INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

No. of 1994.

Building Regulation 1994

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS.

Subdivision 1AA – .

Subdivision 1 – Light Courts.

Subdivision 1 – General.

Subdivision 2 – Materials of Construction.

Subdivision 3 – Footings.

Building Regulation 1994

MADE by the Head of State, acting with, and in accordance with, the advice of the National
Executive Council under the Building Act 1971.

Dated 200 .

PART I. – PRELIMINARY.

1. INTERPRETATION.

(1) In this Regulation, unless the contrary intention appears–

“AS” followed by a number, or an alpha-numeric code, means the current Australian

Standard Code or Specification of that designation, as published by the Standards
Association of Australia and includes all amendments and revisions thereto, which may
subsequently be published by the Association to cover same subject matter;

“Board” means the Provincial Building Board, or the Building Authority, whichever
is applicable, having jurisdiction over the area where the subject building is, or will be
located;

“Building Inspector” means a Building Inspector appointed under Section 13;

“Central Building Tribunal” means the Central Building Tribunal established under
Section 20 of the Act;

“Chairman” means Chairman of any of the Boards defined under “Board” in this
Regulation;

“declared area” means an area declared to be a “Self-Help Housing Area” under

Section 253;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 1

 “declared area building” means a building in a declared area other than a temporary
building occupied by permission of a Board under Section 253;

“dangerous business” means an operation or enterprise involved in the manufacture

of gun-powder or any detonating or explosive powder or of matches ignitable by
friction or of any other substance liable to sudden explosion, inflammation or ignition,
or turpentine, vitriol, naptha, varnish, fireworks or painted covers or oil cloths, or any
other manufactures liable by reason of the nature or quantity of the materials employed
therein to cause sudden fire or explosion, or create toxic liquids or gases;

“erect” includes re-erect;

“Fire Service” means the Fire Service established under the Fire Service Act 1962;

“footing” means the construction whereby the weight of the building is transferred to
the ground supporting it;

“front alignment” means–

(a) where a site has only one boundary adjoining a street–the street alignment; and

(b) where a site has more than one boundary adjoining a street–the shortest street
alignment, other than a truncation;

“high set building” means a building supported on piers or sheer walls creating an
unenclosed and open space between the lowest habitable floor and ground level, the
space so created being wholly or partly used usually for car parking or other utility or
both;

“low set building” has a similar meaning to that of high set building, except that the
height of the lowest habitable floor above ground level does not exceed 1,500mm and
the space serves no other purpose than to provide clear and uninterrupted air circulation;

“masonry” means stone, brick, terra cotta block, solid or hollow concrete block, or
other similar building unit or materials or a combination of them, laid down unit by unit
and set in mortar;

“owner” means the person for the time being entitled to receive the rent of the land or
premises in connection with which the word is used (whether on his own account or as
the agent of, or as trustee for, any other person) or who would be entitled to receive the
same if the land or premises were let at a rent;

“permit” means a permit to build granted under this Regulation;

“PNGS” followed by a number or an alpha-number code, means the current Papua

New Guinea standard code or specification of that designation as published by the
National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology of Papua New Guinea and
includes all amendments and revisions thereto, which may be subsequently published
to cover the same subject matter;

“Registered Structural Engineer” means an Engineer registered by the Council of the

Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New Guinea in accordance with Section 6;

“required” means required by or under this Regulation;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 2

 “Seismic Zone 1” means the area of Papua New Guinea, bounded by the International
Boundaries of Papua New Guinea and the dashed lines, as shown and designated as
Zone 1, on Plate 2 of this Regulation and as further described in detail in Schedule 1;

“Seismic Zone 2”, “Seismic Zone 3” and “Seismic Zone 4” means those areas shown,
designated and described in a manner similar to that applied in the case of Seismic Zone
1;

“set-back” means any offset horizontally in the plane of an exterior wall of a structure;

“sewerage authority” means the sewerage authority within the meaning of the Public
Health Act 1973 and National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986;

“single storey building” means a building of not more than one storey, no account
being taken of basement storeys in calculating the number of storeys in a building;

“site” means the allotment of land on which a building stands or is to be erected;

“sole-occupancy unit” means a room or other part of a building for occupation by one
owner, lessee, tenant or other occupier to the exclusion of any other owner, lessee,
tenant or other occupier;

“sprinkler system” means an automatic sprinkler system installation conforming to

the requirements of PNGS 1211 Rules for Automatic Fire Sprinkler System;

“storey” means a space within a building which is situated between one floor level and
the floor level next above, or if there is no floor above, the ceiling or roof above, but
not–

(a) a space that contains only–

(i) a lift shaft, stairway or meter room; or

(ii) a bathroom shower room water closet, or other sanitary compartment;

or

(iii) accommodation intended for not more than three vehicles; or

(iv) a combination of the above; or

(b) a mezzanine

“street alignment” means that part of a boundary line adjoining a street;

“the Society” means the Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New Guinea;

(2) In this Regulation–

(a) a reference to the class of occupancy of a building shall be read as a

reference to the relevant class specified in Section 26; and

(b) abbreviations and symbols for units and multiples and sub-multiples of
units have the same meaning as they have ascribed to them in PNGS
1000–“The International System of Units (S1) and its Application”; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 3

 (c) the numerical values prescribed are subject to tolerances according to–

(i) any appropriate code, rule, specification or provision adopted by

reference in this Regulation; or

(ii) normal trade practice; or

(iii) good practice,

as the case may require.

(3) A reference in this Regulation to a Form by number is a reference to a Form so

numbered in Schedule 2.

(4) A reference in this Regulation to a Plate by number is a reference to a Plate so

numbered in this Regulation.

2. APPLICATION.

(1) Subject to the succeeding provisions of this Regulation, this Regulation applies
to the construction of a building and to alterations made to an existing building
after the date of commencement of this Regulation, and the erection of a new
building or the alteration of an existing building shall conform to the
requirements prescribed in this Regulation.

(2) With the exception of Part XIII or as otherwise specifically provided, this
Regulation does not apply to buildings in a declared area.

(3) This Regulation does not apply to buildings constructed for defence purposes
by or under the authority of the Government of Papua New Guinea.

(4) Except as otherwise specifically provided, this Regulation does not apply to–

(a) A building for the housing of employees within the meaning of the
Employment Act 1978; or

(b) a temporary building erected on the site of the construction of a building

or of any works being carried out for a public body or corporation, to be
used only by a builder or contractor and to be removed on the completion
of the building or works; or

(c) the construction of a building or the doing of any work where the
construction or work was commenced before the date of commencement
of this Regulation or is to be carried out under a contract entered into
before the commencement of this Regulation.

(5) Notwithstanding any provision in this Regulation, the Public Health Act 1973
and Regulations made thereunder shall continue to apply to all buildings in
Papua New Guinea.

(6) A structure erected for the purpose of supporting a sign, advertisement, notice
and the like shall conform to the requirements of Part XIV.1.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 4

3. SEISMIC ZONING.

For the purpose of specifying loading requirements for earthquakes the country is
divided, as shown on Plate 2, into zones classified as Seismic Zone 1, Seismic Zone 2,
Seismic Zone 3 or Seismic Zone 4 which are described in Schedule 1.

4. PRESCRIBED WIND VELOCITIES.

To define the design wind velocities the country is divided as shown on Plate 1 and
buildings and structures, and parts of buildings or structures, shall be designed to
withstand loadings due to wind and forces being calculated in accordance with PNGS
1001 (Part 3).

PART II. – ADMINISTRATION.

5. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL.

(1) An application to the Board for approval under Section 12 of the Act shall be in
Form 1 and shall be accompanied by the fee as specified in the Fee Table in
Schedule 3.

(2) The prescribed particulars for plans and specifications to accompany the
application are–

(a) a block plan drawn in ink to a scale of not less than 1:500 with
dimensions of the allotment of land, where such allotment of land is at
the intersection of two streets, and, if not, the position of the allotment
in relation to the nearest street corner, the position and dimensions of
the proposed building, the relation thereof to the boundaries of the
allotment and to any existing buildings on the same or adjoining
allotments, the levels of the site in relation to the adjoining street levels
and the method of drainage proposed to be adopted; and

(b) properly prepared plans of each floor level, elevations, sections and
dimensions of the proposed building–drawn to a scale of not less than
1:100 together with drawings of necessary structural details, but where
sufficient details of the structure drawn to a scale of not less than 1:20
are shown on the plans, plans may be drawn to a scale of less than 1:100;
and

(c) a description of the materials to be used in the construction and, where

not indicated on the drawings, the sizes thereof with all other
information not shown on the drawings, which is necessary to show that
the building will, if constructed in accordance with the specifications,
comply with the provisions of this Regulation; and

(d) where a building is to be erected on the land, evidence satisfactory to the

Board of any easement affecting the land, the ownership of the land and
of the applicant’s right to build; and

(e) a statement showing the nature of the occupancy or occupancies for

which each portion of the building is designed; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 5

 (f) an estimate of the cost of the proposed construction and, where so
required by the Board, the name and address of the architect or engineer
under whose supervision the construction is to be carried out; and

(g) any additional information required under Section 10; and

(h) certification of the structural adequacy and conformity as and when

required under Section 6.

6. REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION ETC.

(1) An application to the Board for approval to erect or alter a building or structure
shall be accompanied by certification that the structure of the new or altered
building or structure conforms with all the structural requirements of this
Regulation and is structurally adequate for its proposed use and occupancy, but,
unless the Board otherwise requests in writing, no such certification is required
where–

(a) The building is new and its footings are not supported on fill and it is–

(i) Single storied and of Class I, Class II, or Class X occupancy; or

(ii) Single storied, of Class IV occupancy and on the ground floor

level of the building to which it is attached; or

(iii) not more than two storeys of Class I occupancy and having a
height from finished ground level to eaves level not exceeding
5,500mm and located in Seismic Zone 3 or Seismic Zone 4; or

(iv) single storey high set of Class I, Class II or Class X occupancy

and having a height from finished ground level to eaves level not
exceeding 5,500mm and located in Seismic Zone 3 or Seismic
Zone 4; or

(b) the building is existing, is of Class I, Class II, Class IV, or Class X
occupancy (except workshops greater than 200mÒ in area) and–

(i) is single storied; or

(ii) is not more than two storeys in height and located in Seismic
Zone 3 or Seismic Zone 4; or

(c) the structure, whether new or existing is–

(i) a garden wall; or

(ii) a free standing wall, not being a retaining wall; or

(d) the Board is satisfied that an existing building cannot be altered to

conform with all the structural requirements of this Regulation, in which
case the alterations only need comply provided the existing structure is
shown not to be affected by the alterations.

(2) The certification required by Subsection (1) shall include the following
information:–
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 6
 (a) description to identify the structure and a list of the drawings covered by
the certificate;

(b) the relevant Papua New Guinea standards with which the structural
design complies;

(c) the Seismic Zone or Zones, the basic seismic coefficient, the structural
type factor and the importance factor adopted in the design, in
accordance with PNGS 1001 Part 4,

and such certificate shall be an original document signed personally by

a registered structural engineer in accordance with Subsection (4).

(3) Where certification of a building or structure is required in accordance with

Subsection (1), the application for approval shall be accompanied by–

(a) a registered structural engineer’s certificate in accordance with

Subsection (2); and

(b) structural drawings, presented in accordance with any relevant PNG

standard on drawing practice which show–

(i) all structural elements, including footings and retaining walls;

and

(ii) the types of materials to be used in the construction; and

(iii) the strength, or other required quality characteristics of the

foundations and the materials of construction; and

(iv) any other information required by this Regulation, and all in

sufficient detail to indicate clearly and to the satisfaction of the
Board, the structure or part which has been certified.

(4) The certification required by Subsection (1), and the drawings and calculations
referred to in Subsection (2) shall be signed by a person who is a registered
structural engineer with the Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New
Guinea for the purpose.

(5) An application for registration as a registered structural engineer shall be in

writing and shall be lodged with the Society of Professional Engineers of Papua
New Guinea who may request the applicant to provide full details of his
qualifications and experience in structural design.

(6) An application under Subsection (5) may be made by any person who

(a) is registered under the Professional Engineers (Registration) Act 1986;

and

(b) provides to the satisfaction of the Society of Professional Engineers of

Papua New Guinea that he is experienced in structural design.

(7) The Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New Guinea may, after
considering an application made under Subsection (5), register the applicant to
sign certifications, drawings and calculations required to be signed by this
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 7
 Regulation, and such registration may be subject to such restrictions as the
Council considers appropriate.

(8) The Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New Guinea may deregister
any person registered under the provisions of this section–

(a) if he ceases to be qualified for registration; or

(b) if he signs a certification or drawing knowing that it does not comply

with the requirements of this Regulation.

(9) The Society of Professional Engineers of Papua New Guinea shall cause a list
of all persons registered according to Subsection (7) together with their postal
address and any restrictions imposed under that subsection, or deregistered
under Subsection (8), to appear in the National Gazette as follows:–

(a) a list which shall cancel all previous lists of persons currently as
structural registered engineers shall appear annually during the month
of March; and

(b) an addendum to the annual list of persons subsequently registered or

deregistered shall appear quarterly during the months of June,
September and December.

7. EXAMINATION AND APPROVAL OF PLANS.

(1) The Board shall examine for compliance with this Regulation the plans,
specifications and information submitted and, subject to Sections 10 and 11,
shall within 40 days after the lodging of the plans, specifications and
information–

(a) approve the application and grant to the applicant a written permit for
the carrying out of the work; or

(b) reject the application.

(2) If the application for approval is rejected, the Board shall state in writing its
reasons for rejection and may in its discretion refund the whole or any portion of the fee
tendered with the application.

(3) Pursuant to Subsection (1), the Board may require the applicant to refer the submitted plans,
specifications and other information to professionally qualified and registered Architects
and/or Engineers for an opinion as to the conformance or non-conformance of the proposal
with this Regulation, before approving or rejecting the application.

8. DUTY TO ENSURE CERTAIN APPROVALS GRANTED ETC.

Before issuing a permit under Section 12, the Board shall satisfy itself that–

(a)[1] the applicant has obtained any approval required under the Public
Health Act 1973, the Electricity Industry Act (Ch. 78) the Physical
Planning Act 1989 and the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act
1986; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 8

 (b) the purpose for which the building is to be used is not in breach of a
condition of lease, or a granted application for a lease or licence in force
under the Land Act 1996; and

(c) adequate means are available for–

(i) providing a continuous supply of potable water suitable and
sufficient for the requirements of all the occupants of the
building calculated in accordance with the Papua New Guinea
Fire Code PNGS 1629; and
(ii) disposal of all sewerage and waste-water from the site.

9. POWER TO DISPENSE WITH PLANS, ETC.

The Board may dispense with the requirements that plans and specifications shall
accompany an application for a permit where–

(a) minor alterations only are proposed to be made to any existing building; or

(b) it is proposed to build–

(i) a haus win or pergola; or
(ii) a tool house; or
(iii) a private boat house; or
(iv) a fuel shed; or
(v) a private cycle or motor shed; or
(iv) a fowl house or other structure intended for accommodation of domestic
animals; or
(vii) a temporary building; or
(viii) a building within a Declared Area provided the Board is satisfied that
the building complies with Part XIII.

10. POWER TO REQUIRE INFORMATION.

The Board may postpone consideration of an application for a permit until the applicant
furnishes such plans or information as the Board, by notice in writing, requires.

11. GROUNDS FOR REFUSAL OF BUILDING PERMIT.

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this Regulation, the Board shall refuse an
application for approval in any case in which the Board determines that the plans
or specifications show a proposed contravention of this Regulation.

(2) A Board may refuse an application for approval in any case in which the design
or the materials shown or specified in the plans or specifications of a building
are considered by the Board to be unsuitable for the site upon which the building
is to be built pursuant to Section 26 of the Act.

12. ISSUE OF PERMIT ETC.

(1) Where the Board grants an application for approval it shall forthwith–

(a) issue a permit in accordance with Form 2 and stamp both copies of the
plans and specifications (if any) with the word “Approved” followed
by–
(i) the name of the Board; and
(ii) the signature of a member of the Board; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 9

 (iii) the date of the meeting at which the approval was given; and

(b) forward the permit together with one copy of the plans and
specifications (if any) so stamped to the applicant.

(2) A permit lapses after a period of 12 months from the date of issue, unless–

(a) substantial building progress has been made; or

(b) it has been extended by the Board.

13. APPOINTMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTORS ETC.

(1) The Minister may, by notice in the National Gazette, appoint suitably qualified
persons to be Building Inspectors for the purposes of this Regulation.

(2) The Board may authorize a Building Inspector or other suitably qualified person
to carry out testing or examination of concrete, soil, steel, masonry, timber or
other materials, the use of which is prescribed or allowed by this Regulation,
and to advise the Board thereon.

14. POWER OF ENTRY.

(1) A member of the Board or a Building Inspector, or a person authorized by the

Board may–

(a) Enter upon any land and inspect any building or building materials on
the land; and
(b) Require that any person directing any building operations on any land
shall–
(i) Produce to him a permit; or
(ii) State the name and address of the person under whose authority
he is directing the building operations.

(2) A person who–

(a) refuses or fails to produce his permit or to supply information in his

possession when required to do so under this Regulation; or

(b) knowingly supplies false information; or

(c) hinders or obstructs a person in the exercise of his powers or the

performance of his functions under this Regulation,

is guilty of an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

Default penalty: K10.00.

15. REQUIREMENTS FOR NOTICES.

(1) The Board may give a notice stating the time within which the required
operation is to be performed.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 10

 (2) A notice under Subsection (1) may be renewed and updated from time to time.

(3) The provisions of this section shall not be construed so as to relieve any person
from any penalty which he may have incurred before receiving a notice, order
or request, nor render it incumbent on the Board, or a Building Inspector in any
case to give such a notice or order or to make such a request.

16. INSPECTIONS AND POWER TO STOP WORK OR ORDER DEMOLITION.

(1) The Board shall be given 24 hours notice in writing, of the intention to place
permanent footing materials on earthworks and–

(a) no footing materials shall be so placed until the subject earth works have
been inspected and/or otherwise approved by the Board; and

(b) building construction shall not be permanently covered by any

earthworks until such time as that construction has been inspected and/or
otherwise approved by the Board.

(2) The Board may require that–

(a) any part or parts of a building be inspected by a Building Inspector or

other nominee, before, during or after construction of the part or parts;
and

(b) no further work be commenced until such time as the construction at the
nominated stage has been so inspected and approved.

(3) The Board may require that any building or part of a building which has been
constructed without a permit shall be demolished at the expense of the person
directing building operations.

17. NOTIFICATION OF INTENTION TO EXCAVATE ADJACENT TO A

BUILDING.

A person causing an excavation adjacent to a building shall, before commencing such

excavation, give seven days’ prior notice of his intention to the owner of the adjacent
building and to the Board, and shall at the same time furnish to such owner particulars
of the works he proposes to do.

18. NOTICE OF COMPLETION.

(1) A person, who erects a building or makes any alteration or addition to a building
shall, within a reasonable time after the completion of the erection of the
building or of the alteration or addition, give notice in writing to the Board.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

Default penalty: K10.00.

(2) The Board may require a person to whom Subsection (1) applies to provide
certification that the building has been erected, altered or added to in accordance
with the plans and specifications for the work approved by the Board pursuant
to Section 12, and such certification shall be prepared and signed by the
Architect, Engineer or Builder as required by the Board in each case.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 11
 (3) Failure to provide certification under this section shall be sufficient reason for
refusing a Certificate of Completion under Section 19.

19. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION.

The Board, upon receipt of the notice specified in Section 18, may grant or refuse a
certificate in Form 3 that the building has been completed in accordance with this
Regulation.

20. OCCUPATION OF BUILDING.

(1) Subject to Subsection (2), a person shall not occupy, or authorize or permit any
person to occupy a building which has been erected, added to or in any way
altered since the commencement of this Regulation, unless a certificate under
Section 19 has been issued.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.00.

Default penalty: K10.00.

(2) Where–

(a) a person is in occupation at the time of any addition or alteration to an

existing building, he may continue in occupation until the certificate is
refused; and

(b) in the case of a temporary building, it thinks fit, the Board may permit a
person to enter into permissive occupancy of the building for a period
not exceeding two years and the Board may, if it is of the opinion that
the occupant is making a genuine attempt to build to Declared Area
standards, permit that person to remain in permissive occupancy of that
building for further periods of not more than one year in each case,
provided that the total period for which a person may be granted
permissive occupancy of a temporary building shall not exceed five
years; and

(c) in any particular case it thinks fit, the Board may permit a person to enter
into permissive occupancy of a building in respect of which a certificate
has not been issued.

(3) Permission under Subsection (2)(c) may be cancelled by the Board at any time
before the issue of a certificate of completion under Section 19.

21. CHANGE OF USE OR OCCUPANCY.

(1) A person shall not, without the approval of the Board, use or permit to be used
a building constructed after the commencement of this Regulation, or change or
permit to be changed the use of a building constructed before the
commencement of this Regulation for any purpose of occupancy for which that
building or a part of that building fails to comply with the requirements of this
Regulation, in any of the following respects:–

(a) where the building or part of the building has not been designed for or
is not, in the opinion of the Board, capable of safely supporting the
loading prescribed by PART X in respect of the use;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 12

 (b) where the change of use would require an increase in the design loadings
for seismic loading to meet the requirements of PART X;

(c) where the change would require additional measures in regard to fire
protection and means of egress in order to comply with PART VIII;

(d) where the change of use to a residential occupancy would require

additional measures in order to comply with this Regulation;

(e) where the change would require approval under the Physical Planning
Act 1989;

(f) where the change of use would require additional measures in order to
comply with the licensing requirements of an Act or Regulation in force
in Papua New Guinea relating to the proposed use.

(2) The Board may, if it is satisfied by tests carried out at the expense of the
applicant, that the building or part of the building will carry, with an approved
factor of safety, the required loading, approve the change of use of occupancy
subject to such conditions as it thinks fit.

(3) The Board, in granting an approval under this section may–

(a) impose such conditions as it thinks fit, and may require a bond or deposit
to ensure compliance with such conditions; or

(b) in the case of premises specified in Subsection (1)(f), refer the

application to a competent consultant, at the cost of the applicant, and
be guided by any recommendation or information received from that
consultant.

22. OFFENCES ETC.

(1) A person who–

(a) does, or causes to be done, or knowingly permits or suffers to be done,

or is concerned in doing, anything contrary to or otherwise than as
provided by this Regulation; or

(b) omits, or neglects to do, or knowingly permits or suffers to remain

undone, anything which according to the true intent and meaning of this
Regulation, ought to be done by him at the time and in the manner
therein provided; or

(c) does not refrain from doing anything which under this Regulation, he is
required to abstain from doing; or

(d) knowingly permits or suffers any condition or things to exist contrary to

any provision contained in this Regulation; or

(e) refuses or neglects to comply with any notice duly given to him under
this Regulation; or

(f) obstructs or hinders any officer of the Board, or any person appointed
under this Regulation, in the performance of any duty to be discharged
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 13
 by such officer or person under or in exercise of any power conferred
upon him by this Regulation,

is guilty of an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K2,000.00

Default penalty: A fine not exceeding K100.00

(2) Where a person (in this subsection referred to as “the defendant”) is charged
with an offence under this section, he is entitled, upon information duly laid by
him, to have any other person whom he charges as the actual offender brought
before the court at the time appointed for hearing the charge against himself and
if, after the commission of the offence has been proved, the defendant satisfies
the court that he has used due diligence to ensure the observance of the
provisions of this Regulation and that the other person has committed the
offence in question without his knowledge, consent or connivance, the other
person shall be convicted of the offence and the defendant shall be exempted
from any penalty.

