Design and Specification

Question 1

What is a Designers Risk Assessment?

Answer 1

• Designers Risk Assessments are used by designers to identify hazards or any hazardous activities in order to eliminate or reduce them.
• Through their use, the risks identified are aimed to be designed out at the design stage and those that cannot be omitted are highlighted for mitigation where possible.
• The HSE publish a red, amber, green list to assist designers in ascertaining what should be encouraged or eliminated for example:-
• Red items to be eliminated include:-
  o Lack of preconstruction information.
  o Large quantities of dust generating processes.
  o No safe provision of access for maintenance.
• Amber items to be eliminated or reduced:-
  o Manholes in circulation areas.
  o Use of Solvent based products particularly in confined spaces.
• Green items to be introduced or encouraged:-
  o Permanent means of access.
  o Edge protection.
  o Off site fabrication.

Question 2

What are the Building Control Performance Standards?

Answer 2

• The Building regulations set the standards to be achieved within the construction of Buildings.
• The Building Control performance standards are produced by the Building Control Performance Advisory Group which help ensure uniformity between local authorities and approved inspectors to adopt a consistent approach when assessing compliance with the standards.
• The performance standards are made up of:-
  o Policy Performance and Management Systems.
  o Resources.
  o Consultation.
  o Pre-application contact and provision of advice.
  o Assessment of plans.
  o Site Inspection.
  o Communications and Records.
  o Business and professional Ethics.
  o Complaints Procedure.

Question 3

Please explain the British Standards BS 7000 Guide to Managing Design in Construction different stages?

Answer 3

• The guide was published by the British Standards Institute.
• The guide provides guidance on the Construction Design process at all levels for all organisations and all types of construction projects.
• It also establishes principles to ensure the design management process is more efficient and provides principles and a common reference for project protocols.
• BS 7000 applies to purpose-built constructions, equipment and components and is recommended for use by those who work in and with the construction industry, particularly designers and those managing design throughout the life-cycle of a construction project.
• Its contents are:-
  o Framework for Design Management.
  o Design Resource Management.
  o Design Process Management.

Question 4

What is the BS for floor slip ratings?

Answer 4

BS 7976