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Tekniske forskrifter til plan- og
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Technical
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Chapter I General
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22 January 1997 No. 33Regulations concerning requirements for construction works and products for construction works - Technical Regulations under the Planning and Building Act of 14 June 1985 No. 77.
Established 22 January 1997 by the Ministry of Local Government and Labour with the authority of the Planning and Building Act of 14 June 1985 No. 77 §§ 6, 77 and 106a and pursuant to the act of 16 June 1994 No. 20 concerning technical inspection bodies whose task is to carry out evaluations of conformity according to the EEA Agreement i.a. § 7. Implements the EEA Agreement, Annex II Chapter III on lifting equipment (Council Directive 84/529/EEC and 95/16/EC), Chapter XXI on construction products (Council Directive 89/106/EEC), Chapter XXIV on machinery (Council Directive 89/392/EEC) and Annex IV on energy (Council Directive 78/170/EEC and Council Directive 92/42/EEC) with subsequent amendments.
§ 1-1 The scope of these RegulationsThese Regulations have been issued for the implementation and supplementing of the provisions of the Planning and Building Act of 14 June 1985 No. 77 and for the implementation of Norway's obligations pursuant to the EEA Agreement concerning requirements for construction works and products for construction works.
§ 1-2 The application of these Regulations to specific projects
The Regulations apply, as appropriate, to:
1. non-residential farm buildings and similar buildings for animals which do not come under the concept of agriculture. Provisions for leisure dwellings also apply to buildings for mountain dairy farming and forestry.
2. structures and civil engineering works.
The Regulations apply to leisure dwellings with their outbuildings and outhouses, garages, etc., with the exception of Chapter VIII Environment and health, the section on the use of energy, and Chapter X Usability.
§ 2-1 Maps and plansThe municipality shall ensure that maps are prepared for:
Zoning plans, detailed zoning plans, road, water and sewer plans, and for other purposes dealt with in the Planning and Building Act or in regulations.
The municipality shall prepare proposals for maps and plans and ensure that they are updated.
Purpose and main rules
Rules of calculation
Definitions
Purpose and main rules
§ 3-1 Purpose of degree of utilization
The degree of utilization is determined for a limited area. The purpose is to regulate the volume of buildings across ground and the total area of buildings.
The degree of utilization may be determined in the provisions of the part of the Municipal Master Plan referring to land use, the zoning plan or the detailed zoning plan.
One or more of the following calculation methods shall be specified:
Percentage of built-up area (%-BYA)
Permitted usable area (T-BRA)
Percentage of site utilization (%-TU)
Deviations from the height provisions in the Planning and Building Act § 70 shall be established in each individual plan.
§ 3-3 Minimum outdoor area (MUA)
For dwellings, schools, kindergartens etc. the minimum outdoor area should be specified inclusive the playing area. MUA is expressed in m2 per dwelling/school/kindergarten etc. and is written MUA = 00 m2. The same applies to other buildings where, according to the municipality, it is necessary to allow for a minimum outdoor area. Outdoor area is that part of the site which is not built-up or intended for driving and parking and which is suitable for this purpose. Non-covered parts of terraces and roof terraces may be considered as outdoor areas.
§ 3-4 Percentage of built-up area (%-BYA)
The percentage of built-up area specifies that part of the site which may be built upon. Built-up area is calculated in accordance with Norwegian Standard 3940. The height of the building may be determined in the provisions of the plan, in conformity with § 3-9. Percentage of built-up area is written %-BYA = 00 %.
§ 3-5 Permitted usable area (T-BRA)
Permitted usable area for the building for a site is expressed in m2 and written T-BRA = 00 m2. The usable area is calculated on the basis of Norwegian Standard 3940, but with the following amendments:
Unfurnished building volumes satisfying the standard's requirements for height and width are included in the basis of calculation.
No subtraction shall be made for channels, shafts, partitions and thick internal walls.
For buildings with a storey height exceeding 3,0 m the permitted usable area is calculated as if a horizontal plane had been laid for each 3rd m.
Covered open area (OPA) exceeding 1,0 m within the edge of the roof covering is included in the basis of calculation.
For under-ground usable areas, see § 3-7.
§ 3-6 Percentage of site utilization (%-TU)
The percentage of site utilization specifies the ratio between permitted usable area according to § 3-4 and the site area. Site utilization is written % TU = 00 %.
§ 3-7 Under-ground usable area
The provisions of the plan shall determine how usable area which is fully or partly under ground is to be included in the degree of utilization.
§ 3-8 Average under-ground level
The contour height for the average of graded ground around the building.
§ 3-9 Height of buildings
Cornice and ridge height are specified with contour numbers or measured in meters from the graded ground. Heights are measured as in § 4-2.
§ 3-10 Site
Site is the area which has been allocated for building area in the part of the Municipal Master Plan referring to land use or the zoning plan or the detailed zoning plan. Unless otherwise established in the provisions for the individual plan, the established degree of utilization also applies to the individual property.
§ 3-11 Parking
The application for a building permit shall indicate how parking is solved. The parking area is included in the basis of calculation for the degree of utilization.
§ 4-1 Number of storeysThe number of storeys in a building is the sum of measurable storeys and floors lying above each other and constituting the main part and the additional part of the building. However, the following storeys and floors are not to be counted in the number of storeys:
- a basement containing only an additional part and having its ceiling less than 1,5 m above the average ground level around the building after grading
- a mezzanine having a usable area less than 1/5 of that of the underlying full storey
- an attic containing only an additional part and having a usable area less than 1/3 of that of the underlying storey
§ 4-2 Height
The cornice height is the height to the intersection between the outer surface of the external wall and the roof surface. Where the wall is provided with a parapet protruding more than 0,3 m above the roof surface at the parapet, the height is taken as the height to the top of the parapet. The cornice height is measured relative to the mean height of the ground around the building after grading.
The ridge height is the height from the upper edge of the ridge to the mean height of the ground around the building after grading.
The height, as described in the Planning and Building Act, § 70 No. 2, is the average cornice height facing the boundary against the adjacent property.
For a building which extends across a block of houses, the local authority decides which heights are to be used for the various parts of the building. The same applies to corner buildings and to construction works covering a very large area or having an unusual shape.
§ 4-3 Distance
The distance is measured as the shortest horizontal distance between the facade line of the construction works and that of the adjacent construction works or adjacent boundary. For construction works with eaves or other projections, the distance is to be increased by as much as the projection exceeds 1 m.
§ 5-1 Products for construction worksThe rules specified in this Chapter for products for construction works, technical requirements and requirements for marking apply to products manufactured and marketed for incorporation in construction works which are subject to the Planning and Building Act and these Regulations, including products employed in construction works which are handled in accordance with sector legislation. The rules also apply, with the exception of the rules for requirements for marking, to products ordered or manufactured for a specific construction works if the product or production method is otherwise not marketed, but the product is incorporated in the construction works.
§§ 5-13, 5-15, 5-18 and 5-19 apply to lifting equipment which is part of the communication routes in construction works (lift, platform lift, stair lift, escalator and passenger conveyor, etc.).
§§ 5-13, 5-16, 5-18 and 5-19 apply to hot water boilers using liquid or gaseous fuel and which have an effect between 4kW and 400 kW.
§§ 5-13, 5-17 and 5-19 apply to heat generators for space heating and production of hot water in new or existing non-industrial buildings. § 5-17, fourth paragraph, applies to insulation of heat and domestic water distribution in new non-industrial buildings.
§ 5-11 Characteristics and documentation of construction products
1. General requirements
Any construction product subject to Council Directive 89/106/EEC on the approximation of laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to construction products shall have such characteristics that they, when correctly employed, contributes to the construction works satisfying the essential requirements for
- mechanical resistance and stability,
- safety in case of fire,
- hygiene, health and environment,
- safety in use,
- protection against noise and
- energy economy and heat retention as described in Annex I of Council Directive 89/106/EEC.
The manufacturer shall ensure that the product's characteristics have been documented before the products are marketed or employed in a construction works. Such documentation shall be available when the product is marketed and employed. The documentation shall enable the identification of the product's characteristics and origin.
Products with documented characteristics pursuant to these Regulations may freely be marketed and employed.
2. Provision of documentation
The product may be subjected to approval and inspection systems which ensure that products with characteristics of importance to the fulfillment of the requirements of these Regulations for the completed construction works, conform with the technical specifications on which the manufacture of the product is based.
Products of little importance to the fulfillment of the requirements of these Regulations for health, environment and safety in the completed construction works, in accordance with the list prepared by the EU Commission, may still be marketed and employed without having been subjected to these specific approval and inspection systems. In this case, the manufacturer shall personally ensure that the product is satisfactory, and shall provide a declaration that the product is in conformity with acknowledged rules of technology.
§ 5-12 Technical specifications
Technical specifications are:
- national standards corresponding to harmonized European standards published in the Official Journal of the European Communities
For products covered by Council Directive 89/106/EEC, technical specifications may also be:
- European technical approvals published in the Official Journal of the European Communities, or
- national technical specifications deemed to be in conformity with the essential requirements and published in the Official Journal of the European Communities.
Until otherwise determined in the technical specifications, other satisfactory technical specifications may be applied, provided they do not conflict with the Treaty establishing the European Economic Area.
§ 5-13 Technical inspection body
A technical inspection body is a body designated by the Ministry of Local Government and Labour according to the rules of the Act of 16 June 1994 no. 20 on technical inspection bodies to evaluate and attest to a product´s conformity to a given technical specification.
§ 5-14 Evaluation and declaration of conformity
A product's characteristics shall be established by an evaluation of conformity and a declaration of conformity according to the method specified in the technical specification applying to the product. An evaluation of conformity shall include an evaluation carried out by the technical inspection body and/or the manufacturer as specified in the technical specification. The manufacturer or his agent shall ensure that the evaluation of conformity and declaration of conformity comply with the relevant technical specifications.
A product which in full or in part does not satisfy a technical specification may still be evaluated with respect to fulfillment of the requirements of these Regulations. Such an evaluation applies to products subject to the manufacturer's declaration of conformity and in cases where the first type testing, together with factory production control, is of major importance for the documentation. The procedure for evaluation of conformity shall include type testing in a technical inspection body and that the manufacturer has established an acknowledged system for production control.
