Key Issue 1 - Phasing of Works

Question 1

You identified h&s risks, how did you do this?

Answer 1

I produced a designers risk assessment which ranked risks with scores multiplied by the likelihood of them occurring, at the forefront of this was public H&S.

Question 2

Given you decided to phase the works, did you offer other contractors the opportunity to re price given there was a price increase.

Answer 2

-Cheapest contrcat was cheaper than the second contrcator by enough that i didnt consider it would make a difference.
- I instead advised on appointing the cheapest contractor to formally develop and agreeing the phasing of works.

Question 3

you knew you were going into phases so why did you not include defined sections up front within the contract?

Answer 3

• Advised sectional completion with key dates in contract.
• Client suggested not as they could not forsee the requirements of the branch at any time to be able too move equipment etc.
• Went partial possession route when office complete.
• Advised that the contractor has to agree to partial possession so was a risk.

Question 4

What were the health and safety risks associated with maintaining an operational branch?

Answer 4

Public access (customers and staff), increasing the risk because these people may not know how to behave on a construction site.
Safe access and egress to the construction site and branch, clearly signed to ensure no unauthorised entries.

Question 5

What were the CDM implications of keeping the branch operational?

Answer 5

Keeping the branch operational necessitated careful adherence to CDM requirements, including updated risk assessments to include all new risks to employees and customers, health and safety plans, and robust communication to manage the impact of construction on the operational environment.

Question 6

How did this impact the calculation of liquidated damages?

Answer 6

Delays in completing specific phases might have a direct impact on the branch’s operational efficiency and revenue, influencing the calculation of LDs based on the financial losses incurred by the client due to these delays. The complexity of maintaining operational areas may result in increased risk of delays

Question 7

How did you ensure effective communication among all stakeholders throughout the phased construction process?

Answer 7

Effective communication was ensured through regular meetings, clear reporting, active stakeholder involvement, and robust communication channels to keep all parties informed and aligned throughout the phased construction process. This was firstly done by introducing the branch manager to the site foreman so they had a clear communicative bond.

Question 8

Regarding Building Control, what elements of work were considered notifiable?

Answer 8

Elements considered notifiable to Building Control included major structural works, significant alterations affecting safety or compliance, modifications to safety systems, and changes impacting energy efficiency. These were identified and managed to ensure compliance with Building Regulations throughout the phased construction process.

Question 9

What is a partial possession certificate?

Answer 9

“partial possession” refers to the scenario where a client (such as a property owner or developer) takes possession of part of a construction project before the entire project is completed. This typically occurs when certain areas or phases of the project are finished and are usable, while the remaining areas are still under construction.

Question 10

What happens at partial possession?

Answer 10

The effect of partial possession is that:

• Any part for which partial possession is given is deemed to have achieved practical completion.
• Half of the retention for that part must be released.
• The defects liability period begins for that part.
• Liquidated damages reduce proportionally.
• The client is responsible for that part and should insure it.