Building Regulations

Question 1

What parliamentary act dictates the requirements for building regulations?

Answer 1

The Building (Scotland) Act 2003

Question 2

How is the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 enforced?

Answer 2

It is enforced via the Building Regulations 2004, which detail specific regulations with regards to buildings. The regulations are supplemented by Technical Handbooks, domestic and non-domestic. These handbooks provide guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the Building Regulations.

Question 3

What are the sections of the Technical Handbook?

Answer 3

Sec 0 - General
Sec 1 - Structure
Sec 2 - Fire 
Sec 3 - Environment 
Sec 4 - Safety 
Sec 5 - Noise 
Sec 6 - Energy
Sec 7 - Sustainability

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003?

Answer 4

The purpose of the act is to:

• secure the health, safety, welfare and convenience of persons in or about buildings and of others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings,
• to further the conservation of fuel and power, and
• to further the achievement of sustainable development

Question 5

What section of the building regulations did you refer to when dealing with the relocation of sanitary wear in the retail unit on George Street?

Answer 5

Section 3 - Environment provides guidance on drainage. Specifically 3.7.1 Wastewater Drainage - Sanitary Pipework notes the requirement for drainage systems to be in accordance with a particular Building Standard, which noted that pumped systems are acceptable in special circumstances such as refurbishment.