4 July 2004 - Updated Approved Documents for the Building Regulations 2000, as amended
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has announced updates to a number of its Approved Documents for the Building Regulations 2000, as amended.
Each Approved Document relates to a corresponding part of the Building Regulations 2000, as amended and have been brought in by the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004 No. 1465).
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Approved Document A: Structure - the changes announced are designed to improve the robustness of all buildings to avoid excessive collapse in the event of an explosion or other accidental event, coming into force on 1 December 2004.
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Approved Document C: Site Preparation and Resistance to Contaminants and Moisture - the package addresses issues relating to building on brown-field land, climate change and extreme weather, including new rules to ensure contaminated ground is either treated or neutralised before a building is constructed and subsoil drainage is provided to waterlogged sites. Coming into force on 1 December 2004.
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Approved Document E: Sound Insulation - further new rules follow the controls relating to sound insulation coming into force on 1 July 2004, which were aimed at providing reasonable soundproofing, especially between flats and in communal hallways and stairs.
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Approved Document P: Electrical Safety in Dwellings - the ODPM says the new requirements will make homes safer for householders and DIY enthusiasts, coming into force on 1 January 2005.
The consultation papers can be viewed online on the ODPM web site here.
For further details, contact the ODPM. Tel: 08701 226236.
