Daily Archives: 18th April 2018

RIBA critical of post-Grenfell regs review

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The RIBA has said it has ‘serious concerns’ about the direction of the post-Grenfell review of Building Regulations, warning that its recommendations will not bring about the changes needed.

The institute said the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, led by Judith Hackitt and responding to the Grenfell Tower fire, had overlooked the RIBA’s calls to ban flammable cladding, fit sprinklers in existing housing blocks and ensure a second means of escape for all high-rise residential buildings.

In December the RIBA criticised Hackitt’s interim report, claiming it had shied away from ‘introducing immediate and effective changes’.

Now, following the second phase of the review, which included the RIBA’s input into two working groups on design, construction and refurbishment and competence, the institute’s expert panel says it fears ‘the current set of proposals under consideration by Hackitt will not provide clarity for professionals or deliver assurance for the public’.

The RIBA has now written to Hackitt and housing secretary Sajid Javid (see attached), urging an immediate consideration of the recommendations laid out by the RIBA before the final report is due in May.

RIBA past president Jane Duncan, who chairs the institute’s  Expert Advisory Group on Fire Safety, said: ‘The RIBA has engaged closely with [Hackitt] and her review and we welcome many of the suggestions made in her interim report to strengthen the building control system.

‘However, we fear that the current set of proposals under consideration overlook simple but critical changes that would provide clarity for professionals and most importantly, would help protect the public.

’Sprinklers, a second means of escape and a ban on flammable cladding for high-rise residential buildings are common-sense recommendations, and a basic requirement in many other countries. We have written to the secretary of state making clear that there must be a thorough rewriting of the Building Regulations and guidance on all aspects of fire safety, to avoid continuation of the regulatory failings that lead to the Grenfell Tower fire.’

The RIBA’s four key recommendations for ‘baseline prescriptive requirements’ –

  • External walls of buildings over 18m in height to be constructed of non-combustible (European class A1) materials only
  • More than one means of vertical escape from new multiple-occupancy residential buildings over 11m high, consistent with current regulations for commercial buildings (which are arguably lower risk)
  • Retrofitting of sprinklers/automatic fire suppression systems to existing residential buildings above 18m from ground level in height as ‘consequential improvements’ where an existing building is subject to ‘material alterations’
  • Sprinklers/automatic fire suppression systems in all new and converted residential buildings, as currently required under Regulations 37A and 37B of the Building Regulations for Wales

[SOURCE – ArchitectsJournal.co.uk]

 

TTA helps fixers gain CSCS cards

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CITB funding secured by the TTA is now assisting fixers gain their NVQ, and in turn CSCS cards. This is in accordance with the Government’s aim to achieve a fully qualified workforce by 2020, stimulating the market by providing a route to qualification for experienced operatives via on-site assessment (OSAT). CSCS cards are required for all construction site workers no matter which trade.

The TTA hopes to assist those in our industry sector who have previously gained their CSCS cards via the Industry Accreditation route, as timeserved tillers. Since this route is no longer available and further card renewals may not always be accepted without the new qualifications, the TTA encourages those card holders to complete the EWPAR or OSAT route.

Experienced tilers who gained their CSCS cards via the industry Accreditation route can achieve an NVQ following just one day’s assessment of their work on site. The assessor will also need all other supporting of the candidate’s knowledge, which can be gathered verbally and through supporting documentation. Tilers who go down this route can carry on working, whilst being assessed to NVQ L2.

The TTA is also looking to recruit NVQ assessors to help take advantage of this opportunity to upskill the construction industry. Having independent NVQ assessors will help the TTA strengthen its training activities and make it easier for companies and independent fixers to access the training support they need, and the aim is that eight new NVQ assessors will be trained over the next 18 months.

“The TTA has worked hard to secure this funding for our industry,” says Bob Howard MBE, chair of the Training Committee. “We are providing an opportunity for tillers to obtain the certifications that they need in order to keep working in the changing CSCS environment, and also playing our part in assisting Government in driving up skill level within our industry and achieving a fully skilled workforce by 2020.”

The training that is now on offer comprises a one-day course at a Training Centre or a visit on-site, although there would be an additional charge for the latter.

The training costs £500 for TTA members and £600 for non-TTA members. Both are subject to a £68 registration fee.

The industry needs more Floor & Wall Tiling NVQ Assessors for the future – funding is available to those interested in training as an Assessor – expressions of interest are encouraged. Please contact the TTA on support@tile.org.uk or by telephoning 0300 365 8453

[SOURCE – Tilezine.co.uk]