in NSW
Justin Leonard, CSIRO
Mr Leonard completed cross examination of AS:3959 2009 versus AS:3959 1999
He discussed the Bushfire CRC interim report on house loss on Black Saturday. The report can be read on the Bushfire CRC website.
Wednesday September 2
Counsel Assisting announced that in October the Royal Commission will be examining the organizational structure of CFA and DSE. They will be asking evidence from NSW, WA, SA and Tasmania on their fire service organizational structures and the relationship between their CFA and DSE equivalents.
Wednesday’s testimony began with Andrew Greystone, DSE. He is the first of a range of DSE and CFA witnesses who will give evidence on the structure of DSE and CFA, and the events in the Integrated Emergency Coordination Centre on 7 February.
Over this period AFAC will not be providing daily updates of the Commission proceedings, as the issues covered will be specific to Victoria. However, AFAC will continue to monitor the Commission proceedings and keep members updated on any issues that arise over this time that have implications at the national level.
This information is for use by all interested parties in AFAC member agencies. Please ensure when sharing this information, AFAC is acknowledged as the original author.
Transcripts of the day and a link to watch live via web cast are available at:
http://www.royal commission.vic.gov.au/Public-Hearings.
Last updated 3.00pm September 2, 2009
