This week we are featuring Safety Cart, based in Krugersdorp, Gauteng. They specialise in the manufacturing of road signage and the supply of road safety products as well as various commercial and private signage solutions on many different types of media.
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To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Featured Companies, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Featured Companies, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
This week we are featuring K T Squared Industrial Equipment (Pty) Ltd, based in Kempton Park, Gauteng. Thabo Zulu is the Managing Director for K T Squared Industrial Equipment (Pty) Ltd and you can read what he has to say here…
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Featured Companies, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit Leads 2 Business.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit Leads 2 Business Wiki.
To view more Events, please visit our Leads 2 Business Blog.
Software to help benefit companies in construction
Jeepers! Where to even begin?!
Technology has transformed our lives in unimaginable ways. And for a lot of us, these systems can be a bit daunting.
There are so many different types of software that are able to benefit various types of professionals within the construction industry, that we often don’t know which would be most effective or relevant to our businesses.
So why even consider any of these systems? Since construction work happens manually, and work progresses on site through multiple visits and contracts, some large construction projects sometimes take years to complete. Digitizing a few processes might assist with getting the work done faster and better!
Let’s have a look at the biggest benefits of having a construction management software in place:
Having a system in place that will assist you with analyzing and tracking processes from conceptual to handover which keeps detailed notes of which persons are in charge of which tasks, date of completion, etc., will help keep track of delays and pick up where the faults lie. It also makes it easier to bridge the communication gap between customers, managers and the rest of the team, which in turn increases the proficiency of performance and helps mid-project changes a breeze to keep track of.
Allocating jobs to each professional also becomes an easy task.
Cost Estimation – In today’s day and age, this has to be the most important process to have in place within the construction industry. Due to human error being so real, there is no room for mistakes when it comes to cost estimation. This could make or break winning a tender. Construction software maintains financial data in a secure way, with automated calculations & predictions.
How much easier can it be? This software assists with sending out bills, generating invoices and tracking payments that need to be made and/or received. Pretty cool, right?
Project & Tender Information Platforms – This is where Leads 2 Business comes in! It’s imperative for any construction professional to know what projects are coming up where and when. The planning process is one of the most important steps to building your brand and growing your business.
To have a provider, such as Leads 2 Business, that is able to notify you and keep track of projects and tenders of interest, saves you time, money and effort. Being in the know of who to approach and when will put you that much closer to winning that tender.
These are but a few of the many construction software systems out there that are able to benefit anyone within the industry. What a time to be alive! Gone are the days of sitting in front of the fax machine waiting for a 500 page tender document to be sent (one page at a time, can you even imagine?!)
With construction management software, all project management documents are stored in a safe place and because all documents to each project are stored in a single location, important information is simply one click away! Being able to share these documents with every professional involved also becomes a lot easier, which prevents time wasted hunting through piles and piles of paperwork.
Here are a few links to some of these great software systems:
“Stay calm! Single file! Don't panic! Stop, drop and roll!”
These are just a few things that cross my mind when thinking of evacuating a building that's on fire.
However, we're all aware that the panic struggle is so real when facing something as scary as the possibility of burning alive!
The regulations as published by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) SANS 10400 Part T are as follows:
The occupants using the building/structure will be protected. This includes disabled individuals.
Sufficient stability must be insured as not to endanger any other building to avoid structural system failure.
The spread of fire within the building will be minimised.
The spread of smoke will be controlled or minnimised to the best practicable measurement.
An adequate means of access for fighting, controlling and detecting a fire will be provided.
SANS Act 10400 Part T can be broken down into 4 categories:
Safety distances – Classifications including the type of external wall and distances where walls don't contain openings (ie. windows)
Fire resistance – Fire resistance of building materials
Requirements – Including but not limited to:
Fire performance
General requirements
Partition walls and partions
Floor coverings
Exit doors
Fire detection and fire alarm systems
Fire stability of structural elements
Maintenance and provision of fire-fighting equipment and fire protection systems
Rational designs – A competent person is required for the designing aspect
According to South Africa's building regulations, the Act will be fulfilled when and only when a building is designed, constructed and equipped with every executed regulation. In addition, local authorities must also be satisfied with the design and plan of the building before construction can begin.
