A COMPLETE MANUAL FOR TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT -III

PAINTING WORK

Have you made sure that the painter has?

. Thoroughly cleaned the surface to be painted before applying paint

Yes __ No __

 . Mixed the recommended proportions of paint and water (As specified by the manufacturer) for water-based paints such as emulsion and cement paint

Yes __ No __

 . Mixed the recommended proportions of paint for thinner (As specified by the manufacturer) for oil-based Enamel paints

Yes __ No __

. Ensured that manufacturer’s instructions are followed when applying overcoats on undercoats

Yes __ No __

. Ensured that good quality brushes have been used for applying paint

Yes __ No __

 . Ensured the stability of working platform for painters

Yes __ No __

 . Ensured that all paint drippings are cleaned off while the paint is fresh

Yes __ No __

 GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR PAINTING

Preliminaries: Working environment, working gear and protection of surroundings make sure there is plenty of air circulation while painting – good ventilation is important to prevent respiratory problems. Make sure that the area around the proposed work area for painting is clear of debris or furniture. Depending on the job to be done, wear goggles, face mask, old clothes or disposable overalls, a cap or hat for ceiling work and suitable gloves.

Use masking tape, polythene dustsheets or newspaper to Place cover sheets, which do not slip, over the floor areas that are likely to be spotted by dripping paint. If paint inadvertently falls on the floor, ensure that drippings are quickly cleaned off while the paint is yet fresh.

Preparation of surfaces to be painted

Iron and steel surfaces: Remove all rust using emery cloth, wire wool or wire brush according to the extent of rust that is observed. Fill any holes with suitable filler and apply primer soon after.

Plastered wall surfaces: make sure that the wall surface is quite dry before painting begins. If damp patches are observed – establish the cause/s and rectify the problems first before painting begins. Failure to do so will allow damp patches to recur causing new paint to flake off. A possible common cause is leaking water pipes embedded in walls.

When the causes of dampness are rectified and the wall surface is well dried, prime it with a damp seal to prevent watermarks from showing through.

When previously painted walls are to be repainted, the surfaces have to be washed down with soapy water or mild detergent using a large sponge or lint-free cloth. Rinse thoroughly but do not soak the sponge/cloth. Ensure that streaky stains are not permitted to remain on the surface. Be careful to protect electrical fixtures from water. If a chalky coating is seen to come off the wall surface when it is washed, stabilize the surface before painting is done otherwise the new paint will not stick. To stabilize the surface, properly seal the surface with two coats of a suitable stabilizing solution recommended for porous surfaces.

Surfaces for painting should be smooth for the paintwork to be successful. If there are some small, superficial cracks on an otherwise sound wall, use fine surface preparatory filler. Where there are small holes and cracks in the plaster, first rake out loose bits, to help the filler stick. Then fill with interior filler, pressing it in with a flexible filling knife. Leave the filling slightly above the wall surface. Let it dry and sand it with sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block.

For larger holes, use deep-repair filler, or plaster filler, knocking off loose plaster first. For larger cracks, work in several layers, letting each dry before the next is laid.

Avoid painting on rainy days when there is high humidity. The best is to paint on hot, dry days. Never paint over damp or dirty surfaces.

Do not use varnish on surfaces of woodwork that are expose to the sun as varnish soon burns and fades in sunlight.

Always use good quality paints and brushes to obtain a quality finish.

Choosing a painting tool:  

The use of brush or roller for painting is optional for water based paints. A good roller will usually cut the time it takes to paint a room, giving it a more finished result with less effort than a brush. The use of a roller to paint is a recommended alternative. A roller tray (metallic preferred to plastic) is needed for use with a roller, also a roller pole that can be extended for painting ceilings. Brushes of smaller sizes are needed for painting recessed surfaces and rebates that cannot be painted easily with a roller. Never use rollers for oil-based paints.

Care of tools

Rollers: Always thoroughly wash roller and roller trays after use with water based paints. Flick the roller sharply out-of doors until no more water sprays from the surface. Then peg the roller on a line and leave to dry for a few hours. Keep the roller in a bag that will prevent it from getting dusty.

