Cladding or re-cladding of buildings
Following the recent fire at Grenfell tower and concerns raised about the cladding of buildings, the department has developed an Information Note which highlights relevant building regulations guidance and issues to consider when carrying out cladding work, or when investigating or reviewing existing cladding installations.
Carbon monoxide - be aware of the dangers
Visit the Watch out! Carbon monoxide kills webpage for more information on how to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 and in particular Part L (comprising regulations 69 to 77), sets out the requirement for combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.
As Part A (comprising regulations 1 to 21) of the Building Regulations sets out the interpretation along with the procedural requirements relating to the application of the regulations, the Department advises that all Parts of the Building Regulations are read in conjunction with Part A of those regulations.
Part R Access to and use of buildings
In the latest amendment to Part R: Access to and use of buildings of the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, the Department has prepared a guidance paper to highlight matters that are relevant to the requirements of the Regulation 91: Access to and use of buildings.
"Reasonable provision shall be made for people to have access to, into, within and to use a building and its facilities: Provided that in a dwelling this requirement shall be limited to the entrance storey or, where that storey contains no habitable room, to the principal storey."
Sound insulation
An information note on the use of approved design details in respect of Part G requirements - Sound Insulation - Use of approved design detail