Part H4 Health and amenity

NCC 2022 Volume Two - Building Code of Australia Class 1 and 10 buildings

Search the National Construction Code editions

State

Filter by state

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Climate Zone

Filter by zone

Climate Zone 1
Climate Zone 2
Climate Zone 3
Climate Zone 4
Climate Zone 5
Climate Zone 6
Climate Zone 7
Climate Zone 8

Building Classification

Classification

Filter

State

Filter by state

Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia

Climate Zone

Filter by zone

Climate Zone 1
Climate Zone 2
Climate Zone 3
Climate Zone 4
Climate Zone 5
Climate Zone 6
Climate Zone 7
Climate Zone 8

Building Classification

Classification

Part H4 Health and amenity

Introduction to this Part

This Part is intended to address several factors which impact on health and amenity. These factors include, waterproofing of wet areas, room heights, kitchen, laundry and toilet facilities, lighting, ventilation, sound insulation and condensation.

Objectives

H4O1

Wet areas

2019: O2.4.1

2019: O2.4.1

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O2

Room heights

2019: O2.4.2

2019: O2.4.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O3

Facilities

2019: O2.4.3

The Objective is to—

safeguard occupants from illness caused by infection; and
safeguard occupants from loss of amenity arising from the absence of adequate personal hygiene facilities; and
enable occupants to carry out laundering; and
provide for facilities to enable food preparation; and
enable unconscious occupants of sanitary compartments to be removed from the compartment.

2019: O2.4.3

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O4

Light

2019: O2.4.4

2019: O2.4.4

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O5

Ventilation

2019: O2.4.5

2019: O2.4.5

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O6

Sound insulation

2019: O2.4.6

2019: O2.4.6

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4O7

Condensation and water vapour management

New for 2022

New for 2022

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

Functional Statements

H4F1

Wet areas

2019: F2.4.1

2019: F2.4.1

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F2

Room heights

2019: F2.4.2

2019: F2.4.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F3

Facilities

2019: F2.4.3

A building is to be provided with suitable—

space and facilities for personal hygiene; and
space or facilities for laundering; and
space and facilities for the preparation and cooking of food; and
space or other means to permit an unconscious occupant to be removed from a sanitary compartment; and
means for the sanitary disposal of waste water.

Applications

H4F3 only applies to a Class 1 building.

2019: F2.4.3

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F4

Light

2019: F2.4.4

(1) A habitable room within a building is to be provided with openings to admit adequate natural light consistent with its function or use.

(2) A space within a building used by occupants is to be provided with artificial lighting consistent with its function or use which, when activated in the absence of suitable natural light, will enable safe movement.

2019: F2.4.4

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F5

Ventilation

2019: F2.4.5

2019: F2.4.5

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F6

Sound insulation

2019: F2.4.6

2019: F2.4.6

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4F7

Condensation and water vapour management

New for 2022

New for 2022

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

Performance Requirements

H4P1

Wet areas

2019: P2.4.1

(1) To protect the structure of the building and to maintain the amenity of the occupants, water must be prevented from penetrating—

behind fittings and linings; or
into concealed spaces,

of sanitary facilities, bathrooms, laundries and the like.

2019: P2.4.1

State variations

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P2

Room heights

2019: P2.4.2

2019: P2.4.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P3

Personal hygiene and other facilities

2019: P2.4.3

(1) Suitable sanitary facilities for personal hygiene must be provided in a convenient location within or associated with a building, appropriate to its function or use.

(2) Laundering facilities or space for laundering facilities and the means for sanitary disposal of waste water must be provided in a convenient location within or associated with a building, appropriate to its function or use.

(3) A food preparation facility must be provided which includes—

a means for food rinsing, utensil washing and the sanitary disposal of associated waste water; and
a means for cooking food; and
a space for food preparation.

(4) A sanitary compartment must be constructed with sufficient space or other means to enable an unconscious occupant to be removed from the compartment.

Applications

H4P3 only applies to a Class 1 building.