Brushes: When using oil based paints, such as gloss or undercoat, wash the brush in a suitable cleaning liquid (turpentine or thinner). Do not allow paint to dry on a brush after it is used. Clean it soon after it is used. This practice will ensure longer use of the brush. Flick the brush sharply out-ofdoors until no water sprays off the bristles. Dry the brush with waste cloth or rag. Store brushes by hanging them upside down from a hook with the bristles effectively kept free from dust.

Use of tools

Before using a new brush soak it thoroughly in cold water. With the brush still wet take it to a dry, rough wall surface or corner of a wall and flick the brush back and forth until the brush is quite dry. Repeat this process of wetting and drying the brush to shed any loose bristles.

Load the brush by dipping the tips of the bristles into the paint.

Do not allow the paint to reach the upper part of the brush.

Dab off excess paint by pushing the bristles against the inside of the paint container to prevent dripping when applying.

The painting process

• Paint one room at a time
• Smooth and dry all surfaces to be painted and clean the room of all debris and dust
• Start first with the ceiling. Time it so one whole surface can be finished in one operation. Start from the light source and work away from it in order to clearly see what is and what is not painted.
• Next paint the walls.
• Finally paint the woodwork.
• If painting over an existing dark coloured surface, two undercoats may be needed before applying the top coat.

Painting walls

• .When painting walls with a roller or brush – paint in blocks, Work from right to left if you are right handed or vice versa if left handed. When using a brush, work in horizontal strips beginning parallel with the ceiling and moving downwards.

•  Start the first bay (top corner) moving horizontally towards the opposite corner, applying paint as in the previous bay.

• Blend each new section with the previous one by lightly working back towards it when laying-off. Always work new into old to avoid marking the drying paint.

• Continue in this manner across the surface to the end, and then begin a new ‘row of bays’ below the first.  Continue this process for succeeding rows of bays.

• Don’t go back to areas that have been completed, as the drying paint will no longer be workable and will be easily damaged.

Painting exterior surfaces

• When painting exteriors, follow the sun, allow it to dry and warm the surface and then proceed to paint in the shade.

Painting with a brush

• Ensure that brushing of paint is always done in a consistent direction, usually up and down on walls and back and forth on ceilings. (See painting basics)

•  Work in bays of 1’-6” x 1’-6” at a time.

• Spread the paint by brushing at right angles. This will create an even film. Then lay off (finish with light strokes) in the direction of the longest side you are painting.

• Painting with a roller

• To load paint, soak the roller in paint then roll it out in the ridged area of the roller tray to remove the excess paint.

• Work in bays of 3’ x 3’

• Roll on the paint with a tight ‘W’ motion, keeping the roller fully in contact with the surface to avoid skipping or skidding.

• Without reloading, repeat the process in a diagonal direction to spread the paint in an even film. Finally roll out again with an almost straight back and forth motion in the first direction. Keep the same final direction on the whole surface – walls vertically, ceiling parallel to the window wall.

• Reload and move to the next bay. As with all painting, work with the paint onto unpainted areas. Always work with new paint into old. Usually each full roller enables the painting of about 8 square feet.

• Start at the window edge and work away from it, as this will make it possible to see painted and unpainted surfaces by viewing them at an angle to the light.

• Apply the paint on the roller to spread evenly and then as a final measure with each swatch roll the dry roller sleeve over the edge of the swatch to smooth out the bead of paint that has built up there. Repeat the process in the adjacent area.

• For narrow and awkward areas, recesses and rebates use a brush.

H: PLUMBING AND SEWERAGE WORK PLUMBING AND SEWERAGE

Have you?

Chosen a qualified and experienced plumber to carry out the plumbing work needed for the building

Yes __ No __

 Issued the needed drawings and specifications to the plumber and clearly explained what is required for carrying out the plumbing work

Yes __ No __

Make sure that the PVC pipes used for plumbing and sewerage are new, of good quality, without defects or deformities and manufactured by reputed manufacturers.

Yes __ No __

. Make sure that PVC pipes are stored and stacked in a manner that will protect them from damage and exposure to sunlight.

Yes __ No __

. Made sure that toilet fixtures are positioned to allow space for movement around and between them

Yes __ No __

. Made sure toilet fixtures such as wash basins, showers, sinks, taps, water closets etc. are fitted at the specified heights.

