Clerk of Works and Site Inspector Handbook; 2018
Total Page：16
File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb
Clerk of Works and Site Inspector Handbook 2018 Edition Clerk of Works and Site Inspector Handbook 2018 Edition © The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of GB Inc. and RIBA Publishing 2018 Previous edition 2006 Published by RIBA Publishing, 66 Portland Place, London, W1B 1NT ISBN 978-1-85946-711-4 The right of the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of GB Inc. to be identified as the Author of this Work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 sections 77 and 78. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the copyright owner. British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library. Commissioning Editor: Alex White Project Editor: Daniel Culver Production: Jane Rogers Design: based on a design by Ben Millbank Typeset by Fakenham Prepress Solutions, Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 8NL Printed and bound by Page Bros, Norwich Cover Image: © By yuttana Contributor Studio / Shutterstock.com While every effort has been made to check the accuracy and quality of the information given in this publication, neither the Author nor the Publisher accept any responsibility for the subsequent use of this information, for any errors or omissions that it may contain, or for any misunderstandings arising from it. www.ribapublishing.com 9781859467114_revised01.indd 4 14/09/2018 16:10 Contents Foreword 7 Acknowledgements 8 Introduction 9 1: Appointing a Clerk of Works 11 2: Role and Relationships 15 3: Duties of the Clerk of Works/Site Inspector 23 4: Effective Reporting for a Clerk of Works 27 5: CDM Regulations 2015 33 6: Health and Safety 45 7: Trade Elements 57 Demolition, Alteration and Renovation 57 Groundwork 60 In Situ Concrete/Large Precast Concrete 63 Masonry 70 Structure/Carcassing: Metal/Timberwork 75 Cladding/Covering 84 Waterproofing 87 Linings/Sheathing/Dry Partitioning 89 Surface Finishes 91 Furniture, Equipment and Internal Planting 101 Building Fabric Sundries 103 Paving, External Planting, Fencing and Site Furniture 106 Disposal Systems 111 Piped Supply Systems 114 Mechanical Heating, Cooling and Refrigeration Systems 119 Mechanical Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems 131 Electricity Supply, Power and Lighting Systems 135 Communications, Security, Fire and Control Systems 154 Contents Transport Systems: Lifts, Hoists, Cranes and Petroleum, Oil and Lubricant (Pol) Installations 164 Cavity Barriers in External Walls 169 8: Preparing for Handover 175 9: Handover, Practical Completion and Defects Rectification Stage 183 10: Published and Model Forms for Clerks of Works 191 11: The Clerk of Works/NEC Supervisor: Responsibilities Within Standard Building Contracts 201 12: Effective Reporting for a Clerk of Works/Construction Inspector orkingW in the Nuclear Industry 209 13: Ecological and Environmental Clerks of Works 213 14: Insurance Aspects 217 15: A Professional Institute 225 16: Ethical and Professional Standards 231 17: Useful Addresses and Sources of Information 235 Index 243 6 Foreword Eyes, ears and action. With the ever-increasing backdrop of a strong construction pipeline, particularly for homes and infrastructure, and the need to build faster and with modern methods of construction, there has never been a more important time for the Clerk of Works role on projects. Catastrophic events, such as Grenfell Tower, will forever be poignant reminders of the need for those critical eyes and ears on site as construction progresses, as well as the fundamental importance of professional competence. There’s an increasing need for public trust in our professions and recognised competence provided through professional qualification, as well as high standards and regulations. All of these play to the strengths and command for driving action through the Clerk of Works. As many other professions reach key milestones in 2018, such as the Institution of Civil Engineers in its 200th year and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in its 150th year, it is a timely moment to recognise and acclaim the benefits brought to historical construction delivery by The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate (ICWCI) in over 130 years of history. But now is not the time to look back, more to look forward, with ‘ability, integrity and vigilance’. It is as vital now and for the future, if not more so, than it was in the 19th century. For quality control on, and off, site my mantra is ‘long live the Clerk of Works’. Amanda Clack, Executive Director at CBRE and Past President at RICS 7 Acknowledgements The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate wishes to place on record its thanks and appreciation to the following individuals who have played such a vital role in the development of this latest edition of the handbook. The team involved with this revised version of the handbook were: Rachel Morris Hon. FICWCI, Ian Carey FICWCI, Jerry Shoolbred FICWCI, Charles Lowrie FICWCI, David Gray FICWCI, John Ruddell FICWCI, Ron Philpot MICWCI, Dr Paul Hampton FICWCI, Phil Singleton FICWCI, Derek Bishop Hon. FICWCI, Marcus Millet MICWCI, Neil Dickinson FICWCI, Spencer Henry MICWCI (Electrical) Mike Oxford CEcol, FCIEEM, James Burgoyne LLB ACII, Deborah Stead (BSi), LABC Warranty. 