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

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

Answer 3

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 4

What were the CDM implications of keeping the branch operational?

Answer 4

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 5

How did this impact the calculation of liquidated damages?

Answer 5

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 6

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

Answer 6

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 7

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

Answer 7

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 8

What is a sectional completion certificate?

Answer 8

• Official document issued by the CA to signify that a defined section is complete.
• Shows that that section has been complete to the required standard.

Question 9

What happens when a sectional completion certificate is issued?

Answer 9

• Rectification period begins for that section.
• Handover of that section.
• Partial release of retention proportionally.
• Client insurnace responsibility.

Question 10

In what situations is sectional completion good?

Answer 10

• Phased projects where parts need to be handed over at certain times.
• Operational needs - where the client needs certain access to areas such as retail space to continue their operations.

Question 11

How is sectional completion administered?

Answer 11

• Section 1.1 of JCT Contract states completion date of each section.
• Contract administrator issue sectional completion certificate for each section.

Question 12

What is the impact of sectional completion for the client and contractor?

Answer 12

-Client - can use site, must insure if not already and still communicate with contractor regarding on going works.
-contractor - triggers rectification period for that part, partial release of retention, stops LADS for that section.

Question 13

How does sectional completion impact site access?

Answer 13

• Contractor must still liase with client for on going works.
• Requires careful planning, which is why i implemented phasing drawings and appended to the contract.

Question 14

How did you manage the H&S risk of demolishing a building, particularly the asbestos?

Answer 14

• Ensured a comprehensive R&D was undertaken.
• Ensured a licensed asbestos removal contrator was appointed.
• Clear segregation of the works.
• Clear signage.
• Works during off peak hours.
• Careful deconstruction, as opposed to demolition.

Question 15

what measures did you put in place to ensure safety of clients staff and customers?

Answer 15

• Erected physical barriers to segregate works.
• clearly divided site into halfs.
• clear signage.
• regular inspections at the start of phases to ensure site set up was as per drawings.
• Ensured regular communication with client to explain up coming works.

Question 16

How did you eliminate interferance between contractor and clients?

Answer 16

• Created a phased plan, which was reflected in the programme.
• weekly site visits.
• Pre start meeting was key, arranged with branch manager, staff, contractor to go through programme and expectations of each party.
• Used signage and physical barriers to segregate the works.

Question 17

what role did the construction design managment regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) play in the project?

Answer 17

• Acted as principal designer - co ordinated H&S between client and contractor.
• developed a PCI document.
• Reviewed contractor construction phase plan.
• reviewed and monitored site set up and segregation throughout.

Question 18

What precautions must be in place when removing asbestos?

Answer 18

• Undertake R&D.
• Segregation and screeing of area.
• Notify HSE if required.
• remove asbestos ensuring it remains in tact.
• Dispose in double bagged and sealed and labeled.
• Dispose at a licensed waste facility and ensure proper documentation as per CAR 2012.