CPCCBC4001A Student Workbook

STUDENT WORKBOOK
CPCCBC4001A
Apply building and codes standards to the construction

process for low rise building projects
2
This logo will appear throughout the study reading material. It will signify a Task 1 Learning
Activity applies to the last section. The student should then refer to their Task 1 booklet and
answer the question with the applicable information from the section.
1. Introduction to the NCC building codes
The National Construction Codes (NCC) formerly the Building

Code of Australia (BCA) is produced and maintained by the
Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) on behalf of the
Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments. The NCC
has been adopted into building regulation by all States and
Territories. The National Construction Codes
website www.abcb.gov.au.
The NCC is a uniform set of technical provisions for the

design and construction of buildings and other structures
throughout Australia. It allows for variations in climate and
geological or geographic conditions.
The goal of the NCC is to enable the achievement of

nationally consistent, minimum necessary standards of
relevant, health, safety (including structural safety and safety
from fire), amenity and sustainability objectives efficiently.
This goal is applied so–
 there is a rigorously tested rationale for the regulation;
 the regulation generates benefits to society greater than the costs (that is, net benefits);
 the complete effects of the regulation have been considered and the regulation is no more restrictive than necessary
in the public interest; and
 there is no regulatory or non-regulatory alternative that would generate higher net benefits.
 In regard to protection of the environment, requirements for the efficient use of energy in buildings are aimed at
reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 So that the NCC extends no further than is necessary in the public interest, is cost effective, easily understood, an d
is not needlessly onerous in its application.
History of the National Construction Codes
In the building regulatory area, that is the regulation of public safety, health and amenity in buildings, Australia has hist orically
had strongly individual and substantially different systems in each of the 6 States and 2 Territories.
Australia's Constitution and Building Regulations
The foundation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 was the culmination of over 10 years of discussions and
compromises between a number of British colonies which had little in common except for their substantially British ethnic
origins and that they happened to occupy the same continent. The basis of this new nation was its Constitution, which is still in
force over 100 years later. The Constitution sets out the roles, responsibilities and powers of the Commonwealth Government.
By standard convention, those matters, which are not mentioned in the Australian Constitution, remain the responsibility of the
States.
Australia's Model Uniform Building Code
The complexity of Australia's building regulatory system provided a legislative maze for building practitioners to work throu gh.
However, after World War II several of the states started to establish more uniform technical building requirements, and those
States which delegated their primary responsibilities to municipal councils started to reclaim control. This led a number of
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CPCCBC4001A Student Workbook CRICOS No: 03446A | RTO No: 41315
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people to start thinking about the benefits of having a National-wide set of building regulations. These people first met in the
early 1960's, and in 1965 they negotiated the establishment of the Interstate Standing Committee on Uniform Building
Regulations (ISCUBR). ISCUBR was basically an agreement between the State administrations responsible for building
regulatory matters to pool their resources for the benefit of all States.
Structure of the NCC
The National Construction Codes are divided into three volumes:
 Volume 1 – pertains primarily to Class 2 to 9 buildings; access requirements for people with
disabilities in Class 10 buildings; and certain Class 10 structures.
 Volume 2 – BCA pertains primarily to Class 1 and 10 buildings (houses, sheds, carports etc) –
other than access requirements for people with disabilities in Class 10 buildings.
 Volume 3 – PCA Plumbing Code of Australia
All volumes are drafted in a performance format to provide greater flexibility for the use of new and innovative building products,
systems and designs.
Note: A user may choose to comply with the Deemed to Satisfy Provisions or (described as acceptable construction practice in
the Housing Provisions) or may use an Alternative Solution that satisfies the Performance Requirements.
The Housing Provisions (Volume 2) are significantly different from Volume One in that it is presented in plain English with
diagrams to expand on and explain the code requirements. Explanatory information also accompanies clauses to assist users
in understanding the requirements of the code. The code has been structured to follow the construction sequence, commencing
with site works and progressing through the various construction stages to completion.
State and Territory variations and additions
Each State’s and Territory’s legislation adopts the NCC subject to the variation or deletion of some of its provisions, or the
addition of extra provisions.
In the Housing Provisions these are divided into two types:
 A variation to the Housing Provisions – these are identified following the Clause that is being varied.
 Additional requirements – these are contained in Appendix A of the NCC
The hierarchy of the NCC
The hierarchy of the NCC comprises of the following:
 Section 1- Governing Requirements
 Section 2 The Performance Provisions
 Section 3 – Acceptable Construction

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Activity 1 - NCC Codes
Please complete the learning activity in your Learning Activities and Assessment Tasks booklet.
2. Building Classifications
Part A6 Building Classification NCC 2019
Note: 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.
Classifications
Buildings are classified as follows:
Class 1: one or more buildings, which in association constitute
a. Class 1a – a single dwelling being
i.a detached house; or
ii.one or more attached dwellings, each being a building, separated by a fire resisting
wall, including a row house, terrace house, townhouse 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.