(3) A person who aids, abets, counsels, or procures, or by act or omission is in any
way directly or indirectly knowingly concerned in, or party to, the commission
of any offence against this Regulation, shall be deemed to have committed the
offence and shall be punishable accordingly.

23. FEES.

(1) Fees payable to the Board are as specified in the Fee Table in Schedule 3.

(2) The fees for an act or thing referred to in the first column of the Fee Table are
the fees set out in the second column of that Fee Table opposite that act or thing
in the first column.

(3) In the calculation of the fees for a permit in respect of a new building, the area
in square metres shall be assessed over the total gross area of all floors measured
over the surrounding walls.

(4) In the calculation of the fees for a permit in respect of an alteration of, other
than an addition to, an existing building, the area in square metres shall be
assessed over the total gross area of all rooms or compartments to be altered,
measured over the surrounding walls.

(5) In the calculation of the fees for a permit in respect of an addition to an existing
building, the area in square metres shall be assessed over the total gross area of
all floors of the actual additions, measured over the surrounding walls.

(6) Any costs payable to a consultant pursuant to Section 7(3) and Section 21(3)(b)
and cost of testing pursuant to Section 21(2) shall be in addition to the fees
calculated in accordance with Subsections (1) to (5) inclusive.

24. PRESCRIBED TIME FOR APPEAL.

(1) An appeal under Section 21(1) of the Act shall be made within 60 days after the
date of the matter or thing complained of.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 14

 (2) The appellant shall serve on the Chairman of the Board a notice of appeal in
Form 4.

(3) The Chairman, within seven days of the receipt of the notice of appeal, shall
forward all relevant plans, specifications and other documents to the Central
Building Tribunal and the Minister shall advise the Chairman of the Board
within 60 days whether the appeal has been upheld or rejected.

PART III. – BUILDING CLASSIFICATION.

25. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Part, unless the contrary intention appears–

“assembly building” means a building, or open or closed spectator stand, designed,

constructed or adapted for the usual or occasional assembly of persons for–

(a) civic, political, educational, transit, religious, social or recreational purposes; or

(b) entertainment or amusement;

“ductile” means the capability of a material, structural element or system of elements,

to undergo a limited number of repeated and reversing cycles of inelastic (post-yield)
deformations while maintaining a substantial proportion of its elastic design load
capacity;

“fire station” means a building designed, constructed or adapted for the

accommodation of fire-fighting vehicles or fire-fighting appliances or both, but does
not include any dormitory or residential portions attached thereto or included therein;

“flat” means a room or suite of rooms, designed, constructed or adapted as a separate

domicile;

“horizontally braced framing” means a system of discrete structural members,

interconnected by diagonal bracing or otherwise stiffened, to produce the effect of a
horizontal diaphragm;

“horizontal diaphragm” means continuous construction in a horizontal plane, which

has sufficient in-plane stiffness or rigidity to resist the horizontal design loads at that
plane without bucking or appreciable distortion of the plan shape of the diaphragm;

“institutional building” means a building, designed, constructed or adapted as a clinic,

convalescent home, hospital, infirmary, nursing home, sanatorium, asylum, pre-school
centre, home or institute for orphans, poor, aged, sick, or physically or mentally
handicapped persons, or similar institution;

“open-deck parking station” means a public garage in which all portions of the
parking storeys are cross-ventilated by means of permanent openings in not fewer than
two opposite, or approximately opposite sides, the openings in each case being not
smaller in area than half the vertical area of the side concerned;

“outbuilding” means a structure ancillary of occupancy, such as an aviary, carport,

conservatory, fowlhouse, garage, greenhouse, kennel, laundry, shed, sleepout, stable,
home-workshop and other structures of a like nature;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 15

 “pre-school centre” means a building other than a school, designed, constructed, or
adapted for the pre-school care or training of not less than six children;

“public garage” means a building designed, constructed or adapted for either the
accommodation of four or more motor vehicles for parking purposes only, or the
washing, cleaning or polishing only, of motor vehicles, or both;

“reinforced concrete construction” means construction complying with all the

appropriate requirements of PNGS 1002;

“reinforced masonry construction” means construction complying with all the

appropriate requirements of PNGS 1004;

“sarking type material” means a material such as reflective foil or other flexible
membrane, of a type normally used for water-proofing, vapour proofing, thermal
reflection or other similar purposes;

“school” means a building, designed, constructed or adapted for primary, secondary or

tertiary education and incudes technical, agricultural and theological colleges,
universities, technical institutes, teacher-training colleges, school of mines, or similar
establishments;

“service station” means a building designed, constructed, or adapted for either the
mechanical repair and servicing of motor vehicles, or the storage and retailing of
petroleum products or both;

“shear wall” means a wall of reinforced concrete, reinforced masonry or timber

construction, specifically designed and constructed to resist the horizontal design loads,
applied to it in a direction parallel to the longest plan dimensions of the wall, as well as
any other design loads assigned thereto;

“sole-occupancy unit” means–

(a) a flat; or

(b) a room or suite of rooms in a building of Class III occupancy designed,

constructed or adapted to include sleeping facilities; or

(c) any portion of a building of Class V, VI, VII, VIII or IX occupancy, including
a room or suite of rooms, designed, constructed or adapted for use in separate
occupation by one or more persons pursuant to a right of title, whether
contractual or proprietary, distinct from the right or title under which adjacent
portions are occupied;

“space frame” means a three dimensional arrangement of inter-connected structural

members, with or without horizontal diaphragms or horizontally braced frames, in
which both the members and their connections to one another have been designed to
resist the moment, shear and axial forces due to all of the vertical design loads and all,
or a pre-determined portion of the horizontal design loads;

“steel construction” means construction complying with all the appropriate

requirements of PNGS 1003;

“timber construction” means construction complying with all of the appropriate

requirements of the relevant Papua New Guinea Standard on Timber Construction.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 16

26. CLASSIFICATION BY OCCUPANCY.

(1) Classification–For the purpose of this Regulation buildings or portions of

buildings shall be classified into the following classes according to the nature
of their use of occupancy:–

(a) Class I residences which may comprise one or more buildings including
any habitable outbuildings which in association constitute–

(i) a single dwelling-house, terrace house, townhouse, row house,

villa house, or the like, which may be detached or separated by
a common wall; or

(ii) a dwelling-house used as a boarding-house, hostel, group house,

or the like, in which not more than 12 persons would ordinarily
be resident; or

(iii) a residential building that does not exceed a rise of three storeys,
contains only two sole-occupancy units located one above the
other and each unit has direct egress to a road or open space;

(b) Class II buildings containing two or more sole-occupancy units each

being a separate dwelling, excluding buildings of Class I;

(c) Class III residential buildings, other than buildings of Class I or II,
which are a common place of living for a number of unrelated persons,
including–

(i) a boarding-house, guest house, hostel, or lodging-house; and

(ii) a residential part of an hotel or motel; and
(iii) a residential part of a school; and
(iv) accommodation for the aged, disabled or children; and
(v) a residential part of a health-care building which accommodates
members of staff;

(d) Class IV flats in buildings that elsewhere are of Class V, VI, VII, VIII
or IX, being in each case the only flat in the building;

(e) Class V office buildings, being buildings for professional or commercial

purposes, excluding buildings of Classes VI, VII, VIII or IX;

(f) Class VI shops and other buildings for the sale of goods by retail or the
supply of services direct to the public, including–

(i) eating rooms, tea rooms, coffee rooms, cafes, restaurants and
milk and soft-drink bars; and

(ii) the non-residential portions of hotels and motels; and

(iii) hairdresser’s and barber’s shops, public laundries and

undertaker’s establishments; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 17

 (iv) service stations;

(g) Class VII buildings that are–

(i) warehouses, being buildings for the storage of goods only or for
the display of goods for sale by wholesale; or

(ii) public garages; or

(iii) fire stations;

(h) Class VIIIa buildings that are–

(i) factories, being buildings in which a handicraft or a process in or

incidental to the making, assembling, altering, repairing,
renovating, preparing, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning,
washing, or adapting of goods is carried on for trade, sale, or
gain–

(A) those used for a handicraft or process not mentioned in

Part XII being of Class VIIIa;

(B) those involving a process mentioned in Part XII being of

Class VIIIb;

(ii) laboratories–

(A) those involving a process not mentioned in Part XII being

of Class VIIIa; and

(B) those involving a process mentioned in Part XII being of

Class VIIIb;

(i) Class IX Buildings of a public nature, comprising–

(i) schools and institutional buildings as defined in Section 25 being

of Class IXa; and

(ii) assembly buildings as defined in Section 25 being of Class IXb,

but excluding portions of such buildings that are of Class III or
used as laboratories;

(j) Class X Outbuildings.

Unless the contrary intention appears, Class VIIIa, Class VIIIb, Class IXa and
Class IXb are separate classifications.

(2) Where portions of a building each have different purposes, each such portion
shall, subject to Subsection (4), be separately classified in accordance with this
Regulation.

(3) A building or part of a building not included in the classes enumerated in

Subsection (1) shall be classified by the Board into the class of occupancy it
most closely resembles.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 18

 (4) Where less than 10% of a storey serves a purpose other than the purpose for
which the storey is classified, but incidental to that purpose, and the incidental
use does not create a substantial increase in fire hazard to the storey so
classified, the Board may regard that part as being of the same class of
occupancy as endorsed on the Certificate of Completion.

(5) No change to the use or occupancy of a building or part thereof, which would
effectively change the classification applicable to that portion or building, shall
be made without prior application to and approval of the Board in accordance
with Section 21, and in accepting any such application, the Board shall require
that the portion or building concerned meets all the requirements set down in
this Regulation as being applicable to the classification of the new use of
occupancy and shall delay granting any approval until such time as all those
requirements have been met.

PART IV. – SITE REQUIREMENTS.

27. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Part, unless the contrary intention appears–

(a) where a corner of allotment at the junction or intersection of streets has been
rounded or truncated–

(i) the width of the frontage shall be measured from a point at the
intersection of the prolonged side and front boundaries of that allotment;
and

(ii) the area shall be calculated to the prolonged lines of side and front
boundaries disregarding the rounded line or truncation; and

(b) where a minimum distance from a boundary is set in this Regulation, the
distance shall be measured horizontally from the boundary line to the outermost
projection from the external wall, except that the extent or eaves projection shall
be deemed to be the horizontal distance by which the projection exceeds
450mm; and

(c) in determining open space at ground level in buildings of Class II occupancy,

the area of open space does not include areas of common corridors, stairways,
hallways, porches and the like; and

(d) the area occupied by a building of Class I or Class II occupancy includes the
areas occupied by all out-buildings except unroofed terraces.

28. BUILDINGS OVER EASEMENTS.

No building shall be constructed over any portion of a drainage or sewerage easement

without the approval of the Departmental Head of the Department responsible for land
and physical planning matters.

29. COMPLIANCE WITH SITE REQUIREMENTS.

A building constructed on a site shall conform to minimum requirements set down in this Part
with regard to width of frontage, distance of external walls from boundaries and the area of the
site.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 19

30. SIZE OF SITE.

Sizes of sites for different classes of occupancy shall be determined by the appropriate
authority.

31. MAXIMUM AREA OCCUPIED BY BUILDING.

(1) No building of Class I or Class II occupancy including appurtenances shall

occupy more than half the total area of site, except that where a building of Class
I occupancy was erected prior to the coming into force of Building Regulation
1971 and occupies more than half the total area of the site, a permit may be
given for the construction of–

(a) a garage, providing that the total area of buildings and appurtenances
does not exceed 75% of the area of the site; or

(b) a carport, providing that the total area of buildings and appurtenances
does not exceed 75% of the area of the site.

(2) Except as provided in Subsection (1), the total area occupied by all the
buildings, of any classification, including appurtenances on an allotment, shall
not exceed two thirds of the area of the allotment.

(3) Subject to Subsection (4), not more than one building of Class I occupancy,
exclusive of servants’ quarters, shall be erected on any one allotment.

(4) More than one building of Class I occupancy may, at the discretion of the Board,
be erected on an allotment provided–

(a) the prior consent of the appropriate Physical Planning Board has been
obtained; and

(b) the total area occupied by all the buildings on the allotment does not
exceed 30% of the area of the allotment; and

(c) the space between the buildings is not less than 6,000mm; and

(d) the area of the allotment is not less than 500mÒ.

(5) A Board may, subject to the prior approval of the appropriate Physical Planning
Board, where it is of the opinion that a variation is desirable to meet the
circumstances of a particular case, upon application being made to it in writing
in each case, vary the provisions of this section relating to the maximum area of
a site which may be occupied by a building and appurtenances, including a
garage or carport.

32. MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM BOUNDARIES.

(1) The distance of a building of Class I or Class II occupancy, except the distance
of a multi-storey building, shall not be less than–

(a) 4,500mm from a front alignment; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 20

 (b) 1,200mm from boundaries other than the front and street alignments;
and

(c) where the site abuts on more than one street, 3,000mm from street
alignment other than the front alignment.

(2) The distance of a multi-storey building of Class I and Class II occupancy shall
not be less than 3,000mm from the front alignment or any other boundary.

(3) Where a site is adjacent to another site with a building of Class I or Class II
occupancy built on it, or is in a locality used or intended to be used primarily
for the erection of dwellings–

(a) no building other than an apartment house or building of Class X

occupancy shall be constructed closer to a street alignment or boundary
than would be permitted by this section if those buildings were of Class
I or Class II occupancy; and

(b) an apartment house shall not be constructed closer to a street alignment

or boundary than would be permitted by this section if it were a building
of Class II occupancy.

(4) Where the wall of a building on the adjoining site abuts a side or rear boundary
of a site, subject to the provisions of Part VIII, a building may be erected on that
portion of the side or rear boundary on which the other building abuts.

(5) Minimum distances from boundaries shall be measured to external walls or any
part of a building which is more than 900mm above ground level, whichever is
closer, and measurements shall not be taken to roof overhangs, provided that no
overhang is closer than–

(a) in the case of Subsection (1)(a)–3,600mm; and

(b) in the case of Subsection (1)(b)–750mm; and

(c) in the cases of Subsections (1)(c) and (2)–2,100mm.

(6) A Board may, subject to the prior approval of the Physical Planning Board,
where it is of the opinion that a variation is desirable to meet the circumstances
in a particular case, upon application being made to it in writing in each case,
vary the provisions of this section relating to distances of buildings from front
alignment, street alignment or other boundaries.

33. CLASS REQUIREMENTS.

(1) A building of Class I occupancy shall have–

(a) clear access to a street; and

(b) not less than 30mÒ of open space at ground level for each sole-
occupancy dwelling as defined in Section 26(a)(i) and (iii); and

(c) not less than 12mÒ of open space at ground level for each habitable
room as defined in Section 26(a)(ii).

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 21

 (2) A building of Class II occupancy shall have–

(a) access to a street; and

(b) not less than 30mÒ of open space at ground level for each flat.

(3) An apartment house, boarding house or lodging house constructed adjacent to a

site with a building of Class I or Class II occupancy built on it or in a locality
used or intended to be used primarily for the erection of dwellings shall have
12mÒ of open space at ground level for each habitable room.

(4) A building of Class IV occupancy shall have a space open to the air and without
roof adjoining to the building for the use of occupants–

(a) not less than 45mÒ in area; and

(b) of dimensions not less than 3,000mm in any direction,

and the space may be provided in the form of a flat roof at a level higher than
that of the floor of the ground storey.

(5) A site with a building of Class IV occupancy (except a residence for the
caretaker of a building of Class V, VII, VIII and IX occupancy) built on it shall
have a side or rear boundary abutting to a street not less than 3,000mm in length
and access to that street shall be provided.

PART V. – PROJECTIONS BEYOND STREET ALIGNMENT.

34. INTERPRETATION.

For the purposes of this Part, unless the contrary intention appears, the width of a street,
with respect to a site, shall be determined by measuring the distance at right angles from
the centre of the street alignment of that site to the street alignment on the opposite side.

35. MINIMUM HEIGHT ABOVE PAVEMENT.

Except if otherwise provided in this Regulation no projection including gates, doors,

windows and shutters in fully opened position shall extend beyond the street alignment
at a height less than 2,700mm above the level of the public footway, except–

(a) where a shopfront is being constructed on an existing building, applied facings

on existing piers may be permitted to project 50mm beyond the street alignment;
and

(b) louvred window shutters constructed in timber are permitted if they do not
project more than 50mm beyond the street alignment when in fully opened
position.

36. PROJECTIONS NOT TO BE STRUCTURAL.

No structural part of a building shall project beyond the street alignment, except in the
case of–

(a) windows and balconies, as provided by Section 37; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 22

 (b) service pipes, as provided by Section 41; and

(c) awnings and sun blinds.

37. WINDOWS AND BALCONIES.

A balcony, balconette or window may project not more than 1,000mm beyond the street
alignment over a street or road exceeding 10m in width, provided that–

(a) no part of the projection is less than 3,000mm above the level of the street or
nearer than 1,200mm to the centre of the nearest party-wall or to an adjoining
building of different class of occupancy; and

(b) the total width of all projections added together on any floor level does not
exceed one-half of the length of wall on that floor level; and

(c) no projecting window exceeds a total overall width of 3,700mm and the distance
between projecting windows is not less than one-third of the overall width of
either of those windows; and

(d) projecting windows are not connected by a balcony any portion of which
projects beyond the street alignment.

38. CATHEADS, HOISTS, ETC.

Catheads, hoists and the like shall not project beyond the street alignment.

39. VEHICLE DOCKS AND LOADING PLATFORMS.

Vehicle docks and loading platforms shall be so located that no portion of a vehicle
occupying or adjoining those docks or loading platforms projects beyond the street
alignment.

40. SERVICE PIPES.

Service pipes and rainwater heads may project beyond the street alignment provided
that no part of the projection is less than 2,700mm above the level of the public footway
and the projection does not exceed–

(a) in the case of service pipes–200mm; or

(b) in the case of rainwater heads–300mm.

PART VI. – BUILDING HEIGHT LIMITATIONS.

41. INTERPRETATION.

In this Part, unless the contrary intention appears–

“finished ground level” means the final level, to which the soil, including fill, on a site
or adjoining a building is finished;

“ground storey” means one where the floor is level with or above, but not below, the
adjoining ground level and if there are more than one such floors the highest of these is
not–
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 23
 (a) two or more metres below the finished ground level around the perimeter of the
building; or

(b) from which egress to a road or open space is attained only by a path of travel
through a higher storey;

“mezzanine” means that space within a room which is situated between–

(a) an intermediate floor constructed within the room; and

(b) the floor level, ceiling or roof above, as the case may be,

and in which the intermediate floor does not extend across the full area of the room;

“storey” means that space within a building which is situated between one floor level
and the floor level next above, or if there is no floor above, the ceiling or roof above,
but does not include–

(a) a space whose gross plan area does not exceed one third of the plan area of the
storey above and which is designed, constructed or adapted for the
accommodation of–
(i) a lift-shaft, stairway, meter room or store-room; or
(ii) a bathroom, shower room, laundry, water closet or sanitary
compartment; or
(iii) not more than three vehicles; or

(b) a mezzanine floor having a floor area less than one third of the area of the floor
immediately below it or 150mÒ, whichever is the smaller; or

(c) a space between natural or finished ground and the next floor level above where
the average height of such space does not exceed 1,700mm and the maximum
height at any point does not exceed 2,500mm;

“rise in storey” means, in relation to a building, the greatest number of storeys in any
part of its perimeter, counted above the finished ground adjacent to the external walls
at that part but excluding any basement storey;

“height of a building” means–

(a) the rise in storey of the buildings; or

(b) the perpendicular distance measured from a horizontal plane at the average level
of the finished ground around the perimeter of the building and a horizontal
plane at the upper level of the topmost storey;

“width of a street” means the width determined in accordance with Section 43.

42. MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT.

Unless otherwise provided in this Regulation, the height of a building shall not exceed
the value determined by Section 43.

43. LIMITATION WITH RESPECT TO STREET WIDTH.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 24

 (1) The height of a building shall not exceed the least of–

(a) 40 metres; or

(b) where the site has a frontage to only one street or two streets of equal
width, two and one half times the street width; or

(c) where the site has a frontage to two streets of unequal width, two and
one half times–

(i) the width of the wider street for a distance of 45 metres measured
perpendicular to that frontage; and

(ii) the width of the narrower street for any balance of the site.

(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (1)(b) and (c), the width of a street
need not be taken as less than 5,000mm.

44. ANCILLARY CONSTRUCTION, DECORATIVE FEATURES.

Housing for services, equipment, tanks, decorative features, flagpoles, lanterns, lights,
lightweight wireless masts, television dish, antenna, solar panel and the like, and
parapets not more than 1,200mm in height may be constructed above the maximum
building height provided that–

(a) no additional accommodation is provided therein; and

(b) no advertisement, hoarding, sign or lettering is provided thereon; and

(c) no part interferes with the access of light required to any window in the building;
and

(d) except in the case of parapets, not more than one quarter of the length of frontage
or 10,000mm (whichever is the lesser) is occupied thereby; and

(e) such structures have themselves been designed to resist the required horizontal
forces and due account has been taken of their effect on the design of the
building structure.

45. POWER TO VARY.

(1) The Board may reduce the maximum height otherwise allowed, to be within an
envelope determined by the appropriate Physical Planning Board for the
particular site and in accordance with the Papua New Guinea Fire Code.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained elsewhere in this Regulation and subject to

the prior approval of the appropriate Physical Planning Board, the Board may,
upon receipt of an application from an interested party with respect to a
particular building, increase the maximum height otherwise allowable for that
building, provided that–

(a) the application is accompanied by a Certificate from a registered

structural engineer to the effect that–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 25

 (i) adequate foundation investigations have been carried out on the
site of the proposed building; and

(ii) the effect of earthquake forces on the building structure have

been determined by an appropriate dynamic analysis in
accordance with PNGS 1001, due and proper account being
taken of site-structure inter-action; and

(iii) the structural elements resisting horizontal forces have been

designed for flexural ductile yielding; and

(iv) the building is structurally adequate in all other respects; and

(b) the application is accompanied by an undertaking that a clerk of works

or resident engineer to be approved by the Board and experienced in
seismic design and construction will supervise site work and,
subsequently, there is confirmation in writing that the building has been
constructed in accordance with the design in respect to seismic
resistance; and

(c) the type of fire resistant construction shall be Type A; and

(d) the Board has otherwise satisfied itself that such an increase will not be
detrimental to public health, safety or welfare; and

(e) the Board shall not withhold consent under Section 43(1) if it is satisfied
that, having regard to the proposed use to which the building is to be put,
proper arrangements will be made and maintained for lessening, so far
as is reasonably practicable danger from fire in the building to the
satisfaction of the Chief Fire Officer; and

(f) in granting consent under this Regulation the Board may, without
prejudice to any other power to attach terms and conditions to the
consent, give the consent subject to conditions restricting the user of the
building or part of building or relating to the provision and maintenance
of proper arrangements for lessening so far as is reasonably practicable
danger from fire in the building or part of the building to the satisfaction
of the Chief Fire Officer.

