Steel remains one of the most widely used materials in construction, infrastructure, and industrial applications across Australia. Its strength, versatility and availability make it an ideal choice for everything from skyscrapers to bridges. However, steel has one significant vulnerability: corrosion. When left unprotected, steel deteriorates rapidly, compromising structural integrity, creating safety hazards, and generating significant replacement costs. This is why the Australian Standard AS/NZS 2312:2014 sets mandatory guidelines for protecting steel in different environments – making proper coating not just good practice but a legal requirement. Read on to discover the legal mandates behind steel protective coatings.
The Legal Obligation: AS/NZS 2312:2014
What is AS/NZS 2312:2014?
This joint Australian and New Zealand standard governs steel protective coatings for structures to prevent corrosion. It specifies coating types and thicknesses required for different corrosivity environments, from mild indoor settings to extreme coastal exposures.
The standard provides detailed guidance on:
- Surface preparation requirements
- Appropriate coating systems
- Application methods
- Quality control measures
- Maintenance procedures
Why Compliance Matters
Compliance with AS/NZS 2312:2014 isn’t optional – it ensures public safety and infrastructure durability. Failure to comply can result in legal penalties, project shutdowns, and financial losses. Beyond the regulatory requirements, adhering to these standards demonstrates professional responsibility and commitment to quality.
Who This is Relevant For:
- Facilities Managers – Ensure steel assets in buildings and infrastructure remain compliant
- Project Managers – Oversee compliance with standards in new developments and maintenance projects
- Architects – Work with engineers to design structures that are both aesthetically appealing and corrosion-resistant
- Local Councils & Government Agencies – Responsible for ensuring public infrastructure meets legal safety standards
- Marine Industry Professionals – Manage steel structures exposed to high-salinity environments, requiring stringent protection measures
The Risks of Unprotected Steel
Steel is fundamentally an unstable substrate that corrodes when exposed to moisture, oxygen, and salts. Without proper protection, this natural chemical process begins immediately and accelerates over time. The consequences of corrosion are far-reaching and severe. Structural failure becomes a significant risk as bridges, buildings, and industrial plants become unsafe when corrosion weakens their load-bearing capacity. Financial impacts are equally concerning, with frequent repairs and replacements driving up expenses, sometimes to catastrophic levels that can devastate maintenance budgets. Perhaps most critically, corrosion creates serious safety hazards and legal liabilities, as corrosion-related failures can result in injuries, lawsuits, and regulatory fines that could have been easily prevented with proper coating protocols.
Why Steel Protective Coatings are Beneficial
Proper steel coating systems deliver multiple advantages beyond simply meeting legal obligations. Steel protective coatings act as a crucial barrier against environmental factors that trigger oxidation, effectively preventing corrosion at its source. Quality coatings can add decades to the service life of steel structures, reducing deterioration and lowering the need for costly repairs throughout a building’s lifetime. While there’s an upfront investment, coatings provide substantial long-term savings by minimising maintenance expenses and preventing premature replacements. Modern coating systems also enhance aesthetics and functionality, improving appearance, providing UV protection, and offering optional features like graffiti resistance that add further value to your steel assets.
Environmental Factors and Coating Requirements
The Australian Standard recognises that different environments create varying levels of corrosion risk, and therefore require different protection strategies.
Corrosivity Categories (as defined in AS/NZS 2312.1)
- Very Low – Controlled indoor environments with minimal humidity and no corrosive agents
- Low – Rural areas, more than 50 km from the coast, with low pollution levels
- Medium – Urban inland areas or low-salinity coastal regions
- High – Up to 1 km from the coast or industrial zones with moderate chemical exposure
- Very High Industrial – Harsh industrial settings with low pH environments and chemical contaminants
- Very High Marine – Coastal and offshore locations with high salt exposure, creating aggressive corrosion conditions
Matching Steel Protective Coatings to the Environment
The standard prescribes specific coating systems based on these corrosivity categories:
- Zinc-based primers – Provide sacrificial corrosion protection as the first line of defence
- Epoxy-based intermediate coats – Offer moisture and chemical resistance, creating a durable barrier
- UV-resistant topcoats – Prevent degradation from sunlight exposure and enhance aesthetic appearance
The coating thickness, reapplication intervals, and specific formulations must all align with the standard’s requirements for each environment.
Ready to Make A Smart, Necessary Investment?
Steel coatings are a legal requirement in Australia, not just a best practice. AS/NZS 2312:2014 ensures compliance by defining the right coatings for each environment, protecting both physical assets and public safety.
Failure to follow regulations leads to corrosion risks, safety hazards, and financial losses that far exceed the cost of proper protection.
At APT Spray Painting, we specialise in professional spray painting for steel components, ensuring your materials meet AS/NZS 2312:2014 standards. Our expertise guarantees:
- Durable, long-lasting steel protective coatings for industrial and commercial applications
- Custom solutions tailored to specific environmental conditions
- Compliance with safety and regulatory requirements
Contact APT Spray Painting today to discuss how we can help protect your steel components and keep your assets in top condition for years to come!
