BC Update 220: Priority Buildings guidance for earthquake-prone buildings now available
19 July 2017
Priority buildings were introduced in the national system for identifying and managing earthquake-prone buildings.
Building essentials
About the process
Planning a project
Carrying out work
Managing your property
Building Code
Find Acceptable Solutions, Verification Methods, updates and technical guidance by Building Code clause.
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General provisions
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A1 Classified uses Housing, communal residential, communal non-residential, commercial, industrial, outbuildings and ancillary buildings.
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A2 Interpretation The Building Code provides a list of defined words for interpretation.
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A3 Building importance levels Sets levels to describe risk and structure factors for the purposes of clauses C1 – C6 Protection from fire.
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Stability
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Protection from fire
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Objectives of Clauses C2 to C6 Safety objectives for people, other property and firefighting applied to clauses C2 to C6 of the Building Code.
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C2 Prevention of fire occurring Safe design and installation of fixed appliances using controlled combustion and other fixed equipment.
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C3 Fire affecting areas beyond the source Fire affecting areas beyond the source: vertical or horizontal fire spread, Material Group Numbers, surface finishes.
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C4 Movement to a place of safety Fire warnings, visibility of escape routes (smoke obscuration), automatic fire sprinkler systems, means of escape.
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C5 Access and safety for firefighting operations Access and safety for firefighting operations: access, hazards information and unobstructed paths.
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C6 Structural stability Structural stability during fire: buildings remain stable during fire (likelihood of failure or collapse).
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Access
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Moisture
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Surface water Disposal of rainwater from external surfaces and confirmation surface water cannot enter the building.
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External moisture External roof, wall claddings and external openings will prevent external moisture from causing undue dampness or damage.
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Internal moisture Surfaces in wet areas must be impervious, easily cleaned, and have ventilation to meet conditions for health and safety.
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Safety of users
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Hazardous agents on site Identifying and neutralising any hazardous agents or other contamination of the building site.
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Hazardous building materials Safety for glass and glazing methods, asbestos and materials that give off noxious fumes.
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Hazardous substances and processes Safety from hazardous substances where stored, handled or used or where hazardous processes are undertaken.
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Safety from falling Safe design of all barriers inside and outside the building.
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Construction and demolition hazards Providing protection of people and other property during construction and demolition.
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Visibility in escape routes Safety features for escape routes during failure of the main lighting.
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Warning systems Provides early warning systems to alert people to an emergency.
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Signs Providing identification of escape routes, hazards, emergency-related safety features and accessible facilities.
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Restricting access to residential pools Restricting access by young children to residential pools.
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Services and facilities
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Personal hygiene Providing sufficient sanitary fixtures (toilets, showers and basins) for sanitation.
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Laundering Providing sufficient laundry facilities.
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Food preparation and prevention of contamination Providing sufficient safe and hygienic facilities for food storage and preparation
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Ventilation Requires ventilation to all occupied spaces.
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Interior environment Habitable spaces with sufficient space for activity, accessible facilities and controlled internal temperature.
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Airborne and impact sound Prevention of undue noise transmission in building elements between occupancies or common spaces in household units.
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Natural light Providing sufficient natural light for occupied spaces and appropriate visual awareness of the outside for occupants.
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Artificial light Requires buildings to have sufficient artificial light to safeguard people from injury.
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Electricity Requires the safe use and distribution of electricity.
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Piped services Requires the safe distribution of hot, cold or toxic substances.
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Gas as an energy source Requires the safe installation of gas-fuelled appliances.
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Water supplies Requires the safe supply, storage, reticulation and delivery of hot and cold water.
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Foul water Requires the safe disposal of foul water to prevent illness and the loss of amenity due to odour and accumulated matter.
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Industrial liquid waste Requires the safe and hygienic collection, treatment and disposal of industrial liquid waste to avoid contamination.
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Solid waste Provides for the safe and hygienic collection, holding prior to disposal of solid waste.
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Energy efficiency
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For Specific buildings
Building Consent Authorities
Information and resources specifically for councils and building consent authorities (BCAs).