Skip to main content

Developed and maintained
by the NFCC

Control measure

Assess and monitor structural stability

TRAINING SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and understanding

Control measure element Learning outcome

Assess and monitor structural integrity

Understand:

  • The types of structural design and construction materials (to an appropriate level)
  • What factors to consider when assessing structural stability:
    • Age, design and condition of the structure
    • Structural materials and construction methods
  • How to determine and monitor the hazard area
  • The need to consider secondary collapse and falling debris
  • The need for early assessment
  • The need for specialist advice
  • Who can provide specialist advice
  • How to recognise signs of collapse
  • The need for:
    • Committing the minimum number of personnel
    • Emergency procedures to be put in place
  • Marking safe routes, exposed elements or other hazards

Practical application

Control measure element Learning outcome

Identify the age, design and condition of the structure

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Consider the age, design and condition of the structure

Identify the type of structural materials and construction methods

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Consider the structural materials and construction methods

Assess and continuously monitor the structure for signs of collapse

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Assess and monitor the structure for signs of collapse

Assesses and monitor the suitability of the structure for working in the hazard area

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Assess structural stability
  • Consider the suitability of the structure for working in the hazard area

Consider the potential impact of an unstable or collapsed structure on surrounding structures and infrastructure

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Consider the potential impact of an unstable or collapsed structure on surrounding structures and infrastructure

Ensure the minimum number of personnel work in the hazard area for an unstable or collapsed structure

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Control the number of personnel in the hazard area

Have emergency arrangements in place for unstable or collapsed structures

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Establish emergency arrangements before committing personnel to the hazard area

Consider appointing an external safety officer to monitor structural stability

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Consider appointing and briefing an external safety officer to monitor structural stability

Consider requesting structural advice, assessment and monitoring from appropriate agencies

Demonstrate the ability to:

  • Seek assistance from appropriate specialist resources to provide:
    • Structural advice
    • Assessment of structural stability
    • Monitoring of structural stability