What is a BAL Rating?

Unfortunately as we move into the warmer months of the year, bushfires are a major threat to life and property in Australia. Read on and discover what a BAL rating is, how it is determined, and what the different BAL ratings mean. We will also provide some tips for making your home more bushfire resistant.

BAL RATING

A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating is an Australian standard that measures the potential for a building to be exposed to bushfire attack. It is used to determine the construction and building requirements necessary to protect homes in bushfire prone areas.

BAL RATING FACTORS

The BAL rating is based on a number of factors, including the Fire Danger Index (FDI), the slope of the land, the types of surrounding vegetation, and the proximity to any building. The higher the BAL rating, the higher the risk of bushfire attack and the more stringent the construction requirements.

SIX LEVELS OF BUSHFIRE ATTACK LEVEL RATINGS

• BAL Low: This is the lowest risk rating and applies to buildings in areas with a low FDI and no or minimal vegetation.
• BAL 12.5: This rating applies to buildings in areas with a moderate FDI and some vegetation.
• BAL19: This rating applies to buildings in areas with a moderate risk with the same potential exposure as BAL 12.5 but with a greater likelihood of exposure. 
• BAL 29: This rating applies to buildings in areas with a high FDI and a lot of vegetation.
• BAL 40: This rating applies to buildings in areas with a very high FDI and a high risk of direct flame contact.
• BAL Flame Zone: This rating applies to buildings in areas that are likely to be directly impacted by a bushfire.

The construction requirements for each BAL rating are set out in the Australian Standard AS 3959:2018 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas. These requirements include the use of fire-resistant materials, the design of fire-resistant structures, and the installation of fire-fighting systems.

BAL RATING FOR MY PROPERTY

It is important to note that the BAL rating is only a guide. The actual risk of bushfire attack will vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific location of the building and the weather conditions.

The BAL rating is not static. It can change over time due to factors such as climate change, land clearing, and development. There are a number of other factors that can affect the bushfire safety of a building, such as the location of the building, the type of vegetation, and the availability of water.

Here are some tips for making your home more bushfire resistant:

• Choose fire-resistant materials for your roof, walls, and windows. A MOJO Home comes with steel frames, an excellent choice in bushfire prone areas, due to their non-combustible nature.
• Clear away any flammable vegetation from around your home.
• Have a bushfire survival plan in place.