Developers

Handbook for2012 EditionHomeowners& PropertyDevelopersThe Homeowners andDevelopers practical guideproviding information aboutsafer building, propertyownership and buildingmaintenance.

Table of ContentsPreface ...................................................Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Section 1: Getting Started1.1 Knowing and Complying With Requisite Legislation . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 Land Acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 Budget and Finance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31.4 Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.5 Estimates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41.6 Getting Organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Section 2: Selecting the Right Professional2.1 Building Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.1.1 An Architect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.1.2 An Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52.1.3 A Land Surveyor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62.1.4 A Building Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.1.5 A Plumbing Contractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72.1.6 An Electrical Inspector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Section 3: The Building Design Process3.1 Before designing your building, you must. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83.2 Know what hazards can affect your property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113.3 Retaining Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233.4 See your building before the construction phase . . . . . . . . . . . . .Section 4: Preparing the Site4.1 Site Preparation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244.2 Find out if you need an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ....254.4 Stormwater Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274.5 Erosion and Sediment Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294.6 Slope Stabilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354.7 Management of Fill and Construction Materials. . . . . . . . . . . . 39Section 5: Constructing the Building5.1 Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 415.2 Building Material. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 525.3 Substructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 555.4 Superstructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64i

5.5 Mechanical Engineering Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 835.6 External Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93Section 6: Post Construction Considerations6.1 Management of Construction Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 976.2 Landscaping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 976.3 Managing Household Waste . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97Section 7: Property Maintenance7.1 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 997.1.1 Maintenance of your Building and Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 997.1.2 Insurance Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1007.2 Keep your property clear of debris and potential windborne missiles. ..1047.3 Importance of Home Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1057.4 Interior and Exterior Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106Section 8: Disaster Preparedness8.1 Create a Disaster Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1088.2 Disaster Supply Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109Section 9: AppendicesBuilding Permit Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Form . . . . . . . . . . . . 112Virgin Islands Building Ordinance (No. 10 of 1955). . . . . . . . . 113The Land Development Control Guidelines 1972 . . . . . . . . . . 114Land Development (Control) Ordinance No. 3 of 1969. . . . . . 115Planning Authority Permission to Develop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116Subdivision Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117Building Plans and Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118Change of Use of Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Non-Belonger Landholders License. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122Notes .................................................ii

PrefaceThis Second Edition of the Homeowners and DevelopersHandbook is designed to provide a practical guideand information for those initiating or assistingin projects to construct, maintain, alter orextend a building in the Virgin Islands, takinginto account local laws and regulations.The goal of the handbook is to provide information tohomeowners about safer building, property ownership and buildingmaintenance. It also provides new, existing and prospectivedevelopers with tips on buying, building and maintaining their home orproperty.The content of the Handbook was improved to include specific details onClimate Change. Climate Change is a worldwide phenomenon that cannegatively impact people and countries the world over. The Caribbean regioncontributes very little greenhouse gases to the atmosphere compared toindustrialized nations; however, this will not lessen the impacts experienced bythe region nor will it reduce the economic hardship that can result from globaltemperature change. People of the region need to do what they can to reducegreenhouse gas emissions and one way of doing that is to keep the naturalenvironment in mind when planning a new structure. It is important forhomeowners and developers to include features and use techniques that willresult in reduced reliance on fossil-fuel based energy and incorporaterenewable energy and efficient appliances/fixtures as much possible. Not onlywill you reduce your contribution to climate change, but you will benefitfinancially from a structure that is more energy-efficient and sustainable.iii

The Virgin Islands are exposed to a number of natural and manmade hazards.The greatest threats come from hurricanes and earthquakes. After HurricaneHugo in 1989, 30% of the territory’s housing stock was damaged. Seismicresearch has indicated that this region has the potential to experience anearthquake of 7.5 – 8.5 magnitude. Earthquakes of this magnitude have beenrecorded in the Virgin Islands region during the 18th and 19th century.In 1995, the DDM undertook a Hazard and Risk Assessment Project (HRAP) thatestablished the nature of hazards, both natural and man made, to which the VIare exposed. From the HRAP also came recommendations for a Mitigation andDevelopment Planning Framework which is now incorporated into the VirginIslands Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and ProgrammingFramework. The DDM’s Mitigation and Planning Programme is responsible forguiding the work of this Framework. One of the key initiatives in theFramework is Public Information and the need to educate developers about themitigation measures that can be implemented to safeguard their homes andproperty.At present, property ownership is on the rise in the Virgin Islands. The PlanningAuthority currently receives approximately 500 applications per year.The handbook is designed to guide developers in the building process andinform them of ways to ensure that they have a safe building that they couldenjoy for a lifetime. The handbook includes input from the various public andprivate agencies that are involved in the development process.iv

AcknowledgementsResearched and Compiled by:Trojan Design and Development Ltd.Enviro Con St. Vincent and the GrenadinesEdited by:ContributorsSharleen DaBreo, DDMZebalon McLean, DDMVI Fire & Rescue ServicesEnvironmental Health UnitHealth Services DepartmentWater & Sewerage DepartmentBVI Electricity CorporationBanco Popular (Tortola Branch)Caribbean Insurers LtdCable & Wireless (WI) LimitedReferencesCaribbean Disaster Mitigation Projectwww.cens.comwww.blueprintforsafety.comwww.toolbase.orgFormat, Layout & DesignPhotographsTrojan Design and Development Ltd.Dawlin DesignsDepartment of Disaster ManagementDepartment of Disaster Management (DDM)#3 Wailing Road, MacNamara, Tortola, VG1110Telephone: 284-468-4200Fax: 284-494-2024Email: bviddm@surfbvi.comv

Section 1:Getting Started1.1 Knowing & Complying With Requisite LegislationWhen the decision has been firmly made to begin the development process,persons need to be mindful of and familiar with specific pieces of legislation.The Physical Planning Act, 2004 outlines step by step methods to develop landin an orderly manner in both urban and rural areas. It encouragesenvironmental protection and allows for the improving of existing structures.The Act grants permission to the developers of land to have control over whatthey want to do with their property, within certain legal parameters.Section 19 of the Building Ordinance (Cap.234) provides a mechanism for themaking of detailed regulations to regulate building standards in the Territory.The Ordinance also provides an enforcement mechanism to ensure adherenceto any regulations made thereunder. The making of such regulations isparticularly relevant considering the natural hazards (such as hurricanes andearthquakes) that affect countries in the Eastern Caribbean region, includingthe British Virgin Islands. The Building Regulations, 1999, therefore, placesemphasis on the development of building standards which would prevent ormitigate damage arising from natural hazards.The Building Regulations 1999 applies to the design and construction of newbuildings and the alteration, reconstruction, demolition, removal, maintenanceand occupancy of existing buildings or any appurtenances connected to orattached to such building or structures. The Regulations, in effect, provideadministrative and enforcement mechanisms relating to building practices andthe use of acceptable material and building systems. They also provide for theapproval of any system or material which can be demonstratively proven to beresistant to natural hazards. Furthermore, the Regulations address issuespertaining to public health and safety in the construction of buildings,precautions to be adopted during building construction, provision of watersupply services, and the regulation of sewage and waste disposal, plumbing,solid waste disposal, electrical and mechanical installations, dead and live loads,excavations and foundations, timber construction, concrete masonry, plain andreinforced concrete, structural steel construction and the construction of smallbuildings.Homeowners are advised to obtain a copy of the Physical Planning Act and theBuilding Regulations prior to the design and construction of their home.1

1.2 Land Acquisition and Hazard Vulnerability AssessmentsIf you have not already acquired your property, there are certain things toconsider since the terrain of the islands are largely mountainous and the islandsare prone to tropical weather patterns which can cause various natural hazardsimpacts.It is recommended that before you acquire land, or begin to design yourstructure, that a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) be conducted todetermine the susceptibility of the area to specific hazards; the likely strengthor intensity of an event when it occurs, and the likelihood or chance of such anevent occurring. This assessment is based on geological mapping and scientificmodels, and includes recommendations for mitigation methods, specific toeach development and each hazard identified within the assessment.Purchasing land or building without an HVA may result in poor design andconstruction or the land being subsequently determined unsafe for certainconstruction due to the type of soil composition in the area or other geologicalfactors. An HVA can be obtained from the Department of Disaster Managementwithin a 3-4 week timeframe.1.2.1 The Cadastral MapIt is important to get a copy of the Cadastral Map for the parcel of land forwhich you intend to purchase from the Lands and Survey Department.Where there is a building or other structure on the land it is alsorecommended to obtain an "As Built" Survey. A contact list ofrecommended surveyors can be obtained from the Lands and SurveyDepartment.1.2.2 The AppraisalThe purchase price for land in the Virgin Islands is determined by severalfactors, it therefore becomes necessary to ensure that the market price isdetermined by an independent appraiser who has experience andknowledge of the market. A contact list of recommended appraisers can beobtained from your financing institution.1.2.3 The Agreement for SaleOnce you have fixed the sale price and an agreement is drawn up andsigned, land searches are conducted at the Registry of Lands, High CourtRegistry and the Inland Revenue Department to verify that all legal andfinancial matters are in place to allow for the sale of the land. Expatriatesinterested in purchasing land must obtain a license to purchase and holdland in the Virgin Islands from the Ministry of Natural Resources andLabour.2

1.3 Budget and FinanceIt is important that a detailed budget is prepared and used to keep the projecton track at all times. There are many products and construction methods thatare available in various price ranges. Before you start anything you might wantto talk to your bank or mortgage company to make sure you are able to get themoney needed to complete your project.Banks and LoansApproval is based on the applicant's credit worthiness, (taking intoconsideration present and past credit performance), job and residencestability, and the financial ability to service the loan. The maximum amountthe bank would finance for a construction loan is 80% of the appraised valueof the property, inclusive of the value of the land. The estimated interestamount payable during the construction stage is worked into the loan. Ifthe loan is approved, an origination fee, legal fees, interest and escrowadjustments would be deducted from the requested amount.However you chose to finance your purchase having the monies availableprior to closure will be significant and so an early start to understandingwhat would generally be required in loans of this nature is absolutelycritical. You may obtain a mortgage loan for up to 30 years if it is residentialand 20 years if it is commercial.Don't forget to budget for the retaining walls/structures, driveway,sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, blinds and maybe even some new furnitureor appliances.InsuranceHomeowners insurance protects your home, its contents, and indirectly,other assets in the event of fires, theft, accidents or hazard impacts Astandard homeowner's policy will protect you from things like fires andfallen trees. Coverage for the impact of natural hazards such as floods orearthquakes may require additional coverage. Banking institutions mayrequire insurance protection during the construction phase of your projectand for the duration of the Loan. It is important that you have a clearunderstanding of these costs as they will impact on the actual fundsavailable for construction and your monthly payments on the loan.3

1.4 Plans:Before you choose a plan, take into account your lifestyle and your budget. It isvery easy to go over budget or choose a plan that looks ideal on paper, but doesnot suit your needs. There are many design books on the market that you canuse as a guide to help you decide on the layout of your building. It isrecommended that you hire an architect to design a house for you.Make sure you have enough copies of your plan, 10 would be an ideal number.Three copies will have to be submitted to the Town and Country PlanningDepartment. Your building permit — to be obtained from Building Authority atPublic Works Department — will require an additional 3 copies and you willhave to leave an approved plan at your place of lending. Many of the sub tradesneed a plan to price out their work. If subdivisions are needed this will alsorequire a set of plan.1.5 Estimates:At least 2 cost estimates should be obtained from all the sub trades needed tocomplete the project. It is wise to use REPUTABLE companies with localexperience and good references. Compare all the quotes to make sure theyinclude the same material and work, and of course the quality of the material.Cheaper is not always better.In order to fully understand the value and cost of your development, a Bill ofQuantities is required. This document is used to itemize the cost of material andlabour. It is also designed to detail the terms and conditions of the constructionand/or repair contract, and itemizes all work to enable assigned pricing.1.6 Getting Organized: Now you need to choose the right professionals.4

Section 2:Selecting the Right Professional2.1 Building Professionals2.1.1 An Architect: is a professional who has achieved an acceptablelevel of knowledge in theory and practice to function in the field ofarchitecture. A professional architect should be able to provide you with aportfolio of his/her work, qualifications and references.Architects are trained to:Design a structure to respond to existing natural conditionsCreate options for buildingMaximize your construction dollarIncrease your home's resale valueEnsure that construction is carried out according to the plan, andProvide quality, professional services2.1.2 An Engineer: In certain conditions an engineer may be required.Your Architect, General Contractor or yourself may feel there is somethingabout the house or lot, which requires a stamp of approval from anengineer.The success of a project is enhanced by the engagement of thebest engineering expertiseThey bring experience from other related projects to your projectThey provide specialist expertise which you may not economicallyprovideThey can provide the manpower required to meet tight schedulesThey bring current knowledge of codes, standards, and proceduresto your projectThey reduce life cycle costs of a project by optimizing designThey can provide the full range of services from policy formulation,concept development, pre-design, design, tender period services,construction administration, testing, commissioning, as well asoperating/maintenance assistanceNote: Both Civil and Structural Engineers deal with the analysis, designconstruction, and maintenance of elements.5Civil Engineers, however, focus on areas involving transportation and theenvironment. These include roads, dams, buildings, water treatmentcomponents, canals, ghuts, etc.

Structural Engineers, on the other hand, deal with the structuralelements of buildings and bridges. They have knowledge regarding thebehavior and maintenance of load bearing mechanisms, such as plates,shells, columns, beams and cantilevers.Geotechnical Engineers examine the behavior of earth material, such assoil and rock layers, in order to determine their physical and chemicalproperties. They use this information to design foundations and earthstructures for buildings and roads. They specifically focus on ensuringthat a building will remain standing on unstable soil, or preventingearthquakes and landslides from impacting major roads. They also workon projects that deal with underwater soils, such as those affectingmarinas.2.1.3 A Land Surveyor: is a professional who is licensed and isregulated by the Virgin Islands Government Lands and Survey Board, who,through a combination of education and experience, understands and isable to delineate the physical characteristics of land, and is also qualified toperform and depict a physical retracement of the legal history of that land.A Licensed Land Surveyor uses applied mathematics and other technicaland research skills to measure and plot: the dimensions of any portion ofthe Earth's surface, natural and man-made structures, the lengths anddirections of boundary lines, and the contour of the earth's surface.Land Surveyors are also knowledgeable regarding zoning regulations,planning regulations, building codes, health codes, wetland regulations andgeneral land use requirements. Land Surveyors may offer a variety ofservices including:Boundary SurveysProposed Plot PlansBuilding Location and Foundation Location SurveysTopographic SurveysSubdivision Design and PlanningGlobal Positioning System SurveysGeodetic Control SurveysEnvironmental Impact StatementsWetland Delineation and LocationMitigation PlansLand Development PlansPercolation Tests and Soil DescriptionsConstruction and Transportation StakingMonitoring of Structural Settling of Buildings and Other StructuresUtility and Pipeline Surveys6

2.1.4 A Building Contractor: is a contractor whose principal contractingbusiness is in connection with any structure built, being built or to be built.A building contractor may perform the following tasks:Examine and interpret clients' plans or arrange the drawing of plansto meet building regulationsSubmit tenders (offers to do jobs at a stated price), quotes or pricesfor the project to clientsArrange submission of plans to local authorities for approval andarrange inspection of building worksOrganize subcontractors to carry out all stages of building andnegotiate rates of payCalculate quantities of material required for building projects andorder these from building suppliers or advertise for tendersArrange delivery times of materials to coincide with various stages ofthe building processSupervise the work of subcontractors to make sure buildings are of anacceptable standard and are proceeding according to scheduleCoordinate the activities of office staff involved in the preparationand payment of accountsTalk to lawyers and financial institutions on matters relating to loansand contracts for building projects.Undertake some of the building work personally2.1.5 A Plumbing Contractor: is a professional contractor that providesa means for a supply of safe water, ample in volume and of suitabletemperature for the purpose intended and the proper disposal of fluidwaste from the premises in all structures and fixed works. Thisclassification includes but is not limited to:Complete removal of waste from the premises or the constructionand connection of on-site waste disposal systems;Piping, storage tanks and venting for a safe and adequate supply ofgases and liquids for any purposeAll gas appliances and gas connections for all systemsWater and gas piping from the property owner's side of the utilitymeter to the structure or fixed works;Installation of any type of equipment to heat water, or fluids,including the installation of solar equipmentThe maintenance and replacement of all items described above.2.1.6 An Electrical Contractor: places, installs, erects or connects anyelectrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solarphotovoltaic cells or any part hereof, which generate, transmit, transformor utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose.7

Section 3:The Building Design Process3.1 Before designing your building, you must…3.1.1 Make site visits to acquaint the Architect and you the homeownerwith what size building can be accommodated on the property. After sitesurveying, a certified surveyor produces a topographic survey to includecontour lines, existing elements like trees, boulders, ghuts etc. Thisinformation is necessary for the architect to assist in designing a suitablebuilding for the site. The sun's passage through the sky should bedocumented for a better understanding of the structure's fenestration(openings for light), shade and shadow. Wind currents should be noted forventilation purposes. Visits to the site should be made as often asnecessary to eliminate surprises during the course of the project.3.1.2 Be aware of all of the impacts your site will have on yourstructure and how the structure will impact the site during the designphase of the project. Ensure that the structure is designed with the naturalenvironment and potential hazard impacts in mind.Consider incorporating “green” building and energy efficient designtechniques and devices into your structure to address concerns related toclimate change. Such considerations include: window and door placementin relation to the passage of the sun; day lighting; using skylights/solartubes; making use of prevailing winds for natural ventilation; using shadetrees and landscaping; using verandahs/porches and windowscreens/awnings.3.1.2.1 Window and Door Placement: One of the first things toconsider when designing buildings in hot climates is avoiding theheating of direct sunlight while making use of as much natural light aspossible to reduce the use of artificial lighting and energy use. If yourentire structure or specific rooms are to be air conditioned, considerefficient windows and doors.3.1.2.2 Daylighting involves the use of lightshelves and other devices that bounces natural lightfarther into the interior of a structure whileeliminating direct sunlight. The need for artificiallighting is reduced, as is energy use, when morenatural light is allowed to enter a structure. Theconcept of day lighting and light shelves areillustrated in graphic to the right.Exterior Light Shelf8

