NCC 2016 Volume One
Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c

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Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c
Part A1 Interpretation

Part A1 Interpretation

A1.1 Definitions

Note: States and Territories may vary or add to the definitions contained in at the relevant State or Territory Appendix.

In Volume One of the BCA unless the contrary intention appears—

Accessible means having features to enable use by people with a disability.
Accessway means a continuous accessible path of travel (as defined in AS 1428.1) to, into or within a building.
Aged care building means a Class 9c building for residential accommodation of aged persons who, due to varying degrees of incapacity associated with the ageing process, are provided with personal care services and 24 hour staff assistance to evacuate the building during an emergency.
Air-conditioning , for the purposes of Section J, means a service that actively cools or heats the air within a space, but does not include a service that directly—
  1. cools or heats cold or hot rooms; or
  2. maintains specialised conditions for equipment or processes, where this is the main purpose of the service.
Alpine area means land—
  1. likely to be subject to significant snowfalls; and
  2. in New South Wales, A.C.T. or Victoria more than 1200 m above the Australian Height Datum; and
  3. 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.
Alternative Solution means a Performance Solution.
Annual energy consumption means the theoretical amount of energy used annually by the building's services, excluding kitchen exhaust and the like.

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Appropriate authority means the relevant authority with the statutory responsibility to determine the particular matter.

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Assembly building means a building where people may assemble for—
  1. civic, theatrical, social, political or religious purposes including a library, theatre, public hall or place of worship; or
  2. educational purposes in a school, early childhood centre, preschool, or the like; or
  3. entertainment, recreational or sporting purposes including—
    1. a discotheque, nightclub or a bar area of a hotel or motel providing live entertainment or containing a dance floor; or
    2. a cinema; or
    3. a sports stadium, sporting or other club; or
  4. transit purposes including a bus station, railway station, airport or ferry terminal.
Assessment Method means a method that can be used for determining that a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.
Atrium means a space within a building that connects 2 or more storeys, and—
  1. is wholly or substantially enclosed at the top by a floor or roof (including a glazed roof structure); and
  2. includes any adjacent part of the building not separated by an appropriate barrier to fire; but
  3. does not include a stairwell, rampwell or the space within a shaft.
Atrium well means a space in an atrium bounded by the perimeter of the openings in the floors or by the perimeter of the floors and the external walls.
Automatic means designed to operate when activated by a heat, smoke or fire sensing device.
Average recurrence interval , applied to rainfall, means the expected or average interval between exceedances for a 5 minute duration rainfall intensity.
Average specific extinction area means the average specific extinction area for smoke as determined by AS/NZS 3837.
Backstage means a space associated with, and adjacent to, a stage in a Class 9b building for scenery, props, equipment, dressing rooms, or the like.
Boiler means a vessel or an arrangement of vessels and interconnecting parts, wherein steam or other vapour is generated, or water or other liquid is heated at a pressure above that of the atmosphere, by the application of fire, the products of combustion, electrical power, or similar high temperature means, and—
  1. includes superheaters, reheaters, economisers, boiler piping, supports, mountings, valves, gauges, fittings, controls, the boiler settings and directly associated equipment; but
  2. excludes a fully flooded or pressurised system where water or other liquid is heated to a temperature lower than the normal atmospheric boiling temperature of the liquid.
Building Solution means a solution which complies with the Performance Requirements and is a—
  1. Performance Solution; or
  2. Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution; or
  3. combination of (a) and (b).
Carpark means a building that is used for the parking of motor vehicles but is neither a private garage nor used for the servicing of vehicles, other than washing, cleaning or polishing.
Cavity wall , for the purposes of , means a wall that incorporates a drained cavity.
Certificate of Accreditation means a certificate issued by a State or Territory accreditation authority stating that the properties and performance of a building material or method of construction or design fulfill specific requirements of the BCA.
Certificate of Conformity means a certificate issued under the ABCB scheme for products and systems certification stating that the properties and performance of a building material or method of construction or design fulfill specific requirements of the BCA.
Climate zone means an area defined in Figure A1.1 and in Table A1.1 for specific locations, having energy efficiency provisions based on a range of similar climatic characteristics.

FIGURE A1.1 — CLIMATE ZONES FOR THERMAL DESIGN

Figure A1.1 — CLIMATE ZONES FOR THERMAL DESIGN
v1_a11_2016.svg

Notes:

  1. This map can be viewed in enlargeable form on the ABCB website at www.abcb.gov.au.
  2. A Zone 4 area in South Australia, other than a council area, at an altitude greater than 300 m above the Australian Height Datum is to be considered as Zone 5.

    These areas have been defined in an enlarged format on the following maps produced by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure:

    Adelaide Hills Council Climate Zone Map

    Barossa Council Climate Zone Map

    Regional Council of Goyder Climate Zone Map

    These maps can be viewed on the Government of South Australia website at www.sa.gov.au

  3. Locations in climate zone 8 are in alpine areas.

TABLE A1.1 CLIMATE ZONES FOR THERMAL DESIGN -VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone Location Climate Zone
Australian Capital Territory Canberra 7
New South Wales
Albury 4 Byron Bay 2 Lord Howe Island 2 Sydney West 6
Armidale 7 Cobar 4 Moree 4 Tamworth 4
Batemans Bay 6 Coffs Harbour 2 Newcastle 5 Thredbo 8
Bathurst 7 Dubbo 4 Nowra 6 Wagga Wagga 4
Bega 6 Goulburn 7 Orange 7 Williamtown 5
Bellingen Shire - Dorrigo Plateau 7 Grafton 2 Perisher Smiggins 8 Wollongong 5
Bellingen Shire - Valley & seaboard 2 Griffith 4 Port Macquarie 5 Yass 6
Bourke 4 Ivanhoe 4 Sydney East 5 Broken Hill 4
Lismore 2
Northern Territory
Alice Springs 3 Elliot 3 Renner Springs 3 Darwin 1
Katherine 1 Tennant Creek 3
Queensland
Birdsville 3 Cunnamulla 3 Maryborough 2 Toowoomba 5
Brisbane 2 Longreach 3 Mount Isa 3 Torrens Creek 3
Bundaberg 2 Gladstone 2 Normanton 1 Townsville 1
Cairns 1 Labrador 2 Rockhampton 2 Warwick 5
Cooktown 1 Mackay 2 Roma 3 Weipa 1
South Australia
Adelaide 5 Kingscote 6 Marree 4 Port Lincoln 5
Bordertown 6 Leigh Creek 5 Mount Gambier 6 Renmark 5
Ceduna 5 Lobethal 6 Murray Bridge 6 Tarcoola 4
Cook 4 Loxton 5 Oodnadatta 4 Victor Harbour 6
Elliston 5 Naracoorte 6 Port Augusta 4 Whyalla 4
Tasmania
Burnie 7 Flinders Island 7 Launceston 7 Rossarden 7
Bicheno 7 Hobart 7 New Norfolk 7 Smithton 7
Deloraine 7 Huonville 7 Oatlands 7 St Marys 7
Devonport 7 King Island 7 Orford 7 Zeehan 7
Victoria
Anglesea 6 Bright 7 Horsham 6 Swan Hill 4
Ararat 7 Colac 6 Melbourne 6 Traralgon 6
Bairnsdale 6 Dandenong 6 Mildura 4 Wangaratta 7
Ballarat 7 Echuca 4 Portland 6 Warrnambool 6
Benalla 6 Geelong 6 Sale 6 Wodonga 6
Bendigo 6 Hamilton 7 Shepparton 4
Western Australia
Albany 6 Cocos Island 1 Kalgoorlie- Boulder 4 Port Hedland 1
Balladonia 4 Derby 1 Karratha 1 Wagin 4
Broome 1 Esperance 5 Meekatharra 4 Wyndham 1
Bunbury 5 Exmouth 1 Northam 4 Carnarvon 3
Geraldton 5 Pemberton 6 Christmas Island 1 Halls Creek 3
Perth 5
Combustible means—
  1. applied to a material — combustible as determined by AS 1530.1; and
  2. applied to construction or part of a building — constructed wholly or in part of combustible materials.
Common wall means a wall that is common to adjoining buildings.
Conditioned space means a space within a building, including a ceiling or under-floor supply air plenum or return air plenum, where the environment is likely, by the intended use of the space, to have its temperature controlled by air-conditioning, but does not include—
  1. a non-habitable room of a Class 2 building or Class 4 part of a building in which a heater with a capacity of not more than 1.2 kW or 4.3 MJ/hour provides the air-conditioning; or
  2. a space in a Class 6, 7, 8 or 9b building where the input energy to an air-conditioning system is not more than 15 W/m2 or 15 J/s.m2 (54 KJ/hour.m2); or
  3. a lift shaft.
Construction activity actions means actions due to stacking of building materials or the use of equipment, including cranes and trucks, during construction or actions which may be induced by floor to floor propping.
Critical radiant flux means the critical heat flux at extinguishment as determined by AS ISO 9239.1.
Curtain wall means a non-loadbearing external wall that is not a panel wall.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions means provisions which are deemed to satisfy the Performance Requirements.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution means a method of satisfying the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
Defined flood event (DFE) means the flood event selected for the management of flood hazard for the location of specific development as determined by the appropriate authority.
Defined flood level (DFL) means the flood level associated with a defined flood event relative to a specified datum.
Designated bushfire prone area means land which has been designated under a power of legislation as being subject, or likely to be subject, to bushfires.
Detention centre means a building in which persons are securely detained by means of the built structure including a prison, remand centre, juvenile detention centre, holding cells or psychiatric detention centre.
Direct fix cladding wall , for the purposes of , means a wall with cladding attached directly to the wall framing without the use of a drained cavity.

