News item | 20-12-2023 | 17:51
It is important that a structure does not pose a danger to users and the environment. That is why the government has laid down regulations for safety, health, usability, energy efficiency and the environment in the Building Works and Living Environment Decree (Bbl). Today, Hugo de Jonge, Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), will inform the House about the implementation of various motions and commitments in the field of building regulations. This concerns the topics of fire safety, structural safety of MuWi floors, sprayed polyurethane foam and accessible construction.
Fire safety buildings
Following various fires in buildings, actions have been initiated to improve fire safety. It is important that when constructing buildings, the possible spread of fire through hollow spaces in facade and roof structures is carefully considered. The NEN 6068 standard is being adapted for this purpose by NEN, the Royal Dutch Standardization Institute Foundation. In addition, this standard is accompanied by an extensive explanation in the form of a Dutch Practice Guideline (NPR 6668). Furthermore, in 2024 the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations will replace the existing Signpost Unit Construction from 2007 adapted to the latest insights for fire-safe modular construction. It also becomes theme magazine Fire safety of ‘zero on the meter’ homes by the association The Rapids adapted to the latest insights in fire safety.
The NEN standard, the Unit Construction Guide and the fire safety theme sheet for ‘zero on the meter’ homes are intended as tools to inform the construction sector about points of interest in fire-safe construction.
Limited risk with MuWi floors
After an incident in Rotterdam, in which part of the floor in a school building came loose, an investigation was conducted. The damage is related to the MuWi construction system used, but appears to have occurred during construction and has no influence on structural safety. The Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations has asked all municipalities to check where the MuWi building system has been used and, if necessary, to inform school boards about possible risks. 133 municipalities have now provided feedback on the results. Fortunately, the results show that the damage is not too bad. So far, loose parts have actually been found at only 1 school, comparable to the school in Rotterdam. The damage found has now been repaired.
Additional requirements for applying sprayed polyurethane foam
Sprayed polyurethane foam is often used for post-insulation of floors, but some residents and employees experience health problems after its application. To further reduce the risk of health problems, additional requirements are included in the Bbl for the use of sprayed polyurethane foam. The additional requirements are mainly imposed on the process of applying sprayed PUR foam and on the space where the PUR foam is applied. The design of a possible reporting obligation to the municipality is also being examined. The aim is to publish an amendment to the Bbl for internet consultation in the summer of 2024. This amendment can be submitted to the House for consideration in the autumn.
In addition to the additional requirements, since August 24, 2023, only processors of sprayed PUR foam who have completed specific training may apply sprayed PUR foam. In addition, the provision of information to consumers and residents about, among other things, which factors can influence the risks of health problems and where to go if you suspect health problems caused by sprayed PUR foam has been improved. In addition, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency has Investment subsidy for sustainable energy and energy saving (ISDE) insulation measures list has been adjusted to make it clearer which products/brands contain sprayed PUR foam.
New standard for accessible construction
Everyone in our society should be able to participate. It is therefore important that buildings can be used by everyone. To enable a society without barriers, the Bbl includes requirements that new buildings must meet. It publishes in addition to the existing requirements in the Bbl NEN a draft version of a standard for accessible construction in 2024. The minister is considering including certain parts of this standard as a mandatory requirement in the Bbl, but only after the construction sector has voluntarily gained two years of experience. The visual summarizes the current requirements for integral accessibility.
The visual is here to watch.