8 Introduction Ability, integrity and vigilance One of the most common misconceptions, certainly among the uninitiated, is the belief that a Clerk of Works’ background and experience is of a purely secretarial or administrative nature. The title has been around since the Middle Ages, and it has been worn with great pride by many thousands of exponents of the craft since that time. Although it is difficult to confirm an exact date, the title is traceable as far back as the 13th century when the Church (the richest single entity in the British Isles at the time) was undertaking a vast amount of construction work. It is believed that materials were being pilfered or otherwise lost to such a degree that some form of control over quantities and their ultimate usage was required – and the role of Clerk of Works was born. Initially drawn from the ranks of the clerics in holy orders (believed to be the most literate and honest of all) with responsibility for the Church works, they were deemed to possess the essential attributes of ‘ability, integrity and vigilance’. The original title ‘Cleric of the Church Works’ soon became shortened to ‘Clerk of Works’ and remains to this day. One of the earliest-known Clerks of Works, although not the first, was the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who was appointed as ‘Clerk of the King’s Works’ from 1389 to 1391, superintending undertakings in Woolwich and Smithfield in London. Over the centuries, the role and duties of the Clerk of Works developed as a part of the great historical and social changes, and exponents were selected from suitable building craftsmen, with proven technical experience, knowledge and personality gained over many years ‘on the tools’. The Reform Bill of 1832 and the many Acts that followed it covering education, public health, roads, railways, town improvements and industrial development spawned many technical, professional and scientific associations and institutes. On 10 March 1882, a group of 17 Clerks of Works met and agreed that they would form a professional body named ‘The Clerks of Works Association’. At their first general meeting, held on 27 March 1882, and with 31 present, they formed their first governing body, electing Mr Thomas Potter as their first President, issuing their first rulebook and extending the formal title of the association to ‘The Clerks of Works Association of Great Britain’. In 1903 the Association gained incorporated status and was again retitled, ‘The Incorporated Clerks of Works Association’, which remained in place until 1947, when it became ‘The Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain Incorporated’ (ICW). Finally, in 2009, the name was changed to ‘The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain Incorporated’ (ICWCI) to encompass and encourage into membership professionals who practise in construction inspection specialisms, while still including those who continue in the traditional role of Clerk of Works. 9 Introduction It is important to realise that although building practices and procedures have come and gone, and come again in some cases, over the many years since ICWCI in its original state was formed, the very principles for which Clerks of Works were first established remain as true and valid as ever. Tragically, in many cases the traditional title has given way to a more modern interpretation of the role – construction inspector, site inspector, quality auditor – but the principle remains the same. Whether it be in the field of civil engineering, building, landscaping, tunnelling, electrical and mechanical engineering, new build or refurbishment, and in the UK or elsewhere, the ‘Inspectors’ ply their craft in ensuring value for money for the client, through rigorous inspection of the materials in use, and the craftsmanship deployed in their usage. Their skills are honed not only from books and study, but also from years of practical, hands-on experience. They know, or will have seen, almost every trick in the book, and will know equally well how to counter it – there being no better gamekeepers than, of course, former poachers! They must remain up to date in terms of legislation and the many building regulations, including those that relate as much to the individual – health and safety, race relations, disability discrimination – as to the act of construction itself. Through rigorous and detailed reporting and record keeping, and thorough inspection of specifications and drawings, their work will, without question, add value to any project – even though it may not be obvious at the time.