ED

ED

SU
PE

PURPOSE OF AMENDMENT
The main purpose of this amendment is to:
(a) Partially revise Part E1.
(b) Incorporate editorial changes to clarify the intent of certain provisions.
(f) Incorporate State/Territory variations, where appropriate, into the main
document.
(g) Delete those State/Territory variations deemed to be no longer appropriate.
(h) Reference the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB).
Provisions affected by this amendment are:
Preface
About the Housing Extract, Comments, ABCB
Part A1 definitions

ED

carport (deleted)
Part A2
A2.2(e), A2.2(f)

ED

Specification A1.3 Table 1

Deletions: AS 1529, AS 1736, AS 1903, AS 1904, AS 2121

Amendments: AS 1170, AS 1288, AS 1530, AS 1603, AS 1668, AS 1670, AS 1684, AS 1720, AS

1926, AS 3600, AS 3623, AS 3740, AS 3786, AS 4100, AS 4200, SSL

Specification C1.8
Specification C1.9
E1.7

SU

Part E1

PE

B1.2, B1.3(j), B1.3(m), B1.3(o)

Part B1

Specification E1.7
Part F1
F1.7
Part F3
Rewritten
Part F4
F4.4, F4.6
Part F5
F5.5
Part G1

G1.1(b), G1.3 (deleted)

ACT Appendix
Deletions:
ACT G1.101, ACT G1.102, ACT G1.104

Additions/Amendment:
ACT A2.101, ACT B1.3, ACT D2.13(b)(v), ACT E1.7, ACT Spec E1.7, ACT F6.2(e), ACT G1.1(b), ACT
G1.1(c)(v) (deleted)
Amendment ACT Spec A1.3
deletions: AS 1141 Part 41, AS 1940, AS 2890 Part 1
additions: AS 3660, AS 3661 Part 1,
NSW Appendix
NSW C1.9, NSW Spec C1.9, NSW D2.1, NSW Table D3.2, NSW E1.1, NSW Table E 2.2, NSW Spec
E1.5, NSW F4.5
Amendments:
NSW Specification A1.3 Table 1 (Ministerial Specification No 10 deleted), NSW E1.7, NSW Spec E1.7,
NSW F1.7, NSW F5.1(a)
NT Appendix
NT B1.3 (added), NT B1.2
QLD Appendix

ED

Qld Specification A1.3 Table 1

SA Appendix
Deletions:

ED

SA Part D3, SA PART G6, SA G6.102

Additions:
SA E1.7, SA Spec E1.7

Amendments:
SA D3.1, SA D3.2, SA G1.1(b)(ii)

TAS Appendix

PE

Additions:

Tas E1.1, Tas E1.7, Tas Spec E1.7

Amendments:

SU

Tas F2.102(a), Tas F2.102(b)(iv), Tas G1.1(e)

VIC Appendix
Deletions:
Vic F5
Additions:

Vic Spec E1.7, Vic F5.1

Amendments:
Vic A1.1 Definitions (Residential aged care building, Residential sprinkler system, added), Vic Spec
A1.3 (House energy rating), Vic E1.1, Vic E1.7.
WA Appendix
Amendments:
WA B1.3(p), WA Specification B1.3(m) 3., WA Spec B1.3(p).

************************************************************************************************

ABOUT THE HOUSING EXTRACT

ED

This publication contains extracts from the Building Code of Australia 1990 (BCA) and is
referred to as the Building Code of Australia 1990 Housing Extract. Being an extract only,
the publication is not suitable for legal reference.
The Housing Extract includes those provisions applicable to the design and construction
of most Class 1 and 10 buildings. In some special situations it may be necessary to refer
directly to the BCA to identify all relevant requirements. Provisions in the Extract have
been modified as necessary to delete reference to other building classifications. Those
parts shown as having "No BCA provisions" have been included to allow reference of
additional provisions in State and Territory Appendices.
The Housing Extract is published by the Australian Building Codes Committee (ABCB) for
use by designers, engineers, builders, owners and other interested persons in the building
industry.
The BCA has been adopted by all mainland States and Territories.

STATE AND TERRITORY VARIATIONS

PE

AMENDMENTS

ED

The Housing Extract includes individual State and Territory Appendices setting out
variations to the provisions for Class 1 and Class10 buildings which are considered
necessary for the application of the Extract in those States and Territories.
State and Territory variations to Clauses and Tables in the Housing Extract are identified
in the margin. Additional Clauses and Specifications to a Part of the Housing Extract are
included at the end of that Part and identified in the Section Content of each Appendix.

SU

The Housing Extract will be updated as amendments to the BCA are issued. This edition
of the Housing Extract includes the relevant provisions of Amendments No 1, 2, 3, 4 and
5.
Users of the Housing Extract should be aware that amendment No 5 may not necessarily
be in operation in each State or Territory at the time of issue.

STRUCTURE OF THE BCA

The BCA is generally based on a 3 level system:
Level 1 Objectives
Level 2 Performance requirements
Level 3 Deemed-to-satisfy provisions
or
Prescriptive provisions - where no (Level 2) Performance requirements
are yet stipulated.

OBJECTIVES
These are broad statements of intent included at the beginning of each Section and deal
with the basic concepts applying to all buildings and structures. They provide an
indication of what the clauses in the relevant Parts are meant to achieve. Objectives are
not intended to be used as controls in their own right. Their role is simply to assist in the
interpretation or application of the Parts to which they refer.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Some of the requirements of the BCA are expressed in performance terms. As an
alternative to any deemed-to-satisfy provisions, Accreditation Certificates, test reports or
other documentary evidence may be used as evidence to prove that a proposed
alternative or innovative material, component, design or construction method meets the
performance requirements of the BCA.

ED

DEEMED-TO-SATISFY PROVISIONS

PE

ED

Compliance with any referenced Australian Standard or any particular material,

component, design or construction method set out in a deemed-to-satisfy provision, is
conclusive proof that the relevant performance requirement of the BCA has been met.
There is of course no obligation for the applicant to use the deemed-to-satisfy provision
and an alternative may be used if sufficient evidence is provided to confirm that the
relevant performance requirement has been satisfied. The BCA allows for
StandardsMark product certification by Standards Australia to be used as evidence of
compliance with particular requirements or Standards.

PRESCRIPTIVE PROVISIONS

SU

In some instances the provisions of the BCA are expressed as prescriptive requirements
and there is no performance requirement against which a proposed material, component,
design or construction method can be assessed. If it is proposed to vary from a
prescriptive requirement the matter may then be resolved by an appropriate resolution
process.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION
The BCA allows for certificates from professional consultants to be used as evidence of
compliance with particular requirements or standards.
The enabling legislation will determine the extent of the use of professional certification
and the procedures for the submission of certificates, reports or other documentation to
Approval Authorities as evidence of compliance.

ACCREDITATION
The BCA provides for certificates of accreditation as evidence that the properties and
performance of a material, product, method of construction or design meets a particular
requirement.

A National Accreditation Scheme is administered by AUBRCC to facilitate the acceptance

of new and innovative products and systems.

DEFINITIONS
The words printed in italics have special meanings and are defined in clause A1.1.
Definitions and terminology used in the BCA are as far as possible consistent with that
used in State and Territory legislation, however where there is any conflict, the
requirements of the legislation take precedence.

ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

ED

The BCA is brought into effect by building control legislation in each State and Territory
which adopts the BCA as the technical requirements which have to be satisfied in order to
gain building approval. The Housing Extract does not alter or supersede the provisions
of the BCA. In the event of any discrepancy between the Housing Extract and the BCA,
the BCA in effect at the time in accordance with the relevant State or Territory legislation
will take precedence.

ED

COMMENTS

PE

Comments in writing on any matter concerning the text, presentation or further

development of the BCA are invited from building and other authorities, industry
organisations, professional operatives and the public generally. These should be
addressed toExecutive Dirrector
Australian Building Codes Board
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601.

SU

AUSTRALIAN BUILDING CODES BOARD

ABCB is established by agreement between the governments of the Commonwealth and
the States and Territories with provision for local Government and building industry
representation.
The ABCB is responsible to the Planning, Housing and Local Government Ministerial
Council with a mission to provide for proficiency and cost effectiveness in meeting
community expectations for health, safety and amenity in design, construction and use of
buildings through the creation of nationally consistent building codes, standards,
regulatory requirements and regulatory systems.
The Board - The Board comprises the following members:
(a) The principal officer of each State and Territory Administration responsible for
building regulatory matters.
(b) A representative of the Commonwealth
(c) A representative of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
(d) Three representatives of the building and construction industry
Building Codes Committee (BCC) - The BCC is the peak advisory body to the ABCB
with responsibility for technical matters associated with the BCA

SU

PE

ED

ED

The BBC comprises the Executive Director, one nominee each of the Commonwealth,
State, Territory and ALGA members of the ABCB and three industry members appointed
by the ABCB. Observers representing CSIRO, Standards Australia and the Australian
Fire Authorities Council also attend BCC meetings.
******************************************************************************************************

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

CONTENTS
Interpretation
A1.1
A1.2
A1.3
A1.4
A1.5

Definitions
Adoption of Standards and other references
Referenced Standards, etc
Differences between referenced documents and the BCA
Application of the BCA to a particular State or Territory

Acceptance of Design and Construction

ED

ED

Suitability of materials
Evidence of suitability
Fire-resistance of building elements
Classification of Buildings and Structures
Principles of classification
Classifications
Multiple classification

A2.1
A2.2
A2.3
A3
A3.1
A3.2
A3.3

Specifications

Standards Adopted by Reference.

Fire-resistance Of Building Elements

PE

Specification A1.3
Specification A2.3

INTERPRETATION

A1.1

Definitions

SU

PART A1

Alpine area means land(a) likely to be subject to significant snowfalls;

(b) in New South Wales, ACT or Victoria more than 1200 m above the
Australian Height Datum; and
(c) in Tasmania more than 900 m above the Australian Height Datum.
Alteration, in relation to a building, includes an addition or extension to a building.
Certificate of Accreditation means a certificate issued by AUBRCC or a State or
Territory accreditation authority stating that the properties and performance of a
building material or method of construction or design fulfil specific requirements
of the BCA.
Combustible (a) applied to a material - means combustible under AS 1530.1.

(b) applied to construction or part of a building -means constructed wholly or

in part of combustible materials.
(See definition of non-combustible).
NSW A1.1

Designated bushfire prone area means land which has been declared by
appropriate legislation to be likely to be subject to bushfires.
Exit means(a) Any, or any combination of the following if they provide egress to a road or
open space:
(i) An internal or external stairway.
(ii) A ramp complying with Section D.
(iii) A fire-isolated passageway.
(iv) A doorway opening to a road or open space.
(b) *
*
*

ED

External wall means an outer wall of a building which is not a common wall.

ED

Fire-resistance level (FRL) means the grading periods in minutes determined in

accordance with Specification A2.3, for(a) structural adequacy;
(b) integrity; and
(c) insulation,
and expressed in that order.

Note: A dash, for examples 90/-/- or -/-/-, means there is no requirement for an FRL for that
criterion.

PE

Fire-resisting, applied to a structural member or other part of a building, means

having the FRL required for that structural member or other part.
Flammability Index means the index number determined under AS 1530.2.

SU

Floor area means(a) in relation to a storey - the area of that storey measured over the
enclosing walls (if any) and that part of any common wall located within
the allotment; and
(b) in relation to a room - the area of the room measured within the finished
surfaces of the walls, and includes the area occupied by any cupboard or
other built-in furniture, fixture or fitting.
Foundation means the ground which supports the building.
Habitable room means a room used for normal domestic activities, and(a) includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room, television
room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room, study, playroom, family room
and sunroom; but
(b) excludes a bathroom, laundry, water closet, pantry, walk-in wardrobe,
corridor, hallway, lobby, photographic darkroom, clothes-drying room, and
other spaces of a specialised nature occupied neither frequently nor for
extended periods.
Insulation, in relation to an FRL, means the ability to maintain a temperature on the
surface not exposed to the furnace below the limits specified in AS 1530.4.

Integrity, in relation to an FRL, means the ability to resist the passage of flames and
hot gases specified in AS 1530.4.
SA A1.1 Ministers Specification

Lightweight construction means construction which incorporates or comprises(a) sheet or board material, plaster, render, sprayed application, or other
material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or abrasion;
or
(b) concrete and concrete products containing pumice, perlite, vermiculite, or
other soft material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or
abrasion; or
(c) masonry having a thickness less than 70 mm.

ED

Non-combustible (a) applied to a material - means not deemed combustible under AS1530.1 Combustibility Tests for Materials; and
(b) applied to construction or part of a building - means constructed wholly of
materials that are not deemed combustible.

ED

Open space means a space on an allotment, or a roof or similar part of a building

complying with D2.12, open to the sky and connected directly with a public
road.

Private garage means(a) any garage associated with a Class 1 building.

(b) *
*
*
(c) *
*
*

SU

PE

Professional engineer means a person who is(a) if legislation is applicable - a registered professional engineer in the
relevant discipline who has appropriate experience and competence in the
relevant field; or
(b) if legislation is not applicable(i) a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia; or
(ii) eligible to become a Corporate Member of the Institution of
Engineers, Australia, and has appropriate experience and
competence in the relevant field.
Registered Testing Authority means (a) the National Building Technology Centre (NBTC);
(b) the CSIRO Division of Building, Construction and Engineering (CSIRODBC&E);
(c) an authority registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities
(NATA) to test in the relevant field; or
(d) an organisation outside Australia recognised by NATA through a mutual
recognition agreement.
Required means required by the BCA.
Sanitary compartment means a room or space containing a toilet fixture, closet
pan, soil pan, chemical toilet, or the like.

Sarking-type material means a material such as a reflective foil or other flexible

membrane of a type normally used for a purpose such as water-proofing,
vapour proofing or thermal reflectance.
Site means the part of the allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be
erected.
NSW A1.1

Smoke-Developed Index means the index number for smoke developed under
AS 1530.3.
Sole-occupancy unit means a room or other part of a building for occupation by
one owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier to the exclusion of any other
owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier.
Spread-of-Flame Index means the index number for spread of flame under AS
1530.3
Standard Fire Test means the Fire-resistance Tests of Elements of Building
Construction as described in AS1530.4.

ED

Structural adequacy, in relation to an FRL means the ability to maintain stability and
adequate loadbearing capacity under AS 1530.4.
Structural member means a component or part of an assembly which provides
vertical or lateral support to a building or structure.

ED

QLD A1.1
SA A1.1

Swimming pool means any excavation or structure containing water and used for
swimming, wading, paddling, or the like, including a bathing or wading pool, or
spa.

PE

Window includes a roof light, glass panel, glass brick, glass louvre, glazed sash,
glazed door, or other device which transmits natural light directly from outside a
building to the room concerned when in the closed position.

A1.2

SU

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

Additional relevant BCA definitions are reprinted in the, South Australia, Tasmania,
Victoria and Western Australia Appendices.

Adoption of Standards and other references

The adoption of a Standard, rule, specification or provision included in any document

issued by the Standards Association of Australia or other body, does not include a
provision(a) specifying or defining the respective rights, responsibilities or obligations as
between themselves of any manufacturer, supplier or purchaser;
(b) specifying the responsibilities of any trades person or other building operative,
architect, engineer, authority, or other person or body;
(c) requiring the submission for approval of any material, building component, form
or method of construction, to any person, authority or body other than a person
or body empowered under State or Territory legislation to give that approval;
(d) specifying that a material, building component, form or method of construction,
must be submitted to Standards Australia or a committee of Standards
Australia for expression of opinion; or

(e) permitting a departure from the code, rule, specification or provision at the sole
discretion of the manufacturer or purchaser, or by arrangement or agreement
between the manufacturer and purchaser.

A1.3

Referenced Standards, etc

A reference to a document under A1.2 refers to the edition or issue together with any
amendment listed in Specification A1.3 and only so much as is relevant in the
context in which the document is quoted.

A1.4

Differences between referenced documents and the

BCA

The BCA overrules in any difference arising between it and any Standard, rule,
specification or provision in a document listed in Specification A1.3.

A1.5

Application of the BCA to a particular State or Territory

ED

ED

For application within a particular State or Territory, the BCA comprises(a) Sections A to H; and
(b) the variations, deletions and additions to Sections A to H applicable to that
State or Territory specified in the relevant Appendix.

Suitability of materials

A2.1

PART A2 ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION

Evidence of suitability

SU

A2.2

PE

Every part of a building must be constructed in a proper and workmanlike manner to

achieve the required level of performance, using materials that are not faulty or
unsuitable for the purpose for which they are intended.

Subject to A2.3, evidence to support the use of a material, form of construction or

design may be submitted or may be required to be submitted. That evidence may be
in the form of(a) a report issued by a Registered Testing Authority, showing that the material or
form of construction has been submitted to the tests listed in the report, and
setting out the results of those tests and any other relevant information that
demonstrates its suitability for use in the building;
(b) a current Certificate of Accreditation;
(c) a certificate from a professional engineer or other appropriately qualified person
which(i) certifies that a material, design or form of construction complies with the
requirements of the BCA; and
(ii) sets out the basis on which it is given and the extent to which relevant
specifications, rules, codes of practice or other publications have been
relied upon;
(d) a StandardsMark Certificate issued by Standards Australia; or

(e) a current SSL Product Listing Data Sheet and listing in the latest issue of the
Scientific Services Laboratory Register of Accredited Products - Fire Protection
Equipment; or
(f) any other form of documentary evidence that correctly describes the properties
and performance of the material or form of construction and adequately
demonstrates its suitability for use in the building,
and any copy of documentary evidence submitted under the BCA must be a
complete copy of the original report or document.

A2.3

Fire-resistance of building elements

The FRL of a building element must be determined in accordance with Specification

A2.3.
Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:
ACT A2.101 Hazardous materials

A3.1

ED

ED

PART A3 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND

STRUCTURES
Principles of classification

Classifications

A3.2

The classification of a building or part of a building is determined by the purpose for

which it is designed, constructed or adapted to be used.

NSW A3.2

PE

Buildings are classified as follows:

Class 1: one or more buildings which in association constitute-

SU

(a) Class 1a - a single dwelling being(i) a detached house; or

(ii) one of two or more attached dwellings, each being a building,
separated by a fire-resisting wall and includes a row house, terrace
house, town house or villa unit; or
(b) Class 1b - a boarding house, guest house, hostel or the like with a total
floor area not exceeding 300 m2 and in which not more than 12 persons
would ordinarily be resident,
which is not located above or below another dwelling or another Class of
building other than a private garage
Class 10: a non-habitable building or structure(a) Class 10a - a non-habital building being private garage, carport, shed, or
the like; or
(b) Class 10b - a structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining or freestanding wall, swimming pool, or the like.

A3.3

Multiple classification

Each part of a building must be classified separately, and-

(a)
(b)
(c)

*
*
*
Classes 1a, 1b, 10a and 10b are separate classifications; and
a reference to(i) Class 1 - is to Class 1a and 1b; and
(ii) *
*
* ; and
(iii) Class 10 - is to Class 10a or 10b.

