CONSTRUCTION NOTE
END OF TRANSITION PERIOD FOR NATIONAL
CONSTRUCTION CODE OF AUSTRALIA
AVOIDING ELECTRIC SHOCKS
The transition period for two National Construction Code of Australia (NCC) referenced Australian
Standards, AS 3660 – Part 1 Termite management and New building work and AS 3786 – Smoke
alarms, ended as of 1 May 2017.
From 1 May 2017 new building approvals must comply with the 2014 editions of these standards
under the NCC Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions where applicable.
AS 3660
Termite Management
Part 1
2000
New building Work
[Note: The 2000 edition has been retained for a transitional
period ending on 30 April 2017]
Part 1
2014
New building work
Part 3
2014
Assessment criteria for termite management systems
AS 3786
2014
Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization
Amdt 1
AS 3786
1993
Smoke alarms
Amdt 1
Amdt 2
Amdt 4
[Note: The 1993 edition has been retained for a transitional
period ending on 30 April 2017]
AS 3660:2014 – Termite Management, Part 1: New building work
Of particular note in relation to soil chemicals is Clause 7.1.1 of AS 3660 Part 1 2014 Termite
management and New building work which states:
A soil chemical component system shall comply with AS 3660.3. The chemical used shall be registered by the
pesticides registrar.
Chemical termite management systems applied under concealed and inaccessible areas shall be replenished
via a reticulation system providing an even and continuous distribution of chemical into the soil.
Notes:
1. Consideration should be given as to how the chemical is applied.
2. The chemical treatments specified in this section are not against wood-boring beetles, fungi or termites
other than subterranean species.
3. A chemical soil termite management system is most readily installed while a building is under
construction. Application of the chemical has to be at a stage of construction when the whole of the
subfloor area is readily accessible. In most cases, however, work is progressive, and special care should
be taken to ensure that the system is complete and that each stage is well integrated so that no avenues
of entry are left open to the termites.
Regarding the above, in concealed and inaccessible areas requiring chemical termite management
systems which cannot be replenished without intrusive action, a chemical soil termite management
system is most readily installed while a building is under construction.
www.act.gov.au/accesscbr
END OF TRANSITION PERIOD FOR NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE OF AUSTRALIA
AS 3660.1 also covers other termite barrier systems. Appendix D has some requirements for
preservative-treated timber. In that Appendix D is a note in clause D2 stating:
NOTE: All cuts, drill holes, notches and planed surfaces will need to be retreated to prevent termite entry.
It should be noted that while the other provisions in Appendix D are normative (ie they must be
complied with to achieve compliance with Appendix D), such “notes” in Australian Standards are not
normative; they are informative and do not need to be complied with in order to comply with the
standard. Further information about the informative nature of such “notes” in Australian Standards is
at:


clause 5.5.1 of the Rules for the structure and drafting of Australian Standards; and
section 8 of the Preparation of Standards for legislative adoption.
AS 3786:2014 - Smoke alarms using scattered light
In reference to AS 3786:2014 - Smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization,
smoke alarms using scattered light, transmitted light or ionization, please ensure that smoke alarms
complying with the 2014 standard are installed where required in relation to building approvals
approved from 1 May 2017.
Require further information about a particular project?
If you have any doubt about the version of the NCC or Australian Standard that applies to a particular
project, and therefore what is a valid compliance option, you should seek advice from the ACT
licensed building surveyor appointed to certify the building work.
Further Information | Phone: Access Canberra on 13 22 81 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.act.gov.au/accesscbr
Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information available to Access Canberra. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities
included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this material and make your
own judgement about what action you may need to take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, Access Canberra extends no warranties as to the suitability
of the information for your specific situation.
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