NCC 2022 Volume One - Building Code of Australia Class 2 to 9 buildings

G1

Part G1 Minor structures and components

Part G1 Minor structures and components

Introduction to this Part

This Part is intended to reduce the likelihood of illness or injury due to the design or construction of certain minor structures and components including swimming pool fencing, drainage and recirculation systems, cool rooms and vaults, and outdoor play spaces in early childhood centres.

Objectives

The Objective of this Part is to—

  1. safeguard people from illness caused by the discharge of swimming pool waste water; and
  2. protect other property from damage caused by the discharge of swimming pool waste water; and
  3. safeguard young children from drowning or injury in a swimming pool; and
  4. safeguard people from drowning or injury due to suction by a swimming pool water recirculation system; and
  5. safeguard occupants from illness or injury resulting from being accidentally locked inside spaces which are designed to be entered for short periods of time only and in which occupation for longer periods may be hazardous; and
  6. safeguard young children in outdoor play spaces.

Applications

  1. G1O1(d) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.
  2. G1O1(f) only applies to a Class 9b early childhood centre.

Functional Statements

Adequate means for the disposal of swimming pool water and drainage is to be provided to a swimming pool.

A swimming pool is to be provided with—

  1. means of restricting access by young children to it; and
  2. means to reduce the possibility of a person being entrapped or injured due to suction by a water recirculation system.

Applications

G1F2(b) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.

Any refrigerated or cooling chamber, strong-room and vault or the like that is capable of accommodating a person is to have safety measures to facilitate escape and for alerting people outside such a space in the event of an emergency.

An outdoor play space is to be provided with a means of restricting the passage of children to outside of the play space.

Applications

G1F4 only applies to a Class 9b early childhood centre.

Performance Requirements

NCC Title

Swimming pool drainage

NCC State
NT
NCC Variation Type
Deletion
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool drainage

A swimming pool must have adequate means of draining the pool in a manner which will not—

  1. cause illness to people; or
  2. affect other property.
NCC Blurbs

(1) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must—

  1. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
  2. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
  3. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
  4. have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

(2) A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

  1. NSW G1P2(1) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm, in conjunction with the Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018.
  2. NSW G1P2(2) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.
NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
NSW
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems
NCC Blurbs

A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

NT G1P2 only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.

NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
NT
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems
NCC Blurbs

A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

QLD G1P2 only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.

NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
QLD
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems
NCC Blurbs

(1) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must—

  1. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
  2. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
  3. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
  4. have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

(2) A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

(3) A swimming pool must have prominent and visible signage that assists persons to provide first aid and to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation on young children.

Applications

SA G1P2 only applies to a swimming pool associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, with a depth of water more than 300 mm.

NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
SA
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems
NCC Blurbs

(1) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must—

  1. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
  2. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
  3. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
  4. have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

(2) A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

  1. TAS G1P2(1) only applies to a swimming pool associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, with a depth of water of more than 300 mm.
  2. TAS G1P2(2) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.
NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
TAS
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems
NCC Blurbs

(1) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must—

  1. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
  2. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
  3. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
  4. have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

(2) A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

  1. VIC G1P2(1) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm associated with—
    1. a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building; or
    2. a children’s service.
  2. VIC G1P2(2) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.
NCC Title

Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

NCC State
VIC
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pool access and water recirculation systems

(1) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must—

  1. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
  2. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
  3. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
  4. have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

(2) A swimming pool water recirculation system must incorporate safety measures to avoid entrapment of, or injury to, a person.

Applications

G1P2(2) only applies to a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm.

Any refrigerated or cooling chamber, or the like which is of sufficient size for a person to enter must—

  1. have adequate means of communicating with or alerting other occupants in the building in the case of an emergency; and
  2. have a door which is—
    1. of adequate dimensions to allow occupants to readily escape; and
    2. openable from inside without a key at all times.

Any strong-room, vault or the like which is of sufficient size for a person to enter must—

  1. have adequate means of communicating with or alerting other occupants in the building in the case of an emergency; and
  2. have internal lighting controllable only from within the room; and
  3. have an external indicator that the room is occupied.

Fencing or other barriers must be provided around any outdoor play space, in which the design and height of the fencing or other barriers, including the—

  1. design of gates and fittings; and
  2. proximity of the barriers to any permanent structure on the property,

must ensure that children cannot go through, over or under the fencing or other barriers.

