Standards and Regulations

By 2045, an estimated 6 billion people will be living in cities. That means an enormous amount of showers flowing, toilets flushing, and sinks being filled. Dragan Savic from the University of Exeter explains why the 'invisible utility' should be at the heart of smart city plans.

A Health and Safety File is a repository of health and safety information that serves as a legal record, benefiting both clients and end users – from initial construction through use, cleaning, maintenance, alterations and refurbishment, and demolition.

Noise exposure is the main cause of preventable hearing loss worldwide and construction professionals are particularly at risk. We explore the regulations designed to protect us and the role audiologists play in monitoring hearing ability.

From April 2017 the taxpayer will no longer foot the bill when it comes to apprenticeships. Large employers, including those in construction, will instead pay an Apprenticeship Levy administered via the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Here's what you need to know about the changes.

Its versatility led to prevalence. We explore the toxic legacy left by asbestos, its impact on the construction industry, and explore precautions required when managing and working with asbestos.

Revisions to BS 5266 have been made to better align the document with national and European standards and to reflect the fact that, in some scenarios, such as hospitals or care homes, occupants may need to remain on the premises in safety.

NBS research has found that Approved Documents are valued by users and are essential in making sure people comply with the building regulations. There is, however, work to be done to make them fit for digital construction.

Is the green belt a sustainable idea in a time of housing crisis? Alister Scott, Professor of Environment and Spatial Planning at Northumbria University and puts the case for greater strategic cross-boundary planning.

Windows are one of the most important elements of a building’s thermal envelope; providing aesthetics, letting in light, helping control sound, and serving as a means of natural ventilation. The history of windows is enmeshed in the history of architecture, and their evolving design is a tribute to not only architectural advancement, but to the progression of framing materials and glass manufacturing.

Does your Medium daily digest need a boost? Check out these posts with a construction connection and load up on essential reading from the blogosphere.

Introducing BS 8536-2: 2016. A new addition to the BIM Level 2 suite of documents gives recommendations for briefing for design and construction in relation to energy, telecommunication, transport, water and other utilities’ infrastructure to ensure that design takes into account the expected performance of the asset in use over its planned operational life.

As an employer, you are responsible for providing personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace and ensuring it is used appropriately. This article outlines some of the critical considerations for what PPE you should use on your projects.