In this issue

• What's in the next edition?
• Advice and opinion
• Industry News
• Safety News

What's In Broadcast Builder Edition 3?

We talk about 6 Star housing

What does 6-Star really mean?  How will it impact your building?

6-star housing has opened the curtains on windows.

Our discussion with Viridian Glass explains what a star rating is and how windows can help you meet new energy efficiency standards.   

Learn more

We explore the benefits of plywood box beams

Are you sick of paying out money for cranes and worrying about safety and logistics when they're on your site? 

Plywood box beams could be the answer.  They are a cost effective, easy to use alternative to structural beams. 


They are lightweight and they can be fabricated on-site using new span tables or delivered as a flat pack.  Surely there must be a downside?
 
Listen to our interview to find out

Another Great Competition

We’re also offering you the chance to win a pair of Paslode nailers.

The Impulse FrameMaster and Impulse 250S have a combined RRP of almost $1500. They’ve got great new features.

Learn more about this great prize

Broadcast Builder Edition 3 also includes interviews about:

• Right of Entry
• Using Service Central to get a constant flow of work
• Management strategies for low back pain
• 14 days free access to the BCA 2010 online

Listen Now

We like SeeBeyondWindows.com

Do you really know what windows can do?

This innovative website features up to date information about high performance windows and a directory of window suppliers in your area.
 

You can use it to advance your understanding and use of better windows.  

It's a great resource for you and your clients. Use it to help them understand the value of investing in high performance windows.

Learn more

National Carpenters Day 2010

National Carpenters Day celebrates carpenters and the environmental contribution they make by using wood, which stores carbon and helps tackle climate change.

By getting involved in National Carpenters Day, you could:

• Enjoy a free BBQ near you
• Win on the spot prizes
• Nominate your favourite carpenter for Carpenter of the Year award
• Nominate a budding carpenter for Apprentice Carpenter of the Year competition
   

Visit the official website to join in the fun or to find out more

Advice and Opinion

Can the tax man tell if you’re not declaring all your income?

Did you know that the ATO uses industry benchmarks to help them check tax compliance? 

Concreter pays the penalty


A Melbourne-based concreter received a tax bill for $115,953 after an audit by the ATO showed he had omitted $142,000 from his tax return.

The ATO said the concreter came to its attention because he had been reporting very low levels of income for a number of years. Apparently, the concreting benchmark helped the ATO understand the taxpayer's business relative to the industry.
 

Don't get caught out.

Read more about industry benchmarks from Terry Hayes for SmartCompany

Industry News

Ventilation and exhaust fans are often installed incorrectly

The WA Builder Registration Board reminds builders of the importance of correctly sizing, positioning and installing exhaust fans in residential buildings. 

Their inspectors have found that surplus flexible ducting material installed between an exhaust fan and a roof flue outlet can reduce the flow of air required for adequate ventilation, causing health problems for occupants and premature deterioration of building materials.

Read the full article and their guidelines for correct installation in the December newsletter

Non-durable Timbers

Apply caution when selecting timber for use in weather exposed locations.  Unprotected non-durable timber is likely to fail in the future and require rectification.

1. Read the December WA Builders Registration Board newsletter for best practice guidelines and information about relevant Australian Standards.
2. Download or order a hardcopy of the Timber Service Life Design Guide with Timberlife software.

This free guide will help you improve the safety and performance of timber in your construction. Use it to select the right species and timber treatment for your next job.

Read more

Order your copy now

Safety News

Building site deaths

Another death related to foil insulation.  

Last week, a 25 year old contractor died after he was electrocuted during the installation of ceiling insulation in a home in Queensland.  The government has suspended the use of foil insulation under its rebate scheme to reduce the risk of more electrocutions.

A 40-year-old subcontractor died after falling seven storeys from a building in Victoria.  Michael Birt reported in the SMH that “the man was on a mobile work platform that was not anchored properly. It tipped and crashed to the ground along with the worker.” He also said that “falls accounted for six of 30 workplace deaths in the state last year”.

Read the full article

Do you handle carpet from the 1950’s & 70’s?

You could be at risk of asbestos exposure. 

State & Territory work safety authorities have issued safety alerts and guides.  Use them to identify:

1. Your risk of exposure to asbestos bags used for carpet underlay and pipe lagging between the 1950's and 70's
2. How to handle it to minimise your risk of harm

Download the WorkSafe Victoria Guide

Download the Queensland Guide 

Always be vigilant.  Never take short cuts that could compromise your safety and always look out for the safety of your mates.