Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

Course Code: ARCH5223

Course Title: Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6161 - Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Course Contact: Catherine Ciavarella

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819

Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

David Anderson

david.anderson@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None
 

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment to the design and construction of buildings. This includes relevant theoretical knowledge of fire, understanding of the regulatory framework, assessing a location and education of, and consultation with clients about the benefits of achieving the required fire resistance.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU22470 Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Element:

Analyse cause and effect of bushfires

Performance Criteria:

1 Analyse cause and effect of bushfires 1.1 Requirements relevant to undertaking a BAL assessment are identified and complied with, including occupational health and safety (OHS)/work health and safety (WHS), legislative, organisational and certification requirements. 1.2 Bushfire behaviour is analysed to determine potential impact on buildings and the environment in bushfire-prone areas. 1.3 The impact of topography and weather conditions are analysed to determine the risk of bushfires occurring and potential impact on human life and protection of buildings. 1.4 Sources of combustion are identified to determine how they influence bushfires. 1.5 Stakeholders are consulted and information sources accessed to identify benefits of undertaking a BAL assessment. 1.6 Responsibilities of local, state and national authorities are reviewed to determine their role in minimising the impact of bushfires.

Element:

Correlate information about site conditions

Performance Criteria:

2 Correlate information about site conditions 2.1 Objectives of legislation and standards covering buildings in bushfire-prone areas are reviewed to identify measures to improve performance of buildings when subjected to bushfire attack. 2.2 The location of the site is identified to determine the Fire Danger Index (FDI) for the site. 2.3 Site vegetation classification, vegetation type and exclusions are identified to determine potential contribution to supporting fire progress. 2.4 The distance of vegetation from buildings is measured to determine the level of bushfire risk to the site. 2.5 The slope of the land under the classified vegetation is measured to determine the direct influence on the severity of a bushfire.

Element:

Determine the BAL for site

Performance Criteria:

3 Determine the BAL for site 3.1 The FDI, vegetation classification and type, distance of vegetation and slope are used to select the BAL applicable to the site. 3.2 The BAL assessment relevant to the site is checked to confirm accuracy. 3.3 The BAL assessment limitations are communicated to client and benefits of achieving required fire resistance is discussed. 3.4 Details of the BAL assessment are documented and reported according to organisational requirements.

Element:

Integrate bushfire protection requirements into building design and construction

Performance Criteria:

5 Integrate bushfire protection requirements into building design and construction 5.1 Building designs and individual design features are analysed to determine their resistance to bushfire and reduce the level of risk to occupants. 5.2 Features and benefits of materials are analysed to determine their suitability for the BAL assessment. 5.3 Design and construction requirements for buildings in bushfire-prone areas reflect the outcomes of the BAL assessment and the Australian Standards.

Element:

Interpret relevant bushfire information

Performance Criteria:

4 Interpret relevant bushfire information 4.1 Requirements relevant to applying a BAL assessment in a bushfire-prone area and in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) to the design and construction process are identified and complied with, including OHS/WHS. 4.2 Standard definitions associated with bushfires are explained in the context of building design. 4.3 Purpose of applying a BAL assessment is determined to inform design decisions. 4.4 Effects of bushfires on humans and buildings are explained as they relate to each BAL. 4.5 Risks associated with each BAL are analysed to determine impact on building design, materials and construction methods.

Learning Outcomes


This unit is aimed at determining and applying Bushfire Attach Level (BAL) assessment to building design, material selection and construction methods of a site by following steps to assess the bushfire risk of the site and using this information to select the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) from appropriate tables of information using Method 1 (the simplified bushfire risk method from AS 3959.)
 


Details of Learning Activities

  • Lectures
  • class exercises to review discussions/lectures
  • guest lecture and presentation
  • class presentations
  • group discussions
  • research
  • independent project-based work
  • group activities/projects
  • site visit

 


Teaching Schedule

Week   Lecture Studio Content
1      
2   BAL & Survey Intro  
3   AT01Intro AT01, Task 1.1
4     AT01, Task 1.2
5     AT01, Task 1.3
6   CFA guest speaker AT01, Finalize all tasks
7      
8   A02 Intro and Site Visit instructed by CFA personnel 31st Mar  
9   Site Visit Review AT02, Site visit collation of site info
       
10     AT02, BAL Report
11     AT02, BAL Report Finalization
12   AT03 AT03, Construction and BAL system
13     AT03, Floor Plans & Elevations
14     AT03, Detailing
15     AT03, Project Finalization
16      

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

References 

Australian Standard AS3959

NCC Volume One and Two

Relevant Australian Standards

Building product manufacturers information

 

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab
 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub 
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops
 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

This competency will be assessed using standard work practices relevant to a design drafting workplace. Assessment of essential required knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context. Assessment will comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards’ requirements.
 


Assessment Tasks

AT01, Knowledge Questions in 3 parts, 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3. Each part has 10 questions to be answered (30 questions in total).

AT02, BAL Assessments. Students will conduct 2 BAL site assessments

AT03, Interpret and apply BAL. Students will interpret a BAL report, research bushfire compliant construction systems and detail the application of relevant bushfire protection to a dwelling.

Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for Assessment

Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.


Assessment Matrix

Refer to Course Mapping documents in Canvas

Other Information

Attendance: Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises

It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

Information about your studies:

You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.

 https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Assessment:

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:

Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.  

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit

Course Overview: Access Course Overview