EPISODE: 037 - APPROVED DOCUMENT 7 - MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

BYTNAR - TALKS

EPISODE: 037 - APPROVED DOCUMENT 7 - MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

This episode is for people who want to know more about Approved Document 7

You should like this episode if you ask yourself questions like:

• What are the obligations for materials used in construction under the Building Regulations?

• What does CE marking indicate for construction products that comply with European standards?

• How can a material’s suitability for construction use be established in the UK?

• What are the key regulations surrounding the use of combustible materials in tall residential buildings?

• What is the significance of British Standards (BS) and European Technical Assessments in construction compliance?

• How do local authorities enforce material suitability under UK Building Regulations?

• What are the testing requirements for building workmanship under Building Regulations?

• How does the BS 8000 series guide workmanship on construction sites?

• What provisions exist for materials that are short-lived or subject to property changes in construction?

LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

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This is Bytnar Talks: The Engineer Takes on Construction – Episode 37

Hi, I'm Piotr Bytnar.Each day I help my clients plan and design building projects through Bytnar Limited, a consulting Chartered Structural Engineers practice.My biggest passion – and the cornerstone on which I've built my business – is finding clever solutions for construction projects.

I am a Chartered Structural Engineer and a budding software developer, so you can rest assured that I will strive to talk about the best practices and the use of new technologies in the industry.And if you're embarking on a construction project or are involved in planning, designing, and building the world around us – you'll find this podcast useful.

Approved Document 7: Materials and Workmanship

Hi guys, and welcome to Bytnar Talks, your favorite podcast on all matters of architecture, engineering, and construction.It is Thursday, the 28th of November 2024, and I'm here, back with you, with the 37th episode and information on Approved Document 7: Materials and Workmanship.

I must admit – I'm not the greatest fan of the period heading towards the 24th of December. With every passing day, the nights get longer and the days get shorter.So try to make the most of that occasional sunshine: put your headphones on with me and go for a walk, pal! That bit of sun going through your retina will make a massive difference for the rest of your day.

However, if you're listening at a different time of the day – or in a different season – I'm glad you are spending this time with me.

Today I'll be finalizing a long series of episodes on the approved documents, so I hope you'll find it refreshing to soon be hearing about other things too.But before we get there, let's recap the last episode.

In the last episode, I talked about Approved Document T: Toilet Accommodation, where in Section 0 – that covers introduction and scope – we were told that the document establishes minimum standards for unisex and single-sex ambulant toilets, excluding wheelchair-accessible toilets and baby changing facilities, which are addressed in Approved Document M, Volume 2.

It applies to new and altered buildings, ensuring compliance with current standards.Guidance prioritizes single-sex toilets with shared handwashing facilities, offering fully enclosed unisex toilets as an alternative where space is limited.

Section 1 covers application guidance and performance of the toilets.The regulations apply to non-dwelling buildings – except schools, custodial accommodations, and workplaces – with reference to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and BS 6465 for toilet provision calculations.

Performance standards are given for four toilet types – labelled A, B, C, and D.All of the standards emphasize privacy, safety, and compliance with Approved Document M for wheelchair accessibility.Layouts focus on user dignity and privacy, with specific spatial requirements.

Section 2 gives common design provisions applicable across all toilets, which must ensure privacy, safety, and accessibility – including privacy screens for urinals.Dual-height hooks should be provided within the cubicles, and outward-opening doors are ideal (with emergency mechanisms if otherwise).

Additional features include neurodiverse-friendly design, clear signage, appropriate lighting, and separate baby-changing facilities – unless absolutely unavoidable.

Section 3 goes on to the first type – Type A of the toilet:Fully enclosed ambulant universal toilet.

Wow – that morning recording just twists my tongue!

These toilets require a minimum size of 985 mm by 2025 mm, with 750 mm wide outward-opening doors (ideally).Features include: grab rails, a disposable bin, two hooks, and a 600 mm by 800 mm activity space in front of the water closet pan – ensuring functionality and privacy.

Section 4 covers Type B toilets:Fully enclosed universal toilets, which are slightly smaller at 1500 mm by 1685 mm.These toilets include a 650 mm wide door, wash basin, hand-drying facilities, and two hooks.They offer a similar activity space as Type A and can be integrated into single-sex facilities.