SPECIFICATION A1.3 STANDARDS ADOPTED BY

REFERENCE
ACT Spec A1.3
NT Spec A1.3
QLD Spec A1.3
SA Spec A1.3
VIC Spec A1.3

Schedule of referenced documents

ED

1.

The Standards and other documents listed in Table 1 are referred to in the BCA.
Date

ED

No.

SCHEDULE OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Title

Minimum design loads on structures

(SAA Loading Code)

AS 1170

BCA
Clause(s)
B1.2

Table 1

1989

Dead and live loads and load combinations

Amdt 1, Jan 1993

Part 2

1989

Wind loads
Amdt 1, Jan 1991
Amdt 2, Jan 1993

Part 3

1990

Snow loads

Part 4

1993

Earthquake loads

1981

The use of steel in structures

(SAA Steel Structures Code)
Amdt 2, Oct. 1984

Spec A2.3, B1.3

1994

Glass in buildings - Selection and installation

(SAA Glass Installation Code)

B1.3

Methods of fire tests on building materials

components and structures

A1.1

AS 1288

PE

SU

AS 1250

Part 1

AS 1530
Part 1

1984

Combustibility test for materials

Part 2

1993

Test for flammability of materials building

construction

Part 4

1990

Fire-resistance tests on elements of building

construction
Note:
Previous test reports under Part 11976, and Part 4-1975 remain valid. New reports
of tests carried out after the date of amendment
must relate to the amended Standard.

AS 1538

1988

Cold-formed Steel Structures Code

AS 1562

1980

Design and installation of sheet roof and wall

cladding

Part 1

1992

Metal

B1.3

B1.3, F1.5

Automatic fire detection and alarm systems

AS 1603

Spec E1.7

Part 1

1990

Heat detectors

Part 4

1987

Control and indicating equipment

Amdt 1, June1988
Amdt 2, Oct 1989

Part 6

1987

Fire alarm bells

AS 1639

1990

The design and installation of corrugated fibrereinforced cement roofing and wall cladding
Amdt 1, May 1991

F1.5

AS 1664

1979

Rules for the use of aluminium in structures

(SAA Aluminium Structures Code)

B1.3

The use of mechanical ventilation and airconditioning in buildings

AS 1668
1991

Fire and smoke control

Spec E1.7

Part 2

1991

Mechanical ventilation for acceptable indoor-air

quality

F4.5

AS 1670

1986

Automatic fire detection and alarm systems system design, installation and commissioning
Amdt 1, Jan 1987
Amdt 2, March1988
Amdt 3, June 1988

Spec E1.7

Interior lighting

F4.4

AS 1680

ED

Part 1

1990

General principles and recommendations

Part 2

1990

Recommendations for specific tasks and interiors

AS 1684

1992

National Timber Framing Code

Amdt 1, Sept 1993
Amdt 2, June 1994

B1.3

AS 1691

1985

Rules for the installation of domestic oil-fired

appliances
(SAA Domestic Oil-fired Appliances Installation
Code)

G2.2

AS 1694

1974

Code of practice for physical barriers used in the

protection of buildings against subterranean
termites

B1.3

Part 1

Timber structures
(SAA Timber Structures Code)

SU

AS 1720

PE

ED

Part 1

1988

Design methods
Amdt 1, March 1993

B1.3

Part 4

1990

Fire resistance of structural timber

Spec A2.3

AS 1860

1991

Installation of particleboard flooring

B1.3

Swimming pool safety

AS 1926
Part 1

1993

Fencing for swimming pools

G1.1

AS 2049

1992

Roof tiles

B1.3, F1.5

AS 2050

1989

Fixing of roofing tiles

B1.3, F1.5

AS 2057

1986

Protection of buildings from sub-terranean

termites - Chemical treatment of soil for buildings
under construction

B1.3

AS 2159

1978

Rules for the design and installation of piles (SAA B1.3

Piling Code)
Composite construction in structural steel and
concrete
(SAA Composite Construction Code)

AS 2327

Part 1

1980

Simply supported beams

Spec A2.3, B1.3

Plastics building sheets

AS 2376

B1.3, F1.5

Part 1

1980
Extruded PVC

Part 2

1981
Glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP)

AS 2424

1981
Plastics building sheets- General installation
requirements and design of roofing systems

B1.3, F1.5

AS 2818

1986
Guide to swimming pool safety

G1.1

AS 2867

1986
Farm structures - General requirements for
structural design

B1.3

Residential slabs and footings

AS 2870

1988
Construction

B1.3, F1.10

AS 2904

1986
Damp-proof courses and flashings

F1.9

AS 2908

Cellulose cement products

Part 1

Part 1

1992
Corrugated sheets

Part 2

1992
Flat sheets

B1.3, F1.5

1990
Domestic solid-fuel burning appliancesInstallation

G2.2

AS 3600

1994
Concrete Structures

Spec A2.3, B1.3

AS 3623

1993
Domestic metal framing

AS 3666

1989
Air-handling and water systems in buildings Microbial control

F4.5

AS 3700

1988
Masonry in Buildings
(SAA Masonry Code)
Amdt 1, Jan 1989
Amdt 2, March 1991
Amdt 3, April 1992

Spec A2.3, B1.3, F5.5

AS 3740

1994
waterproofing of wet areas in residential buildings F1.7

AS 3786

1993
Smoke alarms

AS 3959

1991
Construction of buildings in bushfire prone areas

G5.2

AS 4055

1992
Wind loads for housing

B1.2

AS 4100

1990
Steel structures
Amdt 1, Aug 1992
Amdt 2, June 1993

Spec A2.3, B1.3

Part 1

Part 2

PE

ED

B1.3

SU

AS 4200

ED

AS 2918

Pliable building membranes and underlays

Spec E1.7

F1.6

1994
Materials
1994
installation requirements
Guidelines for assessment of fire resistance of
structural steel members

Spec A2.3

ASTM
D3018-90

Class A asphalt shingles surfaced with mineral

granules

B1.3

CSIRODBC&E

Special Report- Low Rise Domestic and Similar

Framed Structures, Part 4- Supplementary
Domestic Buildings for Built-Up Areas

B1.3

CSIRONBTC

Bulletin 5- Earth-wall Construction 4th edition1987

B1.3

ISO 140

Acoustics - Measurement of sound insulation in

buildings and of building elements

AISC

Part VI

SSL

1978(E)

Laboratory measurements of impact sound

insulation of floors

Spec F5.5

register of Accredited Products - Fire Protection

Equipment

Spec E1.7

SPECIFICATION A2.3
1.

FIRE-RESISTANCE OF BUILDING

ELEMENTS

Scope

This specification sets out the procedures for determining the FRL of building
elements.

2.

Rating

SU

PE

ED

ED

A building element meets the requirements of this Specification if(a) *

*
*
(b) it is identical with a prototype that has been submitted to the Standard Fire
Test, or an equivalent or more severe test, and the FRL achieved by the
prototype is confirmed in a report from a Registered Testing Authority which(i) describes the method and condition of test and the form of construction of
the tested prototype in full; and
(ii) certifies that the application of restraint to the prototype complied with the
Standard Fire Test; or
(c) it differs in only a minor degree from a prototype tested under (b) and the FRL
attributed to the building element is confirmed in a report from a Registered
Testing Authority which(i) certifies that the building element is capable of achieving the FRL despite
the minor departures from the tested prototype; and
(ii) describes the materials, construction and conditions of restraint which are
necessary to achieve the FRL; or
(d) it is designed to achieve the FRL in accordance with(i) AS1250, AS4100, AS2327 and AISC Guidelines for Assessment of Fire
Resistance of Structural Steel Members if it is a steel or composite
structure; or
(ii) AS3600 if it is a concrete structure; or
(iii) AS 1720.4 if it is a solid or glued-laminated timber structure; or
(iv) AS3700 if it is a masonry structure; or
(e) the FRL is determined by calculation based on the performance of a prototype
in the Standard Fire Test and confirmed in a report in accordance with
Clause 3.

3.

FRLs determined by calculation

If the FRL of a building element is determined by calculation based on a tested

prototype(a) the building element may vary from the prototype in relation to(i) length and height if it is a wall; and
(ii) height if it is a column; and
(iii) span if it is a floor, roof or beam; and
(iv) conditions of support; and
(v) to a minor degree, cross-section and components.

SU

PE

ED

ED

(b) the report must demonstrate by calculation that the building element would
achieve the FRL if it is subjected to the regime of the Standard Fire Test in
relation to(i) structural adequacy (including deflection); and
(ii) integrity; and
(iii) insulation; and
(c) the calculations must take into account(i) the temperature reached by the components of the prototype and their
effects on strength and modulus of elasticity; and
(ii) appropriate features of the building element such as support, restraint,
cross-sectional shape, length, height, span, slenderness ratio,
reinforcement, ratio of surface area to mass per unit length, and fire
protection; and
(iii) features of the prototype that influenced its performance in the Standard
Fire Test although these features may not have been taken into account in
the design for dead and live load; and
(iv) features of the conditions of test, the manner of support and the position
of the prototype during the test, that might not be reproduced in the
building element if it is exposed to fire; and
(v) the design load of the building element in comparison with the tested
prototype.
************************************************************************************************

SECTION B STRUCTURE
CONTENTS
Objectives
B1
B1.1
B1.2
B1.3

Structural Provisions
General requirements
Loads
Construction deemed-to-satisfy

OBJECTIVES

Structural Provisions

ED

Part B1

ED

A building must be so designed and constructed that the following

objectives are fulfilled:

All loads, internal actions, material properties and foundation conditions that
significantly affect structural sufficiency or serviceability must be taken into account
in the construction of a building or other structure.

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

B1.1

General Requirements

PE

PART B1

SU

A building or structure and its materials and components must be capable of

sustaining at an acceptable level of safety and serviceability(a) the most adverse combination of loads (including combinations of loads that
might result in a potential for progressive collapse); and
(b) other actions,
to which they may reasonably be subjected.

B1.2

Loads
NT B1.2

The loading requirements of B1.1 are satisfied if the building or structure can resist
loads determined in accordance with the following:
(a) Dead and live loads and load combinations: AS 1170.1.
(b) Wind loads: AS 1170.2.
(c) Snow loads: AS 1170.3.
(d) Earthquake loads: AS 1170.4.
(e) Wind loads for housing: AS 4055.

B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

ED

ED

The requirements of B1.1 for materials and forms of construction are satisfied if they
comply with the following:
(a) Masonry (including masonry-veneer, unreinforced masonry and reinforced
masonry): AS 3700.
(b) Concrete construction (including reinforced and prestressed concrete):
AS 3600.
(c) Steel construction(i) Steel structures: AS4100 or AS1250 except that where AS1250 is used
the following limitations apply:
(A) Steels must have a specified yield stress not greater than 350MPa.
(B) Hot rolled steel sections and flat plate must not be more than 40 mm
thick.
(C) *
*
*
(D) Beam elements must not be greater than 20 m in length.
(ii) Cold formed steel structures: AS 1538.
(d) Composite steel and concrete: AS 2327.1
(e) Aluminium construction: AS 1664.
QLD B1.3(f)
SA B1.3(f)
VIC B1.3(f)

SU

PE

(f) Timber construction(i) Design of timber structures: AS 1720.1

(ii) Timber structures not subject to snow loads: AS1684.
(iii) In a Class 10a building with a floor area less than 60m2 located in an area
not subjected to seismic activity snow loads, and where the design wind
velocity calculated under AS1170.2 does not exceed 33 m/s: CSIRODBC&E Special Report- Low Rise Domestic Similar Framed Structures,
Part 4-Supplementary Domestic Buildings for Built-up Areas, Sections I to
V.
WA B1.3(g)

(g) Footings: Footings for Class 1 and 10a buildings: AS 2870.1

(h) Piling: AS2159.
VIC B1.3(i)

(i)

Glass installations: AS1288.

ACT B1.3(j)

(j) Protection from termites: Where a structural member is subject to attack by

subterranean termites:
(i) Physical barriers: AS 1694.
(ii) Soil treatment: AS 2057.
(k) Roof construction (except in cyclone areas):
(i) Extruded PVC and glass fibre reinforced polyester (GRP) sheeting: AS
2376, AS 2424.
(ii) Roofing tiles: AS2049, AS2050.

(iii) Cellulose fibre reinforced corrugated cement sheets: AS2908.1 with safety
mesh installed in accordance with AS2424 Clause 2.3.3. for PVC and
GRP sheeting.
(iv) Metal roofing: AS1562.1
(v) Asphalt shingles: ASTM D3018-90, Type A
(l) Particleboard structural flooring: AS1860 (except for Clauses 5 and 6 and
Table 1).
WA B1.3(m)

(m) Earthwall construction: NBTC Bulletin 5, edition 4, Tables 3.1 and 3.7 and
associated Table.
(n) Structures for primary production purposes in rural areas: AS 2867
(o) Domestic metal framing: As 3623
VIC B1.3(p),(q),(r)
WA B1.3(p)

SU

PE

ED

ED

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

NT Specification B1.2
Loads in Cyclonic Areas.
WA Specification B1.3(m)
Earth Wall Construction.
WA Specification B1.3(o)
Seismic Construction - Class 1 Buildings.
*******************************************************************************************

SECTION C FIRE RESISTANCE

CONTENTS
Objectives
C1
C1.9

Fire Resistance and Stability

Class 1 and 10 buildings

Specifications
Fire-resisting Construction.
Fire-Resistance of Class 1 and 10 Buildings.

ED

Specification C1.1
Specification C1.9

OBJECTIVES

ED

A building must be so designed and constructed that the following objectives are
fulfilled:

Part C1

Fire Resistance and Stability

SU

PE

(a) A building must be constructed so that it is protected from fire in any other
building.
(b) Materials used in the construction must be such that if there is a fire in the
building(i) the spread of fire and the generation of smoke and toxic gases will be
minimised;
(ii) stability will be maintained for a period at least sufficient for the occupants
to escape and to ensure the safety of fire-fighters; and
(iii) there will be little risk of collapse onto adjoining property.

PART C1

FIRE RESISTANCE AND STABILITY

NSW C1.9

C1.9

Class 1 and 10 buildings

(a) Class 1 buildings must be protected from the spread of fire from(i) another building other than an appurtenant Class 10 building; and
(ii) the allotment boundary.
(b) Class 10a buildings must not significantly increase the risk of spread of fire
between Class 2 to 9 buildings.
(c) For Class 1 buildings and Class 10a buildings appurtenant to Class 1 buildings,
construction in accordance with Specification C1.9 satisfies (a).

Specification C1.1
2.5
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)

*
*
*
*

FIRE-RESISTING CONSTRUCTION

General concessions
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

PE

ED

ED

(e) Non-combustible materials - The following materials, though combustible or

containing combustible fibres, may be used wherever a non-combustible
material is required:
(i) plasterboard;
(ii) perforated gypsum lath with a normal paper finish;
(iii) fibrous-plaster sheet conforming to AS2185 Specification for Fibrous
Plaster Products;
(iv) fibre-reinforced cement sheeting;
(v) pre-finished metal sheeting having a combustible surface finish not
exceeding 1 mm thickness and where the Spread-of-Flame Index of the
product is not greater than 0;
(vi) bonded laminated materials where(A) each laminate is non-combustible; and
(B) each adhesive layer does not exceed 1 mm in thickness; and
(C) the total thickness of adhesive layers does not exceed 2 mm; and
(D) the Spread-of-Flame Index and the Smoke-Developed Index of the
laminated material as a whole does not exceed 0 and 3 respectively.

1.

STRUCTURAL TESTS FOR

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION

SU

SPECIFICATION C1.8
Scope

This Specification describes tests to be applied to and criteria to be satisfied by a

wall system of lightweight construction.

2.

Application

A wall system need not be tested in accordance with this specification for static
pressure or impact if it is designed and constructed in accordance with Section B to
resist the appropriate pressures and impacts defined in this specification.

3.

Tests

3.4
Walls generally
An external and internal wall of lightweight construction that is required to be fireresisting, must be subjected to the following tests and must fulfil the following criteria:
(a) The materials tests of Clause 5(a) and the criteria of Clause 6(a).

(b) A static test by the imposition of a uniformly distributed load of 0.25 kPa (or its
equivalent) in accordance with Clause 5(b) and the damage and deflection
criteria of Clauses 6(b) and (c) respectively.
(c) A dynamic test by fall of the impact bag through a height of 100 mm in
accordance with Clause 5(c) and the damage and deflection criteria of Clauses
6(b) and (d) respectively.
(d) The surface indentation test of Clause 5(d) and the surface indentation criterion
of Clause 6(e).

4.

Test specimens

4.1
General
Testing must be carried out on either(a) construction in situ; or
(b) a laboratory specimen of the construction.

ED

ED

4.2
Testing in situ
If testing is carried out in situ, it must be done on that part of the construction least
likely, because of the particular combination of the height of the walls, the support
conditions and other aspects of the construction, to resist the loads.

SU

PE

4.3
Testing of specimens
If a laboratory specimen is tested, the specimen must span only in the direction
corresponding to the height of the wall and testing must be done in accordance with
either (a) or (b) below:
(a) (i) the height of the test specimen (or length, if the specimen is tested
horizontally) must be identical with the height between supports in the
actual construction; and
(ii) the specimen must be supported at the top and bottom (or at each end if
tested horizontally) by components identical with, and in a manner
identical with, the actual construction.
(b) If the distance between supports of the actual construction is more than 3 m,
then a smaller specimen may be tested but(i) the distance between supports must be not less than 3 m; and
(ii) forces, reactions and support conditions must be modelled so as to
reproduce the behaviour of the actual construction if it were tested in-situ.

5.

Test methods

Tests must be carried out in accordance with the following:

(a) Material tests - The methods specified for the constituent materials of the
construction of the standards adopted by reference in the BCA.
(b) For resistance to static pressure - The provisions for testing walls under
transverse load in ASTM E72-80, except that(i) support conditions must be as specified in Clause 4.3; and
(ii) equivalent load shall mean the quarter-point load that produces the same
deflection or central moment as appropriate.

(c) For resistance to impact - The provisions for testing wall systems in
ASTM E695-79 (1985), except that(i) the point of impact must be set 1.5 m above finished floor level or 1.5 m
above the part of the specimen that corresponds to finished floor level;
and
(ii) the impact bag must be not less than 225 mm in diameter and not more
than 260 mm in diameter and have a mass of 27.2 kg (+ 0.1 kg, -0); and
(iii) the mass must be achieved by putting loose, dry sand into the bag and
must be adjusted before each series of impact tests; and
(iv) where the impact bag and suspension cannot be vertical at the instant of
impact on a curved surface or an inclined surface, the height of drop is the
net height at the point of impact.
(d) For resistance to surface indentation - For all materials irrespective of
composition the test for surface hardness of Clause A2 of Appendix A of
AS 2185.

Criteria of compliance

6.

