Standards Australia
About Standards Australia
Standards Australia is Australia’s leading standards development and approval body. As a non-government body, Standards Australia accredits other Standards Development Organisations. It also develops and publishes technical, voluntary, and commercial safety standards for use in Australia. Working across various industries, Standards Australia also focuses on adopting international standards. So, what does Standards Australia do? It develops safety standards for Australia’s net benefit through a committee process where consensus is reached.
Intertek Inform: Your Gateway to Standards Australia
Intertek Inform simplifies standards procurement with its centralised platform, user-friendly interface, personalised recommendations, and secure payment processing. Clients can access Standards Australia's comprehensive library, ensuring compliance and industry relevance. Detailed standard information, version control, and customer support ensure efficient access to up-to-date and relevant standards.
For over 130 years, Intertek has offered innovative solutions in over 1,000 locations in 100 countries through Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification services (ATIC). Intertek Inform's services in relation to Standards Australia reduce risk for organisations, brands, companies, and consumers in every sector worldwide. Intertek's capabilities, combined with Intertek Inform, ensure you have access to the full suite of solutions across the entire assurance lifecycle.
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Standards Australia for Industry Compliance
Standards Australia itself is not-for-profit and non-governmental. Its Standards are voluntary and represent the accepted best practice for any industry or sector in terms of reliability, safety, and consistency. However, whenever the federal or state governments include Australian Standards in their legislation, compliance becomes mandatory and must be monitored.
Understanding Standards Australia and Its Role
Standards Australia introduces every new Standard, or makes revisions to an existing Standard, by gathering stakeholders together into a technical committee. The committee then sets up working groups to draft the technical content into the Standard. Following this, the draft document is made available to the community for any public comment, and these comments are considered by the technical committee. The committee votes on the final draft and, when approved, it is published. Note that the role of Standards Australia is simply to develop Standards, and it is not responsible for monitoring or enforcing compliance with those Standards.
Construction and Building Standards for Safety and Quality
Construction and building Standards fall under the umbrella of the National Construction Code (NCC), which sets out the mandatory requirements for construction in Australia. While the Australian Standards, by themselves, are voluntary, many of them are referenced by the NCC. At this point, those Standards become part of the “Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions” of the NCC and are enforceable.
You can locate the latest Australian Standards for construction and building here.
Environmental and ISO Standards for Sustainability
Standards Australia welcomes and adopts international Standards (such as those issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation) for Australian use. In the case of environmental and ISO Standards, AS/NZS ISO 14001 outlines steps for businesses to control their environmental impacts with a view to improving environmental sustainability and performance.
Quality Management and Compliance Standards Explained
A quality management system is a set of documented procedures to ensure that an organisation’s products and services are delivered with the expected quality. The guidelines for quality management and compliance are issued in AS/NZS ISO 9001 and help with efficiency, risk management, and staying competitive in the marketplace.
Essential Standards for Safety and Technology
While Australian Standards are guidelines, the Work, Health and Safety (WHS) laws require a business to ensure the health and safety of its workers and visitors in a “reasonably practical” way. In a legal sense, conforming to a Standard can often be considered as “reasonably practical”.
Emerging technologies and their associated security risks are addressed by Standards Australia and are revised as these areas continuously evolve.
General Standards and Information for Australian Businesses
How do you find general Standards and information for your business? Intertek Inform is a leading distribution partner of Standards Australia, and we have a complete array of key Standards for different industries and areas.
Electrical and Wiring Standards for Safe Installations
Electrical and wiring Standards are covered in the Wiring Rules, otherwise known as AS/NZS 3000. This Standard covers the basic safety principles—and how to achieve them—for electrical installations.
Safety and Workplace Standards for Risk Management
The guidelines for managing safety and workplace Standards are found in AS/NZS ISO 45001. This Standard outlines the management system to improve health and safety performance by eliminating hazards, reducing risk and installing controls to monitor performance.
