PROJECT KICK OFF…

DR ÁINE NIC AN RÍOGH

WHERE TO START?

• PROJECT HAS BEEN GRANTED PLANNING

• TENDER/CONSTRUCTION DRAWINGS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED

WHAT NEXT?
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE AT WORK
(CONSTRUCTION) REGULATIONS 2013

• THE PURPOSE OF THESE REGULATIONS IS TO PRESCRIBE THE MAIN

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND
WELFARE OF PERSONS WORKING ON CONSTRUCTION SITES AND TO
GIVE FURTHER EFFECT TO COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 92/57/EEC ON THE
MINIMUM SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AT TEMPORARY OR
MOBILE CONSTRUCTION SITES.
• THESE REGULATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO CLARIFY AND STRENGTHEN
THE GENERAL DUTIES OF ALL PARTIES AS REGARDS SECURING
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE IN CONSTRUCTION
WORK, INCLUDING THOSE OF CLIENTS, PROJECT SUPERVISORS,
DESIGNERS, CONTRACTORS AND EMPLOYEES.
• THESE REGULATIONS APPLY TO ALL CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
INCLUDING THE ALTERATION, DECORATION, MAINTENANCE AND
REPAIR OF BUILDINGS AND THE INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND
REMOVAL OF MECHANICAL AND OTHER SYSTEMS FIXED WITHIN OR
TO STRUCTURES. THEY PLACE OBLIGATIONS ON CLIENTS AND
DESIGNERS TO ENSURE THAT SAFETY AND HEALTH IS TAKEN INTO
ACCOUNT BEFORE ANY CONSTRUCTION WORK BEGINS.
HEALTH & SAFETY IN DESIGN STAGE

PSDP – Project Supervisor Design Process

• AF1 – complete and lodge to the Health and Safety Authority
(design)

• Preliminary Health & Safety Plan ( & Risk Assessment)

This is prepared alongside the construction drawings and is
included in the tender package.
It will be used by the PSCS during the construction process.

• Compiles Safety File and issues to client (at the end of the
project)
CONSIDER THE RISK…

HOW WILL PEOPLE BUILD, USE AND MAINTAIN THE

BUILDING??
 TENDERING

• TO GET THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY FOR THE CLIENT

• TENDER DOCUMENTS SHOULD DESCRIBE, IN AS MUCH DETAIL AS POSSIBLE, THE NATURE/SCOPE
OF THE WORKS

• ISSUE THE TENDER DOCUMENTS TO THE MARKET / SHORTLIST (INCLUDING THE BQ)
• SHORTLIST PREFERRED TENDERERS (PREQUALIFICATION OR CLIENT)
• TENDERS ARE RETURNED AND ASSESSED FOR MEAT
• POST TENDER INTERVIEW TAKES PLACE (A MIDTENDER INTERVIEW MAY BE REQUIRED – COMPLEX)
• CLARIFICATIONS ARE AGREED
• CONTRACT IS PREPARED AND EXECUTED
MOST ECONOMICALLY ADVANTAGEOUS TENDER

QUALITY & PRICE

PUBLIC JOBS TENDERS

• E-TENDERS / OJEU DEPENDING ON VALUE

• OPEN VS RESTRICTIVE PROCEDURES MOST POPULAR
• CRITICAL TIMELINES TO BE ADHERED TO
• PUBLIC MONEY : FAIR AND TRANSPARENT
• VERY STRICT PROCEDURES
• HTTPS://CONSTRUCTIONPROCUREMENT.GOV.IE/CAPITAL-WORKS-MANAGEMENT-FRAMEWORK/
INCLUDED IN THE TENDER PACKAGE…

