Building Construction Handbook, Eighth Edition

Office Accommodation ~ the arrangements for office

accommodation to be provided on site is a matter of choice for

each individual contractor. Generally separate offices would be

provided for site agent, clerk of works, administrative staff, site

surveyors and sales staff.

The minimum requirements of such accommodation is governed by

the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963 unless they are ~

1. Mobile units in use for not more then 6 months.

2. Fixed units in use for not more than 6 weeks.


3. Any type of unit in use for not more than 21 man hours per
   week.


4. Office for exclusive use of self employed person.


5. Office used by family only staff.

Sizing Example ~

Office for site agent and assistant plus an allowance for 3 visitors.

Assume an internal average height of 2„400.

Allow 3„7 m^2 minimum per person and 11„5 m^3 minimum per person.

Minimum area = 5¾3„7 = 18„5 m^2

Minimum volume = 5¾11„5 = 57„5 m^3

Assume office width of 3„000 then minimum length required is

= 3 57„5

¾2„4

=57„57„2 = 7„986 say 8„000

Area check 3¾8 = 24 m^2 which is > 18„5 m^2 \satisfactory

Typical Example ~

Portable cabin with four

adjustable steel legs with

attachments for stacking.

Panelling of galvanised steel

sheet and rigid insulation core.

Plasterboard inner lining to

walls and ceiling. Pyro-shield

windows with steel shutters and

a high security steel door.

Ref. Fire prevention on construction sites † the joint code of

practice on protection from fire of construction sites and buildings

undergoing renovation. Published by Construction Confederation

and The Fire Protection Association.

Site Office Accommodation