 Yes __ No __

. Made sure that the flushing systems in water closets operate efficiently

Yes __ No __

Made sure that valves, meters and taps used are new and of good quality

Yes __ No __

Made sure that all pipe joints are fitted as per manufacturer’s instructions so as to be leak-free

Yes __ No __

Made that ends of PVC pipe surfaces for joining are free from grease and dust before application of solvent prior to joining pipes.

 Yes __ No __

Made sure that a period of two hours is allowed before pressure testing is done on non-threaded PVC pipes that have been joined by solvent

 Yes __ No __

Made sure, when joining threaded PVC pipes that a thin layer of thread-sealing tape is wrapped around the external thread and screwed completely (not excessively) into the internally threaded pipe.

Yes __ No __

Made sure that wash basins, showers/baths and sinks or other fixtures are fitted with correctly sized waste lines and depths of water seal traps

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that joints for pipes (plumbing and sewerage) are not made within walls – all joints are fitted externally

Yes __ No __

Made sure that all the above-ground pipes are secured against axial thrust by using correctly sized fixing clamps where pipes change direction

Yes __ No __

Made sure that pipe clamps are used as supports at a distance of ten (10) times the pipe diameter.

Yes __ No __

Made sure that water seal traps are provided in drainage systems and water seals retain a minimum seal under test and working conditions for each appliance

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that ventilation is provided where needed to effectively maintain water seal of traps installed in the building

Yes __ No __

Made sure that branch pipes to the stack are positioned to prevent backpressure and blocks from occurring

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that branch discharge pipes are fully accessible for clearing blockages

Yes __ No __

Made sure that below-ground plumbing and sewerage pipes are laid at the required depth as per standard regulations

Yes __ No __

Made sure that the drain invert depth and radius conforms to plumbing standards 

Yes __ No __

Made sure that below-ground soil and drainage pipes are not positioned too close to water supply pipelines

Yes __ No __

Made sure that water pipelines are laid as remote as possible from electrical cables, gas, waste water and sewerage lines in conformity with local regulations

Yes __ No __

Made sure that the standard gradients for below-ground pipes are strictly followed when they are laid

Yes __ No __

. Made sure that proper bedding method is used for below-ground pipes especially in soft soils, and standard lean concrete bedding in stable soils as specified

Yes __ No __

Made sure that below ground pipes are well supported at joints, bends and junctions by providing suitable supports and abutments

 Yes __ No __

Made sure, when laying pipes in steep terrain, that pipes be secured against sliding off by providing correctly positioned supports and that pipes are laid with the sockets facing upwards

Yes __ No __

Made sure that soil that surrounds buried pipes are free of stones or other material that may cause damage to the pipes

Yes __ No __

Tested all sections of below-ground pipes for water tightness by pressure testing before these are covered

Yes __ No __

 Made sure, before pressure testing of pipes, that buried pipes are covered with backfill to approximately 2’ – 9” leaving uncovered space of 6” around joints and junctions in order to load the pipes sufficiently

Yes __ No __

Made sure that invert levels of manholes are as specified in order to make sure that the sewerage disposal works efficiently

Yes __ No __

Made sure that the spacing of manholes are according to standard regulations and drawings and specifications

Yes __ No __

Made sure that the septic tank is constructed strictly in accordance with the given drawings and specifications (sizes and depths) of chambers

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that the septic tank on the premises of the building is located not less than 50 feet away from the nearest drinking water well or waterway with potable water

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that the septic tank will not be inundated by ground water during rainy seasons

Yes __ No __

 Provided a suitably sized soakage pit independent from the Septic tank soakage pit within the site to take waste water from the kitchen, bath and laundry

Yes __ No __

 Ensured that runoff water from roofs are handled properly by use of adequately sized gutters, down pipes, down pipe spout heads and in single storey buildings the use of a system of chains instead of down pipes as an option if specified

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that gutters and down pipes are adequately secured by use of needed support brackets

Yes __ No __

 Made sure that rainwater from roofs and surface water within the site are properly handled by the use of an appropriate surface water drainage system

Yes __ No __

• All pipes and sanitary fittings and accessories used for the building shall be new, without defects and deformity and of reputed make.

• All pipelines, fittings and fixtures shall be installed leakproof and all connected works, when completed, should not cause splashing, spilling or emission of foul odour and gases.

•  Gradients for soil and drainage pipes shall be in accordance with established practice as per requirements of the local authority.

