Certification of Systems

Presentation to AIRAH WA

Content

• Overview of Building Approval Process

• Compliance with Building Standards

• Certification

• Construction

• Commissioning / Tests and Inspections

• Maintenance

Building Approvals Overview

Certified Application:

Class 2 – 9 buildings

Compliance with Building Standards

• Building Permit required for most building work

• Building Code of Australia (BCA) which forms part of

the National Construction Code (NCC) is the primary

applicable building standard for:

• New building work

• Alterations and additions

• Relocated buildings (safety and health provisions)

• Changes of classification

National Construction Code

• The NCC is given legal effect through State & Territory Building Control legislation.

In WA – The Building Act 2011 and Building Regulations 2012.

• The NCC is a ‘performance-based code’. This allows flexibility in how you comply with the Code and encourages innovation.

Performance Based Code

Options:

• Deemed to Satisfy (Prescriptive), OR

• Alternative Solutions (Performance)

The NCC references many documents for prescriptive solutions including Australian Standards. In relation to air conditioning and ventilation systems includes:-

• AS/NZS 1668 Parts 1 and 2

• AS 2665

• AS/NZS 3666 Part 1

• AS4254

NCC Spec A1.3 (excerpt)

No. Date Title BCA clause(s)

AS/NZS 1668

Part 1 1998

The use of ventilation and airconditioning in

buildings

Fire and smoke control in multi-compartment

buildings

Amdt 1

C2.12, C3.15, Spec

C2.5, D1.7, Spec

E1.8, E2.2, Spec

E2.2a, F4.12, Spec

E2.2b, Spec G3.8

AS 1668

Part 2

Part 4

2012

2012

The use of ventilation and airconditioning in

buildings

Mechanical ventilation in buildings

Amdt 1

Natural ventilation of buildings

F4.4, F4.11, F4.12,

Spec J5.2a

F4.11

• The NCC contains different requirements for

each building classification. The class of

building is determined by its purpose.

Certification – Building surveyor

Certifies compliance with applicable building standards:-

• Certificate of Design Compliance (CDC)

• Certificate of Construction Compliance (CCC)

• Certificate of Building Compliance (CBC)

Relies on specialist for mechanical system design and construction certification

Construction – Builder must

• Comply with building permit and

corresponding plans and specifications

• Comply with applicable building standards

• Submit notice of cessation or notice of

completion to Permit Authority

• Submit relevant prescribed tests and

inspections with notice of completion.

Prescribed testsBuilding Regulations 2012, schedule 3

System to be tested When test is to be conducted

Fire hose reel system required under EP1.1 and EP1.5

On completion of the installation of the

system

Fire hydrant system required under EP1.3 and EP1.5

Automatic fire suppression system required under EP1.4

Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems required

under EP2.1 and EP2.2

Smoke/heat venting systems required under EP2.2

Sound systems and intercom systems for emergency

purposes required under EP4.3

Air handling systems that incorporate smoke control

provisions required under EP2.2

On completion of the building work

Content of Test Certificate

Building Regulations 2012, r.29

• Relevant building permit number

• Description of the purpose, extent and outcome of the test.

• Date and time the test was conducted.

• Name, contact details and qualifications of the person conducting the test.

• Any other document or evidence of the outcome of the test that the person conducting the test considers relevant.

Maintenance of Buildings

• Building Regulations 2012, r.48A(2)The owner of an existing building that is a Class 2 to Class 9 building

must ensure that —

(a) the safety measures in each part of the building are

capable of performing to a standard set out in the relevant building standards for the part; and

(b) the mechanical ventilation, hot water, warm water and

cooling water systems are adequately maintained to

safeguard people from illness or injury; and

(c) the building’s services in each part of the building

continue to perform to a standard of energy efficiency that is equal to or greater than the standard in the relevant building standards for the part.

Penalty: a fine of $5 000.

Recap / Questions

• What typical BCA requirements are relevant to HVAC & R?

• Who carries out the design of HVAC & R systems? (Qualifications?)

• How is design and construction compliance with the BCA requirements documented?

• Who is responsible for approving BCA compliance be it deemed to satisfy or an alternative solution?

• Questions?