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Download Consultation Response
CIBSE has responded to a CLG consultation on Proposals for amending the Approved Document J (Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) of the Building Regulations. The consultation covered:
- Air supply for Combustion in Air-tight homes
- Better guidance on biofuel technology
- Carbon monoxide alarms
- Concealed flues
- Pluming from condensing boilers
- Flues and adjacent pitched roofs
- Bunding of domestic oil tanks
- Exempt buildings, flue notices and gas pipes
CIBSE pointed out a fundamental issue. Installation of gas appliances is regulated under the Gas Safety Regulations, and these are implemented and enforced, with criminal sanctions and a record of recent custodial sentencing of the worst offenders, by the HSE through the Gas Safe Register. They specify requirements for gas installers, and require work to meet their specified requirements. CIBSE therefore proposed that CLG should consider exempting gas appliances from Part J, on the grounds that they are adequately regulated by the Gas Safety regime. This would be a deregulatory measure, would be in line with commitments to simplify the building regulations, and potentially generate a small saving for industry and the building control system. Approved Document J could then be renamed Approved Document J (Non-gas fired Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems) of the Building Regulations.