So now, let's have a look at a basic business fire escape plan. It is imperative to have a reliable fire escape plan as this could mean the difference between life and death.
Draw up a map – draw a basic floor plan of your company indicating where all fire extinguishers, escape doors and outside meeting points are located. Place a few copies in visible spots around the office for employees to see and make note of.
Have your local fire department on speed dial – because a fire breaking out is a panicky time, chances of making mistakes when trying to dial the correct number are high. Having the number on speed dial will avoid mistakes, getting it done quickly and right the first time around.
Install smoke alarms – installing a reliable fire system such as smoke detectors and fire sprinkles, it could give you enough time to evacuate the building while helping to eliminate the fire.
Invest in a fire extinguisher – Fire extinguishers are a must for all commercial properties according to the Fire Protection Act. Adequate means of access for fighting, controlling and detecting a fire are imperative, as to ensure effective resolution, in an unfortunate instance.
Allocate an outside meeting point – choose an appropriate meeting point outside, far enough from the building, for all employees to meet in case of an emergency. This will assist you in determining who might still be in the building by means of an employee/individual roll call.
Install emergency release devices – Ensure that you install release devices on windows that have security bars which will allow the bars to open, giving employees outside access.
Train your staff – Staff should be trained to know not to use the elevator when a fire breaks out and also know how to use the fire protection devices.
Set allocation of health, fire & safety staff to assist where necessary.
Practice – Have regular fire drills to ensure your employees know exactly what to do in the case of an emergency. Practice makes perfect!
In order to expedite the evacuation of a workplace, every employer shall ensure that any escape door from any room or passage or at a staircase shall, as far as it is practicable, be hung so as to open outwards; every door of a room in which persons may be present be kept clear and capable of being easily and rapidly opened from inside; staircases are to be provided with hand-rails – staircases intended to be used as fire escapes must be constructed of non-combustible material, be kept clear of any material or other obstructions and not terminate in an enclosed area. Staircases need to be wide enough to facilitate the quick and safe evacuation of the number of people intended to make use of them, this is also applicable for the amount of fire escapes. An employer will provide an adequate supply of suitable fire-fighting equipment at strategic locations and must always make sure equipment is maintained and in good working order.
The Act specifies several offenses that owners of building need to avoid. If anyone does anything to obstruct escape routes in buildings, they will be guilty of an offense.
The biggest question that you need to ask yourself is “how long will it take to open the door/gate in case of an emergency?” It's a huge responsibility to ensure the safety of others, that is why it's so important to check, check, and triple check that all the regulations are adhered to. If you're in doubt you could make contact with your local fire department and ask them to do an inspection for you. When you gamble with safety, you bet your life. Better a thousand times careful, than once dead.
Don't let your dreams go up in smoke – practice fire safety.
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Ultimately when I was chosen for this topic, my first thought when hearing “Environmental Impact Assessments” (EIA’s) was little butterflies, tree huggers and strange frogs of which there are only 2 left. But there most certainly is a lot more to it!
First things first… what exactly is an EIA? Very simple really, thanks to my bestie, Google: “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.”
EIA in South Africa all started back in the ’70’s. It started out voluntarily until 1997 when the government passed EIA regulations under the old Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989). Activities, such as projects, policies, programmes and plans, which have a significant effect on the environment must be investigated and assessed, to bring any valuable concerns to light. This does not, however, mean that the project won’t move forward, the EIA test is to gain clarity so that developers/clients are made aware of any impacts the project will have on the environment or culture upon completion.
There are two levels of assessment, namely: a Basic Assessment process and a full EIA. The full EIA process entails the following steps:
The length of the EIA will depend on the project under review. The process usually lasts between 6 and 18 months, approximately the same length as the feasibility study. Now, let’s have a look at each step individually and what each step of the process entails.
