Page 20 - Build 151

Shorts
New code reduces risk of ceiling collapses
BUILDING AND BUSINESS OWNERS occupying o ces with unrestrained air-conditioning and sprinkler systems installed above ceilings may risk a health and safety prosecution for allowing sta to work in an unsafe environment.
A code of practice for the design, installation and seismic restraint of suspended ceilings has been launched by the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries (AWCI). This is in response to recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission.
‘Building owners and business occupiers need to look up at their ceilings and think about the infrastructure hidden behind the ceiling tiles,’ AWCI Executive O cer John Parkin said. ‘Unrestrained services such as sprinkler systems, cable trays and air-conditioning systems can collide in an earthquake and collapse through the ceiling tiles onto sta sitting at their desks.’
There was no life lost or injury from falling infrastructure or heavy ceiling tiles in either the Christchurch or Seddon earthquakes. However, ceiling collapses have caused
deaths in other countries and the potential risk remains high in New Zealand unless addressed.
John said the industry has worked with the major install and supply companies, BRANZ and MBIE to establish the new code of practice. AWCI wrote the code of practice with funding from the Building Research Levy.
‘There is a need for greater awareness from design and coordination through to nal sign-o . If you are a designer, engineer, project manager, ceiling supplier, building contractor, installer, insurer, building owner or compliance o cial, this is very important,’ he said.
For more Download the code of practice from www.awci.org.nz.
The new code of practice will help overcome ceiling collapses like this one.
What’s new?
Waterproofing tiled showers
BULLETIN 591 Waterproofing tiled showers explains the requirements and good practices for effective waterproofing of tiled showers.
It is not a comprehensive review of tiling or wet areas but focuses on achieving effective waterproofing in tiled showers. However, a number of the principles apply to the waterproofing of tiled wet areas in buildings, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
The bulletin is important as poor work can result in failures, leaks and potentially expensive repairs. There is evidence of significant problems with leaks in tiled showers in New Zealand causing serious damage to linings and framing, which may go unnoticed for some time.
Details Available for $13.50 from the BRANZ Shop at www.branz.co.nz or call 0800 80 80 85.
ISSUE591
WATERPROOFING TILED SHOWERS
Tiled showers require good detailing and application of waterproof membranes plus careful plumbing installation to remain in good condition.
Poor work can result in failures, leaks and potentially expensive repairs.
This bulletin explains the requirements and good practices for effective waterproo ng of tiled showers.
18 — December 2015/January 2016 — Build 151
December 2015