• LETTER OF INVITATION
• COPY OF CONTRACT TO BE USED WITH ANY AMENDMENTS AND EXCLUSIONS
• FULL SET OF DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS
• PRELIMINARY HEALTH & SAFETY PLAN
• COPY OF THE GRANT OF PLANNING WITH ANY PERTINENT CONDITIONS
• BILL OF QUANTITIES/PRICING DOCUMENT
• ANY RELEVANT REPORTS AND SITE INFORMATION
• FORM OF TENDER
• DETAILS OF HOW THE TENDER SHOULD BE RETURNED, WHEN AND WHERE
POST TENDER INTERVIEW
• HOW THE WORKS ARE GOING TO BE CARRIED OUT
• PROJECT PROGRAMME
• PROJECT TEAM & RESOURCES
• CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
• INSURANCES
• CLARIFICATIONS
• EXCLUSIONS
• PROPOSED SUB-CONTRACTORS
• HEALTH & SAFETY
• DISCUSSION AROUND SPECIFIC RISKS
• ….
CONTRACTS

• HAVE YOU ADVISED THE CLIENT TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THE BUILDER?
• STANDARD RIAI CONTRACTS
• ‘BLUE’ FORM - WITHOUT QUANTITIES
• DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATION
• ‘YELLOW’ FORM - WITH QUANTITIES
• BILL OF QUANTITIES

• PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, CLIENT/CONTRACTOR SPECIFIC CONTRACT ETC….

• INFORMATION AGREED WITHIN THE CONTRACT (RIAI)
• CONTRACT SUM: PRICE OF THE WORKS (BEFORE ANY CHANGES, VARIATIONS OR EXTRAS)

• THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS (THE DRAWINGS & SPECIFICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN PRICED)

• DATES FOR POSSESSION & COMPLETION

• THE INSURANCES, AND THEIR VALUE, WHICH SHOULD BE IN PLACE

• THE VALUE OF ANY LADS (LIQUIDATED & ASCERTAINED DAMAGES)

• PERCENTAGE OF CERTIFIED VALUE OF WORK RETAINED
EQUESTRIAN
FACILITY,
CO. MEATH
EXISTING SHED BUILDING
DEMOLITIONS
NEW GROUND LEVEL
NEW STABLE BLOCK
PREFABRICATED STRUCTURE
STRUCTURAL DETAILS
BUILDING CONTROL – COMMENCEMENT NOTICE

• ASSIGNING THE ROLES

• ASSIGNED CERTIFIER
• DESIGNER
• BUILDER
• BUILDING OWNER
• NOTIFY EACH PARTY OF THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES
• CODE OF PRACTICE FOR INSPECTING AND CERTIFYING BUILDINGS AND WORKS, BUILDING
CONTROL REGULATIONS 2014
COMPETENT!
• “ASSIGNED CERTIFIER” MEANS THE COMPETENT, REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL PERSON
SO ASSIGNED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUILDING CONTROL REGULATIONS;
• “BUILDER” MEANS A COMPETENT BUILDER APPOINTED, FOR PURPOSES OF THE
BUILDING CONTROL REGULATIONS, BY THE BUILDING OWNER, TO BUILD AND
SUPERVISE THE WORKS;
• “BUILDING OWNER” MEANS THE PERSON WHO HAS COMMISSIONED OR PAID FOR THE
WORKS AND WHO HAS LEGAL ENTITLEMENT TO HAVE SUCH WORKS CARRIED OUT ON
THEIR BEHALF;
• "DESIGN" INCLUDES THE PREPARATION OF PLANS, PARTICULARS, DRAWINGS,
SPECIFICATIONS, CALCULATIONS AND OTHER EXPRESSIONS OF PURPOSE ACCORDING
TO WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION, EXTENSION, ALTERATION, REPAIR OR RENEWAL
CONCERNED IS TO BE EXECUTED AND "DESIGNED" WILL BE CONSTRUED
ACCORDINGLY;
• “DESIGN CERTIFIER” MEANS THE PERSON WHO SIGNS THE CERTIFICATE OF
COMPLIANCE (DESIGN);
BUILDING OWNER’S ROLE
• THE BUILDING OWNER IS ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT BUILDINGS OR WORKS ARE
CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS. IN
RELATION TO THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS, THE BUILDING OWNER SHOULD
ENSURE THAT THEY APPOINT A COMPETENT BUILDER AND COMPETENT REGISTERED PROFESSIONALS
TO ACT AS DESIGNER AND AS ASSIGNED CERTIFIER.

