NCC 2019 Volume Two
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Part 3.1.4 Termite risk management

Part 3.1.4 Termite risk management

Appropriate Performance Requirements

Appropriate Performance Requirements

Where an alternative termite management system is proposed as a Performance Solution to that described in Part 3.1.4, that proposal must comply with—

  1. Performance RequirementP2.1.1; and
  2. the relevant Performance Requirement s determined in accordance with A2.2(3) and A2.4(3) as applicable.

3.1.4.1 Application

Compliance with this acceptable construction practice satisfies Performance Requirement P2.1.1 for termite risk management.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:

The intent of these requirements is to provide for a termite management system that deters termites from gaining entry to a building via a concealed route. The installation of a termite management system will not stop termite activity from occurring on the site.

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In Queensland delete 3.1.4.1 and replace with the following:

3.1.4.1 Application

Compliance with this acceptable construction practice satisfies Performance Requirements P2.1.1 and QLD P2.1.3.

3.1.4.2 Requirements for termite management systems

(a)

The requirements of this Part apply where:

(i)

a Class 1 or 10 building is constructed in an area where subterranean termites are known to present a potential risk of attack; and

(ii)

a primary building element of a Class 1 or 10 building is considered susceptible to termite attack.

(b)

For the purposes of (a), a primary building element consisting entirely of, or a combination of, any of the following materials is considered not subject to termite attack:

(i)

Steel, aluminium or other metals.

(ii)

Concrete.

(iii)

Masonry.

(iv)

Fibre-reinforced cement.

(v)

Timber — naturally termite resistant in accordance with Appendix C of AS 3660.1.

(vi)

Timber — preservative treated in accordance with Appendix D of AS 3660.1.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:
  1. 3.1.4.2(a): Termites are not considered to be a risk in Tasmania and a lesser risk in parts of Victoria. The appropriate authority may have records of termite activity for each area and may be able to advise on whether termite risk management is needed.
  2. 3.1.4.2(b): Where individual primary building elements are susceptible to termite attack and the remainder of the primary building elements are constructed of termite resistant materials, only the susceptible elements need to be provided with a termite management system.
  3. 3.1.4.2(b)(iii): states that masonry is not subject to termite attack, however termites may gain entry through mortar and other joints.
Figure 3.1.4.1 Flow chart for identifying if a termite management system is required
v2_Fig3141_2019.svg

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In Northern Territory delete 3.1.4.2(b)(v) and replace with the following:

(v) Timber — naturally termite resistant timber in accordance with Appendix C of AS 3660.1 in areas where Mastotermes darwiniensis are not prevalent.

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In Queensland delete 3.1.4.2 and replace with the following:

  1. The requirements of this Part apply where:
    1. a Class 1 or 10 building is constructed in an area where subterranean termites are known to present a potential risk of attack; and
    2. a primary building element of a Class 1 or 10 building is considered susceptible to termite attack.
  2. For the purposes of (a), a primary building element consisting entirely of, or a combination of, any of the following materials is considered not subject to termite attack:
    1. Steel, aluminium or other metals.
    2. Concrete.
    3. Masonry.
    4. Fibre-reinforced cement.
    5. Timber — naturally termite resistant in accordance with Appendix C of AS 3660.1.
    6. Timber — preservative treated in accordance with Appendix D of AS 3660.1.
  3. A termite management system installed in a Class 1 or 10 building to minimise the risk of termite attack to primary building elements shall be in accordance with clause 3.1.4.3.
  4. The termite management system required by (c) must have—
    1. for a non-temporary Class 1 building, a design life of at least 50 years; or
    2. for other than a non-temporary Class 1 building, a design life of at least 50 years or the specified design life of the building, whichever is the lesser.
  5. A termite management system need not comply with (d) if it is easily and readily accessible for replenishment or replacement and is capable of being replenished or replaced.
  6. Where a chemical is used as an external perimeter termite management system, it must be—
    1. installed by excavating trenches, treating the exposed trench and backfilling the trench with treated material;and
    2. covered by a concrete cover strip not less than 50 mm thick and 300 mm wide measured from the external wall of the building.

3.1.4.3 Termite management systems

Where a termite management system is required it must—

(a)

be selected appropriate to Table 3.1.4.1; and

(b)

comply with—

(i)

AS 3660.1; or

(ii)

have been tested and passed the tests required by Section 5 of AS 3660.3; and

(c)

have a durable notice installed in accordance with 3.1.4.4; and

(d)

where a chemical termite management system is used, the chemical must be included on the appropriate authority's pesticides register.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:

3.1.4.3(b)(ii) provides the option of having a chemical termite management system tested to AS 3660.3. In order for the test results to remain valid, the system would then have to be installed as tested.