Documentation and correspondence regarding the procedure for evaluation of conformity shall be in Norwegian or in another Scandinavian language.
§ 5-15 Lifting equipment which is part of the communication routes in construction works
This clause applies only to lifting equipment which is part of the communication routes in construction works (lift, platform lift, stair lift, escalator and passenger conveyor, etc.) and which is subject to the technical provisions for lifts of these Regulations.
Lifting equipment shall be evaluated for conformity in the form of EU type approval if they in full or in part do not conform with a harmonized standard or with equivalent national specifications. Components for lifts, as mentioned in Directive 84/529/EEC with subsequent amendments, shall have EU type approval. Type approval shall be carried out by a technical inspection body and evaluated directly against the safety requirements described in the directive applying to the product concerned. Type testing and evaluation is carried out in accordance with rules given in or pursuant to Directive 84/529/EEC on lifts or Directive 89/392/EEC on machinery, respectively.
Lifting equipment conforming to given requirements shall be provided with the CE mark. Lift components are excepted from CE marking.
§ 5-16 Hot water boilers using liquid or gaseous fuel
This clause applies only to hot water boilers using liquid or gaseous fuel and which have an effect between 4 kW and 400 kW. The clause does not apply to boilers which may use various types of fuel.
Hot water boilers shall be evaluated for conformity in the form of EU type approval which includes the boiler's energy efficiency. The type approval shall be carried out by a technical inspection body and evaluated directly against the safety requirements described in the directive applying to the product concerned. Type testing and evaluation is carried out in accordance with rules given in or pursuant to Directive 92/42/EEC and Directive 93/68/EEC, respectively.
Hot water boilers conforming to given requirements shall be provided with the CE mark. In addition, they shall be marked in conformity with the Directive's provisions for specification of energy efficiency.
§ 5-17 Generators for space heating and production of hot water and insulation of distribution system
This clause applies to requirements for minimum performance of heat generators for space heating and the production of hot water in new or existing non-industrial buildings. Heat generators include hot water containers, steam boilers, hot air heating plants with components, and especially associated burner equipment adjusted to the type of fossil fuel used. Such appliances shall be inspected at the production site or at installation by a technical inspection body and shall be labelled with the essential technical data related to energy.
The inspection and marking shall be carried out in accordance with the rules of Directive 78/170/EEC with amendments.
The following heat generators are excepted from these rules:
Heat generators which only use electric resistance heating, heat pumps, connections for district heating systems, heat generators using solid fuel and boilers with flue gas condensation.
The distribution and storage system for the heat carrying medium and hot water in new non-industrial buildings shall be insulated in an economically acceptable way. This provision also applies to systems connected to district heating systems and to new heat generators, including systems for electric heating of water in new and existing non-industrial buildings.
§ 5-18 CE marking
1. CE marking
A product may be marked with the CE mark when it, properly employed, contributes to the construction works satisfying the essential requirements for
- mechanical resistance and stability,
- safety in case of fire,
- hygiene, health and environment,
- safety in use,
- protection against noise and
- energy economy and heat retention,
as specified in Council Directive 89/106/EEC with amendments.
The CE mark indicates that the product satisfies the technical specifications mentioned in § 5-12, first subsection, or has been evaluated to satisfy § 5-14, second subsection, within the limits of the characteristics associated with the CE mark for the individual product.
A product marked with the CE mark may freely be marketed and employed without further evaluation in accordance with clauses §§ 5-11 up to and including 5-13.
The manufacturer or his agent shall affix the mark on the product.
2. Design etc. of the CE conformity mark
The CE conformity mark shall consist of the initials «CE» taking the following form:
- If the CE mark is reduced or enlarged, the provisions given in the above graduated drawing must be respected.
- The various components of the CE mark must have substantially the same vertical dimension, which may not be less than 5 mm.
- The CE mark shall be followed by the identification number of the body involved in the production control stage.
- The CE mark shall be accompanied by the name or identifying mark of the producer, the last two digits of the year in which the marking was affixed and, where appropriate, the number of the EC certificate of conformity and, where appropriate, indications to identify the characteristics of the product on the basis of the technical specifications.
- Information necessary for safety shall be in the Norwegian language.
The second paragraph up to and including the fifth paragraph apply to lifting equipment as mentioned in § 5-5 and to hot water boilers as mentioned in § 5-16.
§ 5-19 Products with defects
A product with a defect in relation to these Regulations, including insufficient or incorrect documentation, shall not be marketed or employed in construction works.
In case of a reasoned assumption that a CE marked product which does not satisfy the requirements for the marking, and which is intended to be employed in construction works, is marketed, this shall be reported to the surveillance authority. This applies both to the building authorities who handle actions according to the Planning and Building Act and other public authorities who handle actions according to sector legislation, but subject to the Planning and Building Act §77. The surveillance authority may request documentation for the evaluation of the assumption, and may temporarily stop the marketing and employment of the product until inspection has been carried out.
The surveillance authority shall inspect the product if their assumption is well-founded. The surveillance authority shall have access to the product, locality, or other areas regarded necessary to carry out the inspection, including access to information and documentation.
If the surveillance authority establishes during inspection that the requirement for CE marking has not been satisfied, it shall so order that the use and marketing of the product is stopped until the requirement for the CE marking is satisfied. The surveillance authority may also order that such products be withdrawn from the market or take other action to ensure that the product is brought into conformity with the requirements. Such decisions shall be reported to the public authorities who handle measures subject to the Planning and Building Act §77.
If the manufacturer or his agent decide to withdraw a CE marked product from the market based on the reason that it does not satisfy the requirements for CE marking, an announcement on this shall be sent to the surveillance authority.
§ 5-20 Fees
The surveillance authority may charge fees for administrative work in connection with inspection of the product. The fee shall not exceed the costs of inspection and administrative work in the individual case. However, if the inspection shows that the product is after all in conformity with the requirements, no fees shall be charged.
§ 6-1 Use of Norwegian Standard or equivalentThe material rules of the Planning and Building Act and the technical requirements of these Regulations are deemed to be fulfilled if the products employed are in conformity with Chapter V on products for construction works and methods and execution are in conformity with Norwegian Standard, equivalent standard or European technical approval.
However, the building authorities cannot demand that methods and execution according to Norwegian Standard, equivalent standard or European technical approval be used, if the requirements for the construction works are satisfactorily fulfilled in other ways.
European technical approval may also be used for fulfillment of the requirements of Council Directive 89/106/EEC.
Safety in case of fire
Location and load-bearing capacity
Safety in use
§ 7-1 Personal and material safetyConstruction works shall be designed, performed and equipped in such a way that they do not represent any danger to persons and such that they in the event of collapse or accident do not lead to unacceptably great material or community loss.
§ 7-2 Safety in case of fire
Construction works shall have a design and be executed in a way that ensures sufficient safety in case of fire for persons being present in or on the works, for material values, and for environmental and social aspects. This includes acceptable possibilities of rescuing people and animals, and of performing extinguishing work. Construction works shall be so located and executed as to ensure that the risk of fire spreading to other construction works becomes acceptably low.
Construction works where a fire may lead to great threat to the environment or be of concern to essential community interests, shall be executed and equipped so as to prevent (in an acceptable way) the occurrence of direct or indirect damage to the environment and essential community interests.
In the case of alterations to an existing construction works, the building authorities may issue the building permit conditional to the implementation of additional fire precautions in those parts of the building which are not included in the alterations being applied for.
§ 7-21 Documentation in case of fire
Compliance with the fire safety requirements, as specified in this Chapter, shall be documented in either of these two ways:
- by executing the construction works in conformity with preaccepted design criteria and solutions, or
- by analyses and/or calculations which proves a satisfactory safety against fire. The analysis and/or calculation shall simulate the fire development and present the necessary margins of safety for the most unfavourable conditions which may occur in the use of the construction works. The suitability of the applied method of analysis/calculation shall be documented, and the design fire load determined by recognized and documentable methods.
§ 7-22 Hazard classes and fire classes
1. Hazard classes
Based on the risk of damage to life and health involved in a fire, construction works are divided into hazard classes, on which the determination of necessary measures to ensure safe escape in case of fire is based. The hazard class of a building is determined taking into account whether :
- the construction works is intended for occupancy of persons
- the persons in the constructions works are acquainted with its fire-escape routes and capable of getting unassisted to a safe place in case of fire
- the construction works is intended for persons staying overnight
- the activity in the construction works represents a small fire hazard. The emphasis is placed on the probability of a fire arising, on whether a fire can develop rapidly, and on fire load.
Construction works are divided into hazard classes according to Table Hazard classes, on which the design of escape routes etc. are to be based.
Table Hazard classes
Hazard class
Persons present occasionally
Everybody acquainted with escape routes and able to reach safe place on their own
Only intended for persons awake
Little activity which presents a fire hazard
1 yes yes yes yes 2 yes/no yes yes no 3 no yes yes yes 4 no yes no yes 5 no no yes yes 6 no no no yes
A fire section which contains activities in different hazard classes shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of the hazard class which calls for the strictest requirements in the following provisions.
2. Fire classes
Based on the consequence which a fire may have to life, health, community interests and environment, construction works are divided into fire classes according to Table 2 Fire classes, on which decisions on the construction works' load-bearing capacity etc. are to be based in case of fire.
Table Fire classes
Fire class Consequence 1 minor 2 medium 3 serious 4 very serious
§ 7-23 Load-bearing capacity and stability in case of fire
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be made such as to have sufficient stability in case of fire, and such that the individual parts of the construction works have a sufficient ability of meeting the requirements for stability and load-bearing capacity stated in this Chapter.
2. Calculation f load-bearing capacity and stability
In calculations of stability and load-bearing capacity the total (accidental) load to be expected in the construction works shall be considered, including the contribution from load-bearing structures. However, for construction works in fire classes 1 and 2, the fire-contribution from the load-bearing structures itself to the fire development may be disregarded.
a. Construction works in fire classes 1 and 2Construction works in fire classes 1 and 2 shall maintain their stability and load-bearing capacity for at least the time required to escape and rescue persons being in and on the construction works.
