Quality Control and Certification
5.0.
Introduction
Those involved in the design, manufacture and construction on any
building have a duty to ensure that minimum quality standards are
met and maintained if the building is to perform as required and
expected by its owners and occupiers.
This chapter describes current quality control and certification
practices in the Irish and UK house-building industries. It also
considers the nature and amount of information, training and
education available for those involved in timber frame construction in
the two countries.
Current practice in the two countries is analyzed and aspects of
particular importance to timber frame construction identified.
Conclusions are drawn on the adequacy of current practice and
recommendations for improvement, where appropriate, are made.
5.1
Quality Control and Certification in Ireland
5.1.1
Overview of Quality Control on Construction Sites
The quality control systems in place on construction sites in Ireland
are described in brief below.
5.1.2
Small Private Developments and Self-Builders
The builder, site manager, project manager or self-builder is
responsible for quality control. In particular they need to ensure that
their work or the work that they are responsible for meets the
requirements of the warrantor.
In practice Building Control Officers (BCOs) and inspectors from the
warranty provider are prepared to provide some advice where they
can and if they visit. However, this is not their role. The quality of
workmanship found in these sectors can be very variable and
perhaps unsurprisingly the quality of work produced by some selfbuilders far exceeds that achieved by many professional builders.
Quality control inspections by project managers may take place on
sites where the contractor is not the client. However, such a position
rarely exists. On sites where the contractor is the client then the
builder or their site manager, if such a position exists, is responsible
for quality control. On self-build sites, if the self-builder has employed
an independent project manager then they will be responsible for
quality control. In many cases the self-builder will be the project
manager.
5.1.3
Large Private Developments – Sites where main
contractor is client
These sites are often those being developed by a large private
house builder. The house builder/developer will often have a project
manager and site manager, and on larger sites assistant site
managers who have responsibility for quality control.
In practice BCOs and inspectors from the warranty provider are
prepared to provide some advice where they can and if they visit.
However, it is not their role. Often, the emphasis, on sites of this
Quality Control and Certification
5.1
nature, is on getting the work done as quickly as possible to the
minimum standard required to satisfy the warranty provider and
possibly the BCO. This emphasis has developed as a result of
commercial pressures on time and finance and the lack of skilled
tradesmen.
5.1.4
Large Private Developments – Sites where main
contractor is not client
These sites are often those being developed for use as apartment
buildings or commercial space.
On these sites the project manager and site manager for the
contractor have to satisfy the client or their agents that the work done
meets the standard required. The standard required will normally
have been agreed as part of the original contract and specification
and it is the responsibility of the project manager, site manager and
any assistant site managers or foremen to ensure that the quality of
work carried out meets the requirement of the specification. The role
of the client’s architect is to check the work of the contractor, their
professional advisers and any sub-contractors and ensure that those
with a responsibility for quality control are fulfilling their duties. In our
opinion, this system of quality control has worked well in the past.
Under Design & Build contracts very little, if any, of the detailed
design and specification work is undertaken before the main Design
& Build contractor is in place. Typically, contracts of this type give the
contractor much more freedom over choice of construction method,
materials and detailed design than under other, more traditional,
forms of contract. Under Design & Build contracts most of the
responsibility for quality control of design, specification and
construction rests with the main contractor. Under many forms of
Design & Build contract the client is able to check build quality
through the use of their own Clerk of Works or third
party inspection service providers.
Fig.5.1 Two storey terraced
timber frame housing on a large
scale development.
5.1.5
Social and Voluntary Housing
The client is either a local authority or a voluntary housing group and
so in many ways they operate on a similar basis to the large private
developments – sites where main contractor is not the client,
described above.
On these sites the project manager and site manager for the
Quality Control and Certification
5.2
contractor have to satisfy the client or their agents that the work done
meets the standard required. The standard required will have been
agreed as part of the original contract and specification. The client
will employ their own Clerk of Works to check the work of the
contractor and any sub-contractors but will also utilise the services of
a project architect who makes frequent visits to site.
