Standards & Compliance
Every inspection is built on Australian standards.
Facade Inspect reports reference the specific clauses and requirements of each applicable standard. This page explains what each standard covers and how we apply it.
Inspection of Buildings, Part 0: General Requirements
Scope
AS 4349.0 sets the baseline for all building inspections in Australia. It defines what constitutes a competent inspection, the expected level of reporting, the limitations of a visual assessment, and the responsibilities of the inspector. It applies to pre-purchase inspections, condition assessments, and periodic maintenance reviews. The standard requires inspectors to identify "major defects" and "minor defects" using defined criteria, and to communicate findings in plain language that a non-technical reader can understand.
Key Requirements
Inspectors must hold relevant qualifications and insurance. Reports must clearly state the scope, method, limitations, and findings. Every identified defect must be classified and described with its location, extent, and recommended action. The standard requires that inspections are conducted with "reasonable care and skill" and that the inspector declares any limitations on access or visibility.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Every Facade Inspect assessment follows AS 4349.0 reporting requirements. Our defect register classifies every finding by severity and location, references the applicable standard clauses, and provides clear remediation recommendations. The 3D model goes beyond the standard by pinning each defect to an exact location in the building geometry, making it easy for building owners to understand where problems are and track them over time.
Scope
AS/NZS 4284 covers the physical testing of building facades for resistance to water penetration, air infiltration, and structural adequacy under wind loads. It applies to curtain wall systems, window wall systems, and panel systems. The standard defines test methods, performance criteria, and pass/fail thresholds for both laboratory and field conditions.
Key Requirements
Facade systems must be tested for water penetration at specified pressure differentials that simulate wind-driven rain. Air infiltration rates must fall within defined limits. Structural performance under positive and negative wind pressure must meet the design loads calculated under AS 1170.2. Field testing of installed facades must follow the procedures in the standard and be performed by qualified personnel.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
When Facade Inspect identifies suspected water ingress or envelope failure, we reference AS/NZS 4284 test criteria to determine whether field testing is warranted. Our thermal imaging surveys detect moisture patterns that indicate potential penetration points. Where testing is recommended, we scope the work to AS/NZS 4284 methods and coordinate with specialist testing contractors.
Scope
Part F3 of the National Construction Code sets performance requirements for the resistance of building elements to moisture penetration. It covers external walls, roofs, wet areas, and subfloor ventilation. For facades, the critical provisions relate to external wall cladding, window and door openings, joints, and junctions. Part F3 applies to all Class 2 to 9 buildings (multi-residential, commercial, public).
Key Requirements
External walls must prevent water from penetrating to the interior of the building in quantities that would cause damage to building elements, loss of amenity, or unhealthy conditions. The code specifies deemed-to-satisfy provisions for cladding fixings, flashings, sealant joints, weep holes, and drainage cavities. Where the building does not meet deemed-to-satisfy provisions, performance-based evidence of compliance is required.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Facade Inspect reports assess the building envelope against Part F3 requirements. Our inspectors check sealant joints for adhesion and cohesion failure, flashings for correct overlap and fixing, weep holes for blockage, and cladding fixings for corrosion or failure. Any defect that compromises weatherproofing is flagged with the relevant Part F3 clause so the building owner and engineer can assess compliance and plan remediation.
Body Corporate and Community Management Act (QLD)
Scope
The BCCM Act governs the management of common property in strata-titled buildings in Queensland. Common property includes the building facade, roof, structural elements, and shared services. The Act imposes duties on the body corporate to maintain common property in good condition and to establish sinking funds adequate to cover expected maintenance and repair costs over time.
Key Requirements
The body corporate must keep common property in good and structurally sound condition, must not allow common property to become a nuisance or hazard, and must maintain adequate insurance. Regular condition assessments of the facade are part of meeting these obligations. The sinking fund forecast must account for expected facade maintenance and remediation costs. Failure to maintain common property can result in BCCM adjudication claims by lot owners.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Facade Inspect provides strata managers and body corporate committees with the condition data they need to meet BCCM obligations. Our severity-ranked defect register and cost estimates feed directly into sinking fund planning. The 3D model gives committee members a clear visual understanding of the building condition without needing technical expertise. Share links allow AGM presentations without printing or distributing large documents.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act
Scope
The QBCC Act regulates the building and construction industry in Queensland, including licensing, standards of work, insurance, and dispute resolution. For facade work, the Act establishes the defects liability period during which builders must rectify defective work at their own cost. Structural defects have a liability period of six years and six months from completion. Non-structural defects have a shorter period.