• SPECIFICALLY, THE BUILDING OWNER SHOULD:

• (A) ENSURE THAT A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE AND A DISABILITY ACCESS CERTIFICATE ARE OBTAINED
WHERE REQUIRED;

• (B) SIGN A COMMENCEMENT NOTICE (OR 7 DAY NOTICE) THAT IS LODGED;

• (C) SIGN THE NOTICE FOR THE ASSIGNMENT OF:
• 1) A COMPETENT, REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL (THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER) WHO WILL INSPECT THE BUILDING
WORKS DURING CONSTRUCTION AND PROVIDE A CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ON COMPLETION, AND

• 2) A COMPETENT BUILDER TO CONSTRUCT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND

BUILDING REGULATIONS AND TO SIGN THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ON COMPLETION; BUILDERS
INCLUDED ON THE CONSTRUCTION I NDUSTRY REGISTER I RELAND OR EQUIVALENT MAY BE REGARDED AS
COMPETENT FOR PROJECTS CONSISTENT WITH THEIR REGISTRATION PROFILE.
BUILDING OWNER’S ROLE
• (D) ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE RESOURCES AND COMPETENT PERSONS ARE MADE AVAILABLE TO
DESIGN, CONSTRUCT, INSPECT AND CERTIFY THE BUILDING WORKS;

• (E) PROMPTLY APPOINT A REPLACEMENT ASSIGNED CERTIFIER OR BUILDER WHERE THE

ASSIGNED CERTIFIER OR BUILDER WITHDRAWS FROM THE PROJECT FOR WHATEVER REASON;
WHERE THIS HAPPENS THE BUILDING OWNER IS REQUIRED UNDER THE BUILDING CONTROL
REGULATIONS TO GIVE NOTICE TO THE BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY OF THE NEW
ASSIGNMENT; AT ALL TIMES THE BUILDING OWNER SHOULD USE REASONABLE ENDEAVOURS TO
ENSURE THAT AN ASSIGNED CERTIFIER AND BUILDER ARE IN PLACE;

• (F) WHERE THERE IS A CHANGE OF BUILDING OWNER, PRIOR TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE
COMPLETION CERTIFICATE, THE NEW BUILDING OWNER IS REQUIRED UNDER THE BUILDING
CONTROL REGULATIONS TO GIVE NOTICE OF THE CHANGE OF BUILDING OWNER AND, ALSO,
TO NOTIFY THE BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY IN WRITING OF ALL APPOINTMENTS THAT ARE IN
PLACE; AND

• (G) MAINTAIN RECORDS.

BUILDER’S ROLE
• THE BUILDER SHOULD CARRY OUT THE WORKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS OF THE PROFESSIONAL DESIGN TEAM, THEIR SPECIALISTS AND SUB-
CONSULTANTS AS NECESSARY AND HAVE REGARD TO THESE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS.

• THE BUILDER (COMPANY OR SOLE TRADER) SHOULD:

• (A) ACCEPT FROM THE BUILDING OWNER THE ASSIGNMENT TO BUILD AND SUPERVISE THE
BUILDING OR WORKS OUTLINED IN THE COMMENCEMENT NOTICE;

• (B) FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE DRAWINGS, SPECIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS LODGED
WITH THE COMMENCEMENT NOTICE;

• (C) ENSURE A COMPETENT PERSON IS ASSIGNED TO OVERSEE THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS;

• (D) CO-OPERATE WITH THE DESIGN TEAM, THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER AND OTHER CERTIFIERS;
• (E) ENSURE THAT THE WORKMANSHIP COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDING
REGULATIONS;
BUILDER’S ROLE

• (F) ENSURE THAT MATERIALS WHICH THEY SELECT AND FOR WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE
COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS;

• (G) SIGN THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE (COMPLETION);

• (H) PROVIDE TO THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER, SUCH DOCUMENTS FOR WHICH THEY ARE
RESPONSIBLE, AS MAY ASSIST THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER TO COLLATE PARTICULARS FOR THE
PURPOSES OF HANDOVER AND CERTIFICATION, AND/OR FOR FURTHER SUBMISSIONS TO THE
BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY;
• (I) ENSURE THE COORDINATION AND PROVISION OF ALL TEST CERTIFICATES AND
CONFIRMATIONS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER OR OTHER DESIGNATED
INSPECTORS OR CERTIFIERS PROVIDING ANCILLARY CERTIFICATES; AND

• (J) MAINTAIN RECORDS.

