Skills on Site May 2010 

 Skills on Site May 2010

Contents May 2010

COVER STORY contractors corner

4 Every Building Project Easy to Achieve 35 New Chemicals for SA

concrete 37 in touch

7
7 Quality Concrete Floors
10 What Causes Cracks in Plaster
12 Contractors Can Make Money

windows & doors

14 How to Cut Glass for Windows

insulation
17 Value of Building Insulation

17
Finding finance
21 Financial Relief for KZN

23 leading info

transport
24 Buy the Right Truck

success

14
28 Sharing Her Success

24
31 win a prize

timber products
32 Choosing Roof Trusses

Proprietor and Publisher:

PROMECH PUBLISHING
Tel: (011) 781-1401
Fax: (011) 781-1403
E-mail: skillsonsite@promech.co.za
Website: www.promech.co.za
Printed by:
Typo Colour Printing
Tel: (011) 402-3468

Acknowledgements
In order to bring you the most up-to-date infor-
mation from around the globe, we make use of
Internet websites that are current and provide
information that is relevant to local builders.
Information from the following sites has been
included in this issue: WikiHow – www.wikihow.
com, Stock.Xchange – www.sxc.hu

Promech Publishing has a BEE

The “Skills On Site” team - Top: Susan Custers, publisher; Zinobia Docrat, production; rating of 97.2%
Raymond Campling, editor. Seated: Debbie Pienaar, advertising sales; Catherine
Macdiva, administration; Jackie Nene, subscriptions/circulation.

Copyright
All rights reserved. No editorial matter published in “Skills On Site” may be reproduced in any form or language without written permission
of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure accurate reproduction, the editor, authors, publishers and their employees or agents
shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the publication - whether arising from negligence or
otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or editorial
board advocates or rejects its use either generally or in any particular field or fields.

Skills on Site May 2010 

COVER STORY

Every Building
Project Easy to
Achieve
Building contracts usually require the use of a vari- • Is there other
ety of equipment, such as power tools, compaction, equipment that
drilling and breaking equipment, concrete equip- should be used along
ment, scaffolding and other light construction with this equipment to com-
equipment. Emerging and small building compa- plete the job properly?
nies often find it very difficult to be able to buy • What approximate time period will
all the equipment needed to complete the job clients need to hire the equipment
properly. This is where the hiring of equipment for?
becomes an attractive option. • How best can we advise and train the operator

C
of the equipment rented from Talisman?
o-owner and founder of
Talisman’s staff are all trained by the manufacturers
Talisman Plant & Tool Hire,
or suppliers of the equipment, so they know exactly
Colin du Plessis, says
what each piece of equipment can do and what
that small building com-
are its most appropriate applications.
panies should consider the hiring option
when tendering for jobs. “We hear of companies who There are other advantages to hiring equipment.
have all the skills to do the job, but lack the equip- Firstly, Talisman replaces its range of products with
ment. Often they decide not to tender for a contract newer models on a regular basis. “This means that
because of this. Now they can find the right equip- as new models with better features come onto the
ment for the job without having to spend a fortune market, we test them. If they pass our criteria we
on buying it outright.” add them to our fleet of over 100 different types
of equipment,” Van Vuuren says. “Therefore the
There are definite benefits to hiring equipment from a
company’s clients will always be using the latest
well-known company such as Talisman. “You
know exactly how much you will be paying
to hire the equipment for the required time
period. This will allow you to draw up a proper
budget in advance,” Du Plessis says.
Talisman Plant & Tool Hire has 17 years
experience in this field. They supply a va-
riety of light construction equipment and
scaffolding and are able to assist clients to
identify the correct equipment needed for
each job. “We believe in finding the best
solutions for each client. We are able to do
this at each of our franchise stores because
of our extensive experience in the building,
construction, maintenance and renovation
environment,” Du Plessis’ partner Louis van
Vuuren adds.
According to both Du Plessis and Van Vuuren,
advice and services offered to clients should
include:
• Is this the best piece of equipment for
the job?

 Skills on Site May 2010

 COVER STORY

technology, allowing them to complete

their contracts faster and with a high level
of quality.”
When a building company hires equip-
ment, they will not be responsible for the
maintenance of the equipment. “If a
piece of equipment fails or breaks down,
we will exchange it immediately so that
the client does not lose valuable time on
the job,” Van Vuuren explains. “Clients
can also decide to upgrade to a more
powerful machine should they wish to at
any stage.”
“One way of looking at this is that if you
own, for exam-
ple, a hammer hired by the client will be easy to
drill and the use and do the required job,” Van
drill stops work- Vuuren says.
ing, you either
have to at- The company has recently
tempt repair- launched a new advertising cam-
ing it yourself, paign which reflects their ability
or if it’s under to tackle large and complicated
warranty, you projects with hire solutions for your
need to send equipment needs. “Our equip-
it back to the ment is ideal for every contractor,
supplier. Either whether they are developing,
way, you lose constructing, doing maintenance,
valuable time improvements or renovations,” say
when it’s not Du Plessis and Van Vuuren. With 63
working. Time stores countrywide, a Talisman Plant
lost is money & Tool Hire franchise is within easy
lost! This won’t reach of all building projects.
happen when Talisman, Tel: 086 111 4473 (HIRE) or visit
you hire a www.talisman.co.za
hammer drill.
If it stops working, we will immediately supply you
with another one,” Du Plessis explains.
Often a project will require a number of different types
of equipment for a short period of time. By hiring, in-
stead of buying the equipment, you pay only for the
time used and then the equipment can be returned
to Talisman. “This means that our clients can often
undertake jobs that other contractors are unable to
do because they do not own the right equipment,”
Van Vuuren says.
Hiring equipment is tax friendly as companies can
claim 100% of the hire expense as a tax deduc-
tion. “This is unlike owning the equipment, where
depreciation and interest calculations for tax
purposes are more complicated. To own the
equipment doesn’t make good business sense!”
Van Vuuren adds.
Talisman has built its business on providing a friendly
and helpful service to the building industry. “All
our franchise owners believe that the client’s
needs are priority and they will not leave a
stone unturned to make sure our clients receive
excellent service and advice. Franchise owners and
their staff are available to make sure that equipment

Skills on Site May 2010 

 Skills on Site May 2010
 CONCRETE

Quality

Floors
We expect concrete floors to last for many
years, despite heavy loads and hard wear. The
Concrete and Cement Institute (C&CI) gives tips
on how to make good quality floors that last for
many years.