Section 5 covers Type C toilets:Ambulant single-sex toilet cubicles.This non-self-contained cubicle measures 920 mm by 1465 mm, with – again – 750 mm wide clear door opening and communal handwashing facilities.

Features within the cubicle include: grab rails, two hooks, a disposable bin, and a defined activity space for comfort and accessibility.

Section Six covers Type D single-sex toilet cubicle, at 900 mm by 1740 mm.This cubicle includes 650 mm wide doors, and communal wash basins and drying facilities.Similar to Type C, they provide two hooks, a bin, a shelf, with optional urinal in male toilets, per BS 6465.

Appendix D of the document outlines dimensions and fitting requirements to aid in the design of compliant facilities.

In this episode, I will move to Approved Document 7: Materials and Workmanship.So, without further ado, let's dive straight into this.

All right guys, starting with the text of the legislation first:

Materials and Workmanship (Regulation 7)

Paragraph 1:Building work shall be carried out:(a) with adequate and proper materials, which:    (i) are appropriate for the circumstances in which they are used,    (ii) are adequately mixed or prepared, and    (iii) are applied, used, or fixed so as adequately to perform the functions for which they are designed; and(b) in a workmanlike manner.

Paragraph 1A:Building work shall be carried out so that relevant metal composite material does not become part of an external wall or specified attachment of any building.

Paragraph 2:Subject to paragraph 3, building work shall be carried out so that materials which become part of an external wall or specified attachment of a relevant building are of European classification A2-s1, d0 or A1, classified in accordance with the reaction to fire classification.

Paragraph 3:Paragraph 2 does not apply to:(a) a cavity tray, when used between two leaves of masonry;(b) any part of a roof, other than any part of a roof which falls within paragraph 4(iv) of Regulation 2(6), if that part is connected to an external wall;(c) door frames and doors;(d) electrical installations, data, and fibre optic cables;(e) insulation and waterproofing materials used below ground level, or up to 300 mm above that level;(f) intermittent fire-stopping materials where the inclusion of the materials is necessary to meet the requirements of Part B of Schedule 1;(g) membranes;(h) seals, gaskets, fixings, sealants, and backer rods;(ha) components associated with a solar shading device – excluding components whose primary function is to provide shade or deflect sunlight, such as louvres, curtains, or slats;(i) thermal break materials, where their inclusion is necessary to meet the thermal bridging requirements of Part L of Schedule 1;(j) window frames and glass;(k) materials which form the top horizontal floor layer of a balcony and are of European classification A1fl or A2fl-s1, classified in accordance with the reaction to fire classification – provided that the entire layer has an imperforate substrate under it.

Point 4 in this regulation:

(a) A relevant building means a building with a storey (not including rooftop plant areas or any storey consisting exclusively of plant rooms) at least 18 m above ground level, and which:    (i) contains one or more dwellings;    (ii) contains an institution; or    (iii) contains a room for residential purposes.

(b) Above ground level in relation to a storey means:Above ground level when measured from the lowest ground level adjoining the outside of a building to the top of the floor surface of the storey.

So, this is it – simple. Really simple stuff, as it was back in the day, plus an extra bit due to the changes made by the Building Safety Act.

Interestingly, in this document, there are no provisions for the control over materials post-completion of work in the Building Regulations.However, such obligations can be made under Section 20 of the Building Act 1984.

Even if the specification conforms to the Building Regulations, it should also be noted that the products used in construction – that are covered by European product standards or conform to European Technical Assessments – should normally have CE marking.

In gist, the Secretary of State is satisfied when the materials are suitable in nature and quality to the proposed use and conditions.And, where relevant, materials have to be adequately mixed, prepared, used, fixed, and applied to perform the intended function.

It does not need to be any better than to meet the requirements of Schedule 1, as laid down in Regulation 8.But all building works fall under this regulation.

So, starting with Section One, which deals with materials – as just mentioned, we need to meet the Building Regulations' functional or performance requirements, and we will usually do so by following Approved Documents and Standards mentioned within these – but as long as we are using materials fit for purpose, we're fine in this regard, and we do have the freedom to select this as appropriate.

The document recognizes several ways of establishing if the material is suitable for use.Things like assuring they are CE marked under the Construction Products Regulation, which basically means:If the product is on the list for use in the EU market and is covered by a harmonized standard, it should have the marking.

However, if the product does not fall under that consideration but is used in construction, it can undergo a technical assessment to be CE marked also.

CE marking should reference the product standard and the level or class of performance being declared against that standard.The product should also be accompanied by a Declaration of Performance, containing further technical details.

It should be verified that the information contained within the technical documentation is sufficient and appropriate for the product to be used in the building.But the Secretary of State is of the opinion that otherwise, such declarations can be relied upon.

There are also CE markings under the regulations, and such marking should show suitability for the particular use.

Meeting British Standards is another way to show compliance.And, as is still the case, most of the British Standards are based on European Standards.However, if they are not harmonized standards, they will not have CE marking associated with meeting their requirements.

ISO and other country standards could also be applicable here and may well be suitable to show compliance with the regulation –but that will need to be demonstrated by translation of the standard and justification.

The product can also be certified by an independent body or certification scheme.The scheme or testing facility will need to, in turn, be approved by UKAS in the UK and EA in Europe.

It becomes a bit tricky here, as the certification may be only partially valid, due to the actual certification of the testing institution.So, you need to check the accreditation of the testing place, as well as the material used.

All that is good – good – but we can also rely on past experience with the material’s behavior in existing buildings.

Local authorities have the power to take samples of materials to establish suitability, and that happens under Regulation 46.But should the work pertain to notified work, the inspector can do the same under Regulation 8 of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations.

Short-lived materials may be used, provided that they are:

• readily accessible for inspection, maintenance, and replacement, and

• will not lead to harm of people if they deteriorate.

Think of a living wall as an example.

That said, the local authority can impose conditions on the use of such materials.

Materials susceptible to change in their properties can also be used, provided it can be ascertained that they will remain suitable in the changed state.

The document also goes on to remind us about tall buildings with residential units, and the restriction of combustible materials used in the external envelope of the building.

Section Two covers workmanship, and guess what –It should be good and proper for purpose. Simple.

Typically, if the material has a CE marking, the workmanship may be specified within the assessment and product standard.After all, if we do not use it in the manner assumed in the way it has been tested – what is the point, right?

There is also a plethora of standards and industry-specific guides, and in Britain, the BS 8000 series of standards is a good first point of contact.I will list them all at the end so you have a quick reference, if what you do is covered by the standard.

In general, if you are a main contractor, all of them fall under your remit, and you should get yourself well acquainted with them.

Using independent certification schemes may help in assuring an appropriate level of workmanship –as is the case with the self-certification schemes of users of proprietary materials.

Let’s say, roofing or weatherproofing – we can refer to management systems or the log to further ascertain individual or company attention to workmanship,and past experience of the level of workmanship on existing buildings.

Tests can be used to show the adequacy of the workmanship, and you will see this actually required by the regulation.Things like sound insulation testing – Regulation 41,or the airflow rate of Mechanical ventilation – Regulation 42, Pressure testing – Regulation 43.

Generally speaking, building control bodies can require testing under Regulation 45 of the Building Regulations, and Regulation 8 of the Approved Inspectors Regulations, and Section 33 of the Building Act 1984.

We are also left to act voluntarily to test and assure compliance with the workmanship requirement.

As promised, let us see what is in the BS 8000 suite of documents.All of them deal with workmanship on building sites.

