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*ARCHIVE* - BIA Update 28 - Consultation: Building Code Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound 21 Jun 2004

The Building Industry Authority (BIA) is proposing a series of changes to New Zealand Building Code Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound, and its Approved Document.

Examples of changes to the existing Code Clause include the following:

  • Noise transmission is to be controlled through the building as a whole and no longer restricted to wall, floor and ceiling elements.
  • Noise subjected to control is that received by a household unit from normal and reasonable activities occurring in other occupancies, including non-residential occupancies.
  • Additional noise sources are included, such as noise from building services, building features and systems, creaking of floors, and transient noise such as closing of doors.

Protection from environmental sound is to be provided, but only where a requirement for control under other legislation involves the need for building work. It will apply when a household unit is situated in an area of high sound exposure from activities outside the building, as identified by a territorial authority, such as within the air-noise boundary of an airport.

On-site acoustic testing is proposed as part of the Acceptable Solution. In addition there are recommendations for the construction process for acoustical elements, from building consent to final completion, including appropriate quality assurance procedures and expert supervision.

The proposed changes apply only to household units within multi-unit dwellings or within a building containing other uses. One exception to this is the provision covering environmental noise received from activities outside the building, which may be applied to any household unit identified by a territorial authority as requiring work to control environmental noise.

The BIA has undertaken a Cost Benefit Analysis on the proposed changes and is also seeking comment on this.

These are draft proposals. They are being widely distributed to provide the industry and other interested parties with the opportunity to comment on them. The Authority will consider all comments before finalising amendments to Clause G6 Airborne and Impact Sound, and its Approved Document.

Copies of the consultation document have already been sent to some stakeholders. If you did not receive this package and wish to do so please phone the BIA on 0800 242 243 or (04) 471 0794. The consultation document may also be obtained from the BIA website: Consulting on.

The closing date for comment is Monday, 16 August 2004. (Extended one month from the date listed on the original consultation document.)

Comments should be forwarded in writing to: Comments, Building Industry Authority, PO Box 11 846, Wellington. Alternatively, the email address is comments@dbh.govt.nz.