Issue 70-NSW - April 2010

building & property Council Accredited Certifiers John Rigney, Director advises that, effective from 1 March 2010, the Building Professionals Board (BPB) has introduced a framework for accreditation of NSW Council Building Surveyors who carry out building certification work on behalf of a council.  Once accredited by the BPB, Council employees will be known as (HENDRY)   (more...)   Glossaries - Acoustic Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying, has compiled a number of very good websites that contain a glossary of term used within the industry, both general and technical acoustic terms are included. Eg. Camets, RMIT, DECG, AC and SoundStop. (HENDRY)   (more...)   BCA Alternative Solution There have been many articles written about “alternative solutions” (as defined in the BCA), some informative, some misleading, but very few that inform readers what alternative solutions are.  It appears that there is a very great misunderstanding of the regulations and the regulatory process.  Robert Marsicovetere (Architect and Building Surveyor) provides this very informative article.   (more...)   BCA 2010 Seminars Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying, advises that ABCB is running various BCA 2010 Seminars to update building practitioners on the changes that are to come into effect in the BCA 2010.  AIRAH is also presenting in the afternoon a Workshop on Section J (ABCB)   (more....)   Protection of Enclosed Electrical Equipment Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying, reports that AS/NZS 3000 requires live parts of electrical systems to be inside a protective enclosure that is protected to a minimum IP standard. Clause 1.5.4.4 of AS/NZS 3000 specified this level of protection to be provide as follows; (HENDRY)   (more...)   BCA Illustrated - Your Guide BCA Illustrated provides the BCA in both a downloadable Desktop Edition (no internet connection required) and an Online Edition with over 3000 illustrations, issues and explanations all exclusive to BCA Illustrated.  Printing or saving clauses and illustrations for clients or personal use are just some of the many features of BCA Illustrated. BCA 2010 is available at our updated website now. (HENDRY)   (more...)   BCA - Performance Based Regulation John Rigney, Director, has compiled from the Hendry Knowledgebase a number of articles which discusses the issues around the Building Code of Australia alternative solution and performance based solutions. Eg. Under Fire, Trade Off’s, Fire Safety and Alternative Solutions. (HENDRY)   (more...)   safety measures & risk management Means of Egress - a Basic Guide Adrian Righele, National Manager, advises commercial building owners and managers that various state regulations and legislation specify differing requirements for mandatory testing, inspection and maintenance of essential safety measures.  The following article is generic information on means of escape/egress (EPS)   (more...)   Exemption from Fire Safety Standards Adrian Righele, National Manager reports that if any Category 3 fire safety provision is considered to be unreasonable or unnecessary in the particularly circumstances of a proposed development, application may be made to the Commissioner for an exemption from certain fire safety schedules. (NSWFB)   (more...)   Glossaries - Fire Protection Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying, has compiled a number of very good websites that contain a glossary of fire protection terms that practitioners should be aware of. Eg. ETNews, SNP and Standard Aust. (HENDRY)   (more...)   Smoke Curtains - Guide Adrian Righele, National Manager, has compiled from the Hendry Knowledgebase articles and links on smoke curtains.  Many clients have installed in their buildings smoke curtains of various designs to comply with the BCA requirements and with fire engineered solutions, these articles will help your understanding. (EPS)   (more...)   emergency planning & ohs AS Covering Safe Operation of Pools & Spas Hotels and other accommodation outlets that provide pool and spa facilities for their guests should note how five common categories of hazards have been identified as being associated with potential for serious injury and possible death.  These are to do with submerged suction outlets… (Hotel Eng.)      (more...)   NSW Fire Brigade: Workplace Safety The NSW Fire Brigade website contains a page with links to explanations for small business covering the following topics – Small business fire safety, in case of fire, Evacuation and hazardous materials at work.  They provide a brief overview of the ‘need to do’ when an incident occurs.   (more...)   Super High-Rise Building - Evacuation Super high-rise buildings present many unique fire safety challenges, not least how to facilitate the safe and timely evacuation of occupants in the case of an emergency.  At any one time, it is estimated that 15 percent of people would have some… (FPA)   (more...)   Security in Design When most people think about security in buildings or facilities they often think of security guards, CCTV cameras, access control cards, keys and ID badges.  All of these security measures can be effective in supporting security.  However, the level to which these type of measures… (ABSJ)   (more...)   facility & property management NABERS Takes it Indoors Scientific research continues to confirm what many have believed for some time – that employee well-being and productivity is heavily influenced by the indoor environment of the building in which they work.  A new tool now allows key stakeholders to benchmark themselves against other buildings. (AIRAH)   (more...)   Good Contracts Help to Manage Facilities In the wake of the GFC, procurement activities in large scale organisations are coming under increasing scrutiny and procurement professionals under increasing pressure to demonstrate value for money to their key stakeholders.  For the acquisition of those goods and services which have a direct relationship with core business… (FMA)   (more...)   Heating Recovery Systems (Air Handling) Heat recovery systems reduce energy use as well as heating and cooling plant requirements.  Some key functional areas benefiting from heat recovery or heat exchange systems include indoor pools and kitchens etc.  where air is generally used on a “once through” basis… (ABSJ)   (more...)   Property & Facility Management Software fmXpert is a fully integrated Property and Facilities management system. Using the latest technology this system provides a simple user interface, web access, and mobile technology. Key features include Lease Management, Asset Management, Job Management and Document Management.   (more...)   residential Multi-Unit Residential Development The Green Building Council of Australia launched the Green Star environment rating system in 2003 as a means of assessing the environment credibility of commercial buildings.  The program has now been extended to include multi-unit residential developments. (Bldg Conn)   (more...)   More Elbow Room - Marrickville As its surrounding trendier neighbours feel the pinch in price and space, Marrickville is now elbowing its way into their market.  Sweep away its industrial image as the rough and tumble birthplace of Australia’s champion boxer Jeff Fenech, The ‘Marrickville Mauler’.  Instead, celebrate its cultural… (API)   (more...)   Fairair Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying advises AIRAH maintains a website titled ‘fairair’.  The aim of this website is to provide in-depth, unbiased information to consumers about home cooling options and products.  Some main features include an interactive guide, definitions of the different kinds of cooling options etc. (AIRAH)   (more...)   Raising the Standard of Resistance In July 2009 a new Australian Standard for the design and installation of waterproofing externally above ground was published, it replaces the withdrawn Standard CA55-1970 that was restricted to bituminous fabric roofing.  The new Standard is part of AS4654 “Waterproofing membrane system for exterior use – above ground level”. (Plumb Conn)   (more...)   BCA Illustrated - Your Guide BCA Illustrated provides the BCA in both a downloadable Desktop Edition (no internet connection required) and an Online Edition with over 3000 illustrations, issues and explanations all exclusive to BCA Illustrated.  Printing or saving clauses and illustrations for clients or personal use are just some of the many features of BCA Illustrated. BCA 2010 is available at our updated website now (HENDRY)   (more...)   sustainability Mandatory Disclosure - Energy Efficiency Australia is poised to implement a new scheme that will require disclosure of the greenhouse performance of buildings or tenancies over 2000 sqm upon lease or sale.  The indications from the Federal Government are that the scheme is to be implemented in the second half of 2010… (Facility Persp)   (more...)   R.I.P. or Recycle Over the next few years many Australian’s will be ditching their old analogue CRT TV’s and upgrading to digital.  So, how can you dispose of your old TV responsible?   It is not unusual to find old CRT (cathode-ray tube) TV’s on the curb side of most suburbs. (Conn Home)   (more...)   Glossaries Energy and Climate Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying has compiled a number of very good websites that contain a glossary of energy and climate change terms that are in common use that building practitioners and facility managers should be aware of. Eg. EnergySmart, DECC, ResourceSmart and EPA. (HENDRY)     (more...)   ABCB - Energy Efficiency Climate Zone Matthew McNamara, Manager Building Surveying, advises the BCA Deemed-to-Satisfy energy efficiency provisions are structured around eight different climate zones, which are based on climate data with some adjustment made for local government boundaries and other considerations.  The BCA requirements for each zone vary depending upon the various climate characteristics applicable. (ABCB)   (more...)

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