For construction works in fire class 1 intended for activity in hazard classes 1 and 2 there is no requirement for stability and load-bearing capacity except for the provisions ensuring personal safety during the time of escape.
b. Construction works in fire classes 3 and 4
The principal load-bearing system in fire classes 3 and 4 shall be made such as to let the construction works maintain its stability and load-bearing capacity through a complete fire development.
Secondary structures and structures being load-bearing for one story only, or for a roof, shall maintain their stability and load-bearing capacity during the time necessary for escape and rescue of persons in and on the construction works.
3. Safety in case of explosion
Construction works which involve a special risk of explosion, shall be executed in a way that personal safety and load-bearing capacity are maintained at an acceptable level.
§ 7-24 Ignition, development and spread of fire and smoke
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be executed and equipped such as they, to an acceptable level, reduce the probability of fire arising, and such that the threat of fire and smoke spreading can be reduced accordingly. The usage of the construction works as well as the necessary time for escape and rescue shall be considered.
2. Ignition and development of fire
Materials and surfaces not contributing to an unacceptable degree of development of the fire shall be used. Main consideration should be given to the time required for flash over, heat release, smoke production, and development of toxic gases.
3. Spread of fire and smoke in construction works
Construction works shall be divided into fire sections and fire compartments, in order to reduce or prevent spread of fire and smoke inside, unless such spread is prevented by other means.
a. Fire compartmentsBuildings are to be divided, in a feasible way, into fire compartments. The division shall be such that areas of different threats to the life and health of persons and/or different possibilities of fire to develop, are separated into different fire compartments, unless same level of safety are obtained by other means.
Fire compartments shall be of such lay-out and interior design that escape and fire fighting may be accomplished in a rapid and efficient way.
A fire compartment shall be so executed as to prevent spread of fire and smoke/gases to other fire compartments in the fire section during the time necessary for escape and rescue.
b. Fire sections
Construction works shall be divided into fire sections, in order that a fire within a fire section shall not cause unreasonably large economic or material losses.
Based on the intended fire-fighting efforts, a fire shall be retained to the fire section in which it started.
4. Technical installations
Technical installations are to be executed or equipped such that the installation does not substantially increase the threat of a fire arising or spreading.
Installations which are presumed to have a function during a fire shall be so designed and executed that their function is maintained during the intended time.
§ 7-25 Preparations for fire fighting
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be prepared for efficient extinction of fire. Sufficient material for fire fighting shall be available.
2. Fire fighting equipment
In or on all construction works where a fire may arise, fire-fighting equipment for efficient extinction efforts in the starting phase shall exist. The fire fighting equipment shall be so located that an efficient extinction effort can be made. For small construction works intended for activities in hazard class 1 the equipment may be located in a nearby construction works.
3. Identification of fire installations
Technical fire installations and equipment of importance for escape, rescue, or fire fighting, shall be clearly identified by signs, unless the equipment is intended for persons in a «functional unit» and all of them are to be expected to be well acquainted with the location of the equipment.
§ 7-26 Spread of fire between construction works
1. General requirements
The danger of a fire spreading between buildings shall be prevented, in order to maintain personal safety and in a way that fire do not lead to unreasonably large economic or community loss or damage.
2. Spread of fire between low construction works
The distance between low rise construction works shall be at least 8 m, unless measures are taken to prevent spread of fire between the construction works during the time required for escape and rescue in the adjacent construction works.
When such construction works are executed at a distance of less than 8 m, the total gross area of the construction works shall be restricted, in order that a fire shall not cause unreasonably large economic losses, unless the risk of such losses is prevented in a some other way.
The provision in the first paragraph does not apply to construction works comprising only one «functional unit».
3. Spread of fire between tall construction works
Tall construction works shall be at a distance of at least 8 m from another construction works, unless the construction works is so executed that fire spread is prevented for at least 120 minutes.
4. Construction works representing great risk of fire spread
Construction works which, either by themselves or by the activity within them, represent an especially high risk of fire spread, shall be so executed and secured, or so located, that the especially high risk of fire spreading to another construction works is reduced to an acceptable level.
§ 7-27 Escape of persons
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be designed and executed for rapid and safe escape. The time available for escape shall exceed the time necessary for escape from the construction works. Allowance shall be made for a satisfactory safety margin.
During the time in which a fire compartment or escape route is to be used for the escape of persons, no high temperatures, concentrations of smoke/gas, or other conditions preventing the escape, shall occur. The time considered necessary for escape shall include time for detection of a fire (detection time), time for reacting to a fire having arisen (reaction time), and time for people to move to a safe place.
The escape routes and the access to these routes shall be easy to use and adapted for safe escape.
2. Measures for influencing escape times
If a safe escape is not ensured by the physical design of an escape route, then the construction works shall be fitted with sufficient fire-protection equipment in order to reduce the necessary escape time. Construction works intended for activity in hazard class 4 shall always be equipped with the necessary number of smoke detectors, while construction works intended for activity in hazard classes 5 and 6 shall have an automatic fire alarm installation. In such small sized construction works, smoke detectors may still be used if it is particularly easy to get an overview of the escape conditions.
Where such measures are not sufficient, the available time for escape shall be increased by means of active measures, such as automatic fire-fighting installations, smoke control systems etc.
Large construction works and construction works containing a large number of persons, as well as construction works in hazard classes 5 and 6, shall have a satisfactory guidance system.
3. Exit from a fire compartment
From a fire compartment there shall be at least one exit to:
- a safe place, or
- a corridor having two alternative escape directions each leading on to different escape routes or safe places.
Because of the risk of smoke and fire spreading within fire compartments, those fire compartments which extends over more than one story or have a mezzanine shall in addition to the requirements above, have at least one exit from each story. In construction works intended for activity of hazard classes 1, 3 and 4, the exit from these floors, apart from the entrance floor, may be windows adapted for safe escape.
In low buildings intended for activity in hazard classes 1, 3 and 4, the exit from a fire compartment may lead to a safe place or an escape route having only one escape direction, provided that each fire compartment has sufficient windows adapted for safe escape.
Fire compartments for a large number of persons shall have a sufficient number of exits, at least two, to the escape route.
Any door leading to an escape route shall be made and equipped in such manner as to ensure a rapid escape and to avoid any risk of congestion. It shall be easily opened without the use of a key and shall turn outward in the direction of escape. A door leading to an escape route may, however, open opposite the direction of escape if there is no danger of congestion in case of escape.
4. Escape route
An escape route shall in a clear and easily understandable way lead to a safe place. It shall be executed as a fire compartment separated from all other activities and adapted for rapid and efficient escape.
Where an escape route passes through more than one story, the stairway shall be separated from the other parts of the escape route and other fire compartments so that the function of the stairway as a safe escape route is maintained in the established available escape time.
An escape route which includes two escape directions shall be divided into feasible units, in order to avoid smoke and fire gases blocking both directions of escape.
The main access to a construction works, or a part of such, intended for a large number of persons, shall be adapted for safe escape.
Doors in the escape route shall be made and equipped to ensure rapid escape and avoid the risk of congestion. They shall be easily opened without the use of a key and shall open in the direction of escape .
A roof-covered yard or street may be used as an escape route if adapted for safe escape, but in addition there shall be an alternative escape route beyond the roof-covered area. Small fire compartments at the yard level may use the roof-covered area as an escape route from both of their required exits, provided that the area is adapted for safe escape.
Lifts, escalators and passenger conveyors do not count as escape routes. Passenger conveyors which have been specially adapted for safe use as an escape route, may form part of an escape route. Installations not suitable as escape routes (such as lifts and escalators), shall be stopped in a safe way in case of a fire alarm.
§ 7-28 Arrangements for rescue and fire-fighting personnel
All construction works shall be so located and designed that personnel for fire rescue and extinction, with the appropriate equipment, have a feasible access to and inside the construction works for rescue and fire fighting operations.
Construction works shall be so arranged that a fire can easily be located and fought.
Location and load-bearing capacity
§ 7-3 Location and load-bearing capacity
Materials and products in construction works shall have such properties that the basic requirements for the construction works' mechanical resistance and stability will be satisfied.
§ 7-31 Reliability classes for construction works
Construction works are divided into four reliability classes as given in the table below. The classification is based on the possible consequences of failure occurring in a structure or structural part, in the form of injury to humans, unacceptable injury to animals, unacceptable changes of the environment, or other unacceptable consequences for society.
Table Reliability classes for construction works
Reliability class Consequence 1 minor 2 medium 3 serious 4 very serious The safety requirements and the related requirements for control of design, ground conditions, materials, products, performance, condition, use and maintenance for various categories of construction works, including the building ground, are differentiated according to reliability classes.
§ 7-32 Safety against actions of nature (slides, flooding, waves and wind)
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be so located and designed that they have satisfactory safety against being damaged by actions of nature (slides, flooding, waves and wind).
Any layout and location of construction works which may imply a danger because of the presumed use of the construction works, shall be especially evaluated.
2. Safety against slides and avalanches
The safety against slides and avalanches is assumed to be satisfactory when construction works of safety classes 1, 2 or 3 and their outdoor usable areas are designed or secured against slides and avalanches in such a way that the target figures of the table below are achieved. Construction works in safety class 4 shall not be located in an area liable to sliding.
Table Safety classes for location of construction works in areas liable to slides and avalanches
Safety class for avalanches Consequence
Largest nominal annual probability of sliding 1
minor
10-2
2
medium
10-3
3
serious
<10-3
Construction works shall be so located and made that the building ground and the adjacent ground have sufficient safety against the release of slides or the occurrence of harmful settlements.
§ 7-33 Structural safety
Construction works shall be so designed that they have sufficient safety against failure under the loads which can arise during the presumed use. The requirement applies to the construction works in its final state as well as during construction. If the presumptions for its use are changed, then the safety of the construction works shall be re-estimated.
The safety requirement applies primarily to the main load-bearing system of the construction works. Other parts of the construction works may be classified in a lower safety class than that of the main load-bearing system.