Example Interior Light Shelf3.1.2.3 Skylights/solar tubes: These devices, if placed properly, canemit light and exclude direct sunlight, thereby reducing energy use.Skylights can also aid with natural ventilation by allowing hot air toescape to the outdoors.3.1.2.4 Verandahs/porches and screens/shutters/awnings-Strategically placed verandahs/porches can shade windows and doorsfrom direct sunlight and aid in cooling the interior. The threat ofhurricanes and earthquakes should be kept in mind when designingsuch features. Screens/shutters/awnings, if properly designed, canreduce heat gain from direct sunlight. The east side of a structure isexposed to a higher arching sun. Shade devices on this side should bevertical. The west side of a structure is exposed to a lower sun anglethat projects sunlight and heat almost vertically into a building. Shadedevices on this side would be horizontal. Depending on the design andmaterial used, they can also protect windows during storms andhurricanes.9Examples of Window Shading

3.1.2.5 Trees/landscaping: If feasible, use should be made of existingtrees on your property. Work with your architect to decide if maturetrees can be used to provide shade. Keep in mind the potentialdamage that can occur to your structure if trees topple during atropical storm or hurricane. Use landscaping wherever possible toshade windows and doors from direct sunlight.3.1.2.6 Natural Ventilation: Other climate-specific design issues toconsider are rainfall and wind direction. Designing a house withouttaking into consideration how to prevent rain runoff from eroding afoundation or orienting windows to allow dust and other airborneproducts to enter a building are unprofessional solutions to a siteproblem. Work with your design professional to make full use of theprevailing winds in the region as this can have a significant impact onenergy used for cooling without ignoring the issues noted above.3.1.2.7 Roofs: Mostresidential structures in theCaribbean utilize galvanizeroof sheeting and mosthomeowners have theirroof sheeting pre-paintedto extend its lifespan dueto corrosion. Having yourroof pre-painted in a lightcolor will help withreflectivity and reduce the Depiction of Reflectivity and Emissivityheat that is transferred intoa structure. While white roofs are highly reflective, it is not practicalfor every location. If you have neighbors living above your residence,painting your roof white might create discord because of glare.Commercial and industrial structures may have better luck with awhite roof.3.1.2.8 Solar Panels: Taking advantage of the ample sunlight availablein the Caribbean is a good investment that can pay dividends for years.Consider the current cost of electricity and future increases, the cost ofinstalling solar panels and your return on investment.3.1.2.9 Solar hot water heaters: If you intend to invest in a hot watersystem, consider using a solar hot water over an electric system. Asolar hot water heater requires only an initial investment and it willsave you money for many years thereafter. You will pay for an electricsystem for as long as it is in service.10

3.1.2.10 Efficient fixtures/appliances: Consider using efficientappliances, fixtures and bulbs whenever and wherever possible as theywill save you money when compared to non-efficient versions. Keeplong term benefits in mind when purchasing electronic devices.3.1.3 Consider climate-specific design: This saves you money byincorporating the prevailing wind patterns and sun angles to maintain acomfortable temperature within the home. The materials used on thevarious sides of the building, depending on where they face, would notperform the same way.The east side of a structure is exposed to a higher arching sun. Shadedevices on this side should be vertical. The west side of a structure isexposed to a lower sun angle that projects sunlight and heat almostvertically into a building. Shade devices on this side would be horizontal.It would be advisable to thicken the walls facing west or use a lowinsulating material to diminish heat gain that is transferred into the interior.3.2 Know what hazards can affect your property:Hurricane: Protection can involve a variety of changes to your house andproperty... changes that can vary in complexity and cost. You may be able tomake some types of changes yourself. Complicated or large-scale changes andthose that affect the structure of your house or its electrical wiring andplumbing should be carried out only by a professional contractor licensed bywork in the VI. One example of hurricane protection is clearing the area aroundyour house by trimming trees and removing material that can be hazardousduring high winds.11

Hurricanes and tropical storms are cyclones with tropical origins (tropicalcyclones). Tropical storm winds are 39 to 73 miles per hour; hurricanes havewind speeds of 74 miles per hour or more. Hurricane winds blow in a largespiral around a relatively calm center known as the "eye." The "eye" is generally20 to 30 miles wide, and the storm may have a diameter of 400 miles across. Asa hurricane approaches, the skies will begin to darken and winds will grow instrength. A hurricane can bring torrential rains, high winds, and storm surge asit nears land. A single hurricane can last more than two weeks over open watersbefore impacting land.Storm Surge: Battering waves from storm surge may increase damage tobuildings located directly along the coast. The weight of the water and thepounding by frequent waves can demolish any structure not specificallydesigned to withstand such forces. It is therefore important to maintain therecommended setbacks from the high water mark as determined by the Townand Country Planning Department.3.2.1. Hurricane Resistant DesignHouse Design is also very important in making it disaster resistant. Thebest shape to resist high winds is a square because:It allows high winds to go around themIt is better braced against earthquakesIf other shapes are desired, efforts should be made to strengthen thecornersSquare (Best) Rectangle Long Rectangle L -ShapeDifferent House DesignsNOTE: If longer shapes are used, they must be designed to withstand the forces ofthe wind. Most houses are rectangular and the best layout is when the length isnot more than three (3) times the width.12

Lightweight flat roofs are easily blown off in high winds. In order tolessen the effect of the uplifting forces on the roof, the roof pitchshould not be less than 22”. Hip roofs are good, they have been foundto be more Hurricane resistant than gable roofs.Builders RemindersAv Avoid a low-pitched roof; use a hip roof or a high-pitchedgable roof.Avoid overhanging roofs. If overhangs or canopies aredesired, they should be separated from the main roofstructures.Avoid openings, which cannot be securely closed duringa hurricane; where openings are already in existence,hurricane shutters should be provided.Best plan shape for wind resistance is a square orrectangle with length to width ration no more than 3:1.13

Overhangs, Patios and Verandahs experience high wind pressures andshould be kept short and small.Avoid large overhangs as high wind forces build up under them.Overhangs should not be more than 18 inches at verges or eaves.Build verandah and patio roofs as separate structures rather thanextensions of the main building. They may blow off withoutdamaging the rest of the house.Window and Door ProtectionSome window and door protection seem to be considered anunattractive feature and are not an apparent priority to homeowners,but their importance should not be over looked as the glass doors andwindows offer very little resistance to high winds.The use of temporary shutters is a viable option over permanent ones,but can create a storage problem when they are not in use.Timber Shutterhinged alongsides of thewindow openingPlywood Sheetor CorrugatedGalvanized Iron SheetTimber Battenwith holes atbolts locationsLarge washersand nutsBoltsembeddedin wallPermanent ShuttersRemovable Shutter14

Hurricane shutters and other window protection available in the VI:Shutters: Accordion, Rolldown, Colonial and Bahama.Panels: Storm and LexanWindows and Screens: Impact Windows, Integral System Windows andStorm Screens.Note: The loss of a glass door or window will increase the pressure insideof the house and this pressure will cause failure of the roof structure.Bearing this in mind, both new and existing houses should havepermanent shutters installed or provision for temporary ones should bemade.Builders RemindersProvide window and door protection for all glassopenings and any other opening, which may requireprotection from strong winds. If shutters are of theremovable type, be certain that they can be installedquickly and easily.15

3.2.2 Earthquake – Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapsebuildings and bridges, electric and phone service and sometimestrigger landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires and hugedestructive ocean waves (tsunamis). Buildings with foundationsresting on unconsolidated landfill and other unstable soil, andtrailers and homes not tied to their foundations are at riskbecause they can be shaken off their mountings during anearthquake. When an earthquake occurs in a populated area, itmay cause deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.Most earthquake related injuries result from collapsing walls,flying glass, and falling objects as a result of the ground shaking,or people trying to move more than a few feet during the shaking.Much of the damage in earthquakes is predictable andpreventable.Earthquake Resistant DesignSoil Type and Condition: Bearing capacity is a factor. The VI doesnot have a soils map, however the bearing capacity may bedetermined by how other structures survived within the area.This affects the type and depth of footing that is designed.Building shape: Reasonably proportioned rectangular shapes,rather than long narrow buildings are best suited. Interior crosswalls help brace exterior walls against lateral forcesOpenings: Openings too close to corners weakens them.Maintain a distance of 25% of the height of the wall from thecorner, or a minimum distance of 1'-3”. Total length of openingshould be up to half the length of the wall between consecutivecross walls. The horizontal distance between two openings shouldbe at least one half the height of the shorter opening. For twostorey buildings, the vertical distance from an opening to onedirectly above it should be at least two feet, or at least one halfthe width of the smaller opening.16

3.2.3 Fires: Fire in a home is a major hazard that all homeownersshould be aware of. Early detection is the key to protecting your familyand keeping damage to a minimum. Ensure your home has smokedetectors, well-insulated electrical cords, covered weather proof exterioroutlets, fire extinguishers purchased for the specific area of use (kitchenor cooking areas, bedrooms, offices). It is a good idea to keep trees andother flora near the house trimmed to diminish their ability to transfer afire to the home and to avoid limbs from falling in a tropical storm.Knowledge of your home's electrical system is also valuable in case youhave to turn off all power in case of an emergency, such as a fire. Youshould know the location of the main electric switch in the house andhow to use it. You should also know the location of the fuse box or circuitbreaker and how to reset a breaker or replace a fuse in case one blows.3.2.3.1 Fire resistant design - While the area around the home isimportant, the construction of the home itself also is significanthere are some fundamentals:Make sure the roof material is rated for fire resistance. Theroof is a critical area due to its surface area and tendency toaccumulate blowing cinders.Buy fire-resistant materials or treat existing ones with fireretardants.Hang shutters outdoors or fire-resistant drapery indoors.Cover open areas in the foundation and eaves with metalscreenChoose a building site away from the top of a ridge.Keep LP tanks at least 30' away from the house. LP tanksshould also be located at the same level as the home ifpossible.3.2.3.2 Fire resistant landscape design - Your top priority outdoorsis creating a defensible space around the house or otherstructures. Defensible space is the term used to define an areaaround the house where flammable material has been removed or reduced. This area serves as a fuel break and bufferzone. The goal is to keep a fire moving slow and low until it can beextinguished.The space serves two purposes in the event of wildfire to slow thefire down and give firefighters a space to concentrate on savingthe house itself.17

The minimum defensible space around a home is 30 feet. This area has little orno vegetation. As alternatives, walkways and stone walls can help dress up thelandscape.A second zone extending an additional75 feet is also recommended. This areahas more vegetation, but still followsfirewise guidelines.HOUSEZone 1 - 30ft.Zone 2 - Additional 75ft.Zone 3 - Unlimited GrowthThe secondary zone needs to be largerif the home is on top of a slope - up to100 feet is advisable.If these defensible space dimensionsexceed your property lines, make everyeffort to get your neighboring propertyowners involved in making the areafirewise.The key steps to a fire-safe landscape include:Clear or trim vegetation from around the house that might encouragefire or allow fire to "leapfrog" to another spot. Foundation plantingsespecially need to be addressed.Choose fire resistant plants for the landscape.Keep the area raked. Leaves are perfect fuel for fires. Remove duff. Duffis a layer of decomposing organic matter that lies below freshly fallenleaves and above the soil. Duff can ignite and smolder unnoticed.Decrease the number of trees in heavily wooded areas. Thin existingtrees to 10' apart at crowns. Keep the ground below trees free ofdebris.Any new tree or shrub plantings should be at least 10' - 15' apart.Remember to use the mature width when calculating the plantingspace.Plant in smaller beds. They are safer than large massed plantings. Spacetaller plants further apart than shorter ones.Don't plant trees underneath electrical lines. Have the power companykeep limbs clear of power lines.Keep dead or diseased trees and shrubs pruned or removed.Don't pile brush. Chip it and use in compost or remove it for disposal.Use rock and stepping stones for landscape features instead of plants,especially within the defensible space.Diversify plant selections. This reduces the chance of pests anddiseases. Healthy plants are more fire-resistant.Mow regularly. Grasses should be no taller than 8".18

Irrigate plants as well as your water situation allows.Avoid shrubs, trees and mulches with a high resin content. Avoid ladderfuels. These plants create a ladder for the fire to climb onto the roof ofthis home.Clean debris from gutters and roof. Leaves on the roof and in thegutters provide tinder for blowing sparks.Use thin layers of mulch; enough to suppress weeds but not enough tosmolder for hours.Avoid ladder fuels. These are subsequent plantings of grass andgroundcovers, shrubs and then trees. This style of planting allows fire tomove up to the treetops.Maintain all plants by regularly removing dead branches and leaves3.2.4 Flooding - As land is converted from fields or woodlands to roadsand parking lots, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall. Urbanization,or increasing nonporous paving materials, increases runoff two tosix times over what would occur on natural terrain. During periodsof urban flooding, streets can become swift moving rivers.Several factors contribute to flooding: rainfall intensity andduration. Intensity is the rate of rainfall, and duration is how longthe rain lasts.Topography, soilconditions, andground coveralso playimportant roles.Most flashflooding iscaused by slowmovingthunderstorms,thunderstormsrepeatedlymoving over the same area, or heavy rains from hurricanes andtropical storms. Floods, on the other hand, can be slow-or fastrising, but generally develop over a period of hours or days. Know ifa structure will be susceptible to flooding on your site. Yourarchitect should be able to assist you. Elevate the first floor slababove finished grade. Redirect runoff into ponds on the propertyor places where the water can be absorbed by the ground. Swalesare created to direct runoff to specific areas.19

Flood resistant design - Special consideration must be given byhome design professionals where houses are situated near ghuts,ponds and in flood prone areas in locating sewer systems andcisterns on the property site. Most buildings can be elevated toavoid flooding. There are also specific setback requirements thatmust be met when natural features are located on the property.If you are not sure whether your house is at risk from floodingcheck with the Town & Country Planning Department or theDepartment of Disaster Management. They can tell you whetheryou are in a flood hazard area. Also, they usually can tell you how toprotect yourself and your house and property from flooding.3.2.4.2 Stormwater ManagementStorm water management should be of concern to all propertyowners. The most obvious technique to reduce the amount ofstorm water generated from your property would be to reduceimpervious surfaces and protect forested areas to the greatestextent possible. Properly landscaping your property can helpwith controlling storm waterrunoff and erosion. Otherstormwater managementbest practices include raingardens or bioretentioncells, swales, infiltrationtrenches, permeablepavement and pavers andrain barrels. Keep in mindCross Section of Retention Cell/Rain Gardenthat it is more effective tocontrol storm water whereit is generated.Bioretention Cells or Rain Gardens are generally located at lowpoints where water would normally flow/collect/pond on a site.A depression is dug or a bank is created to contain the water.Gravel and/or sand is placed in the bottom to allow for goodinfiltration. Soil and native plants are added.Grassed swales are narrow, shallow depressions that serve ascollection and recharge points or conveyance or interceptorstructures for stormwater. Stormwater flows into and collectsin the swale and percolates downward. Swales can be used toconvey stormwater away from one location to another, likeaway from your foundation or driveway.20

The grass and shallowness of the swalesreduces the velocity of the water and allowsfor infiltration and reduces erosion andtransportation of debris and sediments.Picture on left depicts a grassed swale.Grassed SwaleInfiltration trenches are filled with stones orloose aggregate which allow storm water toinfiltrate to underlying soil. These devicescan be used in conjunction with otherstormwater management features. Careshould be taken to avoid clogging up the fillmaterial with debris and sediment. Anillustration of an infiltration trench isprovided below.Cross-section of a Typical Infiltration Trench21Porous or permeable pavement contains voids that allow waterto pass though to underlying layers instead of running along thesurface as runoff. Pervious asphalt and concrete are suitablefor roadways, parking lots, sidewalks, driveways and walkways.Porous surfaces will require maintenance. The voids must bekept open in order for infiltration to occur. Periodic vacuumingmay be required to remove silt and debris. Porous pavementshould be installed in areas where erosion/sediment is minimal.Other products are available that are considered porous andcan be used to replace concreteand other impervious surfaces.Permeable pavers can be madefrom concrete or plastic and canbe filled with grass, sand orgravel.Porous Pavement

Builders RemindersFor new buildings, ensure that the area to be builton is not within a designated flood plain, landslide orother hazardous area.Ensure that the minimum floor levels of thestructure are above the recorded flood levels.For existing buildings, have measures taken toprevent erosion due to wind and floodwater runoff,including provision for adequate natural or plantedvegetation.3.2.5 Landslide - Some landslidesmove slowly and cause damagegradually, whereas others moveso rapidly that they can destroyproperty and take lives suddenlyand unexpectedly. Gravity is theforce driving landslidemovement. Factors that allowthe force of gravity to overcomethe resistance of earth materialto landslide movement include:saturation by water, steepeningof slopes by erosion orconstruction, and earthquakeactivity.They usually start on steephillsides as shallow landslidesthat liquefy and accelerate tospeeds that are typically about10 miles per hour, but canexceed 35 miles per hour. The consistency of debris flows range fromwatery mud to thick rocky mud that can carry large items boulders,trees, and cars. Debris flows from many different sources can combine inchannels, and their destructive power may be greatly increased. Theycontinue flowing down hills and through channels, growing in volumewith the addition of water, sand, mud, boulders, trees, and othermaterials. When the flows reach flatter ground, the debris spreads over abroad area, sometimes accumulating in thick deposits that can causegreater problems in developed areas.22

