Aspectos claves de la coordinación en materia de seguridad y salud en los proyectos y obras de construcción

El Real Decreto 1627/97 sobre disposiciones mínimas en materia de seguridad y salud en las obras de construcción, dictado en aplicación de la Directiva europea 92/57/CEE, establece la obligación de contar, tanto en la fase de redacción de proyecto como en la de ejecución de obra, con un coordinador en materia de seguridad y salud, esto es, un “técnico competente”1 que, desde el lado de la propiedad, desempeñe funciones de control sobre la actuación preventiva de los proyectistas y empresas constructoras participantes en ambos procesos. Dicha labor de control, tal y como veremos más adelante, no se limita a una mera tarea de supervisión de la práctica preventiva de empresas y proyectistas, sino que, yendo más allá, exige la participación activa del coordinador en la validación expresa de los procedimientos organizativos de carácter preventivo que vayan adoptando dichos agentes a lo largo de sus respectivas actuaciones. Si bien la presencia real del coordinador en fase de proyecto ha quedado, de manera poco justificada, relegada a aquellos casos singulares que demandan la participación de diversos especialistas, su homólogo en fase de ejecución es, actualmente, una figura habitual en la práctica totalidad de las obras de construcción sobre cuya capacitación y cometidos persisten, aún hoy, interpretaciones muy diversas que conviene analizar de manera detallada.

Health and safety in the construction : subject pending to be included in the curriculum of architecture in Spain

The art of construction is a risky activity that directly affects the life and physical integrity of persons. Since the approval of Law 31/1995, of November 8, Prevention of Occupational Risks was the first legislation that established the current basis in all sectors and then transposed into Spanish law Directive 92/57/CEE called Royal Decree 1627/1997 of October 24, on minimum safety and health dispositions in construction works, measures have been proposed to develop a mixed body of scientific literature composed of researchers and professionals in the field of occupational safety and health, but even today there is still no clear and firm proposal, showing a lack of awareness in the occupational risk prevention and, therefore, a consolidation of the culture of prevention in society. Therefore, the technicians, who make up the building process, can incur in very high responsibilities, such as: Author of the project, Coordinator of Safety and Health during the preparation of the project and during the execution of works, Site Management: Site Manager. This involves the immediate creation of a general training in prevention for all architects starting when still studying, as well as specific training, appropriate and complementary to all the architects that will be devoted to the specialty of occupational safety and health in construction works. That is, first, we must make the responsible bodies aware of the urgent need to integrate risk prevention in the curricula of architecture and later in the continuing education of the profession. It is necessary that our teaching must conform to the laws on safety and health, due to the fact that the law recognizes our academic degrees and professional qualifications to perform functions in that area

TEM and SAED Characterization of Metakaolin. Pozzolanic Activity

The present study deals with a characterization of metakaolin pozzolanic activity and its chemical character exhibited in the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) blends by means of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Selected-Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) techniques principally. Metakaolin sample was prepared by calcination of kaolin rock (Guadalajara, Spain) at 780°C. Two OPC of different chemical composition from the tricalcium aluminate content point of view were chosen and Portland cement blends series elaborated and then submitted to the pozzolanic activity test (EN 196-5 or Frattini test). The main mineralogical components of the metakaolin are determined qualitatively: χ-alumina and quartz. The chemical character of the metakaolin is described because of its final composition as well as due to its Al atoms possible coordination. The crystalline order of the material is found to be of both amorphous and polycrystalline, being an intimate amorphous mixture of alumina and silica. Finally, all the alumina capable of reacting chemically is denominated and classified as reactive alumina component, Al2O3r−, of pozzolans, as well as the aluminic chemical character of metakaolin in OPC blends is once again proved and exhibited by means of Friedel's salt formation studied already at 4 h-age.

Estudio de seguridad y salud para la construcción de una planta de molienda de clinker

El proyecto tiene por objeto establecer, en el marco de la Ley 31/1995, de 8 de noviembre, sobre prevención de riesgos laborales, y en su norma reglamentaria, el Real Decreto 1627/1997 de 24 de octubre, sobre disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y salud en las obras de construcción, la identificación y evaluación de riesgos de una planta industrial de molienda de clinker para fabricación de cemento, con objeto de determinar las medidas preventivas necesarias para garantizar las adecuadas condiciones de seguridad y salud de los trabajadores que intervengan en la construcción de la obra civil, y en los montajes eléctrico y mecánico. La metodología que se empleó para estimar los niveles de riesgo se basa en la conjunción de la probabilidad estimada y las consecuencias esperadas. Los resultados obtenidos a partir de los niveles de riesgo identificados demostraron que mediante la mejora de los controles existentes y la implantación de nuevas medidas de control, priorizando de forma que éstas siempre sean proporcionales al riesgo identificado y valorado, es posible garantizar los adecuados niveles de seguridad y salud durante la ejecución de la obra. ABSTRACT The main objective of this project is, in the frame of the Law 31/1995 of November 8th about prevention of labor risks and in its regulation norm, Royal Decree 1627/1997 of October 24th, about minimum dispositions of safety and health in the works of construction, the identification and evaluation of the risks involved in an industrial plant of grinding of clinker for cement manufacture in order to determine the preventive necessary measures to ensure the suitable conditions of safety and health of the workers who take part of civil works, and of electrical and mechanical erections. The methodology chosen to estimate the risk levels is based on the probability of happening together with the awaited consequences. The results obtained from the levels of risk identified demonstrated that by means of the improvement of the existing controls and the implementation of new control measures, determining priorities always proportionally to the identified and valued risk, it is possible to guarantee the suitable levels of safety and health during the execution of the works.