Construction works in safety classes 3 and 4 shall have a load-bearing system which provides necessary safety against the failure in a part of the construction works developing into a total collapse.
§ 7-4 Safety in use
The provisions on safety in use shall secure that any construction works, or part of such, and areas near it, can be used for its presumed purpose with no risk of danger to persons using it in the presumed way.
§ 7-41 Layout, size and design
1. General requirements
Construction works, parts of construction works, their access, and areas near them, shall be of such size and design or layout that danger of injury to persons is avoided.
Construction works intended for the stay of people must be of a size sufficient for the human zone of stay to be safe for the expected use, and for the operation and maintenance of the construction works. The construction works must have a layout which allows its use and furnishing without reduction of safety. Any protruding parts, fixed or movable, must be avoided if they may involve danger in case of collision.
Rooms used for working tasks shall not be used for passing through to other rooms, unless the passage is safely arranged.
2. Safety against collision with construction works
Floors in construction works and ground outside where persons normally may stay shall have such a free distance to projecting roofs or overlying fixed or movable parts of the construction works that collision does not occur. Special consideration shall be given to a safe height in stairs, on platforms, in doors etc. Towards traffic areas, the height to any projecting fixed or movable parts of a construction works must be as large as to allow all expected traffic to pass safely under them.
Construction works, and parts thereof, shall be easily visible or so designed that no collision with them can occur. Where materials are used which may be difficult to observe by people with impaired vision, clear marking shall be applied. Any material that can be broken and thereby cause danger of injury to persons, shall not be used:
- in communication routes, including doors generally accessible to the public
- at working places, or
- where it may represent a special danger to children falling or playing, unless the materials are shielded so that persons cannot hit them.
3. Injuries from falling
Construction works, and parts thereof, shall be so designed and constructed that in the presumed use of the construction works falls that may cause injury are avoided.
Floors and bases must, as far as possible, have a slip- and stumble-proof surface.
Differences in levels and openings in floors must be made in such manner that they do not cause danger to persons and be so confined that they do not cause danger to persons stumbling near them. Differences in levels which cannot be confined because of the use of the construction works must be clearly visible and well lighted. Special consideration shall be given to the avoidance of children falling down or through openings or form differences in levels.
Stairs shall be made with such width, tread and rise as to make them easy and safe in use. Possible falls shall be stopped by making the spacing between landings not much larger than a normal storey height. Landings shall be of sufficient size to stop falls. Level differences in communication routes and stairways shall have safe confinements and sturdy handrails on both sides.
Windows shall have a child safety lock, unless they are so designed as to make it impossible for children to climb or fall out of them.
Ladders used for access to the maintenance and operation of the construction works shall be so made as to prevent falls. They shall also be made so that children and unauthorized persons cannot use them.
Windows and other daylight openings shall be so designed that cleaning and other maintenance can be done without danger.
§ 7-42 Outdoor areas
Outdoor areas near construction works shall be so designed that the users can stay safely in the open. Near dwellings there must be sufficient and safe space for recreation and play. In order to avoid danger, emphasis must be placed on shielding against traffic. Height differences in the ground surrounding the construction works shall be safely marked or fenced if so required.
§ 7-43 Burn injuries
Construction works with installations shall be so made as to avoid danger of burn injuries from their expected use.
Tap for consumption water must not yield so high a water temperature as to cause injury. Safety valves (overpressure relief valves) for steam or liquid must be so made or located that they do not cause injury or damage to personnel, animals or equipment when released.
§ 7-44 Injuries from electrical sources
Electrical installations shall be so made that injuries cannot occur during the expected use of the construction works, see Act of 24 May 1929 No. 4 concerning inspection of electrical installations and electrical equipment, with regulations.
In construction works which may be especially exposed to lightning, the danger of electrical injuries to persons and animals caused by electrical installations and equipment shall be prevented.
§ 7-45 Objects falling from construction works
Construction works or parts of such shall be so designed that it does not fall down with risk of damage to humans, animals or equipment. Facade materials must be constructed and fixed so that they do not fall down due to climatic conditions or when subjected to design loads.
Construction works shall be designed and constructed so that ice and snow cannot fall down in places where persons may stay.
§ 7-46 Movable parts of construction works
Doors, gates, hatches etc., including those being mechanically operated, lifts, escalators and other movable parts shall be so made that they do not cause damage to persons, animals or equipment.
§ 7-47 Saunas and freezer compartments
Construction works, or parts thereof, which have a temperature of possible threat to humans in case of prolonged action, shall have a door that can always be opened from the inside without the use of a key and that has its turning direction outward.
Equipment for heating or cooling in a room shall be so shielded that no one can be hurt by touching it when it is in operation.
§ 7-48 Safety against drowning
1. General requirements
The provisions on safety against drowning apply to both new and existing indoor and outdoor pools, wells, and open containers of liquid, and for ponds in the vicinity of buildings. However, the provisions do not apply to a splashing pool or similar pool with water depth less than 0.2 m.
2. Pools, wells and open containers for liquid
Pools, wells and open containers for liquids shall be so designed, equipped, shielded, and used that persons, animals or equipment do not become injured or damaged. Special emphasis shall be placed on the prevention of accidents to children. Sufficient safety is achieved by a sturdy and safe cover, fencing, or inclusion in a locked room. The design of the safety measures shall be such that children are not subjected to danger for example when climbing or crawling.
Bathing and swimming pools shall be so equipped or designed as to make it easy to get out of the water.
3. Ponds near buildings
Ponds in the vicinity of buildings shall, where the municipality finds it necessary, be fenced off in a safe way so as to prevent persons and animals from falling into the water.
4. Maintenance
Construction works with safety equipment shall be kept in a proper condition, in order that the risk of injury or damage to persons, animals and equipment is not increased because of wear, age, or other use of the construction works.
5. Backfilling
The local authority can require ponds or wells representing particular danger to be filled in. This does not apply where the pond is necessary for the water supply.
Use of energy
Indoor climate
Outdoor environment
Operation, maintenance and cleaning
Chapter VIII Environment and health§ 8-1 Environment and health
The life of works shall in all phases, i.e. execution, usage and demolition, be managed with a reasonable load on resources and environment, and without worsening quality of life and iving conditions. Materials and products for use in construction works shall be manufactured with justifiable use of energy and with the aim of preventing unnecessary pollution. Construction works shall be so designed and executed that little energy is consumed and little pollution is caused during the life of the works, including demolition.
§ 8-2 Use of energy
Construction works with installations shall be executed in such manner as to promote a low demand for energy and power which does not exceed the overall limitations established in this Chapter. The demand for energy and power shall be such as to ensure a justifiable indoor environment.
The construction works and its installations shall be executed in such manner as to minimize the need for cooling and so as to avoid an unnecessary cooling demand.
§ 8-21 Energy and power
Requirements for the need of energy and power for a building may be established in one of the three alternative ways:
- by the use of overall energy limitations adapted to various categories of buildings
- by satisfying requirements for the heat insulating performance of each and every element of the building
- by the use of overall limitations to heat loss based on a redistribution between the different building elements.
The alternatives are given in the following subsections No. 1, 2 and 3.
1. Overall energy limitations
The energy demand of buildings for heating and ventilation shall not exceed the overall limited values resulting from calculations by a recognized method. The overall energy limit is to be given per year and m2 of net floor area (NTA) for the heated parts of the building. In the case of more than one temperature zone in the construction works, the overall energy limit shall be calculated for each zone and distributed over the net area of each zone.
Limitations on the energy demand for heating are to be calculated from a given reference temperature, the heat loss of transmission given in No. 2, and heat loss of infiltration. Overall energy limit for the use of ventilation are obtained through the requirements defined for indoor climate. In establishing the overall energy limitation the energy gain obtained in terms of internal heat and solar radiation shall be considered.
The real need for energy in a building is to be calculated on the bases of the different building elements coefficient of heat transfer (U), window areas and their locations, solar factor, air quantities, amount of internal heat, heat capacity, operation periods, etc. applying to the works in question. Where such values are not known, calculations are to be made according to the rules in Norwegian Standard.
2. Thermal insulation
The thermal insulation ability of each part of the works shall be calculated with the coefficient of heat transfer as given in the table below. The tabulated values apply as long as the total area of windows, glass roofs and walls, and exterior doors does not exceed 20% of the net area of the building within 10 m from the external wall, for the heated parts of the construction works. If the construction works is permanently divided into temperature zones, then the relevant parts of the works in each zone shall be thermally insulated relative to the room temperature of the zone.
The effect of thermal bridges caused as a result of poor or non-existent local insulation shall be taken into account in the calculation of the coefficient of heat transfer, U, of building elements and shall be considered in planning the indoor climate.
Table: Highest average U-values for exterior building elements
Building element
Indoor temperature and heat transfer coefficient (W/m2K)
T>20°C 15°C<T<20°C 10°C<T<15°C 0°C<T<10°C External walls 1)
0,22 0,28 0,40 0,60 Roofs, floors on ground and toward the open
0,15 0,20 0,30 0,60 Floors toward unheated space
0,30 0,40 0,50 0,60 Windows 2), doors
1,60 2,00 2,50 3,00 Glass walls and glass roofs
2,00 2,00 3,00 3,00 1 ) External walls in an unheated basement may have U(0,82 ) Windows in commercial premises may have U=2,0 for T(20°C
3. Overall heat loss limitations
The overall heat loss limitations may be established by calculating the total transmission loss of the building using the coefficients of heat transfer in No. 2.
The heat transfer properties and the window area of each building element may be changed relative to the values in the table of No. 2, provided that the transmission loss does not exceed the overall heat loss limitations for the construction works.
§ 8-22 Air tightness
Buildings shall be so impervious that the effect of thermal insulation is not reduced by unintentional flow of air through them.
Moisture shall not be allowed to penetrate and reduce the effect of thermal insulating or worsen the design life of the building.
Buildings shall be so impervious that the indoor climate is not negatively affected and in such manner that unpleasant draught does not occur.
