17 - Construction Technology And Environmental Services

Question 1

612 - What RIBA Stage is on-site construction?

Answer 1

RIBA Stage 5 - Manufacturing and Construction

Question 2

613 - What is buildability? (2)

Answer 2

1) Buildability can be defined as the EXTENT to which the DESIGN of a building FACILITATES the ease of CONSTRUCTION.
2) To help improve buildability, EARLY CONTRACTOR INVOLVEMENT should be considered to benefit from their experience and expertise.

Question 3

614 - What are the benefits of off-site construction over in-situ? (4)

Answer 3

1) SAFETY - Hazards such as falls from height are more likely to occur on site than in a factory.
2) EFFICIENCY and QUALITY - Construction takes place in a controlled environment.
3) SUSTAINABILITY - Reduction in waste produced.
4) SPEED - Work in the factory can be scheduled to begin at the same time as other activities on site, resulting in a shorter build programme.

Question 4

615 - What is the difference between building works and civil engineering works? (2)

Answer 4

1) Building works - ALL TYPES OF BUILDINGS such as houses, offices, shops, hotels, hospitals etc.
2) Civil engineering works - drainage schemes, highways, culverts, bridges, retaining walls etc. (INFRASTRUCTURE)

Question 5

616 - What are temporary works? (1 + 4 examples)

Answer 5

Temporary works are the parts of a construction project that are NEEDED TO ENABLE the permanent works to be built, they are usually required for safety or access reasons. Examples;
1) Propping
2) Scaffolding
3) Formwork
4) Excavation support

Question 6

617 - What are hoists?

Answer 6

Designed for the VERTICAL TRANSPORTATION of materials and / or people.

(See book for photo examples)

Question 7

618 - What is shoring?

Answer 7

FORM OF TEMPORARY SUPPORT given to existing buildings and excavations. The purpose is to prevent collapse or excessive movement.

Question 8

619 - What is a culvert?

Answer 8

A culvert is a TUNNEL-LIKE STRUCTURE that is constructed to allow WATER TO FLOW UNDER a road, railway line or similar obstruction.

(See book for photo examples)

Question 9

620 - What is the purpose of a drainage head wall? (2)

Answer 9

1) A head wall is a small RETAINING WALL / structure built at the INLET or OUTFALL of a STORM WATER drainage pipe.

(See book for photo examples)

Question 10

621 - What is the substructure of a building? (3)

Answer 10

1) Substructure is the LOWER PORTION of the building (in the ground) which SUPPORTS the superstructure.
2) Transmits the loads of the building to the ground.
3) Includes foundations, basements and retaining walls etc.

Question 11

622 - What is ground heave? (2)

Answer 11

1) Ground heave is usually associated with clay soil which SWELLS WHEN WET, causing the upward movement of the ground.
2) As the soil generally cannot expand downwards or sideways, the result is that the exposed upper surface of the soil rises up.

Question 12

623 - What are some of the techniques available for ground improvement? (6)

Answer 12

1) Vibro compaction
2) Vibro stone columns
3) Vertical drains and vacuum consolidation
4) Soil mixing
5) Dynamic compaction
6) Dynamic replacement

Question 13

624 - What are the different forms of excavation? (5)

Answer 13

1) Site clearance operations (removing vegetation and rubble)
2) Stripping topsoil
3) Reduced level dig (to reach formation level)
4) Cut and fill
5) Excavation for foundations

Question 14

625 - What are the key factors the contractor should consider when excavating? (6)

Answer 14

1) NATURE of the soil and MOISTURE CONTENT of the ground
2) METHOD of excavation
3) If GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS are required
4) DEPTH of excavation
5) UNDERGROUND services and drainage

Question 15

626 - Can you explain some of the techniques to waterproof a basement? (2)

Answer 15

1) TANKING - Materials such as asphalt, polythene sheeting, bitumen etc. are applied internally or externally to provide a continuous membrane to the base slab and walls.
2) DRAINED CAVITY - This method accepts a small amount of water seepage will occur. Cavity walls are formed, the water seepage is collected in the cavity and drained or pumped away.

