NATSPEC Paper

April 2010

Specification Writing
Selecting and specifying the most appropriate
materials and systems for a project to meet the
client's requirements and expectations of
quality, time, value, environmental impact, and
maintenance and durability is a fundamental
part of building design.
This paper highlights the importance of
specifications, specification methods, structure
of technical information, using the NATSPEC
system, specifying ESD, advice for specifiers
and suggested standards for offices.

Prepared by

NATSPEC
Check www.natspec.com.au for the latest version
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

CONTENTS
1 The importance of the specification .........................................................................................................1
1.1 Definition ................................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Purpose................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Users....................................................................................................................................................... 1
2 Types of specification clauses .................................................................................................................2
2.1 Descriptive.............................................................................................................................................. 2
2.2 Reference ............................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 Performance ........................................................................................................................................... 2
2.4 Direct/Proprietary .................................................................................................................................... 2
3 Technical information...............................................................................................................................3
3.1 Technical worksection Templates........................................................................................................... 3
3.2 The National Classification System ......................................................................................................... 3
3.3 Worksection structure ............................................................................................................................. 4
4 Project specific information......................................................................................................................5
4.1 Tender..................................................................................................................................................... 5
4.2 Preliminaries ........................................................................................................................................... 5
4.3 General requirements ............................................................................................................................. 5
4.4 Common requirements ........................................................................................................................... 5
5 Using NATSPEC ......................................................................................................................................6
5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 Office edited worksections ..................................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Project specific worksections ................................................................................................................. 6
5.4 Step-By-Step........................................................................................................................................... 7
6 Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) .........................................................................................10
6.1 The role of specifications in ESD .......................................................................................................... 10
6.2 Implementing ESD principles ............................................................................................................... 10
6.3 Specifying ESD with NATSPEC............................................................................................................. 10
6.4 NATSPEC, ESD and the BCA ............................................................................................................... 10
6.5 NATSPEC, ESD and environmental rating schemes............................................................................. 10
7 Advice for specifiers ..............................................................................................................................11
8 About NATSPEC ....................................................................................................................................12
9 References and further reading .............................................................................................................13
10 Suggested Standards for offices ......................................................................................................14

Specification writing i
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SPECIFICATION – PROCESS AND PRODUCT

Building Code of Australia
(BCA)
1 THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SPECIFICATION
NATSPEC cites BCA Volume
There are many design decisions which cannot be expressed in drawn form. These One Deemed-to-Satisfy
must rely on being expressed in words. There are, also, many design decisions standards and clauses:
which would be too tedious, or too impractical for some other reason, to be recorded
in drawings. The specification is thus created to complement the drawings so that
A General provisions
together they convey all the design decisions. This is why a construction specification
is primarily a design document. It is evidence of many design decisions which are not
B Structure
found elsewhere.1

1.1 Definition C Fire resistance

John Gelder, a former Chief Editor of NATSPEC, defines specification as both a D Access and egress
process and a product. Specifications are written descriptions of the required quality
of the built product and its component products. A specification may also include the
E Services and equipment
procedures for determining that the requirements of the specification have been met.

1.2 Purpose F Health and amenity

The specification links the drawings with the general conditions of contract. It G Ancillary provisions
complements, without duplication, the information in the drawings or the general
conditions of contract. Drawings are graphic descriptions which primarily define
H Special use buildings
quantity, position and sometimes quality. Specifications are written descriptions
which define quality. Together they express the designer's intentions.
I Maintenance
The specification has many roles including:
• A document demonstrating compliance with statutory requirements. J Energy efficiency

• A written record of design decisions, materials used and set standards.

NATSPEC also cites BCA
• An estimating document. Volume Two Acceptable
• A tendering document. solutions standards and
clauses:
• A legal, contractual document.
• An on-site working document. Part 3.1 Site preparation
• A dispute settlement document.
• A project management tool. Part 3.2 Footings and slabs

• A facilities management tool.

Part 3.3 Masonry
• A document to be analysed for feedback into the office master specification and
office procedures. Part 3.4 Framing
1.3 Users
Part 3.5 Cladding
Designers, clients, certifying authorities, estimators, tenderers, contractors and
subcontractors, contract administrators, legal representatives, project managers, Part 3.6 Glazing
construction managers and facilities managers all have an interest in the
specification. It is important to ensure the various users interpret the specification in
Part 3.7 Fire safety
the same way. A good specification will:
• Answer the questions posed by the client, the BCA and local requirements. Part 3.8 Health and amenity
• Cover the total range of the project elements.
• Have a logical structure which is easy to navigate. Part 3.9 Safe movement

• Cite other documents precisely and meaningfully.

Part 3.12 Energy efficiency
• Have a consistent approach to grammar and language.
• Be unambiguous. The BCA clause locations for
• Complement the drawings and be consistent with the other documents and the all cited standards, are
provided in the reference
method of procurement.
documents list at the end of
each NATSPEC worksection.

1. Standen (1995)

Specification writing 1
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SPECIFICATION METHODS

2 TYPES OF SPECIFICATION CLAUSES Standards

It is not difficult to peruse a sampling of specifications and to discern some basic and Where relevant, NATSPEC
distinct styles or methods adopted by different specifiers and even by the same cites standards for materials
specifier, for differing reasons, in the same specification. 1 and installations.

2.1 Descriptive The BCA cites almost 200

standards. Each of these
A descriptive specification clause describes in detail the materials, workmanship and standards cites,
installation required to be used by the contractor or tradesperson. In practice, many approximately, a further 10
specification clauses are a combination of descriptive and performance secondary standards.
specifications.1
For example: Some 110 of the BCA
deemed-to-satisfy standards
Fabrics: Piping: 3 mm diameter beads with core.
are cited in NATSPEC.
2.2 Reference
A further 1080 non-BCA
A reference specification clause is a reference to a published document, with which standards are also cited in
processes and products must comply. It is incorporated by a reference to the title or the NATSPEC worksection
other identification of the document which may be a standard or often a Templates.
manufacturer’s manual.
In the Guidance text of
For example: NATSPEC, another 790
Grading: DD to AS/NZS 2269.0, Bond type A. additional standards are
cited.
Know the standard before you use it, and enforce it after you have used it. 1
On the currency of cited standards, the NATSPEC General requirements worksection Where standards are cited,
contains the following text: the specifier may choose to
retain it, replace it with a
Use referenced documents which are the editions, with amendments, current 3 proprietary product or delete
months before the closing date for tenders, except where other editions or the standard altogether.
amendments are required by statutory authorities.
Editions cited in the BCA for example, may not accord with the current edition, Where no standards exist for
a specification item,
hence the exception.
NATSPEC provides
performance criteria.
2.3 Performance
A performance specification clause specifies an item in a construction project by Many standards themselves
prescribing a desired end result and the criteria by which the result will be judged for are themselves explicitly
its acceptability.
2 performance based, such as:
AS/NZS 2728:2007
For example: Prefinished/prepainted sheet
Pole taper: Maximum 1 in 120. metal products for
interior/exterior building
The BCA has both performance requirements and deemed-to-satisfy provisions which applications - Performance
it defines as follows: requirements.
Performance requirements: a requirement which states the level of performance which
a Building Solution must meet.3
Deemed-to-satisfy provisions: provisions which are deemed to satisfy the Performance
3
requirements.

2.4 Direct/Proprietary
A direct or proprietary specification clause nominates an item in a construction project 1. Standen (1995)
by reference to a proprietary trade name.1 2. Standen (2000)
For example: 3. BCA 2010
Coating systems: Apply XYZ paints coating systems to the Exterior painting
schedule and the Interior painting schedule.

Specification writing 2
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

DEFINING THE WORK

3 TECHNICAL INFORMATION Product Partners

The technical matter in the specification must of necessity cover a very wide range of NATSPEC Product Partners
trades, materials, equipment, applications and practices...The grouping of this include:
material into logical subdivisions is the obvious starting point in the preparation of a
specification.1 ALUCOBOND
ANCON BUILDING
3.1 Technical worksection Templates PRODUCTS
NATSPEC uses the term worksection to describe the foundation unit of a ARCHITECTURAL WINDOW
specification. Some worksections are trade based (e.g. brick and blockwork) and SYSTEMS
others follow processes (e.g. windows, lining). ARMSTRONG
BGC
In NATSPEC, each worksection is provided as a Template for the specifier to BLUESCOPE STEEL
customise by completing prompts, adding relevant material and deleting material BREEZWAY
which is not applicable to the particular project.
CUBIC
Specification information typically includes finishes, standards, quality, material DULUX
grades and thicknesses, tolerances, performance requirements, and requirements for DYNAMIC COMPOSITE
fabrication and installation. Both drawings and specification must address the BCA TECHNOLOGIES
and other relevant state and local regulations and reflect good practice in the EATON
particular activities. EUROSAFE SOLUTIONS
FANTECH
NATSPEC worksections can be generic or branded. A generic worksection is general
and comprehensive. Branded worksections are developed by NATSPEC, in FIELDERS
conjunction with the manufacturer (known as a Product Partner). Each branded FLETCHER INSULATION
worksection is based on the associated generic worksection and shares the same FORBO
classification number. GRANOSITE SPECIALIST
ARCHITECTURAL COATINGS
3.2 The National Classification System HETTICH
HILLS
Worksections need to be classified and sequenced in a logical order, responding to
INTERNATIONAL PAINT
common local construction industry sequence. Locations need to be allocated for
KABA/DOORWAYS
specification material provided by the various specialist designers and consultants.
LATCHWAYS MANSAFE
The National Classification System provides locations for specification material MIKOR
produced by the architect and landscape architect, the interior designer, the civil and NUPLEX
structural engineer, and the mechanical, hydraulic and electrical engineers. It is a MAKMAX
modified version of the 1989 NATSPEC Classification system by Bryce Mortlock (the RAVEN PRODUCTS
father of NATSPEC) and Hans Milton (a former chairman of the National Committee
RESENE
on Rationalized Building).
SIKA
In 2007 NATSPEC incorporated AUS-SPEC, used by Local Councils for the life-cycle SOLVER PAINTS
management of assets, into the National Classification System. Many new TASMAN ACCESS FLOORS
workgroups and worksections have been added as a result. At present the TAUBMANS
workgroups include: USG AUSTRALASIA
NATSPEC AUS-SPEC VIRIDIAN GLASS
WATTYL AUSTRALIA
1. General 00. Planning and design WRIMCO
2. Site, urban and 11. Construction - Roadways
open spaces
3. Structure 13. Construction - Public utilities
4. Enclosure 14. Maintenance and operations - Urban and open spaces
5. Interior 15. Maintenance and operations - Buildings
6. Finish 16. Maintenance and operations - Roadways
7. Mechanical 17. Maintenance and operations - Bridges
8. Hydraulic 18. Maintenance and operations - Public utilities
9. Electrical Relevant TECHnote:
NTN GEN 008 Branded vs
As new worksections are produced, they are added to the system. Users of generic worksections
NATSPEC may add their own worksection titles and classification numbers where
NATSPEC has no material.
1. Standen (1995).

Specification writing 3
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

DEFINING THE WORK

Quality Management
3.3 Worksection structure
In NATSPEC, each worksection Template is generally divided into four parts: NATSPEC covers quality
GENERAL, PRODUCTS, EXECUTION and SELECTIONS. management systems in the
Tendering and Quality
1. GENERAL contains clauses applying to the worksection as a whole, including: worksections, and in each
• Responsibilities. • Interpretations. technical worksection where
product quality, quality control
• Cross references. • Inspection. and quality assurance are
• Standards. • Submissions. covered.
• Quality, tests and verification.
NATSPEC requires reports for
2. PRODUCTS describes the basic materials, components and fabricated items. various matters including:
3. EXECUTION sets out the performance criteria to prepare the substrate, assemble • Emergency construction
materials to produce an installation and carry out the works. joints.
• Geotechnical investigation.
4. SELECTIONS contains schedules that refer to generic products by their properties • Load tests.
or to the selection of actual proprietary products by the specifier for the project. • Nonconforming products.
These schedules can be included in the specification or on the drawings. • Physical performance.
• Termite control systems.
The Templates are further structured into a hierarchy of subsections, clauses, • Nominated tests.
subclauses, paragraphs, prompts, tables, schedules and references with Guidance • Waterproofing membranes.
notes provided in hidden text. Some worksections also have an accompanying
Commentary providing background information and references. NATSPEC’S General
requirements worksection and
other worksections where
appropriate cover:
• Precompletion tests.
Subsection title (Heading 2)

Sub-clause title (Heading 4)

Paragraph (Normal)
Clause title (Heading 3)

Prompt

Guidance

• Type tests.
• Production tests.
• Site tests.
• Completion tests.

Many standards cover

tolerance. Where there is an
absence of tolerance
requirements, NATSPEC
generally defines tolerance.