§ 8-23 Materials favourable to energy and the environment
Where it is documented that a building is made from materials requiring low energy consumption in their production and abolishment, and the materials otherwise have good environmental qualities, it may be accepted that the building consumes more energy in its period of operation than what follows from § 8-21 No. 1.
It must be shown as being probable that the total energy consumption for production of materials, operation of the building and abolishment of the materials does not exceed the general level expressed in this Chapter.
§ 8-3 Indoor climate
Buildings with installations shall be planned, designed, constructed, maintained and operated in such manner that the indoor climate is perceived satisfactory. No health hazard and unsatisfactory hygienic conditions shall occur, neither for the users of the building nor for its neighbours, when the rooms are used as intended.
§ 8-31 Documentation of indoor climate
Compliance with the requirements for indoor climate as presented in this Chapter may be documented in two ways, either:
- by the construction works being designed in accordance with pre-accepted solutions, or
- by calculations and/or analyses documenting safe and healthy conditions.
§ 8-32 Air quality
1. Quality of outdoor air
The building and the ventilation plant of the building shall be located and designed with regard to the quality of the outdoor air. In the case of the outdoor air not being sufficiently clean with respect to health hazards or risk of fouling the ventilation installations, the air shall be cleaned before being fed into the building.
2. Quality of indoor air
The air quality in a building shall be satisfactory. The indoor air shall not contain contamination in concentrations known to be harmful with respect to health hazards and irritation.
§ 8-33 Contamination
1. General requirements
Building structures on the ground shall be so designed that contamination from the ground cannot penetrate into the construction works and cause health injuries.
Special care shall be taken to prevent moisture and radon from penetrating into the construction works. In the case of construction on ground polluted by waste or industrial activity, the source of the pollution shall be fully eliminated or the construction works be designed so that the contamination does not penetrate into it.
2. Contamination from materials
Building and surface coating materials shall not emit contamination to the indoor air, in concentrations known to be harmful with respect to health hazards and irritation. Building and surface coating materials shall be produced, handled, stored and applied in such manner that emissions of contamination and smell to the air in rooms become as low as possible. The materials shall withstand normal use.
3. Contamination from processes and activities
Contaminating activities and processes shall as far as possible be enclosed, equipped with spot ventilators and/or be performed in rooms with suitable, separate ventilation.
4. Radon
Building design shall ensure that human occupants of a construction works will not be exposed to such radon concentrations in the indoor air as may increase the risk of health injuries.
§ 8-34 Ventilation
1. General requirements
Buildings shall have ventilation able to cope with the contamination and moisture in the rooms. Consideration shall be given to type of room, interior fittings and equipment, materials and processes, and moisture from people and animals.
Ventilation plants shall be made in such manner that a good air quality is achieved and so that contamination from people, building materials, processes and activities, and undesirable moisture, smell and harmful substances is removed from the construction works.
Recirculated air shall not be used if this leads to spread of pollutants.
The air flow shall be from rooms with higher requirements for air quality to those with lower requirements.
In rooms for human occupation, at least one window or one door shall be able to be opened towards open air. In a room where no windows are wanted because of its use, a corresponding possibility of forced ventilation shall exist.
2. Ventilation in residential buildings
Dwellings shall have ventilation which ensures a proper indoor climate for the occupants. The ventilation shall be adapted to the function of each room.
Kitchens and sanitary rooms shall have air vents.
3. Ventilation in commercial and public buildings
Commercial and public buildings shall have ventilation which ensures a proper indoor climate in each room where people are staying. The necessary air supply is to be determined from the use of materials, the number of occupants and the activities.
§ 8-35 Light
All rooms shall have satisfactory lighting without unpleasant heat load. Rooms for permanent occupation shall be provided with daylight, unless the dwelling or working situation should indicate otherwise.
§ 8-36 Indoor thermal climate
The indoor thermal climate in rooms for permanent occupation shall provide satisfactory health conditions and perception of comfort for their intended use.
§ 8-37 Moisture
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be so designed as to prevent rain or snow, surface water, ground water, supply water and air moisture from penetrating and causing moisture damage, mould, fungi or other hygienic problems.
2. Moisture protection
The ground surface around construction works shall have a sufficient slope away from the construction works, unless other measures have been taken for surface water drainage. Around any building element below ground level, and below floor structures on the ground, necessary measures must be taken to divert seeping water and prevent moisture from penetrating into the structures.
Façade covers, windows, doors, and installations passing through walls shall be so designed as to allow harmful moisture to dry out.
Roofs shall have sufficient slope for the runoff of rain and melted snow. If condensation can occur under the roofing, or the roofing is not sufficiently water tight, then the underlying structure must be protected by means of a water-tight layer.
3. Sanitary rooms
Bathrooms and washing rooms shall have an outlet. Rooms with outlets shall have floors with sufficient slope on those parts of the floor which must be assumed to become regularly exposed to water.
Floors, walls and roofs which will be exposed to water spills, leaking water or condensation shall be made with moisture resistant surfacing materials. Structures behind them, and rooms which may be negatively affected by moisture, shall be protected by impervious surfacing material or a suitable impervious layer. Materials are to be so chosen that the risk of fungi and mould formation is minimal.
4. Moisture in building
Materials and structures shall be so dry at the time of placing/ sealing that problems of growth of micro-organisms, decay of organic materials and increased gas emission do not arise.
§ 8-38 Cleaning prior to taking the building in use
In order to limit the quantity of contamination in the indoor air and ensure good quality of the indoor air the surfaces in rooms, channels etc. shall be cleaned and free from visible dust and grease before the building is taken into use.
§ 8-4 Building acoustics and vibrations
Buildings and/or the user area being part of the building shall be protected against outdoor noise and vibration or noise and vibration arising as a result of the expected use of the building. Special consideration shall be given to the users' need for satisfactory sound conditions during work, sleep, rest and recreation.
In buildings with a user area normally having a particularly high sound level, sound protection shall be given special consideration, to prevent substantial nuisance from noise, including stress reactions, caused by noise in another user area and outdoor noise.
This Chapter does not include regulations for sound produced by the proper user himself within the individual user area, with the exception of noise from the fixed technical installations in buildings.
§ 8-41 Documentation
Compliance with the acoustic requirements may be proved in two ways, either:
- by design of the construction works in accordance with generally accepted specifications to ensure satisfactory acoustic conditions, or
- by verifiable analyses and/or calculations proving that the other specifications ensure satisfactory acoustic conditions.
§ 8-42 Protection against noise
1. General requirements
Construction works shall be constructed in such manner that they protect the users of the construction works or nearby against noise which:
- is harmful to hearing,
- reduces the ability of concentration and the efficiency of work,
- makes necessary communication difficult,
- prevents the perception of danger signals,
- prevents rest and recreation,
- reduces the quality of sleep, or
- creates stress reactions.
2. Airborne sound
Separating structures between user areas shall have such sound insulation properties that the load of airborne sound in one user area, when in intended normal use, does not cause significant disturbance to occupants in another user area or in surrounding areas.
Where, because of the daily use of the building, a separating structure to a user area or between user areas must include a single door, causing the separation not to satisfy completely the usual sound insulation requirements, this may nevertheless be accepted provided:
- additional precautions are taken for sound reduction in adjacent rooms and
- acceptable acoustic conditions are ensured for work, sleep, rest and recreation in the relevant parts of the user area.
3. Impact sound
Buildings shall be so constructed that the impact sound pressure level and other structure-borne sound in one user area, in the case of intended normal use of other user areas, public rooms or outdoor areas, is so reduced that no significant noise disturbance will arise for the users.
4. Reverberation
Rooms shall have such sound absorption properties that the perception of speech is not affected by reverberation. Special consideration shall be given to this requirement in rooms used for education.
5. Noise from technical installations
The technical installations of a building shall be such, or be so protected, that they do not yield sound levels which may cause significant disturbance to the users in the building/user area or in outdoor areas intended for recreation or play, or in outside rooms for permanent occupation in another building.
6. Outdoor noise
Buildings shall be so located, designed, constructed and/or protected that the sound level from existing outdoor sources, or sources presumed in the planning of the particular area, do not prevent satisfactory sound conditions for work, sleep, rest, and recreation in the building and for recreation and play in outdoor areas intended for this. The requirement also applies to structure-borne noise sources.
§ 8-43 Protection against vibrations
Buildings shall be located, designed and/or protected in such manner as to avoid vibrations which may cause significant disturbance for the occupants during work, sleep, rest and recreation, from the existing vibration source and level or assumed future levels in the planning of the relevant area.
§ 8-5 Outdoor environment
Construction works shall be located, erected, used and demolished in such a way as will cause little load on the outdoor environment.
Materials and products for use in construction works shall be of a kind for which the production process is energy-effective and effluent-poor. Materials and products for construction works shall be so chosen that little energy is consumed with a low degree of contamination. Materials and products with a potential for re-use and recirculation shall be chosen.
Contamination from construction works, permissible under the Pollution Control Act §§ 8 and 11, shall be removable in such a way that undesirable effects with respect to health and hygiene of persons do not arise, neither in nor outside the building. Effluents shall not negatively affect vegetation or animals in the surroundings of the construction work.
§ 8-51 Energy conditions
Construction works shall be located, sited and/or designed with regard to energy efficiency, dependent on local conditions.
Where, by a municipal resolution under the Planning and Building Act § 66 a, an obligation to connect to a district heating plant has been established, buildings shall be so equipped that district heating can be utilized. The scope of necessary installations is described in §§ 9-2 and 9-23 of the Regulations.
§ 8-52 Limitation of effluents
The exhaust air from ventilation plants shall be so arranged that smell and contamination are not led to air intakes or windows in the construction works or in neighbouring buildings.
Waste-water systems shall be so made that contaminated water can be removed in a way that does not cause negative effects with respect to health and hygiene.
Enclosed wood heating units shall be made in such a manner that proper safety against pollution is obtained. Particle effluents from such appliances shall not exceed the values given in Norwegian Standard.
Construction works and installations shall be made in such a manner that high safety is obtained against pollution of buildings and the outdoor environment caused by leakage of cooling or freezing media harmful to the environment.
§ 8-53 Contamination in the ground
In the location and design of construction works consideration shall be given to any known contamination of the ground in the area and whether during construction there is any danger of discovering any ground contamination not yet known.