ED

ED

(e) For resistance of lift shaft construction to repetitive load - As for 5(b)
except that(i) it is sufficient to test one specimen with the pressure applied from the side
of the construction on which the lift will operate; and
(ii) the load must be applied dynamically at a frequency not less than 1 Hz
and not more than 3 Hz; and
(iii) equivalent load shall mean the quarter-point load that produces the same
central moment as the distributed load.

PE

The wall system or the specimen of it must fulfil the following criteria:
(a) Materials - Materials must comply with the applicable standard adopted by
reference in the BCA.

SU

(b) Damage - There must no crack, penetration or permanent surface-deformation

to a depth of more than 0.5 mm or any other non-elastic deformation or
fastener failure.
(c) Deflection - Static pressure - Under static pressure the deflection must not be
more than(i) 1/240th of the height between supports; nor
(ii) for construction other than a lift shaft - 30 mm; or
(iii) for a lift shaft - 20 mm unless the requirements of Clause 15.2(a) of
AS 1735.2 are fulfilled.
(d) Deflection - Impact - Under impact the instantaneous deflection must not be
more than(i) 1/120th of the height of the wall between supports; nor
(ii) for construction other than a lift shaft - 30 mm; or
(iii) for a lift shaft - 20 mm unless the requirements of Clause 15.2(a) of
AS 1735.2 are fulfilled.
(e) Surface indentation - No impression must be more than 5 mm in diameter.

Specification C1.9 FIRE-RESISTANCE OF CLASS 1 AND 10

BUILDINGS
1.
Scope
This Specification is a set of methods which satisfy the performance requirements of
C1.9(a).
2.
External walls of Class 1 buildings
An external wall of a Class 1 building, and any openings in that wall, must comply
with Clause 4 if the wall is less than(a) 1 m from an allotment boundary other than the boundary adjoining a road
alignment or other public space; or
(b) 2 m from another building on the same allotment other than an appurtenant
Class 10 building or a detached part of the same Class1 building.

ED

ED

3.
Measurement of distances
(a) The distance from any point on an external wall of a building to an allotment
boundary or another building is the distance to that point measured along a line
at right angles from the allotment boundary or external wall of the other building
which intersects that point without being obstructed by a wall complying with
Clause 4.
(b) Where a wall within a specified distance is required to be constructed in a
certain manner, only that part of the wall (including any openings) within the
specified distance need be constructed in that manner.

SU

PE

4.
Construction of external walls
(a) External walls (including gables) referred to in Clause 2 or 5 must extend to the
underside of a non-combustible roof covering or non-combustible eaves lining
and must(i) have an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 when tested from the outside; or
(iii) be of masonry-veneer construction in which the external masonry veneer
is not less than 90mm thick; or
(iii) be of masonry construction not less than 90 mm thick.
(b) Openings in external walls referred to in Clause 2 or 5 must be protected by(i) non-openable fire windows or other construction with an FRL of not less
than 60/60/- ; or
(ii) self-closing solid core doors not less than 35 mm thick.
(c) Sub-floor vents, roof vents, weepholes and penetrations for pipes, conduits and
the like need not comply with (b).
5.
Class 10a buildings
(a) Where a Class 10a building is located between a Class 1 building and the
allotment boundary, other than the boundary adjoining a road alignment or
other public space, the Class 1 building must be protected in one of the
following ways:
(i) The Class 10a building is not less than 900 mm from the allotment
boundary, other than the boundary adjoining a road alignment or other
public space,.

SU

PE

ED

ED

(ii) An external wall of the Class 10a building which is less than 900 mm from
an allotment boundary, other than the boundary adjoining a road
alignment or other public space, complies with Clause 4.
(iii) An external wall of the Class 10a building which is less than 900 mm from
the Class 1 building complies with Clause 4.
(iv) The Class 1 building is not less than 900 mm from the Class 10a building.
(v) An external wall of the Class 1 building which is less than 900 mm from
the Class 10a building complies with Clause 4.
(b) Where a Class 10a building is located between a Class 1 building to which it is
appurtenant and another building on the same allotment, the Class 1 building
must be protected in one of the following ways:
(i) The Class 10a building is not less than 1.8 m from the other building.
(ii) An external wall of the Class 10a building which is less than 1.8 m from
the other building complies with Clause 4.
(iii) An external wall of the Class 10a building which is less than 1.8 m from
the Class 1 building complies with Clause 4.
(iv) The Class 1 building is not less than 1.8 m from the Class 10a building.
(v) An external wall of the Class 1 building which is less than 1.8m from the
Class 10a building complies with Clause 4.
(c) Where two or more Class 10a buildings on the same allotment are appurtenant
to different Class 1 buildings, the Class 10a buildings must be separated(i) from each other by a distance of not less than 1.8 m; or
(ii) from each other by external walls complying with Clause 4; or
(iii) from each Class 1 building by a distance of not less than 900 mm; or
(iv) from each Class 1 building by external walls complying with Clause 4; or
(v) by a wall complying with Clause 7.
(d) A carport is exempt from (a), (b) and (c) if(i) it has two or more sides open and at least one third of its perimeter open
and, for the purposes of this clause, a side is considered to be open if the
roof covering adjacent to that side is at least 500 mm from another
building or allotment boundary; and
(ii) it has a non-combustible roof covering and any ceiling lining and wall
cladding, including gables, is also non-combustible ; and
(iii) it does not provide direct vertical support to any part of the Class 1
building; and
(iv) in the case where it has a common roof structure with the Class 1 building
and the carport does not have a ceiling, the opening between the top of
the wall of the Class 1 building and the underside of the roof covering is
infilled with(A) a non-combustible material; or
(B) construction clad with non-combustible material on the carport side.
6.
Allowable encroachments
(a) An encroachment in relation to any external wall of a Class 10a building
required to comply with Clause 4 or any external wall of a Class 1 building is

ED

any construction between the external wall of the building and the allotment
boundary, or the external walls of two buildings on the same allotment.
(b) The encroachments allowed within 900 mm of an allotment boundary or within
1.8m of another building on the same allotment are(i) fascias, gutters, downpipes and the like; and
(ii) eaves with non-combustible roof cladding and non-combustible lining; and
(iii) flues, pipes, domestic fuel tanks, cooling or heating appliances or other
services; and
(iv) light fittings, electricity or gas meters, aerials or antennas; and
(v) pergolas or sun blinds; and
(vi) unroofed terraces, landings, steps and ramps, not more than 1 m in
height.
(c) Encroachments listed in (b)(i), if combustible, b(ii) and b(iii) must not be built
within 450 mm of an allotment boundary nor be built within 900 mm of the
external wall or associated encroachments of another building on the same
allotment.

SU

PE

ED

7.
Separating walls
(a) A wall that separates Class 1 dwellings, or separates a Class 1 building from a
Class 10a building which is not appurtenant to that Class 1 building must have
an FRL of not less than 60/60/60 and(i) commence at the footings or ground slab; and
(ii) extend(A) if the building has a non-combustible roof covering, to the underside
of the roof covering; or
(B) if the building has a combustible roof covering, to not less than
450 mm above the roof covering.
(b) A separating wall of lightweight construction must comply with Specification
C1.8.
(c) A separating wall complying with (a)(ii)(A)(i) must not be crossed by timber or other combustible building elements
except for roof battens with dimensions of 75 mm x 50 mm or less; and
(ii) must have any gap between the top of the wall and the underside of the
roof covering packed with mineral fibre or other suitable fire-resisting
material.
(d) Where a building has a masonry veneer external wall, any gap between the
separating wall and the external masonry veneer must be(i) not greater than 50 mm; and
(ii) packed with a mineral fibre or other suitable fire-resisting material with the
packing arranged to maintain any waterproofing requirements of F1.4.
8.

Sarking-type materials
WA Spec C1.8 8

Any sarking-type material used in the roof of a Class 1 building must have a
Flammability Index of not more than 5

9.

Rooflights

Combustible rooflights or the like installed in a roof or part of a roof required to have
a non-combustible covering must(a) have an aggregate area not more than 20 % of the roof or part of the roof; and
(b) be not less than(i) 900 mm from(A) the allotment boundary other than the boundary adjoining a road
alignment or other public space; and
(B) the vertical projection of a separating wall extending to the underside
of the roof covering; and
(ii) 1.8 m from any rooflight or the like in another building on the allotment
other than an appurtenant building or a detached part of the same
building.

SU

PE

ED

ED

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

Tas Specification C1.9
101 Roofing
************************************************************************************************

SECTION D ACCESS AND EGRESS

CONTENTS
Objectives
D2
D2.1
D2.13
D2.16

Construction of Exits
Application of Part
Treads and risers
Balustrades

D3

Access for People with Disabilities

ED

No BCA Provisions.

OBJECTIVES

ED

A building must be so designed and constructed that the following objectives are
fulfilled:

Construction of Exits

Part D2

PE

(a) Stairways, ramps and passageways must be such as to provide safe passage
for the users of the building.
(b) Stairways, ramps, floors and balconies, and any roof to which people normally
have access, must have bounding walls, balustrades or other barriers where
necessary to protect users from the risk of falling.

CONSTRUCTION OF EXITS

D2.1

Application of Part

SU

PART D2

WA D2.1

Except for D2.13 and D2.16, this Part does not apply to(a) a Class 1 or Class 10 building.

D2.13

Treads and risers

(a) A stairway must be suitable to provide safe passage in relation to the nature,
volume and frequency of likely usage.
(b) A stairway satisfies (a) if it has(i) not more than 18 or less than 2 risers in each flight; and
(ii) going (G), riser (R) and quantity (2R+G) in with Table D2.13; and
(iii) goings and risers that are constant throughout in flight; and
(iv) risers which do not have any openings that would allow 125 mm sphere to
pass through between the treads; and

ACT D2.13(b)(v)

(v) treads which have a non-slip finish or a suitable non-skid strip near the
edge of the nosings; and
(vi) treads of solid construction (not mesh or other perforated material) if the
stairway is more than 10 m high or connects more than 3 storeys; and
(vii) *
*
*
(viii) *
*
*
(ix) in the case of a non-required stairway, not more than 4 winders in a
quarter landing.
Table D2.13 RISER AND GOING DIMENSIONS (mm)
RISER (R)

QUANTITY (2R+G)

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

190

115

355

240

700

550

ED

ED

Private stairs(a)

GOING (G)(b)

Note: (a) Private stairs are(ii) *

(i) stairs in a Class 1 or 10 building;

*

(iii) in any building, stairs which are not part of a required exit and to which the public do
not normally have access.

PE

(b) The going in tapered treads (except winders in a quarter landing) in a curved or spiral stair
is measured-

SU

(i) 270 mm in from the outer side of the unobstructed width of the stairway if the
stairway is less than 1 m wide (applicable to a non-required stairway only); and
(ii) 270 mm from each side of the unobstructed width of the stairway if the stairway is
1 m wide or more.

D2.16

Balustrades

(a) A continuous balustrade must be provided along the side of any roof to which
public access is provided, any stairway or ramp, any floor, corridor, hallway,
balcony, verandah, access bridge or the like and along the side of any path of
access to a building, if(i) it is not bounded by a wall; and
(ii) its level is more than 1 m above the floor or ground surface beneath.
(b) A required balustrade must restrict persons accidentally falling from the floor.
(c) *
*
*
(d) A balustrade in stairways and ramps satisfies (b) if it complies with (g) and
(h)(ii).
(e) A balustrade along the side of a horizontal or near horizontal surface such as a(i) roof to which public access is provided and any path of access to a
building; and

ED

ED

(ii) floor, corridor, hallway, balcony, verandah, access bridge or the like,
satisfies (b) if it complies with (g) and (h)(ii).
(f) *
*
*
(g) The height of a balustrade satisfies (b) if it is constructed in accordance with the
following:
(i) The height is not less than 865 mm above the nosings of the stair treads
or the floor of a ramp.
(ii) The height is not less than(A) 1 m above the floor of any access path, balcony, landing or the like;
or
(B) 865 mm above the floor of a landing to a stair or ramp where the
balustrade is provided along the inside edge of the landing and does
not exceed a length of 500 mm.
(iii) A transition zone may be incorporated where the balustrade height
changes from 865 mm on the stair flight or ramp to 1 m at the landing.
(h) Openings in a balustrade satisfy (b) if the balustrade is constructed in
accordance with the following:
(i) *
*
*
(ii) Any opening does not permit a 125 mm sphere to pass through it and for
stairs, the space is tested above the nosings.
WA D2.16(i)

ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

D3.1

Application of Part

PART D3

PE

(No BCA provisions relevant to Class 1 or 10 buildings).

SU

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

SA Part D3
Access for people with disabilities
************************************************************************************************

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

CONTENTS
E1
E1.1
E1.7

Fire Fighting Equipment

Application
Fire and smoke alarms

E5

Maintenance

No BCA provisions

Specification
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

ED

Specification E1.7

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

E1.1

Application of Part
ACT E1.1

NSW E1.1

ED

PART E1

TAS E1.1

VIC E1.1

Fire and smoke alarms

SU

E1.7

PE

This Part does not apply to(a) a Class 1a or Class 10 building; and
(b) except for E1.7, a Class 1b building.

ACT E1.7

NSW E1.7
SA E1.7

TAS E1.7
VIC E1.7

(a) An automatic fire detection and alarm system, designed to ensure the
occupants are given adequate warning so they can evacuate the building in an
emergency, must be installed in(i) a Class 1b building.
(b) An automatic fire detection and alarm system satisfies (a) if it complies with
Specification E1.7.

PART E5

MAINTENANCE

(No BCA provisions relevant to Class 1 or 10 buildings).

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

NSW Part E5

Maintenance

SPECIFICATION E1.7 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM

SYSTEMS
1.

Scope

This Specification describes the installation and operation of fire detection and alarm
systems, which may also be utilised to operate a smoke control system within a
building.

2.

Type of system
ACT Spec E1.7 2
NSW Spec E1.7 2
SA Spec E1.7 2
TAS Spec E1.7 2

ED

VIC Spec E1.7 2

3.

4.

Connection to other warning devices

ED

An automatic fire detection and alarm system must comply with(b) for a Class 1b, 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, Clause 9 as
permitted by Clause 8.

6.

SU

5.

PE

An automatic fire detection and alarm system must be connected to and activate(b) where an emergency warning and communication system is not required by
Part E4, a system of loud speakers, smoke alarms or other audible warning
devices complying with Clause 2.2.3 of AS 2220.2 and located on each storey.

Location of smoke detectors

Smoke detectors must beNSW Spec E1.7 6(a)

(a) wherever possible, surface mounted and outside air-handling ducts, unless a
point sampling system with maximum sensitivity level of 0.5% smoke
obscuration per metre is used; and
(b) located at natural collection points for hot smoke having regard to the ceiling
geometry and its effects on the migratory path; and
(c) situated not more than 1.5 m horizontal distance from smoke doors or fire
doors; and
(d) of the photo-electric type if installed within ducts or atmospheres contaminated
with dust particles less than 1 m in size and other particles likely to operate an
ionization type detector.

7.

Threshold Levels

(a) Sampling systems must comply with AS 1670, with response times and alarm
thresholds maintained at minimum levels and no alarm delay permitted on the
highest alarm threshold utilised.
(b) The setting of alarm threshold levels for addressable detectors used within
intelligent systems must not exceed the sensitivity levels nominated in(i) AS 1668.1; and
(ii) AS 1603 Parts 1, 4 and 6.

8.

Class 1b, 2 and 3 buildings and a Class 4 part of a

building- alternative system
ACT Spec E1.7 8
NSW Spec E1.7 8
QLD Spec E1.7 8
SA Spec E1.7 8

ED

TAS Spec E1.7 8

VIC Spec E1.7 8

Self-contained smoke alarms

ACT Spec E1.7 9

PE

NSW Spec E1.7 9

9.

ED

(a) In a Class 1b or 2 building or a Class 4 part of a building, an automatic smoke

detection and alarm system must(i) consist of a system of self-contained smoke alarms in accordance with
Clause 9; or
(ii) comply with Clauses 2(a), 3, 4, 6 and 7 of this Specification.

QLD Spec E1.7 9

SA Spec E1.7 9

TAS Spec E1.7 9

SU

VIC Spec E1.7 9

A system consisting of self-contained smoke alarms must comply with the following:
(a) In a Class 1b building, self-contained smoke alarms must be installed in
suitable locations on or near the ceiling(i) in every bedroom and associated hallway; and
(ii) on each storey.
(e) (i) Self-contained smoke alarms must(A) comply with AS 3786; or
(B) be listed in the SSL Register of Accredited Products; and
(ii) be connected to the consumer mains power.
Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:
Vic E1.7. Self contained smoke alarms
************************************************************************************************

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

CONTENTS
Objectives

F2.1

F3

ED

ED

Sanitary Facilities

F2

Drainage

Building on land subject to dampness

Drainage of land external to building

Weatherproofing of roofs and walls

Roof coverings deemed-to-satisfy

Sarking

Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings

Damp-proof courses and mortars

Acceptable damp-proof courses

Damp-proofing of floors on the ground

Facilities in residential buildings

F1.1
F1.2
F1.3
F1.4
F1.5
F1.6
F1.7
F1.8
F1.9
F1.10

Damp and Weatherproofing

Room Sizes and Heights

PE

F1

F4
F4.1
F4.2
F4.3
F4.4
F4.5
F4.6
F4.7
F4.8
F4.9
F4.10

F5
F5.1
F5.2

SU

F3.1 Height of rooms

F3.2 Reduced height permissible

Light and Ventilation

Provision of natural light

Methods and extent of natural lighting

Natural light borrowed from adjoining room

Artificial lighting

Ventilation of rooms

Natural ventilation

Ventilation borrowed from adjoining room

Restriction on position of water closets

Airlocks

Sub-floor ventilation

Noise Transmission and Insulation

Application of part

Sound Transmission Class: Interpretation

F5.3
F5.5

Sound insulation of walls between units<R>

Walls between a bathroom, laundry or kitchen and a habitable room in
adjoining unit

Specifications
Specification F5.2
Specification F5.5

STC Ratings for Building Elements

Impact Sound - Test of Equivalence

OBJECTIVES
A building must be so designed and constructed that the following objectives are
fulfilled:

Part F1

Damp and Weatherproofing

Part F2

Sanitary Facilities

ED

ED

Suitable drainage, damp and weatherproofing must be provided where necessary to

prevent(a) moisture or damp affecting the stability of the building; or
(b) the creation of any unhealthy or dangerous condition; or
(c) undue damage to adjoining property.

Part F3

Adequate toilet and washing facilities must be provided for the occupants of a
building, having regard to its use and size.

Room Sizes

Light and Ventilation

SU

Part F4

PE

The ceiling height of rooms and other spaces within a building must be adequate for
their use or purpose.

Light and ventilation within a building must be adequate for the occupants, having
regard to the use or purpose of the building.