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Class 2: a building
containing 2 or more sole-
occupancy units each being
a separate dwelling.
Class 3: a residential building, other than a building of Class 1 or 2, which is a

common place of long term or transient living for several unrelated persons,
including: -
a. a boarding-house, guest house, hostel, lodging-house or backpackers

accommodation; or
b. a residential part of an hotel or motel; or
c. a residential part of a school; or
d. accommodation for the aged, disabled or children; or
e. a residential part of a health-care building which accommodates members of staff.
f. A residential part of a detention centre
Class 4: a dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 if it is the only dwelling in the building.
Class 5: an office building used for professional or commercial

purposes, excluding buildings of Class 6, 7, 8, or 9.
Class 6: a shop or other building for the sale of goods by retail or the
supply of services direct to the public, including:

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a. an eating room, cafe, restaurant, milk or soft-drink bar; ora dining room, bar, shop or kiosk part of a hotel or motel; or
b. a hairdresser’s or barber’s shop, public laundry, or undertaker’s establishment; or
c. market or sale room, showroom, or service station.
Class 7: a building, which is:
a. a carpark; or
b. for storage, or display of goods or produce for sale by wholesale.

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Class 8: a laboratory, or a building in which a handicraft or process for the production, assembling, altering, repairing, packing,
finishing, or cleaning of goods or produce is carried on for trade, sale, or gain.
Class 9: a building of a public nature: -
a. Class 9a – a health-care building; including those parts of the

building set aside as a laboratory; or
b. Class 9b – an assembly building, including a trade workshop,

laboratory or the like in a primary or secondary school, but excluding
any other parts of the building that are of another Class.

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Class 10: a non-habitable building or structure
a. Class 10a – a non-habitable building being a private garage, carport,

shed, or the like; or
b. Class 10b – a structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining or free-

standing wall, swimming pool, or the like.
Multiple classification
Each part of a building must be classified separately, and
a. where parts have different purposes – if not more than 10% of the floor area of a storey which is not a
laboratory is used for a purpose which is a different classification, the classification applying to the major use may
apply to the whole storey; and
b. Classes 1a, 1b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b are separate classifications; and
c. a reference to:-
i.Class 1 – is to Class 1a and 1b
ii.Class 9 – is to Class 9a and 9b; and
iii.Class 10 – is to Class 10a and 10b.
d. A plant room, machinery room, lift motor room, boiler room or the like must have the same classification as the part of
the building in which it is situated.
When buildings are united
Two or more buildings adjoining each other form one united building if they:
a. Are connected through openings in the walls dividing them; and
b. Together comply with all the requirements of the BCA as though they are a single building.
Alterations in a united building
If, after alterations or any other building work, two or more of the buildings, previously united, cease to be connected through
openings in the dividing walls, each of those buildings not now connected must comply with all requirements for a single
building.

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Activity 2 - Building Classifications
3. Australian Standards
History
Standards Australia was founded in 1922

as a non-government, not for profit
association to serve Australia's national
interest, primarily through the
preparation and publication of voluntary
technical standards and through
conformity assessment provisions.
Standards development
There are approximately 6000 Australian

