Page 11
Category: Regulations
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Open discussion on industrial equipment efficiency
Three technical discussion papers, for industrial pumps, compressors and boilers, have been released for industry comment. The Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program prioritisation plan identified these industrial products as high priority and a focus for immediate attention. The Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, on behalf of the Committee overseeing the E3 Program, […]
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Check licence requirements now, warns QBCC
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is alerting employees who perform air conditioning and refrigeration work for a licensed contractor that they must hold the relevant mechanical services occupational licence by January 1, 2022. Contractors who hold a mechanical services licence and have employees who perform mechanical services work are encouraged to discuss licensing […]
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Vote imminent on flammable standard
The votes are set to be counted on an updated international safety standard that would allow increased charge sizes of flammable refrigerants in household air conditioners, heat pumps and dehumidifiers. The proposal has sparked discussion in the world of HVAC&R. Although it would apply to A2, A2L and A3 refrigerants, the proposal has been framed […]
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NCC 2022 to be delayed
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has confirmed that the adoption of the next version of the National Construction Code – NCC 2022 – has been pushed back by four months. “Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented a variety of significant challenges for the building industry, regulators and consumers, Building Ministers […]
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Roadmap to safe and quality insulation
The governments of New South Wales and Victoria, along with Insulation Australasia (IA) and the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ) are developing an industry-led roadmap to ensure that insulation is installed in Australia in a manner that is safe and delivers quality outcomes. The project team consists of the Energy Efficiency Council […]
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Update to flexible duct standard
The draft standard AS 4254.1 Ductwork for air-handling systems in buildings, Part 1: Flexible duct is open for comment until November 18. The document provides standardised requirements for the performance testing, manufacture and installation of flexible ducts in order to improve their thermal performance. It is particularly relevant for specifiers, manufacturers, regulatory authorities and installers […]
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Productivity Green Paper urges VET reforms
Despite a decade of reviewing the Vocational Education and Training (VET), the educational system still lags in its modernised learning modes, career pathways and relationships with industry. This premise is highlighted by the NSW Productivity Commission in its Continuing the Productivity Conversation Green Paper. Among other draft policy recommendations, the Commission is calling for reforms […]
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Flammable charge limits on the move again
Charge sizes for flammable refrigerants in HVAC&R equipment are changing with a proposal to raise international limits for room air conditioners, and the adoption of a new standard in Australia for refrigeration appliances. An International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) working group has released a proposal to update safety standard IEC 60335-2-40. This would allow larger amounts […]
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Victoria gets view of professional registration act
Work continues in Victoria on the implementation of the Professional Engineers Registration Act 2019, which will come into operation on July 1, 2021. The scheme will apply to engineers providing professional engineering services in and for Victoria in the areas of mechanical, electrical, fire safety, civil and structural engineering. Public consultation opens on August 26 […]
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Trades to get automatic recognition across borders
HVAC&R technicians could find it easier to do business across state and territory borders as part of a new government plan for automatic recognition. The proposal, announced by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, will cover trades such as HVAC&R technicians, electricians and plumbers, as well as a raft of other licensed occupations such as teachers and property […]
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Next stop for professional registration: WA
The Western Australian government has released a consultation paper proposing changes to the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 to allow for the registration of building engineers. Released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety, the consultation regulation impact statement (CRIS) comes at a time when registration schemes are appearing around the country – […]
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Draft standard for pliable building membranes
Standards Australia has released a draft titled “Pliable building membranes and underlays: Materials” for public comment. The document sets out the requirements for materials for use as pliable building membranes (also known as sarking or underlay), when used either independently or as a facing to other materials, such as insulation materials, and as control functions […]
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Green Star – coming to a home near you
Green Star ratings are coming to Australian homes, with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) announcing a draft Green Star Homes Standard for consultation. Part of the Green Building Council of Australia’s Future Homes Strategy, the initiative is intended to drive transformation in the residential sector to create a market for healthier, more resilient, […]
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VET in a world of digital disruption
The Digital Transformation Expert Panel is running virtual consultations to identify how Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system can most effectively respond to the digital change unfolding across industry and its impact on the nation’s workforce. The panel says the talks with peak industry bodies, state training authorities, VET regulators and training provider peaks […]
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Apprentices and trainees receive $2.5bn boost
The federal government has announced a new $2.5bn package to support training and job creation, and to help the economy recover from the impact of COVID-19. The bulk of the funding will go towards extending and expanding the Supporting Apprentices and Trainees (SAT) wage subsidy. This program pays 50 per cent of an apprentice’s wages, […]
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Comments open on national registration framework
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has released a draft National Registration Framework for Building Practitioners for public comment. This follows up on the Building Confidence report, which signalled the need for the registration of building practitioners involved in the design, construction and maintenance of buildings. Accordingly, the ABCB has released a discussion paper that puts forward […]
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Concerns over non-compliant pipework
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has raised concerns about refrigeration contractors not complying with piping changes in NCC 2019. In NCC 2016, the code required (from Spec J5.2c, 2.(a)): (ii) For heated or chilled water piping, having a material R-Value not less than that specified in Table 2a; and (iii) For refrigerant, steam or […]
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New rules for AC with flammable refrigerant
As of July 1, 2020, new rules govern the sale of air conditioners with flammable refrigerants in New South Wales. The rules apply to air conditioners with Class 2 and Class 3 refrigerants, for example hydrocarbons, but not Class 2L refrigerants, such as R32. Air conditioners with these refrigerants are now considered “declared articles” and […]
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Licence deadline looming for RAC contractors
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is encouraging air conditioning and refrigeration contractors to apply for a free Mechanical Services licence by June 30. Existing air conditioning and refrigeration contractors have until June 30 to submit an application for a free Mechanical Services – Plumbing licence using the alternative qualification pathway provided by transitional […]
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Government extends asset write-off scheme
The government has extended the instant asset write-off scheme until December 31, 2020, a move that has been applauded by The Australian Refrigeration Association (ARC). The ARC says that giving businesses six more months to immediately claim on purchases up to $150,000 represents a win for refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) contractors. The instant asset […]