Res Cpccbc4001a DBSF V2

CPCCBC4001A
Apply building codes and standards to the

construction process for low rise building
projects
LEARNER RESOURCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS........................................................................................................................................ 2
COURSE INTRODUCTION .............................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE ..................................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ABOUT ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
ELEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA ....................................................................................................... 7
REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE................................................................................................................ 9
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE .................................................................................................................................... 9
REQUIRED SKILLS................................................................................................................................................ 9
EVIDENCE GUIDE............................................................................................................................................ 11
PRE-REQUISITES ............................................................................................................................................. 11
TOPIC 1 – ACCESS AND INTERPRET RELEVANT CODE AND STANDARD REQUIREMENTS ................................. 12
RELEVANT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE BCA THAT APPLY TO INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS
(DESCRIBED AS LOW RISE) ARE IDENTIFIED AND REQUIREMENTS OF RELEVANT BCA DEEMED-TO-SATISFY
(DTS) PROVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AND ASSESSMENT METHODS REFERENCED IN THE BCA TO DETERMINE
WHETHER A BUILDING SOLUTION COMPLIES WITH PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OR DTS PROVISION OF
THE BCA ARE ANALYSED AND APPLIED .......................................................................................................... 12
REQUIREMENTS OF RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS REFERENCED IN THE BCA ARE ACCESSED AND
INTERPRETED ACCORDINGLY ......................................................................................................................... 16
standards .................................................................................................................................................... 16
TOPIC 2 - CLASSIFY BUILDINGS ....................................................................................................................... 20
NATURE OF A BUILDING IS DETERMINED ACCORDING TO ITS USE AND ARRANGEMENT AND BCA CRITERIA TO
DETERMINE THE DEFINED CLASSIFICATION ARE APPLIED .............................................................................. 20
BCA REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIPLE CLASSIFICATION ARE IDENTIFIED AND INTERPRETED ........................... 22
TOPIC 3 - ANALYSE AND APPLY A RANGE OF SOLUTIONS TO A CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM FOR COMPLIANCE
WITH THE BCA ............................................................................................................................................... 23
RANGE OF CRITERIA THAT WILL ENSURE THAT CONSTRUCTION METHODS COMPLY WITH BCA
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS IS DETERMINED .......................................................................................... 23
performance requirements ......................................................................................................................... 23
bca assessment methods ............................................................................................................................ 25
evidence of suitability.................................................................................................................................. 25
verification methods ................................................................................................................................... 25
drawing comparisons with DTS provisions .................................................................................................. 26
expert judgement ........................................................................................................................................ 26
ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO A DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM THAT WILL COMPLY WITH BCA
REQUIREMENTS ARE DISCUSSED AND PROPOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMPANY POLICIES AND
PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................................. 27
PERFORMANCE-BASED SOLUTIONS ARE IDENTIFIED AND DOCUMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH BCA
REQUIREMENTS AND RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION IS IDENTIFIED AND COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
BCA REQUIREMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 29
TOPIC 4 - APPLY FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 31
Developed by Enhance Your Future Pty Ltd 2

CPCCBC4001A - Apply building codes and standards to the construction process Version 2
Course code and name
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE CONTROL ELEMENTS FOR LOW RISE BUILDING REQUIRED BY THE BCA AND OTHER
LEGISLATION ARE IDENTIFIED AND APPLIED AND CHECK OF EXISTING BUILDINGS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IS CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH BCA
REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................................. 31
FIRES AND THEIR POTENTIAL CAUSES ......................................................................................................................... 34
fuel .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
active systems ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
passive systems ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
building safety legislation ............................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION .................................................................................................................... 32
Codes and standards ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
LEVEL OF FIRE RESISTANCE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS LOW RISE BUILDINGS IS
DETERMINED ................................................................................................................................................. 36
low fire load .................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
moderate fire load .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
high fire load ................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
fire rsistance levels ...................................................................................................................................... 37
TOPIC 5 - REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE ................................................................................................................. 38
Basic design principles and the behaviour of structures under stress, strain, compression, bending or
combined actions ........................................................................................................................................ 38
Definitions and common technical terms or usage specified under general provisions of BCA .................. 38
General nature of materials and the effects of performance ..................................................................... 41
Types of working drawings and specifications ............................................................................................ 42
SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 44
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................... 45

UNIT INTRODUCTION
This resource covers the unit CPCCBC4001A - Apply building codes and standards to the
construction process for low rise building projects.
This unit of competency specifies the outcomes required to access, interpret and apply
relevant building codes and standards applicable to the construction processes of
residential and low rise commercial buildings (low rise' licensing classification with
reference to Class 1 and 10 construction and Classes 2 to 9 with a gross floor area not
exceeding 2000 square metres, not including Type A or Type B construction).
To successfully construct low rise buildings requires a thorough knowledge of the

purpose and content of the Building Code of Australia (BCA), coupled with the ability to
interpret other codes and standards related to a specific building.
This unit of competency supports builders, site managers and related construction
industry professionals responsible for ensuring compliance with building codes and
standards in the residential and commercial construction industry.
ABOUT THIS RESOURCE
This resource brings together information to develop your knowledge about this unit.
The information is designed to reflect the requirements of the unit and uses headings to
makes it easier to follow.
Read through this resource to develop your knowledge in preparation for your
assessment. You will be required to complete the assessment tools that are included in
your program. At the back of the resource are a list of references you may find useful to
review.
As a student it is important to extend your learning and to search out text books,
internet sites, talk to people at work and read newspaper articles and journals which
can provide additional learning material.
Your trainer may include additional information and provide activities, slide
presentations, and assessments in class to support your learning.
ABOUT ASSESSMENT
Throughout your training we are committed to your learning by providing a training

and assessment framework that ensures the knowledge gained through training is
translated into practical on the job improvements.
You are going to be assessed for:
 Your skills and knowledge using written and observation activities that apply
to your workplace
 Your ability to apply your learning
 Your ability to recognise common principles and actively use these on the job
You will receive an overall result of Competent or Not Yet Competent for the assessment
of this unit. The assessment is a competency based assessment, which has no pass or
fail. You are either competent or not yet competent. Not Yet Competent means that you
still are in the process of understanding and acquiring the skills and knowledge required
to be marked competent. The assessment process is made up of a number of assessment
methods. You are required to achieve a satisfactory result in each of these to be deemed
competent overall.
All of your assessment and training is provided as a positive learning tool. Your assessor
will guide your learning and provide feedback on your responses to the assessment. For
valid and reliable assessment of this unit, a range of assessment methods will be used to
assess practical skills and knowledge.
Your assessment may be conducted through a combination of the following methods:
 Written Activity
 Case Study
 Observation
 Questions
 Third Party Report

The assessment tool for this unit should be completed within the specified time period
following the delivery of the unit. If you feel you are not yet ready for assessment,
discuss this with your trainer and assessor.
To be successful in this unit you will need to relate your learning to your workplace. You
may be required to demonstrate your skills and be observed by your assessor in your
workplace environment. Some units provide for a simulated work environment and
your trainer and assessor will outline the requirements in these instances.

ELEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
CRITERIA
1. Access and interpret 1.1. Relevant performance requirements from the BCA that
relevant code and standard apply to individual projects (described as low rise) are
requirements. identified.
1.2. Requirements of relevant BCA deemed-to-satisfy (DTS)

provisions are determined.
1.3. Requirements of relevant Australian standards

referenced in the BCA are accessed and interpreted
accordingly.
2. Classify buildings. 2.1. Nature of a building is determined according to its use

and arrangement.
2.2. BCA criteria to determine the defined classification are

applied.
2.3. BCA requirements for multiple classifications are

identified and interpreted.
3. Analyse and apply a 3.1. Range of criteria that will ensure that construction
range of solutions to a methods comply with BCA performance requirements is
construction problem for determined.
compliance with the BCA.
3.2. Alternative solutions to a design or construction
problem that will comply with BCA requirements are
discussed and proposed in accordance with company
policies and procedures.
3.3. Performance-based solutions are identified and

documented in accordance with BCA requirements.
3.4. Assessment methods referenced in the BCA to

determine whether a building solution complies with
performance requirements or DTS provision of the BCA are
analysed and applied.
3.5. Relevant documentation is identified and completed in

accordance with BCA requirements.
4. Apply fire protection 4.1. Passive and active fire control elements for low rise
requirements. building required by the BCA and other legislation are
identified and applied.

4.2. Level of fire resistance required for the construction of
various low rise buildings is determined.
4.3. Check of existing buildings for compliance with passive

and active fire protection requirements is carried out in
accordance with BCA requirements.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This describes the essential knowledge and skills and their level required for this unit.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
Required knowledge for this unit is:
 Basic design principles and the behaviour of structures under stress, strain,
compression, bending or combined actions
 BCA performance hierarchy
 Definitions and common technical terms or usage specified under general
provisions of BCA
 General nature of materials and the effects of performance
 Relevant Australian standards
 Relevant legislative and OHS requirements, codes and practices
 Types of working drawings and specifications
 Understanding of the BCA relating to:
o Class 1 and 10
o Classes 2 to 9 with a gross floor area not exceeding 2000 square
metres, not including Type A or Type B construction.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Required skills for this unit are:
 Analysis and interpretation skills relating to documentation from a wide

range of sources, including BCA and referenced documents
 Application of design concepts and principles in accordance with BCA,
namely:
o Class 1 and 10
o Classes 2 to 9 with a gross floor area not exceeding 2000 square
metres, not including Type A or Type B construction
 Attention to detail in applying building codes and standards
 Communication skills to:
o Discuss and propose alternative solutions
o Enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify
and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand
o Read and interpret:
 Documentation from a variety of sources, including bca and
referenced documents
 Drawings and specifications
o Use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences
o Use and interpret non-verbal communication
o Written skills to complete documentation in accordance with BCA
requirements
 Numeracy skills to interpret and apply mathematical information included in
building codes and standards.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction
with the performance criteria, required knowledge and skills, the range statement and
the assessment guidelines for this Training Package.
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of
the ability to:
 Comply with organisational quality procedures and processes

 Apply and interpret relevant documentation and codes
 Accurately apply BCA performance requirements relating to the design and
construction of a building
 Understand assessment methods available to determine compliance with the
BCA
 Identify faults and problems and proposed action to rectify.
PRE-REQUISITES
This unit must be assessed after the following pre-requisite unit:
There are no pre-requisites for this unit.

TOPIC 1 – ACCESS AND INTERPRET
RELEVANT CODE AND STANDARD
REQUIREMENTS
RELEVANT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE BCA

THAT APPLY TO INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS (DESCRIBED AS LOW
RISE) ARE IDENTIFIED AND REQUIREMENTS OF RELEVANT BCA
DEEMED-TO-SATISFY (DTS) PROVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AND
ASSESSMENT METHODS R EFERENCED IN THE BCA TO
DETERMINE WHETHER A BUILDING SOLUTION COMPLIES WITH
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS OR DTS PROVISION OF THE BCA
ARE ANALYSED AND APPLIED
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) is produced and maintained by the Australian
Building Codes Board (ABCB) on behalf of the Australian and State and Territory
governments. The primary goal of the BCA is to ensure the minimum necessary
standards to maintain the minimum necessary standards relating to health, amenities,
safety and sustainability in the building and construction industry.
The goal of the Building Code of Australia is applied so that:
 There is a rigorously tested rationale for the regulation;

 The regulation generates benefits to society greater than the costs (that is, net
benefits);
 The competitive effects of the regulation have been considered, and the regulation is
no more restrictive than necessary in the public interest; and
 There is no regulatory or non-regulatory alternative that would generate higher net
benefits1
The Building Code of Australia contains specifications relating to aspects of the design
and construction of buildings such as structure, resistance to fire, access, egress,
services, equipment and energy efficiency.
1http://www.abcb.gov.au/about-the-national-construction-code/the-building-code-of-australia.aspx

The National Construction Code is a performance based code designed to ensure that all
building, plumbing and drainage requirements are adequately met.
Low rise is described as falling within the BCA classes:
 Class 1 and 10
 Classes 2 to 9 with a gross floor area not exceeding 2000 square metres, not
including Type A, Type B or Type c construction
Class 1 can be further divided into class 1a and class 1b. Class 1a refers to single
dwellings such as a detached house or one or more detached dwellings. Each dwelling
must be separated by a wall which is fire resistant. Such dwellings include row and
terrace houses, townhouses, villas and units.
Class 1b refers to buildings such as boarding and guest houses and similar dwellings
where there are no more than 12 people residing and which are not located above or
below another building or dwelling, with the exception of a private garage.
Class 10 buildings are divided into10a, 10b and 10c. 10a includes garages and sheds, 10
b encompasses structures such as fences, masts, antennas, walls and swimming pools,
while class 10c refers to private bushfire shelter.
Classes 2-9 include a wide range of buildings designed to provide services to the wider
community; these include structures such as:
 Boarding houses and hostels

 Office buildings
 Car parks
 Laboratories
 Health care buildings
 Aged care facilities
 Workshops
 Buildings used for the storage or display of goods for sale

Type A and Type B construction specify the fire-resistant properties of a building. It is
important to understand the following terminology in relation to this section:
Type of Construction: Not to be confused with building class, this determines the level of fire
resistance particular elements of the building must achieve. There are three types of
construction, namely A, B and C, which are determined by the building’s class and rise in storeys.
Type A includes buildings that have a higher risk such as high rise, high occupant buildings and
is thus is the most fire resistant. Type C includes buildings that have a lower risk and is thus the
least fire resistant.2
A low rise building generally refers to a structure that is no more than a few stories tall
and is shorter than a mid-rise or high-rise building.
The building Code of Australia is divided into 2 volumes. Volume 1 deals with aspects of
construction relating to buildings in classes 2-9 whereas the second volume also
referred to as the Housing Provisions, relates to buildings in classes 1 and 10.
Performance requirements are the level of performance a building solution must meet.
Building solutions are those which comply with the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ (DTS)
provisions. Solutions may be alternate solutions or a combination of both. Deemed to
satisfy provisions are straightforward solutions which if followed will ensure
compliance with performance requirements.
If alternative solutions are employed, they will generally require certification by a

person who is an expert in the field.
Assessment methods include:
 Comparison with BCA DTS provisions