DESIGNER’S ROLE
• DESIGNERS SHOULD: -
• (A) DESIGN THEIR RESPECTIVE ELEMENTS OF WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPLICABLE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE BUILDING REGULATIONS;

• (B) PROVIDE THE DESIGN CERTIFIER WITH THE NECESSARY PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS AND
DOCUMENTATION THAT IS REQUIRED FOR LODGEMENT AT COMMENCEMENT STAGE;

• (C) ARRANGE TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER TO ENABLE THEM
TO FULFIL THEIR ROLE;

• (D) AS AGREED WITH THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER, CARRY OUT WORK INSPECTIONS WHICH ARE
PERTINENT TO THEIR ELEMENTS OF THE DESIGN, AND LIAISE WITH THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER IN TERMS
OF THIS AND THE REQUIRED ANCILLARY CERTIFICATION;

• (E) NOTIFY THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER OF THEIR PROPOSED INSPECTION REGIME FOR INCLUSION IN
THE OVERALL INSPECTION PLAN;

• (F) PROVIDE THE ANCILLARY CERTIFICATES WHEN REQUIRED BY THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER AND
DESIGN CERTIFIER; AND
• (G) MAINTAIN RECORDS OF INSPECTION.
ASSIGNED CERTIFIER’S ROLE
• THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER IS ASSIGNED BY THE BUILDING OWNER AS REQUIRED UNDER THE BUILDING
CONTROL REGULATIONS. THEY UNDERTAKE TO INSPECT, AND TO CO-ORDINATE THE INSPECTION
ACTIVITIES OF OTHERS DURING CONSTRUCTION, AND TO CERTIFY THE BUILDING OR WORKS ON
COMPLETION. THE ROLE OF ASSIGNED CERTIFIER DOES NOT INCLUDE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE
SUPERVISION OF ANY BUILDER. THEY MAY OR MAY NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE DESIGN TEAM.

• THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER SHOULD: -

• (A) PROVIDE AND SIGN THE RELEVANT STATUTORY CERTIFICATES - THE FORM OF UNDERTAKING AT
COMMENCEMENT AND THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ON COMPLETION;

• (B) CO-ORDINATE THE ANCILLARY CERTIFICATION BY MEMBERS OF THE DESIGN TEAM AND OTHER
RELEVANT BODIES FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ON COMPLETION;

• (C) IDENTIFY ALL DESIGN PROFESSIONALS AND SPECIALISTS, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUILDER,
FROM WHOM CERTIFICATES ARE REQUIRED;

• (D) IDENTIFY ALL CERTIFICATES REQUIRED AND OBTAIN THEM;

• (E) CO-ORDINATE AND COLLATE ALL CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE FOR COMPLETION IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUILDER;
ASSIGNED CERTIFIER’S ROLE

• (F) IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MEMBERS OF THE DESIGN TEAM, PLAN AND OVERSEE THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INSPECTION PLAN DURING CONSTRUCTION;

• (G) PREPARE THE PRELIMINARY INSPECTION PLAN AND OVERSEE ADHERENCE TO THIS PLAN,
AND ON COMPLETION PROVIDE THE INSPECTION PLAN AS IMPLEMENTED;

• (H) ON TERMINATION OR RELINQUISHMENT OF THEIR APPOINTMENT MAKE AVAILABLE TO THE

BUILDING OWNER ALL CERTIFICATION PREPARED AND INSPECTION REPORTS CARRIED OUT;
• (I) ACT AS THE SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT WITH THE BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY DURING
CONSTRUCTION;

• (J) SEEK ADVICE FROM THE BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY, IN RESPECT OF COMPLIANCE
MATTERS RELATING TO THE BUILDING OR WORKS WHERE DISPUTES OR DIFFERENCES OF OPINION
ARISE BETWEEN THE PARTIES TO THE PROJECT; AND

• (K) MAINTAIN RECORDS OF INSPECTION.

