Reader feedback

The Department has received several readers’ comments about recent Codewords issues asking for clarification to articles titled ‘The importance of fire doors’ (June 2006), ‘Fire alarm installations must be certifi ed’ (July 2006), and ‘Building consent applications to be sent to the New Zealand Fire Service’ (August 2006).

Thank you for your comments, and keep them coming. Here are the points of clarification.

June article:

Q: Should a fire door be shut at the time of the fire?

A: Yes. A fire door forms part of the passive fire protection of a building. The door must close correctly if a fire is detected.

July article:

Q: Do fire alarms need a building consent before installation?

A: Yes, unless the alarm is entirely within a household unit and serves only that unit.

August article:

Q: Do all alternative solutions, regardless of the Building Code clause, have to be sent to the New Zealand Fire Service?

A: No. Only alternative solutions to Building Code Clauses C1-4, D1, F6 or F8 need to be sent to the Fire Service for review.

Reader feedback to the Department is always important and helps improve the clarity of our communications. Please send your written Codewords comments to colin.rowsell@dbh.govt.nz  0800 242 243.