Salus Approved Inspectors

DCLG clarifies Equality Act replacement of DDA, Part M and 10 year exemption

2012-01-05T03:50:00.000-08:00

Dclg has issued a circular relating to clarification of the The Equality Act 2010 in that it brings together and replaces existing equalities legislation including the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA).

The Equality Act 2010 harmonised existing provisions into a single streamlined framework of equalities legislation. In consequence, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, referred to on page 7 of the 2004 edition of Approved Document M (AD M – Access to and use of buildings) has been repealed. The text of the Equality Act 2010 is available at the link below; http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents

The Equality Act requires reasonable adjustments to be made in relation to accessibility. In practice, this means that due regard must be given to any specific needs of likely building users that might be reasonably met.

Compliance with the requirements of Part M does not therefore signify compliance with the much broader obligations and duties set out in the Equality Act. This is a source of frequent misunderstanding.

However, service providers, public authorities carrying out their functions, and associations will continue to benefit from a 10 year exemption, from the date of completion, from the need to make reasonable adjustments to those physical features which comply with the requirements of Part M, in certain circumstances, as described below.

This is not a blanket exemption from duties under the Equality Act, and relates only to those specific features built in accordance with AD M (ramps to facilitate access being one such example). As with all other types of building work, service providers will still need to consider the needs of disabled people which are outside the scope of AD M but which would be subject to specific duties under the Equality Act.
The full content of the explanitary circular is below:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/divletterequalitiesact

Building Regulations - Renovation of Flat Roofs gets revision and Extension to Competent Persons Scheme.

2011-06-28T06:06:00.000-07:00

DCLG have issued a common sense revision to the definition of renovation relating to flat roof repairs, due to the realisation that the addition layer repair is somewhat impractical and unenforceable.

The previous definition related to adding a new layer as part of a repair to existing flat roofs over 25% which triggered the Part l upgrading expectation.

The Building (Amendment) Regulations 2011 now make it clear that where flat roofs are repaired by the addition of a layer to the existing layers over 25% of the roof area will NOT require an upgrade to the thermal properties.

A repair of this nature will no longer fall within the definition of 'building work' in Regulation 3 (1) of the Building Regulations. It will not be notifiable building work.

They also make it clear these changes do not affect the upgrading expectation relating to pitched roofs or where flat roofs are altered by the removal and replacement of layer(s).

Comes into effect 15th July 2011.

In addition a new category of the Competence Persons Scheme relating to replacement windows, rooflights and doors within buildings that are NOT dwellings. There are some exceptions such as load-bearing glass, display windows, glazed curtain walling and revolving glass doors.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS REGULATIONS

2011-06-10T06:51:00.001-07:00

DCLG have proposed changes to make Commercial EPCs more visible and make compliance more enforceable.

The changes to the EPB Regulations can be summarised as follows:
The changes will extend the current requirements to commission an EPC that apply to residential buildings to all buildings sold or rented out;
The requirements for the provision of an EPC with written particulars are extended to all buildings sold or rented out and the option to attach the asset rating is removed; and
The regime for lodgement of EPCs and DECs on the Register is extended to air conditioning inspection reports.
There are also changes to:
2.Commissioning an EPC before marketing
3.Power to Require the Production of Documents
4.Clarifying when an EPC is required
5.Consequential changes
6.EPC Information in Written Particulars

The changes described in paragraphs numbered 2 to 4 above will have effect in relation to properties marketed after the expected coming into force date of 1st July 2011.
The change described in paragraph 6 will have effect in relation to properties marketed after of 1st October 2011.

for more details e mail - paul.meadows@salusai.co.uk

Leicester Gets a New Speedway Stadium

2011-05-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

The UK's first bespoke Speedway stadium for over 20 years opened it's doors last month to a capacity crowd of 4,500. The £1.2m Scheme, which we acted as Building Control Approved Inspectors becomes the home of the Leicester Lions. Local Architect and Managing Director of Leicester Speedway, David Helmsley was on hand to enthuse his passion for this, his personal project.

The opening of the speedway stadium completes the first stage of the £4.5m Beaumont Sports Complex which will see the development of a new community sports and education centre along with 12 five-a-side football pitches, a BMX track and a cycling velodrome.

Stuart Power and Ali Neishaboori worked closely with David throughout the design and development of the stadium to deliver a comprehensive and cost effective Building Regulation compliant development.

Salus Approved Inspectors wishes Leicester Lions the best of luck for the coming Speedway season, perhaps the NKOTB will give their local rivals a run for their money.

Welsh Sprinklers gets the Nod!

2011-05-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

7th April 2011 at the Court of Windsor Castle, Her Majesty in Council approved the measure of the National Assembly of Wales proposals for Domestic Fire Safety (Wales) 2011

Wales comes closer to compulsory residential sprinklers -

2011-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

Last month the Welsh Assembly voted unanimously to introduce residential sprinklers into New housing in Wales, it awaits Royal Approval, from the privy council on 7th April for it's ultimate implementation. Upon this all new or conversions into houses, flats, care homes, houses in multiple occupation, etc, will expect this provision. The actual implementation method has yet to be clarified, since Building Regulations are currently applicable to both England and Wales. Perhaps the implementation may be through some form of Local Enactment..watch this space!

Building Regulations take a rest!

2011-01-21T08:16:00.000-08:00

Looking a the CLG's plans following the publication of the 'Future of Building Control' it looks likely there will not be any changes in 2011, possibly not even 2012. The likely changes for 2013 are Part A (structure) following the Eurocode publications and Part C (site preparation resistance to contamination and moisture) from ongoing health risk concerns from Radon Gas. It seems likely we will lose Part D as the offending insulant is not used in cavity walls. Part L and F are part of the 3 yearly cycle to meet the Energy and Climate change Acts. Other areas likely to be consulted upon are Part K (stairways, etc,) Part M (access to dwellings), Part N (glazing)and the effectiveness of Part P (electrical safety)in ways to reduce regulations by competent persons.
We promote our ethos of 'Compliance without Complexity' and welcome comments for discussion.

DCLG Clarifies Part L transitional provisions

2010-10-20T07:05:00.000-07:00

Building Control Bodies have now received definitive guidance from DCLG regarding the meaning of commencement of work relating to the transitional provisions for the changes to parts F, J and L.
DCLG advised that commencement of work will be as described in the circular letter issued in relation to recent changes to Part G. This means that any application deposited before 1 October 2010, providing at least one 'dwelling' is commenced before 1 October 2011, then ALL dwellings included in that application can be constructed in accordance with current Building Regulation and in particular Part L 2006, and will not be subjected to the revised requirements to be introduced on 1 October 2010.
The inference is therefore ANY works, be it Domestic or Commercial which have commenced before 1 October 2011 the 2006 provisions apply.
This has to be considered in context to what the Governments objectives are (or were) relating to changing Part L every three years! Theoretically some units could still be under construction using 2006 version when the 2013 version come into effect! Any comment?

BBC Follies celebrated in series

2010-07-19T05:54:00.000-07:00

BBC East Midlands Today presenter Dominic Heale toured Riber Castle in Derbyshire, which is being turned into luxury flats. This prestigious Approved Inspector commission requires an open minded approach to many aspects of the Building Regulations, in order to balance Building Control Compliance and conservation control. The programme was aired as part of the BBC series celebrating follies.

Building Control Performance Indicators

2010-07-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

Quite rightly we should be all measured so that clients have an informed choice on their Building Control Provider, so here are our stats.

Added Value to the finished product - 93%
Being helpful and responsive to your needs - 99%
Applying the Building Regulations professionally - 99%
The overall service - 99%
How satisfied with initial response from Administration - 97%
How satisfied with timeliness of technical staff - 97%
How satisfied with service in specialised areas - 94%
How satisfied received good value for money - 84% - Unfortunately too many competitors are very cheap!
Satisfied quality of service is a high standard - 96%
Would you recommend..as your preferred choice - 97%

Part L Changes Published

2010-05-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

The New Part L's have now been published, coming into force 1st October 2010, don't forget there are transitional provisions to ease the new requirements in. We wil be issuing, upon request, CPD seminars, to elaborate upon these changes together with Technical Newsletters. Clients, new or potential are encouraged to submit their proposals as soon as possible before the 1st October 2010, Applications then must commence within the 12 months prior to 1st October 2011 in order to adopt the current Part L.

Salus Appointed as Approved Inspector on FLYBE £24 million training academy.

2010-04-15T08:54:00.000-07:00

The building, which is being designed and built by Rok includes a 25-classroom academy and will house up to four flight simulators and an apprentice workshop, enabling Flybe to offer training to other airlines and companies. It will be built on a 12-hectare site off Long Lane, Exeter, near the airport industrial estate.
Building work on the scheme is now underway with an expected completion date of next March..
Another great example of us delivering our expertise with value engineering and top quality Building Control.