Question 16

627 - Have you come across the term SUDS? (3)

Answer 16

1) Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems.
2) SUDS are DESIGNED TO MANAGE STORMWATER locally (as close to its source as possible), to mimic natural drainage and encourage its infiltration and / or attenuation.
3) SUDS help to REDUCE the RELIANCE on EXISTING drainage infrastructure.

Question 17

628 - Can you detail a typical road build up please? (4)

Answer 17

1) Compacted and rolled type 1 - sub base (100 - 250mm)
2) Base course (70 - 150mm)
3) Binder course (50 - 100mm)
4) Wearing / surface course (20 - 40mm)

Question 18

629 - What is the purpose of a foundation? (2)

Answer 18

1) Foundations PROVIDE SUPPORT for structures, transferring their load to the ground to avoid excessive settlement.
2) Foundations should bear the loads of the superstructure.

Question 19

630 - What are the typical considerations when selecting the type and size of the foundation? (5)

Answer 19

1) The total load of the building
2) Nature and load bearing capacity of the ground
3) Type of structure
4) Cost
5) Construction constraints (for example, their proximity to adjacent buildings / structures)

Question 20

631 - What are the different types of foundation? (4)

Answer 20

1) Strip foundations
2) Pad foundations
3) Raft foundations
4) Piled foundations

Question 21

632 - What is a raft foundation?

Answer 21

A raft foundation is essentially a CONTINUOUS SLAB that EXTENDS OVER the entire FOOTPRINT of the building. The raft spreads the load of the building over a larger area than other foundations, the stress acting on the ground below is reduced.

Question 22

633 - What are pad foundations? (2)

Answer 22

1) Pad foundations are typically used to SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL or MULTIPLE COLUMNS, spreading the load to the ground below.
2) They are usually square or rectangular on plan and can be reinforced or non-reinforced.

Question 23

634 - What are strip foundations?

Answer 23

As the name suggests, the formation is in a strip of LINEAR structure that ultimately serves to spread the weight across the total area of the ground, typically used to support masonry.

Question 24

635 - What are pile foundations? (4)

Answer 24

1) A pile is a COLUMN (usually concrete) that EXTENDS DEEP INTO the GROUND.
2) Where the bearing capacity of the soil is poor or imposed loads are very heavy, pile foundations may be required.
3) There are two main types of pile;
- End bearing pile
- Friction piles
4) There are two main construction methods;
- Bored piles
- Driven piles

Question 25

636 - In what scenarios might a piled foundation be the best solution for the project? (5)

Answer 25

1) Where the STRUCTURE is HEAVY and the underlying SOIL is WEAK. 2) In areas where SETTLEMENT ISSUES are COMMON. 3) Where the sub-soil WATER TABLE is HIGH. 4) Where the LOAD DISTRIBUTION of the structure is NOT UNIFORM. 5) Presence of HORIZONTAL FORCES.

Question 26

637 - Can you explain how end bearing and friction piles transfer the load of the building? (2)

Answer 26

1) End bearing piles - The BOTTOM of the pile RESTS on a layer of strong soil or rock, the load of the building is transferred through the pile onto the strong layer. 2) Friction piles - work on a different principle, friction piles develop most of the pile-bearing capacity by sheer STRESSES ALONG THE SIDES of the pile. In other words, the surface of the pile works to transfer the forces to the soil.

Question 27

638 - What are the differences between bored piles and driven piles?

Answer 27

The fundamental difference lies in their POINT OF MANUFACTURE. A driven pile is formed off site under factory controlled conditions and a bored pile is manufactured on site.

Question 28

639 - What are the key advantages and disadvantages of driven piles? (4 + 3 respectively)

Answer 28

Advantages; 1) Piles can be PRECAST to the required specifications. 2) Piles of ANY SIZE, length and shape can be made in advance. 3) A pile driven into granular soil compacts the adjacent soil mass, the bearing capacity of the pile may increase as a result. 4) Fast, neat and clean installation. Disadvantages; 1) Requires HEAVY EQUIPMENT for handling and delivery. 2) Increased NOISE and VIBRATIONS generated by driving the piles. 3) Can be COSTLY is piles are too short.

