Our tools used within our practise

Within our architect practise there are a range of tools needed to provide not only an architectural working environment but also a safe placed for staff to be in with the appropriate PPE and aid kit.

 

In terms of health and safety, there is an employer’s responsibility law by the HSE (Health and safety executive) by the Government that states:

Under the law employers are responsible for health and safety management. The following provides a broad outline of how the law applies to employers. Don't forget, employees and the self-employed have important responsibilities too.

 

It is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. Employers must do whatever is reasonably practicable to achieve this.

 

This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace.

 

Employers have duties under health and safety law to assess risks in the workplace. Risk assessments should be carried out that address all risks that might cause harm in your workplace.

 

Employers must give you information about the risks in your workplace and how you are protected, also instruct and train you on how to deal with the risks.

 

Employers must consult employees on health and safety issues. Consultation must be either direct or through a safety representative that is either elected by the workforce or appointed by a trade union.

 

For more details on the basics of what employers must do to make their business comply with health and safety law in a low-risk business, HSE has produced a booklet Health and safety made simple.

 

For more details on how health and safety law is meant to work, HSE has produced a booklet: Health and safety regulation: A short guide (PDF).

 

Employers have a legal duty under the Health and Safety Information for Employees Regulations (HSIER) to display the approved poster in a prominent position in each workplace or to provide each worker with a copy of the approved leaflet Health and safety law: What you need to know that outlines British health and safety law.

 

If workers think their employer is exposing them to risks or is not carrying out their legal duties regards to health and safety, and if this has been pointed out to them but no satisfactory response has been received, workers can make a complaint to HSE.

 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/workers/employers.htm

 

In terms of actual tools used within the workplace there are many that contribute to our design processes, these tools are:

• Autodesk Revit

• AuthoCAD

• Sketchup

• Vray

• Paper

• Pens

• Pencils

• Rulers and other drawing equipment needed

• Computers

• Projectors

• Phones

 

These tools are needed to help us do our jobs are the computers are there to not only communicate to clients over email, zoom or facetime due to covid-19 but it is also there to allow us to digitally design a 3D model of our structure to be able to view it from all angles in a way that physical models can’t. Although there are drawing and modelling equipment’s there to allow those that want to make physical models can also do so.

 

In terms of digital software, there is Vray, Sketchup, AutoCAD and Revit all used for different areas within the design process. Vray is used to make realistic visuals of the design, Sketchup is for modelling the design in 3D to scale and AutoCAD is used for construction plans, sections and elevations. The use of these digital tools means and easier and quicker process to designing as the sketchup model can easily go into AutoCAD to generate the plans, sections and elevations for architects.

 

However, these tools can’t be used without the need for computers and phones, which are a necessity to the architectural world in the 21st century.