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In the Northern Territory delete 3.1.4.3(d) and insert 3.1.4.3(d) and (e) as follows:

(d)

include additional termite risk management measures in areas where Mastotermes darwiniensis are prevalent; and

(e)

where a chemical termite management system is used—

  1. the chemical must be included on the appropriate authority's pesticides register; and
  2. when used as an external perimeter termite management system for Mastotermes darwiniensis, it is—
    1. installed by excavating trenches, treating the exposed trench and backfilling the trench with treatedmaterial; and
    2. covered by a concrete cover strip not less than 50 mm thick and 300 mm wide measured from theexternal wall of the building.

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In Queensland delete 3.1.4.3 and replace with the following:

3.1.4.3 Termite management systems

Where a termite management system is required it must—

  1. be selected appropriate to QLD Table 3.1.4.1; and comply with—
    1. AS 3660.1 subject to clause 3.1.4.2(d), (e) and (f); or
    2. have been tested and passed the test results required by Section 5 of AS 3660.3; and
  2. have a durable notice installed in accordance with 3.1.4.4; and
  3. where a chemical termite management system is used, the chemical must be included on the appropriate authority's pesticides register.

3.1.4.4 Durable notice

A durable notice must be permanently fixed to the building in a prominent location, such as in a meter box or the like, indicating—

(a)

the termite management system used; and

(b)

the date of installation of the system; and

(c)

where a chemical is used, its life expectancy as listed on the appropriate authority's register label; and

(d)

the installer's or manufacturer's recommendations for the scope and frequency of future inspections of termite activity.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:
  1. Appropriate authority

    For the purpose of the pesticides register, the appropriate authority is the government body responsible for the registration of pesticides. Currently, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APMVA) coordinates the registration scheme.

  2. Durable notice

    Where a durable notice is required by 3.1.4.3 a durable notice must be fixed to the building in a prominent location advising the building occupants that the system should be inspected and maintained.

    The notice should be clearly written, on a material that will not deteriorate or fade over time and be located in or near the electrical meter box or similar location so that it can be easily seen and read by future owners of the building. Additional information may be included if desired by the person placing the notice.

Table 3.1.4.1 Acceptable termite management systems and components

Building element

Termite management system or component options

Concrete slab-on-ground:

Slab perimeter or external wall perimeter

Slab edge exposure

Sheet material

Granular material

Chemical

Concrete slab-on-ground:

Penetrations/control joints/area beneath the slab (see Note)

Sheet material

Granular material

Chemical

Suspended floors

Sheet material

Granular material

Chemical

Attachments to buildings

Termite management system to the attachment

Inspection zone between attachment and building

Note to Table 3.1.4.1: The entire area beneath the slab must be treated when the slab-on-ground is not designed and constructed in accordance with AS 2870 or AS 3600.

Explanatory information:

Explanatory information:
  1. Component

    A component of a system as referred to in Table 3.1.4.1 is one that when used in combination with other components, will form a "full system".

    For example, if a concrete slab is used as a component of a system, it in itself will not provide a complete termite management system. Depending on the construction methods and the site conditions, additional requirements will be necessary for service penetrations through the concrete slab. Each of these are "components", when integrated, will form a "full system".

  2. Integrity of the termite management system

    There are more than 350 species of termites in Australia, about 30 of which achieve economic importance by causing costly damage to building structures. Due to the nature of termites, it is extremely difficult to prevent them gaining access to a building.

    In addition to correct installation of a termite management system, its effectiveness will rely on regular maintenance and competent inspection.

  3. Attachments to buildings

    Attachments referred to in Table 3.1.4.1 include downpipes, service pipes, steps, verandahs, porches, access ramps, carports, trellises, decks, heated water systems, airconditioners and the like.

State and Territory Variations

State and Territory Variations

In Queensland delete Table 3.1.4.1 and replace with the following:

Table 3.1.4.1 Acceptable termite management systems and components (as per AS 3660.1)
Footing system Slab edge exposure Termite shielding Stainless steelmesh Graded stone Chemicals
Concrete slab-onground complying with AS 2870: Penetrations and control joints Not suitable Not suitable Component; or full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Component; or full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Full system beneath slab subject to 3.1.4.2(d) and (e)
Concrete slab-onground complying with AS 2870: Slab perimeter Suitable subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Not suitable Component; or full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Component; or full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Perimeter system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) and (f)
Concrete slab-onground not complying with AS 2870: Beneath slab (includes penetrations and control joints) Not suitable Not suitable Full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Full system beneath slab subject to 3.1.4.2(d) and (e)
Concrete slab-onground not complying with AS 2870: Slab perimeter Suitable subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Not suitable Full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Perimeter system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) and (f)
Suspended floors Not applicable Suitable subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Suitable subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Component; or full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) Full system subject to 3.1.4.2(d) and (e)