Screening:
This process is completed by the relevant authority at national, provincial or local level. As previously mentioned, there are two levels of assessment. Basic assessments are done to streamline the EIA so that smaller projects/activities (ie. road widening, construction of dams below 5m in height etc) are not subjected to a full EIA. These assessments, therefore, do not include a scoping phase. An Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) is required to determine whether a basic assessment or full EIA is required. The EAP will consult with the public, designated competent authority and relevant stakeholders. The input by the stakeholders is required before submitting the screening report for screening decisions by the DEA. A full EIA is needed for projects that will have an effect on a national protected area. In these instances, the Minister is designated as the competent authority. The estimated time frame for the screening process is 30 days.
Scoping:
Scoping is the process of identifying the key environmental issues and is the most important step within an EIA report. Scoping is important for two reasons: a.) so problems can be pinpointed early allowing mitigating design changes to be made and b.) to ensure that detailed prediction work is only carried out for important issues. Scoping is only required for projects that undergo a full EIA. An approved EAP may be appointed at this stage. After the application is submitted, the proponent must:
Conduct the public participation process;
Give notice in writing of proposed application to any state agency with jurisdiction over the proposed activity;
Open and maintain a register for public participation;
Consider all objections and representations received from interested and affected parties;
Identify relevant issues, potential environmental impacts, alternatives of the project activity;
Prepare a scoping report which must be reviewed and commented on by all concerned parties;
Give interested and affected parties an opportunity to comment on the scoping report;
Submit the scoping report to the competent authority for review and decision-making.
Once all documents are submitted, the competent authority makes the decision on whether the report has been approved, rejected, or if amendments should be made. Scoping is done to identify key interest groups, both government and non-governmental. Individuals who are affected by the project need to hear about it as soon as possible. The estimated time frame for the scoping process is 30 days.
Assessment and reporting:
Once the scoping report has been accepted, the EAP will begin with the approved plan of study for the EIA. The applicant or EAP may appoint an expert to carry out a special study or a specialised process. The contents of an EIA report include the details of the appointed EAP, the description and location of the project, a description of the environment that may be affected, details of the public participation process, description of the needs of the project, description of the potential alternatives to the project and their analysis along with the indication of the adopted methodology, a summary of the findings and recommendations of any specialist report, all environmental issues identified with significant impacts, assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge. Reasoning as to whether the project should or should not be authorised, a draft EMP and copies of any specialist reports and any specific information that may be required by the competent authority. For projects that require a Basic Assessment, a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) is required.
Review:
The competent authority and other relevant authorities are responsible for the review, they can either accept the EIA report or refer it for specialised review by a team for their comments, this is usually the case where technical knowledge or a high level of objectivity is required. The time frame for the reviewing report is 60 days. For a Basic Assessment Report, the competent authority has 30 days to accept, reject, suggest alternatives, or to subject the report to a full EIA.
Decision-making:
After the EIA report is approved, a decision is taken on whether an environmental authorisation is granted for the activity. This is required before any activities can begin by the developer. The granting of an environmental authorization does not necessarily lead to project approval. Other licences separate from the one issued by DEA have to be received from other relevant authorities before proposed project activities can commence. The competent authority taking the decision on whether the environmental authorisation is granted or not can be the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Members of the Executive Council (MEC), the Minister of Mineral Resources for mining related activities, the provincial, or local environmental authorities with delegated powers. All decisions need to be made public. The competent authority must grant or refuse the environmental authorisation within 45 days. For Basic Assessments, the decision will be taken within 30 days from the approval of the BAR.
Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement:
Compliance monitoring
Monitoring is a mandatory requirement. The applicant is required to submit an Environmental Management Plan as part of the EIA study report. This should include the requirements for the management, monitoring and reporting of the impacts of the project on the environment throughout the life cycle of the project.