46. NOTIFICATION OF VARIATION.

(1) If, in accordance with Section 45(1), the Board intends to reduce the maximum
allowable building height with respect to a particular building application, it
shall, with 28 days of lodgement of such an application, notify the applicant in
writing accordingly and shall, at the same time, supply in writing details of the
additional requirements that will be applied in respect to the height of buildings
covered by the application.

(2) The Board shall, within 40 days of lodgement of an application in accordance

with Section 45(2), notify the applicant in writing of the acceptance or rejection
of the application by the Board and in the case of rejection shall state the reasons
for such rejection.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 26

 PART VII. – HEALTH AND AMENITY.

Division 1.

General.

47. COMPLIANCE WITH NATIONAL WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE ACT

1986..

The Regulation shall comply with the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986.

Division 2.

Drainage.

48. DAMPNESS AND DRAINAGE OF SITES.

(1) The Board may permit a building to be constructed on land liable to be flooded
or inundated by water if–

(a) the surface of the lowest floor and all inlets to a sewerage system are
constructed to approved level, but in no case lower than 300mm above
the maximum flood level; and

(b) approved measures are taken to prevent the retention of flood waters and
flood debris beneath the building.

(2) Except as provided in Subsection (1), a building shall not be constructed upon
land liable to be flooded or inundated by water.

49. LAND WITHOUT PROPER MEANS OF DRAINAGE.

(1) A building intended or adapted to be used wholly or partly for residential

purposes shall not be constructed upon land which cannot at all times be
efficiently drained by gravitation into some adjoining street, channel or drainage
easement, on to, through or over which the drainage may lawfully be
discharged.

(2) The Board may permit a building of Class V, VI, VII or VIII occupancy to be
constructed on land without proper means of drainage as specified in Subsection
(1) where the requirements of Section 50 are complied with.

50. STORMWATER DRAINS.

(1) A new building or an existing building that is being altered or extended shall be
provided with an effective means to the satisfaction of the Board for–

(a) the collection of stormwater discharged from the roof of the building;
and
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 27
 (b) the intersection and collection of storm and surface water from the site
the building is erected on; and

(c) for the conveyance and/or distribution of the storm and surface water to
the boundary of the site where it shall be discharged in such a manner
as to be, as nearly as is practicable, the same as would have occurred
before the site was developed.

(2) Alternatively, the Board may vary the provisions of Subsection (1) relating to
discharge of stormwater at the boundary of the site and may require all
stormwater to be conveyed by drains to a point where it may be lawfully
discharged.

(3) Stormwater drains specified in Subsection (2) shall–

(a) be constructed of cast iron, brick, stone, salt-glazed ware, UPVC, or

other approved material; and

(b) be constructed to regular falls and of sufficient capacity to carry the

whole of the water collected; and

(c) where the line of the drain crosses a public footway, be constructed in
conformity with the requirements of the Board.

(4) Downpipes connected to drains for the collection of roof water may be exposed
inside a building provided they are constructed in cast iron, wrought iron or
galvanised sheet metal or UPVC or extruded aluminium of not less than 0.6mm
thick.

(5) Downpipes located inside a building and encased in a manner making those
downpipes inaccessible shall be of an approved non-corrosive material with all
junctions and bends accessible.

51. TREATMENT OF GROUND BENEATH THE BUILDING.

Where the Board considers it necessary, the surface of the ground beneath a building
shall be alternatively–

(a) Regraded and provided with adequate outlets to prevent accumulation of water
beneath the floors; or

(b) Covered with approved damp resisting material.

52. SUBSOIL DRAINAGE.

Where the Board considers such action necessary, the subsoil at the site of a new
building shall be drained by means of a system of subsoil drains properly laid to an
approved outfall and the layout and type of drains and the method to be used for
disposing of the subsoil water shall be approved by the Board.

Division 3.

Weatherproofing, Damp-proofing and flashing.

53. ROOFS AND EXTERNAL WALLS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 28
 (1) A roof shall be so constructed as to prevent the penetration of rain or other water
to the inner parts of a building.

(2) An external wall (including an opening around a window and door) shall be so
constructed as to prevent the penetration of rain or other water to the inner parts
of a building.

(3) The Board may grant exemption from part or all of the requirements of
Subsection (1) or (2) in the following cases:–

(a) a building of Class VII, VIII or X occupancy, where the Board is

satisfied in the particular case that there is no necessity to require
compliance;

(b) a garage, tool shed, privy-closet, or the like, forming a portion of a

building used for other purposes.

54. BATHROOMS, SHOWER ROOMS, LAUNDRIES, WATER CLOSETS, ETC.

(1) The floor surfaces of a bathroom, shower room, slop sink compartment,
laundry, closet compartment and urinal compartment shall be of a material
impervious to moisture properly graded and drained and, except in the case of
earth closet compartment, the junctions of the floor with the walls shall be so
treated as to prevent the penetration of moisture into the walls.

(2) The walls–

(a) immediately adjoining or behind a bath; or

(b) of a shower compartment, including the walls about an open shower,

shall be finished to a height of not less than 1,800mm above the floor with
cement render, ceramic tiles or other approved impervious finish.

(3) Except in a building of Class I, II or IV occupancy the walls of a closet

compartment and urinal compartment shall be finished internally to a height of
not less than 1,800mm above the floor with cement render, ceramic tiles or other
approved impervious finish.

55. DAMP-PROOFING OF WALLS AND FLOORS.

(1) Except in a building that is subject to an exemption granted by the Board

pursuant to Section 53, damp-proof courses shall be laid in masonry walls and
piers in such a manner that moisture from the ground–

(a) shall be prevented from reaching the lowest floor timbers and the walls
above the lowest floor joists; and

(b) shall be prevented from reaching the walls above the damp-proof
courses; and

(c) in the case of any suspended floor constructed of a material other than
timber, shall be prevented from reaching the underside of such floor or
the supporting beams or girders.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 29

 (2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, where approved
termite shields are used–

(a) on piers; or

(b) on masonry walls that extend no higher than the underside of the lowest
floor timbers,

a damp-proof course shall not be required in those piers or masonry walls.

(3) Where, pursuant to Subsection (1), a damp-proof course is used, it shall be

overlapped not less than 100mm at any joints.

(4) Where a concrete slab or paved floor is laid on the ground or on filling, moisture
from the ground shall be prevented from reaching the inner surfaces of the floor
and adjacent walls by the insertion of damp-proof courses or membranes or by
other approved damp-proofing means.

(5) The Board may exempt from the requirements of Subsection (4)–

(a) a building of Class VII, VIII or X occupancy where it is satisfied in a

particular case that there is no necessity to prevent moisture from
reaching the inner surfaces of the floor and adjacent walls; and

(b) a garage, tool shed, privy-closet, or the like, forming a portion of a

building used for other purposes; and

(c) any building, if it is satisfied that the condition of the subsoil or the
construction of the floor is such that moisture will be prevented from
reaching the inner surfaces of the floor or walls without the insertion of
damp-proof courses or membranes or the use of other damp-proofing
means; and

(d) the base of any stair, lift or like shaft which is satisfactorily drained by
gravitational or mechanical means.

Division 4.

Provision of Bathrooms, Closets, Kitchens and Laundries.

56. INTERPRETATION.

In this Division–

“closet fixture” means a water closet pan, sanitary pan, cesspit or other receptacle for
nightsoil;

“laundry” means a room designed, constructed or adapted primarily for the washing
or clothes or other laundering purposes;

“urinal” means a stall capable of accommodating one individual user at a time,

provided that where a continuous form of urinal is installed each 600mm of clear length
is deemed to be one urinal.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 30

57. GENERAL.

(1) In a building of Class I, II or IV occupancy a bathroom or shower room may

include clothes washing facilities or a water closet, or both, if the floor area is
increased in accordance with Section 67.

(2) Facilities for the washing of clothes shall not be installed in a kitchen or any
room for the preparation, cooking or consumption of food.

(3) A bathroom shall have installed a plunge bath or alternatively a shower and
access shall be provided to a water supply suitable for personal washing.

(4) Closets constructed in a group shall be separated by means of partitions

extending to a height of not less than 1,800mm and each closet shall be provided
with a door.

(5) Water closets for the different sexes, where adjoining, shall be separated by full
height walls and conveniences for each sex shall be properly designated by
conspicuous lettering or by other approved means.

(6) The construction and installation of water closets, urinals, shower

compartments, sinks, troughs and the like shall conform to the Public Health
Act 1973 and the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986.

(7) Pan closets constructed appurtenant to a building shall not be less than–

(a) 3m from a boundary; and

(b) 6m from a building (except an outbuilding).

58. BUILDING OF CLASS I OCCUPANCY.

(1) Every building of Class I occupancy shall be provided with–

(a) a kitchen or facilities in another room for the preparation and cooking of
food; and

(b) a bath or shower; and

(c) approved clothes washing facilities; and

(d) a closet fixture.

(2) Where any of the facilities referred to in Subsection (1) are not included in the
main building, they shall be set aside for the exclusive use of the occupants of
the building of Class I occupancy.

59. BUILDING OF CLASS II OCCUPANCY.

(1) Every sole occupancy of a building of Class II occupancy shall be provided

with–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 31

 (a) a kitchen or facilities in another room for the preparation and cooking of
food; and

(b) a bath or shower; and

(c) a closet fixture,

and these facilities shall, except for a closet fixture in an unsewered area, be
provided within the sole occupancy.

(2) In a building of Class II occupancy there shall be provided at least one common
laundry on every alternate floor, equipped with approved means of laundering
and drying of clothes, provided that not less than one such laundry shall be
provided for every four flats in the building, except that where adequate and
satisfactory means of laundering are provided in each flat in the building,
communal laundries need not be provided.

(3) A laundry may be combined with any other room, provided that it has separate
drainage and provisions are made for storage of dirty clothes.

Division 5.

Building of Class III Occupancy.

60. BATHROOMS.

A building of Class III occupancy–

(a) containing accommodation for not more than eight persons shall be provided
with a bathroom; and

(b) containing accommodation for more than eight persons shall be provided with–

(i) one bathroom; and

(ii) additional bathrooms in proportion of one bathroom for every additional

eight persons (or fraction thereof) if the building is connected to a public
water supply or one bathroom for every additional 20 persons (or
fraction thereof) if the building is not connected to a public water supply;
and

(c) may contain one soil fitting in a bathroom without an increase in the area of the
bathroom.

61. WASH BASINS.

(1) In a building of Class III occupancy, wash basins connected with an approved
drainage system, or alternatively some other approved means of performing
personal ablutions, shall be provided.

(2) Where wash basins are not provided in all bedrooms in a building of Class III
occupancy, the number of wash basins shall be not less than the number of
bathrooms required by Section 60.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 32

 (3) Premises licensed under the Liquor (Licensing) Act 1963 shall be provided with
wash basins for the use of the public frequenting the premises as required by or
under the Act.

Division 6.

Buildings of Class VI, VII, VIII and IX Occupancy.

62. WATER CLOSETS, URINALS AND WASH BASINS.

Every building of Classes VI, VII, VIII and IX shall be provided with water closets,
urinals, wash basins and the like in accordance with the Public Health Act 1973 and the
regulations thereunder and the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986.

63. FLOORS AND WALLS IN SHOPS SELLING PERISHABLE FOOD.

In shops where perishable food is sold or displayed for sale, floors and walls shall
comply with the Food Sanitation Act 1991.

Note The Pure Food Act (Chapter 233) was repealed and replaced by the Food
Sanitation Act 1991 (Act No. 29 of 1991).

Division 7.

Sizes of Rooms and Habitable Areas.

64. INTERPRETATION.

For the purposes of this Division, unless the contrary intention appears–

“dormitory” means a habitable area or compartment in a school or institute of learning

used for sleeping, or sleeping and private study;

“habitable area” means a fully or partially enclosed area used or intended to be used
for human habitation and protected from weather by a roof, except a water closet,
kitchen, bathroom, laundry, pantry and access way;

“habitable compartment” means part of a habitable area separate from other parts by
partition walls not exceeding 2,100mm in height.

65. MINIMUM NUMBER OF HABITABLE AREAS.

The number of habitable areas for a dwelling in a building shall be not less than–

(a) in the case of a building of Class I occupancy–two; or

(b) in the case of a building of Classes II, III and IV occupancy–one.

66. MINIMUM SIZE OF HABITABLE AREAS.

A habitable area shall have a floor area not less than–

(a) in the case of a building of Classes I, II, III, or IV occupancy where there is
more than one habitable area in the dwelling unit–7.2mÒ, provided that–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 33

 (i) the dimensions of the area are not less than 2,200mm in either length or
width and the total floor area left uncovered by built-in furniture is not
less than 6.2mÒ; and

(ii) the second and subsequent habitable areas may be divided into habitable
compartments; and

(iii) the floor area of a habitable compartment specified in Subparagraph (ii)

is not less than 4.3mÒ and the dimensions are not less than 1,800mm in
either length or width; and

(b) in the case of a building of Classes I, II and IV occupancy with only one
habitable area in the dwelling unit–14.4mÒ provided that the dimensions of the
area are not less than 2,400mm in either length or width and the total floor area
left uncovered by built-in furniture is not less than 13.0mÒ; and

(c) in the case of a building of Class III occupancy with only one habitable area in
the dwelling unit–

(i) for boarding houses, guest houses, hostels, lodging houses, the
residential portions of institutional buildings and the like–10.0mÒ
provided that the dimensions of the area are not less than 2,300mm in
either length or width and the total floor area left uncovered by built-in
furniture is not less than 9.0mÒ; and

(ii) for flats and the residential portions of hotels and motels–12.4mÒ
provided that the dimensions of the area are not less than 2,600mm in
either length or width and total floor area left uncovered by built-in
furniture is not less than 12.0mÒ; and

(iii) for dormitories; the minimum floor area, room dimensions and floor
areas left uncovered by built-in furniture shall conform to the
requirements of the following Table:–

TABLE (SECTION 66) – MINIMUM SIZE OF HABITABLE AREAS

FOR SCHOOL DORMITORIES

Number of Minimum Floor Area Minimum Room Minimum Floor Area

occupants (m2) Dimension (mm) (m2)
For grades up to and including Grade 10.
4 6.1 2350 3.1
6 10.4 1850 5.9
8 13.8 2600 7.8
10 and above 1.9 per occupant 3400 1.1 per occupant
Above Grade 10, and adult dormitories: private study area included
2-6 3.35 per occupant 2600 1.55 per occupant
8 and above 3600 2.3 per occupant

and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 34

 (d) in the case of public buildings, sufficient to provide not less than 0.5mÒ of floor
area per person except in seated areas where not less than 1mÒ shall be provided
for each three persons, not including stage, aisles and other access areas.

67. MINIMUM SIZE OF BATHROOMS AND SHOWER ROOMS.

(1) A bathroom or shower room in a building of Class I, II, III or IV occupancy

shall have a minimum floor area as follows:–

(a) bathroom–2.2m2;

(b) Bathroom provided with a bath and a shower that is not above the bath–
2.8m2;

(c) shower room–1.1m2.

(2) It shall not be necessary to increase the area of a bathroom or shower room to
accommodate a wash basin, but where a water closet pan is installed, or the
bathroom or shower room is designed to accommodate clothes washing
facilities, the minimum floor areas prescribed by Subsection (1) shall be
increased for each such facility as follows:–

(a) water closet pan–0.7m2; and

(b) washing machine without washtub (where this is additional to the

provisions elsewhere of the clothes washing facilities required by
Division 3)–0.7mÒ; and

(c) washing machine and washtub–1.1m2; and

(d) copper and washtub–1.1m2; and

(e) clothes-drying cabinet–0.5m2.

68. MINIMUM SIZE OF WATER CLOSETS.

A water closet in any class of building shall have–

(a) a minimum floor area of 1.2m2; and

(b) a minimum width of 750mm; and

(c) a minimum height measured from the floor to the top of the top wall plate of
2,100mm.

69. MINIMUM HEIGHT OF HABITABLE AREAS.

In a building of Classes I, II, III and IV occupancy the height of a habitable area
measured vertically from floor to ceiling or the underside of rafters, ceiling joists or
floor joists, but not including structural members not closer than 1,800mm centres,
whichever is the lowest, shall not be less than 2,200mm at any point, except where the
habitable area is located in a roof space or an attic the height shall not be less than
2,200mm for not less than one-half of that area and shall not be less than 1,650mm at
any point.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 35

70. MINIMUM HEIGHTS OF ROOMS IN OFFICES, SHOPS AND FACTORIES.

In a building of Classes V, VI and VII occupancy the height of a room measured

vertically from floor to ceiling or to the underside of rafters or ceiling joists, whichever
is the lower, shall not be less than 2,700mm at any point, except that–

(a) where the ceiling is pitched or sloping, the height shall be taken as the average
height and shall not be less than 2,400mm at any point; and

(b) where an air handling system is installed as an integral part of a room in a Class
V or VI occupancy, the ceiling shall not be less than 2,400mm at any point,
provided–

(i) no part of the air handling system projects below the ceiling; and

(ii) there are no circulating ceiling fans projecting below the ceiling with
unprotected impeller blades; and

(c) in a room used as a bakehouse, butchers smallgoods house or for ham and bacon
curing, fish curing, meat preserving, jam making, fruit preserving, dairy
produce manufacturing or the like, the height shall not be less than 3,600mm at
any point; and

(d) the Board shall vary these requirements as necessary to comply with the
requirements of the Industrial Safety Health and Welfare Act 1961 where a
room or a building of Classes VI, VII, or IX occupancy is a factory as defined
in that Act; and

(e) a Board may, where it is of the opinion that a variation is desirable to meet the
circumstances in a particular case, upon application being made to it in writing
in each case, vary the provisions of this section relating to the height of a room
from the floor to the ceiling or to the underside of rafters or ceiling joists.

71. PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

In a public building–

(a) the minimum allowable height from the floor to the lowest projection on the
ceiling of any storey of a building shall be according to the following Table
where, for the purposes of this section only:–

(i) Class IXA(i), shall include an institutional building such as a benevolent

home, hospital, nursing home, orphanage, prison, sanitorium or other
building of instruction, and kitchen, messing, laundry and ablution
facilities associated with any such building;

(ii) Class IXA(ii) shall include residential colleges and school classrooms;

(iii) Class IXB(i) shall include assembly buildings such as an assembly,

concert or music hall or enclosure, gallery, church, temple, church hall,
meeting house, theatre and any building of like nature;

(iv) Class IXB(ii) shall include libraries, lodge rooms, non-residential clubs,
recreation clubs, pavilions or any building of a like nature;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 36

 (v) Class IXB(iii) shall include stands for spectators in assembly or sports
grounds, gymnasia, open air theatres and buildings of a like nature;

(b) the height of passages and corridors measured as specified in Section 71(a) shall
not be less than 2,400mm at any point.

TABLE (SECTION 71) – MINIMUM HEIGHTS OF ROOMS IN PUBLIC

BUILDINGS.

Type of Occupancy Minimum Height

Class IXA(i) 2,700mm average with a minimum of 2,400mm
Class IXA(ii) 2,400mm to ceiling or underside of joists, trusses or rafters
Class IXB(i) 3,600mm
Class IXB(ii) 3,000mm
Class IXB(iii) 3,600mm average with a minimum of 2,100mm.

72. PROJECTIONS BELOW MINIMUM HEIGHTS.

In a building of Classes I, II, III, IV, V, VII and VIII occupancy–

(a) beams, trusses, service pipes, ducts and the like may project below minimum
heights set by this Regulation for ceiling, ceiling joists and rafters provided that–

(i) the area in plan of those projections does not exceed 20% of the floor
area of the room; and

(ii) the clear height measured vertically from the floor to the underside of
any projection is not less than 2,100mm at any point; and

(b) the height measured vertically from floor to ceiling or to the underside of ceiling
joists, whichever is the lower, shall not be less than–

(i) 2,100mm in a lavatory block; or

(ii) 2,200mm in a corridor, passage, counter-and cashier-recess and the like.

73. MEZZANINE FLOORS.

(1) A mezzanine floor shall not be constructed in any storey where the clear height
of that storey from floor to ceiling is less than 4.5m.

(2) Not more than two mezzanine floors shall be constructed above one another in
any storey.

(3) The height from the main floor to the underside of the mezzanine or from the
floor of the mezzanine to the ceiling over it shall not be less than 2,300mm,
except that this may be reduced to 2,100mm if the space is to be used solely for
storage or display purposes.

(4) The width of a mezzanine floor shall not exceed the least value determined from
the following:–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 37

 (a) the value given in the following Table corresponding to its ceiling
height;

(b) if placed along opposite sides of a room, one sixth of the dimension
between the walls, so occupied;

(c) if placed across the end of a room, one third of the length of the room.

(5) Unless otherwise permitted by this Regulation, the area of a mezzanine floor
shall not exceed the proportion of the room area given in the following Table
corresponding to the ceiling height of the mezzanine as noted therein.

(6) Lighting, ventilation and means of egress for mezzanine floors shall comply
with the appropriate requirements of this Regulation.

TABLE (SECTION 73) – HEIGHT, WIDTH AND AREA OF

MEZZANINE FLOORS

Ceiling Height Maximum Floor Width

(mm) (mm)
2,100 2500 One third the area of floor
immediately below
2,300 3000 One fifth the area of floor
immediately below
2,500 3600 One quarter of area of floor
immediately below
2,750 or greater 4500 One third of area of floor
immediately below

74. MINIMUM HEIGHT OF BATHROOMS, SHOWER ROOMS WATER

CLOSETS AND LAUNDRIES.

(1) In a building of Class I, II, III or IV occupancy every–

(a) bathroom; and

(b) shower room; and
(c) water closet; and
(d) laundry,

shall be for at least two-thirds of the floor not less than 2,100mm in height and
shall not in any portion be less than 1,500mm in height, except as permitted
pursuant to Subsection (2).

(2) Where any wall of a–

(a) bathroom; or
(b) shower room; or
(c) water closet; or
(d) laundry,

is not perpendicular to the floor, the minimum height of 1,500mm referred to in

Subsection (1) shall not apply to that portion of the room adjacent to such wall
if–
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 38
 (e) the angle formed by the floor and a line drawn from the junction of the
floor and the wall to a point on the wall 1,500mm above the floor level
is not less than 70% and

(f) the Board is satisfied that there will be no undue interference with the
intended functioning of the room.

(3) Where, pursuant to Subsection (2), any portion of a–

(a) bathroom; or
(b) shower room; or
(c) water closet; or
(d) laundry,

is less than 1,500mm in height, such portion shall not be counted as floor area
in calculating, for the purposes of Subsection (1), the proportion of the area of
the floor that is less than 2,100mm in height.

75. KIOSKS.

(1) For the purposes of this section, “kiosk” means a stall or enclosed compartment
for the sale or distribution of goods into which the public does not enter.

(2) A kiosk may be constructed in a position approved by the Board.

