Description

We all know New Zealand is a very earthquake-prone country.

The Earthquake-prone Buildings Methodology document is the key process for councils and engineers to identify, assess and make important decisions on potentially earthquake-prone buildings.

Building owners can also get a better understanding of how the EPB system affects them, and what options to consider if their building is found to be earthquake-prone.

Scope

The Earthquake-prone Buildings course consists of five learning modules:

1. Identify.

On this course you will learn the process of identifying potentially earthquake-prone buildings, using the EPB Methodology, including:

• the profile categories and how to use them
• identifying buildings as potentially earthquake-prone at any time
• informing building owners that their building is potentially earthquake-prone.

2. Assess.

This course is a guide to Section 2 of the EPB methodology, which sets out the process for engineering assessments of potentially earthquake-prone buildings (EPBs). It focuses on:

• legal requirements when assessing and reporting on EPBs
• considering parts of buildings
• engineering assessment reports and the assessment summary.

3. Decide.

On this course you will learn the process for making decisions about earthquake-prone buildings, including:

• checking a new engineering assessment meets the criteria in the EPB methodology
• recognising a previous assessment (prior to 1 July 2017)
• using two tests to decide if the building is earthquake-prone
• what happens when a building is classified as earthquake-prone

4. Apply.

On this course you will learn the process of identifying potentially earthquake-prone buildings, using the EPB Methodology, including:

• the profile categories and how to use them
• identifying buildings as potentially earthquake-prone at any time
• informing building owners that their building is potentially earthquake-prone.

5. Building owners.

On this course you as a building owner, will be guided through the process to follow if the council tells you your building may be earthquake-prone, including:

• a guide to the national EPB system including timeframes for seismic work
• engaging an engineer to assess your building
• steps the council can take if it is determined your building is deemed earthquake-prone
• when extensions or exemptions apply
• options to consider if your building is earthquake-prone
• advice for owners of heritage buildings.  

Estimated completion time for each module is 30 minutes.