A proposal for improving safety in construction projects by strengthening coordinators’ competencies in health and safety issues

The figure of the coordinator in health and safety issues in the construction sector first appeared in our legislation through the incorporation of the European Directives (in our case Royal Decree 1627/97 on the minimum health and safety regulations in construction works), and is viewed differently in different countries of the European Union regarding the way they are hired and their role in the construction industry. Coordinating health and safety issues is also a management process that requires certain competencies that are not only based on technical or professional training, but which, taking account of the work environment, require the use of strategies and tools that are related to experience and personal skills. Through a piece of research that took account of expert opinions in the matter, we have found which competencies need to be possessed by the health and safety coordinator in order to improve the safety in the works they are coordinating. The conclusions of the analyses performed using the appropriate statistical methods (comparing means and multivariate analysis techniques), will enable training programmes to be designed and ensure that the health and safety coordinators selected have the competencies required to carry out their duties.

A proposal for improving safety in construction projects by strengthening coordinators’ competencies in health and safety issues

The figure of the coordinator in health and safety issues in the construction sector first appeared in our legislation through the incorporation of the European Directives (in our case Royal Decree 1627/97 on the minimum health and safety regulations in construction works), and is viewed differently in different countries of the European Union regarding the way they are hired and their role in the construction industry. Coordinating health and safety issues is also a management process that requires certain competencies that are not only based on technical or professional training, but which, taking account of the work environment, require the use of strategies and tools that are related to experience and personal skills. Through a piece of research that took account of expert opinions in the matter, we have found which competencies need to be possessed by the health and safety coordinator in order to improve the safety in the works they are coordinating. The conclusions of the analyses performed using the appropriate statistical methods (comparing means and multivariate analysis techniques), will enable training programmes to be designed and ensure that the health and safety coordinators selected have the competencies required to carry out their duties.

Effect of the Synthesis Route on the Microstructure and the Dielectric Behavior of CaCu3Ti4O12 Ceramics

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) was prepared by a conventional synthesis (CS) and through reaction sintering, in which synthesis and sintering of the material take place in one single step. The microstructure and the dielectric properties of CCTO have been studied by XRD, FE-SEM, EDS, AFM, and impedance spectroscopy to correlate structure, microstructure, and electrical properties. Samples prepared by reactive sintering show very similar dielectric behavior to those prepared by CS. Therefore, it is possible to prepare CCTO by means of a single-step processing method.

Hybrid incremental modeling based on least squares and fuzzy K-NN for monitoring tool wear in turning processes

There is now an emerging need for an efficient modeling strategy to develop a new generation of monitoring systems. One method of approaching the modeling of complex processes is to obtain a global model. It should be able to capture the basic or general behavior of the system, by means of a linear or quadratic regression, and then superimpose a local model on it that can capture the localized nonlinearities of the system. In this paper, a novel method based on a hybrid incremental modeling approach is designed and applied for tool wear detection in turning processes. It involves a two-step iterative process that combines a global model with a local model to take advantage of their underlying, complementary capacities. Thus, the first step constructs a global model using a least squares regression. A local model using the fuzzy k-nearest-neighbors smoothing algorithm is obtained in the second step. A comparative study then demonstrates that the hybrid incremental model provides better error-based performance indices for detecting tool wear than a transductive neurofuzzy model and an inductive neurofuzzy model.