5.1.6
Observation
An observation made by the Consortium, which may be important, is
that many of those involved in the construction process view the
issue of a certificate of compliance by the architect as confirmation
that the building is of an acceptable quality. In our opinion,
certificates of compliance issued by architects confirm only that in
their opinion, based upon evidence provided to them by others and
as a result of the findings of their own site inspections, the building
substantially meets the requirements of the Building Regulations.
5.1.7
Quality Assurance Schemes
The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) is Ireland’s
Standards body. They facilitate the development of voluntary
standard documents and are a leading supplier of product and
system certification services, both domestically and internationally.
The NSAI represent Irish interests in European and international
Standards bodies.
The NSAI are responsible for the Timber Frame
Manufacturers’ Quality Approval Scheme (TFMQAS) (see
Appendix 6). The scheme is for manufacturers who
fabricate timber buildings:
Part A of the scheme is limited to companies that
manufacture domestic dwellings not exceeding 4 storeys in
height (Purpose groups 1(a) and 1(b)).
Part B of the scheme is applicable to non-domestic
buildings.
The scheme does not apply to timber frame buildings, which are
fabricated on site (stick buildings). It is based on the requirements of
the Irish Building Regulations, TGDs and relevant Irish and British
Standards, and considers:
Fig. 5.2 Proper alignment of loadbearing elements must be installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
detail design drawings. On site quality
control is essential for proper
performance of the timber frame.
Design
QA procedures related to design and manufacture
Material specifications
Manufacturing process
Manufacturing information and documentation
Production facilities
Site information and documentation
Quality records
Personnel
Training
It is also a requirement that timber frame buildings produced under
the NSAI scheme are designed by a suitably qualified and
experienced structural engineer covered by appropriate indemnity
insurance.
Members of the scheme are subject to regular, at least twice a year,
surveillance and inspection visits at the discretion of NSAI. The aim
Quality Control and Certification
5.3
of the visits is to ensure that design, manufacturing and quality
records are being maintained in accordance with the requirements of
the scheme. Members found not to be conforming with the
requirements of the scheme must take corrective action within a
given time or the company may face suspension from the scheme.
The amount of time given will depend on the nature of the noncompliance found.
Membership of the scheme should give the end user some
assurance about the quality of the product that they have purchased.
The NSAI are now providing an on-site inspection scheme to local
authorities that includes inspection of structural timber components
of houses including timber floors and windows. The local authorities
pay a fee for this service.
The ITFMA fully support the existing scheme and any additional
scheme for erectors. More importantly they have made it a
requirement of ITFMA membership that timber frame manufacturers
are registered with the NSAI TFMQAS. It is on this basis that ITFMA
members assert that they pay close attention to quality control in the
factory.
5.1.8
Guarantee Schemes
5.1.8.1 HomeBond
HomeBond is a private company set up by the Construction Industry
Federation (CIF) but which operates independently of the CIF; it is
self-financing from registration fees charged to builders and new
houses. They are a non-profit-making organisation and any
resources are re-invested into education and prevention of building
failures in the construction industry. The HomeBond scheme was
first established in January 1978 to guarantee purchasers of new
dwellings, defined as ‘house, bungalow, maisonette or flat’,
protection against major structural defects for a certain number of
years where they could not get satisfaction from the original builder.
It has been expanded over the years to protect against major nonstructural defects and loss of deposits or stage payments. In 2001
approximately 30,000 dwellings were registered with HomeBond.
Fig.5.3 the work of follow on trades
requiring cutting or drilling of the timber
frame must be in accordance with
manufacturers requirements and must
be properly supervised.
HomeBond is a warrantor and inspects constructions to determine if
‘good practice’ and/or HomeBond requirements are being met.
HomeBond does not underwrite developments but provides cover in
the event that the developments are not soundly constructed with the
appropriate materials. HomeBond covers the dwelling against:
•
Major structural defects, which are defined as ‘any major
defect in the foundations of a dwelling or the load-bearing
part of its floors, walls and roof or retaining walls necessary
for its support which affects the structural stability of the
dwelling’.
Major non-structural defects which might lead to smoke or
water penetration from an adjacent building into the
completed home.
