Construction industry professionals at all stages of the supply chain are equally responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their end-users and the greater community. Product compliance is an important way to ensure duty of care across all construction projects.
What are the product compliance requirements?
The Australian Standards and National Construction Code contain specific criteria for product conformance within multiple sectors of the construction industry. Construction professionals should have excellent understanding of the relevant standards and guidelines for their particular domain, enabling them to easily identify conforming products at the time of specification, purchase or installation.
What are the risks of using non-compliant products?
Non-compliant products that do not have the required performance characteristics fall short of the specified standards criteria, making them more prone to failure. Sub-standard products not only put future occupants and the community at risk but also can be very expensive to rectify and restore in the event of damage caused by product failure. Companies involved in the delivery of the project also risk damage to their reputation.
Unfortunately, there is a high number of inferior quality non-compliant products in the market. Being priced lower than compliant products, these products are often appealing to contractors or procurement officers. While companies involved in the project may achieve upfront savings by using non-compliant, sub-standard products, such actions may lead to further costs down the track, should any faults or damages occur after project completion.
Roles and responsibilities across the construction supply chain
Product compliance is an important consideration during all stages of the supply process.
Product manufacturers need to be aware of the compliance requirements of the products they make, ensuring that all performance requirements are met and that they have sufficient evidence to prove product compliance such as testing, assurance and certification.
Wholesalers, distributors and retailers must ensure that the products and materials they supply do not breach trade laws or industry-specific requirements for safety or performance.
Architects, designers and engineers involved in the planning and design of construction projects must specify and approve products that are ‘fit-for-purpose’, meaning that they are appropriately suited for the intended use. Adding a reference to the relevant Australian Standards and product requirements within a project specification helps to reduce the chances of non-conforming products being used.
Procurement officers, who are responsible for selecting the appropriate products to be installed in a project, must have a good understanding of product functionality and ensure that all products sourced, are compliant with industry and project requirements.
Builders and contractors who work on project installations are similarly tasked with ensuring that the products being installed are compliant with industry requirements and that the products are installed as per the design intent to be able to function correctly.
SVC’s Quality Guarantee
Product quality and compliance are non-negotiable at SVC Products. All SVC products are compliant with Australian Standards and independently tested and certified by accredited authorities.
When purchasing an SVC product, you’ll be supporting local business and advocating the use of safe, compliant products within Australia’s construction industry.