Correct mixing is important

A
ll the guidelines for
batching, mixing,
transporting, placing
and curing concrete
should be followed.
This will ensure that high quality
is built in at the beginning and
that future trouble and expensive
maintenance will be avoided.
In addition, pay special attention
to foundation material, the thick-
ness of the slab and the strength
of the mix, and provide joints to
allow for contraction. And cure
the slab well.
So let’s take a good look at how
to do this....

Foundations
The performance of a concrete
floor on the ground depends
largely on the underlying mate-
rial providing uniform support.
Provide a carefully compacted
100 – 150 mm thick layer of suit-
able fill material immediately
below the concrete. Avoid clayey
materials. Finish the surface of
this foundation layer smoothly,
true to level.

Skills on Site May 2010 

CONCRETE

Finishing tips
Delayed
trowelling
Delayed trowel-
ling will result in
a hardwearing,
smooth finish. After
wood-floating the
concrete surface
in the normal man-
ner as rapidly as
possible after com-
paction, leave the
slab undisturbed
until bleeding
has ceased, the
bleedwater has
evaporated (or
has been re-
moved) and the
concrete is start-
ing to stiffen (a
footprint should
barely show). This
takes from 2 to
Coloured finishes should be added as a screed 4 hours – plan
ahead!
Then (and only then!), use a steel trowel to give the surface the desired smoothness – a number of trowellings
may be needed. Heavy pressure is required on the trowel – if possible, use power operated equipment.
Remember: correct timing of the trowelling is of great importance, and it is important that no bleedwater
is trowelled back into the surface!

Non-slip finish
If areas on the slab or stair-treads need a non-slip surface, finishing should be with a wood float rather
than a steel trowel.
Some more “don’ts” for finishing floor surfaces
• Don’t trowel-in dry cement or dry cement-sand mixtures to the surface of the concrete to absorb bleed-
water – this results in a surface layer of material with low resistance to abrasion and wear, and one that is
particularly prone to dusting and scaling.
• Don’t trowel materials for surface finishing before the surface is ready for steel trowelling.
• Don’t apply water to the concrete during trowelling as it will reduce the strength and hardness of the
final surface.
• For a coloured finish, add the pigment to the screed or topping or use a proprietary coloured surface
hardener and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The delay period before trowelling can be shortened by mopping up the bleedwater with sacking, or by
light scraping or brushing, but this can roughen the surface.

Dampproofing The floor slab

Where dampproofing is necessary, cover the whole
surface of the foundation with polyethylene (plastic)
sheeting, at least 0,25 mm thick. Where strips join,
overlap them by about 200 mm. Turn the plastic
sheeting up around the edge of the floor slab by at
least the thickness of the slab. Where possible build
the excess plastic into adjacent brickwork. The plastic
prevents the concrete from absorbing moisture from
the ground below.
Concrete floor slabs for houses should be at least
100 mm thick, cast with medium strength concrete.
Lay the floor in panels not more than 3 m wide and
long. Square panels are best, but where long panels
are needed, the ratio of length to width should not
exceed one-and-a-quarter times the size.
Don’t add more water to the mix than that necessary
to compact the concrete fully with the available equip-

 Skills on Site May 2010

 CONCRETE

ment, and pay special attention to

compacting the concrete close
to the panel edges. A thin layer of
mortar will appear on the surface
when the concrete has been fully
compacted.
Start damp curing the surface and
any exposed edges as soon as pos-
sible, and keep the slab covered
for at least seven days. Except in
special circumstances, don’t add
a screed or topping. Well-propor-
tioned concrete can be trowelled
to almost any smoothness and, if
the delayed trowelling technique
is used, the resulting surface will
be hard and strong enough for
most applications in houses and
outbuildings.
Concrete and Cement Institute, Hanlie
Turner, Tel: (011) 315 0300 or go to www.
cnci.org.za

Correct foundations are important

Plastic shee
ts for waterpr
oofing

Proper troweling can leave a perfect finish

Skills on Site May 2010 

CONCRETE

A large percentage of
queries received by
the Cement & Con-
crete Institute (C&CI)
deals with defects in
plastering. Here C&CI
describes the types of
cracks often encoun-
tered in plaster – and
their causes.

Crazing
This is a network of fine
cracks, usually in a hex-
agonal pattern, which
measure between 5 and
75mm across each hexa-
gon. The cracks are usually
very shallow and do not
extend through the whole
depth of the plaster.
These cracks usually result
from over-trowelling a rich
mix (one with a high cement
content) or using a sand
containing an excessive
amount of dust. Crazing
often occurs within a few
hours of the plaster being
applied to the wall and
cracks may hardly be visible
until dust or moisture makes
them noticeable.
Craze cracks are of little
important, do not open
and close with time, and
can be covered using a
reasonable quality paint. If
necessary, glass fibre tissue
Structural cracking in progress – more than just plaster repair is called for in such a case
can be applied during the
painting operation.

What Causes
Map cracking
This is similar to crazing except that it is usually
deeper (sometimes going through the plaster) and
the hexagons of the pattern may measure up to
200mm across. These cracks normally occur when

Cracks in
a plaster mix with a high cement content is used
or the plaster is allowed to dry too quickly.
Causes of excessive early moisture loss are:
• Evaporation if the wall is not protected from

Plaster
sun and wind;
• Suction into the walls if the bricks are absorbent
and have not been dampened;
• Use of a sand that is badly graded and lacks
fine material (less than 5% by mass passing the

10 Skills on Site May 2010


0,075mm sieve); and
• Not using building lime or a masonry cement when
the sand lacks fine material.
When the cracks are noticed while the plaster is still
plastic, they are often floated closed, only to reap-
pear some time later. These cracks can be filled with
a proprietary filler and painted over. Glass fibre tissue
can also be applied during painting.
Cracking that results when an excessive amount of
water is lost from the plaster in the first hours after
application is known as plastic shrinkage cracking.
Map cracking can be due to plastic shrinkage as
can the horizontal cracks that form at corners and
between windows.
Drying shrinkage cracks
These are the result of moisture loss after the plaster
has hardened. Plaster will always shrink and crack so
it is desirable that it should develop a large number
of fine, unnoticeable cracks at close spacings. Plaster
with very high cement contents and those that are
made with poor quality sands, having a high water
requirement, will tend to develop a few, widely spaced
cracks. Plaster applied in layers that are too thick will
also crack in this way. These cracks are normally stable
and can be filled with a filler and painted over.
Structural cracks
Some cracks visible in the plaster may result from
CONCRETE
cracking of the wall. This can be caused by differen-
tial movement of the foundations, moisture expan-
sion or drying shrinkage of masonry units, or thermal
movement of the roof. This type of crack often forms
in straight vertical or horizontal lines, or in stepped
diagonal lines, and may be quite ugly. The crack
width will often vary with the seasons.
Because these cracks originate in the wall and not the
plaster, repairing the plaster is ineffective. A special-
ist should be called in to establish the cause of the
cracking and to recommend remedial measures.
Such measures may include structural alterations
that change cracks into movement joints. Visible
joints can be hidden by cover strips fixed on one side
of the joint or sealed with elastic sealants.
There are specially printed leaflets and books of plas-
tering available from the C&CI.
Concrete and Cement Institute, Hanlie Turner, Tel: (011) 315 0300
or go to www.cnci.org.za
Contact Debbie Pienaar on
Tel (011) 781-1401,
Fax (011) 781-1403 or
E-mail: skillsonsite@promech.co.za
for your advertisement bookings
Skills on Site May 2010 11
CONCRETE

