Merged approved documents

• What is the title of the document compiled in March 2023 for use in England?


  The Merged Approved Documents
• What are the three categories of dwellings mentioned in the Merged Approved Documents?

  M4(1) Category 1: Visitable dwellings, M4(2) Category 2: Accessible and adaptable dwellings, M4(3) Category 3: Wheelchair user dwellings
• When did the changes in the March 2023 edition of the Approved Documents take effect?

  On the dates stated in the individual documents
• What is the purpose of the Merged Approved Documents?


  To combine the approved documents into a single PDF for easier access and use
• What features do the Merged Approved Documents provide to users?

  Users can undertake word searches, cut and paste text, add notes, and use an index
• What should users check regarding the approved documents they are using?

  That the version remains current and is the correct version for their project
• What is the significance of Approved Document B in the context of building regulations?

  It has been subject to frequent updates and is crucial for fire safety compliance
• What does Regulation 7 of the Building Regulations pertain to?

  Materials and workmanship
• What is the main change in the 2013 edition of Approved Document 7?

  It supports regulation 7: Materials and workmanship and takes effect on 1 July 2013
• What does the Construction Products Regulation require regarding construction products?

  Products should normally have CE marking if covered by a harmonised European product standard or conforming to a European Technical Assessment

  
• How does Regulation 7 define the requirements for materials used in building work?


  Materials must be adequate, appropriate for the circumstances, and properly mixed or prepared
• What are the two main conditions to meet the requirements of Regulation 7?

  Materials must be of suitable nature and quality, and workmanship must be adequate
• What types of materials are included under the definition of materials in Regulation 7?

  Manufactured products, naturally occurring materials, and backfilling for excavations
• What does Regulation 4 state about building work on existing buildings?

  The work must comply with applicable requirements, and the building must not be more unsatisfactory than before
• What is defined as a 'material change of use' under Regulation 5?

  A building or part of a building that was previously used for one purpose will be used for another

  
• What additional requirements does Part 6 of the Building Regulations impose?

  Specific requirements for energy efficiency during extensions or renovations
• What must most building work and material changes of use be notified to?

  A building control body
• Who is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Building Regulations?

  People responsible for building work, including agents, designers, builders, and the building owner
• What happens if building work does not comply with the Building Regulations?

  The building owner may be served with an enforcement notice
• What are the key sections included in Approved Document 7?

  • Section 1: Materials
  • Section 2: Workmanship
• What are the limitations of Regulation 7 regarding materials and workmanship?

  • Standards must secure reasonable health or safety
  • Standards must provide reasonable resistance to sound
  • Standards must conserve fuel and power
  • Standards must provide access to buildings for people

  
• What is the primary requirement for materials used in building work?

  Materials must be adequately mixed, prepared, and applied to perform their intended functions.
• What types of materials are included in building work?

  • Manufactured products (components, fittings, equipment, systems)
  • Naturally occurring materials (stone, timber, thatch)
  • Backfilling for excavations

  
• What does Regulation 7 apply to?

  Regulation 7 applies to all building work.
• What is the purpose of Regulation 8 and Schedule 1 in relation to materials and workmanship?

  They establish that standards need only be reasonable for health, safety, sound resistance, fuel conservation, and access.

  
• What are the specific standards required for different parts of Schedule 1?

  • Parts A–D, F–K, N, P: Health and safety standards
  • Part E: Sound resistance for welfare and convenience
  • Part L: Fuel and power conservation
  • Part M: Access to buildings and facilities

  
• What must building work meet according to Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations?

  Building work must meet the functional requirements of Schedule 1.
• What do approved documents refer to in the context of materials?


  They refer to materials covered by harmonised European product standards, British Standards, and other technical specifications.
• Is there an obligation to adopt solutions contained in approved documents to meet functional requirements?

  No, there is no obligation to adopt any particular solution in approved documents.
• How can the suitability of a material for a specific purpose be assessed?

  • CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation
  • Declaration of performance
  • Past experience
  • Tests and calculations
  • Independent certification schemes

  
• What does CE marking indicate for construction products?

  CE marking indicates compliance with the Construction Products Regulation.
• What is required for construction products on the EU market according to the Construction Products Regulation?

  They should normally have CE marking if covered by a harmonised European product standard.

  
• What can manufacturers of products not covered by a harmonised standard do regarding CE marking?


  They can choose to affix CE marking by obtaining a European Technical Assessment.
• Where can you find a list of harmonised product standards under the Construction Products Regulation?

  On the NANDO information system website.
• What information does CE marking include?

  It includes the reference of the product standard and the levels or classes of performance declared.
• What should be checked regarding the declared performance of a product?

  It is essential to check that the declared performance is suitable for the building works.
• What assumption should the building control body make regarding CE marking and declaration of performance?

  They should assume that the information is accurate and reliable.
• What should the building control body do if the declared performance is suitable for its intended use?

  They should not prohibit or impede the use of the product.
• What does CE marking under other EU directives indicate?


  It shows that the product meets essential requirements set out in the legislation.
• What is the relationship between CE marking and British Standards?

  Nearly all British Standards for construction products are the British versions of harmonised European standards used for CE marking.