Explanatory information

For the purposes of H4P3(2), waste water includes water soiled as a result of clothes washing, mopping floors and other domestic cleaning processes.

2019: P2.4.3

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P4

Lighting

2019: P2.4.4

(1) A habitable room must be provided with windows, where appropriate to the function or use of that part of the building, so that natural light, when available, provides an average daylight factor of not less than 2%.

(2) Artificial lighting must be installed to provide an illuminance of not less than 20 lux appropriate to the function or use of the building to enable safe movement by occupants.

Applications

H4P4(2) only applies—

to sanitary compartments, bathrooms, shower rooms, airlocks, laundries and the like; and
if natural light of a suitable standard is not available.

Explanatory information

H4P4(1) nominates a minimum average daylight factor for rooms provided with natural light. Note that H4V2 provides a method by which average daylight factor may be calculated.

To comply with H4P4(2), the level of artificial light must enable safe movement by occupants, appropriate to the use of the building. For example, in a movie room a lower level of lighting may be appropriate while a movie is being screened, however at the beginning and end of the movie when occupants are entering and exiting the movie room the minimum lighting level of 20 lux may be appropriate.

2019: P2.4.4

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P5

Ventilation

2019: P2.4.5

(1) A space within a building used by occupants must be provided with means of ventilation with outdoor air which will maintain adequate air quality.

(2) A mechanical air-handling system installed in a building must control—

the circulation of objectionable odours; and
the accumulation of harmful contamination by micro-organisms, pathogens and toxins.

(3) Contaminated air must be disposed of in a manner which does not unduly create a nuisance or hazard to people in the building or other property.

2019: P2.4.5

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P6

Sound insulation

2019: P2.4.6

(1) Walls separating dwellings must, to provide insulation against the transmission of airborne sound, have a weighted standardised level difference with spectrum adaptation term (D_nT,_w+C_tr) not less than 45.

(2) Walls separating a bathroom, sanitary compartment, laundry or kitchen in a dwelling from a habitable room (other than a kitchen) in an adjoining dwelling, must provide insulation against impact generated sound sufficient to prevent illness or loss of amenity to the occupants.

(3) The required sound insulation of walls must not be compromised by the incorporation or penetration of a pipe or other service element.

2019: P2.4.6

State variations

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4P7

Condensation and water vapour management

2019: P2.4.7

2019: P2.4.7

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

Verification Methods

H4V1

Room or space height

2019: V2.4.2

(1) Compliance with H4P2 is verified where the height of a room or space provides an appropriate activity support level that does not unduly interfere with its intended function.

(2) For a room or space in (1), the activity support level must consider the dimensions of—

doors, ramps, barriers, stairs and windows; and
fixed fittings and domestic services; and
fixed and moveable equipment or furniture; and
occupant circulation spaces.

Explanatory information

The intent of H4P2 is the height of a room or space is sufficient for the intended use of the room or space. ‘Intended use’ recognises that the height required in a room or space is directly related to the room or space's intended function.

H4V1 is a means to verify that the height of a room or space is suitable for the intended use, and therefore meets the requirement of H4P2.

In relation to the intended function of a room or space, the activities that are likely to be undertaken by occupants in the room of space, as well the features of the activities, are relevant considerations when determining a suitable height.

For example, if the intended use of a room is a gymnasium, then gymnastic activities are likely to be undertaken in the room. These activities often involve jumps and flips which require significant space in order to be undertaken safely.

In terms of the occupants, their features and needs are also relevant when determining a suitable height. For example, occupant features and needs would differ between rooms or spaces intended as a child’s play area, and rooms or spaces intended for adult’s indoor cricket.

The method requires consideration of ‘activity traits’, ‘occupant traits’ and ‘activity support level’. Refer to Schedule 1 for more information on these terms.

When determining the activity support level, the method requires consideration of the relevant dimensions of items likely to be located in the room or space, as well as occupant circulation spaces.