Applications

G1P5 only applies to a Class 9b early childhood centre.

NCC Blurbs

Swimming pools must be suitable and safe to use and be provided with appropriate facilities.

Limitations

TAS G1P6 does not apply to a swimming pool associated with a Class 2 building.

NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
TAS
NCC Variation Type
Insertion
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

(1) Performance RequirementG1P1 must be complied with.

(2) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements G1P2 to G1P5 are satisfied by complying with G1D2 to G1D4.

TAS G1D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions2019: G1.0

Delete subclause G1D1(2) and insert G1D1(2) as follows:

(2) Where a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution is proposed, Performance Requirements G1P2 to G1P5 and TAS G1P6 are satisfied by complying with TAS G1D2 to G1D4.

(3) Where a Performance Solution is proposed, the relevant Performance Requirements must be determined in accordance with A2G2(3) and A2G4(3) as applicable.

Explanatory information

There are no Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions for G1P1.

NCC Blurbs

(1) NSW G1D2(2) applies to the technical construction requirements for barriers to restrict access to swimming pools, subject to—

  1. out-of-ground pool walls and the walls of above ground pools, including inflatable pools, not being considered to be effective barriers; and
  2. the reference in clause 2.3.1 of AS 1926.1 to a barrier within a property including a boundary barrier.

(2) A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, must have suitable barriers to restrict access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds in accordance with—

  1. AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2; or
  2. if the swimming pool is a spa pool—
    1. the requirements of (a); or
    2. clause 9 of the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018.

(3) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must comply with AS 1926.3.

Notes

The Swimming Pools Act 1992 and the Swimming Pools Regulation 2018, applicable to swimming pool with a depth of water of more than 300 mm, regulate the circumstances in which a barrier is required and prevail in the case of any inconsistency.

NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
NSW
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Blurbs

(1) A swimming pool associated with a children’s service, with a depth of water more than 300 mm, must have fencing or other barriers in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

(2) A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, must have suitable barriers to restrict access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

(3) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must comply with AS 1926.3.

NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
VIC
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Blurbs

(1) A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, must have suitable barriers to restrict access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

(2) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must comply with AS 1926.3.

(3) Swimming pools for the use of the public, a club, or an association, or in connection with Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 buildings must—

  1. be constructed of durable materials with smooth finishes; and
  2. have sides vertical; and
  3. in that part of the pool where the water depth is not more than 1.5 m, have the bottom or floor slope not steeper than 1 vertical to 15 horizontal; and
  4. have the depth of water marked clearly and conspicuously on each side of the pool (at the shallow end and at the deep end); and
  5. not have diving boards installed where the water depth is less than 3.5 m; and
  6. have scum-gutters with opening not less than 150 mm if they are to provide hand-holds; and
  7. have the floor or bottom of the pool, except for the guide lines, of such colours that the light reflectance is not less than 60%.

(4) For a public swimming pool or pool in which competitions are held—

  1. all steps into the pool must be recessed; and
  2. fittings must not project into the water area; and
  3. piping must not be bracketed to the sides to provide hand-holds; and
  4. surrounding concourses must be provided not less than 2 m wide, with a suitable non-slip surface, graded away from the pool and drained to waste; and
  5. dressing rooms with sanitary accommodation must be so located that bathers pass through that accommodation enroute to the swimming pool.

(5) If the volume of a swimming pool exceeds 15 m3—

  1. an adequate water recirculation, disinfection and filtration system must be installed; and
  2. (the inlet and outlet openings in a swimming pool for the purpose of water recirculation must be so located that water movement is continuous from inlet to outlet; and
  3. recirculation of water in a swimming pool must be so designed that the pool contents are recirculated not less than once in the period shown in TAS Table G1D2a; and
  4. water filtration rates must not exceed 12 250 L/m2 of sand filter bed per hour, or an equivalent rate in other filter media.

(6) Where no other suitable sanitary accommodation is provided, sanitary facilities must be provided in accordance with TAS Table G1D2b.

(7) Where no other suitable shower facilities are provided, showers must be provided so that each shower serves up to 40 persons.

