The National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 is proposing pivotal changes to fire safety standards in building materials, reinforcing the critical role of accredited testing in safeguarding public safety. As extreme weather events become increasingly common due to climate change, designing with fire-resistant materials is more essential than ever. These updates to the NCC aim to ensure that fire safety assessments are conducted with the highest levels of reliability and consistency.
One of the most significant changes proposed in NCC 2025 is the mandatory requirement for fire safety assessments to be conducted by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by NATA. This change addresses a long-standing gap where some laboratories have conducted fire tests without formal accreditation, leading to potential inconsistencies in safety standards. The NCC 2025 requirement for all fire tests related to building materials and systems to be performed by accredited laboratories will ensure a uniform standard of fire safety across Australia.
According to the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), this change is critical for enhancing the robustness of fire safety evaluations. By requiring accreditation, the NCC 2025 aims to eliminate discrepancies in testing practices, providing a more consistent and reliable basis for compliance with fire safety regulations. This move is expected to improve the overall safety of buildings and reduce the risk of fire-related incidents.
NATA is committed to supporting its members and the broader industry upon adoption of the proposed changes. We encourage all stakeholders to utilise NATA-accredited laboratories for their fire safety assessments to ensure compliance with NCC 2025.
For more information please visit www.abcb.gov