Data Security and Technology Standards for Compliance
The Australian Standards for data security and technology are covered in documents such as AS 27701, which addresses privacy information management, and AS/NZS ISO/IEC 27001, which deals with implementing security management systems against cyber attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read on to find out more about Standards Australia.
Standards Australia is the principal standards body in Australia. As an independent, not-for-profit, non-governmental standards organisation, Standards Australia develops safety standards, handbooks, technical specifications, publications, resources, and solutions.
The critical work Standards Australia performs improves Australia’s international competitiveness and economic efficiency by developing, maintaining, and promoting Australian Standards. It also contributes to ensuring safe and sustainable environments for all Australians. Standards Australia is a member of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and is Australia’s representative.
Standards Australia forms technical committees comprising stakeholders from business, government, community, academia, industry, and consumers. Using a consensus process, Standards Australia facilitates the committees to develop safety standards in Australia for everyone’s benefit.
Standards Australia is the owner and creator of Australian standards. As a not-for-profit, independent, non-government entity, it creates and maintains standards across various public, private and community stakeholders. Some of the industries that Standards Australia is responsible for include:
- Building and construction
- Dangerous goods protection
- Electrical engineering
- Electrical wires and cables.
- Occupational health and safety
- Playground equipment
- Quality management
- Quality assurance
- Timber structures.
Standards Australia publishes voluntary standards that State and Commonwealth governments can refer to in their legislation. If this happens, the safety standards become mandatory.
Standards Australia is the leading non-governmental, independent, not-for-profit standards organisation. They are specialists in developing and adopting internationally aligned standards in Australia. Standards Australia works across many industries with various stakeholders to ensure Australian industries maintain safety, quality, and efficiency standards.
Standards Australia's purpose includes:
- International participation: Standards Australia participates in developing and adopting International Standards.
- Standards development: Standards Australia offers stakeholders across multiple industries the opportunity to develop or update new and existing safety standards.
- Accreditation of standards development organisations: Standards Australia assesses and approves other Australian organisations to develop Australian Standards.
Standards Australia cannot provide advice regarding compliance or non-compliance with specifications or requirements in standards. The relevant regulators deal with compliance matters. A list of safety Standards Australia government contacts is available here.
AS 3959 Bushfire Attack Levels Overview & Guide
Building in bushfire-prone areas
AS 3959 is a critical Standard for the construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas in Australia. This guide provides an overview of the AS 3959 bushfire Standard, specifically focusing on Bushfire Attack Levels (BAL).
What is the AS 1684 Standard in Australia?
General changes to AS 1684 Standards in 2024
The AS 1684 Standards series is a cornerstone in Australian timber-framed construction, providing essential guidelines for the building industry. It is also referred to as the Timber Framing Code.
Is AS 3000 a legal requirement?
AS/NZS 3000:2018 is mandated across all Australian jurisdictions
Compliance with the Wiring Rules is currently enforced through state and territory legislation which ensures the safety of electrical installations. The latest ruling, AS/NZS 3000:2018 Rul 1:2024, has been consolidated into the current Standard.
Building in Bushfire Prone Areas
3 Standards to assist in building in bushfire prone areas
Whether you are building or renovating in bushfire prone areas, Standards play a role in stating certain requirements to improve the level of safety and reduce the likeliness of damage to the building.
Guide to Australian Lighting Standards
Lighting Standards for all construction projects
Indoor and outdoor lighting have vastly different requirements based on the location and activity performed. From working in an office, to lighting a tunnel - projects should meet the benchmarks as stated in their relevant Standards.
Wiring Rules
Discover more about the Wiring Rules with our Web Series
Essential for electricians, inspectors and regulators, AS/NZS 3000 specifies the electrical installation safety requirements for all premises in Australia and New Zealand.
