What are the Building Regulations (NI)?
View more information on the Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) and the Building (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2022 which came into operation on 1st April 2022.
The Building Regulations (NI) are intended to ensure the safety, health, welfare and convenience of people in and around buildings. They are also designed to further the conservation of fuel and energy.
The Building Regulations (NI) came into operation on 31st October 2012 and have since had several subsequent amendments, including the latest 2022 version.
As part of the Building Regulations guidance is Technical Booklet E which sets out the requirements of fire safety in domestic properties.
In section 2, it states “dwellings and certain other buildings an automatic fire detection and alarm system can significantly increase the level of safety by automatically giving an early warning of fire. In other buildings an appropriate fire alarm system should provide adequate warning to occupants.”
An ‘automatic fire detection and alarm system’ is defined in the booklet as a system incorporating smoke detectors, sounders, control equipment, protected wiring and a back-up power supply which is capable of automatically detecting smoke and thereupon giving an audible alarm.
Also included in the Building Regulations guidance in Technical Booklet L which sets out the requirements for installation of carbon monoxide alarms.
In section 2, it states “where a new or replacement combustion appliance, not designed solely for cooking purposes, is installed in a dwelling, a carbon monoxide detector/alarm should be provided in the room where the appliance is located.”
However, if the combustion appliance is installed in a room or space not normally used e.g. a boiler room/cupboard, the detector/alarm should be located just outside the room or space. This should allow the alarm to be heard more easily.
Carbon monoxide alarms should:
Type A carbon monoxide alarms with fixed wiring (not plug-in types) may be used as alternative applications provided they are fitted with a sensor failure warning device.
The carbon monoxide alarm should be located:
For more information, view guidance on the Government website or review other UK standards and regulations.
*Please note: The above summary is based on FireAngel’s interpretation of Building Regulations (NI), always refer to the standard for specific guidance.