Specification writing 4
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

DEFINING THE WORK

4 PROJECT SPECIFIC INFORMATION Procurement methods

The NATSPEC material
generally addresses a single
4.1 Tender
contractor in a single prime
The tender documents are pre-contract documents. The tendering worksections note contract but it may also be
conditions of tender and do not form part of the contract. Items covered in used to produce different
types of specifications for
NATSPEC’s tendering worksections include:
different types of contract
• Description of works. • Tender information (e.g. tender such as for:
• Site description. period, procedures).
Design and construct
• List of tender documents. • Tender requirements.
contracts, or for
• Contact details. • Tender form.
AUS-SPEC worksections also include Schedule of rates. Single trade packaging
contracts.
Tendering is a separate self-contained transaction which terminates with the
awarding of a contract. The technical worksections make no reference to tendering.

4.2 Preliminaries
Preliminaries cover project-specific and site requirements, not included in standard
contracts, which do not constitute work that could be allocated to a particular
worksection. Items might include:
• Contract documents. • Site meetings.
• Surveys. • Site noise control.
• Protection of property • Shop drawings.
• Railings and hoardings. • Provisional quantities.
• Temporary buildings. • Temporary services.
• Signboard. • Completion.
NATSPEC provides both generic Preliminaries worksections as well as preliminaries
worksections for the following contracts:
• ABIC MW- 2008 Australian Building Industry Contract - Major works.
• ABIC SW- 2008 Australian Building Industry Contract – Simple works.
• AS 2124 (1992) General conditions of contract.
• AS 4000 (1997) General conditions of contract.
• AS 4902 (2000) General conditions of contract for design and construct.
• AS 4905 (2002) Minor works contract conditions (Superintendent
administered).
4.3 General requirements
The General requirements worksection covers administrative topics common to all the
technical worksections and each technical worksection cross references it. Items NATSPEC April 2010
include:
Update included:
• Interpretation. • Submissions. • 2 Tendering worksections.
• Inspection. • Substitution.
• 11 Contract preliminaries
• Tests. • Completion. worksections.
• Samples. • Warranties.
• 205 Full technical
4.4 Common requirements worksections.
The Common requirements worksections cover material relating to more than one
• 66 Basic technical
worksection. Rather than repeating the same material over many worksections,
worksections.
NATSPEC gathers it into single worksections which include:
• Adhesives, sealants and fasteners. • Metals and prefinishes. • 10 Shell technical
worksections.
• Timber products, finishes and • Termite management.
treatment. • 56 branded worksections.
• Fire-stopping. • Building IT components.
• 185 AUS-SPEC
worksections.

Specification writing 5
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

USING THE NATSPEC SYSTEM

5 USING NATSPEC Office Edited Worksections

Some offices have set
standard design criteria for the
5.1 General
majority of the projects. Office
NATSPEC is a National Master Specification for use with projects of many types and edited worksections can be
sizes. As a master specification it will not contain all the technical requirements for developed and stored with the
NATSPEC worksections as an
every project. For each project, the specifier will need to select the appropriate
Office Master System. This is
NATSPEC worksections and edit the material to suit the project. useful where an office
Editing may include: routinely:

• Deletion of inappropriate options where the NATSPEC Template provides mutually • Includes office edited
exclusive options (e.g. different roofing or door frame assembly types). worksections not covered by
• Deletion of lengthy prescriptive or performance material where a proprietary NATSPEC.
specification is appropriate and is permitted by the client.
• Reorders worksections to
• Deletion of clauses with prompts where schedules or drawings are better suited to suit their documentation
conveying the information (e.g. location). system.
• Deletion of NATSPEC material intended only for custom-made options or for
generic specifying. Many items are not usually custom-made (e.g. roller shutters • Includes performance text
and luminaires). and standard selections.

• Allowing silence in the documents, permitting the contractor to decide on the • Incorporates text based on
method, material, or quality to use, where the Templates offers acceptable office and site experience.
alternatives from which the contractor must choose. The contractor may
reasonably be expected to select some appropriate, minor materials (e.g. • Customises to house style.
fasteners, adhesives) in any case.
• Deferral to the NATSPEC default provision (e.g. AS/NZS 4455 for bricks, Create your own worksections
if NATSPEC does not have
AS/NZS 3982 for urinals) where satisfactory. one that you need. Consider
• Deletion of Samples and Tests clauses and subclauses where they are not sending these to NATSPEC for
warranted by the size and complexity of the project. Note that testing of structural future reference.
elements such as concrete, and other elements built to a performance
specification, is always advisable.
• Revising the quality level requirement above the industry standard or the
requirement level found in the NATSPEC material after determining the revised
quality level is available in the market.
5.2 Office edited worksections
NATSPEC Templates can be pre-edited to create Office edited worksections to
include:
• Office policies on the use of some materials and components.
• Office specialist project material.
For example, a practice specialising in housing might delete the material which is
never required for this class of project. Default proprietary items can also be pre-
selected at this stage. The pre-edited document can then be used as an Office
Master file for all housing specifications. Conversely, practices dealing with schools
may need to prepare additional standard worksections or subsections.
Choosing an appropriate starting point is critical. Rather than altering NATSPEC
material, which may complicate the updating process, consider preparing office or
project type specifications.
Offices can also prepare standard prompts with office preferred schedules which
specifiers can insert into the NATSPEC Templates at appropriate points.

5.3 Project specific worksections

NATSPEC does not cover everything. Where it is necessary to create your own
project specific worksections, select the NATSPEC worksection that is closest to the
Relevant TECHnote:
one you need. Follow the sequence for creating an Office edited worksection, giving
the worksection a new name and classification number. The classification number NTN GEN 007 NATSPEC
updates and office master
allows you to place the office edited where you wish it to appear in the specification.
specifications.