The aim of the HomeBond scheme is to guarantee purchasers
against major structural and non-structural defects. It is not a quality
control or independent checking service. While construction work on
Quality Control and Certification
5.4
the dwelling is in progress, there are a minimum of two mandatory
inspections, usually early in the construction process. The number of
HomeBond inspections carried out is commensurate with the level of
risk assigned to the site. For example, one-off structures or builders
utilising unfamiliar technologies (such as timber frame for the first
time) may undergo more inspections. With regard to site inspections,
HomeBond does in some cases require additional inspections for
timber frame buildings. However, they have not experienced a
disproportionate number of claims against defective timber frame
buildings compared with other forms of construction.
Developers wishing to build timber frame dwellings, registered with
HomeBond are currently required to purchase timber frames from a
frame manufacturer who is registered with the NSAI TFMQAS.
HomeBond recognise that there is, currently, no regulation of frame
erection crews and that the knowledge and skills of following trades
varies enormously. HomeBond believe it will be beneficial for the
industry to expand basic training and introduce a form of registration
for erection crews, which would also include annual renewal of
registration and refresher courses. They would encourage and
support any NSAI-backed training scheme that would elevate levels
of skill and competence throughout the industry.
They believe that it is the responsibility of the main contractor to
ensure that all following trades are familiar with timber frame
construction techniques. They believe that there is an opportunity for
the ITFMA to provide the necessary training using main contractors
as a conduit, so that the incidence of ‘good practice’ by following
trades on timber frame sites is increased. In this circumstance, the
main contractor should be the conduit for this training.
For their part many ITFMA members are understandably supportive
of the HomeBond requirement that timber frames are purchased only
from NSAI TFMQAS members. However, they do feel that
HomeBond can be slow to accept new materials and systems. This
opinion is balanced by their view that the cautious approach adopted
by HomeBond does protect the industry from serial failures
experienced in Canada, New Zealand and USA. See Appendix 3
(International and National Case Studies).
Fig.5.4 Specialist independent
checking services can ensure
that the on-site quality meets
expectations.
HomeBond in their efforts to ensure that their cover applies to
houses of good construction have published books including the
HomeBond, ‘House Building Manual’ and ‘Right on Site’ leaflets.
HomeBond also provide regional training seminars for house
builders.
5.1.8.2 Premier Guarantee
Premier Guarantee also provides a home warranty scheme and is a
recent entrant to the Irish market. Premier offers cover that is
structured to provide a warranty to the Homeowner. In the event of
failure, the homeowner is compensated for losses due to
performance failure of the construction. Premier Guarantee offers an
alternative to HomeBond in the Irish market.
5.1.8.3 Independent Checking Services
Currently there are no industry-wide schemes or dedicated
inspection services in Ireland that provide building-by-building
Quality Control and Certification
5.5
checks on timber frame quality on site. The current NSAI scheme is
limited to the quality control in detail design and manufacturing.
Erection and site quality control are not included in the
NSAI/TFMQAS. The NSAI has in 2003 administered a pilot scheme
that includes on site inspection services during construction and
focuses on site quality control. This pilot scheme is currently in place
and made available to local authorities for a fee. We understand that
the NSAI is able to provide one-off checks of timber frame quality
where the builder seeks a HomeBond warranty but have not
purchased the frame from a member of the TFMQAS.
Independent checking services do operate in the UK and are
designed to improve the quality of timber frame buildings. They are
becoming increasingly popular amongst the providers of social
housing and more progressive large house-builders and developers.
In both cases they use the services to provide a check on building
quality, but also to improve building quality and help reduce callbacks to site to correct defects.
5.1.9
Information
A variety of sources of technical information exists for those involved
in the design, manufacture and construction of timber frame
buildings in Ireland. The principal sources of technical information for
each of the disciplines involved is set out below:
Architects
Guidance is given in the Technical Guidance Documents on
how to meet the requirements of the National Building
Regulations.
The requirements of HomeBond are published in their
House Building Manual. Appendix B of the House Building
Manual publication relates to timber frame construction.
Additional guidance, relating specifically to on-site practice
is given in their Right On Site leaflets.
The TRADA Technology publication, Timber Frame
Construction, provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisor checklist
and guidance on appropriate material specifications.
In-company standard details or standard details issued by
the timber frame manufacturer.