• Under no circumstances, shall soil and drainage pipes be allowed to come too close to water supply pipelines.

• For water pipelines, care should be taken to avoid chances of airlock and water hammer. The layout and positioning of pipe work shall be such that there is no possibility of back flow towards the source from any cistern appliances by any means. Clamps and fittings used shall be as per standard practice and approved by the local authority.

• Pipes carrying off waste from water closets and waste water from baths, wash basins and sinks to drains shall be trapped immediately beneath such fixtures. Traps shall have a minimum water seal of 2” (See Plumbing basics 3) and shall be ventilated wherever such ventilation is necessary to maintain water seal of the trap. Ventilating pipes shall be carried up vertically from the drain to a height of 2’ – 0” above the outer covering (roof) of the rest of the building or as shown in the drawings issued by the engineer. All vertical ventilating and anti-siphonage and similar pipes shall be covered on top with a cowl (protective weather cover)

• All pipe work hall be fitted with cleaning eyes at required locations to facilitate removal of blockages and maintenance.

• All joints between pipes, pipes and fittings and manholes shall be gastight when above ground and water tight when underground. Method of jointing shall be as per manufacturer’s instructions and requirements of the local authority.

• Water supply connections to the mains supply shall be in accordance with prevailing regulatory requirements.

• The depth of a pipe trench (water or sewerage) shall not be less than 3’ – 0” measured from the top of the pipe to the surface of the ground under carriageways (where vehicles pass over) and not less than 2’ – 3” elsewhere to safeguard it from superimposed loads

•  Water pipes shall be as remote as possible from electrical cables, gas, and waste water and sewerage lines and should be installed after receiving approval from the relevant authorities.

• The pipe work shall be subjected to a Water Test, Smoke Test and Air Test and corrective steps shall be taken prior to back filling or closing over the pipes.

• For short branch drains, the following falls are usually adhered to in practice:

110 mm pipes – 1 in 40

160 mm pipes – 1 in 60

HELPFUL RULES OF THUMB IN PLUMBING DESIGN AND PLANNING

• At planning stage locate the appropriate manhole or sewer outfall on the site plan in locations where there is a public sewerage system

• Where sewerage has to be handled within the site, determine invert levels of manholes and septic tanks.

• Septic tanks should be installed at depths that are clear of ground water table levels

• Sewer lines between manholes are usually run with a 1’ – 100’ pitch

• Aim at grouping toilets and bathrooms as close to each other as possible to facilitate efficient operation of the plumbing/sewerage system and reduce investment cost

•  Drain, waste and vent pipes not less than 2” and water supply pipes not less than ½” usually are safe sizes to use

• Provide several cut-off valves on water supply lines to sections of the building instead of using only a single cut-off valve, in order to facilitate repair and modifications without disrupting water supply in other sections

I : ELECTRICAL WORK

Have you?

Made sure that all items used in the installation are new

and reliable and that no second hand material is used

Yes __ No __

Obtained architect or owner approval of all items proposed to be used for the electrical work

Yes __ No __

Made sure that the electricians make good the work of previous trades* (*construction work items done by others earlier) after installation of any and all items of electrical work

Yes __ No __

Made sure that all power cables installed are properly protected and will not endanger the lives of persons

Yes __ No __

Made sure that installation of conduits and trunking for cables are in conformity with standard regulations

Yes __ No __

Made sure that all cables that connect the control switch or main switch and any outlet point, light fixture, fan, etc. are unbroken

Yes __ No __

Made sure that all electrical fittings and accessories have been installed in conformity with standard regulations

Yes __ No __

Checked that no diagonal runs of conduits carrying power are used when placing them within walls and floor slabs

Yes __ No __

Ensured that all below-ground power lines are installed according to prevailing regulations and excavations identified with buried marker tape laid at appropriate levels to prevent later damage to the underground lines if and when subsequent excavations are done

Yes __ No __

Obtained from the electrical sub contractor all operating manuals and warranties that are required under the terms of the contract and given these documents.

Yes __ No __

. Checked if electrical fixtures have been clearly identified so that occupants are aware of the functions of the electrical items fitted in the building

Yes __ No __

Placement of Electrical conduits

. Prepared as built drawings of the electrical installation in the house and handed the drawings to the house owner.

