The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released volume one of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022.
All states and territories agreed to delay the adoption of NCC 2022 until 1 September.
The ABCB will provide advice on transitional arrangements in August, 2022.
Major changes covered in volume one include a requirement for lead free plumbing products.
NCC 2022 specifies new requirements for any plumbing product containing copper alloy and intended for use in contact with drinking water from 1 September 2025.
There are a number of amendments to the fire safety of external walls including a new provision that prevents fixing of certain bonded laminated cladding panels by adhesive only.
Some minor amendments to the required number of exits are in volume one. This includes a new concession allowing a single exit for a part of a storey in some circumstances, where previously at least two exits were required.
Volume three contains new provisions for on-site wastewater management, and a new verification method for sanitary plumbing and drainage pipe sizing.
The latest editions of several new Australian Standards are also adopted by reference in NCC 2022, as part of new DTS Provisions. For example, AS 3740: 2021 sets out the requirements for the materials, design and installation of waterproofing for domestic wet areas for residential buildings.
The ABCB will continue to release guidance on NCC 2022 throughout the year.