Here at last.. Part G (2010) - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency

After a lot of hard work and subsequent delays, Part G of the Building Regulations has now been amended, published and came into force on 6 April 2010.

The changes from the 2000 edition of Approved Document G (Hygiene) include a requirement for the provision of wholesome water where drinking water is drawn off and to sinks in food preparation areas (where heated wholesome water is also required). A supply of wholesome water and heated wholesome water is also required where water is used for washing and bathing. It is also acceptable for softened wholesome water and heated softened wholesome water to be supplied; however sinks in food preparation area and outlets where drinking water is drawn off should not be supplied with softened wholesome water.

There are also requirements for all hot water systems to be safely and correctly installed and controlled (this includes cold water storage cisterns feeding hot water cylinders and the platforms onto which they are installed), whereas previously only unvented hot water storage systems were included. Also included are allowances for the use of greywater and harvested rainwater (of a suitable quality) for uses such as WC flushing, clothes washing or irrigation.

Two key inclusions are the requirement for new dwellings (new dwellings includes those created from a material change of use) to be designed to use no more than 125 litres of wholesome water per person per day, and a requirement for the hot water supply temperature to fixed baths in new dwellings to be limited to a maximum of 48 degrees celcius by use of an in-line blending valve (or other appropriate temperature control device). This does not mean that new baths in extensions, to existing properties, or in bathroom refurbishments, are required to have thermostatic mixing valves fitted (although in the interest of public health and safety this would be a welcome addition), it is only for baths in new dwellings.

Also, although the new Part G is now in force, the requirements are not retrospective and the new requirements do not apply in all instances, as there are transitional arrangements in place as follows:

• If work has already commenced (prior to 6 April), then the previous requirements apply
• If full plans have been deposited and work commences before 6 April 2011, the previous requirements apply
• Where full plans are not required, a contract has been entered into prior to 6 April 2010 and work is commenced prior to 1 October 2010, the previous requirements apply.

 

To view Approved Document G (2010) in its entirety, download a free copy from the Planning Portal website: www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/100312_app_doc_G_2010.pdf

 

Source - CIPHE

Posted Date: 19th May 2010