Quality Control and Certification

Transcription

1 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 Overview of Quality Control on Construction Sites The quality control systems in place on construction sites in Ireland are described in brief below 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 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

2 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 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 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

3 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 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 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

4 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 Guarantee Schemes 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

5 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 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 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

6 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 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

7 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 publication, Timber Frame Quality Control and Certification 5.7

8 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 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

9 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 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 Q- Mark 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: 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

10 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 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 Overview of Quality Control on Construction Sites Quality Control and Certification 5.10

11 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 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 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 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 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

12 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). Lecture notes and illustrative material. Manual of good practice. Manual of good practice. Lecture notes and illustrative material for CPD provider. Contribution towards a degree or similar. Certificate of attendance at short courses and CPD sessions. Timber frame designers Manufacturing staff Erectors Follow-on trades Site managers and clerks of works 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. On-site training provided in the form of short workshop sessions. Access to appropriate short courses provided on a commercial basis plus ongoing in-company training and/or access to Continuing Professional Development sessions (CPD). Manual of good practice. ITFMA training material for incompany use. ITFMA training material for incompany use. ITFMA training material appropriate for on-site delivery. 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. Certificate of attendance at short courses. Certificate of attendance at short courses. 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. Quality Control and Certification 5.12

13 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

14 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