Materials Control to Avoid Waste

Although some waste is inevitable on building sites, much can be done to reduce it. An earlier digest, No. 247, introduces the problem, concludes that the greatest change necessary is one of attitude but also recommends the adoption of materials control procedures. Materials control covers the realistic design, specification and procurement of goods; their packaging, transportation, reception and accounting, handling, storage, use and protection after fixing. Careful attention to materials control techniques can help to minimise waste as well as ensuring that other resources are used in the construction process to their maximum effect. Designers (of buildings, plant and components), manufacturers and quantity surveyors are being urged to follow the Chartered Institute of Building's plan for action, Materials control and waste in building, which gives guidance on materials control prior to completion of tendering by the contractor. This digest deals with materials control and handling from the time that the contract is awarded.