WHO CAN BE APPOINTED??

THE FOLLOWING MAY BE APPOINTED AND SIGN AS THE ASSIGNED CERTIFIER, PROVIDED THEY ARE
COMPETENT IN RELATION TO THE PARTICULAR WORKS INVOLVED:

• (A) ARCHITECTS THAT ARE ON THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE RIAI UNDER PART 3 OF THE
BUILDING CONTROL ACT 2007; OR
• (B) BUILDING SURVEYORS THAT ARE ON THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE SCSI UNDER PART 5
OF THE BUILDING CONTROL ACT 2007; OR

• (C) CHARTERED ENGINEERS ON THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY ENGINEERS IRELAND UNDER

SECTION 7 OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS OF IRELAND (CHARTER AMENDMENT)
ACT 1969.
SIMILARLY, THE DESIGN CERTIFIER MUST BE ONE OF THE ABOVE REGISTERED PROFESSIONALS AND
MUST BE COMPETENT TO CARRY OUT THEIR DESIGN AND TO CO-ORDINATE THE DESIGN ACTIVITIES
OF OTHERS FOR THE WORKS CONCERNED.

OPT-IN OR OPT-OUT ?? (ONLY FOR ONE-OFF HOUSES)

WHEN IS A COMMENCEMENT NOTICE REQUIRED?
A COMMENCEMENT NOTICE IS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
• A) THE ERECTION OF A BUILDING;

• B) A MATERIAL ALTERATION OF A BUILDING;

• C) AN EXTENSION TO A BUILDING;

• D) A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE OF A BUILDING;

• E) WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATERIAL ALTERATION (EXCLUDING MINOR WORKS) OF A SHOP,
OFFICE OR INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WHERE A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE (FSC) IS NOT REQUIRED.

HOWEVER, YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBMIT A COMMENCEMENT NOTICE IF:

• A) THE WORKS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE BUILDING REGULATIONS (E.G. - IT IS NOT A BUILDING OR IS AN
EXEMPT BUILDING TYPE) OR

• B) YOU DO NOT REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION AND ALSO DO NOT REQUIRE A FIRE SAFETY CERT
• (USUALLY FOR WORKS UNDER 40 M2 )
BUILDING CONTROL – COMMENCEMENT NOTICE
SHORT FORM COMMENCEMENT, REGULAR COMMENCEMENT NOTICE, 7 DAY NOTICE
• A ‘SHORT’ COMMENCEMENT NOTICE MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES OF DEVELOPMENT:
• (A) MATERIAL ALTERATION OF: • SHOPS • OFFICES • INDUSTRIAL UNITS
PROVIDED THAT A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE IS NOT REQUIRED.
• (B) AN EXTENSION TO A DWELLING INVOLVING A FLOOR AREA LESS THAN 40 SQUARE METERS.
• REGULAR COMMENCEMENT NOTICE
• ANY PROJECT THAT NEEDS PLANNING, OR A FIRE CERT
• CAN START 14 DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION (THERE ARE A FURTHER 14 DAYS DURING WHICH WORK MUST COMMENCE)
• 7 DAY NOTICE
• WORK MUST COMMENCE 7 DAYS AFTER SUBMISSION
• A FIRE CERT DOES NOT NEED TO BE IN PLACE BUT MUST BE LODGED WITH THE APPLICATION (IF REQUIRED)
• HOWEVER, YOU ARE TAKING A RISK THAT THE FIRE OFFICER MIGHT REFUSE IT, OR IMPLEMENT CHANGES IN THE DESIGN WHICH
MAY RESULT IN DELAYS, OR EVEN REMEDIAL WORKS BEING CARRIED OUT.
FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE
A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATEIS A CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY WHICH STATES THAT THE WORKS OR BUILDING TO WHICH
THE APPLICATION RELATES WILL, IF CONSTRUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBMITTED, COMPLY WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF PART B OF THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE BUILDING REGULATIONS 1997.

WHICH DEVELOPMENTS REQUIRE A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE?

THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS (OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED AS EXEMPT BELOW) REQUIRE A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE;
• WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW BUILDING

• WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATERIAL ALTERATION OF:

• A DAY CENTRE

• A BUILDING CONTAINING A FLAT

• A HOTEL, HOSTEL OR GUEST BUILDING

• AN INSTITUTIONAL BUILDING

• A PLACE OF ASSEMBLY

• A SHOPPING CENTRE
• WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATERIAL ALTERATION OF A SHOP, OFFICE OR INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WHERE ADDITIONAL FLOOR AREA IS BEING
PROVIDED WITHIN THE EXISTING BUILDING OR WHERE THE BUILDING IS BEING SUB DIVIDED INTO A NUMBER OF UNITS FOR SEPARATE OCCUPANCY.

• WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXTENSION OF A BUILDING BY MORE THAN 25 SQUARE METRES

• A BUILDING AS REGARDS WHICH A MATERIAL CHANGE OF USE TAKES PLACE.

FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE EXEMPTIONS
THE FOLLOWING BUILDINGS ARE EXEMPTED FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO OBTAIN A FIRE SAFETY CERTIFICATE:
• CERTAIN SINGLE STOREY AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS.
• A BUILDING USED AS A DWELLING OTHER THAN A FLAT.
• A SINGLE STOREY DOMESTIC GARAGE.
• A SINGLE STOREY BUILDING ANCILLARY TO A DWELLING WHICH IS USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR RECREATIONAL
OR STORAGE PURPOSES OR THE KEEPING OF PLANTS, BIRDS OR ANIMALS FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND IS
NOT USED FOR ANY TRADE OR BUSINESS OR FOR HUMAN HABITATION.

• WORKS BY A BUILDING CONTROL AUTHORITY IN ITS FUNCTIONAL AREA.

• WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH A GARDA STATION, A COURTHOUSE, A BARRACKS AND CERTAIN
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.
PRE-COMMENCEMENT MEETING
THE ARCHITECT, AS CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR AND DESIGN COORDINATOR, IN HIS ROLE UNDER
THE CONTRACT, SETS UP AND CHAIRS A PRE-COMMENCEMENT MEETING PRIOR TO THE WORKS
COMMENCING, OR A KICK-OFF MEETING IN THE FIRST DAYS OF THE WORKS COMMENCING. A T
THIS MEETING THE FOLLOWING ISSUES SHOULD BE TABLED AND DISCUSSED:

• HEALTH & SAFETY

• INSURANCES
• COMMUNICATION
• VARIATIONS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHANGES
• DESIGN CO-ORDINATION
• INFORMATION SHARING
• INSPECTION SCHEDULE
• EARLY ACTIVITIES ON SITE
HEALTH & SAFETY
PSDP – Project Supervisor Design Process
• AF1 – complete and lodge to the HSA
• Preliminary Health & Safety Plan ( & Risk Assessment)
• Compiles Safety File and issues to client

PSCS – Project Supervisor Construction Stage

• AF2 – complete and lodge to the HAS and display on site
• Collects Safety File information & documentation
THE CLIENT
THE CLIENT MUST, FOR EVERY PROJECT:
• APPOINT, IN WRITING BEFORE DESIGN WORK STARTS, A COMPETENT AND ADEQUATELY
RESOURCED PROJECT SUPERVISOR FOR THE DESIGN PROCESS (PSDP). IN ORDER TO BE
COMPETENT THE PSDP MUST HAVE ADEQUATE TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE TO
CARRY OUT THE PROJECT THE PSDP MUST HAVE ADEQUATE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CARRY
OUT THE PROJECT IN A SAFE MANNER;

• APPOINT, IN WRITING BEFORE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS, A COMPETENT AND ADEQUATELY

RESOURCED PROJECT SUPERVISOR FOR THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE (PSCS). IN ORDER TO BE
COMPETENT THE PSCS MUST HAVE ADEQUATE TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND
RESOURCES:

• BE SATISFIED THAT EACH DESIGNER AND CONTRACTOR APPOINTED HAS ADEQUATE TRAINING,
KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCES FOR THE WORK TO BE PERFORMED;
• CO-OPERATE WITH THE PROJECT SUPERVISOR AND SUPPLY NECESSARY INFORMATION;
• KEEP AND MAKE AVAILABLE THE SAFETY FILE FOR THE COMPLETED STRUCTURE. THE SAFETY FILE
CONTAINS INFORMATION ON THE COMPLETED STRUCTURE THAT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR FUTURE
MAINTENANCE OR RENOVATION (THE CLIENT MUST KEEP THE FILE IN A SECURE PLACE, EITHER
ON THE PREMISES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR HELD CENTRALLY, AND IF THE CLIENT WISHES, IT MAY
BE STORED ELECTRONICALLY OR ON MICROFICHE.);

• PROVIDE A COPY OF THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN PREPARED BY THE PSDP TO EVERY
PERSON TENDERING FOR THE PROJECT. THE SAFETY PLAN DOCUMENTS SHOW HOW HEALTH
AND SAFETY ON THE PROJECT WILL BE MANAGED TO PROJECT COMPLETION.

• NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE PSDP WHERE CONSTRUCTION IS LIKELY
TO TAKE MORE THAN 500 PERSONS DAYS OR 30 WORKING DAYS
PSDP

• IDENTIFY HAZARDS ARISING FROM THE DESIGN OR FROM THE TECHNICAL, ORGANISATIONAL,
PLANNING OR TIME RELATED ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT;

• WHERE POSSIBLE, ELIMINATE THE HAZARDS OR REDUCE THE RISKS;

• COMMUNICATE NECESSARY CONTROL MEASURE, DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS OR REMAINING RISKS
TO THE PSCS SO THEY CAN BE DEALT WITH IN THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN;

• ENSURE THAT THE WORK OF DESIGNERS IS COORDINATED TO ENSURE SAFETY;

• ORGANISE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN DESIGNERS;
• PREPARE A WRITTEN SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN FOR ANY PROJECT WHERE CONSTRUCTION WILL
TAKE MORE THAN 500 PERSON DAYS OR 30 WORKING DAYS OR THERE IS A PARTICULAR RISK
AND DELIVER IT TO THE CLIENT PRIOR TO TENDER;

• PREPARE A SAFETY FILE FOR THE COMPLETED STRUCTURE AND GIVE IT TO THE CLIENT;
• NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY AND THE CLIENT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH ANY WRITTEN DIRECTIONS
ISSUED.

THE PSDP MAY ISSUE DIRECTIONS TO DESIGNERS OR CONTRACTORS OR OTHERS.

 PSCS

• CO-ORDINATE THE IDENTIFICATION OF HAZARDS, THE ELIMINATION OF THE HAZARDS OR THE REDUCTION
OF RISKS DURING CONSTRUCTION;

• DEVELOP THE SAFETY AND HEALTH PLAN INITIALLY PREPARED BY THE PSDP BEFORE CONSTRUCTION
COMMENCES

• CO-ORDINATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS BY CONTRACTORS

• ORGANISE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CONTRACTORS AND THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION
• CO-ORDINATE THE REPORTING OF ACCIDENTS TO THE AUTHORITY
• NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY BEFORE CONSTRUCTION COMMENCES WHERE CONSTRUCTION IS LIKELY TO TAKE
MORE THAN 500 PERSON DAYS OR 30 WORKING DAYS (AF2)
• PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THE SITE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE
• CO-ORDINATE THE CHECKING OF SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES
• CO-ORDINATE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT CRAFT, GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORKERS
AND SECURITY WORKERS HAVE A SAFETY AWARENESS CARD, E.G. SAFE PASS AND A
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS CARD WHERE REQUIRED
• CO-ORDINATE THE APPOINTMENT OF A SITE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE WHERE THERE ARE MORE
THAN 20 PERSONS ON SITE

• APPOINT A SAFETY ADVISER WHERE THERE ARE MORE THAN 100 ON SITE
• PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SAFETY FILE INFORMATION TO THE PSDP
• MONITOR THE COMPLIANCE OF CONTRACTORS AND OTHERS AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION
WHERE NECESSARY

• NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY AND THE CLIENT OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH WRITTEN DIRECTIONS
ISSUED.

