Observation

Most candidates were able to:

• list five stages involved in applying pebble dash finish to a sandcrete blockwork.
• State two reasons for sourcing capital for the operation of a building materials venture.

However, few of them were unable to state one function each of base plate, toe board and guard rail parts of a tabular scaffold.

The expected response to question 5 is as given below:
5        (a)  Functions of parts of a scaffold
(i) Base plate:    To provide a firm base for the standard.                                                                                 
( ii) Toe-board:
-    To prevent the foot of workmen from slipping off the platform.
-    To prevent materials from falling off the platform
-    To prevent tools from falling off the platform
(iii)  Guard rail: To prevent workmen from falling off the platform.                                              
(b)    Five stages involved in applying pebble dash;

•  get the materials, i.e pebbles and rendering mortar ready;
•  prepare the wall surface, i.e cleaning, wetting or dampening;
• apply the rendering mortar (i.e., first and second coats);
• float and trowel the mortar for even surface;
• throw and press the pebbles into the rendered wall surface.

     
(c)  Reasons for sourcing capital:

•  for the expansion of the business;
•  To meet customers’ demand
•  To stabilize the business
•  To increase profit margin.