Five building control tips for modular school buildings
26th January 2011
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To avoid problems developing at the construction stage – when changes cost time and money – John Mitchell, Area Manager for Regional Building Control, is here with guidance on five key Building Regulations issues that modular builders should consider at the design stage.
- Consider wheelchair access, as units are often raised above ground level, ramped wheelchair access is usually needed.
- The type of heating system and thermal envelope properties needs consideration, to meet the 2010 Part L 25% reduction in CO2 emissions. Air test results for factory made modular buildings less than 500m2 can be based on five in-situ tests on similar models to show that the air test results are better than the assumed Design Air Permeability by not less than 1.0 m3/(h.m2).
- Foundation type: sometimes pads on an existing good quality car park or playground can be justified, but otherwise suitable new pad foundations, taken below the level of any filled ground would be needed.
- Provide suitable fire engine access to fight any fire. Modular units for schools are often placed at the rear of the school, away from suitable roads / hard standings for fire brigade fire tender access, or access is blocked by the existing school buildings.
- Careful sitting of units to avoid fire spread to adjacent boundaries needs consideration as does the proximity to existing school buildings to avoid fire spread. This is considered as a property protection issue under the schools fire design guide BB100 and other issues such as site security to avoid arson should be considered as part of a Fire Risk Assessment.
RBC is approved by the Government to carry out the full functions of Building Control as a Corporate Approved Inspector (CAI), as defined in the Building Act 1984.
It is an independent and proactive company, aiming to collaborate with design and construction teams to ensure the needs of the client and the Building Regulations are met effectively and efficiently.
RBC has completed more than 500 building projects within the education sector.
For more information go to www.rbcltd.co.uk or call 01992 653 900.
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