3.2.5.1 Landslide Resistant Design - Minimize home hazards by:Planting ground cover on slopes and build retaining walls.Building channels or deflection walls to direct the flowaround buildings in mudflow areasRemember: If you build walls to divert debris flow and theflow lands on a neighbour's property, you may be liable fordamages.Install flexible pipe fittings to avoid gas or water leaks.Flexible fittings will be less likely to break.Contact the Town & Country Planning Department or theDepartment of Disaster Management on areas vulnerable toland sliding. Consult a professional geotechnical expert foropinions and advice on landslide problems and on correctivemeasures you can take.How to Protect Your PropertyIf your property is in a landslide-prone area, contact a privateconsulting company specializing in earth movement for opinions andadvice on landslide problems and on corrective measures you cantake. Such companies would likely be those specializing ingeotechnical engineering, structural engineering, or civilengineering. Local officials could possibly advise you as to the bestkind of professional to contact. Taking steps without consulting aprofessional could make your situation worse.3.3 Retaining StructuresHomeowners need to be aware of the concerns surrounding retainingwalls. They can be extremely expensive to construct and a wall that ispoorly designed and erected may lead to even greater expense, should itfail. They are not just for aesthetics; they are needed to help protectyour home and/or property and, therefore, need to be properlydesigned and constructed. It is important that your home is properlydesigned and sized to suit the land available, and to avoid the need forexcessively large retaining structures.3.4 See your building before the construction phaseUp to this point, your building should have been designed to minimizethe impact of the various hazards and to avoid any change orders duringconstruction that would adversely affect your finances.23

Section 4:Preparing the Site4.1 Site Preparation: This phase occurs before any construction work begins.The site is organized so that the construction process flows smoothly and sothat natural occurrences (rain, wind, etc) impact the least on the constructionschedule.Checklist for Site ConditionsConduct a general topography assessment and identify potentialhazardsThe topography will determine how storm water flows and the bestway to control and contain it without it migrating to adjoiningpropertiesLand slippage will be evidentAnalyse site to construct solutionsDetermine wind directionDetermine transportation access to the siteLocate existing public utilities (water, electrical, telephone lines) thatmay interfere with proposed developmentDetermine whether utilities exists or whether new installation isrequired for example a electrical construction meter or water meter.Consider the Flora; the general area of the structure should bedetermined and evaluated to identify what trees are to be removed.Evaluate what effect removing the trees would have on the overallnatural element activity of the site. As many trees as possible shouldbe preserved.Determine the most appropriate equipment for construction and howthese will access the site.Look for evidence of vermin infestation24

Determine how the slope steepness, friable soil, erosion possibilitiesduring rainstorms and foundation stability during an earthquake eventwill affect the proposed location of your house and septic systemConsider using a surveyor to locate the proposed driveway, septicand building location on your site prior to excavation.Ensure that you have the appropriate permits and approveddrawing to be on site and to allow for construction to commence.Notify the appropriate authorities when you are ready to excavateand during the various stages of the project, as required.Check locations for:Access road within propertyLocation of construction site officeStockpiling construction materials and fill (steel, cement, sand,gravel, plywood, tools etc.)Containing runoff (installation of silt fences, if necessary)4.2 Find out if you need an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):Environmental Impact Assessments arerequested for areas deemed sensitive todevelopment. It may be requested for:1. Large scale residentialdevelopments;2. Medium and largecommercial projects;3. Mining operations;4. Manufacturingdevelopments;5. Private energy reservessuch as oil on outerislands;6. Any kind ofdevelopment inenvironmentallysensitive area, and7. Developmentsnear any bodiesof water.GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDSR E P O R TEnvironmentalImpactAssessment(EIA)Beef IslandBritish Virgin IslandsSeptember 201225

An EIA should include:1. Detailed project description;2. Site history;3. Current and historical land use;4. Description of the site and the environment;5. Physical terrestrial characteristics;6. Review of prior baseline data for the site;7. The marine environment's characteristics and elements whereappropriate;8. Identification of possible impacts including impacts on coastal andmarine resources;9. Listing of all stakeholders and affected parties who will be contacted tothe extent possible;10. Mitigating alternatives to minimize unavoidable adverse impactsduring and after the construction phase;11. Longer-range likely impacts of proposed site activities;12. Subsequent long-term monitoring measures;13. Specified limits of change (i.e., inclusions) for future development forthe site;14. Identification of all adjacent or nearby environmentally sensitive orhistorically/culturally significant areas and development of an impactand mitigation strategy to protect the affected from harm;15. Summary and recommendation16. Images that document the existing environment and that support thedevelopment26

4.3 Avoid building on steep hillsides where there is very little shelter fromhigh wind, especially on slopes facing the sea. (Building on steep hill sidesshould be avoided all together). But if it cannot be avoided the hillsideshould be cut as shown in illustrations below. It is more suitable to build inareas, which provide natural shelter from high winds.Avoid locations marked with an XIf a steep Slope cut into the earth like this.4.4 Stormwater ManagementWhen a site is ready for earthworks to commence, roadway excavations,embankments, foundation preparations, drainage, stabilization andreinforcement and environmental factors will all be involved in thisprocess. Uniformity of earthworks throughout the development isnecessary for adequate stability. Contractor(s) must provide properequipment and construction procedures for all material and conditions tobe encountered. Architects, engineers, contractors and inspectors must allwork together, to establish the most appropriate construction methodsand procedures. Slope-cut definitions for various sites throughout theTerritory can be obtained from the Department of Disaster Management.These definitions should be used by building professionals in design andconstruction to prevent slope failure, land-sliding and over-steepening ofslopes.Before the start of construction, the architect, engineer and contractorshould implement an approved Erosion Control Plan to protect the projectfrom the elements, and to ensure that facilities adjacent to the site are notaffected. Limits to clearing and grubbing are recommended (Clearing is theremoval of trees and brush, grubbing is the removalof stumps and roots). Areas outside the work limitsare to be left in their natural condition, unlessotherwise designated on the plans. Natural featuresshould be left undisturbed where possible.27During excavation, a significant amount of materialmay be accumulated. It is important that you identifymaterial that is suitable for reuse and provide a safe, temporary storage onsite. Material for disposal must be safely transported, using appropriateequipment, and delivered to approved sites for disposal of fill.

Stormwater management is a system of processes that seek to minimizethe negative impacts of development on the natural drainage patterns atconstruction sites. Uncontrolled development of land has the followingpotential impacts:(a) The natural cycle of water is disrupted and altered(b) Clearing removes the vegetation that intercepts rainfall(c) Grading alters the natural terrain and removes natural depressionsthat serve as temporary storage for rainfall(d) The sponge-like layers of top soil and humus are scraped off, leavingartificially compacted soil that does not promote infiltration(e) Replacing natural vegetation with buildings, roadways, drivewaysand parking lots further reduce infiltrationAll of the impacts listed above cause increases in runoff from theconstruction site. This increase in runoff typically leads to erosion andflooding. Effective stormwater management will reduce or eliminate thesepotential impacts. When planning for a new construction, the designershould look at locating the building, driveway and other structures in amanner that will allow preservation of as much of the natural vegetation aspossible. Indiscriminate clearing of the entire site should be avoided, asthis increases runoff and the risk of erosion and landslides. These issues aremore prominent on steep hillsides.If the building site is located close to a ghut or similar drainage way, it isadvisable to consult with an engineer to evaluate the potential for flooding.The engineer will ensure that natural flow pattern through drainage swalesand culverts are not disturbed as this can lead to increased flooding notonly on the subject property, but also on adjacent properties and publicroadways. If a new culvert is needed for example to create a driveway, theculvert should be designed by a qualified engineer who is trained toquantify the rate of storm water flow and size the culvert appropriately.The engineer should also be involved during the construction of any stormwater management control device to ensure that the construction isconsistent with the design guidelines. Any recommendations made by anengineer should receive the approval of the relevant authorities beforeimplementation.Storm Water Management PracticesVarious techniques are available to implement proper strormwatermanagement controls on new developments that involve land disturbance.The developer or contractor should consult with a qualified engineer todetermine the best strormwater management practice for the project.Below are some of the practices that are in common use.28

(1) Stormwater DetentionOne of the effects of developments is to significantly increase runofffrom the site. Stormwater detention facilities are designed to interceptthe runoff, provide temporary storage and reduce the peak runoff topre-development rates. Detention facilities can take various forms,such as open ponds and large pipes placed underground. The type ofsystem used depends on the size of the land being disturbed, cost,developer preference and other factors. Stormwater detention isusually used on larger construction sites, or in areas where the existingstrormwater system might be overwhelmed by any increase in runoff.(2) Better Site DesignThe goal of this approach is to preserve as much of the naturalfeatures as possible to minimize the amount of impervious surface.This is achieved by positioning the buildings in a manner that will allowportions of the natural terrain and vegetation to be preserved.(3) Stormwater InterceptorsThe term Stormwater Interceptor used here includes any man-madefeature that intercepts and safely conveys strormwater runoff. Theseinclude storm drainage pipes, culverts, channels and swales. Whateverthe system used, the objective is to intercept the runoff and allow it toleave the site in a controlled manner so as not to cause any issuesdownstream such as flooding and erosion.4.5 Erosion and Sediment ControlErosion is the process by which soil particles are dislodged from the landsurface and transported across the landscape. The most common type oferosion is caused by rain falling on exposed surfaces typically caused fromman-made disturbances that remove the natural vegetative cover andleaving loose bare soil. When the rain drops hit the loose surface, the soilparticles are broken up and as the rain accumulates, runoff occurs andtakes the dirt particles with it down the slopes. Eventually this muddywater enters the streams where some of the sediment is deposited alongthe stream bed and depending on the quantity and velocity of the flow, canalso cause stream bank erosion. If no action is taken, erosion will continueindefinitely with more soil loss and over time will reduce the flow capacityof the stream and cause blockage of road culverts, which will increase therisk of severe flooding and damage to human life and property and willincrease sediment input in coastline/ocean which represents a threat tomarine life, including coral reefs.29

The most important measure to reduce erosion is to use proper planningwhen doing new construction. Since erosion occurs mostly when manremoves the natural vegetation and exposes the soil, the best action is tominimize the amount of land that is cleared.Before the land is cleared, steps should be taken to install an appropriatesediment barrier along the bottom of the slope where it is predeterminedthat the storm water runoff will flow to. The purpose of the barrier is toallow the water to pass through and trap the sediment behind. Dependingon the length of construction and how frequent the rainfalls are, it mightbe necessary from time to time to clean out the accumulated sediment toprevent the storm water runoff from flowing over the top of the sedimentbarrier. Unmaintained sediment barriers can also lead to eventual collapseof the system, rendering it useless.There are many types of sediment barriers that are typically used onconstruction sites depending on the anticipated severity of the erosion andthe risk of causing damage downstream. Some of the most common typesare discussed below.Silt Fence-Siltfence is availablein rolls and ismade from ameshed syntheticmaterial.Particularly insensitive areassuch as adjacent toa stream, a doublerow of silt fence isrecommended,spaced 12 inchesapart. Silt fence isinstalled by drivingwooden or steelpegs into theground and fixingthe silt fence toTypical Silt Fence Installationthe posts. The bottom portion of the silt fence should be embedded atleast 6 inches into the ground and covered to prevent scouring beneaththe fence through which the sediment could escape. The fence shouldbe inspected after every rainfall to locate any areas of failure orpending failure and take the appropriate action to correct the failure.30

Typical Fiber Roll InstallationHay BaleHay bales are composed of straw-like material and are commonly usedin place of, or in conjunction with silt fences to trap sediment.31

Rock Filter DamSmall to medium size rocks are piled up to form a barrier along thebottom of the slope or across small gullies where it is anticipated thaterosion will occur. Inspection is required after each rainfall to identifyany problems that could eventually lead to failure of the dam.Accumulated sediment should be removed periodically to preventovertopping of the dam.Rock Check DamIf construction activities involve disturbing a small drainage ditch orswale, rock check dams are installed across the ditch or swale toprevent transportation of the sediment downstream. The check damalso reduces erosion by slowing down the velocity of concentratedstorm water flow. Check dams are constructed of stones piled up toform a dam across the waterway.MulchingWhere practical, disturbed areas should becovered as quickly as possible. One method is touse wood mulch to spread over the disturbedarea as a temporary measure until permanentvegetation can be established. If the desiredquantity is available, mulch can also be used inmounds to act as a silt barrier.MulchingVegetationImmediately after earth moving activities are completed, all exposedareas should be covered with a combination of grass, trees and shrubsto form a permanent protection against erosion. Grass could beestablished either with sodding or seeding using grass species that arecommon to the area. Mulching should be used as needed around treeroots to improve the supply of moisture and oxygen to the roots.MattingOn very steep slopes, erosion occurs more easily andany mulching and seeding laid down may be washedaway before the new grass can be properlyestablished. In these situations, a special mattingmaterial to provide a cover for the exposed soil isrecommended. The matting is available in rolls and islaid down over the exposed area and secured intothe ground with pegs. The matting allows grass togrow through while preventing the soil from movingas the runoff travels across the land surface.32

Dust ControlDust control is the process of preventing wind from picking up dustparticles from the disturbed surface if it is not practical to install aproper cover (mulch, grass, etc.) over the disturbed area. Dust controlis typically carried out by sprinkling water over the area.Erosion Control PlansErosion control plans are used to guide the developer or contractor inimplementing proper erosion control measures to minimize erosion onthe site being developed. A typical Erosion Control Plan should containthe following features:(1) The limit of disturbance(2) The types of erosion control systems recommended for the site(3) The locations for the recommended erosion control systems(4) A schedule indicating when each system should be installedand for how long it should be maintained.(5) A schedule of the various construction activities(6) An identification or labeling system with symbols for theerosion control systems being used(7) Construction details of the erosion control systems showingthe proper installation methods.(8) General notes with instructions for the developer andcontractor to guide the proper installation and maintenancemethodsOnce the construction activities are completed, permanent erosioncontrol measures are required to cover the exposed disturbed areas.This is typically achieved with grassing and planting trees and shrubs.The Erosion Control Plan should therefore be complimented with aLandscaping Plan.33

Example of an Erosion Control Plan34

Builders RemindersWhen cutting into slopes for building sites,attention must be paid to the cut to ensure thaterosion land slides will not result from the sitework. The earth must be cut below the 'slipping'angle or angle of repose for the soil type underconsideration. The cut slope needs to beprotected from erosion, for instance, by theplanting of shrubs or tall grasses such as ver-tever(Khus - khus grass).4.6 Slope StabilizationIn an effort to protect natural resources, life, property and infrastructure,slope stabilization measures may be necessary for areas on your propertyprone to slope failure. Several factors can contribute to land movementand these include rainfall, slope gradient, earthquakes, erosion and gravity.In some cases, rock and landslides can be triggered by clearing anddisturbing areas for roads, structures and other development. Areas proneto slope failure have been identified by the Department of DisasterManagement (DDM). Have a Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA)completed for your property prior to designing your structure. Thisassessment can be requested from the DDMIf it determined that slope stabilization will be required for your property,consult a qualified engineer before proceeding. An assessment existingconditions, slope gradient, soil, surface or sediment deposits andunderlying rock formations will be important. It will also be important tohave an idea of the drainage characteristics of the area in question aswater plays an important role in slope failure in the Territory. Theapplicability of any of the various techniques will need to be determined byhighly qualified professionals.4.6.1. Slope Stabilization Techniques35Retaining walls can be installed to help stabilize rocky slopes and toprevent road blockages and other infrastructure damage. Yourproperty may require a retaining wall prior to designing andconstructing your structure. As the cost associated with walls canbe very high, ensure that you consult a qualified engineer as properengineering and installation will be pivotal to ensuring that the wall

functions as intended and does not complicate matters. Thesestructures should have sufficient strength to carry the load of thesoil or any other material behind them. They should containperforated pipes near the footing of the wall, surrounded by gravel,encased in filter fabric. In addition, weeping holes or pipes shouldbe placed at regular intervals along the wall. Some walls may haveto be reinforced through anchoring, gravitational pressure,cantilever or piling. Walls can fail during earthquakes as a result ofcracks, damage due to old age, lack of maintenance or poordesign/construction.Rock walls made from stacked stones rely on friction and gravityalone to hold them in place. They are commonly used to partitionsections in gardens and other landscaping elements, and shouldnever be used in place of engineered retaining walls. They canbecome unstable if built too high and can topple, causing propertydamage or personal injury. Some stones are also very fragile and,over time, can crack or split, thereby reducing the stability of thewall. These rock walls should be stacked no higher than three feet.Larger rocks should be placed at the bottom, and should be firmlyembedded in solid, undisturbed earth, in a minimum depth of 12inches. The rocks should be lined with cement and wire and properdrainage should be provided by leaving adequately spaced holeswithin the wall. It is important that the rock wall be back-filled withgravel and surrounded by filter fabric to prevent pressure build up. Aperforated drain pipe should be placed to the back of the wall, nearthe footing, to discharge excess water.Catch Ditches areconstructed below slopesthat are likely to fail. Theditches must be engineeredand constructed based onthe slope and rocks. Thebottom of the ditch shouldbe lined with loose dirt toabsorb the force andprevent fallen rocks frombouncing out of the ditch. Illustration of a Catch DitchIf space is not available for alarge ditch then smaller ones can be used with a rock wallconstructed on the downhill sides.36

