Building codes always take into consideration natural and man-made hazards!

That is according to Technical officer (Engineering and Building Component), at the Barbados National Standards Institute, Jonathan Platt, who said in wake of the recent earth tremors, building codes obviously could not prevent buildings being affected by seismic activity.

However, he explained that the Barbados National Building Code 2013 Edition, was developed by stakeholder committees under the direction of the Building and Engineering Components Division Council, and he maintained that the said 2013 code supersedes the Barbados National Building Code 1993 Edition.

???The effect of climate change in our region has now resulted in an increased intensity of natural phenomena such as hurricanes, earthquakes and torrential rainfall,??? while adding that technological advancements in the building industry with respect to building components and in turn the methods of construction have changed tremendously since the late 1990s.

Pointing out that the entire building code hinges on health and safety of persons in and about buildings, Mr. Platt noted that the Barbados National Building Code 2013 Edition sets out the Technical Standards for the design and construction of buildings, alterations, extensions, demolitions, and change of use.

??????Most engineers design with factors of safety anyway, and engineers they work by codes, they work by standards???so, the designs would take in certain factors. So, we can rest assured that if they look at the building code and design by the standards that they themselves suggested should be in the code, then they would have achieved the minimum standard of health and safety,??? he clarified.

Citing the many professionals here in Barbados, the Technical Officer stated that they basically ???massage??? the building code.?????We really have to trust in these professionals, they are learned men, they have years of experience and this is what we have to be supported by,??? he outlined.

theresa.blackman@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest