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By Building networks
Check out this ground breaking determination 2018/028 What the determination was about
Note: although the notice also referred to the missing detail on the Compliance Schedule for some specified systems this was not under dispute.
The applicant challenged the notice by taking a determination. Results Are key locks allowed? No! Locks (on an escape path) that automatically relock on closing (and require a key to open) do not comply. Ref: C4.2 of NZ Building Code Who is an occupant? We all know there are gaps between the Building Act, the NZ Building Code and FENZ regulation with regards to the definition of what is an occupant of a building. Are they just lawful occupants or are we insuring trespassers and thieves can also escape? The term occupant is not defined in the Building Act or Building Code. The TA contended that the owner had to allow for BOTH lawful and unlawful occupants to escape. However, MBIE endorses the view that “occupant” means someone who is lawfully on the premises (Note the TA considers). Read the determination detail on this point. It is interesting. References What is the interpretation of the word “occupant”, and does that include unlawful occupants?
The implications Every retail space in NZ, or most of them, will not comply if the definition of “occupant” is changed to any person, any time.
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