Standards (of which more than 20% relate to the building and construction industry – these cover varying aspects from design,
material manufacture, testing procedures and construction techniques etc.), developed by technical committees representing a
balanced spectrum of relevant interests. There are approximately 8500 Technical Committee members who give their time and
expertise free of charge.
What is a standard?
The dictionary defines a Standard as:
An accepted or approved example against which other things may be judged or measured.
Alternatively, after the industrial revolution the word Standard is now defined as:
A Standard is a published document which sets out technical specifications or other criteria necessary to ensure that
a material or method will consistently do what it is intended to do.
Standards have been in existence for a long time - from the earliest societies there have been physical standards for weights
and measures. As writing developed, written Standards evolved which set mutually agreed standards for products and
services such as agriculture, ships, buildings and weapons etc. Relics from ancient civilisations such as Babylon and earlier
periods provide ample evidence that standardisation was being consciously applied as far back as a thousand years ago.
A common question is asked : “How does the NCC interact with the Australian Standards”
The National Construction Code of Australia refers to Australian Standards throughout and builders are required to comply with
the NCC. In this instance the Australian Standard sets both the minimum requirement for construction and becomes a legal
document.
Important Note: Where there is a conflict between the NCC and a referenced document or Australian Standard, the NCC
interpretation takes precedence over the other document.
Australian Standards and their relevant products and services are used as essential regulatory informat ion and are to be used
in conjunction with NCC 2019, Volume One and Volume Two. Australian Standards are only considered a best practice
document and are not enforceable unless they have been referenced in the Building Act, regulations or building code. Th e
Australian Standards that are enforceable are only so because they have been referenced in the building code.
As Australian Standards are referenced in the NCC, they require currency and thus, need to be updated and amended.
Notice is provided by Standards Australia for any Australian Standards which are superseded.
Apart from the NCC and Australian Standards, there may be other standards you will need to access. The NCC adopts many
Australian Standards as reference documents but only the standards adopted by the NCC are enforced. However, other
Australian Standards are optional and some local government authorities have local requirements that may be applied as
conditions of approval if you build in their area. It is often beneficial to speak to a representative of the authority, or a private
certifier, in order to clarify conditions that cause concern.

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Note: Reference Document Guide to Standards -Building and Construction
(unit attachment in Document Addendum)
Activity 3 - Standards
4. NCC 2019 Volume One- Class 2-9 Buildings
Volume 1 - Part A to J
A. Governing Requirements - Application, interpretation, acceptance of

design and construction, classification of buildings and structures, united buildings.
B. Structure - Structural Provisions.
C. Fire Resistance - Fire Resistance and Stability, Compartmentation and

Separation.
D. Access and Egress - Provision for Escape, Construction of Exits, Access

for People with
E. Services and Equipment - Fire Fighting Equipment, Smoke Hazard

Management, Lift Installations, Emergency Lighting, Exit Signs and Warning
Systems.
F. Health & Amenity - Damp and Weatherproofing, Sanitary and Other

Facilities, Room Sizes, Light and Ventilation, South Transmission and Insulation.
G. Ancillary Provisions - Minor Structures and Components, Heating Appliances, Fireplaces, Chimneys and Flues,
Atrium Construction, Construction in alpine Areas, Construction in Bushfire Prone Areas.
H. Special Use Buildings – Class 9B buildings, Theatres, Stages and Public Halls.
I. Removed from 2019
J. Energy Efficiency - Building Fabric, External Glazing, Building Sealing, Air Movement, Air- Conditioning and
Ventilation Systems, Artificial Lighting and Power, Hot Water Supply, Access for Maintenance.
Note: Volume 1 also includes a section of appendices that are specific to each State and Territory. Each Appendix is
set out in the same number prefix as the major sections of the volume (A to J).
As an Example :
Section A – Governing Requirements

The Governing Requirements of the NCC provide the rules and instructions for using and complying with the NCC. They
include the following:
 Interpreting the NCC.

 Complying with the NCC.
 Application of the NCC in States and Territories.
 Applying documents referenced in the NCC.
 Documenting the suitability of the design, construction and/or use of materials to comply with the NCC.
 Classifying buildings by their characteristics and intended use.
Part A1 Interpreting the NCC
Part A2 Compliance with the NCC
A2.0 Compliance
Compliance with the NCC is achieved by complying with—
(1) the Governing Requirements of the NCC; and

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(2)the Performance Requirements.
A2.1 Compliance with the Performance Requirements
Performance Requirements are satisfied by one of the following, as shown in Figure 1:
(1)A Performance Solution.
(2)A Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution.
(3)A combination of (1) and (2).
Figure 1: NCC compliance option structure
Part A3 Application of the NCC in States and Territories
Part A4 NCC referenced documents
Part A5 Documentation of design and construction
Part A6 Building classification
Part A7 United buildings
5. NCC 2015 Volume Two - Class 1 & 10 Buildings- Section 1-3
Section 1- Governing Requirements of the NCC
The Governing Requirements of the NCC provide the rules and instructions for using and complying with the NCC. They
include the following Parts:
A1 Interpreting the NCC.
A2 Compliance with the NCC.
A3 Application of the NCC in States and Territories.
A4 NCC referenced documents
A5 Documentation of Design & Construction
A6 Building Classification.