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Early childhood centre means any premises or part thereof providing or intending to provide a centre-based education and care service within the meaning of the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 (Vic), the Education and Care Services National Regulations and centre-based services that are licensed or approved under State and Territory children's services law, but excludes education and care primarily provided to school aged children in outside school hours settings.
Effective height means the vertical distance between the floor of the lowest storey included in the calculation of rise in storeys and the floor of the topmost storey (excluding the topmost storey if it contains only heating, ventilating, lift or other equipment, water tanks or similar service units).
Electric passenger lift means a power-operated lift for raising or lowering people in a car in which the motion of the car is obtained from an electric motor mechanically coupled to the hoisting mechanism.
Electricity network substation means a building in which high voltage supply is converted or transformed and which is controlled by a licensed network service provider designated under a power of legislation.
Electrohydraulic passenger lift means a power-operated lift for raising or lowering people in a car in which the motion of the car is obtained from the action of liquid under pressure acting on a piston or ram, the pressure being generated by a pump driven by an individual electric motor.
Envelope , for the purposes of Section J, means the parts of a building’s fabric that separate a conditioned space or habitable room from—
  1. the exterior of the building; or
  2. a non-conditioned space including—
    1. the floor of a rooftop plant room, lift-machine room or the like; and
    2. the floor above a carpark or warehouse; and
    3. the common wall with a carpark, warehouse or the like.
Equivalent means equivalent to the level of health, safety and amenity provided by the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.
Evacuation route means the continuous path of travel (including exits, public corridors and the like) from any part of a building, including within a sole-occupancy unit in a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part, to a safe place.
Evacuation time means the time calculated from when the emergency starts for the occupants of the building to evacuate to a safe place.
Exit means—
  1. Any, or any combination of the following if they provide egress to a road or open space
    1. An internal or external stairway.
    2. A ramp.
    3. A fire-isolated passageway.
    4. A doorway opening to a road or open space.
  2. A horizontal exit or a fire-isolated passageway leading to a horizontal exit.
Expert Judgement means the judgement of an expert who has the qualifications and experience to determine whether a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution complies with the Performance Requirements.
External wall means an outer wall of a building which is not a common wall.
Fabric means the basic building structural elements and components of a building including the roof, ceilings, walls and floors.
Fan motor power means the power delivered to a motor of a fan, including the power needed for any drive and impeller losses.

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Farming means— but does not include forestry or maintaining animals for sport or recreational purposes.
  1. cultivating, propagating and harvesting plants or fungi or their products or parts, including seeds, spores, bulbs or the like, but does not include forestry; or
  2. maintaining animals in any physical environment for the purposes of—
    1. breeding them; or
    2. selling them; or
    3. acquiring and selling their bodily produce such as milk, wool, eggs or the like; or
  3. a combination of (a) and (b),

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Farm building means a Class 7 or 8 building located on land primarily used for farming
  1. that is—
    1. used in connection with farming; or
    2. used primarily to store one or more farm vehicles; or
    3. a combination of (i) and (ii); and
  2. in which the total number of persons accommodated at any time does not exceed one person per 200 m² of floor area or part thereof, up to a maximum of 8 persons; and
  3. with a total floor area of not more than 3500 m².

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Farm shed means a single storey Class 7 or 8 building located on land primarily used for farming
  1. that is—
    1. used in connection with farming; or
    2. used primarily to store one or more farm vehicles; or
    3. a combination of (i) and (ii); and
  2. occupied neither frequently nor for extended periods by people; and
  3. in which the total number of persons accommodated at any time does not exceed 2; and
  4. with a total floor area of more than 500 m² but not more than 2000 m².

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Farm vehicle means a vehicle used in connection with farming.
Fire brigade means a statutory authority constituted under an Act of Parliament having as one of its functions, the protection of life and property from fire and other emergencies.
Fire compartment means—
  1. the total space of a building; or
  2. when referred to in—
    1. the Performance Requirements — any part of a building separated from the remainder by barriers to fire such as walls and/or floors having an appropriate resistance to the spread of fire with any openings adequately protected; or
    2. the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions — any part of a building separated from the remainder by walls and/or floors each having an FRL not less than that required for a fire wall for that type of construction and where all openings in the separating construction are protected in accordance with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the relevant Part.
Fire hazard means the danger in terms of potential harm and degree of exposure arising from the start and spread of fire and the smoke and gases that are thereby generated.
Fire hazard properties means the following properties of a material or assembly that indicate how they behave under specific fire test conditions:
  1. Average specific extinction area, critical radiant flux and Flammability Index, determined as defined in .
  2. Smoke-Developed Index, smoke development rate and Spread-of-Flame Index, determined in accordance with Specification A2.4.
  3. Group number and smoke growth rate index (SMOGRARC), determined in accordance with Specification C1.10.
Fire intensity means the rate release of calorific energy in watts, determined either theoretically or empirically, as applicable.
Fire-isolated passageway means a corridor, hallway or the like, of fire-resisting construction, which provides egress to or from a fire-isolated stairway or fire-isolated ramp or to a road or open space.
Fire-isolated ramp means a ramp within a fire-resisting enclosure which provides egress from a storey.
Fire-isolated stairway means a stairway within a fire-resisting shaft and includes the floor and roof or top enclosing structure.
Fire load means the sum of the net calorific values of the combustible contents which can reasonably be expected to burn within a fire compartment, including furnishings, built-in and removable materials, and building elements. The calorific values must be determined at the ambient moisture content or humidity. (The unit of measurement is MJ.)
Fire-protected timber means fire-resisting timber building elements that comply with Specification A1.1.
Fire-protective covering means— fixed in accordance with the normal trade practice for a fire-protective covering.
  1. 13 mm fire-protective grade plasterboard; or
  2. 12 mm cellulose cement flat sheeting complying with AS/NZS 2908.2 or ISO 8336; or
  3. 12 mm fibrous plaster reinforced with 13 mm x 13 mm x 0.7 mm galvanised steel wire mesh located not more than 6 mm from the exposed face; or
  4. other material not less fire-protective than 13 mm fire-protective grade plasterboard,
Fire-resistance level (FRL) means the grading periods in minutes determined in accordance with Specification A2.3, for the following criteria— and expressed in that order.
  1. structural adequacy; and
  2. integrity; and
  3. insulation,

Note

Note: A dash means that there is no requirement for that criterion. For example, 90/–/– means there is no requirement for an FRL for integrity and insulation, and –/–/– means there is no requirement for an FRL.

Fire-resisting , applied to a building element, means having an FRL appropriate for that element.
Fire-resisting construction means one of the Types of construction referred to in Part C1.
Fire safety system means one or any combination of the methods used in a building to— and includes both active and passive systems.
  1. warn people of an emergency; or
  2. provide for safe evacuation; or
  3. restrict the spread of fire; or
  4. extinguish a fire,
Fire-source feature means—
  1. the far boundary of a road, river, lake or the like adjoining the allotment; or
  2. a side or rear boundary of the allotment; or
  3. an external wall of another building on the allotment which is not a Class 10 building.
Fire wall means a wall with an appropriate resistance to the spread of fire that divides a storey or building into fire compartments.
Flashover , in relation to fire hazard properties, means a heat release rate of 1 MW.
Flammability Index means the index number as determined by AS 1530.2.
Flight means that part of a stairway that has a continuous series of risers, including risers of winders, not interrupted by a landing or floor.

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Flood hazard area means the site (whether or not mapped) encompassing land lower than the flood hazard level which has been determined by the appropriate authority.
Flood hazard level (FHL) means the flood level used to determine the height of floors in a building and represents the defined flood level plus the freeboard.
Floor area means—
  1. in relation to a building — the total area of all storeys; and
  2. in relation to a storey — the area of all floors of that storey measured over the enclosing walls, and includes—
    1. the area of a mezzanine within the storey, measured within the finished surfaces of any external walls; and
    2. the area occupied by any internal walls or partitions, any cupboard, or other built-in furniture, fixture or fitting; and
    3. if there is no enclosing wall, an area which has a use that—
      1. contributes to the fire load; or
      2. impacts on the safety, health or amenity of the occupants in relation to the provisions of the BCA; and
  3. 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; and
  4. in relation to a fire compartment — the total area of all floors within the fire compartment measured within the finished surfaces of the bounding construction, and if there is no bounding construction, includes an area which has a use which contributes to the fire load; and
  5. in relation to an atrium — the total area of all floors within the atrium measured within the finished surfaces of the bounding construction and if no bounding construction, within the external walls.

