Field guides

National, trade-by-trade notes for people on the job. They are general information. They are not a lift approval or a code inspection.

• Crane and rigging questions, answered for the cabPlain-language crane and rigging answers: how to read a load chart, what sling angle does, and when to stop for a qualified person. Hey Davina does not approve lifts.
• Electrical questions for the people pulling wireJobsite electrical answers in plain language: panels, voltage drop, conduit fill, and when to stop. Not a substitute for a qualified electrician or the adopted code.
• Plumbing questions without the runaroundPlain plumbing answers for leaks, offsets, drains, and shutoffs. Follow the adopted plumbing code and shut the water off before you open a line.
• Carpentry questions for the people on the wallField carpentry answers for layout, board feet, stairs, and rafters. Structural sizes come from the plans or an engineer, not a guess.
• Concrete questions before the truck shows upFigure concrete volume in cubic yards and cubic meters, then place and cure it the way the spec says. Mix design and rebar size are not a phone guess.
• HVAC questions before you condemn a partAirflow, condensate, and combustion safety in plain language. Davina does not invent tonnage, duct size, or a refrigerant charge.
• Welding and steel questions for the iron and the rodField welding and steel questions: joint prep, hot work, and why a structural repair is not a creative plate. Follow the procedure and the erection plan.
• Roofing questions before anyone steps on the deckRoof pitch, rafter length, and fall protection in plain language. A pitch number is not permission to walk the roof.
• Scaffold questions before the boards go upScaffold footing, access, and fall protection in plain language. A competent person belongs on scaffold work. Davina will not invent tie spacing.
• Excavation questions before the bucket movesTrench safety and bank-yard math. A small hole is not a safe hole. Locate utilities and use a protective system before anyone enters.