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Section 2 - Performance Provisions
This Section contains the Performance Requirements for Class 1 and 10 buildings (other than access requirements for
people with disabilities in Class 1b and 10 buildings).
For the purposes of this Section a reference to a building includes a reference to both Class 1 and 10 buildings unless
otherwise specified. They include the following Parts:
Part 2.0 Application
Part 2.1 Structure
Part 2.2 Damp and weatherproofing
Part 2.3 Fire safety
Part 2.4 Health and amenity
Part 2.5 Safe movement and access
Part 2.6 Energy efficiency
Part 2.7 Ancillary provisions and additional construction requirements
Section 3 - Acceptable Construction
Section 3, Parts 3.0 to 3.12 are Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions that are acceptable forms of construction that meet the
legislative requirements for complying with the Housing Provisions (i.e. they comply with the Performance Requirements listed
in Section 2 of the Housing Provisions).
There is no obligation to adopt any option contained in Section 3 of the Housing Provisions, if it is preferred to meet the
Performance Requirement in some other way.
However, if one of the options described in Section 3 is not complied with, then the appropriate authority must be satisf ied that
the Performance Requirements have been met.
The scope of these provisions
In Section 3 of Volume Two the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions are divided into two compliance pathways; “acceptable
construction practices” and “acceptable construction manuals”.
“Acceptable construction practices” are some of the most common forms of national construction practice and are written into
Section 3.

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“Acceptable construction manuals” are the deemed-to-satisfy referenced documents.

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The Parts included in this section are:
Part 3.1 Site Preparation
Part 3.2 Footings and Slabs
Part 3.3 Masonry
Part 3.4 Framing
Part 3.5 Roof and Wall Cladding
Part 3.6 Glazing
Part 3.7 Fire Safety
Part 3.8 Health and Amenity
Part 3.9 Safe Movement and

Access
Part 3.10 Ancillary Provisions

and Additional Construction
requirements
Part 3.11 Removed form

NCC2019
Part 3.12 Energy Efficiency

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6. NCC 2019 Volume Two - Class 1 & 10 Buildings- Fire Safety
Part 3.7 Fire resistance and safety
Part 3.7.1Fire properties for materials and construction
Acceptable Construction Practice
3.7.1.1 General concession — non-combustible materials
3.7.1.2 Fire hazard properties
Part 3.7.2Fire separation of external walls
3.7.2.1 Application
3.7.2.2 External walls of Class 1 buildings
3.7.2.3 Measurement of distances
3.7.2.4 Construction of external walls
3.7.2.5 Class 10a buildings
3.7.2.6 Open carports
3.7.2.7 Allowable encroachments
3.7.2.8 Roof lights
Part 3.7.3Fire protection of separating walls and floors
3.7.3.1 Application

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3.7.3.2 Separating walls
3.7.3.3 Services in separating walls
3.7.3.4 Roof lights
3.7.3.5 Horizontal projections
Part 3.7.4Fire separation of garage top dwellings
3.7.4.1 Application
3.7.4.2 Walls requiring protection
3.7.4.3 Separating floors
Part 3.7.5Smoke alarms and evacuation lighting
3.7.5.1 Application
3.7.5.2 Smoke alarm requirements

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3.7.5.3 Location — Class 1a buildings
3.7.5.4 Location — Class 1b buildings
3.7.5.5 Installation of smoke alarms
3.7.5.6 Lighting to assist evacuation — Class 1b buildings
General Principles of the NCC
The National Construction Codes of Australia includes sections outlining requirements in respect of the following:
Class 1 & 10 (Part 2.3 Objectives/ Functional Statement/ Performance Requirements) (Part 3.7 Deemed to Satisfy building
solutions) covers:
Protection from the spread of fire
A Class 1 building is to be protected from the spread of fire.
 Fire detection and early warning - A Class 1 building is to be provided with safeguards so that the occupants are
warned of a fire in the building so that they may safely evacuate.
 Combustion appliances - Combustion appliances using controlled combustion

located in a building are to be installed in a way, which reduces the likelihood of fire
spreading beyond the appliance.

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 Bushfire areas - A Class 1 building constructed in a designated bushfire prone area is to provide resistanc e to
bushfires in order to reduce the danger to life and reduce the risk of the loss of the building.
 Alpine areas - A Class 1 building in an alpine area is to be provided

with additional measures in view of the increased difficulties in fighting
fire and maintaining access and means of egress in snow conditions.
Passive and active fire control requirements
There are four(4) passive and active control categories designated by the NCC for
low rise buildings:
 implementation
 passive and active fire control elements
 levels of fire resistance

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 fire separation
Implementation
When designing and constructing a building, the first step in fire control is to fire rate the resistance levels of the materials being
used.
The NCC, Part 1.1 lists the definitions and combined with the AS 1530.2 Methods for fire tests on building materials,
components and structures – Test for flammability of materials, the builder will be able to designate a flammability index.
On different projects, you may be required to introduce an Alternative Solution or a Deemed-to-Satisfy building solution. Both
methods must meet performance criteria and as stated earlier, you may need specialist advice to assess compliance.
Passive and Active Fire Control elements
Passive fire resistance is based on the fire resistance of building elements and complies with Deemed to Satisfy provisions of
the NCC. Therefore, the building must utilise an accepted construction method or conform to specification (Reference: NCC,
Part A.2.3).