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Freeboard means the height above the defined flood level as determined by the appropriate authority, used to compensate for effects such as wave action and localised hydraulic behaviour.
Glazing , for the purposes of Section J, means a transparent or translucent element and its supporting frame located in the envelope, and includes a window other than a roof light.
Group number means the number of one of 4 groups of materials used in the regulation of fire hazard properties and applied to materials used as a finish, surface, lining, or attachment to a wall or ceiling.
Habitable room means a room used for normal domestic activities, and—
  1. includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room, television room, kitchen, dining room, sewing room, study, playroom, family room, home theatre and sunroom; but
  2. 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.
Health-care building means a building whose occupants or patients undergoing medical treatment generally need physical assistance to evacuate the building during an emergency and includes—
  1. a public or private hospital; or
  2. a nursing home or similar facility for sick or disabled persons needing full-time care; or
  3. a clinic, day surgery or procedure unit where the effects of the predominant treatment administered involve patients becoming non-ambulatory and requiring supervised medical care on the premises for some time after the treatment.
Horizontal exit means a required doorway between 2 parts of a building separated from each other by a fire wall.
House energy rating software means software accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme and is limited to assessing the potential thermal efficiency of the dwelling envelope.
Illuminance means the luminous flux falling onto a unit area of surface.
Illumination power density (W/m2) means the total of the power that will be consumed by the lights in a space, including any lamps, ballasts, current regulators and control devices other than those that are plugged into socket outlets for intermittent use such as floor standing lamps, desk lamps or work station lamps, divided by the area of the space.
Inclined lift means a power-operated device for raising or lowering people within a carriage that has one or more rigid guides on an inclined plane.
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.
Internal wall excludes a common wall or a party wall.
Lamp power density (W/m2) means the total of the maximum power rating of the lamps in a space, other than those that are plugged into socket outlets for intermittent use such as floor standing lamps, desk lamps or work station lamps, divided by the area of the space.
Latent heat gain means the heat gained by the vapourising of liquid without change of temperature.
Light source efficacy means the luminous flux of a lamp or the total radiant flux in the visible spectrum weighted by the spectral response of the eye, divided by the electric power that will be consumed by the lamp but excluding ballast and control gear power losses.
Lightweight construction means construction which incorporates or comprises—
  1. sheet or board material, plaster, render, sprayed application, or other material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or abrasion; or
  2. concrete and concrete products containing pumice, perlite, vermiculite, or other soft material similarly susceptible to damage by impact, pressure or abrasion; or
  3. masonry having a thickness less than 70 mm.
Loadbearing means intended to resist vertical forces additional to those due to its own weight.
Low-rise, low-speed constant pressure lift means a power-operated low-rise, low-speed device for raising or lowering people with limited mobility on a carriage that is controlled by the application of constant pressure to a control.
Low-rise platform lift means a power-operated device for raising or lowering people with limited mobility on a platform, that is controlled automatically or by the application of constant pressure to a control.
Luminance contrast means the light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the light reflected from another surface or component.
Massive timber means an element not less than 75 mm thick as measured in each direction formed from chemically bonded laminated timber and includes:
  1. Cross laminated timber (CLT).
  2. Laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
  3. Glued laminated timber (Glulam).
Mezzanine means an intermediate floor within a room.
Non-combustible means—
  1. applied to a material — not deemed combustible as determined by AS 1530.1 — Combustibility Tests for Materials; and
  2. applied to construction or part of a building — constructed wholly of materials that are not deemed combustible.
Non-illuminated exit sign means an exit sign that complies with the requirements for an externally illuminated exit sign under AS 2293.3, except clause 3.4.4.
Open-deck carpark means a carpark in which all parts of the parking storeys are cross-ventilated by permanent unobstructed openings in not fewer than 2 opposite or approximately opposite sides, and—
  1. each side that provides ventilation is not less than 1/6 of the area of any other side; and
  2. the openings are not less than ½ of the wall area of the side concerned.
Open space means a space on the allotment, or a roof or similar part of a building adequately protected from fire, open to the sky and connected directly with a public road.
Open spectator stand means a tiered stand substantially open at the front.
Other property means all or any of the following—
  1. any building on the same or an adjoining allotment; and
  2. any adjoining allotment; and
  3. a road.
Outdoor air means air outside the building.
Outdoor air economy cycle is a mode of operation of an air-conditioning system that, when the outside air thermodynamic properties are favourable, increases the quantity of outside air used to condition the space.
Outfall means that part of the disposal system receiving surface water from the drainage system and may include a natural water course, kerb and channel, or soakage system.
Panel wall means a non-loadbearing external wall, in frame or similar construction, that is wholly supported at each storey.
Patient care area means a part of a health-care building normally used for the treatment, care, accommodation, recreation, dining and holding of patients including a ward area and treatment area.
Performance Requirement means a requirement which states the level of performance which a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution must meet.
Performance Solution (Alternative Solution) means a method of complying with the Performance Requirements other than by a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution.
Personal care services means any of the following:
  1. The provision of nursing care.
  2. Assistance or supervision in—
    1. bathing, showering or personal hygiene; or
    2. toileting or continence management; or
    3. dressing or undressing; or
    4. consuming food.
  3. The provision of direct physical assistance to a person with mobility problems.
  4. The management of medication.
  5. The provision of substantial rehabilitative or development assistance.
Piping , for the purposes of Section J, means an assembly of pipes, with or without valves or other fittings, connected together for the conveyance of liquids and gases.
Pressure vessel means a vessel subject to internal or external pressure. It includes interconnected parts and components, valves, gauges and other fittings up to the first point of connection to connecting piping, and—
  1. includes fire heaters and gas cylinders; but
  2. excludes—
    1. any vessel that falls within the definition of a boiler; and
    2. storage tanks and equipment tanks intended for storing liquids where the pressure at the top of the tank is not exceeding 1.4 kPa above or 0.06 kPa below atmospheric pressure; and
    3. domestic-type hot water supply heaters and tanks; and
    4. pressure vessels installed for the purposes of fire suppression or which serve a fire suppression system.
Primary building element means a member of a building designed specifically to take part of the loads specified in B1.2 and includes roof, ceiling, floor, stairway or ramp and wall framing members including bracing members designed for the specific purpose of acting as a brace to those members.
Private bushfire shelter means a structure associated with, but not attached to, or part of a Class 1a dwelling that may, as a last resort, provide shelter for occupants from immediate life threatening effects of a bushfire.
Private garage means—
  1. any garage associated with a Class 1 building; or
  2. any single storey of a building of another Class containing not more than 3 vehicle spaces, if there is only one such storey in the building; or
  3. any separate single storey garage associated with another building where such garage contains not more than 3 vehicle spaces.
Professional engineer means a person who is—
  1. if legislation is applicable — a registered professional engineer in the relevant discipline who has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field; or
  2. if legislation is not applicable—
    1. a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia; or
    2. eligible to become a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia, and has appropriate experience and competence in the relevant field.
Public corridor means an enclosed corridor, hallway or the like which—
  1. serves as a means of egress from 2 or more sole-occupancy units to a required exit from the storey concerned; or
  2. is required to be provided as a means of egress from any part of a storey to a required exit.
Pump power means the power delivered to a pump, including the power needed for any drivetrain.
R-Value (m2.K/W) means the thermal resistance of a component calculated by dividing its thickness by its thermal conductivity.
Reference building means a hypothetical building that is used to calculate the maximum allowable annual energy load, or maximum allowable annual energy consumption for the proposed building.
Reflective insulation means a building membrane with a reflective surface such as a reflective foil laminate, reflective barrier, foil batt or the like capable of reducing radiant heat flow.
Registered Testing Authority means—
  1. an organisation registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to test in the relevant field; or
  2. an organisation outside Australia registered by an authority recognised by NATA through a mutual recognition agreement; or
  3. an organisation recognised as being a Registered Testing Authority under legislation at the time the test was undertaken.
Renewable energy means energy that is derived from sources that are regenerated, replenished, or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted and the energy sources include, but are not limited to, solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave action and geothermal.
Required means required to satisfy a Performance Requirement or a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision of the BCA as appropriate.
Residential aged care building means a building whose residents, due to their incapacity associated with the ageing process, are provided with physical assistance in conducting their daily activities and to evacuate the building during an emergency.
Resident use area means part of a Class 9c building normally used by residents, and—
  1. includes sole-occupancy units, lounges, dining areas, activity rooms and the like; but
  2. excludes offices, storage areas, commercial kitchens, commercial laundries and other spaces not for the use of residents.
Resistance to the incipient spread of fire , in relation to a ceiling membrane, means the ability of the membrane to insulate the space between the ceiling and roof, or ceiling and floor above, so as to limit the temperature rise of materials in this space to a level which will not permit the rapid and general spread of fire throughout the space.
Rise in storeys means the greatest number of storeys calculated in accordance with C1.2.
Roof light , for the purposes of Section J and Part F4, means a skylight, window or the like installed in a roof—
  1. to permit natural light to enter the room below; and
  2. at an angle between 0 and 70 degrees measured from the horizontal plane.
Safe place means—
  1. a place of safety within a building—
    1. which is not under threat from a fire; and
    2. from which people must be able to safely disperse after escaping the effects of an emergency to a road or open space; or
  2. a road or open space.
Sanitary compartment means a room or space containing a closet pan or urinal.
Sarking-type material means a material such as a reflective insulation or other flexible membrane of a type normally used for a purpose such as water proofing, vapour proofing or thermal reflectance.
School includes a primary or secondary school, college, university or similar educational establishment.
Self-closing , applied to a door, means equipped with a device which returns the door to the fully closed position immediately after each opening.
Sensible heat gain means the heat gained which causes a change in temperature.
Service , for the purposes of Section J, means a mechanical or electrical system that uses energy to provide air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation, heated water supply, artificial lighting, vertical transport and the like within a building, but which does not include—
  1. systems used solely for emergency purposes; and
  2. cooking facilities; and
  3. portable appliances.
Service station means a garage which is not a private garage and is for the servicing of vehicles, other than only washing, cleaning or polishing.
Shaft means the walls and other parts of a building bounding—
  1. a well, other than an atrium well; or
  2. a vertical chute, duct or similar passage, but not a chimney or flue.
Shower area means the area affected by water from a shower, including a shower over a bath.
Site means the part of the allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be erected.
Sitework means work on or around a site, including earthworks, preparatory to or associated with the construction, alteration, demolition or removal of a building.
Small-sized, low-speed automatic lift means a restricted use power-operated device for the infrequent raising or lowering of people with limited mobility on a platform that is controlled automatically but has the capability of being electrically isolated by a key-lockable control.
Smoke-and-heat vent means a vent, located in or near the roof for smoke and hot gases to escape if there is a fire in the building.
Smoke-Developed Index means the index number for smoke as determined by AS/NZS 1530.3.
Smoke development rate means the development rate for smoke as determined by testing flooring materials in accordance with AS ISO 9239.1.
Smoke growth rate index (SMOGRARC) means the index number for smoke used in the regulation of fire hazard properties and applied to materials used as a finish, surface, lining or attachment to a wall or ceiling.
Sole-occupancy unit means a room or other part of a building for occupation by one or joint owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier to the exclusion of any other owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier and includes—
  1. a dwelling; or
  2. a room or suite of rooms in a Class 3 building which includes sleeping facilities; or
  3. a room or suite of associated rooms in a Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building; or
  4. a room or suite of associated rooms in a Class 9c building, which includes sleeping facilities and any area for the exclusive use of a resident.
Spread-of-Flame Index means the index number for spread of flame as determined by AS/NZS 1530.3.
Stage means a floor or platform in a Class 9b building on which performances are presented before an audience.
Stairway platform lift means a power-operated device for raising or lowering people with limited mobility on a platform (with or without a chair) in the direction of a stairway.
Standard Fire Test means the Fire-resistance Tests of Elements of Building Construction as described in AS 1530.4.
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—
  1. a space that contains only—
    1. a lift shaft, stairway or meter room; or
    2. a bathroom, shower room, laundry, water closet, or other sanitary compartment; or
    3. accommodation intended for not more than 3 vehicles; or
    4. a combination of the above; or
  2. a mezzanine.
Structural adequacy , in relation to an FRL, means the ability to maintain stability and adequate loadbearing capacity as determined by AS 1530.4.
Surface water means all naturally occurring water, other than sub-surface water, which results from rainfall on or around the site or water flowing onto the site.
Swimming pool means any excavation or structure containing water and principally used, or that is designed, manufactured or adapted to be principally used for swimming, wading, paddling, or the like, including a bathing or wading pool, or spa.
Total R-Value means the sum of the R-Values of the individual component layers in a composite element including any building material, insulating material, airspace and associated surface resistances.
Total System Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) means the fraction of incident irradiance on glazing or a roof light that adds heat to a building’s space.
Total System U-Value (W/m2.K) means the thermal transmittance of the composite element allowing for the effect of any airspaces and associated surface resistances.
Treatment area means an area within a patient care area such as an operating theatre and rooms used for recovery, minor procedures, resuscitation, intensive care and coronary care from which a patient may not be readily moved.
Unique wall , for the purposes of , means a wall which is neither a cavity wall nor a direct fix cladding wall.
Verification Method means a test, inspection, calculation or other method that determines whether a Performance Solution complies with the relevant Performance Requirements.
Vessel means an open, pre-formed, pre-finished concave receptacle capable of holding water, usually for the purpose of washing, including a basin, sink, bath, laundry tub and the like.
Ward area means that part of a patient care area for resident patients and may contain areas for accommodation, sleeping, associated living and nursing facilities.
Waterproof means the property of a material that does not allow moisture to penetrate through it.
Water resistant means the property of a system or material that restricts moisture movement and will not degrade under conditions of moisture.
Wet area means an area within a building supplied with water from a water supply system, which includes bathrooms, showers, laundries and sanitary compartments and excludes kitchens, bar areas, kitchenettes or domestic food and beverage preparation areas.
Window includes a roof light, glass panel, glass block or 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.
Intent

To define the precise meaning of key words and expressions for the purposes of Volume One of the NCC.

