Building Reg changes for 2004

The construction industry needs to be aware of several changes to the Building Regulations due to come into effect next year, building control and fire safety consultancy Butler & Young has warned.
Part M, due to come into effect on 1 May, deals with access to and use of buildings. Previously aimed at access and facilities for disabled people, the new document intends to improve access for all, including the elderly and people with children.
Tony Dennison, manager of central southern England for Butler & Young, said: "There are a number of references to visual contrast in the approved document. This will benefit those who are partially sighted and will ensure visual perception of one building element or fitting and another.
"Examples include door furniture that contrasts with the surface of the door and door-frames that contrast with the surrounding wall."
The new regulations will not apply to work started before
1 May 2004. Even if work starts after 1 May, as long as plans have been lodged with and approved by either an approved inspector or a local authority before that date, it will be acceptable to build to the current standards.
Meanwhile, Part A, which relates to the structure of buildings, will be revised for the first time in more than 10 years. The new Part A will reflect changes in construction technology, and include new thinking on the need to adapt to climate change.
Part C, relating to site preparation, is expected to be revised next year as the number of regions needing protection from radon has widened. Increased levels of thermal insulation mean that greater consideration has to be given to condensation risks.
"The reference to contamin-ated land will extend to the whole of the site and not just the foot print of the building," Dennison said.
"Recommendations include those for door thresholds and jamb details for use in exposed areas of the country where severe driving rain might be anticipated."
Electrical safety, covered under Part P, is also due for revision. These new controls on electrical work are expected to be tough and aim to reduce death, injury and fires caused by defective installations.
"The success of the new controls, however, depends on the electrical industry instigating trade certification schemes to test installers' competence," he said.
Although Part M has a confirmed date of introduction, Parts A, C and P are still being looked at. Dennison believes this trio may surface next autumn.