Cable, Mesh, Fencing, and Rock Curtains can be securely anchoredto a rock face to help to hold rocks in place or prevent them fromslipping downslope where they can damage property and put lives indanger. Regardless of which method is used, it must be strongenough to withstand the force of falling rock; therefore, a qualifiedengineer must be consulted.Installed Rock CurtainInstalled Rock Barrier Fence and Rock CurtainBenches are one of several methods of controlling rock slides thatinvolve mechanical manipulation of the slope and rocks. Benchingcreates steps in the rock onto which rocks can fall and remain asillustrated below. Drainage ditches must be installed on the benchesto drain water away from the slope. Before a decision is made toinstall benches, the structure of the rocks in the affected area mustbe investigated. The input of a qualified engineer and/or geologistmust be sought.Benches37

Scaling and trimming involves themechanical removal or blasting off ofdangerous overhangs, rocks andboulders that are likely to fall andcreate potentially hazardousconditions. Specialised equipmentand trained personnel are required forsuch undertakings. Visit your site witha qualified professional to determineif these measures will be necessary.Shotcrete being applied to rock faceShotcrete and Gunite refer tomortar mixes that are applied tosurfaces pneumatically.Shotcrete/Gunite can be appliedquickly, can be used inconjunction with wire, mesh,bolts, anchors or otherreinforcement applied to the rockface and can be applied in anydirection. It can also be coloredand textured to match theoriginal surface. It is necessary toengage the services of qualifiedprofessionals for theseapplication.Anchors, bolts and dowels are other techniques used in stabilizing rockyslopes. Where failure is likely include the use of devices that tie exposed rocksto more stable rocks below the surface. Such applications require indepthknowledge of surface and underlying rocks; therefore, investigations will beneeded on your property. The services of qualified engineers and geologistswill need to be engaged. These techniques can be combined with otherstabilization methods, like shotcrete, rock curtains and fences to offer moreprotection.Bolt and Mesh WireRock-Stabilization System38

4.7 Management of Fill and Construction MaterialsEvery effort should be made to prevent sediment, fill, debris, and pollutantsfrom traveling off site during construction by utilizing sediment barriers andsound construction practices. It is recommended that silt fencing be installedalong the downslope side of the limits of clearing to minimize/preventsediment from washing offsite to ghuts, adjacent streets and properties. Coverexposed area with mulch or hay to prevent erosion during rain events or seedareas that will be exposed for long periods with temporary grass. Silt fencingand/or anchored tarps are recommended to prevent the travel of materialsfrom the designed stockpile areas.The site contractor should be responsible for ensuring that storage andstockpiling of construction materials and supplies will be in designated areasand erosion control measures are implemented to prevent/reduce wind-blowndust and erosion from rainwater. Stored materials may include machinery forconstruction activities, fill material, stockpiled soil, and building materials asnecessary. A covered dumpster is recommended for waste materials. It shouldbe the responsibility of the site contractor to ensure the equipment andmaterials stored onsite are protected as necessary to prevent accidental spillsof hazardous materials/substances.39

Section 5:Constructing The BuildingPreliminariesSite AdministrationA badly planned and untidy site is the underlying cause of many accidentsresulting from falls of material and collisions between workers and plant orequipment. Space constraints are nearly always the biggest limiting factorand a layout which caters best for the safety and health of workers mayappear to be difficult to reconcile with productivity. Proper planning bymanagement is an essential part of preparation and budgeting for the safeand efficient running of a construction operation.Before work even begins on site, thought needs to be given to:– the sequence or order in which work will be done and to any especiallyhazardous operations or processes;– access for workers on and around the site. Routes should be free fromobstruction and from exposure to hazards such as falling materials,materials-handling equipment and vehicles. Suitable warning noticesshould be posted. Routes to and from welfare facilities need equalconsideration. Protection will be required at the edge of floor openingsand stairs, and wherever there is a drop of 2 m or more– routes for vehicular traffic. These should be “one way” as far aspracticable. Traffic congestion prejudices the safety of workers, especiallywhen impatient drivers unload goods hurriedly;– storage areas for materials and equipment. Materials need to be stored asclose as possible to the appropriate workstation, e.g. sand and gravelclose to the cement-batching plant, and timber close to the joinery shop.If this is not practicable, it is important to schedule the arrival ofmaterials;– the location of construction machinery. This is usually dependent onoperational requirements so that tower cranes are subject to constraintssuch as their radius of operation, and pick-up and unloading points. Theobjective should be to avoid the need to slew the load over workers;– the location of trade workshops – these are not usually moved after theyare built;40

– the location of medical and welfare facilities. On large sites sanitaryfacilities for both sexes should be provided at several locations;– artificial lighting at places where work continues or workers pass afterdark;– The site should be fenced in to keep out unauthorized persons, children inparticular, and to protect the public from site hazards. The type of fencingwill depend on the location of the site, but in populated areas it should beat least 2 m high and without gaps or holes. Overhead protection will benecessary if tower crane loads pass over public thoroughfares;– arrangements to keep the site tidy and for the collection and removal ofwaste;– the need for low-voltage electric power supplies for temporary lighting,portable tools and equipment;– training needs of both workers and supervisors;– provision of safety gear5.1 Health and safetyPersonal protective equipment (PPE)The working conditions inconstruction are in most cases suchthat, despite all preventive measuresin project planning and work design,some personal protective equipment (PPE),such as a helmet, hearing and eye protection, boots andgloves, is needed to protect workers. However, there are disadvantages inusing PPE:– Wearing some forms of PPE may involve discomfort to the user and slowdown the work.– Extra supervision is called for to see that PPE is worn.– PPE costs money.Wherever possible, it is better to try to eliminate the hazard rather thanproviding PPE to guard against it.Some PPE such as safety helmets and footwear should be used on allconstruction sites. The need for other PPE will depend on the sort of workyou do. Remember, too, that proper work clothes will provide protection forthe skin.41

Head protectionFalling objects, overhead loads and sharp projections are to be foundeverywhere on construction sites. A small tool or bolt falling from10 or 20 m high can cause serious injuries or even death if itstrikes an unprotected head. Head injuries often occurwhen moving and working in a bent position, or whenarising from such a position.Safety helmets protect the head effectively againstmost of these hazards, and you should wear ahelmet whenever you are on site and particularlywhen you are in an area where overhead work isgoing on. These areas, known as “hard-hat areas”, should be clearly markedwith safety signs at entrances and other suitable places. The same ruleapplies to managers, supervisors and visitors. Only safety helmets whichhave been tested to national or international standards should be used. Achin-strap on the helmet prevents it from failing off and should be usedwhen appropriate.Foot protectionFoot injuries fall into two broad types: those due topenetration of the sole by nails which have not beenknocked down or removed, and those due to crushingby falling materials, which can be minimized bywearing protective footwear. The type of safetyshoes or boots to be used will depend on the natureof the work (e.g. the presence of ground water onconstruction sites), but all safety footwear should have an impenetrable soleand uppers with a steel toe-cap. There are many types of safety footwearnow available such as:– light, low-cut leather safety shoes for climbing jobs;– normal safety shoes or boots for heavy-duty work;– rubber or plastic safety wellingtons or gumboots which provideprotection against corrosive substances, chemicals and water.Hand and skin protectionHands are extremely vulnerable to accidental injury, andin construction more injuries are caused to hands andwrists than to any other part of the body. Open wounds,abrasions, fractures, dislocations, strains, amputationsand burns occur. They are largely preventable by bettermanual handling techniques and equipment, and bywearing suitable hand protection such as protective glovesand gauntlets.42

Among the common hazardous tasks where hand protection should beprovided are:– operations involving contact with rough, sharp or jagged surfaces;– contact with or splashes from hot, corrosive or toxic substances such asbitumen and resins;– working with vibratory machines such as pneumatic drills where somecushioning of the vibrations is desirable;– electrical work in humid and cold weather.Skin trouble is common in the construction industry. Contact dermatitis is thecommonest type of skin disease. It feels itchy and looks red, scaly andcracked, and can become so bad that it affects your ability to continueworking. Wet cement is one of the main skin hazards, but other substancesinclude tar and pitch, which can cause skin cancer after prolonged exposure,paint thinners, acids for masonry cleaning and epoxy resins. In addition togloves, use barrier creams and wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length trousersand rubber boots.Eye protectionIn industry many eye injuries occur as a result of flying material, dust orradiation when the following jobs are being carried out:– breaking, cutting, drilling, dressing or laying ofstone, concrete and brickwork with hand orpower tools;– chipping and dressing painted or corrodedsurfaces;– cutting off or cutting out cold rivets andbolts;– dry grinding of surfaces with power grinders;– welding and cutting of metals.In some industrial processes there may also be a risk from the spillage,leakage or splashing of hot or corrosive liquids.Some of these hazards can be removed permanently by proper machineguarding, exhaust ventilation or work design. For many hazards, for example,stone cutting or dressing, personal eye protection (goggles, safety glasses orshields) is the only practical solution. Sometimes workers are aware of thedanger they run and the consequences if their eyes are damaged, but do notwear eye protection. This is because the type chosen interferes with vision oris uncomfortable to wear, or is not immediately at hand when needed43

Respiratory protectionOn construction sites there are often tasks where harmful dust, mist or gasmay be present, such as:– rock crushing and handling;– sandblasting;– dismantling buildings containing asbestos insulation;– welding or cutting materials with coatings containing zinc,lead, nickel or cadmium;– paint spraying;– blasting.Safety harnessThe majority of fatal accidents in construction are due to fallsfrom heights. Where work cannot be done from a scaffold orladder, or from a mobile access platform, the wearing of asafety harness may be the only way to prevent serious injury ordeath.Another common situation in which a safety harness may beused – sometimes supplemented by the use of a safety net – ismaintenance work on steel structures such as bridges andpylons.There are many types of safety belt and safety harness available. Themanufacturer or supplier should be asked for advice on suitable types for theintended purpose and for instructions on use and maintenance. A full safetyharness should always be used in preference to a safety belt.A safety harness and its lanyard must:– limit your fall to a drop of not more than 2 m by means of an inertiadevice;– be strong enough to support your weight;– be attached to a strong structure through a firm anchorage point abovethe place at which you are working.Welfare of WorkforceWork in the construction industry is arduous; it involves much manual orphysical activity. It is also hazardous and dirty. Good welfare facilities not onlyimprove workers' welfare but also enhance efficiency.Welfare facilities such as the provision of drinking-water, washing, sanitaryand changing accommodation, rest-rooms and shelter, facilities for preparingand eating meals, temporary housing, assistance in transport from place ofresidence to the work site and back, all help to reduce fatigue and improveworkers' health. The facilities may be provided and maintained by onecontractor for all workers or by individual contractors.44

45Sanitary FacilitiesAs a general guide the following should be regarded as a practical minimum:– a sufficient number of water flush-type lavatories formen when this is practicable, including sufficienturinal accommodation; chemical lavatories may beused otherwise;– a sufficient number of separate water flush-typelavatories for women when this is practicable; again,chemical lavatories may be an alternative;– the accommodation should be designed andconstructed so as to screen the occupants from viewand afford protection against the weather;– the accommodation should be separate from any messroom or restroom;– a smooth and impermeable floor;– effective natural and/or artificial lighting and ventilation;– at least 30 m from any well;– constructed for easy maintenance and cleaned out at least daily.Washing facilitiesWork in the construction industry is often dusty and dirty; it may also involvehandling chemicals and other dangerous substances, so that you need towash your hands and bodies regularly:– to prevent chemicals contaminating food and so being eaten duringsnacks or meals, being absorbed through the skin or being carriedhome;– to remove dirt and grime, which can also be ingested and causesickness and disease;– as a basic hygiene measure.When construction work involves the maintenance of or alterations toexisting buildings, it is often possible to use the facilities which form part ofthe building. Otherwise, washing facilities should be provided to thefollowing standards:– one wash-basin for every 15 workers with a sufficient supply of waterand an adequate means of removing waste water;– soap, in the form of cake soap, or liquid or powder soap in a specialdispenser, to facilitate quick and proper washing, nail-brushes areneeded where poisonous substances are used;– suitable drying facilities such as paper towels, roller towels (orindividual towels for each worker) or electric hand-dryers;– for facilities likely to be of longer duration, mirrors and shelves ateach washing point which will help to keep the place tidy and clean;– where workers are exposed to skin contamination by chemical

substances or by oil or grease, a sufficient number of showers, whichshould be disinfected daily;– facilities should be covered to provide weather protection, andeffectively ventilated and lit.Facilities for supplying food and drink, and eating mealsFacilities for supplying food at construction work sites can be particularlyimportant when sites are located in remote areas. Remoteness, togetherwith inadequate temporary housing which lacks cooking facilities, may giverise to considerable problems for workers in the availability and regularity ofhygienically prepared and nutritious meals. The problems of shiftworkersmay be even greater. To meet the need for proper meals, a choice offacilities should be made available:– facilities to boil water and heat food;– facilities (including provision of space, shelter, water, heating andrubbish bins) for vendors to sell hot and cold food and drink;– a canteen supplying cooked meals or serving packed meals, snacksand beverages;– arrangements with a restaurant or canteen near the work site tosupply packaged meals.Drinking-waterDrinking-water is essential for workers in the construction industry,irrespective of the type of work they do. You lose several litres of water a daywhile at work and without replacement you gradually dehydrate, the loss isgreater in a hot environment.Arrangements for the supply of safe drinking-water may be:– individual closed water bottles or containers when no otherfacilities are available, hung close to the workplace in ashaded place, free from dust and with plenty of air incirculation, cool water helps avoid heat exhaustion.Containers should be cleaned and disinfected atsuitable intervals;– drinking-water containers made of impermeablematerials with suitable covers, kept in a cool,protected place. Unglazed pottery containers keepwater cool, and they should be kept in dust-free places.The containers should be cleaned regularly by a designatedperson;– drinking-water fountains from a public supply with the water outletshielded in a manner that prevents the lips of the drinker from beingplaced against it. Drinking-water fountains are more hygienic thantaps and drinking vessels;46

47– water taps from a public supply clearly labelled to distinguishbetween drinkable and non-drinkable water. It is preferable to usedisposable cups or to provide a separate cup for each worker.Drinking-water should not be placed in sanitary facilities, or in places whereit can be contaminated by dust, chemicals or other substances. Whatever thesource of water supply for drinking, whether at the mess accommodation orelsewhere on the site, it should be clearly marked as drinking-water in wordsor with a suitable sign.Facilities for changing, storing and drying clothesSecure facilities at the work site for changing from street clothes into workclothes, and for airing and drying the latter, greatly assist workers with theirpersonal hygiene and tidiness and relieve them of anxiety over the securityof their possessions.Changing-rooms are particularly important when workers change from streetclothes into protective clothing and when working clothes become wet ordirty. The facilities should include provision for drying wet clothes, whether itbe street or working clothing. Separate changing facilities for men andwomen workers should be provided, at least by adequate screening.The provision of adequate seats, mirrors and rubbish bins in the changingrooms or close to the lockers will assist workers in paying attention topersonal appearance and cleanliness.First AidWhen there is an accident on site and someone is hurt, you can help by:– calling for help from someone on site trained in first aid, or in cases ofsevere injury by calling an ambulance;– preventing others (including yourself) from being injured from thesame cause;– providing life-saving first aid, even if you are not a trained first-aider;– reporting the accident at once to your supervisor.Emergency ActionThere are some situations where you cannot wait for a trained first-aider.Doing something at once might save an injured person's life. Here are somethings you can do:– check breathing: turn an unconscious person from his or her back tothe side to prevent choking on the tongue; be cautious, keeping inmind the possibility of a neck injury;– provide artificial respiration if breathing has stopped, using themouth-to-mouth method;– stop heavy bleeding by direct pressure on the wound and by raisingthe injured limb (do not try to use a tourniquet);

– cool a burn with water for some ten minutes, never with anythingelse – extinguish burning clothing by rolling the person on the groundor wrapping them in a blanket;– flush a burn from corrosives, or contamination of the eyes from anychemical, with water for at least ten minutes;– treat shock by lying the injured person on his or her side; loosen anytight clothing and cover the person with a blanket to keep him or herwarm;– immobilize a broken limb by bandaging it to two sticks if no splint isavailable; even tightly rolled newspaper will do.You should not:– move an injured person except to remove him or her from danger;– remove any foreign object embedded in the body;– give the person anything to drink – you may moisten the lips andtongue if asked to;– move a broken limb.Deep cuts and abrasions carry the risk of tetanus (lockjaw) and need tobe treated by a doctor. Abrasions, even minor, carry a greater risk ofinfection than an open wound. After stopping bleeding, clean cuts andabrasions thoroughly with soap and water before covering them with abandage. Make sure your hands are clean. Always wash your hands withsoap after you have finished.Equipment and TrainingConstruction sites are dangerous places, and first-aid and rescue equipmentshould always be available. What is needed willdepend on the size of the site and thenumbers employed, but there should be atleast a stocked first-aid box and a stretcherand blanket – the stretcher should be of atype which can be raised and lowered to andfrom upper floors. On large sites, and alwayswhere more than 200 people are employed,there should be a properly equipped firstaidroom or hut.On any construction site of size, at leastone person on every shift shouldhave been trained in first aid to anationally recognized standard.48