(3) A kiosk shall have–

(a) a height of not less than 2,400mm measured from floor to ceiling or to
the underside of rafters or ceiling joists, whichever is the lower; and

(b) a dimension not less than 1,050mm in either length or width; and

(c) a floor area not less than 1.4m2, except that, where the kiosk is occupied
by more than one person, the floor area shall be not less than 2m2 for
each such person; and

(d) adequate ventilation communicating directly with the external air.

Division 8.

Lighting.

Subdivision 1AA. – .

76. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Division–

“light transmitting area”, when applied to a window, shall mean the total area in the
plane of the window capable of transmitting light and shall be measured exclusive of
framing members, glazing bars and other obstructions;

“window” includes roof lights, glass panels, glass bricks, glass louvres, glazed sashes,
glazed doors, or other devices capable of transmitting natural light directly from the
exterior of a building to the area concerned, but does not include doors or other devices
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 39
 not capable of transmitting natural light from the exterior of a building to the area
concerned when in the closed position.

77. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING.

In all classes of occupancy (except in buildings of Classes I and IV occupancy and flats
in buildings of Class II occupancy) where artificial lighting is provided, the illumination
value of artificial lighting shall be not less than and not more than 10% in excess of the
illumination value set out opposite the description of the appropriate task in AS 1680–
“Code of Practice for Interior Lighting and the Visual Environment”.

78. PROVISION OF NATURAL LIGHT.

(1) Natural lighting shall be provided, in the following buildings, to the areas
listed:–

(a) Building of Classes I, II and IV occupancy–all habitable areas;

(b) Building of Classes III occupancy–bedrooms and dormitories;

(c) Building of Class IX occupancy–all bedrooms, dormitories, wards and

other rooms used for sleeping purposes.

(2) Natural lighting required by Subsection (1) shall be provided by means of

windows having an aggregate light transmitting area of not less than one-tenth
of the floor area of the room concerned.

79. SITUATION OF WINDOWS.

The required windows of a room shall face–

(a) a court or space open to the sky; or

(b) an open verandah, carport or the like provided such verandah, carport or the like
shall not be enclosed above a height of 900mm above its floor, and the roof to
such verandah, carport or the like shall be at least 2,000mm above its floor.

80. NATURAL LIGHTING FROM ADJOINING ROOMS.

Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 81, a room in a building of Classes I, II or

IV may be lighted by way of a glazed area or other opening facing directly into an
adjoining room (including an enclosed verandah) subject to the following conditions:–

(a) such glazed area or other clear opening shall be not less in area than one-tenth
of the floor area of the room concerned;

(b) the adjoining room shall be provided with windows having an aggregate light
transmitting area of not less than one-tenth of the combined floor areas of the
rooms concerned;

(c) the areas specified in Paragraphs (a) and (b) may be reduced by the area of any
window in the first-mentioned room transmitting natural light directly to that
room.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 40

81. PROVISIONS OF ARTIFICIAL LIGHT.

(1) Where, in any area not mentioned in Section 78(1), natural lighting by means
of windows to a standard equivalent to that required by Section 78 for areas
mentioned in that section is not provided, a system of artificial lighting shall be
provided to the areas listed in the following buildings:–

(a) buildings of Classes I and IV occupancy–water closets, bathrooms,

shower rooms, airlocks and laundries;

(b) buildings of Class II occupancy–water closets, bathrooms, shower

rooms, airlocks, laundries, common stairways and other spaces designed
for the common use of the occupants of the building;

(c) buildings of Classes III, V, VI, VII, IX and X occupancy–all rooms

intended to be occupied by any person for any purpose and all corridors,
lobbies, internal stairways and other spaces intended for movement or
egress.

(2) The Board may exempt a room from the requirements of Subsection (1) if it is
satisfied that by reason of–

(a) the nature of the use of the room; or

(b) the periods of occupation,

there will be no undue hazard to occupants seeking egress in case of emergency.

82. ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING OF STAIRWAYS AND RAMPS.

Required stairway and ramps shall be provided with artificial lighting by means of
separate electrical wiring circuits from the main switchboard for the exclusive use of
the stairway or ramp.

Subdivision 1. – Light Courts.

83. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Subdivision, unless the contrary intention appears–

“angle of light” with reference to a window in the wall of a light court, means the angle
formed by the vertical plane of the face of the wall and a line drawn from a point in the
vertical plane and on the basic light level of the wall bisecting diagonally a rectangle
having for two of its sides the basic height and the basic width of the light court;

“basic height of light court” with reference to a wall of a light court, means vertical
distance from the basic light level of the wall to the level of the top of the parapet or
eaves of the opposite wall of the light court;

“basic light level” of a wall of a light court means the level of the lowest horizontal
line on the lowest window or windows in the wall which permits light to be admitted
through such a window or windows into the room or floor lighted thereby as required
by this Regulation;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 41

 “basic width of light court”, with reference to a wall of a light court, means the
shortest horizontal distance measured at right angles from the face of the wall at the
basic light level to the vertical plane of the face of the wall or parapet of the topmost
storey on the opposite boundary of the light court, or, if none, to the vertical plane of
the opposite boundary of the light court;

“light court” means a court wholly open at the top, constructed or adapted for
admitting light to a building, and includes the parts of any light court of adjoining
buildings abutting on the common court, provided that reciprocal light easements
thereover have been permanently created, and includes also a street over which the
building is permanently entitled to access of light;

“light transmitting area”, when applied to windows, shall mean the total area in the
plane of the window capable of transmitting light and shall be measured exclusive of
framing members, glazing bars and other obstructions;

“wall of a light court” includes the wall or walls enclosing one side of a light court,
notwithstanding that at the level of any upper storeys any part of the wall is set back
from the vertical plane of the lowest wall;

“width of light court” means the shortest distance measured at right angles from the
face of a wall of a light court at any given level to the face of the opposite wall, at the
same level, or, if there is no opposite wall, to the vertical plane of the opposite boundary
of the light court.

84. ANGLES OF LIGHT.

Except by permission of the Board, a window in a building of Classes I, II, III, IV, V
and VIII occupancy abutting on a light court shall have an angle of light not less than
the angle of light resultant from the ratio of basic height to basic width of light court as
set out in the following Table applicable to that window and shall receive at that angle
of light unobstructed light from the sky, provided that–

(a) where the opposite boundary of the light court on which the window abuts is
also the boundary of an adjoining property, the window need not receive
unobstructed light, but shall be deemed to have the required angle of light if a
window at the same basic light level erected on the opposite boundary would
have the angle of light resultant from the ratio applicable according to the class
of building under Division 2 of the following Table; and

(b) the foregoing provisions of this section do not, unless otherwise directed by the
Board, apply to the office section of a building in any class of occupancy if that
office section constitutes only a minor part of the occupancy; and

(c) windows of rooms not specified in Section 78(1) and windows of rooms on the
ground and first storeys of a building of Classes V or VIII occupancy of more
than five storeys in height shall not be required to have the angle of light
prescribed by this section:–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 42

 TABLE 84 (SECTION 84) – MINIMUM ANGLE OF LIGHTS.

Location of window and class of building Ratio of basic height to

basic width
DIVISION 1
Where windows other than those in Division
3 of this Table are erected in opposite sides
of light court–
(a) in a building of Classes I, II and IV 3 to 1
occupancy
(b) in a building of Classes III, V and VII 4½ to 1
occupancy
DIVISION 2
Where windows other than those mentioned
in Division 3 of this Table are erected in one
only of two opposite sides of a light court–
(a) in a building of Classes I, II and IV 2½ to 1
occupancy
(b) in a building of Classes III, V and VII 3½ to 1
occupancy
DIVISION 3
Where windows are lighted from a light court
which opens on to a street not less than 10m
in width and is of uniform width for its full
depth from such street alignment, not more
than twice the width of such light court–
(a) All classes occupancy 6 to 1

85. WIDTH OF LIGHT COURT.

The minimum width of a light court is–

(a) in the case of a building of Classes I, II, IV, V and VIII occupancy, at the basic
light level measured from a wall in which a window is constructed, not less than
13% of the basic height of the light court; and

(b) in the case of a building of Class VII occupancy, not less than 13% or, where
the light court abuts on a right-of-way, 10% of the basic height of the court; and

(c) for all buildings more than one storey in height, not less 1,800mm; and

(d) in the case of a light court having windows in one wall or opposite walls only,
from any wall which neither contains a window required to have an angle of
light nor is opposite to a wall containing such a window, not less than 1,800mm,
and where the number of storeys abutting on such a light court exceeds three,
not less at the level of each additional storey than the width at the level of the
storey immediately below, plus 300mm.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 43

86. BUILDINGS ABUTTING ON A STREET INTERSECTED BY ANOTHER
STREET.

Where a building abuts wholly or partly on a street which is a light court and the street
is intersected by or connected with another street at right angles, the Board may permit
windows not having the required angle of light to be constructed in that section of the
wall of the building abutting on the light court and located within a distance of half the
width of the court on one or both sides of the intersecting street.

87. LIGHT COURTS SERVING LAVATORIES AND THE LIKE.

The provisions of Sections 84, 85 and 86 do not apply to light courts serving lavatories
and sanitary conveniences and such a court shall have a minimum width of 1,200mm.

88. STRUCTURES IN LIGHT COURTS.

Vents, ducts, flues, service pipes and the like shall be permitted in light courts provided
that–

(a) those structures are of non-combustible materials; and

(b) where the combined area of those structures based on their horizontal projection
between any two floors of the building exceeds 10% of the area of the light court at the
plane of that horizontal projection, the area of the light court shall be increased by not
less than the excess.

Division 9.

Ventilation.

89. PROVISION OF VENTILATION.

(1) Every habitable area, office, shop, factory, workroom, sanitary compartment,
bathroom, shower room, laundry, kitchen and any other room designed to be
occupied by any person for any purpose shall be provided with either–

(a) natural ventilation complying with this Regulation; or

(b) a mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning system complying with

Division 10.

(2) The Board may exempt a room from the requirements of Subsection (1) if it is
satisfied that such exemption will not result in conditions that are detrimental to
the health of the occupants of the room.

90. NATURAL VENTILATION.

(1) Unless otherwise stated in this Regulation, natural ventilation required by
Section 89 shall be provided by means of permanent openings or windows,
doors or other devices which are capable of being opened, having an
aggregate opening or opening area of not less than–

(a) where buildings are below 500m above sea level–20%; or

(b) where buildings are at or above 500m above sea level–10%,
of the floor area of the room they are required to ventilate.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 44
 (2) Unless otherwise stated in this Regulation required natural ventilation devices
shall open to–
(a) a court, vent shaft or space open to the sky; or
(b) an open verandah, open carport or the like.

(3) A vent shaft or a fully enclosed court serving as the source of required natural
ventilation to an abutting room shall comply with the following requirements:–
(a) the top shall be open to the sky;
(b) if it has a cross-sectional area of less than 18mÒ it shall be provided
with permanent ventilation openings comprising one or more horizontal
air intakes or passages which–
(i) communicate directly with a road or open space leading to a
road; and
(ii) are situated at or below the level of the lowest required natural
ventilation device serviced by such vent shaft or fully enclosed
court; and
(iii) have an aggregate cross-sectional area of not less than 0.5mÒ or
5% of the horizontal cross-sectional area of the shaft, whichever
is the greater; and
(iv) are not less than 0.1mÒ in cross-sectional area in any one such
air intake or passage;

(c) it shall have a minimum internal horizontal–

(i) dimension of 1,200mm; and

(ii) cross-sectional area of 1.5mÒ;

(d) no other room shall open on to the same vent shaft as a water closet,
urinal apartment, airlock or bathroom;

(e) the area of a ventilating shaft and the maximum number of water closets
or urinals to be served by any one shaft shall be as shown in the
following Table but no dimension of the shaft shall be less than
1,200mm.

TABLE (SECTION 90) – AREA OF VENTILATING SHAFT

Height of ventilating Minimum area of Maximum permissible number of closet

ventilating shaft pans or urinal stalls on any vent shaft
1 or 2 1.4m2 4
3 or 4 1st and 2nd storeys 10
1.4m2
3rd storey 1.8m2
Top storey 2.1m2

(4) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (1), a room in a building of

Class I, II or IV occupancy or in a sole-occupancy unit of a building of Class III
occupancy may be ventilated by way of a clear opening or a window, door or
other device capable of being opened, which faces directly into an adjoining
room (including an enclosed verandah) subject to the following conditions:–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 45

 (a) such clear opening, window, door or other device shall have a
ventilating area of not less than that specified in Subsection (1) for the
room concerned;

(b) the adjoining room shall be provided with a clear opening or a window,
door or other device having a ventilating area of not less than one-
twentieth of the combined floor areas of the rooms concerned;

(c) in the case of a building of Class II, III or IV occupancy the adjoining
rooms shall be within the same sole-occupancy unit.

(5) The ventilating areas specified in Subsection 4(a) and (b) may be reduced by
the ventilating area of any clear opening, window, door or other device capable
of being opened in the first mentioned room which opens directly to the exterior
of the building.

(6) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (1), a partitioned space or room

in a building of Class V, VI, VII, VIII or IX occupancy may be ventilated by
way of a clear opening or an openable device (excluding a door) which faces
into another room that is naturally ventilated in accordance with Subsections (1)
and (2) or mechanically ventilated or air-conditioned in accordance with
Division 10 subject to the following conditions:–

(a) the opening or openable device shall have an airway of not less than one-
tenth of the floor area of the partitioned space or room; and

(b) in measuring the area of the opening or openable device for the purposes
of this subsection, any part thereof that is more than 3,600mm above the
level of the floor shall be excluded from the calculations.

91. NATURAL VENTILATION FOR KITCHENS AND LAUNDRIES.

Natural ventilation for kitchens and laundries in buildings of all classes of occupancy
shall comply with Section 89 except that the aggregate ventilating area as described in
that section need not exceed one-tenth of the floor area of the room required to be
ventilated.

92. AIRLOCKS FOR WATER CLOSETS AND URINAL APARTMENTS.

(1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a water closet or urinal apartment within
a building shall not open directly into a room used–

(a) for human habitation; or

(b) for the manufacture, preparation or storage of food for human

consumption; or

(c) as a factory, workshop or work place,

unless an airlock is provided having a floor area not less than 0.67mÒ
for each closet pan or urinal, and where there are multiple units not less
than 1.8mÒ in area.

(2) An airlock specified in Subsection (1) may be omitted–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 46

 (a) in a building of Class III occupancy where a water closet is in a bathroom
opening off a bedroom; or

(b) where the water closet, urinal apartment or other apartment containing
soil fittings is mechanically ventilated as specified by this Regulation,
and the closet or apartment does not open off a room used for the
manufacture, preparation, storage or consumption of food, or as a
factory, workshop or work place.

(3) In a building of Class I or Class II occupancy a hall, passage, lobby or staircase

may be considered as an airlock, if it has a floor area not less than 1.8mÒ and
the ventilation conforms to Section 93.

93. NATURAL VENTILATION OF AIRLOCKS.

(1) An airlock shall be provided with a vent or vents near the ceiling level carried
as directly as practicable to the open air, having an effective airway not less than
7,400mmÒ or 1:500 of the floor area of the airlock (whichever is the greater)
and not discharging directly on to a room used for the manufacture, preparation
or storage of food for human consumption.

(2) Glazed louvers fixed in an open position near the ceiling level may be used in
place of ventilation required by this section if the louvres have a clear ventilating
area of not less than 16,000mm for each closet pan or urinal stall.

94. NATURAL VENTILATION OF WATER CLOSETS, ETC.

(1) A water closet or urinal apartment shall be provided with a vent or vents
conforming to Section 93(1).

(2) Glazed louvres extending near the level of the ceiling may be used in place of
ventilation specified in Subsection (1) if the louvres provided an equivalent area
of ventilation.

95. ALTERNATIVE VENTILATION OF WATER CLOSETS, ETC.

Notwithstanding Sections 93 and 94, where an airlock, water closet or urinal apartment
is provided with artificial lighting having a separate switch within each compartment
or airlock, it may be ventilated by mechanical ventilation conforming to the
requirements of Division 7 or in the case of buildings not exceeding four storeys in
height by means of a ventilating shaft conforming to the requirements of Section 90(3).

96. NATURAL VENTILATION OF BATHROOMS AND SHOWER ROOMS.

(1) Natural ventilation for a bathroom in all classes of occupancy shall comply with
Section 90 except that the aggregate ventilating area as described in that section
shall be one tenth of the floor area of the bathroom to be ventilated.

(2) Natural ventilation to a shower room or a shower recess shall be as provided for
bathrooms in Subsection (1) except that fixed louvre-type ventilation of not less
than 7,500mmÒ shall be provided.

(3) Where–

(a) a shower recess opens from a bedroom or a bathroom; or

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 47

 (b) a bath is installed in a bedroom and is enclosed by doors,

the ventilation specified in Subsection (2), if not provided directly to the recess,
shall be provided in the bedroom or bathroom.

97. VENTILATION IN ARCADES.

Where any shop, room or space opens to an arcade, the Board may, subject to such
conditions as it considers desirable, exempt such shop, room or space from the
requirements of Division 6.

98. VENTILATION OF FACTORIES.

Each room in a building of Class VIII occupancy shall be provided with controllable
ventilation conforming to the requirements of Section 103 or a system of mechanical
ventilation conforming to the requirement of Division 10 or to the satisfaction of the
Departmental Head of the Department responsible for labour matters and the Board, in
accordance with the Environmental Contaminants Act 1978.

99. CONTROLLABLE VENTILATION FOR FACTORIES.

A room or place in a building of Class VIII occupancy–

(a) in addition to the permanent ventilation openings specified in Section 90(2),

windows or doorways openable to the outside air shall be provided for
ventilation to give a minimum area of unobstructed airway not less than 5% of
the floor area of the room and half of this area shall, if practicable, be between
floor level and 2,200mm from the floor, with openings so distributed that there
is a passage of air across all parts of the room; and

(b) where a workroom with windows on one wall or on two contiguous walls only
is more than 9m wide, or where a workroom is more than 18m wide, a
mechanical plenum ventilating system, fans, punkahs or other means of
inducing air movement shall be provided.

100. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VENTILATING FACTORIES.

Notwithstanding Sections 98 and 99, a factory and a portion of a factory shall be so

ventilated as to render harmless any gases, vapours, dust or impurities generated in the
course of the manufacturing process, and such fans or mechanical ventilating system or
other approved means of ventilation shall be installed to prevent the inhalation of gases,
vapours, dust or impurities by any person working in the factory as the Departmental
Head of the Department responsible for labour matters is satisfied comply with the
requirements of the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1961.

101. VENTILATORS IN FACTORIES.

(1) Inlet ventilators shall–

(a) consist of ducts, shafts or hoppers opening slanting upwards but

otherwise as directly as possible into the room either through the
external walls or through the windows in those walls; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 48

 (b) as far as practicable be evenly distributed along the external walls in
such a position as to ensure a passage of air across all parts of the
workrooms; and

(c) have the upper edges of their external openings below the lower edges
of the internal openings for the fully-open position of the latter; and

(d) have the lower edges of the internal openings from 2,000mm to
2,200mm above the level of the floor of the room being ventilated.

(2) Outlet ventilators shall consist of flues, shafts or tubes distributed as evenly as
practicable and extending vertically without avoidable bends or angles from the
ceiling line through the roof to a height not lower than the level of the ridge
unless dispensed with or varied with the special approval in writing of the
Board, with the lower portions of those flues, shafts or tubes formed as bell
mouths gradually tapered upwards, each bell mouth presenting an opening
having twice the area required at the outlet of the flue, shaft or tubes except
that–

(a) in a building consisting of a ground floor only and in the uppermost

storey of a building containing more than one storey, 1/3 of the total
required area of the outlet opening may be provided by means of
openings situated in the window heads not more than 450mm below the
ceiling or immediately below the wall plates and extending through the
external walls and properly shielded outside, a space of not less than
50mm being provided between the inner face of the shield and the
nearest opposite surface; and

(b) on each storey below the uppermost storey in a building containing more
than one storey the outlets may be entirely provided by means of such
openings immediately below the wall plates or in the window-heads;
and

(c) in a building that has no ceiling or in which the ceiling or roof lining is
attached to the purlins or rafters and continued up to the apex of the roof,
approved ridge ventilators may be substituted for flues, shafts or tubes
required by this section.

(3) Unless otherwise specified under the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act
1961 for special trades, the effective airway of inlet and outlet ventilation of a
room shall be not less than 1:500 of the floor area.

(4) All inlet or outlet ventilators and openings shall be so constructed as to be

capable of being readily cleaned out and shall not communicate with any cavity
or space in the thickness of the wall nor with the space between any ceiling and
floor or roof covering above the ceiling.

(5) Flues, ducts, shafts, tubes or hoppers shall be constructed of sheet metal no
thinner than 0.6mm or other approved material, and shall be fitted with
regulating valves and appliances for opening and closing them in varying
degrees.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 49

102. VENTILATION OF LIGHT COURTS.

Where a light court, wholly or in part open at the top and constructed or used for
admitting light and air to a building of Class I, II, III, IV or V occupancy is constructed
in connection with such a building, and the height of the light court from the eaves or
top of the parapet to the ceiling at the ground storey exceeds the length or breadth of
the light courts, then–

(a) where the light court is at the time of construction enclosed on every side,
ventilation shall be provided by means of–

(i) a system of mechanical ventilation capable of giving six changes of air

per hour and designed to introduce plenum air from a clean source and
to distribute the air from the bottom of the light court in such a manner
as to ensure even distribution over all sections of the light well which
are pierced by windows, louvers or vents; or

(ii) a flue constructed between the lower end of the light court and the outer
air having a throughway the least sectional area of which measures not
less than 0 45mÒ or 5% of the average horizontal area of the light court,
whichever is the greater (but in no case shall the maximum sectional
area of the ventilating flue be required to exceed 1.8mÒ, and the flue
shall not be less than 450mm across in any direction and shall be
constructed in such a manner that it can be cleaned out); or

(b) where the light court is situated upon an allotment boundary and where
at the time of construction of the light court the walls of buildings on
adjoining allotments are such as to make the provisions of Paragraph (a)
applicable, either the flue required by Paragraph (a)(ii) shall be provided
during construction of the light court or approved provision shall be
made for the future installation, at such time as the light court becomes
completely enclosed, of the system of mechanical ventilation, required
by Paragraph(a)(ii) and the owner of the building in connection with
which the light court is constructed, shall, if and when called on by the
Board, complete the installation of the system of mechanical ventilation.

103. VENTILATION OF PUBLIC GARAGES AND PARKING STATIONS.

Every storey of a public garage or parking station shall be provided with either–

(a) a mechanical ventilation or air-conditioning system complying with Division

10; or

(b) a system of permanent natural ventilation to the approval of the Board.

Division 10.

Air Handling Systems.

104. MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT.

(1) The manufacture and installation of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning
system and ancillaries shall conform to the requirement of appropriate PNG
Standards or, in the event of there being no PNG Standard, to the requirements
of the relevant Australian or British standard.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 50
 (2) Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection (1), all mechanical ventilation
and air conditioning system shall be approved by the Board before
commencement of installation.

(3) Air handling systems shall conform to the requirements of PNGS 1189, Part 1–
“Fire Precautions in Buildings with Air Handling Systems”.

