Compliance
Compliance is a major concern in the building and construction industry. Building codes and standards are established at a national level with the National Construction Code (NCC). The code is a set of technical provisions for the design, construction and performance of buildings and plumbing and drainage systems. The code exists to ensure buildings are safe and meet performance expectations at the time of construction and throughout the life of the building.
The NCC is a performance-based code that sets the minimum requirements in relation to structure, fire safety, access and egress, accessibility, health and amenity, and sustainability.
Construction Certificate or Complying Development Certificate
All new buildings and building work must comply with the NCC. Elite Balustrades meets the NCC requirements using a Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Solution. That is, we follow a set process of what, when and how we design and install balustrades. Our DTS Solution complies with the material, component, design and construction methods set out in the NCC to meet the Code’s performance requirements.
The NCC 2019 (Vol 2 Part 3.9.2.2) specifies that any stairway, ramp, deck, verandah, balcony or landing that is more than 1m above the ground must have a continuous barrier, such as a balustrade and continuous handrails, at least 1m above the floor, must be located the full length or one side of the stairs or ramp.
The barriers are intended to minimise the risk of adults falling over or through the barrier. The barriers also have to be constructed to restrict children from crawling or falling through; any gaps in the balustrade must be too small to allow a 125mm sphere to pass through.
Verandah or deck balustrades that are more than 4m above the surface below must not be climbable; they should be constructed of solid panels or appropriately spaced vertical rails.
Balustrade Certification
All balustrades supplied and installed by Elite Balustrades conform to the relevant Australian Standards and BCA regulations. If required, we can provide written balustrade certification for your builder or for submission to council.
Australian Standards
In addition to the meeting the National Construction Code design requirements, balustrades and handrails have to conform to relevant Australian Standards. There are numerous standards to comply with including:
- AS/NZS 1170 Structural design actions — loading considerations
- AS 1288 Glass in buildings—Selection and installation
- AS 1428 Design for access and mobility
- AS 1926 Swimming pool safety – Safety barriers for swimming pools
- AS/NZS 1664 Aluminium structures – Design of structural load carrying members and elements in accordance with limit states design method
- AS 1720 Timber structures — Design methods
- AS 4100 Steel structures – Minimum requirements for design, fabrication, erection, and modification of steelwork in structures in accordance with the limit states design method
- AS/NZS 4600 Cold-formed steel structures – Specifications for cold-formed steel structural members used for load-carrying purposes in buildings and other structures
- AS/ZNS 1554 Structural steel welding – Welding steel, stainless steel, aluminium structures
- AS/NZS 4673 Cold-formed stainless steel structures
Elite Balustrades meets or exceeds the requirements of the Australian Standards.
For compliance advice contact Elite Balustrades
Call us on (02) 9729 0500 or fill out the form for compliance advice on your fire stair, balustrade or handrail project.
