Access Report Peer Review NSW: Independent Second Opinion

A certifier holds a report that says "complies" across the board but has no dimensions, or a builder is on their third RFI. A peer review is an independent check of someone else's access report or Performance Solution against the NCC edition in force, the Premises Standards and AS 1428. Sydney Access Consultants reviews the report, not the people, and does not take over the job unless asked.

What is an access report peer review?

It is a short, independent check of the report or Performance Solution, the plans it relied on, the NCC edition and clauses cited, and the Premises Standards and AS 1428 references. The output is a clear list of what is sound, what needs clarification, what is non-compliant and what is at risk.

Peer review versus a fresh access report versus a design audit

A peer review checks an existing document. A fresh access report starts from the drawings. A design audit reviews the design before a report is written. See audit designs for the design-audit service.

When you need an independent second opinion

A certifier before issuing a CC or OC; a developer facing repeated RFIs; an inherited report after a consultant change; a Performance Solution with high consequence (omitted lift, reduced circulation, heritage entry); or a complaint or dispute in the air.

Eight signs of a weak access report

Wrong or unstated NCC edition. Class of building not stated or wrong. No affected-part analysis for alterations to existing buildings. "Complies" with no dimensions or drawing references. AS 1428.1 edition confusion (2009 versus 2021 as referenced by the NCC edition in force). Sanitary facility counts not shown (Part F4). D4D5 exemptions claimed without reasons. Performance Solution with no Performance Requirement identified, no assessment method and no verification.

Peer reviewing an access Performance Solution

The reviewer checks that the relevant Performance Requirements are identified, that an assessment method is stated (expert judgement or comparison with Deemed-to-Satisfy), that stakeholder consultation is documented where required, and that the solution is properly documented for the certifier. See performance solutions and heritage access performance solutions.

How a peer review works with Sydney Access Consultants

Send the report, the plans and any RFIs. We confirm the scope, carry out the review and issue written findings sorted into sound / clarify / non-compliant / risk. An optional call with the original consultant or certifier can follow. Call (02) 9586 3111 for a fee.

Peer review versus expert witness

A peer review informs a project decision. Expert evidence is prepared for a tribunal or court under the relevant expert code. See expert witness and the article on expert evidence in access consulting.

Who we review for

Certifiers, councils, developers, builders, architects, strata, schools and health bodies. Sydney Access Consultants is an Accredited Access Consultant practice. We do not hold Livable Housing assessor registration.

FAQs

What is an access report peer review?
An access report peer review is an independent check of another consultant's access report or Performance Solution against the NCC edition in force, the Disability (Access to Premises — Buildings) Standards 2010 and the AS 1428 series. It confirms what is sound, flags gaps such as a missing affected-part assessment or undimensioned "complies" statements, and tells the certifier or client what needs fixing before a Construction or Occupation Certificate.

When should a certifier get an independent access review?
When a report gives blanket compliance without measurements or drawing references, relies on a Performance Solution without a clear Performance Requirement and assessment method, or keeps generating RFIs. A peer review gives the certifier an independent basis for the decision without replacing the original consultant.

Is a peer review the same as expert witness evidence?
No. A peer review informs a project decision. Expert evidence is prepared for a court or tribunal under that forum's expert code and has a different duty and format.

Call Sydney Access Consultants on (02) 9586 3111.

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