THE PSCS MAY ISSUE DIRECTIONS TO DESIGNERS OR CONTRACTORS.

INSURANCES

• Contractors’ All Risks

• Public Liability
• Employer’s Liability
• Non-negligence

• Client may take out non-negligence insurance – bespoke and specific to job

• See and check all required insurances are in date and for the correct value
• Check that everyone else has seen the insurance and that it is in place
• Check there is nothing missing, when it expires etc…
COMMUNICATION!!
PM
Client QS
Assigned Certifier
Health & Safety

Design
Team Contractor

Architect Main Contractor

Engineer Domestic Sub-Contractors
M&E Consultant Nominated Sub-Contractors
… Specialist trades/craftsmen
…
COMMUNICATION
• Set lines of communication in place.

• If something happens on site who is called?

• If the client wants to change something who does he speak to?

• Does everyone know and understand the channels of information flow.

• Should it be a phone call, email or physical document?

It is critical that these are all understood and set in place at the beginning of a
project.
VARIATIONS & INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHANGES
• It should be imparted on the client, professionals and construction team that any
change whatsoever to the contract drawings and specifications can only come
through the architect as Contract Administrator.

• It is clients prerogative to instigate change, the contract is designed to allow this

HOWEVER!
Several small changes may have an overall detrimental effect on the project,
timeline and claims.

• It is good practice to instigate a change order procedure during the pre-

commencement meeting. Set out exactly who can do what and make sure
everyone knows the procedure.

• Within the design team it is necessary that each discipline responds and issues
information on time so architect can make decision or resolve the issue.
DESIGN CO-ORDINATION
Coordination of information is critical – M+E, engineers, architects etc

• Have the team coordinated their design, in particular the temporary works,
substructure works and methodology. These are the first activities occurring on site
and therefore it is critical to ensure there is no ambiguity between the team.

• Check that everyone understands what is happening.

• Are there any restrictions on the contractor,

e.g. working hours – noisy works or access routes
How does this affect the works and methodology, have all the design team
responded to these restrictions

• Phasing - dates are written into the contract so everyone can work around them

• If there are other Stakeholders on site. Be aware of their requirements and notify
them of implications
INSPECTION SCHEDULE
• Issued by the Assigned Certifier with agreement from the contractor.

• Sets out stages of the construction phase when inspections need to be carried out.
e.g. Foundations, before concrete is poured, when re-bar is in (if necessary) when
foundations have been poured.

• The contractor should agree to the schedule and notify the assigned certifier in
advance of any inspections required.
EARLY ACTIVITIES ON SITE
• General discussion relating to the initial and most hazardous works. Ensuring
all parties knew what was happening and when.

• All hoarding etc should be shown on drawings pre-contract , Existing

information on structures and services should be issued in advance to tie in
to the new works. If this information is not correct who is taking the risk if info
is not reliable?

• Is it a live site? Are there other stakeholders on site during the build. Be
aware of requirements and notify them of implications. Set their timelines
and agree what is captured into phasing drawings or documents and the
contract. Otherwise there are delays and then contractor may stand
down/extra costs.
INFORMATION SHARING

• DIGITAL PLATFORMS
• FILESHARING – ONEDRIVE, DROPBOX ETC
• BIM
• HARD COPIES?
REMEMBER
• WRITE/DRAW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE INTO THE CONTRACT & CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, THE MORE
INFORMATION THE BETTER
• THIS REDUCES CONFLICT AND CLAIMS

• IS EVERYONE ON THE SAME PAGE?

• MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COVERED YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES, TICK ALL THE BOXES
• THEN, IF SOMEONE ELSE MAKES A MISTAKE YOU HAVE DONE EVERYTHING YOU POSSIBLY CAN TO TRY AND AVOID THIS
• THE DESIGNER OR PM CHAIRING THE MEETING HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SETTING THE SCENE FOR THE WHOLE
PROJECT, MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE AND REALLY UNDERSTANDS WHAT THE PROJECT IS
ABOUT.

• RECORD MINUTES AND ISSUE TO ALL AGREED STAKEHOLDERS