Lesson 1: The Construction Sector

Introduction

The construction sector encompasses a wide range of professions that are involved in the creation of a
wide variety of products and services. Because of this, the industry enables the creation of jobs for
various individuals.

In the Philippines, the construction industry is one of the key sectors in the economy, contributing
greatly to the country’s financial status.

There are several jobs in the construction industry. One of these is the draftsperson, who works closely
with architects and engineers, creating and producing technical drawings and plans based on designs
and specifications given by an architect or engineer. These drawings will be used as a basis to build new
infrastructures.

This lesson will present and describe the construction sector. Particularly, it will describe what technical
drafting is, including their job duties and responsibilities.

Topic 1: Overview of the Construction Sector

The construction industry is a branch of manufacturing and trade that is mainly focused on the building,
repairing, renovating, and maintaining various infrastructures within a country. Under the construction
industry is the construction sector, focused on different ranges of work projects and scope.

Topic 2: What is Technical Drafting?

Technical drafting is the process in which designs are converted into technical drawings and plans for the
purpose of communicating specific information to other technical individuals such as engineers,
architects, electricians, contractors, plumbers, and construction workers.

In the construction sector, Technical Drafting is considered as the unifying language between designers
and builders. Without it, the efficient design and construction of various projects may be overlooked.

Prior to building a structure, the design is presented first through various sketches and drawings that
present all relevant data and information on the project.

Before drafting, research and analysis are first done by the architect and engineer in - charge to ensure
that the design is applicable to the chosen location in which the building will be erected. After
appropriate analysis and research, the vision of both the architect and the engineer is translated into
technical drawings that will further establish the form and design of the building.

Topic 2: What is Technical Drafting?

Technical Drafting in the Construction Sector

Technical drafting plays a great role in the construction sector. Before the emergence of buildings and
structures, initial layout and drawings are made by the draftsperson in collaboration with the architect or
engineer leading the project.

Topic 3: Job Duties and Responsibilities

To become a draftsperson, it is important that certain knowledge and skills are attained. This is to ensure
that the assigned job duties and responsibilities are attained within the industry standards.

Being a draftsperson involves a number of specific duties and responsibilities, as well as common
competencies:

Lesson 2: Participating in Workplace Communication and Collaboration

Introduction

Communication and collaboration are two of the most important aspects when it comes to workplace
engagement. It is essential that individuals inside a workplace are able to communicate and
collaborate with their peers to achieve the best possible efficiency and effectiveness as a team.

In this lesson, we will discuss the team roles of each individual involved in the organizational structure of
the field, various ways of communicating, essential and relevant workplace documents, and the
workplace in general.

Topic 1: Identifying the Organizational Structure and Team Role

Let us now discuss and discover the different types of personnel involved in the field of technical
drafting. Here, we will discuss the description of their job, particularly their roles and responsibilities in
the position they are currently holding.

In an architectural or engineering firm or agency, the organizational structure is composed of various

professionals in the construction industry. Often, the team is led by the head architect or head engineer
who spearheads the projects they will be creating. A draftsperson commonly works under the
supervision of the architect or engineer of a firm.

The hierarchy of an organization is typically depicted using organizational charts, to determine the
people in charge of every division or team, presenting a delegation of authority to the appropriate
individuals.
Topic 2: Communicating Effectively in the Workplace

In the field of Technical Drafting, communication is involved within varying groups of individuals. It is
important that relevant information related to the job is properly accessed from the following:

1. Team Members

2. Suppliers

3. Trade Personnel

4. Local Government

5. Industry Bodies

Aside from that, interactions with your co - workers are important to properly attain both organizational
and personal goals. It can either be through face to face, the telephone, electronic radios, and written
documents. These interactions can also be done through various verbal and non - verbal
communication styles.

