PCA Weekly News - 10th July 2021
In your weekly PCA update this week:
- Moisture in Buildings Conference Review
- Government Publishes the Building Safety Bill
- BS 85500: Flood Resistant & Resilient Construction
- LABC Warranty updates Technical Manual
- GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Review
- Next Webinar: Building Regs for Basement Conversions
- Defects in Cavity Construction
- HSE Update – Covid measures should remain in place
Moisture in Buildings Conference Review
We shared with members that the first International Conference on Moisture in Buildings (ICMB) arranged by UK Centre for Moisture in Buildings and University College London had taken place on 28th and 29th June.
The event was well worth attending and delivered a conference where an international community of experts in dampness could share their knowledge. One thing is for sure, when it comes to academic research into dampness in buildings the UK is leading the way… and PCA members are at the forefront!
Members can read Steve’s review of the event by clicking on the button below.
Click to Read More >>
Government Publishes the Building Safety Bill
Earlier this week the government published the Building Safety Bill which was lauded as the “biggest change to building safety regulation in a generation”.
The bill will look to introduce a Building Safety Regulator to oversee a new safety regime for high-rise residential homes, taking safety and cost into account and keeping residents safe..
We know the bill has got many of our members talking. Under the proposals and as highlighted in the Building Safety Bill Explainer document, the government is more than doubling the amount of time – from 6 to 15 years – that residents can seek compensation for substandard construction work, especially as this looks to be applied retrospectively. This additional liability will undoubtedly make many of our members nervous.
Unfortunately what is not immediately clear is if this applies to all buildings works, or limited to those that are considered high risk i.e., those over 18m. We will look further into the scope of what building works this new legislation will cover, but for now members can access the bill via the button below.
Click to Read More >>
BS 85500: Flood Resistant & Resilient Construction
We are very pleased to share with members that we have been asked by the British Standards Committee CB/501 Flood Risk and Watercourses, to be part of the review group for ‘BS 85500: Flood Resistant and Resilient Construction – Guide to Improving the Flood Performance of Buildings’. This standard provides guidance on the adoption of flood resistance and resilience measures.
The review is set to draw in new innovations, processes, methods and materials and ensure that it aligns with the CIRIA Code of Practice, which references this standard. Your Association has accepted a seat on the review group and we are looking forward to our first meeting later in July.
We will keep members updated with the progress of this review.
LABC Warranty updates Technical Manual
LABC Warranty have released version 10 of their Technical Manual recently. For those members who may have missed this communication, we have outlined the changes within the basement section which may impact waterproofing designers.
To view these changes and the complete manual, members can click on the button below…
Click to Read More >>
GB Non-Native Species Secretariat Review
Our Invasive Weed members will be aware of the ongoing GB Invasive Non-Native Species Strategy to address invasive non-native species issues by: ‘minimising the risk they pose and reduce their negative impacts in GB’. As part of this strategy review, the secretariat have created a questionnaire for interested parties to contribute their views and opinions on the Government’s role within this sector.
Your Association will be submitting a response, however, as contractors working daily in the field of invasive species management, contributions from PCA members will be greatly valued.
The link is open for feedback until 12th July which members can access via the button below.
Submit Views >>
Next Webinar: Building Regs for Basement Conversions
**2 WEEKS TO GO** until our next LIVE webinar! This time we are switching back to waterproofing so, why not join us and PCA’s James Berry as we look at ‘Building regulations for Basement Conversions’?. In particular, when it comes to basement conversions, how do building regulations affect basement conversions and when do they become applicable?
Join us from 9-10am on Thursday 22nd July for the next LIVE broadcast! To find out more and to register, click on the button below…
More About the Webinar >>
Defects in Cavity Construction
Defects in Cavity Construction
Date: 14th October 2021
Location: PCA Head Office, Huntingdon
Cost: Members £195 +VAT / Non-members £250 +VAT
>> Need more information on the course – click here
Our defects in cavity construction training course is designed for those already involved or who wish to become involved in the surveying of buildings. Ideally delegates should have a background in surveying, construction as well as some related skill, knowledge or experience. This one-day course will look at the history, function of cavity walls and how to investigate and diagnosis and repair defects.
Contact the training team today on 01480 400000, or email [email protected].
Get in Touch! >>
HSE Update – Covid measures should remain in place
With the easing of restrictions, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is advising businesses that they still need to have Covid-secure measures in place to protect workers, visitors and customers until at least 19th July 2021.
The recommendation to work from home where possible remains, or if not, to keep workers safe from coronavirus by putting measures in place in the workplace. Members can access more information from HSE via the button below.
Click for more info >>
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