You know that little red book tucked away in the back of the ute? The one with 'Australian Standards' on the front that you've never actually opened? It's time to dust it off, mate. If you're a tradie, the standards aren't optional extras, they're tools of your trade. Reckon you know how to lay a brick wall or wire a house because that's how your old boss taught you? Think again. Ignorance won't cut it if something goes wrong.
What Are the Australian Standards and Why Do They Matter?
Australian Standards are technical documents that set out how to do the work properly: materials, methods, tolerances and testing. They cover everything from the structure of a house to the fixtures and fittings inside.
Ignore the standards for your trade and you put your customers, their homes and your business at risk.
Some of the major standards you should know well:
- AS 1684 for residential timber-framed construction
- AS 2870 for residential slabs and footings
- AS 3660 for termite management
- AS 3740 for internal wet area waterproofing, and AS 4654 for external above-ground membranes (balconies and decks)
- AS 5601 for gas installations
- AS/NZS 3000 for electrical installations
- AS/NZS 3500 for plumbing and drainage
Key Standards and the Law
An Australian Standard becomes legally binding when the National Construction Code (NCC), state law or your contract calls it up. Most of the standards that matter on a house are referenced by the NCC, so in practice you must meet them. Ignorance won't excuse you if something goes wrong.
The standards hold decades of accumulated expert knowledge and set minimum requirements. The key ones by trade:
AS 1684 Residential Timber-Framed Construction
If you're a carpenter or frame and truss specialist, this is your bible. It covers timber framing from bearers and wall frames through to roof framing. (Footings and slabs are AS 2870.)
AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical Installations
For electricians, this standard (the Wiring Rules) is essential. It sets requirements for the design, construction and testing of electrical installations. Stay up to date with the latest revisions.
AS/NZS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage
Plumbers, this set of standards covers water supply, sanitary plumbing and drainage, and stormwater. Compliance is mandatory to avoid health hazards, damage and waste.
The NCC sets the minimum requirements for building work, and references Australian Standards for the technical detail on how to comply, for example:
- AS 1684 Residential timber-framed construction
- AS 3700 Masonry structures
- AS/NZS 3000 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
Cut corners and you could face action from regulators such as the QBCC, claims from clients, damage to your reputation, or even criminal charges after a serious accident. Homeowners reasonably expect a home that is safe, durable and compliant.
Integrating the Standards Into Your Business Practises
To operate as a professional tradesperson, following the relevant standards should be second nature. Here's how to build them into your business.
Know Your Standards
Work out which standards apply to your trade. Buy them from the Standards Australia store or an authorised reseller (some TAFEs and libraries also give access), read them properly, and keep copies on hand for reference.
Educate Your Staff
Make sure employees and apprentices know the standards too. Go through them together and train on the job, so everyone understands why they exist.
Follow the Standards on Every Job
Follow the standards on all installations, repairs and servicing. That includes using approved materials and equipment, taking the recommended safety precautions, and completing compliance paperwork when required.
Keep Your Certifications Current
Plumbers, electricians and gas fitters need specific licences for their work. Keep your licences and certifications current.
Continuously Improve
Standards are revised regularly to reflect new materials, methods and technology. A yearly subscription keeps you current and is cheaper than paying a lawyer or fixing defective work.
Write a quality management plan (QMP) for your trade: what you do, how you do it, which standards apply, and how you check your work against them. Here's what to include:
https://www.constructor.net.au/quality-management-plan/
For homeowners: what to ask
Ask your builder and trades which standards apply to the work, and ask for the paperwork when it's done: plumbing compliance paperwork, the electrical Certificate of Testing and Safety, and waterproofing certificates. Following a standard is the minimum, not a guarantee of quality, so hire licensed tradespeople and check their licences.
Conclusion
So there you have it, tradies: the Australian Standards are not optional. Yes, they can be tedious to wade through, but cutting corners will come back to bite you. Build to the standards, keep your paperwork in order, and you'll be building homes that stand the test of time. Now get out there and build something you can be proud of!