Contractors Can
Make Money

Walter Ebeling of Pan Mixers

Building contractors wanting to grow their business-

es should look at making concrete building products
to supply the needs of their own businesses and that
of the surrounding communities.

A
s long as a need exists, and if the right
materials can be found in the area, then
it makes sense to start another business
to supply these. If good management is
applied to these types of businesses, a
manufacturing plant makes a lot of sense - and can
make a lot of money.
All that is required, says Walter Ebeling of Pan Mixers
SA, is a suitable site, access to the right materials for
making the products and an investment in reliable
brick and block making machines. Most importantly,
there needs to be a demand within the community,
and if that exists, then there is no reason why a well
managed manufacturing business should not be
successful.
A small brick, block & paving manufacturing operation
can be set up from around R200 000 and, depending
on the performance of the staff, can expect to make
returns of anywhere between R14 000 to R90 000
profit per month depending on local raw material as A plant in operation
well as product selling prices. Walter stresses that this
can be achieved, but only if tight management exists, 2. Are there many other suppliers and can they
the right materials are brought in and the machines meet the demand?
don’t break down. “That is why contractors should 3. Is there access to cement and fly ash as binders in
buy reliable machines that are made in South Africa addition to a reasonable priced source of either,
for South African conditions.” river sand, crusher dust, klinker ash or fine stones
Here are three questions you need to ask if you want (6,7mm) needed to make strong concrete?
to set up a concrete product manufacturing plant: If the market needs more materials than the local
1. Is there a demand for bricks, blocks, lintels or pav- market can supply, and if you have access to the
ing stones in your area? right materials, then it is worth investigating further.

12 Skills on Site May 2010

 CONCRETE

A good supply of sand or stone is needed to make blocks

Also, remember mobile

plants can be set up and
moved to where demand
does exist.
Now look at:
1. Cost of labour in the
area?
2. Does the market
need bricks, blocks,
or pavers?
3. How many per
week?
If the need exists, then:
1. Speak to the experts
at Pan Mixers SA.
2. Make your final deci-
sion.
3. Get finance.
4. Choose the right ma-
chine.
Remember that the opera-
tion will be set up around
the machine you choose
and that reliability is need-
ed. Also, you will need to
Concrete paver
find management that
is able to motivate your
staff and make sure that
quality is always the main
priority. Theft of materials
and end-products can
ruin the business - and so
can unproductive staff, so
this is very important.
Once the operation is mak-
ing money, it is important
to manage it well and to
use the profits to grow and
improve the operation
or start new ones. If the
shiny new M3 you always
wanted is now within your
reach, remember that it
won’t make your business
any money - so rather invest
the money in your growing
business.
Pan Mixers SA, Walter Ebeling,
Tel: (011) 397 3754, Fax: (011)
397 4721, Email: sales@panmix-
ers.co.za, Web: www.panmixers.
co.za
Bricks in stock

Skills on Site May 2010 13

WINDOWS & DOORS
How to Cut
Glass for
Windows
1
Clean the surface, but only along where you plan to
score. Any grime or silica (the substance that makes two
pieces of glass slide on top of each other to prevent
scratching) will ruin your score and make you think
you cannot cut properly. Just run your finger along
the surface of the glass where you plan to score.
2
Obtain a glass cutter and some light oil. You can
buy cutting oil at a stained glass store or use a small
amount of kerosene. Dip the cutter in the oil before
you score the glass. An oiled cutter creates a smoother
score line.
14 Skills on Site May 2010
Glass cutter
3
Grasp your cutter like a pencil. Make sure to look at
the wheel and its orientation to the glass and align
it properly. This is a very simple grasp to achieve, so
do not unduly complicate it.
Pencil grip for glass cutting
4
Use a scrap piece of glass to practice on. Apply
pressure to the glass as you pull the cutter along the
surface, rolling on the small carbide wheel. The score
must run from one edge of the glass to the other edge.
Listen for a smooth sound. A gritty sound means that
you are pushing too hard or that you did not oil your
cutter. The less sound you make, the better your score
will be. If you push too hard (a very common mistake),
your cut gets “hot”, meaning that it snaps and pops.
Try it and you’ll see. You are aiming to get a uniform
score. If you are pressing too hard in one spot and
perfectly in another, the glass will not break the way
that you want it to. Small imperfections in your score
will cause your cut to go skew.

Use scrap glass to practice
5
Score along a straight edge. Use a yardstick (meter
ruler) or a normal desk ruler. Use something that has
a high enough profile so that it won’t conflict with
the wheel on the cutter, as would a ruler with a thin
metal edge.
Score the glass
6
Practice on scrap glass until you’re ready for the real
thing. You’ll have a score that is not popping and is
barely visible if you were to wipe the oil away. It should
look like a small scratch, that’s all, nothing more.
Wipe the oil away and apply light pressure
WINDOWS & DOORS
7
Grasp each side of the cut as if you were trying to
break a potato chip in half with two hands. All it takes
is minor pressure. It is all in the wrist action. Your elbows
do not move. Simply twist your wrists (your right wrist
will turn clockwise and your left will turn counterclock-
wise). Imagine that the score you made is half the
depth of the glass and now you need to “open it up”
by using the score as a weak spot.
Glass will break along the line
Note: It may simply start as a “run.” A run is where
the glass is starting to break along your score. It may
also run the entire length of your score. Either is fine.
If it only runs 2.5 cm or so, apply a little more twisting
pressure and it will continue to run.
8
You’re done as soon as you have two pieces of glass
instead of the one you started with. Use fine sandpa-
per or even better, a sharpening stone, to remove
the sharp edge. This edge will be where the vertical
edge meets the horizontal surfaces. Not only does
sanding reduce the chances of your being cut but
sanded glass is less likely to chip along the edges and
has some added strength.
Skills on Site May 2010 15
WINDOWS & DOORS

happen. Relax and be gentle with it.