105. SUBMISSION OF DESIGN.

Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems shall be fully designed and all
relevant drawings and calculations, expected space usage, occupancy and proof that any
proposed purification treatment for introduced outside air and exhaust air is satisfactory shall
be submitted before final approval by the Board.

106. OPERATION AND INSPECTION OF EQUIPMENT.

Where a mechanical ventilation or air conditioning system is installed in a building–

(a) the system shall be operated at all times when the area is ventilates is occupied; and

(b) the owner of the building or his representative shall take the necessary steps to ensure the
efficient operation of the system in conformity with the requirements set down in this
Regulation; and

(c) the owner of the building or his representative shall allow the Board to inspect the system
on completion and at other reasonable times and shall co-operate with the Board in operating
the plant for testing purposes.

107. REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS TO BE AIR-CONDITIONED.

(1) Where an air-conditioning system is installed in any new building of any class or in an
existing building of Class V, VI, VII, VIII or IX occupancy, the following shall apply:–

(a) all external floors and ceiling/roofing to air conditioned areas shall be thermally insulated
compatible with the required comfort and environmental conditions of the space, and to
conserve the energy used for heating or cooling of the building; and

(b) all external walls (excluding glazed areas) to air conditioned areas, shall be thermally
insulated compatible with the required comfort and environmental conditions of the space, and
to conserve the energy used for heating or cooling the building; and

(c) all windows in external walls, unless fully shaded, shall be of the reflective, multiple glazed
reflective, heat absorbing types; and

(d) no louver type windows or shutters shall be fitted to air-conditioned areas; and

(e) all external doors in buildings of Classes V, VI, VII, VIII and IX occupancy shall be fitted
with self closing mechanisms.

(2) A certificate signed by a registered mechanical engineer, or such other person approved by
the Board and authorized to certify such installations, certifying that the design of the air-
conditioning system and the building comply with the requirements of Division 10 shall be
submitted for approval prior to the installation of any air-conditioning system in any new
building and in any existing building of Class V, VI, VIII or IX occupancy.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 51

 108. QUANTITY OF INTRODUCED AIR.

The ventilation requirements for mechanical ventilation and air-conditioning systems shall be
generally in accordance with PNGS 1189 Part 2–“Ventilation Requirements”.

109. DISTRIBUTION OF INTRODUCED AIR.

Generally outside air shall be evenly distributed through the enclosed space requiring
mechanical ventilation, provided that, where an area within an enclosed space has an
abnormally high density of occupants compared to the rest of the enclosed space, or the area
has a source of heat or moisture, the quantity of outside air distributed to this area shall be
proportionally increased.

110. LOCATION OF AIR INTAKES.

Outside air intakes shall be so located that air entering the building contains no more bacteria,
dust, heat, moisture odours or any contaminant than the normal outside air in the locality in
which the building is situated.

111. PURIFICATION OF INTRODUCED OUTSIDE AIR.

Where it is not feasible to provide the normal outside air specified in Section 110, the
introduced outside air shall be purified to at least the equivalent of the normal outside air prior
to entering the enclosed space.

112. CONTAMINATED AIR.

Where, within an area of enclosed space, there is a process which will produce contaminated
air, or if the space is so used that contaminated air will result, the ventilation system shall be
so arranged that there is no flow of contaminated air to the rest of the building.

113. EXHAUSTED AIR.

(1) Air shall not be exhausted from a building so as to constitute danger, health hazard or
nuisance to the occupants of adjoining buildings, properties or public spaces.

(2) Where, in the opinion of the Board, exhausted air may constitute danger, health hazard or
nuisance, purification equipment having the capacity to remove all contaminants from the air
shall be installed to the satisfaction of the Board.

Division 11.

Noise Transmission.

114. APPLICATION.

(1) Subject to this section, this Division shall apply to buildings of Classes II and III occupancy
having a rise of three or more storeys.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 52

(2) In buildings of Classes II and III occupancy having a rise of not more than two storeys the
Board may require that the building shall comply with any or all of the provisions of this
Division.

(3) Pursuant to Subsections (1) and (2), unless the contrary intention appears, this Division
shall apply to the external walls and roof, if any, of a room containing air-conditioning plant,
generating plant or the like, appurtenant to a building of any classification.

115. INTERPRETATION.

A form of construction required by this Division to have a certain Sound Transmission Class
shall, subject to Section 121, be–

(a) one that has achieved not less than the required value when tested in accordance with AS
1276–“Methods for Determination of Sound Transmission Class and Noise Isolation of class
of Building Partitions”; or

(b) one that is deemed, pursuant to Section 120, to have not less than the required value.

116. REQUIRED SOUND INSULATION.

(1) A wall dividing separate flats or a wall dividing a flat from a plant room, lift shaft, stairway,
public corridor, hallway or the like shall have a Sound Transmission Class of not less than 40.

(2) A wall dividing a bathroom, laundry or kitchen in one flat from a habitable area (other than
a kitchen) in an adjoining flat shall have a Sound Transmission Class of not less than 45.

(3) An external wall or roof, if any, to a plant room containing machinery for air-conditioning,
lift motors, power generation and the like shall have a Sound Transmission Class of not less
than 45, unless such machinery is suitably muffled or otherwise individually insulated against
sound transmission to the approval of the Board.

(4) The exhaust from a motor or cooling system contained in a plant room mentioned in
Subsection (3) shall be suitably baffled or muffled so that the resultant sound pressure level
measured at any point on the boundary of the site does not exceed 70db.

(5) A floor dividing separate flats shall have a Sound Transmission Class of not less than 40.

117. DUCTS.

A duct shall not pass through a wall dividing a habitable area, other than a kitchen, in one flat
from a bathroom, laundry or kitchen in an adjoining flat.

118. SOIL AND WASTE PIPES.

(1) This section shall not apply to those sections of a soil or waste pipe serving only one flat
and located wholly within that flat.

(2) Soil and waste pipes, including those that pass through a floor, shall be separated from the
rooms of any flat immediately adjacent thereto by construction having the following Sound
Transmission Class:¾
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 53
 Type of Room immediately adjacent Sound Transmission Class of not less
than¾
Habitable rooms other than kitchens 40
Kitchens 30
All other rooms 30

119. ISOLATION OF PUMPS.

A flexible coupling shall be used at the point of connection between the service pipes in a
building and any circulating or other pump.

120. SOUND TRANSMISSION CLASS DEEMED TO APPLY TO CERTAIN

CONSTRUCTION.

(1) For the purpose of Division 8 the forms of construction that–

(a) are listed in the following Table; and

(b) comply with the requirements of Subsections (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) as applicable,

shall be deemed to have the Sound Transmission Class stated in the second column of that
Table.

(2) Masonry units shall be laid with all joints, including those between the masonry and any
adjoining construction, filled solid.

(3) Joints between concrete slabs and any adjoining construction shall be filled solid.

(4) Fire-grade plasterboard shall be a special grade as manufactured for use in fire-resisting
construction, and fixed according to the following rules:–

(a) where one layer is required to be fixed to studs it shall be screw-fixed to the studs with
joints staggered on opposite faces;

(b) where two layers are required, the first layer shall be fixed according to Paragraph (a) and
the second layer shall be fixed so that the joints do not coincide with those of the first layer and
each sheet shall be fixed to the first layer with nails, screws or adhesive, or a combination of
those methods as appropriate;

(c) joints between sheets shall be taped and filled solid;

(d) joints between sheets and adjoining construction shall be filled solid.

(5) Plasterboard, being plasterboard other than fire-grade quality, shall be fixed in the same
way as that described for fire-grade plasterboard in Subsection (4) to the extent that the nature
of the material will allow.

(6) Where the construction involves the use of steel studs–

(a) the studs shall be of not less than 0.60mm thickness and not less than 63.5mm in depth; and

(b) the studs shall be fixed to steel top and bottom plates of sufficient depth to secure fixing of
the plasterboard; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 54

(c) all steel members at the perimeter of the wall shall be securely fixed to the adjoining
structure and shall be bedded thereto in resilient compound or caulked so that there are no
voids.

TABLE (SECTION 120) – Sound transmission class deemed to apply to certain construction.

Construction Sound Transmission Class not less

than
Walls
Dense concrete masonry blocks, 190mm
thick having a total mass per unit area of
215kg/mÒ. Dense concrete masonry
blocks, 140mm thick having a wall
thickness of not less than 44mm and
having–
(a) 50mm x 50mm timber battens spaced
at not more than 610mm centres screw-
fixed on one face of the blocks into
rubber or similarly resilient plugs with
rubber inserts; and
(b) the face of the battens clad with
13mm thick standard plasterboard; and
(c) a total mass per unit area of not less 45
than 220kg/mÒ.
125mm thick in-situ concrete slab
100mm thick in-situ dense concrete slab
100mm thick precast concrete slab
without joints.
Steel studs having two layers of 16mm
thick fire-grade plasterboard fixed to
each face. Steel studs having–
(a) one layer of 13mm thick fire-grade
plasterboard fixed to one face; Before
fixing, 50mm thick mineral wool or
glass-fibre blanket shall be stapled to the
back of each sheet so that the sheet is
completely covered; and
(b) two layers of 13mm thick fire-grade
plasterboard fixed to the other face,
Steel studs having–
(a) 50mm thick mineral wool or glass-
fibre batts wedged firmly between the
studs; and
(b) one layer of 16mm fire-grade
plasterboard fixed to one face; and
(c) one layer of fire-grade plasterboard
fixed to the other face, the inner layer
consisting of 16mm thick fire-grade
plasterboard and the outer layer
consisting of 13mm thick plasterboard.
Floors.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 55

125mm thick in-situ concrete slab
100mm thick in-situ dense concrete slab
100mm thick precast concrete slab with
joints
Timber floor comprising–
(a) timber joists not less than 175mm x
50mm; and
(b) tongue-and-grooved boards not less 45
than 19mm thick and secured to 75mm x
50mm blocking between joist and laid
over but not fixed thereto; and
(c) 25mm thick glass-fibre blanket laid
over entire floor, including tops of joists
before boards are laid; and
(d) 75mm thick mineral wool cut to fix
tightly between joists and laid on 10mm
thick plasterboard fixed to underside of
joists.
Duct of other Construction Separating
Soil and Waste Pipes from Flats
Masonry not less than 90mm thick with
all joints including those between the
masonry and any adjoining construction,
filled solid. Two layers of 10mm
standard plasterboard–
(a) fixed to timber studs not less than 30
75mm x 50mm spaced at not more than
407mm centres; and
(b) with the joints in the two layers of
plasterboard staggered; and
(c) with all joints, including those
between the plasterboard and any
adjoining construction filled solid.

121. ACCEPTANCE OF ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF CONSTRUCTION.

Where it is proposed to use a form of construction that–

(a) has not been tested according to AS 1276–“Methods for the Determination of Sound
Transmission Class and Noise Isolation Class of Building Partitions”; and

(b) does not comply with Section 120,

the Board may approve the use of that form of construction upon production of a report, from
an acoustic laboratory with facilities for and engaged in the making of airborne sound
transmission tests and approved by the Board, that, in the opinion of the authority concerned,
the proposed construction would be capable of achieving the required Sound Transmission
Class.

PART VIII. – PROVISIONS FOR FIRE.

122. PROVISIONS FOR FIRE.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 56
The provisions for fire in relation to buildings shall be in accordance with the Papua New
Guinea Fire Code PNGS 1629.

123. INSPECTIONS BY FIRE AUTHORITY.

(1) The Fire Authority or its authorized inspecting officers may, at any reasonable time during
normal business hours, inspect any required fire-isolated exit including any corridor, hallway,
external balcony, or other path of travel leading to that required exit and shall not unreasonably
be denied access thereto for that purpose.

(2) Where during an inspection, made pursuant to Subsection (1), a breach of this Regulation
with respect to fire isolated exits is observed by an inspecting officer, the Fire Authority shall,
within 24 hours, report such breach to the Board and the Board shall within seven days of
receipt of the report take such action as appropriate to cause the removal of the breach.

124. NOTICES RELATING TO FIRE STAIRS.

(1) Every fire-isolated stairway shall have a notice displayed in a conspicuous position at the
landing on each storey level in or to the effect of the following:–

(2) In any notice displayed in accordance with Subsection (1), the words “OFFENCES
RELATING TO FIRE STAIRS” and the words and figures “MAXIMUM PENALTY
K400” shall be in letters and figures not less than 9mm in height and all letters and figures in
the remainder of the notice shall be not less than 3mm in height.

125. PROVISION FOR ESCAPE: CLASS 1 OCCUPANCY BUILDINGS.

(1) The following are the requirements in respect of exits from a Class 1 occupancy buildings:–

(a) there shall be not less than two exits on each storey containing habitable rooms;

(b) the exits shall be placed as far apart as practicable and in any event shall be not less than
6m apart measured along the path of travel;

(c) the second exit on the entry storey and the alternate exit on each storey shall be to the outside
of the building on that floor and may be an unobstructed opening in the form of an opening
window, a removeable wall panel or similar, being not less than 500mm by 750mm;

(d) the second exit on each storey when constructed in accordance with Paragraph (c) shall–

(i) have a sill height between 750mm and 900mm above the floor; and

(ii) be easily accessible in the case of an emergency; and

(iii) be readily openable without a key from the inside of the building by a single hand action
on a single device which is located between 750mm and 1,200mm above the floor;

(e) where one or more bedrooms are located in a storey, the exit shall be in a bedroom or
corridor common to the bedrooms;

(f) egress ways shall be provided from the second exits with sills 3,600mm or more above
ground level and the egress may be in the form of a ladder permanently attached to the building
which can be lowered in an emergency to within 2,400mm of the ground.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 57

(2) The requirements in Subsection (1) are in addition to the requirements of the Papua New
Guinea Fire Code, PNGS 1629.

PART IX. – HAZARDOUS OCCUPANCIES.

126. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Part, unless the contrary intention appears–

“hazardous goods” means goods in which a principal material is one of the materials listed in
Section 127;

“hazardous handicraft” means a handicraft in which the principal material involved is one of
the materials listed in this Section 127;

“hazardous process” means a process–

(a) appertaining or incidental to the making, assembling, altering, repairing, renovating,

preparing, ornamenting, finishing, cleaning, washing, or adapting of either hazardous goods or
materials listed in Section 127; or

(b) performed or carried out in a laboratory and in which a principal material is one of the
materials listed in Section 127.

127. MATERIALS OF ABNORMAL FIRE HAZARD.

For the purpose of this Regulation the following materials shall be deemed to constitute an
abnormal fire hazard:–

(a) bitumen, tar, or any product thereof, including–

(i) asphalt; and

(ii) caulking and sealing compounds; and

(iii) surfacing materials;

(b) cork;

(c) enamel, lacquer, paint, or varnish;

(d) explosive, fireworks, or matches;

(e) fibre or any fibrous product, including–

(i) bristles, cloth, cord, felt, fur, raw fibres, straw, and thread; and

(ii) made-up products of cotton, flax, hemp, jute, silk, synthetic fibres or wool, including
bedding, carpets, and upholstery;

(f) flammable gas or flammable liquid, including–

(i) liquefied petroleum gas; and

(ii) natural gas and coal gas; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 58
(iii) hydrogen;

(g) fodder or any foodstuff–

(i) including grain and kernels (whether as cereal or crushed and milled); and

(ii) excluding fresh food such as fish, fruit, meat, and vegetables;

(h) gum, polish, resin, or wax, or any product thereof, including linoleum, oilcloth, and
tarpaulin;

(i) inorganic chemicals such as–

(i) calcium carbide, potassium nitrate, and sodium nitrate; and

(ii) metallic sodium and phosphorous; and

(iii) finely powdered metal;

(j) leather, skin, or any product thereof, including boots, shoes, furs, and clothing;

(k) oil (animal, mineral, or vegetable), including animal fats and refined oils, or any product
thereof;

(l) organic chemicals comprising–

(i) alcohol or any alcoholic liquor; or

(ii) any industrial solvent; or

(iii) any synthetic resin; or

(iv) any cellulose product; or

(v) any peroxide; or

(vi) any like material;

(m) paper or any paper product, including–

(i) books, cardboard, and fibre containers; and

(ii) newsprint;

(n) plastic or any plastic product, including cellulose acetate and nitro-cellulose (such as
celluloid or pyroxlyn);

(o) timber or any timber product, including fibreboard, particle board, and plywood.

128. SPACES OF ABNORMAL FIRE HAZARD.

A space within a building–

(a) used for–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 59

(i) the storage of hazardous goods, or materials of abnormal fire hazard, or the display of such
goods or materials for sale by retail or wholesale; or

(ii) a hazardous handicraft; or

(iii) a hazardous process; or

(b) in which, in the opinion of the fire Authority, the potential severity of combustion that may
arise in the event of an outbreak of fire equals or exceeds the severity of combustion implicit
in Paragraph (a),

shall be deemed to be a space of abnormal fire hazard.

PART X. – DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION.

Division 1.

General Structural Design and Design Loadings.

129. GENERAL.

Buildings and parts of buildings shall be designed and constructed so as to minimise all hazards
to public health and safety, and to protect the safety of their occupants and adjacent property.

130. DESIGN.

(1) Except as specifically provided by this Regulation, all buildings shall be designed in
accordance with methods of design that admit of a rational analysis in accordance with the
established principles of mechanics and of structural design.

(2) The general structural design method (as distinct from detailed design appropriate to
particular construction materials as required elsewhere in this Regulation) and the design
loadings shall be approved as appropriate to achieve the following:–

(a) that all loads likely to be sustained during the life of the building are sustained with an
adequate margin of safety; and

(b) that deformations of the building do not exceed acceptable levels; and

(c) that in events that occur occasionally, such as moderate earthquakes and severe winds,
structural damage be avoided and other damage be minimized; and

(d) that in events that occur very seldom, such as major earthquakes and extreme winds,
collapse be avoided, and the probability of injury to or loss of life of people in and around the
building be minimized, it being accepted that some structural and non-structural damage may
occur.

(3) General structural design and design loading complying with PNGS 1001 PARTS 1, 2, 3
and 4 will satisfy the requirements of this Division.

131. FIRE RESISTANCE.

Where a building element is required to have a specific fire resistance rating, the design of that
element shall take account of the details and type of construction appropriate to that rating as
specified in this Regulation.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 60
 132. SERVICEABILITY.

Design and construction shall take due account of maintaining, at all times, the functional
serviceability of a building and its parts, appropriate to its use and/or proposed occupancy
during the expected life of the building and special measures shall be taken to ensure
maintenance of such serviceability in those buildings required or expected to provide
communal or emergency services during and/or immediately following a natural disaster such
as a major fire, earthquake or cyclonic storm.

133. NON-STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.

(1) Non structural elements of a building shall be designed and constructed to be stable under
their own weight and other applicable loadings and shall be attached to the structural elements
so as to prevent their dislodgement or collapse when subject to the design earthquake motions.

(2) The connections between non-structural elements and structural elements shall comply with
the requirements of PNGS 1001 Part 4.

134. HOLES, BLOCKOUTS, DUCTS, ETC.

All holes, blockouts, ducts and the like required for the provisions of air-conditioning,
ventilation, electricity, telephone, telecommunication, drainage or any other service shall, as
far as possible, be provided at the time of construction of a building and it shall not be
permissible to penetrate, remove material from or otherwise alter structural members for the
purpose of installing such services without the prior approval, in writing, of the Board.

Division 2.

Detailed Structural Design.

Subdivision 1. – General.

135. GENERAL.

(1) Detailed design of a building or parts of a building, as distinct from general structural design
and design loadings which are covered by Division 1, shall be in accordance with the
established properties and behaviour of all the constituent materials and elements.

(2) The detailed design shall be in accordance with a code of design practice appropriate to
achieve adequate strength, serviceability and, where necessary, ductility to sustain the various
loading conditions required under Division 1.

Subdivision 2. – Materials of Construction.

136. CONCRETE.

Structures and elements of plain, reinforced or prestressed concrete shall comply with the
requirements of PNGS 1002–“Code of Practice for Concrete Structures”.

137. STEEL.

Steel structures and elements shall comply with the requirements of PNGS 1003–“Code of
Practice for Steel Structures”.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 61
 138. MASONRY.

Masonry structures and elements shall comply with the requirements of PNGS 1004–“Code of
Practice for Reinforced Masonry Structures”.

139. TIMBER.

Timber structures and elements shall comply with the requirements of PNGS 1292¾“Code of
Practice for the Design of Timber Structures”.

140. ALUMINIUM.

(1) Aluminium structures and elements shall comply with the requirements of AS 1664, except
that the Design Loads and the analysis of the forces arising therefrom shall be determined in
accordance with PNGS 1001.

(2) Aluminium shall not be used as part of a building’s structural system where that part is
designed or required to resist forces primarily due to earthquake loads.

141. COLD-FORMED STEEL.

Light-gauge, cold-formed steel structures and elements shall comply with the requirements of
AS 1538, except that the Design Loads and the analysis of the forces arising therefrom shall be
determined in accordance with PNGS 1001.

142. COMPOSITE STRUCTURES.

Structures composed of two or more of the types specified in Sections 136 to 141 inclusive
shall have the component parts designed, detailed and constructed in accordance with the Code
appropriate to the material or the type and where the different types of structure join or meet,
the joints or junctions shall be designed, detailed and constructed to meet the most severe
criteria appropriate to the relevant types.

143. GLASS STRUCTURES AND GLAZING.

Structures comprised of or including glass or glazing in their fabric shall comply with the
requirements of AS 1288 except that the design loads and the analysis of forces arising
therefrom shall be determined in accordance with PNGS 1001.

144. OTHER STRUCTURES.

(1) Where it is proposed to use for the structure of a building a type of structure or system of
construction not specifically referred to in PNGS 1001, the Board may approve an application
to construct the building provided that it is able to satisfy itself beyond reasonable doubt that–

(a) the building has been designed and detailed, and will be constructed in accordance with the
other structural requirements of this Regulation; and

(b) when completed, the building will be structurally adequate if subjected to the Design Loads
derived from PNGS 1001.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 62

(2) In considering an application referred to in Subsection (1), the Board may–

(a) require the applicant to submit computational and other substantiating evidence that the
conditions specified in Subsection (1)(a) and (b) have been or shall be met; or

(b) accept a certificate of structural adequacy issued by a registered structural engineer–

(i) setting forth the conditions specified in Subsection (1)(a) and (b); and

(ii) stating in detail the bases on which the person issuing the certificate has relied on relevant
specifications, rules, codes of practice or publications with respect to design, detailing and
construction.

Subdivision 3. – Footings.

145. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Regulation terms relating to footings types, soil types and soil conditions
shall be as defined in Britain Standard BS 8004 or its successor.

146. GENERAL.

(1) In addition to the requirements of Division 2, building footings shall be designed so as to

ensure that the movements of footings remain within the limits that can be tolerated by the
building without adversely affecting the building’s functional requirements.

(2) Footings shall comply with the requirements of British Standard BS 8004–“Code of
Practice for Foundations” or its successor.

