What does the BCA cover?

The BCA contains the technical requirements for buildings according to class. Building classifications are labelled from Class 1 to Class 10, with subclasses being applicable for some classes (eg Class 10a). A  building may have parts that have different uses which may be assigned more than one classification.

The BCA is split into two distinct volumes.

Volume One mostly governs requirements for:

• Class 2 to 9 buildings (commercial, industrial, multi-residential buildings and public assembly buildings) and their associated structures);
• access requirements for people with a disability in Class 1b and 10a buildings; and
• certain Class 10b structures including access requirements for people with a disability in Class 10b swimming pools.

Volume Two mostly governs requirements for:

• Class 1 and 10a buildings (other than access requirements for people with a disability in Class 1b and 10a buildings) (houses, sheds and carports);
• certain Class 10b structures (other than access requirements for people with a disability in Class 10b swimming pools); and
• Class 10c private bushfire shelters.

The provisions in Volume One are significantly different from those in Volume Two. The clauses are written in plain English and include diagrams to explain the code requirements. Explanatory information also accompanies clauses to assist users in understanding the requirements of the code. The code has been structured to follow the normal construction sequence, commencing with site works and progressing through the various construction stages to completion.