Question 29

640 - What are the key advantages and disadvantages of bored piles? (3 + 3 respectively)

Answer 29

Advantages; 1) ANY SIZE or shape of pile can be formed on site. 2) No risk of damage during delivery and handling. 3) REDUCED VIBRATIONS and NOISE. Disadvantages; 1) Significant SPOILS are GENERATED that need to be handled. 2) Reliance and coordination on multiple trades (reinforcement crewe, piling crewe and concrete supplier). 3) Unlike driven piles, bored piles do not improve the bearing capacity of the ground.

Question 30

641 - What are secant pile walls? (2)

Answer 30

1) A wall is formed by installing INTERLOCKING PILES which create a solid barrier free of gaps. 2) Typically used to form a retaining wall. (See book for photo examples)

Question 31

642 - What is underpinning and why might it be required? (7)

Answer 31

1) Underpinning is a method for REPAIR and STRENGTHENING the FOUNDATIONS. 2) STABILISING foundations undergoing settlement. 3) STABILISING foundations that have moved because of land slip or unstable slopes. 4) STABILISING foundations affected by erosion, subsidence, or heave. 5) STABILISING foundations affected by vibration damage. 6) To increase the load capacity of the existing foundations. 7) To accommodate a new adjoining building, new basement, or deep sewer.

Question 32

643 - What is the superstructure of a building? (2)

Answer 32

1) The STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS of a building constructed ABOVE the GROUND level (usually everything above damp-proof course). 2) The basic components of a buildings superstructure are columns, beams, slabs, walls etc.

Question 33

644 - What is the envelope of a building? (2)

Answer 33

1) A building envelope is the BOUNDARY between the INTERIOR and EXTERIOR of a building. 2) The materials and components that form the EXTERNAL SHELL of a building such as brickwork, cladding, curtain walls etc.

Question 34

645 - What are the key considerations when designing external walls? (7)

Answer 34

1) Weather protection 2) Fire resistance 3) Acoustic and thermal performance 4) Structural performance 5) Appearance / aesthetics 6) Expected lifespan 7) Future maintenance

Question 35

646 - Can you briefly explain what a retained facade is? (2)

Answer 35

1) The facade of the building is PRESERVED whilst the rest of the structure is remodelled, or a new structure is built behind it. 2) Facade retention is often used when resorting listed buildings. (See book for photo examples)

Question 36

647 - What are standard brick dimensions in the UK?

Answer 36

215mm x 102.5mm x 65mm

Question 37

648 - How many UK standard size bricks are required per m2?

Answer 37

60 bricks per m2

Question 38

649 - How many UK standard size blocks are required per m2?

Answer 38

10 blocks per m2

Question 39

650 - Wha are weep holes? (2)

Answer 39

1) SMALL OPENINGS in the outer skin of masonry construction. 2) Weep holes provide VENTILATION to the cavity and allow MOISTURE to drain away.

Question 40

651 - Can you name two different types of brick bond? (2)

Answer 40

1) ENGLISH BOND - Alternating coursed of HEADERS and SRETCHERS. 2) STRETCHER BOND - The most common brickwork method. The vertical joints are STAGGERED each time by half a brick. (See book for photo examples)

Question 41

652 - What is a curtain walling system?

Answer 41

Typically, curtain walling systems comprise a lightweight aluminium FRAME onto which GLAZED or OPAQUE infill PANELS can be fixed. (See book for photo examples)

Question 42

653 - What is a movement joint and why are they used? (2)

Answer 42

1) A movement joint is designed to safely ABSORB the EXPANSION and CONTRACTION of construction materials. 2) Movement joints can also allow for movement associated with ground settlement or seismic activity,

Question 43

654 - What are the main components of concrete? (3)

Answer 43

1) Cement 2) Aggregate 3) Water

Question 44

655 - What is the difference between dead loads and live loads on a structure? (2)

Answer 44

1) DEAD LOADS are STATIC FORCES that a RELATIVELY CONSTANT for an extended time; usually the weight of materials plus non-structural elements such as partitions, immovable fixtures, kitchens etc. 2) LIVE LOADS refer to the DYNAMIC FORCES from OCCUPANCY and INTENDED USE. These loads include the weight of people, furniture, appliances, moveable equipment etc.