Consideration must be given to whether waste or contaminated matter can conflict with health and the environment, in implementation of the scheme. Excavation in deposited waste or contaminated matter must not lead to spreading of pollution.
Operation, maintenance and cleaning
§ 8-6 Operation, maintenance and cleaning
Construction works shall be designed and executed with arrangements for efficient operation and simple and efficient maintenance and cleaning. Written instructions shall exist as to how start-up, operation and maintenance of buildings and technical plants shall be performed so that the requirements of the Regulations are satisfied. In cases where such instruction is obviously superfluous this requirement may be waived.
§ 8-61 Operation
Technical plants in construction works shall be arranged and adapted for their use so that spread and accumulation of contamination within the construction works do not occur. The ventilation plant shall be so arranged that pollution of the air supply system is prevented during periods in which the construction works is not used as intended.
§ 8-62 Maintenance
The construction works and its technical installations shall be maintained in such manner that, in its economic design life, it will meet the requirements stated in these Regulations.
§ 8-63 Cleanability and cleaning
Buildings shall be so designed as to allow cleaning of surfaces in contact with the supply air or the air in rooms. Surfaces and surfacing materials are to be so chosen that dirt is not hidden or unnecessarily accumulated. Surfaces expected to become very dirty shall be easily accessible and simple to clean.
Installations for air supply and exhaust air shall be easily and fully cleanable.
Heating plants
Ventilation plants
Refrigeration plants and heat pumps
Lifting devices
Electrical installations
§ 9-1 InstallationsInstallations shall be planned and executed in such a manner that health, environment, safety and usability are ensured, and in such a manner that the plant provides the presumed benefits and tolerates the internal and external loads normally occurring. Architectural values and the characteristics of the buildings shall be taken into account.
Materials for use in installations shall be of satisfactory durability against thermal, mechanical and chemical actions, and shall not emit unpleasant substances or substances harmful to health.
Installations shall be planned and executed in such a manner that danger or disadvantage to people or domestic animals, and damage to building elements or other installations in the construction works and surroundings do not arise. They shall be such that any toxic and unhealthy substances are only to a small degree emitted to the indoor and outdoor environment.
Arrangements shall be made for simple operation, inspection and maintenance of the installations. Technical rooms shall be of sufficient size and accessibility. Components requiring inspection and maintenance shall be easily accessible, replaceable, and be fitted in such manner that the work can be performed simply and safely.
Installations shall be protected against frost heave and be so planned and executed that harmful condensation cannot occur.
Installations shall be such as to promote good energy economy, cf. also the provisions in §§ 8-2 up to and including 8-23.
Installations shall not cause increased risk of fire or spread of fire and smoke, cf. the provisions in §§ 7-2 up to and including 7-28.
They shall not emit or propagate unpleasant noise, cf. the provisions in §§ 8-4 up to and including 8-43.
§ 9-2 Heating plants
The provisions in this Chapter apply to fixed installations intended for heating of construction works.
Heating plants shall be made such that proper safety is achieved against fire, explosion, poisoning and pollution. They shall be such that good energy economy is promoted.
Heating plants shall be designed in such manner that the room temperature does not drop substantially at extreme outdoor temperatures.
Heating installations shall be equipped with a regulation unit, to prevent too high a room temperature, and so that the heat supply can be reduced when the building or parts of it are not in use.
§ 9-21 Furnace plants
1. Furnace plants
Furnace plants shall be installed in such manner that the heat load on surrounding and adjacent building elements does not cause danger of fire or a reduction of structural properties. Furnace plants shall have a satisfactory possibility of sweeping and safe access for chimney-sweeps.
Furnace plants shall be made in such a manner that, under normal operating conditions and use of suitable fuel, good combustion is achieved and proper safety against polluton is ensured.The plant shall be ensured a necessary supply of combustion air, and shall be connected to a flue, unless the plant has been approved without such connection. The furnace plant shall have an acceptable flue-gas temperature.
A fire-place shall not be mounted in a room where combustible gas may occur, unless the plant has been specially approved for this. Boilers for central heating and hot air units shall be placed in furnace rooms, unless they have been specially approved for placement in another room.
A furnace plant shall be placed on a base that can tolerate the loads occurring.
2. Flues
Flues shall be so designed and constructed that the furnace plant can function satisfactorily.
The flue-gases shall be led out into open air without penetrating into their own or another usage unit and so that they do not cause danger of ignition of the construction works and neighboring construction works, caused by sparks and glows.
Flues shall be satisfactorily leakproof.
Chimneys shall have an acceptable surface temperature, and the exterior shall be accessible for inspection with respect to possible damage. Chimneys shall have a possibility of free movement in the longitudinal direction, relative to surrounding building elements, and the chimney flue shall have a constant cross-section from bottom to top.
Chimneys of concrete or masonry shall from the ground up be erected upon incombustible material which resists fire for at least 60 minutes.
§ 9-22 Electrical heating plants
Boilers for central heating plants and hot air units may be heated by electricity. Furthermore electricity may be used for local heating by means of electric radiators, strips, heating cables etc. Electrical parts of heating plants are covered by the Act of 24 May 1929 No. 4 concerning inspection of electrical plants and electrical equipment, with regulations.
§ 9-23 Heating plants connected to district heating
Buildings in areas with an obligation of connection to a district heating plant with reference to the Planning and Building Act § 66 a, shall have a heating plant that can be connected to district heating.
Water based heating plants which are to be connected to a district heating network shall be made in such manner that a satisfactory lowering of the water temperature is achieved.
§ 9-24 Central heating plants
Central heating plants are to be made in such a manner that the heat emission, as far as possible, is utilized in the rooms which are to be heated.
A water based central heating plant shall be leaktight at the maximum pressure occurring, and shall include necessary safeguarding against too high pressure and too high temperature. It shall have a satisfactory possibilities for shutting-off parts of the system, and shall be made so that reliable safety exists against personal injury caused by too high a surface temperature.
Connections to a water-supply plant shall be such that no backflow from the central heating plant can occur.
For a hot air unit located in a furnace room the supply air shall be taken through an air-tight duct from the outside. Any recirculated air shall not be taken from the furnace room.
§ 9-3 Ventilation plants
Ventilation plants shall contribute to ensuring a good indoor environment, by removing contaminated air and supply outdoor air of good quality to each room.
The plant shall be easily adjusted and maintained.
As regards air quantity, air quality, air flow etc., reference is made to §§ 8-3 up to and including 8-34.
§ 9-31 Design of ventilation plants
1. Ducts, etc.
Ducts and aggregates shall be sufficiently air-tight, and fasteners shall be so designed as to tolerate the presumed loading. Ducts shall be so designed that contamination and dirt are deposited or collected to an extent as small as possible. In the case of natural extraction, ducts shall be drawn above the roof of the building.
Rooms which may contain combustible or explosive gas shall be separately ventilated.
2. Vent pipes from waste-water pipes
If vent pipes from waste-water pipes are drawn into the same loop as extraction ducts, the plant shall be made so that the air vented from the waste-water pipe cannot be led back into the building.
3. Dwellings
Kitchens and sanitary rooms shall have vents. Vented air from kitchens and sanitary rooms shall be conducted in separate ducts.
In the case of natural vents from flats in apartment buildings the ducts shall be drawn up by at least a full storey height, before they may be joined in a common duct. Rooms which in such dwellings are connected to a common duct shall have their supply of outdoor air in the same façade.
In the case of mechanical vents and a separate fan for each flat, ducts common to kitchen and sanitary rooms may be used.
4. Small houses
In the case of natural vents, a duct shall be drawn above the roof of the building. From kitchens separate ducts shall be drawn. Sanitary rooms and wash rooms may have a common venting duct.
In the case of mechanical vents a common duct may be used for the dwelling.
§ 9-32 Arrangements for operation of ventilation plant
The ventilation plant shall be so arranged that no spread or accumulation of contaminants arises within the construction works and no contamination of the air supply system occurs during the periods in which the construction works is not used in the presumed way.
Installations for both air supply and waste air shall be easy to clean. Ventilation plants shall be so arranged that operation, cleaning and maintenance do not negatively affect the quality of the air.
The performance of the plant shall be easily measured, also in the operation phase.
Refrigeration plants and heat pumps
§ 9-41 Execution of refrigeration plants and heat pumps
The provisions in this Chapter apply to fixed plants which fully or partly meet the cooling/freezing or heating demands of a building, and which contain more than 1 kg of refrigerant.
The plant shall be tight at the operation pressures occurring and shall include necessary safeguarding against abnormal operation conditions, and be such that no damage occurs to the plant or construction works because of external actions.
Refrigeration plants shall have automatic regulation, so that the output can be adapted to the demand, and be reduced or interrupted in periods of no demand.
Refrigeration plants and heat pumps shall have a satisfactory possibility of dividing into parts. De-airing of the plant shall be possible with a minimal loss of refrigerant.
§ 9-42 Machine rooms, cooling and freezing rooms
Machine rooms with large quantities of cooling media, and rooms which otherwise may be exposed to leakage of cooling media, shall have gas alarms. Machine rooms shall have satisfactory ventilation.
§ 9-5 Sanitary plants
The provisions in this Chapter are given to ensure a sufficient and reliable water supply system which parts do not contribute to deterioration of the water quality, and shall provide sufficient and safe removal of waste water.
The plant shall be so made that leaks are prevented as far as possible. It shall be leaktight at the maximum operational pressure occurring, and it shall be easily replaceable. Any leaks shall be easily discovered and not cause unnecessary damage to other installations or parts of the building.
The plant shall be safeguarded against external actions which normally occur. Fasteners shall be so designed as to resist the presumed loads.
§ 9-51 Water supply
The plant shall be so designed that equipment and devices yield the presumed output at all normal operational pressures. The municipality may require a pressure regulating device to be mounted.
Water supply plants shall be made in such a manner that wasting of water is avoided, and the plant shall be made so as to promote good energy economy. Sufficient shut-off facilities shall exist.
Tap points for hot consumption water shall not provide such high water temperature as to cause injury.
Water supply systems shall be safeguarded against any backflow or penetration of contaminated liquids, solid matter or gases occurring. This also applies to back-suction and addition of water from other water sources.
Each tap point shall have a drain for removing the supplied quantity of water. This does not apply to exterior taps with natural drainage.
§ 9-52 Sewage
Waste water plants are to be designed and made in such manner that waste water can be discharged at the rate of the supplied water, and so that good hygiene and health are taken care of.
All equipment connected to the waste water plant shall be provided with water traps which shall be easily cleanable. Each trap shall have a water supply, and suction and pressure oscillations breaking the water closure in the trap shall not possibly occur.
The plant shall have necessary cleaning points to allow its cleaning. The sewer pipe shall be self-cleansing.
A processing plant connected to the waste water plant shall be approved for such connection.
Each building shall have at least one vent pipe leading to the open, unless it can be documented that the sewer can function satisfactorily by the use of a different solution.
Removal of surface water and drainage water shall be done in such a way that no flooding or other inconvenience arises at the design rainfall intensity. The municipality can decide that surface water and drainage water shall be diverted in a separate sewer line to a watercourse, open ground, infiltrated in the ground ,or fully or partly carried to a main sewer.
To prevent back-flowing, the water level in the lowermost water trap shall be at a necessary height above the inner top of the common main at the branching point.
§ 9-61 Field of application for rules concerning lifting devices
The provisions in this Chapter primarily concern personal safety in use, operation and maintenance. The Chapter applies to both existing and new installations.
Lifting devices which are involved in production of goods, in transportation as part of a production process, fserves as access to special work places (e.g. in cranes) or are for maintenance or operation of construction works (e.g. façade lifts) and which:
- are not for general use
- are governed by the Worker Protection and Working Environment Act and
- require special instruction and training for their use
are excempted from these Regulations.
Such devices shall be dealt with by the Labour Inspection, under the Worker Protection and Working Environment Act. Applications for installation permits shall none the less be sent to the municipality in the usual way. The municipality will forward the application to the right authority
§ 9-62 Administrative provisions for lifting devices
1. Installation
Applications for installation permits for lifts, escalators and passenger conveyors shall be made on special forms.
For the installation of any lifting device and with respect to any application, design, construction or inspection thereof, there shall be designated responsible enterprises approved under the Regulations concerning the approval of any enterprise etc. for the assumption of such responsibility.
For stairlifts within one dwelling unit, simplified application processing may be used for installation and safety checking.
2. Operation permit
The municipality shall issue an operation permit before lifting devices are taken into use. Exceptions may be made for stairlifts within one dwelling unit.
3. Operation, supervision, inspection and safety control
The owner is responsible for safe and proper operation and must arrange for necessary supervision and regular inspection. The inspection shall be documented. The owner shall immediately report any accident to the municipality, and the organization for control of lifts shall report accidents in a national register.
Any change of ownership shall be reported to the municipality.
Lifting devices shall be safety checked and tested before an operation permit is given for a new installation, after a major repair, an alteration/rebuilding or an accident.
In addition the owner shall arrange for a safety check to be made at least every other year when the installation is in operation. Safety checks may also be made as spot checking of installations in use.
For stairlifts and lift platforms Statens bygningstekniske etat (National Office of Building Technology and Administration) may establish special requirements on safety checks.
Whoever undertakes safety checking shall submit a condition report to the municipality and to the owner if irregularities have been found in the installation. If the installation has faults or deficiencies which may cause essential danger to personal safety, then the person performing the safety check shall set the installation out of operation at once, until the municipality can make a decision. The owner and the municipality shall at once be informed of the installation being out of operation, and the reason for it.
When necessary with respect to safety, the municipality may issue orders for correction of faults and deficiencies in lifting devices and may set a deadline for such correction. The municipality may also give orders for closing a faulty or deficient installation.
Safety checks may be performed by:
- a safety inspector employed by a municipal lift control office
- a safety inspector attached to a national lift control office with authorization from the Ministry
- an accredited and reported inspection organization
- Statens bygningstekniske etat
Safety inspectors shall be approved by Statens bygningstekniske etat or whoever has been authorized by that office.
4. Alterations and repairs
Alterations and repairs of lifts shall be undertaken by designated responsible enterprises approved under the Regulations concerning the approval of any enterprise etc. for the assumption of such responsibility.
5. Register of installations
The municipality shall carry a register of all lifts, lift platforms, and escalators/passenger conveyors in the municipal area.
§ 9-63 Technical provisions for lifting devices
1. General requirements
Lifting devices shall be planned and made for the area of usage in question, and so that the device does not cause danger to users or to personnel involved in operation, maintenance and control.
Load-carriers (lift-cabins, platforms or similar) shall have space and load-bearing capacity corresponding to the presumed maximum number of persons and the presumed load. The highest permissible payload or/and number of persons shall be clearly shown on a signboard. For certain lifting devices, safeguarding and warning against overloading may be required.
The movable parts of the device and/or the safety installations shall be so arranged that they are not activated, affected or influenced in any other way than presumed.
Acceleration or braking of a lifting device shall not cause injury to persons.
Doors and hatches in a load-carrier shall be dimensioned and have the safety devices necessary for their presumed use. It shall be possible to evacuate persons from a load-carrier.
If in the existing building sufficient free safety space cannot be obtained above or under the lifting device when in the upper or lower position, the device shall be equipped with a mechanical blocking possibility which prevents the risk of persons being squeezed when work is performed.
From a load-carrier it shall be possible to call for obtaining outside assistance within reasonable time, and a possibility of evacuation shall exist.
When necessary for ensuring safety, the lifting device shall be supplied with relevant notice of information.
2. Lifts
a. General requirementsThe access opening to a lift car shall have safety arrangements. At the opening of the access the distance between the lift car and the lift well enclosure or other structure shall be such that proper safety exists against personal injury.
The lift car shall have permanent lighting and emergency lighting, and satisfactory ventilation. If a lift is to be installed without a complete well fencing, then the roof of the lift car shall be specially arranged for preventing squeezing and falling from the roof.
In a building for which a lift is not required under § 10-41 and in existing buildings where the constructional conditions necessitate special solutions, lifts with limited speed and reduced dimensions of the lift car may be installed. Such lifts may be without a lift-car door and have a reduced pit and lift-well top, provided that safety is sufficiently ensured by other means.
b. Rooms for lifts
Rooms for lifts shall be reserved for the lift, its installations and equipment, and shall be kept closed off. They shall be easily accessible for operation, maintenance and control personnel. The access and hatches to the rooms shall be clearly marked. The room shall have light-coloured surfaces which do not emit or collect dust, and it shall have satisfactory ventilation.
Lift shafts
Doors and hatches in the lift well enclosure walls shall have satisfactory dimensions and necessary safety arrangements. Where there is more than one lift in a well the lifts shall be separated in the lower part of the well. Guides for the lift car and counterweights for one lift shall be in the same well. Wells for lifts with cars without a gate or door shall have an even and smooth surface in front of the side of access to the car.
Where it is possible to get access to the area below the lift car, any movable technical lift equipment shall be provided with safety arrangements to prevent clamping.
Machine and pulley rooms
Machine and pulley rooms shall have satisfactory access and room height. Doors to machine and pulley rooms shall turn outward. Any floor hatches shall be secured.
Machine rooms for hydraulic lifts shall be vented to the open by separate ducts, and floors shall be so made that any oil leak is collected.
The rooms shall be made so that temperature variations which may lead to operational problems for the lift installations, do not occur.
The electricity supply to lighting points and socket outlets shall be independent of the supply to the lift machine.
3. Stairlifts and lifting platforms
The lifting platforms governed by these provisions are platforms for transporting persons.
Stairlifts and lifting platforms for people with impaired mobility shall be provided with a hand-held manoeuvring function and a safety stop.
Lifting platforms shall have limited speed and lifting height. Wells for lifting platforms shall have an even and smooth surface.
4. Escalators and passenger conveyors
The requirements apply to escalators and passenger conveyors for transport of persons.
Escalators and passenger conveyors, and parts belonging thereto, and areas for stepping on and off them, shall be so designed and arranged that proper safety exists against personal injury in their intended use. When an escalator is located in an open transit area such that the height of fall may be large, the possibility of falling from the escalator's balustrade shall be prevented.
The transition between a fixed floor and an escalator/passenger conveyor shall be skid-proof.
The degree of slope and the speed shall be adapted to the height difference between the entrance and the exit.
There shall be a balustrade with handrail at both sides of an escalator or passenger conveyor, and an arrangement for emergency stops.
The machine and all parts shall be accessible to operation, maintenance and control personnel, and shall be covered and well protected against unauthorized persons.
§ 9-7 Electrical installations
For electrical installations reference is made to the Act of 24 May 1929 No. 4 concerning inspection of electrical installations and electrical equipment. See also § 7-44.
Outdoor areas
Layout
Technical aids
Communication routes
Aspects of emergency planning
§ 10-1 General requirements for usabilityThe provisions on usability shall ensure that each building can be used for its presumed purpose and that the design of the building presents good possibilities of use for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
The provisions apply correspondingly to other construction works, as far as they may suit the purpose.
§ 10-2 General requirements for outdoor areas
In the design of outdoor areas and access to buildings a contribution shall be made in securing sufficient areas for recreation and play around or near the building. The design shall also contribute to obtaining suitable facilities for access to each building.
In the vicinity of construction works there shall be a sufficient number of parking spaces adapted for people with impaired mobility.
§ 10-21 Accesses to buildings
The access from a trafficable road to the main entrance, including the entrance itself, shall be easily found, easily used, be without hindrance and be adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility, for:
- dwelling houses having a common entrance to more than 4 dwellings
- work buildings
- buildings which are open to the public.
If the building has a number of equivalent entrances, it is sufficient that the requirements are met for access to one entrance. Accesses which are usable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility shall in that case be clearly and specially marked.
Where necessary due to the presumed use of the building, the local authority shall require that the access be adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
For dwelling houses, where it is not required in accordance with the first or third clauses that access shall be adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility, it shall none the less be shown in the plan how such adaptation may be done after the building has been taken into use.
