Q. Do all consultants from different companies need to subscribe to NATSPEC to access the VSBA project specifications?
A. Yes. Consultants engaged to design and document VSBA projects must subscribe to the NATSPEC package appropriate to their profession.
Q. Where are the VSBA files located?
- Log into SPECbuilder
- Click on Subscription Downloads
- Click on Department of Education, Victoria
Q. Why can I not see the VSBA files in SPECbuilder?
A.Check that you are subscribed to a package that has access to the documents. The VSBA files are available to subscribers in Victoria by default. If you are working on a VSBA project but are located outside of Victoria, contact us to arrange access.
Q. Which specification should I use for VSBA projects?
A. VSBA projects require a two-part specification comprising the appropriate VSBA Part A Education facilities construction reference specification and completed VSBA Part B Education facilities construction project components requirements.
These documents have been developed by NATSPEC for use with VSBA projects and can be accessed from SPECbuilder Subscription Downloads by NATSPEC subscribers.
- Use the Minor works specification Parts A and B for Simple Works contract projects under $1 million.
- Use the Capital Works specification Parts A and B for Minor construct only, Major Construct only or Design and Construct contract projects over $1 million.
Confirm Reference specification selection with the Project Manager, particularly if proposing to vary from the above value ranges.
Q. What is the difference between 0143 Preliminaries and 0171 General requirements?
A. The 0143 Preliminaries worksection sets out the site requirements of the principal and should be read in conjunction with the General Conditions of Contract between the Principal and the head contractor. The 0171 General requirements worksection sets out requirements applicable to all contractors/subcontractors and should form part of any trade package.
Part B of these worksections can be edited as any other worksection. Add items currently not included or nominate items to be omitted from Part A if they are not applicable for the project.
Q. How do I know if the item I want to specify is included? What should I do if it isn’t?
- Part A is a fully searchable pdf document for quickly locating required items.
See Instructions for specifiers for instructions on editing the Part B document to specify items not included in Part A.
Q. Can I specify a proprietary item?
A. The reference specification does not refer to any proprietary item. Do not include any trade names in the specification other than as an example of a product that meets the specification.
Q. Where should I specify items that are applicable to more than one worksection?
A. Generally, items that are applicable to more than one worksection can be included in one worksection with the applicable clause cross referenced in the other worksection. Examples include:
- Tactile indicators and stair nosings: This may be included in the applicable floor finish worksection, e.g. 0631 Ceramic tiling, 0652 Carpets or 0383 Decking, sheet and panel flooring. If the same requirements are repeated for more than one finish, include it in one worksection and reference the applicable clause in the other worksection(s).
- Pinboards sheet or acoustic fabrics: For stick on acoustic fabric tiles/fabric, include in the 0511 Linings worksection as a finish type for the wall lining. For fabricated pinboards, include in the 0551 Joinery or 0572 Miscellaneous furniture worksection for proprietary boards/screens.
Q. How can I provide feedback or be involved in the VSBA project specification review process?
A. We welcome feedback. Write to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with VSBA project specification feedback as the subject.
Q. Are there any other resources for VSBA projects?
A. Access document downloads from the Department of Education’s website (www.education.vic.gov.au).
Refer to the Building Quality Standards Handbook (BQSH) for design requirements affecting the specification.