• Edges are sharp and will cut you badly; respect
glass or it will hurt you. Stitches are not unlikely,
and they are common among learning cutters.
• Wear gloves. Edges and points are very sharp. So
wear a heavy cloth glove or leather. But it should
fit properly so you can move your hands.
• Wear goggles. If the glass cracks irregularly a
piece could shoot off towards your face.

Sharpening stone

Warnings

Wear eye protection

• Be sure and clean your work area thoroughly to
clean up any bits of glass. Even if you can’t see
them, they can get stuck in your feet or hands
and hurt.
• Never eat or leave food or drink in areas where
you’re working with glass.

• If you apply a decent amount of pressure and

nothing happens, stop. You are going to cut
yourself. Imagine the piece of glass you are cut-
ting has no score; would you apply heavy twisting
pressure with your bare hands to a piece of glass?
No. If it does not happen easily, it is not going to

Don’t eat near food

• If you do not achieve a proper scoring of the

glass, do not go back over it with the glass cutter
as it will damage the cutting wheel and likely not
solve your problems. Practicing with scrap glass
is very practical as a bad scoring that has gaps,
uneven spots etc. is not easily corrected and may
mean you’ve ruined the glass.
• Glass cutting doesn’t work with tempered glass be-
cause it is vulnerable to break up in little pieces.
Wear gloves

16 Skills on Site May 2010


Good insulation saves electricity
The use of insulation to keep buildings warm in winter and
cool in summer is valuable to homeowners and helps them
spend less on electricity. Insulation in its many forms can
be applied throughout an affordable house, no matter the
building’s design or use. By installing insulation, future ho-
meowners spend less money and homes built by contractors
that insulate homes will be demanded by future owners.
Developers will get to know who to use when they start their
next project. It also helps the country save electricity and so
is good for the country’s economy.
Insulation saves electricity and looks after the planet
INSULATION
Value of
Building
Insulation
Standard types of insulation
There are currently four types of insulation that
are regularly used by construction contrac-
tors. These are loose-fill, spray foam, batts or
blankets and rigid board types. The choice
of building insulation to use is dependent
on the area where the insulation is applied.
Loose-fill is commonly used in hard-to-reach
areas, such as voids within walls that are
too small for other types of insulation. Batts
and blankets are used in large, flat areas
such in wall voids of prefabricated homes.
Rigid board insulation is generally used in
roofing and for sealing walls. Spray foam is
unique in that it can be used for nearly any
application due to its liquid form when it is
first applied.
Effectiveness of insulation
The best way to decide what you need is
based on the climate of the area and choose
a material that stops the flow of heat or cold.
This is known as the R-value and is the capa-
bility of the type of insulation to keep heat in
or out. Ask your building supplier what is best
so that the area being insulated can be filled
with the most suitable and practical type.
Skills on Site May 2010 17
18 Skills on Site May 2010
 INSULATION

Insulating blankets are made from many different materials Uninsulated houses need much more heating

Recycled materials
The value of building insulation in relation to
looking after our natural environment is seen
when you consider that many insulation ma-
terials are made using recycled materials.
Also, it saves electricity, gas or whatever the
home owner uses to heat the house. Recycled
materials like fiberglass insulation, is one of
the alternative insulation types to be made
as a replacement to the old asbestos and
formaldehyde types. It is made from recycled
glass. Cellulose insulation, which consists
mainly of recycled paper, is the most valu-
able of insulation type related to recycling.
Even spray foam has some recycled plastics
in the foam.

Applications
You need to consider what insulation is the
best for the type of house you are building.
What will be affordable and keep the house
in the price range of the target market. For
instance, a combination of insulation types
can be very effective, but may be costly. In
affordable houses it is important that the best
insulation be used that is easiest to put in and
affordable. Sometimes the use of ceilings,
cavity fillers and rigid sheathing is enough to
insulate a brick house quite well.

Overall value
The value of insulation in both new and exist-
ing structures is understood by professional
builders because it adds value and makes
the house easier to sell. A happy home-owner
tells a story and soon the developer will have
more people asking for those “warm” houses
built by you. Homeowners will know that when
they pay the electricity, it is cheaper than
their neighbours who had their house built by
Insulation boards someone that didn’t insulate properly.

Skills on Site May 2010 19

20 Skills on Site May 2010
 FINDING FINANCE

Financial Relief to KZN

affordable housing for the people of Ngwelezane.”
Nedbank is
PSE Developments is owned by Chris Scheepers
playing its role in alleviat-
and Ettienne Weyer and specialises in affordable
ing the housing backlog in the affordable
housing sector. Its latest project addresses a
need for housing in a province that urgently re-
quires government and the private sector to play
a role in providing quality houses to those who
do not qualify for RDP houses but can’t afford
a normal bond.

F
or this reason a new affordable housing de-
velopment has been launched in Empangeni,
KwaZulu Natal to give some relief to the large
number of
people look-
ing for houses in this
big section of the
market.
The development,
undertaken by Ned-
bank Corporate
Property Finance:
Affordable Housing
and PSE Develop-
ments, will be known
as Imbali Village and
comprises of 153
free standing resi-
dential units. It will
form an extension
of the established
Ngwelezane suburb
just outside Empan-
geni. Ngwelezane
falls in the Uthungulu
District Municipality
in the north eastern
region of KZN, and Owning a house builds wealth
is close to the light
industrial and service area of Empangeni.

Relief for KZN

Manie Annandale, head of Nedbank Corporate
Property Finance’s Affordable Housing Unit says that
the project provides Nedbank with a long-awaited
opportunity to enter the Northern KZN affordable
housing development sector.
“Demand for affordably priced housing in the area is
strong due to land scarcity, high prices of new land
and complicated and prolonged processes to get
approval. Therefore we are delighted to be in a posi-
tion to assist with providing simple solutions to funding
Rural Zululand
housing developments in Kwazulu Natal. Previous
projects include affordable housing developments
in Birdswood, Zidedele Village and Esikhaweni. The
company has its own NHBRC registered construction
company called Mvuleni Construction Services, which
it has appointed for the construction of the homes.

Skills on Site May 2010 21

 FINDING FINANCE

Mvuleni Construction Services is a 50% BEE-owned

construction company.

