At Masterspec the amount of specifications live on the platform at any one time has always given us an indication of the health of the industry. In this article we look at how the industry seems to be currently tracking.

AS/NZS 5131: 2016, Structural Steelwork - Fabrication and Erection is cited in NZBC B1/VM1, 5.0 Steel. This new Amendment A1, which has just been released, of course, is not cited yet and so the use of amendment A1 would be an Alternative Solution.

This month Masterspec has added more clauses to the electrical sections about earthing and equipotential bonding of conductive elements of the building that do not form part of the electrical installation. Although they are an essential part of electrical safety, they are different and often confused. Find out more!

Masterspec's new generic section, 7765 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations, responds to increasing EV ownership and NZTA's coordination of NZ's national network of public EV charging stations. While currently not referenced in the NZBC, the changes are important....

There have been quite a few new and amended Standards since the beginning of lockdown. Two major replacement Standards you should know about are: • AS/NZS 2785:2020 - Suspended Ceilings - Design and Installation • NZS 4541:2020 - Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems Read the full article.

Masterspec introduces a new generic section 3876 STRUCTURAL INSULATED PANEL SYSTEMS (SIPS) (available in Standard, Basic,

Masterspec's Managing Editor Alex Shaw suggests how using the information at this link can help ensure your project fulfils its obligations to provide safe working conditions on site and ensure the correct documentation.

To help reduce repetitive content and streamline the user experience, a new schedule section 1278SR SCHEDULE OF SLIP RESISTANCE TESTING has been released this month. This coincides with an update to work sections containing slip resistance clauses that has further refined content.

MBIE are proposing changes to a number of Acceptable Solutions and Verification Methods which can be viewed in their consultation document. Consultation closes on the revised date of 17th April 2020 (was 27th March). Masterspec has reviewed the consultation document and can now give you a few pointers as to what to expect if the proposed changes go through and what to look out for if you want to make a submission to MBIE.

With the challenges facing everyone in the coming months it’s likely to be busier than ever for many Masterspec users. Here are some of the Masterspec features than will allow you to work anywhere, at any time, and safely continue meeting your client’s expectations.