ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with some of the principles of construction of buildings, and also other constructions and sanitation relevant to environmental health practitioners, such as modes of transport. The chapter also deals with some structures associated with buildings such as drainage matters. It is only an introduction and readers should refer elsewhere for more detailed information (see Further reading). This chapter by its very nature is relevant to
other chapters in the handbook, and can be seen as a companion chapter as well a relevant in its own right. For example, in order to be able to inspect a dwelling and require or advise the owner on what needs to be done to address deficiencies, it is also necessary to be able to understand the basic construction and purpose of different elements of the building. The same also applies when it comes to inspecting different installations including modes of transport. It is fundamental to environmental health, that to resolve a problem an EHP needs to know how an installation or element of construction should work correctly, that is, fulfil its purpose.
All buildings should be designed and constructed in a manner that takes account of the purpose, or future