 Evidence of suitability as described in the BCA
 Expert judgement as defined in the BCA
 Verification method as defined in the BCA.
http://www.shire.gov.cx/Building_and_Planning/Building_Approvals/Building_Codes/Building%20Code
%20Guide.pdf.
Performance requirements include:
 Performance requirements contained within other legislation applicable to a
specific project
 Performance requirements of the BCA determined to be relevant to a specific
project
 Performance-based contractual requirements that must be fulfilled by any
party

REQUIREMENTS OF RELEVANT AUSTRALIAN STANDARDS
REFERENCED IN THE BCA ARE ACCESSED AND INTERPRETED
ACCORDINGLY
It is essential that all building and construction work complies with the requirements of
the Building and Construction association. Because the BCA changes each year, it is
essential that builders and other tradespeople keep up-to-date with the compliance
requirements for new buildings and renovations. The BCA references numerous
Australian standards which undergo changes. These must also be accessible and
interpreted by persons undertaking construction.
STANDARDS
Australian Standards (AS) are documents specifically designed to outline specifications

relating to products and procedures to ensure that they are safe, reliable and perform
the way they were intended to. Australian standards apply to many of the products and
procedures used in the building and construction industry.
More specifically, standards provide the specifications and procedures necessary to

ensure that materials are suited to their intended purpose and perform according to
federal and state regulations. Australian standards set out the installation and location
procedures for equipment such as fire extinguishers and other fire related equipment.
They also stipulate how fire equipment and systems are to be tested, serviced and
maintained. It should be noted that compliance with Australian Standards is only
mandatory if they are part of the legislation.
Standards may be used for a number of reasons, including:
 Voluntary or mandatory applications such as meeting safety or performance

requirements
 Regulatory compliance, to ensure that products and procedures meet
legislative requirements
 Contractual purposes between parties to ensure that specifications and
technical conditions are met
 Guidance-Standards may be used for educational purposes, which may
include recommendations, or administrative or project management
procedures

It is not only important for persons in building and construction to have access to
Australian Standards; they need to be able to interpret them correctly.
Australian standards are documents developed to establish specifications and

construction procedures to ensure that the materials and methods of construction are
appropriate for the purpose and perform satisfactorily. In excess of 7000 documents
regarding Australian Standards have been developed to guide those in the building and
construction industry.
Australian Standards information may relate to issues such as:
 Product standards and test methods related to windows, doors and roofing
 Internal and external waterproofing of dwellings
 Installation and product standards for smoke detectors
 Design standards related to access for the disabled3
EXAMPLES OF STANDARDS
Timber Structures (Timber Framing - AS Series of Standards)

Information covering design, installation, fixing and erection requirements for timbers used for
structural applications in residential buildings is included in the AS 1684 series of Standards:
 AS 1684.1-1999 Residential timber-framed construction - Design criteria
 AS 1684.2-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Non-cyclonic areas
 AS 1684.3-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Cyclonic areas
 AS 1684.4-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Simplified - Non-cyclonic areas
Timber Structures (Trusses)

Timber trusses should be installed by following the methods outlined in AS 4440-2004
'Installation of nailplated timber trusses Engineering and design principles for timber trusses
are included in AS 1720.1- 1997
3https://www.mbqld.com.au/building-and-planning/australian-standards
Sawn Timbers
Sawn timbers used for structural applications should be either visually (F Grades) or
mechanically (MGP) graded timbers. Spans listing sizes for these types of timbers are included in
the AS 1684 series of Standards. A list of timbers used for structural and non-structural
applications is included in AS/NZS 1148:2001 Timber - Nomenclature - Australian, New Zealand
and imported species There are Australian Standards® for visually graded softwoods,
hardwoods and plywood. Visual grades for timbers are also linked to structural grades for
seasoned and unseasoned timbers.
Information on methods used to determine strength details for structural grades are included in
AS 1720.1-1997 Tables comparing F grades to structural grades for softwoods and hardwoods
are included in the Standards listed below. These Standards also include information on
permissible deviations (e.g. twists and bows) for different grades of timbers.
 AS 2082-2007 Timber - Hardwood - Visually stress-graded for structural purposes
 AS 2858-2008 Timber - Softwood - Visually stress-graded for structural purposes
Timber Floors
Section 5 in AS 1684.2-2006, AS 1684.3-2006 and AS 1684.4-2006 includes information on
recommended nailing and laying practices for strip, tongued and grooved flooring. Durability
levels and moisture levels for flooring are included in Appendix C to these Standards. Finger-
jointed hardwood flooring supplied in Australia should be manufactured to AS 2796.1-1999
Timber - Hardwood - Sawn and milled products - Product specification Grade descriptions for
different types of hardwood timbers used for flooring are included in AS 2796.2-2006 Timber -
Hardwood - Sawn and milled products - Grade description.
Softwood timbers used for flooring should be manufactured to AS 4785.1- 2002 Timber -
Softwood - Sawn and milled products - Product specification Particleboard used for flooring
should be manufactured to AS/NZS 1860.1:2002 Particleboard flooring - Specifications and
installed by following the methods outlined in AS 1860.2-2006 Particleboard flooring -
Installation Timber floors should be sanded and finished by following the methods outlined in AS
4786.2-2005 Timber flooring - Sanding and finishing Plywood Plywood used for structural
purposes should be manufactured to the AS/NZS 2269 series of Standards. Information covering
loading and strength details for visually graded (F) plywoods is included in Section 5 to AS
1720.1-1997

Stainless Steels
There are no current Australian Standards® specifying chemical, mechanical, and heat
treatment properties for stainless steels. These details are included in the ASTM and European
(EN) Standards listed below:
ASTM A240/A240M-09a 'Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless
Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications'
 I.S. EN 10088-1:2005 'Stainless Steels - Part 1: List of Stainless Steels'
 I.S. EN 10088-2:2005 'Stainless Steels - Part 2: Technical Delivery Conditions For
Sheet/plate And Strip of Corrosion Resisting Steels for General Purposes'
 I.S. EN 10088-3:2005 'Stainless Steels - Part 3: Technical Delivery Conditions For Semi-
finished Products, Bars, Rods, Wires, Sections And Bright Products Of Corrosion Resisting
Steels For General Purposes'
Structural Steels
The Australian Standards® listed below cover chemical, mechanical and heat treatment
conditions for different types of structural steels.
 AS/NZS 1163:2009 'Cold-formed structural steel hollow sections'
 AS 1397-2001 'Steel sheet and strip - Hot-dipped zinc-coated or aluminium/zinc-coated'
 AS/NZS 3678:1996 'Structural steel - Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs'
 AS/NZS 3679.1:1996 'Structural steel - Hot-rolled bars and sections'
 AS/NZS 3679.2:1996 'Structural steel - Welded I sections'4
These are just a few examples. The amount of existing standards are too numerous to
list in this document. The following websites are a useful source of information relating
to many Australian Standards and their interpretation.
 http://www.saiglobal.com/Information/Standards/Collections/BCA-
Standards/Australian_Standards_and_Building_Products.pdf.
 http://www.standards.org.au/pages/faq.aspx
4http://boeingconsult.com/tafe/mat/BuildingStandards6-4-10.pdf
TOPIC 2 - CLASSIFY BUILDINGS
NATURE OF A BUILDING IS DETERMINED ACCORDING TO ITS

USE AND ARRANGEMENT AND BCA CRITERIA TO DETERMINE
THE DEFINED CLASSIFICATION ARE APPLIED
As we discussed earlier, there are many different types of building classifications outline
by the BCA. The structure, size, location of the building and the purpose for which it is
used, determine which class and sub-class it will fall into. The BCA provides information
relating to how buildings are classified according to their use and arrangement.
Below is a classification summary of buildings according to the BCA.