147. SITE INVESTIGATIONS.

(1) Before footings are designed and the method of construction is determined, a site
investigation shall be carried out in order to determine–

(a) the nature of the ground and its bearing capacity; and

(b) the probable behaviour of the ground under seasonal changes or under changes in
groundwater level; and

(c) the existence of conditions liable to cause ground movement, such as–

(i) unstable slopes in landslip areas; and

(ii) areas susceptible to subsidence; and

(iii) areas containing material that is subject to internal combustion; and

(iv) underground watercourses; and

(v) drains, pits, cavities and the like; and

(vi) existing footings or other structures; and

(d) the groundwater level and the drainage and flooding conditions both on and adjacent to the
site; and
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 63
(e) the behaviour of nearby buildings, particularly with regard to any seasonal ground
movement, the type and depth of footings and the pressure under them; and

(f) whether or not sulphates or other substances are present in sufficient concentrations to cause
damage to the material of the footings; and

(g) the type, position and likely effect of existing trees and vegetation.

(2) The site investigation required by Subsection (1) shall comply with the requirements of and
be carried out in accordance with BS 5930–“Code of Practice for Site Investigations”.

148. COHESIVE SOILS.

On cohesive soils with pronounced swelling shrinking characteristics the footings shall be
taken down to such a depth, or be so designed and constructed that neither the building nor any
of its elements are likely to suffer any significant damage from swelling and shrinkage
movement of the ground.

149. DEPTH OF FOOTINGS.

The base of a footing on the perimeter of a building shall be not less than 300mm below the
lowest adjacent finished ground surface except where the ground is comprised of intact rock.

150. SHALLOW FOOTINGS.

Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 146, the following conditions shall be satisfied
for all shallow foundations:–

(a) the footings shall be constructed of concrete with a minimum characteristic strength of 20
MPa;

(b) where the footings are required to distribute loading longitudinally, or where the angle of
spread of load from a wall or column base to the bottom surface of a footing exceeds 45° from
the vertical, reinforcement shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of PNGS
1002;

(c) isolated footings shall be tied together in at least two directions as required by PNGS 1001;

(d) the minimum thickness of the footings shall be 200mm;

(e) concrete for the footings shall not be placed underwater.

151. DYNAMIC LOADING CONDITIONS.

Where dynamic loading conditions apply, allowable bearing pressures shall be assessed by
special investigation of the particular conditions.

152. SPECIFICATION OF IMPOSED BEARING PRESSURES.

The maximum designed bearing pressure for all footings shall be clearly stated on the relevant
plans.

153. ALLOWABLE BEARING PRESSURE FOR MINOR BUILDINGS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 64

For minor buildings the maximum allowable bearing pressure for the ground may be
determined in accordance with well-established local practice, where that practice includes
successful experience with soils of similar types and conditions supporting similar footings, in
which case documentary evidence shall be submitted to the satisfaction of the Board to prove
the similarity of these conditions.

Division 3.

Earthworks.

154. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Division, unless the contrary intention appears–

“back filling” means the replacement of the previously excavated materials into the space from
which they were taken, or the placement of excavated or imported materials over or against
building elements to bring the ground surface to its required level or slope, or the materials
used for this purpose;

“earthworks” means all or any of, excavation, filling and backfilling;

“excavation” means the removal of materials from exposed ground surface to a depth below
that surface, or the space left by such removal;

“filling” means the placing of excavated or imported materials on the ground surface to alter
the shape, level or slope of the surface or the materials used for this purpose.

155. BACKFILLING.

(1) Backfilling shall be properly placed and compacted to the required density.

(2) Where backfilling is to be placed against or over other building construction, care shall be
exercised during the backfilling operations to prevent damage or injury to the construction.

(3) No backfilling shall be placed over or against other construction unless such construction
has been specifically designed and constructed for the purpose.

Division 4.

Retaining Walls.

156. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Division, unless the contrary intention appears–

“retaining wall” means a free standing or anchored wall providing permanent support to
excavation or filling and specifically designed for the purposes and certified by a registered
structural engineer;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 65

“garden wall” means a free standing wall which shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the requirements of this Division and the relevant PNG Standards applicable
to the materials of their construction.

157. DESIGN OF RETAINING WALLS.

Retaining walls shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this
Division and the relevant PNG standards applicable to the materials of their construction.

158. DRAINAGE.

(1) Retaining walls and garden walls shall, where possible, be permanently drained by means
of weep holes and/or agricultural-type drains, located so as to prevent–

(a) weakening of the foundations under the wall footing; and

(b) the build-up of hydrostatic pressures behind the wall.

(2) Where circumstances prevent the construction of drainage referred to in Subsection (1), the
wall shall be designed for a hydrostatic pressure, due to a head of water equal to the height of
the wall, in addition to any other required design loads.

159. GARDEN WALLS.

(1) Garden walls greater than 900mm high shall not be built on a boundary and garden walls
greater than 1,500mm high shall not be built elsewhere on a site.

(2) Garden walls up to 900mm high may be constructed on a boundary provided that–

(a) the surface slope of the retained material, measured upwards from the horizontal plane at
the top of the wall, does not exceed 15°; and.

(b) a plane at 40°; to the horizontal, from the closet bottom edge of building or retaining-wall
footing on the retained side of the wall, does not intersect any part of the garden wall or its
footing; and

(c) the wall does not provide support to the edge of a driveway or carriageway which is the
sole means of vehicular access to the site or to any building thereon, otherwise support shall be
provided by a retaining wall.

(3) Garden walls up to 1,500mm high may be constructed on a site provided that–

(a) no part of the exposed face of the wall is closer than one-half times its height to a boundary
or a building; and

(b) the provisions of Subsection (2)(a) to (c) apply, otherwise support shall be provided by a
retaining wall.

Division 5.

Construction.

160. SAFETY.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 66

(1) Construction shall be carried out in a safe manner in accordance with established safety
practices.

(2) Hoardings, safety barriers, guard, guard rails, warning signs and lights and the like, shall
be erected prior to commencement of construction and maintained throughout the construction
period in order to protect from accidental injury the passing public or persons on or about the
construction area, all in accordance with this Regulation.

(3) All excavation and filling shall be executed in a safe and workmanlike manner and shall
comply with the following requirements:–

(a) water shall be removed or diverted from excavations in a manner that will not cause
nuisance of damage to adjacent property and as the Board may direct;

(b) excavations and filling shall be properly shored or otherwise supported to prevent
movement of the soil and/or adjacent structure.

161. SUPERVISION.

All building construction, and particularly the construction of the structural elements, shall be
supervised by skilled or otherwise qualified persons experienced in the type of construction
concerned.

162. SUITABILITY OF MATERIALS.

(1) A material that is proposed to be used in the erection of a building shall not be so used if
the material–

(a) is faulty; or

(b) is unsuitable for the purpose for which it is proposed to be used; or

(c) is dangerous to health; or

(d) has been used in the construction of any cesspit, drain or sewer; or

(e) does not comply with any relevant requirement of this Part.

(2) The Board may test any material that is proposed to be used in the erection of a building to
ascertain whether the use of the material is or is not prohibited by Subsection (1).

(3) Where the Board tests any material pursuant to Subsection (2), the Board shall inform the
person who proposes to use the material in the erection of a building as to whether the use of
the material is or is not prohibited by Subsection (1).

163. SPECIALISED CONSTRUCTION.

Where so required by the Board, specialized types of construction shall only be carried out by
skilled, certificated or otherwise approved persons.

Division 6.

Floors.

164. FLOORS IN CONTACT WITH GROUND.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 67
A floor constructed with its underside at or below ground level shall–

(a) be of concrete not less than 100mm thick; and

(b) comply with the requirements of Division 3 whether or not it forms part of the footing of a
building.

165. FLOORS ABOVE GROUND LEVEL.

Unless otherwise provided in this Regulation, floors above ground level may be constructed of
any material suitable for the purpose and complying with Division 1.

166. CONCRETE FLOORS.

(1) A reinforced concrete floor, not less than 100mm thick shall be provided–

(a) in the ground and basement storeys of a shop, factory, working area, hospital and buildings
of the like nature; and

(b) except where otherwise required in this Regulation and except in a private dwelling, in a
room where food is manufactured, processed or stored.

(2) A concrete floor required by Subsection (1) may be surfaced with an appropriate and
durable material provided that no spaces capable of harbouring vermin are left between the
concrete and the surfacing.

167. STEELWORK FLOORS.

(1) Floors above ground level composed entirely of structural steelwork may only be used for–

(a) main floors in buildings of Classes VII and VIII occupancy; or

(b) plant room floors or the like in other Classes of buildings.

(2) Steelwork may be used as a support for other materials in a floor or may be used, in
conjunction with other materials, to form a floor of composite construction.

168. TIMBER FLOORS.

(1) A building on which the floor immediately above the ground is a timber floor, but not of
solid timber bedded on concrete, shall have a clear space of not less than 600mm from the
ground to the underside of the floor joists.

(2) Where the underfloor space referred to in Subsection (1) is enclosed, the following openings
to that space shall be provided:–

(a) sufficient openings, not less than 500mm wide and 600mm high, to permit access for
inspection of the underside of each portion of the floor; and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 68

(b) sufficient openings, protected against the entry of vermin by gratings or the like in the
external walls, to provide a net ventilating area of not less than 11,500mmÒ of free air space
in each 1,500mm run of external wall; and

(c) openings, additional to any provided under Paragraph (a), not less than 34,500mmÒ in area
in each 1,500mm run of internal sub-floor wall,

and all openings shall be arranged so as to permit a continuous circulation of air to pass under
the whole of the timber floor.

169. FLOORS OF COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION.

(1) Composite floors of concrete and steel construction shall comply with the relevant
requirements of PNGS 1002 and PNGS 1003 and the other requirements of this Regulation as
applicable and where proprietary steel decking is used as permanent formwork to or as an
integral part of the concrete construction, its application and use shall be in strict accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

(2) The materials of the formers shall comply with Section 144 and the formers shall be cast or
fixed into the concrete so that they will not be fractured or dislodged when the floor is subjected
to the design earthquake motions and other design loads.

170. OPENINGS THROUGH FLOORS.

Where openings are formed through floors, the edges of such openings shall be adequately
supported by beam, trimmers or the like, in a manner appropriate to the construction, so as to
prevent detrimental deformation of the floor at, or adjacent to, the openings.

Division 7.

Walls, Partitions and Linings.

171. INTERPRETATION.

For the purpose of this Division, unless the contrary intention appears–

“cavity wall” means an external wall consisting of two leaves, mechanically tied to one
another, separated by a vertical air space or cavity and in which one leaf is, or both leaves are,
designed and constructed to transmit design loads other than their own weight;

“common wall” means an external wall, not being a party wall that is common to adjoining
buildings;

“external wall” means an outer wall of a building which is not a party wall or a common wall;

“free standing wall” means a wall outside a building that is not horizontally supported or
restrained at its top;

“partition” means a movable panel or panels, not extending beyond one storey, used to
subdivide a space within a building;

“partition wall” means a wall, within a sole occupancy unit, that does not extend beyond one
storey and is used permanently to subdivide the space within that unit;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 69

“party wall” means a wall within a building that separates two or more sole occupancy units,
or that separates such units from a public space or corridor;

“veneer wall” means a cavity wall in which the internal leaf only is designed and constructed
to transmit design loads other than its own weight.

172. EXTERNAL WALLS.

(1) External walls shall be constructed of durable materials and the walls and any joints or
openings in them shall be weatherproof.

(2) Where the external wall to a habitable area is to be constructed of materials that are not
themselves impermeable to moisture and its external face is not lined or otherwise treated so
as to be impermeable to moisture, the wall shall be constructed as a cavity wall.

173. CAVITY WALLS.

(1) The minimum thickness of a cavity wall other than a veneer wall shall be 130mm and the
width of the cavity shall not be less than 50mm or greater than 75mm.

(2) The cavity shall be–

(a) clear of rubbish or debris at all times; and

(b) properly ventilated throughout its height; and

(c) permanently drained at its bottom,

and otherwise constructed and protected so as to prevent moisture or damp penetrating to the
interior leaf.

174. VENEER WALLS.

(1) The minimum thickness of a veneer wall shall be 200mm and the cavity shall comply with
Section 173 except that the minimum width of the cavity may be reduced to 20mm.

(2) The veneer shall be firmly tied to the load bearing leaf and shall be continuously supported,
horizontally and vertically, at each floor level.

(3) The ties connecting the leaves and any exposed metal item supporting the dead load of the
veneer shall be of non-corrodable metal, or of hot-dip galvanized steel, or of steel having an
equivalent anti-corrosion treatment.

175. PARTY WALLS.

(1) Party walls shall be continuous from floor to ceiling and shall be constructed of a solid
material, or of stud framing lined on both sides with rigid durable materials.

(2) Party walls shall have–

(a) a minimum thickness of 90mm; and

(b) together with any openings in them, a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour; and
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 70
(c) a Sound Transmission Classification of not less than 40.

176. PARTITION WALLS AND PARTITIONS.

Partition walls and partitions shall–

(a) be constructed of materials which have a rigidity and durability suitable to their intended
use; and

(b) shall be suitably attached, top and bottom, to the structure so as to prevent their
dislodgement when the building is subjected to the design earthquake motions; and

(c) shall have a minimum thickness of–

(i) 90mm in the case of partition walls; or

(ii) the sum of its length and three times its height, divided by 200, all dimensions being in
millimetres and in the case of partitions, the length of a partition being taken as–

(A) its overall length; or

(B) the length between intermediate vertical supports, intersecting partitions or walls,

whichever is the lesser.

177. FREE STANDING WALLS.

Free standing walls may be constructed of any material suitable to their purpose and shall rest
upon and be firmly attached to a suitable continuous footing and, unless structurally designed
in accordance with Division 7 shall–

(a) be not closer than one and one-half times their height to a boundary or a building; and

(b) have a ratio of height to thickness of less than 10.

178. LININGS.

(1) Linings to stud or otherwise framed walls shall–

(a) comply with the fire resistance requirements of this Regulation; and

(b) be firmly attached on all sides to the framing; and

(c) be sufficiently rigid to withstand likely loadings on their exposed faces without significant
deflection.

(2) The Board may, at its discretion, allow the use of soundly woven matting materials as
linings for partition walls or partitions and, if so allowed, may require that such materials be
treated by an approved process to protect them against insect or fungal attack.

179. RETAINING WALLS.

(1) All walls, pursuant to Section 1 of the Act, retaining earth embankments, heaped soil,
filling, and the like shall be designed and constructed in accordance with this Regulation.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 71

(2) For the purpose of this section, design and construction carried out in accordance with the
“Foundation Design Manual” published by the Department responsible for works matters shall
be deemed to be satisfactory.

Division 8.

Roofs and Roof Structures.

180. WEATHER PROOFING.

(1) Roofs shall be designed and constructed so as to be weatherproof and in particular to prevent
the ingress of free water to the interior of the building or structure.

(2) The Board may grant exemption from the requirements of Subsection (1) for all, or a portion
of the roofs of a building of Class VII, VIII or IX occupancy if it is satisfied in the particular
case that such exemption will not be detrimental to the proposed use of occupancy of the
building or portion thereof.

181. DRAINAGE.

(1) The roof or roofs of every building shall be constructed with a least sufficient fall to prevent
rain water from ponding thereon and shall be provided with a complete drainage system of
gutters and downpipes or the like adequately to collect and discharge rainwater falling on the
roof area.

(2) The Board may grant partial or total exemption from the need to provide gutters and/or
downpipes as required in Subsection (1) provided that such exemption–

(a) does not lead to the discharge of roofwater onto a boundary, a public area or a public way;
or

(b) is not detrimental to the proper drainage of the site.

182. FIXING AND ANCHORAGE.

(1) Roof sheeting and other exposed elements of the roof covering shall be firmly fixed and
anchored to their supporting elements so as not to be dislodged when subjected to the design
wind or earthquake forces.

(2) Roof supporting elements shall be designed, detailed and constructed to resist the loads
imposed by the exposed roof elements or their own supporting elements.

183. CONSTRUCTION ON FLAT ROOFS.

(1) A pitched roof may be constructed directly above a flat roof provided that–

(a) the flat roof has a fire-resistance rating of not less than 1¼ hours; and

(b) a flat walk-way not less than 900mm wide is provided all around the pitched roof.

(2) Where it is permitted to construct superstructures on a flat roof, the superstructures

themselves may have either pitched or flat roofs and shall–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 72

(a) be fixed to the roof or supporting structure so as to withstand the design wind or earthquake
forces acting on them without dislodgement; and

(b) be provided with a clear space not less than 1,500mm wide adjacent to at least one side of
the superstructure; and

(c) have a clear space not less than 900mm wide provided between themselves and any other
adjacent superstructure.

184. ENCLOSURE OF FLAT ROOFS.

(1) Where an external wall of a building is required by this Regulation to be carried up past the
roof level as a parapet for fire protection purposes, the parapet shall be in accordance with such
requirement except where the provisions of this section require the parapet to be higher or
thicker.

(2) Where a building has entirely, or in part, a flat roof and access to that roof is provided by
means of a lift, ramp or stair, the flat roof shall be enclosed around its full extent with–

(a) a solid parapet not less than 1,200mm high; or

(b) a solid parapet not less than 1,000mm high surmounted by an approval metal guard rail to
a total height or 1,200mm; or

(c) a balustrade not less than 1,200mm high.

(3) Where a balustrade is provided in accordance with Subsection (2), it shall have–

(a) a width of aperture in any direction not more than 125mm; and

(b) vertical balusters spaced at not more than 125mm apart; and

(c) no toe-hold between the heights or 150mm and 760mm.

(4) Parapets and balustrades as required by this section shall comply with Section 183(2)(a).

185. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROOFS.

A roof sheathed with fibre-cement sheets or other brittle materials shall have incorporated in
its construction immediately under these sheets such safety measures as the Board may specify.

Division 9.

Fixed Platforms, Walkways and Ladders.

186. APPLICATION.

Where, for the purpose of maintenance, repair or replacement, access to machinery, plant
equipment and the like is provided within or without a building by means of fixed platforms,
walkways, stairways or ladders, such means of access shall be designed, detailed and

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 73

constructed in accordance with PNGS 1081, except that Design Loads shall be determined in
accordance with PNGS 1001.

187. NOTICES.

Where access in accordance with Section 186 is provided within or without a building, a notice
to the effect that such access is restricted to approved personnel only shall be clearly displayed
at the entrance to that access.

188. PROVISION OF PROTECTIVE BALUSTRADES OR GUARDS.

(1) The Board may require the provision of a protective balustrade or guard along the side of
any portion of a building to which persons may ordinarily gain access and which is not subject
to Sections 184 and 186 and along the side of any part of access to a building, if that side–

(a) is not bounded by a wall; and

(b) is more than 1m above the finished level of the building floor or ground; and

(c) the Board considers the absence of a balustrade or guard would represent an undue hazard
to persons having access to that portion or part.

(2) A balustrade or guard required under Subsection (1) shall be no less than 860mm in height,
such height in the case of a stairway being measured above the nosings of stair treads.

189. REFRIGERATION AND COOLING CHAMBERS.

(1) Refrigeration and cooling chambers which are of sufficient size to permit the entry of a
person shall be provided with–

(a) a door which can at all times be opened from inside without a key; and

(b) an approved alarm device located outside but controllable only from within the chamber.

(2) The door referred to in Subsection (1)(a) shall be set in an opening having a clear width of
not less than 600mm and shall open outwards.

190. STRONG ROOMS.

Strong rooms in buildings shall be provided with–

(a) internal lighting controllable only from within the room; and

(b) a pilot light located outside the room but controllable only by the switch for the internal
lighting referred to in Paragraph (a); and

(c) an approved alarm device located outside but controllable only from within the room.

191. WINDOWS TO BE CAPABLE OF BEING CLEANED.

The exterior of all windows are to be capable of being cleaned, and windows above 6m from
the ground or 3.7m above an external flat surface or slightly sloping roof sufficient for safety
shall be–

(a) constructed so they can be cleaned from the interior of the building; or
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 74
(b) be capable of being cleaned by other means such as from a building maintenance unit
complying with the requirements of the Industrial Safety Health and Welfare Act 1961.

192. PROVISION OF SAFETY GLASS.

(1) For the purposes of this section any one of the following shall be deemed to be safety glass:–

(a) wired glass not less than 6mm in thickness;

(b) laminated glass having an overall thickness of not less than 6mm and comprising two or
more layers of glass and one or more plastic interlayers permanently bonded together under
heat and pressure;

(c) heat-treated (toughened) glass not less than 5mm in thickness and which is permanently
marked with the words “safety glass” or “toughened safety glass” or other words which afford
a ready means of identifying the safety characteristics of the glass.

(2) Glass used within 1.8m of the floor in any panel or door screening a shower or bath shall
be safety glass.

(3) Subject to Subsection (4), safety glass shall be used in–

(a) every glass door; and

(b) every fixed glass panel that is so located in relation to other parts of the building as to be
capable of being mistaken as a doorway or unimpeded path of travel.

(4) Subsection (3) shall not apply to glass doors or glass panels which–

(a) comprise part of a building of Class I occupancy; or

(b) comprise part of a flat; or

(c) are provided with a frame, decoration or other device sufficient to make the glass plainly
distinguishable.

Division 10.

Restoration and Alteration of Existing Buildings.

193. RESTORATION OF BUILDINGS.

Where a building or part of a building is destroyed, demolished or pulled down to the extent of
more than 50% of its volume, exclusive of footing, for the purpose of restoring, reconstructing

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 75

or repairing, the building shall be restored, reconstructed or repaired in accordance with the
provisions of this Regulation.

194. RE-ERECTION OF BUILDINGS.

Where a building or part of a building which exceeds the maximum building height permitted
under this Regulation is destroyed by fire or other cause beyond the owner’s control, the
building shall not be reconstructed except in conformity with the provisions of this Regulation.

195. MAJOR ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS.

Alterations, additions and repairs to a building shall conform to the provisions of this
Regulation–

(a) where alterations or repairs are made to more than 50% of the volume of the building within
a period of five years; or

(b) where alterations or repairs are required at any one time in excess of 50% of the current
value of the building, not deducting from the value any loss caused by fire or other reasons; or

(c) where the existing use or occupancy of part of a building is changed and the building does
not conform to the requirements of this Regulation for the proposed new occupancy; or

(d) where they involve the construction of an additional storey on an existing building.

196. MINOR ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS.

Minor alterations and repairs not covered by Sections 194 to 196 inclusive may be made with
the same type of materials as used in the original construction provided that–

(a) not more than 25% of the roof covering of a building is replaced in any period of 12 months
unless the entire roof covering is made to conform to the requirements of this Regulation; and

(b) new roofing, the requirements of this Regulation, may be placed over existing roofing when
the existing roofing and the roof framing are such as to permit the new roofing to be properly
supported and securely fastened to the satisfaction of the Board; and

(c) where an increase in the thickness of an existing wall is approved by the Board, that increase
shall–

(i) be constructed of materials similar to that of the existing wall; and

(ii) in the case of masonry walls–

(A) have a minimum thickness of 100mm; and

(A) be bonded to the existing wall to a depth of not less than 100mm for not less than 25% of
its area.

197. RESTORATION AND ALTERATION TO FACTORIES.

Notwithstanding the provisions in Sections 194 to 197 inclusive, restoration of and alteration
to a factory as defined in the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1961 are subject to the
provisions of that Act.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 76

 PART XI. – BUILDING SERVICES.

