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*ARCHIVE* - BIA Update 29 - Reminder: Recent amendments to Approved Documents and NZBC Handbook 22 Jun 2004

The Building Industry Authority (BIA) has recently published amendments to two Approved Documents and to the Building Code Handbook, which are detailed below.

The changes, which came into effect on 25 February 2004, were announced at the time and this BIA Update is intended simply as a reminder of them.

Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 Water Supplies

The Approved Document was last updated in October 2001. Subsequently, it came to the attention of the BIA that several sections needed clarification and amendment.

The amendments include:

  • testing of backflow prevention on installation
  • clarification between operating devices and safety devices associated with storage water heaters
  • drains from relief valves on storage water heaters
  • clarification of vent pipe height on storage water heaters
  • the temperature for the circulation of hot water.

Acceptable Solution C/AS1 Part 9 Fire Safety

These amendments concern the referencing of new Standards, specifically:

  • AS/NZS 2918:2001 Domestic solid-fuel burning appliances - Installation
  • NZS 5261:2003 Gas installation
  • AS 1691-1985 Domestic oil-fired appliances - Installation
  • NZECP 54:2001 Installation of Recessed Luminaires and Auxiliary Equipment.

The Acceptable Solution also covers the seismic restraint of appliances and fuel tanks. The requirements for open fires are essentially unchanged.

Handbook, compliance schedule procedures CS9 for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems

This compliance schedule amendment concerned the testing regime for the control of Legionella bacteria in cooling towers. It is linked to AS/NZS 3666: Part 3 'Performance-based maintenance of cooling water systems'. New installations of cooling towers should follow the new schedule. It is recommended that existing systems, where possible, be upgraded to the provisions of AS/NZS 3666 and the compliance schedule be amended accordingly.

Purchasing Details

To obtain hard copy, CD-ROM or PDF versions of the Approved Documents and Building Code Handbook, contact Victoria University Book Centre.
Website: www.bookcentre.co.nz

Freephone: 0800 370 370.
Email: sam.stanley@bookcentre.co.nz