What is Building Compliance?
Building Compliance is the term given to the method of ensuring the safety of people in buildings by ensuring the fire and safety systems are in good working order, operating efficiently and as designed.
What is the New Zealand Building Act?
The New Zealand Building Act is the legislation governing the New Zealand building industry and its practices. The original act was introduced in 1991and replaced with the New Zealand Building Act 2004. This act includes the New Zealand Building Code 2008 and the New Zealand Building Regulations. The New Zealand Building Act details the obligations placed on building owners.
Who is the Building Consent Authority?
They are the Territorial Authorities and Councils who have been accredited by the Department of Building and Housing. They are responsible for the issuing of all New Zealand Building Act documentation in regard to building compliance.
What is Building Consent?
A building consent is the Building Consent Authorities (BCA) approval for building work to take place in a building.
What is a Code Compliance Certificate?
A Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) will be issued by the BCA when they are satisfied that all of the conditions of the building consent have been satisfied.
What is a Compliance Schedule and when do I need one?
If your building contains any of the specified systems as detailed in the New Zealand Building Act 2004 you will require a Compliance Schedule (CS). This document specifies the testing, inspection and reporting requirements of each of the specified system to ensure compliance.
What is and when do I need a Building Warrant of Fitness?
A Building Warrant of Fitness (BWOF) is the document that is issued on an annual basis and is displayed in the building. This document is issued when all of the specified systems detailed on the compliance schedule have been certified as being tested and inspected and being in compliance with the correct standards and codes as detailed on the compliance schedule.
What is a form 12a?
This is the form used to confirm that the testing, inspection and reporting requirements for the specified systems has have been carried out in accordance with the compliance schedule for the previous 12 months. This document can only be issued by an Independently Qualified Person (IQP).
What is a Certificate of Public Use?
A Certificate of Public use is a document issued by the BCA when work is being carried out in a building. This specifies that the building is safe to be occupied by the public.
What is and when is a Notice to Fix issued?
This is statutory advice from the BCA that the building is in breach of the New Zealand Building Act 2004 and states the action required by the owner to remedy this breach.
Who is or can be an Independently Qualified Person?
An Independently Qualified Person (IQP) is a person who is registered by the BCA to test, inspect, report and maintain the specified systems as detailed by the compliance schedule and sign off the Form 12a. Any person who can demonstrate competence, qualification and experience to the BCA’s satisfaction may apply for registration. An IQP must have no financial interest in the building. IQPs’ will become Licensed Building Practitioners in the future (LBP).