Question 45

656 - What are retaining walls?

Answer 45

A retaining wall HOLDS BACK (or “retains”) the SOIL BEHIND IT. The typical purpose is to resist the lateral pressure of soil where there is a change in the ground elevation. (See book for photo examples)

Question 46

657 - What is pre-tensioned concrete? (4)

Answer 46

1) In pre-tensioning the reinforcement, in the form of TENDONS or CABLES, are STRETCHED (put into tension) across the concrete formwork before the concrete is placed. 2) After the concrete has hardened and suitable strength developed, the tendons are released. 3) The tendons attempt to shorten and transfer their energy stored to the concrete. 4) A COMPRESSIVE FORCE is therefore INDUCED INTO THE CONCRETE.

Question 47

658 - What is post tensioned concrete? (2)

Answer 47

1) The concrete is cast around tubes or ducts which will contain the reinforcing tendon. 2) Once a suitable concrete strength has developed, the tendons are threaded through the ducts and stretched (put into tension) using hydraulic jacks.

Question 48

659 - Can you explain what a glulam beam is? (2)

Answer 48

1) The term glulam is an abbreviated terms that stands for GLUED-LAMINATED timber. 2) A glulam beam is made with multiple layers of solid wood bonded together with high-strength adhesive to form a single structural unit. (See book for photo examples)

Question 49

660 - Can you explain what reinforced concrete is? (2)

Answer 49

1) Reinforced concrete is a COMBINATION of CONCRETE with REINFORCEMENTS (usually steel bar, rods, or mesh). 2) This combination is made to use the compressive strength of concrete and tensile strength of steel at the same time, hence, work together to resist many types of loading.

Question 50

661 - What are the key advantages of timber frames? (4)

Answer 50

1) Construction on site can be faster (compared to in situ concrete frames). 2) The structure is relatively lightweight. 3) Timber can be aesthetically pleasing (exposed oak beams for example). 4) Sustainability benefits (assuming the timber is harvested responsibly from well managed forests).

Question 51

662 - What are the key disadvantages of timber frames? (3)

Answer 51

1) Skilled workmanship is required to achieve a high-quality finish. 2) Potential for wet rot, dry rot and woodworm etc. 3) Fire protection may be required.

Question 52

663 - What are the key advantages of steel frames? (4)

Answer 52

1) FASTER to ERECT than concrete frames 2) RECYCLABLE 3) High STRENGTH TO WEIGHT ratio 4) BEAMS can SPAN over LONG DISTANCES (ideal for warehouses etc.)

Question 53

664 - What are the key disadvantages of steel frames? (4)

Answer 53

1) Typically, steel frames have a LOWER LOAD BEARING CAPACITY compare to concrete frames 2) FIRE PROTECTION ma be required 3) The PRICE OF STEEL can be VOLATILE 4) Steel frames do not have the same ACOUSTIC and THERMAL PROPERTIES of a concrete frame

Question 54

665 - What is a portal frame and what type of buildings are they most suitable for? (2)

Answer 54

1) The frame is generally characterised by a beam (or rafter) supported at either end by columns. The columns are typically connected to the rafters with haunch / eaves connections. 2) Portal frames usually have long clear spans providing large areas of open space; therefore, they are commonly used to construct warehouses, factories etc.

Question 55

666 - What are the key advantages of concrete frames? (4)

Answer 55

1) FIRE PROTECTION is inherent in the structure 2) CLADDING and other FINISHES can be FIXED DIRECT to the FRAME 3) Provides good SOUND and HEAT INSULATION 4) High COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Question 56

667 - What are the key disadvantages of concrete frames? (5)

Answer 56

1) Require FORMWORK 2) SLOWER TO CONSTRUCT on site 3) Require a BULKY STRUCTURE 4) Concrete does not SPAN as well as steel 5) LONG CURING TIME - maximum strength is typically achieved after 28 days

Question 57

667 - What are the key disadvantages of concrete frames? (5)

Answer 57

1) Require FORMWORK 2) SLOWER TO CONSTRUCT on site 3) Require a BULKY STRUCTURE 4) Concrete does not SPAN as well as steel 5) LONG CURING TIME - maximum strength is typically achieved after 28 days

Question 58

668 - With reference to concrete frames, what is formwork?

