When building or renovating a medical clinic, compliance isn’t optional—it’s the backbone of a safe, legally approved, and fully functional facility. Yet compliance is also where many projects encounter costly delays. At SoulMed, we specialise in navigating these challenges so that your clinic is delivered on time, fully compliant, and ready to welcome patients.
Below, we break down the Top 10 compliance items that can delay a clinic build—and share how we help clients avoid pitfalls.
1. Building Permits & Approvals
No fitout can begin without securing the right permits. This involves engaging a Registered Building Surveyor (RBS), submitting drawings, and ensuring alignment with the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
- Learn more: Victorian Building Authority – Permits
- Reference: National Construction Code (NCC)
SoulMed’s Approach: We coordinate directly with surveyors, councils, and certifiers early in the design stage to prevent hold-ups.
2. Fire Safety Compliance
Medical facilities must meet strict fire safety requirements—sprinklers, smoke detectors, extinguishers, and fire hose reel coverage. A missing or wrongly placed fire door or hose reel can stop an Occupancy Permit dead in its tracks.
- Learn more: Fire Safety in Health Buildings – Australian Standards
- Related guide: AS 2444: Fire Extinguishers & Equipment
SoulMed’s Approach: We map out fire compliance in every floor plan and liaise with fire engineers to ensure certification is smooth.
3. Accessibility & DDA Compliance
Clinics must be accessible to all under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). This includes ramp gradients, doorway widths, handrails, tactile indicators, and compliant DDA toilets.
- Learn more: Australian Human Rights Commission – DDA
- Resource: Accessible Design – NCC Volume One
SoulMed’s Approach: Accessibility is embedded in our layouts, ensuring inclusivity and avoiding last-minute redesigns.
4. Waterproofing & Wet Area Standards
Non-compliant waterproofing can delay approvals and cause long-term structural issues. Clinics often require specialist waterproofing in treatment rooms, bathrooms, and sterilisation areas.
- Reference: AS 3740: Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas
SoulMed’s Approach: We only use certified waterproofers and ensure detailed compliance reports are ready for the surveyor.
5. Radiation & Lead Lining (Radiology & Dental Clinics)
Radiology, dental X-ray, and imaging rooms must meet radiation shielding requirements, including lead-lined walls, doors, and windows. Incorrect specifications can trigger major delays.
- Learn more: ARPANSA – Radiation Protection Standards
SoulMed’s Approach: We work with certified radiation physicists to sign off on shielding designs before construction.
6. HVAC & Mechanical Ventilation
Airflow in medical clinics must meet strict guidelines for infection control, negative pressure rooms, and fresh air rates. Mechanical compliance is often overlooked until surveyor inspection.
- Resource: ASHRAE Healthcare Ventilation Standards
- Local guidance: Victorian Health Building Authority – Standards
SoulMed’s Approach: Our engineers model airflows early and submit reports with permit applications.
7. Electrical & Emergency Lighting
Beyond standard wiring, clinics require body-protected electrical installations, emergency exit lighting, and compliance with AS/NZS 3003. A missing certificate can delay an opening by weeks.
SoulMed’s Approach: We use accredited medical electricians familiar with the nuances of healthcare fitouts.
8. Plumbing & Infection Control
Medical plumbing isn’t just taps and drains—it must account for backflow prevention, sterilisation sinks, and compliance with infection control guidelines.
- Learn more: AS/NZS 3500 – Plumbing & Drainage
- Infection control: Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection
SoulMed’s Approach: We work closely with hydraulic engineers to pre-approve designs before site works.
9. Signage & Wayfinding Compliance
Signage must comply with AS 1428.1, ensuring tactile and Braille indicators, illuminated exit signs, and clear wayfinding.
- Reference: AS 1428.1 – Design for Access & Mobility
SoulMed’s Approach: We integrate signage packages with DDA and fire safety standards so they pass first inspection.
10. Documentation & Certification
Even when the build is complete, surveyors require a full compliance pack: engineer sign-offs, test results, and certificates. Missing a single form can stall the Occupancy Permit.
SoulMed’s Approach: We prepare documentation progressively, so nothing is left to the last minute.
How SoulMed Keeps Projects Moving
Delays in compliance not only cost money—they erode trust and slow your clinic’s ability to serve patients. At SoulMed, we act as your compliance partner, managing approvals, coordinating with consultants, and pre-empting issues before they become roadblocks.
If you’re planning a new clinic or renovation, talk to us about a compliance-first fitout strategy that keeps your project on track.
Contact SoulMed today to discuss your next project.