Code of Australia CLASSES OF BUILDING
Class 1 Class 1a A single dwelling being a detached house, or one or more attached dwellings, each
being a building, separated by a fire-resisting wall, including a row house, terrace
house, townhouse or villa unit.
Class 1b A boarding house, guest house, hostel or the like with a total area of all floors not
exceeding 300m2, and where not more than 12 reside, and is not located above or
below another dwelling or another Class of building other than a private garage.
Class 2 A building containing 2 or more sole-occupancy units each being a separate
dwelling.
Class 3 A residential building, other than a Class 1 or 2 building, which is a common place of
long term or transient living for a number of unrelated persons.
Example: boarding house, hostel, backpacker’s accommodation or residential part of a
hotel, motel, school or detention centre.
Class 4 A dwelling in a building that is Class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 if it is the only dwelling in the
building.
Class 5 An office building used for professional or commercial purposes, excluding buildings
of Class 6, 7, 8 or 9.
Class 6 A shop or other building for the sale of goods by retail or the supply of services
direct to the public.
Example: café, restaurant, kiosk, hairdressers, showroom or service station.
Class 7 Class 7a A building which is a carpark.
Class 7b A building which is for storage or display of goods or produce
for sale by wholesale.
Class 8 A laboratory, or a building in which a handicraft or process for the production,
assembling, altering, repairing, packing, finishing, or cleaning of goods or produce is
carried on for trade, sale or gain.
Class 9 A building of a public nature -
Class 9a A health care building, including those parts of the building
set aside as a laboratory.
Class 9b An assembly building, including a trade workshop, laboratory
or the like, in a primary or secondary school, but excluding any
other parts of the building that are of another class.
Class 9c An aged care building.
Class 10 A non-habitable building or structure -
Class 10a A private garage, carport, shed or the like.
Class 10b A structure being a fence, mast, antenna, retaining or free
standing wall, swimming pool or the like
TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION
Rise in storeys Class of building Class of building
2,3,9 5,6,7,8
4 or More A A
3 A B
2 B C
1 C C
Note: The classification of buildings and the type of construction can vary from the standard model
depicted in the tables. Concessions can be provided that change the type of construction. The
concessions can relate to the design of the building, its size, and the number of escapes.5
More detailed information regarding the structure of different building classes can be
found the Building Code of Australia volumes 1 and 2.
The use of a building will ultimately determine its classification. This means that the
person performing the inspection has a comprehensive working knowledge of the
intended use of the building so that the correct classification is applied. Correct
classification provides the basis for establishing an appropriate schedule of inspections
to ensure compliance.
5https://www.walkerville.sa.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/BCA%20Classes%20of%20Building.pdf.
BCA REQUIREMENTS FOR MULTIPLE CLASSIFICATION ARE
IDENTIFIED AND INTERPRETED
There may be situations where a building requires multiple classifications. If 10 percent

or less of a floor or storey is utilised for a purpose which could be used differently to the
remainder of that storey, that part may be classified as the same as the remainder.
This concession excludes laboratories and some sole occupancy units. The reason for
this is that laboratories are deemed to have a high potential for fire hazard and may thus
jeopardise the health and safety of occupants in other parts of the building with a lower
potential for fire hazards. The Building Code of Australia allows a building to have
multiple classifications if it is designed to comply with the BCA’s different classifications.
For example, a warehouse with a designated classification Class 7 may be used as a
venue for dancing at certain times of the week provided it complied with both class 7
and 9b requirements.
It is possible for a building to have multiple classifications if designated parts of the

building have different functions. Let’s consider a modern apartment block. Below
ground there may be underground parking for residents or visitors’ which is class 7, the
ground level may be class 6 shop, whilst the upper 3 levels may consist of residential
apartments which are class 2.
When applying for a building permit, the building designer must include a statement
regarding the intended use of the premises. This should be done in accordance with
regulation 302. Where required the (RBS), relevant building surveyor may require
additional information to clarify the exact proposed use of the building in order to
correctly determine its classification. If the designer intends the building to serve
multiple purposes, this must be specified. It is the responsibility of the RBS to ensure
that the design complies with the requirement of each classification before a building
permit is issued.
A designer/developer may want some flexibility, or may not know beforehand whether a specific
tenancy will be an office or a shop. Then the application form can nominate both classifications
as long as the BCA regulations are taken into consideration for these classifications. This is not
particularly onerous for closely related classifications, but do check your classes of building
against BCA regulation requirements, as public buildings and buildings which include
accommodation can require more specific, regulated construction.6
6http://members.ozemail.com.au/~ajohans/multi.htm
TOPIC 3 - ANALYSE AND APPLY A
RANGE OF SOLUTIONS TO A
CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM FOR
COMPLIANCE WITH THE BCA
RANGE OF CRITERIA THAT WILL ENSURE THAT CONSTRUCTION

METHODS COMPLY WITH BCA PERFORMANCE REQU IREMENTS IS
DETERMINED
The Building Code of Australia is a document which is performance based and adopted
by all Australian States and Territories. The National Construction Code incorporates
volume 1 and 2 of the BCA, as well as the Plumbing Code of Australia, which is volume 3.
It is mandatory that all new buildings comply with the performance requirements of the
BCA. DTS provisions which we discussed earlier are acceptable standards. However,
they are optional designers have no obligations to use them.
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Performance requirements set the levels of performance that must be achieved.

Performance-based regulation is also known as objective-based regulation. Performance
requirements are designed to ensure the health and safety of the occupants of the
building. Performance requirements may determine what standards of materials must
be used in a specific class of building to protect the safety of the residents.
Performance-based regulations do not necessarily dictate how to achieve the required

standards. Variations in proposed materials and procedures may deliver acceptable
results. The Building Code of Australia provides standard solutions that may be
employed but provides for a range of options to meet the required performance
standards. Standard solutions are referred to as DTS provisions.
The BCA was developed to suit the Australian building regulatory environment after
consideration of numerous overseas models. The BCA includes technical requirements
with a performance hierarchy structured around them.