Building wealth
The affordable housing market has shown massive
growth over the last few years. A well built home in
a well located area will, in time, appreciate in value,
enabling owners to increase their personal wealth
and buying power as well as their ability to scale up
the property ladder.
Stand sizes offered are relatively big, with the smallest
stand size at 311m² and the biggest stand at 600m².
Standard affordable housing stands usually measure
between 150m² and 250m². All of the plots are free
hold and will be built on a plot and plan basis with four
plan options, ranging from a 50m² two bedroom home
to a 97m² three bedroom home with the choice of an
add-on garage for each option. Finished homes are
priced from R295 000 to R395 000. The development
targets individuals with a joint monthly income level
of about R7000 to R15000 per month.

The development will be divided into three

phases. Phase One was launched recently and
consists of 43 plots. The 62 units in Phase Two
are expected to be launched in September
2010, while Phase Three will comprise 48 units
and development is expected to commence
in April 2011.

The initiative by Nedbank allows qualifying buyers to

begin building a basis to grow their wealth through
an investment in property.
Manie Annandale, Nedbank Corporate Property Finance, Tel: (011)
294 6647, Cell: 082 900 0380, Email: maniea@nedbank.co.za. PSE
Development Initiatives, Ettienne Weyers, Tel: (032) 946 3986, Cell:
083 784 8881, ew@intekom.co.za

22 Skills on Site May 2010

 LEADING INFO

These statistics are provided exclusively for Skills on Site readers by Databuild, the leading provider of construction related
information in South Africa. Databuild has been providing information for thirty five years and tracks projects from planning
through to awarded stages. Each month Databuild will provide statistics reflecting trends in the industry. For more informa-
tion about Databuild please contact us on (011) 259-4500 or visit us at www.databuild.co.za

Number of projects awarded by province - April 2010

Province Total Number of Projects
Eastern Cape 49
Free State 7
Gauteng 28
KwaZulu Natal 36
Limpopo 10
Mpumalanga 17
North West 5
Northern Cape 4
Western Cape 78
Grand Total 234

CIDB GRADING CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in CIDB Value in
Grade 1 Rmillion Grade 2 Rmillion Grade 3 Rmillion Grade 4 Rmillion Grade 5 Rmillion Grade 6 Rmillion
Eastern Cape 1 0.27 3 4.18 9 20.5 6 28.9 8 81.19
Free State 1 2.5 2 7.3 2 21.9
Gauteng 4 8.54 8 17.3 2 27 1 9.2
KwaZulu Natal 6 2.78 2 0.5 1 10 23.47 2 3 6 49.2
Limpopo 1 1.3 3 5.9 3 57.28 1
Mpumalanga 1 0.2 1 0.9 5 11.8 2 8 5 28 1 10.5
North West
Northern Cape 1 2 1 0.6 1 4
Western Cape 12 9.07 23 40.78 8 32.8 4 21.5 5 49.2
Total value 7 2.98 18 14.04 40 71.8 39 108.57 24 172.98 24 221.19
per grading
in Rmillions

Skills on Site May 2010 23

TRANSPORT

Buy The Right Truck

When your business gets to a point where you need
to buy a truck it is important to make the right deci-
sion upfront and know what your future needs will
be.

The van body has limited use in construction

to load sand of rubble. It is also quite hard to load

and unload because of its doors at the back of the
truck.
It may be considered if you transport dry cement in
bags to prevent the cement from getting wet in the
rain or if you transport other high value goods like
power tools and construction equipment.
Drop side Usefulness on site 8/10

Old or new, choose a truck that is right for you

I
t all depends on where your specialisty lies and
what is best for your business. A drop-side truck
might be perfect for loading bags of cement
and supplies, but if you find that most of your
business is in earthworks then you would do bet-
ter buying a tipper.
Probably the most versatile of all truck bodies is the
drop-side or bakkie type of truck. This can do all
kinds of jobs from transporting goods to a site, to
hauling machines and clearing rubble from a site.
This is the truck type that is most often operated by
small and medium sized operators with good reason
– it is versatile.
But, it has its limitations. When it is used for purposes
outside of its intended use it is likely to get damaged.
It can also take a lot of time to load and unload.
Lets have a look at truck bodies that are used in
building:
Van Usefulness on site 3/10
The drop side truck is the most useful of all types for
general construction. Although it may not be the
best choice for certain jobs – it certainly can do it
quite well. It can be used to transport supplies, sand
and aggregate, building rubble, equipment and
machinery, as well as dry cement and even workers
around the site.
It is not suitable for big solid loads that need to be
secured, such as big earthmoving machines, or extra
heavy structural steel lengths. These can damage the
sides. It can also be difficult to load and unload loose
materials like sand or gravel and can take a team of

This type of body is used mainly for deliveries and
secure cargo. It is suitable for carrying high value
goods as it can be locked up and secured. This type
of truck has a limited use as a contractor’s truck be-
cause the body is quite soft and should not be used Tipper truck

24 Skills on Site May 2010

 TRANSPORT

men a few hours to complete using hand tools.
Tipper Usefulness on site 6/10
This is a specialised truck for moving loose materials.
Due to the shape of the load area it is not a good
idea to load much else into it. But, if you are doing a
lot of site clearing or earthworks this truck can save
you hundreds of man-hours a month on labour. This
truck is only suitable for work where excavators and
excavators or TLBs operate.
A tipper is not suited to carrying equipment or any-
thing that needs to be secured. It is strong and tough
enough to carry rocks and gravel all day long and is
best used for just that.
Flat bed Usefulness on site 3/10
ful in applications where large amounts of concrete
need to mixed. If you are laying lots of foundations
every month and are involved in civils then a mixer
may be an option to buy but generally will not be
useful to smaller builders.
The mixer cannot carry any other loads and should
not be used for anything other than what it was de-
signed for.
When size matters
Once you have decided on the truck that you need
you have done half the work. The rest still needs to be
looked at very carefully. Things like where the truck
will be stored at night or when it is not on site are small
things, but can be a problem when you try park it only
to find you didn’t do your homework.
The following are the real issues to look at:
Size and power output
There are two main factors that must be looked at to
decide what engine and power you will need. That
is the average size of the load to be carried and the
average distance to be travelled.
If you buy a truck for site clearing and will be moving
large amounts of earth every day – all day, a small
truck with a 3.5 litre engine will eventually prove to be
unsuitable. The strain of carrying a full load every trip
will begin to wear the truck down and it will become
tired quite quickly. Maybe look at a bigger truck with

A flatbed trailer

A flat bed truck is only suitable for transporting heavy

loads that need to be well secured. It is used mainly
for transporting excavators and other heavy machines
and some have a special low loading bay to make
it easier to get the equipment on and off. It has a
tough deck and can withstand heavy loads. It also
has many tie-down points for ropes and cables or
chains to secure loads. It may sometimes be used for
loading dry cement in pallets, as well as bricks.
This is a heavy piece of equipment and has a limited
use. If you own earthmoving equipment or self-deliver
cement and bricks to your sites then it will pay for itself.
But, it has limited usefulness to smaller contractors that
do general building.
Mixer Usefulness on site 3/10

A mixer is designed with one purpose in mind and if

used for that purpose can set a contractor up to mix
large volumes of concrete anywhere. It is only use- Choose a truck with enough engine power

Skills on Site May 2010 25

 The beat goes on
The 2010 Soccer World Cup will offer many
challenges for the operations management
profession. But what happens when it is all over?
Supply Chain and Operations Management
professionals must maintain a steady, reliable
beat as we continue to move African industry
forward to ensure our sustainable footprint.

