Most people in the building industry are aware that a new National Construction Code (NCC) will be adopted later this year. Although this is scheduled for adoption by the states and territories on September 1, a preview will be made available on 9 May 2022.
There is also a new version of AS1428.1, Design for Access and Mobility, which was published on 18 June 2021. Despite being published last year, this version will not supersede the 2009 version until it is referenced in the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
What isn’t known is whether or not NCC 2022 will reference the 2021 version of AS1428.1, although some certifiers think that it will. There are also some architects, project managers and building contractors out there who believe that the 2021 version of AS1428.1 has already superseded the 2009 version. This is not the case.
In the midst of the confusion, we can turn to history for a bit of guidance. Previous events tell us that the 2009 version of the Standard was not included in the BCA until 2011, so it may not happen this year – we shall have to wait and see.
Notwithstanding the facts above, access consultants will need to be conversant with any changes from the 2009 version as soon as the 2021 version becomes referenced in the BCA. To ensure we are prepared, our team has already started reviewing the 2021 version to stay on top of all the changes. This is what we’ve learnt so far.
Changes to the Standard
The first change is to the numbering of the clauses. There are also subtle changes to the wording in some clauses, but not all. In general, this is useful and further limits the possibilities of misinterpretation, which can (and does) happen with the 2009 version.
There’s also a new section in Floor and Ground Surfaces for boardwalks covering the size of the gaps between boards. This is particularly relevant to elements covered in "Imperfections and Interpretations" on the edges of accessways.
Several updates stand out:
- In the 2009 Standard, one of the options for the edge of the accessway was to install a minimum 450mm high wall. The 2021 Standard deletes the 450mm dimension.
- A curved ramp is now defined.
- Stair nosing strips are to be single, not multi-strips.
- Handrail heights on landings can vary.
- The obstruction zone below handrails has increased from 15mm to 25mm.
- The 300mm door reveal has been re-introduced.
- The 900mm square circulation space outside ambulant cubicles has been clarified as being either/or of the figures.
- Door closers on doors other than fire/smoke doors require a delay action or a hold-open feature.
- Manual push-button controls for an auto-door to be 500mm to 1000mm from door swing now.
- WC seats are to remain in upright position when raised.
- Backrests are not to be included in accessible SOUs.
- Toilet rolls can’t project more than 150mm from the wall.
- Grabrails can be 800mm to 820mm above fixed floor level (AFFL)
- WC pan circulation to be clear of the shower seat when in upright position.
- Shower wall outlet dimension deleted.
- New figures added for combined WC and shower compartments.
In short, there are many changes to consider. There’s also a new Appendix covering vision impairment (Appendix C). The summary of specifications for walkways, ramps and landings has been deleted.
To help our clients and colleagues understand the changes, it can be helpful to highlight all the additions and changes in the 2021 version. Adding notes about deleted text can also make things a lot easier and allow you to better explain what’s changed to building designers.
As always, the Jensen Hughes team is here to support all our clients and industry colleagues in understanding these changes and how they affect their projects and procedures. We encourage you to reach out to us directly if you have any queries you would like us to address.