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Fire separation
To reduce the spread of fires through a building and to adjoining

parts of buildings, the NCC determines performance
requirements:
 For fire separation purposes, barriers are constructed

and distances are preserved between building elements
(Reference: NCC,Part 1.3.1).
 In Class 1 buildings, the performance requirement

applies to protect from the spread of fire (Reference: NCC, Figure
2.3.1).
 In Type B buildings, if the external walls and other

structural elements incorporated in the external envelope of the
building are located at a distance of more than 18 metres from the
fire source, then no nominated levels of fire resistance are
required.
 In Class 2 to 9 buildings, compartmentalisation and

separation provisions apply. (Reference: NCC, Part C2).
Fire testing
Fire resistance testing is conducted to the Australian

Standard AS 1530-part 4: 1997 ‘Fire Resistance Tests of
Elements of Building Construction’.
This standard gives the test method and criteria of failure for
the various elements of construction such as partition walls,
floor/ceilings and roof/ceilings.
The specimen assemblies are built into the test furnace

temperatures in accordance:
“ AS 1530.4 ‘Standard Time vs Temperature Curve’.” ( refer Document Addendum AS1530 Fire
Testing Methods)
How is the specimen assessed?
The test specimen is heated in the prescribed manner until the failure criteria has been reached, or is terminated by agreement
between parties.

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Assessment criteria are represented by three performance measures known as ‘Fire Resistance Levels’ (FRL):
 Structural Adequacy - Structural adequacy means the ability of a structure to maintain its stability and load bearing
capacity;
 Integrity - Integrity means the ability of a structure to resist the passage of flames and hot gases;
 Insulation - Insulation means the ability of a structure to maintain a temperature below specified limits on the surface
not exposed to fire.
Test performance
The test performance of the specimen is expressed as a ‘Fire Resistance Level’, which indicates the number of minutes for
which the specimen fulfils the requirements of the three fire test criteria.
These numbers are then rounded down to the nearest regulatory requirement.
The standard regulatory ‘FRL’ requirements for Class 1 / 10 buildings NCC are:
Non Loadbearing Loadbearing
-/30/30 30/30/30
-/60/60 60/60/60
-/90/90 90/90/90
-/120/120 120/120/120
-/180/180 180/180/180
For Example: - / 120 / 120
 The dash indicates no requirement for ‘ Structural Adequacy’, which is typical for non-load bearing systems.
 The first 120 indicates ‘Integrity’ for 120 minutes.
 The second 120 indicates ‘Insulation’ for 120 minutes.
Note: For any specified FRL, a system having equal or higher respective criteria may be used.
Smoke alarms - Self-contained smoke alarms in

residential buildings
Background
A high percentage of fatalities in fires occur in residential

buildings. The majority of deaths occur when people are
asleep. As people sleep, they are unable to detect a fire and
are quickly overcome by smoke. A smoke alarm is a life
safety initiative designed primarily to awaken sleeping people
and to give them adequate warning to evacuate the building
in the event of a fire.
Installation
Smoke alarms are compulsory and must be installed in every residential building, on or near the ceiling of every storey and be
located in a position designed to wake sleeping occupants.
A residential building includes the following building Classes as broadly defined in the ational Construction Code (NCC):
Class 1a: Detached houses, row houses, town houses, terrace houses or villa units
Class 1b: Some boarding houses, guest houses or hostels

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Class 2: Buildings containing sole-occupancy units (e.g. apartments, blocks of flats)
Class 3: Backpacker accommodation, residential parts of hotels or motels, residential parts of schools, accommodation for the
aged, disabled or children
Class 4: Dwellings in non-residential buildings (e.g. houses attached to shops).
The Building Regulations 2018 (the Regulations) state that smoke alarms must meet the Australian Standard AS 3786-1993.
Complying models can be found at most electrical appliance outlets or hardware stores.
Smoke alarms must be connected (hard wired) to the building's consumer mains power source as well as having a battery
back-up, unless the building was built before 1 August 1997.
Qualified electricians must install smoke alarms that are 'hard wired' to the consumer mains power source, but battery operat ed
smoke alarms can be installed by anyone
Smoke alarms required by 3.7.5.3 and 3.7.5.4 must be installed on or near the ceiling, in accordance with the following:
(a)Where a smoke alarm is located on the ceiling it must be—
(i)a minimum of 300 mm away from the corner junction of the wall and ceiling; and
(ii)between 500 mm and 1500 mm away from the high point and apexes of the ceiling, if the room has a sloping ceiling.
(b)Where (a) is not possible, the smoke alarm may be installed on the wall, and located a minimum of 300 mm and a maximum
of 500 mm off the ceiling at the junction with the wall.

