26 May 2021 / Quality Alert

Regulator Inspections in NSW

Overview

The construction industry has changed considerably in the past few years, and will continue to do so until the expected standards are achieved by designers and builders. This means increased regulator presence on our sites.

With the introduction of new legislation in NSW for Class 2 residential buildings (including mixed use buildings with a portion of Class 2), it’s important to be prepared to demonstrate and showcase Hutchies commitment to compliance and quality.

The legislation and regulators are focused on creating certainty for consumers and insurers through ‘professionalism, honesty and integrity, transparency and accountability’ – all values that are embraced at Hutchies and represented by each of us every day.

These values deliver good quality buildings which are the foundations of Hutchies’ success and how we will become recognised as the best builder in the country.

Hutchies’ reputation, public record and licence are at risk if we get this wrong – if we ‘fail to act’.

Please read the alert below for more details – it provides more information on the expectations of the regulators and feedback from experiences to date.

Read Alert

Actions

> Read through the detailed alert above

> Be aware of the numerous resources Hutchies has available on the Toolbox & Doc Library (links to many of these are below)

> Complete the course on Australian Standards to achieve your ‘Quality White Card’. You should be able to articulate which Standards are commonly used in the works

> Have a copy of the Hutchies’ Quality Handbook front and centre on your desk and use it to reference any discussions on Australian Standards

> Ensure your design is ahead of the works and designers and certifiers (including the PCA) are visiting site regularly. Ensure they sign in each visit.

> Review your DA (refer Toolbox notice) and BA regularly to ensure compliance - update the design documents first and ensure the works are as approved prior to commencement

> Supervise the works on site and maintain accurate ITPs / records – particularly on waterproofing (refer Wet Areas and External Areas alerts via the Toolbox) > Represent Hutchies with good conduct and a positive attitude even when you’re under pressure!

Relevant Resources

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Hutchies’ Quality Team

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES

Email quality@hutchies.com.au

Other Recent Activities

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9 April / Quality Alert

Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone, regardless of the silica content percentage, is banned.

Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

In October last year Hutchies noted that the industry was shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica related diseases.

On this basis, Hutchies proactively took a position to ban all engineered stone on our projects, regardless of silica content percentages, from 1 July 2024.

In December last year, we then had confirmation that following an Industrial Relations Ministers meeting, State and Commonwealth Leaders had agreed to ban engineered stone products.

Some at Hutchies have noted that the State and Federal communications concerning the ban have included transition periods as well as exemptions for some engineered stone with low (under 1%) silica content.

For clarity, there has been no change to Hutchies' position following these communications – Hutchies will not be using engineered stone that contains any percentage of silica on our projects from 1 July 2024.

Actions

To mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product.

Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Refer to Hutchies' Stone Product & Suitability for Use List on the Document Library.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact:

Design — Michael Lawlor / Ogi Latinovic
Work Health & Safety — Jimmy Andersen
Industrial Relations — Ben Young
Other — Russell Fryer

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3 - 20 April / General

NOW OPEN / 2024 Hutchies Training Awards Nominations

Calling all nominations for stand out apprentices and cadets across Hutchies.

Help us by nominating an apprentice or cadet that you think is a true representation of Hutchies' way.

We also want to celebrate other significant training achievements by anyone else across company over the last 12 months.