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

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ARCH5308

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

Important Information:

Please note that this course has compulsory engagement attendance requirements for teaching activities.

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see when this course requires mandatory attendance. 

School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6188 - 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

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 describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct, interpret and apply Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessments to the design and construction of buildings.
It includes the ability to apply theoretical knowledge of fire and the national and Victorian regulatory frameworks to assess a location and consult with clients about the benefits of achieving the required fire resistance. It includes applying a methodical, stepped process to determine and assess the bushfire risk of the site and the determination of the BAL using Method 1 (the simplified bushfire risk method from AS 3959).
This unit applies to building designers who conduct and apply the outcome of a BAL assessment to building design, material selection and construction methods so that buildings better withstand the effects of a bushfire and provide greater protection for occupants and buildings.
No occupational licensing or legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. However, this unit forms part of a minimum qualification requirement for the registration class of Draftsperson, Building Design (Architectural) category, with the Victorian Building Authority.
 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU23459 Conduct, interpret and apply a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment

Element:

1. Analyse cause and effect of bushfires

Performance Criteria:

1.1

Identify BAL assessment requirements in relation to occupational health and safety (OHS)/work health and safety (WHS), legislative, workplace and certification requirements. 

1.2

Analyse bushfire behaviour to determine potential impact on building and the environment in bushfire-prone areas. 

1.3

Analyse the impact of topography and weather conditions to determine the risk of bushfires occurring and potential impact on human life and protection of building. 

1.4

Identify sources of combustion to determine how they influence bushfires. 

1.5

Consult with stakeholders to identify benefits of undertaking a BAL assessment. 

1.6

Review responsibilities of local, state and national authorities to determine their role in minimising the impact of bushfires. 

Element:

2.Correlate information about site conditions

Performance Criteria:

2.1

Review objectives of legislation and standards covering buildings in bushfire-prone areas. 

2.2

Identify site location to determine the Fire Danger Index (FDI) for the site. 

2.3

Identify site vegetation classification, vegetation type and exclusions to determine potential contribution to supporting fire progress. 

2.4

Measure the distance of vegetation from buildings to determine the level of bushfire risk to the site. 

2.5

Measure the slope of the land under the classified vegetation to determine the direct influence on the severity of a bushfire. 

 

Element:

3.Determine the BAL for site

Performance Criteria:

3.1

Use the FDI, vegetation classification and type, distance of vegetation and slope to select the BAL relevant to the site. 

3.2

Check the BAL assessment of the site for accuracy. 

3.3

Communicate the limitations and benefits of the BAL assessment to client. 

3.4

Document and report details of the BAL assessment according to workplace requirements. 

 

Element:

4.Interpret relevant bushfire information

Performance Criteria:

4.1

Identify requirements for a BAL assessment application in a bushfire-prone area and in a Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) according to design and construction process. 

4.2

Interpret standard definitions associated with bushfires in the context of building design. 

4.3

Determine purpose of applying a BAL assessment to inform design decisions. 

4.4

Analyse effects of bushfires on humans and buildings as they relate to each BAL. 

4.5

Analyse risks associated with each BAL to determine impact on building design, materials and construction methods. 

 

Element:

5. Integrate bushfire protection requirements into building design and construction

Performance Criteria:

5.1

Analyse building designs and individual design features to determine their resistance to bushfire and reduce the level of risk to occupants. 

5.2

Analyse features and benefits of materials to determine their suitability for the BAL assessment. 

5.3

Incorporate BAL assessment outcomes and the Australian Standards into the design and construction requirements for buildings in bushfire-prone areas. 

 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.


 


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place this semester with a blended classroom model using industry standard tools and resources. Classes will be face to face with online activities. 

Refer to your Course schedule and Canvas shells for specific information on how each of your courses is delivered this semester. 

You will also be required to undertake independent study.

Reference mode of delivery for this course is face to face delivery.

Face to face class activities will include:

• Tutorials and project-based work

• Group discussion

• Teacher directed activities/projects

• Online research

• Independent project-based work

• Studio Practice

 

Out-of-class activities will include:

• Online investigation and research

• Independent project-based work

 


Teaching Schedule

Conduct Interpret & Apply BAL, semester 1 2025 (2505) schedule.

Week

Lectorial Videos

  Assessment / Learning activities

  Assessment due

Week 8

Orientation

BAL Video 1, Course Intro

BAL Video 2, BAL Reports, Bushfire Prone Areas & BAL Ratings.