WOODSPEC
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
Engineers
Guidance is given in the Technical Guidance Documents on
how to meet the requirements of the National Building
Regulations.
BS 5268: Part 2: 1996: Structural use of timber – Code of
practice for permissible stress design, materials and
workmanship.
IS 193: 1996: Timber trussed rafters for roofs.
IS 444: 1998: Use of structural timber in buildings.
BS 5268: Part 4: 1978: Structural use of timber – Fire
resistance
of
timber
structures.
Section
4.1.
Recommendations for calculating the fire resistance of
timber members.
Quality Control and Certification
5.6
BS 5268: Part 4: 1978: Structural use of timber – Fire
resistance
of
timber
structures.
Section
4.2.
Recommendations for calculating the fire resistance of
timber stud walls and joisted floor constructions.
BS 5268: Part 6: 1996: Structural use of timber – Code of
practice for timber framed walls. Section 6.1. Dwellings not
exceeding four storeys.
The TRADA Technology publication, Timber Frame
Construction, provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisors’
checklist and guidance on appropriate material
specifications.
WOODSPEC
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
Timber frame designers and manufacturers
Guidance is given in the Technical Guidance Documents on
how to meet the requirements of the National Building
Regulations.
The requirements of HomeBond are published in their
House Building Manual. Appendix B of the House Building
Manual publication relates to timber frame construction.
Additional guidance, relating specifically to on-site practice
is given in their Right On Site leaflets.
WOODSPEC
The TRADA Technology publication, Timber Frame
Construction provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisors’
checklist and guidance on appropriate material
specifications.
In-company standard details.
IS 193: 1996: Timber trussed rafters for roofs.
IS 444: 1998: Use of structural timber in buildings.
BS 5268: Part 2: 1996: Structural use of timber – Code of
practice for permissible stress design, materials and
workmanship.
BS 5268: Part 4: 1978: Structural use of timber – Fire
resistance
of
timber
structures.
Section
4.1.
Recommendations for calculating the fire resistance of
timber members.
BS 5268: Part 4: 1978: Structural use of timber – Fire
resistance
of
timber
structures.
Section
4.2.
Recommendations for calculating the fire resistance of
timber stud walls and joisted floor constructions.
BS 5268: Part 6: 1996: Structural use of timber – Code of
practice for timber framed walls. Section 6.1. Dwellings not
exceeding four storeys.
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
Manufacturing Staff
In-company documentation.
Erection Crews
In-company documentation.
The TRADA Technology
Quality Control and Certification
publication,
Timber
Frame
5.7
Construction, provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisors’
checklist and guidance on appropriate material
specifications.
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
Site Managers
In-company documentation.
The requirements of HomeBond are published in their
House Building Manual. Appendix B of the House Building
Manual publication relates to timber frame construction.
Additional guidance, relating specifically to on-site practice
is given in their Right On Site leaflets.
The TRADA Technology publication, Timber Frame
Construction, provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisors’
checklist and guidance on appropriate material
specifications.
Guidance is given in the Technical Guidance Documents on
how to meet the requirements of the National Building
Regulations.
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
Clerk of Works
In-company documentation.
The requirements of HomeBond are published in their
House Building Manual. Appendix B of the House Building
Manual publication relates to timber frame construction.
Additional guidance, relating specifically to on-site practice
is given in their Right On Site leaflets.
The TRADA Technology publication, Timber Frame
Construction, provides a source of standard details and
advice on good practice including a site supervisors’
checklist and guidance on appropriate material
specifications.
Guidance is given in the Technical Guidance Documents on
how to meet the requirements of the National Building
Regulations.
TRADA/BRE Design Guide for Multi Storey Timber Frame
Buildings – Timber Stairs.
The above listing suggests that construction professionals and
particularly architects are especially well served with technical
information. However, this is misleading as most of the guidance was
created for the UK and has not been fine tuned for Ireland.
Information for engineers is comprehensive but actual guidance is
lacking. For other disciplines, whilst information does exist in the
public domain it is often not readily available. The quality of incompany information can be extremely variable particularly as many
of the timber frame manufacturers are small and do not have the
resources to produce substantial technical guidance documents.
5.1.10
Training
There is a considerable need for training related to timber frame
construction in Ireland. In comparison with the UK, students of
Quality Control and Certification
5.8
professional disciplines are relatively well catered for. However,
there is a need to increase provision and we have made some
preliminary recommendations in this area. Any new work in this area
should build upon the efforts of the Wood Marketing Federation of
Ireland who in 2001 distributed a large number of free specification
guides to architects, practices in Ireland.
Our research has shown that provision in other areas is more
lacking. We have identified that other than a limited number of inhouse CPD sessions provided on an ad hoc basis by some of the
larger manufacturers the only formal training that exists is a one-day
short course for site managers on timber frame sites operated by the
NSAI.
This lack of training is addressed later in this chapter, where the
TFHC have drawn conclusions and made recommendations.
5.2
Quality Control and Certification in the UK
5.2.1.
Quality Control Schemes
The timber frame industry in Northern Ireland, England and Wales
has recognised that there is a need to develop and maintain end
user confidence in timber frame systems if recent increases in
market share are to be sustained and market growth in the housebuilding sector continued.
The United Kingdom Timber Frame Association (UKTFA) has
launched a revised quality assurance scheme based on the old TBC
scheme. The new scheme is managed and operated by BM TRADA
Certification on behalf of the UKTFA and is called the UKTFA QMark Quality Scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to demonstrate in a tangible and
verifiable manner that the industry delivers a quality product to its
customers. For manufacturers, membership of the UKTFA is
dependent upon satisfying the requirements of the Q-mark scheme.
For designers and erectors the Q-mark scheme is optional. The
scheme is only open to companies that are members of the UKTFA
and consists of three modules aimed at:
Designers
Manufacturers
Erectors
For those manufacturers, designers or erectors who wish to
demonstrate a higher level of verifiable quality control in their
manufacturing operations the UKTFA have also launched a Q-mark
Plus scheme. The Q-mark Plus scheme requires that the quality
assurance manuals of registered companies meet with the
requirements of ISO 9001: 2000.
5.2.2
Independent checking services
Two UK-based organizations, TRADA Technology and the Palmer
Partnership, offer independent checking services branded
frameCHECK and siteRIGHT respectively, which are designed to
improve the quality of timber frame buildings.
Quality Control and Certification
5.9
Both services provide an independent third party check on design
and build quality at all stages from the drawing board through to
construction, identify any areas for concern and where possible
recommend necessary corrective actions. The following services are
offered and it is important to recognise that they are ‘checking
services’ not guarantee or warranty services.
5.2.3
Training
Students of architecture, engineering and other construction
disciplines receive very little education on the use of timber.
There is no formal training related to timber frame construction in
place in the UK for any of the disciplines mentioned in this chapter.
Proposals have been drawn up by the UKTFA for a National
Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for erection crews. We understand
that the intention is to use the NVQ as the basis for a personnel
certification scheme for erectors. To enable contractors to recognise
accredited erection crews, they will be issued with an annual
identification card detailing the scope of their competence and skill
levels.
National vocational qualifications linked to a personnel certification
scheme exist for a wide range of other construction disciplines in the
UK.
NHBC, TRADA Technology frameCHECK
and the Palmer
Partnership provide short training courses, typically one day, rarely
more than 3 days, offered on a commercial basis covering various
aspects of timber frame construction.
These courses are limited in the amount of information that they can
impart in the time available. There is also no follow-up to check that
the information transferred has been learnt from and competency
has been improved.
5.3 Performance Failures and Defects
The Consortium’s research has found occurrences of defects in
timber frame construction reported by the DoEHLG inspectorate, by
research, written submission, interview of timber frame specialists
and design professionals and local authorities. The occurrence of
performance failures and defects in Ireland is proportionate to those
found in other forms of house construction. It is notable however
that substantial timber frame performance failures and defects in
Canada, USA and New Zealand have been found as a result of
external cladding failures leading to moisture intrusion. Case studies
included in Appendix 3 assess the causes and impact on the
construction industry of those countries.
In brief, it is the Consortiums view Irelands timber frame industry has
benefited from the prevalent cautious approach in Ireland of using
very durable external cladding systems such as brick and concrete
block applied to timber frame structures with a ventilated and drained
cavity.
5.4 Conclusions
5.4.1.
Overview of Quality Control on Construction Sites
Quality Control and Certification
5.10
Quality control on site is essential for the satisfactory performance of
a completed building. This is true of all building types.
The manufacturing facilities visited as part of this study all exhibited
high levels of quality control. The resulting build quality of the
finished timber frame kits was equally of good quality.
The TFHC have concluded that quality control procedures in place in
the factory are not complemented by equally high quality controls on
site, e.g. failure of the site works, foundations and masonry rising
wall elements to comply with the tight setting out tolerances of the
timber frame kit components lead to remedial works and site
adjustments which may affect the overall performance of the timber
frame. Poor quality control may lead to delays, reduced
performance, non compliance with Building Regulations, and
ultimately reduced confidence by the consumer.
5.4.2.
Quality Assurance Schemes
The NSAI Timber Frame Manufacturers Quality Assurance Scheme
provides a useful assessment and monitoring function of the member
timber frame manufacturers. The scheme is welcomed by the
ITFMA as it ensures that member companies maintain high
standards. It also ensures that new entries into the timber frame
industry, if seeking to qualify for membership in the scheme, also
achieve high levels of quality control.
5.4.3
Guarantee Schemes
Guarantee schemes provide cover in the event of major structural
defects or performance failures.
They provide an important
assurance that the completed house meets their minimum standards
required. The guarantors recognise the benefits of improved quality
control both in the factory and on site.
5.4.4
Independent Checking Services
The UK market for timber frame construction is beginning to show
positive signs of benefiting from the services of independent
checking schemes and there is a strong case for the wider
introduction of such inspections into Ireland. Demand for such
services would be created if DoEHLG were to implement a sliding
scale of inspections for social housing.
5.4.5
Information
A constant challenge for those who seek to provide technical
information is the difficulty encountered in getting the information into
the hands of people who actually need to use it. Information,
particularly guidance on good practice on site is of almost no use if
left to sit in a design office or on the desk of a contracts manager.
When viewed as a whole it can be seen that there are significant
gaps in the type of technical information available in both Ireland and
the UK. This is particularly so for information relevant to on-site
activities where erectors, site managers and clerks of works often
have to make do with guidance intended essentially for designers. In
addition, whilst engineers are well provided for in terms of Irish and
British Standards, a guidance document giving structural
recommendations does not exist. TRADA Technology is in the
Quality Control and Certification
5.11
process of addressing this issue but only specifically for the UK
market. At the present time the TGDs contain relatively little
information specifically related to timber frame construction.
It is our opinion that the evidence collected and analysed during the
course of this study points clearly towards the need for a manual of
good practice for timber frame construction containing detailed
advice on timber frame for building professionals. In addition, we see
a clear need for advice and guidance specific to the Irish situation for
other construction disciplines. We have provided further details
below and gone on to make specific recommendations in this area.
Table 5.1 The matrix below suggests one possible approach:
Discipline
Training Required
New Information
Needed
Qualification Gained
Students of:
Architecture
Engineering
Surveying
Other construction
Practising:
Architects
Engineers
Surveyors
Other construction
Up to 35 hours of study as part of a
unit of a degree or similar course.
Access to appropriate short courses
provided on a commercial basis
plus Continuing Professional
Development sessions (CPD).
Manual of good practice.
Timber frame
designers
Access to appropriate short courses
provided on a commercial basis
plus training on design software and
ongoing in-company training.
Access to appropriate short courses
provided on a commercial basis
plus relevant Health & Safety
training, e.g. machine operation,
manual handling and on going incompany training.
Access to appropriate short courses
provided on a commercial basis
plus relevant Health & Safety
training, e.g. machine operation,
manual handling and on going incompany training.
Manual of good practice.
Certificate of attendance at
short courses.
ITFMA training material for incompany use.
Certificate of attendance at
short courses.
ITFMA training material for incompany use.
Certificate of attendance at
short courses.
On-site training provided in the form
of short workshop sessions.
ITFMA training material
appropriate for on-site delivery.