Part F5

Noise Transmission
VIC Part F5

Adequate insulation against noise transmission must be provided to minimise undue

disturbance to neighbouring occupants.
Additional Objectives in State/Territory Appendices:
ACT Part F6
Thermal Insulation
SA Part F6
Rodent Protection
Vic Part F6
Thermal Insulation

PART F1

DAMP AND WEATHERPROOFING

F1.1

Drainage
ACT F1.1

The construction of a drainage system and the position and manner of discharge of a
stormwater drain must not(a) result in the entry of water into a building; or
(b) affect the stability of a building; or
(c) create any unhealthy or dangerous condition on the site or within the building.

F1.2

Building on land subject to dampness

F1.3

ED

ED

One or more of the following measures must be carried out if it is warranted by the
dampness of the building site:
(a) The subsoil must be adequately drained.
(b) The ground under the building must be regraded or filled and provided with
outlets to prevent accumulation of water.
(c) The surface of the ground under the building must be covered with a suitable
damp-resisting material.

Drainage of land surrounding buildings

F1.4

PE

A suitable system of drainage must be provided if paving, excavation or any other

work on an allotment will cause undue interference with the existing drainage of
rainwater falling on the allotment whether the existing drainage is natural or
otherwise.

Weatherproofing of roofs and walls

SU

Roofs and external walls (including openings around windows and doors) must be so
constructed as to prevent rain or dampness penetrating to the inner parts of a
building, unless it is(a) a Class 10 building and in the particular case there is no necessity for
compliance; or
(b) a garage, tool shed, sanitary compartment, or the like, forming part of a building
used for other purposes.

F1.5

Roof coverings deemed-to-satisfy

A roof complies with F1.4 if it is covered with(a) concrete roofing tiles that comply with AS 2049 and are fixed, except in cyclonic
areas, in accordance with AS 2050, as appropriate; or
(b) terracotta roofing tiles that comply with AS 2049 and are fixed, except in
cyclonic areas, in accordance with AS 2050; or
(c) corrugated cellulose fibre reinforced cement sheeting that complies with
AS2908.1 and installed in accordance with AS 1639; or
(d) metal sheet roofing that complies with AS 1562.1; or
(e) plastic sheet roofing designed and installed in accordance with AS 2376 and
AS 2424; or

(f)

F1.6
(a)
(b)

F1.7

asphalt shingles that comply with ASTM D3018-90, Type A.

Sarking
Sarking-type materials used for weatherproofing of roofs and walls, as required
by F1.4, must be suitable for the purpose.
Compliance with AS 4200 satisfies (a).

Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings

SA F1.7

NSW F1.7(c)

Damp-proof courses and mortars

SU

F1.8

PE

ED

ED

(a) The following parts of a building must be impervious to water:

(i) In any building - the floor surface or substrate in a shower enclosure, or within
1.5 m measured horizontally from a point vertically below the shower fitting, if
there is no enclosure.
(ii) *
*
*
(iii) *
*
*
(iv) The wall surface or substrate(A) of a shower enclosure, or if the shower is not enclosed, within 1.5 m and
exposed to a shower fitting, to a height of 1.8 m above the floor;
(B) immediately adjacent or behind a bath, trough, basin, sink, or similar
fixture, to a height of not less than 150 mm above the fixture if it is within
75 mm of the wall.
(v) The junction between the floor and wall if the wall and floor are required to be
impervious to water.
(vi) The junction between the wall and fixture if the wall is required to be impervious
to water.
(b) compliance with AS 3740 satisfies (a).

SA F1.8

Except in a building that is exempt from weatherproofing under F1.4, moisture from
the ground must be prevented from reaching(a) the lowest floor timbers and the walls above the lowest floor joists; and
(b) the walls above the damp-proof course; and
(c) the underside of a suspended floor constructed of a material other than timber,
and the supporting beams or girders.

F1.9

Acceptable damp-proof courses

SA F1.9

A damp-proof course must consist of(a) a material that complies with AS2904; or
(b) suitable termite shields; or
(c) other suitable material.

F1.10

Damp-proofing of floors on the ground

If a floor of a room is laid on the ground or on fill(a) moisture from the ground must be prevented from reaching the upper surface
of the floor and adjacent walls bySA F1.10(a)(i)

(i) the insertion of a vapour barrier in accordance with AS2870.1; or

(ii) other suitable means; except
(b) damp-proofing need not be provided if(i) the building is exempt from weatherproofing under F1.4.

ED

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

Qld F1.101 Flashings to narrow spaces
Vic F1.7.1 Waterproofing deemed to satisfy
Vic Specification F1.7.1 Waterproofing deemed-to-satisfy

SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

F2.1

Facilities in residential buildings

ED

PART F2

Sanitary and other facilities for Class 1 buildings must be provided in accordance
with Table F2.1.

NSW Table F2.1

VIC Table F2.1

CLASS OF BUILDING

SU

Class 1

PROVISION OF SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES IN

RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

PE

Table F2.1

MINIMUM FACILITIES REQUIRED

(a)

a kitchen sink and facilities for the preparation and cooking of

food;

(b)

a bath or shower;

(c)

clothes washing facilities, comprising at least one washtub and

space in the same room for a washing machine or wash copper;
and

(d)

a closet pan and washbasin

If any of these facilities are detached from the main building, they must
be set aside for the exclusive use of the occupants of the Class 1
building.

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

Qld F2.5
Construction of sanitary compartments
WA F2.5
Construction of sanitary compartments
Tas F2.102
Installation of closet fixtures

PART F3

ROOM SIZES

F3.1

Height of rooms

ED

ED

(a) A room or space within a building must have sufficient height suitable for the
intended function of that room or space.
(b) The requirement of (a) is satisfied if the ceiling height is not less than(i) in a Class 1, 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part(B) a kitchen, laundry, or the like - 2.1 m; and
(C) a corridor, passageway or the like - 2.1 m; and
(A) a habitable room excluding a kitchen - 2.4 m; and
(ii) *
*
*
(iii) *
*
*
(iv) *
*
*
(v) in any building(A) a bathroom, shower room, sanitary compartment, airlock, tea
preparation room, pantry, store room, garage, car parking area, or
the like - 2.1 m; and
(B) *
*
*
(C) an attic room, room with a sloping ceiling or projection below ceiling
line or a non-habitable room or similar space - a height that does not
unduly interfere with the proper functioning of the room or space.

F4.1

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

SU

PART F4

PE

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

ACT F3.101
Car parking facilities

Provision of natural light

Natural lighting must be provided in:

(a) Class 1 buildings - to all habitable rooms.

F4.2

Methods and extent of natural lighting

(a) Required natural lighting must be provided by windows that(i) have an aggregate light transmitting area measured exclusive of framing
members, glazing bars or other obstructions of not less than 10% of the
floor area of the room; and
(ii) are open to the sky or face a court or other space open to the sky or an
open verandah, carport or the like.
(b) in a Class 1 building, a required window that faces a boundary of an adjoining
allotment must not be less than a horizontal distance of 900 mm from that
boundary.

F4.3

Natural light borrowed from adjoining room

Natural lighting to a room in a Class 1 building may come through a glazed panel or
opening from an adjoining room (including an enclosed verandah) if(a) *
*
*
(b) the glazed panel or opening has an area of not less than 10% of the floor area
of the room to which it provides light; and
(c) the adjoining room has windows with an aggregate light transmitting area of not
less than 10% of the combined floor areas of both rooms,
and the areas specified in (b) and (c) may be reduced as appropriate if direct natural
light is provided from another source.

F4.4

Artificial lighting

Ventilation of rooms

F4.5

ED

ED

(a) Artificial lighting must be provided(i) *

*
*
(ii) if natural lighting of a standard equivalent to that required by F4.2 is not
available, and the periods of occupation or use of the room or space will
create undue hazard to occupants seeking egress in an emergency, in(A) Class 1 buildings - to sanitary compartments, bathrooms, shower
rooms, airlocks and laundries.
(b) An artificial lighting system in accordance with AS 1680 satisfies (a).

SU

PE

(a) A habitable room, home office, workroom, sanitary compartment, bathroom,

shower room, laundry and any other room occupied by a person for any
purpose, must have adequate flow-through or cross-ventilation and air quality,
including sufficient air-changes and fresh air quantities.
(b) The requirements of (a) are satisfied by provision of(i) natural ventilation complying with F4.6; or
NSW F4.5(b)(ii)

(ii) a mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning system complying with

AS1668.2 and AS 3666.

F4.6

Natural ventilation

Required natural ventilation must be provided by permanent openings, windows,

doors or other devices which can be opened(a) with an aggregate opening or openable size not less than 5% of the floor area
of the room required to be ventilated; and
(b) open to(i) a suitably sized court, or space open to the sky; or
(ii) an open verandah, carport, or the like; or
(iii) an adjoining room in accordance with F4.7.

F4.7

Ventilation borrowed from adjoining room

Natural ventilation to a room may come through a window, opening, ventilating door
or other device from an adjoining room (including an enclosed verandah) if both

rooms are within the same sole-occupancy unit or the enclosed verandah is common
property, and(a) in a Class 1 building(i) the room to be ventilated is not a sanitary compartment; and
(ii) the window, opening, door or other device has a ventilating area of not
less than 5% of the floor area of the room to be ventilated; and
(iii) the adjoining room has a window, opening, door or other device with a
ventilating area of not less than 5% of the combined floor areas of both
rooms; and
(b) *
*
*
(c) the ventilating areas specified in (a) may be reduced as appropriate if direct
natural ventilation is provided from another source.

F4.8

Restriction on position of water closets

F4.9

ED

A room containing a closet pan must not open directly into(a) a kitchen or pantry.

Airlocks

PE

ED

If a room containing a closet pan or urinal is prohibited under F4.8 from opening
directly to another room(a) in a Class 1 building(i) access must be by an airlock, hallway or other room; or
(ii) the room containing the closet pan or urinal must be provided with
mechanical exhaust ventilation.

F4.10

Sub-floor ventilation

SU

(a) Suitable provision must be made to prevent undue deterioration of the lowest
floor of a building because of dampness, other conditions on the allotment or
the design of the building.
(b) The requirements of (a) are satisfied if(i) an adequately cross-ventilated space is provided between the underside
of the floor, if it is suspended, and the ground surface; or
(ii) an impervious cover is provided over the ground surface beneath the
building; or
(iii) the floor members are suitably treated.

PART F5

NOISE TRANSMISSION AND INSULATION

F5.1

Application of Part
NSW F5.1
VIC F5.1

This Part applies to(a) Class 1 buildings joined by a separating wall as required by Clause 7 of
Specification C1.9.

F5.2

Sound Transmission Class: Interpretation

A form of construction required to have a certain Sound Transmission Class (STC)

must(a) have the required value determined under AS1276; or
(b) comply with Specification F5.2; or
(c) be supported by evidence of its STC under A2.2.

F5.4

Sound insulation of walls between units

A wall must have an STC not less than 45 if it separates(a) sole-occupancy units.

F5.5

Walls between a bathroom, sanitary compartment,

laundry or kitchen and a habitable room in adjoining
unit

SU

PE

ED

ED

(a) A wall separating a bathroom, sanitary compartment, laundry or kitchen in one

sole-occupancy unit from a habitable room (other than a kitchen) in an
adjoining unit must(i) have an STC of not less than 50; and
(ii) provide a satisfactory level of insulation against impact sound; and
(iii) not incorporate a duct which reduces the STC of the wall to less than 50.
(b) A wall satisfies (a)(i) and (a)(ii) if it is(i) in accordance with Table F5.5; or
(ii) for other than masonry, in 2 or more separate leaves without rigid
mechanical connection except at their periphery; or
(iii) identical with a prototype that is no less resistant to the transmission of
impact sound when tested in accordance with Specification F5.5 than a
wall listed in Table F5.5.
Table F5.5

CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS TO REDUCE IMPACT SOUND

CAVITY BRICKWORK-

Two leaves 90 mm brick masonry with(i) all joints filled solid with mortar; and
(ii) an air space not less than 40 mm between the leaves; and
(iii) the leaves connected only by ties in accordance with AS 3700.
SINGLE LEAF BRICKWORK
110 mm thick brick masonry with(i) each face rendered 13 mm thick; and
(ii) 50 mm x 12 mm thick timber battens at not more than 610 mm centres fixed to each face but not
recessed into the render; and
(iii) one layer of 12 mm thick softboard nailed to the battens; and
(iv) 6 mm thick medium density hardboard adhesive-fixed to the softboard.
CONCRETE BLOCKWORK190 mm thick concrete block masonry with(i) each face of the blocks fitted with 50 mm x 50 mm timber battens, spaced at not more than 610
mm centres, screw-fixed into resilient plugs with rubber inserts;
(ii) the space between the battens completely filled with mineral or glass wool blanket or batts not less

than 50 mm thick; and

(iii) the outer face of the battens finished with plasterboard not less than 10 mm thick or other material
2
with a mass per unit area not less than 7.3 kg/m .

F5.7

Isolation of pumps

A flexible coupling must be used at the point of connection between the service
pipes in a building and any circulating or other pump.

SPECIFICATION F5.2 STC RATINGS FOR BUILDING

ELEMENTS
1.

Scope

This Specification lists the Sound Transmission Class ratings for some common
forms of construction.

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

ED

2.

The forms of construction listed in Table 2 are considered to have the STC stated in
that Table if installed as follows:

ED

(a) Masonry - Units must be laid with all joints filled solid, including those between
the masonry and any adjoining construction.

(b) Concrete slabs - Joints between concrete slabs and any adjoining construction
must be filled solid.

SU

PE

(c) Plasterboard (i) if one layer is required under this Specification, it must be screw-fixed to
the studs with joints staggered on opposite faces; and
(ii) if 2 layers are required, the first layer must be fixed according to (i) and
the second layer must be fixed to the first layer with nails, screws or
adhesive so that the joints do not coincide with those of the first layer; and
(iii) joints between sheets or between sheets and any adjoining construction
must be taped and filled solid; and
(iv) fire-protective grade plasterboard must be the special grade manufactured
for use in fire-resisting construction.
(d) Steel studs and perimeter members (i) the section of steel must be not less than 0.6mm thick;
(ii) studs must be not less than 63mm in depth unless another depth is listed
in the Table; and
(iii) studs must be fixed to steel top and bottom plates of sufficient depth to
permit secure fixing of the plasterboard; and
(iv) all steel members at the perimeter of the wall must be securely fixed to the
adjoining structure and bedded in resilient compound or the joints must be
caulked so that there are no voids between the steel members and the
wall.
Table 2

STC RATINGS APPLICABLE TO CONSTRUCTION

CONSTRUCTION

STC
(not less than)

WALLS
Clay brickwork(a) 230 mm thick in one or more leaves and with a mass per unit area of not less
2
than 290 kg/m

45

(b) 110 mm thick rendered 13 mm thick on both sides with a mass per unit area of
2
the unrendered wall being not less than 190 kg/m

45

(c) 110 mm thick, of semi-dry-pressed bricks and rendered 13 mm on one side, the
2
mass per unit area of the unrendered wall being not less than 215 kg/m

45

(d) 110 mm thick, of extruded brick and rendered 13 mm on one side, the mass per
2
unit area of the unrendered wall being not less than 180 kg/m

45

Concrete brickwork- 110 mm thick with a mass per unit area of not less than
2
195 kg/m

45

Concrete blockwork (a) 190 mm thick with a mass per unit area of not less than 215 kg/m

45

(b) 140 mm thick, the wall thickness of the blocks being not less than 44 mm and
with 50 mm x 50 mm timber battens spaced at not more than 610 mm centres
screw-fixed on one face of the blocks into resilient plugs with rubber inserts
between battens and the wall; and

(ii)

the face of the battens clad with 13 mm thick standard plasterboard; and

ED

(i)

(iii) a mass per unit area of the whole system of not less than 220 kg/m

ED

Concrete-

45

(a) In-situ concrete- 125 mm thick and with a density of not less than 2200 kg/m

45

(b) In-situ concrete- 100 mm thick and with a density of not less than 2500 kg/m

45

(c) Precast concrete- 100 mm thick and without joints

Steel stud walling-

(a) with 2 layers of 16 mm thick fire-protective grade plasterboard fixed to each face
(b) with-

1 layer of 13 mm thick fire-protective grade plasterboard fixed to one face,

and before fixing, 50 mm thick mineral or glass wool blanket or batts
stapled to the back of each sheet so that the sheet is completely covered;
and

(ii)

2 layers of 13 mm thick fire-grade plasterboard fixed to the other face

SU

(c) with-

PE

(i)

(i)

1 layer of 16 mm fire-protective grade plasterboard fixed to one face; and

(ii)

50 mm thick mineral or glass wool blanket or batts wedged firmly between

the studs; and

(iii) 2 layers of fire-protective grade plasterboard fixed to the other face, the
inner layer being 16 mm thick and the outer layer being 13 mm
(d) with 2 layers of 13 mm plasterboard on both sides of 75 mm studs

SPECIFICATION F5.5
1.

IMPACT SOUND - TEST OF

EQUIVALENCE

Scope

This specification describes a method of test to determine the comparative

resistance of walls to the transmission of impact sound.

45
45

45

45
45

2.

Construction to be tested

(a) The test is conducted on a specimen of prototype wall construction and on a

specimen of one or other of the constructions specified in Table F5.5.
(b) The testing of a construction specified in Table F5.5 need not be repeated for
subsequent comparisons provided complete records of the results, the test
equipment and the technique of testing are kept so that identical equipment can
be employed and an identical technique can be adopted in the testing of
specimens of prototype wall construction.

3.

Method

ED

ED

(a) The wall constructions to be compared must be tested in a laboratory

complying with AS1191.
(b) A horizontal steel platform 510 mm x 460 mm x 10 mm thick must be placed
with one long edge in continuous and direct contact with the wall to be tested
on the side of the wall on which the impact sound is to be generated.
(c) A tapping machine complying with ISO 140/VI-1978 (E) must be mounted
centrally on the steel platform.
(d) The sound transmission through the wall must be determined in accordance
with AS1191, except that the tapping machine as mounted on the steel platform
must be used as the source of sound.
(e) The impact sound pressure levels measured in the receiving room must be
converted into normalized levels using a reference equivalent absorption area
of 10 m2.

SU

PE

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

ACT Part F6
Thermal Insulation
Qld Part F101 Vermin Control
SA Part F6
Rodent Protection
Vic Part F6
Thermal Insulation
**********************************************************************************************

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

CONTENTS
Objectives
G1

Minor Structures and Components

G1.1

Swimming pools

Heating Appliances, Fireplaces, Chimneys and Flues

G2.1
G2.2
G2.3

General requirements
Installation of appliances
Open fireplaces deemed-to-satisfy

Construction in Alpine Areas

Application of Part
External doorways
External ramps
Discharge of exits
External trafficable structures

G4.1
G4.3
G4.5
G4.6
G4.7

ED

G4

ED

G2

Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas

PE

G5

Protection required
Protection deemed-to-satisfy

SU

G5.1
G5.2

OBJECTIVES

This Section contains more specific requirements for particular parts of buildings or

structures.

Parts of buildings and structures must be so designed and constructed that the

following objectives, in addition to those listed for Sections B, C, D, E and F where

relevant, are fulfilled:

Part G1

Minor Structures and Components

G1.1 Swimming pools(a) Suitable means for the disposal of waste and drainage must be provided to a
swimming pool.
QLD G1.1(b)

(b)

Access by unsupervised young children to swimming pools must be restricted.

