Overview
This lecture explains the National Construction Code (NCC) of Australia, including its purpose, structure, key terms, organization, and how it is maintained and updated.
What is the NCC and Why Regulate?
- The NCC is Australia's national code for building, plumbing, and construction, established to unify regulations and ensure consistency.
- Regulation protects building occupants and the public by addressing safety, health, amenity, accessibility, and sustainability.
- States and territories adopt the NCC through local legislation, resulting in similar systems nationwide.
- Building regulation distinguishes between administrative (procedural) and technical (construction) requirements.
Structure and Volumes of the NCC
- The NCC comprises three volumes:
- Volume 1: Class 2–9 buildings (mainly commercial).
- Volume 2: Class 1 & 10 buildings (housing).
- Volume 3: Plumbing and drainage for all building classes.
- Volumes 1 & 2 are jointly referred to as the Building Code of Australia (BCA); Volume 3 is the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).
- NCC applies to new buildings, new work in existing buildings, changes of use, and plumbing/drainage work.
Key Terms and Compliance Options
- Performance Requirements: Specify what buildings must achieve for compliance.
- Performance Solution: Alternative methods for meeting performance requirements, not following standard solutions.
- Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Solutions: Prescribed methods and standards considered compliant.
- Assessment Methods: Techniques used to confirm compliance, including evidence, expert judgment, and verification methods.
- Explanatory Information: Non-mandatory guidance, shown in shaded boxes.
Organization of the NCC
- Each volume starts with Governing Requirements (mandatory rules identical in all volumes).
- Governing Requirements cover interpretation, compliance methods, application, referencing, documentation, building classification, and united buildings.
- Sections and schedules contain technical provisions, state variations, abbreviations, definitions, referenced documents, fire resistance, fire hazard properties, and verification methods.
Schedules Overview
- Schedule 1: State and territory additions/variations.
- Schedule 2: Abbreviations and symbols used.
- Schedule 3: Defined terms and definitions, with italicized terms in the text.
- Schedule 4: Referenced documents (standards, protocols).
- Schedules 5-7: Fire resistance, fire hazards, and fire safety verification.
NCC Maintenance and Resources
- The NCC is amended and reissued every three years, with rare off-cycle amendments for urgent issues.
- The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) maintains and issues the NCC, providing free online access and support.
Key Terms & Definitions
- ABCB — Australian Building Codes Board, maintains the NCC.
- Performance Requirements — Criteria buildings must meet for compliance.
- Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution (DTS) — Standardised compliance path.
- Performance Solution — Alternative compliance approach.
- Governing Requirements — Foundational, mandatory NCC rules.
- Schedules — Appendices with state variations, definitions, references.
- Explanatory Information — Guidance, not mandatory.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Register or log in at abcb.gov.au to access the NCC.
- Familiarize yourself with the structure and schedules of the NCC.
- Review definitions and schedules in all three volumes for future exercises.