Moving an injured personIn principle, never move an injured person until a trained first-aider or adoctor can direct you. However, when someone is at risk of further injury andhas to be removed to a safe place, lift him or her by using a stretcher or ablanket. If you are alone and must rapidly move an injured person out ofdanger, then a good way is to drag him or her head first by the clothes.InvestigationAfter an accident, leave the site equipment undisturbed as far as it is safe todo so, so that the cause of the accident can be properly investigated. Makesure also that any objects and equipment involved remain untouched. This isimportant if proper measures are to be taken to prevent a repetition of theaccident.Fire precautionsFires on construction sites arise from the misuse of compressed gases andhighly flammable liquids, from the ignition of waste material, wood shavingsand cellular plastic materials, and from the failure to recognize that adhesivesand some floor and wall coatings are highly flammable.Every individual on site should be aware of the fire risk, and should know theprecautions to prevent a fire and the action to be taken if fire does break out.If fire breaks out, get someone to call the fire brigade. Do not continue tryingto fight the blaze yourself if large quantities of fumes are being emitted in aclosed space. Get out as fast as possible.Fires are sometimes caused by carelessness in drying wet clothes. Heaters forthis purpose, gas, oil or electric, should be mounted on and backed with nonflammablematerial, and enclosed in a stout wire mesh with effective airspace to prevent clothing being placed directly upon them.If you have to use a blow lamp or torch, or welding or burningequipment in the course of your work, first make sure that thereis no fire risk to adjacent materials such as roof timbers. Manyfires with disastrous consequences start from this source.Sparks can travel a long distance.Everyone on site should be trained to:– know of two unobstructed ways off the site if there is afire or other emergency;– know how to raise the alarm;– know where firefighting appliances are kept;– be able to use the firefighting appliances; and be able toselect the correct type of portable fire extinguisher forspecific types of fire:49

5.2 Building MaterialBuilding materials often emit (out gas) volatile organic chemicals (VOCS) intothe air. Chemically sensitive people must wisely choose materials, whichhave low, or no VOCS. Selecting poplar or oak as hardwood, over pressedwood products which contain formaldehyde in the glue, is an example of awise choice. Selecting a tile or hardwood floor over a synthetic carpet wouldalso be preferred. A new or newly renovated home, which is made of'normal' building materials, can be very hazardous to the chemically sensitivepersonHardwood (Oak)Hardwood (Poplar)5.2.1 Galvanize - The connection of the roof covering must be given seriousattention. The corrugated galvanized sheet is the most commonly used roofcovering, therefore it is important to nail them carefully. If one of the sheetsis separated, it could form a chain reaction pulling the others with it, leavingthe exterior of the house exposed, thus risking the safety of the occupantsand causing damage to personal property.How Damage is OccursWinds, traveling in excess of 65 miles per hourcauses the sheeting to vibrate, pulling outthe nails at the edges. The sheets thenstart to roll up pulling out the restof the nails, one at a time.Zinc sheetinglifting from theraftersWhen this happens, either the nails are pulled out with the sheeting or theheads of the nails tear through the sheeting.50

If galvanized sheets are used, ensure that they are properly secured tothe laths so as to ensure adequate resistance in high winds.Allow appropriate overlaps to ensure that the edges of the sheets canbe bent over to prevent lift in high winds.Roofing nails should be galvanized and have large steel washers attheir headsUSE NAILS LIKE THIS...OR USEGALVANIZED STEELWASHERS LIKE THIS.Nail with wide heads and large steel washersNails do not hold as well as screwsUse proper drive screws for corrugatedgalvanized roof sheets.Be sure that the screw go into the purlingsat least two (2) inches.Use large washers under the screw headsto prevent the roof sheets from tearingwhen pulled upward by high winds.Drive ScrewRemember to use sufficient screws so thatthe heads will not tear through.5.2.2 Concrete Blocks - The use ofsolid or hollow concrete blocksinstead of the traditional bricksand stone buildingconstruction is desirable formeeting the demand of goodquality; speed ofconstruction andoverall economy.51

5.2.3 Cement - The commonly used cements in building constructionare as follows:33 grade Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)43 grade Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)53 grade Ordinary Portland cement (OPC)Portland Pozzolana cement (PPC)Blended cement33 grade means that the strength of OPC is 33 Mpa (1 N/mm**2 = 1Mpa = 10 kg/cm**2) at 28 days age.For general construction, 33-grade cement is the best. 53-grade highstrength cement should not be used as far as possible.THE CEMENT MORTAR OR CONCRETE MUST BE USED WITHIN 30MINUTES OF ITS PREPARATION. THE UNUSED MORTAR ORCONCRETE MUST BE REJECTED.The pozzolana cements contain up to 35% finely blended fly ash andare quite satisfactory for use in general construction. They are slowto gain strength in the first two or three weeks, however, after 28days, their strength is at par with 33 grades OPC. The pozzolanacements are more durable than OPC.Unit of MeasurementMpa - Mega Pascal (Pressure)N/mm**2 - Newton per Millimeter Squared (Stress)Kg - Kilogram (Weight)Cm –Centimeter (Length)MONTH OF MANUFACTURE - A bag of cement contains 50 kg of cement.The cement bag carries the WEEK / MONTH and YEAR of manufacture.The cement should be used at the earliest but not later than 3 monthsfrom the date of its manufacture. In any case, the cement should be freefrom lumps and balls at the time of use.STORAGE OF CEMENT - The cement should be stored in a covered roomhaving proper ventilation and free from humidity. It should be stored atleast 15 cm above the floor. The cement should be stacked such thatthere is free circulation of air all around each stack.52

5.2.4 Sand - The fine aggregate or sand may be natural or crushed. Itmay be available in a quarry. Thesize of sand particles varies from amaximum of 4.75 mm down to 150micron, that is, 0.150 mm. Goodsand must contain all the particleswithin the above range, that is, itshould be graded sand. The sandmay be sieved through the followingIndian Standard Sieves: 4.75 mm,2.36 mm, 1.18 mm, 600 micron, 300micron and 150 micron. The sandmay be classified as VERY COARSE(ZONE I), MEDIUM COARSE (ZONEII), COARSE (ZONE III) and FINE (ZONE IV) depending upon its grainsize distribution.Sand must be clean and free from clay, alkali and organic matter.There must be no SILT or dust in sand. If necessary, sand must besieved from 4.75 mm and 150 micron IS sieves, washed and dried for72 hours before use.Sand must be stored separately from coarse aggregate or bajri orlime etc. on a clean and hard surface. Moist or wet sand must not beused in construction.5.2.5 Water - The water used for both mixing and curing of concreteshould be free from impurities, injurious amounts of acids, alkalis,salts, and organic matter. Potable water is considered satisfactoryfor mixing concrete. The water should be colorless and free from anysmell. The presence of chlorides and sulphates are injurious toreinforcing bars as they may be corroded.5.2.6 Steel Reinforcing - Vertical reinforced columns should be placed inall masonry walls with a maximum dimension between columns of16'-0”.All exterior walls and interior walls should be reinforced. All cornersand junctions should be reinforced and core filled. Reinforce and tiewindows and door jambs into lintels.Fix all vertical reinforcement to foundation and belt course.Fix all vertical reinforcement to the ring beam. Placehorizontal reinforcement every three courses.53

Lap and securely tie all reinforcement that is not continuous. Fillblock cores after laying every three courses with well-compactedconcrete or poured grout.For wood construction, use-reinforcing straps at the foundation tothe header at the floor, diagonally tying studs, strapping corner studassemblies at third points, and tying rafters to top plates.5.2.7 Gravel - refers to small stones, generally 5-30 mm in diameter thatmay be angular or rounded. Angular gravels are usually sourced fromquarries, a by-product of the crushing processes, whereas roundedgravels are from a fluvial source, such as an old river bed, beaches, andchannel dredging. Gravels can be of almost any colour, depending on theparent rock type, or even a multi-coloured blendThe gravels most commonly used as a loose surface dressing are in the 6-20 mm size range. Anything less than 6 mm is more akin to a grit and istoo easily disturbed; anything over 18-20 mm can be difficult to walkupon. In general, the smaller 6-10 mm gravels would be used forfootpaths and the 10-18 mm gravels for driveways, but it really is amatter of personal taste. One deciding factor could be that, the smallerthe gravel, the more the cats like to use it as a toilet!54

5.3 Sub-structureBuilding LoadsAll buildings and structures and all parts thereof should be designed andconstructed to be of sufficient strength to support the estimated oractual imposed dead, live, wind and any other loads, both duringconstruction and after completion of the structure, without exceedingthe stresses for the various materials specified in the VI BuildingRegulations; and the designer should consider the possibility ofextraordinary loads being applied to the systems.ExcavationMost construction work involves some form ofexcavation for foundations, sewers and undergroundservices.Excavation work involves the removal of soil or amixture of soil and rock. Water is nearly always present,even if only as moisture in the soil, and heavy rain is afrequent cause of soil slip. The possibility of floodingpresents an additional hazard which should always beconsidered. Cracks are caused by pressure release as soilis removed, or from drying out in hot weather.Soil varies in its nature (e.g. fine sand which flows easily,and stiff clay which is more cohesive). However, no soilcan be relied upon to support its own weight andprecautions always need to be taken to prevent thecollapse of the sides of an excavation of more than 1.2m in depth.Termite treatmentDuring pre-construction and anti termite treatment is highlyrecommended. This process involves a direct injection ofliquid pesticide (termiticide) in areas like the foundation,within the foundation walls and also areas under theconcrete slabs should be part of your termite control treatment plan.The goal of pre-construction termite treatments is to form a chemicalbarrier in the ground that will keep termites up from the soil to feed onthe wood structures. Because the area to be treated is free ofobstructions (such as a building), this type of treatment is less laborintensive in the pre-construction phase and allows the exterminator tocover every square inch of ground, creating a more secure barrier.55

In order to properly treat for termites during pre-construction, the areawill need to have termiticides several times at different stages. Theexterminator will need to be in close contact with the builder in order toaccurately arrange treatments. The design of the home and the type ofsoil it is being built upon may cause some variation in the application ofthe barrier.While methods can vary a bit depending on the building codes for thespecific area, the first step for pre-construction termite treatment isusually to treat the slab. Once the land has been graded, the foundationform has been installed, and the footings have been dug, the area shouldbe treated.When the footings have been poured, a mason will complete thefoundation using blocks over the poured footings. As soon as this is done,the foundation will be backfilled with the surrounding soil. The plumbingpipes are laid, and more soil is added if necessary. It is at this time thatthe entire area is treated again with a termiticide barrier.While termites cannot bore into or eat concrete, the slabs can crack withtime creating perfect entry points for them. If the surrounding soil hasnot been treated, the termites can make their way to the slabs, throughthe cracks, and into the main structure.It is recommended that a trench be dug approximately four to six inchesdeep and at least twelve inches from the foundation out into the yard.Four gallons of termiticide is applied for every ten feet surrounding thehome in a continuous spray. After the home is complete, it is still a goodidea to keep the protective barrier intact. This can be done by taking carenot to disturb the soil surrounding the foundation in the twelve inchradius. If you plan to add a deck, porch, or other addition to the home,the protective barrier should be extended an additional twelve inchesinto the yard from the new structure.A proper pre-construction termite treatment can last anywhere from twoto five years. Even though these treatments are quite effective, it is stillrecommended that inspect your home periodically for any damage orsigns of termites. Also, try to keep the area surrounding the building freeof residual wood or other cellulose based material, as these attracttermites. This will ensure your structure is continually protected and willhead off any potential infestations before they begin.56

Disposal of debris and keeping excavation free of water.Ensure that worksites remain clean and debis is properly managed at alltimes. Make provisions for storage of material to be reused and forremoval of rock and other material that will not be used duringconstruction. Keep excavations clean, free of standing water, and loosesoil. Where soil is subject to significant volume change due to change inmoisture content, cover and protect the area. Remember to protectnatural and man-made features required to remain undisturbed.5.3.1 Concrete work – foundation, cisternFoundation - The foundation is the part of the house, which transfersthe weight of the building to the ground. It is essential to construct asuitable foundation for a house as the stability of a building dependsprimarily on its foundation.Types of FoundationsThe practice of simply laying a structure on large stones, loose concreteblocks or on wooden pillars must be reconsidered. A safer practice is,the construction of a reinforced concrete block wall, with 1/2" mild steelbars. The use of mild steel is encouraged since it is easier to bendcompared to high tensile steel.57

Proper Foundation5 Reinforcing bars6” R.C. Sl8”Concrete Block12” R.C. FootingFor the construction of a reinforced concrete block wall with 1/2" mildsteel bars, the use of mild steel is encouraged since it is easier to bendcompared to high tensile steel. These bars must be continuous andproject beyond the foundation by at least 12" to 14"(300 mm to 350 mm)to facilitate the securing of the structure to the foundation.58

Builders RemindersDesign and construct foundations using qualitymaterials and ensure that steel bars extendbeyond the foundation walls to aid propersecuring of the wooden structure.Foundations of buildings located in floodplainsmust be designed to withstand dynamic waterforce and battering action from floating debris,and the effects of erosion due to scouring.Figure 5.9 Wall Connection to Foundation59

Cisterns -Cisterns are storage tanks for rainfallthat has been collected from a roof orsome other catchment area. Althoughusually located underground, cisternsmay be placed at ground level or onelevated stands either outdoors orwithin buildings. Cisterns should be watertight, have smooth interiorsurfaces, enclosed lids, and be large enough to provide adequatestorage. They should be fabricated from non-reactive materials such asreinforced concrete, galvanized steel, and plastic.CATCHMENT SYSTEMA catchment is an area from which runoff is collected. Galvanizedsteel and aluminum roofs are the best commonly used catchments.Rough surfaced materials collect dirt and debris that affect thequality of the water collected. Gutters and downspouts should beeasy to clean and inspect. Rainwater picks up dust, soot, birddroppings, leaves and other foreign materials that add objectionableorganisms, color and odor to the water. Gutter guards and roofwashers can improve the quality of the collected water. Gutterguards made of 1/4" to 1/2" mesh hardware cloth placed over thegutters keep out leaves and other large objects. Sand, gravel orcharcoal filters are sometimes used to filter water before it entersthe cistern but they require frequent maintenance to preventcontamination.Roof washers are cheaper to construct and need less maintenancethan filters. A roof washer traps the first flow from the roof andchannels this dirty water away from the cistern. After the first flow,the water from the rest of the rainfall flows to the cistern. The roofwasher should have a capacity of about 10 gallons for each 1000square feet of roof area.CISTERN SIZE AND CATCHMENT AREAThe cistern size must be adequate to supply water needs duringextended periods of low rainfall. A margin of about one-third shouldbe allowed for water leaked from pipes, blown from the roof bywind, lost to evaporation and channeled away by the roof washer.The required catchment area depends on the amount of waterneeded, the cistern size, and the frequency of rainfall. The cisternand catchment area must be sized together. The catchment areamust be large enough to collect enough water from rainfalls whenthey do occur.60

LOCATIONUnderground and surface cisterns should be located in areas thatare sloped to drain surface water away from the cisterns. Cisternsare usually located near their catchments. Do not place undergroundor surface cisterns near sewage lines or other sources ofcontamination.The site should be in firm ground to avoid settling, which can causecracking of cistern walls. Cisterns should be located as far from treesas possible because tree roots can crack cistern walls.SANITATION AND MOSQUITO CONTROLCisterns should be cleaned by using a stiff brush to scrub all insidesurfaces. A good disinfecting solution is 1/4 cup 5.25% liquidchlorine bleach in 10 gallons of water. Flush the cistern thoroughlywith clean water to remove sediment after construction, cleaning ormaintenance. Do not interconnect cistern drains with waste orsewer lines to avoid backflow contamination.Mosquito larvae thrive in stagnant water. They can be controlled bythe use of commercially available pesticides such as Alfa-sid orDIPEL.DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTIONAn opening large enough to provide easyaccess of a person into the cistern should beleft at the top. This opening needs to have awatertight cover with a lock to reduce therisks of contamination or accidents. Anoverflow pipe should also be provided. Thecistern must be watertight. Inlets and outletsshould be screened and valves should permitcontrol of water flow.Provide positive ventilation when anyone isworking in a cistern. There may be hazardousgases present or insufficient oxygen. A water sealant should beapplied to concrete tank surfaces.Elevated tanks can be fabricated from concrete, metal, or plastic.The weight of these tanks is considerable. One gallon of waterweighs 8.3 pounds, and each cubic foot of water weighs 62.4pounds. Concrete weighs about 150 pounds per cubic foot. Windloads may also be a problem on exposed elevated tanks.61

Elevated tanksshould be placed onstructurally soundtowers. They can alsobe designed as partof a building. When acistern is elevated,the amount ofpressure developedwill depend upon theheight of the watersurface. About onepound of pressure isdeveloped for each 21/2 feet the watersurface is above thewater outlet. Toachieve a satisfactoryrate of flow, a headof at least 20 feet ofelevation is usually necessary.Friction causes pressure losses as water flows through a pipe. Thereis less loss in a large pipe than in a small pipe. It is best to use atleast 1 1/4 inch pipe for main supply lines.Elevated tanks fabricated from plastics and fiberglass-reinforcedplastic may have a shorter lifetime than metal or concrete tanks. Ifpossible, tanks fabricated from synthetic materials should be locatedin shaded areas to reduce the damaging effects of ultravioletradiation. Wooden cisterns are generally not satisfactory, particularlywhen they are used below ground, because they are difficult to keepsealed and allow pollution and ground water to enter through theircracks.The excavation for below-ground cisterns should be large and deepenough to permit the laying of the foundation and walls.Underground tanks should be made from concrete to reduceproblems of wall deterioration because of contact with the soil.Cisterns located on the ground surface or below ground will requirea pump to provide water pressure.62

The walls of concrete cisterns should be four to six inches thick. Aconcrete mix of 5 gallons of water, 2 1/4 cubic feet of sand, and 3cubic feet of gravel per sack of cement should be used. Use one inchdiameter or smaller gravel. Make sure that the water is clean.Portland cement must be dry and free of lumps. Sand should beclean and well graded; that is, with particles of many sizes.MAINTENANCEKeep gutters, gutter guards, downspouts and roof washers free offoreign materials. Keep manhole covers tight. Repair leaks promptlywith sealants. Portland cement paints and epoxy resins are availableto seal cracks in concrete.A properly constructed and operated cistern can be a source ofsupplemental water to provide for water needs other than humanconsumption. This supplemental water supply can be very usefulwhen sources of potable water are limited or expensive.63

5.4 SuperstructureThe Roof - Roofs are the most vulnerable part of a building during ahurricane. Therefore, it must be strong and resistant to high winds. If thehip roof can be afforded, it should be given priority over the other types.When wind passes over the roof it sucks the roof upwards and the ridgecan pull apart. The ridge must be held together this can be done byusing: collar ties, gussets and metal straps connectors.Figure 5.10 Collar Ties, Gussets and Metal straps connection for roofROOF CONNECTIONS FOR CONCRETE WALL64

If the sheeting is too thin or there are too few fittings, the nails orscrews may tear through the sheet.To prevent this type of failure use more fixings for thinnersheeting.Use fittings with a broad washer or dome head (zinc nail). To usemore fixings for each sheet, put in the laths at closer centers andnail closer together.Corrugated galvanize sheets are gauged by numbers. The Higher thenumber the thinner the material. Example, 24 Gauged galvanize issuperior to 28 gauged.How does roof sheeting fail in a HurricaneGalvanize roof with too few sheeting65

If galvanized sheets are used 24 Gauge is recommended. If you mustuse 26 Gauge, which is thinner, this is how to hold your sheeting to theroof structure. See figure 5.14.Roof construction showing ridges, eves and overhangs fixingsFixings For Sheeting66

Hipped RoofExample of a Hipped roofCold-formed purlins are efficient, economical structural members,produced from BHP galvaspan steel - high strength, low weight. Designedin accordance with AS4600 makes them suitable for a range ofapplications, including Government projects. Available in a full range ofC & Z sections (which refer to specially shaped purlins). Both C & ZSections are easily installed in a single, double, double lapped,continuous lapped and reduced end lap systems.Note: Purlins are metal tracks used to support metalroofs or siding. Purlins can also mean the membersplaced at right angles to rafters to break up the roofboard span.67

· Roof CladdingIn addition to the roof structure being fixed tothe supporting wall, the cladding must be able toresist and transfer the wind loads to the purlins.Purlins are therefore important structural membersof the roof and flat boards should not be usedfor thispurpose. Purlins should be either 2” x 3” or 1” x 4” at no more than2'0” spacing. Purlins should be fixed to each rafter passed over usinghurricane straps or metal cleats.Corrugated galvanized steel sheeting is the most commonly usedform of cladding in the Eastern Caribbean. Sheeting which is too thinand with inadequate numbers of fixings is extremely vulnerableduring hurricanes. The minimum thickness of corrugated steelsheeting should be 6mm.Sheets should be fixed to the purlins using self-tapping screws orgalvanized nails with large washer.At the eaves and ridge as well as the gable ends, the fitting shouldbe two corrugations apart, and for the rest of the roof, no more thanthree corrugations apart.The corrugated sheeting should be properly overlapped (at least 21/2 corrugation) to prevent water from blowing under the seam.Roof capping should be made from materials as strong as thesheeting itself, it should be bolted or screwed down to the purlin oneither side of ridge or ridgeboard or hip.Spaces between the sheeting and the wall plate should be closed upto prevent the wind from getting under the sheeting and lifting it.This can be done by nailing a fascia board to the wall plate andrafters.Connection ofSheeting & Capping68

The Walls - The uprights (or posts) are fixed to the wall sill, which isbolted to the foundations wall. Using metal straps with nails improvesthe hurricane resistance of timber houses.Wooden Walls: Wall plate must be fastened and strapped to the top ofuprights. The uprights are fixed to the wall sill. Wall sill is fixed tofoundation wall by anchor bolts. Using hurricane straps improves theresistance against strong winds.Figure 5.16 Wooden Wall ConnectionConnections for timber walls69

Concrete Block WallTimber Walls - In timber houses the rafters or trusses areconnected to a wall plate, which is supported by the vertical posts.Two connections need to be considered.1. The first is the connection between the plate and theuprights which, should be made using metal straps. Theconventional solution is a mortise and tenon joint (FigureA) using glue and sometimes dowel pins. Suction forceson the roof may cause this joint to fail.2. The second connection is that between the rafter and theplate. The standard solution is to nail or spike the rafterto the wall plate.Under high suctionforces these nailsor spikes may pullout. It is stronglyrecommendedthat hurricanestraps (or metalconnectors) beused for theseconnections. Theconnectors mayeither bepurchased off theshelf or made upon site using 20gauge galvanizedsheet.71

Example of Stud Wall tiesThe Walls must be securely tied to the foundation to prevent the windforces lifting up the entire building or blowing it over.k – roof, rafters etcWall FinishesConcrete Block WallsStarter bars coming out of the foundation will tie the wall to thefoundation.Lay blocks so that those starter bars come out through blockpockets. For earthquakes the recommended minimum verticalreinforcement is 3/8” diameter bars at 32” centres, this will provideadequate resistance to hurricanes. As more courses are laid youmust add more lengths of steel to overlap for at least 12” withstarter bars.These lengths of steel will go right to the top of the walls.Pockets of block containing reinforcement are to be filled withconcreteAs each course of blocks is laid, it must be set into a 1:3 mortar bedplaced on the last course, mortar is also required on the sides ofthe blocks to form the vertical joints. Mortar joints should be 1/2”to 5/8” wide.Galvanized horizontal reinforcement, Dar-O-Wal or Brickforce,should be laid after every third course. (Two ¼” diameter bars areoften used but therefore likely to rust in the then mortar joints).Horizontal reinforcement increases the resistance of the wall tohurricane force winds (add earthquakes).Vertical bars are requested at all junctions, windows and dooropenings70

Rafters will lift off wall plates in high winds.They must be held down by more than nails.Straps can be installed on existing roofs tostrengthen them.Twisted straps should be nailed through rafter with 2 1/2-inchnails. Bend over the ends of nails. Be careful when selectinghurricane straps, ensure that they can be properly affixed sothat when nailed, the nail is not too near the edge.Timber connector may be used as an alternative. Make surethat the wood is strong.Wall Plates for wooden buildings are critical because theyprovide stiffness for the building and also serve to hold theroof down.They are often insecurelyheld down by nails into the end grainof posts.If a double plate is used,notch and nail the lower one andsecure the top one well.72

Wall plate strapsTo strengthen use a strap over the top OR Use a gusset of zincor plywoodRafters may be built into the belt beam at the top of the wall.However this practice is discouraged because of failuresobserved after recent hurricanes.Failure modes and recommended ways to build raftersIn Timber buildings, post foundation, on,roofs and walls must be braced ineach direction.Example of a Corner Post73Note: Minimum three studs per cornerand strap at out side corner at thirdpoints.

TopPlate & Bracing74

5.4.1 Floor FinishesA finish is a seal that protects hardwood, cement, tile and stone floors fromwear and tear. The finish will reduce dirt and moisture damage, and willenhance a floor's beauty with new color and luster. Most floor finishes last formany years.Resilient FlooringVinyl Composition Tile (VCT)Overview and GeneralCharacteristics: Vinyl compositiontile is the most popular resilientflooring today for commercialapplications. These 12” x 12” tilescome in a variety of colors andgrades. They are easy to install andare cost effective. VCT offers gooddimensional stability, durability,impact resistance, UV light stabilityand heat stability.Composition: Approximately 60 - 70% limestone/clay/talc mixture,15 - 20% binder (filler), 10% vinyl (resin), 5% fiberglass, 3 - 5%plasticizer and 1 - 5% pigment.Maintenance Characteristics: VCT holds all types and brands of floorfinish beautifully due to its porous nature.Sheet VinylOverviewand General Characteristics: This flooring isproducedin sheet widths from 6' to 15', making it easy toinstall andeliminating seams which can trap dirt andmoisture.Sheet vinyl is not commonly used in commercialbuildingssince it sacrifices durability when compared toVCT.Composition: Similar to VCT but contains more vinyl resin and lesslimestone filler, giving it greater flexibility.75Maintenance Characteristics: Holds finishes nicely thoughgenerallynot recommended in residential settings sincefinishing requires more maintenance and eventuallystripping.Clean with neutral detergent.

LinoleumOverview and General Characteristics:Invented by a British rubber manufacturer in1860, linoleum is a tough, natural ingredientbasedflooring that has enjoyed a slightresurgence with homeowners recently due to itspositive environmental profile. It is still used incommercial applications because of its high durability. It isnearly impossible to tell sheet vinyl from linoleum onceinstalled.Composition: Linseed oil mixed with powdered wood and/or cork,ground limestone, resin binders, drying agents and pigments appliedto a jute backing.Maintenance Characteristics: Linoleum should be kept finished at alltimes since it is quite porous. New installations may be tough tofinish for a few weeks since it off-gases linseed oil vapors. Strippingwith highly alkaline strippers is not recommended since bleachingand fading can occur. Clean with neutral detergent.Man-Made Stone FlooringTerrazzoOverview and General Characteristics: Terrazzo flooring offers highdurability and deep beauty. Its upfront cost is considerably higherthan resilient flooring but when viewed long-term, it can actually beless expensive.Composition: Marble, granite, quartz and/or glass chips mixed withportland cement, polyacrylic-modified portland cement or epoxyresin and poured into place.Maintenance Characteristics: Portland cement and polyacrylicmodifiedportland cement floors hold finish nicely. Some pureepoxy-based floorscan be tough to finishdue to its lowmoisture absorbencyand hydrophobicnature (non-affinityfor water). Avoid usinghigh pH cleaners andacid-based productson terrazzo.76

Unglazed Ceramic (Quarry Tile)Overview and GeneralCharacteristics: Quarrytile provides anattractive floor that isdurable and easy tomaintain. These tiles areusually red in color and6” x 6” in size with a ½”thickness. Quarry tile isoften installed infoodservice areas.Composition: Madefrom a mixture of clays that are fired at high temperatures(approximately 2200 degrees).Maintenance Characteristics: Quarry tile can be finished withstandard floor care products although this is not generally advised infoodservice or other “production areas”. If installed in hallways,stairwells or other non-production areas, Eccothane can be usedwith great success on these floors. Clean with neutral detergent oran all-purpose cleaner.Glazed CeramicOverview and General Characteristics: Glazing ceramic tile creates adurable surface that is easy to clean, resists stains and scratches,doesn't fade and is slip-resistant.Composition: osIdentical to unglazed except aliquid glass is applied to the tile atvery high temperatures. Thiscreates a hard, non-porous surface.Maintenance Characteristics: Glazedceramic tile will NOT hold floor finish.Thesurface is too smooth for proper floorfinishadhesion to occur. Clean with neutraldetergent or all-purpose cleaner.77

Brick Pavers (Paving Tile)Overview and GeneralCharacteristics: Similarto quarry tile but largerin size and thickness.Composition: Similar toquarry tile.Maintenance Characteristics: Similar to quarry tile.Mexican Tile (Saltillo)Overview and General Characteristics:Saltillo tiles are natural clay tiles, handmadein Mexico. Similar to terracottatiles, saltillo tiles are rustic by design. Thebeauty and character of each tile comesfrom variations in size, color and texture.It is extremely popular in Mexico andthroughout the Southwestern UnitedStates.Composition: Unprocessed clay.Maintenance Characteristics: The highalkalinity and porous nature of this tile necessitates sealing and/orfinishing. Stonethane or Eccothane are good options. Clean withneutral detergent.ConcreteOverview and General Characteristics:Concrete is universally used forcommercial building slabs. Most arecovered with another flooring materialsuch as tile, carpeting or wood. Concretefloors that are not covered with anothermaterial are gaining popularity in retailstores and other commercial buildingssince it provides a low cost yet highlydurable flooring surface.Composition: Approximately 10 - 15%portland cement, 40% stone aggregate,25% sand aggregate, 15 - 20% water and 5- 8% air.78

Maintenance Characteristics: Concrete can be tricky to finish withacrylic-based coatings. High alkalinity, high moisture, grease and oils,and unknown curing compounds and sealants can make finishingdifficult. Floors with a history of accepting acrylic floor finishes cangenerally be finished with any Essential coating.Natural Stone FlooringMarbleOverview and General Characteristics: A beautiful floor surface thatis not suited for large commercial areas or heavily trafficked areasdue to its soft nature (scratches easily), high absorbency (stainseasily) and acid sensitivity.Composition: Combination of calcite and calcium carbonate.Maintenance Characteristics: Penetrating sealers perform best onmarble. Acrylic-based finishes can be used but success is oftenspotty. Marble should only be cleaned with neutral cleaner – avoidacid-based products, high alkaline products and products with highchelation.SlateOverview and GeneralCharacteristics: Slate is a smooth,soft, natural stone available in awide variety of textures, colors andsizes. It offers good durability andstain resistance due to its semiporousnature.Composition: Shale, clay quartz.Maintenance Characteristics: Slate is generally not finished withacrylic-based products although, if used, they will usually adhere.Penetrating sealers can be used if desired and are oftenrecommended for areas exposed to food and liquid spills. Clean withneutral detergent.79

GraniteOverview and General Characteristics:Granite is used sparingly incommercial buildings due to itshigh cost. It is hard, doesn't easilyscratch and is stain-resistant – makingit ideally suited for residential flooring.Composition: Quartz and feldspar mixture.Maintenance Characteristics: Granite's hard, smoothnature make it unsuitable for finishing with acrylic-basedproducts. Clean with neutral detergent.5.4.2 Painting and DecoratingSuccess in house decoration depends on something more than the useof good paint and a certain amount of skill in its application, essentialthough these two factors undoubtedly are. At least as important is athorough knowledge and understanding not only of the properties andpossibilities of the materials employed, but also those of the differentsurfaces over which they are used.Another factor which may exert a substantial influence on the life andbehaviour of paintwork is the weather and atmospheric conditionsprevailing at the time ofapplicationGolden Rules:Buy the best tools andequipment you can afford,especially paint brushes.Buy good quality paint andmaterials. Buying cheappaint is often a falseeconomy as many morecoats are usually required80

Follow the manufacturers instructions on tins and othermaterials. don't always interpret too literally as there is usually adegree of flexibility, especially in diluting paints.The most IMPORTANT rule of all. Preparation; filling, sandingdown, sealing surfaces, burning off, stripping walls or wood,removing difficult obstacles, replacing broken glass or rottenwood, masking or covering items and surfaces to be kept clean isthe mark of the competant professional decorator. Complete allyour preparation before you start to decorate.Try to ensure that you have bought enough materials to completethe job. This is essential when buying wallpaper. You must ensurethat it is all the same batch number.Don't rush the job. Give paints time to dry between coats.Keep the area where you are decorating as dust free as possible.Don't wear woollen garments, as the fibres can easily find theirway into your paint, if possible wear cotton overalls or jeans andcotton shirt.Various eco-labels exist in Europe, designed to help consumers identifypaints that have a superior environmental profile. These labels appear inthe form of logos on paint cans and mean that the paint fulfils certainenvironmental requirements.Varying by country, independent organisations award ecological labels,in accordance with national regulations.The main eco-labels are:VOC LabelUK LogosNF EnvironmentFrench SealEuropean Eco-Labelrecognized in 15European Unionmember statesBlue AngelGerman SealNordic SwanNordic SealUS LabelGreen Building CouncilIn the UK, the VOC labels (see above) indicate the content of VOCs indecorative coatings. There is no standard logo, but many manufacturersand retailers have adopted the form of logo shown which was developedby B&Q. Relevant coatings products display one of five classifications oflabel to show the amount of VOC content within the product. These areMinimal (VOC content 0%- 0.29%), Low, Medium, High, and Very High(VOC Content of more than 50%)81

Overall, the precise evaluation criteria of the various products in Europevary from label to label, but the following major aspects are common keycriteria:Limitation of dangerous substances for both environment andhealth.Limiting the use of:o White pigments.o Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).o Volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (VAHs).o Preservatives.o Dispersants.Reduction of:o Sulphur emissions during the production of titanium dioxide.o Dangerous waste from the production of titanium dioxide.o Air pollutants ( CO2, SOx, NOx, ..).Absence of certain products:o Leading to the classification of paints and varnishes such as:very toxic, dangerous for the environment, carcinogenic, toxicfor reproduction and mutagenic.o The following heavy metals and their compounds: Cd, Pb, CrVI, Hg, As.o Aklylphenol ethoxylates (APEO), Diethylene glycol, methylether.5.4.3 Doors and WindowsThere are many issues to consider before you can choose theright window or door for your home.Apart from how it looks, there are the practicalities - location,how it opens, how much ventilation you want, and mostimportantly whether the product you buy is suitable for itsintended purpose.As you will probably only buy windows and doors once ortwice in your lifetime, it is a decision that you should considercarefully. Consider Installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors,and skylights to lower your energy bills and save money. With moreefficient windows, you also use less energy, which reduces greenhousegas emissions from power plants.82

