Building & Utilities

Standards Australia’s Building & Utilities division is the largest area of standardisation. It develops a range of fundamental engineering Standards, which underpin the modern construction industry and add to the safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of engineering in Australia.

Australia’s building and construction Standards are widely recognised across the region and in a number of developing regional economies are accepted alongside Standards from other major industrial nations. A number of the building and construction Standards are referenced in regulation including the Building Code of Australia [BCA].

Key areas of Building Standards Development:

Structures

• Loading actions by wind, snow and earthquakes; and

• Concrete, masonry and timber design Standards and associated product standards.

Domestic Housing

• Product Standards and test methods related to windows, doors and roofing;

• Design Standards related to access for the disabled; and

• Internal and external waterproofing of dwellings.

Fire Services

• Fixed and mobile fire extinguishing systems;

• Installation and product standards for smoke detectors and other alarm systems; and

• Gaseous medium fire extinguishing system replacements for Halon gas.

Gas, Plant and Plumbing

• Product and installation Standards for gas and hydraulic systems; and

• Design Standards for mechanical building services including elevators, air conditioning, and ventilation systems.

Specifications

• Management of public works technical specifications.

• (see AUS-SPEC)

Key areas of Electrical Standards Development:

Electrical Installation

• Flagship electrical Standard is AS 3000, Wiring Rules, and associated Standards;

• Safety of fixed installations, fire and electric work.

Electrical Equipment

The majority of these Standards are based on IEC International Standards. Regulatory legislation applies to Standards for consumer equipment while the Standards for individual equipment are generally voluntary.

Other Electrical Standards

• Range of test methods and codes of practice.