ISSUE 11
UNDER
CONSTRUCTION
GET YOUR AUGUST 2012 SKILLS MAINTENANCE POINT!
LEAKY BUILDINGS:
WHY GET INVOLVED?
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
ENCOURAGING
TEAM ENGAGEMENT
TRADE ONLY:
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EXTRACTOR $749 +GST
TOGETHER, WE’RE BUILDING NEW ZEALAND
FOREWORD
Spread the word
With optimism continuing to grow in a more professionally regulated industry,
it’s a great time to reflect and comment on how Licensing and Restricted
Building Work is shaping up for our industry.
July saw another rise in building consents, putting their overall value at
the highest it’s been in four years. That’s good grounds for the (cautious)
optimism we’ve seen around the country.
PlaceMakers recently attended the Registered Master Builder Conference
in Tauranga and the Certified Builders Conference in Wellington; it was
an opportunity to hear from industry leaders on key subjects affecting
us all today. These events also give builders the chance to meet fellow
professionals, and suppliers, to share stories and build relationships.
PlaceMakers’ national charity is the Prostate Cancer Foundation, so
we were on hand at both conferences to convince attendees to take
a free, quick and painless prostate blood test.
We all know us guys rarely visit a doctor until things get impossible to
ignore – but a simple check is always worth it, if only for peace of mind.
This is your opportunity
to speak directly to
the decision-makers at
government level and
make your thoughts
and ideas known
I’d also urge all LBPs to attend one of the Department of Building
and Housing’s 29 workshops being held around the country until
30 August, where you’re invited to give your feedback on the Licensed
Building Practitioner scheme and Restricted Building Work. See our
Skills Maintence feature on page 2 for more details.
We had a great response from attendees of PlaceMakers’ recent
LBP workshops – which begin again soon – who benefitted from the
chance to question local council officials face-to-face.
This is your opportunity to speak directly to the decision-makers at
government level and make your thoughts and ideas known. Have your
say and help decide the direction in which our industry is heading!
John Beveridge
Chief executive
PlaceMakers Timaru JV Mervyn Evans attributes part of his success to his PlaceMakers
mentor Steve Marshall.
Steve, JV at PlaceMakers Wairau Park, helped Mervyn rise quickly through the ranks
after his arrival from South Africa in 1996 by creating learning opportunities and
encouraging him to sign up as a PlaceMakers MIT (manager in training) in 2000.
Six months later, Mervyn became Timaru’s JV and he hasn’t looked back.
“It’s been good since then; Timaru is still a top business,” he says. “I believe our success
is largely due to my hard-working and committed staff, who are a pleasure to work with.
“We have one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the country and I think what keeps
a lot of people here is that they’ve helped create this successful business – there’s
a certain amount of belonging and pride that goes with that.”
When Mervyn isn’t working, he enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, cycling
or watching his two kids play sports.
CONTENTS
NEWS
2
LBP
Your feedback is needed!
3
OFFCUTS
Four years accident free; Fishing for fun and
charity; Careers at Frame & Truss factories;
Fieldays auction; Celebrity trade breakfasts
12
INDUSTRY NEWS
Stats NZ – house consents continue rising;
Amendments to BRANZ Appraisals; Beware
of purchasing tools online
23
PRODUCT NEWS
Makita’s 18V multitools; The daddy of
dust extractors
12
FEATURES
31
16
20
6
DBH
Leaky building remediation – what it means
and how to get involved
8
BRANZ
Getting your building operations in order
10
CCANZ
Special systems and finishes for flawless concrete
14
SIMPSON GRIERSON
Are you aware of social media risks
and how to minimise them?
16
DOL
Mechanical access plant – know how
to operate it!
18
BUSINESS
COACHING WORKS
How to build teamwork on site
20
NZGBC
What the future could look like for
building in New Zealand
OTHER STUFF
25
24
SPORT REPORT
Hayden Paddon triumphs at Rally New Zealand
25
MURRAY DEAKER
Hard luck of the Irish
25
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
Grab your LBP skills maintenance point
– you’ve earned it!
ISSUE 11 > AUGUST 2012
> PUBLISHER > DCL
Corporate Publishing > ENQUIRIES > [email protected]; (04) 384 5618
DCL Corporate Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of Under Construction magazine may be published without the express permission
of the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed or imagery in Under Construction magazine are not necessarily those of PlaceMakers or the publisher. No responsibility is accepted for
the suggestions of the contributors or conclusions that may be drawn from them. Although the publisher has made every effort to ensure accuracy, the reader remains responsible for the correct
use and selection of any tools, materials and systems followed, as well as the following of any laws or codes or standards that may apply.
1
LBP
SKILLS MAINTENANCE
Make sure to speak up
Take your opportunity to provide feedback on licensing and Restricted Building Work
T
he Department of Building
and Housing (part of the
new Ministry of Business,
Innovation and Employment
as of 1 July 2012) is looking
for feedback on aspects of the
Licensed Building Practitioner
(LBP) scheme and Restricted
Building Work. PlaceMakers LBP
seminar presenter Paul Alsford
encourages LBPs and LBPs-to-be
to make sure their thoughts are
heard.
“After getting your LBP licence and
starting to work within the new
scheme, questions and concerns
have probably surfaced,” says
Paul. “Make your (constructive)
feedback known to those who can
do something about it.
“As LBPs, you are industry
professionals and have much to
offer. Let the Government know your
thoughts, ideas and suggestions –
they are invaluable to helping decide
where building and construction
heads in the next few years.”
As part of this consultation process,
DBH is inviting LBPs to attend one
of 29 workshops it is holding
throughout the country and provide
feedback on the following issues:
•W
hat should the role of the
Site Licence be going forward?
•S
hould the Site Licence be split
into a ‘Technical Supervision’
Licence and a ‘Project Manager’
Licence?
•S
hould any new licences be
developed?
•D
o any of the current licence
competencies and performance
indicators need to be amended?
•S
hould any work that is currently
RBW be specifically excluded
from being RBW?
The meetings are already under
way and wrap up on 30 August.
2
DBH is inviting LBPs to attend one of 29 workshops it is holding throughout the country
“Let the Government know your thoughts, ideas
and suggestions – they are invaluable to helping
decide where building and construction heads
in the next few years” – Paul Alsford
All LBPs (and those waiting for
their licence application to be
processed) should have received an
invitation. The remaining workshop
schedule and how to register is
available via the link below, or
you can respond with an email:
http://www.bsm.org.nz/meetings.html
DBH will be discussing current
licensing competencies, so it would
be helpful if you take a few moments
to read through them before attending
– these can be found under ‘schedule
one’ of the LBP Rules 2007 and
can be viewed at:
http://www.dbh.govt.nz/UserFiles/
File/Publications/Licensing/pdf/
lbp-rules-2007.pdf
If you are unable to attend but
would like to be sent information
for feedback, please email DBH
at [email protected].
The deadline for submissions is
2 September 2012.
PAUL’S REMINDER:
I encourage you to attend a
workshop or send a response
– this is an important
opportunity to provide the
Department your views, ideas
and feedback on licensing
and restricted building work.
Keep an eye out for the next
round of skills maintenance
seminars coming your way.
OFFCUTS
Four years accident free
PlaceMakers Rotorua is on a roll – but not a fall!
T
ight timelines, customer
expectations and strict budgets
might lead some businesses
to forego correct safety procedures
and risk injuries, but not PlaceMakers
Rotorua. The 12-person branch has
the best workplace accident rate in
the country – four years accident-free!
“We value safety above all else
and our priority is to send everyone
home safe at the end of the day,”
says branch operator Peter Breen.
“Contrary to what some might think,
that doesn’t mean compromising
prompt and efficient service.
strapping cuts, and taking the time
required to do the job properly and
safely. Injuries take a lot more time
than the extra minute it takes to run
and grab some gloves.”
“It just means taking the necessary
precautions, such as wearing
gloves for all outside jobs to prevent
Peter says the key to a safe work
environment is awareness and the
branch’s health and safety committee
The Rotorua team was awarded Certificates of Excellence for being four years accident free
aims to keep it top of mind.
“We have a weekly safety indicator
that pops up daily on our computers
and tells us how many days we’ve been
accident free,” he says. “The higher
it gets, the more safety conscious we
are and, more than 1,500 days later,
I’m very proud of our achievement.”
Casting for cancer support
PlaceMakers customers get on board for charity fundraiser
Morrinsville trade customer Hayden Whiteman was the competition winner on his boat Bitofus
F
ishing enthusiasts from across
the Central North Island recently
flooded into the town of Whitianga
to test their angling skills against other
PlaceMakers customers and raise
money for the local Cancer Support
Group at PlaceMakers’ annual One
Base Fishing Tournament.
“It was a joint effort by Hamilton,
Huntly, Thames, Morrinsville, Whitianga,
Te Kuiti and, for the first time, Pukekohe
and the result was a fantastic weekend,
well worth the time and energy that
goes into it,” says PlaceMakers Hamilton
branch operator Mark Waterman.
It was the biggest PlaceMakers customer
event of the year (outside of LIFT),
attracting 118 boats and more than 450
anglers. Impressive numbers of snapper,
kingfish, kahawai and others were caught
over the two-day event, ending with an
impressive prize giving evening. There
was $70,000 of prizes up for grabs
and Big Angry Fish hosts Milan Radonich
and Nathan O’Hearn entertained the
audience with tales of their adventures.
“I’ve been involved in many customer
events in my time at PlaceMakers
but I was completely blown away
by One Base,” says Pukekohe branch
operator Mark Buckenham. “Easily
the best organised, customer-focused
and enjoyable event I have ever
been involved with.”
Customer satisfaction wasn’t the sole
reward – the tournament raised more
than $5,000 for Whitianga Cancer
Support Group, which may be used
to purchase a hospital bed for use
at home to support more people who
wish to keep loved ones close.
3
OFFCUTS
Helping school-leavers frame their futures
Frame & Truss factories open their doors to students
W
hen I grow up, I want to be…
a frame and truss fabricator
– it’s not something you hear
often, probably because most kids –
and a good few adults – don’t know
the job exists.
PlaceMakers Frame & Truss factories
across the country recently welcomed
students in their last two years of school
into their workshops as part of Workchoice
Day – a nationwide initiative to showcase
career opportunities and help schoolleavers make informed decisions about
their careers.
According to Workchoice Trust,
New Zealand has the highest youth
unemployment rate (66,500) in the
OECD, with another 62,000 due to
finish school this year.
“It’s great to be involved in helping kids
make choices about their future career
ambitions, while potentially attracting
bright new employees,” says PlaceMakers
Frame & Truss national manufacturing
manager Robert Grimmer.
It was the first year the Christchurch
factory took part and manager
Brendan Leary says it was worthwhile –
his is a job not everyone knows exists.
“I think it’s useful to show them what work
opportunities are out there, particularly
for those who aren’t planning on tertiary
More than just sausages
Tradies and celebrities rub shoulders at PlaceMakers’ trade breakfasts
P
roduction World Rally Champion
Hayden Paddon, Big Angry Fish
co-host Nathan O’Hearn and
a number of Blues players were up
bright and early in June to meet and
greet attendees at two PlaceMakers
trade breakfasts in Auckland.
Along with tales of their exploits,
Hayden and Nathan brought the tools
of their trade – the NZ World Rally Team
S2000 Skoda Fabia and a 20 ft fishing
boat – to entertain 180 customers and
21 suppliers at the Westgate event.
Hayden was also on hand at Mt
Wellington, where 150 customers and
six suppliers turned up to talk shop and
meet the rally star and members of the
Blues squad. Branch manager Chris
Fairbairn’s son Ollie even faced up
to forward Steven Luatua, betting he
couldn’t make three precision passes
through a small target – a bet he lost!
education,” he says. “This is a great,
hands-on job with a BCITO qualification
for full-timers – and for those who might
be interested in becoming a builder,
it’s a great way to start.
“We’ve already had someone approach
us about a job,” says Brendan. “We’ll
definitely participate again next year –
it’s a great initiative!”
Fieldays fields
more charitable
donations
“There were a number of activities
going on and a good time was had by
all,” says PlaceMakers Mt Wellington’s
Nadia Ducrot.
P
PlaceMakers made its presence
worthwhile at National Fieldays,
Mystery Creek, putting up a farm
shed and display kitchen for tender and
donating 20% of the proceeds – $4,700
– to the Prostate Cancer Foundation
and the Breast Cancer Research Trust.
4
PlaceMakers Mt Wellington branch manager Chris Fairbairn watches son Ollie do five push-ups
after losing his bet to Blues forward Steven Luatua
A team of PlaceMakers representatives
from Huntly, Thames/Whitianga, Pukekohe,
Morrinsville, Hamilton, Taupo, Rotorua,
Whakatane, Te Kuiti and Mt Maunganui
worked together to ensure the project’s
success.
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TOGETHER,
TOGETHER, WE’RE
WE’RE BUILDING
BUILDING NEW
NEW ZEALAND
ZEALAND
FEATURES
DBH
Leaky buildings
– what are they and why get involved?
The Department of Building and Housing’s leaky building remediation workshops are designed to help
builders understand the process better. Now that information is being brought direct to readers of
Under Construction in nine articles from the workshops’ main presenter and co-author Harry Dillon
A
s the presenter of this course,
I have been able to share
some of my experiences from
a decade of remediating leaky
buildings with fellow builders. While
it would be impractical to cover
the entire content of the full-day
workshop in this series, we will
look at some key points to assist
any builder considering getting
into this line of work, to perform
quality remediation and manage
any project risks.
WHAT ACTUALLY IS A LEAKY BUILDING?
At some point in its life, a building is
highly likely to allow some water past
its cladding. It is how the building deals
with that moisture that is the key. If
moisture can’t quickly drain out and/or
if air can’t circulate to promote drying
behind the cladding, extensive damage
can result.
COMMON RISK FACTORS
1. Base clearance
2. Vertical control joints/cracks
3. Horizontal control joints
4. Horizontal joints – corners
5. Cladding base
6. Intercladding junctions
7. Sheet joints
8. Material quality
9. Cladding top
10. Decorative brands
11. Corners
12. Window jambs
13. Window sills
14. Window sill/jamb junctions
15. Window head/jamb junctions
6
www.dbh.govt.nz
16. Window heads
17. Raked/curved window heads
18. Garage door heads
19. Garage door jambs
20. Garage door jamb bottom
21. Parapet/roof junctions
22. Parapet tops
23. Parapet top corners
24. Rainwater outlets
25. Downpipe spreaders
26. Roof edge gutter
27. Wall/roof junctions
28. Apron flashing bottom
29. Roof to wall clearances
30. Other roof flashings/skylights
31. Inter-roof claddings
32. Inter-roof/wall junctions
33. Deck/wall junctions
34. Deck perimeter/wall junctions
35. Deck perimeter
36. Open balustrade/wall junction
37. Clad balustrade/wall junction
38. Clad balustrade top
39. Handrail fixings
40. Deck drainage/overflows
41. Balustrade/deck junction
42. Timber deck/wall junction
43. Pipe penetrations
44. Pergola fixings
45. Meter boxes/grilles
By far the majority of the hundreds
of buildings I have been involved
with showed few, if any, visible signs
of water penetration and resultant
damage. You don’t need to have
cracked exterior plaster or have interior
linings falling from a ceiling to have
trapped moisture-related damage. A
gradual and occasional introduction
of moisture is all that may be required
to create an environment suitable for
decay to be present and flourish. This
can be relatively rapid where little or
no treatment is present in the affected
framing.
Harry Dillon has been involved
with the repair of more than
300 homes as a builder over
the last ten years. This article
represents Harry’s views, which
may not necessarily be the
same as those of the DBH.
We don’t actually know exactly
how many buildings have been,
are or will be affected. A 2009
PricewaterhouseCoopers report estimates
between 22,000 and 88,000 homes,
with the industry consensus around
40,000. A truly staggering number
of families have been, are and will
be impacted by this estimated $11bn
phenomenon. While a majority of current
cases are appearing in Auckland, many
experts believe it is a New Zealandwide problem. Those residing in dryer
geographical areas just may not have
discovered it yet.
Clearly there are a large number of leaky buildings
needing repairs. This presents an opportunity for builders
at a time when new builds are at historic low levels
only to the builder but also the client
and all those involved in the project.
In this series of articles, I will be
talking about a range of things that
are important for the builder to be
aware of including:
how you, as a builder, may get involved
in a leaky building project and things
you need to know.
•S
uggested follow up areas for more
information
•
•A
ssessing project risks.
•W
orking with the right team.
HOW DID WE END UP HERE?
•
DBH publications:
–G
uide to Remediation Design
• T endering.
There is much conjecture and
controversy about what has caused
this problem but it is my view, in
short, that it is a systematic failure
of the industry as a whole. Complex,
incomplete and questionable
suitability of building design, poor
use and suitability of some products,
incomplete technical knowledge
and skill as well as too little ongoing
training for many involved in the
building process have all contributed.
BH website: www.dbh.govt.nz/
D
ws-info-for-building-professionals
–G
uide to the Diagnosis of Leaky
Buildings
•H
ealth and safety.
•W
hat happens on site.
• T he ‘4 Ds’
–D
ealing with Timber in Leaky
Buildings
The next article in this series will discuss
–C
ode Watch Issue 1: October 2011
WHY GET INVOLVED?
Clearly there are a large number of leaky
buildings needing repairs. This presents
an opportunity for builders at a time
when new builds are at historic low levels.
There is a perception that getting
involved in leaky home repair work
is risky and best avoided. While
arguably there are more risks and
unknowns associated with these
projects, if a builder goes in with
eyes open and is aware of these risks
and ways that they can be managed,
a successful outcome is more likely
to result. This will be of benefit not
Moisture damage in a New Zealand home
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
1)
a b c
Where is the leaky home problem
confined to?
a) Auckland.
b) People’s imaginations.
c) It’s believed to be a New Zealandwide problem.
2)
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
What is a suitable environment for
decay to be present and flourish?
a) T he Land of the Living Dead.
b) W
here there is a gradual and
occasional introduction of moisture.
c) W
here there is a gradual and
occasional introduction of sunlight.
3)
a b c
How can builders improve their chances
of a successful outcome when repairing
a leaky home?
a) B
e aware of the risks and the ways
they can be managed.
b) S tay clear! There is no chance of
a successful outcome.
c) K
eep trying until you get it right.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
7
FEATURES
BRANZ
Getting the sequence right
Programming on-site building work, including the work of sub-trades and
Building Consent Authority inspections, can be a difficult task – but it’s crucial
I
f you perform the sequence of
operations in the right order, you
should end up with a high-quality
job. If work is carried out too early
or too quickly, it can cause significant
problems (such as weathertightness
failure), or it may have to be removed
to allow another trade to complete
their part, which adds costs and
delays to the job.
A common problem is surfaces of
finished areas or materials being
damaged by other work operations,
such as paint or bitumen overspray,
or people walking over a finished
surface (a finished surface that is
being walked on should always be
protected until hand-over).
Other issues can arise from diggers
operating in or near finished structures,
service access being required through
areas where work is still ongoing,
backfilling, dropped equipment or
materials, and unauthorised storage
of materials on completed surfaces
such as roof decks.
PENETRATIONS BEFORE WALL
CLADDING
The timing of wall cladding
installation is also vital. Penetrations
through the wall cladding and framing
need to be formed before the wall
cladding is installed. This allows the
penetrations (pipes, wastes, cables
and heat pumps) through the flexible
or rigid wall underlay to be correctly
finished with flexible flashing tape
before installation. If a penetration is
formed after the cladding is installed,
it’s impossible to apply the tape
to maintain water drainage paths
around the penetration.
WALL CLADDING BEFORE LININGS
One unacceptable practice, particularly
with brick veneer cladding, is relying
on a flexible wall underlay or temporary
polythene sheets fixed to the framing
and hoping to keep the framing, insulation
and linings dry while finishing out the
interior of the building.
8
www.branz.co.nz
Performing building operations in the right order is essential getting a job done properly – don’t cut corners and let your
quality slip!
If work is carried out too early or too quickly, it can
cause significant problems or it may have to be
removed to allow another trade to complete their part,
which adds costs and delays to the job
No current synthetic building wraps or
kraft building papers are sufficiently
waterproof to keep out water, so if the
lining and insulation are completed
before the cladding is installed, the
end result will be detrimental wetting
of framing, insulation and linings.
bargeboards and fascias fitted, so
they can complete the roofing, ridges,
barge flashings and spouting in one
go. However, the risk of water entry
is higher in buildings without eaves,
where bargeboards and fascias are fitted
before the wall cladding is completed.
Note that a pre-line inspection should
not be carried out before the cladding
is completed.
WALL CLADDING BEFORE
BARGEBOARDS AND FASCIAS
In many instances, the cladding ends
up butted to the underside of the
timber bargeboard or other trim
timber, which leaves a line of potential
weakness where there is no effective
barrier against water entry.
Subtrades often like to do their work in
the minimum number of visits. Roofers,
for instance, like to have all the
For buildings without eave overhangs,
any cladding immediately adjacent
to a bargeboard or fascia should be
installed and completed, including
waterproofing, before the bargeboard
or fascia is installed over the cladding.
WALL CLADDING BEFORE
SOFFIT LINING
Wall claddings installed after the
soffit linings are fixed can lead to
a higher risk of water entry at the
junction, particularly on sloping soffits.
Because the cladding is finished
under the soffit, any water on the soffit
surface may run behind the cladding
through gravity or capillary action.
The better solution is to install the wall
cladding before any soffit lining.
This allows the finished surface of the
soffit to be lower than the top of the
wall cladding, improving the safety
of the detail in terms of keeping out
the water. It also means that a flashing
can be installed before the soffit lining
to further protect the junction with
the cladding. Where a drained and
vented cavity is installed behind the
cladding, a continuous top batten
or blocking (as shown in Figure 1)
must be used to close off the top of
the cavity from roof spaces above.
WHAT ELSE?
Other areas of construction that need
careful planning to ensure work is done
in the correct sequence:
•D
atum point is identified to determine
finished floor levels when setting out
slab formwork.
• Time is allowed for concrete to
cure (finish shrinking) and dry
before laying floor finishes such
as tiles or vinyl.
• Installation of services that need
to be laid before the floor slab such
as waste pipes, central vacuum
systems and heating pipes.
•W
all underlays are correctly
lapped over flashing upstands.
•S
lab damp-proof membrane is
installed before reinforcing.
•P
iping and wiring (or sleeves) to
concrete masonry walls is installed
before the wall erection commences.
•A
ll services are installed before
linings are fixed to wall framing.
•B
ack flashings are installed before
the cladding.
•C
ut ends in timber and fibre-cement
weatherboards are primed before
installation.
• Edges and back faces of absorbent
sheet claddings are sealed
as recommended by the supplier
before installation.
•A
ll bolted connections are tightened
before the junction is built in.
•B
asement walls are fully
waterproofed and protection board
is installed before backfilling.
•W
here a roof plane abuts a wall,
the roofing and apron flashing are
completed before the wall cladding
system is installed.
•R
oof penetrations for flues and
ducts are framed out before the
roof cladding is installed.
•D
wangs are installed within the
wall to provide solid support, where
items such as wall lights, basins,
heated towel rails and wall-hung
vanities will be installed after the
linings have been completed.
•S
ufficient time is allowed for the
application and curing of liquidapplied waterproofing roofing
and under-tile membranes.
• T he installation of floor joists is
coordinated with the location
of plumbing wastes to avoid the
need to drill or notch members.
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
4)
a b c
Why do roofers like to have all the
bargeboards and fascias fitted?
a) Because they look so pretty!
b) So they can complete the roofing, ridges,
barge flashings and spouting in one go.
c) Because the risk of water entry is higher.
Unsatisfactory detail of stucco cladding butted up to timber
blocking with no attempt at waterproofing the junction
between the wall cladding and the asphalt shingle roofing
Figure 1: Recommended installation of reverse-slope eaves lining
ATTENTION!
Are you a building contractor who pays
levy fees through a consent authority?
If so, then you are entitled to a free
subscription of BUILD magazine from BRANZ.
Simply email [email protected]
to check that you meet the required criteria
and get your subscription.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
5)
a b c
What should you do with finished surfaces?
a) Cover them with a protective layer
until hand-over.
b) Use them to store tools, materials or
mechanical plant.
c) Duh! Nothing – they’re FINISHED!
6)
a b c
When should back flashings be installed?
a) After cladding.
b) After waxing.
c) Before cladding.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
9
FEATURES
CONCRETE
Finished and finessed
Wrapping up the Cement and Concrete Association of New Zealand’s (CCANZ) series on Residential
Concrete Slab-On-Ground Floors – a round-up of the key points to achieving the perfect finish
C
CANZ’s ‘Coming Home to
Concrete’ campaign is designed
to raise awareness of the
advantages of residential concrete
construction, from floor slabs to
through to fully concrete houses.
Over the past six months, Under
Construction has featured excerpts
from CCANZ’s Residential Concrete
Slab-On-Ground Floors leaflet.
To complete the series, here is
a summary of the key steps required
to produce a good-quality slab:
1. G
ranular fill is correctly formed
and compacted.
2. T he top surface of the granular
fill must not puncture the DPM,
which must be carefully installed
and taped.
3. S
teel reinforcing is placed, tied
and spaced to within 30 mm
of the top surface of slab, with
trimmer bars placed at all re-entrant
corners. Crack inducers (if used)
are positioned and fixed in
conjunction with any starter
reinforcement for masonry walls.
4. C
oncrete of correct slump, air content
and specified strength is delivered
to site in accordance with NZS
3604:2011 paragraph 4.5.2.
5. N
o water is added without
the conditions stipulated in
NZS 3109:1997 A1 paragraph
9.4.2.1 being strictly adhered to.
6. C
oncrete is placed in accordance with
NZS 3109:1997 and compacted with
the use of immersion vibrators.
oncrete is finished only after all
7. C
bleed water has evaporated from
the surface.
8. A
ntivap sprays can be used (and
applied more than once if necessary)
to control the evaporation rate to
prevent plastic shrinkage cracking.
Photo by: Kevin Hawkins
10
www.ccanz.org.nz
9. T he curing process is started
immediately after finishing operations
are completed.
10. J oints are cut immediately
(using early-entry saws), or within
12-18 hours if using traditional
saw-cutting equipment.
11. W
et curing or covering the concrete
with black plastic sheeting is
continued for a minimum of seven
days (unless otherwise stipulated)
if a curing membrane is not used.
SPECIAL SYSTEMS AND FINISHES
Proprietary waffle slab systems are
available, providing an alternative
to the concrete slab construction
discussed in this series.
As the term ‘waffle’ suggests, these
types of slab-on-ground use void
formers, typically made of either
polystyrene of polyethylene, to create
a grid arrangement of interconnected
beams or ‘ribs’.
It is generally accepted that for
limited additional cost, these types
of slab-on-ground offer enhanced
stiffness, stability and strength.
Decorative finishes can be incorporated
into the concrete, such as texture and
colour. This can either be a process
involving the material at the ready
mixed concrete plant, or an applied
technique carried out during the wet
stages of the concrete operation.
It is important to ensure the appropriate
skills of the concrete placer meet the
requirements of the special finish
supplier.
Content from Standards in the
Residential Slab On-Ground Floors
leaflet has been reproduced by
CCANZ with permission from
Standards New Zealand under
copyright licence 000911.
Any Standard referred to in this
publication can be purchased
from Standards New Zealand by
telephoning 0800 782 632 or
visiting www.standards.co.nz
It is important to ensure the appropriate
skills of the concrete placer meet the
requirements of the special finish supplier
Coming Home to Concrete
The Residential Concrete
Slab-On-Ground Floors leaflet
is just one part of the CCANZ’s
wider ‘Coming Home to Concrete’
campaign. Designed to raise
awareness of the benefits of
concrete in homes, the campaign
provides a range of information
on thermal mass for heating and
cooling, various building systems
(in-situ, precast and masonry),
design and decor options, as well
as earthquake performance.
Visit the Coming Home to
Concrete website (www.
cominghometoconcrete.co.nz) to
access all the resources, including
a short film fronted by TV
personality Kevin Milne, or email
[email protected] to request
multiple copies for yourself, your
employees or your clients.
The beauty of exposed concrete floors. Photo by: Peter Fell
Residential Concrete Slab-On-Ground Floors
This article features content from Residential Concrete Slab-On-Ground Floors, an easy-to-read
12-page leaflet that answers some of the more commonly asked questions and gives guidance
on good practice in relation to such aspects as slab levels, concrete strength, the new reinforcing
requirements, control joints, bay sizes, crack minimisation, as well as placing, finishing and
curing techniques. The leaflet is not intended to replace Clause 7.5 Concrete slab-on-ground
floors for timber buildings of NZS 3604:2011, or any other related standard.
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
7)
a b c
What is a proprietary waffle slab system?
a) A great way to make Sunday breakfast.
b) A
n alternative concrete slab construction
method.
c) A
very drawn out process for laying
concrete.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
8)
a b c
What should you do with an immersion
vibrator?
a) Use it in private.
b) Use it to compact concrete.
c) Use it to mix concrete.
9)
a b c
What are antivap sprays used for?
a) To repel Very Annoying People.
b) Smooth concrete application.
c) T o help prevent plastic shrinkage
cracking.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
11
INDUSTRY NEWS
May residential consent value up 37%
Highest rate since 2008 but showing signs of easing off
R
esidential consent values
for May are the highest since
2008, according to Statistics
New Zealand industry and labour
statistics manager Blair Cardno.
Residential building consents rose
37% to $532 million compared to
May 2011. New housing approvals
of 1,372 were also at their highest
level for May since 2008, up 20%.
Seasonally adjusted numbers for new
dwellings, including apartments, were
down 7.1%; excluding apartments,
there was a fall of 0.4%. There were
68 new apartments consented during
the month. The trend for the number
of consents for dwellings including
apartments continues to rise but shows
signs of easing. It has risen 32% since
the historical low in March 2011.
The 20% increase in the number of
consents is concentrated in Auckland,
up 125 (53%), and Canterbury,
up 100 (40%). The consents in
Canterbury are the second-highest
The trend for the number of consents for dwellings
including apartments continues to rise but
shows signs of easing. It has risen 32% since
the historical low in March 2011
monthly total since the first quake
in September 2010. Increases came
from Waimakariri District, Selwyn
District and Ashburton District.
Christchurch city fell by 6 consents
to 116.
Small increases were recorded in
six other regions and in Tasman,
numbers were the same as May
2011. Wellington, Northland
and Marlborough had the largest
decreases but these were small
in comparison to the Canterbury
and Auckland increases.
Non-residential building consents
value was down 0.4% or $1.5 million
to $349 million for May compared
to May 2011. Seven of the 11 nonresidential categories were down, while
offices and administration buildings,
shops, restaurants and taverns and
factories and industrial buildings
showed significant increases in consents,
ensuring that consent values were
very similar to May 2011.
The combined value of all buildings
was $880 million, up 20% on May
2011. This is in line with the trend for
the value of all building consents, which
is rising but showing signs of easing.
Amendments to BRANZ appraisals
Reminder to stay up to date with technical changes
R
ecent changes to the building
standards make it even more
important to keep up to date
not only with Building Code and
Amendment changes, but also with
what processes or systems are
directly affected because of them.
Amendment 5 to clause E2 External
moisture (incorporating Acceptable
Solution E2/AS1) came into effect
earlier this year, along with the citing
of NZS 3604:2011 in the compliance
documents. These changes affected
a large number of BRANZ Appraisals.
BRANZ has now amended all of
the affected Appraisals (approximately
12
The extent of the changes
varies depending on the
product or system, but roof
and wall cladding systems
were most affected
250), which can be downloaded for
free from www.branz.co.nz/appraisals.
The extent of the changes varies
depending on the product or system,
but roof and wall cladding systems
were most affected. At the other end
of the scale, some Appraisals have only
required an update to the references
in the Sources of Information section.
Amended Appraisals can be identified
by looking for the words ‘Amended
31 January 2012’ in the grey box on
the front cover of the Appraisal. More
detail on the nature of the amendment
is listed at the bottom of the last page.
To keep up to date with important
technical changes, tradespeople can be
added to BRANZ’s appraisal notification
database by sending their details to
[email protected].
Government warns of unsafe tools sold online
Recent cases highlight danger of buying inferior products from dodgy traders
I
n the past two months, two
separate cases have been
reported in which products
were marketed through Trade
Me with missing or misleading
safety certification. As such, the
Government is warning online
shoppers to take particular
care before making a purchase.
Case 1: Modified chargers
pose fire and electrical hazard
The Ministry of Business, Innovation
and Employment’s Energy Safety
unit, which conducts regular audits
of electrical goods being sold online,
is investigating six Trade Me users
allegedly selling illegally modified
Hitachi and Makita-branded power
tool battery chargers.
“The chargers were supplied
without appropriate supplier
declaration documents, which
show the product meets electrical
safety standard requirements,”
said Energy Safety spokesperson
Alastair Stewart.
Energy Safety is concerned
some of these chargers were
modified for the New Zealand
market subsequent to manufacture,
giving buyers the impression
the chargers are covered by the
manufacturer’s quality control
standards and compliance regime.
Case 2: Ministry steps up ladder
safety awareness due to injuries
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs
(MCA) is targeting online ladder
sales, following reports of multipurpose
aluminium ladders collapsing
and causing serious injuries. One
4.7 m-high ladder, advertised on
Trade Me as having a safe working
load of 150 kg, collapsed within
seconds of the user climbing it for
the first time, causing serious injury.
MCA principal advisor Martin
Rushton said the aluminium of
the unbranded ladder was only
1.2 mm thick.
“The seller could not provide
a valid test certificate to show it
had passed safety testing,” he said.
“We commissioned our own testing
by an accredited laboratory and
the ladder failed, collapsing like
plasticine under a load of 120 kg.”
The MCA, with the cooperation
of Trade Me, identified other buyers
of this ladder and notified them of
the danger. The trader is refunding
these consumers.
As a result, the MCA is now
investigating a wider range of
ladders being sold online and
Mr Rushton said traders need to
be aware of their obligations.
“The Consumer Guarantees Act says
all products sold in New Zealand
must be safe. If you purchase a ladder
you think is unsafe, take it back to
the trader,” he said.
“This should serve as a warning
for independent traders setting up
shop online. If you import products
without ensuring they are safe, the
consequences can be serious and,
in the event of a recall, costly.
“The best way to ensure your products
are safe is to make sure they meet
the Australia/New Zealand standard
AS/NZS 1892.1:1996.”
The best way to ensure your products are safe
is to make sure they meet the Australia/New Zealand
standard AS/NZS 1892.1:1996
This poses a safety risk –
New Zealand electrical plugs
deliver a higher voltage, so
modified products from overseas
could pose a fire or electrical
hazard.
New Zealand electrical
plugs deliver a higher
voltage, so modified
products from overseas
could pose a fire or
electrical hazard
The defective aluminium ladder sold on Trade Me with false safety certification, highlighted by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs
13
FEATURES
LEGAL
Building your reputation online
Do your clients ‘like’ you on Facebook? And are you aware of the risks of being exposed to social media?
S
ocial media sites such as
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn
are fast-growing platforms
for customer feedback and have
the potential to strongly influence
consumer behaviour.
Twitter users reportedly collectively
post around 340 million tweets a day.
Facebook has more than 900 million
active users, who reportedly post over
60 million updates a day. Review
websites are also used by consumers
to evaluate and select services and
products. Other social media that
may impact you and your businesses’
reputation include content sharing
communities such as YouTube, Reddit
and Flickr.
Used with appropriate caution, social
media provides extensive opportunities
to enhance reputation and connect
with consumers. However, a poorly
managed social media presence
carries with it significant reputational
risk and can have substantial financial
consequences.
14
www.simpsongrierson.com
www.bcito.org.nz
HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CAN
DAMAGE YOUR REPUTATION
The ease of publishing material through
social media channels increases the
potential for reputation damage. Negative
comments about you, your business and
your staff can spread quickly and widely.
The anonymous nature of social
media also lends itself to particularly
scathing feedback. Consider the
following scenarios:
•D
issatisfied customers or aggressive
competitors turn to popular review sites
to criticise, complain or leave false
reviews about your products or services.
• Your Facebook ‘fans’ post comments
about your products or services,
prompting closer scrutiny by mainstream
media and/or attracting the attention
of regulators.
•C
urrent or former employees post
offensive, derogatory or commercially
sensitive comments.
•Y
ou inadvertently publishe or republish
defamatory content, potentially
exposing your business to unwanted
publicity or legal liability.
Don’t be lulled into
a false sense of security
about the casual or
conversational nature
of social media
Once damaging material is available
online, it becomes difficult to completely
remove the material or references to it.
This can leave your business vulnerable
to ongoing or resurrected attacks years
down the track.
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security
about the casual or conversational nature
of social media. Those who publish
comments, feedback or reviews on social
media platforms are subject to the same
basic legal rules as traditional, print-based
communications. This is illustrated by
cricketer Chris Cairns’ recent successful
defamation case over a tweet in which Lalit
Modi (the Indian Premier League Founder)
alleged that Cairns was involved in match
fixing. The London High Court was satisfied
there was no evidence as to the truth of the
allegation and awarded Cairns £90,000
in damages plus significant court costs.*
If you are going to have an online presence, consider
carefully which social media sites are appropriate
for your business and likely to benefit your market
STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING
YOUR ONLINE REPUTATION
1. Monitor and record online activities
Regularly check online information
about you and your business,
especially in times of increased public
scrutiny or crisis.Online monitoring
tools are available. Knowing what
others say about you and your
business will enable you to respond
quickly and may assist in neutralising
potential disputes before they develop
into disruptive and costly litigation.
2. Respond quickly and proactively
Remember that a poorly thought-out
response or a damaging review
can be published globally, then
re-published or linked to many
times before remedial action can
be taken. To mitigate the risk
of this occurring or minimising the
damage when it does, act promptly
and be proactive – particularly
if confidential or compromising
information has been leaked.
3. Develop a positive online presence
If you are going to have an online
presence, consider carefully which
social media sites are appropriate
for your business and likely to benefit
your market. Twitter enables you to
quickly update your customers, although
the 140 character limit poses risks
for defamation because context and
balance are more difficult to achieve.
Avoid re-tweeting or forwarding content
without carefully reading it; be
cautious about linking to other sites.
Once you have selected the appropriate
social media tools, engage positively
with the online community and generate
material that builds loyalty to your
business. Positive messaging may help
to counteract the occasional social
media slip-up and offer a credible
voice in a crisis. Also, consider
responding to feedback on social
media sites. For instance, on some
sites tradespeople are provided with
an opportunity to comment on reviews
of their work.
4. Implement sensible social media rules
a b c
What are the benefits of using social
media for your business?
a) It’s something to do when there are
no jobs on.
b) Y
ou could enhance your reputation
and connect with customers.
c) Y
ou can see other people’s holiday
photos.
WHEN TO CONTACT THE LAWYERS
Consider seeking legal advice if you are
concerned about the emerging risks of
social media or any aspect of your online
presence. Simpson Grierson’s specialist
media law team can help you by giving
practical assistance with managing and
protecting your online reputation.
If you have any questions about this
article, please contact Tracey Walker
at [email protected]
(ph: 09 977 5088), Natasha Alley
at [email protected]
(ph: 09 977 5152), or James Robb at
Moderate your business’ social media
presence to protect against improper
use. If your social media site invites
user comment or review, consider a
disclaimer as part of your terms of use
policy. The disclaimer may, for instance,
make it clear that your business does
not endorse comments made on the
public section of your site. A “take
down” policy is also useful to enable
consumer-posted content to be removed
if it breaches your terms of use.
The information in this article is
intended as a general guide only and
is not to be relied upon as legal advice.
Detailed advice should be obtained to
cover a specific situation.
Consider preparing a written internet
and social media policy, which
clearly sets out expectations about
the use of social networking services
by employees in their personal and
* F or a full copy of the Cairns v Modi
decision see http://www.bailii.org/ew/
cases/EWHC/QB/2012/756.html.
Modi is reportedly appealing the
High Court decision.
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
10)
professional capacity. Particular care
needs to be taken around confidential
or proprietary information to avoid
inadvertent disclosure.
[email protected]
(ph: 09 977 5296).
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
11)
a b c
What rules govern material published
on social media sites?
a) T he same basic rules as traditional,
print-based communications.
b) T he one with the most ‘Likes’ wins.
c) T he first rule of social media is that you
do not talk about social media!
12)
a b c
When is it particularly important to
monitor information about you and
your business online?
a) W
hen you’re trying to avoid doing
the paperwork.
b) T here’s no need to monitor it once
you’ve set up your profile page.
c) In times of increased public scrutiny
or crisis.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
15
FEATURES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR
Accessibility safety ensured
Mechanical access plant includes all mechanically operated plant that can be used to gain access for working at
height. While such plant is beneficial to construction work if used correctly, misuse can result in serious injuries
T
he leading cause of serious injury
and death in the construction
sector is falls from height.
The Department of Labour’s recently
published Best Practice Guidelines
for Working at Height in New Zealand
provides practical guidance about
how to actively manage working at
height to prevent death and injury,
including information on the safe use
of mechanical access plant.
Make sure you’re familiar with the
mechanical access plant and how it’s
used before starting work.
Commonly used mechanical access
plant includes:
• Mobile elevating work platforms.
• Forklift platforms.
• Crane lift platforms.
• Vehicle extension arms.
• Knuckle booms.
These are specialised pieces of
equipment often designed for particular
types of operation. It is essential the
correct type of machine is selected for
the intended work. The operator should
be competent to operate the type of
mechanical access plant.
It is essential these types of plant are
operated within the manufacturer’s
guidelines.
MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS
(MEWPS)
A worker restrained in a scissor lift for safety
Mobile elevating work platforms:
• Need to be clearly marked with the
rated lifting capacity.
•N
eed to have a six-monthly inspection
certificate displayed.
Common forms of MEWPs include
cherry pickers, scissor lifts, hoists
and travel towers. There are some
key safety issues that should be
considered before using a MEWP.
Before use, the operator should
ensure that:
Some MEWPs are designed for hard
and flat surfaces only, such as concrete
slab, while others are designed for
operating on rough and uneven terrain.
• The MEWP is set up level and on
firm surfaces.
Units powered by internal combustion
engines are not suitable for use in
buildings or areas with poor natural
ventilation, unless appropriate artificial
ventilation is provided.
16
www.dol.govt.nz
• The MEWP has been inspected and
tested within the previous six months.
• Hazards associated with power
lines are appropriately controlled.
• The MEWP will not create a hazard,
eg, the boom will not swing out into
the path of other vehicles.
• T he MEWP will not be overloaded
or used as a crane. (As an estimate,
a person plus light tools is deemed to
weigh 100 kg.)
An operator in a boom-style MEWP shall
wear a safety harness with a lanyard
incorporating a short energy absorber
attached to a certified anchor point.
The line should be just long enough
to provide free movement within the
confines of the bucket.
Operators should not over-reach or climb
over the rails of the MEWP platform to
reach a work area. The soles of both feet
should be kept on the work platform.
Scissor lifts and other elevating work
platforms, such as cherry pickers, can
be used as a means of access to a work
area. In this case, the worker should be
only within the platform confines,
shall be used.
protected by a double lanyard system
fixed to a certified anchor point.
On a scissor lift, a harness should be
worn unless a hazard assessment has
clearly demonstrated that the work can be
undertaken without a harness and there
is no risk of falling. The manufacturer’s
instructions should also be followed.
• Have operating instructions available.
Note: Some of the above content is taken
from Worksafe Victoria © Prevention
of Falls in General Construction. The
Department is drafting best practice
guidelines for the use of mobile elevating
work platforms (MEWPs), and these
will soon go out for consultation.
•O
nly be used by a competent forklift
operator.
FORKLIFT PLATFORMS
Where no other practical and suitable
method is available, a working platform
may be suspended from a crane and
the worker must be attached to the
hook. The crane operator and the
person using the platform should
discuss the operation and maintain
direct communication by line of sight
or by telecommunication at all times.
• Have the safe working load displayed
in a prominent position.
• Have the platform secured to the
forks in such a way that it cannot tilt,
slide or be displaced.
Work platforms may be constructed
to be raised or lowered using a forklift
and these should be used in accordance
with the Approved Code of Practice for
Training Operators and Instructors of
Powered Industrial Lift Trucks (Forklifts)
– Department of Labour. Non-integrated
work platforms should be designed
for the specific model of forklift truck.
• Only be used while an operator is
at the controls of the forklift, or where
there is an independent means of
access to and egress from the platform.
•B
e made in accordance with
Australian Standard AS 2359.1,
Powered Industrial Trucks.
•B
e fitted with guardrails, mid rails
and kickboards.
•O
nly have gates that open inwards
and that are installed with a springloaded latch.
This article features content from
DoL’s recently published Best Practice
Guidelines for Working at Height in
New Zealand, which provides practical
guidance to employers, contractors,
sub-contractors, employees and anyone
involved with working at height.
These guidelines have been prepared in
association with 21 representatives from
businesses and organisations in New
Zealand and are generic – it is advised
that they be followed alongside specific
safety rules suited to your particular
working environment. The guidelines
provide everyone who is involved with
working at height clear direction on how
to manage the work in a way that will
reduce the death and injury toll.
The guidelines complement the DoL’s
Preventing Falls from Height campaign,
which aims to reduce the number of
injuries and fatalities caused by falls from
height and the impact on individuals
and communities. In real terms, it’s about
preventing the 18-year-old apprentice
from breaking his back while painting a
new house – left unable to walk properly
or play rugby with his mates.
A knuckle boom has a second articulated
joint part way along the arm to allow
for extra flexibility and reach for the
work platform. The arm can be folded
away when not in use and to vary the
reach. Knuckle booms should be used
and maintained in accordance with the
Approved Code of Practice for PowerOperated Elevating Work Platforms.
• Be operated with the tilt lever on the
forklift controls locked out or made
inoperable; alternatively, a fall-restraint
system comprising a full harness and
short lanyard, allowing free movement
If an extension arm is attached to a
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
Common forms of mechanical elevating
work platforms (MEWPs) include:
a) C
herry pickers, scissor lifts, hoists
and travel towers.
b) Magic carpets and pixie dust.
c) Ladders and scaffolding.
Preventing Falls from Height
CRANE LIFT PLATFORMS
KNUCKLE BOOMS
•H
ave a 2 m-high guard wide
enough to prevent any contact
with the lifting mechanism fitted to
the back of the platform.
a b c
Further information on the safe use
of MEWPs is provided in AS 2550.10
Cranes, hoists and winches – safe use –
mobile elevating work platforms.
Note: For further guidance refer
to AS/NZS 2550.1 Cranes, Hoists
and Winches; Approved Code of
Practice for Cranes; Crane Safety Manual
Crane Association of New Zealand; NZS
3404 – The Steel Structures Standard;
and NZS/ASME/ANSI B56.1 Safety
standard for low and high lift trucks.
Forklift work platforms should:
13)
MEWP, a design certificate from a
chartered professional engineer (CPEng)
with experience in this field shall be
obtained. Such certificates will show
that the platform meets the criteria in AS
2359.1 Powered Industrial Trucks for a
power-operated work platform in relation
to stability, strength and safety, provision of
operating instructions and rated capacity.
14)
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
What should operators of boom-style
MEWPs wear?
a) Fluorescent overalls (or any appropriately
loud clothing).
b) A
safety harness with a lanyard
incorporating a short energy absorber
attached to a certified anchor point.
c) Ear muffs.
15)
a b c
During crane lift platform usage, the crane
operator and the person using the platform should:
a) Not be enemies.
b) D
iscuss the operation and maintain
direct communication by line of sight or
by telecommunication at all times.
c) M
aintain eye contact throughout the
entire operation.
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
17
FEATURES
BUSINESS TIPS
Need to engage your team?
Great teamwork is the key to efficiency on any building project – here are
some pointers to help build your team and keep your project on track
Tracking progress is a key aspect of project management and supervision
I
n any workplace – especially a
building site - each member of the
team will rely on their teammates
to do ‘the right thing at the right
time’. Those ‘on the tools’ will likely
appreciate being given credit for
knowing one end of a hammer from
the other and those supervising the
job will appreciate being confident
that ‘the right nails are being hit
on the head’!
Here are a couple of methods to help
teams work towards such a balance
between capability and confidence –
and thus achieve more with less hassle.
To minimise the impact on other team members’ work
time, a daily scrum is deliberately limited to providing
a regular ‘heads up’ of progress on key tasks only
The focus is on taking manageable steps
required to complete a project, rather
than trying to do so in a single bound.
There are two different types of ‘chunks’
– task chunks and time chunks.
[1] Task chunks
BITE-SIZED CHUNKS
• T hese refer to output; ie: a piece of work,
or part/stage of a completed piece.
This well-established approach is based
on the question: How do you eat an
elephant? The answer is: one bite-sized
chunk at a time!
•O
n a building site, this may be
digging the footing for a block wall.
As most building projects – especially
large ones – are broken down into
18
many different stages/parts, task
chunks will usually be planned well
in advance, so this approach will
be familiar to any tradesperson.
[2] Time chunks
• T hese refer to input; the time
allocated to a particular activity.
• F or example, the team may be
assigned to tidy the site for an hour
– to make productive use of time
until a delivery arrives.
COMBINING BOTH TYPES
hat tasks they’ve completed
a) W
since the last scrum.
•C
learly, in any project, there will be
plans, schedules and budgets that
focus on key tasks being completed
within certain time periods – a
combination of task and time chunks.
b) W
hat tasks they’re planning to
complete before the next scrum.
c) Anything that might get in the way.
•W
hen a team is able to complete
more tasks within a certain time,
they will likely be considered more
productive.
The objective is to enable the team
to appreciate what job each person
is involved in, how each activity
is progressing and how it will impact
on their own workflow and the
project as a whole.
•S
uch teams will tend to be preferred
by supervisors – and customers –
for future tasks – a clear win:win:win
for all concerned.
This also enables supervisors to get
a regular sense of how each task is
tracking against time schedules, so
additional support or focus may be
applied if and when necessary – in
effect, ‘raising flags’ sooner rather
than later. Clearly, the opportunity for
team members to receive recognition
and appreciation for good work done
is another key benefit.
• However, if fewer tasks are completed
and the project runs over time and/or
over budget, the opposite will be
true, as another, more productive
team may be sought for future work.
So, there are strong incentives for
all parties to maintain a good sense
of what tasks need to be completed
within which time periods. Once this
is established, tracking progress is a
key aspect of project management and
supervision. The more the whole team
is actively engaged in this, the more
successful the process will tend to be.
Daily scrums are most effective when
the following guidelines are followed:
DAILY SCRUMS
This concept – also known as a ‘daily
stand-up’ meeting – is used in many
businesses. It does not involve ‘crouch,
touch, pause, engage’ – instead, it refers
to brief meetings at the start of each
day, when the whole project team stands
in a circle and tells their teammates:
WHAT’S THAT ALL ABOUT THEN?
a b c
What is the purpose of a ‘daily scrum’?
a) It encourages team engagement in
tracking the progress of a project.
b) It separates the men from the boys.
c) It’s a method of re-starting play after
an accidental infringement, or when
the ball has gone out of play.
[3] M
eet at the same time and in
the same place every time.
• Together with being brief, the regularity
of these meetings is a key element
in their success, helping to establish
effective habits.
When the above guidelines are
followed, the combination of bite-sized
chunks and daily scrums can have
a remarkably positive impact on
the productivity, morale and cohesion
of work teams.
To whatever extent you choose to
apply them, the clearer a team is
with regard to the key factors of task,
time and tracking – and how their
teammates are contributing – the more
effective and successful it will tend to
be, for the benefit of all concerned.
[1] K
eep them short and regular –
about 10-15 minutes every day.
There are many methods for encouraging
team engagement in tracking; one
simple, yet effective practice is the
‘daily scrum’ meeting.
16)
•A
ny related discussion may happen
outside the scrum itself [so that those
who are not directly involved can
get on with their work ASAP].
17)
ABOUT BUSINESS COACHING WORKS
• T he focus is on a regular ‘headline
summary’ of key tasks [within the
time period until the next scrum].
BusinessCoachingWorksTM is a service
provided by Evolve Coaching Ltd,
which – since 2004 – has specialised
in enabling individuals, teams and
businesses to be more focused and
effective.
• If the team is very large, nominating
a spokesperson for each task group
[eg: roofers] may help save time.
[2] Avoid any discussion of issues.
If you have any questions about
these issues or would like to
discuss this article in further detail,
please contact Peter de Valda at
[email protected]
• T o minimise the impact on other
team members’ work time, a daily
scrum is deliberately limited to
providing a regular ‘heads up’
of progress on key tasks only.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!
a b c
What should NOT be discussed at a ‘daily scrum’?
a) Tasks completed since the last scrum.
b) A quick heads up of anything that might
get in the way of completing a task.
c) The fact that Johnny says Bob keeps drinking
out of his mug but Dave saw Lenny using it
the other day without washing it afterwards
AND he used the last of the coffee, so…
18)
a b c
How do you eat an elephant?
a) With a knife and fork.
b) With a side of fries.
c) One bite-sized chunk at a time!
NB: The questions and answers in this section have been produced by the publisher and do not necessarily reflect views or opinions of the contributing organisation.
19
FEATURES
NZGBC SUSTAINABLE HOUSING SUMMIT
The future of housing in New Zealand?
World-renowned UK architect Bill Dunster gave the New Zealand building industry a glimpse
of what the future may look like at the inaugural NZ Green Building Council’s Sustainable
Housing Summit in Auckland on 27 June
K
eynote speaker Bill Dunster
challenged an audience of more
than 150 architects, building
company representatives and
sustainable building specialists to
re-think New Zealand’s traditional
concept of city life – a timely call to
action, coming on the heels of a recent
national survey that shows while
Kiwis might not be up to pace with
‘zero energy’ cities, home buyers’ top
priorities are leaning more towards
environmentally friendly features.
ADDED VALUE
The survey, undertaken by Realestate.
co.nz in association with Homestar™,
asked about the home-searching
priorities of more than 1,700
New Zealand home seekers.
Alistair Helm, CEO of Realestate.co.nz,
says the comprehensive survey revealed
Cityscape
significant insights
into buyer perception
around what adds value to a home.
“There is a widely held opinion that
aesthetics of a home are what matters
20
www.nzgbc.org.nz
most to home buyers,” says Helm.
“This survey shows that this perception
is changing; features that provide
a warm and dry home are becoming
more important.”
Orientation of a property to the sun
and high insulation levels trumped
a number of aesthetic features including
‘an attractive gourmet kitchen’, a third
bedroom, off-street parking and the
ubiquitous ‘indoor/outdoor flow’.
The survey also investigated to
what extent buyers had inquired or
inspected for aspects of environmental
or energy-efficient performance.
“In this case, the three ‘visible’ features
that were top-of-mind for buyers more
than 70% of the time were presence
of insulation, inquiring about heating
and asking questions about dampness,”
says Helm.
Perhaps most significantly, the survey
also looked at whether environmentally
friendly features of homes created the
potential for a price premium.
“A staggering 88% of those questioned,
who were looking to sell their property
or had recently sold, believed there
was the potential for a price premium
for properties that could demonstrate
performance features such as energy,
water and heating efficiency.”
The big three items that would most
impact this perception of a price
premium were high levels of insulation,
an efficient heating and cooling
system and double-glazing.
“You need a few demonstration projects, which lift the game.
Once developers have seen those, they realise you can’t
go back, you must go forward” – UK architect Bill Dunster
32
om its
p with
places
uilding
e and
to live
vides:
VIEW
VIEW
STEPPING BEYOND
Dunster’s vision goes beyond the slowly
evolving Kiwi preference for efficient
homes – his goal is to create cityscapes of
artificial ‘hills’, where the buildings have
rooftop gardens many floors above the
daily trade carried out below; “no more
office parks and no more housing estates!”
He also promotes extensive use of
n potentially
go up
the staircases
and climb
solar
photovoltaic
panels
and ramps
for small electric vehicles that can
��
be parked in spaces not much larger
than a broom cupboard – the aim
being to move towards a zero-carbon,
zero-waste life without people having
to give up anything they currently enjoy.
“Carbon is going to be the new
currency,” he said, adding it is inevitable
New Zealand will have to address the
low-carbon agenda.
Drawing on the experience gained
through his ZEDFactory projects – Zero
(fossil) Energy Development – Dunster
said it is important to use hard facts
and mathematics to analyse a proposed
project’s environmental credentials and
work out the number of years it will take
to pay back the carbon embodied in it.
LIFTING THE GAME
The values of houses within low-carbon
projects in the UK have a premium
over those in neighbouring areas,
and Dunster said developers realise
they will get higher prices when they
go to sell homes in new low-carbon
developments, helping to make the
maths work.
“You need a few demonstration projects,
which lift the game. Once developers
have seen those, they realise you can’t
go back, you must go forward.”
While ZEDFactory projects incorporate
a variety of renewable energy strategies,
capturing the power of the sun is the
crucial factor. He said the price of
photovoltaic energy systems has reduced
in recent years to the point where use
of this technology is realistic, particularly
in comparison to projected fuel cost
escalation data.
He encouraged the audience to persuade
New Zealand’s Government to publish
official projected fuel cost escalation data
This high-density development in Dalian, China places the landscape over top of the buildings
“My plea to New Zealand is don’t get side-tracked
by the engineering agenda, do get side-tracked by
the quality-of-life agenda”– UK architect Bill Dunster
for New Zealand in the next ten years,
predicting “it will be high”.
“In the UK, photovoltaics will be
cost-neutral within two years given the
current fuel cost escalators,” he said.
CULTURAL CHANGE
He added that the key to successful
projects is understanding which
technology to use for the right place
and for the right reasons.
“The main thing is to stop worrying about
the engineering and building challenges
and instead focus on how to get cultural
change and social investment through
a holistic masterplan.
“You can use a very simple range
of building materials, and the local
supply chain, to re-think a lifestyle
and work style. The end result is a
completely different urbanscape, with
a high quality of life compared to
traditional models.”
He explained the idea is to produce
socially inclusive communities designed
for ordinary people – ZEDFactory’s
ideas are not designed to be some
kind of ‘eco-warrior haven’.
ZEDFactory’s now iconic ‘BedZED’
residential housing project in the UK
was based on the company’s knowledge
of the carbon footprint of typical UK
households – typically Za third of
emissions from home heating, a third
from vehicles and transport and a third
from food consumption.
“We asked, ‘How can architecture
change to allow people to slip into
the low-carbon lifestyle?’. So it’s things
like making it easy for them to walk
to a farmers’ market rather than having
to drive to a supermarket.”
Key concepts include integrating work
and living spaces (usually one above
the other); providing gardens for food
production; using reclaimed materials for
building; using wood wherever possible;
using correct insulation and thermal mass
concepts such as orientation to the sun.
Dunster explained that for New Zealand
to adopt similar projects, there is one
crucial rule – everything has to be made
locally.
If small towns in Korea and China
can afford to build low-carbon projects,
New Zealand can too, he said.
“My plea to New Zealand is don’t get
side-tracked by the engineering agenda,
do get side-tracked by the quality-of-life
agenda.”
21
PRODUCT NEWS
xxxxx xxxxxxx
Cordless revolution
Makita’s new 18V Li-Ion multi-tool ready to roar
H
ot on the heels of the AC model
launch in July, the 18V oscillating
multi-tool from Makita has arrived!
According to Makita, the new multi-tool
delivers up to 15 minutes of run time
with Makita’s fast-charging 18V LXT
Lithium-Ion battery.
The variable speed control dial (6,000 –
20,000 OPM) and soft start feature
enable the user to match the speed to the
application with more control, while the 3.2
degree oscillation angle is engineered for
faster, more aggressive cutting and sanding.
Handy bonus features include an LED
light to illuminate the work area, a small
diameter barrel grip for improved handling,
a large on/off slide switch with lock-on
button and a clamp system and adapter
(included) to fit most competitors’ accessories.
The new 18V multi-tool is available in
three different configurations:
•S
kin only (operates with LXT kit batteries
and chargers).
• Skin with accessories (blades).
• Kit, 18V skin, charger and battery.
You will need to be quick! The initial
shipments are small and we have already
taken some pre-orders!
The daddy of all dust busters
Clean up with this deal of the month – the featured ‘Power Play’ at the centre of your Trade Only insert!
E
liminating dust in the workplace
is a health and saftey requirement
that some tradespeople struggle
to keep on top of – but help is at hand!
Nicknamed “the Papa Bear” of dust
extraction by Gary Chappell of TTI
Industries, the Milwaukee As300ELCP
Dust Extractor 30L Wet & Dry is the most
powerful in its class, with 250 mbar
suction and 3700 litres per min airflow –
a real suckerpunch for all the dust created
by all that grinding, cutting and sawing!
Performance like that at an incredible
price qualifies as this month’s ‘Power
Play’ – check out the centre pages
of the Trade Only price-saver insert
in this issue of Under Construction.
It’s the first time PlaceMakers has had
a product of this calibre available for
under $1000!
The Milwaukee As300ELCP Dust
Extractor is suitable for the construction
site and the private workshop.
Eliminating dust in the workplace
provides a healthier work environment
for employees and contributes to a
better service offering for your customers,
reducing the incovenience of having to
visit or work around a dirty worksite.
‘Cleaning as you go’ also saves time
and money at the end of a job and
can prolong the life of other power
tools on the site by helping keep
them free of dust and dirt.
23
SPORT REPORT
Paddon leads SWRC after home round
Top spot and fastest Kiwi – all in a weekend’s work at Rally NZ
Hayden Paddon and John Kennard celebrate their victory at Rally New Zealand. Photo: Alan McDonald
H
ayden Paddon has catapulted
to the front of the Super 2000
World Rally Championship
(SWRC) after finishing first in his
class at Rally New Zealand.
The win puts the 25-year-old 19 points
clear of Irishman Craig Breen, with
both drivers having completed three
rallies – Breen elected not to come
to New Zealand and Paddon missed
the first round at Monte Carlo.
While Paddon was pleased with the
result, his pursuit of perfection left
him cursing the mechanical issues that
hampered his overall performance.
“We were out to show our pace on
roads we know well,” says Paddon,
“so it was particularly frustrating
for the rear suspension to break in
the first stage on Sunday morning,
just when we were about to try and
chase down Manfred Stohl, who
24
“It’s been an amazing week and the amount of support
we’ve received has been humbling. A huge thanks to all of
our partners and sponsors who supported us for this event!”
started the day just in front of us in his
WRC Ford in eleventh place overall.
“Although we bought it home and
scored maximum points, we also lost
time because I made a silly mistake
in stage 20, hitting a bank, spinning
and puncturing a tyre.”
Paddon, who was the fastest Kiwi
and finished 12th overall, says he was
overwhelmed by the home support.
“It’s been an amazing week and the
amount of support we’ve received
has been humbling. A huge thanks
to all of our partners and sponsors
who supported us for this event!”
Paddon and Breen will renew their
rivalry in Finland next month to
fight out the championship. Paddon
is adamant there are better things
to come from he and co-driver
John Kennard in the Skoda.
“The car’s not bad at all, but it’s
a fine balance to get the set-up right.
We’ll do more testing and put in a lot
more hard work,” he says. “We’re
aiming to go hard in Finland in July –
it’s a very special rally and it’s crucial
to have absolute confidence in the car.”
SPORT REPORT
Bad luck of the Irish
Team in green whitewashed at dawn of new All Blacks era
All Black Aaron Smith sidesteps Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll’s tackle during the first test in Auckland on June 9
T
he All Blacks v Ireland test
series far out-weighed my
expectations. Despite initially
being somewhat frustrated that it
was interfering with the business end
of the Super Rugby season, I really
enjoyed seeing the AB’s play in a
three-match series again, where you
could watch the team’s form and
motivation fluctuate throughout.
Richie McCaw’s leadership and
Aaron Smith’s introduction to test rugby
were the highlights for me. Barring
serious injury, Smith will undoubtedly
be a key component of the All Black
teams for the next five to ten years.
With other new players such as Sam
Cane, Beauden Barrett, Julian Savea,
Brodie Retallick and Luke Romano also
putting their hands up at times during
the series, it gives me great faith
that the AB’s will remain at the top
of world rugby as we take on tougher
opposition during the post-Henry era.
Apart from filling vacancies left by
injuries and players going overseas,
the other great thing about having
fresh young players playing well is that
it avoids any room for complacency
I really enjoyed seeing the AB’s play in a three-match
series again, where you could watch the team’s
form and motivation fluctuate throughout
among senior squad members. Players
such as Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu
will be out to prove in the Rugby
Championship that class is permanent
and they’re not ready to give up their
starting spots to the likes of Aaron
Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams.
I’m also hoping to see more players
last the full 80 minutes – particularly
Aaron Smith. Bringing someone
like Weepu on after 60 minutes every
game is unfair on both players. Apart
from that, Steve Hansen and company
showed some encouraging signs
during the Irish series – most notably
a great improvement in Hansen’s media
skills. Just like his players’ form, these
skills will be tested much more when
the Rugby Championship kicks off
on 18 August against Australia – the
team I still consider to be our greatest
threat, especially when they get back
key players who were unavailable
for their series win over Wales.
LBP SKILLS MAINTENANCE POINT
AUGUST 2012
✃
IF YOU’VE READ THIS ISSUE OF UNDER
CONSTRUCTION FROM COVER TO COVER,
PLEASE CUT OUT THIS VOUCHER AND FILE
IT, TO CLAIM ONE SKILLS MAINTENANCE
POINT FOR YOUR RECORD OF LEARNING.
25