This Code provides practical guidance to persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) who design structures that will be used, or could reasonably be expected to be used, as a workplace. This includes architects, building designers and engineers.

This Code is also relevant for anyone making decisions that influence the design outcome, such as clients, developers and builders.

This Code applies to the design of ‘structures’ defined under the WHS Act to mean anything that is constructed, whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent, and includes:

• buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, transport infrastructure and underground works (shafts or tunnels)
• any component of a structure
• part of a structure.

How to use this Code of Practice

This Code includes references to the legal requirements under the WHS Act and the WHS Regulation. These are included for convenience only and should not be relied on in place of the full text of the WHS Act or WHS Regulation. The words ‘must’, ‘requires’ or ‘mandatory’ indicate a legal requirement exists that must be complied with.

The word ‘should’ is used in this Code to indicate a recommended course of action, while ‘may’ is used to indicate an optional course of action.