Answer 58

Formwork is the structure, usually temporary, used to CONTAIN POURED CONCRETE and MOULD IT TO the REQUIRED DIMENSIONS. The formwork is usually stripped away once the concrete has hardened and can support itself.

Question 59

669 - What key factors should be considered when selecting the type of structural frame? (9)

Answer 59

1) Programme requirements 2) Fire protection 3) Acoustic and thermal properties 4) Market conditions and supply costs 5) Site logistics and general site constraints 6) End user requirements (necessity for column free space etc.) 7) Sustainability objectives such as BREEAM certification 8) Mechanical and electrical services strategy 9) Future expansion requirements

Question 60

670 - What is slipform construction? (2)

Answer 60

1) Slipform construction involves POURING CONCRETE into the top of CONTINUOUSLY MOVING FORMWORK. As the concrete is poured, the formwork is raised vertically at a speed that allows the concrete to harden before it is exposed at the bottom. 2) Typically used to construct stair cores, lift shafts, towers etc.

Question 61

671 - What is jump forming?

Answer 61

Jump forming works in a similar principal to slipform. The structure is cast in a series of vertical sections called “lifts”. After the concrete has gained sufficient strength, the formwork is moved back and then ‘jumped’ to the next level above.

Question 62

672 - What is CAT A fit out? (2)

Answer 62

1) CAT A fit out typically provides a BASIC LEVEL of finish, this may include raised floors, suspended ceilings and partitions, along with basic mechanical and electrical services. 2) CAT A space is often a BARE-BONES finish that is considered a blank canvas for interior and office designers. The next phase of the fit out is CAT B.

Question 63

673 - What is CAT B fit out? (2)

Answer 63

1) CAT B fit out provides a space that is READY TO MOVE INTO and operate. 2) CAT B fit out can include, but is not limited to; partitions and doors, floor finishes, specialist lighting and facilities, cafes, tea points and kitchen areas, furniture, branded material and decor.

Question 64

674 - What key factors should be considered when designing internal partitions? (6)

Answer 64

1) Fire rating and acoustic requirements 2) Thermal properties 3) Requirement for doors and internal windows 4) Strength and structural requirements including fixing details 5) Robustness 6) Height of the partition

Question 65

675 - Can you name some common types of plasterboard? (4)

Answer 65

1) Standard boards (white / light grey) 2) Fire boards (pink) 3) Acoustic board (blue) 4) Moisture resistant boards (green)

Question 66

676 - What is raised access flooring?

Answer 66

A floor sitting on PEDESTALS above the structural slab. The system allows services to be located within the void (usually power and data cables)

Question 67

677 - Can you explain the difference between single phase and 3 phase electrical supplies? (2)

Answer 67

1) Single phase power has just one live wire whereas 3 phase power uses three live wires, both will also have one neutral wire and in almost all cases an earth wire too. 2) As such, three phase power supplies a more constant, reliable current.

Question 68

678 - What do we install generators in addition to regular grid power?

Answer 68

Generators, usually powered by diesel engines, typically act as a backup power suppply should the primary power supply fail.

Question 69

679 - What is a UPS and why might the client require one? (3)

Answer 69

1) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). 2) The UPS provides an alternative ‘no-break’ electrical supply in situations where it is important there is no loss of electrical supply, even if the primary supply fails. 3) Typically installed in hospitals for life critical equipment, data centres and IT server rooms.

Question 70

680 - What does HVAC stand for?

Answer 70

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Question 71

681 - What does FCU, AHU and VAV stand for? (3)

Answer 71

1) Fan Coil Unit (FCU) 2) Air Handling Unit (AHU) 3) Variable Air Volume systems (VAV)

Question 72

682 - What is natural ventilation? (2)

Answer 72

1) Natural ventilation is a method of supplying fresh air to a building or room by means of PASSIVE forces, typically by wind speed or differences in pressure internally and externally. 2) This is achieved without the use of mechanical systems, therefore reduced carbon emissions is a key benefit.