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Explanatory information:
Smoke alarms need to be located on (or near) the ceiling for optimum detection of smoke in a fire situation with special care
taken to avoid dead air spaces. A dead air space is an area in which trapped hot air will prevent smoke from reaching the
alarm. This space generally occurs at the apex of cathedral ceilings, the corner junction of walls and ceilings and between
exposed joists etc.
Smoke alarms may be located on the wall in accordance with 3.7.5.5(b).
Mandatory requirements
New Class 1 buildings:
 An amendment to the National Construction Codes (NCC) introduced requirements for the installation of automatic
fire detection and alarm systems in Class 1 dwellings.
 Additions and alterations to existing Class 1 buildings
 Extensions or additions to Class 1 buildings must also comply with the new regulations for all the new work. In
determining whether the requirements apply to alterations and additions to an existing building in a particular case, it
is useful to return to the intent of the regulation, which is to awaken sleeping people and to give them adequate
warning to evacuate the building in the event of fire. Therefore all new building work which has an impact on the
bedrooms in the dwelling, must comply with the regulations.

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Activity 4 – Fire separation
7. NCC 2019 Volume Two - Class 1 & 10 Buildings - Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency Provisions (Part 2.6 Performance Provisions)
Energy efficiency provisions for housing (ie - Class 1 and 10 buildings) were first introduced
into the NCC on 1 January 2003, following extensive technical development and public
consultation processes.
The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions varied depending upon the climate zone in which the
building was to be located. To ease adoption, the provisions were kept relatively simple and
were developed to achieve a nominal level of energy efficiency approaching a 6 star rating
under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
The provisions were progressively adopted in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory,
Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. Separate energy
efficiency regulations were adopted in New South Wales.

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The NCC Energy Efficiency Provisions (including Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions):
 The ability of the roof, walls and floor to resist heat transfer
 The resistance to heat flow and solar radiation of the glazing
 The sealing of the house
 The provision of air movement for free cooling, in terms of openings and breeze paths
 The insulation and sealing of air-conditioning ductwork and hot water piping
 The efficiency and energy saving features of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems and hot water
supply
 Power allowances for lighting and electric power saving features
 Access to certain energy efficiency equipment for maintenance purpose
The first fundamental matter that needs to be determined in addition to the classification of the building before applying the DTS
provisions is the climate zone in which the building is to be located. An Australian climate map showing diagrammatically the
extent of each zone and a table detailing the applicable climate zone for common locations are included in the NCC, Volume
One, Part A1.
For locations that are more difficult to determine, an enlargeable climate zones map can be viewed at the rear of Volume Two
NCC 2015.
External glazing (Part 2.6 Energy Efficiency Objectives/ Functional Statements/ Performance Requirements) (Part 3.12
Deemed to Satisfy Building Solutions)

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The external glazing provisions introduced in the original BCA 2003 energy efficiency provisions for housing were relatively
simplistic and provided minimal recognition of orientation. The enhanced provisions of the NCC 201 9, on the other hand, give
full recognition of orientation as well as shading and the exact type of glass and frame used.
However, this created additional complexity. To address this, the ABCB developed a relatively simple spread sheet calculator,
which could be downloaded by visiting the Energy Efficiency Glazing Calculator.
The enhanced housing provisions treated glazing as combined glass and frame systems. This means that the Total U-Value
and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) characteristics of the glazing are be expressed for the glass and frame combined.
These values are now required in Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) terms. The AFRC is based on the NFRC
rating which is an internationally recognised approach but is different to the Australian National Average Conditions (ANAC)
previously used by industry. Some manufacturers and suppliers may be still adjusting to the AFRC terms so practitioners
should be diligent when checking that the installed glazing achieves the required AFRC performance:
Refer “NCC Volume Two Glazing Calculator for NCC 2014 and 2015 use.” ((Document Addendum)
Building fabric – roofs, walls and floors
The enhanced provisions contained a greater range of options for achieving compliance than were previously provided.
The options are made available to accommodate different construction materials and techniques:
 bulk and reflective insulation,
 light coloured and ventilated roofs,
 block work and cavity masonry walls,
 well shaded and light coloured external walls,
 and all forms of suspended and on-ground floors.
The range of options provided in the enhanced energy efficiency provisions for housing gave designers and builders greater
scope to select a suitable and cost-effective solution.
Furthermore, there had been several packages developed to accommodate location specific issues. For example, an
alternative for the treatment of houses with attached garages was developed to accommodate the use of cavity masonry
construction in climate zones 4 and 5 (which includes Adelaide and Perth).

