April 2011

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New National Construction Code (NCC)

The new National Construction Code (NCC) 2011 was released on 1 February 2011 and will come into effect on 1 May 2011. Pre-order renewal notices have been dispatched to all subscribers of the BCA 2010. You can also order by phone, email or online.

If you haven't already subscribed order NOW on: 1300 134 631

No matter what format, or package you choose, 2011 is a particularly important year with changes to, and information on, the disability access provisions which have been amended to align with the Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards); private bushfire shelters; fire hazard properties; energy efficiency and more.

Place your order now to ensure you are on the print distribution list. The new NCC 2011 comprises: BCA Volume One and Two; and the new Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) Volume Three. When ordering any of these Volumes, please ensure to include your customer number to streamline the ordering process.

Email: ncc@abcb.gov.au

What’s happening with Australian Standards for Waterproofing and the BCA?

Earlier this year the Technical Sub-Committee of the AIW was charged with the brief to review both AS3740-2010 and AS4654-2009 Parts 1 and 2. This brief followed comments from our members around Australia about the need to review and revise and also to be inclusive of the BCA.
The rationale behind this was as follows:

1. AS3740-2010: There were a small number of changes made to this standard which went against the submission from AIW. The AIW has now successfully generated sufficient interest to allow a submission for change. The First Draft of these changes should be out for Public Comment by late April - Mid May.
2. AS4654-2009 Parts 1 and 2: Some changes to this Standard are proposed by the AIW so that inclusion in the BCA will be seriously considered. The First Draft of these changes should also be out for Public Comment by late April - mid May.

The Australian Institute of Waterproofing has always, as one of its prime objectives, pursued the development of Standards for the Industry and will continue to pursue the objective of these Standards being included in the National Construction Code

Standards Australia - April 2011 Bulletin.
Want to view full details of this Bulletin? Click here to view online

Training

What's happening with the CPC 31408 Certificate III Construction Waterproofing Training Courses?

The AIW continues to conduct this course throughout Australia. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for persons already in the industry are the primary focus at this point, to allow training opportunity for those in the industry for many years without a formal qualification.

As well as waterproofers to complete this RPL, the AIW as the most successful trainer with this course, counts among its enquiries, TAFE colleges, building organisations, builders, tilers, and plumbers.

What the AIW has always been able to offer:

• Qualified Trainers with Waterproofing Industry experience at the highest level in all areas - Internal; External; Below Ground; and Remedial;
• Inclusion of all the above four areas in the training;
• On successful completion the issue of a full Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing - 19 units. Not just a Statement of Attainment for the few units completed;
• The issue of a Certificate III as a prerequisite for a Licence application where required.

Of recent times the AIW was advised that a school of thought by some people in Sydney is that the current course is too difficult and should be made easier for persons to complete.

The AIW does not believe that diluting the training and competency course on one hand and demanding best practice on the other is the best method of placing water proofers, fully qualified in ALL aspects of waterproofing, into the community to implement best outcomes for the consumer.

Should there be a Certificate IV Construction Waterproofing?

The AIW, as the representative body for Waterproofing in this country, has been requested to investigate and report on all aspects of a new and more sophisticated course for waterproofing.

This course would be placed at the Certificate IV level and would focus on the training requirements for those persons engaged in the supervision of others in waterproofing as well as a prerequisite qualification for those wishing to engage in Waterproofing Consulting.

The AIW invites comment from interested persons regarding the above and asks that comments be forwarded via email with the subject line - Certificate IV Waterproofing - to the following; info@waterproof.org.au

AIW Training calendar for 2011:

Click image to enlarge

Industry Practice vs the BCA (extract from BRB eNewsletter March 2011)

Increasing popularity of some time-saving construction methods considered to be 'industry practice', do not necessarily comply with the regulations prescribed by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the relevant Australian Standards.

The Building Regulations 1989 require Local Governments to ensure that building applications comply with the design requirements of the BCA before granting building approval. Builders must then ensure that building work is carried out in accordance with the technical provisions of the BCA, as approved by the Local Government. Please check for the requirements in your Local Government area.
When carrying out building work that does not comply with the BCA, builders are leaving themselves open to complaints about their workmanship and investigation by the Board.

One example of non-compliant industry practice is the omission of head and sill flashings to windows and door frames. Section 3.3.4.9 of the BCA provides specific details in regard to the size and location of the flashings.

Another example is where builders have installed inadequate roof drainage to cope with heavy rainfall. The BCA Vol 2 Section 3.5.2 (B) provides a range of measures including oversized gutters and downpipes, which can be used to ensure that water does not pond against or enter a building.

Other areas of building work that the Board regularly finds to be carried out according to convenience rather than approved methods include:

• Inadequate cavity drainage in relation to the absence of weepholes in double leaf brickwork;
• The omission of tie down straps built into brickwork and the insufficient spacing and provision of brick ties, particularly around openings;
• Overcompensating the angle of roof struts and unapproved methods of tying fan struts; and
• The omission of bond breakers at floor and wall junctions where the membrane is bonded to the substrate.

Builders are required to achieve compliance with the BCA by using either Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions or Alternative Solutions that meet the performance requirements. When choosing to use an Alternative Solution, builders are reminded that the BCA sets out the criteria that must be met, and that all Alternative Solutions must be approved by the Local Government before work proceeds.

The Board recommends that builders review their current practice in line with the BCA and Australian Standards.

To obtain a copy of the BCA, contact the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au or call 1300 134 631. For copies of the Australian Standards, contact SAI Global at www.saiglobal.com or call 131 242.

Mould and mildew

Of recent times, in most locations around the country we have experienced the return of wet weather on a frequency and intensity not seen for many years if at all.

So it would seem reasonable to assume that the drought is behind us and damp environments will now return. Together with this dampness we can expect to see more and more toxic mould and mildew situations that we may be called upon to advise rectification and elimination.

To assist you and your client, we did recently come across a publication we could recommend that may be of benefit to all parties.

By accessing the following website you will find further information: www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.

Guide to Australian Standards - Building & Construction

A FREE resource for YOU

One question heard repeatedly in the industry is “what standards are relevant to me?” With over 9000 Standards Australia publications that question is understandable.

You can now access the new Guide to Standards - Building & Construction. This Guide is free and provides a snapshot of building and construction standards conveniently categorised into topics such as energy efficiency, building products, electrical wiring, plumbing and gas, and much more.

This Guide is a valuable tool for anyone in the building industry including -

• Builders;
• Sub-contractors;
• Manufacturers;
• Importers; and
• Suppliers of building products

Download your FREE copy