Some of these considerations are—

stairs and ramps, since the height of the room of the space will change relative to the occupant during incline and decline; and
fixed fittings such as lights that may protrude from the ceiling and wash-basins; and
domestic services such as air-conditioners, heaters, ceiling fans and heated water systems; and
fixed equipment such manufacturing or processing equipment, permanent signage or displays and lifts; and
moveable equipment such as whitegoods; and
fixed furniture such as built-in wardrobes and permanent seating; and
moveable furniture such as wardrobes, desks and beds; and
occupant circulation spaces so that occupants can move comfortably and safety around the room or space.

For example, the location and dimensions of a wash-basin is a relevant consideration in determining the activity support level of a bathroom. This is because an occupant will typically need to access the wash-basin whilst standing, which will influence the necessary height of the space.

Another example is the consideration of moveable equipment such as a refrigerator in a kitchen. If the intended use of a space is a kitchen, then it would be unrealistic to determine a sufficient height for the room without considering the height of a typical refrigerator that would be located in the room.

2019: V2.4.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4V2

Verification of suitable natural light

2019: V2.4.4

Compliance with H4P4(1) is verified for the provision of natural light in all habitable rooms when the average daylight factor for each window is determined in accordance with the following formula:

$Average Daylight Factor = \frac{W}{A} \frac{T θ}{(1 - R^{2})}$ , where—

$W$
= the net area of the light transmitting area of the window (m²); and
$A$
= the total area of the internal wall, floor and ceiling surfaces (m²); and
$T$
= the diffuse light transmittance of the window; and
$θ$
= visible sky angle in degrees, measured in a plane normal to and from the centre of the window; and
$R$
= the area-weighted average reflectance of area
$A$
.

Explanatory information

H4V2 is equivalent to F6V3 in NCC Volume One. Guidance on the use of F6V3 can be found in the Guide to NCC Volume One, and is applicable to the use of H4V2.

2019: V2.4.4

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4V3

Verification of indoor air quality

2019: V2.4.5

For a Class 1 building, compliance with H4P5(1) and H4P5(2)(a) is verified when it is determined that the building under typical conditions in use is provided with sufficient ventilation with outdoor air such that contaminant levels do not exceed the limits specified in Table H4V3.

Pollutant	Averaging Time	Maximum Air Quality Value
Carbon dioxide, CO₂	8 hours	850 ppm ^{Note 1}
Carbon monoxide, CO	15 minutes	90 ppm
Carbon monoxide, CO	30 minutes	50 ppm
Carbon monoxide, CO	1 hour	25 ppm
Carbon monoxide, CO	8 hours	10 ppm
Formaldehyde, CH₂O	30 minutes	0.1 mg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide, NO₂	1 year	40 μg/m³ (0.0197 ppm) ^{Note 2}
Nitrogen dioxide, NO₂	1 hour	200 μg/m³ (0.0987 ppm) ^{Note 2}
Ozone, O₃	8 hour, daily maximum	100 μg/m³ (0.0473 ppm)
Particulate matter, PM_2.5	1 year	10 μg/m³
Particulate matter, PM_2.5	24 hour (99th percentile)	25 μg/m³
Particulate matter, PM₁₀	1 year	20 μg/m³
Particulate matter, PM₁₀	24 hour (99th percentile)	50 μg/m³
Total volatile organic compounds	1 hour	500 μg/m³

2019: V2.4.5

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4V4

Sound insulation

2019: V2.4.6

Compliance with H4P6(1) and (3) to insulate against transmission of airborne sound through walls separating dwellings is verified when it is measured in-situ that the wall has a weighted standardised level difference with spectrum adaptation term (D_nT,_w + C_tr) not less than 45 when determined under AS/NZS ISO 717.1.

2019: V2.4.6

State variations

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4V5

Verification of condensation management

2019: V2.4.7

(1) Compliance with Performance Requirement H4P7 is verified for a roof or external wall assembly when it is determined that a mould index of greater than 3, as defined by Section 6 of AIRAH DA07, does not occur on—

the interior surface of the water control layer; or
the surfaces of building fabric components interior to the water control layer.

