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Electrical safety on residential construction sites
Every powered tool, lead, board and temporary supply on an AU residential build sits under AS/NZS 3012 and the WHS Regulations. RCD protection is mandatory, test and tag intervals are short, and
7 star NatHERS rating in VIC: NCC 2022 adoption and whole of home
VIC adopted NCC 2022 from 1 May 2024, lifting new homes from 6 to 7 stars under NatHERS and adding a Whole of Home rating. Software pathways, alternatives and transition rules.
Silica dust on residential construction sites in Australia
Silica is the next asbestos. Engineered stone fabrication is now banned across Australia and silica controls on residential sites are being enforced hard. Builders cutting bricks, blocks, tile
PCBU and Employer Primary Duty of Care Across Australian Jurisdictions
Primary duty of care duties are broadly consistent across Australia despite framework differences. Seven jurisdictions use PCBU terminology; Victoria uses employer.
Industrial and Workplace Manslaughter Across Australian Jurisdictions
Every Australian jurisdiction now has an industrial or workplace manslaughter offence. Penalties range from $10 million to $20 million for a body corporate. NT has unique life imprisonment for individuals.
National Crystalline Silica Regulatory Reforms from 1 September 2024
All 8 Australian jurisdictions strengthened crystalline silica controls from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring, 0.05 mg/m3 exposure standard.
Domestic Building Insurance (DBI) in Victoria: when residential builders must hold cover
From 1 July 2026 Victoria replaced DBI with the first-resort Home Warranty scheme (work over $20,000, $400,000 cap, BPC as sole provider). DBI still governs contracts signed before that date.
Variations to NSW residential building contracts: written and signed under the Home Building Act 1989
How variations to NSW residential building contracts must be documented under section 7E and Schedule 2 of the Home Building Act 1989. The written-and-signed rule, what a compliant variation
Electrical Licences in Australia: State Comparison and AS/NZS 3000
How residential electrical licensing works across Australian states and territories, AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules and restricted electrical licences.
Smoke Alarm Installation for New Australian Homes: AS 3786, Mains Power and Placement
AS 3786 alarms, hardwired with battery backup, interconnected and placed on every storey and outside sleeping areas. NCC Part 9.5 baseline plus tighter Qld, NSW and Vic rules.
Council Stop Work Orders on Residential Sites: How They Issue and How to Respond
A stop work order halts building work. NSW issues under EP&A Act s 9.34. VIC under Building Act s 113. QLD via enforcement notices under the Planning Act 2016.
CodeMark vs WaterMark in Australia: When Each Applies
CodeMark and WaterMark are both ABCB schemes but cover different products. CodeMark is voluntary for structural and other NCC building products. WaterMark is mandatory for plumbing and drainage under NCC Volume Three.