The Department of Building and Housing (DBH) is updating references to Standards and other documents which are cited in a number of New Zealand Building Code Compliance Documents. These Standards include building methods that help designers, architects, and builders ensure compliance with the Building Code.

DHB wants to be sure the compliance documents are up-to-date and reflect latest practice. Everyone in the sector who is affected will have an opportunity to comment on the changes, and industry practitioners are urged to familiarise themselves with the proposals.

Information about the consultation and how to make a submission will be published on DBH's website when the consultation is released before the end of the year. The release will also be announced directly by the electronic newsletter Building Controls Update (BC Update) – register online to receive a copy. (http://www.dbh.govt.nz/Utilities/notifications/subscribe-notifications.aspx)

The proposals being consulted on are:

• B1 structure. Consulting on one new Standard; and changes to 18 updated Standards applying to: B1/VM1, B1/AS1, B1/AS2, B1/AS3 and B1/VM4. The new Standard covers the design of concrete tanks. The significant updated Standards cover the design of concrete structures and steel structures. These updates reflect the consequential impacts of the loadings code (AS/NZS 1170) which was cited in Compliance Document B1 and became effective in November 2008. Updated design Standards allow for the use of new technology and new materials Standards.
• B2 Durability. Consulting on two updated Standards for the durability of concrete structures and solid plastering. The changes apply to B2/AS1. These updates are required for consistency between compliance documents (where the Standard is proposed in another compliance document), and to reflect use of new construction materials.
• C Fire Safety. Consulting on two updated Standards through proposed changes to C/AS1. The Standards cover automatic fire sprinkler systems and fire hydrant systems for buildings. These updates reflect updated design Standards that allow for the use of new technology.
• E1 Surface Water. Consulting on one new Standard, along with 10 deleted and 12 updated Standards. The new and revised Standards cover piping materials and jointing methods affecting E1/AS1. These updates allow for the use of new materials and design standards that allow for the use of new technology.
• G9 Electricity. Consulting on one updated Standard relating to electrical installations in G9/AS1. This update is to ensure consistency with related legislation, to align with the Electricity Regulations.
• G10 Piped Services. Consulting on two deleted and 13 updated Standards relating to piping materials and jointing methods and affecting G10/AS1. These updates allow for the use of new materials and industry practices.
• G11 Gas as an Energy Source. Consulting on one updated Standard relating to gas installations in G11/AS1. This update is to ensure consistency with related legislation, to align with the Gas Regulations.
• G12 Water Supplies. Consulting on 11 updated Standards covering piping materials and installation methods in G12/AS1. These updates allow for the use of new materials and industry practices.
• G13 Foul Water. Consulting on two deleted and 12 updated Standards covering piping materials and installation methods in G13/AS1, G13/AS2 and G13/AS3. These updates allow for the use of new materials and industry practices.
• G14 Industrial Liquid Waste. Consulting on 11 updated Standards covering piping materials in G14/ VM1. These updates allow for the use of new materials and industry practices.
• G15 Solid Waste. Consulting on one Standard for health-care waste management in G15/AS1. These updates accommodate the use of design standards that allow for the use of new technology.

Related Standard

• AS/NZS 1170 Structural Design Actions Set

Summarised from an article that appeared in Codewords Issue 40, December 2009, Department of Building and Housing.