Understanding Expiry Dates in Assessment Reports

What is an assessment report?

A test assessment report is a formal document that evaluates how a construction product or system is expected to perform in a fire, based on existing test data. Unlike a traditional fire safety engineering report, an assessment typically involves less direct testing and does not have to go through the same level of regulatory approval hurdles. It extends the scope of a product’s application beyond what was demonstrated in a single fire test, allowing for design modifications and system variations within the boundaries of testing laboratory assessment protocols, existing knowledge and evidence. The report defines a scope of approval that provides confidence to end-users and authorities that the product is suitable for its intended use, while offering a more flexible and efficient pathway to compliance.  

Assessment report as evidence of suitability

The suitability framework for evaluating fire resistance is set out in the National Construction Code (NCC). There are two pathways for compliance:   

Suitability – A5G1

Clause A5G1 explains building installation must use materials, products and construction methods that meet NCC requirements and are fit for their intended purpose. With respect to non-plumbing systems, the NCC explains products or building elements meets this standard if it complies with A5G3.

Evidence of suitability – A5G3 – Demonstration of performance

Clause A5G3 of NCC 2022 defines acceptable forms of evidence to demonstrate compliance. Specifically, Clause 1(d) recognises a report issued by an Accredited Testing Laboratory (ATL) as valid evidence, provided it:

• Demonstrates that the material, product or form of construction meets specific BCA requirements; and
• Details of the tests conducted, results obtained and any supporting information used to substantiate compliance.

The conditional phrase "Subject to" at the beginning of A5G3(1) means that the subsequent forms of evidence do not take precedence over the condition set by this clause. In the case of fire performance, A5G5 is the relevant governing requirement for the determination of fire resistance, and any evidence of performance must satisfy A5G5 to satisfy A5G3. This means, for example, a product technical statement or a report by a professional engineer for does not meet the requirements of evidence of suitability.

Fire-resistance of building elements – A5G5 – determination of performance

For a product or system where the Deem to Satisfy provisions require the building element to have a fire resistance level (FRL), it must be determined in accordance with S1C2.

A product or element of construction meets the requirements for determining the FRL if it is identical to a tested prototype as per S1C2(b) or different to a minor degree from a prototype tested as per S1C2(c). In both cases, the performance must be confirmed in a report from an ATL. Such a report serves as evidence of suitability for the determination and demonstration of performance and:

• Demonstrates that the material, product or form of construction meets specific NCC requirements; and
• Details of the tests conducted, results obtained and any supporting information used to substantiate compliance.

Framework for the assessment

Australia does not currently have a specific framework, standard or guideline for carrying out these assessments. In the absence of local guidance, we rely on international best practices from recognised fire testing industry bodies. Jensen Hughes have adopted the Guide to Undertaking Technical Assessments of the Fire Performance of Construction Products Based on Fire Test Evidence, published by the Passive Fire Protection Forum (PFPF) in the UK in 2021. This guide outlines how to review fire test data, extend results where appropriate and develop evidence-based assessments. Our assessment also follows general principles outlined in EN 15725:2023 for extended application on the fire performance of construction products and building elements: Principle of EXAP standards and EXAP reports. 

By following this approach, we ensure our assessments remain consistent, technically sound and reliable for demonstrating compliance, even without an Australia-specific framework. 

Why do assessment reports have expiry dates?

A fire assessment report represents a technical opinion on how a construction product or element is expected to perform under fire conditions as previously discussed. This opinion is derived from available test evidence at the time of creating the document, typically involving data from fire tests conducted on the same or similar products. Unlike a fire test report – which is a factual record of a specific test conducted under defined conditions – an assessment report involves interpretation and extrapolation of test data to evaluate performance in broader or varied applications.

Over time, several factors contribute to the evolution of assessment outcomes:

• Changes in test standards: Fire test standards are periodically revised to better reflect real-world scenarios. These updates may introduce more stringent criteria, new testing methodologies or refined performance benchmarks, all of which can influence how existing data is interpreted.
• Updates to construction codes: Building codes and fire safety regulations tend to become more conservative over time, often in response to emerging risks, technological advancements or lessons learned from fire incidents. These changes can affect the acceptability of previously assessed products.
• Advancement in engineering understanding: As more fire tests are conducted and more data becomes available, engineers gain deeper insights into material behaviour, failure modes and performance patterns. This evolving understanding can lead to reassessment of earlier conclusions.

Due to these dynamic factors, the outcome of a fire assessment for an identical product may vary over time. To ensure that assessments remain current and relevant, assessment reports are typically issued with an expiry date. At Jensen Hughes, all reports are issued with a five-year validity. This is consistent with the PFPF guideline. This practice ensures that the technical opinion reflects the latest standards, regulatory requirements, engineering knowledge and best practices.

In contrast, a fire test report does not expire. It remains a static record of a specific event, documenting how a product performed under the conditions of that particular test. While still valuable, test reports alone may not provide sufficient basis for ongoing compliance or suitability in evolving construction contexts.

Ultimately, the periodic review and renewal of assessment reports is essential to maintaining safety, compliance and confidence in fire performance evaluations across the construction industry.