Part G - Building Regulations 2010

I expect most of you are aware of the changes to Part G that took place in April 2010.  Most of the changes are only to be expected but the more radical changes are highlighted in this short description of the changes.

Legal Requirements


Requirement G1
• There is new requirement for the supply wholesome water for the purposes of food preparation or drinking.
• G1 also requires a supply of wholesome water or softened wholesome water for washing purposes.
• The requirements allow the provision of water of a suitable quality to sanitary conveniences fitted with a flushing device.


Requirement G2
• G2 and Regulation 17K require new provisions for water efficiency for dwellings.


Requirement G3
• New requirements for hot water supply and safety and applies safety provisions for all types of hot water systems.
• There is a new requirement on the prevention of scalding.


Requirement G4
• Sets out the requirements for sanitary conveniences and hand washing facilities.


Requirement G5
• Sets out the requirement for dwellings and buildings used for residential purposes to incorporate a bathroom containing a wash hand basin and a fixed shower or bath.


Requirement G6
• New requirements for sinks to be provided in areas where food is prepared.


Other changes
• Where there is a change of use of a building there is a requirement that the water efficiency requirements in G2 and Regulation 17K and the hot water safety requirements in G3 (4) will apply.
• The requirements for cold water supply (G1) and hot water supply and systems (G3) now applies to domestic greenhouses, small detached buildings and extensions to buildings, including conservatories.
• The requirement that a building notice which includes work on an unvented hot water system be accompanied by a statement giving details to the system and the installer has been revoked.
• Regulation 17 has been amended to state that the local authority is unlikely to issue a completion certificate for a new dwelling unless a certificate stating the potential consumption of wholesome water per person per day has been received.  Likewise an approved Inspector will not issue a final certificate for the same reason.


Technical requirements


Requirement G3
• There is a new requirement to provide hot water to baths, showers, wash hand basins and sinks.
• There are new measures to ensure the safe operation of all types of hot water systems, including controls and safety features to ensure the system is robust and the water temperature does not exceed 100°C.
• Safety features associated with hot water storage vessels now applies to all hot water storage systems.  It has been extended to include primary thermal stores.
• There is a new requirement to the prevention of scalding through the provision of protection devices that limit the temperature of water supplied to baths.


Requirement G4
• Additional guidance is provided on the separation of sanitary accommodation from areas where food is prepared.