      No BAL studio.

  
Week 9

 BAL Video 3, BAL AT1B Intro

BAL Video 4, Legislation & Regulation.

BAL Video 5, Site Access & Site Safety

Studio 1

AT1B Introduction, AT1B, Parts 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 Canvas Quiz. 

  AT1B issued & due

Week 10

BAL Video 6, BAL Definitions & Bushfire Behaviour.

BAL Video 7, BAL AT2B, Site Assessment project Intro.

BAL Video 8, BAL Site Assessment Process.

Studio 2

AT2B Project Intro. Part A & BAL Reports intro

 AT2B Issued

Week 11

 

Studio 3

BAL Site Visits.

AT2 Part B & C BAL Reports

 

Week 12

  

Studio 4

AT2 Part B & C BAL Reports.

Part D, BAL Report check by another student

  AT2B, due

Week 13

BAL Video 9, BAL AT3B, Apply BAL project Intro.

BAL Video 10, BAL AT3B, Part A Intro

BAL Video 11, BAL AT3B, Part B, Intro, Canvas Week 8 activities, Bushfire protection of buildings.

BAL Video 12, BAL AT3B, Part B,

Locating the dwelling on the site.

Studio 5

AT3B Part A construction system research, Part B, Site Plan & Floor plan.

 AT3B Issued

Week 14

BAL Video 13, BAL AT3B, Part C Intro

BAL Video 14, BAL Construction Detailing.

Studio 6

AT3B Part B, Floor plans and elevations. Part C, Construction Detailing

 

Week 15

  

Studio 7

AT3B Part C, Construction Detailing, Part D, knowledge questions. Finalise project.

 AT3B, due

Week 16

  

BAL Resubmission week

  

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Key References: 

  • Australian Standard AS3959
  • NCC Volume One and Two
  • Relevant Australian Standards
  • Building product manufacturers information

 

RMIT Library:
Library Subject Guides: Architecture, Building Design and Urban Design
https://rmit.libguides.com/architecturebuildingandurbandesign

including:

  • Australian Standards Online (SAI Global)
  • Acumen (Australian Institute of Architects) and more...

 

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

including:

  • One-on-one consultations
  • Peer mentoring
  • Studiosity
  • Learning Lab and more...


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

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.

  • 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.

Project sequence may be subject to amendment.

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

 

All work for assessments is required to be submitted on the due date and time as outlined in the Assessment Tasks.

Exception to this is where an approved Equitable Learning Services plan after discussion with teacher, an application for Special Consideration or an approved Extension of Time is in place, submitted before the task’s due date with appropriate documentation.

Any extensions will be in relation to original submission date only. There are no extensions to resubmissions.

 

Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)


All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension of time for your assessable work.


Please see following access for the details on applying for extension of time to assessments;

Special consideration;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration  

 

Application for extension of time;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

 

Equitable assessment arrangements (EAA);

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/equitable-learning  

If your work is incomplete, you are strongly encouraged to submit your work on the due date, in order to meet the submission requirements. Should it be below competency you may be asked to resubmit within 5 working days.

 


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above)

These mapping documents are available through the Program Administration if required.  

 

Other Information

Attendance 

The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production.

It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to be successful in this course.

Canvas

Use Canvas to access your course content and announcements, submit assignments, and receive your grades and feedback; 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas

Student feedback at RMIT:

You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

The following link is an outline and ways that you will receive your feedback at RMIT;

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

Student Progress Monitoring 

Academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.

Please see following access to the Student progress policy webpage; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress

Submitting Assessments onto Canvas

Here is a guide to submitting assessments on Canvas; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/submitting-assessments-in-canvas

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism 

RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.

Please see following access for more information on Academic Integrity at RMIT; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

IT orientation

It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide 

Get involved in student life at RMIT

 

The links below are to various parts of the RMIT website and should be referred to on a regular basis until familiarity with them is achieved.

Academic Integrity:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/academic-integrity

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

Appeals:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/rights-and-responsibilities/appeals

Assessment (including submission):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/my-course/assessment-results/assessment

Attendance:
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises.  
It is expected that you will attend all timetabled sessions and engage in the required learning activities.
This is the only way to ensure you maximise your opportunity to complete this course successfully. 

Employability skills:
http://mams.rmit.edu.au/m1ad83koqygu.pdf

Extensions and special consideration:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Student Charter:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/charter

Student Responsibilities:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-life/rights-responsibilities/statement

Course Overview: Access Course Overview