Yes __ No __

. Checked if the following tests have been done satisfactorily:

Insulation Resistance Test Yes __ No __

Earth Continuity Test Yes __ No __

Earth Resistance Test Yes __ No __

Polarity Test   Yes __ No __

Working Test    Yes __ No __

Placement of Electrical Conduits

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL WORKS

GENERAL

• All electrical works shall be carried out by adequately skilled and licensed supervisors and trained technicians

• Primary attention shall be given to safety of the installation and conformity to prevailing regulations

• Particular attention shall be given to the neatness in the appearance of the installation which is to be achieved by judicious planning of runs and cables, the locations of light fittings, fans, switches, socket outlets etc. and making good any surfaces, framework or other elements in the building in the process of execution of electrical installation

INSPECTIONS & TESTS

The contractor shall arrange with relevant statutory authorities and a qualified Electrical Engineer to carry out inspections and tests and obtain required certification of approval for the electrical installation.

The following tests shall be carried out: 1) Insulation Resistance Test, 2) Earth Continuity test, 3) Earth Resistance test, 4) Polarity Test 5) Working Test

 During the final commissioning of the plant suitably qualified stand-by staff shall be provided from all trades so that all related services are available during commissioning

CIRCUIT PLAN

. The circuit plan shall have branch circuits that serve easily defined areas or purposes. Each branch circuit should not be overloaded. Some heavy voltage appliances may need dedicated circuits for themselves.

PROTECTION OF CABLES

• Cables shall be encased in conduits (PVC or metal) and shall be surface mounted or embedded in walls and floor slabs and shall be mechanically continuous and watertight so that cables are fully protected. No conduit smaller than ¾” (19mm) shall be used.

• Cables buried in concrete shall have at least 1 3/8” (35mm) depth of cover over its entire length.

• Conduits buried in plaster shall have at least 3/16” ( 5mm) depth of cover throughout its entire length.

• Below ground cables have to be laid at depths designated by the local authority and excavations for buried cables should be identified with marker tapes at require depths.

• The conduits shall be fitted and completed before any cables are drawn in. Surface mounted conduits shall be securely fitted to wall and ceiling surfaces.

•  No conduit smaller than ¾” (20mm) in diameter shall be used as per standard regulations

• Conduits in floor slabs or columns shall be inspected and approved before pouring of concrete or otherwise covering up.

• All cables and conductors used as fixed wiring shall be supported so that they are not exposed to undue stress.

• Unbroken runs of conductors shall be used. Joints shall not be permitted in wiring between power control sources (Control switch or main switch) and any outlet point, light fixture, fan, etc.

• Diagonal runs of power cables shall not be permitted. All branches shall be taken at right angles. Cables shall be kept clear of hot water or steam pipes etc.

• During construction, where conduit is buried in the carcass of a building or in the ground, all open ends shall be temporarily plugged to prevent ingress of foreign matter, moisture or water.

INSTALLATION OF CEILING FANS

• The terminal block on the fan as well as the capacities shall be provided with removable covers

• The fan hook shall be of adequate mechanical strength and the internal diameter shall not be less than 5/8” (16mm).

• The fan shall be positioned at a height that is in accordance with local regulations

• The down rod shall be of adequate mechanical strength and the internal diameter shall not be less than 5/8” (16 mm).

 INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

• All switches, bell pushes and fan regulators shall be fitted at a minimum height of 4’ – 0” (1200mm) above finished floor level, unless otherwise specified in the design (Provision for disabled persons to access switches etc. would require height adjustments)

• Switches for toilets and bathrooms shall be installed outside the room and immediately adjacent to the normal access door of the room, or a switch can be of a type operated by an insulated chord.

• All socket outlets except in a toilet, or kitchen shall be mounted at a minimum height of 6” (150mm) above finished floor level. Socket outlets in kitchens shall be mounted at a minimum height of 6”(150mm) above kitchen counter level unless otherwise specified.

• All socket outlets shall be of the shuttered type.

• In a room where a shower or fixed bath is installed, only a shaver socket is permitted to be installed.

• All ceiling fans shall be fitted at a height where an average person with raised hands will not be able to touch the blades of the fan.

• All lamps with metal parts shall be earthed.

• All cables should be PVC/PVC/Cu except earth wire which could be PVC/Cu