(2) The calculation method for (1) must use—

input assumptions in accordance with AIRAH DA07; and
the intermediate method for calculating indoor design humidity in Section 4.3.2 of AIRAH DA07.

2019: V2.4.7

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

H4D1

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

New for 2022

New for 2022

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D2

Wet areas

2019: 3.8.1.1, 3.8.1.2

2019: 3.8.1.1, 3.8.1.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D3

Materials and installation of wet area components and systems

New for 2022

Performance Requirement H4P1 is satisfied for materials and the installation of wet area components and systems if—

building elements in wet areas are water resistant or waterproof in accordance with clauses 10.2.1 to 10.2.6 of the ABCB Housing Provisions; and
they comply with either—
1. AS 3740 and clause 10.2.12 of the ABCB Housing Provisions; or
2. 10.2.7 to 10.2.32 of the ABCB Housing Provisions.

Notes: Livable housing design

In a Class 1a dwelling, at least one bathroom and at least one toilet must comply with the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design, which may override the requirements of H4D3.

Explanatory information

AS 3740 and the ABCB Housing Provisions contain requirements for shower hobs and shower over bath configurations, however these may only be used in a bathroom that is not subject to the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design. Generally, the ABCB Standard for Livable Housing Design only applies to one bathroom per dwelling. Therefore, shower hobs and the like may only be used in any additional bathrooms.

New for 2022

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D4

Room heights

2019: 3.8.2

2019: 3.8.2

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D5

Facilities

2019: 3.8.3

Compliance with Part 10.4 of the ABCB Housing Provisions satisfies Performance Requirement H4P3 for facilities.

Explanatory information: Additional requirements

Additional requirements relating to facilities for people with a disability in Class 1b and Class 10a buildings are contained in NCC Volume One. These requirements are based on the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards (Premises Standards) which are available from the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department website at www.ag.gov.au.

Explanatory information: Cross-volume considerations

NCC Volume Three contains a number of plumbing and drainage provisions which are relevant to facilities. These include, but may not be limited to, the following:

Access for maintenance of plumbing and drainage: Parts B1, B2, B3, C1 and C2.
Heated water temperature control for facilities used for personal hygiene: Part B2.
Installation of sanitary plumbing and drainage systems: Parts C1 and C2.

2019: 3.8.3

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D6

Light

2019: 3.8.4

2019: 3.8.4

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D7

Ventilation

2019: 3.8.5]

(1) Except for an exhaust fan from a sanitary compartment, laundry, kitchen or bathroom, Performance Requirement H4P5 is satisfied for a mechanical ventilation system if it is installed in accordance with AS 1668.2.

(2) Compliance with Part 10.6 of the ABCB Housing Provisions satisfies Performance Requirement H4P5 for ventilation.

2019: 3.8.5]

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D8

Sound insulation

2019: 3.8.6

2019: 3.8.6

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

H4D9

Condensation management

2019: 3.8.7

Compliance with Part 10.8 of the ABCB Housing Provisions satisfies Performance Requirement H4P7 for condensation management.

Notes

From 1 May 2023 to 30 September 2023 P2.4.7, V2.4.7 and Part 3.8.7 of NCC 2019 Volume Two Amendment 1 may apply instead of H4P7, H4V5 and H4D9 of NCC 2022 Volume Two. From 1 October 2023 H4P7, H4V5 and H4D9 of NCC 2022 Volume Two applies.

Explanatory information

The intent of these requirements is to assist in the mitigation of condensation within a building. The implementation of condensation management measures may not prevent condensation from occurring.