Where a definition in the NCC has been considered to be self-explanatory, it has not been included in this guide.

Accessible

Used in provisions regarding access for people with a disability. See Part , , and .

Accessway

A path of travel suitable for use by people with a disability. It is an abbreviation from AS 1428.1 which defines the term continuous accessible path of travel (accessway) as an uninterrupted path of travel providing access to all accessible facilities.

Aged care building

The definition describes a residential building for the accommodation of the aged. These buildings are the homes of the residents. To be an aged care building the residents must be provided with personal care services and 24 hour assistance to evacuate. The definition applies to Class 9c buildings. If a building does not satisfy the definition, then for NCC purposes it is not an aged care building and cannot be constructed as one. Such a building would potentially be an ordinary Class 3 or 9a building and would need to comply with the relevant provisions.

The NCC contains a number of specific provisions for Class 9c buildings.

Air-conditioning

This definition relates to the context in which it is used and does not necessarily cover special cases such as when air is only humidified, filtered or otherwise treated. The intent is to cover a system, including its components, that provides a controlled internal environment in a building where the primary purpose for controlling the environment is maintaining occupant comfort. It should be noted that the occupants may not always be comfortable, but the conditions are sufficiently tolerable for occupants to minimise their use of services for heating and cooling. It does not cover a system that primarily and directly serves equipment such as that used for cold rooms or hot rooms, where the temperature is above or below normal comfort levels. Examples would include such rooms in a butcher's shop, laboratories, fruit storage rooms, or the like.

The definition also does not apply to a system that is provided to maintain conditions for the effective operation of equipment or processes, such as equipment used in a Class 8 electricity network substation or an air-conditioning system specifically designed to serve computers in a data centre. These exemptions recognise that these installations have specific air quality, heat load and temperature limits critical to the operation of sensitive equipment and processes.

The term is used in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions through the defined term 'conditioned space' to require energy efficiency features including envelope treatment.

Although the definition is termed air-conditioning, the conditioning may be achieved without treating the air forced into and through the space. The air in the space may be conditioned by hot or cool surfaces. This includes residential heating systems, such as gas and combustion appliances, that are not always considered to be air-conditioning in the traditional sense. The conditioning may also be achieved by evaporative coolers.

Alpine area

Areas generally subject to snow, or places where snow can add a significant load to buildings, or cause difficulties with egress. See Figure G4.1.

Alternative Solution

Has the same meaning as Performance Solution. See part A0.

Annual energy consumption

This is the amount of energy calculated to be consumed under certain specific conditions in consideration of operating profiles, internal loads and plant efficiencies. It is used in that compares the calculated energy consumption with that of a complying reference building. It should not be considered a prediction of the actual energy consumption of an actual building as there could be major differences in the conditions such as the internal loads of the building and the hours of operation. It differs from annual energy load because it is affected by the type of heating or cooling appliance used, for example, heating by a reverse cycle air-conditioner uses less than half the energy that a gas fired heater would use to meet the same annual energy load.

Assembly building

Describes buildings classifiable as Class 9b buildings.

Assessment Method

See Part .

Atrium and atrium well

An atrium can pose unique fire and smoke hazards. As such, the NCC lists Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for their construction.

An atrium is created by the connection of 2 or more storeys by an opening in the floor. It also includes the space not fire-separated from the rest of the building. The atrium well is that part extending through the openings in the floors. See Figure A1.1(AT).

Figure A1.1(AT)

SECTION THROUGH AN ATRIUM

guide_A11at_2005.svg
Average recurrence interval

Refers to a set number of years when a rainstorm of a 5 minute rainfall duration intensity can statistically be expected to occur. If a 10-year period is set, the expected rainstorm would be less intense than if a 50-year period is set. Statistically, a heavier storm is more likely to occur every 50 years than every 10 years.

This term is used in the design of stormwater drainage systems. See and . Also refer to AS/NZS 3500, or Australian Rainfall and Run-off, published by the Institution of Engineers (Australia).

Average specific extinction area

A test in accordance with AS/NZS 3837 determines the average specific extinction area of a material. A lower value indicates better performance.

Backstage

There are special provisions for backstage areas because of the high fire load posed by scenery and props.

Building Solution

The term Building Solution has been replaced with the terms Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution and Performance Solution. The defined term has been retained as some jurisdictions may still reference the term in their legislation.

Carpark

A carpark can be a whole, or part, of a building. It is any building not associated with a Class 1 building and contains more than three vehicle spaces on one storey. It is not a “private garage”.

Example

Example

A building could be a carpark if:

  • it is either a stand-alone Class 7a building, or it is appurtenant to any other building (excluding a Class 1 building); or
  • it is intended to park four-or-more trucks or other vehicles and it is not used for ancillary purposes other than a carpark.
Cavity wall

Used only in Verification Method and defines wall construction which includes a drained cavity. The required cavity can consist of clear unobstructed space or cavity battens. However, where cavity battens are used the 'compliance' component of the Verification Method must be considered to ensure water does not pool on battens or other cavity surfaces.

The Verification Method does not restrict the use of horizontal battens, provided the battens have the ability to facilitate the removal of water which may enter the cavity.

The intention of the Verification Method is to provide a means of verifying compliance with for new and innovative products. Therefore, prescriptive requirements such as what constitutes a vented cavity or required cavity depth has not been provided.

Examples

Examples

A direct fix cladding fixed to a cavity batten which is fixed to the building's frame can be considered as a cavity wall for the purposes of .

A perforated horizontal batten may facilitate the drainage of water from the cavity.

A cavity wall is illustrated in Figure A1.1(CW).

Figure A1.1(CW)

EXAMPLE OF A CAVITY WALL

guide_A11CW_2015.svg
Certificate of Accreditation

A Certificate of Accreditation is issued by a State or Territory accreditation authority and is evidence that a building material, method of construction or design (subject to any specified conditions or limitations) is accepted within that State or Territory as complying with the NCC. Certificates of Accreditation are no longer issued by the ABCB. Certificates issued by the ABCB under the previous scheme are no longer valid.

Certificate of Conformity

A Certificate of Conformity issued under the ABCB scheme is evidence that a building material, method of construction or design (subject to any specified conditions or limitations) is accepted within all States and Territories as complying with the NCC.

Climate zone

Energy efficiency measures vary from location to location depending upon the local climate. For simplicity, locations with approximately similar climates have been combined into eight climate zones and they are shown in both map format and tabular format for major cities. Where greater clarity is needed, an enlargeable version of the map on the ABCB web page shows how the climate zone boundary aligns, in most cases, with a local government boundary.

These climate zones were based on a list of six zones that were developed by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), with the addition of a third temperate zone and the inclusion of the existing NCC Alpine areas. The basis of each climate zone is shown in the following table:

Climate zones Description Average 3 pm January water vapour pressure Average January maximum temperatures Average July mean temperature Average annual heating degree days
1 High humidity summer, warm weather ≥ 2.1kPa ≥ 30°C - -
2 Warm humid summer, mild winter ≥ 2.1kPa ≥ 30°C - -
3 Hot dry summer, warm winter < 2.1kPa < 30°C ≥ 14°C -
4 Hot dry summer, cool winter < 2.1kPa ≥ 30°C < 14°C -
5 Warm temperature < 2.1kPa < 30°C - ≤ 1,000
6 Mild temperature < 2.1kPa < 30°C - 1,000 to 1,999
7 Cool temperature < 2.1kPa < 30°C - ≥ 2,000 other than Alpine areas
8 NCC Alpine areas, determined as per NCC Volume One definitions

Where appropriate, the map was then adjusted for ease of administration, by aligning the climate zone boundaries with local government areas where local knowledge identified the impact of topographical features such as an escarpment or significant micro-climate variation, and where the type of construction required in another zone was felt to be more appropriate for a particular location. There were some further minor adjustments made to the zones following thermal modelling tests of a typical building around the country.

The zones are considered sufficiently accurate for Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. More extensive climate data is available when using energy analysis software.

Combustible

A test done in accordance with AS 1530.1 will determine if a material is combustible. If materials used in an assembly contain combustible components, then the assembly is combustible. See also .

Common wall

A common wall can be on one allotment or straddle a boundary. However, it must be common to adjoining buildings. Some jurisdictions consider a “party wall” a common wall. See your building regulatory body. Where the expressions “internal wall” and “external wall” are used, they are specifically defined to exclude a “common wall”.

Conditioned space

The definition of a conditioned space is included to limit the application of the provisions where a commercial or industrial building has only a small amount of air-conditioning or where a non-habitable room has only a small local heater, such as in a bathroom.

It also clarifies that a conditioned space is one likely to be air-conditioned rather than one that is air-conditioned. For example, one would expect offices and shops to be fully air-conditioned at some time during their life for reasons of productivity, customer comfort or for the protection of products, even though they may not be air-conditioned initially. In some cases, chilled and heated water may be reticulated through duct risers as part of the building design to enable conditioning to be provided as part of a later fit-out.

A conditioned space may include a ceiling or underfloor space that is open to the conditioned space such as a space separated by only a perforated or grille ceiling or floor where the space is a supply air or return air plenum.

While, for the sake of the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, it may be assumed that all Class 3 and Class 5 buildings and most Class 6 buildings will be fully air-conditioned at some time during their life, this may not be the case with all Class 6 buildings and some Class 7, 8 and 9b buildings that do not have a conditioned space or are only partially conditioned. Buildings that typically are not conditioned could be a carpark, market, large purpose-built hardware store, garden centre or foundry. Those buildings, or parts of buildings, that may be partially conditioned could include a check-out counter in a purpose-built hardware store and workstations in a factory or aircraft hanger or even a church.

A capacity of 15 W/m2 (4.3 MJ/hour) for either heating or cooling has been set as the minimum threshold for the definition of air-conditioning. The criterion of 15 W/m2 is between 10% and 20% of the capacity of a typical heating or cooling system providing comfort temperatures to the full area of a building. Typically, the cooling needed for a building in climate zone 7 would be of the order of 100 W/m2 to 120 W/m2 and in climate zone 5, the heating would be of the order of 50 W/m2. With a heat pump air-conditioner, the input power rates for climate zone 7 for cooling would be 30 W/m2 and for climate zone 5 for heating, 20 W/m2. Warmer climate zones have higher cooling needs and colder climate zones have higher heating needs. Typically, evaporative coolers would be under the 15 W/m2 threshold.