Antecedentes normativos específicos del coordinador de seguridad y salud en España. 1ª etapa 1900-1939

Realmente la figura del coordinador de seguridad y salud, con tal nombre y apellidos, debe aparecer por primera vez en España el día veinticinco de diciembre de 1997, debido a la entrada en vigor del RD 1627/1997,por el que se establecen disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y salud en obras de CONSTRUCCION. (boe nº 256 25/10/1997). Dicho Real Decreto proviene de la transposición a la Normativa española de la directiva europea específica en el sector de prevención en la construcción, Directiva 92/57/CEE del Consejo de 24.06.1992 relativa a las disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y de salud que deben aplicarse en las obras de construcción temporales o móviles (8ª específica). ¿Pero esta figura descrita existía con anterioridad de una u otra manera?. Para su contestación, se debe recurrir a un estudio pormenorizado de todas las figuras preventivas o paliativas que han rondado por los trabajos de construcción y afines, lo que conlleva a su vez un intenso estudio referente a las distintas épocas acaecidas en el siglo XX en nuestro país, con sus normativas de referencia, tipología de trabajos, diferentes actividades con diferentes políticas y dirigentes. Con el presente estudio, se pretenden definir los previos normativos (específicos preventivos en construcción) existentes durante el periodo comprendido entre 1900 y 1939, y definir si dentro del mismo podemos obtener un antecedente Normativo específico referente a la figura estudiada.

Modelo para la certificación del coordinador en materia de seguridad y salud basado en sus competencias

La figura del coordinador en materia de seguridad y salud en el sector de la construcción, aparecida en nuestra legislación a través de las trasposiciones de las Directivas Europeas, (en nuestro caso en el RD 1627/97 sobre disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y salud en las obras de construcción), se encuentra identificada, en cuanto a su posible contratación y actuación dentro de este sector, de forma diferente en distintos países de la Unión Europea. La coordinación en materia de seguridad y salud también es un proceso de gestión que requiere de unas competencias, no solamente basadas en la formación técnica o profesional, si no que, considerando el entorno de trabajo, precisan de la aplicación de estrategias y herramientas relacionadas con la experiencia y con las habilidades personales. A través de una primera fase de investigación realizada y considerando la opinión de expertos en la materia, se han detectado cuáles son estas competencias que debe poseer el coordinador en materia de seguridad y salud para fortalecer el cumplimiento de sus obligaciones y así, mejorar su actividad de coordinación. El resultado de los análisis realizados permitirá construir un modelo que sirva de referencia para la certificación de los coordinadores en materia de seguridad y salud basado en sus competencias. Las conclusiones recogidas en esta Tesis doctoral proporcionarán criterios para establecer el diseño de programas formativos y construir metodologías para la selección de los coordinadores en materia de seguridad y salud en base a sus competencias. ABSTRACT The figure of the health and safety coordinator in the construction sector appeared in our legislation through the incorporation of the European Directives. In our case, Royal Decree 1627/97 on the minimum health and safety regulations in construction works. This figure is viewed differently, in terms of recruitment and performance, in different countries of the European Union. The coordination of health and safety issues is a management process that requires certain competencies not only based on technical or professional training. It is also necessary, depending on the work environment, the implementation of strategies and tools that are related to experience and personal skills. The skill requirements for the health and safety coordinator have been defined considering the opinion of experts in this field, gained through the realization of a first phase of research. These competences should be used to strengthen the performance of their duties and thereby improve their coordination activity.

Use of a scrapped ship as a floating breakwater for shore protection

The purpose of this research is to assess the effectiveness of a ship used as a detached floating breakwater for coastal protection and forming salients of sand or tombolos. Floating breakwaters have been extensively used as port or coastal protection structures and display advantages in terms of construction and ecology, amongst others. However, the greatest problem these structures present is the limited range of wave heights and periods for which they are really effective. Furthermore, ships may be considered as floating structures which, used as breakwaters, would keep the advantages of floating breakwaters and would increase their range of applicability. The possibility of using ships at the conclusion of their useful life for this purpose would also involve greater economic and environmental advantages. Tests were carried out to assess the ship’s effectiveness as a detached floating breakwater using a scaled down physical model to determine the vessel’s transmission coefficient (Kt) as to regular waves with significant periods of 5 sec to 12 sec and significant wave heights of 1.5 m to 4 m at depths from 20 m to 35 m. The ship proves effective for waves up to 4 m significant height and significant periods up to 9 sec. Hanson and Kraus and Pilarzyk’s analytical models, which take transmission coefficients into account, were used to analyse the shore’s response to the breakwater protection. The results obtained show that salients form for waves with periods between 6 sec and 9 sec. It is also concluded that the depths tested are far different from the more usual shallow water involved in constructing detached breakwaters and the shore’s response is therefore scarce.

