Building regulations part b

What is the back ground to the building regulation?

The Great Fire of London in 1666 was probably the single most significant event to shape today’s legislation! The rapid growth of fire through co-joined timber buildings highlighted the need to consider the possible spread of fire between properties. This consideration resulted in the publication of the first building construction legislation in 1667, requiring all buildings to have some form of fire resistance.

Outbreaks of cholera and other serious diseases, caused by poor sanitation, damp conditions, and lack of ventilation, forced the government to take action and building control took on the greater role of health and safety through the first Public Health Act of 1875.

Who are the building regulations approved by?

The secretary of state

What are approved documents and what do they contain?

The Building Regulations are supported by separate documents which correspond to the different areas covered by the regulations. These are called ‘Approved Documents’ and contain practical and technical guidance on ways in which the building act can be met (e.g. Approved Document A: Structure, Approved Document F: Ventilation, Approved Document L1B: Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings). These are documents approved by secretary of state.

What is non-notifiable work?

The Approved Document Part P states that even work not required to be notified must be completed by a competent person in accordance with regulations and a Minor Electrical Works Certificate issued. Broadly speaking, non-notifiable work is termed minor and is not undertaken in a potentially wet location.

What areas of a domestic building does part p apply to?

The requirements of Part P apply only to electrical installations that are low or extra-low voltage and are:

• In a dwelling

• In common parts of a building serving one or more dwellings (excluding lifts)

• In a building that receives its electricity from a single source that is located in a single or shared dwelling

• In a garden or in or on land associated with a building where the electricity is from a source located within a single or shared dwelling

• In a building that receives its electricity from a single source that is located in a single or shared dwelling

• The business unit is independently supplied via its own meter and is there fore outside the scope of Part P

Are Approved Documents mandatory to follow?

Approved Documents provide guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations, but they are not the only way to comply. You can use a different method if it still meets the regulations, although you should discuss it with the relevant Building Control Body first. However, some parts of Approved Documents are mandatory because the regulations require specific tests, calculations, or procedures to be followed exactly.

What does regulation 3 define?

Building work.

What does regulation 4 require?

Building work must comply with the Building Regulations when complete.

What is a material change of use?

A building changing to a different use and possibly needing upgrading.

What does Regulation 7 require?

Adequate materials and good workmanship.

When must building work be notified?

Usually to Building Control unless self-certified or exempt.

When was Part P made?

This approved document came into effect on 1st January 2005, deals with the requirements of Part P of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2000:

What are the two requirements an electrical installation must meet to be considered satisfactory by the Secretary of State?

• They afford appropriate protection against mechanical and thermal damage.

• They do not present electric shock and fire hazards to people.

What is meant by an electrical installation?

Fixed electric cable or fixed electrical equipment located on the consumer’s side of the electricity supply meter.

What is low voltage between line and earth conductor?

600 V AC or 900 V DC between conductors and earth

What is the difference between a registered competent person and a registered third-party certifier?

• Registered competent person: Registered with a Part P Competent Person Scheme and can self-certify their own electrical work as complying with the Building Regulations.

• Registered third-party certifier: Registered with a Part P Third-Party Certification Scheme and can inspect, test and certify eligible electrical work carried out by others