Please mind that any of them may be withdrawn at any point — but I would say, anyhow, it’s a good point to start at:

• Part 0 covers introduction and general principles

• Part 1: Excavation and filling

• Part 2 (in two parts): Covers mixing and transportation, and site work with in-situ or pre-cast concrete

• Part 3: Masonry

• Part 4: Waterproofing

• Part 5: Carpentry, joinery, and general fixing

• Part 6: Slating and tiling of roofs and claddings

• Part 7: Glazing

• Part 8: Plasterboard partitions and dry lining

• Part 9: Cementitious levelling screeds and wearing screeds

• Part 10 is now withdrawn — it covered plastering and rendering

• Part 11: Internal and external wall and floor tiling

• Part 12: Decorative wall covering and painting

• Part 13: Above-ground drainage and sanitary appliances

• Part 14: Below-ground drainage

• Part 15: Hot and cold water services

• Part 16: Sealing joints in buildings using sealant

So this is it, folks — Approved Document 7: Materials and Workmanship.Let’s sum it up section by section:

The updated document reflects the simplicity of the earlier version while incorporating provisions introduced by the Building Safety Act.

Although the Building Regulations lack explicit controls over materials after project completion, obligations can arise under Section 20 of the Building Act 1984.

Materials used must meet European product standards (CE marking) or align with a European Technical Assessment.The Secretary of State is satisfied if materials are appropriate and applied correctly to meet Schedule 1 requirements under Regulation 8, ensuring all works comply with these foundational regulations.

Section One – Materials:

The Building Regulations emphasize that using materials fit for purpose is crucial, allowing flexibility in material selection, as long as performance and functional requirements are met.Compliance can be demonstrated through:

• CE marking

• British Standards

• Other international standards

• Certification

• Proven past performance

Authorities may inspect materials under Regulation 46 or impose conditions on using short-lived or property-changing materials, ensuring safety and accessibility for maintenance and replacement.

Restrictions also apply to combustible materials in tall residential buildings.

Section Two – Workmanship:

Which — obviously — must be good and proper.

Standards to ensure safety and functionality include adhering to product-specific CE marking, applicable standards, or the BS 8000 series, which covers site workmanship across various building tasks.

Independent certification schemes or proprietary self-certification can help assure quality.You can also evaluate management systems or project performance to ensure workmanship.

Testing, such as for sound insulation, ventilation, and pressure, is required by regulation, or can be done voluntarily for additional verification of compliance.

I have also covered the overview of the BS 8000 series, which references site workmanship across disciplines — starting with:

• Part 0: General principles

• Through Parts 1–16, covering excavation, concrete, masonry, waterproofing, carpentry, roofing, glazing, partitioning, screeds, tiling, painting, drainage, water services, and sealants

Each part provides specific standards for respective areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage for on-site construction practices.

In the next episode, I’ll move to Approved Document Z: Whole Life Carbon.Don’t worry — it’s not there yet, but the industry is getting ready for it,so I thought I’d end the series on all the approved documents with the likely next approved document that’s coming to us soon.

I hope you enjoyed this episode, and that the considerations of Approved Document 7: Materials and Workmanship are a bit clearer for you now.

No doubt, I will cover every part of the BS 8000 series in the podcast coming next year — so stay tuned if you want to know more!

If you have any questions, reach out to me on LinkedIn or send me an email — I’m more than happy to help you out.

At Bytnar Limited, we deal with planning, designing, and managing your projects, and we are always glad to facilitate a free initial consultation to steer you in the right direction.Visit www.bytnar.co.uk – and reach out to us—Whether your question is:

“Can you help me with my project?”or“What should I do?”

—we’ll be able to give you a piece of non-obligatory advice.

At Bytnar, we help our clients design and execute their dream homes or investments.If your building is falling apart, we can also help investigate the reasons behind it and provide you with an appropriate strategy, design, and specifications for the repair.

Thank you again for listening —please voice up your opinions. I’m waiting for you on LinkedIn, and I want to hear from you.

See you next week.Bytnar Designs The World Around You.Toodloo!

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Piotr Bytnar BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE

Chartered Structural Engineer who deals with the Architecture of buildings. His Master's Studies led him to an in-depth understanding of risk and contract arrangements in construction as well as specialist knowledge in soil mechanics.

He and his team help homeowners and property developers to design and deliver construction projects reducing waste in time and the cost. He believes that the construction project is an iterative process that can be well managed and it is best managed if all the aspects of the project definition and management are dealt with in-house or coordinated by one organisation. His team works to all stages of RIBA and ISTRUCTE stages of work and enables contractors to deliver projects on-site providing risk evaluations, methodologies for execution of works and temporary works designs.

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