5.5 Mechanical Engineering Installation (sanitary fixtures, electricalinstallation, builders works)5.5.1 SafetyIt is the duty of the owners of any building project to ensurethat qualified electrical contractors are the ones that isresponsible for all of the work. This further reinforced by theGovernment's Electrical Inspection Division. It is their sole dutyto regulate the electrical building trades, inspect all new andrewiring projects and issue a certificate of approval.The certificate states that the work has passed and the officialinspection is ready to be connected unto the corporation'ssystem. The corporation will not connect any meter to thesystem until the following is done.An estimate of the cost for the works has been performedThe cost of the work has been paid or arrangements made todo the sameA certificate of inspection has been deposited to theCorporationThe certificate indicates that the project has passedinspection.83

5.5.2 Utilities5.5.2.1 ElectricityBVI Electricity Installation GuidelinesThe BVI Electricity Corporation follows the BVIECOrdinance of 1978 and the subsequent regulations, whichwas gazette in 1985. The Electricity supply as pertains toresidential, apartment and commercial buildings andindustrials sites will have the following specifications:Distribution voltage 13,200v 3 phrase – 60 hertzLow Voltage Distribution1) 3 phase – 60Hz – 120/208 volts – 4 wire (earthedneutral)2) Single (2) phase – 3 wire (neutral earthed) – 120/240volts, 60Hz3) Single (1) phase – 2 wire (neutral earthed) – 120v, 60HzThe voltage may be subject to a variation of +/- 2.5% of thedeclared frequency.The BVIEC's authority extends up to the meter location and assuch the following guidelines are to be adhered to before suchmeter installation can occur.AccessibilityThe chosen location must be accessible by employees of thecorporation without having to:1. Climb unto porches or into basements2. Traverse boundaries and enclosed fences if property isfenced, meters should be at the edge of the fence.3. Fend off dogs that are tied to the meter areas4. Locate home owners in order to gain access to theCorporation's property5. Cut through trees and shrubs to locate meters6. Do not do anything that would slow down or restrict theCorporation workers from efficiently performing theirdutiesAlternative sources of powerFrom time to time, owners may desire to install emergencygenerators on their premises. In order to do this, they mustfirst request permission from the Minister of Communicationand Works. This permission will be granted once they adhereto the following guidelines:84

The installation must have an automatic or manual changeover switch to ensure that it will never run in parallel with theBVI Electricity Corporation supply system.A licensed electrician must carry out the installationThe Government's Electrical Inspector must inspect thesystem.Any alterations or additions after inspection must be reportedto the BVIEC immediatelyThe generator should only be used when the public supply isnot available or for occasional testing of the unit. Werecommended a test period of 2 hours per week.Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electricpower is needed, but they can be hazardous. The primary hazards toavoid when using them are carbon monoxide poisoning, electricshock or electrocution, and fire.To avoid Carbon Monoxide Hazards:Always use generators outdoors, away from doors, windows andvents.NEVER use generators in homes, garages, basements, crawlspaces, or other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even withventilation.Follow manufacturer's instructions.Install battery-operated or plug-in (with battery backup) carbonmonoxide (CO) alarms in your home, following manufacturer'sinstructions.Test CO alarms often and replace batteries when needed.85To avoid Electrical Hazards:Keep the generator dry. Operate on a dry surface under an open,canopy- like structure.Dry your hands before touching the generator.Plug appliances directly into generator or use a heavy-dutyoutdoor- rated extension cord. Make sure entire extension cord isfree of cuts or tears and the plug has all 3 prongs, especially agrounding pin.NEVER plug the generator into a wall outlet. This practice, knownas back feeding, can cause an electrocution risk to utility workersand others served by the same utility transformer.If necessary to connect generator to house wiring to powerappliances, have a qualified electrician install appropriateequipment. Or, your utility company may be able to install anappropriate transfer switch.

To avoid Fire Hazards:Before refueling the generator, turn it off and let it cool. Fuelspilled on hot engine parts could ignite.Always store fuel outside of living areas in properly labeled, nonglasscontainers.Store fuel away from any fuel-burning appliance.5.5.2.2 Water SafetyThe Safest way to store water in your CisternClean guttering of rotting leaves and other organic matterregularly.Clean or replace fitter on inlet pipeline in accordance withmanufacturer's recommendations.On a quarterly basis take sample of water to the Water andSewerage Department for analysis. Refer the result to theEnvironment Health Division and follow theirrecommendations (Analysis fee - $25.00) (Verify thisinformation)The Safest way to treat water in your CisternVerify whether or not the water is actually contaminated byhaving it tested at the Water Sewerage DepartmentIf treatment is required have them fax the results to theEnvironmental Health Division and contact the departmentto make the necessary arrangements.Water will be treated according to World HealthOrganization (WHO) standards using Sodium Hypochlorite(Granular Chlorine).Treatment is administrated according to the volume of waterin the cistern at the time of treatment; therefore thedimensions of the cistern must be attained along with theliquid depth of water in the cistern.Water shouldn't be used until 12 hours after chlorine hasbeen administeredHow to obtain potable waterMake application on the prescribed forms, which areavailable at the Water and Sewerage Department offices inBaugher's Bay. Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke.Where should your water meter be located on site?The Meter is the property of the Water and SewerageDepartment and should be located at the boundary line ofyour property.86

How to maintain Septic Tanks and Sewer SystemProper operation and maintenance of your septic systemcan have a significant impact on how well it works and howlong it lasts. Failing systems are expensive to repair orreplace, and poor maintenance is a common cause of earlysystem failures. It is important to maintain your system inorder to protect the health of your family, your communityand the environment. Chemicals improperly released into aseptic system can pollute water sources and contribute tosystem failures. Such failures can also cause property valuesto decline, and can affect beaches and ghuts.Improper siting, construction, or design often contribute toseptic system failures. Septic tank owners should be alert tothe following warning signs of a failing system.Slowly draining sinks and toiletsGurgling sounds in the plumbingPlumbing back upsSewerage odours in the house or yardGround is wet or mushy underfootGrass growing faster and greener in one particular areaof the yardSound septic operation and maintenance practices includeconserving water, being careful that nothing harmful isdisposed of through the system, and having the systeminspected and pumped regularly. Do not dispose of anythingin your septic system that can just as easily be put in thetrash. In the kitchen, avoid washing food scraps down thedrain. Grease and cooking oils contribute to the layer ofscum in the tank. Garbage disposals can increase theamount of solids in the tank by up to 50%. To avoiddisrupting or permanently damaging your septic system, donot use it to dispose of hazardous household chemicals.Inspect your system annually to detect problems beforethey escalate, and check the level of scum in your tank. It isimportant to protect your septic system from potentialdamage. Do not plant anything but grass near your septicsystem, and do not allow anyone to operate heavyequipment over any part of the system.87Water Conservation Measures for the HomesWash vehicles with bucket of water instead of a hoseUse a watering can to wet plants instead of a hose.

Turn off faucets when soaping dishes, brushingteeth, and soaping in the shower.Put water saving devices on fixtures.Never put water down the drain when there may beanother use for it such as watering a plant orgarden, or cleaning.Verify that your home is leak-free, because manyhomes have hidden water leaks. Read your watermeter before and after a two-hour period when nowater is being used. If the meter does not readexactly the same, there is a leak.Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If yourfaucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second,you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year whichwill add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, orstrain your septic system.Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring tothe tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear inthe toilet bowel within 30 minutes. Check the toiletfor worn out, corroded or bent parts. Mostreplacement parts are inexpensive, readily availableand easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done,since food coloring may stain tank.)Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose oftissues, insects and other such waste in the trashrather than the toilet5.5.2.3 TelephoneWhen you are planning a building project or even renovatingexisting commercial or residential property, you can takeadvantage of the free consultancy service provided by the localtelephone service providers.these providers offer advice on cable entry, ducting and wireprotection to ensure that your building is designed to cater forall your future telecommunications needsTo learn more about this service, call 494-4444, ext. 823 andspeak to their Property/Building Liaison Officer.5.5.2.4 Proper Waste Disposal - Households depend on septic tanksystems to treat and dispose of waste water. A well designed,installed, and maintained septic system can provide years ofreliable low-cost service. When these systems fail to operate88

effectively, property damage, groundwater and surface waterpollution, and disease outbreaks can occur. Therefore, it makesgood sense to understand and care for your septic tank system.There are many different types of septic tank systems to fit awide range of soil and site conditions. The following informationwill help you to understand a conventional gravity-flow septictank system, and keep it operating safely at the lowest possiblecost. A conventional gravity-flow septic tank system has threeworking parts:1. The septic tank.2. The drain field with its replacement area.3. The surrounding soilmage showing extent of septic tank and soak away field system89In a conventional septic system, wastewater is directed to anunderground rectangular or cylindrical concrete or cinderblockstructure. The size of the holding tank is dependent upon the numberof bathrooms, occupants and use of the structure. Solid materialsettles on the bottom of the holding tank as sludge. Decompositionreduces the solid waste and removes some of the nutrients from theliquid. The gases produced by the decomposition process are releasedto the atmosphere via a vent pipe. The liquid portion of the waste isslowly released to the leaching structure/drain field from which itenters the surrounding soil and undergoes further decomposition as itpercolates downwards. The leaching structure can be as simple as apit in well drained soils to trenches containing a perforated pipesurrounded with gravel and covered with soil.

In areas where the water table is high, bedrock is too close to the surfaceto allow for proper separation or permeability is poor, the leaching/drainfield, typically trenches, can be installed in a mounded area. A pump isprovided in a separate holding chamber. Waste material enters thesystem and undergoes decomposition in the usual manner. When theliquid in the holding chamber reaches a certain level the pump istriggered and waste water is pumped up to the leaching/drain field. Themounded leaching/drain field must be constructed with material that hasgood permeability. The image below depicts a septic system with amodified leaching field.In a leaching/drain field modification, an impermeable membrane can beinstalled to prevent the downward movement of the waste liquid. In thiscase, sand or other permeable soil is used as the fill material. Wastewater is released from the drainage pipes into the sand where it rises tothe surface and evaporates. The bed can be planted with vegetation thatwill absorb the liquid and eliminate some through evapotranspiration.Importantly, these systems are suited to areas where evaporation ratesexceed precipitation; however, the drainage pipes can be sized to holdwaste water during rainy periods.Conventional septic systems are anaerobic, produce methane, agreenhouse gas, and can pollute groundwater. Recent developments insewage treatment are allowing for the introduction of oxygen into thesystems. This eliminates the methane, promotes the breakdown of othernutrients in wastewater and allows for thereuse of the treated water for non-potableuses such as irrigation. In the systemillustrated, sludge collects in a holding tankas in a conventional system. The differencelies in the design and functioning of theleaching/drain field. The leaching/drainfield is enclosed in an impermeablemembrane filled with soil/sand.Wastewater soaks into the surroundingmaterial and bacteria breaks down thenutrients. The break-down processes shiftsfrom aerobic to anaerobic depending onthe level of water in the system. Theproduct of this system is nitrogen gaswhich is released to the atmosphere.Additives can be added to the soil to aid inInverted Trench SystemSource: http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/publications/freshwater/sb_summary/6.aspthe removal of more constituents. Thediagram on the left illustrates the invertedtrench domestic wastewater system.90

In more advanced systems, air is introduced via the use of electricalpumps. In this enclosed system, wastewater is treated as it passesfrom one chamber to another via bacterial action. Solids that settle atthe bottom of the chambers are pumped back to the beginning for retreatment.An irrigation pump, located in the last chamber, makes thetreated wastewater available for irrigation. If surface irrigation isrequired chlorine can be added to the system. The illustration belowshows an aerated system.Aerated SystemSource: http://www.unep.or.jp/ietc/publications/freshwater/sb_summary/6.aspSeveral modifications of the conventional system exist depending onyour particular soil and site conditions. Have your site and soilproperly evaluated to ensure that the most appropriate system isinstalled to prevent potential issues in the future. Consult with theTown and Country Planning Department and Environmental HealthUnit to verify that the position of the proposed septic system issuitable and appropriate.91

Clay is plastic and holds water, it will not allow it to percolate.CoralThe soakaway rock is a white porous coral that is found on beaches.The area around the septic tank is filled with these rocks increasing theporosity.Coral's availability is limited. This material has a high pH; whensoaked with acidic material (septic waste) the coral disintegrates.The breakdown continues over time and leads to sinking around thetank. More dirt is thrown on top of the sinking grade to level it again;depending on the contents, the porosity may be reduced.Clay soil or coral should be removed from a proposed soak away fieldand replaced with a porous material that allows percolation. Themethod of effluent distribution and the gallons of sewage per persondetermines the required land area for a soak away field.92

5.6 External Works (pavements, drains, curb, fencing)Permeable vs Impermeable PavementsPermeable surfaces (also known as porous or pervious surfaces) allowwater to percolate into the soil to filter out pollutants and rechargethe water table. Impermeable/impervious surfaces are solid surfacesthat don't allow water to penetrate, forcing it to run off. Impermeablesurfaces include Asphalt, Concrete, Traditional stone, brick orconcrete, pavers while permeable surfaces include Planting beds,Mulched beds, Gravel, Permeable pavers, Turf.Impermeable pavements can lead to pollution of surface water;flooding of surface water and erosion of stream banks; Water table notbeing adequately recharged; formation of stagnate water puddles andHeat island effect which increases ambient air temperatures andrequire more energy for cooling.DrainsDrainage problems can cause significant damage to your home,property. It is important to identify and correct drainage problemswhen they occur. To lessen the amount of impervious surface area onyour property (and lessen the amount of stormwater runoff), considerconcrete alternatives when planning new patios, paths, or driveways.Use gravel, paving blocks, porous asphalt, or other permeablematerials.Below are additional tips to avoid future drainage problems:Sweep your driveway instead of using a hose. This saves water andkeeps dirt out of your drainage system.Avoid the use of wood chip mulch around yard inlets or swales.The wood chips float and can be easily moved by runoff water.Use caution when placing trees or shrubs. The roots may grow intounderground drainage pipes disrupting your drainage system.Add screens on gutters to help keep debris out of your drainagesystem.Install a removable connection between your downspouts and roofdrains. Disconnecting downspouts during cleaning will help keepdebris out of your drainage system.93

There are many ways to reduce drainage problems on your property. Adrainage system can be installed to divert the surface water flows andthe stormwater flows around and away from your home. Below areseveral possible drainage structures that can be installed.1. Foundation drains divert stormwater away from your building'sfoundation. Foundation drainpipes are perforated and usuallysurrounded by gravel. The pipes disperse the water (instead ofdischarging in a concentrated area) and the gravel contributes toinfiltration of the water. The gravel can be wrapped with a layer offilter fabric to prevent the drain from clogging with sediment.2. Roof drainpipes are not perforated, and are not connected to thefoundation drain system.3. Gutters collect runoff from a building's roof. This runoff isconveyed through downspouts to the roof drain system. Guttersshould be kept clear of leaves and other debris so clogging doesnot occur in the roof drain system.4. Storm drainpipes can be made from many different materials suchas concrete, aluminum, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).5. Catch basins are concrete structures (either round or rectangular)with metal grates on top6. Yard inlets are similar to catch basins but are much smaller. Metaland plastic yard inlets can be purchased at a local hardware store.7. Trench drains are used to capture stormwater flowing over a largerarea like a driveway.94

8. French drains can be installed anywhere on your property thatcollects water. French drains are constructed with a perforatedpipe. Gravel and filter fabric surrounds the pipe, similar tofoundation drain systems.9. Drywells are filled with gravel and surrounded by filter fabric.Water flows into the wells and infiltrates into the ground throughthe gravel.10. Cleanouts are usually located in a bend where debris can clog thesystem.11. Sump pumps (not shown in this diagram) are intended to be usedas a backup system, and need electricity to function. When thesump fills with water, the pump turns on.CurbsA curb, by definition, is something that restrains; an enclosing borderor edging; a raised edge or margin; or a wall. Curbs collect water fromcrowned pavements and convey it to points of collection, thusreducing the amount of water that gets under the pavement. Theyoutline the edges of pavements and provide easily definable bordersbetween traveled and untraveled surfaces. They confine pavementstructures, especially if thepavements are composed of layersof materials that must becompacted in-place. Curbs helpcontain low speed traffic within theedges of pavements.Besides serving the purposes listedabove, curbs provide several otheradvantages. The neat, straight linesof curbs add to the attractivenessof parking lots and streets, and thecommonly used expression "curbappeal" implies that attractiveness of adjacent properties are alsoenhanced by sharp demarcations between streets and lawns.Curbs strengthen pavements. The confining of flexible pavements byconcrete curbs improves compaction during construction and helpsmaintain the integrity of edges under traffic. The added thicknessgiven to edges of concrete pavements by integral curbs increasestrength and stiffness, reduce deflections induced by traffic loads, andtherefore extends pavement life.95

Curbs reduce the amount of space or right-of-way required for a streetby eliminating drainage swales and their flat side slopes; curbs alsoreduce the lengths of driveways built from streets to homes orbusinesses.Light reflective surfaces of concrete curbs delineate pavement edgesand improve visibility for drivers at night, thus promoting safety.Where there are no concrete curbs to outline the edges of roads andstreets, it is now common practice to mark the pavement edges withstripes of white paint.FencingHaving a fence around your property serves a number of purposes, themost obvious of which is privacy. Enclosing your property discouragestrespassers and strangers from entering your property unlawfully.Installing a fence can be beneficial in a number of ways. These benefitsinclude:Deterring trespassers or unwanted guestsPrivacySecurityControlled accessibilityAesthetically pleasing designBoundary demarcationDepending on your wants and needs, a variety of styles, sizes, andmaterials for fencing and gate projects are available which include:Temporary and permanent chain linkPost and RailWrought IronPicket FencePanel FencingWood Fencing96

Section 6:Post Construction Considerations6.1 he construction site must be cleaned and cleared prior to the contractorhanding over the finished project to the homeowner. Construction waste mustbe sorted to determine material that can be reused and/or sold. The site mustbe cleared of all nails, steel and other dangerous objects that can cause harm tohome owner after occupancy. Remaining material must be properly stored andprotected. Any loose soil can be compacted or used in landscaping6.2 LandscapingThere are endless benefits to landscaping your yard. It makes dull areaspleasing, and increases the property value of your home. Beforedeciding to take up this task yourself, or hiring professionallandscapers, consider the following:1. Your own experience, expertise, and available time and effort2. The size of the Project3. Your understanding of how plants work together in the design4. Your understanding of proper grading to avoid drainage problems5. How your lifestyle affects landscaping choices (need for outdoor livingspace, areas for children to play)Whether you are planting trees or planning a new septic drainfield, keep thedrainfield or septic leach field away from trees or shrubs which are likely to putdown deep or aggressive roots. The roots will quickly invade and clog theburied effluent lines and may also cause them to move, break, or becomedisconnected.The actual tree to septic distance needed depends on the tree variety and itsnormal root growth range. Keep at least as much distance between the treeand the nearest drainfield component as the anticipated height of the tree at itsmaturity. So if the tree will be 30' tall at maturity keep it at least 30' from thedrainfield. Some trees should be kept at much greater distances, up to 100'from septic fields.6.3 Managing Household Waste976.3.1 Waste DisposalYour residence and property will generate solid waste, such as food,plastic, paper, glass, metals and plant material. Thought should begiven to the proper disposal or reuse of waste. Household wasteshould be placed in a secure container and made available on theappropriate collections days. Familiarise yourself with the wastecollection schedule for your area.