Below is a diagrammatic representation of the BCA hierarchy.
The objectives of the hierarchy represent why people want a matter regulated. They are
representative of the need to safeguard people from harm and injury and protect other
neighbouring structures.
Functional statements outline how the objectives can expect to be met. For example; a
building can be expected to provide sufficient ventilation in order to protect the
occupants from experiencing ill health.
Performance requirements are the third level of the hierarchy. Performance

requirements provide an outline of the performance levels that must be met by
materials, design and methods of construction. Compliance with performance
requirements is mandatory, and they are at the very core of the BCA. For example; a
performance requirement may stipulate that doorways have to be of sufficient width to
allow safe egress from a building in the event of an emergency.
Level 4A contains the Deemed to Satisfy provisions. These provide methods by which
the builder may achieve compliance with the performance requirements. An example of
a DTS provision may be that the doorways of a building need to be at least 900mm wide.
The words ‘at least’ provide for the doorways to be wider if designed that way.
Alternative solutions are found at level 4B. The key to the performance-based BCA is that there is
no obligation to adopt any particular material, component, design factor or construction
method. An approval authority may still issue an approval if it differs in whole or in part from
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions described in the BCA if it can be demonstrated that the design
complies with the relevant Performance Requirement.7
BCA ASSESSMENT METHODS
There are other criteria used to ensure that the performance requirements at met.
These are referred to as BCA Assessment Methods. Assessment methods are used to
determine whether building solutions are sufficient to meet the performance
requirements. Appropriate solutions may be achieved by using alternative solutions, or
compliance with DTS provisions.
Some of the assessment methods employed by the BCA include:
EVIDENCE OF SUITABILITY
These are methods used to determine whether materials, designs and methods of
construction meet performance requirements, and may include:
 Reports from testing authorities

 Certificates of accreditation and conformity
 Engineers certificates
 Certificates issued by product certification bodies
VERIFICATION METHODS
Verification methods may include:
 Mathematical and analytical calculations

 On-site and laboratory testing
7http://www.abcb.gov.au/about-the-national-construction-code/the-building-code-of-
australia/hierarchy-of-the-performance-based-bca.aspx
DRAWING COMPARISONS WITH DTS PROVISIONS
If it can be shown that a DTS provision meets the same or higher standards than a
performance requirement and is compliant, then it may be deemed as satisfactory by
the relevant authority.
EXPERT JUDGEMENT
Technical experts may be consulted to undertake testing and perform building

calculations. Expert judgement is the judgement of an individual who has the knowledge
and qualifications necessary to determine whether a Building Solution complies with
the Performance Requirements.

ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO A DESIGN OR CONSTRUCTION
PROBLEM THAT WILL COMPLY WITH BCA REQUIREMENTS ARE
DISCUSSED AND PROPOSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH COMPANY
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Many DTS provisions originate from building regulations legislated before the BCA.
Whilst some long-standing requirements may still be considered as acceptable
construction methods, they may not always be the most efficient or cost effective
solutions. Builders may, therefore, choose to use alternative solutions more practical in
meeting performance requirements.
Alternative solutions provide the practitioner with an opportunity to perform tasks

differently and may result in improvements in efficiency and cost savings. It should be
noted at this point that using alternative solutions should always be discussed, proposed
and conducted according to company policies and procedures.
Developing alternative solutions may lead to improvements in construction quality and

result in designs that are easier to build. For example, DTS provisions may require that a
wall designed to resist fire should be built from materials such as masonry or concrete.
An alternative solution may propose that the wall is constructed using a steel frame
instead, thus resulting in a stronger structure which still meets BCA performance
requirements and DTS provisions.
Alternative solutions also provide an opportunity for personnel undertaking

construction to think about tasks and materials in new ways. In this way, they facilitate
and encourage innovation in the industry.
If an alternative solution is proposed, this should be done at the time of application for
the building permit. The application should contain sufficient, information and
documentation demonstrating that the alternative solution meets the performance
requirements of the BCA. Regulation 301 requires that applications for building permits
contain sufficient information to show that proposed alternative solutions meet
performance requirements.
Designers, architects, builders and other practitioners may encounter any number of
problems and difficulties regarding meeting performance requirements. The ability to
apply alternative solutions provides an opportunity to address problems using
alternative methods whilst still meeting performance requirements.

It is the responsibility of builders and project managers to ensure that the construction
methods used will meet the requirements of the BCA. Non-compliance may result in
legal actions against the builder and their licence. The building practitioner is expected
to be accurate in their judgements of what is required by the BCA.
Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) provisions are the prescriptive solutions deemed to meet the
performance requirements of the BCA. They usually consist of consist of the technical provisions
of the previous BCA and contain many of the traditional construction methods that are
commonly used. A building solution that meets the DTS provisions needs no further assessment
for compliance with the performance requirements.8
http://www.bitad.com.au/Study%20Guides%20Cert%20IV/Apply%20building%20codes%20cert%20IV
%20Part%203.pdf.
PERFORMANCE-BASED SOLUTIONS ARE IDENTIFIED AND
DOCUMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH BCA REQUIREMENTS, AND
RELEVANT DOCUMENTATION IS IDENTIFIED AND COMPLETED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH BCA REQUIREMENT
Performance base design solutions must comply with the performance requirements of
all three volumes of the National Construction Code, and be documented in accordance
with BCA requirements. The purpose of developing a Performance Based Design Brief
(PBDB) is to record and document the activities and outcomes of the performance-
based design process.
Whilst the process is generally initiated by the designer, discussions generally take place
amongst other key stakeholders in the project. These may include:
 The owner of the building or their representative

 Builders and project managers
 Engineers
 Architects
 Surveyors
 Relevant government authorities
Each performance-based design solution should be individually identified, analysed and

tested according to its complexity. In order to assure compliance with the NCC, a
performance based solution must be evaluated according to one or more of the
Assessment Methods outlined in the NCC.9
Methods that may be used to evaluate performance based solutions may include:
 Comparative analysis
 Quantitative and qualitative analysis
 Laboratory and on-site testing
 Mathematical calculations
 Computer aided modelling
http://www.abcb.gov.au/~/media/Images/Major%20Initiatives/Performance%20webpage/Developme
nt%20of%20Performance%20Based%20Design%20Solutions%20%20Guidance%20Document%20171
12014.ashx?la=en.
When proposing performance-based designs, it is important that information is
documented and analysed to ensure that the design proposals conform to BCA
requirements.
Relevant documentation should include:
 The proposed building or project

 The basis and scope of the proposal
 The relevant performance requirements
 The assessment process
 Supporting evidence
 Agreed acceptance criteria
 The final report
Appropriate documentation of performance-based solutions is essential, not just to

support applications for alternatives but also for administrative and recordkeeping
purposes.

TOPIC 4 - APPLY FIRE PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS
PASSIVE AND ACTIVE FIRE CONTROL ELEMENTS FOR LOW RISE

BUILDING REQUIRED BY THE BCA AND OTHER LEGISLATION
ARE IDENTIFIED AND APPLIED AND CHECK OF EXISTING
BUILDINGS FOR COMPLIANCE WITH PASSIVE AN D ACTIVE FIRE
PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS IS CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE
WITH BCA REQUIREMENTS
Section E-Services and Equipment of the Building Code of Australia identifies the
passive and active fire control measures that must be in place in low-rise buildings. Low
rise buildings may be described as those falling within the classes of 1 and 10 and 2-9.
Those classified as Type A and B constructions are excluded as they are deemed to fall
into a higher risk category. We are therefore referring to single storey buildings.
In conjunction with the BCA, Australian Standards provide best practice standards in
relation to fire safety equipment, installation testing, and maintenance. In order to
comply with legislation, regulations and the requirements of the BCA (in relation to fire
safety/precaution), particular attention should be paid to the following standards:
 AS 2444 Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets — Selection and

location
 AS/NZS 1841.1 Portable fire extinguishers — General requirements
 AS 2441 Installation of fire hose reels
 AS 1670.1 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems — System
design, installation and commissioning — Fire
 AS 1851 Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment
 AS 2419.1 Fire hydrant installations — System design, installation and
commissioning
 AS 2118.4 Automatic fire sprinkler systems — Sprinkler protection for
accommodation buildings not exceeding four storeys in height
 AS 2118.1 Automatic fire sprinkler systems — General systems
 AS 2941 Fixed fire protection installations — Pumpset systems
 AS 5062 Fire protection for mobile and transportable equipment

It is essential that designers, builders, building inspectors and authorised service
personnel check to ensure that the required active and passive fire safety elements are
in place and operating correctly.
LEGISLATION PERTAINING TO BUILDING FIRE AND SAFETY
Whilst there are variations in legislation and regulations from one State or Territory to
another, the basic principles of fire safety are the same.
Fire safety laws around Australia apply to a variety of contexts, including:
 Gas and electricity safety

 Environmental protection
 Fire and rescue services
 Building safety
 Work health and safety
WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY LEGISLATION
The Work Health and Safety Regulations include fire safety requirements for persons
conducting a business or undertaking to ensure that:
The Work Health and Safety Regulations that apply in all Australian states and territories except
Victoria and Western Australia include fire safety requirements for persons conducting a
business or undertaking to ensure that:
 Plans for dealing with emergencies, including fires, are prepared, maintained and
implemented as needed (reg 43)
 Risks in relation to hazardous atmospheres are properly managed (reg 51)
 Flammable or combustible substances are kept at the lowest practicable quantity (reg
53)
 Where there are confined spaces with flammable gases, vapours or mists, sources of
ignition are not introduced, workers are given suitable training and instruction,
emergency procedures are established, and appropriate personal protective equipment
is used (regs 72 to 76)
 Sources of ignition are not introduced into areas if there is a risk they might cause a fire
or explosion (reg 355), and

 The workplace is provided with fire protection and firefighting equipment for use with
the types of hazardous chemicals in the quantities and under the conditions in which
they are used, handled, generated or stored (reg 359).
In Victoria, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 require employers to ensure
that no source of ignition is introduced to a confined space if there is a likelihood of fire or
explosion in the space.
In Western Australia, the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 require employers
and the self-employed, main contractors and people in control of workplaces to provide efficient,
regularly maintained portable fire extinguishers to control any fire likely to arise from work
being done. The fire extinguishers must be located and distributed at the workplace in
accordance with the specified standard (see Standards, below). Smoking and naked flames are
prohibited where there is any risk of harm or injury resulting from the ignition of goods or
materials likely to burn with extreme rapidity emit poisonous fumes or cause explosions.
In all jurisdictions, incidents such as serious fires at workplaces must be reported to WHS/OHS
authorities.10
In addition to the Work Health and Safety regulations which apply to all states (except
Victoria and Western Australia), there are also a number of relevant Australian
Standards and Codes of Practice.
CODES AND REGULATIONS
There is a number of regulations and codes of practice etc. that must be adhered to in
order to ensure minimum requirements for fire prevention and safety are met. This may
include, but is not limited to the following:
 Building Fire and Safety Regulation 2008

 Building (General) Regulation 2008
 Building Amendment (National Construction Code) Regulations 2014
 Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008
 Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000
 Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
10 http://workplaceohs.com.au/hazards/fire-safety/legislation-and-standards

FIRE CONTROL ELEMENTS
It will be essential that new and existing buildings are checked for compliance with
passive and active fire protection requirements in accordance with BCA requirements. It
is essential that passive and active fire control elements for low rise building required
by the BCA and other legislation are identified and applied.
Fire protection systems in the building and construction industry are subject to:
 State legislation
 Australian Standards
 Building codes and standards
 Fire regulations
 The requirements of insurance companies
ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION
Active systems refer to the devices and equipment used in a building to detect, control
and eliminate fires. They are ancillary devices found within the building rather than part
of the actual building structure. Active systems may include:
 Smoke detectors and alarm systems

 Portable fire extinguishers
 Hose reels
 Sprinkler systems
 Ventilation systems
PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION
Passive systems are fire resistant materials and structures which are part of the actual
building. These may include:
 Fire resistant materials used in walls, roofs and other structures

 Isolated passageways and stairs
 Fire doors
 Fire rated ceilings

FIRES AND THEIR POTENTIAL CAUSES
Fires and the potential for fires are as old as the building industry itself. Each year,
millions of dollars’ worth of damage, injury, illness and even loss of life are caused by
accidental fires. Whilst many of us may have come to accept fires as being inevitable at
times, it is essential to understand the causes of fires and what measures can be
implemented to prevent and contain them. Building designers and inspectors have a
responsibility to understand the factors that cause the growth and spread of fire, and
the measures necessary to minimise their incidence.
Fires occur when there is a rapid oxidation of gas, liquid or solid, accompanied by the
release of heat and light. A fire requires three essential elements to begin; fuel, heat and
oxygen. These tree elements form what is known as the fire triangle. If any of these
elements are removed, the fire will cease to exist. Fires may be caused by factors such as
smoking, electrical faults, conduction, convection, cooking, and heating. Fires are
classified according to their cause, and the types of combustible materials which fuel
them.
FUEL
Various combustible materials which fuel a fire behave differently when a fire occurs.
Fuels may vary in the following ways:
 How readily they combine with oxygen and ignite

 Their ignition temperatures
 The intensity with which they burn
 How readily they are consumed by the fire
 The amount and type of smoke they release
The purposes of fire control elements are to prevent and reduce the probability of a fire
occurring, minimise loss of life, reduce illness and injuries to the occupants of the
building and provide a means by which the occupants can escape the building in the
event of a fire.

