What is the Architect’s role for safety design?
November 5th, 2007
According to the Wikipedia - an architect is a person who is involved in the planning, designing and oversight of a building’s construction……architects must frequently make building designs and planning decisions that affect the safety and well being of the general public……as well as occupier.
The picture above was recently posted to me from an independent agent in Varna, who was keen to arrange a viewing appointment. The photo suggests that it has a rather nice compact kitchen design for a small apartment. However I was distressed to discover a precariousness practice of placing electrical main socket outlets, just above the kitchen sink and oven area.
I’m certain, anyone would agree with me to appreciate how illogical it is to place an outlet socket above the kitchen or oven. Consider a precedent where the occupier could be washing sharp kitchen knives while splashing water at the above electrical main outlet. This may lead to electrocution or serious injury with the knife, possibly a worst case, where a frying pan containing hot cooking oil is knocked over.
The Kitchen (and bathroom) is one of most hazardous parts of the building. The architect has a duty of due care and attention to ensure the best possible safety design to the lowest risk as deemed practical. Substandard architect practice simply has no place in Bulgaria, which recently became a member of EU. In fact, in the UK, according to the regulation it is illegal for any DIY to perform any moderate modifications in electrical or gas installations.
EnergyFree Technology has decided to incorporate a free walk through safety observation checks in Kitchens and Bathrooms as part of the Energy Audit Assessment package. This is designed to raise awareness of the safety issue within the building so you will be better informed for prospective remedial work.