§ 10-31 Layout and size
1. General requirements
Any construction works, and any room, shall have a layout suitable for its purpose. The room height is to be adapted to the size of the room and its function. Each room for enduring stay shall have a volume of at least 15 m3.
Rooms for cleaning shall be of sufficient size and have necessary installations.
2. Design of some particular construction works
Work buildings shall have a layout, size and arrangement of rooms adapted to the needs of the work places. They shall be so designed as to enable people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility to participate in the activities in the buildings, unless the buildings can only offer work places which are quite unsuitable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
Construction works open to the public shall have a layout, size and arrangement of rooms which enable people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility to reach and to use all parts of the construction works which are to be accessible to the public. In construction works with many rooms with the same function it is nevertheless sufficient that 1/10 is usable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility. This does not apply where the intended use indicates that several or all the rooms are usable.
In construction works with audience and/or spectators seats it is sufficient if the number of adapted seats ensure that people with impaired vision and impaired mobility are able to take part in the activities offered.
3. Access in construction works
In construction works with access from a trafficable road to the main entrance under § 10-21, further access from the main entrance to and including the entrance door shall be usable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility, to the following parts of the building:
- dwellings on the entrance level;
- dwellings in a building where a lift is required;
- work places, including staff rooms and sanitary rooms etc. suitable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility;
- part of construction works accessible to the public.
An access which is usable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility shall be so designed as to be easily found and used.
If the building has more than one access and these are connected by internal routes of communication, they shall be usable by people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
§ 10-32 Toilets, wardrobes etc.
Buildings for enduring stay shall have a sufficient number of toilets.
In work buildings there shall be separate toilets for women and men. A sufficient number, and at least one, shall be designed and adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility. The same applies where the work necessitates other sanitary rooms or wardrobes.
In buildings open to the public which has got toilets, wardrobes or sanitary rooms for the public, a sufficient number, and at least one, shall be designed and adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
Toilets, wardrobes or sanitary rooms adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility shall be specially and clearly marked.
Dwellings shall have a layout and be adapted in such manner as to simplify the fitting in of toilets which can be used by people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility. For buildings of flatlets, the local authority may decide the number of flatlets for which this requirement shall apply. However, in each building of flatlets it is sufficient that 1/10 is usable for people with impaired vision and impaired mobility. This does not apply where intended use is such that several or all the rooms shall be usable.
§ 10-33 Lighting and open view
Each room shall have sufficient lighting during its period of use and in relation to the function of the room and the users' needs.
Rooms for enduring stay shall have windows and an outward view. For some rooms this may be arranged by sufficient openings toward other rooms or by roof windows (skylights). Where necessitated by special conditions, windows may be replaced by other well arranged lighting.
§ 10-34 Sheds and storage spaces
Buildings with more than one dwelling shall for each dwelling have at least 5 m2 storage area for bicycles, sports equipment, prams etc. For buildings with flatlets the area for each dwelling may be halved.
In each dwelling there shall be sufficient space suitable for storage of food, clothes, equipment etc.
§ 10-35 Source separation and waste storage
Each building and independent functional unit in a building shall be arranged for source separation of waste.
For the storage of waste buildings shall have necessary equipment, approved by the local authority. The size of the equipment and possible rooms for waste are to be designed and adapted for the system of waste disposal to be used. In the case of refuse storage rooms and/or chutes, these shall be so located and designed as not to expose the users of the building to unpleasant noise, smell or other discomfort.
§ 10-36 Fixed interior fittings
Each building shall have sufficient fixed interior fittings for a satisfactory quality of use.
Dwellings shall have sufficient and concentrated space for work and storage, and space for loose interior fittings in rooms where this is necessary.
§ 10-37 Movable building components
Movable building components, such as windows, doors, lifts, escalators etc., shall be easily seen and easy to use.
Doors leading to and within work buildings, buildings open to the public and in such parts of dwellings as are adapted for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility, shall have such width of passage as to allow ordinary wheelchairs to pass with a good and safe clearance to door frames and door leaves. Such doors shall be easily seen and shall be easy to use, and easily opened by people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
Other doors to rooms for enduring stay shall, in usual transport relative to the function of the rooms, be so wide that they can be comfortably passed with sufficient clearance to frames and door leaves. Doors shall be easy to use and easily seen, and shall be capable of being used by people with impaired mobility.
Doors which form parts of escape routes shall have such width as is necessary for efficient escape.
§ 10-41 Requirements for lifts
In buildings which have lifts, at least one lift shall be accessible and usable for people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility. If all lifts are not large enough for wheelchair users, then the lift that is shall be clearly and specially marked.
Work buildings and buildings open to the public with more than 3 storeys, and dwelling houses with a common entrance to more than 12 dwellings and with more than 4 storeys, shall have lifts. The building may in addition have one basement storey or one garage level, without lifts being required.
§ 10-42 Induction loop systems for hearing aids
Rooms in public buildings where communication with the public is presumed to be enabled by means of an amplifier and loudspeaker system, shall be equipped with an induction loop systems for hearing aids.
Rooms with loops for hearing aids shall be clearly marked at the entrance, to inform people that such installation exists.
§ 10-43 Operating buttons, signs etc.
Operating buttons, handles, grips, taps, switches and contacts etc. which are normal in the use of the building, shall be so designed, located and powered that they can be easily used by people with impaired vision and people with impaired mobility.
Signboards, symbols and text used to facilitate orientation in buildings or to mark the escape routes and safety equipment of the building, shall be so designed, located and lighted that they are easily read and understood.
Signboards, symbols and text showing escape routes and safety equipment shall be readable and understandable in case of fire and/or smoke development.
§ 10-5 General requirements for communication routes
The provisions in this Chapter shall ensure good and safe communication routes where there are level differences at entrances to and within construction works. The provisions apply accordingly to other construction works.
Communication routes shall be so designed that they are useful relative to the traffic and transport expected to occur. They shall be so designed as to be usable by people with impaired vision. Where required, communication routes shall be adapted for people with impaired mobility.
In the case of level differences communication routes shall have adequate degrees of slope and have a sturdy handrail at both sides. Such handrails shall provide a good grip. Where level differences shall be adapted for people with impaired mobility, they must be so designed that persons in wheelchairs can use both handrails.
§ 10-51 Stairs
Stairs shall be easy to walk in, have an even slope and have a good handrail at both sides.
The tread and the riser height shall as far as possible be constant for the full length of the stair. For turning stairs, the tread shall be sufficient, also in the inner line of walking, for letting the stair be comfortably walked.
The width of stairs shall be adapted to the design of the stair and the transport to occur in the stair. Main stairs to each functional unit, and stairs within the unit which form the only access to a floor, shall be arranged for transport of removal loads and for transport in case of illness. Stairs which are included in an escape route shall be of a width necessary for efficient escape, see § 7-27.
Main stairs shall have straight flights. Such stairs shall have sufficient landings to make them suitable for people with impaired mobility, and have good handrails in two levels at both sides.
§ 10-52 Ramps
Ramps shall be so designed as to make them suitable relative to the circulation and transport which will occur. Ramps to be used by people with impaired mobility shall not have a steeper slope than what makes them easily usable to persons in wheelchairs. Such ramps shall be made with sufficient landings adapted to the needs of people with impaired mobility and have a good handrail in two levels on both sides.
Ramps included in escape routes shall be of such width as is necessary for efficient escape, see § 7-27.
§ 10-61 Air raid shelters
In construction works which by the Act of 17 July 1953 concerning Civil Defence are required to have air raid shelters, such shelters shall be made in accordance with the Regulations for Air Raid Shelters, issued by the Ministry of Justice on 15 March 1995 No. 254.
§ 10-62 Chimneys in dwellings
Dwellings in small houses, and in dwelling blocks of maximum 2 storeys, shall have chimneys for the possibility of installing fireplaces for use in case of failure of the main energy supply, unless the building is heated by two sufficient and independent energy sources or is connected to a district heating plant.
Chapter XI The coming into force, abolition of the previous Regulations and transitional arrangements
§ 11-1 Coming into forceThese Regulations come into force 1 July 1997.
§ 11-2 Abolition of the previous Regulations
At the coming into force of these Regulations the Building Regulations 1987 of 27 May 1987 No. 458, with amendments of 3 June 1988 No. 449, 21 December 1988 No. 1144, 12 April 1996 No. 371 and 22 November 1996 No. 1082 are abolished.
§ 11-3 Transitional arrangement
Whoever applies to the municipality before 1 July 1998 for a permit for projects pursuant to the Planning and Building Act § 93 may choose whether the project shall be carried out according to the rules of these Regulations or according to the technical requirements (Chapter 16-55) of the Building Regulations 1987 with subsequent amendments, cf. § 11-2 above. It is not allowed to combine rules from the two Regulations.
The rules of the first paragraph also applies accordingly to clients who before 1 July 1998 submits a notification to the municipality about projects in accordance with the Planning and Building Act §§ 81, 85, 86 a or 86 b.
For the implementation of projects where extensive design has been required and where the use of the new rules of these Regulations will lead to extensive and expensive revisions in design carried out before 1 July 1997, the municipality may allow that the previous provisions of the Building Regulations 1987 be used as basis for applications received after 1 July 1988.
For projects subject to the Planning and Building Act § 83 Pools, wells and ponds and § 7-48 Safety against drowning of these Regulations, these Regulations still apply from 1 July 1997 without any transitional arrangement.
§ 11-31 Transitional arrangement for the rules of Chapter V Products for construction works
Approvals granted pursuant to the Building Regulations 1987 Chapter 12 before 12 April 1996 continue to apply within the time period they have been granted for and may be used for documentation of conformity with technical specifications as mentioned in § 5-12 of these Regulations within the framework of the sector they have been granted for.
Until technical specifications as mentioned in § 5-12 exist, the mark provided by bodies which handled mandatory approvals pursuant to the Building Regulations 1987 Chapter 12 may be used as documentation of conformity with other satisfactory technical specifications. Approval granted by a voluntary approval scheme may also be used as documentation.