Division 1.

Services and Equipment.

198. GAS INSTALLATIONS.

Where gas is stored or a gas appliance installed in or appurtenant to a building, the storage or
installation shall be in accordance with the Inflammable Liquid Act 1953.

199. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS.

[2]
Electrical apparatus and appliances and installations for lighting, heating and power or for
other applications of electricity shall conform to the Electricity Industry Act (Ch. 78) and
PNGS 1022.

200. LIFTS.

A lift installation shall conform to the requirements of the Industrial Safety (Lifts) Order No.
1 of 1968 made under the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1961.

201. ESCALATORS.

One or more escalators for the transport of passengers may be installed in a building provided
that those escalators are designed, constructed, installed and operated in conformity with the
provisions of AS 1735–“Lift Code”.

202. MECHANICAL VENTILATION.

Installation of mechanical ventilating equipment shall conform to the requirements of Part VII.

203. TELECOMMUNICATION CONDUITS AND CABLES.

Where conduits, ducts or cables are required or are provided for telephone, telex, data
transmission and the like, the number, dimensions, materials of construction and method of
installation of those conduits, ducts or cables shall comply with the requirements of the Papua
New Guinea Telecommunication Authority.

Division 2.

Chimneys, Fireplaces and the Like.

204. MATERIALS FOR CHIMNEYS.

(1) A chimney shall be constructed of–

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 77

(a) reinforced concrete or solid masonry properly bonded and solidly put together with mortar;
or

(b) sheet metal; or

(c) other suitable, hard and incombustible material properly and solidly put together.

(2) Subsection (1)(c) shall be deemed to be complied with by the use of material that complies
with the test for materials for flues, furnace casings, hearths and similar purposes prescribed in
AS 1530–“Methods for Fire Test on Building Materials and Structures”.

205. CONSTRUCTION OF CHIMNEYS.

A chimney shall be–

(a) built upon footings as prescribed by Part X; or

(b) carried on steel girders bearing directly on walls having the necessary strength and stability;
or

(c) carried upon corbels of masonry, steel, concrete or reinforced concrete, the work so
corbelled being constructed for the full width of the jamb and projecting not more than 360mm
from the face of the wall.

206. CONSTRUCTION OF HEARTHS.

(1) A hearth constructed of stone, slate, bricks, tiles, concrete or other incombustible material
shall be fixed under and in front of a fireplace opening.

(2) A hearth shall–

(a) be solidly and securely supported; and

(b) have a thickness of not less than 90mm; and

(c) extend not less than 150mm beyond each end of the fireplace opening; and

(d) project not less than 350mm from the face of the chimney breast; and

(e) be so laid that its surface is not lower than the floor of the room in which the hearth is
situated.

207. JAMBS.

Jambs of a fireplace opening shall be not less than 190mm in thickness on each side of the
opening.

208. FIREPLACE BACKS.

(1) Subject to Subsection (2), the back of a fireplace opening from the hearth up to a height of
300mm above the arch or lintel shall be constructed of–

(a) solid masonry at least 190mm thick; or

(b) reinforced concrete at least 150mm thick; or

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 78
(c) reinforced concrete faced with masonry or fire brick of a total thickness of 150mm.

(2) Openings for stoves or fire-back grates may be of brickwork 90mm thick.

209. CHIMNEY BREASTS.

The breast of a chimney shall be of incombustible material at least 100mm in thickness.

210. ARCHES AND LINTELS.

An arch of brick, stone or concrete, or a lintel of steel or reinforced concrete, of sufficient

strength to support the breast of the fireplace shall be built over the opening of a fireplace.

211. LOCATION OF STEAM PIPES.

A pipe for conveying steam or smoke or other products of combustion shall not discharge into
a street, or be fixed on the front of a building facing a street.

212. FLUE PIPES FOR GAS APPLIANCES.

Flue pipes for gas appliances shall be constructed as prescribed by the Inflammable Liquid Act
1953.

213. FLUE PIPES FOR STOVES AND HEATERS.

(1) Flue pipes for fuel bath heaters, slow combustion stoves, heating appliances or solid fuel
hot water services, shall be carried through the roof to a height of not less than 450mm.

(2) The projecting portion of the flue pipe referred to in Subsection (1) shall be provided with
an outer sleeve 25mm clear of the flue pipe commencing at the ceiling level and terminating in
a approved cowl, cap or terminal.

Division 3.

Chimney and the like not used for Trade Purposes.

214. HEIGHT OF CHIMNEYS.

A chimney shall be carried up at least 300mm higher than any portion of the roof structure
within a horizontal distance of 3,600mm, and unless adequately secured, shall have a height,
measured from the highest point of the junction with the adjoining roof or gutter, or not more
than six times its least width.

215. ANGLE OF CHIMNEYS.

Chimneys shall not be inclined at an angle more than 45° to the vertical, except that a larger
angle may be permitted provided that approved soot doors of not less than 25,000mmÒ in area
are provided.

216. THICKNESS OR CHIMNEYS CONSTRUCTED AT ANGLE.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 79

Where the upper side of a chimney is constructed at an angle of more than 45° to the vertical,
the thickness of the upper side shall not be less than 190mm.

217. SOOT DOORS.

A soot door shall not be less than 400mm away from woodwork.

218. ROUNDING OF ANGLES.

Angles at a change of direction of a chimney shall be properly rounded.

219. TREATMENT OF INSIDE FACE OF CHIMNEYS.

The inside face of a chimney shall be rendered or lined with fire-resisting materials throughout
its length.

220. PLUGS IN CHIMNEYS.

Timber plugs shall not be used nearer than 125mm or iron fastenings nearer than 50mm to the
inside of a flue or chimney opening.

221. USE OF TIMBER.

Timber shall not be used within a distance of 50mm from the outer face of a chimney or flue
or from the lower face of a hearth.

222. DISTANCE OF PIPES.

A pipe for conveying smoke or other products of combustion shall not be constructed nearer
than 225mm to combustible materials, unless–

(a) the material is protected by a covering of non-combustible material and an air space of not
less than 100mm is provided between the covering and the pipe with lagging of incombustible
material; or

(b) a non-combustible thermal insulating material not less than 38mm in thickness is provided
around the pipe and is enclosed by a non-corrodible metal alcove of not less than 0.5mm.

223. CUTTING AWAY CHIMNEY BREAST IN PARTY WALLS.

A chimney breast or shaft built with or in a part wall shall not be cut away without the approval
of the Board.

224. FLASHING.

A chimney stack shall be effectively flashed at its junction with the roof.

225. CONSTRUCTION NEAR STOVES AND HEATERS.

(1) The floor under a stove or heating appliance not heated by gas or electricity and the
surrounding floor for the space of 350mm in front and 225mm elsewhere shall be formed of
materials of an incombustible and non-conducting nature not less than 75mm in thickness.

(2) Every portion of a combustible wall within a distance of 300mm from the stove or heating
appliance shall be protected with fire-resisting materials.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 80
 226. CONSTRUCTION OF FLOORS UNDER GAS OR ELECTRIC STOVES.

The floor under an oven or stove heated by gas or electricity shall be formed of incombustible
and non-conducting materials, unless a space of not less than 150mm is provided between the
floor and the bottom of the oven or stove.

Division 4.

Chimney used for Trade Purposes.

227. CONSTRUCTION OF MASONRY CHIMNEY SHAFTS.

(1) Except where certification and details of design are submitted to and approved by the Board,
a masonry chimney shaft used for the purposes of trade or business shall be constructed as
follows:–

(a) where the shaft is detached, it shall be built with a batter from the base to the top at the rate
of at least 1mm in every 100mm of height; and

(b) the thickness or the masonry at the top of the shaft and for 7,500mm below the top shall be
not less than 190mm, where the external dimension does not exceed 1,500mm and not less than
360mm, where the external dimension is greater than 1,500mm; and

(c) of other portions of the shaft, every 7,500mm shall not be less than 100mm thicker than the
7,500mm immediately above; and

(d) a cap, cornice, pedestal, plinth, string course or other variation from the masonry shall be
additional to the minimum thickness specified above; and

(e) the least width of the base of the shaft, if rectangular in shape, shall not be less than 10% of
the proposed height of the shaft and, if not rectangular in shape, not less than 1/12 of the height,
when the height of the shaft is measured from the top of the footings.

(2) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), in Seismic Zones 1 and 2 chimney shafts shall not be
constructed in masonry.

228. CHIMNEY SHAFTS OF MATERIALS OTHER THAN MASONRY.

Certification and details of designs for chimney shafts of reinforced concrete, sheet metal or of
other materials conforming to Section 227(1)(c) shall be submitted to the Board for approval.

229. DISTANCE OF FLUES FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

A flue for conveying smoke or other products of combustion shall not be placed nearer than
190mm to combustible materials, and lagging used shall be of incombustible materials.

230. DISTANCE OF STEAM PIPES FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS.

A pipe for conveying steam or air at a temperature exceeding 100°C shall not be fixed nearer
than 50mm to combustible material and lagging used shall be of incombustible material.

231. CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOR CEILINGS NEAR OVENS AND THE

LIKE.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 81

(1) A floor or part of a floor under or within 1,800mm of an oven, boiler or furnace shall be
constructed of materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than three hours.

(2) Subject to Subsection (3), a floor, ceiling or roof, or part of a floor, ceiling or roof, above
and within a distance of 1,800mm from an oven, boiler or furnace shall be constructed of
materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than three hours.

(3) Where the heating unit is adequately self-insulated to the satisfaction of the Board,
Subsection (2) does not apply.

232. CONSTRUCTION OF WALLS NEAR OVENS AND THE LIKE.

A wall or part of a wall within a distance of 1,800mm from an oven, boiler or furnace shall be
constructed of materials having a fire-resistance rating of not less than three hours.

Division 5.

Sanitation.

233. SANITARY ACCOMMODATION.

Unless otherwise provided for in this Regulation, sanitary conveniences shall be connected to
a public sewerage system or to a septic tank system and shall conform to the requirements set
out in the Public Health Act 1973 and the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986 and
the regulations made under those Acts.

234. FOUL WATER DRAINS.

(1) A closed drain carrying foul water from a building shall conform to the Public Health Act
1973 and the National Water Supply and Sewerage Act 1986 and the regulations under those
Acts.

(2) Where a closed foul water drain exceeds 6m in length it shall have at or near its upper end
an educt vent carried up above the highest part of the roof with a bird proof cowl or wire basket
fitted on top of the educt vent and shall be air disconnected from every waste pipe or downpipe
discharging into the drain.

235. DISCHARGE OF FOUL WATER DRAINS.

(1) A foul water drain shall discharge–

(a) to an approved point; or

(b) to a system of subsoil absorption drains or covered soak pit after the removal of grease and
solid matter; or

(c) to a sufficient area of absorbent soil not less than 6m distant from the building or from a
street; or

(d) to an impervious tank or pit.

(2) The discharge into a tank or pit referred to in Subsection (1)(d) shall be removed as often
as is necessary, and disposed of to the satisfaction of the Board in a manner not causing any
nuisance, danger to health or pollution to a river, stream, watercourse, lake, lagoon, swamp or
marsh, and in accordance with the Water Resources Act 1982.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 82
 236. DISCHARGE OF PIPE DRAINS.

Where the foul water drain from a building discharges into an underground drainage system,
the sewerage authority may require the installation of a grease trap fitted to the pipe drain from
the building.

237. HOUSEHOLD DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE.

(1) In sewered areas, household drainage and sewerage shall be discharged into sewers, and
the sanitary plumbing and drainage installation shall conform to the requirements of this
Regulations and to the Public Health Act 1973 and the National Water Supply and Sewerage
Act 1986 and the regulations made under those Acts.

(2) In unsewered areas–

(a) sinks, water troughs, baths and lavatory basins shall be provided with waste pipes of
approved material installed in accordance with PNGS 1532, discharging into drains outside the
building; and

(b) covered or underground drains conveying household drainage or sewage shall be efficiently
trapped or air-disconnected from discharge materials and be airtight, and shall have sufficient
falls; and

(c) open drains for conveying house-hold drainage or sewage shall be of approved materials
with watertight joints, and shall be constructed to have sufficient falls.

Division 6.

Drainage, Plumbing and Water Supply.

238. GENERAL.

The Public Health Act 1973 and regulations made thereunder and the National Water Supply
and Sewerage Act 1986 and regulations made thereunder apply in respect of drainage,
plumbing and water supply.

PART XII. – SPECIAL CLASS REQUIREMENTS.

Division 1.

Building of Class VI Occupancy.

239. SHOPFRONTS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 83

(1) A shopfront shall not exceed two storeys in height above the level of the public footpath in
front of a shop, unless the Board is satisfied that the glass structure and glazing complies with
Section 143 and where the shopfront exceeds two storeys the application shall be certified by
a registered structural engineer.

(2) No part of a frame to a shopfront shall be fixed–

(a) nearer than 75mm to the centre of a reinforced concrete party wall; or

(b) nearer than 100mm to the centre of a masonry party wall; or

(c) nearer than 100mm to the face of a wall of adjoining premises where those premises have
a separate wall.

(3) An arch or lintel constructed of brick, stone, reinforced concrete or other material having a
fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour shall be provided over a shopfront opening.

(4) A shopfront opening may be framed wholly or partly in structural steel or reinforced
concrete conforming to Part X.

(5) That part of a shopfront constructed not less than 2,700mm above the pavement may project
beyond the street alignment–

(a) not more than 300mm in streets exceeding 10m in width; or

(b) not more than 200mm in streets less 10m in width.

(6) Mouldings shall not project more than 12mm beyond the street alignment at a height less
than 2,700mm above the pavement.

240. WALLS ABOVE SHOPFRONTS.

Subject to Part VIII, walls between the head of shopfronts frames and underside of awning or
lintel cover openings may be constructed of timber or other approved material.

241. MIRRORS AND SHOW CASES.

Mirrors and show cases shall be fixed flat against a wall, pier or pilaster in such a way that no
portion shall project beyond the street alignment.

242. FACINGS.

(1) Tiling or other applied facing on a wall, pier or pilaster shall not project beyond the street
alignment at a height less than 2,700mm above the pavement.

(2) Where a shopfront is being constructed on an existing building, facing applied to piers only
may project no more than 50mm beyond the street alignment.

243. STALL BOARDS.

Stall boards under a shopfront shall be constructed of brickwork, stonework, concrete or other
material having a fire-resistance rating of not less than one hour.

Division 2.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 84

Building of Class VIII Occupancy.

244. AIR SPACE.

From the floor level to a height of 300mm, the free air space in a workroom in a building of
Class VIII occupancy shall be not less than 12m3 per person employed in the work room.

245. DINING ROOMS, BATHROOMS, CHANGE AND REST ROOMS.

Dining rooms, bathrooms, change rooms or rest rooms for the use of employees in factories
shall be constructed in accordance with the Industrial Safety, Health and Welfare Act 1961 or,
where no special provisions are prescribed in that Act, to the approval of the Board (taking into
account the nature of the manufacturing process and the number of employees concerned).

246. WASHING FACILITIES.

Washing facilities shall be provided in a factory in accordance with the Industrial Safety,
Health and Welfare Act 1961.

247. DRINKING WATER.

A factory shall be provided with bubblers with mouth guard or other approved devices for the
supply of clean wholesome drinking water, in numbers approved by the Board (taking into
account the number of persons employed in the factory) and so placed as to be accessible to
employees at all times.

Division 3.

Buildings of Class X Occupancy.

248. SLEEP-OUTS.

Not more than two detached sleep-outs may be constructed appurtenant to–

(a) a building of Class I, III or IV occupancy; or

(b) a dwelling in a building of Class II occupancy on a site accommodating not more than two
flats,

and a sleep-out shall not–

(c) be constructed–

(i) closer to the front alignment than the building that is appurtenant to; or

(ii) closer to any other boundary of the site than the minimum distance prescribed by this
Regulation for such a building; or

(d) be less than 3m from any other building or sleep-out on the site; or

(e) have an area other than that specified in this Regulation for habitable areas, except that
openings having an effective airway not less in area than 12.5% of the floor area shall be
deemed to comply with the provisions of Division VII. 6; or

(f) contain facilities for the preparation of food.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 85
 249. WORKSHOPS, SHEDS AND THE LIKE.

Workshops coming within the classification of factories as defined in Part III, sheds, and
similar structures may be constructed subject to the following conditions:–

(a) where attached to a building of another class, they shall be constructed of similar materials
to the main building and, with regard to distance from boundaries, shall conform to the
requirements of this Regulation for the main building;

(b) where detached from the main building, they shall be not less than 3m from a dwelling on
an adjoining site, not less than 15m from the front alignment and not less than the distance
specified in this Regulation for other boundaries for the main building;

(c) where they are less than 1200mm from the boundary of the site, the wall nearest to the
boundary shall be constructed of approved incombustible materials provided that no part of the
structure within the boundary shall exceed 3m in height and no means of access may be
provided to the roof from the side boundary.

250. LAUNDRIES.

A detached laundry may be constructed appurtenant to a dwelling if–

(a) it does not exceed 15mÒ in area; and

(b) it conforms to Section 249(b) and (c).

251. BATHING, WADING AND SWIMMING POOLS.

(1) Inner faces of walls to all permanent bathing, wading and swimming pools shall be not
closer to boundaries than the distance specified in this Regulation for a building of Class I
occupancy, and walls or structures nearby shall be underpinned if required by the Board.

(2) An indoor or outdoor permanent bathing, wading or swimming pool exceeding 900mm in
depth shall conform to the following requirements:–

(a) the pool shall be of the recirculation type in which the water circulation is maintained
through the pool by a pump, the water drawn from the pool being clarified and disinfected
before being returned to the pool by an approved method;

(b) the pool shall be capable of being completely emptied to the satisfaction of the Board and
the Waterboard;

(c) the pool shall be watertight with smooth surfaces constructed of non-absorbent, non-slip
material;

(d) the pool shall be demonstrated to be structurally sound;

(e) the concourse around the pool shall be constructed with a non-slip material and be graded
away from the pool;

(f) egress from the pool shall be provided;

(g) the pool shall be enclosed in accordance with AS 2818 Section 9.

PART XIII. – DECLARED AREA BUILDINGS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 86
 252. INTERPRETATION.

In this Part, “declared area” means an area declared to be a Self-Help Housing Area under
Section 253.

253. DECLARATION.

The Minister may, on the advice of the statutory Physical Planning Board, by notice in the
National Gazette, declare an area to be a Self-Help Housing Area.

254. APPLICATION OF THIS PART.

(1) This Part applies only to any residential building in a declared area with a floor area less
than 90sqm erected for domestic use by an owner-occupier, provided that the building does not
exceed two storeys in height.

(2) The purpose of this Part is to enable a family to construct a home which meets minimum
requirements of health and structural stability and to limit the spread of fire.

255. PERMISSION OF THE BOARD.

A person holding legal occupancy to an allotment in a declared area may commence building
in accordance with this Part without the requirements of a building permit, provided that that
person gives notice to the Board of the intention to build according to the Schedule.

256. MAXIMUM AREA OF THE BUILDING.

The total ground coverage of all buildings on an allotment shall not exceed one-half of the area
of the plot.

257. DISTANCE FROM BOUNDARIES.

(1) A building may be erected up to the boundary of the allotment adjoining a public road or,
in the case where a ‘building line’ has been established by the Physical Planning Board, up to
the building line.

(2) No part of a building with an external wall of timber or other flammable material shall be
located less than 1.2m from a boundary adjoining a neighbouring building allotment.

(3) A building with an external wall of stone or brick may be built up to the side boundary of
an allotment provided that the wall–

(a) projects laterally 300mm beyond any flammable materials; and

(b) projects 300mm above any adjoining flammable materials; and

(c) has no external openings.

258. HABITABLE SPACE.

(1) Any habitable room or covered space (i.e. for living, sleeping or eating) shall have a floor
area of at least 5mÒ and be at least 2m wide, provided that a building with only one habitable
area shall have a total minimum floor area of 10mÒ.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 87

(2) The headroom in each habitable room or cooking space shall be the minimum of 2m over
at least two thirds of the floor area.

(3) Each allotment shall be provided with cooking, ablution and toilet facilities, which may be
separated from, or included in, the dwelling.

259. LIGHT AND VENTILATION.

Habitable rooms, enclosed cooking areas and toilets shall have external openings for ventilation
equivalent to at least 5% of the floor area, and openings (which may be closeable) to permit
the entry of natural light equivalent to at least 10% of the floor area.

260. MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION.

Materials and construction of a house shall be as follows:–

(a) materials used may be either of a proprietary kind (e.g. fibreboard, iron, steel, plastic,
cement, fibreglass etc.), or a natural material (e.g. round pole timbers, thatched grasses,
bamboo, shakes, shingles, clay coronous, etc.,) or a mixture of both as deemed suitable for the
purpose;

(b) footings shall be structurally sound and adequate to support the load transmitted to them;

(c) cement stabilized earth or concrete floors shall be raised at least 150mm above the
surrounding ground level;

(d) timber floors shall be raised above the ground with an air gap of at least 500mm between
the ground and the underside of any timber;

(e) wall frames shall be constructed to give adequate support to the roof and structural timber
wall frames shall be braced to provide stability and to keep the wall linings rigid;

(f) the use of concrete blocks, suspended concrete slabs and reinforced concrete shall require a
permit from the Board before construction;

(g) brick or stone construction may be used without a permit from the Board, provided that–

(i) the total height of a wall shall not exceed 2.5m; and

(ii) the wall shall be supported at right angles to its face by an intersecting wall or pier and the
distance between these lateral supports shall not exceed 2.5m; and

(iii) the site is located in Seismic Zone 3 or 4;

(h) roofs shall be adequately tied down to the walls and covered with a material impervious to
the penetration of rain;

(i) the width of any stair shall be not less than 750mm and shall have a pitch not exceeding
45% and uniform spaced treads not less than 200mm wide.

261. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS.

[3]
All electrical installations shall be in accordance with the Electricity Industry Act (Ch. 78)
and regulations and by-laws thereunder.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 88

 262. WATER SERVICES.

(1) Where piped water is not available in a declared area, covered clean water storage shall be
provided on each allotment adequate to cater for the household needs.

(2) Excess surface water shall be drained away from the house and, where there is not a
reticulated disposal system, household waste water shall be disposed of by an absorption pit.

(3) No absorption pit shall be closer than 3m to any building or allotment boundary.

263. SANITATION.

The following are the requirements in respect of sanitation in a house:–

(a) a toilet shall be provided for each house allotment;

(b) a toilet situated within, or attached to, a house shall be a water closet and shall not be
accessible directly from any area used for the preparation, cooking or storage of food unless
the toilet is located in an ablutions room with a floor area at least 2mÒ;

(c) a toilet within or attached to a house shall have a floor of impermeable material falling to
an outlet;

(d) a pit-type toilet shall be located not less than 6m from a habitable room or area used for
preparation, cooking or storage of food;

(e) a pit-type toilet shall have a fly-proof cover or water seal, and shall be at least 3m deep;

(f) a detached pit-type toilet may not be located within 2m of any similar toilet.

