NZ Certificate in Carpentry key terms

The ranked order for managing a hazard: eliminate it first, then substitute, isolate, engineer controls, apply administrative controls, and use PPE last. Higher-ranked controls are more reliable because they depend less on worker behaviour.

The routine process of spotting anything on site that could cause harm, such as falls, buried services, silica dust or unstable excavations, before work begins and as conditions change.

A serious event, such as a death, serious injury or dangerous occurrence, that must be reported to WorkSafe New Zealand as soon as practicable and usually within 24 to 48 hours. The site is preserved until cleared.

The mandatory briefing a worker receives before starting on a new site, covering site rules, emergency procedures, first aid, hazard register, amenities and the specific risks of that project.

A short, regular on-site briefing where the crew discusses a specific hazard, task method or lesson learned. It records attendance and is used to keep safety knowledge current.

A written document describing how a high-risk task will be done, the hazards involved, the controls applied and who is responsible. It is reviewed with the crew before work starts.

Measures preventing people or objects falling from height, including guardrails, scaffold edge protection, safety nets, harness and lanyard systems, and covers over openings. Required where a fall could cause injury.

A temporary working platform erected to give access at height. It must be erected, altered and dismantled by competent people, inspected weekly and after events, and tagged to show its status.

A record of known or presumed asbestos-containing materials in a building. It must be checked before demolition or refurbishment disturbs pre-2000 construction, and removal is licensed work.

Fine crystalline dust released when cutting, grinding or drilling concrete, brick or engineered stone. It causes silicosis, so wet cutting, on-tool extraction and respiratory protection are required.

A detailed drawing giving dimensions, materials, construction details and notes needed to build a specific part of the work. It is read alongside the architectural and engineering drawings.

The written document that states the quality, materials, standards and workmanship required for each element of the project. It overrides drawings where the two conflict unless stated otherwise.

The ratio relating a distance on a drawing to the real distance it represents, such as 1:50 or 1:100. Choosing the wrong scale is a common cause of setting-out error.

A fixed reference point or level from which heights and positions are measured. Datums are marked on site and recorded on drawings so all trades work from the same base.

Transferring dimensions and positions from drawings onto the site, establishing corners, grid lines and levels before construction. Accuracy here controls the whole building's geometry.

A taut cord stretched between two points to give a straight reference for laying bricks, aligning framing or checking levels. It is checked for sag and obstruction before use.

A setting-out technique using a triangle with sides in the ratio 3:4:5 to create a true right angle. It is used to square up corners and check rectangular layouts.

A wall that carries structural loads from above down to the foundation. It cannot be removed or altered without engineering design and consent.

A horizontal structural member spanning an opening to carry the load above it, such as over a window or door. Size and bearing depend on the span and load.

A framing member fixed around an opening to carry and stiffen the shortened studs, joists or rafters. It transfers loads to the adjacent full-length members.

Short horizontal blocking fitted between studs, joists or rafters to provide lateral support, stiffen the frame and give fixing for linings or cladding.

A vertical framing member in a wall. Studs are spaced at centres set by the design, commonly 400 or 600 mm, and carry wall loads and lining fixings.

The horizontal timber member at the base of a framed wall, fixed to the floor structure or slab. It locates studs and is often treated timber where moisture risk exists.

The horizontal member at the top of a framed wall that ties studs together and supports ceiling joists or roof members. Double top plates are common where walls intersect.

A sloping framing member that forms the roof pitch and supports the roof cladding and battens. Rafters span from ridge to wall plate or eaves.

A horizontal member running across rafters or trusses to support roof cladding or battens. It transfers roof loads back to the structural frame.

The angle or slope of a roof, usually expressed in degrees or as a ratio of rise to run. Pitch determines cladding choice, flashing design and drainage performance.

The ability of a building envelope to keep water out and allow any that enters to drain and dry. It depends on correct layering, flashing, sealing and detailing.

A drained and ventilated gap behind cladding that lets water escape and air circulate to dry the structure. It is formed by battens and kept clear at the base and openings.

A shaped metal or membrane component that directs water away from junctions such as roofs, walls, windows and parapets. Correct overlap and fall are essential to its performance.

A small timber or metal strip fixed over the frame or sheathing to support cladding or create a cavity. It also provides a straight fixing plane for sheets or boards.

A flexible underlay fixed over framing or sheathing beneath cladding to shed water and reduce air movement. It is lapped and taped so water drains outward and downward.

The common New Zealand name for plasterboard used for interior linings. It is fixed to framing or battens, stopped and taped, then painted or wallpapered.

The process of filling and taping plasterboard joints, corners and fixings so the surface is smooth and ready for decoration. It is done in successive coats with sanding between.

The trim fixed along the base of an interior wall where it meets the floor, hiding the joint and protecting the lining. It is usually fixed after flooring is laid.

New Zealand's performance-based regulations setting minimum requirements for buildings, covering structure, durability, fire safety, moisture, health and energy efficiency. Compliance is demonstrated through acceptable solutions or alternative methods.

Formal approval from a building consent authority to carry out building work in accordance with approved plans and specifications. Work must not start before it is granted.

The certificate issued by a building consent authority confirming completed work complies with the building consent. It is needed before a building can be lawfully used for its intended purpose.

A scheduled check by a building inspector at defined stages, such as foundations, framing and pre-line, to verify work matches the consented plans before it is covered up.