Topic 2: Communicating Effectively in the Workplace

Types of Communication

Communicating effectively in the workplace entails knowing when to talk, whom to talk to and whom
to address in every professional situation. Effective communication increases productivity, reduces
conflict, and builds a healthy workplace and organizational culture.
Topic 3: Accomplishing Work-Related Documents

Paperwork is part of any professional’s life. Often, in our respective fields, we address and attend to
documentary needs essential for the job. It is important to familiarize ourselves with these documents
and to train ourselves in accomplishing them. Here are some of the common work-related documents
you will encounter:
 Lesson 3: Practicing Career Professionalism
Introduction

Being a professional requires an individual to establish goals, set priorities, develop their careers, and
achieve set plans according to the standards that are placed by an institution. Every field has its certain
set qualifications that must be followed, which can be improved accordingly to develop one’s
performance.

In this lesson, you will know more about the different goals to be established in the workplace, proper
strategies used to identify workplace priorities, and ways to develop more into your chosen career.

Topic 1: Aligning Personal and Organizational Goals

To be a successful and effective draftsperson in the construction industry, it is important that one is able
to have adequate contributions to the organization or institution that they are in. It is essential that one
remembers to take care of themselves and the people around them.

To do this, certain measures must be taken into consideration. Certain actions must be done to make
sure that as an employee, one is driven towards the improvement and success of themselves and the
organization.

Let us now identify various ways to make the most of one’s ability as employees:
Achieving KPIs

Key Performance Indicators or KPIs are considered as a quantifiable measurement of an individual's

progress towards a specific goal or objective.

One can show commitment to an organization by achieving every goal set by them through their own
means. Typically, a company provides KPIs that you must reach to be able to achieve institutional goals.
It is important that these KPIs are addressed accordingly to ensure that our work is finished in a timely
manner.

Review the requirements and prepare a detailed plan

What do you do?

You conduct a thorough self-review and ask a colleague for feedback.

Topic 2: Setting and Meeting Priorities

Work can be demanding at times. These demands can be hindrances in achieving our goals and
establishing our work plans. Because of these barriers, stress and challenging experiences are
unavoidable. With this, it is important that these demands are prioritized to achieve the goal of the
employee and the organization.

One good way to start your work week is to determine which set of work is most urgent and important.
You can do this with the help of the Eisenhower’s Urgent/Important Principle:
Topic 3: Developing Career and Life Decisions

Learning never stops. It is a life-long process that can benefit us by providing various opportunities for us
to grow as professionals in our chosen field.

However, these developments and growth does not occur instantly. For the growth of one’s career, there
are various training and career opportunities that one may participate in. This includes training
programs, workshops, and seminars both attended or delivered by the professional.
 Lesson 4: Practicing Occupational Health and Safety Procedures
Introduction

When working in a certain environment, several controllable and uncontrollable events may happen at
certain times. Especially in the construction sector, there are circumstances that may affect an individual
physically and mentally.

Various risks and hazards can be identified in the workplace. It is important that these are addressed
accordingly, while complying to the mandated laws and regulations established by the governing body.

In this lesson, the different safety regulations that govern the sector are discussed, along with the risks
and hazards that must be noted and observed, as well as the emergency response and procedures to be
identified, and the different personal protective equipment to prepare.

Topic 1: Safety Regulations

There are several safety regulations that govern the construction sector. In technical drafting, it is
important to familiarize and identify these laws and codes to ensure high-quality practice among
professionals in the field. By familiarizing with these regulations, a draftsperson or CAD operator is
informed of the standards in the field and how it is addressed in their fields of expertise.

The National Building Code

The Republic Act No. 6541, also known as the National Building Code of the Philippines, was mandated
to ensure that various developers in the country will follow the implemented rules and regulations on
building design, construction, occupancy, maintenance, and its usage.

General Building Requirements

1. Buildings or structures must adhere to the principles of safe construction.
2. Buildings or structures must observe proper and adequate environmental safeguards.
3. Buildings or structures including that of the facilities must be maintained in a safe, sanitary, and good
working condition.