LEVEL OF FIRE RESISTANCE REQUIRED FOR THE
CONSTRUCTION OF VARIOUS LOW-RISE BUILDINGS IS
DETERMINED
In order to protect the health and safety of occupants and minimise property damage, it
is essential that the level of fire resistance for all buildings is correctly determined. The
optimum levels of protection may vary from one building to another and may be
influenced by the occupancy of the building, combustible materials within and the types
of activities conducted on the premises. Together, these factors form what is known as
the fire load. Fire load refers to the amount of heat which can be generated by
combustible materials within a given enclosure.
The fire load may be categorised as low, moderate or high:
 Low fire load: Low fire loads generally apply to residential buildings, the
residential sections of hotels and motels, offices, educational premises and
health care establishments
 Moderate fire load: Shops, workshops, industrial plants and factories are
generally considered to have a moderate fire load
 High fire load: Buildings such as warehouses, bulk storage facilities and
some industrial plants are often considered to have a high fire load. This will,
of course, depend on the work being performed and the combustibility of the
materials in storage
It is the responsibility of designers and builders to design and build premises which will
have a minimum contribution to increasing the fire load. They should at the very least
provide the minimum fire protection specified by building regulations. Ideally, they
should aim to meet standards that are higher than the minimum requirements.
Buildings constructed with materials which are not highly combustible help to reduce
the overall fire load. Different buildings will have different fire resistance required.
The required level of fire resistance will depend on factors such as:
 The function of the premises

 The existing fire load
 The potential intensity of a fire
 Existing hazards
 The proximity to other buildings and structures
 Any active fire systems installed within the building
 The size of the building
 Evacuation times
 Location in relation to the fire brigade
The objectives of the BCA in relation to fires are:
 To reduce the risk of injury and illness to occupants

 To ensure that appropriate evacuation routes are provided to minimise the
risk of illness and injury
 To make sure that the fire brigade and other services are readily available in
the event of a fire
 To reduce the risk of fire spreading from one premise to another
 To prevent fire from causing damages to premises
FIRE RESISTANCE LEVELS
Fire resistance levels are determined by the following criteria:
 Structural adequacy, i.e. the ability of the building to maintain carrying the
load it supports
 Integrity-the ability to stop flames and gases getting through the material
 Insulation-the ability to maintain surface temperatures not exposed to the
fire
The fire resistance level is determined by a set of numbers which directly relate to the
time required for the criteria listed above. The type of fire resistance required is
determined by the level of risk present. This will depend on the type of building. For the
purposes of this document, the maximum size of the building is 2000 square metres and
not higher than the Type C fire resistant construction.

TOPIC 5 - REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE
DEFINITIONS AND COMMON TECHNICAL TERMS OR USAGE SPECIFIED UNDER
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF BCA
Term Definition
Alpine area Means land –
a. likely to be subject to significant snowfalls;
b. in New South Wales, A.C.T. or Victoria more than 1200m
above the Australian Height Datum; and
c. in Tasmania more than 900m above the Australian Height
Datum.
Alteration In relation to a building, includes an addition or extension to a
building.
Assembly building Means a building where people may assemble for –
a. civic, theatrical, social, political or religious purposes;
b. educational purposes in a school, early childhood centre,
preschool, or the like;
c. entertainment, recreational or sporting purposes; or
d. transit purposes.
Atrium Means a space within a building that connects 2 or more storeys,
and –
a. is wholly or substantially enclosed at the top by a floor or
roof (including a glazed roof structure); and
b. includes any adjacent part of the building not separated by
bounding construction in accordance with Part G3; but
c. does not include a stairwell, ramp well or the space within
the 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 Applied to a fire door, smoke door, solid core door, fire shutter, fire
window, smoke-and-heat vent, sprinkler system, alarm system or
the like, means designed to operate when activated by heat, smoke
or fire sensing device.
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.
Certificate of Means a certificate issued by AUBRCC or a State or Territory
Accreditation accreditation authority stating that the properties and
performance of a building material or method of construction or
design fulfil specific requirements of the BCA.
Combustible a. applied to a material – means combustible under AS
1530.1.
b. applied to construction or part of a building – means
constructed wholly or in part of combustible materials.
Common wall Means a wall that is common to adjoining buildings.
Designated bushfire Means land which has been declared by appropriate legislation to
prone area be likely to be subject to bushfires.
Curtain wall Means a non-loadbearing external wall that is not a panel wall.

Early childhood centre Means a preschool, kindergarten or child-minding centre.
Effective height Means the height to 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) from the floor of
the lowest storey providing direct egress to a road or open space.
Exit Means –
a. any, or any combination of the following if they provide
egress to a road or open space:
i. an internal or external stairway.
ii. a ramp complying with Section D.
iii. a fire-isolated passageway.
iv. a doorway opening to a road of open space.
b. a horizontal exit or a fire-isolated passageway leading to a
horizontal exit.
External wall Means an outer wall of a building which is not a common wall.
Fire compartment Means –
a. the total space of a building; or
b. any part thereof separated from the remainder by walls
and/or floors each having an FRL not less than required
for a firewall for that type of construction are protected in
accordance with the relevant Part.
Fire-isolated Means a corridor, hallways or the like, of fire-resisting
passageway 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-protective covering Means –
a. 12mm fire-protective grade plasterboard;
b. 12mm cellulose fibre reinforced cement sheeting
complying with AS 2908.2;
c. 12mm fibrous plaster reinforced with 13mm x 13mm x
0.7mm galvanised steel wire mesh located not more than
6mm from the exposed face; or
d. Other material not less fire-protective than 12mm fire-
protective grade plasterboard,
fixed in accordance with the normal trade practice for fire-
protective covering.
Fire-resisting Applies to a structural member or another part of a building,
means having the FRL required for that structural member or part.
Fire-resisting Means one of the types of construction referred to in Part C1.
construction
Fire-source feature Means –
a. the far boundary of a road adjoining the allotment;
b. a side or rear boundary of the allotment; or
c. an external wall of another building on the allotment
which is not of Class 10.
Firewall Means a wall that divides a storey or building to resist the spread
of fire and smoke and has the FRL required under Specification
C1.1.
Flammability index Means the index number determined under AS 1530.2.
Floor area Means –
a. in relation to a storey – the area of that storey measured
over the enclosing walls (if any) and that part of any
common wall located within the allotment; and
b. 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.
Foundation Means the ground which supports the building.
Habitable room Means a room used for normal domestic activities, and –
a. includes a bedroom, living room, lounge room, music room,
television room, dining room, sewing room, study,
playroom, family room and sunroom; but
b. 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 not 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 –
a. a public or private hospital; or
b. a nursing home or similar facility for sick or disabled
persons needing full-time nursing care; or
c. a clinic, day surgery or procedure unit where the effects of
the predominant treatment administered involve the
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 firewall with an FRL as required by
Specification C1.1.
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 common wall or a party wall.
Lightweight Means construction which incorporates or comprises –
construction a. sheet or board material, plaster, render, sprayed
application, or other material similarly susceptible to
damage by impact, pressure or abrasion; or
b. concrete and concrete products containing pumice, perlite,
vermiculite, or other soft material similarly susceptible to
damage by impact, pressure, or abrasion; or
c. masonry having a thickness less than 70mm.
Loadbearing Means intended to resist vertical forces additional to those due to
its own weight.11
11http://bca.saiglobal.com/FreeDocs/bca_archive/bca90a09/A03_SECTION%20A%2090a9.pdf
The full list of terms and their usage specified under the general provisions of the BCA
can be found at the following website:
http://bca.saiglobal.com/FreeDocs/bca_archive/bca90a09/A03_SECTION%20A%2090
a9.pdf
BASIC DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND THE BEHAVIOUR OF STRUCTURES UNDER STRESS,

STRAIN, COMPRESSION, BENDING OR COMBINED ACTIONS
Structural analysis is the term used to determine the effects of loads on structures and
their components. Building structures are subject to forces such as stress, strain,
compression, bending and combinations of these forces.
Designers, architects, builders and engineers need to develop an understanding of how

these forces may affect the structural integrity of a building prior to the commencement
of construction. Failure to identify the forces at hand may result in the structural
integrity of the building being compromised, thus exposing personnel to Workplace
Health and Safety risks.
Basic construction design principles may include:
 Use low carbon input materials and systems