Question 73

683 - What is mechanical ventilation?

Answer 73

Mechanical ventilation is the intentional fan driven flow of outdoor air into a building. Mechanical ventilation systems may include supply fans (pushing outdoor air into a building), exhaust fans (drawing air out of a building), or a combination of both.

Question 74

684 - What is an air source heat pump and how does it work? (2)

Answer 74

1) An air source heat pump takes HEAT FROM the AIR and BOOSTS IT TO a HIGHER TEMPERATURE using a compressor, it then transfers the heat too the heating system. 2) Their function resembles the workings of a fridge or air conditioners, but in reverse.

Question 75

685 - Can you explain how siphonic drainage systems work? (2)

Answer 75

1) Siphonic drainage systems contain an anti-vortex plates which acts as a baffle and prevents air (and debris) from entering the pipe work system at full flow, allowing the pipes to completely fill up with water. 2) The water is sucked or siphoned from the roof down into the drain at high velocity. The lack of air and the downward pull of the water creates a vacuum, making the drainage process fast and efficient.

Question 76

686 - What is rainscreen cladding used for? (3)

Answer 76

1) A rainscreen uses an exterior surface - a rainscreen cladding layer - to break the force of sideways, wind driven water movement, so that any water that gets through the small breaches in the surface has lost its momentum. Most water simply bounces off the surface or runs down the exterior. 2) The system is not necessarily waterproof itself bt serves as a screen and protections against rain for the rest of the building. 3) There are two key types of system; Drained & ventilated systems OR Pressure equalised systems.

Question 77

687 - What is the purpose of a parapet? (2)

Answer 77

1) A parapet is an extension of the external building shell above roof level. 2) A parapet can be used as edge protection to enable maintenance to take place and can also mask unsightly roof plant from ground level (See book for photo examples)

Question 78

688 - What is the difference between a gable, hippie and mansard roof? (3)

Answer 78

1) Gable - A roof sloping downward in two parts at an angle from a central ridge. 2) Hipped - A roof that slopes upward from all sides of the structure, having no vertical ends. 3)Mansard roof - Steep front face pitch with a shallow pitch / flat roof on top. (See book for diagrams)

Question 79

689 - What site surveys might be required for a typical construction project? (13)

Answer 79

1) Topographic survey 2) Site investigation 3) Asbestos survey 4) Drainage CCTV survey 5) Utility searches 6) Measured survey 7) Ecology survey 8) Floor risk assessments 9) Transport assessments 10) UXO discovery 11) CBR test 12) Archaeological digs / excavations 13) Existing condition surveys

Question 80

690 - What are the objectives of a site investigation? (2)

Answer 80

1) The primary purpose is to establish parameters for foundation and substructure design. 2) The engineer will assess the properties and composition of the soil and rock, as well as potential ground contamination hat could affect the construction or building safety.

Question 81

691 - What is a CBR test? (2)

Answer 81

1) California Bearing Ratio 2) Tests the loa bearing capacity of the ground to inform foundation design and construction details for other ground bearing elements (such as roads).

Question 82

692 - Which types of vegetation can cause issues for a construction project?

Answer 82

Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed

Question 83

693 - Are you aware of any guidance issued by RICS associated with Japanese knotweed?

Answer 83

Japanese knotweed and residential property - 1st edition, January 2022 (See book for QR code link to document)

Question 84

694 - What fire safety provisions might you find in a new building? (9)

Answer 84

1) Maximum occupancy numbers 2) Fire evacuation plan, designated escape routes (with signage) and fire exits 3) Fire extinguishers 4) Fire alarms 5) Sprinklers 6) Fire dampers located in ventilation ductwork 7) Fire barriers in floor, wall and ceiling cavities 8) Fire rated roller shutters 9) Smoke control systems

Question 85

695 - What is fire compartment action within a building? (2)

Answer 85

1) Compartmentation is a form of passive fire protection. 2) The idea is to subdivide a structure into fire compartments to limit the spread of fire and smoke.

