Issue 70-QLD - April 2010

building & property BCA - Performance Based Regulation Kylie Rowlands, Manager, 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...)   BCA 2010 Seminars Norman Bergin, 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...)   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...)   Glossaries - Acoustic Kylie Rowlands, Manager, 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 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...)   Protection of Enclosed Electrical Equipment Norman Bergin, 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...)   Are Your Buidlings A Nuisance? Norman Bergin, Manager Building Surveying advises designers, developers, owners and facility managers to include acoustic attenuation in all mechanical plant upgrades to avoid the possibility of being an “Environmental Nuisance” as defined by the Queensland Environmental Protection Act 1994.  (HENDRY)   (more...)   safety measures & risk management Means of Egress - A Basic Guide Andrew Powell, Safety Measures 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...)   Fire Safety Management Tool - Owners/ Occupiers Adrian Righele, National Manager advises that a QFRS Advisory Note provides explanation and clarification of the terns referenced in the Fire Safety Management Tool for Owners/ Occupiers.  The Fire Safety Management Tool for Owners/ Occupiers has been developed to assist Owners/ Occupiers in managing... (QFRS)   (more...)   Glossaries Fire Protection Kylie Rowlands, Manager has compiled a number of very good websites that contain a glossary of fire protection terms that practitioners should be aware of. Eg. ETNews, PREVI, SNP and Standard Aust (HENDRY)   (more...)   Smoke Curtains - Guide Andrew Powell, Manager Safety Measures 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 Why Do Annual Indoor Air Quality Audits? Indoor Air Quality first announced itself within the hotel industry 30 years ago when 34 guests at Philadelphia’s Bellevue hotel in the United States died due to a Legionella Bacteria outbreak (Legionnaires’ disease). Mark Berends discusses the issues around performing Indoor Air Quality Audits (Hotel Eng.)   (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...)   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...)   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...)   facility & property management 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...)   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...)   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...)   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...)   residential Fairair Kylie Rowlands, Manager 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...)   Beyond the Dustbowl While houses have been resumed and tunnels have been dug, the Northern Busway shows signs of price-hiking rewards for investors prepared to hold tight or buy now in surrounding suburbs.  While the ceremonial ribbon has already been cut on the completed busway… (API)   (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...)   5-Star Energy Equivalent Norman Bergin, Manager Building Surveying advises all new units in Queensland will be required to achieve a minimum 5 stars (out of 10) energy equivalence rating from 1 March 2010 under new sustainable housing regulations.  The new requirements are part of the Cleaner Greener Buildings.   (more...)   Multi-Unit Residential Developments 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...)   Beyond the Dustbowl While houses have been resumed and tunnels have been dug, the Northern Busway shows signs of price-hiking rewards for investors prepared to hold tight or buy now in surrounding suburbs.  While the ceremonial ribbon has already been cut on the completed busway… (API)   (more...)   sustainability 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 Kylie Rowlands, Manager, 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. DECC, ResourceSmart and EPA. (HENDRY)   (more)   ABCB - Energy Efficiency Climate Zone Norman Bergin, 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...)   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...)

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