Insert TAS table (G1D2a) G1D2 as follows:
TAS Table G1D2a: Recirculation of water in swimming pools
Pool type Period (hours)
Outdoor swimming pool 6
Indoor swimming pool 4
Wading pool 2
Insert TAS table (G1D2b) G1D2 as follows:
TAS Table G1D2b: Sanitary facilities at swimming pools
Gender Maximum number served by 1 closet fixture Maximum number served by each extra closet fixture Maximum number served by 1 urinal Maximum number served by each extra urinal Maximum number served by 1 wash basin Maximum number served by each extra wash basin
Males 60 60 60 60 60 60
Females 40 40 N/A N/A 60 60
NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
TAS
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Blurbs

(1) A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, must have suitable barriers to restrict access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

(2) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must comply with AS 1926.3.

(3) For the purpose of clause 6.1.1 of AS 1926.3, a skimmer box is an outlet, and must have a means of releasing the vacuum pressure should the suction become blocked.

(4) A first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation sign must—

  1. be attached to the safety barrier of the swimming pool, or displayed near the swimming pool; and
  2. be at least 300 mm by 300 mm in size; and
  3. be made of durable and weatherproof material; and
  4. show information about the procedures for providing first aid, including performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
SA
NCC Variation Type
Replacement
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
QLD
NCC Variation Type
Deletion
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Notice

Barriers and fences for swimming pools are regulated by the Building Act 1975 and the Building Regulation 2006.

NCC Title

Swimming pools

NCC State
NT
NCC Variation Type
Deletion
NCC SPTC Current
Swimming pools
NCC Notice

Barriers and fences for swimming pools are regulated by the Northern Territory of Australia Swimming Pool Safety Act 2004.

(1) A swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm and which is associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building, must have suitable barriers to restrict access by young children to the immediate pool surrounds in accordance with AS 1926.1 and AS 1926.2.

(2) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must comply with AS 1926.3.

Explanatory information: Cross-volume considerations

Part C2 of NCC Volume Three sets out the requirements for pumped discharge from swimming pools.

(1) A refrigerated or cooling chamber, strongroom or vault that is of sufficient size for a person to enter must have—

  1. a door which is capable of being opened by hand from inside without a key; and
  2. internal lighting controlled only by a switch which is located adjacent to the entrance doorway inside the chamber, strongroom or vault; and
  3. an indicator lamp positioned outside the chamber, strongroom or vault which is illuminated when the interior lights required by (b) are switched on; and
  4. an alarm that is—
    1. located outside but controllable only from within the chamber, strongroom or vault; and
    2. able to achieve a sound pressure level outside the chamber, strongroom or vault of 90 dB(A) when measured 3 m from the sounding device.

(2) A door required by (1)(a) in a refrigerated or cooling chamber must have a doorway with a clear width of not less than 600 mm and a clear height not less than 1.5 m.

(1) Any outdoor play space in a Class 9b early childhood centre must be enclosed on all sides with a barrier which—

  1. where the edge of the trafficable surface of the outdoor play space is at the same level or less than 2 m above the surface beneath — complies with AS 1926.1; and
  2. where the edge of the trafficable surface of the outdoor play space is 2 m or more above the surface beneath—
    1. is not less than 1.8 m high, as measured from above the trafficable surface; and
    2. is non-climbable and does not contain horizontal or other elements that could facilitate climbing; and
    3. does not have any openings or apertures through which a 100 mm or greater sphere could pass; and
    4. is not within 1.8 m, as measured directly from the top of the barrier, of any elements within the outdoor play space that facilitate climbing; and
    5. is not within 900 mm of elements in a wall that facilitate climbing; and
  3. has strength and rigidity complying with AS 1926.1.

(2) For the purposes of (1)(a), AS 1926.1 is applied as if there is a swimming pool located outside the outdoor play space, so that the barrier restricts children from exiting the premises without the knowledge of staff in the centre.

(3) The requirements of (1) do not apply to a wall, including doors and windows, which form part of the Class 9b early childhood centre, except where the wall is within a non-climbable zone for a barrier provided under (1)(a).

NCC Blurbs

(1) A building must provide for a safe manner of cleaning any windows located 3 or more storeys above ground level.

(2) A building satisfies (1) where—

  1. the windows can be cleaned wholly from within the building; or
  2. provision is made for the cleaning of the windows by a method complying with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and regulations made under that Act.
NCC Title

Provision for cleaning windows

NCC State
NSW
NCC Variation Type
Insertion
NCC SPTC Current
Provision for cleaning windows