Factsheet: Slip Resistance of Ramps

Posted on 3 June 2016
A new Industry Factsheet: Slip Resistance of Ramps, is now available from HMInfo. The purpose of this factsheet is to assist 'Do it Yourself' consumers and home modification providers to choose ramp materials that comply with the slip resistance requirements in the Building Code of Australia [BCA]. Click here to view the Factsheet.
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NCC Changes Affecting Ramps

Posted on 20 May 2016

Home modification providers across Australia need to be aware of changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2016 which affect the construction of ramps. These changes came into effect at the beginning of May 2016.

Amendment
Previously the Building Code of Australia specified a requirement for all domestic ramps (in Class 1 buildings, ie domestic dwellings) had to be "slip resistant". The changes introduced now require "acceptable construction practice" for slip resistance in ramps, with a minimum slip-resistance classification of P5/R12 for ramps exposed to weather. Section 3.9.1.3 requires that ramps not steeper than 1:8 are to have an R10 rating for dry surface conditions, and an R12 for wet. For ramps with gradient 1:20-1:14, the new requirement is higher than the 'deemed-to-satisfy' slip resistance classification required in class 2-9 dwellings.

Impact
We are grateful to our colleagues at HMInfo for bringing this to our attention. From their advice and our own analysis it is our understanding that this new level of slip resistance would apply to all newly constructed ramps, modular ramps and 'off-the-shelf' ramp products used for Class 1 housing (not just in new or renovated housing). It is possible that some of the products currently used for ramps may not comply with these new requirements, and this cannot be verified without the products undergoing testing. HMInfo are looking further into the possibility of testing for compliance, and we may need documented confirmation from suppliers in the future that the ramp material's surface meets these requirements at the time of installation.

In the short term it is likely that the current certification of compliance of ramps, against AS4568, will no longer be enough. MOD.A will work with HMInfo to get a clearer idea of what products may be suitable and what documentation will demonstrate compliance to the new standard.

Issues and actions
MOD.A is extremely frustrated with the lack of any notice provided to our sector about these very significant changes, and with no proposed regime in place to identify and test materials which may be suitable. We are approaching the Australian Building Codes Board about this matter, seeking an explanation of the process by which the changes were proposed and approved without, it would appear, any consultation with the industry most affected. We will also be informing government departments of the changes, as this may impact on the cost of the provision of ramps, which will have to be factored into pricing in the NDIS and other schemes which facilitate modifications through individualised funding. In addition to informing members we are also ensuring that occupational therapists are aware of the changes, though our networks and also through the OT Association.

We will do everything possible to keep members and the sector up to date with more information about this as we gather it, including ways that compliance can be guaranteed and documented. Until then MOD.A recommends providers weigh up the risks associated with the provision of ramps, and document the decisions taken to use materials for ramps in this period of time.

If you have any further questions please contact us at info@moda.org.au

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My Aged Care Webinar 2pm 23 May 2016

Posted on 17 May 2016
This webinar, rescheduled from 13 April, is the last in the current series designed to prepare and inform the sector, including assessors and service providers, about the ACAT transition to full functionality. This webinar will also provide an opportunity to demonstrate the recent enhancements made to the My Aged Care system. See http://livestream.ssc.gov.au/health/23may2016/afternoon/ for details.
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Budget 2016: NDIS

Posted on 4 May 2016

The Budget provides funding for the full roll-out of the NDIS across Queensland and the Northern Territory, and to extend and expand the Western Australia trial sites. Savings of $711.2million, resulting from agreed phasing for the NDIS in these jurisdictions, will be committed to the NDIS Savings Fund Special Account, once established, for re-investment in the NDIS. A total of $2.1 billion in budget savings has been allocated to the Fund. Additional budget savings will come from:

* Closing carbon tax compensation for new welfare recipients from 20 September 2016 at a saving of $1.3 billion over five years;
* Closing carbon tax compensation for those single income families not already in the welfare system but who will enter the welfare system from 1 July 2017, with a saving of $67.2 million over five years, and;
* Additional reviews for Disability Support Pension recipients, with a saving of $62.1 million over five years.

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Budget 2016: HACC Western Australia

Posted on 4 May 2016
Commonwealth will contribute $392.9 million to the jointly funded HACC program from 2016-17 to 2017-18 (commencing 1 July 2016), allowing the Commonwealth's financial contribution for the Home and Community Care (HACC) program in Western Australia to continue to be paid under the existing HACC Review Agreement 2007. This will allow ongoing service delivery for clients receiving HACC services in WA until 30 June 2018, while negotiations on the future delivery of the HACC program in WA from 2018-2019 continue.
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