Absolute Health and Safety Solutions Ltd - Changes to the Building Regulations

The new changes to strengthen Building Regulations in 2002 will improve standards by a massive 40 %.

The tough new standards which came into effect on 6 April 2006 apply to all new buildings and when building work is carried out in existing buildings.

The improved standards mean that developers will need to make greater use of energy saving insulation, more efficient boilers and consider using Low or Zero Carbon Systems such a solar panels and mini-wind turbines to demonstrate compliance.
Housing and Planning Minister Yvette Cooper said:

“By increasing energy efficiency standards by 40 per cent our changes to building regulations make a significant contribution to the Government’s effort to tackle climate change and offer householders reduced fuel bills too.
“Alongside making new homes more sustainable we are also looking at further measures to improve the sustainability of existing homes and new planning guidance to further promote micro-generation and tackle climate change.”

The new regulations will also improve compliance by requiring air pressure testing for new buildings, simplifying the process for calculating energy performance and establishing new competent persons self-certification schemes.

To help builders and building control bodies adapt to these changes the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has launched the largest ever training programme for new building regulations including train the trainer events, regional road shows and an e-learning pack to be issued to every Building Control Surveyor.

A review of building regulations was announced last December to make them simpler, more transparent and less piecemeal. The review aims to reduce regulatory burdens, make the regulations easier to understand and comply with, and align them with the new Code for Sustainable Homes which will point the way for future uplifts in mandatory standards.

Free online versions of the New documents can be found at:

Document ‘F’ Ventilation
Document ‘L’ Conservation of Heat and Power
Document ‘P’ Electrical Safety

Please note the terms and conditions of use of the online documents

Other Guidance Notes that are used in conjunction with the current Building Regulations can be found at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Rules of thumb

If in doubt contact your local Building Control Office

Use architects that are up to date with the current changes, architects and designers have responsibilities as well as the builder.

Don’t feel intimidated by taking your drawings to the local Planning Office to discuss any Building Regulation Requirements

Remember there are still cowboys out there; don’t let them tie their horse to your gate post.

Absolute Health and Safety Solutions Ltd assist Fit Out companies with compliance with current Construction Design and Management Regulations, these are detailed in previous news articles.

Examples of grants available from local councils can be found via their websites, an example can be found at the Bracknell Forest Council's Website, so don't miss the boat. Solar panels will soon be a feature on all new buildings its just a matter of time....