Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Recording defects - 1
The wrong location of service holes for pipes, lighting points, ventilation ducts and
such like may become the responsibility of the client's design team.
Defects record sheets may be prepared by a site manager or assistant manager as
part of their routine observations. A systematic approach to recording the observa-
tions in a specific defects file is essential.
The recording of photo images is standard practice with a growing band of clerks
of works.
Typical headings from a clerk of works record sheet include:
●
references
●
issue/defect identified
●
date reported
●
photo image display
●
responsibility: design or contractor
●
risk identification
●
further measures
●
date defect was completed
A similar photo image approach can be applied to defect checks during the installa-
tion or fixing of an item while work is in progress.
Similar procedures may be adopted at the snagging (handover) stage of the pro-
ject. Where on these occasions the clerk of works may be treated as “enemy number
one”. Please note, “The inspector may only be carrying out his job”.
The management of defects that arise during a project is often difficult for the
contractor to handle. It is therefore important to adopt a more organised approach
to the recording of defects.
A defective work notice form is illustrated, as used by a large contracting organisa-
tion; each major company tends to develop their own approach to notifying action
on defective work.
Where subcontractors fail to undertake the work, procedures are often in place
to contra charge the subcontractor. This may sound a sensible approach in prac-
tice but recovering the costs once the subcontractor has left the site may prove
difficult.