Manufacturing staff
Erectors
Follow-on trades
Site managers and
clerks of works
Lecture notes and illustrative
material.
Contribution towards a
degree or similar.
Manual of good practice.
Access to appropriate short courses
provided on a commercial basis
plus ongoing in-company training
and/or access to Continuing
Professional Development sessions
(CPD).
Quality Control and Certification
Lecture notes and illustrative
material for CPD provider.
Information notices adhered to
inside face of panels and other
visible/accessible positions
giving ‘handy hints’ on a range
of good practice for follow-on
trades.
ITFMA training material for incompany use.
Certificate of attendance at
short courses and CPD
sessions.
In the case of erectors,
registration with a personnel
certification scheme is also
highly desirable.
Not applicable.
The Consortium do not
believe that it is reasonable
to expect staff from follow-on
trades to be required to have
separate formal training in
timber frame construction.
Certificate of attendance at
short courses and CPD
sessions.
5.12
5.4.6. Training
The root problem for the timber and particularly timber frame
industries in both Ireland and the UK is that the fragmented nature of
the industry does not assist in the development of a coordinated
approach to training. Many of the interviewees consulted during this
study commented that staff in the construction industry in general,
and therefore by implication, the timber frame industry, would benefit
from training to improve skills. This opinion was widely held and not
restricted to any particular disciplines. For timber frame we believe
that the ITFMA should develop a comprehensive action plan covering
all of the relevant disciplines and their students, and then work as
quickly as they can to implement the plan. However, other
stakeholders must accept that without considerable assistance,
including finance, the ITFMA cannot be expected to make rapid
progress.
The action plan should consider at least the training needs, levels
and desirable outcomes for each discipline and the amount of time
required and likely to be made available by employers and
educational establishments alike. A ‘one size fits all’ approach will not
work.
5.5
Recommendations
R. 5.1 Those responsible for the design, engineering and
manufacture of timber frame structures must be required to
certify that the kit is designed, engineered and manufactured to
comply with Building Regulations. This should be stipulated in
the advice notes to the standard forms of compliance used by
Architects and Engineers and be advised as a requirement
through the NSAI TFMQAS. See also Recommendation R4.1.
R.5.2
NSAI should extend their TFMQAS to include a
personnel certification scheme for timber frame erectors.
R.5.3 DoEHLG should make membership of NSAI
manufacturing and erection certification schemes or equivalent
schemes mandatory for new contracts for the social housing
sector. HomeBond and timber frame manufacturers should do
the same in relation to private housing.
R.5.4 Clients, building professionals, and contractors should
invoke independent checking services e.g. NSAI inspections
schemes, ‘frameCHECK ’ and ‘siteRIGHT’. These are
worthwhile additions to third party quality assurance schemes.
Benefits include improved building quality, reduced callbacks
and improved consumer confidence.
R.5.5
Timber frame manufacturers to produce separate
technical guidance notes/manuals for erectors, follow-on trades,
site managers and clerks of works.
R.5.6 The timber frame industry should fund the development
of a comprehensive suite of educational material on timber
frame construction. Material to be at a level appropriate for
complete range of construction disciplines:
Quality Control and Certification
5.13
Students of architecture, engineering, construction and
surveying
Architects,
engineers,
surveyors,
and
other
professionals and surveyors
Timber frame designers
Manufacturing staff
Erectors
Follow-on trades (e.g. plumbers, electrician, bricklayers,
dry-liners
Site managers,
Clerks of works
It is important to note that there will be a considerable amount
of variation in the level, format and method of delivery of
technical information required to meet the training needs of all
disciplines and in partnership with FAS, etc.
R.5.8
FAS in partnership with NSAI, timber frame
manufacturers and others to provide short training courses for
professionals, manufacturing staff, erectors, follow-on trades,
site managers and clerks of works.
R.5.9 Third level educational establishments to be encouraged
by Department of Education and Science (DESHEA) to include
timber frame construction in course syllabuses for students of
professional disciplines.
R.5.10 DoEHLG should insist that professional advisers,
contractors and sub-contractors, working on social housing
developments, demonstrate experience or training in, timber
frame construction.
Quality Control and Certification
5.14