Updates to the Building Code will make it easier to comply
27 June 2019
Updates to the Building Code will be published on 27 June 2019 following MBIE’s public consultation and analysis of submissions.
C4 Movement to a place of safety
Fire warnings, visibility of escape routes (smoke obscuration), automatic fire sprinkler systems, means of escape.
This clause sets requirements for warning systems and the provision of visible escape routes complying with F6 for movement to a place of safety.
It sets conditions for evacuation time in relation to carbon monoxide levels, thermal effects and smoke obscuration - even in the event a fire safety system fails. It also has provisions about automatic fire sprinkler systems.
C1 provides objectives for each of the C clauses.
Most of the guidance applies to all of the C clauses and some relates to a specific clause.
There may be specific products and determinations under each code clause.
Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.
Building Code Regulations
The Building Code is published in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 1992.
The Building Code clauses include objectives, functional requirements and performance criteria. These are mandatory provisions that all new building work must comply with.
The acceptable solutions and verification methods provided on this page are deemed to comply with Building Code clause C.
Clause C4 — Movement to place of safety
Building Product Specifications
Acceptable solutions C/AS1 and C/AS2 and Verification Method C/VM2 refer to the Building Product Specifications for building product standards and specifications in relation to their manufacture, fabrication, testing, quality control, physical properties, performance, installation, and/or maintenance.
The Building Product Specifications cannot be used in isolation to demonstrate compliance with any requirement of the Building Code. To comply with the acceptable solutions and verification method, building products conforming to the Building Product Specifications must be used with the scope, limitations, and other applicable requirements set out in the acceptable solutions and verification method.
Building Product Specifications
Updates
Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods
Current version
Standards
Standards are frequently referred to in Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods. They provide practical information and guidelines for building solutions.
Over 120 building standards used for Building Code compliance are now available for free download.
See the free standards relating to Code Clause C4.
All standards, including the funded ones, can be accessed through the Standards New Zealand website.
Related building products
All building products and building methods that have current CodeMark certification will be listed with their most up to date certificate in the Product Certificate Register on Te Pae.
Guidance
These documents are provided to assist Building Consent Authorities, building owners, designers and persons who carry out building work.
Related Determinations
A determination is a binding decision made by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. It provides a way of solving disputes or questions about the rules that apply to buildings, how buildings are used, building accessibility, health and safety.