BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA – LEGISLATION UPDATE May 2010

As of 1 May 2010 the BCA 2010 has been adopted for South Australia. Some changes include;

Structural Engineering Software - The Minister has approved for South Australia a specification MS SA A2.2 - Structural Engineering Software. The effect of this variation is that software programs that are in accordance with the Ministers Specification will meet the Evidence of Suitability requirements of the BCA.

Bushfire Attack Levels BAL - this is a new rating for determining bushfire risk for construction. Some parts of the bushfire provisions will be introduced at a later date such as 'excluded areas' variation for South Australia as changes are required to the Development Regulations 2008 first. The BAL levels come into effect on 1 May 2010.

  • BAL - Low (for areas in the Development Plan listed as General Risk Bushfire Areas)
  • BAL - 12.5 (for areas in the Development Plan listed as Medium Risk Bushfire Areas)
  • BAL - 19
  • BAL - 29
  • BAL - 40
  • BAL - FZ

For areas in the Development Plan listed as High Risk Bushfire Areas, a site assessment is required in accordance with AS3959 to determine the BAL. Once the BAL is determined, the construction requirements as per the BCA are applied.

Some changes that have taken place after 1 May 2010 are as follows;

  • Swimming pool safety - As of 1 May 2010, swimming pool and spa safety barriers shall comply with AS1926-2007. Since 2 December 2010, doors from a building cannot be considered as part of the safety barrier for pools or spas, even with door closers or higher latches. i.e. an isolation fence will be mandatory for all new swimming pools or spas. There was also the introduction from 2 December 2010 of a new Ministers Specification 76D - new prescribed requirements for upgrading prescribed swimming pools.
  • Energy Efficiency - As of 1 September 2010 there is a new energy rating requiring houses to achieve a 6 star energy rating. Some of the new measures include new requirements for lighting and water heaters.

Further information may be obtained from  - Residential building regulations - Government of South Australia

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