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Construction Cheat Book

The document outlines essential questions for construction recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding project scope, worker roles, and safety requirements. It also defines key construction terms, roles, safety protocols, and regulations to ensure effective project management and compliance. This information aids in building trust, preventing miscommunication, and maintaining professionalism in the construction industry.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
10 views

Construction Cheat Book

The document outlines essential questions for construction recruitment, emphasizing the importance of understanding project scope, worker roles, and safety requirements. It also defines key construction terms, roles, safety protocols, and regulations to ensure effective project management and compliance. This information aids in building trust, preventing miscommunication, and maintaining professionalism in the construction industry.

Uploaded by

hrstarcol
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rule of Thumb Questions for Construction Recruitment

1. What is the project scope and timeline?


Reason to Ask: Understanding the nature of the project (e.g., residential,
commercial) and timeline ensures you recommend workers with the right
expertise and availability.
2. How many workers are needed, and for what roles?
Reason to Ask: Knowing the specific roles (e.g., dry liners, electricians,
groundworkers) allows you to provide an accurate and timely solution. Some roles
require niche skills, so clarity helps avoid delays.
3. How long do you need these workers for?
Reason to Ask: Clarifies the duration of assignments and helps you plan worker
rotations or replacements as needed.
4. Do you need all these workers at the same time or on different start dates?
Reason to Ask: Small projects might not have formal Gantt charts, but
understanding the sequence (e.g., groundworkers first, then dry liners and
painters) ensures you supply workers at the right times and avoid idle labor costs.
5. Do workers need CSCS cards or other certifications?
Reason to Ask: CSCS cards and certifications (e.g., PASMA for scaffolding,
NICEIC for electricians) are often mandatory for health and safety compliance on
UK construction sites.
6. Are tools and PPE provided on-site?
Reason to Ask: This avoids misunderstandings about what workers need to
bring, ensuring they are properly equipped and ready to work without delays.
7. Are there any site-specific health and safety requirements?
Reason to Ask: Toolbox talks, site inductions, or unique risks might affect worker
preparation and project compliance.
8. What is the budget per role, and how are payments structured?
Reason to Ask: Understanding payment terms ensures alignment on worker
expectations and helps avoid disputes over compensation.
9. Will workers need additional training or inductions?
Reason to Ask: Some clients have specific onboarding processes. Knowing this
upfront ensures workers are briefed and ready to start immediately.
Why These Questions Matter
• They help build trust by showing your team understands construction industry
requirements.
• They prevent miscommunication that could disrupt the project.
• They ensure your company maintains a reputation for professionalism and
reliability.

General Construction Terms

1. RFI (Request for Information):


a. Definition: A formal request from contractors to clarify project details from
the client or architect.
b. Relevance: Ensures proper understanding of project specifications and
avoids delays.

2. Gantt Chart:
a. Definition: A project timeline chart that shows the schedule of tasks, their
dependencies, and progress.
b. Relevance: Used for large projects to coordinate timelines (small projects
often use verbal or simple scheduling instead).

3. Scope of Work (SOW):


a. Definition: A detailed document that defines the project deliverables,
timeline, and tasks.
b. Relevance: Ensures all stakeholders have clear expectations.

4. Turnkey Project:
a. Definition: A project where the contractor manages everything from start
to finish, delivering a ready-to-use result.
b. Example: Constructing and furnishing a commercial office.

5. Snag List:
a. Definition: A list of minor issues or defects identified at the end of a project
that need fixing before handover.
b. Example: A door not closing properly or paint touch-ups.

Roles and Specializations

1. Dry Liner:
a. Definition: Installs plasterboards for partitioning walls and ceilings, often
with insulation or soundproofing.
b. Relevance: Common in residential and commercial interiors.

2. Groundworker:
a. Definition: Prepares the site, including excavation, drainage, and laying
foundations. *These are different types of groundworks so a ground worker
may not be skilled in all types of ground work.
b. Skills Needed: Operates machinery like diggers and rollers.

3. Bricklayer:
a. Definition: Specializes in building walls and structures using bricks or
blocks and mortar.
b. Relevance: Essential for residential and commercial projects.

4. Joiner/Carpenter:
a. Definition: Works with wood to create structures like doors, windows, and
furniture.
b. Relevance: Different from a carpenter, joiners typically work off-site,
crafting pieces to be installed later.

5. Painter and Decorator:


a. Definition: Handles interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, and
finishing.
b. Relevance: Final stage of many construction projects.

6. Scaffolder:
a. Definition: Erects and dismantles scaffolding structures for workers to
safely access high areas.
b. Certifications: Requires a PASMA or CISRS card.

7. Electrician:
a. Definition: Installs and maintains electrical systems, including wiring,
lighting, and circuits.
b. Certifications: NICEIC certification and CSCS card.

8. Plumber:
a. Definition: Installs and repairs pipes, water systems, and heating systems.
b. Certifications: Often requires Gas Safe registration.

Site and Safety Terms

1. CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme):


a. Definition: A card proving a worker has the training and qualifications
needed for UK construction sites.
b. Relevance: Essential for most workers.

2. Toolbox Talk:
a. Definition: A short health and safety meeting conducted before the start of
a work shift.
b. Purpose: To discuss potential risks and site-specific safety measures.

3. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):


a. Definition: Safety gear like helmets, gloves, high-vis vests, goggles, and
steel-toed boots.
b. Relevance: Legally required on all construction sites.

4. Risk Assessment:
a. Definition: Evaluation of potential hazards on-site and how to mitigate
them.
b. Example: Identifying fall risks and providing safety harnesses.

5. RAMS (Risk Assessment and Method Statement):


a. Definition: A document outlining how a task will be carried out safely.
b. Relevance: Often required before starting high-risk tasks.

Site Management Terms

1. Foreman:
a. Definition: A supervisor responsible for managing workers and ensuring
the project stays on schedule.
b. Relevance: Acts as the client’s main point of contact on-site.

2. Site Induction:
a. Definition: A briefing for new workers about site-specific rules, safety
measures, and hazards.
b. Relevance: Mandatory before starting work on most construction sites.

3. Plant:
a. Definition: Heavy machinery used in construction (e.g., excavators,
cranes, and rollers).
b. Relevance: Often operated by groundworkers or specialized operators.

4. Blueprints:
a. Definition: Detailed drawings or plans showing the design and
specifications of a building.
b. Relevance: Guides workers during construction.

5. Handover:
a. Definition: The process of transferring a completed project to the client.
b. Relevance: Includes snagging and final inspections.

Regulations and Compliance

1. CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme):


o Definition: Accreditation showing contractors meet health and safety
standards.
o Relevance: Demonstrates credibility and compliance.
2. Building Regulations:
o Definition: Legal standards for construction, covering safety, energy
efficiency, and accessibility.
o Relevance: Ensures all work complies with the law.

3. CDM Regulations (Construction Design and Management):


o Definition: Rules to improve safety and efficiency during the design and
construction process.
o Relevance: Requires clear roles and responsibilities.

4. Permits to Work:
o Definition: Authorization required to carry out specific high-risk tasks (e.g.,
hot works, confined spaces).
o Relevance: Prevents accidents and ensures legal compliance.

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