Non-compliance penalties
The competent authority may suspend an Environmental Authorisation for several reasons, i.e. if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention or non-compliance with a condition of the authorisation causes harm to the environment, or if it is necessary to prevent such harm. Furthermore, a person is guilty of an offence if that person provides misleading or incorrect information, fails to disclose information to the competent authority, fails to comply with a request to submit an environmental audit report, fails to comply with any conditions granted in an authorised exemption and continues with a project for which an Environmental Authorisation was suspended. The punishment for the offence could be imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to a fine prescribed not exceeding R1 million, or (and this is the scary part) to both a fine AND imprisonment.
Public participation:
Public participation is required for projects that require only a basic assessment and projects that require a full EIA. However, there are no provisions for public participation during the decision phase and during monitoring of EIA activities. The public is given an opportunity to comment on reports and statements. The public is also informed about decisions and their reasoning.
Legal recourse:
A person who wishes to appeal against a decision must submit a notice of intention with the Minister in charge of the environment, the MEC or a delegated organ of state to the appeal authority. An appeal panel can be appointed to support the processing of the appeal. Recommendations are submitted to the competent authority in writing. The relevant authorities can then make a decision to the appeal.
In conclusion, Environmental Impact Assessments cannot give a precise picture of the future, much like we as South Africans don’t have an exact idea of where these “interesting” changes will take us. Environmental Impact Assessments enable uncertainty to be managed and to assist in correct decision making within the project process. A useful management general truth is to preserve flexibility in the face of uncertainty.
Ultimately when I was chosen for this topic, my first thought when hearing “Environmental Impact Assessments” (EIA’s) was little butterflies, tree huggers and strange frogs of which there are only 2 left. But there most certainly is a lot more to it!
First things first… what exactly is an EIA? Very simple really, thanks to my bestie, Google: “Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process of evaluating the likely environmental impacts of a proposed project or development, taking into account inter-related socio-economic, cultural and human-health impacts, both beneficial and adverse.”
EIA in South Africa all started back in the ’70’s. It started out voluntarily until 1997 when the government passed EIA regulations under the old Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1989). Activities, such as projects, policies, programmes and plans, which have a significant effect on the environment must be investigated and assessed, to bring any valuable concerns to light. This does not, however, mean that the project won’t move forward, the EIA test is to gain clarity so that developers/clients are made aware of any impacts the project will have on the environment or culture upon completion.
There are two levels of assessment, namely: a Basic Assessment process and a full EIA. The full EIA process entails the following steps:
The length of the EIA will depend on the project under review. The process usually lasts between 6 and 18 months, approximately the same length as the feasibility study. Now, let’s have a look at each step individually and what each step of the process entails.
Screening:
This process is completed by the relevant authority at national, provincial or local level. As previously mentioned, there are two levels of assessment. Basic assessments are done to streamline the EIA so that smaller projects/activities (ie. road widening, construction of dams below 5m in height etc) are not subjected to a full EIA. These assessments, therefore, do not include a scoping phase. An Environmental Assessment Practitioner (EAP) is required to determine whether a basic assessment or full EIA is required. The EAP will consult with the public, designated competent authority and relevant stakeholders. The input by the stakeholders is required before submitting the screening report for screening decisions by the DEA. A full EIA is needed for projects that will have an effect on a national protected area. In these instances, the Minister is designated as the competent authority. The estimated time frame for the screening process is 30 days.
Scoping:
Scoping is the process of identifying the key environmental issues and is the most important step within an EIA report. Scoping is important for two reasons: a.) so problems can be pinpointed early allowing mitigating design changes to be made and b.) to ensure that detailed prediction work is only carried out for important issues. Scoping is only required for projects that undergo a full EIA. An approved EAP may be appointed at this stage. After the application is submitted, the proponent must:
Conduct the public participation process;
Give notice in writing of proposed application to any state agency with jurisdiction over the proposed activity;
Open and maintain a register for public participation;
Consider all objections and representations received from interested and affected parties;
Identify relevant issues, potential environmental impacts, alternatives of the project activity;
Prepare a scoping report which must be reviewed and commented on by all concerned parties;
Give interested and affected parties an opportunity to comment on the scoping report;
Submit the scoping report to the competent authority for review and decision-making.
