Level 3 Professional Construction Practice WJEC

This subject is broken down into 28 topics in 4 modules:

  1. Health & Safety in Construction 7 topics
  2. Construction Design & Technical 7 topics
  3. Construction Technology 7 topics
  4. Management & Supervision in Construction 7 topics
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  • 4
    modules
  • 28
    topics
  • 11,324
    words of revision content
  • 1+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Professional Construction Practice

Health & Safety in Construction

Legislation

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Legislation

Introduction to Legislation

  • In construction Health & Safety, numerous laws and regulations have been established to protect workers.
  • It is crucial for everyone in the industry to understand relevant legislation to ensure safety on construction sites.

Key Health & Safety Legislation

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: The primary piece of legislation outlining the employer's responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace.
  • Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM): Specifies the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in a construction project.
  • Work at Height Regulations 2005: Focuses on reducing deaths and injuries caused by falls from height.
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992: Covers risks associated with manual handling and the need for appropriate training and equipment.

Impact of Legislation

  • Non-compliance with Health & Safety legislation can result in penalties, fines, or legal action.
  • Legislation helps promote a culture of safety within the industry, reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
  • Adherence to legislation can positively impact a company's reputation and help secure future contracts.

Legislation and Risk Assessment

  • Risk assessments should be conducted in accordance with legislation to ensure all potential hazards are identified.
  • Ideally, risks should be eliminated, but if this isn't possible, measures should be implemented to manage them effectively.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, employers are responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their employees.
  • Employees also have a duty to take care of their own health and safety, and that of their colleagues.
  • The CDM Regulations allocate specific responsibilities to different roles, such as the client, principal contractor, and designer.

The Importance of Keeping Up to Date

  • Construction professionals should stay informed about any changes or updates to legislation.
  • Regular training and continuing professional development (CPD) can aid in maintaining up-to-date knowledge of legislation.
  • Trade bodies and organisations such as the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provide resources and updates on changes to legislation.

Course material for Professional Construction Practice, module Health & Safety in Construction, topic Legislation

Professional Construction Practice

Construction Technology

Substructure

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Substructure

Foundations and Substructure

  • Understand that the substructure of a building is the portion beneath the ground level, providing the base for the superstructure.
  • Recognise the critical role the substructure plays in transferring the weight of the building to the ground and stabilising the structure.
  • Know that there are two main types of foundation used in the substructure: shallow and deep foundations.
  • Shallow foundations are typically used when the load-bearing surfaces are near to the surface, with types including strip, pad and raft foundations.
  • Deep foundations, such as pile and pier foundations, are used when the load-bearing surface is deep below the ground level or the upper soil layers are not suitable for construction.
  • Understand the factors affecting the choice of foundation including the nature and condition of the ground, the water table level, the type and weight of the building, and the load-bearing capacity of the soil.

Groundworks

  • Appreciate that groundworks are the preliminary works that prepare the site for the substructure, involving soil testing, marking out, excavation, and concreting.
  • Soil tests are crucial in ascertaining the load-bearing capacity of the soil, water table level, and the presence of contaminants.
  • After marking out the building, excavation is carried out to create trenches for the foundations, with depths depending on the type of foundation and ground conditions.
  • Concreting is the pouring of concrete into the trenches to create a solid base before the remedial brickwork begins.

Damp Proofing and Insulation

  • Remember that damp proofing is essential in the substructure to prevent the penetration of moisture into the building.
  • This can be achieved through the use of damp-proof membranes laid beneath the slab or by inserting a damp-proof course into the brickwork.
  • Thermal insulation can also be installed to ensure the building maintains consistent temperatures and reduces energy consumption.
  • Materials commonly used for insulation include polystyrene sheets, mineral wool, or multi-foil products.

Drainage and Services

  • Understand the importance of suitable drainage systems in the substructure to prevent water build-up which may lead to dampness or damage to the foundations.
  • Services such as gas, water, and electricity should also be considered at this stage, with routes for service pipes and ducts created before the superstructure is built.
  • For example, sewage pipes are usually laid beneath the ground floor and connected to the public sewer system, while electricity and gas mains are commonly run through service ducts in the foundations.

Course material for Professional Construction Practice, module Construction Technology, topic Substructure

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