The SAPICS Annual Conference is the Leading

Event in Africa for Supply Chain and Operations
Management Professionals.
With the participation of: Principal sponsor:

32nd Annual Conference & Exhibition

Platinum sponsors:

25 - 28 July 2010
Sun City
Gold sponsor: Silver sponsor:

T 011 023 6707, F 086 575 2979 or

upavon@icon.co.za. www.sapics.org.za
26 Skills on Site May 2010
 TRANSPORT

1. Availability of parts
and spares.
2. Fuel consumption
and how much fuel it
uses per
100km.
3. Cost of services and
repairs.
4. N e a r b y d e a l e r s
that can help when
required.
5. How it was
financed.

Service from
dealer
Lastly, but most impor-
tantly, visit the dealers
and see how they treat
you. Ask them the same
six questions above
and also ask them how
they can help you add
value to your business
through buying one of
their trucks.
You will be amazed at
Make sure the truck isn’t thirsty the excellence of some
dealer’s service and
just how bad some other are. Choose the truck that
an engine size in the range of 5-8 litre diesel turbo.
is right for you, and importantly buy it from a dealer
This truck will carry the same load without strain and
that you trust.
should remain reliable longer.
If the truck is doing long distances on roads with lots
of hills or steep rises always get a truck with a slightly
bigger, more powerful engine
than is needed. Just like trucks
that carry big loads all day,
the strain on a small engined
truck with a load is too big
and will eventually cause it
to break.

Cost of ownership
The secret of buying a good
truck is to talk to other build-
ers who own similar trucks to
the ones you want to buy.
Ask them clever questions so
that they give you accurate
answers and not just answers
based on their liking of a par-
ticular brand. Always look at
more than one brand so you
can make a comparison. Ask
about:
1. Reliability and how often
it is taken for repairs.
Choose a dealer that you trust will look after you

Skills on Site May 2010 27

SUCCESS

Sharing
Her
Success
When asked to describe her-
self, Makoekie used the words
simple, ordinary and humble.
A description which is a stark
contrast to the impression
one gets when coming face to
face with the force that is Ma-
koekie Tsotetsi. Well dressed,
attractive and articulate Ma-
koekie exudes confidence and
strength. In fact, when talking
to her, a person cannot help Makoekie Tsotetsi
but feel that this is an extraor-
dinary woman. and skills to the community. However, things weren’t
always this great for Makoekie and Mpho.

M
akoekie and her husband Mpho Tso- After completing a secretarial and business practice
tetsi are the founders and owners of diploma at a technical college in Swaziland, she spent
Impota Trading, a building and civil ten years working in the banking industry in Swaziland,
construction company. Their clients Zimbabwe and South Africa. In 1998 she resigned from
include the Department of Public her job to start a hairdressing salon which did not do
Works, City of Johannesburg, Johannesburg Roads very well at all. In the same year her husband was
Agency and Roadcrete. The Tsotetsi’s “rags to riches” retrenched and their savings soon began to dwindle.
story is truly inspir- Before long
ing. they found
It really demon- themselves
strates the value of hitting rock
hard work, determi- bottom. Their
nation and positive flat, car and
thinking. They start- furniture were
ed their business repossessed.
with very little help They could not
and in the middle afford school
of great debt. In fees for their
their first year of op- two children
eration their CIDB and the family
grading went from had nowhere
Grade 1 to Grade to go.
4. Although their One day, just
first few projects Makoekie undertakes work with Roadcrete in passing, an
did not earn them operations
much profit they were soon tendering for and being manager for a government department asked Mpho
awarded huge projects with big payoffs. if he knew someone in construction who could do
Makoekie now inspires other women to reach for their some repairs in one of their buildings. After making
dreams and has set up an HIV/AIDS NGO in Orlando enquiries Mpho found no-one who could do the work.
Township whereby she is able to give back her time He didn’t leave it at that though. Mpho saw a gap
which needed addressing and in January 2005 he and

28 Skills on Site May 2010

 SUCCESS

Impota Trading
can undertake
large-scale
construction
A project to build a sport field means people don’t have to play in the streets projects

Makoekie registered a construction business.

Their first contract was for R34000.00. They found and
made use of experts to get the job done but made
no profit at all. The client was however very impressed
and word of their good work soon spread. Their second
project went much the same way and by their third
project they had begun to make a small profit which
they used to purchase office equipment.
Makoekie however was not satisfied and thought
to herself “Why must I settle for crumbs when I can
have a loaf?” The status quo at the time was unac-
ceptable to her and being the dreamer that she is,
Makoekie decided that she would go out and win a
tender for a million Rand project. Thinking back she
says defiantly “Why couldn’t I get the big projects,
what was stopping me?” Nothing apparently, their
next contract was for R2.5 million. It was a Department
of Public Works project which received an award in
the category for the best sports field and combination
court constructed in that year.
Makoekie’s story brings to the mind the saying do
what you’ve got to do so you can do what you want
to do. It is clear that Makoekie is passionate about
uplifting the youth. Aside from Impota’s corporate
social responsibility program “Courage” the Tsotetsi’s
are involved in a number of social development ini-
tiatives including the foster care of scholars and the
establishment of a SEDA funded co-op for the provi-
sion of cleaning services and materials for a group
of youngsters.
Makoekie believes in giving back and in sharing her
success. She had the following to impart when asked,

Skills on Site May 2010 29

SUCCESS
Johannesburg Roads Agency is another of the company’s clients
to what does she attribute her success? “Firstly, a
positive mindset, I decided a long time ago that I
would be deaf to negativity. Secondly, vision, goals
and objectives. Have a vision, translate that into
goals then strive to reach your goals with honesty
and integrity. Thirdly, do what you have said you
would do. Always honour your commitments and
30 Skills on Site May 2010
when you cannot, be transparent about it.”
Makoekie has been involved in Khuthaza programmes
for several years and is always willing to go the extra
mile to share her knowledge and skills with others.
Khuthaza, Elizabeth O’Leary, Tel: (011) 275 0268, Fax: 086 648 6379,
Email: liz@khuthaza.org.za, Web: www.khuthaza.org.za
WIN A PRIZE The best builders know that using the right
tool for the right job saves time and money.
That’s why Den Braven have a range of
quality sealants and adhesives for every
(Closing date for entries is 15 June 2010) job. Den Braven is the first choice for
professional building contractors.
Answer the following easy questions in the space
provided. The answers are found in the pages in
the magazine. There is only one winner and the
person will be contacted personally to collect
their prize at the offices of Promech Publishing in
Blairgowrie, Randburg.
All correct entries will be placed in a box and a
winner chosen. The judge’s decision is final.

