AS3959:2018 (Construction in Bushfire-Prone Areas) sets the requirements for building in these high-risk zones, while AS1530.8.2:2018 (Methods for Fire Tests) provides the specific laboratory test methods to verify if building components (like windows or doors) can withstand the simulated bushfire attacks defined in AS3959, with AS1530.8.2 covering the most extreme Flame Zone (FZ) attack levels, acting as a benchmark for performance.

The Core Relationship

• AS3959 (The “What”): Defines where and how buildings need to be constructed to resist bushfires, establishing Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs).
• AS1530.8.2 (The “How”): Provides the test procedure to prove that a building product meets the performance criteria required for those BALs, particularly the highest levels like BAL-FZ. 

In Practice

1. Assess the BAL: Using AS3959, a site is assessed to determine its BAL (e.g., BAL 12.5, BAL 40, BAL FZ).
2. Select Components: For higher BALs (like BAL FZ), you need windows, doors, etc..
3. Verify with Testing: To use a product in a BAL FZ area, it must be tested and certified to meet the criteria in AS1530.8.2 (or other relevant standards like AS1530.4 for some cases).
4. Compliance: If a product passes the AS1530.8.2 test, it demonstrates it can provide the necessary protection against ember attack, radiant heat, and flame contact as required by AS3959 for that specific level. 

Essentially, AS3959 tells you the performance goal, and AS1530.8.2 provides the scientific method to prove a product achieves that goal.