Regulations, standards, legislation

Standards are published documents which establish specifications and procedures to ensure that a material, product, method or service consistently performs as intended. Standards are developed by various agencies, trade and professional associations. Some standards are voluntary while others are enforced by legislation (mandatory).

Most Australian standards are produced by Standards Australia.

Engineering Workbench is the new database for Australian and International Standards and Codes (replacing Techstreet Enterprise). 

To access standards not included in the current subscription, please contact us through Ask the Library.

The National Construction Code is available for free online via the Australian Building Codes Board website.

The National Construction Code (NCC) comprises the Building Code of Australia (BCA) volumes 1 and 2, and the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) as volume 3.​ The Code contains technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures including:

• structural adequacy,
• fire resistance,
• access and egress,
• services and equipment,
• energy efficiency and sustainability, 
• provisions for the health and amenity of occupants.

The South Australian Government's PlanSA website includes useful resources on:

• legislation,
• development plans,
• development applications,
• Residential Development Code,
• Bushfire Code,
• building policy.

Green Building incorporates principles of sustainable development, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the future.

To find out more follow the links below:

• Green Building Council of Australia - Green Star
• US Green Building Council - LEED

From the Library Collection:

• Articles from scholarly publications on "Green Star"

Green Star @ UniSA - The Mawson Institute's Building V was awarded a 5 Star Green Star – Education Design v1 Certified Rating by the GBCA in June 2011.

Standard AS1428 specifies the design requirements for new building work, as required by the National Construction Code and the Disability Standards, to provide access for people with disabilities. Of particular interest are the following sections, which are accessible via Engineering Workbench. 

• Part 1 (AS 1428.1:2021) focuses on general requirements including:
  (a) accessible paths and circulation for people who use wheelchairs;
  (b) access and facilities for people with ambulatory disabilities; and
  (c) access for people with sensory disabilities.

• Part 2 (AS 1428.2-1992) addresses enhanced and additional requirements for buildings and facilities.

• Part 4.1 (AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009) sets out requirements for the design and application of tactile ground surface indicators for new buildings to ensure safe and dignified mobility of people who are blind or vision impaired.