The NCC 2022 Livable Housing provisions have a clear requirement for reinforcement within bathroom walls to support the future installation of grab rails. Under Clause H8D3, walls around toilets, showers and baths must be capable of supporting these loads, which in practice requires adequate back-blocking (nogging or equivalent structural support) to be installed during framing, which can also be found in the ABCB Livable Housing Design Standard, Part 6.
This is no longer just good practice — it is a Deemed-to-Satisfy requirement where the Livable Housing Design standard applies. Builders should ensure reinforcement is correctly located, structurally adequate, and installed prior to sheeting. Failure to provide compliant backing may result in non-compliance with the NCC and issues at certification or defect stage.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact our Advisory team:
📞 (02) 6175 5900
📧 workplace@mba.org.au