Note that the definition of a conditioned space refers to the temperature in the space being controlled by air-conditioning. The definition of air-conditioning excludes services that cool or heat cold rooms and hot rooms. Therefore the NCC energy efficiency provisions do not apply to these process related rooms.

A room that is not conditioned in its own right, such as one providing a return air path or exhaust air path for conditioned air from an adjoining space, should be considered as a conditioned space. This means that the walls, floor and ceiling between it and an adjoining conditioned room are not part of the envelope and so do not require insulating. Likewise, in certain circumstances some internal spaces could be indirectly conditioned by air pressurisation occurring in adjoining areas. Expert advice may be needed to determine which spaces are indirectly conditioned.

Construction activity actions

This definition is used in Part B and only refers to construction activities that may have an effect on the final building design such as stacking of materials or floor to floor propping.

Critical radiant flux

A test in accordance with AS ISO 9239.1 determines the critical radiant flux of a material. A higher value indicates better performance.

Curtain wall

A curtain wall is a facade fixed to the exterior of the building and may not be supported within frames at each storey. See Panel Wall.

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions make up the bulk of the NCC. The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions are deemed to satisfy the Performance Requirements. See Part .

Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution

Means a solution which uses the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to demonstrate compliance with the Performance Requirements. See Part .

Defined flood level

See Figure A1.1(FLO).

Figure A1.1(FLO)

IDENTIFICATION OF DEFINED FLOOD LEVEL, FLOOD HAZARD LEVEL AND FREEBOARD

guide_A11FLO_2013.svg
Designated bushfire prone area

Bushfire prone areas may be designated by a power under legislation. See your building regulatory body.

Early childhood centre

On 1 January 2012, the National Quality Framework was established under an applied law system comprising the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and will apply to most long day care, family day care, outside school hours care and preschools (or kindergartens).

A national applied law system is a way of establishing national laws whereby a host jurisdiction (in this case Victoria) passes a law (the Education and Care Service National Law Act 2010) and other jurisdictions adopt that law or pass corresponding legislation.

As a consequence a number of Parts in the NCC were aligned with the National Quality Framework.

The early childhood centre defined term refers to the term 'centre-based'. Under the definitions contained in Chapter 1 of the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011, a centre-based service means an education and care service other than a family day care service.

Effective height

Is a measure of the height of a building. It is used to determine when various provisions are required to be implemented and when certain concessions cannot apply.

Effective height is the vertical distance between:

  • the floor level of the topmost storey in the building (excluding a storey which only contains equipment as listed); and
  • the floor level of the lowest storey which is included in a determination of rise in storeys (see ).
Electric passenger lift

An electric passenger lift may also be a combined electric passenger and goods lift.

Electricity network substation

Electricity network substations are buildings containing high and low voltage equipment that provide essential electricity to a district or part of a city. They may be stand-alone buildings or located within multi-classified buildings. These installations provide an essential public service to the community on which other essential services such as water supply depend. Consequently they are licenced entities which differentiate them from a customer substation that supplies electricity only to the dedicated building in which it is contained.

Electrohydraulic passenger lift

An electrohydraulic passenger lift may also be a combined electrohydraulic passenger and goods lift.

Envelope

In the NCC, this term is not limited to the building’s outer shell, but also includes those continuous elements that separate a conditioned space from a non-conditioned space. For example, the floor between a plant room and an office space or the wall between a carpark and a shopping centre may be part of the envelope, rather than the outer shell. A non-conditioned space may be included within the envelope under certain circumstances.

Equivalent

A Performance Solution may achieve compliance with the Performance Requirements by achieving equivalence with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Evacuation route

The path a person uses to evacuate a building. It starts at the most remote part of a building and finishes at a “safe place”. This can be in the building, or a road or open space. It is not always the point of exit from a building.

An evacuation route includes the evacuation path within a sole-occupancy unit of a Class 2 or Class 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, as well as an exit from such a unit. This term is different from a path of travel to an exit, which begins at the door to such sole-occupancy units.

Evacuation time

Is the calculated time from when an emergency begins until the last occupant reaches a “safe place”.

It includes the time taken for any alarm to detect a fire and give warning. Added to this is the time taken for occupants to start to evacuate the building.

This “time” will depend on a number of factors, some of which may be influenced by an "emergency management system", including:

  • the type of alarm or warning given;
  • whether the occupant initially recognises the alarm or warning;
  • whether the occupant decides to investigate or ignore the alarm;
  • whether the occupant decides to warn other people in the building;
  • the time taken for all occupants to move through the building until reaching a “safe place”.
Exit

An exit can be any of the building elements listed. It must lead to a road or open space or a horizontal exit leading to another fire compartment.

An exit starts at the beginning of the first relevant building element listed in the definition.

Examples

Examples

The start of an exit includes:

  • the top of the first riser in a required open stairway;
  • the doorway leading into a required fire-isolated stairway, fire-isolated ramp or fire-isolated passageway; and
  • a required doorway which leads directly to a road or open space.

The exit finishes when a person reaches, as the specific circumstances require:

  • a road or open space;
  • in the case of a horizontal exit, another fire compartment, which in turn leads to a road or open space; or
  • in the case of a non-fire-isolated stairway or ramp, the level providing direct egress to a road or open space.
Expert Judgement

Expert judgement may be used to assess a Performance Solution or Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution against the relevant Performance Requirements, or against the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions if use is being made of an equivalence Assessment Method.

External wall

An external wall is on the outside of a building and usually requires weatherproofing ().

It is possible for a wall to be partially an external wall and partially an internal wall. (See Figure A1.1(EW)). Where the expressions “internal wall” and “external wall” are used, they exclude a “common wall”.

Figure A1.1(EW)

EXTERNAL WALLS

guide_A11ew_2005.svg
Fabric

This includes all of the non-service elements of a building such as the roof, walls, glazing and floor, that impact upon the building’s thermal performance. The fabric may impact upon a building’s thermal performance through its insulating ability, or through its thermal inertia or thermal capacitance, which is the ability to slow energy flow and so delay or reduce the transfer of heat.

Fan motor power

The fan motor power is the amount of electrical input power to the motor of a fan motor, transmission (if present) and impeller excluding the control gear. This means that it is the power a motor of a fan needed in order to drive the fan and to also overcome any motor, drive or impeller losses. However, it does not include any losses from control devices such as a Variable Speed Drive (VSD). See Figure A1.1(FMP) for an example of the measurement of fan motor power in three common fan configurations.

Figure A1.1(FMP)

FAN MOTOR POWER

guide_A11FMP_2013.svg
Farming

This definition sets out activities which, for the purposes of the NCC, constitute farming and is mainly used to determine whether a building can be considered a farm building or a farm shed.

This definition relates to the context in which it is used and should be read in conjunction with farm building, farm shed, and farm vehicle definitions for appropriate application of the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Farm building

Buildings used for farming-type purposes are often very diverse in nature, occupancy and use. There are a number of conditions in this definition to outline the specific instances where a Class 7 or Class 8 building can be considered a farm building for the purposes of the NCC. This is to ensure that the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for farm buildings are appropriate for a particular building in question.

The definition sets out three main criteria that a building must meet for it to be considered a farm building. These criteria can be described as:

  • the use and location of the building;
  • the maximum number of occupants and occupant density in the building; and
  • a maximum floor area of the building.

It is recommended that this definition be read in conjunction with the definition of ‘farming’.

Refer to for specific requirements for farm buildings.

Farm shed

Buildings used for farming-type purposes are often very diverse in nature, occupancy and use and farm sheds can be generally considered as very basic buildings used for farming that are unlikely to contain people most of the time. Farm sheds could be used to protect stock from the elements, store hay or produce, or house farm vehicles when not in use. They also may not be fully enclosed.

There are a number of conditions in this definition to outline the specific instances where a Class 7 or Class 8 building can be considered a farm shed for the purposes of the NCC. This is to ensure that the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for farm sheds are appropriate for the particular building in question.

The definition sets out five criteria that a building must meet for it to be considered a farm shed. These criteria can be described as:

  • single storey;
  • occupied infrequently and for relatively short periods of time;
  • use and location of the building;
  • maximum number of occupants in the building; and
  • a range of allowable floor areas.

It is recommended that this definition be read in conjunction with the definition of ‘farming’.

Refer to for specific requirements for farm sheds.

Farm vehicle

This definition outlines that where a vehicle is used in relation to farming (see definition of farming) it can be considered a farm vehicle for the purposes of the NCC.

Along with other criteria, the definitions of farm building and farm shed include buildings used to store one or more farm vehicles.

Refer to for specific requirements for farm buildings and farm sheds.

Fire brigade

This term only refers to statutory authorities established under an Act of Parliament having as one of its functions the protection of life and property from fire and other emergencies. It may be a professional brigade with full-time firefighters, or a volunteer brigade. Many companies employ their own private fire services. The standard of these private fire services varies greatly. They are excluded from the definition of a fire brigade.

Fire compartment

A fire compartment contains walls, floors and the like creating a compartment (or “box”) of any shape used to limit the spread of fire to another compartment or part of a building.

Examples

Example

If any floor has an opening for an open stairway or escalator, a fire could spread through the opening—that floor would not form the boundary of a fire compartment.

If there are no distinct fire barriers erected, then the whole building forms a fire compartment.

If a Performance Solution is used, the building elements used to form a fire compartment must have appropriate fire separation from the remainder of the building as determined by fire engineering principles. Note that FRLs are only used in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

If the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of Part are used, the building element used to form a fire compartment must have the fire-resistance level (FRL) of a fire wall required by .

Sole-occupancy units are not generally regarded as fire compartments except for for fire hose reels.

Fire hazard properties

A material's fire hazard properties is an indication of its susceptibility to the effects of flame or heat, particularly during the early stages of a fire.

Fire-isolated passageway

A fire-isolated passageway protects people within a passageway from fire while evacuating. The whole passageway must be fire-protected from a fire outside the passage, including the floor, walls, ceiling, roof, any doors or other openings. The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for fire-isolated passageways are in . The provisions relating to the protection of openings are in .

Fire-isolated ramp

See fire-isolated passageway.

Fire-isolated stairway

See fire-isolated passageway.

Fire-protected timber

Used for the concessions under , fire-protected timber must comply with and may be used in certain situations where a building element is required to be non-combustible.

Fire-protective covering

While not fire rated, these elements have been found to provide nominal protection from the spread of fire of at least 20–30 minutes.

The NCC lists materials deemed to be fire-protective coverings. The fixing in each case must accord with normal trade practice. There must be no gaps at the joints in the sheets, and the joints must be sealed in the usual manner. Standard grade 10 mm or 13 mm plasterboard is not acceptable as a fire-protective covering.