Building Regulation Changes – October 2010, Parts L, F and J.

2010-03-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

Housing and Planning Minister John Healey announced on the 12th March 2010, The Statutory Instrument amending Parts L, F and J of the building regulations (Conservation of fuel and power, Means of ventilation and Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) was laid today and the regulations take effect from October 2010.
Revisions to the relevant supporting technical guidance (Approved Documents and Compliance Guides) will be made available shortly, together with a summary of responses of last year's consultations on Parts L, F and J.
There will also be changes to the Building Regulations Competent Persons Schemes (CPSs) and minor technical amendments to Part G of the Building Regulations. The Part G and CPS amendments will take effect on 6 April 2010 and Approved Document G will be published today.

Further details are available on our latest news area of our website.

DCLG Confirms introduction of Structural Eurocodes

2010-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

The DCLG was now formally announced a suite of eurocodes to replace the British Standard versions relating to Structural design. They are intended to remove potential barriers to trade where differing design standards exist. There are ten Eurocodes, made up of 58 parts that are being adopted by all EU Member states.. The corresponding British Standards will be withdrawn on 31st March 2010.
DCLG, also announces proposed changes to the Approved Documents, Parts A (Structure) and C (Site preparation, etc) will be part of their review cycle and is expected to be in 2013..This is to meet their earlier announcement that they will reduce the Building Regulation changes to one every three years and amend Parts normally no more than once every six years.

DCLG issues statement on New Part G.

2010-02-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Tracy Cull, Head of Building Control System Policy at DCLG this week issued a statement to confirm that the New Part G will indeed come into force on the 6th April 2010 despite the fact that the rewording has yet to be resolved with Ministers’ sign off. They therefore acknowledge that there is to be a very short timescale between the publication and the implementation of Part G.

Please remember there are transitional arrangements which permit the use of the current Part G provided the Initial notice has been served and a plan certificate has been issued to cover these elements of works. The works must also commence within 12 months to adopt the current guidance.

Clearly this is unfortunate however the transitional arrangements offer some breathing space if developers act now!

Salus Tech News II - Changes to Code of Practise on Design of buildings.

2010-01-26T06:21:00.000-08:00

Legislation in the UK rightly requires buildings to be accessible; March 2009 saw the launch of the latest BS 8300, Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people – Code of practice, an update of the 2001 version.

Supported by contemporary research, it signals an evolution of thought and approach on inclusive access. It still offers recommended prescriptive solutions in a climate of policy objectives and risk appraisal.

For designers, however, it presents a problem when used alongside Approved Document M which cites the 2001 version (and will do for some while to come): which document takes precedence? The answer may seem obvious: ‘the latest BS’, however, the Approved Document is current and there is no obligation to follow the new standard in order to meet the functional requirements of the Building Regulations.

However, it is a sure thing that there will be changes to the Approved Documents in the next few years.

Building Control Performance Standards

2009-12-03T08:43:00.000-08:00

In 2006 the Department of Communities and Local Government, along with the Construction Industry Council and the Association of Corporate Approved Inspectors introduced performance standards which all building control providers must record and monitor.

The data is collected in relation to their performance both in terms of statistical information and by receiving feedback from their clients and the government bodies with whom they have consulted.

Find out more here

CPD Road shows

2009-12-03T08:34:00.000-08:00

This year we have presented numerous topical issues relating to Building Regulations and Fire Safety. We recognize that by keeping our new or potential clients informed gives them the edge in an ever changing world of building regulation and associated legislation...If you would like Salus to come and present a CPD topic please contact one of our Regional Offices and we can set a date. Most presentations are at lunchtimes but can be at other times.

Current Topics are:

New BS9999 – Fire Safety, A code of practice that replaces the BB5588 Series and sets an intermediate approach between going beyond Approved Document B before complex fire engineering.

New BS8300 – Deign code of practice to meet the needs of Disabled ..This new british standard updates the principles of the current part M and sets out some new measures that may become part of future changes to the next Part M.

Proposed Changes to Part F and Part L - Following the consultations on these proposed new approved documents, we have highlighted some matters that are being considered for these next new Approved Documents.

We continually encourage CPD as part of our role and feel that by making this a two way process we develop unique relationships that deliver a first class Building Control Approved Inspector service to our clients.

If you would like Salus to come and present a CPD topic please contact one of our Regional Offices and we can set a date. Most presentations are at lunchtimes but can be at other times.