Surveys, Fire Protection, Regulation and British Standards

Question 1

687 What surveys might be required for a typical construction project? (179)

Answer 1

• Topographical
• Ground investigation
• Service locations/ drainage
• List buildings
• Tree protection orders
• Asbestos Demolition or R & R
• Ecological
• Flood risk
• Transport
• UXO, CBR, Archaeological & condition

Question 2

688 What is the purpose of a site investigation?

Answer 2

To establish what the ground is like and this should inform the foundation solution and also will reveal if there is contaminated ground in the locations tested.

Question 3

689 What is a CBR test?

Answer 3

California Bearing Ratio is used to determine the strength of bases to withstand load.

Question 4

690 Which kinds of vegetation can cause problems on constructions projects?

Answer 4

Invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam or Giant Hogweed. As these not native plants can damage local ecosystem and are easily spread. GH is also harmful to human skin.

Question 5

691 Are you aware of any guidance issues by the RICS on JK?

Answer 5

Yes, the Japanese Knotweed and residential property 1st Edition Jan 2022
Fire Prevention

Question 6

692 What fire safety systems would you expect to see in a new building?

Answer 6

• Sprinkler systems/ Fire alarm/ fire dampers in HVAC/ Smoke control systems
• Fire rated doors and partitions
• Fire compartmentation
• Exit signage, dedicated escape routes, evacuation plan, fire exit
• Extinguishers
• Maximum occupancy numbers

Question 7

696 – Types of fire extinguishers

Answer 7

• Water (RED) – Wood, cardboard, textiles etc.
• Foam (CREAM) – Flammable liquids – Fuel etc.
• Dry Powder (BLUE) - Flammable liquids and electrical fire
• CO2 (BLACK) – Electrical
• Wet Chemical (CREAM) – Cooking oil

Question 8

699 List the Building Regulation approval documents?

Answer 8

A. Structure
B. Fire safety
C. Site preparation
D. Toxic substances
E. Sound resistance
F. Ventilation
G. Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency
H. Drainage and waste disposal
I.
J. Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems
K. Protection from falling, collision and impact
L. Conservation of fuel and power
M. Access to and use of buildings
N.
O. Overheating
P. Electrical safety
Q. Security in dwellings
R. High speed electronic communication networks
S. Infrastructure for charging electric vehicles

Approved document 7 – Materials and workmanship

Question 9

700 Who reviews the design and construction phase for compliance with building regs?

Answer 9

The Building control officer or approved inspector.

Question 10

701 What are British Standards?

Answer 10

Issues by the British Standards Institute, referred to a BS they give recommendation for minimum standards for materials, components, design and construction.

Question 11

702 Name some materials that have been banned for use in construction?

Answer 11

• Asbestos
• High alumina cement in structural concrete
• Urea formaldehyde

Question 12

703 What is the equality act 2010?

Answer 12

It is an act that makes it illegal to discriminate against people in the work place and wider society. Replaced a number of previous acts so everything is covered in one place. Covers discrimination against disability, race, age, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy and religion or belief.

Question 13

704 How does the equality act effect buildings?

Answer 13

During the construction or refurbishment of a building the equality act must be consider so that it doesn’t discriminate against certain groups of people.
For example Part M of the building regulation concern assess and use of a building. If there are steps and no ramp (or alternative access points) then a wheelchair user might not be able to access the building.
Or Part B concerning fire safety will insist that fire alarms have a visual indication of an event for deaf people and audible on for the blind.