Ways of establishing the adequacy of workmanship

2.1 Examples of ways to establish the adequacy of workmanship are described in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.11.

CE marking

2.2 If a material has CE marking, workmanship may be specified in the relevant European Technical Assessment or harmonised product standard.

Standards

2.3 Methods of carrying out different types of work are also given in British Standards or other appropriate technical specifications.

NOTE: The BS 8000 series of standards on workmanship on building sites combines guidance from other BSI codes and standards. The various parts of BS 8000 are listed in appendix B.

Independent certification schemes

2.4 Some independent certification schemes specify how workmanship will deliver a declared level of performance. The person carrying out the work should show that the workmanship will provide the appropriate level of protection and performance.

2.5 Schemes, including competent person self-certification schemes, that register installers of materials can provide a means of ensuring that work has been carried out by knowledgeable contractors to appropriate standards.

Management systems

2.6 The quality of workmanship is covered by a quality management scheme, such as one that complies with the relevant recommendations of BS EN ISO 9000 and related series of standards. There are a number of such UKAS-accredited schemes.

Past experience

2.7 Past experience, such as use in an existing building, may show that workmanship is appropriate for the function for which it is intended.

Tests
2.8 Tests can be used to show that workmanship is appropriate.

2.9 In the following three instances, the Building Regulations require those carrying out building work to have testing carried out to demonstrate compliance.

a. Sound insulation as described in regulation 41.

b. Air flow rate of mechanical ventilation as described in regulation 42.

c. Pressure testing as described in regulation 43.

2.10 Under regulation 45 of the Building Regulations 2010, regulation 8 of the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010 and section 33 of the Building Act 1984, building control bodies have powers to make tests as they consider necessary to establish whether building work complies with the requirements of regulation 7.

2.11 Those carrying out building work may voluntarily include testing in the activities they carry out to demonstrate that the work complies with the requirements of the regulations.

Section 2: Workmanship