What is the PCA?

What is the PCA?

Voice over: In this video we’re going to take a closer look at the Plumbing Code of Australia.

[Music plays and the National Construction Code logo appears. A voice over (male) is heard]

Voice over: So, what is the Plumbing Code of Australia?

[Image changes to show a pipe (in the shape of a question mark)]

Voice over: The Plumbing Code of Australia is the Third Volume of the National Construction Code, also referred to as the PCA.

[A droplet containing the NCC Volume Three logo falls from the pipe and zooms to the centre of screen]

Voice over: It contains the technical provisions and sets out the minimum required levels of safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of the design and construction of plumbing and drainage systems in Australia.

[Image changes to show a phone/tablet device displaying the NCC Volume Three web pages. A cross-fade reveals a map of Australia]

Voice over: The PCA applies to these systems in all classes of buildings whenever plumbing work is carried out and applies to sites where water services are constructed independent of buildings.

[Image holds on the map of Australia as various plumbing products appears across the map]

Voice over: The PCA is given legal effect through State and Territory plumbing legislation.

[Images changes to reveal a Plumbing Regulation document]

Voice over: Each State and Territory Building or Plumbing Act and Regulations reference the PCA.

[Image holds and a Plumbing Act document also appears]

Voice over: So, this means while the ABCB writes the NCC, each State and Territory is responsible for its administration.

[Image holds and a hand holding a pen signs the Plumbing Act document]

Voice over: But why does the PCA exist?

[Image changes to show a pipe (in the shape of a question mark)]

Voice over: In short, it was developed to provide a national plumbing code.

[A droplet containing the text “Why does the PCA exist” falls from the pipe and zooms to the centre of screen]

Voice over: In the past, each State and Territory had individual technical provisions.

[Images changes to reveal a map of Australia as each state a territory splits out from the map]

Voice over: This made it more difficult for plumbers, manufacturers and businesses to comply with the correct standards or provisions when working across different States or Territories.

[Image changes to reveal a plumber looking confused]

Voice over: So, having a national plumbing code allows plumbers to work easily across different regions.

[Image holds, a sink appears and the plumber begins tightening the pipes with a spanner]

Voice over: It also provides assurance to consumers that plumbing and drainage systems have been correctly installed and that the water you drink is safe!

[Image holds and a person enters frame, holding a glass under the sink tap. The plumber turns on the tap, water fills the glass and the person drinks the water]

Voice over: How does the PCA work?

[Image changes to show a pipe (in the shape of a question mark)]

Voice over: The PCA is a performance-based code. This means to comply with it, practitioners need to meet the Performance Requirements in accordance with the National Construction Code’s Governing Requirements.

[A droplet containing the text “How does the PCA work” falls from the pipe and zooms to the centre of screen. A document that reads “Governing Requirements” and one that reads “Performance Requirements” then enter frame]

Voice over: But, how do you achieve compliance?

[Image changes to show a pipe (in the shape of a question mark). A droplet containing the text “How do you achieve compliance” falls from the pipe and zooms to the centre of screen]

Voice over: Well, the PCA references a number of documents, including standards such as the AS/NZS 3500 (A.S., N.Z.S thirty-five hundred) series.

[Images changes and the “AS/NZS 3500” document appears on screen]

Voice over: These documents can be used as a means of meeting the Performance Requirements, known as a Deemed-to-Satisfy Solution. Another way to meet the Performance Requirements is to develop a Performance Solution. Or, you can use a combination of both.

[Images changes to reveal the “Performance Requirements” framework]

Voice over: The PCA also sets out which products must be certified and authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations. These are captured under the mandatory WaterMark Certification Scheme, known simply as WaterMark.

[Images changes and the WaterMark logo appears and spins on screen]

Voice over: How can you access the PCA?

[Image changes to show a pipe (in the shape of a question mark). A droplet containing the text “How do you access the PCA” falls from the pipe and zooms to the centre of screen]

Voice over: You can access the PCA free online, simply by registering on the ABCB website at abcb.gov.au.

[Images changes to reveal a computer monitor with the ABCB website displayed. The cursor moves to click on the Register button]

Voice over: Once you have registered you will have full access to the PCA, the rest of the National Construction Code and more.

[Camera zooms out to reveal the computer on a desk. The Volumes One, Two and Three logos appear above the computer]

Voice over: We also have a range of other resources to help you to understand the PCA in the ABCB Resource Library.

[Image holds and the Resource Library icons now appear about the computer]

Voice over: Our Resources include:

• Videos
• Handbooks
• Infographics
• And more

[Image holds and the relevant icons zoom to camera as they are read]

Voice over: Want to know more? Visit the ABCB website to access the PCA today!

[Image changes to show the ABCB logo and website]