Construction Technology & Environmental Services Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Building Regulations
Ensures building work aligns with government’s objectives of
-securing health and safety of building users
-promoting energy efficiency
-making access easier for all
How is building control enforced?
Control is enforced through the building regulations.
Powers for LAs to enforce the building regs are contained in Building Act of 1984
Name the key piece of legislation in the UK that govern the construction and maintenance of buildings
Building Act 1984
primary legislation that provides the legal framework for building control and regulation in England and Wales.
Sets out powers and duties of local authorities in ensuring that buildings are constructed, altered, and maintained in a safe and healthy manner.
Establishes the system of building control, including
-process of obtaining building regulations approval,
- enforcement of compliance,
- power to issue enforcement notices.
What are the Building Regulations 2010?
legal minimum standards for design, construction and alteration of buildings
series of technical guidance doc (Approved Documents) that must be followed for construction work/alterations to existing buildings.
Regulations are made under the authority of the Building Act 1984.
Regs set out detailed requirements for building design and construction,
such as structural stability, fire safety, energy efficiency, ventilation, accessibility
Designed to ensure the health, safety, welfare, and sustainability of buildings and the people who use them.
What are the powers under the Building Act 1984?
- Building control: establishes the system of building control, which is the process of regulating and overseeing construction activities. Local authorities are responsible for administering building control functions within their jurisdictions.
- Building regulations approval: empowers LAs to approve/reject plans and specifications related to proposed building work. Building regulations approval is required before construction can commence, and it ensures that the proposed work complies with the technical standards set out in the Building Regulations.
- Enforcement: grants LAs power to enforce compliance with building regulations. This includes inspecting building work, issuing enforcement notices, and taking legal action against those who fail to comply with the regulations.
- Dangerous structures: gives LAs authority to take action in relation to dangerous structures/buildings in disrepair and pose a risk to public safety. Can issue notices requiringowner to carry out necessary remedial work or, in extreme cases, take direct action to remove the danger.
- Regular inspections: LAs have power to conduct regular inspections of buildings to ensure ongoing compliance with building regulations. These inspections may occur during construction, upon completion of the work, or at any other appropriate times.
- Information and records: enables LAs to request information, records, and documents related to building work and building control. Allows them to assess compliance, investigate complaints, and maintain accurate records of construction activities within their jurisdiction
What is the CDM health and safety file?
The health and safety file is a document prepared and issued promptly following completion of the construction works containing information needed during future construction work (which includes future cleaning, maintenance, alterations, refurbishments and demolition work) at the same site or structure
Name some typical health and safety file contents
Project Directory
Residual Risks
Description of the works
As Built drawings
Provisions for cleaning and maintenance
Significant services - gas, fire safety
Removal/Dismantling of plant and equipment
Hazardous Material
Key Structral Principles
Are any buildings exempt from The Building Regs?
Yes - detailed in Schedule 2
Includes buildings controlled by other legislations - e.g. buildings where explosives are manufactured Explosive Regs 2014
Buildings not frequented by people
Greenhouses & Agricultural buildings
Temporary buildings (less that 28 days)
Ancilliant buildings and small detached buildings smaller than 30m2
Extensions - conservatory, carport
What construction is notifiable under Building Regs?
Any new construction, alterations and services
Names some functional requirements of buildings
Shelter
Security
Safety and comfort
Ease of Use and operation
Ease of maintenance
Adaptability and Durability
Ability to re-use, re-cycle material and components
Name some performance considerations of buildings
Space
Thermal & Acoustic performance
Design life and service life of building and specific elements
Cost - construction, operation, demolition
Quality of finish
Appear of finish
Environmental impact
Name some common elements of a building
Foundations
Floors
Walls
Roof
Windows & Doors
Stairs and Ramps
Surface finishes
Services
Name two classifications of construction methods
Load-bearing - typically loadbearing cavity wall, main loads transferred to foundations via internal loadbearing walls
Framed Construction - loads are transferred to foundation via structural frame
Name the main material in framed construction
Timber frame
Concrete Frame
Steel Frame
Hybrid (steel and precast contrete or insitu and steel)
Name some considerations for materials/products
Timescale
Availabilty of labour and materials
Sequence of construction and tolerances
Reduction of waste (materials, labour, time, energy)
Temporary protection from weather
Integration of structure, fabric, and services
Maintentance and Replacement
Disassembly/recyling strategies
What are the two main consents required in UK before building work commences?
Approval from town planning authority
building control
What are the stages of design?
RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) 2020
RIBA Stage 2 - Concept Design
RIBA Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination
RIBA Stage 4 - Technical Design
List the key RIBA stages
Stage 0 - Strategic Definition
Stage 1 - Preparation and Briefing
Stage 2 - Concept Design
Stage 3 - Spatial Coordination
Stage 4 - Technical Design
Stage 5- Manufacturing and Construction
Stage 6 - Handover
Stage 7 - Use
What legislation is relevant for the outline design and specification stage?
The Town and Country Planning Acts
Building Regulations
CDM
Control of Asbestos Regs 2012
General legislation
What legislation is in place in the UK to control asbestos?
Control of Asbestos Reg 2012
for controlling the exposure to asbestos
and managing asbestos present in buildings
What is included in the Control of Asbestos Regs 2012
Reg 4 - Duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises - e.g. schools, carry out survey and compile asbestos register
Reg 5 - Identification of the presence of asbestos
Reg 6 - Assessment of work that exposes employees to asbestos
Reg 7 - Plans of work - mehod statement prior to carrying out
Reg 8 - Licensing of work with asbestos
Reg 9 - Notification of work with asbestos
Reg 10 - Information, instruction and training
REeg 11- Prevention or reduction of exposure to asbestos
Reg 14 - Provision and cleaning of PPE
Reg 15 - Arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies
Reg 16 - Duty to prevent/reduce spread of asbestos
Reg 17 - Cleanliness of premises or plant
Reg 24 - Storage, distribution and labelling of raw asbestos and asbestos waste
Reg 27 - Labelling of products containing asbestos