 Design and plan buildings for low external energy inputs for ongoing building
operations
 Design buildings for maximum day-lighting
 Design ‘generic buildings’ for future flexibility of use
 Design for durability and robustness
 Design for the use of local materials and products
 Design and plan for low energy input constructability
 Design for the use of building systems that can be serviced and maintained
with local materials, parts and labour
GENERAL NATURE OF MATERIALS AND THE EFFECTS OF PERFORMANCE
With an ever-increasing population and the growth of urban environments, there is an

unprecedented number of structures and infrastructures being built in areas that are
exposed to natural hazards (including earthquakes, hurricanes, windstorms, flooding
and fire). Subsequently, our society demands enhanced levels of performance of the
built environment which calls for the development of new multi-disciplinary analysis
and design approaches for a wider spectrum of structural systems and materials.
Therefore, the nature of materials used in the construction of structures and

infrastructures can directly affect the performance of the end result, for example:
 Timber materials need to be sufficiently waterproofed if they will be exposed

to water (or any type of moisture, e.g. steam). Moisture causes timber
materials to expand which can alter the overall integrity of a structure.
 Metal materials will also need to be sufficiently waterproofed where exposed
to the elements as moisture (even just in the air) can cause certain metal
materials to rust which will ultimately alter the integrity of the structure.
TYPES OF WORKING DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The building and construction sites in which you work will have a variety of
documentation – termed plans, drawings or specifications – related to the project
generally, and the job on which you are working specifically. These are, simply, written
documents which detail the structure or feature to be constructed – including its
location, materials, dimensions, etc.
There are a variety of different types of plans, drawings and specifications; you should
look at as many as possible, become familiar with their different parts and uses, and gain
confidence in understanding and applying them in practice. Again, if there are aspects of
a plan, drawing or specification which you do not understand, you must confirm this
with the client, your workplace supervisor/organisation manager, or other appropriate
people.
Contracts, plans, drawings and specifications are important documents in allowing you
to organise, plan and set out a building and construction project. Organising, planning
and setting out work is essential to ensuring that a project is completed in an orderly,
timely and cost-effective way and that it is compliant.
If work is poorly organised, planned and set out, essential tasks may be repeated,
overlooked completed out of order (requiring the undoing of work), or incompliant with
the relevant codes, standards and regulations – all of which create delays, cost money
and cause unnecessary stress.

Common types of plans and specifications include (but are not necessarily limited to):
 Building codes
 Materials lists and specifications
 Quantity schedules
 Sketches or drawings
 Statements of requirements

SUMMARY
Now that you have completed this unit, you should have the ability to apply building
codes and standards to the construction process for low rise building projects.
If you have any questions about this resource, please ask your trainer. They will be only
too happy to assist you when required.

REFERENCES
"National Construction Code - Security, Locksmithing and ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017
<http://sydneytafe.libguides.com/c.php?g=202001&p=1419194>.
"A Guide to the Building Code of Australia (BCA)." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017
<https://shire.gov.cx/sites/default/files/documents/building-approvals/Building%2>.
"Multiple Classification of Commercial & Industrial ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017
<http://members.ozemail.com.au/~ajohans/multi.htm>.
"BCA Requirements - Timber Design & Construction in ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017
<http://www.timber.net.au/~timbrnet/bushfire/common/BCA/main.htm>.
"Part 3 - bitad.com.au." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017

<http://www.bitad.com.au/Study%20Guide%20Diploma/CPCCBC5001A%20Apply%2
0Building%2
0Codes%20and%20standards%20to%20the%20construction%20process%20for%20
medium-rise>.
"PREPARE A PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN BRIEF CARRY OUT ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 02
Feb. 2017
<http://www.aiqs.com.au/imis/documents/Development%20of%20Performance%20
Based%20D>.
"Emergency planning - worksafe.qld.gov.au." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017

<https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/hazardous-
chemicals/man>.
"Fire or Hazardous Material - Emergency Readiness and ..." N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Feb. 2017
<http://www.ithaca.edu/emergency/todo/hazards/>.
"SAA AS 5062 : FIRE PROTECTION FOR MOBILE AND TRANSPORTABLE ..." N.p., n.d.
Web. 02 Feb. 2017

<https://global.ihs.com/doc_detail.cfm?document_name=SAA%20AS%205062&item_s_
k>.


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CPCCBC4001A

Apply building codes and standards to the

Developed by Enhance Your Future Pty Ltd 2

Developed by Enhance Your Future Pty Ltd 3

To successfully construct low rise buildings requires a thorough knowledge of the

ABOUT THIS RESOURCE

Throughout your training we are committed to your learning by providing a training

You are going to be assessed for:

Your assessment may be conducted through a combination of the following methods:

Developed by Enhance Your Future Pty Ltd 5

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1.2. Requirements of relevant BCA deemed-to-satisfy (DTS)

1.3. Requirements of relevant Australian standards

2. Classify buildings. 2.1. Nature of a building is determined according to its use

2.2. BCA criteria to determine the defined classification are

2.3. BCA requirements for multiple classifications are

3.3. Performance-based solutions are identified and

3.4. Assessment methods referenced in the BCA to

3.5. Relevant documentation is identified and completed in

Developed by Enhance Your Future Pty Ltd 7

4.3. Check of existing buildings for compliance with passive

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Required knowledge for this unit is:

Required skills for this unit are:

 Analysis and interpretation skills relating to documentation from a wide

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 Comply with organisational quality procedures and processes

There are no pre-requisites for this unit.

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RELEVANT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FROM THE BCA

The goal of the Building Code of Australia is applied so that:

 There is a rigorously tested rationale for the regulation;

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Low rise is described as falling within the BCA classes:

 Boarding houses and hostels

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If alternative solutions are employed, they will generally require certification by a

Assessment methods include:

 Comparison with BCA DTS provisions

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Australian Standards (AS) are documents specifically designed to outline specifications

More specifically, standards provide the specifications and procedures necessary to

Standards may be used for a number of reasons, including:

 Voluntary or mandatory applications such as meeting safety or performance

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Australian standards are documents developed to establish specifications and

Australian Standards information may relate to issues such as:

Timber Structures (Timber Framing - AS Series of Standards)

Timber Structures (Trusses)

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NATURE OF A BUILDING IS DETERMINED ACCORDING TO ITS

Below is a classification summary of buildings according to the BCA.

There may be situations where a building requires multiple classifications. If 10 percent

It is possible for a building to have multiple classifications if designated parts of the

RANGE OF CRITERIA THAT WILL ENSURE THAT CONSTRUCTION

Performance requirements set the levels of performance that must be achieved.

Performance-based regulations do not necessarily dictate how to achieve the required

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Performance requirements are the third level of the hierarchy. Performance

BCA ASSESSMENT METHODS

Some of the assessment methods employed by the BCA include:

 Reports from testing authorities

Verification methods may include: