What are the Australian safety requirements for commercial buildings?

Australia has very vigilant laws when it comes to the safety of commercial buildings. As part of their accreditation process, all construction companies must prove that they are compliant with Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). Basically, OH&S prevents – or at least reduces – the chance of injuries and accidents happening in the workplace. In Australia, ‘Safe Work’ develops and implements national policy about OH&S. They guide safety regulations, run regular risk assessments, and help businesses to maintain their OH&S.

While the OH&S rules are very comprehensive, below is a list of the kind of hazards that Sydney commercial builders need to look out for. Usually, these will be considered in the planning and design stages of the project, but they are legal requirements in the construction stagesNo uneven or slippery surfaces. Construction workers try to reduce the chance of accidents by putting grips on stairs etc.

• No obstructions restricting movement inside and outside the building. Builders take measures to protect workers, as well as anyone from the public that may be passing by.
• No objects with rough or sharp surfaces.
• No surfaces and materials that are very hot or cold to touch.
• Take care when working in unusually high workplaces. People should be able to reach upper levels safely, via stairs or lifts. This prevents the risk of falls.
• Insufficient first aid. Every commercial building needs appropriate first aid supplies.
• All buildings need clear safety signs and instructions on display, including exit signs and the fire drill procedure.
• No exposed electrical lines or equipment.
• No insecure scaffolding.
• No flammable or explosive materials.
• Reduce chemical substances (including dust) that may be in the air.
• There must be measures in place to prevent back injuries caused by carrying heavy loads or operating machines.
• Reduce exposure, and therefore impact of, high levels of noise and vibration.
• All areas of the building need to be well-lit.
• No biological hazards, such as viruses, mould, and asbestos.
• All equipment and machines used on site must be of good quality, and operated by trained staff.
• There needs to be sufficient, clean, and functional facilities in all commercial workplaces. These may include changing rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Everyone inhabiting the building must wear correct protective gear at all times. For example, during the building process, construction workers will need to wear hard hats. Once it’s business as usual, workers will need to wear footwear.
• Must have adequate waste disposal facilities.

OH&S is in place to protect people from harm, and it should be treated as a serious issue. All of us should be grateful that construction companies in NSW have to be properly accredited before they work on the buildings that we spend so much time in. In addition, we should all be appreciative of Australia’s high standards when it comes to safety.

Note: Patterson Building Group is compliant with the latest OH&S systems. They have been accredited by Global-Mark, the NSW Department of Finance & Services, and the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner.

The checklist for building educational institutions

When it comes to building learning environments, there are a few things that companies need to consider in terms of design, construction, and project management. Patterson Building Group specialises in building in the education sector, and while it is a lucrative area to be in, it’s also one that requires a bit of extra thought at every stage.

Design

Educational buildings are designed with simplicity in mind. Along with clean lines, here are some of the key things that designers have to consider:

Space

Architects optimise the space they have to work with, but at the same time, they ensure that there is enough space for students and staff to move around easily and safely. So that crowds of people can move quickly and comfortably between different areas, there needs to be spacious hallways, doorways, administration areas, and stairways.

Accessibility

Schools and universities have to be accessible all students, including the disabled. While the entire school does not have to be easy for the physically disabled to navigate, there needs to be some parts of it that are. It is then up to the school to schedule classes in those accessible areas. With this in mind, construction companies in NSW try to include lifts and ramps in the design.

Amenities

For both the safety and comfort of students and staff, every educational building needs facilities such as bathrooms. The number of amenities should be relative to the amount of people using the buildings.

Effective setups

Part of the design process is to have good learning environments. This all comes down to the setup. For instance, at schools, classrooms should have desks for the students and a slightly raised section at the front for teaching staff.

Building

When it comes to building in the education sector, Sydney commercial builders are bound by many requirements set down by the government.

OH&S

All properly accredited building companies follow Occupational Health and Safety requirements, often known simply as ‘OH&S.’ Basically, this just means that all buildings have to be safe to use. This is to reduce the chance of injury and other health problems for occupants, as well as any associated legal issues.

Signage

Clear signage is particularly important in schools, colleges, and universities. As these kinds of institutions usually have a lot of ‘wings’, ‘departments’, and ‘blocks’, it’s important that to label them clearly to avoid any confusion.

Project Management

Project Managers have to take the utmost care when working on educational sites, especially because there may be young children around.

No disruption

Often, these projects are undertaken while the schools are in operation. The safety and continued learning of students is a priority. Sydney Project Managers have to take the time to figure out how best to work around the students without disturbing the regular running of the school. This may mean doing most of the noisy work early in the mornings, during breaks, or after hours.

Time frames

It is common knowledge in the building industry that educational institutions impose some of the shortest time frames in which to work. Usually, the schools decide to undertake construction and refurbishment during holiday periods, and as such, give the companies they hire very tight deadlines. The challenge for builders is to complete the projects to the highest possible standard within the given time frame. If they do this, as well as meet the budget, client satisfaction is almost a guarantee.

