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C Protection from fire

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment are seeking feedback on fire safety requirements in the Building Code to offer better protection from fire for people and property. 
 
The way we build is changing. Since the last update of the Building Code fire safety regulations in 2012 building uses, technology, building materials and construction methods have moved on rapidly. These changes are adding new complexities to fire safety in our homes and buildings, and to firefighting.

In its review, MBIE wants to: 

- address issues regarding fire provisions in the Building Code

- see how they can make it easier for people to make decisions when considering fire provisions in the Building Code  

- maintain or improve the health, safety and fire safety facilities for people who use buildings.

The review's aim is to ensure that fire safety in the Building Code achieves the purpose and principles of the Building Act 2004, which means: 

- people who use buildings can do so safely and without endangering their health

- people who use a building can escape from the if it is on fire

- people entering a building for rescue operations or firefighting are protected from injury

- protection is provided to limit the extent and effects of the spread of fire.

Have your say on the Building Code fire safety review 

Submissions are open and will close 5.00pm on Friday, 6 December 2024

There are six Building Code clauses related to protecting people in and around buildings, limiting fire spread and helping firefighting and rescue.

Supporting them are two verification methods and three acceptable solutions, based on the occupant activity in all or part of a building.

Each clause has an objective (see C1), and there may be specific products and determinations under each clause. However, most guidance applies to all of the clauses and most requirements cross over a number of other Building Code clauses, including structure and access.

Change of use and alterations of a building can trigger the need for upgrades to the fire safety systems.

Specified systems and compliance schedules has information for building owners about their responsibility to maintain active and passive systems according to their compliance schedule.

Record of amendments is a record of changes to the acceptable solutions, verification methods and handbooks.

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This information is published by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Chief Executive. It is a general guide only and, if used, does not relieve any person of the obligation to consider any matter to which the information relates according to the circumstances of the particular case. Expert advice may be required in specific circumstances. Where this information relates to assisting people: