How to Build in Ireland: Building Regulations based on TGD

Photo courtesy of Wix media

The safety of the public depends on how a building is constructed. Here in Ireland, the government agency that manages construction and housing is the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. They published the Technical Guidance Documents that ensures compliance with the Building Regulations and can be accessed by everyone. It covers a range of topics divided into Parts A-M which contains specifications for constructing a building here in Ireland.

I will go through the sections with a quick description of each parts. There is no Part I to eliminate confusion with other parts.

Technical Guidance Documents

Photo from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government

Part A Structure

• Ground movement means that the movements from the subsoil should not affect the stability of the building.

• Disproportionate collapse talks about the supports that a building should have in case of an accident.

Part B Fire Safety

• Means of escape in case of fire includes safe fire escapes.

• Internal Fire Spread (Linings)

• Internal Fire Spread (Structures)

• External Fire Spread

• Access and facilities for the fire service includes adequate space and supplies to assist the fire fighters.

Part C Site Preparation and Resistance to Moisture

• Preparation of site should not have vegetable matter.

• Subsoil Drainage

• Dangerous substances includes Radon levels.

• Resistance to weather and ground moisture.

Part D Materials and Workmanship

• Materials and workmanship includes proper materials to be used and quality of work.

• Specifications for letterplates.

Part E Sound

• Each wall should be build with reasonable resistance to sound, for example the distance between houses and the adjoining walls.

• Reverberation should be limited.

Part F Ventilation

• Ventilation should be provided by limiting moisture and harmful pollutants.

• Prevent condensation in roofs.

Part G Hygiene

• A house should have a bathroom and a kitchen.

• Washing facilities and sanitary conveniences

Part H Drainage and Waste Water Disposal

• Drainage systems for foul wastewater and surface water from the building.

• Wastewater Treatment Systems

Part J Heat Producing Appliances

• Heat appliances should be installed where there is enough air to prevent overheating.

• Discharge of products of combustion.

• Protection of building.

• Provision of information.

• Fuel storage system.

• Liquid storage system.

Part K Stairways, Ladders, Ramps and Guards

• Safe stairways, ladders and ramps.

• protection from falling.

• Vehicle ramps, floors and roofs.

Part L Conservation of Fuel and Energy (Dwellings/ Non-Dwellings)

• Buildings should be constructed in a way that limits energy consumption and carbon emission.

Part M Access and Use

• Adequate provisions should be made for everyone to be able to access the building, its extensions and sanitary facilities.

The summary I have provided above are not enough to cover the scope of each sections. Specifications should always be checked and consulting the TGD should always be considered specially by builders before construction commences. Buildings are meant to provide shelter to keep us safe therefore, building it in a safe way ensures that its purposes are met.