The ORS Building Surveying team is often asked: “Why are you recommending a property boundary survey when we use Ordinance Survey Ireland (OSI) detail anyway?” A fair question, but the answer is often a little more complicated. The reason for this recommendation is to have a clear picture of the true ground position of the
Energy Master Plans (EMP) are methods for Sustainable Energy Communities to understand and identify their current situation and projected destination in relation to energy use. EMPs can be used as road maps for communities to achieve significant savings on energy expenditure and waste, focusing on a targeted approach. Communities often have a very good grasp
Risks and opportunities are present in all projects. Risks are classified as negative effects and opportunities are seen as positive. Risks should be identified at the earliest possible stage of a project. A risk plan and risk matrix are important inputs for a project management plan. The risk matrix assesses the probability and impact of
As the easing of Covid-19 restrictions continues, businesses across the country begin the process of reopening. In the best interests of staff and customers, they will be reviewing their premises and business practices to incorporate the “social distance” guidelines. In the rush to comply with these guidelines, we must not overlook that any change to
Temporary works are required for almost every construction project, but understanding what temporary works are and how to manage them adequately is often misunderstood. The Code of practice for temporary works procedures … (BS 5975:2019) defines temporary works (TW) as: “those parts of the works that allow or enable the construction of protecting, support or
In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on urban traffic congestion and air pollution. This has led to Dublin Transportation Office issuing an Advice Note on Mobility Management Plans with respect to transport management at individual premises. The National Transport Agency The National Transport Agency also issued “Achieving Effective Workplace Travel Plans: Guidance for
Improvise, adapt, overcome. “Improvise, adapt, overcome” is an unofficial slogan among the U.S. Army Marines made popular by Clint Eastwood’s character Sergeant Thomas Highway in the movie Heartbreak Ridge. Being faced with a challenge is often the time when people are most inventive and when ingenuity and creativity thrive. The challenges faced by people in
The importance of engineering in refurbishment and fitout projects The successful change of use or refurbishment of existing buildings to facilitate the fitout of retail, commercial, hospitality or healthcare facilities, requires careful planning and coordination. A key to the success of a refurbishment or change of use project is the early establishment of a competent
The importance of evacuation maps Much like how passengers often fail to pay proper attention during the air steward’s safety demonstration before a flight, evacuation maps have become so ubiquitous and so ingrained into modern life that building occupants may often ignore them. And just like the air steward’s pre-flight demonstration, evacuation maps can save
Firewater Risks Assessments explained A Firewater Risk Assessment (FWRA) is an evaluation of the predicted volume and composition of firewater generated in the event of a fire occurring on-site. Firewater, in this context, is defined as the liquid which arises from water, foam, rainwater or other substances that have been used for fire-fighting purposes. Firewater