Specification writing 6
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

USING THE NATSPEC SYSTEM

NATSPEC is a system of
5.4 Step-By-Step specification worksection files
for use with your word
The following is a step-by-step guide on how to produce a specification from processor.
NATSPEC Templates.
SPECbuilder is specification
MAINTENANCE compilation software which
Step 1 – Update NATSPEC files and any office edited master files helps you to manage, create
and edit your project
Make sure each project specification incorporates standards and mandatory specifications.
requirements current at the time of writing.
GENERIC EDITING AND PLANNING
Step 2 - Reformat Templates
Refer to the QUICKstart guide on formatting NATSPEC Templates in line with office
policy on document style if required.
Step 3 – Office edited worksections
Collect material such as office policy requirements, client requirements (e.g.
preliminaries) and project type supplements (e.g. schools). If possible, obtain
electronic copies of client requirements in a suitable format. Draft new text in
NATSPEC style.
Step 4 - Select the working version of Templates for your project
Decide which updated Template version will best suit the project specification e.g.
NATSPEC Domestic, Basic or Professional or Office edited worksection templates
which have been pre-edited by an office to include office policy, client policy or
building type requirements.
Step 5 - Select worksections required
Use SPECbuilder Pro to select worksections required for the new project specification
and compile a draft specification.
Step 6 - Decide on working medium: Digital or hardcopy markups
Decide whether to customise the Templates directly on-screen, or by first marking-up
paper copies. The first review - at worksection, sub-section and clause level - can be
on-screen. Subsequent reviews can be marked up on printed copies. Print out as late
as possible to reduce the bulk of the master document for marking up.
Step 7 - Decide on a working pattern
Be systematic and keep a record of work which is planned and completed. Take time
and resource restraints (budget, number and grade of personnel, access to
computers) into consideration when preparing the program.
The working pattern will be influenced by the procurement method. For example, in
Multiple Contracting, a particular worksection package, such as windows, will be
required early in the process (due to lead times off-site) whereas the painting
package may commence later.
TECHNICAL CUSTOMIZING
Step 8 - Identify clauses not required
Delete unnecessary clauses from the worksections. Highlight uncertain clauses and
leave until later.
At this stage, it is often best to concentrate on completing particular worksections
rather than jumping from one to the other. Print the edited working document, if not
already done, as it may be easier to work on the on the hard copy from now on.
Step 9 - Identify subclauses not required
Delete unnecessary subclauses (and associated prompts) from the worksection.
Highlight uncertain subclauses and associated prompts and leave until later.
Step 10 - Identify paragraphs and subparagraphs not required
Delete unnecessary paragraphs and subparagraphs (and associated prompts).
Refer to the hidden Guidance text.

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NATSPEC Paper April 2010

USING THE NATSPEC SYSTEM

Step 11 – Complete the write-in options Styles and formatting

Complete the options, [complete/delete] prompts and schedules. NATSPEC templates have an
attached .dot file which holds
Step 12 - Add novel material information about format
including headings.
Add original material not dealt with by the NATSPEC Templates (although sometimes
NATSPEC formatting style
mentioned in the Guidance text) where required.
allows easy reference to the
Check against standards and other technical literature, particularly for availability and hierarchy of the text within the
the variables, which need to be specified. Begin with the worksections about which specification>)
you know the most. Use the NATSPEC style.
Step 13 - Edit standard text
Systematically edit standard (default) NATSPEC Template text where it conflicts with
project requirements, the drawings, completed prompts or with added new material.
In particular, default standards or descriptions may conflict with proprietary items.
If required you may insert hyperlinks (on-screen) into the worksection text for office or
client policy requirements. Standard NATSPEC Template text may also be modified to
incorporate a preferred style or improve on a perceived lack of clarity for example. A
word of warning: the more this is done, the less valuable the standard text becomes
and the more work for the specifier.
Step 14 - Complete
Run through from Step 8 as often as required until the project specification is
complete. In particular make sure all NATSPEC text options have been considered,
all defaults evaluated and all prompts completed/deleted. Ensure that no uncertain
items remain – if in doubt at this stage leave them out.
EDITORIAL CUSTOMIZING AND PRODUCTION
Step 15 - Check cross-references
Check all cross-references in the project specification to other worksections,
standards, referenced documents, and contract documents. Ensure, in particular,
that cross-referenced material has not been accidentally deleted (thereby creating
conflict).
Minimise repetition and ensure there is no conflict between drawings and the
specification. The Referenced documents file (listing standards cited in the project
specification) is intended to assist readers of the specification, by giving the titles of
documents which the specification only references by number. It is optional for
inclusion in a specification. If using, it should be edited (using the computer search
facility to find which standards are included) listing only standards referenced in the
project specification, not ones that you think might or should apply.
Step 16 - Proofread
Print and proofread (perhaps several times). Check the format, number the pages,
finalise the contents and prepare an index. Delete hidden text using the NATSPEC
Toolbar button.
Step 17 - Correct
Check details again. NATSPEC SPECbuilder Pro allows you to easily renumber
subsections and clauses. Add headers, footers and issue/revision tables in
accordance with office policy. Distribute to the principal, consultants, tenderers and
other relevant parties. Retain working and library/archive copies.

Specification writing 8
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

USING THE NATSPEC SYSTEM

Substitution
NATSPEC worksections are
NATSPEC SPECIFICATION WRITING PROCESS written in generic terms,
though many worksections
will be made proprietary by
the specifier.

Where a specifier chooses a

product, much of the
NATSPEC material becomes
redundant and will be
deleted.

NATSPEC’s General
requirements worksection
permits substitution of
documented products,
methods or systems provided
certain conditions are met.
For example:
Evidence: If the documented
products or systems are
unavailable within the time
constraints of the construction
program, submit evidence
from the supplier.

Relevant TECHnote:
NTN GEN 006 Product
specifying and substitution.

Specification writing 9
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SPECIFYING ESD WITH NATSPEC

6 ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (ESD) ESD Rating

Achieving a star rating and
6.1 The role of specifications in ESD complying with the Energy
Efficiency in Government
An ESD specification focuses on: Operations (EEGO) policy
largely involves design
• Giving effect to ESD design decisions not shown on the drawings. decisions, some of which
• Specifying ESD appropriate materials and methods of construction. need to be given effect
through the specification.
• Specifying components and products that permit the implementation of ESD.
6.2 Implementing ESD principles The NATSPEC TECHreport,
Specifying ESD, provides a
The specification can be used to implement specific ESD principles in a number of valuable overview of how to
broad categories: use the NATSPEC system to
specify buildings
• Energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction. incorporating ESD principles
• Conserving other consumables such as water. and includes a matrix linking
NATSPEC worksections and
• Using ESD appropriate materials with, for example, low volatile organic the ESD requirements of the
compounds (VOC) emissions. BCA, NABERS and GBCA
• Creating a quality environment, both inside and outside the building, based on Green Star. The TECHreport,
ESD principles. as well as TECHnotes about
other ESD related issues, is
6.3 Specifying ESD with NATSPEC available for download from
the ecoRegister section of
To assist the specifier in achieving the full ESD potential of the design, NATSPEC: www.natspec.com.au.

• Provides industry with a comprehensive specification system that can be used for
varying means of building procurement.
• Recognises that most aspects of ESD relating to buildings are design issues and
that a primary function of the specification is to give effect to design decisions.
• Does not mandate ESD but provides options for specifiers to choose and adopt
ESD principles. Guidance text, highlighting areas of ESD potential, is included
within the worksection Templates.
• Does not attempt to arbitrate on competing claims made for the sustainability or
otherwise of materials or methods and instead aims to present specifiers with
impartial information that can be used to make informed decisions.
• Provides material for use in specifying ecologically sustainable, non-traditional
construction materials and methods such as 0321 Monolithic stabilised
earthwalling.
• Provides a means for meeting mandatory ESD requirements to the extent that
these can be handled through the specification process.
6.4 NATSPEC, ESD and the BCA
The BCA incorporates a number of mandatory environmental provisions. These
primarily relate to energy conservation and greenhouse gas reduction but include
improving the comfort and amenity of buildings for their occupants.
NATSPEC’s TECHreport Specifying ESD indicates which worksections can be used
to document provisions necessary to conform to BCA requirements and the ESD
commitments necessary to meet BCA objectives. This is particularly relevant when
the design is for a verification-based alternative solution, rather than the Deemed-to-
Satisfy provisions of the BCA.

6.5 NATSPEC, ESD and environmental rating schemes

Many designers and specifiers adopting an ESD approach will also be seeking to
achieve specific targets against voluntary environmental rating schemes such as
NABERS and Green Star. NATSPEC provides material for specifying products and
components to meet GBCA Green Star commitments. Guidance text relating to Green
Star is included within the worksection Templates. NATSPEC worksections 0168
Green Star – as built submissions and 0169 Green Star - Office as built submissions
facilitate specifying Green Star submission requirements to be made by the
contractor.

Specification writing 10
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

ADVICE FOR SPECIFIERS

7 ADVICE FOR SPECIFIERS Contract administration

It is beyond the scope of
Brevity
NATSPEC to offer any
• Use the imperative form. For example, Lay tiles…. rather than…. Tiles shall be laid. management system to
• Avoid lengthy verbal descriptions – use NATSPEC style (e.g. colons and handle the approval
keywords), draw it or schedule it instead. process. Consequently
Clarity definitions and directions
such as ‘approved’ do not
• Use precise, consistent language, structure and terminology. appear as default text. If
• Avoid legal phraseology or stilted formal terms and sentences. adding a definition, the
Content following text may be
useful:
• Develop an office policy regarding what material will be included in the drawings,
schedules and written specifications. Approved: ‘Approved’,
• Do not include material in technical worksections which should be covered in ‘reviewed’, ‘directed’,
preliminaries, general conditions annexures or the general conditions themselves, ‘rejected’, ‘endorsed’ and
e.g., tendering, contractual material, project descriptions, drawing lists. similar expressions mean
‘approved (reviewed,
Compliance
directed, rejected,
• Establish if any alternative solutions to the BCA are to be pursued. endorsed) in writing by the
• Consider preparing a BCA compliance document comprising only those contract administrator’.
worksections relating to the BCA.
Consultants
• Check specifications and schedules provided by consultants for consistency.
• Do not duplicate material common to various project consultants.
Cross References
• Minimise cross-references between the specification, drawings and other contract
documents.
• Do not use phrases such as detailed on the drawings or unless otherwise
specified.
Fairness
• Be specific, so that a basis for pricing is clearly set.
• Do not specify anything which can not be verified or which the contract
administrator or the principal does not intend to enforce.
Redundancy
• Say it once and in the right place.
• Do not use redundant reference paragraphs at the start of each worksection. The
contractor is responsible for all work and must read all documents together.
Repetition
• Avoid repetition within the specification and between the specification, drawings
and other contract documents.
• Do not specify the same thing using a mix of proprietary, descriptive, performance
or reference specification – conflict is bound to arise.
Standards
• Do not rely on a blanket instruction to comply with all relevant standards.
• Have access to the standards you need and evaluate their scope and currency.
Structure
• Break long clauses into subclauses, paragraphs and subparagraphs with titles or
bullet points in a logical hierarchy, each dealing with one item.
• Standardize text of common clauses and subclauses.
Substitution
• Do not use equal or equal approved – it is an invitation for substitution.
Time
.
• Start documenting as early as the receipt of the Client’s brief.
• Establish the Conditions of Contract and check for items requiring early attention

Specification writing 11
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

ABOUT NATSPEC

8 ABOUT NATSPEC
NATSPEC Development
The development of NATSPEC material is driven by:
• The BCA, including state and territory variations on safety, health, amenity and
energy aspects of buildings.
• Some 2,000 standards and documents, mostly Australian, relating to the
worksections, Templates, Guidance and Commentaries.
• The knowledge base of NATSPEC editorial staff.
• The direction of the 21 stakeholders, expressed through a seven-member board.
• Constant feedback from its users including specifiers, contractors and
manufacturers.
NATSPEC values feedback given by its users.Comments can be emailed to:
mail@natspec.com.au.

NATSPEC Updates
NATSPEC issues subscribers with a CD containing all worksections including new,
revised and branded twice a year. At same time, new and updated files are uploaded
to SPECbuilder Live. NATSPEC subscribers are also kept informed via the quarterly
publication, SPECnotes.
Information, available to subscribers only, on the NATSPEC website includes:
• A monthly listing of revised standards which relate to NATSPEC material.
• NATSPEC TECHnotes.

NATSPEC TECHnotes
TECHnotes are a series of one or two page notes prepared by NATSPEC to give
specifiers general information on specification writing or technical topics that relate to
more than one worksection. Titles are grouped into 3 categories: General, Design
and Products.

NATSPEC Branded worksections

Branded worksections are developed by NATSPEC in conjunction with the
manufacturer, known as a Product Partner. Branded worksections follow NATSPEC
style and format and offer specifiers an alternative to NATSPEC generic worksections.

NATSPEC Benefits
NATSPEC is a master specification system. It is not a specification. It provides a
benchmark for good building practice. It is not an Australian standard or a
governmental regulation. No one is compelled to adopt NATSPEC but many in the
industry believe that it is in the industry’s best interest to do so.
The benefits of using NATSPEC are:
• Clear, simple and common language between the professional consultants.
• Up-to-date references to regulations and standards.
• Economy. NATSPEC is produced by a centralised agency monitoring construction
industry developments and, as a not-for-profit organisation, the benefits of this are
transferred to subscribers and the industry as a whole.