Site Requirements
For buildings that will be used for habitation of humans, a safe distance from bodies of water and air
pollutants must be identified.

Building Permit
Any organization, institution, or individual cannot construct, alter, repair, move, or demolish a structure
without securing a building permit.

Exemptions
Public buildings and dwellings of traditional indigenous families must be excluded from paying building
permit fees.

Fire Code of the Philippines

The Republic Act No. 9514, also known as the Fire Code of the Philippines, is the basis in which the
Bureau of Fire Protection is guided to ensure that the law is enforced, and public safety and
development is observed through the suppression of dangerous fires.

Inspection Required
Before the granting of permits and licenses, a fire safety inspection is required. Inspections typically
include the installation of fire protection and safety equipment, as well as the assessment of building
usage. All explosive, flammable, combustible, poisonous, and hazardous materials within the premises
are also inspected.

Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials include but are not limited to the following:
1. Paints, varnishes, stains, and organic coatings
2. Foam, rubber, sponge rubber, and plastic foam
3. Combustible waste products

Fire Safety Measures

Fire safety measures for hazardous materials includes but are not limited to the following:
1. Trash management
2. Refining, distillation, and solvent extraction
3. Fire detector and alarm system installation

Penalties
1. Administrative penalties - violators will be fined for no more than Php 12, 000
2. Punitive penalties - violators will be fined for no more than Php 20,000

Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 – Accessibility Law

The Accessibility Law or Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 is an act established to improve the mobility of
persons with disability through the installation and implementation of appropriate facilities. This act
states that various architectural facilities must enhance the mobility of persons with disabilities through
the installation of ramps, railings, and accessible sidewalks.

Philippine Clean Air Act

The Philippine Clean Air Act or R.A. 8749 is an act that aims to control air pollution and quality in the
Philippines. It is a policy that pursues the development and protection of the environment.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or R.A. 9003 is a state policy regarding the
implementation of solid waste management programs in local government units.

Philippine Electrical Code

The Philippine Electrical Code provides the minimum requirements and standards for the installation,
design, and maintenance of various electrical systems in the country.

The DOLE Department Order No. 16 states the required training and accreditation of personnel
regarding occupational safety and health.

Topic 2: Risks and Hazards

In a workplace setting, there are instances in which risks and hazards are impossible to avoid. At times,
adverse events may occur to individuals in a workplace that may compromise the safety of an employee.

Let us now identify the various risks and hazards that are present in the workplace:

Accident

An accident is an unforeseen or unplanned adverse result or consequence of an action done

while fulfilling your duties.

Example: You are asked to visit the building site with the engineer to check some of the designs
in the foundation plan. As you move towards the next area of the structure, you tripped on a
rebar and dislocated your knee.

Hazard

A hazard is a potential danger that might occur in the workplace.

Examples:
 1. Physical hazards - These include possible physical impacts, poor lighting conditions, air
pressure, noise, vibrations, inadequate temperature in the workplace, and possible
radiation.

2. Biological hazards - These include possible infection and transmission of viruses in the
workplace.

3. Chemical hazards - These include possible exposure to dusts, fibers, mists, fumes,
smoke, gasses, vapors, and other chemical substances.

4. Ergonomics - These include possible psychological and physiological factors that affect
an employee such as fatigue and monotony.

Risk

A risk is the probability in which an accident or a hazard may cause harm.

Example: Since you dislocated your knee in an accident, this may put you at risk for other
physical hazards that may worsen your condition.

Topic 3: Emergency Response and Procedures

Everyone is considered to be at risk when it comes to disasters. Although, there are certain procedures in
place to ensure the prevention of adverse consequences when disasters arrive.

Contingency Measures

Contingency plans and measures are put in place to ensure that all anticipated events and crises are
addressed. These measures are composed of the initial response strategies that an organization will
implement should the need arise. For it to be successful, a contingency plan must be:

1. Easy to follow and conduct.

2. Specific

3. Process - driven

4. Realistic

Emergency Preparedness

Earthquake Drills

In times of earthquakes, always remember to duck, cover, and hold. Duck on the floor, cover
yourself using a sturdy table or material, and hold until the quake stops.

