Question 1

What should I do if a builder has gone wrong, or i'm being asked for a site fee?

Accepted Answer

Do not hand over cash under pressure, keep everything in writing, and report extortion or a "site fee" demand to SAPS and the NHBRC.

Question 2

What should I do if a client won't pay me?

Accepted Answer

Check your contract, send a written reminder and then a letter of demand with a clear deadline before you escalate to court or adjudication.

Question 3

What should I do if i've just disturbed asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Stop work, keep everyone clear of the area, and do not cut, break, sand or sweep it up yourself.

Question 4

What should I do if a del inspector has issued a notice?

Accepted Answer

Read what the notice requires and by when, do not ignore the deadline, and fix the issue or appeal it through the proper channel.

Question 5

What should I do if i need a certificate of compliance and don't know which?

Accepted Answer

Electrical work needs an electrical CoC from a registered installation electrician, while plumbing and gas each have their own CoC from a registered person.

Question 6

What should I do if someone's been hurt on site?

Accepted Answer

Make the area safe, call 10177 (ambulance) or 112 from a cellphone if it's serious, give first aid, then report it under COIDA.

Question 7

What should I do if i think i've been hit by an invoice-redirection scam?

Accepted Answer

Phone the bank straight away to try to recall the payment, stop using the compromised email, and report it to the bank and SAPS.

Question 8

What should I do if someone's had a fall, or a working-at-height stop?

Accepted Answer

Stop the work and make the area safe, and do not resume height work until the fall risk is controlled with the right edge protection, harness or scaffold.

Question 9

What should I do if i'm drowning in debt?

Accepted Answer

Sort the debts that can take your home, tools or freedom first, talk to creditors before you miss a payment, and get free help from a registered debt counsellor.

Question 10

What should I do if i've hit a buried cable or service?

Accepted Answer

Keep everyone back, do not touch the plant or the cable, and call the utility's emergency line before anyone goes near it again.

Question 11

What should I do if someone's had an electric shock or there's an electrical fault?

Accepted Answer

Switch off the supply at the board if it's safe to, do not touch the person while they're still in contact, call 10177, and get a registered electrician before re-energising.

Question 12

What should I do if i'm not coping, or thinking of suicide?

Accepted Answer

You're not alone and help is free and confidential: call SADAG 0800 567 567 or Lifeline SA 0861 322 322 now. If life is in danger, call 10177 or 112.

Question 13

What should I do if i'm worried about a workmate?

Accepted Answer

Ask him straight and listen without judging, and share SADAG 0800 567 567 or Lifeline SA 0861 322 322. If he's in danger right now, call 10177 or 112.

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