*ARCHIVE* - No 1. B2/E2 review: timber treatment/external moisture 19 Mar 2003

Welcome to BIA Update, a new email update service from the BIA providing periodic news briefs to industry. Please feel free to forward BIA Update to your colleagues or associates.

If you would like to provide feedback on BIA Update contact: bia.update@bia.govt.nz

BIA Nears Completion of Review into Treated Timber Issues

The Building Industry Authority expects to begin consultation on the findings of its treated timber review next month.

The BIA will release a proposed amendment to B2/AS1 (the acceptable solution that deals with durability of building materials) in April, which will clearly signal a change to the current regime - including a move away from the use of untreated timber in high-risk situations like external wall framing.

There will be a consultation period following the release of the proposed amendment.

As well as the BIA's own work, including extensive discussions with industry, the proposed amendment will draw on the results of several other studies. These include:

• ERMA's study into Copper Chrome Arsenate (CCA), about which major concerns have been raised in recent times
• Independent research into the health and durability features of Light Organic Solvent Preservative (LOSP)
• Industry research into the new H1 Plus treatment, which is thought to offer sufficient durability in high-risk situations but with less toxicity than H3 treated timber.

External Moisture - E2/AS1 Review

Working groups are also currently finalising drafts of a proposed amendment to E2/AS1 (the acceptable solution that deals with external moisture). This is also due for release for industry and public comment next month. 

The E2 and B2 proposed amendments will be widely available. However, if you wish to ensure you are on our distribution list please email Nicci Tong tong@bia.govt.nz or Sarah Carlisle carlisle@bia.govt.nz.

Legislation Review

Better Regulation of the Building Industry in New Zealand, the Government's discussion paper outlining possible reform of the Building Act, was released on Wednesday March 12.  It signals some important and significant changes to the current system.

The report is available from the Ministry of Economic Development and submissions on it are due April 11 2003.  For further information email buildingreview@med.govt.nz

You can also participate in this review by coming to a meeting to talk with officials from the Ministry of Economic Development, accompanied by an advisor from the Building Industry Authority, about the proposals in the discussion paper. These meetings will be held at the following times and locations:

City	Date	Time	Venue
Auckland	Wednesday 2 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Hillsborough Room, Fickling Convention Centre, cnr Mt Eden and Mt Albert roads
Hamilton	Thursday 3 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Hamilton Garden Pavillion, Cobham Drive
Tauranga	Friday 4 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Washington and Domain Room, Hotel Armitage, cnr Willow and Park streets
Christchurch	Tuesday 8 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Limes Room, Christchurch Convention Centre, 86 Kilmore St
Dunedin	Wednesday 9 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Fullwood Room, Dunedin Centre, Harrop St
Wellington	Thursday 10 April	3pm - 5:30pm	Illott Theatre, Wellington Convention Centre (Michael Fowler Centre)

BIA Compliance schedule / BWOF workshops for TA Staff

The BIA is currently conducting half-day workshop sessions with TA staff to enhance their knowledge of the Compliance schedule / BWOF regime. Building Certifiers are welcome to attend. The workshops focus on the findings of the recently completed BIA review of the BWOF regime.

The presenters are Wayne Stewart, OPUS International Consultants Ltd (Wayne project managed the recent BIA review of the BWOF regime) and Keith Sanders, BIA Legal adviser, or Jane Cuming, BIA Education adviser.

The session runs from 1-5pm and costs $10.  Upcoming dates and locations include:

March 20     Timaru                           April 2   Hamilton 

April 1         Manukau                        April 3   Tauranga

For further information contact Jane Cuming, BIA Education Adviser, cuming@bia.govt.nz

Barrier Free Trust

The Barrier Free NZ Trust is up and running with its seminar series for this year. The first event for 2003 is a two-day course in Auckland, 9am - 5pm on April 3 and 4, cost $250.

To register contact: Rosemary Killip, Building Networks, rosemary.killip@xtra.co.nz