The Second Schedule to the Building Regulations 1997 to 2017, which are made under the Building Control Act 1990, as amended, set out the minimum legal requirements applicable to the construction of all new buildings, extensions to existing buildings, as well as for material alterations and certain material changes of use to existing buildings. These requirements are set out in 12 parts, classified as Parts A to M. The accompanying Technical Guidance Documents (TGDs) provide guidance on how owners, builders, developers and designers can achieve compliance in practice.
Part J of these regulations deals with heat producing appliances and was amended in 2014. The Building Regulations (Part J Amendment) Regulations 2014 and the accompanying Technical Guidance Document J – Heat Producing Appliances (2014), includes the requirement, J3, that a heat producing appliance and any flue pipe shall be so designed and installed and any fireplace and any chimney shall be so designed and constructed, in a manner that will reduce to a reasonable level the risk of the building catching fire in consequence of its use.
There are no further plans to amend Part J at this time.