6.3.1.1 CompostingOrganic waste material canbe removed from the wastestream, composted and usedfor plants, fruit trees or in avegetable garden.Composting can be as simpleas burying organic waste onyour property. If you electnot to bury your organicwaste, a simple, enclosedarea can be constructed or acompost bin bought.Composting requires organic Simple Wire-Mesh Compost Pilematerial, air/oxygen andmoisture. Direct sunlight helps to heat up the material andspeed up the decomposition process, as a result most compostbins are black. Oxygen is introduced by manually turning thematerial to prevent the decomposition from becominganaerobic thereby producing odors. Compostable wasteincludes organic material such as fruits, vegetablespeelings, egg shells, tea bags, newspapers, leaves,twigs, grass clippings, etc. Feel free to add soil forflower pots or your property to the compost bin aswell. Do not include meats, dairy products, fatsor oils with the compostable material as they willslow down the decomposition process andattract rodents and other animals. Feel free toadd earthworms to the compost as they will eatthe material and produce castings!! A simple,homemade and a commercially availablecompost bin are illustrated below.Commercial Compost Bin98

Section 7:Property Maintenance7.1 Maintenance997.1.1 Maintenance of your building and propertyIf a good system for maintenance is not properly organized, funded,staffed and carried out, then all other disaster mitigation efforts couldprove insufficient. Moreover, experience indicates that roofs, walls,and equipment in general are more vulnerable to failure if normallyoperated at near breakdown, or at any level of technical deficiency.While a properly designed and maintained building would be resistantto natural hazards, experience has shown that some additionalprecautions may have to be taken to secure the facility and allow it tofunction during and immediately after such events. The principal areasto be examined for maintaining disaster resistance of a facility and thecorrective measures to be taken are indicated below:7.1.1.1 Areas to consider during routine maintenanceThe property:Driveways maintained with approved surface paving thatdirects runoff into appropriate drainage waysDrains and culvert cleared to allow for free flow of waterPerimeter fences and retaining walls are structurally soundAll shrubbery must be neatly trimmed and maintained at alltimes. No limbs from trees should be allowed to grow ontoadjacent property below the height of 10', or to touch anystructure on the adjacent propertyFlooding often follows a hurricane. Check to see how highthe water reached in previous heavy rainstorms and ensurethat drains are cleared to carry the rainwater away from thebuilding, and that no storm water can get into the building.The building:Proper state of repair and cleaning of all exterior surfaces ofthe structure with downspout and guttering to properlychannel water to a cistern or other receptacle which willeliminate deterioration of surrounding surfaces posing ahazard.

All lighting fixtures, outlets, conduits and switches should bein good working condition and free of insects and waterintrusion.Check for evidence of termite or vermin damageRoofsReplace all corroded or damaged roof sheets.Examine the purlins and rafters for water or termite damageand replace the affected ones. Make sure that the drivescrews are driven into solid material and cannot be pulledout easily.Make sure that the ridge cap is fastened to the roof sheetand that the wind cannot peel it off.If roof is constructed on a wall plate be sure that it is notrotten. If it is, replace it and secure the plate to the wall withbolts.Doors and WindowsExamine the mechanisms for operating all doors andwindows. They should close tightly.Replace any locks or hinges for doors and broken glass inwindows.7.1.2 Insurance IssuesWhy insure your home.There are two main reasons for insuring your home.If a Bank has a mortgage on the property, the bank will onlyauthorize a loan if full replacement cost insurance is in place.The average home in the BVI is valued at $330,000 and formost homeowners it is their main investment and insuranceprotects this investment.Insurance Companies will allow premium credits for the following:Concrete roofFire alarm systemsHurricane ShuttersHomeowner relationship with the insurerTo achieve the best relationship with the insurer, the ownershould discuss insurance coverage and related matters with theinsurer during the initial planning stages of the project.The role of the InsurerThe role of the insurer is to provide protection to the owner byproviding coverage for damage and/or losses from perils,including natural hazards.100

7.1.2.1 Tips to make your home safe from firesAn overwhelming number of fires occur in the home. Thereare time-tested ways to prevent and survive a fire. It's not aquestion of luck. It's a matter of planning ahead.Every Home Should Have Working Smoke AlarmsBuy a smoke alarm at any hardware or discountstore. It's inexpensive protection for youand your family. Install a smoke alarmon every level of your home. Aworking smoke alarm can doubleyour chances of survival. Test itmonthly, keep it free of dust andreplace the battery at least oncea year. Smoke alarmsthemselves should be replacedafter ten years of service, or asrecommended by the manufacturer.Smoke detectors should be placed inbedrooms, kitchens away from stoves, living rooms,the top of stairways. Ultimately, every floor of your homeshould have at least one smoke detector in it. A smokedetector should also be placed in an attached garage.Prevent Electrical FiresNever overload circuits or extension cords. Do not placecords and wires under rugs, over nails or in high traffic areas.Immediately shut off and unplug appliances that sputter,spark or emit an unusual smell. Have them professionallyrepaired or replaced.Use Appliances WiselyWhen using appliances follow the manufacturer's safetyprecautions. Overheating, unusual smells, shorts and sparksare all warning signs that appliances need to be shut off,then replaced or repaired. Unplug appliances when not inuse. Use safety caps to cover all unused outlets, especially ifthere are small children in the home.101

Affordable Home Fire SafetySprinklersWhen home fire sprinklers are usedwith working smoke alarms, yourchances of surviving a fire are greatlyincreased. Sprinklers are affordable - theycan increase property value and lowerinsurance rates.Plan Your EscapePractice an escape plan from every room in the house.Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escapingfrom fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select alocation where everyone can meet after escaping the house.Get out then call for help.Caring for Children & Older PeopleChildren under five are naturally curious about fire. Manyplay with matches and lighters. Take the mystery out of fireplay by teaching your children that fire is a tool, not a toy.Senior citizens death in fires can be prevented. Seniors areespecially vulnerable because many live alone and can'trespond quickly.102

Fire ExtinguishersTo guard against small fires or to keep a small fire fromdeveloping into a big one, every home should be equippedwith fire extinguisher. Because almost all fires are small atfirst, they might be contained if a fire extinguisher is handyand used properly. You should take care, however, to selectthe right kind of fire extinguisher, because there are differentones for different kinds of fires. Install fire extinguishers onevery level of the home and include the kitchen, basementand garage.Selecting a Fire ExtinguisherExtinguishers are classified according to the class of fire forwhich they are suitable. The four classes of fires are A, B, C,and D:Class A fires involve common combustibles such as wood,paper, cloth, rubber, trash and plastics. They are common intypical commercial and home settings.Class B fires involve flammable liquids, solvents, oil, gasoline,paints, lacquers and other oil-based products. Class B firesoften spread rapidly. Unless they are properly suppressed,they can re-flash after the flames have been extinguished.Class C fires involve energized equipment such as wiring,controls, motors, machinery or appliances. They can becaused by a spark, a power surge, or a short circuit andtypically occur in locations that may be difficult to see orreach.Class D fires involve combustible metals.A typical home of office fire extinguisher should have an ABCrating.103

7.2 Keep your property clear of debris and potential windborne missiles.If the areaimmediatelysurroundingyour housecontains trees,outbuildings,trashcans, yarddebris, orothermaterials thatcan be movedby the wind,your house willbe more likelyto be damagedduring ahurricane. The wind can topple trees onto your house and can pick upsmaller objects and drive them through windows and glass doors.You should ensure that all trees are far enough away from your house thatthey can't fall on it.The distance between your house and any nearby tree should always begreater than the height the tree will reach when it is fully grown. All storagesheds and other outbuildings should be securely anchored, either to apermanent foundation or with straps and ground anchors. Smaller objects,such as trash cans, barbecue grills, and outdoor furniture should also beanchored or, if you have adequate warning, move indoors. You should alsoclear away any debris, such as fallen tree branches.Keep these points in mind when you remove trees and potential windbornemissiles from around your house:Removing large trees near your house can be extremely dangerous,for both you and your house, and therefore is a job for a skilledcontractor.The straps and ground anchors used for manufactured homes also canbe used to anchor outbuildings, especially small garden sheds, whichare usually not placed on a permanent foundation.You can secure outdoor furniture and barbecue grills by bolting themto decks or patios or by attaching them to ground anchors with cablesor chains.You can secure trash cans with cables or chains attached to groundanchors or to wood posts firmly embedded in the ground. Trash canlids should be tied to cans with cables or chains.104

Builders RemBuilders Reminders· It is important to ensure that an adequate maintenanceprogramme is in place.·The annual maintenance budget for a building should beof the order of four percent of the current value of thebuilding7.3 Importance of Home SecurityHome owners should always think of protecting their homes withaffordable home security measures to safeguard themselves and theirfamily, avoid burglary, fire and loss of financial interests. To begin, install ahigh, sturdy fence with a metal entry gate, and motion sensor lights in closeproximity to the perimeter. Walk around your home and identifyweaknesses such as possible points of entry, and areas where a house cangain undetected access. Scale back bushes that can serve as camouflage,consider unprotected glass located close to ground and observe ifverandahs on the upper levels can be easily accessed. Perform the samereview at night and think about any pathways a stranger can walk downunheard or unseen, and consider curtains and shutters that are open, thatwill allow a well-lit view of the interior.Begin addressing your concerns by considering inexpensive options. Makearrangements with neighbours to watch your home when you are away.Fool burglars into thinking youare at home byinstalling a few timersaround the houseallowing lights,stereos and TVs toturn themselves on atrandom times. Ifthese options are notsufficient, considerinstalling affordableadvanced homesecurity systems.105

7.4 Maintenance106

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Section 8:Disaster PreparednessWith the advent of the Internet, it is easy to find a host of written materialconcerning preparations for any emergency or disaster. In addition, there isplenty of literature concerning how to build homes that can better endure theimpact of hazards such as hurricanes, earthquakes, flood etc. This section helpsthe homeowner to prepare for disasters that may affect his/her property.In the strictest of terms, it is nearly impossible to build a home to withstand alltypes of disasters. Keep this in mind when deciding to ride out for instance astorm or hurricane in your home. You can however, plan to secure yourproperty to better withstand the hazards that can affect your area.8.1 Create a Disaster PlanA good disaster plan usually covers different kinds of events, such ashurricanes, earthquakes, floods etc.Review your insurance coverage; be aware if you have contentscoverage, replacement value etc.Keep important telephone numbers with you.As a general rule, always keep your surroundings cleanKeep a floor plan of your home easily available and mark out escaperoutes from each room.Make sure you know how to shut off gas, water and electricity at themain switches.Once you become aware of any impending disaster, or a watch orwarning is issued arrange to have your property secured.Remember to monitor the radio and television for information beingissued by the Department of Disaster Management108

8.2 Disaster Supply Kit - Always keep a disaster supply kit available whichshould include the following:Two-weeks supply of prescription medicines.Two-weeks supply non-perishable/special dietary foods.Drinking water in containers: 1 gal per person/per day for two weeks.Flashlights and batteries for each member of the familyPortable radio and (7 sets) batteriesFirst aid book and kit including bandages, antiseptic, tape, compresses,non-aspirin pain reliever, anti-diarrhea medicationTwo coolers (one to keep food and one for ice).Plastic wrap for roof/window repair, screening, tools, nails etc.Water Purification kit (tablets, bleach, chlorine (plain) and iodine).Infant necessities (medicine, sterile water, diapers, ready formulabottles)Note: For more information please contact the Department of DisasterManagement.GO109

Section 9:AppendicesAppendix 1: Useful Requirements, Regulations and PoliciesBuilding Application Permit Request Form110

Building Permit Application111

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Form112

Virgin Islands Building Ordinance (No. 10 of 1955)113

The Land Development Control Guidelines 1972114

Land Development (Control) Ordinance No. 3 of 1969115

Planning Authority Permission to Develop116

Subdivision ApplicationsWhere it is desired to construct more than one structure on any area of land, asubdivision plan must be submitted to the authority for approval.(1) Applications for subdivisions shall be in the form set out in schedule 1 a) andb). (Refer to Land Development Control Guidelines – 1972 Guidelines No.17 andNo.18)a) Where it is desired to construct more than one house on any area oflandb) Drawings shall be drawn to scale sufficiently large to facilitateaccurate checking.Subdivision plans shall be accompanied with a location sketch showing existingsubdivisions in the vicinity and names of owners of properties adjoining theproposed subdivision registered on the cadastral;A subdivision plan also includes contours, road positions, road reserves, crossdrainage structures, roadside drainage, and the construction specifications foreach road shown to the satisfaction of the Development Control Authority.117

The following statement should appear on each subdivision plan for eachapplication and shall be signed by the Surveyor, Town Planner, Architect, orother suitable professional with a valid trade licence etc. as follows:“I hereby certify that the boundaries of the land to be subdivided and theirrelationships to the adjacent land are accurately and correctly shown on thisplan.”Signature__________________________________________________Address______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________A final survey of a layout is not required until The Authority has given approvalfor the subdivision application. The final survey plan will be compared with theapproved layout plan.Building Plans and LayoutsBuilding plans and layouts shall be provided as follows:a. Show the road access to each building lot as well as connections withstreets and roads adjoining subdivisions.b. Show to the satisfaction of the AuthoritySite accessRoad positionsRoad reservesExisting and proposed contoursCross drainage structuresRoadside drainageThe construction specifications of each road.Significant features, andExisting structures118

Location PlanSite Plan119

House Plan120

A typical example of an elevation. Two are required121

Change of Use ApplicationA change of use application is required if the current use of a spaceor building is different from its proposed use. For example, if abuilding changes its use from commercial to residential, in a case likethis, attributes such as its capacity for sewage disposal and cisternwater must be addressed to adequately provide for the number ofpersons residing or expected to be residing in that building.Application for Change of Use can be done on the Application forPermission to Develop Land form. Refer to item No.8: Land Use ofthe Application for Permission to Develop Land form.. Change of use filing is required for different commercial uses as well.From beauty salons to food handling, a paint store to a music studio,etc. changes between dissimilar uses within a space must be filed fora new activity.If a space is planned for an activity that was the same as the currentuse and if egress patterns remain the same, no change of useapplication has to be filed. If fire safety compliance changes, anapplication must be filed and it, in turn, will be referred to theappropriate agency.Non-Belonger Landholders LicenseIf the developer is an expatriate, he or she must apply for a Non-BelongerLandholders' License. Contact the Ministry of Natural Resources andLabour for details and procedures. The agent must submit a certified copyby the ministry with the application.Any person who does not "belong" to the BVI, which is roughly theequivalent of citizenship, or a company controlled by non-belongers, mustobtain a license to purchase and hold land in the BVI. To discourage landspeculation, the application to purchase undeveloped land must outline theintended use and attach a plan of the development. The plan must beapproved by the Department of Town and Country Planning prior to anyconstruction works. An application fee must be paid to obtain the buildingpermit. A contact list of recommended architects can be provided uponrequest. The land must be developed in accordance with the approved planwithin a specified timeframe, usually three years, otherwise a penalty of upto 40% of the purchase price may be incurred. A contact list ofrecommended contractors can be provided upon request. Prior to thedeadline it is advised that an application for extension of time, up to 1 year,122

should be made. Also, if any design changes are to be made an applicationto amend the license is required setting out the nature of the intendedchanges in design. The more complicated the development the more timeit will take for the relevant authorities to scrutinize the application, butgenerally a 12 month window should be provided in the agreement for saleto allow for the license approval as a condition precedent. The applicationform and additional information for the license can be provided uponrequest.Please note: All application forms, permits and regulations shown asAppendix 1 can be found at the Building Authority Department and theTown & Country Planning Department.123

Notes