Legal Regulatory Flashcards
When do BR apply to existing buildings
When a substantial percentage (around 25% or More) of a element is changed, when the extent of work carried out would provide an opportunity for upgrade/improvement to current Building Regulations.
Any new works, i.e. Extensions, loft conversions and taking out existing walls window replacement, insulation
When you change the use of a building
What are the building Regs?
They are made under the powers provided in the Building Act 1984. They exist to ensure H&S of people in and around all types of buildings (domestic, commercial, and industrial). They also contain provisions for the conservation of energy and access to and the use of buildings.
H&S refers to health and safety.
What is deemed to constitute building work under the Building Act 1984?
Building work is defined under regulation 3 of the Building regulations. It includes:
* The erection or extension of a building
* The installation or extension of a service or fitting controlled under the regulations
* An alteration project affecting ongoing compliance related to Fire, Structure, or Access
* The insertion of insulation to a cavity wall
* The underpinning of the foundations of a building.
What are the approved documents?
They provide guidance on how the building regulations can be satisfied. They have legal status under the Building Act 1984 and there are 18 approved documents in total A-T (excluding I&N). + Approved Doc 7- Material and workmanship
List the 18 Approved Documents + Approved Document 7
The Approved Documents include:
* Part A: Structure
* Part B: Fire Safety
* Part C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture
* Part D: Toxic Substances
* Part E: Resistance to the Passage of Sound
* Part F: Ventilation
* Part G: Sanitation, Hot Water Safety and Water Efficiency
* Part H: Drainage and Waste Disposal
* Part J: Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage
* Part K: Protection from falling, collision and impact.
* Part L: Conservation of Fuel and Energy
* Part M: Access to and use of buildings
* Part O: Overheating
* Part P: Electrical Installations
* Part Q: Security
* Part R: infrastructure for electronic communication
* Part S: Infrastructure for the Charging of Electric Vehicles
* Part T: Toilet Accommodation.
# Material and workmanship - Approved Document 7
How would you get Building regulations approved?
There are three types of building regulation approval:
* Full plans application
* Building notice application
* Regularisation application. Building work subject to the Building regulations must comply with the BR and can use either a Building Control Service provided by a local authority or an approved inspector.
Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the BR?
Primary responsibility for compliance is with the person carrying out the building work. If the client is carrying out the work in their name, they are responsible. If the client appoints a builder, they are responsible, confirmed at the start. If the client is the owner of the building, they can be served with an enforcement notice if the works don’t comply.
What are the British Standards?
Publications issued by the British Standards Institute prefixed BS. They give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design, and construction practices.
What are International Standards - ISO?
Publications issued by the International Organisation for Standardisation prefixed ISO.
What is the difference between Local Authority BC and Approved Inspectors?
Local Authorities are responsible for ensuring work complies with BRs. Approved inspectors are approved by the LA to inspect, supervise, and authorise building works against regulations.
Why use an Approved Inspector?
They are generally seen to be more responsive to giving advice than local authorities.
Are there any time frames involved with the appointment of an Approved Inspector?
An Approved Inspector needs to serve an initial notice on the council, which has to be validated 5 working days before the project commences.
What are the two types of BR application?
The two types of BR application are:
* Building Notices
* Full Plans application.
What is a Building Notice application?
More suitable for minor residential alterations. No formal plans need to be issued for approval as the work is reviewed via inspection.
What is a Full Plans application?
Where detailed plans, specifications, and structural calculations are submitted to the council. These are checked by the local authority to ensure they meet regulations. Approval is generally given within 8 weeks, but this may vary between LAs.
What is a Building Control plan certificate?
A certificate issued by BC that confirms plans and details comply with Bregs.
What is a final BC Cert’?
Following completion of the works, a final certificate is issued by the LA if the actual works comply with the BRegs.
