Guide to Australian manufacturing standards, accounting standards, food code, building code and design rules
From January 2000, Australian Standards are only available in electronic format. This also includes any Australian Standards which were published earlier than 2000 but were current and applicable at that date. The Library no longer has online access to overseas standards.
All Australian Standards can be searched and purchased through the Standards Australia Webstore
Australian Standards published prior to January 2000 are available in print through the Library. See the box below for more details.
It is possible to find out if an overseas standard exists, which standard agency produces it and what the details of the standard are, through SAI Gobal.
Up to January 2000, Australian Standards are available only in print format.
These are stored at our offsite stores including any subsequent amendments up to 2004 that may have been made to these standards, and would need to be ordered in, ahead of a visit to the Library,
Generally, they are only retrieved if it is necessary to compare or verify something about a given standard which was applicable at a point in time in the past.
How to find older Australian Standards in the Library's catalogue
In the first instance, check SAI Global to see if the standard is available in electronic format-- this will be the case in the event that the standard was in force or current as at January 2000, even if it was published a few years earlier.
By checking the SAI Global you also discover if any amendments were made to the original standard or if more recent standards would have been produced which could have superseded the earlier standard.
If the precise item is what is required or subsequent amendments and versions are not of interest, then follow the steps below:
If the Standard number and name are known:
The Library holds print copies of Australian Standards prior to 2000 as well as some subsequent amendments to those standards issued after 2000. Depending on what letters the Standard number is preceded by, it would be necessary to request Library staff to complete an "offsite request" .
If the Standard number is unknown OR if it is not known whether or not a standard exists:
This print catalogue has 2 sequences:
1. Numerical list of Australian Standards --- arranged by AS number (& increasingly by AS/NZS number). It gives full details of the relevant standard for identification purposes.
2. Subject index --- every publication listed under relevant subject heading, followed by its standard number and page where item is listed in the catalogue.
It may be necessary to search older editions of the Catalogue of Australian Standards (1966 to 1999) to find out what standard was applicable during the period of interest; a subject search of the print catalogue will indicate this as well as give the number of the standard.
MEPS programs are made mandatory in Australia by state government legislation and regulations which give force to the relevant Australian Standards.
Regulations specify the general requirements for MEPS for appliances, including offences and penalties if a party does not comply with the requirements.
Technical requirements for MEPS are set out in the relevant appliance standard, which is referenced in state regulations.
State based legislation is necessary because the Australian constitution gives Australian States clear responsibility for resource management issues, including energy.