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Building Sealing
The builder must determine whether the subject building

needs to be sealed in order to control unwanted air
movement throughout the building. The areas of inspection:
 Chimneys and flues - There are no chimneys or

flues installed in the proposed building, so Clause
J3.2 is not applicable.
 Roof lights - The roof light serving the kitchen is

required to be sealed or be capable of being
sealed because it serves a conditioned space. The
roof light is not a roof window and cannot be opened and therefore, it must be either constructed with an imperforate
diffuser installed at ceiling level or have a shutter system readily operated manually, mechanically or electronically by
its occupants.
 External windows and doors - All external doors and openable external windows to conditioned spaces or
habitable rooms in climate zone 6 to be fitted with a seal to restrict air filtration. There are no openable windows in
the subject building, therefore; only external doors will require sealing by fitting foam or rubber compressible strips,
fibrous seals or the like.
 External doors - which are the main entrance to a building must be self-closing or the like, so that when doors are
in use, the loss of conditioned air is minimised.
 Exhaust fans - Each of the toilets in the office building is to be provided with a mechanical exhaust ventilation
system complying with AS 1668.2 and AS/NZS 3666.1
8. NCC 2019 Volume Two - Class 1 & 10 Buildings- Lighting
Lighting Provisions: (Part 2.4.4 Health & Amenities- Lighting )
(a)A habitable room must be provided with windows, where

appropriate to the function or use of that part of the building, so that
natural light, when available, provides an average daylight factor of not
less than 2%.
(b)Artificial lighting must be installed to provide an illuminance of not

less than 20 lux appropriate to the function or use of the building to
enable safe movement by occupants.
The ABCB has developed a trial Lighting Calculator, which uses a

series of worksheets to assist users with the calculations required by
the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy energy efficiency provisions. Users simply
input the necessary data into the spreadsheet, which operates in
Microsoft Excel, and all the calculation functions are carried out automatically. The Lighting Calculator is available in the
‘Related Documents’ box.
When you open the calculator on the main screen page there will be six options that you can choose. The four options on the
right hand side of the screen provide guidance material to assist you in using the calculators, with the two calculators provided
on the left hand side of the screen. The calculator titled ‘Residential Lighting Calculator’ applies to; Class 1, Class 10 and Class
2 buildings and Class 4 parts of a building. All other classifications are covered by the calculator titled ‘Non Residential Lighting
Calculator’.
Refer “NCC Volume Two Lighting Calculator for NCC 2015 Use” (Document Addendum)
9. Plan and specification identification
In the identification and reference process of all Performance Requirements of structural members of the house construction
the builder will request or have supplied the following information:

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Plans- Individual 1:50 or 1:20 details should be supplied if referring to specific floor / wall /roof component requirements of the
NCC in relation to the main objectives of structural integrity, fire safety, waterproofing, access, health and amenities, safe
movement and access and energy efficiency. These would mainly be referred to on floor plan, and be attached or represented
(by hatch) on the sectional details or bracing plan.
Structural Requirements: There are Basic design principles and behaviour of structures incorporated into the completion of
construction plans that must be addressed in selection and calculation of structural Components when subjected to the
following loads:
 Under stress
 Strain
 Compression
 Bending
 Combined actions
These will be addressed further in CPCCBC 4010/4011 , but at this stage in the context of nominating structural components
into a set of construction plans, especially with calculations according to AS 2870 Design of Residential Slabs and AS1684.4
Timber Framing Code -Non Cyclonic, NCC Part 3.2.5.6, the principles of loads on simple or supported beams must be
addressed:
 Loads on Buildings: All framing members must be the appropriate stress grade and size, and be adequately joined
to ensure suitable performance under the worst combinations of dead, live, wind and earthquake loads. Members
must also meet serviceability requirements (eg. allowable deflections).
 Load Paths and Cantilevers: Loads should be transferred through the timber frame to the footings by the most
direct route. Where the load path cannot be maintained in a completely vertical path, structural members, off -sets or
cantilevers may be used to transfer loads laterally. The limitations imposed regarding the use of offsets and
cantilevers are specified in AS1684.
Where these basic design principles are not adhered to structural members react to the above situations of stress, strain,
compression and bending.
Specification: If a standard detail is not available for reference to the plan, and the structural member has a specific
performance requirement, than the Australian Standard or testing requirement/ method should be referred to in detail in t he
standard specification of the builder.

