The BCA is a mandatory performance-based code for the design and construction of Class 1 to 10 buildings. At the time of preparation of the Standard the BCA did not contain specific provisions relating to the design of structures referred to as private bushfire shelters.

Accordingly, the Standard was developed to facilitate informed decision making by professional practitioners undertaking the design of private bushfire shelters as well as third party practitioners who must evaluate the designs. State and Territory Governments have determined private bushfire shelters to be Class 10c buildings for the purposes of building regulation.

Section 2 of the Standard contains a fundamental Performance Requirement that describes a level of performance required to be provided by a private bushfire shelter, i.e. to provide a tenable environment for occupants during the passage of untenable conditions arising from a bushfire event.

The Standard does not include a comprehensive 'Deemed-to-Satisfy' building solution for the design of private bushfire shelters. Instead, Section 2 provides a Table of Acceptance Criteria related to compliance with the Performance Requirement. Therefore, in all instances, designers are required to use professional judgment in order to develop designs intended to comply with the Performance Requirement. Appendices to the Standard provide important additional information on a range of considerations related to the design and construction of private bushfire shelters.