TAS G1.1(c)

Part G2

Heating Appliances, Fireplaces, Chimneys and Flues

Heating appliances, fireplaces, chimneys and flues must be adequately constructed

or separated to prevent(a) ignition of nearby parts of the building; or
(b) escape or discharge of smoke to the inside of the building or to adjacent
windows, ventilation inlets, or the like.

Part G4

Construction in Alpine Areas

Additional safety measures must be provided in alpine areas in view of the increased
difficulties in fighting fire and maintaining access and means of egress in snow or
iced conditions.

Part G5

Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas

ED

Residential buildings constructed in bushfire prone areas must provide some

resistance to bushfires in order to reduce the danger to life and minimise loss of
property.

ED

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

SA Part G6
Dangerous Substances Storerooms
SA Part G8
Miscellaneous Provisions
Tas Part
G101 Projections Over Ways

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

G1.1

Swimming pools
NT G1.1

(a)

SU

WA G1.1

PE

PART G1

Drainage : A swimming pool must have suitable means of drainage.

NSW G1.1(b)
QLD G1.1(b)
SA G1.1(b)

(b) Safety fencing : A swimming pool associated with a Class 1 building, with a
depth of water more than 300 mm must have suitable barriers to restrict access
by young children to the immediate pool surrounds or safety fencing in
accordance with AS2818 and AS1926.1.
ACT G1.1(c), (e)
QLD G1.1(c)
SA G1.1(c)
TAS G1.1(e)

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

ACT G1.104 Garbage facilities
NSW G1.101 Provision for cleaning windows

PART G2 HEATING APPLIANCES, FIREPLACES,

CHIMNEYS AND FLUES
G2.1

General requirements

Installation of appliances

ED

G2.2

ED

A chimney or flue must be constructed(a) to withstand the temperatures likely to be generated by the appliance to which it
is connected; and
(b) so that the temperature of the exposed faces will not reach a level that would
cause damage to nearby parts of the building; and
(c) so that hot products of combustion will not(i) escape through the walls of the chimney or flue; or
(ii) discharge in a position that will cause fire to spread nearby combustible
materials or allow smoke to penetrate through nearby windows, ventilation
inlets, or the like; and
(d) in such a manner as to prevent rainwater penetrating to any part of the interior
of the building.

The installation of a stove, heater or similar appliance in a building must comply with:
(a) Domestic oil-fired appliances - Installation: AS1691.
(b) Domestic solid-fuel burning appliances - Installation: AS2918.

Open fireplaces deemed-to-satisfy

PE

G2.3

ACT G2.2(e)

SU

An open fireplace, or solid-fuel burning appliance in which the fuel-burning

compartment is not enclosed, satisfies G2.1 if it has(a) a hearth constructed of stone, concrete, masonry or similar non-combustible
material so that(i) it extends not less than 300 mm beyond the front of the fireplace opening
and not less than 150 mm beyond each side of that opening; and
(ii) it extends beyond the limits of the fireplace or not less than 300 mm if the
fireplace or appliance is free-standing from any wall of the room; and
(iii) its upper surface does not slope away from the grate or appliance; and
(iv) combustible material situated below the hearth but not below that part
required to extend beyond the opening or the limits of the fireplace is not
less than 155 mm from the upper surface of the hearth.
(b) walls forming the sides and back of the fireplace up to not less than 300 mm
above the underside of the arch or lintel which(i) are constructed in 2 separate leaves of solid masonry not less than
180 mm thick, excluding any cavity; and
(ii) do not consist of concrete block masonry in the construction of the inner
leaf; and
(c) walls of the chimney above the level referred to in (b)-

(i)

constructed of masonry units with a net volume, excluding cored and

similar holes, not less than 75% of their gross volume, measured on the
overall rectangular shape of the units, and with an actual thickness of not
less than 100 mm; and
(ii) lined internally to a thickness of not less than 12 mm with rendering
consisting of 1 part cement, 3 parts lime, and 10 parts sand by volume, or
other suitable material; and
(d) suitable damp-proof courses or flashings to maintain weatherproofing.
ACT G2.3(e)

Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:

ACT G2.102 Chimneys and flues

CONSTRUCTION IN ALPINE AREAS

G4.1

Application of Part

ED

PART G4

G4.3

External doorways

ED

This Part applies to any building constructed in an alpine area and overrules other
provisions of the BCA.

SU

PE

(a) A door fitted to an external doorway which may be subject to the build-up of
snow must(i) only be capable of opening inwards; and
(ii) be marked "OPEN INWARDS" on the inside face of the door in letters not
less than 75mm high and in a colour contrasting with that of the
background; and
(iii) if it serves a corridor or stairway, be positioned in an alcove or recess so
that it does not hinder egress.
(b) An alcove or recess with(i) no horizontal dimension less than twice the width of the door; and
(ii) the door positioned to open against a wall such that the distance from any
part of its swing to the nearest point of entry of the stairway or corridor is
not less than the width of the door,
is deemed to satisfy Clause (a)(iii).

G4.5

External ramps

An external ramp serving as an exit must have a gradient not steeper than 1 in 12.

G4.6

Discharge of exits

(a) Buildings must be constructed so that snow or ice is not deposited on the
allotment, any adjoining allotment, road or public space in a location or manner
that will(i) significantly obstruct a means of egress from any building to the road or
open space; or
(ii) otherwise endanger people.

(b) Construction satisfies (a) when(i) if any part of an external wall is more than 3.6 m above the natural ground
level - the distance of that part from a boundary other than a road
alignment is not less than 2.5 m plus 100 mm for each 300 mm or part by
which that part of the wall exceeds a height of 3.6 m; and
(ii) if an exit doorway discharges into a court between wings of a building - the
wings are not less than 6m apart; and
(iii) if an exit doorway is opposite a barrier which is more than 900 mm above
the threshold of the doorway - the threshold is at a distance from that
barrier of not less than twice the height of the barrier or 6 m, whichever is
the lesser.

G4.7

External trafficable structures

CONSTRUCTION IN BUSHFIRE PRONE AREAS

NSW Part G5)

Protection required

G5.1

ED

PART G5

ED

External stairways, ramps, access bridges or other trafficable structures must have(a) a floor surface that consists of steel mesh or other suitable material if it is used
as a means of egress; and
(b) any required balustrade constructed so that its sides are not less than 75%
open.

SA G5.2

Protection deemed-to-satisfy

SU

G5.2

PE

A Class 1 building that is constructed in a designated bushfire prone area must be

provided with protection to reduce the risk of ignition by embers in the event of a
bushfire.

A building complies with G5.1 if it is provided with protection in accordance with

AS3959.
Additional provisions in State/Territory Appendices:
SA Part G6
Dangerous Substances Storerooms
SA Part G8
Miscellaneous Provisions
Qld Part G101 Awnings and Balconies
Qld Part G102 Certain Attachments
Tas Part G101 Projections Over Ways
**********************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in the ACT.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
ACT Specification A1.3
ACT A2.101

Standards Adopted by Reference

Hazardous materials

B - STRUCTURE
ACT B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

ACT D2.13

Treads and risers

ACT E1.7
ACT Specification E1.7

ED

E - SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

ED

D - ACCESS AND EGRESS

Fire and smoke alarms

Fire and smoke alarms

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

ACT Part F6

Thermal Insulation
Application
Provision of thermal insulation

SU

ACT F6.1
ACT F6.2

Drainage

PE

ACT F1.1

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
ACT G1.1
ACT G2.2
ACT G2.3
ACT G2.102

Swimming pools
Installation of appliances
Open fireplaces deemed-to-comply
Chimneys and flues

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A1

INTERPRETATION

ACT Specification A1.3

Standards Adopted by Reference

Insert in Specification A1.3 the following:

ACT Table 1

Schedule of Referenced Documents

No.

Date

Title

Clause(s)

AS 1691

1985

Rules for the installation of domestic oil-fired

appliances (SAA Domestic Oil-fired Appliances
Installation Code).

ACT G2.3
ACT G2.102

AS 1692

1989

Tanks for flammable and combustible liquids.

ACT G2.2

National Plumbing and Drainage Code

AS 3500
1990

Stormwater drainage

ACT F1.1

AS 3660

1993

Protection of buildings from termites

ACT B1.3

ED

Part 3

Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces

AS 3661
Part 1

1993

Requirements

ACT D2.13

ED

Work Safe Australia Asbestos Code of Practice and Guidance Notes

ACT A2.101

Hazardous Materials

PE

ACT A2.101

Add ACT A2.101 as follows:

PART A2 ACCEPTANCE OF DESIGN

ANDCONSTRUCTION

SU

Asbestos-based materials: When asbestos-based material in any form or in any

mixture thereof, or any material containing loose asbestos including asbestos fluff
insulation, asbestos sheeting, lagging, fire protection and the like is removed, it must
be handled and disposed of in accordance with the Work Safe Australia Asbestos
Code of Practice and Guidance Notes.

SECTION B STRUCTURE
PART B1 STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS
Delete B1.3(j) and insert ACT B1.3(j) as follows:

ACT B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

(j) Protection from termites: Where a structural member is subject to attack by

subterranean termites: AS 3660 (except for Clause F2.3).

SECTION D
PART D2

ACCESS AND EGRESS

CONSTRUCTION OF EXITS

Delete D2.13(b)(v) and insert ACT D2.13(b)(v) as follows:

ACT D2.13
(b) (v)

Treads and risers

treads which have a non-slip finish or a suitable non-slip strip near the
edge of the nosings that meet the requirements of AS 3661.1.

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

PART E1

FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

ACT E1.7

(i) a Class 1 building; and

ACT Specification E1.7

ED

(a)

Fire and smoke alarms

ED

Delete E1.7(a)(i) and insert ACT E1.7(a)(I) as follows:

FIRE AND SMOKE ALARMS

Delete Clause 2(b) and insert the following:

PE

2.
Type of system
(b) for a Class 1, 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, Clause 9 as permitted
by Clause 8.

8.

SU

Delete the title of Clause 8 and the lead-in phrase of Clause 8(a) and insert the
following:
Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a building - alternative
system
(a) In a Class 1, 2 or 3 building or a Class 4 part of a building, an automatic smoke
detection and alarm system mustDelete Clause 9(b) and insert the following:
9.
Self-contained smoke alarms
(b) In a Class 1a, 2 or 3 building, self-contained smoke alarms must be installed in
each sole-occupancy unit or building in suitable locations on or near the ceiling in
any storey-

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

OBJECTIVES
Add objectives for Part F6 as follows:

ACT Part F6

Thermal Insulation

A reasonable level of thermal insulation must be provided to conserve energy used

for internal heating and cooling of residential buildings.

PART F1

DAMP AND WATERPROOFING

Delete F1.1 and insert ACT F1.1 as follows:

ACT F1.1

Drainage

ED

ED

(a) The construction of a drainage system and the position and manner of
discharge of a stormwater drain must not(i) result in the entry of water into a building; or
(ii) affect the stability of a building; or
(iii) create any unhealthy or dangerous condition on the site or within a
building.
(b) Stormwater drainage satisfies (a) if it complies with AS3500.3.

THERMAL INSULATION

PE

ACT Part F6

After Part 5 add ACT Part F6 as follows:

F6.2

SU

F6.1
Application of Part
This part applies to Class 1 buildings.
Provision of thermal insulation

(a) R values - In this Part "R" or "R value" means the thermal resistance of an
element if the building measured in m2.K/W.
(b) Performance requirements - Residential buildings must have a reasonable
level of thermal insulation to conserve energy used for internal heating and
cooling.
(c) Deemed-to-comply provisions - Compliance with Table F6 satisfies (b).
Table F6 MINIMUM OVERALL R VALUE
ELEMENT

MINIMUM R VALUE

Roof or Ceiling

R3.4

External walls

R1.7

Ground floor

R1.0

(d)

Exemptions - The requirements of this Part do not apply to the following types
of construction:

(i) a ceiling space or underfloor space where unrestricted access for the
installation of insulation will be available after the completion of
construction;
(ii) cavity brick, earthwall construction, ashlar stone or other masonry walls
which have a thickness (excluding any cavity) of not less than 180 mm;
(iii) windows, vents and other similar openings in walls, roofs and ceilings; or
(iv) a garage forming part of a Class 1 building which is separated from the
habitable rooms of the building by a wall complying with the requirements
for an external wall in Table F6.
(e) Fire resistance - When tested in accordance with AS1530.3 a thermal
insulation material must have a Spread-of-Flame Index of 0 and a SmokeDeveloped Index not greater than 4.

PART G1

ED

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

ACT G1.1

Swimming Pools

A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must have
suitable barriers or safety fencing to restrict access by young children to
the immediate pool surrounds.
(ii) For a swimming pool associated with a Class 1, 2 or 3 building, safety
fencing located in accordance with AS 2818 Clauses 9.2.2 or 9.2.3 or
9.2.4 and constructed in accordance with AS 1926 satisfies (i)
(c) Indoor or outdoor permanent bathing, wading and swimming pools must(i) where the capacity of the pool exceeds 10 m3(A) be of the recirculation type in which the water circulation is
maintained through the pool by pumps, the water drawn from the
pool being clarified and disinfected before being returned to the pool;
(B) have an outlet sump with antivortex cover or grating and have a
skimming weir or overflow gutter or channel at high water level; and
(C) have means of egress provided in the form of ladders, steps in the
floor of the pool or a ramp;
(ii) pools must be capable of being completely emptied and any discharge or
overflow and pool backwash filter must be connected to the sewer
drainage system;
(iii) pools must be watertight with smooth surfaces of non-absorbent, non-slip
material, light in colour and with rounded corners to facilitate cleaning;
(iv) any surrounding concourses must be graded away from the pool.
(e) Luminaires and fixed electrical appliances such as filter pumps located in the
pool area must be permanently connected except where it is necessary to
remove such equipment for servicing, connection may be made with a water
resistant plug socket located-

SU

PE

(b) (i)

ED

Delete G1.1(b) and insert ACT G1.1(b), (c) and (e) as follows:

(i) at a height of not less than 450 mm above the maximum water level or
above the coping of the pool; or
(ii) for an above-ground pool, at a height of not less than 450 mm above
ground level, at a distance not less than 1 m from the water's edge.

PART G2 HEATING APPLIANCES, FIREPLACES,

CHIMNEYS AND FLUES
Add ACT G2.2(e) as follows:

ACT G2.2

Installation of appliances

(e) storage tanks and other associated fittings: AS 1692, as applicable for tanks in
category 1 only.
Add ACT G2.3(e) as follows:

Open fireplaces deemed-to-satisfy

ED

ACT G2.3

SU

PE

ED

(e) in the case of a solid-fuel burning appliance in which the fuel burning
compartment is not enclosed(i) a flue constructed of cast iron, cellulose fibre reinforced cement not less
than 9.5 mm thick, galvanised steel not less than 1.2 mm thick or such
other material of at least equivalent strength and durability, installed in
accordance with Section 6 of AS 1691, as though it is a flue connected to
an oil heating appliance; and
(ii) the heat producing appliance installed to allow ample air circulation and
ventilation; and
(iii) footings and floor structures strengthened as necessary for the imposed
load of the fireplace so as to maintain structural adequacy; and
(iv) roof penetrations for flues treated in such a manner so as to not impair the
structural adequacy of the roof and to be weatherproof.
Add ACT G2.102 as follows:

ACT G2.102

Chimneys and flues

(a) A flue must not be used to convey the hot products of combustion from more
than one appliance or fireplace except in the case of(ii) oil-fired appliances referred to in ACT G2.2, where AS 1691 or AS 1940
permits otherwise; or
(iii) open fireplaces and solid-fuel burning appliances referred to in ACT G2.2
where AS 2918 permits otherwise.
************************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in NSW.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
NSW A1.1
NSW A3.2

Definitions
Classifications

C - FIRE RESISTANCE
Class 1 and 10 buildings
Fire-resistance of Class 1 and 10 buildings

E - SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

PE

NSW F4.5
NSW F5.1

Water proofing of wet areas in buildings

Provision of sanitary and other facilities in residential
buildings
Ventilation of rooms
Application of Part

NSW F1.7
NSW Table F2.1

ED

NSW Specification E1.7

ED

NSW C1.9
NSW Specification C1.9

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
Swimming pools
Provision for cleaning of windows
Construction in bushfire prone areas

SU

NSW G1.1
NSW G1.101
NSW G5

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A1
NSW A1.1

INTERPRETATION
Definitions

Delete the following definition:

Designated bushfire prone areas.
Vary definition of sole-occupancy unit as follows:
Sole-occupancy unit means(a) a dwelling;

PART A3 CLASSIFICATION OF BUILDINGS AND

STRUCTURES
Vary definition of Class 1 buildings in A3.2 as follows:

NSW A3.2

Classifications

Class 1: One or more buildings which in association constitute(a) Class 1a (i) a single dwelling; or
(ii) two attached dwellings, neither of which is located above the other or
above or below another Class of building other than its appurtenant
private garage; or

ED

(b) Class 1b - a boarding house, guest house, hostel or the like with a total
floor area not exceeding 300 m2 in which not more than 12 persons would
ordinarily be resident, which is not located above or below another Class
of building other than a private garage.

ED

SECTION C FIRE RESISTANCE

PART C1 FIRE RESISTANCE AND STABILITY

Delete C1.9 and insert NSW C1.9 as follows:

Class 1 and 10 buildings

NSW C1.9

SU

PE

(a) Class 1 buildings or dwellings must be protected from the spread of fire from(i) another building or dwelling other than an appurtenant Class 10 building;
and
(ii) the allotment boundary.
(b) Class 10a buildings must not significantly increase the risk of spread of fire
between Class 2 to 9 buildings.
(c) For Class 1 buildings or dwellings and Class 10a buildings appurtenant to Class
1 buildings or dwellings, construction in accordance with Specification C1.9
satisfies (a).

NSW SPECIFICATION C1.9 FIRE-RESISTANCE OF

CLASS 1 AND 10 BUILDINGS
Delete Clause 9(b)(ii) and insert new clause as follows:

9.
(b) (ii)

Rooflights
1.8 m from any rooflights or the like in another building or dwelling on the
allotment other than an appurtenant building or a detached part of the
same building or dwelling.

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

Delete E1.1 and insert NSW E1.1 as follows:

NSW E1.1

Application of Part

This Part does not apply to(a) a Class 10 building; and

(b) except for E1.7, a Class 1 building or dwelling.
Delete E1.7 and insert NSW E1.7 as follows:

NSW E1.7

Fire and smoke alarms

ED

(a) An automatic fire detection and alarm system, designed to ensure the
occupants are given adequate warning so they can evacuate the building in an
emergency, must be installed in(i) a Class 1 building or dwelling.
(b) An automatic fire detection and alarm system satisfies (a) if it complies with
Specification E1.7.

ED

NSW SPECIFICATION E1.7 FIRE DETECTION AND

ALARM SYSTEMS
Type of system

2.