1
Name two types of tools available
for hire from Talisman.
___________________________________
___________________________________
_________________________________

2
Who sponsored the youth centre in
Riebeeck West?
WIN THIS VALUABLE PRIZE!
___________________________________
Estimated retail Price R1000-00
__________________________________
_________________________________

3
What kind of products are avail-
able from Den Braven?
___________________________________
___________________________________
_________________________________

4
What is a flatbed truck used for?
___________________________________
__________________________________
_________________________________

5
Name two types of trusses used for
affordable houses.
___________________________________
___________________________________
_________________________________

FAX YOUR ANSWERS TO:

Promech Publishing on Fax: (011) 781-1403,
P O Box 373, Pinegowrie, 2123

NAME: ….....………………………………………
TEL: .....…………………………………………
Winner
Brendon Arnesen of Durban is our lucky prize winner. He is involved
in road construction and his Bosch Rotary Hammer will be put to use
on the road construction sites, as well as in his own project to rebuild
his house.

Skills on Site May 2010 31

TIMBER PRODUCTS

The appropriate choice in the type of roof structure

for low-cost and affordable housing is very much
based on cost and specific requirements. Nail-plated
timber trusses and light gauge steel trusses provide
different advantages for contractors.

Choosing Nail plated timber trusses

Roof Trusses
H
ow do you choose between wood or
steel and when do you use the different
options? Use these checkpoints when
next you are planning a project:
Nail-plated timber trusses
• The nail-plated timber truss was introduced into
South Africa in 1964 as “Gang-Nail” from the
USA, where the system was invented in 1956.
The nail-plated timber truss has proven itself as a Prefabricated timber trusses
most efficient solution for fast and accurate truss
production.
• These types of trusses do however need to be
manufactured in a factory using specialized
equipment and then transported to site as com-
plete pre-fabricated trusses.
• Timber as a base material is invariably less costly
than steel per meter, it is however also more
affected by natural elements such as moisture
variations and possible insect attack.
• In conjunction with the CMA (Concrete Manu-
factures Association) a special cost effective 26
degree roof truss was developed for low-cost
application (all details as per Agrément certifi-
cate apply).
• Timber is a natural renewable resource if well
managed, unfortunately it is seldom recycled.

Steel trusses in kit form

Ultra light steel trusses were used on this affordable housing development

32 Skills on Site May 2010

 TIMBER PRODUCTS

Steel frame assembly is easy

Light gauge steel trusses • You could also contact truss manufacturers and
• Light gauge steel roofing system was introduced distributors directly for more information on truss
to South Africa in 2000 from the USA, where it was suppliers and suitable products.
invented in 1989. It is today a widely used light
gauge steel roofing system.
• Steel trusses can be factory assembled. On site
assembly is easy and can contribute to job cre-
ation on building sites. These trusses are also on
average 30% lighter than timber, and so reduces
erection time and effort.
• When steel trusses are correctly designed and
used on affordable houses, a minimum roof pitch
can use less material and results in a cheaper
overall solution.
• The ability to transport steel materials in “kit-form”
for site assembly can reduce transport costs by
approximately 60%.
• Good quality steel roof trusses are made from light
weight galvanized steel, providing the benefits of
always straight members with no site wastage.
It is not affected by weather or pests and other
problems that affect wood.
• Light gauge steel is very environmentally friendly
as it is fully recyclable, as well as being non-com-
bustible.

How to get good value quotes:

• Contact your nearest roof truss supplier who will
gladly provide you with the relevant information
on both timber and light gauge steel using a
software package.
• You need to provide a full building drawing in
paper or electronic format, which clearly shows
all the requirements with regard to roof pitch, roof
covering, and roof overhangs.

Skills on Site May 2010 33

 TIMBER PRODUCTS

Example of a building plan

Supply of trusses
Timber nail-plated trusses will be supplied pre-fabri-
cated to site by the supplier.
Light gauge steel trusses can be supplied both pre-
fabricated or in “kit-form” for assembly directly on
site.

Erection of roof structure

Both types of roof structures, timber and light gauge
steel, require holding down fixing to walls as well as
bracing of roof.

Timber roof

Both types of roof structures also require an inspection

by a professional for structural compliance, which is
carried out nationally through various professional
bodies.
Upon successful inspection of the roof, a certificate
is issued.
MiTek Industries South Africa, Uwe Schlűter, Tel: (011) 237 8700,
Steel roof Fax: (086) 644 2754, Email: uwe.schluter@mitek.co.za

34 Skills on Site May 2010

 CONTRACTORS CORNER

New Chemicals for SA

Global group
Mapei has announced the launch of Mapei South Africa. The Mapei Group
is an Italian-based manufacturer of chemical and adhesive products for the construction
industry.

T
he company’s products were previously
distributed in South Africa by Engineered
Concrete Systems. A combination of growth
potential in Africa and demand in South
Africa led the group to acquire Engineered
Concrete Systems and re-establish the company as
Mapei South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
To date, Mapei’s most prominent project has been
providing the materials for Soccer City – the Soccer
World Cup 2010 stadium situated in Soweto. The
Mapei range of specialised concrete sealants, ad-
hesive and repair materials, as well as mortars were
supplied for use in the upgrading and repairing of
the stadium.
Mapei SA (Pty) Ltd, Lollita Pitso, Tel: (011) 552 8476, Cell: 082 050
1944, Email: l.pitso@mapei.co.za

Eish!!!

Mapei SA general manager, Christo van der Merwe

Mapei SA’s general manager, Christo van der Merwe,

says that while the company has been in the local
market for only two years, internationally the com-
pany has over 70 years experience. “As part of an
international group, we pass numerous benefits onto
our clients in terms of having access to knowledge-
able technical experts, research capabilities and
product specialists.
“Our products are complemented by a full service
offering, from product knowledge and technical as-
sistance, to on-site support and training.”
Mapei SA distributes its products throughout sub-Sa-
haran Africa and has a strategically located distribu-
tion centre close to OR Tambo International Airport. Now that’s what we call a light fitting
“This enables us to effectively and efficiently deliver
goods throughout the region.