Wiring Rules: Top 5 Things you need to know
Comply with the Standards, it could save your life
There have been over 200 changes to AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules revision since the last update in 2007. Industry feedback and experience gained from the previous edition of the Wiring Rules have led to several enhancements to the AS/NZS 3000 2018 Wiring
What is the NCC and why is it Important?
Learn about The National Construction Code (NCC)
It keeps Australians safe by outlining technical provisions for the design and construction of buildings and other structures throughout Australia. The NCC is a comprehensive code that covers all buildings and more.
8 Benefits of Standards
Compliance with Standards has a range of benefits
Standards can affect an organisation's quality, lead-time, supply chain management and costs. They make trade across international borders easier and promote global competition, having a positive impact on economies.
AS 3740:2021 Waterproofing Standard - Everything you need to know
Complying to waterproofing Standards is crucial for all buildings
Waterproofing buildings is essential to maintaining their integrity. Water can cause significant damage if it infiltrates building structures, causing leakage, moisture and mould, cracking, and building collapse.
AS 3600: An Overview of the Australian Concrete Code
Guide to the Concrete Code
Also known as the Concrete Code, AS 3600:2018 sets out comprehensive guidelines for builders and developers to follow when designing, erecting and strength-testing concrete buildings and members that contain reinforcing steel or tendons, or both.
AS/NZS 3760:2022 - Everything you need to know
Inspection and testing guidelines for electrical equipment
AS/NZS 3760 is a Standards Australia regulation for the safe testing (and tagging) of electrical equipment. This is applicable to devices in residential, commercial, and even industrial settings.
What is the AS 1657 Standard?
Standards essential for stair design and safety
AS 1657 is a set of compliance requirements for constructing stairs, fixed ladders and platforms in various contexts. It prioritises careful design and accessibility to give you peace of mind that your business is safe.
AS/NZS 1716:2012
Respiratory protective devices
Specifies requirements, performance and testing criteria for the manufacture of respiratory protective devices (respirators) intended to provide protection against harmful atmospheres.
What is Australian Standard AS 1530?
Australian Standard for fire Testing Materials and Systems
Standard AS 1530 aims to establish consistent requirements regarding heating conditions, testing procedures, and criteria applicable to building designers, manufacturers, test laboratories, and regulatory authorities.
What is AS 4000-1997 and Why is it Important?
Simplify and standardise construction contracts
AS 4000-1997 is an Australian Standard that outlines general conditions of contract for construction projects. It sets industry-wide guidelines for contractual relationships, making things clear and fair for everyone involved.
What is AS 1428.1:2021?
Standards for Access and Mobility Guide
This guide will detail the key components of AS 1428.1, focusing on key elements such as grab rails, handrails, and the proper placement of accessibility features. Whether you're an architect or builder understanding AS 1428.1 is vital.
A Guide to AS/NZS 1754 the Standard for Child Restraint Systems
Everything to know about AS/NZS 1754
Child restraint systems are a critical part of optimising vehicle safety for children. They are designed to lower the risk of serious injury or death in the event of an accident.
AS 2870:2011 – Residential Slabs and Footings Standard
Implement the Standard, get compliant.
The AS 2870 Residential Slabs and Footings Standard sets out the criteria and specific designs and construction of slabs and footing systems in residential buildings to maintain structural integrity and reduce damage caused by soil movement.
Guide to Australian Medical Device Standards and Regulations
Medical Device Standards
Medical device regulation is a regulatory framework for devices used in medicine and healthcare settings. This includes such products as monitors, syringes, X-Ray equipment, software, ventilators and implants.
Australian Food Safety Standards
Standards enable the regulation of the whole food supply chain
Australia’s Food Safety Standards are governed by Food Safety Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) – an independent agency that forms part of the federal government’s health portfolio.
Guide to the Australian and New Zealand Wiring Rules Standard
Everything you need to know about AS/NZS 3000:2018
The Wiring Rules provide technical assistance and guidance to electricians and electrical contractors with regard to the design, construction and verification of electrical installations, as well as the installation of appropriate equipment.