Delete Clause 2 and insert new clause as follows:

SU

PE

An automatic fire detection and alarm system must comply with(a) *

* *
(b) for Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 parts, Clause 9 as permitted by
Clause 8.
Delete Clause 6(a) and insert new paragraph as follows:

6.

Location of smoke detectors

(a) wherever possible, surface mounted at the return air inlet and spill air or relief
air path outside the air handling system ducts, unless a point sampling system
with maximum sensitivity level of 0.5% smoke obscuration is used; and
Delete Clause 8 and insert new clause as follows:

8.

Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 part of a

building - alternative system

(a) An automatic fire detection and alarm system in(i) a Class 1 building or dwelling and a Class 2 building, where required by
NSW E1.7; and
(ii) *
*
*

must-

(iii) consist of a system of self-contained smoke alarms in accordance with

Clause 9; or
(iv) comply with Clauses 2(a), 3, 4, 6 and 7 of this Specification utilizing
smoke detectors.
Delete Clauses 9(b) and (9)(e)(ii) and insert new clauses as follows:

9.

Self-contained smoke alarms

(ii)
(iii)

be connected to the consumer mains power where a building is provided

with mains electrical power; and
have a standby power supply.

ED

(e)

ED

(b) In a Class 1a building or dwelling and within sole- occupancy units in a Class 2
building and a Class 4 part of a building must have self-contained smoke
alarms installed in each building, dwelling or sole-occupancy unit in suitable
locations on or near the ceiling in any storey(i) containing bedrooms(A) between each area containing bedrooms and the remainder of the
building, dwelling or sole-occupancy unit, including any hallway
associated with the bedrooms; or
(B) in each bedroom; and
(ii) not containing bedrooms.

DAMP AND WEATHERPROOFING

PE

PART F1

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

Add NSW F1.7(c) as follows:

Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings

SU

NSW F1.7

(c) Where a bath is enclosed, the enclosure must be constructed so as to(i) prevent the creation of an unhealthy condition within the enclosure; and
(ii) prevent the entry of rodents; and
(iii) prevent the degrading of any supporting members or covering, by
moisture within the bath enclosure; and
(iv) be structurally adequate.

PART F2

SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

Insert the following lead-in to requirements for Class 1 buildings in Table F2.1:

NSW Table F2.1 PROVISION OF SANITARY AND OTHER

FACILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
CLASS OF BUILDING

MINIMUM FACILITIES REQUIRED

Class 1

Each dwelling in a Class 1 building must be provided with the following:

PART F4

LIGHT AND VENTILATION

Delete F4.5(b)(ii) and insert NSW F4.5(b)(ii) as follows:

NSW F4.5
(b) (ii)

Ventilation of rooms

a mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning system complying with

AS 1668.2.

PART F5

NOISE TRANSMISSION AND INSULATION

Delete clause F5.1 and insert NSW F5.1 as follows:

NSW F5.1

Application of Part

This Part applies to(a) Dwellings in a Class 1 building separated by a wall.

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

Delete G1.1(b):

Swimming pools

NSW G1.1

ED

PART G1

ED

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

PE

(b) (deleted).
Note: Restriction of access to swimming pools is regulated under the Swimming
Pools Act 1992.
Add NSW G1.101 as follows:

Provision for cleaning of windows

SU

NSW G1.101

(a) A building must provide for a safe manner of cleaning any windows located 3 or
more storeys above ground level.
(b) A building satisfies (a) where(i) the windows can be cleaned wholly from within the building; or
(ii) provision is made for the cleaning of the windows by a method complying
with the Construction Safety Act 1912 and regulations made under that
Act.

NSW PART G5

CONSTRUCTION IN BUSHFIRE PRONE

AREAS

Delete all of Part G5.

***********************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in the Northern Territory-

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
NT Specification A1.3 Standards Adopted by Reference.

B - STRUCTURE

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
Swimming pools

ED

NT G1.1

ED

NT B1.2
Loads
NT B1.3
Construction deemed-to-satisfy
NT Specification B1.2 Loads in Cyclonic Areas.

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

NT Specification A1.3

INTERPRETATION

Standards Adopted by Reference.

PART A1

NT Table 1

SCHEDULE OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Date

AS 1170
Part 2

Title

SU

No

PE

Insert in Table 1 of Specification A1.3 the following:

Minimum design loads on structures

1989

Wind forces

SECTION B STRUCTURE
PART B1

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

Delete B1.2(b), (c) and (e) and insert NT B1.2(b) as follows:

NT B1.2
(b)
(c)
(e)

Clause

Loads

Wind loads: NT Specification B1.2.

(deleted).
(deleted)

NT Spec B1.2

Delete B1.3(n) as follows:

NT B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

(n) (deleted)

NT Specification B1.2

LOADS IN CYCLONIC AREAS

1.
Scope
This specification contains requirements for the design of buildings in cyclonic areas.

PE

ED

ED

2.
Design
The design of a building must, where required, comply with the provision of
AS 1170.2 so that:
(a) As a minimum requirement for residential building design in Region C, terrain
category 2 with velocity multipliers equal to the average of those given in
Table 3.2.5.2 of AS 1170.2 for categories 2 and 3 are used where a terrain
roughness normally in category 3 may be subject to deterioration in extreme
winds.
(b) For the purpose of determining internal pressures in accordance with
AS 1170.2, all window openings whether glazed or not, are regarded as
potential dominant openings unless suitable protection against debris
penetration is provided.
(c) External doors are regarded as potential dominant openings unless the doors
and their fixings are shown to be adequate to resist wind loading.
(d) Protection of an opening is adequate for the purposes of this requirement
where it can be shown capable of resisting a 4 kg mass having 100 mm x
50 mm impacting cross-section striking at any angle at a velocity of 15 m/s
without affecting internal design pressures.

SU

3.
Roof Construction
(a) Roof cladding- For the purpose of this specification, roof cladding shall not be
considered to be bracing for a roof unless it is fixed in such a manner as to act
as a braced diaphragm under the combined effects of uplift, repeated loadings
and diaphragm action.
(b) Test for strength- Metal roofing and its fitments should be capable of
withstanding without failure, the test application of 10 000 cycles of working
load from zero to that maximum at a rate of 3 Hz, followed by a static load test
of 1.8 times the working load.
4.
Masonry Veneer Construction
Masonry veneer construction must be designed so that the structural framing, to
which a masonry veneer wall is tied, will ensure the stability of the masonry veneer.

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

PART G1

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

NT G1.1

Swimming pools

SU

PE

ED

ED

Delete G1.1.
************************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in Queensland.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Qld A1.1
Definitions
Qld Specification A1.3 Standards Adopted by Reference.

B - STRUCTURE
Qld B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

Flashings to narrow spaces
Construction of sanitary compartments
VERMIN CONTROL
Control of vermin

ED

Qld Part F101

Qld F101.1

ED

Qld F1.101
Qld F2.5

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
Swimming pools

Qld G1.1

PE

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

INTERPRETATION

SU

PART A1

In A1.1 vary definitions as follows:

Qld A1.1

Definitions

Substitute Swimming pool:

Swimming pool has the same meaning as in the Queensland Building Act.
Insert in Table 1 of Specification A1.3 additional standards as follows:

Qld Specification A1.3

Qld Table 1
No

Date

STANDARDS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE

SCHEDULE OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Title

Queensland Forest Service of the Department of Primary Industries

Technical Pamphlet No .1
Building Timbers, Properties and
Recommendations for their use in Queensland.

Clause
Qld B1.3

Queensland Department of Health

Qld F101.1

Vermin Control Regulations.

SECTION B STRUCTURE
PART B1

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

After B1.3(f)(iii) insert Qld B1.3(f)(iv) as follows:

Qld B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

ED

(f) Timber Construction:

(iv) Timber used for structural purposes: a species scheduled for the
appropriate use in Schedules A, B or C in Queensland Forest Service of
the Department of Primary Industries Technical Pamphlet No. 1 - Building
Timbers, Properties and Recommendations for their Use in Queensland.

PART F1

ED

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

DAMP AND WEATHERPROOFING

Add Qld F1.101 as follows:

Qld F1.101 Flashings to narrow spaces

SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

SU

PART F2

PE

Spaces between buildings on adjoining sites which are narrower than 600 mm must
be sealed off and flashed over to prevent the entrance of weather and vermin.

Add Qld F2.5(c) and (d) as follows:

Qld F2.5

Construction of sanitary compartments

(c) Entrances - Sanitary compartments must (i) *

*
*
(ii) in the case of external facilities, the entrance must be screened.
(d) Doors - Every door to a sanitary compartment must (i) be capable of being fastened from the inside;
(ii) swing clear of the closet pan; and
(iii) in the case of a fully enclosed sanitary compartment(A) open outwards;
(B) slide; or
(C) be readily removable from the outside,
unless there is a clear space of at least 1.2 m between the closet pan
within the sanitary compartment and the nearest part of the doorway.

Add Part F101 as follows:

Qld Part F101

VERMIN CONTROL

Qld F101.1
Control of vermin
Buildings must be constructed to prevent the entry of vermin in accordance with the
Vermin Control Regulations.

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

OBJECTIVES
Part G1

Minor Structures and Components

PART G1

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

Swimming pools

ED

Delete G1.1(b) and add Qld G1.1(c) as follows:

Qld G1.1

ED

G1.1 Swimming pools

Delete Objective G1.1(b).

SU

PE

(c) Electrical conductor: Where an in-ground swimming or spa pool is

constructed with metallic reinforcing, the means for attaching an electrical
conductor to the reinforcing must(i) be incorporated at the time of construction; and
(ii) be positioned for use without causing damage to the pool; and
(iii) be in accordance with the requirements of the relevant statutory electricity
supply authority; and
(iv) where the connecting facility is below ground level, have its location
clearly marked on the structure or shown on approved plans.
***********************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in South Australia.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
SA A1.1
Definitions
SA Specification A1.3 Standards Adopted by Reference.

B - STRUCTURE
SA B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

SA D3.1
SA D3.2

Application of Part
Access to buildings

ED

E - SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

ED

D - ACCESS AND EGRESS

SA E1.7
Fire and smoke alarms
SA Specification E1.7 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

SA Part F6
SA F6.101

PE

Water proofing of wet areas in buildings

Damp-proof courses
Acceptable damp-proof courses
Damp-proofing of floors on the ground

SU

SA F1.7
SA F1.8
SA F1.9
SA F1.10

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

RODENT PROTECTION
Minimum separation between buildings

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
SA G1.1
SA G5.2
SA Part G8
SA G8.106

Swimming pools and spas

Protection deemed-to-satisfy
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Detached incinerators

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A1

INTERPRETATION

SA A1.1

Definitions

After the definition of "Mezzanine" insert the following:

Minister's Specification means a Specification as from time to time issued by the
Minister responsible for the Building Code in this State.
Delete the definition of "Swimming pool" and substitute:

ED

Swimming pool includes an excavation or structure capable of being filled with

water to a depth of more than 300 mm, and intended primarily for swimming or
other aquatic activity.
Insert in Table 1 of Specification A1.3 additional standards as follows:

SA Specification A1.3

SCHEDULE OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

No.

Date

ED

Table 1

Standards adopted by reference

Title

Clause(s)

Methods of testing materials for resistance to

fungal growth

AS 1157

1978 Resistance of rubbers and plastics to surface

fungal growth.

Part 11

SA F1.10
SA F1.10

ASTM D 3345-74(1980) Method of laboratory evaluation of wood and

other cellulosic materials for resistance to termites.

SA F1.10

ASTM E 154-68(1979) Methods of testing materials for use as vapour

barriers under concrete slabs and as ground cover in crawl
spaces.

SA F1.10

CSIRO-DBC&E Method for the determination of the penetration

resistance to falling aggregate.

SA F1.10

SU

PE

ASTM D 1922-67(1978) Test method for propogation tear resistance of

plastic film and thin sheeting by pendulum method.

SECTION B STRUCTURES
PART B1
SA B1.3

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS
Construction deemed-to-satisfy

Delete paragraph (f) and substitute:

(f) Timber Construction(i) Design of timber structures: AS 1720 or AS 1684;
(ii) in a Class 10a building where the design wind velocity calculated under
AS 1170.2 does not exceed 33 m/s, with a floor area less than 60 m2:

CSIRO-DBC&E Special Report - Low Rise Domestic and Similar Framed

Structures, Part 4 - Supplementary Domestic Buildings for Built-up Areas,
Sections I to V.

SECTION D ACCESS AND EGRESS

PART D3

ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

Delete D3.1 and substitute:

SA D3.1

Application of Part

This Part applies to certain Class 1 buildings where expressly referred to.
Delete Table D3.2 and insert SA Table D3.2 as follows:
REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES

ED

SA TableD3.2

ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

Class 1
Whenever 20 or more sole-occupancy units of
Class 1 are constructed on a site-

To and within one sole-occupancy unit or 5% of

the sole-occupancy units, whichever is the greater
number.

ED

CLASS OF BUILDING

Note: For the purposes of this Table, the term "to and within" a building includes those parts,
elements, equipment and facilities such as ramps, handrails, grabrails, doorways, circulation
spaces, glazing, door controls, lifts, sanitary facilities, controls and floor surfaces as embraced
by AS 1428.1, excluding any references within that Standard to AS 1735.12.

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

SU

PART E1

PE

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

Delete E1.7(a)(i) and insert SA E1.7(a)(i) as follows:

SA E1.7
(a)

(i)

Fire and smoke alarms

a Class 1 building; and

SA SPECIFICATION E1.7 FIRE DETECTION AND ALARM

SYSTEMS
Substitute Clause 2(b) of Specification E1.7 as follows:

2.
(b)

Type of system
for a Class 1 building, Clause 9 as permitted by Clause 8.

Substitute the title of Clause 8 and lead-in phrase of Clause 8(a) of Specification
E1.7 as follows:

8.
(a)

Class 1 buildings - alternative system

In a Class 1 building, an automatic smoke detection and alarm system must-

Substitute the lead-in phrase of Clause 9(b) of Specification E1.7 as follows:

9.

Self-contained smoke alarms

(b) In a Class 1a building, self-contained smoke alarms must be installed in each

dwelling or sole-occupancy unit in suitable locations on or near the ceiling in
any storey-

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

Add objectives for SA Part F6 as follows:

SA Part F6

Rodent Protection

The formation of narrow spaces between buildings, or a building and the boundary,
must be avoided to limit the possibility of litter buildup and subsequent rodent
infestation.

DAMP AND WEATHERPROOFING

Delete F1.7 and insert SA F1.7 as follows:

Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings

ED

SA F1.7

ED

PART F1

SU

PE

(a) A laundry, bathroom, shower facility, water closet or room containing a shower
facility or a sanitary fixture such as a handbasin, vanity bowl, urinal, bidet,
cleaner's sink, slop sink, pan sink, sterilizer, potato peeler or any other similar
fixture must have(i) a floor surface that is impervious and drained to prevent the accumulation
of water on it; and
(ii) a wall surface that is impervious; and
(iii) impervious joints between the floor and wall surfaces; and
(iv) in the case of a shower facility, impervious joints between adjacent walls.
(c) The enclosure under every built-in bath must be ventilated and have an
impervious floor graded to an outlet discharging over an adjacent floor, except
where the bath is
(i) situated on the ground floor of a building and is suspended in accordance
with E&WS Sanitary Plumbing and Drainage Directions; and
(ii) that floor of the building is provided with underfloor ventilation in
accordance with clause F4.10.
(d) Every in-situ bath must have impervious surfaces and construction.
(e) Where a bench top containing an inset sanitary fixture or any sanitary fixture
abuts a wall surface (i) the wall surface must be impervious; and
(ii) the joint between the sanitary fixture or bench top and the wall surface
must be impervious.
(f) Compliance with Minister's Specification SA F1.7 is compliance with this clause.

Delete F1.8 and F1.9 and insert SA F1.8 and SA F1.9, as follows:

SA F1.8

Damp-proof courses

Except in a building that is exempt from weatherproofing under F1.4, moisture from
the ground must be prevented from reaching (a) the lowest floor timbers and the walls above the lowest floor joists; and
(b) any part of a masonry wall; and,
(c) the underside of a suspended floor constructed of a material other than timber,
and the supporting beams or girders.

SA F1.9

Acceptable damp-proof courses

PE

ED

ED

(a) Every damp-proof course required must(i) be impervious to the passage of water; and
(ii) exhibit long term resistance to degradation by dissolved salts in
groundwater.
(b) The following damp-proof courses are deemed-to-satisfy the requirements of
(a):
(i) embossed black polyethylene film of high impact resistance and low slip,
with a nominal thickness of 0.5 mm prior to embossing, and meeting the
requirements of clause 7.6 of AS 2904; or
(ii) polyethylene coated metal, that has an aluminium core of not less than
0.1 mm thick, is coated both sides with bitumen adhesive enclosed in
polyethylene film of not less than 0.1 m thick on each face, and has a
nominal total thickness of not less than 0.5 mm prior to embossing; or
(iii) bitumen impregnated materials of not less than 2.5 mm thickness, that
meet the requirements of clause 7.5 of AS 2904, when used in walls not
higher than 7.8 m above the level of the damp-proof course; or
(iv) other suitable material.

SA F1.10
(a) (i)

SU

Delete F1.10(a)(i) and insert SA F1.10(a)(i) as follows:

Damp-proofing of floors on the ground

the insertion of a vapour barrier in accordance with AS 2870.1 that has the
following qualities(A) Permeability not greater than 0.02g/N.s; and
(B) Durability:
(B1) Resistance to biological decay in accordance with AS 1157;
and
(B2) Resistance to termite attack in accordance with ASTM D334574; and
(C) Resistance to Damage:
(C1) Puncture resistance test to ASTM E154. Resistance should be
no less than 200 N and 'stretch' no less than 43 mm; and
(C2) Tear strength to ASTM D1922 with a minimum strength of 8 N
in any direction; and
(C3) Falling aggregate impact test to the CSIRO method with
maximum permeance of 0.02 g/N.s after testing; or

After Part F5 add SA Part F6 as follows:

SA PART F6

RODENT PROTECTION

SA F6.101
Minimum separation between buildings
Every part of an external wall of a building must be no less than 600 mm from(a) the external wall of any other building on the same site; or
(b) any boundary of the site, unless that wall is on or abutting that boundary,
unless the space between external columns is not infilled.

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

PART G1

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

SA G1.1

ED

Delete G1.1(b) and insert SA G1.1(b) and (c) as follows:

Swimming pools

ED

(b) Safety Fencing:

(i) A swimming pool must have suitable barriers or safety fencing to restrict
access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds.
(ii) For a swimming pool associated with a Class 1 building safety fencing
located in accordance with AS 2818 clauses 9.2.2 or 9.2.3 or 9.2.4 and
constructed in accordance with AS 1926.1 satisfies (b)(i).

