Pyrite Course
Background
The Pyrite Panel report was published in 2012 and amongst its recommendations was that the National Standard Authority of Ireland (NSAI) develops standards for aggregates in buildings. The NSAI commenced its work in September 2012 and produced IS 398-1. This standard is a protocol for the investigation of buildings with suspected pyrite containing hardcore. Earlier this year a review was undertaken of SR 21 and a revised recommendation was developed in Annex E for material to be used in future buildings for unbound and hydraulically bound materials (hardcore). Both IS 398 and SR 21 require competent persons to carry out work specified in them.
IS 398 requires input from competent persons in the disciplines of engineering and geology. IS 398 defines a competent person as ’person, company or partnership having sufficient theoretical and practical training, experience, and knowledge appropriate to the nature of the work to be undertaken’. SR 21 requires input from a ‘professional geologist’ and defines such a person as ‘competent person, named on a register of Professional Members maintained by the Institute of Geologists of Ireland, or an equivalent qualified competent person’.
The Pyrite Resolution Board (PRB) has been set up and will be responsible for receiving claims for monies to remediate homes with pyrite induced heave. The PRB will then adjudicate the claim and award monies to carry out the remediation. The PRB will only adjudicate on claims which are supported by reports written by competent persons.
Pyrite Register
Engineers Ireland has set up a Register of Chartered Engineers which lists competent persons in for carrying out work on Pyrite (Building Condition Assessments). The PRB supported Engineers Ireland in setting up their Register. The IGI then approached the PRB with a proposal to set up a Register for geologists to carry out assessment work on potentially pyrite affected buildings. The PRB supported the setting up of such a Register. In discussions with the PRB it was decided to offer a CPD course on pyrite and the new standards. It would become a condition to be listed on the Register for persons to undertake the CPD course now on offer. Engineers Ireland has the same requirement for their members to enter their register. Once persons have completed the course they may apply to be included on the Register.
Venue
The course will take place in 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. There are no parking facilities at the venue and those driving to the venue will need to avail of car parks at locations nearby (Dawson – entrance in School House Lane East, off Kildare Street; Setanta – entrance in Setanta Lane).
Cost
The cost for the course is:
IGI Member (non-student) - €175; IGI Student Member - €100; Non-member - €225.
Company number 314400. Directors: Gerard Stanley, Andrew Bowden, Marie Fleming, and Paul Gordon
Member of the European Federation of Geologists
Office: Institute of Geologists of Ireland, 63 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
e-mail: ; web: www.igi.ie