RIBA Architecture Parts 1, 2 and 3 Construction Health, Safety and Site Practice Syllabus

List the Hierarchy of Control measures in order of preference, from most to least effective.

1) Elimination; 2) Substitution; 3) Engineering controls (isolation/guarding); 4) Administrative controls (procedures, signage, training); 5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Why is PPE considered the last resort in the hierarchy of control?

Because it only protects the individual wearer, relies on correct use and fit, does nothing to remove the hazard at source, and fails to protect others nearby; collective measures higher up the hierarchy are more reliable.

What is a 'method statement' and how does it relate to a risk assessment (RAMS)?

A method statement is a step-by-step description of how a task will be carried out safely, using the controls identified by the risk assessment. Together they form RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement).

How can a designer 'design for safety' under the CDM Principles of Prevention?

By eliminating hazards at the design stage (e.g. designing out work at height, specifying off-site prefabrication, avoiding fragile materials, allowing safe access for maintenance) and reducing residual risks that cannot be eliminated.

Define 'buildability' in architectural practice.

The extent to which a design can be constructed efficiently, safely and economically, taking account of available materials, skills, tolerances, sequencing and access on site.

Give three design strategies that improve both safety and buildability.

Off-site prefabrication/modularisation; standardisation of components and dimensions; and designing for safe access and maintenance (e.g. parapets, anchor points, edge protection).

What welfare facilities must a construction site provide under CDM 2015 (Schedule 2)?

Sanitary conveniences (toilets), washing facilities, drinking water, changing rooms and lockers, and rest facilities (including means to heat food and shelter from the weather).

What are the key considerations in construction site set-up and logistics planning?

Site access/egress, segregation of vehicles and pedestrians, traffic routes and one-way systems, material storage and laydown areas, hoarding/security, welfare and office locations, deliveries, and crane/plant positioning.

Why is pedestrian and vehicle segregation a priority in site logistics?

Because being struck by a moving vehicle is one of the leading causes of fatal and serious injury on construction sites; segregation with barriers, separate routes and traffic management reduces this risk.

What is the architect's typical role regarding site inspections during construction under a traditional contract?

The architect (as Contract Administrator) inspects to monitor that work generally conforms with the design and contract, but does not supervise the contractor's methods or guarantee defect-free work; the contractor remains responsible for means, methods and site safety.

On a traditional JCT contract, who is legally responsible for health and safety on site — the architect or the contractor?

The contractor (as Principal Contractor under CDM) is responsible for site health and safety. The architect's CDM duties relate to design; the architect does not direct or supervise construction methods.

Define 'quality control' as distinct from 'quality assurance' in construction.

Quality control (QC) is the inspection and testing of work/products to verify they meet the specification. Quality assurance (QA) is the management system and procedures put in place to prevent defects from occurring in the first place.

What is a 'defect' in construction terms?

Work or materials that do not comply with the contract documents, drawings or specification, or that fail to meet required standards of workmanship, fitness for purpose or statutory requirements.

How should defects be recorded during construction, and why?

Through dated, photographed and written records (site inspection reports, defects registers, snagging lists) referencing location and required action — creating an auditable trail to manage rectification and protect against later disputes.

Define 'snagging' in the construction handover process.

The process of identifying and listing minor defects, incomplete or non-conforming work ('snags') that the contractor must rectify, typically before or at practical completion.

What is 'Practical Completion' (PC) under a JCT contract?

The stage at which the works are complete (apart from minor de minimis items) and the building can be occupied/used for its intended purpose. The architect issues a Certificate of Practical Completion.

List four key legal/contractual consequences that flow from the certificate of Practical Completion.

1) The client takes possession and responsibility (insurance/risk transfers); 2) the contractor's liability for liquidated damages ends; 3) the Rectification (defects liability) Period begins; 4) typically half the retention is released.

What is the 'Rectification Period' (formerly Defects Liability Period), and what happens at its end?

A period (commonly 6 or 12 months) after Practical Completion during which the contractor must remedy defects that appear. At its end, once defects are made good, the architect issues a Certificate of Making Good and the remaining retention is released.

What documents are typically handed over to the client at handover/practical completion?

The Health and Safety File, the Building Owner's Manual (O&M manuals), as-built/record drawings, equipment warranties and guarantees, testing/commissioning certificates, and statutory approvals (e.g. Building Regulations completion certificate).

Which regulations govern working at height in the UK, and what is the first priority they require?

The Work at Height Regulations 2005. The first priority is to avoid work at height where reasonably practicable; if unavoidable, prevent falls using collective measures, then minimise the consequences of a fall.

State the order of priority for selecting work-at-height controls under the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

Avoid working at height; use an existing safe place of work or collective fall-prevention equipment (e.g. guardrails, scaffolds, tower); then collective fall-arrest (e.g. nets, airbags); then personal fall-arrest (harness); use ladders/stepladders only for low-risk, short-duration tasks.

At what excavation depth do UK guidelines generally require support or battering, and what are the main excavation hazards?

There is no single safe depth — any excavation can collapse, but support, battering or benching is generally required for trenches around 1.2 m or deeper. Main hazards: collapse/burial, falls of people/materials, buried services, flooding, and toxic/oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

List three precautions for safe excavation work.

Provide adequate shoring/trench support or battering of sides; locate and avoid buried services (using drawings, cable avoidance tools and safe digging); prevent falls and exclude spoil/plant from the edge; and inspect daily and after events that could affect stability.

Which regulations control work with asbestos in the UK?

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012).

Name the three main types of asbestos and their common colour names.

Crocidolite (blue), Amosite (brown), and Chrysotile (white). Blue and brown are amphiboles and generally considered the most hazardous.

What is the duty regarding asbestos in non-domestic premises, and what document records it?

The 'duty to manage' asbestos (Regulation 4 of CAR 2012): the duty-holder must locate asbestos-containing materials, assess condition and risk, and record this in an Asbestos Register / asbestos management plan; a refurbishment & demolition survey is required before such works.

Which regulations cover hazardous substances generally on site, and what does the acronym stand for?

The COSHH Regulations 2002 — Control of Substances Hazardous to Health. They require assessment and control of exposure to hazardous substances such as dusts (e.g. silica), solvents, cements and fumes.

Why is respirable crystalline silica (RCS) a major site health hazard, and how is exposure controlled?

Cutting/grinding concrete, brick and stone releases fine silica dust that causes silicosis and lung cancer. Control: eliminate/reduce dust by water suppression (wet cutting), on-tool extraction (LEV), and RPE as a last resort.

What fire safety measures are required during construction, and which guidance applies?

Per HSG168 (Fire safety in construction) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005: a fire risk assessment and fire plan, means of escape and signage, fire detection/alarm, extinguishers, control of ignition sources, safe storage of flammables/LPG, and a 'hot works' permit system.

What is a 'hot works permit' and why is it used during construction?

A formal permit-to-work controlling tasks producing heat, sparks or flame (welding, grinding, torch-on roofing). It enforces fire watch, removal of combustibles, available extinguishers, and a post-work monitoring period to prevent smouldering fires.

Define 'temporary works' in construction and give three examples.

Engineered structures, used temporarily to support or protect a permanent works or excavation during construction, then removed. Examples: formwork and falsework, trench/excavation support, scaffolding, props and shoring, and façade retention.

What is the role of the 'Temporary Works Coordinator' (TWC), and which standard governs temporary works?

Defined under BS 5975, the TWC coordinates the design, checking and approval of temporary works, ensuring a design brief, independent design check, and permit-to-load/permit-to-strike procedures are followed to maintain structural stability.