Direct estimation wave setup as a medium level in swash

The extreme runup is a key parameter for a shore risk analysis in which the accurate and quantitative estimation of the upper limit reached by waves is essential. Runup can be better approximated by splitting the setup and swash semi-amplitude contributions. In an experimental study recording setup becomes difficult due to infragravity motions within the surf zone, hence, it would be desirable to measure the setup with available methodologies and devices. In this research, an analysis is made of evaluated the convenience of direct estimation setup as the medium level in the swash zone for experimental runup analysis through a physical model. A physical mobile bed model was setup in a wave flume at the Laboratory for Maritime Experimentation of CEDEX. The wave flume is 36 metres long, 6.5 metres wide and 1.3 metres high. The physical model was designed to cover a reasonable range of parameters, three different slopes (1/50, 1/30 and 1/20), two sand grain sizes (D50 = 0.12 mm and 0.70 mm) and a range for the Iribarren number in deep water (ξ0) from 0.1 to 0.6. Best formulations were chosen for estimating a theoretical setup in the physical model application. Once theoretical setup had been obtained, a comparison was made with an estimation of the setup directly as a medium level of the oscillation in swash usually considered in extreme runup analyses. A good correlation was noted between both theoretical and time-averaging setup and a relation is proposed. Extreme runup is analysed through the sum of setup and semi-amplitude of swash. An equation is proposed that could be applied in strong foreshore slope-dependent reflective beaches.

An autostereoscopic device for mobile applications based on a liquid crystal microlens array and an OLED display

In recent years, many experimental and theoretical research groups worldwide have actively worked on demonstrating the use of liquid crystals (LCs) as adaptive lenses for image generation, waveform shaping, and non-mechanical focusing applications. In particular, important achievements have concerned the development of alternative solutions for 3D vision. This work focuses on the design and evaluation of the electro-optic response of a LC-based 2D/3D autostereoscopic display prototype. A strategy for achieving 2D/3D vision has been implemented with a cylindrical LC lens array placed in front of a display; this array acts as a lenticular sheet with a tunable focal length by electrically controlling the birefringence. The performance of the 2D/3D device was evaluated in terms of the angular luminance, image deflection, crosstalk, and 3D contrast within a simulated environment. These measurements were performed with characterization equipment for autostereoscopic 3D displays (angular resolution of 0.03 ).

Optimización de la figura del técnico coordinador de seguridad y salud en obras de edificación

La figura del Coordinador de seguridad y salud, como técnico necesario y competente dentro de la actividad edificatoria, surge en España el día 25 de diciembre de 1997, dos meses después de la publicación del Real Decreto 1627/1997, de 24 de octubre, por el que se establecen las disposiciones mínimas de seguridad y salud en las obras de construcción (BOE sábado 25 de octubre de 1997). Dicha figura proviene de la trasposición española de la Directiva 92/57/CEE y como en nuestro país, los diferentes estados miembros de la Unión Europea la introducen en su sector de la construcción de diferentes maneras. Desde su concreta aparición ya han transcurrido casi dieciocho años. Esta “mayoría de edad” relativa a la presencia de los coordinadores dentro de las obras, puede considerarse ya un plazo suficiente, para detenerse y efectuar un estudio desde los diferentes puntos de vista que afectan a dicha figura. Se pretende con el presente estudio optimizar integralmente dicha figura. Para ello se estudia su situación actual en nuestro país. De dicho estudio se establece la estructura de la figura del coordinador, definida en cinco apartados que cubren todos sus aspectos. Junto con el estudio de los mismos, se realizan otros análisis en relación con su funcionamiento en nuestro entorno inmediato (los diferentes miembros de la UE-28), así como otros determinados a definir aspectos necesarios para evaluar su implantación, gestión y responsabilidades adquiridas por los técnicos coordinadores de seguridad en España, a través de su actividad desarrollada tras los dieciocho años de implantación. Completa el estudio su actualidad inmediata y se focaliza en un entorno suficiente para determinar su utilidad. Todo ello, con la finalidad de elevar unas conclusiones que unidas a las necesarias propuestas de actuación, nos permitan concretar la optimización de la figura estudiada. ABSTRACT The figure of the Safety and Health Coordinator, both as a necessary and competent technician within the building activity, was established in Spain on December 25th, 1997, just two months after the publishing of the Real Decreto (Royal Decree) 1627/1997 of 24 October, which implemented the minimum requirements for safety and health in construction sites (BOE Saturday, October 25, 1997). The above mentioned figure develops from the Spanish transposition of Directive 92/57/EEC. And as it has happened in Spain, the rest of the EU members have implemented it in the construction sector in various ways. Almost eighteen years have passed since its enactment. This lapse of time can be considered satisfactory to stop at this point and carry out a study on this new position in construction sites but taking into account different points of view that affect it. The present dissertation attempts to fully optimize the figure of the Safety and Health Coordinator by undertaking a research of its current situation in Spain. This study establishes the organizational structure of the Coordinator’s figure, covering all its aspects in five main headings. Alongside with the study of these five sections, further analyses have been carried out in relation to their performance in our immediate surroundings (the research has been extended to different members of the EU-28). Likewise, different studies have been made to determine the necessary aspects to assess the implementation, management and responsibilities acquired by these Safety and Health Coordinators throughout the last eighteen years. This study is completed with the immediate present and focuses on assess and determine its utility in the future. All this with the aim of raising some conclusions that along with the necessary proposals for action, will allow us to achieve the optimization of the studied figure.