Emergency Evacuation Drills

During emergencies, the fire alarm system of the building will be activated, followed by a
disciplined and orderly evacuation. Afterwards, the officials and trained professionals will inspect
the building to ensure its safety.
 Fire Drills

Fire drills are implemented to ensure the familiarization of proper evacuation measures within a
group. Always remember to pause everything that you are doing, go out and line up quickly, and
walk out of the building properly.

Occupational Health and Safety Records

Occupational Health and Safety Records ensure the proper documentation of incidents and
accidents that occurred in the workplace. Keeping these records ensures that interventions may
be developed in the future.

First Aid

A first aid is the immediate care that is provided to an individual who has been affected by an
accident or an incident. Ensure that a first aid kit is available at all times.

Topic 4: Personal Protective Equipment

In technical drafting, a draftsperson is usually not required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE)
unless the workspace or setting is in a high-risk area. When in a construction setting, a draftsperson is
required to adhere to the safety standards that a site is following. For instances where the draftsperson
must report on-site, the following PPE must be worn by the employee to ensure a safe and smooth flow
of work in the workplace.

These include the following:

Coveralls - Provides protection from hazards and dirt in the workplace

Safety Hat - Provides head protection

Safety Goggles – Provides eye protection

Safety Shoes – Provides foot protection

Gloves – Provides hand protection

Face Mask – Provides respiratory protection

Lesson 5: Observing Sustainable Workplace Practices

Introduction

As part of the industry, it is highly encouraged that we participate in acquiring, adapting, and practicing
sustainable actions to facilitate the conservation of our environment through our own means. This is to
improve both operational and environmental aspects in our respective organizations or institutions.

In the vicinity of our field, there are practices that can be easily observe, which can contribute greatly to
society.

In this lesson, you will learn about the 3Rs in the workplace, the best workplace practices for ensuring
efficiency, and the 5S of good housekeeping to ensure a safe and clean workspace.

Let us discover what these sustainable practices are.

Topic 1: Practicing 3Rs in the Workplace

One of the sustainable behaviors that we can adopt in the field is the reduction of waste, reusing of
products, and the recycling of goods.

When it comes to sustainable practices, the basic action plan typically revolves around the 3Rs. Usually,
these are implemented to ensure that the workplace maintains an effective waste management.
Practicing the 3Rs in the workplace is important to ensure that work practices have reduced adverse
effects on the environment.

Let us now identify what these 3Rs mean:

Topic 2: Best Workplace Practices

Aside from practicing the 3Rs in the workplace, there are other practices that can be done and adopted
to ensure that the working environment is optimized to fulfill one’s duties and responsibilities.

The workplace is a common area that is shared among other individuals. As part of an organization, it is
important that you are able to observe behaviors that will make your environment suitable for working.

By doing your part, you are contributing to the success of the organization, including you, and its
stakeholders.

Topic 3: 5S of Good Housekeeping

Observing sustainable workplace practices are not just focused on proper waste management and
segregation. Aside from observing the 3Rs and best workplace practices, you can take part in ensuring
that the workplace is conducive by observing proper organization and maintenance of a neat and clean
workspace.
Let us now identify the 5S of Good Housekeeping to guide us in facilitating a good working environment.

Sort (Seiri) – This is the process of segregating items for keeping and items for waste.

Systematize (Seiton or Set in Order) – This is the arrangement of item needed in the workplace for easy
access and use.

Shine (Seiso or Shine and Clean) – This is the continuous process of cleaning the workplace and ensuring
that every item is in good working conedition.

Standardize (Seiketsu) – This is the standard maintenance of the clean and organized workspace.

Sustain (Shitsuke) – The last S of good housekeeping ensures that the first 4S’s are observed by other
personnel in the workplace.