NSSCO Building Studies 6186 study guide
NSSCO Building Studies 6186 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
NSSCO Building Studies 6186 is a Namibian senior secondary Ordinary Level subject in the technical and vocational stream, taken by learners who want a grounding in construction trades before entering the workforce, an apprenticeship, or further technical study. It suits candidates who are comfortable with both hands-on work and written theory: the assessment combines a written paper with practical or project work, so you are expected to read drawings, plan a task, and then execute it safely and accurately. The NSSCO Building Studies 6186 study guide has 14 sections and about 3,735 words.
01Health, Safety and Site Practice
Health, Safety and Site Practice is examined through hazard spotting, risk assessment, safe systems of work and site organisation. Expect questions on PPE, scaffolding, excavations, fire precautions, first aid, statutory notices and accident reporting.
314 words, about 2 min02Building Drawing
Building Drawing tests reading and producing orthographic drawings: plans, elevations, sections, details, symbols, scales, dimensioning, line conventions and schedules. Orthographic projection: front elevation, with the plan below in first-angle or above in third-angle.
270 words, about 1 min03Plans and Specifications
Plans and Specifications tests the document set: location plan, site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, specification, bill of quantities and contract conditions. Drawings show size, shape and position; the specification states quality, materials, workmanship and testing; the bill of quantities quantifies and prices work.
261 words, about 1 min04Setting Out and Site Preparation
Setting Out and Site Preparation tests transferring building position and levels from drawings to the ground: site clearance, datum, profiles, grid lines, squaring, levelling and excavation. Establish a datum and transfer levels with a dumpy level or laser level; record readings in the site diary.
283 words, about 1 min05Foundations and Groundwork
Foundations and Groundwork tests soil identification, bearing capacity, foundation types, trench excavation, concrete, damp-proof courses, stepping and settlement. Foundations transfer load to the ground without excessive settlement.
284 words, about 1 min06Walls, Masonry and Concrete Construction
Walls, Masonry and Concrete Construction tests brick and block bonds, mortar, cavity walls, lintels, concrete mixes, reinforcement, formwork, placing, compaction and curing. Standard brick size is 222 x 106 x 73 mm with 10 mm joints.
299 words, about 1 min07Floors
Floors tests ground and suspended floor construction, concrete slabs, damp-proof membranes, insulation, screeds, finishes, levels and falls. A ground floor usually has compacted hardcore, blinded sand, a DPM, insulation if specified, a concrete slab and a screed or finish.
254 words, about 1 min08Roofs and Carpentry
Roofs and Carpentry tests roof types, pitch, trusses, rafters, purlins, battens, coverings, ventilation, gutters, timber joints and timber defects. Pitch is rise over run and may be given in degrees or as a ratio.
259 words, about 1 min09Building Services (Plumbing, Electrical, Drainage)
Building Services tests water supply, sanitary fittings, traps, drainage gradients, inspection chambers, electrical circuits, earthing and safety. Water supply includes a stop valve, meter where fitted, storage and distribution pipework.
272 words, about 1 min10Materials
Materials tests properties, selection, storage and testing of cement, aggregates, concrete, timber, steel, bricks, plastics and insulation. Store cement dry, off the floor, and use oldest stock first.
255 words, about 1 min11Tools and Equipment
Tools and Equipment tests identification, safe use, maintenance and selection of hand and power tools, measuring and levelling equipment, and PPE. Measuring tools include steel tape, try square, spirit level, plumb bob and line level.
247 words, about 1 min12Finishing
Finishing tests plaster, render, screed, paint, tiling, joinery finishes, surface preparation and common defects. Internal plaster is commonly about 13 mm in two coats; external render is thicker and needs a scratch coat and curing.
245 words, about 1 min13Maintenance and Repair
Maintenance and Repair tests defect diagnosis, repair methods, planned and reactive maintenance, inspection, damp, cracks, roof leaks and plumbing repairs. Diagnose before repairing: record crack pattern, damp source and leak path.
249 words, about 1 min14Entrepreneurship, Costing and Project Management
Entrepreneurship, Costing and Project Management tests estimating, tendering, bill of quantities, preliminaries, overheads, profit, cash flow, programmes, contracts and VAT. Direct costs include labour, materials, plant and subcontractors.
243 words, about 1 min