Skills on Site May 2010 35

36 Skills on Site May 2010
 In Touch
R iebeek West to get youth centre
Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC), the leading cement
company in South Africa has invested R3.5 million into
the construction of a youth centre in Riebeek West.
cultural exchange programmes with countries such as
Germany. There will also be a trauma room that will
provide the local police with a much needed coun-
seling facility for crime victims in the community.

The partnership includes a community-based Goedged-
aght Trust and the Swartland Municipality and is part
of the Riebeek Social Labour Plan (SLP) programme.
Each party involved in the project recently signed
a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move the
project forward.
Present at the signing of the MOA at Riebeeck West, was Frikkie Van Zyl, Riebeeck
general manager, Ingrid Lestrade, director: expansion co-ordinator and Joggie
Scholz, Swartland Municipal Manager
Using a local contractor for the construction, the
youth centre will include educational facilities such
as a library with a computer centre and a gym. It will
host life skills youth leadership programmes, as well as
“The signing of the MOA today is a great achievement
for PPC and the community partners. The centre, with
all its facilities, will greatly benefit the whole Riebeeck
West community for years to come,” said PPC’s Direc-
tor: Organisational Performance and Transformation,
Sello Helepi. “The project highlights PPC’s commitment
to giving back to the communities in which it
operates and we, as PPC, are proud to be a
partner in a project of this magnitude.”
To ensure that PPC is addressing a relevant
and real need in the community, the company
engaged with the Swartland Municipality and
community leaders who helped to identify the
need for the youth center.
“Over many decades PPC has contributed to
overcoming the poverty and skills barriers by fo-
cusing our efforts where it really matters. It is this
bottom-up, broad-based approach to creating
meaningful empowerment that makes us proud
to be a part of the 119 year old legacy of our
business and a longstanding social partner for
all our communities”, concluded Helepi.
PPC recently improved its BBBEE rating to a level
3. This rating, together with the highest preferential
procurement recognition level in the cement
industry of 138% reflects PPC’s commitment to
transformation in South Africa.
PPC Cement, Nomzamo Basson, Tel: 082 870 4235, Email: nomzamo.
basson@ppc.co.za

S kills for the people

Engineering consulting firm, Hatch, has
contributed R2-million to the African
Academy education institution to train
previously disadvantaged draughts
people enabling the school to build a
new wing at its Boksburg premises.
The grant will allow for an additional
intake of up to 400 students per year to
be trained in all disciplines of draught-
ing including those skills needed for the
building industry. Hatch Africa is working
towards addressing the big skills short-
age in the engineering sector through
its large-scale sponsorship of African
Academy.
The academy’s courses bridge the gap
between secondary education and the
practical requirements of the employer Peter Blake, Hatch project delivery director

Skills on Site May 2010 37

 In Touch
market in South Africa, which previously could only
be learned through several years of practical experi-
ence through an apprenticeship.
“From the building of bridges, to mines, to malls and
houses, draughts people are key to every architec-
tural, engineering and construction project, which is
why these skills must be replaced,” says Hatch project
delivery director Peter Blake.
Since the school began16 years ago, African Academy
has witnessed close to 95% of its students finding jobs
after graduation. Hatch managing director Rory Kirk
points out that for Hatch, it is not just about making a
money contribution, but that industry must also play
a role in ensuring that job opportunities are available
to students after they graduate.

South Africa has one of the lowest numbers of en-

gineers in the world - this is shown in the growing
shortage of skilled labour in the fields of engineering
and construction. In total, South Africa produces
only 20% of the 5 000 draughts people required each
year. According to the South African Institution of
Mechanical Engineering, South Africa has the lowest
ratio of engineers per citizen, with an average of one
engineer to every 2 865 citizens.
Initiatives such as the partnership between Hatch
and African Academy, which is a non-profit organi-
sation, are important if South Africa is to resolve the
big skills shortage in the engineering and construc-
tion sectors.
African Academy is seen as one of Africa’s leading
draughting education and training institutions, and has
proven its worth in assisting industries to raise quality
and productivity levels by producing graduates of
the highest standard.
What’s more, the Academy prides itself on its excel-
lent pass rates and consistently places over 95% of its
students in employment. The academy offers a variety
of qualifications, software training courses and skills
programmes to cater for the needs of all individuals
and companies alike.
Hatch, Tel: (011) 239 5300, Fax: (011) 239 5790, Web: www.hatch.
co.za

38 Skills on Site May 2010

 How safe is your workplace?
Every year around the world, 2 million people die from work-related accidents and
diseases*.

This is why South Africa and other countries around the world have signed
Conventions with the International Labour Organisation, commiting themselves to
ensure that those conventions are given life through legislation, among other things.

The Bill of Rights also protects individuals’ rights to an environment that is not
harmful to their health and well-being.

Through the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) the Department of Labour
ensures that workers or any other person who enters a work environment are safe
and their health is not put at risk.

The Department’s Inspection and Enforcement Services will enforce the legislation
and assist employers to implement the OHSA, ensuring that:

• In workplaces that have 20 or more workers, there is a health and safety

representative who is appointed by workers to represent them on health and
safety matters
• The health and safety representatives are trained by the employer to be able
to carry out their responsibilities and also participates in all health and safety
committees and consultations with Department of Labour Inspectors
• Employers provide personal protective equipment (PPE), to be worn by workers
when they carry out hazardous work
• Employers must make sure that workers receive proper training for the work they
do
• Proper supervision is provided where it is necessary.

Get Informed!
If you would like to know more about the Department of Labour and how it is making
labour laws to work for you, then SMS ‘TM’ to 41894 to get more information. R1.50/
sms. Free SMSes do not apply.

Take action
If you would like the Department to help you make your work environment safer, or to
report accidents or conditions that may lead to accidents and pose health risks, then
visit your nearest Department of Labour or call 012 309 4000.

You can also log onto www.labour.gov.za for more information.

Follow us on Twitter (@DepartmentOfLabour) or join our Facebook group (‘Department

of Labour’) for updated information on activities, events and workshops meant to help
you implement labour laws.
*statistics from the International Labour Organisation website www.ILO.org

The Department of Labour, working for you

Layout and design by the Design Studio, Directorate of Communication, Department of Labour. Website: www.labour.gov.za

Skills on Site May 2010 39

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40 Skills on Site
A P P R O V E D May 2010 The Low Carbon Footprint, High Quality General Building Cement.