Standards Australia, in partnership with the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has launched an online dictionary for the building and plumbing industry which aims to assist industry, government and consumers by helping describe the built environment.

The website dictionary also aims to support the 1.2 million Australian employed across construction and water and waste services industry.

Subbed the National Dictionary of Building and Plumbing Terms, it features definitions used in the National Construction Code (NCC) and Australian (or AS/NZS) Standards which are referenced.

“The dictionary combines terms and definitions from the NCC, Australian (and joint AS/NZS) Standards, and Handbook 50:2004 Glossary of Building Terms,” Standards Australia general manager strategy and engagement Adam Stingemore says.

“It aims to assist industry, government and consumers to understand the range of terminology used to describe the same or similar terms and processes across Australia. It also provides a general hierarchy of results to assist interpretation. This website is an informative tool for government, industry and consumers to find exact definitions and their source.”

The dictionary is set to been updated in the future as it aims to expand the sources included such as relevant terminology used in state and territory building legislation.

The Building Confidence Report identified that the Australian construction sector uses different ways of describing the same or similar terms or processes. Different terminology makes it confusing for industry and consumers to understand exactly what is needed.

“Consistency in the use of language can help promote a national approach to the application of building codes, standards and regulations. It enhances comparative reporting, facilitates the sharing of good practice and assists those in the building and construction industry,” Adam adds.

“Standards Australia and the ABCB are pleased to be able to offer this website as a first step towards achieving this goal. We look forward to continued collaboration with state and territory regulators and the building and plumbing sector, as we develop enhancements in the future to update and refine the website.”