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Performance Requirements: You need to be mindful of the general nature of material and the effects on performance when
applying building codes and standards in the development of your Standard Specification, and then transference of the same to
your construction plans:
 Strength and durability- Structural components/ do they meet the standard set and qualify under the relevant
Australian Standard - (eg AS1684 Timber Frame Code/ AS 2870 Residential slab and footings.)
 Versatility - range of products over several different scopes of works.
 Low-maintenance - long term aspects of sustainability and maintenance
 Affordability - Value vs quality in final selection and inclusion of products to targeted market.
 Fire-resistance - Must meet all the relevant fire resistance codes and standards (AS4072 Components for the
protection of openings in fire- resistant separating elements).
 Thermal mass - aligned with Strength and durability . Does it conform to the requirements of the required minimum
standard (e g. AS3700 Masonry/ AS3600 Concrete/ AS4600 cold formed steel structures)
Variation: If there is a variation request to the construction methods of the standard specification, and it is an alternative
method of construction, than the testing methods and all documents required in the Deemed to satisfy requirements of that
method should be detailed and attached to the relevant variation.
Activity 5 – Plans and specifications
12. Reference Materials
Acts / Regulations www.legislation.vic.gov.au
Building Commission www.vba.vic.gov.au
Australian Standards www.standards.org.au
Australian Taxation www.ato.gov.au
Fair Work www.fwa.gov.au
National Construction Codes www.abcb.gov.au

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Orange International College Pty Ltd | ABN: 15 167 063 596
RTO No: 41315 | CRICOS Provider Code: 03446A
Level 6, 420 Collins Street Melbourne Victoria 3000
Phone: +61 3 9670 2985 | Email: info@orange.edu.au | Web: orange.edu.au

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STUDENT WORKBOOK

Apply building and codes standards to the construction

1. Introduction to the NCC building codes

The National Construction Codes (NCC) formerly the Building

The NCC is a uniform set of technical provisions for the

The goal of the NCC is to enable the achievement of

This goal is applied so–

 there is a rigorously tested rationale for the regulation;

History of the National Construction Codes

Australia's Constitution and Building Regulations

Australia's Model Uniform Building Code

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Structure of the NCC

The National Construction Codes are divided into three volumes:

 Volume 3 – PCA Plumbing Code of Australia

State and Territory variations and additions

In the Housing Provisions these are divided into two types:

 Additional requirements – these are contained in Appendix A of the NCC

The hierarchy of the NCC

The hierarchy of the NCC comprises of the following:

 Section 1- Governing Requirements

 Section 2 The Performance Provisions

 Section 3 – Acceptable Construction

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Activity 1 - NCC Codes

Part A6 Building Classification NCC 2019

Buildings are classified as follows:

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

a. Class 1a – a single dwelling being

i.a detached house; or

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Class 3: a residential building, other than a building of Class 1 or 2, which is a

a. a boarding-house, guest house, hostel, lodging-house or backpackers

b. a residential part of an hotel or motel; or

c. a residential part of a school; or

d. accommodation for the aged, disabled or children; or

e. a residential part of a health-care building which accommodates members of staff.

f. A residential part of a detention centre

Class 5: an office building used for professional or commercial

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b. a hairdresser’s or barber’s shop, public laundry, or undertaker’s establishment; or

c. market or sale room, showroom, or service station.

Class 7: a building, which is:

b. for storage, or display of goods or produce for sale by wholesale.

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Class 9: a building of a public nature: -

a. Class 9a – a health-care building; including those parts of the

b. Class 9b – an assembly building, including a trade workshop,

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Class 10: a non-habitable building or structure

a. Class 10a – a non-habitable building being a private garage, carport,

b. Class 10b – a structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining or free-

Each part of a building must be classified separately, and

i.Class 1 – is to Class 1a and 1b

ii.Class 9 – is to Class 9a and 9b; and

iii.Class 10 – is to Class 10a and 10b.

When buildings are united

a. Are connected through openings in the walls dividing them; and

Alterations in a united building

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Activity 2 - Building Classifications

Standards Australia was founded in 1922