Standards Australia is the nation’s peak non-government Standards organisation. It is charged by the Commonwealth Government to meet Australia’s need for contemporary, internationally aligned Standards and related services.

The work of Standards Australia enhances the nation’s economic efficiency, international competitiveness and contributes to community demand for a safe and sustainable environment. In the building space, Australian Standards can be called up in the National Construction Code (NCC), which incorporates the minimum onsite construction requirements for the building and plumbing industry.

Standards Australia’s technical committees work tirelessly to revise, amend and develop new Australian Standards to ensure they remain aligned with current practices. More than 9000 technical, business, academia, government and community experts from 1500 organisations create Standards. These committee members work for the Net Benefit of the community, and uphold a consensus process to allow for resolution of often competing interests.

Below is a list of relevant standards in the plumbing sector and proposed publication dates for new work items.

STANDARDS UPDATE

The current standards are currently being reviewed:

• AS NZS 3500.1
– Plumbing and drainage – Water Supply
– Published by August 2014

• AS NZS 3500.2
– Plumbing and drainage – Sanitary Plumbing
– Published by August 2014

• AS NZS 3500.3
– Plumbing and drainage – Stormwater drainage
– Published October 2014 (reference PCA 2015)

• AS NZS 3500.3
– Plumbing and drainage – Stormwater drainage
– Published October 2015 (reference PCA 2016)

• AS NZS 3500.4
– Plumbing and drainage – Heated Water Services
– Published by December 2014

• AS NZS 2179.1
– Specifications for rainwater goods, accessories and fasteners – Metal shape or sheet rainwater goods, and metal accessories and fasteners
– Published by October 2014

• HB 39
– Installation of metal roofing and wall cladding
– Published February 2014

• AS/NZS 6400
– Water Efficient Products – Rating and Labelling
– Published by August 2014

LINKEDIN
Another way of keeping in touch with standards developments in the building and construction area is to join our Standards Australia Building and Construction LinkedIn group. We have just reached the 500 member count, and our membership is steadily rising. This will begin to include information on the plumbing sector this year.

The page provides a platform for Standards Australia to communicate directly with our members, keeping practitioners informed of the work being undertaken, proposed projects, standards publications and other matters relevant to the sector. Documents out for Public Comment will be listed on the group page, along with updates on conferences, forums and events.

To join the Standards Australia LinkedIn Page, look for Standards Australia – Building and Construction via the LinkedIn search function.

KEEPING STANDARDS UP TO DATE
Australian Standards are living documents that reflect progress in science, technology and systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and new editions are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.
Standards Australia welcomes proposals to amend, revise, or develop new Australian Standards. The first round of submissions for 2014 opens on Monday 3 February and closes Wednesday 19 March. For details in relation to the proposal process, or to download a copy of the Proposal form, please visit our website.
We look forward to working with you this year.

Contact:
Standards Australia
www.standards.org.au