Specification writing 12
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

9 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING Further reading

Books
Gelder, John (2001), Specifying architecture.
Norman, Douglas A (1977), Specifications.
Peaslee, Horace W (1939), Streamlined specifications.
Standen, David (1995), Construction industry specifications.
Standen, David (2000), Construction industry terminology.
Guides
The BEDP Environmental Design Guide, a product of the Australian Council of Built
Environment Design Professions (BEDP), published by the Australian Institute of
Architects (AIA)
Practice notes
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) Practice Division, AIA Practice Services:
(2008), Advisory Note AN04.02.101, Quality control in the preparation of
specifications.
(2004), Advisory Note AN14.03.100, Specification writing.
(2006), Advisory Note AN 10.05.102, Methods of procuring buildings.
(2006), Advisory Note AN 10.05.104, Design and construct contracts.
(2008), Advisory Note AN16.01.100, Managing shop drawings.
(2006), Advisory Note AN16.04.102, Substitutions .
Standards
AS/NZS 2269:2004 Plywood - Structural
AS/NZS 3700:2001 Masonry structures
AS/NZS 3982:1996 Urinals
AS/NZS 4000:1997 General conditions of contract
AS/NZS 4455:1997 Masonry units and segmental pavers
AS/NZS 4680:2006 Hot-dipped galvanized (zinc) coatings on fabricated ferrous
articles.
AS/NZS ISO 9000:2006 Quality management systems – Fundamentals and
vocabulary.
AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems – Requirements.
SAA HB50-2004:Glossary of building terms.
Contracts
ABIC MW-2008 Australian Building Industry Contract – Major works
ABIC MW-1-2003 Australian Building Industry Contract - Major works
ABIC SW-1-2002 Australian Building Industry Contract - Simple works
AS/NZS 2124:1992 General conditions of contract
AS/NZS 4000:1997 General conditions of contract
AS/NZS 4902:2000 General conditions of contract for design and construct
AS/NZS 4905:2002 Minor works contract conditions (Superintendent administered)

Specification writing 13
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

10 SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

The following are lists of suggested references appropriate to offices dealing with typical projects. Many are design
standards that must be complied with in order to meet BCA and other mandatory requirements while others are
related handbooks. These are considered to be the foundation upon which other specialist and appropriate
references are added. As with all standards, they must be kept up to date. Standards cited in BCA Volumes 1+2 are
marked BCA 1, BCA 2 or BCA 1+2 as appropriate.
FOR ALL
AS 4120:1994 Code of Tendering
AS 4122:2000 General conditions of contract for engagement of consultants
AS/NZS ISO 9001:2008 Quality management systems – Requirements
SAA HB 50:2004 Glossary of building terms
BCA 2009 Building Code of Australia

ARCHITECTS
Design
AS/NZS ISO 717.1:2004 Acoustics - Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements - Airborne sound insulation
BCA 1 AS/ISO 717.2:2004 Acoustics - Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements -Impact sound insulation
BCA 1 AS 1428.1-2009 Design for access and mobility - General requirements for access - New
building work
AS 1428.2-1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and additional requirements -
Buildings and facilities
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 Design for access and mobility – Means to assist the orientation of people
(1992) with vision impairment – Tactile ground surface indicators.
BCA 1+2 AS 1657-1992 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders - Design, construction
and installation
BCA1+2 AS 1684.4-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Simplified - Non-cyclonic
BCA 1 AS 1905.1-2005 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant walls –
Fire-resistant doorsets
AS/NZS 2311:2009 Guide to the painting of buildings
AS/NZS 2312:2002 Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric corrosion
by the use of protective coatings
BCA 1 AS 2890.1-2004 Parking facilities - Off-street car parking
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage - Stormwater drainage
AS 3660.1-2000 Termite management - New building work
BCA 1+2 AS 3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas
AS 4055-2006 Wind loads for housing
BCA1+2 NASH 2005 Residential and low-rise steel framing

Products and Execution

BCA 1+2 AS 1288:2006 Glass in buildings - Selection and installation
BCA 1+2 AS 1562.1:1992 Design and installation of sheet roof and wall cladding – Metal
BCA 1 AS 1860.2:2006 Particleboard flooring - Installation
AS/NZS 2589:2007 Gypsum linings - Application and finishing
BCA 1+2 AS 2047:1999 Windows in buildings – Selection and installation
AS 2601:2001 Demolition of structures
AS 2870:1996 Residential slabs and footings – Construction
AS/NZS 2904:1995 Damp-proof courses and flashings
AS 3700:2001 Masonry structures
BCA 1+2 AS 3740:2004 Waterproofing of wet areas within residential buildings
AS 3958.1:2007 Ceramic tiles - Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles
AS 3958.2:1992 Ceramic tiles - Guide to the selection of a ceramic tiling system
AS 4072.1:2005 Components for the protection of openings in fire-resistant separating
elements. Service penetrations and control joints
AS/NZS 4200.2:1994 Pliable building membranes and underlays - Installation requirements
BCA2 AS/NZS 4858:2004 Wet area membranes
BCA1+2 AS/NZS 4859.1:2002 Materials for the thermal insulation of buildings - General criteria and
technical provisions
AS 5604:2005 Timber - Natural durability ratings

Specification writing 14
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
AS 1604.1-2005 Specification for preservative treatment - Sawn and round timber.
AS 1720.2-2006 Timber structures - Timber properties
AS 1725-2003 Galvanized rail-less chain-link security fencing and gates
BCA 1+2 AS 1926.1-2007 Swimming pool safety - Fencing for swimming pools
(1993)
BCA 1+2 AS 1926.2-2007 Swimming pool safety - Location of fencing for private swimming
(1995) pools
AS 2423-2002 Coated steel wire fencing products for terrestrial, aquatic and general use
AS 2820-1993 Gate units for private swimming pools
AS 3704-2005 Geotextiles - Glossary of terms
AS 3743-2003 Potting mixes
BCA 2 AS 3798-2007 Guidelines on earthworks for commercial and residential developments
AS 4373-2007 Pruning of amenity trees
AS 4419-2003 Soils for landscaping and garden use
AS/NZS 4422:1996 Playground surfacing - Specifications, requirements and test method
AS 4454-2003 Composts, soil conditioners and mulches
AS/NZS 4486.1:1997 Playgrounds and playground equipment - Development, installation,
inspection, maintenance and operation
AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites
BEDP EDG DES13-1996 An introduction to water sensitive design
BEDP EDG DES14-1996 Design solutions for water efficiency
BEDP EDG GEN32-2000 Contaminated land

