Timber iQ October - November 2017 // Issue: 34 | Page 53

FEATURES having to pay the price for the consequences of hiring unaccredited and inexperienced contractors. ‘Such contractors often end up with what we call ‘spare parts’, which are key elements left out of a timber roof structure because the contractor does not know what to do with them. The consumer is left with a structure that is of an inferior quality and not built to standard – and without legal recourse to rectify the situation or recover monies spent,’ it says. Curry shares the same sentiment saying that he has been to sites marked for an upmarket estate and the roofs that have been erected are not up to standard. “Sometimes inspectors stop it before it goes further, maybe the NHBRC inspector. But sometimes the tiles are packed and the ceiling is in place and no-one notices. Therefore, the occupants living in the house are at risk,” he adds. Training courses or unmonitored modules also play a role in delivering poor training to students. Curry mentions a college that is teaching students the wrong thing. “They are teaching students how to build trusses using nuts and bolts. Which, according to regulations this not acceptable in South Africa,” he says. When it comes to timber and design South Africa is at a satisfactory level of competence compared to the rest of the world, says Coastal College. ‘Further education and training are in dire need to uplift the industry. It should be mandatory for all timber roof truss erection companies to have a certain percentage of staff attend and successfully complete training each year. As a specialisation in the sector, timber roof truss erectors should be tested for competence on a regular basis,’ it says. COURSES AVAILABLE According to Coastal College, regular up-skilling and ongoing training in compliance with regulations are critical. ‘Roofing is considered an avenue of specialisation in the construction sector, which makes proper training in this profession even more important; even so, in the current climate, too little time is spent on formal training in this sector,’ it states. It also asserts that Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA)-accredited contractors tend to be more knowledgeable due to the support material, exposure and training made available by and through the institute. “This training is invaluable and should be made mandatory for ITC-SA members.” Curry attests to the courses given by the ITC saying that training is without the aid of software. “With the course, you can see if you actually know what you’re doing. Software assists you a lot. With the ITC basic and intermediate courses t teaches why you did this or that. To me it is one of the most important training courses you can take in SA currently,” he says. He adds that the ITC has recently started with approving erectors. “Where they give you a stamp as an ITC approved erector,” he says. Having the assurance that an erector or contractor is accredited or approved gives Curry peace of mind. The college does offer courses relevant to roofing. They have the core course, which is about reading and interpreting construction drawings and specifications, they also have two elective courses about clad roof structures and how to erect roof trusses. All courses on offer come with credits. Manufacturing company, MiTek, offers software training to its customers. The basic course is an online course which gives background information about the timber industry. “It is called the introduction to roof technology and is a theoretical online course that the guys just run through. Internally, we got other software training courses (basic to intermediate), to teach our clients on how to use the software that’s part and parcel with their license Send your article and high resolution images to [email protected] or call [phone] for more information. PRINT. DIGITAL. ONLINE. EXHIBITIONS. CONFERENCES. When measurement matters CONTACT US: 0861 727 663 www.interactmedia.co.za // OCTOB ER / NOVEMBER 2017 51