Fire-resistance level (FRL)

Used only in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, the FRL of a building element is determined by conducting the Standard Fire Test on a prototype in accordance with AS 1530.4.

Example

Example

If the NCC requires a building element to have an FRL of 120/60/30, this means that the element must maintain, when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4:

  • structural adequacy for a period of 120 minutes;
  • integrity for a period of 60 minutes; and
  • insulation for a period of 30 minutes.
Fire-resisting

Applies to fire-resisting building elements, including structural members and non-loadbearing components, such as cladding, doors, windows and the like.

Fire safety system

These systems may be active systems, passive systems, or any combination of the two.

Examples

Examples

Some examples of fire safety systems:

Active systems

  • sound systems and intercom systems for emergency purposes;
  • emergency lighting;
  • exit signs;
  • sprinkler systems;
  • fire hydrant systems;
  • fire hose reel systems;
  • smoke and heat vents;
  • mechanical smoke-exhaust systems; and
  • portable fire extinguishers.

Passive system

  • fire-isolated stairways, ramps and passageways;
  • fire walls; and
  • other fire-resisting building elements.
Fire-source feature

Used in Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to describe a possible fire source external to the building from which a fire could spread to the building. See Figure A1.1(FSF).

A fire-source feature includes the far side of the road, and the side or rear boundary of an allotment. It also includes the far side of lakes, rivers and the like where the construction of buildings is unlikely. These represent the worst-case scenario for the spread of fire from another building. Even if a building on an adjacent allotment is set back from a boundary, the NCC assumes it could be demolished and another building constructed on the boundary.

Figure A1.1(FSF)

ALLOTMENT PLAN SHOWING FIRE-SOURCE FEATURES

guide_A11fsf_2005.svg

Note that the term “fire-source feature” does not necessarily apply to a building—it relates to a potential source of fire. That potential may be realised in the future construction of a building. For this reason, the fire-source feature is not simply a line on the ground, nor a point at the top of a building; it is a continuous plane rising above that line or point.

In this sense:

  • a line drawn out horizontally from a building to a fire-source feature will hit that feature; and
  • form a 90º angle with a line drawn down from the point at which it hits the fire-source feature to the ground, or the top of the adjoining building.

However, some Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the NCC limit the height above a building at which the fire-source feature remains active (see ).

The reason for the exclusion of Class 10 buildings on the same allotment is that they are generally small and have a low fire load.

Fire wall

Fire walls separate fire compartments. To avoid the spread of fire to another part of the building, a fire wall must extend from the fire-rated floor of a storey to the underside of the fire-rated floor above, or to a non-combustible roof covering.

A “fire-resisting” wall is not necessarily a “fire wall”. A fire wall can sometimes be an external wall. See and Figure C2.7(3) of this Guide.

Flammability Index

A test performed in accordance with AS 1530.2 will determine the flammability index of a material.

Flashover

Flashover The term “flashover” is used in of Specification C1.10 dealing with tests for the fire hazard properties of building materials and components. The definition defines the term by specifying the heat release rate in the test. See .

Flight

A flight is the part of a stairway that has a continuous slope created by the nosing line of the stair treads. Quarter landings are not considered part of a flight. However, winders are considered part of a flight. See Figure A1.1(FLI).

Figure A1.1(FLI)

IDENTIFICATION OF STAIR FLIGHTS

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Flood hazard level

See Figure A1.1(FLO).

Floor area

When applied to a building or storey, the floor area includes all the space capable of being used. It includes any roofed area, canopy, verandah or covered walkway, etc.

Floor area is used in a number of different contexts in the NCC. It is therefore necessary to define each of these contexts:

  • In relation to a building—the sum of the areas of all storeys.
  • In relation to a storey—the floor area of the storey includes any enclosing walls. Where there is no enclosing wall in a part of a storey, those areas which may be used for storage, or other purposes, by occupants must be included as appropriate. It therefore includes any roofed area, including a canopy, verandah or covered way if it contributes to the functioning of the building. Internal walls, columns, shafts, stairways, ramps or the like are not deducted. See Figure A1.1(FA)(1).
  • In relation to a room—the bounding walls determine the limits of the floor area. Internal walls, columns, stairways, ramps or the like are not deducted. See Figure A1.1(FA)(2).
  • In relation to a fire compartment—the fire compartment may not be bounded by walls in all places. If this is the case and a roofed area contributes to the fire load, it should be considered as part of the floor area. See Figure A1.1(FA)(3).
  • In relation to an atrium—see Figure A1.1(FA)(4).

Figure A1.1(FA)(1)

PLAN SHOWING FLOOR AREA OF A STOREY

guide_A11fa1_2005.svg

Figure A1.1(FA)(2)

PLAN SHOWING FLOOR AREA OF A ROOM

guide_A11fa2_2005.svg

Figure A1.1(FA)(3)

PLAN SHOWING FLOOR AREA OF A FIRE COMPARTMENT

guide_A11fa3_2005.svg
Freeboard

See Figure A1.1(FLO).

Functional Statement

Is a term not used within Volume One, however Functional Statements are used in this Guide as an aid to the interpretation of the NCC and not for determining compliance. Functional Statements are statements which describe how buildings and building elements achieve the Objectives.

Glazing

The glazing definition needs to be read in conjunction with the definition of a window and roof light. It can include a glazed door. For the purposes of , the glazing provides an aperture by which light and energy can flow into or from the conditioned space. Glazing includes the glass and any frame system.

Group number

sets out the requirements for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4 materials. A test in accordance with either AS ISO 9239.1 or AS/NZS 3837 determines the group a material belongs to. The NCC permits the installation of Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 materials. Group 1 materials are the best performing materials. Group 4 materials are the worst performing materials.

Habitable room

Only applies to Class 2 and Class 3 buildings and Class 4 parts of buildings.

Health-care building

The definition of a health-care building means a building whose occupants or patients undergoing medical treatment, need physical assistance to evacuate the building during an emergency and includes a nursing home or similar facility for people who are sick or have a disability and require full-time care. Therefore, a healthcare building could include a residential aged care building in which occupants are provided with some level of medication, and need assistance to evacuate.

Health-care buildings also include day-care surgeries or procedure units. They are distinguished from a doctor’s or dentist’s surgery, because if an evacuation became necessary in these places, patients would probably not need assistance in evacuating.

In a health-care building, patients may be incapable of movement, and require the assistance of another person to evacuate. They might also require medical supervision for a while after treatment.

Health-care buildings are not to be interpreted to include aged care buildings. It should be noted that the NCC contains differing requirements for Class 9a health-care buildings and Class 9c buildings.

House energy rating software

The definition describes the software accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). NatHERS is the Australian governments' scheme that facilitates consistent energy ratings from software tools which are used to assess the potential thermal efficiency of dwelling envelopes.

Illuminance

Used only in the Performance Requirements of to describe the amount of natural and artificial light required for a building.

Figure A1.1(FA)(4)

FLOOR AREA OF AN ATRIUM

guide_A11fa4_2005.svg
Illumination power density

This term is more wide-reaching than the simpler "lamp power density" term also used for the sole-occupancy units of Class 2 buildings and Class 4 parts. It needs to be calculated taking account of the losses from ballast, current regulators and integral control devices associated with the lighting system including track and flexible lighting systems, and fixed lighting that is part of modular furniture and workstation lights. However, socket outlets for intermittent use such as for floor standing lamps, desk lamps, etc. are not included as it is not possible to control them through the building control process. The calculation of illumination power density does not include losses elsewhere in the system, such as in the distribution cabling throughout the building.

Insulation

Insulation is the third criterion used when specifying an FRL.

Examples

Example

If the NCC requires a building element to have an FRL of 120/60/30, this means that the element must maintain, when tested in accordance with AS 1530.4:

  • structural adequacy for a period of 120 minutes;
  • integrity for a period of 60 minutes; and
  • insulation for a period of 30 minutes.

A building element fails the insulation criterion if the average temperature of the unexposed face of the test specimen rises by more than 140 K (i.e. 140 degrees Kelvin) above the initial temperature. It also fails if the temperature of the unexposed face of the test specimen rises by more than 180 K above the initial temperature.

Integrity

Integrity is the second criterion used when specifying an FRL. See example under “insulation” definition.

The test under AS 1530.4 considers that a building element has failed the integrity criterion when either the element collapses, or the element develops cracks, fissures or other openings through which flames or hot gases can pass.

Internal wall

All walls that are not external walls are internal walls.

Lamp power density

This term was developed in order to simplify the statement of requirements and to simplify checking for sole-occupancy units of Class 2 buildings and Class 4 parts. It relates only to the lamp and does not include the power lost by any ballast, current regulator or control device. However, socket outlets for intermittent use such as for floor standing lamps, desk lamps, etc. are not included as it is not possible to control them through the building control process. The maximum power of a lamp is usually marked on the fitting as the maximum allowable Wattage.

Latent heat gain

This term refers to the heat used to vaporize a liquid without causing a change in temperature, such as heat used to generate steam from heated water at 100°C. Also included, in the NCC context, is the energy in the moisture from the human body.

Light source efficacy

This term is used to describe the effectiveness of a lighting device, and is expressed as the lighting output level in Lux for each unit of electric power consumed, including the power consumed by the lamp. It does not include the power lost by any ballast, current regulator or control gear.

Lightweight construction

The NCC lists building materials of “lightweight construction”. These materials need protection to preserve their integrity from fire and other damage. This is because they are more susceptible to damage than other forms of fire protection. For example, masonry thicker than 70 mm and materials like concrete, which typically do not contain soft materials, are not deemed to be lightweight construction. See and .

Luminance contrast

This term is used in provisions for access for people with a disability. Luminance contrast is the measurement of the amount of light reflected from one surface or component, compared to the amount of light reflected from the background or surrounding surfaces. The majority of people who are blind or vision impaired have some vision. The provision of sufficient luminance contrast between components or surfaces and their backgrounds assists in their identification and use.

Massive timber

This term refers to chemically bonded composite timber elements, such as cross laminated timber (CLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and glulam, which are at least 75 mm thick as measured in each direction. contains requirements for when massive timber is used as fire-protected timber.

Mezzanine

A “mezzanine” must be part of a room. If an intermediate floor is enclosed by a wall it is no longer within another room, and is therefore no longer a mezzanine. Such rooms are sometimes called “mezzanines” by the layperson. This does not mean they are classified as such by the NCC. See Figure A1.1(ME).

Figure A1.1(ME)

SECTION SHOWING WHEN AN ENCLOSED FLOOR IS REGARDED AS A STOREY

guide_A11me_2005.svg
Non-illuminated exit sign

This definition allows exemptions to specific Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of for farm buildings, so that exit signs which are not illuminated can instead be provided in certain scenarios.

