Report on the Review of the Building Code: 9.2 Types of recommendations about the content of the Building Code

Recommendations about the content of the Building Code have been classified as Type 1, 2 or 3 and are detailed in the following section of this report.

Type 1 recommendations are recommendations to amend the Building Code to clarify and update the performance requirements that are currently in either the Building Code or supporting Compliance Documents. These amendments would not directly require any changes in construction methods or materials. The intent is to clarify the current requirements. No impact on construction costs is expected, and only a small reduction in design and compliance costs.

Type 2 recommendations are recommendations to consult on proposals to amend the Building Code involving new performance requirements, changes to the scope of requirements, or different approaches to describing requirements. These would be prepared in conjunction with Compliance Documents to provide guidance to the sector. They would also be subjected to benefit/cost analysis, a regulatory impact assessment, and consulted on with Cabinet approval before being finalised.

Type 3 recommendations are recommendationsto investigate and collaborate on possible performance requirements that are conceptual at this stage. They require development and collaboration with the sector before they could be considered for approval for consultation as amendments to the Building Code.

9.3 Type 1 recommendations to amend the Building Code to clarify performance requirements

Type 1 recommendations are recommendations to amend the Building Code to clarify and update the performance requirements currently in either the Building Code or supporting Compliance Documents.

These amendments would not directly require any changes in construction methods or materials. The intent of these amendments is to clarify the current requirements, and it is expected that there would be no impact on construction costs, and a small reduction in design and compliance costs.

9.3.1 Structural performance

Structural performance means the maintenance of structural integrity, stability, means of support, and the limitation of damage and loss of amenity of buildings.

Some variability and uncertainty is always associated with design and construction processes - for example, in the quality of building materials and workmanship, in site conditions and in the level of demand, such as wind load. Structural design must allow for this variability and uncertainty in both capacity and demand.

The Building Code does not explicitly address variability and uncertainty in the design and construction process. This is currently allowed for in the detailed requirements of the loadings and materials standards cited in the Compliance Documents.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to to clarify that variability and uncertainty are to be taken into account, and an overall safety level must be achieved.

9.3.2 Features for wellbeing and physical independence

Wayfinding

The Building Code sets out general requirements for wayfinding under 'Signs'. These requirements are intended to:

• safeguard people from injury or illness resulting from inadequate identification of escape routes or of hazards within or about the building
• safeguard people from loss of amenity due to inadequate direction
• ensure that people with disabilities are able to carry out normal activities and processes in certain buildings.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to clarify that:

• lighting and other helpful devices (in addition to signs) be provided in buildings (except detached dwellings, or within household units of multi-unit dwellings) to identify for people, including people with disabilities:
• escape routes
• emergency-related safety features
• potential hazards
• accessible routes and facilities for people with disabilities.

9.3.3 Safety of users

Slip resistance

Currently the Building Code requires that access routes 'have adequate slip-resistant walking surfaces under all conditions of normal use'. The Building Code does not specify what is meant by 'adequate' in terms of slip resistance, but the Compliance Document specifies the coefficient of friction of walking surfaces in level access routes to which the public have access.

The coefficient of friction is determined by the specific combination of the material properties of the walking surface, and the properties of the material in contact with the walking surface (shoe material or foot). It can be affected by a contaminant such as water or fine powder. The Building Code can only affect one of these influences - the walking surface. It is not possible therefore to state in the Building Code an explicit coefficient of friction.

9.3.4 Sanitation

9.3.4.1 Wastewater disposal

Wastewater is the domestic (not industrial) effluent that comes from bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and toilets. The Building Code contains provisions for foul water plumbing and drainage.

The term wastewater is now the standard terminology used by other government departments and local government.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to use the expression wastewater in place of foul water.

9.3.4.2 Personal hygiene facilities

The requirements for personal hygiene facilities in the Building Code are that a sufficient number of personal hygiene facilities are provided, and that they meet a certain standard. The Building Code does not specify the buildings where personal hygiene facilities are to be provided.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to specify that:

• toilets and hand washing facilities are to be available where people live or are accommodated, work or consume food or drink on the premises
• showering or bathing facilities are to be available where (other than ancillary buildings, outbuildings and back-country huts):

The Building Code does not specify what constitutes a sufficient number. The Compliance Documents contain tables that specify the number of toilets required in particular circumstances. The performance basis of these tables is an expectation that, on average, the time to queue for a toilet is less than one minute.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to clarify that 'sufficient number' means the time to queue for a toilet is, on average, less than one minute.

9.3.4.3 Laundering facilities

The requirements in the Building Code for laundering facilities are that laundering facilities are provided (in certain circumstances) and that they meet a certain standard.

The functional requirement is that buildings shall be provided with adequate spaces and facilities for laundering, but the size of household units to which this applies is not stated. The current Acceptable Solution sets the benchmark at providing laundry facilities for detached dwellings or separate household units that accommodate three or more people.

It is proposed to clarify this in the Building Code.

The Building Code also requires laundering facilities in work camps. As this term is now redundant it is proposed that the reference to work camps be deleted.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended to specify that:

• laundering facilities are to be provided in:

Type 2 recommendations for the Sanitation section address a change in scope of application for shared laundry facilities.

9.3.4.4 Food preparation facilities

The Building Code requires that food preparation facilities are provided (in certain circumstances), and that they meet a certain standard.

Currently food preparation facilities are required in work camps. As this term is now redundant it is proposed that the reference to work camps be deleted.

It is recommended that the Building Code be amended by deleting reference to work camps.