Question 86

696 - What is intumescent paint? (2)

Answer 86

1) Intumescent paint is a passive fire protection system. 2) When exposed to extreme temperatures, it rapidly expands to protect the surface that it is applied to. This prevents, minimises, or delays fire damage to the structure.

Question 87

697 - what are automatic fire sprinklers and how are they activated?

Answer 87

Sprinkler heads are usually heat activated. When the heat of a fire reaches the sprinkler head, a solder link will melt or a liquid filled glass bulb will shatter to activate the sprinkler, releasing water directly over the source of the heat.

Question 88

698 - Can you detail the different types of fire extinguisher and their typical uses? (5)

Answer 88

1) Water - wood, cardboard, textiles etc. 2) Foam - flammable liquids 3) Dry powder - flammable liquids and electrical fires 4) Carbon dioxide - electrical fires 5) Wet chemical - cooking oil fires

Question 89

699 - What is a mansafe fall arrest system? (2)

Answer 89

1) Mansafe systems are horizontal or vertical safety lines (usually stainless steel wire rope) designed to keep people safe whilst working at height. The user will wear a safety harness and clip onto the safety line. 2) If a fall should occur, the system is designed to limit the distance and consequence of the fall. (See book for photo examples)

Question 90

700 - What are Building Regulations? (2)

Answer 90

1) Regulations to ensure that new buildings, conversions, renovations and extensions (domestic or commercial) are going to be safe, healthy and high performance. 2) Regulations cover specific topics including structural integrity, fire protection, accessibility, energy performance, acoustic performance, protection against falls, electrical and gas safety.

Question 91

701 - Can you list the Building Regulations Approved Documents? (18)

Answer 91

1) Part A - Structure 2) Part B - Fire safety 3) Part C - Site preparation 4) Part D - Toxic substance 5) Part E - Sound resistance 6) Part F - Ventilation 7) Part G - Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency 8) Part H - Drainage and waste disposal 9) Part J - Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems 10) Part K - Protection from falling, collision and impact 11) Part L - Conservation of fuel and power 12) Part M - Access to and use of buildings 13) Part O - Overheating 14) Part P - Electrical safety 15) Part Q - Security in dwellings 16) Part R - High speed electronic communications networks 17) Part S - Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles 18) Approved Document 7 - Materials and workmanship

Question 92

702 - Who review the design and construction phase for compliance with Building Regulations?

Answer 92

The building control officer or approved inspector

Question 93

703 - What are British Standards? (2)

Answer 93

1) Publications issued by the British Standards Institution (prefixed BS). 2) They give recommended minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction practices.

Question 94

704 - Can you name some materials that have been banned from use in construction? (3)

Answer 94

1) High alumina cement in structural elements 2) Asbestos 3) Urea formaldehyde

Question 95

705 - What is the Equality Act 2010? (2)

Answer 95

1) The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. 2) The Equality Act replaced previous anti-discrimination laws with a single act and covers matters such as disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, religion, or belief etc.

Question 96

706 - How does the Equality Act affect buildings? (2)

Answer 96

1) Whilst accessible design of buildings is regulated by Building Regulations Part M, The Equality Act does require “reasonable adjustments” to be made when providing access to goods, facilities, services and premises. 2) This means due regard must be given to any specific needs of likely building users. Compliance with the requirements of Part M does not therefore signify compliance with the much broader obligations and duties set out in the Equality Act.

Question 97

707 - Can you explain what the Party Wall Act 1996 is? (2)

Answer 97

1) The Party Wall etc Act 1996 provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes in relation to part walls, boundary walls and excavations near neighbouring buildings. 2) The Act is separate from obtaining planning permission or building regulations approval.

Question 98

708 - Can you briefly explain what O&M manuals are and what might be included? (2)

Answer 98

1) Operation and Maintenance manuals. Upon completion of the build phase, O&M manuals are issued to the client / building owner (O&M manuals are usually produced by the contractor). 2) Information relating to how the building has been constructed, should be maintained, cleaned and decommissioned. Includes as built drawings and specifications.