The risk of smoke, hot gases, and flames spreading due to flaws in service duct design is a significant issue that requires careful consideration. In Australia, the fire protection of ductwork is covered in the National Construction Code (NCC). In a recent change, buildings constructed in accordance with the NCC after May 1 2023 or later are now required to have passive fire protection systems that have a fire resistance level that has been tested or assessed in accordance with the most recent iteration of AS1530.4:2014. Systems that were evaluated using earlier revisions of the standard, such as those released in 1997 or 2005, will no longer be accepted.

Fire protection of ductwork: Navigating recent changes to the fire resistance standards discusses how major fire safety changes will impact the design and specification of ductwork. First, we look at the importance of fire-rated ductworks and their role in passive fire safety systems. We outline the relevant fire safety requirements in the NCC then highlight the upcoming changes that will impact fire resistance testing and compliance with AS 1530.4. Finally, we look at how these changes will impact the design and specification of ductwork systems.

Promat Australia are recognised experts in passive fire protection systems with extensive technical knowledge and international experience in the fire protection field. They supply the widest range of fire-resistant products and passive fire protection systems in Australia, including PROMATECT® boards, CAFCO® sprays and intumescent coating systems, PROMASEAL® fire collars and fire stopping systems.

Download this whitepaper and learn what this change means for the design and specification of ductwork systems.