Essential elements of
construction training programs
• Propose modifications to current practice, seeking
feedback though surveys and workshops with local
skilled labourers.
Disasters worldwide have helped technical experts
hone in on hazard-resistant design and construction
techniques for a wide array of local materials – including
adobe, bamboo, stone and timber. Yet local tradespeople
and technical specialists may not have access to these
hard-earned lessons.
• Develop multi-hazard safe construction guidelines and
training manuals.
Illustrated construction manuals, especially when paired
with training programs, transfer important lessons to
communities. The reference manual remains in the
community long after training is over and the safe school
project is complete.
The most effective manuals:
• Provide a strong connection between hazard-resistant
construction techniques and the outcome – safe
buildings.
• Are based on local construction practice but teach
adjustments necessary to achieve safety.
An illustrated construction sequence reminds construction
workers how to attach concrete block spacers before building
formwork. It also reminds them to pour and compact concrete in
the bottom half of the column before forming and pouring the top
half. When combined with construction-worker training, drawings
like these can remind workers of the important hazard-resistant
construction techniques they need to use on a safe school
project. Graphic: Arup
• Correspond to national building codes or international
guidelines for good practice.
• Take into account local culture, climate, materials and
economy.
• Address new and retrofit construction.
• Rely heavily, even exclusively, on illustrations, photos
and visuals that construction workers with low literacy
and without technical training can understand.
Construction manuals, and associated training, should
be developed by technical experts in consultation with
tradespeople in the target communities. The process
should mirror that of community-based safe school
construction. It should:
• Identify natural hazards to which the community is
prone.
SECTION III: CONSTRUCTION
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• Survey the construction practice of the community and
identify weaknesses through engineering analysis or a
review of past disaster damages.
An illustrated poster reminds Bangladeshi owners about key
aspects of column construction and column-to-roof connections
during post-disaster construction of transition shelters. Graphic:
CRS and Caritas Bangladesh.