SU

PE

(c) Pump Intakes:

(i) A swimming pool must have at least two pump intakes not less than
800mm apart and all intakes must have such dimensions or be otherwise
protected so as to prevent any part of a child being trapped by suction.
(ii) A skimmer box satisfies (c)(i) if it is located at least 100 mm from the edge
of the pool and it has a basket access hole of 280 mm diameter or less
and(A) it has a depth to the top of the leaf basket housing of not less than
200 mm; or
(B) a secondary intake to the system connects below the basket; or
(C) it has a cover resistant to opening by young children; or
(D) the basket access hole is no more than 150 mm in diameter.

PART G5

CONSTRUCTION IN BUSHFIRE PRONE AREAS

Delete G5.2 and insert SA G5.2 as follows:

SA G5.2

Protection deemed to satisfy

A building complies with G5.1 if it is provided with protection in accordance with

Ministers Specification SA G5.101.

Insert SA Part G8 after SA Part G7 as follows:

SA Part G8

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SU

PE

ED

ED

SA G8.106
Detached incinerators
A detached incinerator must be situated so that no part of that incinerator is less than
2 m from any boundary of the site, and every other building or structure on the site,
or such greater distance as may be required in any area under the Country Fires Act
1989.
************************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in Tasmania.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
A1.1

Definitions

C - FIRE RESISTANCE
C1.2
Rise in storeys
Tas Specification C1.9 Fire-resistance of Class 1 and 10 Buildings.

E - SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

Installation of closet fixtures

Tas F2.102

ED

ED

Tas E1.1
Application of Part
Tas E1.7
Fire and smoke alarms
Tas Specification E1.7 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS
Swimming pools

PE

Tas G1.1

SU

Tas Part G101 PROJECTIONS OVER WAYS

Tas G101.1
Construction and location of projections over ways
Tas G101.2
Protection of ways

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A1

INTERPRETATION

A1.1

Definitions

BCA definition of "mezzanine" is reprinted as follows:

Mezzanine means an intermediate floor within a room.
BCA definition of "Rise in storeys" is reprinted as follows:
Rise in storeys means the greatest number of storeys calculated in accordance with
C1.2.

BCA definition of "storey" is reprinted as follows:

Storey means a space within a building which is situated between one floor level and
the floor level next above, or if there is no floor above, the ceiling or roof above,
but not(a) a space that contains only(i) a lift shaft, stairway or meter room; or
(ii) a bathroom, shower room, water closet, or other sanitary
compartment; or
(iii) accommodation intended for not more than 3 vehicles; or
(iv) a combination of the above; or
(b) a mezzanine.

SECTION C FIRE RESISTANCE

FIRE RESISTANCE AND STABILITY

C1.2

ED

BCA Clause C1.2 is reprinted as follows:

ED

PART C1

Calculation of rise in storeys

SU

PE

(a) The rise in storeys is the greatest number of storeys at any part of the external
walls of the building(i) above the finished ground next to that part; or
(ii) if part of the external wall is on the boundary of the allotment, above the
natural ground level at the relevant part of the boundary.
(b) A storey is not counted if(i) it is situated at the top of the building and contains only service units or
equipment; or
(ii) it is situated partly below the finished ground and the underside of the
ceiling is not more than 1m above the average finished level of the ground
at the external wall, or if the external wall is more than 12 m long, the
average for the 12 m part where the ground is lowest.

TAS SPECIFICATION C1.9 FIRE-RESISTANCE OF

CLASS 1 AND 10 BUILDINGS
After clause 8 insert clause Tas 101 as follows:

Tas 101

Roofing

(a) Except as set out in (b) and (c), the roofs of all Class 1 and 10 buildings must
be non-combustible.
(b) Subject to B1.1, and Specification C1.1 Clauses 2.4 and 3.6 excluding
paragraph (a) and (c), PVC, Acrylic, Polycarbonate and GRP sheeting may be
used as a roof covering or canopy over a balcony, verandah, carport, covered
way, swimming pool, barbeque area, or similar open structure which is attached
to a Class 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 building.

(c) On any land zoned Rural (except Rural Residential) in the Municipality's or
City's sealed Planning Scheme or Effective Interim Order, if a Class 1 or 10
building or a farm building is situated at a distance not less than shown in Tas
Table 101, the roof of that building may be covered with a combustible material.
Tas TABLE 101
Building

LOCATIONS OF BUILDINGS THAT MAY HAVE

COMBUSTIBLE ROOFS
Minimum Distance (m) fromWooden Building

Other Building

Allotment Boundary

Class 1 or 10

30

15

30

Farm Building

15

15

ED

ED

(d) Where in accordance with (c) a roof is covered with wood shingles or shakes
over a combustible roof or ceiling, the shingles or shakes must be underlaid
with a material having a Flammability Index not greater than 2.
(e) A roof covered with any of the following materials satisfies (a)(i) metal sheeting or tiles;
(ii) slates;
(iii) terracotta or cement roofing tiles;
(iv) cement fibre sheeting or shingles;
(v) asphalt shingles except on buildings with rise in storeys exceeding 2;
(vi) built-up roofing covered with non-combustible material; or
(vii) concrete, granolithic, terrazzo, cement mortar, or other similar noncombustible materials.

FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT

SU

PART E1

PE

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

Delete E1.1 and insert Tas E1.1 as follows:

Tas E1.1

Application of Part

This Part does not apply to(a) a Class 10 building; and

(b) except for E1.7, a Class 1 building.
Delete E1.7(a) and insert Tas E1.7(a) as follows:

Tas E1.7

Fire and smoke alarms

(a) An automatic fire detection and alarm system, designed to ensure the
occupants are given adequate warning so they can evacuate the building in an
emergency, must be installed in(i) a Class 1 building.

TAS SPECIFICATION E1.7 FIRE DETECTION AND

ALARM SYSTEMS
Delete Clause 2(b) of Specification E1.7 and insert the following:

2.

Type of system

(b) for a Class 1 building, Clause 9 as permitted by Clause 8.

Delete the title of Clause 8 and the lead-in phrase of Clause 8(a) and insert the
following:

8.

Class 1 building - Alternative system

(a) In a Class 1 building, an automatic smoke detection and alarm system mustDelete the lead-in phrase of Clause 9(b) of Specification E1.7 and insert the
following:

Self-contained smoke alarms

ED

9.

ED

(b) In a Class 1a building, self-contained smoke alarms must be installed in each

dwelling or sole-occupancy unit in suitable locations on or near the ceiling in
any storey-

SANITARY FACILITIES

PART F2

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

PE

After F2.1 insert Tas F2.102 as follows:

Tas F2.102 Installation of closet fixtures

SU

(a) If a sufficient sewerage system is not available, an authorised alternative

means of disposal of night soil, may be installed.
(b) If sanitary facilities are not water-flushed, the following provisions apply.
(i) A pit latrine, an incinerating toilet, a chemical toilet, a removable pan or a
non-flushing urinal must not be within 2 m of a building containing
habitable rooms.
(ii) The floor on which a removable pan is placed must be impervious.
(iii) A toilet room containing a composting toilet must be separated from
habitable rooms by way of a permanently ventilated air lock (which may
be a circulation space).
(iv) The minimum ventilation required under (iii) shall be the greater of
(A) 8000 mm2; or
(B) 1/500th of the floor area of the circulation space.
(v) Access for maintenance or removal of waste from a composting toilet
must be by way of an access door which opens directly to the outside of
the building.

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

OBJECTIVES
Part G1
G1.1

Minor Structures and Components

Swimming pools

Insert Tas Objective (c) as follows:

(c) Swimming pools must be designed and constructed to provide for the health
and safety of swimmers and others.
Add Objectives for Tas Part G101 as follows:

Add Tas G1.1(e) as follows:

Swimming pools

PE

Tas G1.1

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

PART G1

ED

ED

Tas Part G101

Projections over Ways
(a) Projections over ways must not pose a danger to persons using the way nor to
adjoining buildings.
(b) Roofs of buildings and attachments to buildings must not allow stormwater to
reach the way except by way of a drain.
(c) Excavations must be protected to prevent any part of a way from subsiding into
them.
(d) Footings of a building must not project on to a way except if they are at
sufficient depth.

SU

(e) If the volume of a swimming pool exceeds 15 m3(i) an adequate water recirculation, disinfection and filtration system must be
installed;
(ii) the inlet and outlet openings in a swimming pool for the purpose of water
recirculation must be so located that water movement is continuous from
inlet to outlet;
(iii) inlet and outlet openings, and skimmer boxes where provided, must
comply with AS 1926.3;
(iv) recirculation of water in a swimming pool must be so designed that the
pool contents are recirculated not less than once in the period shown in
Tas Table G1.1(e); and
(v) water filtration rates must not exceed 12 250 L/m2 of sand filter bed per
hour, or an equivalent rate in other filter media.
Tas TABLE G1.1(e)

RECIRCULATION OF WATER IN SWIMMING POOLS

Pool Type

Period

Outdoor Swimming Pool

6 hours

Indoor Swimming Pool

4 hours

Wading Pool

2 hours

After Part G5 insert Tas Part G101 as follows:

Tas Part G101

PROJECTIONS OVER WAYS

Tas G101.1
Construction and location of projections over ways
(a) In this Part the following meanings apply:
Awning means a cover projecting from a building to provide shelter or shade
for people outside the building.
Balcony means a permanent projection from a building, designed to be walked,
stood or sat on, and which is not roofed.
Kerb-line means the line of the carriageway edge of the kerb or, where there is
no kerb, the line of the carriageway edge of the kerb if there was one.
Verandah means a permanent, roofed projection from a building, designed to
be walked, stood or sat on.

(f)

ED

ED

(d)
(e)

Tas TABLE G101.1

(c)

PROJECTIONS OVER WAYS

(b)

Way includes a public road, street, alley or footpath.

Every bridge connecting buildings over a way must be of non-combustible
material.
Every awning and balcony which projects over a way must be supported
entirely from the building to which it is attached.
A verandah must not project over a way.
Every part of a building which projects over a way must comply with Tas Table
G101.1.
Any combustible awning which projects over away must not extend to within 1.5
m of an adjoining building.

Awnings

PE

Heights above ground or footpath level:

2.7 m
2.4 m

Other projections

3.0 m

SU

Shades or sunblinds (when not in use), signs, lamps or the like

Maximum Distance of projection over a way:
Awnings(i)

non-combustible

(ii)

combustible

Balconies

not beyond a line 450 mm from the

plumb of the kerb-line
1.0 m
1.0 m

Other projections(i)

in streets more than 15 m wide

(ii) in streets not more than 15 m wide

900 mm
600 mm

Note :
(i)

A door, gate, window, sash, or shutter is not deemed to open outwards unless, when open to its
utmost extent, some part of it projects beyond the boundary line of the way.

(ii) The total width of all the oriel windows and turrets projecting on to a way in any wall of any storey
of a building, taken together, must not exceed 3/5of the length of that wall on the level of that
storey.

Tas G101.2
Protection of ways
(a) Every roof of a building, and every verandah, balcony, or other similar
projection or projecting window must be so designed and built as to prevent
stormwater from it from dropping on, running over, or seeping under any way.
(b) The roof of any awning that extends more than 1.0 m over a way must be
drained to a down pipe.
(c) Down-pipes from awnings(i) must not project beyond the boundary of a way; and
(ii) must be of steel or provided with a protective cover to a height of 2 m from
the path.
(d) Any excavation must be protected, by shoring or otherwise, as necessary to
prevent subsidence into the excavation of any part of a way adjoining it.
(e) Footings must not extend beyond the boundary of a way other than as shown in
Tas Table G101.2.
PROJECTION OF FOOTINGS

ED

Tas TABLE G101.2

Depth of top of footing below ground level

Maximum permissible projection

Less than 1.3 m

Nil

450 mm

Exceeding 3.0 m

750 mm

ED

1.3 m to 3.0 m

SU

PE

************************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in Victoria.

A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Vic A1.1
Vic Specification A1.3

Definitions
Standards Adopted by Reference

B - STRUCTURE
Vic B1.3

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

E - SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

ED

Application
Fire and smoke alarms
Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

Provision of sanitary and other facilities in residential

buildings

Vic Table F2.1

ED

Vic E1.1
Vic E1.7
Vic Specification E1.7

PE

Application
Provision of thermal insulation
Chimneys and flues
Installation of reflective foil laminate

SU

Vic F6.1
Vic F6.2
Vic F6.3
Vic F6.4

Vic Part F6 Thermal Insulation

SECTION A GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A1

INTERPRETATION

Vic A1.1

Definitions

Substitute Clause (b) in the definition of "storey" with:

Storey
(b) a mezzanine or mezzanines in a room provided they comply in aggregate with
the lesser of the following requirements(i) do not exceed 1/3 of the floor area of the room; or
(ii) have a floor area not exceeding 200 m2.
BCA definition of "mezzanine" is reprinted as follows:
Mezzanine means an intermediate floor within a room.

BCA definition of "storey" is reprinted as follows:

Storey means a space within a building which is situated between one floor level and
the floor level next above, or if there is no floor above, the ceiling or roof above, but
not(a) a space that contains only(i) a lift shaft, stairway or meter room; or
(ii) a bathroom, shower room, laundry, water closet, or other sanitary
compartment; or
(iii) accommodation intended for not more than 3 vehicles; or
(iv) a combination of the above; or
(b) a mezzanine.
Vary Specification A1.3 as follows:

Vic Specification A1.3

STANDARDS ADOPTED BY REFERENCE

No

SCHEDULE OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

Date

Title

ED

Table 1

ED

Vary Table 1 as follows:

Clause(s)

Substitute the following Standards in Table A1.3

1976 Code of practice for installation of reflective foil

laminate in buildings

Vic F6.4

AS 1926

1986 Fences and gates for private swimming pools

Amdt 1, March 1987

G1.1, Vic G1.101

AS 1904

1982 Hardboard
Amdt 1

Methods of sampling and testing mortar for

masonry construction

AS 2701

Part 10

1984

Methods of testing

1984

Methods for analysis of mortars

SU

Part 2

PE

AS 2458

Add in Table A1.3 additional standards as follows:

Vic Spec F1.7.1

Vic B1.3(o)

Fire protection equipment - Register of accredited products

Scientific Services Laboratory 1991

Vic E1.7

Energy Victoria June 1994

Vic F6

House energy rating

Timber Framing Manual

Timber Promotion Council 1993

Vic B1.3

Supplementary Tables
Timber Promotion Council 1992

Vic B1.3

SECTION B STRUCTURE
PART B1

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

Add B1.3(f)(iv) and (i) as follows:

Vic B1.3

Construction deemed to satisfy

(f) Timber construction(iv) Timber structures not located in an area subject to snow loads: Timber
Framing Manual and Supplementary Tables.
Add B1.3 (p), (q) and (r) as follows:

Vic B1.3

Construction deemed to satisfy

TABLE B1.3(n)

ED

(p) Concrete stumps deemed-to-satisfy - Notwithstanding (b) concrete stumps

shall be deemed-to-satisfy if they comply with Vic Table B1.3(n) and notes.
CONCRETE STUMPS - SIZES AND REINFORCEMENT
MINIMUM SIZE
mm

1 - 1400

100 x 100 or
110 diameter

5 mm hard drawn wire

1401 - 1800

100 x 100 or
110 diameter

two 5 mm hard drawn wires

1801 - 3000

125 x 125 or
140 diameter

two 5 mm hard drawn wires

REINFORCEMENT
diameter

ED

LENGTH OF STUMPS
mm

Notes:

PE

1. Concrete used must be minimum Grade 20 as defined in AS 3600.

2. Stumps which project above the ground more than 12 times the width of their smaller face or diameter
must be securely braced

SU

(q) Concession for mortar mix

(i) Proportions by volume - notwithstanding (a), mortar for any building

containing not more than 2 storeys may be used providing the mix is not
weaker than the ratio of 1 part portland cement to 1 part hydrated lime or
lime putty to 10 parts fine aggregate volume batched.
(ii) Testing - mortar is deemed-to-satisfy (i) if the total percentage by mass of
calcium oxide plus soluble silica dioxide is not less than 8.5 when(A) sampled in accordance with AS 2701.2; and
(B) tested in accordance with AS 2701.10.
(r) Class 10a external walls
A Class 10a building containing not more than one storey may be enclosed with
masonry external walls not less than 110 mm in thickness, provided that(i) the width of the building measured in the direction of the span of the roof
does not exceed 9 m and the height of the external wall does not exceed
3 m;
(ii) piers are formed which are not less than 230 mm wide, project not less
than 120 mm and are spaced at not more than 3 m centres;

(iii) the roof is so constructed that the external walls are not subject to any
thrust therefrom;
(iv) such external walls must not be required to support any load other than
the distributed load of the roof;
(v) cross walls or equivalent buttresses are constructed at not more than 9 m
centres; and
(vi) notwithstanding (o) the mortar mix used is no weaker than the ratio of 1
part cement to 1 part lime to 6 parts fine aggregate volume batched.

SECTION E SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT

PART E1 FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
Substitute E1.1 as follows:
This Part does not apply to(a) a Class 10 building; or
(b) except for E1.7, a Class 1 building.

ED

Application

ED

Vic E1.1

Substitute E1.7(a)(i) and add Vic E1.7(a)(v) as follows:

Fire and smoke alarms

Vic E1.7

PE

(a) (i) a Class 1 building; and

(v) an existing Class 1, 2 or 3 building or a Class 4 part of a building on which
building work is carried out.

SU

VIC SPECIFICATION E1.7

FIRE DETECTION AND

ALARM SYSTEMS

Substitute Clause 2(b) of Specification E1.7 as follows:

2.

Type of system

(b) for a Class 1, 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, Clause 9 as permitted

by Clause 8.
Substitute the title of Clause 8 and the lead-in phrase of Clause 8(a) of Specification
E1.7 as follows:

8.

Class 1, 2 and 3 buildings and Class 4 parts of

buildings

(a) In a Class 1 or 2 building or a Class 4 part of a building, an automatic smoke

detection and alarm system must-

Substitute the lead-in phrase of Clause 9(b) and (e)(ii) of Specification E1.7 as
follows:

9.

Self-contained smoke alarms

(b) In a Class 1a, 2 or 3 building, or a Class 4 part of a building, self-contained

smoke alarms must be installed in each dwelling or sole-occupancy unit in
suitable locations on or near the ceiling in any storey(e) (ii) be connected to the consumer power mains unless the alarms are
installed in an existing part of a Class 1, 2 or 3 building or a Class 4 part of
a building.

SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

OBJECTIVES
Vic F6

ED

Add objectives for Part F6 as follows:

Thermal Insulation

SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

PART F2

ED

A reasonable level of thermal insulation must be provided to conserve energy used

for internal heating and cooling of residential buildings.

