Posted 16.02.21
Health and Safety Executive: Further reading
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced the appointment of a Chief Inspector of Buildings to establish and lead the new Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Peter Baker, HSE's current Director of Building Safety and Construction, will take up the post with immediate effect.
The government asked HSE to establish a new building safety regulator in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster and following recommendations in the 'Building a Safer Future' report by Dame Judith Hackitt.
In his role as the Chief Inspector of Buildings, Peter Baker will head up the BSR to deliver the new regime for high risk buildings, oversee work to increase competence of all professionals working on buildings and ensure effective oversight of the entire building safety environment.
He will also be the first head of the building control profession, and lead the work to provide independent, expert advice to industry, government, landlords and residents on building safety.
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Posted 02.02.21
NHBC: Further reading
NHBC, the leading warranty and insurance provider for new homes in the UK, has announced the roll-out of a new Technology Assisted Inspection app.
It is being introduced by NHBC's dedicated Inspection Team and represents the first stage in the evolution of its technical risk management strategy following a successful pilot phase.
The app allows site managers to upload photographs for review - having the ability to now capture images of 'live' construction, NHBC will be able to work with the industry more efficiently, allowing housebuilders to quickly continue work on site following a digital review and feedback.
NHBC Building Inspectors will also be providing onsite training to site management teams with the new app, in addition to the usual key stage inspections.
Commenting on the launch, Diane Marshall, NHBC's Operations Director said: "In our pilot project undertaken last year, 91% of site managers rated the app as easy to use, while it also helps create a useful audit trail tracking on-site activity".
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Posted 01.02.21
Jan Snel: Further reading
Dutch company Jan Snel, a pioneer in modular building, is bringing its commitment to swifter and sustainable construction to the UK market.
From their new waterfront offices in Swansea, the team at Jan Snel UK will focus on the residential market but work across the sectors to provide healthcare, education and commercial solutions.
Harry van Zandwijk, CEO of Jan Sne, commented - "In the UK, particularly in the social housing sector, there is an urgent need for high-quality accommodation that can be delivered quickly. Modular construction is the ideal solution."
The Jan Snel UK team is already working with Coastal Housing Group, which will provide affordable housing on the Coed Darcy site in South Wales.
When completed, the site will create an entirely new community, one with comfortable and well-appointed homes, many of which will be eco-friendly. The development also includes schools and green open spaces.
As a next step, Jan Snel UK is looking at opening a factory in Wales and it is discussing the possibilities with the Welsh Government.
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Updated 10.02.21
The Conversation: Transparent wood is coming, and it could make an energy-efficient alternative to glass. (Article by Steve Eichhorn Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Bristol).
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