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Australian fire standards for flooring


This guide provides a clear overview of these regulations, helping ensure your flooring choice complies with the National Construction Code (NCC) fire safety standards, promoting safety and compliance across different building types.

Australian standards for fire hazard for flooring floor covering, Forbo flooring comprehensive guide

The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume One defines the fire hazard property requirements for flooring in Class 2 to 9 buildings. These buildings encompass various types, including offices, retail spaces, and healthcare facilities.

Fire ratings for floor coverings

Specification 7 (formerly NCC 2019 C1.10 Fire hazard properties) outlines fire rating criteria for flooring, including:

  • Critical Radiant Flux (CRF)
  • Smoke Development Rate
  • Group Number for only when the floor covering is continued more than 150 mm up a wall

These requirements ensure flooring materials meet the necessary fire safety standards for different building applications. Always check test reports to verify compliance with Specification 7.

AS ISO 9239.1-2003 Reaction to fire test for floorings

The Australian standard AS ISO 9239.1-2003, is the standard test method used to assess the fire performance of flooring materials.

It measures:

  • Critical Radiant Flux (CRF): Also referred to as Critical Heat Flux (CHF in kW/m²), this determines the minimum heat required to sustain flame spread.

  • Smoke Development Rate: Measured in %.min, this evaluates the amount of smoke generated during combustion.

Test results from AS ISO 9239.1 help determine whether flooring meets National Construction Code (NCC) fire safety requirements.

Forbo fire test report for flooring and how to understand
Visual Guide to Australian fire safety standard for flooring and wall lining

The ultimate guide to Australian fire safety requirement for flooring

Understanding National Construction Code (NCC) fire safety requirements for flooring can be complex—but we’ve made it simple.

Our visual and easy-to-follow guide breaks down fire rating requirements by area, helping you quickly identify the right flooring solutions for fire safety compliance.

✅ Clear, visual format for easy reference
✅ Breakdown by area to simplify compliance
✅ The go-to resource for architects, designers, and builders

Download your free guide now

A general rule of thumb:
If the Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) > 4.5 kW/m² and the Smoke Development Rate < 750%.min,
the flooring complies in Class 2 to 9 buildings with or without sprinklers.

Understanding fire test reports

Technical terms in test reports can differ from those used in the National Construction Code (NCC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA). We've created a comparison table that translates key testing terms into NCC specifications to make interpretation easier.

Flooring Fire test terminology comparison

Test Method (AS 9239.1)NCC/BCA Equivalent
CHF Value Critical radiant flux (CHF)
Smoke Value Smoke development rate
MeanFinal average result

How to meet fire standards with AS ISO 9239.1 testing

To comply with National Construction Code (NCC) fire safety requirements for flooring, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure their products are tested under AS ISO 9239.1-2003, which assesses a flooring material’s reaction to fire.

This standard is identical to ISO 9239-1 and specifies the burning behaviour of flooring when exposed to a radiant heat source.

Any questions about fire safety requirements for flooring? Contact us!