Once all documents are submitted, the competent authority makes the decision on whether the report has been approved, rejected, or if amendments should be made. Scoping is done to identify key interest groups, both government and non-governmental. Individuals who are affected by the project need to hear about it as soon as possible. The estimated time frame for the scoping process is 30 days.
Assessment and reporting:
Once the scoping report has been accepted, the EAP will begin with the approved plan of study for the EIA. The applicant or EAP may appoint an expert to carry out a special study or a specialised process. The contents of an EIA report include the details of the appointed EAP, the description and location of the project, a description of the environment that may be affected, details of the public participation process, description of the needs of the project, description of the potential alternatives to the project and their analysis along with the indication of the adopted methodology, a summary of the findings and recommendations of any specialist report, all environmental issues identified with significant impacts, assumptions, uncertainties and gaps in knowledge. Reasoning as to whether the project should or should not be authorised, a draft EMP and copies of any specialist reports and any specific information that may be required by the competent authority. For projects that require a Basic Assessment, a Basic Assessment Report (BAR) is required.
Review:
The competent authority and other relevant authorities are responsible for the review, they can either accept the EIA report or refer it for specialised review by a team for their comments, this is usually the case where technical knowledge or a high level of objectivity is required. The time frame for the reviewing report is 60 days. For a Basic Assessment Report, the competent authority has 30 days to accept, reject, suggest alternatives, or to subject the report to a full EIA.
Decision-making:
After the EIA report is approved, a decision is taken on whether an environmental authorisation is granted for the activity. This is required before any activities can begin by the developer. The granting of an environmental authorization does not necessarily lead to project approval. Other licences separate from the one issued by DEA have to be received from other relevant authorities before proposed project activities can commence. The competent authority taking the decision on whether the environmental authorisation is granted or not can be the Minister of Environmental Affairs, Members of the Executive Council (MEC), the Minister of Mineral Resources for mining related activities, the provincial, or local environmental authorities with delegated powers. All decisions need to be made public. The competent authority must grant or refuse the environmental authorisation within 45 days. For Basic Assessments, the decision will be taken within 30 days from the approval of the BAR.
Monitoring, Compliance and Enforcement:
Compliance monitoring
Monitoring is a mandatory requirement. The applicant is required to submit an Environmental Management Plan as part of the EIA study report. This should include the requirements for the management, monitoring and reporting of the impacts of the project on the environment throughout the life cycle of the project.
Non-compliance penalties
The competent authority may suspend an Environmental Authorisation for several reasons, i.e. if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the contravention or non-compliance with a condition of the authorisation causes harm to the environment, or if it is necessary to prevent such harm. Furthermore, a person is guilty of an offence if that person provides misleading or incorrect information, fails to disclose information to the competent authority, fails to comply with a request to submit an environmental audit report, fails to comply with any conditions granted in an authorised exemption and continues with a project for which an Environmental Authorisation was suspended. The punishment for the offence could be imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to a fine prescribed not exceeding R1 million, or (and this is the scary part) to both a fine AND imprisonment.
Public participation:
Public participation is required for projects that require only a basic assessment and projects that require a full EIA. However, there are no provisions for public participation during the decision phase and during monitoring of EIA activities. The public is given an opportunity to comment on reports and statements. The public is also informed about decisions and their reasoning.
Legal recourse:
A person who wishes to appeal against a decision must submit a notice of intention with the Minister in charge of the environment, the MEC or a delegated organ of state to the appeal authority. An appeal panel can be appointed to support the processing of the appeal. Recommendations are submitted to the competent authority in writing. The relevant authorities can then make a decision to the appeal.
In conclusion, Environmental Impact Assessments cannot give a precise picture of the future, much like we as South Africans don’t have an exact idea of where these “interesting” changes will take us. Environmental Impact Assessments enable uncertainty to be managed and to assist in correct decision making within the project process. A useful management general truth is to preserve flexibility in the face of uncertainty.
