Safety Standards for Building Materials

There are two main safeguards to ensure the safety, durability and sustainability of building materials.

• National Construction Code (NCC): Their website states, “All building products and materials must be ‘fit for purpose’ under the NCC. The NCC requires that evidence of suitability be established to demonstrate that a material, design or construction meets a Performance Requirement or Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Provision.”
• Standards: Standards provide quality benchmarks for various building materials. Many Australian Standards are referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC).

These safety Standards cover everything from material handling to fire safety, and they help protect lives, assets and the environment.

Why Safety Standards Are Crucial for Building Materials

The term “building materials” covers every single substance used in construction. This includes the reinforced concrete constituting a building’s foundations, roofing materials (metal or tile), steel girders, and outside cladding (wood, brick, fibre cement, etc.). It also includes insulation materials. For example, from the 1940s to the 80s, asbestos was widely used for its excellent insulation properties and fire resistance. However, it was later found that breathing in asbestos fibres damages lung tissue, and it is now banned in Australia because it is an unsafe building material. The building and safety Standards also branch​ into materials such as ceramic tiles and even the flammability of floor coverings (fire-rated materials).

By ensuring that building materials meet structural, health, environmental and fire safety requirements, these Standards reduce the risk of material failure, structural collapse and safety hazards.

Key Safety Standards for Building Materials

What are the most important national (and international) safety Standards that govern building materials?

• Wood: AS (Australian Standard) 1684 covers residential timber-framed construction in cyclone areas and non-cyclone areas. AS 1720 concerns the design criteria, properties and fire resistance of timber structures.
• Steel: These include AS 4100 (structural steel design), AS/NZS 4600 (design of cold-formed steel structures), AS/NZS 1163 (cold-formed structural steel hollow sections), AS/NZS 1397 (hot-dip metallic coated steel sheet), AS/NZS 3678 (structural steel - hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs), and AS/NZS 3679 (structural steel - hot-rolled bars and sections, welded I sections).
• Concrete: The two primary Standards are AS 2870 (residential slabs and footings) and AS 3600 (concrete structures). Additionally, AS/NZS 4671 covers the materials specifications for steel used in the reinforcement of concrete.
• Glass: AS 1288 covers the selection and installation of glass in buildings, subject to wind loading, human impact, and special applications. AS 2047 sets out the minimum specifications for materials, construction, installation and glazing for windows and external glazed doors in buildings.

In countries such as the United States, the International Building Code sets out the best practices for buildings and materials, and the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) issues guidelines for materials. 

Fire Safety Standards for Buildings

In Australia, the fire safety Standards for buildings are covered by the National Construction Code (NCC) and various Australian Standards which concern fire-resistant materials and the classification of materials based on their fire resistance ratings. An example is AS 1530, which outlines methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures. Other building fire safety Standards are AS 1603 (automatic fire detection and alarm systems), AS 2118 (automatic fire sprinkler systems) and AS/NZS 1841 (portable fire extinguishers). Internationally, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) issues codes and Standards to ensure buildings remain safe in the event of a fire.

Material Handling Equipment Safety Standards

Safety is crucial when handling materials on the construction site using cranes, forklifts, hoists, etc. To prevent construction accidents, specific material handling equipment safety Standards​ are in place, such as  AS 2550 (safe use of cranes, hoists and winches). These Standards relate to the safe operation of equipment when transporting, lifting, or storing building materials.

The Role of the Building and Safety Standards Branch

Building and safety Standards are set and enforced by local state authorities which act under the umbrella of the National Construction Code (NCC). An example of a state body is the Victorian Building Authority (VBA). The VBA regulates building material safety, conducts inspections and ensures compliance with local, national and international codes. It provides feedback to policymakers and legislators concerning policy and construction practices.

Safety Standards for Architectural Glazing Materials

In Australia, the main safety Standard for architectural glazing materials​ is AS 1288. This Standard includes factors such as wind loading, human impact, and any special applications. It also specifies glass strength based on the tensile stresses on the surface of the glass. Other areas of consideration with architectural glazing are thermal expansion, breakage resistance, and energy efficiency.

Patient Safety Standards: Materials and Systems Guidelines for Healthcare Buildings

Healthcare buildings have unique requirements because patient safety is a top priority. So, when it comes to patient safety Standards, the materials and systems guidelines are quite specific. These are based on the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Australasian Health Facility Guidelines (AusHFG). These incorporate specific safety Standards such as infection control, materials for hospital walls, floors, and ceilings, and guidelines for medical equipment installations.

Ensuring Compliance with Safety Standards in Material Selection

As a builder or developer, the success or failure of your project can depend on the quality and safety of the building materials you select. In other words, do they meet safety Standards?  Have the building materials you selected undergone testing and certification to meet specific safety requirements? That’s why it’s important to work with reputable suppliers and contractors and to stay on top of the certification and documentation of the materials you use.

The Future of Building Material Safety Standards

Material safety Standards are always a moving target. This is due to constantly evolving factors such as sustainability, climate change and advances in materials science. Building safety Standards and codes will also need to be updated to address new and emerging technologies such as smart building materials, green construction and energy efficiency.

Global Collaboration in Building Material Safety Standards

Why is international collaboration so crucial in establishing and maintaining building material safety Standards? Because it results in the safe use of materials worldwide. If you wanted to buy some construction materials from another country, you would be confident knowing that they comply with international safety Standards. Besides facilitating trade, the partnership between bodies such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), Standards Australia (SA) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) ensures that the best practices are always being shared.

Conclusion: The Importance of Adhering to Building Material Safety Standards

Strict adherence to building material safety Standards is essential in the construction industry. Following the building safety Standards reduces risk, prevents accidents and protects the health and safety of construction workers and building occupants. To ensure compliance with your projects, stay updated with the evolving safety Standards!