SS 12 covers audio loops (12/1) and other assistive listening systems such as FM radio and infrared (12/2), which help hearing-aid users hear amplified sound. Council templates typically set six-monthly and annual IQP inspections, with a Form 12A each year.
At a glance
| Specified system | SS 12 |
| Official name | Audio loops or other assistive listening systems |
| Sub-categories | SS 12/1 Audio loops SS 12/2 FM radio frequency and infrared beam transmission systems |
| Typical intervals | 6-monthly and annual (varies by task; see below) |
| Standards often cited | AS 60118.4-2007, AS 1088.4, NZS 4121 |
| Annual certificate | Form 12A from an IQP, attached to the building warrant of fitness |
What SS 12 covers
- 12/1 covers induction-loop systems that amplify sound for hearing aid users.[1]
- 12/2 covers FM radio frequency and infrared (IR) beam systems; where only FM is used, users may bring their own receivers.[2]
- Each building's compliance schedule sets the actual inspection, maintenance and reporting procedures; frequencies below are typical examples from the cited documents.[2]
How often it is inspected
| System | Daily | Weekly | Monthly | 3-monthly | 6-monthly | Annual | 2–5 yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 12 Audio loops and assistive listening | no | no | no | no | no |
| Task | Typical frequency | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection (12/1 and 12/2) | Six-monthly | IQP[1] |
| Inspection (12/1 and 12/2) | Six-monthly and annual | IQP[3] |
| Sanitise/replace earplugs or headset covers; recharge receiver batteries | After each use | —[2] |
| Form 12A certificate | Annually | IQP[1] |
What an inspection typically covers
- 12/1: magnetic field strength in the specified area against AS 60118.4.[2]
- 12/1: magnetic background noise from equipment added or altered nearby since last inspection.[2]
- 12/1: sound pressure level and distortion of loop amplification.[2]
- 12/1: spectrum analysis and speech intelligibility (RASTI) if room acoustics changed.[2]
- Hire equipment: receiver count, cords, connectors, teleloop, earpieces and headsets.[2]
- 12/2: signal transmission strength and coverage across the public area, with gaps removed or marked.[2]
- 12/2: receivers set to the venue's channel and working across the full area.[2]
- 12/2: listening test for distortion and clarity; frequency response and signal-to-noise tests.[3]
- 12/2: hearing assistance signage present and in good condition.[3]
Standards commonly cited
| Standard | Title |
|---|---|
| AS 60118.4-2007 | Hearing aids - Magnetic field strength in audio-frequency induction loops for hearing aid purposes[1] |
| IEC 60118-4:2014+AMD1:2017 | Electroacoustics - Hearing aids - Induction-loop systems for hearing aid purposes - System performance requirements[1] |
| AS 1088.4:1987 | Hearing aids - Magnetic field strength in audio-frequency induction loops for hearing aid purposes (legacy)[1] |
| NZS 4121:2001 | Design for access and mobility – Buildings and associated facilities (cited as a performance standard)[3] |
Titles as listed in council and MBIE documents. Inspections follow the standard and edition named in the building's compliance schedule, usually the edition the system was installed to. Changing to a different edition needs an amendment to the compliance schedule.
Building Code context
- 12/2 cites Building Code clause G5.3.5, with signage to G5.3.6.[3]
Questions
How often is SS 12 inspected?
MBIE and council guidance shows tasks at these intervals: 6-monthly and annual, with an IQP certifying the system each year. The building's compliance schedule sets the actual frequency.
Which standards apply to SS 12?
Commonly cited: AS 60118.4-2007, AS 1088.4, NZS 4121. The compliance schedule names the standard and edition for each building.
Who can certify SS 12?
An independently qualified person (IQP) registered with the council for this system. They issue a Form 12A each year, which the owner attaches to the building warrant of fitness.
Sources
- SS 12/1 compliance schedule form — Palmerston North City Council
- Compliance Schedule Handbook, Amendment 3 — MBIE, 14 February 2014 (first published 25 May 2007)
- Specified Systems Guidance for Customers, WBCA 003 v1.0.1 — Westland District Council BCA, 16 September 2025
General information only, not legal or engineering advice. Last reviewed 30 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
certify.nz includes a starting checklist for SS 12. Edit it to match the building's compliance schedule, inspect offline and issue a signed report.
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