Objective

Is a term not used within Volume One, however Objectives are used in this Guide as an aid to the interpretation of the NCC and not for determining compliance. An Objective means a statement which is considered to reflect community expectations.

Open-deck carpark

The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions contain a number of concessions for open-deck carparks. The concessions are based on the amount of natural ventilation available. Ventilation is needed for the dissipation of car fumes and also for heat and smoke during a fire. An open-deck carpark may be a whole, or part, of a building.

Open space

Egress from a building must be to a road or open space. An open space must be open to the sky and connect directly to a public road. See .

The NCC uses the term "road" and "public road" as the case requires. A "road" can be a private or public road. The appropriateness of a type of road for the purposes of the NCC is dependant on rights of access to the road. A "public road", as the name suggests, is a road available for use by the public and is usually controlled and maintained by or on behalf of a government body. As a consequence, a public road is considered to be a more permanent feature when compared to other types of road such as a private road.

Open spectator stand

Traditionally called a “grandstand”. The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions contain a number of concessions for open spectator stands. Concessions are based on the amount of natural ventilation, at the front of these stands, during a fire. They may be a whole, or part, of a building.

Other property

Used to describe nearby buildings and land requiring protection for structural, fire or drainage reasons. The purpose of including a road as part of “other property” is that in certain parts of the NCC, a road, or the people using it, may need protection.

Example

Example

The NCC takes into consideration protection from collapse of a building or any part of it on to the road, and in some States and Territories protection from collapse of a road into a building/construction excavation.

Outside air economy cycle

This term describes a mode of operation of an air-conditioning system in which the quantity of outside air is increased beyond that needed by the mechanical ventilation requirements of in order to provide free cooling. Free cooling can be initiated when cooling is required by the air-conditioning system and the outside air temperature is below the set-point temperature of the conditioned space.

Panel wall

The difference between a panel wall and a curtain wall is that a panel wall is supported at each storey, and a curtain wall is not.

Patient-care area

Includes “ward areas” and “treatment areas”.

Performance Requirement

See Part .

Performance Solution

See Part .

Personal care service

Personal care services include any combination of the listed services. The definition is used in defining an aged care building. (See comments on the definition of aged care building).

Piping

This term may have a different meaning in other parts of the NCC or in NCC referenced documents, for example, in relation to sprinklers. This definition of piping is only applicable to where it is used mainly for thermal insulation provisions.

Pressure vessel

This term refers to enclosed vessels subjected to internal or external pressure. Gas cylinders are an example of a pressure vessel, however gas cylinders installed in small appliances are not intended to be captured. The term also does not apply to boilers, storage tanks intended for storing liquids where the pressure at the top of the tank is not more than 1.4 kPa above or 0.06 kPa below atmospheric pressure, domestic hot water heaters and pressure vessels associated with fire suppression systems.

Primary building element

Those materials and constructions subject to attack by termites causing structural problems. This includes stairs and ramps. Excluded are building elements which provide bracing to a wall, but this is not designed as part of their function. An example would be plasterboard not required for bracing or an external cladding.

Private bushfire shelter

The term is used to describe a Class 10c building. The provisions for Class 10c private bushfire shelters are contained in the Housing Provisions (Volume Two) of the NCC.

Private garage

To be classified as a private garage (and therefore a Class 10a building or part), a structure can only contain a maximum of three vehicle spaces, unless the garage is associated with a Class 1 building.

A building designed to accommodate three-or-less vehicle spaces carries a comparatively low fire load, even if used commercially. Thus, there is not much difference between the fire risk from a domestic private garage and one used commercially.

If a garage is not associated with a Class 1 building, and contains more than three vehicle spaces, it is a carpark and therefore a Class 7 building or part.

Professional engineer

Includes a professional engineer eligible for registration with the Institution of Engineers (Australia) under classification NPER3. Some States and Territories define “professional engineer” differently. Such definitions override the NCC definition.

Public corridor

Not all corridors and hallways are public corridors. A public corridor must be enclosed and provide egress from more than one sole-occupancy unit. Examples include passages leading from hotel suites, lift lobbies and foyers in high-rise buildings. Public corridors can be required to provide egress to a required exit.

Pump power

The pump power is the amount of power that a pump needs and includes the inefficiency of the pump and the power consumed by any drive train. This means that it is the power a pump motor needs to provide either directly or by an output shaft. It does not include any motor losses, which are usually covered by Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), nor does it include any control gear such as Variable Speed Drive (VSD). Figure A1.1(PP) describes pump power.

Figure A1.1(PP)

PUMP POWER

guide_A11PP_2015.svg
R-Value

The R-Value of a component relates to the component material itself, and does not include any surface coatings, air gaps or surface resistances. Except for ductwork, piping, heat exchanger and tank insulation, R-Values are rarely used independently, but can be used to express a component’s contribution to an insulating system, in which case, the thermal resistance expression for the system would become Total R-Value.

Reference building

A reference building is used to determine the maximum annual energy consumption allowed. This is done by applying the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, along with certain stated criteria, to a proposed design. The annual energy consumption calculated is then used to assess the energy efficiency of the Performance Solution.

Reflective insulation

This term is used in AS/NZS 4859.1 and covers a range of insulating products that have one or more reflective surfaces. Reflective insulation is one example of sarking-type material.

Registered Testing Authority

A Registered Testing Authority is an organisation authorised to give an opinion on the use of a material, construction or design.

Testing Authorities are registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). NATA publishes a directory explaining which authorities are registered to carry out what tests. International organisations are also recognised by NATA; a directory also details these organisations.

Under paragraph (c), valid test reports from organisations which were recognised as being Registered Testing Authorities under legislation at the time the test was undertaken may still be accepted.

Renewable energy

The definition of renewable energy clarifies what are the sources of operational energy that do not result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Examples given include solar, wind, hydro-electric, wave action and geothermal. For the purpose of the defined term, an on-site renewable energy source does not include GreenPower.

Required

When used in the Performance Requirements, the term means required to meet the Performance Requirement. When used in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, it means required to meet those provisions.

Residential aged-care building

Applies only to buildings housing residents with mental or physical impairments caused by the ageing process. Such impairments require that patients need assistance in their daily lives.

People are employed to assist and care for these residents. Hence, the building requirements aim to provide a more amenable environment for the residents.

The definition applies to Class 3 and Class 9a buildings. The NCC contains a number of concessions for Class 3 residential aged-care buildings. See and .

Resident use area

Only applies to Class 9c buildings.

Resistance to the incipient spread of fire

Refers to the ability of a ceiling to prevent the spread of fire and thermally insulate the space between the ceiling and the roof, or floor above. “Resistance to the incipient spread of fire” is superior to “fire-resistance” because it requires a higher standard of heat insulation. Refer to <std.xref>AS 1530.4</std.xref>.

Rise in storeys

describes how to calculate the rise in storeys.

Roof light

The definition provides a distinction between a window and a roof light based on its angle to the horizontal.

Safe place

A safe place provides a final refuge from a fire, such as a road or open space at the end of an exit. It can also be a temporary “haven” or “refuge” to protect people while they are evacuating during a fire. The term is only used in the Performance Requirements. Safe places can be inside or outside a building, and must provide a person with protection from a fire and then allow them to safely escape to a road or open space.

Example

Example
  • fire-isolated stairways;
  • fire-isolated ramps;
  • fire-isolated passageways; and
  • an adjacent fire compartment.
Sanitary compartment

The term refers to a room or space which contains a closet pan or urinal. This can include rooms such as a water closet, a bathroom, a shower room or the like which also contains a closet pan or a urinal. The term additionally refers to a 'space' which may contain a closet pan or urinal. An example would be a bank of toilets where each individual cubicle is considered a sanitary compartment. Figure A1.1(SC) provides differing configurations of sanitary compartments.

Figure A1.1(SC)

IDENTIFICATION OF SANITARY COMPARTMENTS

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guide_A11sc2_2014.svg

guide_A11sc3_2014.svg
Sarking-type material

A sarking-type material is a flexible membrane that may be used for waterproofing, vapour proofing or thermal reflectance and includes reflective insulation. Commonly used terms include sarking, reflective foil, building wrap and breathable membrane.

Self-closing

Applies to doors which are smoke or fire doors and the like. In each case it is important that the doors be fitted with a device that immediately closes them after manual opening, and keeps them closed to stop the spread of fire and/or smoke during a fire situation.

Sensible heat gain

This term refers to the heat added to air to cause its temperature to rise. This can be heat from people, other than latent heat, and the heat from lights or appliances, other than the latent heat from steam generating devices.

Service

There are many services in a building, but for NCC purposes, only certain building services are regulated, and this excludes process services. Those services regulated are stated in the definition and specified in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Service station

An outlet which sells petrol and has an area for servicing motor vehicles. The whole service station can be classified as a Class 6 building. The definition also applies to a car dealership which contains an area for the servicing of vehicles.

Shaft

The definition includes the top and bottom as well as the walls.

Smoke-and-heat vent

Can be automatically opened as necessary, or permanently fixed open. See Parts and .

Smoke-Developed Index

A test in accordance with AS/NZS 1530.3 determines the Smoke-Developed Index of a material. The index is based on a logarithmic scale of 0 to 10. A lower index number indicates better performance.

Smoke development rate

A test in accordance with AS ISO 9239.1 determines the smoke development rate of a material. A lower value indicates better performance.

Smoke growth rate index

A test in accordance with AS ISO 9705 determines the smoke growth rate index (SMOGRARC) of a material. A lower value indicates better performance.

Sole-occupancy unit

A sole-occupancy unit is an area within a building for the exclusive use of the owner or occupier. It is irrelevant if the area is occupied by an individual, a number of people, or by a company. Exclusivity of use is the key factor in determining whether an area or room is a sole-occupancy unit.

Example

Example

Examples of sole-occupancy units include individual flats in a block of flats, a self contained unit, a bedroom and associated ensuite, a suite of rooms in a hotel or motel, bedrooms in an aged care building, a shop in a shopping centre, or an office occupied by an individual owner or tenant in an office building. A sole-occupancy unit may also include a single bedroom or different combinations of related rooms associated with a bedroom exclusively used in a Class 3 building used for student accommodation. For example a bedroom with an associated study room and a small storage room exclusively for the use of a student would be considered a sole-occupancy unit.

In residential applications, a sole-occupancy unit will typically consist of sleeping facilities, sanitary facilities and a living area. See Figure A.1.1(SOU). In situations where the sleeping facilities are the only areas that are for the exclusive use of the owner or occupier the delineation of the sole-occupancy unit will change. In this instance the bedroom becomes the sole-occupancy unit.

Areas that do not comprise a sole-occupancy unit are those intended and available for the use of more than one owner or occupier (what is often called a “common area”). Examples applying to residential type buildings include a laundry; TV room; entertainment room; and kitchen in a boarding house. See Figure A1.1(SOU).

For commercial buildings, spaces generally referred to as "common areas" may include corridors, kitchenettes, lift lobbies and sanitary facilities.

Figure A1.1(SOU)

SOLE-OCCUPANCY UNITS CONTAINED WITHIN A CLASS 2 OR 3 BUILDING

guide_A11SOU1_2013.svg

(a) Class 2 or 3 Suite of Rooms

guide_A11SOU2_2013.svg

(b) Class 3 Single Bedroom

Spread-of-Flame Index

A test in accordance with AS/NZS 1530.3 determines the Spread-of-Flame Index of a material. The index is based on a logarithmic scale of 0 to 10. A lower index number indicates better performance.

Standard Fire Test

AS 1530.4 contains details of the Standard Fire Test. The test is used to determine the FRL of a building element. The results are recorded in order as: structural adequacy, integrity and insulation.

Storey

illustrates that a storey extends from the floor level of the subject area to the floor level above, or, if the storey is at the top of the building, to the ceiling or roof. It is not unusual for people to simply regard the ceiling or the bottom of the storey above as the top of a storey.

The listed exceptions for a storey are normally small areas with a low fire load and low occupation.

Structural adequacy

Structural adequacy is the first criterion used when specifying an FRL. It is used only in relation to the FRL of a building element. See the example under ‘insulation’ definition.

Figure A1.1(ST)

SECTION SHOWING STOREYS IN A BUILDING

guide_A11st_2005.svg
Swimming pool

Applies to swimming and wading pools, and spas (excluding units such as spa baths emptied after each use). For provisions see . These provisions do not apply to all swimming pools.

Total R-Value

The definition of the Total R-Value of a thermal insulating system covers the various materials themselves and any surface coatings, air gaps or surface film resistances. As a minimum, a system must consist of a material plus two surface films, usually an outer film exposed to a wind velocity and an inner film exposed to a lower velocity. A brick veneer wall, for example, has at least five components, i.e. the outer air film, the brickwork, an air gap across the cavity, plaster lining and an inner air film. Bulk insulation in the frame cavity may be another component, while reflective insulation provides a reflective surface as well as one more air gap.

Total System Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)

The definition of Total System Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) has been developed to reflect the specific context in which this term is used in the NCC, and is calculated using the Technical Protocol and Procedures Manual for the Energy Rating of the Fenestration Products by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC).

Total System U-Value

U-Value is a measure of the rate of heat transfer through a material and is the reciprocal of R-Value. Total System U-Value is the reciprocal of the sum of the R-Values of individual elements. Although it applies to all materials, U-Values are generally stated for transparent and translucent materials while R-Values are generally stated for opaque materials. Transmittance is referred to for transparent and translucent materials while overall heat transfer coefficient is the general term. Total System U-Value is used in the NCC for roof lights and glazing and is calculated using the Technical Protocol and Procedures Manual for the Energy Rating of the Fenestration Products by the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC).

Treatment area

Part of a “patient-care area”. In a treatment area, a patient undergoes treatment (e.g. an operation), which may result in the patient being unable to evacuate without assistance in an emergency such as a fire.

Unique wall

Used only in Verification Method and is intended to capture walls which are neither cavity walls or use direct fixed cladding. This includes, but is not limited to, single skin walls which provide not only the outer weather protection but also act as the internal wall and may provide structural components. An example of such walls would be a concrete tilt up panel, single skin masonry or a glass curtain wall.

A unique wall is illustrated in Figure A1.1(UW).

Figure A1.1(UW)

EXAMPLE OF A UNIQUE WALL

guide_A11UW_2015.svg
Verification Method

See Part .

Ward area

Part of a “patient-care area”. It includes a hospital or nursing-home ward and the nursing stations associated with such wards. Also, any associated living areas, such as bath and shower rooms, toilets, TV rooms, activity rooms and the like.

Window

A window must be capable of allowing light into a building, even when closed. Any transparent or translucent glass pane, brick or block, or a roof light or the like, is a window.

A1.2 Adoption of Standards and other references

Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision references a document, rule, specification or provision, that adoption does not include a provision—

(a)

specifying or defining the respective rights, responsibilities or obligations as between themselves of any manufacturer, supplier or purchaser; or

(b)

specifying the responsibilities of any trades person or other building operative, architect, engineer, authority, or other person or body; or

(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; or

(d)

specifying that a material, building component, form or method of construction must be submitted to any person, authority or body 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.

Intent

To indicate the elements of any referenced documents which are not included as part of the adoption process.

only applies to the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the NCC.

means that contractual matters or clauses defining responsibilities of various parties, and matters in Australian Standards or other codes not appropriate for adoption in the NCC are not included when a standard is called up in a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision.

A1.3 Referenced Standards, etc

(a)

A reference in a Deemed-to-Satisfy Provision to a document under 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.

(b)

Any—

(i)

reference in a document listed in Specification A1.3 (primary document) to another document (secondary document); and

(ii)

subsequent references to other documents in secondary documents and those other documents,

is a reference to the secondary and other documents as they existed at the time of publication of the primary document listed in Specification A1.3.

(c)

The provisions of (b) do not apply if the secondary referenced document is also a primary referenced document.

(d)

Where the BCA references a document under which is subject to publication of a new edition or amendment not listed under Specification A1.3, the new edition or amendment need not be complied with in order to comply with the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions.

Intent

To specify that the editions or issues of referenced documents adopted by the NCC are those listed in , to the extent stated in the Specification.

is only mandatory to Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. However, referenced documents are only applicable to the NCC provision that references the document.

A building proponent undertaking a Performance Solution can use any element or edition of any document, if they help satisfy the Performance Requirements. They do not need to use the documents listed in .

lists the specific edition of the Standard or other document adopted, including any amendments considered appropriate for the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions. Other editions of (or amendments to) the referenced document are not adopted, and have no standing under the NCC.

When a document listed in refers to a second document, that reference is that reference is to the second document as it existed at the time of publication of the document listed in .

sets out the general rules that any referenced document must adhere to. identifies the applicable edition of the NCC referenced document as well as the relationship of any secondary references.

A1.4 Differences between referenced documents and the NCC

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

Intent

To state that the provisions of the NCC take precedence over any referenced document, such as an Australian Standard.

The following is the precedence, or pecking order, for documents used in the building regulatory system. Any State or Territory Act or regulation which adopts the NCC takes precedence over any NCC provision. The NCC, in turn, takes precedence over any referenced document.

A1.5 Compliance with all Performance Requirements

Subject to , Class 2–9 buildings must be so designed and constructed that they comply with the relevant provisions of Section A and the Performance Requirements of this Volume.

Intent

To specify that all Class 2–9 buildings must comply with all the relevant Performance Requirements of the NCC, as specified in the NCC.

All the provisions that apply to a particular building must be satisfied. Relevant exemptions and limitations are noted within the NCC provisions. See .

A1.6 Application of the NCC to a particular State or Territory

For application within a particular State or Territory, this Volume of the NCC comprises—

(a)

Sections A to J (inclusive); and

(b)

the variations, deletions and additions to Sections A to J applicable to that State or Territory specified in the relevant Appendix.

Intent

To detail what the NCC is comprised of in each State and Territory.

State and Territory variations and additions are part of the NCC and are included as an Appendix to NCC Volume One.

A1.7 Language

(a)

A reference to a building in the NCC is a reference to an entire building or part of a building, as the case requires.

(b)

A reference in a Performance Requirement of the NCC to “the degree necessary” means that consideration of all the criteria referred to in the Performance Requirement will determine the outcome appropriate to the circumstances. These words have been inserted to indicate that in certain situations it may not be necessary to incorporate any specific measures to meet the Performance Requirement.

(c)

A reference to “BCA” in this volume, other than in the Introduction, means “Volume One of the Building Code of Australia”.

(d)

A reference to a Class 1a, 1b, 7a, 7b, 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b and 10c is a reference to the separate classification.

(e)

A reference to—

(i)

Class 1 — is a reference to a Class 1a and 1b; and

(ii)

Class 7 — is a reference to a Class 7a and 7b; and

(iii)

Class 9 — is a reference to a Class 9a, 9b and 9c; and

(iv)

Class 10 — is a reference to a Class 10a, 10b and 10c.

Intent

To state the meaning of certain specified expressions.

When the NCC refers to a building, that reference can be to the whole building or any part of the building. Whether this provision applies depends on the circumstances of that case and the circumstances in which the reference is made.

Generally, a reference to a building is a reference to the whole building, regardless of classification. However, when a provision is applicable to a specific class or classes of building, that reference to a building may be a reference to the whole building or part of the building depending on how the building is classified.

For example, where a building has a single classification, a reference to a building in the NCC is understandably a reference to a whole building. However, where a building has parts of different classification, unless the contrary intention appears (i.e. there is a specific reference to the whole building), a reference to a building in the NCC is a reference to the relevant part of the building. This means that each part of the building must comply with the relevant provisions for its classification.

A number of the Performance Requirements of the NCC use the expression “to the degree necessary”. This expression provides flexibility by allowing appropriate authorities to determine the degree of compliance necessary in a particular case.

For example, an appropriate authority might judge that an item need not be installed, or a particular level of performance be achieved. The expression is often supported by examples in this Guide.

Under and Classes 1a and 1b, 7a and 7b, 9a, 9b and 9c, and 10a, 10b and 10c are separate classifications, and if joined together or in close proximity may require fire separation in certain situations. In the NCC, when the designation 'a', 'b' or 'c' is not applied, the reference is to all buildings of the general class. For example, 'Class 9b' refers only to Class 9b buildings, but 'Class 9' refers to Class 9a, Class 9b and Class 9c buildings.

A1.8 Explanatory Information

(a)

These elements of the BCA are non-mandatory. They are used to provide additional guidance on the application of the particular Parts and clauses and do not need to be followed to meet the requirements of the BCA.

(b)

Explanatory Information identified for cross-volume consideration is provided under certain Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to identify Parts of NCC Volume Three – the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) which may be relevant where the work being undertaken is subject to the requirements of the PCA.

(c)

The ABCB gives no warranty or guarantee that the Explanatory Information is correct or complete. The ABCB shall not be liable for any loss howsoever caused whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of or reliance on the Explanatory Information.

(d)

The ABCB recommends that anyone seeking to rely on the Explanatory Information obtain their own independent expert advice in relation to building or related activities.

Intent

To state the meaning of explanatory information.

Explanatory information is provided within Volume One under certain Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions to identify cross-volume considerations within Parts of NCC Volume Three – the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA).