If you're not sure, you're not alone. Here are just some of the questions Saleem Akram received this month
Q. I am working as a small builder, mainly for private homeowners. I often use mains supply for my tools. Now one of my clients is insisting I can use only 110 volt tools. Please advise.

A. Electricity can kill and it is your obligation to control the risks from your use of electricity at work (There is a legal requirement for you to control all risks at work).

You must be aware of the hazards: contact with live parts causes shock and burn and normal mains voltage, 230 volts, can kill. From an electrical safety point of view, battery powered equipment is by far the safest to use.

However, a transformer (normally coloured yellow) can be used to transform standard mains voltage to a relatively safe 110 volts.

If you are working in confined spaces (for example in a small basement or loft) the recommended maximum voltage is 25 volts.

If it is absolutely necessary to use 230 volt equipment, you must use a residual current device (RCD) which will cut off the power very quickly if a fault occurs.

For further information, refer to the HSE publication entitled Electrical Safety and You, or contact HSE or the Institution of Electrical Engineers.

Q. Is it true that a fractured finger is not reportable under Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)?

A. You are right. Fractured bones in the fingers, thumbs and toes are not reportable. However, major injuries are reportable to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under RIDDOR 95. It is a legal requirement to report injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.

In order to be familiar with the requirements and for further information please see RIDDOR - Explained,available at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hse31.pdf. If you require any clarification, you can contact HSE on 08701 545500, fax 020920 859260, Minicom: 02920 8085537, email hseinformationservices@natbrit.com. You can also complete the online enquiry form at www.hse.gov.uk

Q. I am involved on a refurbishment project and want to build a staircase. What are the requirements for staircases?

A. In order to comply with the building regulations and to design the stairs properly, it is advisable to engage a structural design professional. You may wish to refer to the following information for general guidance only.

  • The minimum number of steps in a flight is three, the maximum is 12.
  • Preferred riser height is 150mm, the minimum riser height is 100mm and the maximum riser height is 170mm.
  • Preferred tread depth is 300mm, minimum tread depth is 250mm
  • Preferred unobstructed width of stairs (between handrails) is 1200mm and the minimum unobstructed width of stairs (between handrails) is 1000mm

    Source: Public staircase dimensions, www.mobility-unit.dft.gov.uk/inclusive/15.htm)

    Q. The architect on one of my projects wants me to build a temporary corridor as a fire escape route during construction. I built it as per the Architect's specification but the Building Control Officer (BCO) does not agree with the specification. What shall I do? And can I use intumescent mastic for plasterboard finishing in the fire corridor (30 minutes fire rated)?

    A. My view is that the ultimate responsibility to certify 'fitness for purpose' lies with the BCO. I recommend that the architect discusses the specification with the BCO in order to clarify what the requirements are.

    However, for general guidance you may also wish to consult Building Regulations Approved Document B - Fire Safety, which may be accessed on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website - www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/bregs/brads.htm

    In my personal view, intumescent mastic would be perfectly acceptable as a means of fire rated plasterboard finish. However, there may be a number of specific site requirements which have to be met. Therefore it is important that you consult the architect and BCO for specific guidance in this case.

    CAN YOU HELP?

    Seen something on this page that rings a bell? We’d like to know your experiences of, problems with and solutions to those thorny technical issues. If you think you can contribute, then drop a line to construction_manager@buildergroup.co.uk, typing ‘Technical Guidance’ in the subject field

    • Source

    Construction Manager

    Postscript

    Saleem Akram is the CIOB's technical manager. Email techadvice@ciob.org.uk