Construction Standards

All Oxfam construction activities (site management, health and safety, excavations, masonry, concrete, and sign off) should meet or exceed national quality standards, and be based on a regularly reviewed work plan.

Project Management

• Management of construction projects is the responsibility of the PHE Technical Team Leader (TTL). All Oxfam construction projects should meet or exceed industry quality standards, the TTL or a senior PHE has the ultimate responsibility for ensuring quality.
• All projects, no matter how small, should be based on a work plan. Each work plan should include:
  • Scope of works;
  • Technical drawings;
  • Phases and sequencing of construction work;
  • Types and quantity of construction materials;
  • Skilled and unskilled labour needed for each phase;
  • Projected timeframe of project; and
  • A clear budget.
• Work plans should be reviewed on a regular basis (preferably every other day) and revised as needed. Managers should be informed of any revisions to work plans.

Site Management

• On every construction site one person should be in charge of the works. This person needs to have sufficient technical knowledge to address common problems; the professional ability to anticipate and address problems or delays before they occur; and have a disciplined personal behaviour and authority towards his workers, supervisors, and the host community. If no such person is available, it is the responsibility of the TTL or a senior PHE to directly supervise the work.
• The site supervisor should be present in the field on a daily basis.
• For all construction work the Oxfam PHE Health and Safety guidelines and the Technical Brief on Construction should be followed.

Sign-Off and Handover

• While ongoing supervision of construction works can make sign-off a formality, it is the responsibility of the TTL or senior PHE in the field to formally approve the commissioning or use of any construction work.
• If the work does not meet acceptable standards, a revised work plan should be put in place to correct any problems or initiate changes.
• Maintenance schedules should be included in handing over construction work to communities. Relevant local authorities or technical government departments should be involved in the sign off and handover.