Revised Australian Standards, Pre-construction Termite Management SpecialistThe Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has revised the Australian Standards for Termite Management on new building work and on assessment criteria for certification on termite management systems. Changes are currently being phased in via the National Construction Code.

Tony Dunn, Active Pest Management’s Pre-construction Termite Management Specialist, recently presented to members of the Master Builders Association of NSW (MBANSW) about the revisions coming into play by April 30, 2017 and explained how builders can ensure the correct Termite Management Systems are used on their sites.

The newly revised Australian Standards are:

  • AS 3660.1:2014 Termite Management Part 1: New Building Work; and
  • AS 3660.3:2014 Termite Management Part 3: Assessment Criteria for Termite Management Systems

The revisions address concerns about: (i) use of the term “termite barrier” in AS 3660.1 and the NCC (National Construction Code); (ii) the consistency of certification of termite management systems.

These amendments have been made to clarify the provisions and incorporate additional methods of compliance in the NCC which are not reliant on AS 3660.1

Tony explained, “The last industry update was 16 years ago, so it was high time for this revision, but changes are being phased in over a 2 year period so builders have time to catch up with requirements.

“The MBA information night gave me the opportunity to clarify some of the misinformation within the industry about products currently being used, particularly in regard to the term ‘stainless steel mesh’ now being replaced with ‘sheet material’ and the impact of that simple change on the industry,” Tony said.

“I also took the time to emphasise to builders the importance of passing on to customers the details of the pest company that installed their termite management system.  It is paramount that home owners fully understand that any manufacturer’s warranty on installed termite management products will depend on a record of regular, annual inspections of their system.  Without regular inspections at least annually, their warranty will be null and void, and it’s important that is made loud and clear.

“I am happy to talk to anyone wanting more information about the Australian Standards changes and what the implications are on their construction sites.” said Tony.

To speak with Tony Dunn about Termite Management products and their suitability for current and/or future use on your construction sites, call 0435 282 370 or EMAIL HERE.

For government and regulatory details about the Australian Standard revisions, see the following links:

AUSTRALIAN BUILDING CODES BOARD News Release
Changes to Termite Management Provisions – Public Consultation Overview – June 2014

AUSTRALIAN BUILDING REGULATION Bulletin Issue 14
Keeping Up-to-Date with Standards

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA MEDIA RELEASE
New Revised Standards for Termite Management, November 10, 2014