INTERIOR DESIGNERS
AS/NZS ISO 717.1:2004 Acoustics - Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements - Airborne sound insulation
BCA 1 AS/ISO 717.2:2004 Acoustics - Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building
elements - Impact sound insulation
BCA 1+2 AS 1288-2006 Glass in buildings - Selection and installation
BCA 1 AS 1428.1-2001 Design for access and mobility - General requirements for access – New
building work
AS 1428.2-1992 Design for access and mobility - Enhanced and additional requirements -
Buildings and facilities
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1428.4.1:2009 Design for access and mobility – Means to assist the orientation of people
(1992) with vision impairment – Tactile ground surface indicators.
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1680.0:2009 Interior lighting - Safe movement
(1998)
AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 Interior and workplace lighting – Specific applications - General principles
and recommendations
AS/NZS 1680.2.1:2008 Interior and workplace lighting – Specific applications - Circulation
spaces and other general areas
AS/NZS 1680.2.2:2008 Interior and workplace lighting – Specific applications – Office and
screen-based tasks
AS/NZS 1680.2.3:2008 Interior and workplace lighting – Specific applications – Educational and
training facilities
AS/NZS 2208:1996 Safety glazing materials in buildings
AS/NZS 2270:2006 Plywood and blockboard for interior use
AS/NZS 2310:2002 Glossary of paint and painting terms
AS/NZS 2311:2000 Guide to the painting of buildings
AS 2454-2007 Textile floor coverings - Terminology
AS/NZS 2589:2007 Gypsum linings - Application and finishing
AS/NZS 2633:1996 Guide to the specification of colours
AS/NZS 2668:2000 Glossary of terms used in the glass and glazing industry
AS 2700-1996 Colour Standards for general purposes
AS/NZS 2785:2000 Suspended ceilings - Design and installation
AS 2796.1-1999 Timber - Hardwood - Sawn and milled products - Product specification
AS 2946-1991 Suspended ceilings, recessed luminaries and air diffusers - Interface
requirements for physical compatibility
AS 3715-2002 Metal finishing - Thermoset powder coating for architectural applications
of aluminium and aluminium alloys
AS 3958.1-2007 Ceramic tiles - Guide to the installation of ceramic tiles
AS 3958.2-1992 Ceramic tiles - Guide to the selection of a ceramic tiling system

Specification writing 15
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

AS 4154-1993 General access floors (elevated floors)

AS 4288-2003 Soft underlays for textile floor coverings
AS 4506-2005 Metal finishing - Thermoset powder coatings
AS 4785.1-2002 Timber - Softwood - Sawn and milled products - Product specification
AS/NZS 4858:2004 Wet area membranes
AS 4992.1-2006 Ceramic tiles - Grouts and adhesives - Terms, definitions and
specifications for adhesives
SAA HB 161-2005 Guide to plastering
SAA HB 197-1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface
materials

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1170.0:2002 Structural design actions - General principles
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1170.1:2002 Structural design actions - Permanent, imposed and other actions
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1170.2:2002 Structural design actions - Wind actions
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1170.3:2003 Structural design actions - Snow and ice actions
BCA 1+2 AS 1170.4:2007 Minimum design loads on structures (known as the SAA Loading Code) –
Earthquake loads
AS/NZS 1554.1:2004 Structural steel welding – Welding of steel structures
AS/NZS 1554.5:2004 Structural steel welding – Welding of steel structures subject to high
levels of fatigue loading
AS 1684.1-1999 Residential timber-framed construction - Design criteria
BCA 1+2 AS 1684.2-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Non-cyclonic areas
BCA 1+2 AS 1684.3-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Cyclonic areas
BCA 1+2 AS 1684.4-2006 Residential timber-framed construction - Simplified - Non-cyclonic areas
AS 1720.1-1997 Timber structures - Design methods
AS 1720.2-2006 Timber structures - Timber properties
AS 1720.4-2006 Timber structures - Fire resistance of structural adequacy of timber
members
AS 2159-2009 Piling – Design and installation
BCA 1+2 AS 2327.1-2003 Composite structures - Simply supported beams
BCA 1+2 AS 2870-1996 Residential slabs and footings – Construction
BCA 1+2 AS 3600-2009 Concrete Structures
(2001)
AS 3610-1995 Formwork for concrete
AS 3610.1-2010 Documentation and surface finish
BCA 1+2 AS 3700-2001 Masonry structures
AS 3735-2001 Concrete structures retaining liquids
AS 3850-2003 Tilt-up concrete construction
BCA 1+2 AS 4100-1998 Steel structures
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 4600:2005 Cold-formed steel structures
AS 4678-2002 Earth-retaining structures

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS
AS 1324.1:2001 Air filters for use in general ventilation and airconditioning - Application,
performance and construction
AS 1470:1986 Health and safety at work - Principles and practices
BCA 1 AS/NZS 1668.1:1998 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Fire and smoke
control in multi-compartment buildings
BCA 1+2 AS 1668.2:2002 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Ventilation
(1991) design for indoor air contaminant control
AS 1668.3:2001 The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings - Smoke control
systems for large single compartments or smoke reservoirs
AS/NZS 1677.2:1998 Refrigerating systems - Safety requirements for fixed applications
AS 1682.2:1990 Fire dampers – Installation
AS 1940:2004 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
AS 2896:1998 Medical gas systems - Installation and testing of non-flammable medical
gas pipeline systems
AS/NZS 3666.1:2002 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control - Design,
installation and commissioning
AS/NZS 3666.2:2002 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control -
Operation and maintenance

Specification writing 16
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

AS/NZS 3666.3:2000 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control –

Performance-based maintenance of cooling water systems
BCA 1+2 AS 4041:2006 Pressure piping
(1995)
AS 4254:2002 Ductwork for air-handling systems in buildings
AS 4809:2003 Copper pipe and fittings - Installation and commissioning
SAA/SNZ HB 32:1995 Control of microbial growth in air-handling and water systems of buildings
SAA HB 40.1:2001 The Australian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Code of Good Practice.
Reduction of emissions of fluorocarbon refrigerants in commercial and
industrial refrigeration and airconditioning applications
SAA HB 40.2:2001 The Australian Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Code of Good Practice.
Reduction of emissions of fluorocarbons in residential airconditioning
applications
ASHRAE 111 Practices for measurement, testing, adjusting and balancing of building
heating, ventilation, airconditioning and refrigeration systems
ICANZ:2003 Industry Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Glasswool and Rockwool

HYDRAULIC ENGINEERS
AS/NZS 1221:1997 Fire hose reels
AS 1470:1986 Health and safety at work - Principles and practices
AS/NZS 1596:2008 Storage and handling of LP Gas
AS 2032:2006 Installation of PVC pipe systems
AS/NZS 2033:2008 Installation of polyethylene pipe systems
BCA 1 AS 2118.1:1999 Automatic fire sprinkler systems - General systems
BCA 1 AS 2118.4:1995 Automatic fire sprinkler systems - Residential
BCA 1 AS 2118.6:1995 Automatic fire sprinkler systems - Combined sprinkler and hydrant
BCA 1 AS 2419.1:2005 Fire hydrant installations - System design, installation and commissioning
AS 2419.2:1994 Fire hydrant installations - Fire hydrant valves
BCA 1 AS 2441:2005 Installation of fire hose reels
AS/NZS 3500.0:2003 Plumbing and Drainage -Glossary of terms
AS/NZS 3500.1:2003 Plumbing and Drainage - Water services
AS/NZS 3500.2:2003 Plumbing and Drainage - Sanitary plumbing and drainage
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage - Stormwater drainage
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 3500.4:2003 Plumbing and Drainage - Heated water services
BCA1 AS/NZS 3500.5:2000 National Plumbing and Drainage - Domestic installations
AS 3660.1:2000 Termite management - New building work
AS/NZS 3666.1:2002 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control - Design,
installation and commissioning
AS/NZS 3666.2:2002 Air-handling and water systems of buildings - Microbial control -
Operation and maintenance
AS 4118.1.4:1994 Fire sprinkler systems - Components - Valve monitors
AS/NZS 4645.2:2008 Gas distribution networks - Steel pipe systems
AS 4809:2003 Copper pipe and fittings - Installation and commissioning
AS 5601:2004 Gas installations
SAA/NZS HB 32:1995 Control of microbial growth in air-handling and water systems of buildings
ICANZ:2003 Industry Code of Practice for the Safe Use of Glasswool and Rockwool
PCA:2004 Plumbing Code of Australia

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS
AS/NZS 1367:2007 Coaxial cable systems for the distribution of analogue television and
sound signals in single and multiple unit installations
AS 1470-1986 Health and safety at work - Principles and practices
BCA 1 AS 1670.1-2004 Fire detection, warning control and intercom systems - System design,
installation and commissioning – Fire
BCA 1 AS 1670.4-2004 Fire detection, warning, control and intercom systems - System, design,
installation and commissioning - Sound systems and intercom systems for
emergency purposes
AS 1670.6-1997 Fire detection, warning control and intercom systems - System, design,
installation and commissioning - Smoke alarms
BCA 1+2 AS/NZS 1680.0:2009 Interior lighting - Safe movement
(1998)
AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 Interior lighting - General principles and recommendations
AS/NZS 1680.2.1:2008 Interior lighting - Circulation spaces and other general areas

Specification writing 17
NATSPEC Paper April 2010

SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR OFFICES

AS/NZS 1680.2.2:2008 Interior lighting - Office and screen-based tasks

AS/NZS 1680.2.3:2008 Interior lighting - Educational and training facilities
AS/NZS 2201.1:2007 Intruder alarm systems - Systems installed in client's premises
AS/NZS 2201.2:2004 Intruder alarm systems - Monitoring centres
AS/NZS 2201.5:2008 Intruder alarm systems - Alarm transmission systems
BCA 1 AS 2293.1:2005 Emergency escape lighting and exit signs for buildings - System design,
installation and operation
AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (known as the Australian/New Zealand Wiring
Rules)
AS/ANZ 3008.1.1:2009
Electrical installations - Selection of cables - Cables for alternating voltages up to and including 0.6/1 kV -
Typical Australian installation conditions
AS/NZS 3013:2005 Electrical installations - Classification of the fire and mechanical
performance of wiring system elements
AS/NZS 3080:2003 Telecommunications installations - Generic cabling for commercial
premises (ISO/IEC 11801-2002, MOD)
AS/NZS 3084:2003 Telecommunications installations - Telecommunications pathways and
spaces for commercial buildings
AS/NZS 3439.1:2002 Low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies - Type-tested and
partially type-tested assemblies
AS/NZS 3439.3:2002 Low-voltage switchgear and control gear assemblies - Particular
requirements for low-voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies
intended to be installed in places where unskilled persons have access
for their use - Distribution boards
AS 4282-1997 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting
AS/ACIF S009:2006 Installation requirements for customer cabling (Wiring Rules)
SAA HB 29-2007 Communications Cabling Manual, Module 2 Communications cabling
handbook
SAA HB 243-2007 Communications cabling manual - Module 1- Australian regulatory
arrangements
SAA HB 301-2001 Electrical installations - designing to the Wiring Rules

Specification writing 18
Corporate Information
NATSPEC is the trading name of Construction Information Systems Limited, ABN 20 117 574 606.
NATSPEC, founded in 1975, is a not-for-profit organisation that is owned by the design, build, construct and
property industry through professional associations and government property groups. It is impartial and is not
involved in advocacy or policy development. NATSPEC’s major service is the comprehensive nation specification
system endorsed by the government and professional bodies. The specification is for all building structures with
specialist packages for architects, interior designers, landscape architects, structural engineers, service engineers
and domestic owners.
NATSPEC’s aims are to provide economies of scale for its shareholders and to improve the quality of construction in
Australia via the provision of information, tools, products and services.

STAKEHOLDERS CONTACT INFORMATION

// Air conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Phone 1300 797 142
Association of Australia
Fax 1300 797 143
// Australia Council of Building Environment Design
Email mail@natspec.com.au
Professions
Web www.natspec.com.au
// Australian Elevator Association
// Australian Institute of Architects
// Australian Institute of Building
// Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
// Australia Institute of Quantity Surveyors
// Building Commission Victoria
// Construction Industry Engineering Services
Group
// Consult Australia
// Department for Transport, Energy and
Infrastructure (SA)
// Department of Construction and
Infrastructure (NT)
// Department of Finance and Deregulation
(Federal)
// Department of Public Works (QLD)
// Department of Services, Technology and
Administration (NSW)
// Department of Territory and Municipal Services
(ACT)
// Department of Treasury and Finance (TAS)
// Department of Treasury and Finance (WA)
// Engineers Australia
// Master Builders Australia
// Standards Australia

NATSPEC