Like many regulatory documentation and standards, the NCC 2019 - Vol 1 can be at times be a challenge to interpret as to how it is intended to be applied. Therefore, conventions and approaches are required to be taken into account when using the NCC. These include interpreting specific language and terms that are critical in understanding the intended technical and legal meaning.
Some parts of the NCC are non-mandatory, being informative only or intended as guidance in nature while other parts are mandatory.
Non-Mandatory
Non-mandatory elements include:
- Content identified as “explanatory information”.
- For Volumes One and Two, the “Introduction to this Part or Section” information, located at the beginning of each Part or Section.
Explanatory information provides for guidance purposes only and is to read in conjunction with the technical provisions of the NCC. Any statements made in the informative and guidance components of the NCC are not be taken to override the NCC. Unlike the NCC, which is adopted by legislation, the informative and guidance components are not called up into legislation. Therefore, they do not cover State and Territory variations and additions and have no regulatory force.
Mandatory
Mandatory elements include:
- definitions provided in Schedule 3, unless the contrary intention appears; and
- additional definitions in State or Territory appendices, as appropriate.