Fly screens & safety
Standard Fibreglass flyscreens are not suitable for homes in a bush fire prone areas. If you are in a high risk or extreme risk area, you will need to purchase metal mesh flyscreens. The following BAL ratings from the Australian Standard 3959:2009 will give an indication, but you should also contact your Builder, certifer or your local council for more information.
Security Screens & Safety
BAL Low - Very Low Risk:
Has no special requirements for screening windows in this area - all mesh products can be used. Fibreglass, Aluminium or Stainless steel.
BAL 12.5 - Low Risk:
Has an option for screening windows and doors using Stainless steel, bronze or aluminium mesh with an aperture maximum of 2mm and fitting gaps no greater than 3mm in diameter. Sliding doors are not required to be screened but if they are they should comply as other screens in the house.
BAL 19 - Moderate Risk:
Has an option for screening windows and doors using Stainless steel, bronze or aluminium mesh with an aperture maximum of 2mm and fitting gaps not greater than 3mm in diameter.
BAL 29 - High Risk:
Has an option for screening windows and doors using Stainless steel, bronze or aluminium mesh with an aperture maximum of 2mm and fitting gaps not greater than 3mm in diameter.
BAL 40 - Very High Risk:
Has an option for screening windows and doors using Stainless steel or bronze mesh with an aperture maximum of 2mm and fitting gaps of no greater than 3mm in diameter.
BAL FZ - Extreme Risk:
Has an option for screening windows and doors using Stainless steel or bronze mesh with an aperture maximum of 2mm and fitting gaps of no greater than 3mm in diameter.
As well as completely protected by a bushfire shutter compliant with AS3959.2009 or all door systems must comply with AS1530 & 2 when tested from the outside.
Amplimesh Supascreen is also a great option in achieving your BAL rating on your windows and doors with the added benefit of security for your family, home and contents.
Please note that this information is a guideline and you should contact your Builder, Certifier or your local Council for more information regarding your specific job before making any decisions.
Safe Windows
The Australian Building Codes Board in consultation with industry, have amended the National Construction Code (NCC) to include a number of measures to help prevent children falling from windows.
✔ Some of the outlined measures...
✔ Revising the location of openable windows;
✔ Restricting window openings to a maximum of 125mm; or
✔ Fitting windows with a “Robust” screen.
