CODES, STANDARDS & THE 'BIG' QUESTION!

In light of recent amendments to the National  Construction Codes and Australian Standards MKDC attended the ‘BCA 2012 Information Seminar’ held by Australian Building Codes Board & Standards Australia. 

Though there were only minor changes relevant to fitout work the code amendments for Early Childhood centres were of interest. In order to standardise construction of such facilities nationally, new code information has been provided relating to kitchen requirements, nappy change facilities, pan numbers, toilet partitions, window sills and playground barriers.

The Seminar also brought to our attention ABCBs  ongoing research into “Trips, Slips & Falls”.

Did you know that In Australia, there are over 500 fatal falls recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics every year and over 110,000 hospital admissions for falls in buildings annually nationwide.  

Given the ABCB consider trips, slips & falls to be the main risk for building occupiers they flagged there continual research and future development of codes that will mitigate this risk.

To conclude the seminar wrapped up with lively debate over the cost of codes and standards for users, with the big question being “Should this information be free to access?”

 

Next seminar on the radar ‘Master Builders - Building Act Preparation Course’…