Amendments to Approved Document J in England were published on 29^th July 2022 and apply from 1^st October 2022.

Click this to access our free webinar training and PDF guide.

Why are changes being made?

The government consulted on the provision of carbon monoxide alarms in late 2020 and has now considered the responses received.  As a result, they have now decided there is benefit in extending carbon monoxide alarm installation to oil and gas appliances, in addition to the existing provision for solid fuel appliances.

They are also taking the opportunity to update some other areas in the document.

What is changing?

There is one main change to the guidance and some other minor changes:

• Carbon monoxide alarms will be required for any new/replacement solid fuel, gas or oil burning appliance in dwellings (excludes gas appliances solely used for cooking). These can still be battery powered, or if mains powered, must be a Type A alarm that allows an output signal to another device (remote visual or audible alarm for example).  Alarms are to be in accordance with updated standard BS EN 50291-1:2018 and further installation guidance is referenced within updated standard BS EN 50292:2013.
• Note: the original amendment booklet released on 29^th July 2022 included provision for all alarms to be Type A; however, when the approved document was released on 30^th September 2022 this provision was removed and the circular letter updated. Battery alarms can therefore still be Type A or Type B alarms.
• Replacement of some introductory paragraphs to align with other approved documents and reference the manual to the building regulations
• Re-inserts eaves fire performance guidance to Table 10 where it is within 1800mm of an oil tank
• Updates guidance on the Clean Air Act 1993 to acknowledge amendments by the Environmental Act 2021

When do the changes start, and are there transitional provisions?

The amended Approved Document came into force on 1st October 2022.

However it is normal for building regulation changes to be introduced through a transitional period, during which time and assuming qualifying criteria are met, the existing regulations remain in force.

Therefore, the October 2022 changes will not apply where an initial notice has been given to a local authority before 1st October 2022 and the building work to which it relates starts within three months of 1st October 2022 (before 1st January 2023).

Commencement of work

The circular letter released by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUCH), confirms their opinion that commencement of work would usually be marked by the following:

• Excavation for strip or trench foundations or for pad footings;
• Digging out and preparation of ground for raft foundations;
• Vibrofloatation (stone columns) piling, boring for piles or pile driving;
• Drainage work specific to the building(s) concerned.

How do you define "work commenced" for warranty cover?

Where a Premier Guarantee warranty product is provided, these additional details should be satisfied.

What would ‘not likely’ be commencement?

DLUCH also confirm the works that are not likely to constitute commencement:

• Removal of vegetation;
• Demolition of any previous buildings on the site;
• Removal of top soil;
• Removal or treatment of contaminated soil;
• Excavation of trial holes;
• Dynamic compaction;
• General site servicing works (e.g. roadways).

What should I do next?

For more information, view our short free video and article.

Follow the links below to the government website:

• Circular 03/2022 and Circular Letter
• Approved Document J 2010, Amended 2010, 2013 and 2022

Sign-up to receive our InSite technical updates and be notified on future updates.

If you need any further information or clarification please use this enquiry form or you can discuss your plans with your Premier Guarantee Building Control Surveyor or your Account Manager.

Read more articles on the Resource Hub and sign up to receive our blog round-up.

Every care was taken to ensure the information in this article was correct at the time of publication (September 2022). Guidance provided does not replace the reader’s professional judgement and any construction project should comply with the relevant Building Regulations or applicable technical standards. For the most up to date Premier Guarantee technical guidance please refer to your Risk Management Surveyor and the latest version of the Premier Guarantee Technical Manual.

Ref: MK-3341