264. ADJACENT ALLOTMENTS.

Adjacent allotment holders who have legally consolidated their allotments and have taken joint
title, may construct a common building or group of buildings and where this has been done this
Part applies as if the consolidated allotments are one.

265. OFFENCE.

It is deemed an offence under the Act for a building to be constructed in a declared area contrary
to this Part or, in the case of a non-qualifying building, without a building permit.

266. OCCUPATION OF BUILDING.

A residential building in a declared area may be occupied without a certificate of completion.

267. TECHNICAL GUIDANCES.

This Part should be read in conjunction with the following publication:–

“Low Cost House Building–A Construction Handbook for the Guidance of Self-Help Home
Builders. Department of Works, Papua New Guinea.”

PART XIV. – MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 89
Division 1.

Signboards, Hoardings, Advertisements and the Like.

268. SUPPORTING STRUCTURES.

A structure erected for the purpose of supporting signs, advertisements, notices and the like
(such as bill-boards, hoardings, banners or other framework) shall be constructed in accordance
with a design and of materials approved by the Board, so that–

(a) no part of the structure projects more than 300mm beyond the street alignment, and no
projection is at a height less than 2,400mm from the level of the footpath; and

(b) where the structure is erected above a street or public footway, it has sufficient clearance to
allow unimpeded movement of traffic; and

(c) the structure does not constitute a hazard to vehicular, pedestrian, or air traffic by the
distraction or obstruction of visibility.

269. SIGNS NOTICES, ADVERTISEMENTS AND THE LIKE.

(1) A sign, notice, advertisement and the like shall not be erected or displayed without the
written approval of the Board.

(2) An alteration or addition to, and the transferring of an existing sign, notice or advertisement
are subject to the approval of the Board.

(3) A permit issued by the Board shall be for a specified period, and is subject to the payment
of a prescribed fee and to such conditions as are imposed by the Board, declaring that the fee
for a temporary sign is the same as for a permanent sign and shall be as shown in Schedule 2.

(4) The owner or occupier of land, a building or a structure to which a sign, notice,
advertisement or the like is attached shall keep the structure, sign, notice, advertisement or the
like in good repair and clean to the satisfaction of the Board.

(5) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section a sign, notice, advertisement or the like
shall not be erected in a position or in a manner constituting a distraction or obstruction of
visibility.

270. EXEMPTIONS.

Subject to this Part, the following signs, notices, advertisements and the like (other than
illuminated signs) may be displayed without the approval of the Board:–

(a) functional advertisements of a statutory body;

(b) miscellaneous advertisements relating to premises on which they are displayed, if they do
not project past the street alignment;

(c) advertisements or signs relating to a person, partnership, company or the like carrying on a
profession, business or trade at the premises where the advertisement or sign is displayed, if
they do not exceed 0.27mÒ in area;

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 90

(d) advertisements or signs relating to an educational, medical, religious or benevolent
institution or the like, or to a residential hotel, block of flats, club, boarding house, hostel or
the like, if they are displayed within the premises and do not exceed 1.08mÒ in area;

(e) advertisements or signs relating to the announcement of building operations for the duration
of the building operations, if they do not exceed 2.16mÒ in area;

(f) advertisements relating to the sale or letting of property on which they are displayed, if they
do not exceed 2mÒ in area;

(g) advertisements displayed on business premises, where they contain only the name of the
person, firm or company the nature of the business and the nature of type of goods sold;

(h) advertisements displayed within a building.

271. POWERS OF THE BOARD IN CASE OF NON-COMPLIANCE.

(1) Where a sign, notice, advertisement or the like is erected contrary to this Division, the Board
shall serve notice on the owner of the building, land or structure to which the sign, notice,
advertisement or the like as the case may be is attached, requiring him to pull down or repair,
within a time to be specified in the notice, the sign, notice, advertisement or the like, as the
case may be.

(2) Where, within the time specified in a notice under Subsection (1), the owner does not pull
down or repair the sign, notice, advertisement or structure specified therein to the satisfaction
of the Board, the owner is guilty of an offence.

Penalty: A fine not exceeding K200.

Penalty Default: A fine not exceeding K50.

272. OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES.

(1) In a township declared for the purposes of this Part by the Head of State, acting on advice,
by notice in the National Gazette, a Board shall not grant an application for the approval of the
plans and specifications of a proposed building or alterations unless the plans and specifications
make provision for off-street parking facilities to be provided within the boundaries of the area
on which the building stands or is to be erected, in accordance with the requirements of the
Physical Planning Act 1989.

(2) Where the Board is of the opinion that the requirements for the Physical Planning Board
are unreasonable in any particular circumstances and that greater or lesser off-street parking
facilities ought reasonably to be provided in a particular case, it may request a variation from
the Physical Planning Board of those requirements.

Division 2.

Precautions during Construction and Pulling Down of Buildings.

273. PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 91

(1) Where a building is constructed or pulled down at or adjoining a street alignment,
precautions shall be taken to ensure the safety of the public using the street and particulars of
the precautions shall be submitted to and be approved by the Board before work is commenced.

(2) Where excavations connected with the construction or pulling down of a building are made
in or adjoining a street, those excavations shall be–

(a) adequately fenced; and

(b) at night lighted to prevent injury to the public; and

(c) where considered necessary by the Board, properly timbered to prevent damage to the street.

274. PROTECTION OF WORKMEN.

Where excavations connected with the construction or pulling down of a building required to
be timbered, the timbering shall be constructed so as to afford adequate protection for workmen
to the satisfaction of the Board.

275. PROTECTION OF ADJACENT PROPERTY.

(1) Where excavation or demolition is to be made in proximity to an existing building, the walls
of that building shall be shored, underpinned or protected as necessary to ensure stability, to
the satisfaction of the Board.

(2) Where the footing of an existing building is of material likely to become unstable as a result
of the excavation of adjoining ground, additional precautions shall be taken to ensure its
stability and any underpinning shall be in conformity with the requirements of this Regulation.

(3) Where the footing of an existing building consists of hard stable rock the requirements of
Subsection (1) relating to underpinning may, with the approval of the Board, be dispensed with.

276. TEMPORARY RAMPS.

Where a temporary ramp is required to provide access to excavations in connection with

building operations, it shall–

(a) have a minimum width of 3,000mm; and

(b) have a guide or kerb on each side at least 225mm in height and 150mm in width adequately
connected to the ramp; and

(c) shall be constructed to a suitable grade and have the necessary strength and stability.

277. HEIGHT OF WALLS DURING CONSTRUCTION.

No wall or portion of a wall shall, during its construction, be built to a height greater than
1,500mm or six times its thickness, whichever is the greater, above an adjoining wall unless it
is supported by temporary shores, proper scaffolding or buttresses at intervals not greater than
30 times the thickness of the wall, until such time as roof or floor ties or cross walls are in
position.

278. PULLING DOWN OF BUILDING.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 92

The following requirements in connection with the pulling down of buildings shall be complied
with:–

(a) unless otherwise approved by the Board, storey after storey shall be completely removed;

(b) materials being removed from a building shall be placed upon the floor or floors of the
building, but shall be lowered to the ground immediately upon displacement and removed from
the site unless otherwise approved by the Board;

(c) no portion of an external wall abutting on a street or road shall be pulled down except
between such hours as the Board directs;

(d) for the purpose of preventing or lessening nuisance from dust, material displaced from a
building shall be kept sprayed with water.

279. ALTERATION TO BUILDINGS.

Where alterations are being made to a building, every portion of the building likely to become
structurally insecure by reason of those alterations shall be adequately shored up and supported
to the satisfaction of the Board.

280. PERMIT FOR PULLING DOWN OR REMOVAL.

No building or substantial portion of a building shall be pulled down or removed unless a

permit for the pulling down or removal has been issued by the Board.

Division 3.

Ruinous and Dangerous Buildings.

281. POWER OF ENTRY.

Where the Board has cause to believe that a building or part of a building is in a ruinous state
or is dangerous to the public, it may enter therein or thereon and make such inspection and
reasonable tests as may be necessary to determine whether the building or part of the building
is in a ruinous state or dangerous to the public.

282. PROTECTION OF PUBLIC.

Where, after inspection referred to in Section 281, the Board is satisfied that a building, part of
a building, a fixture attached to a building, or a fence on or within 3m of a street alignment is
in a ruinous state or dangerous to the public or to the occupiers of the building, the Board may–

(a) cause a proper hoarding, fence or prop to be erected for the protection of the public and of
the occupiers; and

(b) where necessary, cause the adjoining’s to be properly shored up.

283. NOTICE TO OWNER.

Where circumstances so warrant, the Board shall serve notice on the owner of a building,
fixture or fence specified in Section 282 requiring him, within a time to be specified in the

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 93

notice, to pull down, secure or repair the building or part of the building, or part of the building,
fixture or fences, as the case may be.

284. POWER OF BOARD.

Where, within the time specified in the notice under Section 283 the owner does not pull down,
secure or repair the building, fixture or fence specified in the notice to the satisfaction of the
Board, the Board may exercise in relation to that building, fixture or fence the powers conferred
by this Regulation, as if the same were a building, fixture or fence constructed contrary to this
Regulation.

Division 4.

Fences and the Like.

285. FENCES.

A fence (including an ornamental hedge) shall not be constructed to a height greater than
1,200mm above the level of the footpath except with the consent of the Board.

286. HOODS, PERGOLAS AND THE LIKE.

Hoods, pergolas or ornamental heads to gateways or fences shall be constructed in accordance

with a design and of materials approved by the Board, provided that no part of such a hood,
pergola or ornamental head projects more than 300mm beyond the street alignment and there
is no projection at a lower height than 2,700mm from the level of the footpath.

287. DIVERSION OF SEEPAGE.

A retaining wall of brick or concrete shall have seepage diverted in a manner approved by the
Board, but seepage shall not be discharged on to a public footpath.

288. BARBED-WIRE.

Barbed-wire erected adjacent to a street–

(a) shall be set back not less than 150mm from the street alignment up to a height of 2,300mm
above the level of the street; and

(b) shall not project beyond the street alignment; and

(c) shall require the approval of a Board.

Division 5.

Awnings and Sun Blinds.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 94
 289. STREET AWNINGS.

No awning or sun blind shall be constructed to project over a street, unless approved by the
Physical Planning Board.

290. CONSTRUCTION.

An awning or sun blinds projecting over a street shall be–

(a) supported by cantilever brackets off the main structures; and

(b) constructed of incombustible materials, except that, where the underside of an awning is
lined with incombustible material, the purlins and rafters may be of timber.

291. HEIGHTS ABOVE PAVEMENTS.

(1) An awning shall–

(a) be set back not less than 650mm from the kerb at a height of not less than 3,000mm; or

(b) terminate in line with the kerb or within 750mm of the line of the kerb at a height not less
than 3,800mm above the pavement.

(2) The height of any part of a sunblind shall not be less than 2,300mm above the pavement
and shall not project more than 2,400mm from the building to which it is attached

(3) Notwithstanding Subsections (1) and (2) the Board may, in special cases, permit or require
an awning and sun blind to be erected at heights and distances other than those specified in
Subsections (1) and (2).

292. AWNING ROOFS.

(1) The roof of an awning shall–

(a) have fall towards the building of not less than 1 in 25, except, where the roof covering is of
continuous metal sheeting, the Board may permit a fall of not less than 1 in 100, in which case
the fall may be to the sides of the awning; and

(b) be covered with fire resisting material which is impervious to moisture and conforms to the
provisions of this Regulation with regard to roofing; and

(c) be provided with a gutter of approved material; and

(d) be provided with a downpipe or pipes of wrought iron, cast iron or other approved material
chased into walls or piers or so set back that it does not project beyond the face of the building,
and those downpipes shall discharge into the street channel or underground storm water drain.

(2) The Board may exempt from the provisions of Subsection (1) an awning of light-weight
metal construction which does not project more than 2,400mm from the building to which it is
attached and which is set back not less than 750mm from the kerb at a height not less than
2,400mm above the pavement.

293. AWNING CEILINGS.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 95

Where so required by the Board, the underside of an awning shall be lined with incombustible
material.

PART XV. – ACCESS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.

294. APPLICATION OF PART.

Subject to Section 297, this Part applies to buildings of Classes III, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX
occupancy.

295. ACCESS TO BUILDINGS.

Access for persons with disabilities shall be provided to buildings as set out in the following
Table by means of a continuous path of travel in accordance with AS 1428.1.–

(a) from a road boundary of the allotment; and

(b) from any carpark space on the allotment (whether within or outside the building)–

(i) that is set aside for people with disabilities using the building; or

(ii) if there are no carpark spaces set aside for them, from any carpark area that serves the
building; and

(c) from any other building on the allotment to which access for people with disabilities is
required.

TABLE (SECTION 295) – REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH

DISABILITIES

Class of Building Access Requirements

Class 3
(a) Common areas of buildings that are The entrance floor and to all public areas on
required to be accessible. every floor.
(b) If the building contains– To and within–
More than 20 units. One sole-occupancy unit
More than 49 but not more than 99 units. 2 sole-occupancy units
More than 99 units. 3 sole-occupancy units
(c) If accommodation is provided for more
than 20 persons other than in sole-occupancy
units–
up to 49 beds 2 beds
more than 49 but not more than 99 beds 4 beds
more than 99 beds 6 beds
Note that for the purposes of this Table, a 6 beds
double bed counts as 1 bed.
Class V and VII To and within the entrance floor if its floor area
is more than 500mÒ.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 96

 Class VII To and within the entrance floor if the total
floor area of the building is more than
3000mÒ.
Class VIII To and within the entrance floor if the total
floor area of the building, excluding any part
used as a laboratory, is more than 1000mÒ.
and
Class V, VI, VII and VIII To and within any floor if irrespective of floor
area, the floor is not more than 190mm at the
point of entrance above or below the adjacent
finished ground level; and
within any other floor to which vertical access
by way of a ramp, step ramp or kerb ramp
complying with AS 1428.1 or a passenger lift
is provided.
Class IXa Applies to buildings of this class other than
To all areas normally accessible to patients/ prisons, and only to buildings located in
residents provincial cities or outside the capitals if they
contain more than 100 beds.
Class IXb and IXc Applies to buildings in provincial capital cities
To all areas normally accessible to patients/ only and buildings designed to seat/ cater for
residents more than 50 persons.
Class IXd Applies to buildings designed to seat/ cater
To all areas normally accessible to patients/ for more than 50 persons.
residents

296. PARTS OF BUILDINGS TO BE ACCESSIBLE.

(1) Access for persons with disabilities shall be provided–

(a) from the doorway at the entrance floor providing access to any sanitary compartment
required for the use of people with disabilities; and

(b) to areas normally used by the occupants, excluding any plantroom, commercial kitchen,
cleaners’ store room, maintenance access way, rigging loft, or the like.

(2) A path of travel providing required access must not include a stairway, turnstile, revolving
door, escalator or other impediment which would prevent a person in a wheelchair using it.

(3) Access, finishes and fittings, including passageways, ramps, steps ramps or kerb ramps,
passenger lifts, signs, doorways and other parts of the building required by this Part shall
comply at least with the provisions of AS 1428.1, excluding any references within the Standard
to AS 1735.12.

297. CONCESSIONS.

It is not necessary to provide access for persons with disabilities to–

(a) more than 30% of the public space in a restaurant, cafe, bar, function room, or the like, in
building of a Class VI or Class IXb occupancy; or

(b) a mezzanine; or

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 97

(c) a space not regarded as a storey by definition; or

(d) more than one car parking space for each 100 spaces in a public carpark; or

(e) any area if access would be inappropriate because of the particular purpose for which the
area is used.

PART XVI. – REPEAL.

298. REPEAL.

The following Regulations are hereby repealed:–

(a) Building Regulation (Chapter 301);

(b) Building (Building Inspectors) Regulation 1985 (No. 14 of 1985);

(c) Building (Amendment) Regulation 1986 (No. 9 of 1986);

(d) Building (Amendment) Regulation 1992 (No. 1 of 1992);

(e) Building (Amendment No. 2) Regulation 1992 (No. 2 of 1992).

PART XVII. – SAVINGS AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS.

299. INTERPRETATION.

In this Part, “the repealed Regulations” means the Regulations repealed by Section 298.

300. PERMITS, ETC., GRANTED UNDER REPEALED REGULATIONS.

A permit issued under, or certificate granted under, the repealed Regulations and valid and in
force immediately before the coming into operation of this Regulation, shall continue, on that
coming into operation, to have full force and effect for the term for which they were issued or
granted or until they sooner expire or are revoked according to law as if the repealed
Regulations had not been repealed, and the repealed Regulations are saved to the extent
necessary to give effect to this provision.

301. APPLICATIONS, ETC., UNDER REPEALED REGULATIONS.

(1) Subject to this section, where–

(a) prior to the coming into operation of this Regulation, an application had been made under
the repealed Regulations; and

(b) on that coming into operation, the procedure in respect of that application has not been
completed,

that application may continue to be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of the repealed
Regulations and the repealed Regulations are saved to the extent necessary to give effect to this
provision.

(2) The provisions of Subsection (1) shall apply for a period of one year after the coming into
operation of this Regulation.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 98

 302. SAVING IN RESPECT OF WORKING DRAWINGS FOR BUILDING
DESIGN SUBSTANTIALLY IN PROGRESS ON THE COMING INTO
OPERATION OF THIS REGULATION.

(1) Subject to this section, where, on the coming into operation of this Regulation–

(a) working drawings for a building design are substantially in progress; and

(b) such drawings and designs have been prepared to accord with the provisions of the repealed
Regulation,

the application for approval thereof and the procedure relative to such application may proceed
under the repealed Regulations as if the repealed Regulations had not been repealed, and the
repealed Regulations are saved to the extent necessary to give effect to this provision.

(2) The provisions of Subsection (1) shall apply for a period of one year after the coming into
operation of this Regulation.

303. ACTIONS, ETC., NOT TO ABATE.

Where, immediately prior to the coming into operation of this Regulation, any action,
arbitration, proceeding or prosecution was pending or existing by or against a person or body
under the repealed Regulation, it does not, on that coming into operation, abate or discontinue,
or be in any way affected by any provision of this Regulation, but it may be prosecuted,
continued and enforced by, against or in favour of the person or body as if this Regulation had
not been made.

304. CATEGORY ‘A’ AREAS.

An area declared under Schedule 4 of the repealed Regulations for the purposes of the repealed
Regulations is deemed to be declared area under this Regulation.

305. REFERENCE IN OTHERS, ACTS, ETC.

Where–

(a) any Act, or subordinate enactment other than this Regulation; or

(b) any document or instrument wherever made or executed,

contains a reference, express or implied, to the repealed Regulations, or any provision thereof,
that reference shall, on the coming into operation of this Regulation, be read and construed and
have effect as a reference to this Regulation and to the equivalent provision thereof.

SCHEDULE 1 – SEISMIC ZONES IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Reg. Sec. 3

(1) Seismic zones are defined by boundaries described as follows:–

(a) Boundary No. 1 extends from the intersection of latitude 6°S and the border with Irian Jaya
on longitude 141°E south east-wards to the intersection of latitude 8°S and longitude 144°E
then due east to the intersection of latitude 8°S and longitude 146°30’E then south-eastwards
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 99
to the intersection of latitude 10°S and longitude 149°30’E then due east to the intersection of
latitude 10°S and 155°E on the easternmost border of Papua New Guinea.

(b) Boundary No. 2 extends from the intersection of latitude 4°37’S and the border with Irian
Jaya on longitude 141°E due to the south-eastwards to the intersection of latitude 8°S and
longitude 148°E then due east to the intersection of latitude 8°S and longitude 154°E on the
easternmost border of Papua New Guinea.

(c) Boundary No. 3 extends from the intersection of latitude 2°S and longitude 141°E on the
border with Irian Jaya south-eastwards to the intersection of latitude 3°S and longitude 145°E
then south-eastwards to the intersection of latitude 5°S and longitude 147°E then due east to
the intersection of latitude 5°S and 150°E then north-eastwards to the intersection of latitude
3°S and longitude 152°E then due east to the intersection of latitude 3°S and longitude 154°E
then south-eastwards to the intersection of latitude 7°S and longitude 157°E.

(d) Boundary No. 4 extends from the intersection of latitude 1°S and longitude 141°E on the
border with Irian Jaya eastwards to the intersection of latitude 2°S and longitude 154°E then
south-eastwards to the intersection of latitude 6°S and longitude 157°E on the easternmost
border of Papua New Guinea.

(e) Boundary No. 5 extends from the intersection of latitude 8°S and longitude 157°E north-
westwards to the intersection of latitude 6°S longitude 150°E then north-wards to the
intersection of latitude 4°S and longitude 152°E then due east to the intersection of latitude 4°S
and longitude 153°30’E then south-eastwards to its point of origin.

(2) Seismic zones are shown in Plate 1 and are described as follows:–

(a) Seismic Zone 1 comprises all those parts of the country lying within Boundary No. 5.

(b) Seismic Zone 2 comprises all those parts of the country lying within Boundary No. 2 and
Boundary No. 3, but excluding those parts of the country lying within Boundary No. 5.

(c) Seismic Zone 3 comprises all those parts of the country lying within Boundary No. 1 and
Boundary No. 2, and within Boundary No. 3 and Boundary No. 4.

(d) Seismic Zone 4 comprises all those parts of the country lying south of Boundary No. 1 and
north of Boundary No. 4.

SCHEDULE 2

Reg. Sec. 1(4).

PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Building Act 1971.

Form 1 – Application for approval.

Reg., Sec. 5 Form 1.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Building Act 1971.

Form 2 – Permit.
PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 100
Reg., Sec. 12 Form 2.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Building Act 1971.

Form 3 – Certificate of completion.

Reg., Sec. 19 Form 3.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA.

Building Act 1971.

Form 4 – Notice of appeal.

Reg., Sec. 24 Form 4.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 101

 SCHEDULE 3 – FEES.
Act. Sec. 26 (e) Reg. Sec. 23

Act or thing Fee

1. For the grant of a permit for the erection K
(including additions to existing buildings) of:–
(a) Occupancy Classifications I (Single dwelling-
building), IX, X
(i) not exceeding 100 m2 per m2 0.40
(ii) each m2 exceeding 100 m2 per m2 0.80
(iii) minimum 20.00
(b) Occupancy Classifications I (Multiple dwelling-
building), II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX
(i) The first 1000m2 per m2 1.80
(ii) Each mÒ exceeding 1000m2 to 3000m2 per m2 1.50
(iii) Each m2 exceeding 3000m2 per m2 1.20
(iv) minimum 40.00
2. For the grant of a permit to erect a sign, hoarding 40.00
or fence
3. For an application in respect to an alteration to an 50% of the
existing building Area assessed in accordance fee payable
with Section 23 of the Regulation. for a building
of the same
class.
4. For a certificate, act, matter or thing not otherwise 40.00
specified in this Schedule.
A fee will not be payable for the issuance of a certificate of completion.

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 102

Office of Legislative Counsel, PNG

[1]
1. Section 8 Amended by S.R. 2006, No. 68.
[2]
2. Section 199 Amended by S.R. 2006, No. 68.
[3]
3. Section 261 Amended by S.R. 2006, No. 68.

PacLII: Copyright Policy | Disclaimers | Privacy Policy | Feedback

URL: [Link]

PNG Building Regulations - Chapter 301 103