2019: 3.8.7

State variations

Print Clause Save Clause Copy Clause Email

Filter

Part H4 Health and amenity

Introduction to this Part

Objectives

H4O1 Wet areas 2019: O2.4.1

State variations

H4O2 Room heights 2019: O2.4.2

State variations

H4O3 Facilities 2019: O2.4.3

State variations

H4O4 Light 2019: O2.4.4

State variations

H4O5 Ventilation 2019: O2.4.5

State variations

H4O6 Sound insulation 2019: O2.4.6

State variations

H4O7 Condensation and water vapour management New for 2022

State variations

Functional Statements

H4F1 Wet areas 2019: F2.4.1

State variations

H4F2 Room heights 2019: F2.4.2

State variations

H4F3 Facilities 2019: F2.4.3

State variations

H4F4 Light 2019: F2.4.4

State variations

H4F5 Ventilation 2019: F2.4.5

State variations

H4F6 Sound insulation 2019: F2.4.6

State variations

H4F7 Condensation and water vapour management New for 2022

State variations

Performance Requirements

H4P1 Wet areas 2019: P2.4.1

State variations

H4P2 Room heights 2019: P2.4.2

State variations

H4P3 Personal hygiene and other facilities 2019: P2.4.3

State variations

H4P4 Lighting 2019: P2.4.4

State variations

H4P5 Ventilation 2019: P2.4.5

State variations

H4P6 Sound insulation 2019: P2.4.6

State variations

H4P7 Condensation and water vapour management 2019: P2.4.7

State variations

Verification Methods

H4V1 Room or space height 2019: V2.4.2

State variations

H4V2 Verification of suitable natural light 2019: V2.4.4

State variations

H4V3 Verification of indoor air quality 2019: V2.4.5

State variations

H4V4 Sound insulation 2019: V2.4.6

State variations

H4V5 Verification of condensation management 2019: V2.4.7

State variations

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

H4D1 Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions New for 2022

State variations

H4D2 Wet areas 2019: 3.8.1.1, 3.8.1.2

State variations

H4D3 Materials and installation of wet area components and systems New for 2022

State variations

H4D4 Room heights 2019: 3.8.2

State variations

H4D5 Facilities 2019: 3.8.3

State variations

H4D6 Light 2019: 3.8.4

State variations

H4D7 Ventilation 2019: 3.8.5]

State variations

H4D8 Sound insulation 2019: 3.8.6

State variations

H4D9 Condensation management 2019: 3.8.7

State variations

H4O1

Wet areas

2019: O2.4.1

H4O2

Room heights

2019: O2.4.2

H4O3

Facilities

2019: O2.4.3

H4O4

Light

2019: O2.4.4

H4O5

Ventilation

2019: O2.4.5

H4O6

Sound insulation

2019: O2.4.6

H4O7

Condensation and water vapour management

New for 2022

H4F1

Wet areas

2019: F2.4.1

H4F2

Room heights

2019: F2.4.2

H4F3

Facilities

2019: F2.4.3

H4F4

Light

2019: F2.4.4

H4F5

Ventilation

2019: F2.4.5

H4F6

Sound insulation

2019: F2.4.6

H4F7

Condensation and water vapour management

New for 2022

H4P1

Wet areas

2019: P2.4.1

H4P2

Room heights

2019: P2.4.2

H4P3

Personal hygiene and other facilities

2019: P2.4.3

H4P4

Lighting

2019: P2.4.4

H4P5

Ventilation

2019: P2.4.5

H4P6

Sound insulation

2019: P2.4.6

H4P7

Condensation and water vapour management

2019: P2.4.7

H4V1

Room or space height

2019: V2.4.2

H4V2

Verification of suitable natural light

2019: V2.4.4

H4V3

Verification of indoor air quality

2019: V2.4.5

H4V4

Sound insulation

2019: V2.4.6

H4V5

Verification of condensation management

2019: V2.4.7

H4D1

Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions

New for 2022

H4D2

Wet areas

2019: 3.8.1.1, 3.8.1.2

H4D3

Materials and installation of wet area components and systems

New for 2022

H4D4

Room heights

2019: 3.8.2

H4D5

Facilities

2019: 3.8.3

H4D6

Light

2019: 3.8.4

H4D7

Ventilation

2019: 3.8.5]

H4D8

Sound insulation

2019: 3.8.6

H4D9

Condensation management

2019: 3.8.7