Infrastructure Technologies

In recent months, several changes to guides and protocols a related to combustible cladding have occurred. A brief description of these changes are provided below. The fire at the Neo200 tower on Spencer Street, Melbourne, has highlighted ongoing concerns about combustible cladding on buildings. Thankfully, this fire resulted in no fatalities, however  th injuries were […]

Flooring Test to AS ISO 9239.1:2003 (R 2016) CSIRO offer flooring tests to AS ISO 9239.1:2003 (R 2016) ‘Reaction to fire tests for floorings Part 1: Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source‘. This determines the critical radiant flux and smoke development rate of the product. The results can be used to […]

CSIRO Infrastructure Technologies labs hold some of the longest standing NATA accreditation in Australia. Following a rigorous assessment the Melbourne laboratory accreditation scope was recently extended to include a method for Aluminium composite core (ACP) identification. The new accreditation is for the Ashing method, when used in conjunction with XRay Diffraction (XRD), gives accurate quantification […]

The CSIRO Fire Systems Laboratory announces the significant upgrade of its vibration test equipment. The laboratory has purchased and commissioned two new shaker and amplifier pairs, vastly extending its test capability and service offerings. An LDS V824 Shaker/Slip Table Combo system was recently acquired and commissioned. This system was previously operated by the Australian Defence Force, […]

Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has released a research report into the efficacy of residential smoke alarms. The report details the results of 25 scenarios that were tested in a specially constructed two bedroom unit at FRNSW’s test facility in Londonderry in NSW. The two bedroom unit was constructed using various modern furnishings and furniture […]

In March 2017, the Fire Systems Laboratory in conjunction with the Materials Durability Laboratory, conducted a corrosion test on a dry powder fire extinguisher in accordance with AS 1841.1. Clause 6.7 of AS 1841.1 requires that fire extinguishers are exposed to a 5% neutral salt spray test for a duration of at least 480 hr. The […]

Most people boil hotdogs, vegetables or lollies but at Infrastructure Technologies we boil full sized train windows. AS 2080 (2006) Appendix G requires a glazing to be immersed in boiling water for 2 hours. While other laboratories can easily perform this test on small sections of glazing, we went the extra step to convert the CSIRO […]

A guide to testing with CSIRO CSIRO offers a testing service for assessing the performance and classification of Type 1 louvres in accordance with the methods of the Australian Standard AS/NZS 4740, for Coefficient of Discharge, Effective Aerodynamic Area and Wind Loading Resistance. This guide aims to assist those who need to demonstrate compliance of […]

CSIRO Fire Systems has completed commissioning of the standardised test fires that are used for evaluating fire sensitivity of residential smoke alarms and commercial smoke detectors in it’s new facility located in Clayton, VIC. The test fires are conducted during conformity evaluation (type testing) of residential smoke alarms and commercial smoke detectors. Specifications for the test fires are identical […]

June 2016 CSIRO Fire Systems has successfully commissioned the new SO2 corrosion chamber and completed full 21 day cycles of testing to AS (IEC) 60068.2.42. This test is required for the new Australian standard for smoke alarms AS 3786:2014. The 21 day test exceeds the 4 day test requirement for the European test standard EN14604. CSIRO […]

We’ve developed a guideline to help the construction industry better understand how to ensure compliance with the relevant codes and standards for fire safety of external walls on high-rise buildings.

The ABCB have released a consultation impact statement on the non-compliant use of external cladding on high rise Type A and B buildings. Submissions are open till 30 September.

The Australian Building Codes Board have published an advisory note on the fire performance of external wall cladding. Developed in response to the Building Ministers’ Forum, the document provides guidance on interpretation of the National Construction Code. It is available for download from the ABCB website.