As we’ve outlined, there are many things that designers, builders, and project managers need to take into consideration when working on educational institutions. This ensures that students and staff can learn and work in great, safe environments.

What to look for when hiring a building company

Hiring a building company is a process that requires careful consideration. If we’re being honest, the building industry doesn’t have a stellar reputation. Because of this unfortunate status, clients need to be alert and educated when they are approaching construction companies. Similarly, those companies need to be able to prove their skills and reliability. When embarking on a building project, you’re investing both money and time in your contractor. Of course, you want to make sure you will be working with the best possible partner. To help you avoid encountering any problems, we’ve compiled this guide to hiring a Sydney building company. We suggest you use it as a checklist when you’re at the initial stages of your project.

Qualifications

Fortunately, it’s very easy to find out a company’s qualifications. From a client’s point of view, a company’s accreditations are a useful indicator of how qualified they are, and what exactly they are qualified to do. As accreditations are awarded by third party boards, they attest to a contractor’s reliability and consistency. They prove that the company is genuine and accountable to someone other than their client. Finally, they give you, the client, peace of mind. Look out for accreditations such as Quality Assurance and OH & S.

Experience

When hiring a company to undertake a commercial project, experience is a major factor. We recommend choosing one that has experience with the type of project that you have. This is the best way of knowing that they have the skills and resources to do the job right. Luckily, all you have to do is ask for their project portfolio. A genuine, reliable construction company should be able and happy to provide you with this information.

References

As well as asking for proof of successfully completed projects, it’s also a very good idea to ask for recommendations. If people make the effort to refer a company, they are confirming their trustworthiness, reliability, quality of work, and communication skills. Such references will help you to determine if the company’s ‘character’ suits your needs.

Price

As a general rule, in the construction industry, you get what you pay for. Therefore, price is a very important consideration. Just like in any other industry, every company will charge according to their own fees and resources. Remember, the price does match the quality. If the quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Projects are a long-term investment, so it’s worth spending that little bit more on a verifiable Sydney commercial builder that you know will do the job well.

Time

Make sure that the company has the time to complete your job within the given time frame. This hurdle can be taken down in the interview stage. Just ask them outright if they can meet your deadline. If they seem to be overstretched, it might be in your best interest to move on to the next one.

Put everything in writing

Repeat after us, everything must be in writing! This should not be a problem at all, and if it is, cue the alarm bells. Draw up a contract at the beginning of the project, and make sure it is signed and agreed upon before anything else. In addition, if there are any changes to the original contract along the way, put these in writing as well. Avoid verbal agreements at all costs. It’s the sensible thing to do.

Why Building Accreditations Matter

Building accreditations are all about defining and recognising quality. There are a number of different accreditation schemes, but they all outline the skills, knowledge, and code of conduct required by Sydney commercial builders. When a builder is qualified with an accreditation, this instills faith and confidence in the client. More than that, it is incredibly important for honest, capable people to be in charge of building! On a personal level, for builders, accreditations also serve as a record of achievement.

 

Standards

First and foremost, accreditation schemes are important because they establish the high standards that builders should work towards. By setting standards in this way, Sydney construction companies are aware of the expectations placed on them, and the quality of work they should aim to achieve. They also know the minimum standards, and what they need to do to achieve further accreditation. Consumers can rest with the knowledge that accredited builders will act professionally and lawfully. Some of the most vital accreditations include Occupational Health and Safety, Environmental, and Quality Assurance.

 

Credibility

To put it quite simply, certification directly relates to credibility. Accreditations attest to the building company’s capabilities and achievements. By doing so, they promote the company’s trustworthiness, integrity, and ability to comply with the law. Building companies have to prove their eligibility for certification and really earn the label, and as such, it is one they have a right to wear proudly.

 

Third party involvement

Accreditations are assessed by council certifiers (70%) and private certifiers (30%). The involvement of this type of third party is important for both builders and consumers. Consumers have peace of mind in that they know the work of accredited Sydney developers is overseen by a strict board. Furthermore, they know that they can confidently contact that board if any issues arise.

 

Development

From a builder’s perspective, being involved in an accreditation scheme is invaluable. By obtaining and maintaining membership, a Sydney construction company like PBG can gain further insights about the industry. They are updated on new techniques, legislation, and initiatives. They also benefit from the results of the board’s complaints and auditing program, which allows them to learn from the successes and failures of their peers.

 

A Breakdown of Patterson Building Group’s accreditations

• PBG has a certified Quality Management System (QMS) in accordance with AS/NZS ISO 9001: 2008. To put this in a way non-builders can understand, QMS is an international quality benchmark. It is set to ensure business performance and customer confidence.
• PBG also has an accredited Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) system in accordance with AS/NZS 4801-2001. This means they continue to provide safe premises, machinery, and materials, as well as appropriate training and supervision.
• Finally, PBG has a certified Environmental Management System in compliance with AS/NZS 14001:2004. PBG manages its business in such a way to avoid any adverse effects on the local government as well as protecting both on-site workers and the community.