Amendments to the National Construction Code (NCC) in the wake of the Lacrosse cladding disaster in Melbourne, are now available for public comment.
The deadline for public comment is September 10, 2017, with a draft report likely to be released in early 2018.
A package of measures for fire safety in high rise buildings was developed following the Lacrosse Apartments fire which occurred on the morning of November 25, 2014.
Key aspects of the amendment include a new Verification Method that adopts the external wall testing standard, AS 5113 as well as referencing an updated sprinkler standard AS 2118.
Supporting materials will accompany the amendment when it is published by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
The ABCB Fire Performance of External Walls and Cladding Advisory Note will be updated to reflect the amended provisions and a new Evidence of Suitability Handbook will complement the revised evidence of suitability provisions.
“Understanding that external wall cladding and/or assembly will, at a minimum, have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire at Grenfell Tower, it is important that appropriate steps are taken to minimise this potential from occurring in Australia, with a substantial body of work having already commenced following the Lacrosse apartments’ fire in Docklands Melbourne,” the ABCB said in a statement.