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BEAM P
LUS FOR
N
EW
B
UILDINGS
I
NDOOR
E
NVIRONMENTAL
Q
UALITY
(I
EQ
)
V
ERSION
1.2
I
EQ
2 P
LUMBING AND
D
RAINAGE
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 144
6
IEQ
6.2
H
YGIENE
I
EQ
2 P
LUMBING AND
D
RAINAGE
E
XCLUSIONS
None.
O
BJECTIVE
Reduce the potential for contamination of plumbing and drainage
systems, the ability of systems to carry infections, and the likelihood of
odours.
C
REDITS ATTAINABLE
1
P
REREQUISITES
Compliance with the provisions of the Building (Standards of Sanitary
Fitments, Plumbing, Drainage Works and Latrines) Regulations.
C
REDIT REQUIREMENT
1 credit for designs that reduce the potential for transmission of harmful
bacteria viruses and odours.
A
SSESSMENT
The Client shall submit details of the plumbing and drainage systems in
the form of drawings and specifications, and confirmation that installation
of the systems was carried out according to the specifications. A
summary report shall be submitted highlighting where appropriate means
have been included to allow for safe and hygienic operation over the
expected lifespan of the systems and components.
The ‘appropriate means’ shall include, but are not limited to the following:
adequacy of flushing water supply to meet the pattern of demand;
design of drainage stacks of adequate capacity for peak loading;
venting of stacks;
access to pipework and ducts for maintenance purposes;
installation of buried pipework that pays attention to leaks at joints,
seals, etc. for the expected life of the installation;
design of floor drains; and
maintenance of water seals.
Where it can demonstrate that the design and installation of the plumbing
and drainage systems, and any other provisions that can impact on
performance (e.g. ventilation of bathrooms) have been given due
attention, e.g. comply with the recommended practices promoted by
various authorities, then the credit shall be awarded.
B
ACKGROUND
Since the outbreak of the SARS virus, there has been a great deal of
attention to the design of buildings to improve building hygiene. There
appears to be sufficient evidence to conclude that a building drainage
system was a path for the transmission of the SARS virus. Subsequent
investigations have identified that certain features of drainage and
sewage system design should be improved. BEAM seeks to ensure
greater attention is paid to the design and installation of plumbing and
drainage systems in buildings in order to reduce the risk of transmission
of bacteria, viruses and odours into occupied areas.
Water seal traps are required to be provided for all sanitary fitments,
including floor drains (if provided), before they are connected to a
common drainage stack [1]. Trap seal retention can be a problem in
multi-level drainage systems. The main ways that air passes a trap are:
1
Buildings Department. Practice Note for Authorized Persons, Registered Structural Engineers and Registered
Geotechnical Engineers, PNAP No. ADV-24 Floor Drains in Kitchens and Bathrooms.
http://www.bd.gov.hk/english/documents/pnap/ADV/ADV024.pdf