When purchasing windows and door systems for installation in bushfire prone areas, it’s important that they comply with Australian Bushfire Standard AS3959:2009. If the building’s occupants wish to avoid the need for bushfire resistant shutters and/or steel or brass screens attached to their windows on properties with Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL) between 12.5 and 40, they must chose windows that have been tested to AS1503.8.1: 2007.
Standards address the minimum guidelines for manufacturers to adhere to, and installing window and door systems that do not meet Australian standards may put lives at risk.
For instance, windows and door systems to be used in areas with a rating of BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 must be tested to AS1530.8.1 if they are to avoid AS3959:2009’s requirement of external bushfire shutters or screens.
Although testing is time-consuming and expensive, Australian company Miglas Australia has sought independent testing by Exova WarringtonFire in Dandenong, Victoria, for its range of Miglas FireGuard 40TM windows and door systems.
Exova WarringtonFire is a registered testing authority as required by the Standard and is the only Australian testing laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to test to AS1530.8.1 and AS 1530.8.2.
Developed, designed and manufactured in Australia, Miglas FireGuard 40 was the first window company to use Viridian’s new PyroGuard 40 IGU (insulated glass unit) and is approved for use on sites up to and including BAL-40, meaning it can withstand 40kW/m2 of radiant heat flux.