Fire certs etc

Duncan31

Hi,
Some basic questions,

We have a small extension planned for summer/next year in our school. Its basicallly just a room consisting of 3/4 toilet cubicles & most likely a wheelchair access toilet.
We have got funding & want to get it underway asap.

From previous discussions with the Engineer, we will need planning & also a fire cert. He is discounting the summer holidays as he says the planning process will be at least 10 weeks from today. Fire cert also to be obtained.
he says the best option is to push it back into the new school year & work in an enclosed site while the school is in use.
Whats the story with fire cert? can he get that at the same time as the planning & so start in 10 weeks?

Poor Uncle Tom

Yes, the Fire Safety Certificate can be applied for at the same time as the Planning Application, you will also need a Disabled Access Certificate.

The good news is that there will not be any Local Authority application fees.

The bad news is that I don't think it can all be done in 10 weeks. It is possible but I don't think it is probable.

Duncan31

Is there any exemption re sq. footage for extension to a school building. We could possibly reduce size alittle if there was to avoid the planning
Thanks for the reply UncleTOM

muffler

Duncan31 wrote: »

Is there any exemption re sq. footage for extension to a school building. We could possibly reduce size alittle if there was to avoid the planning
Thanks for the reply UncleTOM

Not that Im aware of.

Poor Uncle Tom

No exemptions from planning for any extension to a school.

Mellor

No exemptions, the process lasts up to 8 weeks (forget about RFIs for now) but there is no reason why they couldn't decide after 5 weeks.
A school has probably the best chance of getting through quicker.
Facilites like toilets are a must, as is a DA toilet.

Get a councillor on board. Talk to the council. You might as well try get it asap, even if the 10 weeks ends up being the timeframe, its not a huge problem as you have to get PP sooner or later

No6

Get your engineer to talk to the fire dept, they often are aware of the time pressures for fire certs for summer scheme works, I ma currentlly doing one in Mayo and they have siad they will try to get it out as soon as possible. Make sure you are civered for health and saftey too and have a PSDP appointed.

Duncan31

Is there much involved in all the health & safety for a 20 sq.m. extension. Engineer isnt too happy about the fees available. He has undertaken the psdp role but what about the for the construction stage, on a small job like this, will the engineer or the builder be the project supervisor construction stage?

sydthebeat

Duncan31 wrote: »

Is there much involved in all the health & safety for a 20 sq.m. extension. Engineer isnt too happy about the fees available. He has undertaken the psdp role but what about the for the construction stage, on a small job like this, will the engineer or the builder be the project supervisor construction stage?

the PSCS should generally be part of the contractors responsibilities...
It really requires full time on site attendance

This should have been a condition of tender !!!!!


the engineer cannot be on site all day every day to ensure basic H&S requirements are met.

Poor Uncle Tom

Duncan31 wrote: »

Is there much involved in all the health & safety for a 20 sq.m. extension. Engineer isnt too happy about the fees available. He has undertaken the psdp role but what about the for the construction stage, on a small job like this, will the engineer or the builder be the project supervisor construction stage?

This is usually done by the Main Building Contractor but the PSDP can double with the consultant.

RKQ

Technical Guidance Document 008 on the Dept of Education sets out responsibilities of PSPD.

It also sets out memberships of prescribed professional organisations and requirements at Tender Stage.

See TG008 Appendix 1 Declaration.