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Issue O2
Published in April 2012

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Remember B1 and E2 transition period has ended.

   

Code Watch: Changes you need to know.

Issue 02 - April 2012

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There have been changes to Building Code clauses and supporting documents for Protection from Fire, and Signs. The Acceptable Solution for Warning Systems has also changed. If you are an engineer, an architect or architectural designer, a fire designer or a building consent official, find out how these changes affect you.

C Protection from fire

Changes to Protection from Fire documents 

  • New Building Code clauses for Protection from Fire replace the previous Code clauses C1-C4. The new clauses are clearer and more specific about building performance requirements for Protection from Fire.
  • New Acceptable Solutions C/AS1-C/AS7 replace the current C/AS1, for buildings without complex systems or features. This relatively straightforward set of solutions is based on the risk presented by activities in a building. Design professionals who do not have specific fire engineering qualifications can use these solutions.
  • New Verification Method C/VM2 provides for the specific design of any building and must be used if any aspect of a building, or its features or systems, is outside the scope of the Acceptable Solutions. It is suitable for use by designers with fire engineering qualifications.
  • New commentary documents providing guidance for the new Acceptable Solutions and Verification Method.

Read about the C Protection from Fire changes »

Workshops on changes to Protection from Fire documents

The Department with industry partners is holding workshops and seminars about the changes to Building Code clause Protection from Fire and its supporting documents. Each workshop has been designed for specific audiences.

  • Building Consent Authorities: Training has already been provided by Building Officials Institute of New Zealand (BOINZ).
  • Qualified fire engineers (such as Chartered Professional Engineers): Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) will host workshops on the Verification Method C/VM2 in May 2012 www.ipenz.org.nz
  • Architects: New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) will host one hour technical sessions in June 2012 www.nzia.co.nz
  • Designers: Architectural Designers New Zealand (ADNZ) will host one hour technical sessions in June 2012 www.adnz.org.nz
  • All users or potential users of the Acceptable Solutions: Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) will host one day workshops on the Acceptable Solutions in July/August 2012 www.sfpe.org.nz

When do the changes to C Protection from Fire take effect?

They are in effect now.

There is a transition period for 12 months. Until 9 April 2013 you can use either (but not a mix of the two):

  • The existing C Building Code clauses (C1-C4) existing Acceptable Solution (C/AS1), or
  • The new C Building Code clauses (C1-C6), new Acceptable Solutions C/AS1-C/AS7 and new Verification Method C/VM2.

From 10 April 2013 onwards you must follow the new Building Code clauses (C1-C6) and new Acceptable Solutions (C/AS1-C/AS7) and Verification Method C/VM2 to be sure your buildings will comply with the Building Code.

Note that the existing C/VM1 for Solid Fuel Appliances stays and can be used with either the existing or new Code clauses.

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Warning Sytems Acceptable solution F7

Key changes

The Department has made minor changes to F7/AS1 to ensure the Acceptable Solution aligns with the new Building Code Protection from Fire Acceptable Solutions C/AS1-C/AS7.

For more detail www.dbh.govt.nz/compliance-documents

When do the changes to F7 Warning Systems take effect?

They are in effect now.

There is a transition period for 12 months.  Until 9 April 2013 you can use either:

  • The existing F7/AS1, or
  • The new F7/AS1.

From 10 April 2013 onwards you must follow the new F7/AS1 Warning Systems to be sure your buildings will comply with the Building Code.

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Signs

Changes to Code clause F8 Signs and Acceptable Solution F8/AS1

  • Code clause F8 Signs is clearer and includes a reference to Code clause F6 Visibility in Escape Routes.
  • Code clause F8 requires that accessible routes are identified by the International Symbol of Access.
  • F8/AS1 enables modern signage design, which includes pictograms, photo-luminescent signs and additional colour standards.

Read about the F8 Signs changes »

When do the F8 Signs changes take effect?

They are in effect now.

There is a transition period of 3 months.

Between 10 April 2012 and 9 July 2012 you can use either:

  • The existing Code clause F8 Signs and existing Acceptable Solution, F8/AS1 or
  • The new Code clause F8 signs and the new Acceptable Solution.

From 10 July 2012 you can only use the new Code clause and the new Acceptable Solution.

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Remember.

The transition period has ended for changes made in 2011 to B1 Structure and E2 External Moisture. From 1 February 2012 only the latest versions of the B1 and E2 supporting documents apply.