Demolition and assembly work is often required to carry out large scale building modifications. Demolition is the complete or partial dismantling of a building structure by controlled measures, whereas, assembly work is the complete or partial assembly of building structures by controlled measures.
Building Code of Australia outlines the technical requirements relevant to the design and construction of buildings or related structures, and takes into consideration the Australian Standards. The Australian Building Codes Board monitors the building codes and operates on behalf of the Federal, State and Territory Governments of Australia, who have statutory responsibility for building within their jurisdiction. The Building Code of Australia and the new access to premises guidelines introduced in May 2011 applies to work on new or existing buildings and contains specific considerations for persons with a disability.
It is essential that all demolition and assembly work be completed considering the access to premises guidelines, Disability Discrimination Act, Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards to ensure the building is both safe and accessible.
Australian Standard 2601, the demolition of structures, sets out the planning and procedures for demolition by contractors, engineers and builders. There are various State and Territory regulating authorities, and it is the responsibility of the demolition contractor to ensure they are aware of the relevant authority requirements and to ensure their qualifications are appropriate and current.
All assembly works should consider the following Australian Standards:
- AS 1428.1—Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work
- AS 1428.2—Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced and additional requirements—Building and facilities.
Access consultants and building surveyors may be employed to provide additional information regarding access and building modifications to comply with the access to premises guidelines.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with disability, particularly where the use of a physical aid such as a wheelchair is required, demolition and assembly work may be required to assist with access issues in the workplace. For example, areas may need to be cleared so that a wheelchair ramp can be put into place.
When considering demolition and assembly of building structures, the following link may be helpful:
References
Standards Australia 2001, AS 1428.1, Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access—New building work, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Standards Australia 1992, AS 1428.2, Design for access and mobility, Part 2: Enhanced & additional requirements—Building facilities, Standards Australia, Sydney.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to buildings and services: Guidelines and information, Australian Human Rights Commission, Sydney, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/guidelines.htm.
Australian Human Rights Commission 2011, Access to premises, Australian Human Commission, Sydney, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.hreoc.gov.au/disability_rights/buildings/access_to_premises.html.
Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc. 2010, Policies, Acts & Regulations, Association of Consultants in Access Australia Inc, Sydney, viewed
20 May 2011, http://access.asn.au/policies_acts_regulations.
WorkSafe Victoria 2007, Demolition (Code of Practice No.14, 1991), Victorian WorkCover Authority, Melbourne, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/wsinternet/worksafe/home/forms+and+publications/publications/import_demolition+%28code+of+practice+no.+14%2C+1991%29.
Australian Building Codes Board 1999—2011, Access for People with a Disability, Australian Building Codes Board, Canberra, viewed 20 May 2011, http://www.abcb.gov.au/go/whatweredoing/workprogram/projectsae/access.