Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Safety issues in Construction and Remodeling
Poorly constructed scaffolding is the most frequently cited violation of construction and remodeling.
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Most common scaffolding violations cited at job sites included:
· Not having the scaffold deck fully floored
· Not having the scaffold level or capable of supporting its designated load with the proper use of screw jacks, footings, etc.
· Not providing safe access for each scaffold
· Not providing proper fall, or falling object, protection — guardrails, midrails, toe boards, screens and debris netting
· Not having scaffold components approved by a competent person on the job site
· Not having the scaffold inspected daily
· Coble also said access should be provided by fixed ladders.
The other 25 most important standards for construction and remodeling shall be :-,
2. Fall ProtectionWhile fall protection is required so that employees will not fall more than six feet
3. LaddersFall protection for fixed ladders is provided so that employees will not fall more than 24 feet and that portable ladders must extend at least three feet above the point of support.
, ladder users be trained to maximize safety at the job site.
4. Electrical Wiring MethodsCommon violations cited :
o Not protecting all light bulbs from damage by using a cage, protection screen, etc.
o Not protecting flexible cords from damage
o Not covering all knockout holes
o Not covering all circuit breaker holes
o Running cords through walls, ceilings and floors
5. Stairways Temporary stairways that were not built to specification were often cited. These specs include:
o Stairs must be installed between 30- and 50-degrees.
o The rise and tread width must be uniform.
o Stairs with four or more risers or rising above 30 inches must have stair rails.
6. General Safety and Health ProvisionsTo meet this employees must be trained to work safely, use proper tools, store tools safely and have tools guards on power tools.
7. Fall Protection Systems Comprehensive fall protection systems, where applicable, should be in place to avoid citations. Proper systems, such as roof anchorages, only added about $200 to the cost of a house but saved much more than that in workers compensation.
Fall protection systems include:
o Guard rails with midrails and toeboards
o Safety net systems no more than 30 feet below the working level
o Safety net systems inspected weekly
o Fall arrest anchorages that support 5,000 pounds per employee
o Controlled access zones at least six feet from the edge
8. Electrical Wiring Design and Protection All handheld tools to be grounded or double-insulated. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program should be in use to avoid citations and injury.
Inspectors looked for overhead open conductors that were not installed at the proper height —10 feet above grade for job sites in general, 12 feet above grade for vehicular traffic, 15 feet above grade for truck traffic and 18 feet above public streets.
9. Head Protection Hardhats are required where there is a danger of falling objects, impact or electrical shock and that hardhats should meet manufacturers’ requirements or ANSI Z89 standards
10. Hazard CommunicationJob sites where hazardous chemicals were present and a written hazard communication plan was not developed or the chemicals were not properly labeled or marked with a warning.
11. Aerial LiftsAmong the more common violations for aerial lifts were:
o Lifts being used by unauthorized or not properly trained personnel
o A lack of body belts or lanyards to keep the employee on the basket floor so he would not be thrown
o Not using the lifts according to the manufacturers’ recommendations
12. General Electrical RequirementsAmong the general requirements often cited were:
o Electrical equipment not meeting the proper NEMA rating
o Electrical equipment not protected from damage
o Unapproved gang boxes
o Spliced flexible cords or cords that are not of continuous length
o Circuit breakers that are not properly labeled
13. Fall Protection Training Fall protection systems should be reinforced with fall protection training if citations are to be avoided.
14. ScaffoldsIn addition to the proper placement and use of scaffolds, Scaffold citations to be given by safety supervisors , if the scaffold was not built according to the standard norms.
15. Housekeeping Job sites littered with garbage, debris and scraps were subject to citations. Debris should be removed on a regular basis and that forms and scrap lumber should be free of protruding nails.
16. Construction Training and EducationNot only should employees be trained to recognize and avoid hazards, They should be trained to work in confined or enclosed spaces, to work with caustics and other harmful substances and to avoid harmful plants and animals.
17. Concrete and Masonry ConstructionTo avoid citations:
o Reinforcing steel and rebar should have proper impalement protection.
o Only qualified employees should perform post tensioning.
o Riding in concrete buckets is forbidden.
18. Scaffold TrainingCitations are often given when people who work on scaffolds are not trained in how to use scaffolds or recognize hazards. Retraining is conducted when deficiencies are found in the original training program.
19. Eye and Face ProtectionTo avoid citations, eye and face protection must meet — and be properly marked that it meets — ANSI Z87.1 standards.
20. Fire ProtectionAmong the requirements for fire protection required at the job site are:
o Fire fighting equipment must be conspicuously located.
o Fire fighting equipment must be periodically inspected.
o A fire alarm should be provided.
21. Woodworking ToolsTwo safety requirements regarding woodworking tools are that:
o Saws and sanders are properly guarded.
o Each saw and sander must have an anti-start device to protect workers from accidents when power is interrupted.
22. Excavations Excavations and trenches should be properly supported and inspected weekly and that an approved ramp or ladder should be located at least 25 feet from each employee in the trench or excavation.
23. Potential lead-containing materials needed to be inspected before exposure and that if exposure exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), controls would have to be implemented.
24. For Gas Welding and Cutting oxygen and fuel gas cylinders should be separated in storage by 20 feet or by a five-foot high wall that meets OSHA specifications and standards. He also said the equipment should be used by properly trained personnel.
25. Fall Protection in Steel ErectionSpecific fall protection requirements must be met regarding steel erection. These include:
o Each employee engaged in steel erection must be protected from falling more than 15 feet.
o Connectors must be provided from falling more than 30 feet or two stories, whichever is less.
o A controlled decking zone must be established.
.
Most common scaffolding violations cited at job sites included:
· Not having the scaffold deck fully floored
· Not having the scaffold level or capable of supporting its designated load with the proper use of screw jacks, footings, etc.
· Not providing safe access for each scaffold
· Not providing proper fall, or falling object, protection — guardrails, midrails, toe boards, screens and debris netting
· Not having scaffold components approved by a competent person on the job site
· Not having the scaffold inspected daily
· Coble also said access should be provided by fixed ladders.
The other 25 most important standards for construction and remodeling shall be :-,
2. Fall ProtectionWhile fall protection is required so that employees will not fall more than six feet
3. LaddersFall protection for fixed ladders is provided so that employees will not fall more than 24 feet and that portable ladders must extend at least three feet above the point of support.
, ladder users be trained to maximize safety at the job site.
4. Electrical Wiring MethodsCommon violations cited :
o Not protecting all light bulbs from damage by using a cage, protection screen, etc.
o Not protecting flexible cords from damage
o Not covering all knockout holes
o Not covering all circuit breaker holes
o Running cords through walls, ceilings and floors
5. Stairways Temporary stairways that were not built to specification were often cited. These specs include:
o Stairs must be installed between 30- and 50-degrees.
o The rise and tread width must be uniform.
o Stairs with four or more risers or rising above 30 inches must have stair rails.
6. General Safety and Health ProvisionsTo meet this employees must be trained to work safely, use proper tools, store tools safely and have tools guards on power tools.
7. Fall Protection Systems Comprehensive fall protection systems, where applicable, should be in place to avoid citations. Proper systems, such as roof anchorages, only added about $200 to the cost of a house but saved much more than that in workers compensation.
Fall protection systems include:
o Guard rails with midrails and toeboards
o Safety net systems no more than 30 feet below the working level
o Safety net systems inspected weekly
o Fall arrest anchorages that support 5,000 pounds per employee
o Controlled access zones at least six feet from the edge
8. Electrical Wiring Design and Protection All handheld tools to be grounded or double-insulated. Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFI) or an assured equipment grounding conductor program should be in use to avoid citations and injury.
Inspectors looked for overhead open conductors that were not installed at the proper height —10 feet above grade for job sites in general, 12 feet above grade for vehicular traffic, 15 feet above grade for truck traffic and 18 feet above public streets.
9. Head Protection Hardhats are required where there is a danger of falling objects, impact or electrical shock and that hardhats should meet manufacturers’ requirements or ANSI Z89 standards
10. Hazard CommunicationJob sites where hazardous chemicals were present and a written hazard communication plan was not developed or the chemicals were not properly labeled or marked with a warning.
11. Aerial LiftsAmong the more common violations for aerial lifts were:
o Lifts being used by unauthorized or not properly trained personnel
o A lack of body belts or lanyards to keep the employee on the basket floor so he would not be thrown
o Not using the lifts according to the manufacturers’ recommendations
12. General Electrical RequirementsAmong the general requirements often cited were:
o Electrical equipment not meeting the proper NEMA rating
o Electrical equipment not protected from damage
o Unapproved gang boxes
o Spliced flexible cords or cords that are not of continuous length
o Circuit breakers that are not properly labeled
13. Fall Protection Training Fall protection systems should be reinforced with fall protection training if citations are to be avoided.
14. ScaffoldsIn addition to the proper placement and use of scaffolds, Scaffold citations to be given by safety supervisors , if the scaffold was not built according to the standard norms.
15. Housekeeping Job sites littered with garbage, debris and scraps were subject to citations. Debris should be removed on a regular basis and that forms and scrap lumber should be free of protruding nails.
16. Construction Training and EducationNot only should employees be trained to recognize and avoid hazards, They should be trained to work in confined or enclosed spaces, to work with caustics and other harmful substances and to avoid harmful plants and animals.
17. Concrete and Masonry ConstructionTo avoid citations:
o Reinforcing steel and rebar should have proper impalement protection.
o Only qualified employees should perform post tensioning.
o Riding in concrete buckets is forbidden.
18. Scaffold TrainingCitations are often given when people who work on scaffolds are not trained in how to use scaffolds or recognize hazards. Retraining is conducted when deficiencies are found in the original training program.
19. Eye and Face ProtectionTo avoid citations, eye and face protection must meet — and be properly marked that it meets — ANSI Z87.1 standards.
20. Fire ProtectionAmong the requirements for fire protection required at the job site are:
o Fire fighting equipment must be conspicuously located.
o Fire fighting equipment must be periodically inspected.
o A fire alarm should be provided.
21. Woodworking ToolsTwo safety requirements regarding woodworking tools are that:
o Saws and sanders are properly guarded.
o Each saw and sander must have an anti-start device to protect workers from accidents when power is interrupted.
22. Excavations Excavations and trenches should be properly supported and inspected weekly and that an approved ramp or ladder should be located at least 25 feet from each employee in the trench or excavation.
23. Potential lead-containing materials needed to be inspected before exposure and that if exposure exceeded the OSHA permissible exposure limit (PEL), controls would have to be implemented.
24. For Gas Welding and Cutting oxygen and fuel gas cylinders should be separated in storage by 20 feet or by a five-foot high wall that meets OSHA specifications and standards. He also said the equipment should be used by properly trained personnel.
25. Fall Protection in Steel ErectionSpecific fall protection requirements must be met regarding steel erection. These include:
o Each employee engaged in steel erection must be protected from falling more than 15 feet.
o Connectors must be provided from falling more than 30 feet or two stories, whichever is less.
o A controlled decking zone must be established.
Friday, November 14, 2008
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Sunday, November 2, 2008
Housing Project Development phases
Housing Project Development phases
The housing project development process can be divided into the following broad phases:
1. Project initiation and validation phase - Conceiving the development idea or concept and initiating the project, including gaining control of a site that suits the idea
2. Pre-design feasibility or development appraisal phase - Preliminary studies are conducted to determine if the idea is viable, and whether to proceed
3. Pre-contract detail design development and technical documentation phase - Extending the appointment of professionals for further work stages, refining and finalising designs, conducting cost estimates and feasibility studies, preparing technical documentation, obtaining municipal approval to start building, initiating marketing (if applicable), and securing funding
4. Construction procurement or tender phase – Deciding on tender and contracting strategies and options, calling for proposals or tenders, adjudicating tenders, and awarding and signing construction contracts
5. Implementation or post-contract construction phase - Managing the actual construction process from site handover to the contractor(s) to taking on the completed units, and closing out the process financially and administratively
Why is good construction management practice important?
Good construction management practice is essential in maintaining efficiency, cost-effectiveness and control on projects. This, in turn, helps to maintain and protect projected profits, long-term financial viability, integrity, good reputation and good customer relations. Effective construction management, therefore, is an essential tool in ensuring the sustainability of the construction entity, together with marketing and adequate capitalisation. Other reasons for practising good construction management include the following:
Ensuring the most efficient and effective use of scarce and costly resources such as money, people’s time, materials and equipment in producing affordable housing to people with low income
Maintaining high standards of quality and workmanship to ensure that beneficiaries live in pleasant and well-functioning buildings; and managing entities enjoy low-maintenance requirements and expenses for the ultimate benefit of paying occupants
Maintaining high standards of health and safety on building sites
Setting an example and being a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and development organisations in the community
Building a reputation for dependable service (on time, within budget, and of good quality) with clients, communities and funding agencies
Building trust and good relations with suppliers, subcontractors, professionals, and support organisations, which leads to smoother running of projects with fewer problems, delays and disputes
• • • • • •
How should the entity behave when acting as a "main contractor"?
Where an entity acts as developer only, it will normally employ professional consultants and a main contractor to do the design and construction work respectively. In this case, design risk and accountability rest with the design team, while construction risk lies with the main contractor.
Acting as both developer and main contractor often places an entity in a position in which it is important to draw a clear line between the two responsibilities, and to organise its operational structure or project in such a way that accountability resides where it appropriately belongs. This could mean, for instance, that the external design team reports to those members or employees within the entity that are responsible for managing the development process, and that construction-related activities and resources (subcontractors, suppliers and labour) are managed by other members or employees of the entity responsible for managing the construction process.
Establishing and maintaining differentiated functions and accountabilities becomes difficult where some or all of the same people from the organisation are involved in both functions (as is often the case). It is advisable to draw up function charts and organograms before starting a building project, so that staff who fulfil dual or multiple roles can clearly differentiate between the actions required for management of the development process on the one hand, and management of the construction process, on the other.
Acting as a main contractor only requires an entity to focus on the management of construction process. This also requires an operational structure to be in place, in order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each of the members or employees.
What is construction?
Construction can be seen as the conversion of "raw" resource inputs into defined functioning outputs, by means of a managed process.
More specifically, construction is the use by a contractor of supervised labour, and appropriate plant, equipment and other constructional aids, to process and assemble materials and components on site (sometimes partly off site), according to design and specifications, into a completed functioning building.
What are the main objectives of a construction project?
The main objectives of each construction project (based on the principles of project management) are to erect the building or facility in accordance with the design and specifications, with the most effective use of resources and control of risk, and to complete it:
within the budget (allowable cost)
on time (within the specified and agreed contract period or legitimate extensions thereof)
to an acceptable and agreed standard of quality and workmanship
The above are the "technical" objectives of a project. There are usually other "softer" objectives as well, such as achieving buy-in through participation, capacity building, skills transfer, and promoting job creation and local economic development.
What does a main contractor do?
Acting as the main contractor on a building project involves the following:
Interpreting the project drawings, specifications, tender and contract documents, in order to fully understand the project requirements, risks, and legal and physical conditions under which it will have to be carried out
Using the above interpretation to:
estimate the likely cost (for tendering, budgeting and cost-control purposes)
determine and allocate resources to the different phases of the work
plan a functional site layout (placing of material stockpiles, storage, administration and service facilities, securing entrances and ensuring efficient movement of vehicles)
plan and schedule the execution of the work, establish quality control measures, and determine own working capital and cash-flow requirements for the work to be done
The housing project development process can be divided into the following broad phases:
1. Project initiation and validation phase - Conceiving the development idea or concept and initiating the project, including gaining control of a site that suits the idea
2. Pre-design feasibility or development appraisal phase - Preliminary studies are conducted to determine if the idea is viable, and whether to proceed
3. Pre-contract detail design development and technical documentation phase - Extending the appointment of professionals for further work stages, refining and finalising designs, conducting cost estimates and feasibility studies, preparing technical documentation, obtaining municipal approval to start building, initiating marketing (if applicable), and securing funding
4. Construction procurement or tender phase – Deciding on tender and contracting strategies and options, calling for proposals or tenders, adjudicating tenders, and awarding and signing construction contracts
5. Implementation or post-contract construction phase - Managing the actual construction process from site handover to the contractor(s) to taking on the completed units, and closing out the process financially and administratively
Why is good construction management practice important?
Good construction management practice is essential in maintaining efficiency, cost-effectiveness and control on projects. This, in turn, helps to maintain and protect projected profits, long-term financial viability, integrity, good reputation and good customer relations. Effective construction management, therefore, is an essential tool in ensuring the sustainability of the construction entity, together with marketing and adequate capitalisation. Other reasons for practising good construction management include the following:
Ensuring the most efficient and effective use of scarce and costly resources such as money, people’s time, materials and equipment in producing affordable housing to people with low income
Maintaining high standards of quality and workmanship to ensure that beneficiaries live in pleasant and well-functioning buildings; and managing entities enjoy low-maintenance requirements and expenses for the ultimate benefit of paying occupants
Maintaining high standards of health and safety on building sites
Setting an example and being a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and development organisations in the community
Building a reputation for dependable service (on time, within budget, and of good quality) with clients, communities and funding agencies
Building trust and good relations with suppliers, subcontractors, professionals, and support organisations, which leads to smoother running of projects with fewer problems, delays and disputes
• • • • • •
How should the entity behave when acting as a "main contractor"?
Where an entity acts as developer only, it will normally employ professional consultants and a main contractor to do the design and construction work respectively. In this case, design risk and accountability rest with the design team, while construction risk lies with the main contractor.
Acting as both developer and main contractor often places an entity in a position in which it is important to draw a clear line between the two responsibilities, and to organise its operational structure or project in such a way that accountability resides where it appropriately belongs. This could mean, for instance, that the external design team reports to those members or employees within the entity that are responsible for managing the development process, and that construction-related activities and resources (subcontractors, suppliers and labour) are managed by other members or employees of the entity responsible for managing the construction process.
Establishing and maintaining differentiated functions and accountabilities becomes difficult where some or all of the same people from the organisation are involved in both functions (as is often the case). It is advisable to draw up function charts and organograms before starting a building project, so that staff who fulfil dual or multiple roles can clearly differentiate between the actions required for management of the development process on the one hand, and management of the construction process, on the other.
Acting as a main contractor only requires an entity to focus on the management of construction process. This also requires an operational structure to be in place, in order to clarify the roles and responsibilities of each of the members or employees.
What is construction?
Construction can be seen as the conversion of "raw" resource inputs into defined functioning outputs, by means of a managed process.
More specifically, construction is the use by a contractor of supervised labour, and appropriate plant, equipment and other constructional aids, to process and assemble materials and components on site (sometimes partly off site), according to design and specifications, into a completed functioning building.
What are the main objectives of a construction project?
The main objectives of each construction project (based on the principles of project management) are to erect the building or facility in accordance with the design and specifications, with the most effective use of resources and control of risk, and to complete it:
within the budget (allowable cost)
on time (within the specified and agreed contract period or legitimate extensions thereof)
to an acceptable and agreed standard of quality and workmanship
The above are the "technical" objectives of a project. There are usually other "softer" objectives as well, such as achieving buy-in through participation, capacity building, skills transfer, and promoting job creation and local economic development.
What does a main contractor do?
Acting as the main contractor on a building project involves the following:
Interpreting the project drawings, specifications, tender and contract documents, in order to fully understand the project requirements, risks, and legal and physical conditions under which it will have to be carried out
Using the above interpretation to:
estimate the likely cost (for tendering, budgeting and cost-control purposes)
determine and allocate resources to the different phases of the work
plan a functional site layout (placing of material stockpiles, storage, administration and service facilities, securing entrances and ensuring efficient movement of vehicles)
plan and schedule the execution of the work, establish quality control measures, and determine own working capital and cash-flow requirements for the work to be done
SHORT CLIENT .BRIEF TO ARCHITECT FOR HOUSE PLANNING
- __________________________ PHONE: _______________ EMAIL:
________________
1. I/ we plan to build a custom home ___ for myself /ourselves, or ___ speculatively.
2. I plan to build on a flat ___,
sloping ___, or irregular ___, site. (check one)
3. (check one) ___ I do not have a site purchased. Please design a Dream Home for me per the specifications outlined herein. ___ I have purchased a lot. [Please include site survey, setbacks, height restrictions, and all applicable code or jurisdictional information.]
4. I will be building in a deed-restricted community. (yes/ no) [If yes, ply
complete architectural design standards and covenants.]
5. I will/will not be using an interior designer.
6. The site vegetation and topography can be described as follows Send ographical map and tree survey if site purchased.]
7. The surrounding area and immediate lots to left and right and across the street are described as follows: [Supply photographs as deemed necessary.]
8. My approximate budget per square foot of conditioned space (measured to outside of bearing wall) is approximately $____/ SF, or
maximum budget of $_________ for house construction alone.
NOTE: Architect cannot be held liable for cost of house exceeding Client
budget. Client must check with Realtors or builders in his or her area to arrive at projected costs per style of house, budget, and location.
9. The style of home I would like can best be described as:- 10. I like/ do not like symmetry in my plans or elevations. (circle one and describe) ________ SF.
12. The total number of bedrooms is ____. The total number of baths is ____. I wish to have the following rooms (circle Y for yes or N for no), with approximate sizes indicated in length and width and a short description of each.: Y/N. Formal Living 3 Y/N. Formal Dining _
/N. Family Room Y/N. Library/ Den Describe all other rooms
(bedrooms, garages, storage, exercise, guest, etc.) desired with approximate size and description of each: (add pages if necessary)
13. I prefer a formal/ informal plan. (circle one)
14. I would like the following rooms arranged on the first level and the emainder upstairs- 15. The following spaces must be placed close to each other
16. I do/ do not wish to have step-downs or level changes, or only in the
following areas. (explain)- 17. The following activities will take place outside: (example: pool, decks,
gazebos, boat dock, tennis, etc.)
18. I would like the following rooms/spaces oriented to specific views or placed per compass direction as follows:
19. The first floor height should be at least ___ ft., and not to exceed ___ ft. I want the second floor height to be at least ___ ft., and not to exceed ___ ft.
4
20. The driveway approach will be: (example: circular drive, inside load or setback side load drive, center approach, rear approach, etc.)
22. I would like the perimeter wall of the house to be constructed of ______________________ (example, wood and brick, block and
stucco, steel, rammed earth, etc.), and be approximately ____in. thick.
23. I want a full/ partial/ no basement. (circle one)
24. I like/ do not like irregular rooflines. (circle one)
25. The perimeter plan geometry should be: (check one) ___ Regular- (rectangular geometry with minimum wall projections (for easiest, most cost-effective build-out) ___ Medium Irregular plan with meandering exterior walls (moderate cost to build but may offer best views, orientation to natural features, topography, vegetation, sun
angle, etc.) ___ Complex (highly irregular plan with many angles and/or
curving walls inside and out, expensive to detail, finish out and construct)
________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL NOTES
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