Key Requirements
Builders must hold a QBCC licence for the class of building work being performed. Work must comply with the Building Act 1975 and the National Construction Code. During the defects liability period, the builder must rectify defective work on written notice. Building owners can lodge complaints with the QBCC if defective work is not rectified. Home warranty insurance applies to residential building work.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Facade Inspect reports provide the documented evidence required to lodge a QBCC complaint or to demonstrate that a defect falls within the liability period. Our defect classification and timeline tracking in the 3D model establish when a defect was first identified, how it has progressed, and what remediation has been attempted. This evidence chain is critical for dispute resolution.
Quality Management Systems
Scope
ISO 9001 is the international standard for quality management systems. It applies to any organisation that wants to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. For inspection and professional services firms, ISO 9001 covers process documentation, competency management, calibration of equipment, internal auditing, and continual improvement.
Key Requirements
The organisation must document its quality management system, define processes and responsibilities, maintain records of competency and training, calibrate and maintain inspection equipment, conduct internal audits, and implement corrective actions for nonconformities. Management reviews must be conducted at planned intervals to ensure the system remains effective.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Allied Commercial operates under an ISO 9001 quality management system. This means every Facade Inspect assessment follows a documented process. Inspection equipment including thermal cameras and LiDAR scanners is calibrated on schedule. Inspectors hold current qualifications and training records. Reports are reviewed by qualified engineers before release. Nonconformities identified through auditing trigger corrective actions that improve the inspection process over time.
Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
Scope
ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety management. It applies to all work activities, including rope access, working at heights, and exposure to hazardous materials such as lead paint or asbestos-containing materials that may be encountered during facade inspections. The standard requires a systematic approach to identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls.
Key Requirements
The organisation must identify hazards associated with its work activities, assess the risk level, and implement a hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment. For rope access work, this includes anchor point assessment, equipment inspection, rescue planning, and competency verification. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be prepared for every high-risk task.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Every Facade Inspect site mobilisation begins with a detailed SWMS covering anchor assessment, rigging plans, exclusion zones, emergency procedures, and rescue capability. Our IRATA-certified technicians undergo annual recertification and equipment is inspected before every deployment. Safety incidents and near-misses are recorded and investigated. The ISO 45001 system ensures that safety is not left to individual judgement but built into every step of the inspection process.
Industrial Fall-Arrest Systems and Devices, Part 4: Selection, Use and Maintenance
Scope
AS/NZS 1891.4 covers the selection, use, and maintenance of fall arrest equipment used in rope access and other work-at-height activities. It applies to harnesses, lanyards, connectors, anchor devices, and fall arrest systems. The standard is directly relevant to the safety of rope access technicians conducting facade inspections.
Key Requirements
All fall arrest equipment must be selected for the specific work task, inspected before each use, and maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions. Equipment must be retired after a fall arrest event or when it reaches its service life limit. Users must be trained in the correct fitting, use, and inspection of the equipment. Records of equipment inspections and maintenance must be kept.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
Our rope access technicians are equipped with harnesses, lanyards, and connectors that comply with AS/NZS 1891.4. Equipment is inspected before every deployment and maintained on a documented schedule. All anchor points used for rope access are assessed for load capacity before attachment. If existing anchors are inadequate, temporary anchoring systems are installed by qualified riggers.
Scope
AS 1288 governs the selection, design, and installation of glass in buildings. It covers safety glass requirements, glass thickness calculations, edge protection, and glazing methods. For facade inspections, the standard is relevant to window and curtain wall glazing, balustrade glass, and any glass cladding panels. It defines the requirements for different exposure conditions including wind loads, human impact, and thermal stress.
Key Requirements
Glass type and thickness must be selected based on wind load calculations under AS 1170.2, the location and height of the glazing, the risk of human impact, and the framing system. Safety glass (toughened or laminated) is required in locations where breakage could cause injury. Glazing must be installed with appropriate clearances, setting blocks, and sealant types. Balustrade glass has additional requirements for edge treatment and fixing.
How Facade Inspect Applies This
During facade inspections, our technicians assess glazing for chips, cracks, delamination, seal failure, and framing corrosion. Where glass defects are identified, we reference AS 1288 to classify the risk and determine whether replacement is needed. For curtain wall buildings, glazing is a major component of the defect register. Thermal imaging can also reveal seal failures and moisture ingress around glazing units.