Part L – rewrite in plain English that builders can follow
TRADA is disappointed that the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has ‘fallen sadly short' in its goal of rewriting Part L to make it easier to follow by the man in the front line, the builder.
CLG has put out a consultation on minor changes to Part L for a revision later this year - not to be confused with the major revision which is under way for April 2010.
The three categories of revisions for 2008 include proposed stylistic changes, which TRADA welcomes. Mr Scott said, ‘In our opinion, the style of Approved Documents definitely needs improving, but sadly the proposed changes fall well short of what could be achieved.‘
And he argued: ‘Furthermore, changing the style alone is not enough to achieve what needs to be done. The goal must be to ensure that the Building Regulations and supporting documents are written in plain English that the person responsible for meeting the requirements, the builder, can easily read and understand. Each section needs a concise introduction to set the scene and it should be absolutely clear how to comply with every requirement.'
Mr Scott expands on these comments in TRADA's response to the consultation - click here and follow the link ‘Consultation on future changes' to view.
There are two further areas for change as set out below.
How to determine the thermal performance of multi-foil insulation products
As things stand, CLG is proposing to recommend that hot-box testing is the accepted method of establishing the thermal performance of multi-foil insulation products. However, CLG is also aware that this view is not shared by multi-foil insulation manufacturers, who believe that comparative in-situ testing is a more meaningful measure of performance. As part of its Regulatory Impact Assessment, CLG is seeking views on whether their proposed change in guidance will significantly impact on specifiers' choice of insulation products.
Legislative changes which require amendments to Part L, plus corrections.
Main issues affected:
Commissioning of building services
Self certification schemes for oil-fired combustion appliances
Maximum heat output of solid fuel burning combustion appliances
Extension of the categories of work where notification to the Local Authority is not necessary.
TRADA does not feel qualified to comment on these legislative issues, but will comment on the other proposed revisions - click on the link above to read more.
To express your views, as a member, on TRADA's comments email
TRADA is disappointed that the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has ‘fallen sadly short' in its goal of rewriting Part L to make it easier to follow by the man in the front line, the builder.