Substitute paragraph (c) of requirements for Class 1 buildings in Table F2.1 with:

CLASS OF BUILDING

MINIMUM FACILITIES REQUIRED

(c) Except in a movable unit constructed under section 18 of the Housing Act
1983, on the same allotment as another building, clothes washing facilities,
comprising at least one wash-tub and space in the same room for a
washing machine or wash copper; and

SU

Class 1

PE

Vic Table F2.1 PROVISION OF SANITARY AND OTHER

FACILITIES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS

PART F5

NOISE TRANSMISSION AND INSULATION

Substitute F5.1 as follows:

Vic F5.1

Application of Part

(a) Floors and internal walls separating sole-occupancy units must provide a
reasonable level of acoustic privacy in(i) Class 1 buildings joined by a separating wall as required by Clause 7 of
Specification C1.9; and
(ii) Class 2 and 3 buildings.
(b) Construction satisfies (a) if it complies with the provisions of this Part.

Add Part F6 as follows:

VIC PART F6
Vic F6.1

THERMAL INSULATION

Application

This Part applies to Class 1 buildings.

Vic F6.2

Provision of thermal insulation

(a) R values - In this Part "R" or "R value" means the thermal resistance of an
element of the building measured in m2.K/W.

Table F6.1

ED

ED

(b) Performance requirement - Residential buildings must have a reasonable

level of thermal insulation to conserve energy used for internal heating and
cooling.
(c) The requirements of (b) are satisfied(i) if the building complies with all elements of option A or all elements of
option B of Vic Table F6.1; or
(ii) if the building achieves a House Energy Rating of at least 4 stars as
assessed by(A) a registered building practitioner in the category of building surveyor
accredited in the use of Energy Victoria's House Energy Rating; or
(B) Energy Victoria.
MINIMUM OVERALL R VALUE
OPTION A

OPTION B

Roof or ceiling

R2.2

R2.2

External walls

R1.3

ELEMENT

Ground Floor

R0.4

Deemed "R Values" - An element described in column 1 of Table F6.2 is

deemed to have the R value adjacent to it in column 2.
R VALUES FOR COMMON ELEMENTS

SU

Table F6.2

PE

(d)

R1.0

R1.7

DESCRIPTION OF ELEMENT
col 1

R VALUE
col 2

Roofs or ceilings

Tiled or metal pitched roof, R2.5 bulk insulation between ceiling joists, lined ceiling

R2.4

Tiled or metal pitched roof, rfl as sarking and insulation over rafters, R2.0 bulk insulation
between ceiling joists, lined ceiling

R2.2

Metal deck roof, rfl as sarking and insulation, 20 mm air gap, R2.0 bulk insulation installed
between joists/beams, rfl as a vapour barrier, ceiling lining on underside of joists/beams

R2.2

Metal deck roof, R2.0 bulk insulation installed between rafters, rfl as a vapour barrier, ceiling
lining on underside of rafters

R2.2

Metal deck roof, R2.0 bulk insulation installed between roof battens, rfl as a vapour barrier,
ceiling lining on top of exposed rafters

R2.2

Tiled roof, rfl as sarking and insulation, R2.0 bulk insulation installed between counter battens,
optional rfl as a vapour barrier, ceiling lining on top of exposed rafters

R2.2

External walls
Brick/masonry veneer with double sided rfl fixed to external face of studs, lined internally

R1.3

Brick/masonry veneer with R1.5 bulk insulation between the studs, lined internally

R1.7

Brick/masonry veneer with R1.0 foam board fixed over the face of the studs, lined internally

R1.7

Weatherboard/fibre-cement, double sided perforated rfl dished between studs lined internally

R1.3

Weatherboard/fibre cement cladding, R1.5 bulk insulation between studs, lined internally

R1.7

Cavity brick with R0.8 foam board in cavity

R1.3

150 mm concrete panel with R1.0 foam board and lined internally

R1.3

Floors
Concrete/masonry on ground

R1.5

Timber framed floor open around perimeter

R0.4

Timber framed floor, enclosed perimeter perforated rfl dished between joists

R1.0

Timber framed floor, enclosed perimeter, 13 mm foam board fixed to the underside of floor
joists

R1.0

ED

(e) Exemptions - The requirements of this Part do not apply to the following types
of construction:
(i) concrete panels, cavity brick, earthwall construction, ashlar stone or other
masonry walls which have a thickness (excluding any cavity) of not less
than 180mm if the floor of the building is concrete or masonry in direct
contact with the ground;
(ii) windows, vents and other similar openings in walls, roofs and ceilings; or
(f) Separating walls - For the purposes of (c), a wall which separates a Class 1
building from a Class 10a building is regarded as an external wall.

Chimneys and flues

ED

Vic F6.3

Chimneys and flues from open solid fuel-burning appliances must be provided with a
damper or flap.

Installation of reflective foil laminate

Vic F6.4

SU

PE

Installation of reflective foil laminate must comply with AS1904.

************************************************************************************************

CONTENTS
This Appendix contains the BCA provisions that have been varied and additional
provisions for application to Class 1 or Class 10 buildings in Western Australia.

B - STRUCTURE
WA B1.3(g)
WA B1.3(m)
WA B1.3(o)
WA Specification B1.3(m)
WA Specification B1.3(o)

Footings
Earth wall construction
Seismic construction: Class 1 buildings
Earth Wall Construction
Seismic Construction- Class 1 Buildings

C - FIRE RESISTANCE
Fire-resistance of Class 1 and 10 buildings

ED

WA Specification C1.9

WA D2.1
WA D2.16

ED

D - ACCESS AND EGRESS

Application of Part
Balustrades

F - HEALTH AND AMENITY

Construction of sanitary compartments

WA F2.5

PE

G - ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

Swimming pools

SU

WA G1.1

SECTION B STRUCTURE
PART B1

STRUCTURAL PROVISIONS

Delete B1.3(g) and (m), and insert WA B1.3(m) and (p) as follows:

WA B1.3
(g)

Construction deemed-to-satisfy

(deleted).

(m) Earthwall construction: WA Specification B1.3(m).

(p)

Seismic construction: Class 1 buildings: WA Specification B1.3(p).

After Part B2, insert WA Specification B1.3(m) as follows:

WA Specification B1.3(m)

EARTH WALL CONSTRUCTION

1.
Scope
This Specification contains the requirements for earth-wall construction.

2.
Definitions
For the purpose of this Specification:
Adobe construction means a type of construction using blocks of sun dried
mud.
Bulletin 5 means CSIRO-NBTC Bulletin 5 Earth Wall Construction 4th Edition
1987.
Earth-wall construction means adobe construction, mechanically pressed-soil
block construction or rammed-earth construction.
Mechanically pressed-soil block construction means a type of construction
using blocks produced by pressed block making machines.
Rammed-earth construction means a type of construction in which damp
earth is tamped in situ between temporary movable framework.
Terrain Category followed by a designation, refers to the terrain category so
designated in AS 1170.2.

ED

3.
Not permitted in certain places
A building must not be of earth-wall construction if it is situated on a site that is
subject to flooding.

ED

4.
Construction generally
(a) A building of earth-wall construction must be constructed in accordance with
the recommendations contained in Bulletin 5 except where varied by this
Specification.
(b) A building of earth-wall construction must not exceed two storeys in height and
walls must be laterally restrained at intermediate floor level.

SU

PE

5.
Sample of test results may be required
Prior to and during construction, Council may require(a) in the case of(i) rammed-earth construction - a sample panel at least 900 mm long by 900
mm high;
(ii) adobe construction - a sample comprising of a least 3 blocks, made of the
materials and by the methods to be used in the construction, to be
provided for inspection on the site; and
(b) in the case of mechanically pressed-soil block construction - the submission to
it of the results of tests, conducted in accordance with Appendix E of Bulletin 5,
made on blocks of the kind to be used in the construction after they have been
moist cured for seven days.
6.
Minimum thickness of walls
In a building of earth-wall construction, the thickness of a wall must be(a) In the case of adobe construction or rammed-earth construction(i) for an external wall, not less than 250 mm; and
(ii) for an internal wall, not less than 200 mm;
(b) In the case of mechanically pressed-soil block construction(i) for an external wall, not less than 250 mm; and
(ii) for an internal wall, not less than 150 mm.

7.
Protection
Every building of earth-wall construction(a) must be provided with a suitable means of protection to prevent water from the
roof running down the face of every wall; and
(b) must, except in the case illustrated in Figure 1.3 of Bulletin 5, have the ground
adjacent to the walls so graded and paved as to prevent any surface water from
reaching those walls.
After WA Specification B1.3(m), insert WA Specification B1.3(p) as follows:

WA Specification B1.3(p)
1.

SEISMIC CONSTRUCTION - CLASS 1

BUILDINGS

Scope

This Specification is a set of methods which satisfy the performance requirements of

B1.1 in respect of earthquake loads.

Interpretation

ED

2.

Construction

3.

ED

In this Specification (a) timber framing connector means a manufactured connector system for timber
joints formed from 1.2 mm minimum thickness galvanised steel and punched to
take nails; and
(b) acceleration coefficient means an index number determined under AS 1170.4

SU

PE

(a) In locations having an acceleration coefficient of 0.10 or greater, any Class 1

building with a rise in storeys exceeding four must be certified by a professional
engineer as complying with AS 1170.4.
(b) In locations with an acceleration coefficient of 0.12 or greater but less than
0.15, any Class 1 building must(i) be certified by a professional engineer as complying with AS 1170.4; or
(ii) comply with WA Table B1.3A.
(c) In locations with an acceleration coefficient of 0.15 or greater, any Class 1
building must (i) be certified by a professional engineer as complying with AS 1170.4; or
(ii) comply with WA Table B1.3B.
(d) In locations with an acceleration coefficient of 0.12 or greater any free standing
masonry wall exceeding 1 200 mm in height must be certified by a professional
engineer as complying with AS 1170.4.
WA TABLE B1.3A
1.

Application

(a) This Table applies to Class 1 buildings having a rise in storeys no greater than 1 and located in
an area with a coefficient of acceleration of 0.12 or greater but less than 0.15.
(b) This Table does not apply to Class 1 buildings having
(i)

a roof clad with concrete or terracotta tile; or

(ii)

masonry projections or overhangs, masonry parapets or unbraced masonry chimneys.

2.

Foundations and Footings

(a) Stumps - of steel, timber or reinforced concrete.

(b) Bracing to stumps with galvanised M12 bolts or equivalent to comply with AS1684(i)

at intervals not exceeding 10m.

(ii)

at corner stumps - in two directions.

(iii) to every stump projecting more than 650 mm out of the ground.
(c) Floor beams - fixed to the top of stumps with two M10 diameter bolts or equivalent fixing.
(d) Bottom plates of framed structures where fixed to a concrete raft or strip footing - fixed with M10
bolts or masonry anchors at 1200 mm maximum centres.
(e) Concrete strip footings - continuously reinforced with two layers of reinforcement comprising two
12 mm diameter bars (Grade 400Y) per layer and tied with R6 ligatures at centres not exceeding
2.5 times the depth of the footing.
(f)

Raft slabs - incorporating monolithic edge beams.

3.

Framed Wall Construction

(a) Metal framingcomplying with AS 1538 or AS 1884, braced and nogged with welded joints or fixed with
self-tapping fastenings or bolts to give a joint of equal strength.

(ii)

with material used in walls, other than bracing, not to be less than 1.2 mm thick.

ED

(i)

(iii) wall plates - continuous between cross walls or spliced to maintain strength.
(b) Timber framing-

fixed with timber framing connectors nailed with a least three 2.8mm diameter x 30 mm
long nails to each fixing plate or the connector; or

(ii)

constructed of seasoned timber, fixed with at least two 2.8 mm diameter nails, machine
nailed through the top or bottom wall plate into the stud.

ED

(i)

(iii) wall plates - continuous between cross walls or spliced to maintain strength.
Masonry Construction

4.

PE

(a) Internal or external walls 4m in length or greater - stiffened by cross walls, columns or bracing,
certified by a professional engineer as complying with AS 1170.4.
(b) Cross walls - tied to the internal leaf of cavity walls by fully bonding or by metal ties at every
second course.

SU

(c) Mortar - at least as strong as a 1:1:6.

(d) Masonry units - to have good mortar adherence properties.

(e) Bricks-

(f)

(i)

laid on full bed joint with full perpends.

(ii)

to be solid when laid in the top two courses of internal walls and the internal leaf of
external walls.

Reinforcement(i)

both leaves of external walls, reinforced with two R6 bars (Grade 250), or two 3.15 mm
diameter bars (Grade 450), in the course immediately under window sills and over door
and window heads.

(ii)

placed in the external leaf of an external wall, galvanised.

(iii) to extend a minimum of 300 mm beyond the supporting cross walls or columns.
(iv) in cross walls, turned and lapped 300 mm into the external walls.
(v) splices, not less than 300 mm
(g) Continuous reinforced brick bond beams, comprising two R6 bars (Grade 250), or two 3.15 mm
diameter bars (Grade 450), in each of the top three bed joints, constructed(i)

on the internal leaf of all external walls and on all cross walls; and

(ii)

where the roof is pitched on the external leaf of an external wall, on that external leaf.

(h) Top wall plates - fixed to the second top course of walls by masonry anchors, or equivalent
fixing, at 1 800 mm maximum centres.
5.

Veneer on Frame Construction

(a) Veneers(i)

to comprise an external leaf of masonry and internal walls of timber or metal framing.

(ii)

to be fixed in accordance with AS 3700.

6.

Roof Construction

(a) Roof bracing - to transfer all horizontal loads directly to crosswalls.

(b) Roof framing - fixed to the top wall plate using timber framing connectors nailed with at least
three 2.8 mm diameter x 30 mm long nails to each fixing plate of the connector.

WA TABLE B1.3B
1.

Application

(b) This Table does not apply to Class 1 buildings having-

ED

(a) This Table applies to Class 1 buildings having a rise in storeys no greater than 1 and located in
an area with a coefficient of acceleration of 0.15 or greater.
a roof clad with concrete or terracotta tile; or

(ii)

masonry projections or overhangs, masonry parapets or unbraced masonry chimneys.

2.

Foundations and Footings

ED

(i)

(a) stumps - of steel, timber or reinforced concrete.

(b) Bracing to stumps - fixed with galvanised M 12 bolt or equivalent to comply with AS1684at intervals not exceeding 8m.

(ii)

at corner stumps in two directions.

(i)

(iii) to every stump projecting more than 500 mm out of the ground.
(c) Floor beams- fixed to the top of stumps with two M10 bolts or equivalent fixing.

PE

(d) Bottom plates of framed structures where fixed to a concrete raft or strip footing - fixed with M10
bolts or masonry anchors at 1 200 mm maximum centres.

(f)

SU

(e) Concrete strip footings - continuously reinforced with two layers of reinforcement comprising two
12 mm diameter bars (Grade 400Y) per layer and tied with R6 ligatures at centres not exceeding
2.5 times the depth of the footing.
Raft slabs- Incorporating monolithic edge beams.

3.

Framed Wall Construction

(a) Metal framing(i)

complying with AS 1538 or AS 1664, braced and nogged with welded joints or fixed with
self-tapping fastenings or bolts to give a joint of equal strength.

(ii)

with material used in walls, other than bracing, not be less than 1.2 mm thick.

(iii) wall plates - continuous between cross walls or spliced to maintain strength.
(b) Timber framing(i)

fixed with timber framing connectors nailed with at least three 2.8mm diameter x 30 mm
long nails to each fixing plate or the connector; or

(ii)

constructed of seasoned timber, fixed with at least two 2.8 mm diameter nails, machine
nailed through the top or bottom wall plate into the stud.

(iii) wall plates- continuous between cross walls or spliced to maintain strength.
4.

Veneer on Frame Construction

(a) Veneers(i)

to comprise an external leaf of masonry and internal walls of timber or metal framing.

(ii)

to be fixed in accordance with AS 3700.

(b) timber framing(i)

wall plates(A) fixed to transfer lateral loads between frames of external walls and frames of
internal walls.
(B) F8 grade timber minimum dimensions 100 mm x 50 mm where cross walls are
spaced at not greater than 4 800 mm centres.

(ii)

external walls framing in external walls - fixed to supporting cross walls at or near top wall
plate level by at least two timber framing connectors with at least three 2.8 mm diameter
nails to each plate of the connector or by bolting the frames together with M10 minimum
diameter bolts.

(c) metal framing(i)

wall plates(A) fixed to transfer lateral loads between frames of external walls and frames of
internal walls.
(B) minimum dimensions 78 mm x 31 mm x 1.2 mm where cross walls are spaced at
not greater than 5 500 mm centres, and stiffened by an additional 75 mm x 78 mm
x 1.6 mm plate where the span exceeds 3 500 mm.
external walls - framing in external walls, fixed to supporting cross walls at or near top wall
plate level by at least two framing connectors or by bolting the frames together with M 10
minimum diameter bolts.

ED

(ii)

(d) external walls - 100 mm x 100 mm galvanised steel mesh fixed to the timber or metal framing of
external walls clad with masonry veneer.
6.

ED

(e) masonry veneer - may not be placed over openings or in gables.

Roof Construction

(a) Roof bracing - transfer all horizontal loads directly to crosswalls.

(b) Roof framing - fixed to the top wall plate using timber framing connectors nailed with at least
three 2.8 mm diameter x 30 mm long nails to each fixing plate of the connector.

FIRE RESISTANCE AND STABILITY

SU

PART C1

PE

SECTION C FIRE RESISTANCE

Delete Specification C1.9 Clause 8 and insert WA Specification C1.9 Clause 8 as

follows:

WA Specification C1.9 FIRE-RESISTANCE OF CLASS 1 AND 10

BUILDINGS
8.
Sarking-type materials
Any sarking-type material and such material used for flexible air ducts in a Class 1
building must have a Flammability Index of not more than 5.

SECTION D ACCESS AND EGRESS

PART D2

CONSTRUCTION OF EXITS

Delete D2.1 and insert WA D2.1 as follows:

WA D2.1

AppIication of Part

Except for WA D2.16(i), this Part does not apply to(a) a Class 1 or Class 10 building.
After D2.16(h) insert WA D2.16(i) as follows:

WA D2.16

Balustrades

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(i) In a Class 1 or Class 10 building, every accessible balcony, sun-deck, open

floor or the like, having a floor more than 1500 mm above the finished level of
the ground or floor below, must have at least a single horizontal rail part of
which must be at a height in the range of 750 mm to 900 mm above the floor.

SANITARY AND OTHER FACILITIES

PART F2

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SECTION F HEALTH AND AMENITY

Delete F2.5(b) and insert WA F2.5(b) as follows:

WA F2.5

Construction of sanitary compartments

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(b) Doors - the door of every fully enclosed closet pan compartment must(i) open outwards; or
(ii) be readily removable from the outside.

SECTION G ANCILLARY PROVISIONS

PART G1

MINOR STRUCTURES AND COMPONENTS

Delete G1.1 and insert WA G1.1 as follows:

WA G1.1

Swimming pools

(a) Drainage: A swimming pool must have suitable means of drainage.

(b) Safety fencing: A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm
must have suitable barriers, or safety fencing in accordance with AS 2818 and
AS 1926, to restrict access by young children to(i) the allotment or the immediate pool surrounds if there is only one Class 1
building on the allotment; or
(ii) the immediate pool surrounds, if the swimming pool is associated with a
number of Class 1 buildings on the same allotment.

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ED

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