Magicman

Whether you are a property developer or part of the supply chain, you want to avoid false economies and do everything possible to escape pitfalls that can result in missed milestones and spiralling costs. You need to partner with trusted suppliers who know what they are doing and can help you deliver projects on time, every time.

A TOUCH OF MAGIC MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

Magicman have been the go-to name in onsite repair and restoration since 1993 and have nearly 30 years’ experience in the construction business. As pioneers of in-situ repairs, we offer the widest range of ‘engineered’ restoration solutions on the market that can be applied to the largest choice of substrates. Whatever the scenario, it is never our first rodeo.

Magicman’s repair technicians are highly trained and highly skilled. They are able to repair, renew or restore damage such as chips, dents, scratches, scuffs, holes, burns, cracks or splits and permanently repair them in wood, veneer, laminate, uPVC, powder coat, ceramic floor and wall tiles, porcelain, vitreous china, acrylic, cladding, brick, stone, granite, marble and so much more. Many perfectly sound items with accidental damage or wear and tear can be fully restored and revitalised. Grains and perfect colour matches are applied. Complete changes in colour can also be applied to suit new designs. Many customers are unaware that even extreme damage can often be fully restored so if you are unsure about whether we can help, please just ask! As originators in our sector, we had to develop our own training programme. An industry course did not exist and still doesn’t. Ours is only available to Magicman’s directly employed and vetted staff, to ensure the continued quality of our service and our work as the company continues to grow. It has been a great success and served us well, producing over 200 highly skilled technicians over the years. We have invested heavily in training so you can feel confident that our technicians learn their trade at the Magicman Training Academy, not in the field or on your job! If you have ever accidentally scratched a hard wood floor, cracked a tile, drilled a hole in the wrong place or burnt a worktop, you will be familiar with the problems of sourcing replacements. Long lead times, end-of-range items that are no longer available, ancillary damage caused by removal of damaged items and fitting new ones (often not quite the same size), the additional costs of plumbers, electricians and fitters where needed. Even doors and windows do not need to be removed whilst repairs are carried

Companies of C ompanies of

out. With Magicman you can avoid all these problems and typically save 50-80% of the cost of installing a replacement once hidden costs are taken into account.

You would not be reading a refurb magazine if you did not care about the environmental cost of property building. Magicman have your back. We have always put sustainability at the core of everything we do. In-situ repairs reduce waste to landfill as well as the greenhouse gases produced in the manufacture and transportation of new items. It is the sensible and responsible way to approach sustainable refurbishment.

f the Year 2022 Magicman are comprehensively insured, monitored and audited. We are the only fully accredited on-site repair specialist in the UK and are certified in ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 as well as with SafeContractor, CHAS, Constructionline, Achilles Building Confidence, Safemark and the Year 202 2 Builder’s Profile. We are also available nationwide as suppliers of single repair technicians or teams. Is it any wonder that over 300 companies and organisations trust and rely on us? As it is the perfect time of year to deal with external repairs and refurbs as well as indoors, why not get in touch for a free no-obligation estimate? Download our free Magicman app for Apple and Android devices which also allows you to save multiple site addresses or alternatively contact us via our website, email or our local rate number.

Email: enquiries@magicman.co.uk Tel: 0345 458 1010 (local rate from anywhere in the UK) Website: magicman.co.uk

IT’S SHOWTIME - THE IPG MAKE A REAL EVENT OF IT!

On 1st October, members, and suppliers of The IPG gathered at The Mermaid Theatre London to address The Changing World of Business.

Stepping into the theatre was like being in the heart of Covent Garden with street performers greeting arrivals.

The IPG biennial conference has grown into one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the group’s calendar. The pandemic of COVID-19 did nothing to alter the conference atmosphere – attendees continued to enjoy this great networking opportunity and the message was loud and clear – “The show must go on!”

Facilitating the discussion of managing change while maintaining business as usual was at the heart of this year’s conference messaging – as was the underlying message that ‘we are stronger when we work together’.

The day’s programme was actionpacked, it saw members have a faceto-face catch up with suppliers in the exhibitor’s area. This was followed by an afternoon in the auditorium – where attendees listened to a roster of prominent speakers, all highlighting that there are a lot of opportunities for those willing to embrace change. They also learnt about plans of the group and were entertained by various ‘stronger together’ themed acts.

Flash mob dancers opened the “lineup” with an exhilarating street dance to the song ‘This is The Greatest Show’. Glenn Fisher, Managing Director of The IPG then gave a heartfelt speech, appealing to everyone to stand united, and work together. Glenn said “ Those businesses that succeed and thrive, are those agile enough to continue to adapt quickly, because it is in that very change where new opportunities arise. Our partnerships are in place to seize those opportunities together and help each other have more successful businesses. Because with your success comes our collective success and with our collective success the group will continue to grow stronger, together. “

Back by popular demand, the electrifying David Meade hosted the afternoon. His boundless energy and dynamic delivery captured the audience from start to finish, with outof-this world mind reading tricks.

A Keynote address from international marketeer David Abbott inspired the audience to rethink their sales strategy by showcasing various techniques to help them optimise their pricing.

As always, The IPG received fantastic support from their suppliers with key sponsors Bristan and Davant taking to the stage to discuss the importance of Customer Service and British Manufacturing respectively.

Entertainers included Spikey Will, a legend in Covent Garden - who demonstrated his core strength with his impressive ‘bed of nails’ act. The audience also marvelled at feats of skill from the Acro-Chaps who then encouraged members and suppliers to put their core strength to the test and work together to complete a chair levitation triumph.

Kaleidoscope, a light show with a difference provided the opening act to The IPG’s presentation – which focused on the group’s core strategy of providing its trading partners with the platforms to sell better.

And finally, the conference came to its conclusion with an evening dinner at the Leonardo Royal Hotel St Paul’s.

Robin Beal, Chairman and Founder,

summed up the day by saying “ As you know this event only happens once in 2 years, that’s once in 728 days. For 727 days we mostly get on with our daily lives, work hard and give ourselves little praise, so let’s be unapologetic about celebrating our successful partnerships on this special occasion and this evening we are going to top it off with an enjoyable meal, great networking and having some fun! “

The dinner included a ‘tongue in cheek’ awards ceremony and entertainment from Rory Bremner. A silent Auction was also held, with generous donations and bids, the group raised 9K for its charity partner Missing People #FindEveryChild.

MAGPLY A1 BOARDS SHEATH HYBRID ELEMENTS TO MODULAR HOTEL BUILD IN KENT

The development of a 140 bed Hampton by Hilton Hotel in Ashford, Kent, is featuring the use of Magply A1 Euroclass non-combustible boards for sheathing vertical and horizontal sections around the six-storey modular volumetric structure, offering excellent strength and durability as well as Class O fire resistance and good acoustic properties.

The project is being undertaken by Ashford based main contractor, Rees Mellish, while Bowman Riley was the architectural consultancy which gained the final planning consent and supervised work on site.

The high performance Magply boards from IPP were supplied by the local branch of Jewson builders’ merchants. In order to optimise the build programme as well as the use of factory manufactured bedroom and other modular units, the final design made use of in-situ reinforced concrete elements as well as steel and timber framing for the parapet wall at roof level, both of which have been sheathed using Magply boards.

Bowman Riley’s Associate responsible for the project: Roy

Wilson, commented: “When we were brought in we revisited the planning application and gained consent for an extra storey, before completing the detailed design: including the cladding solution. The client has carried out a number of value engineering exercises, leading to the use of traditional reinforced concrete infill between some of the modules, in order to reduce the number of different types across the project and then again at high level around the parapet there is steel framing.”

The Project Manager for Rees Mellish, Mark Herridge ,

explained: “For the areas where the reinforced concrete frame separates the modules we needed a fire resistant board and therefore asked Jewson’s sales manager to recommend one. Fortunately, they had the Magply 12mm boards in stock which met all of the requirements and which our installers have found easy to cut and fix. As well as the vertical bands at several locations around the elevations, the boards are also used to cover the parapet wall which steps out just below the roof. It is secured to the steel and timberwork infill, while the ‘helping hand’ brackets for the cladding are then secured back through the boards. It’s a good product overall.” Magply MgO boards, available in 9mm,12mm & 20mm thickness, it presents a fire-safe and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plywood or OSB products. Additionally, the unique production process minimises chloride content, enhancing both stability and long-term durability. The different thicknesses of panel are also widely used as a substrate board for the direct application of proprietary render systems, as well as for flooring and flat or pitched roof build-ups.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: GORDON PIRRET, MD or JOHN MALONE, UK NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

IPP LTD. BRADWELL HALL BRADWELL ON SEA ESSEX CM0 7HX.

T.01621 776252 F.01621776688 EMAIL: gmp@intpetro.com or

john@magply.co.uk www.magply.co.uk

MODULAR HOUSING INSTALLED OVER MARMOX THERMOBLOCK BREAKS AT SELBY

A Yorkshire based groundworks and civil engineering specialist is making innovative use of Marmox Thermoblocks in constructing the oversites across a development of over 100 affordable homes which are being craned into position as factory fabricated modules.

Alfa Site Services is experienced in working with all of the UK’s major housebuilders, as well as infrastructure specialists like Kier and has purchased 720 of the 600 x 100 x 65mm Thermoblocks from Encon Insulation of Leeds, with the merchant also supplying some 50 cartons of Marmox’s versatile highperformance 360 adhesive, used to bed the blocks and bond their overlapping joints. This well proven installation method helps achieve the accurate alignment and stability necessary for the modules to be craned into position.

Alfa’s Senior Manager Site Services, Rick Harrison,

commented: “The site was originally a railway siding, with the made-up ground requiring 2.5 metres deep foundations and then levels are being built up by a metre to deal with flood risk: leading us to lay three courses of blocks. Installing the Thermoblocks using the 360 adhesive is quite time consuming, but it is basically a very good product and there have been no actual issues. Once the course of Thermoblocks is complete we hand over to the developer’s site management team to actually install the modules. This is a significant project involving a number of technical aspects which were new to us, but I think this could represent the way ahead for construction and we have been proud to be involved as the principal contractor.”

Marmox Thermoblocks are available in widths of 100, 140 or 215mm and are formed from sections of XPS (extruded polystyrene) encapsulating two rows of high strength, epoxy concrete mini-columns.

These are attached at either end to the top and bottom layers of glassfibre reinforced polymer concrete, to ensure a good bond with the rest of the structure.

As well as combatting cold bridging where the inner leaf of masonry walls abuts the floor zone, Thermoblocks are also often utilised to support timber frame construction or at vulnerable upper floor junctions, including beneath parapet walls.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

MARMOX (UK) LTD. CAXTON HOUSE 101-103 HOPEWELL DRIVE CHATHAM KENT ME5 7NP.

TEL: 01634 835290 FAX: 01634 835299

EMAIL: sales@marmox.co.uk WEB: www.marmox.co.uk

OFF-GAS IDYLL GETS SUSTAINABLE OMNIE AIR SOURCE AND UFH SOLUTION

The traumas of lockdown have prompted a boom in the popularity of rural living, though the reality is that most ‘chocolate box’ country cottages lack contemporary comforts.

However, this will not be a worry to the purchasers of two newbuild homes in the Cotswolds idyll of Long Compton: thanks to their highly insulated construction and a truly sustainable building services package supplied by sector specialist, OMNIE.

Now known as Gold Stone, the pair of four-bedroom detached houses have been developed by local builder, DG Carpenter Ltd. on land adjoining an existing bungalow, fully reflecting the architectural heritage of the area through the use of coursed, reclaimed Cotswold limestone rather than reconstituted masonry. The stylish appearance continues throughout the homes’ living spaces where, as well as supplying plentiful hot water to the multiple bathrooms, high efficiency LG air source heat pumps will feed underfloor heating circuits to maintain temperatures during the area’s notoriously cold winters. The plumber from nearby Moretonin-Marsh, a past user of OMNIE products, carried out all of the installation work for the heating and hot water services.

He explains: “I work right across Gloucestershire and the neighbouring counties, while I’ve had past experience of installing OMNIE underfloor heating: including on a large domestic build at Lower Swell, near Stow-on-the-Wold. “

“For DG Carpenter on the Gold Stone houses, they sourced the complete package through Jewson at Chipping Norton and I undertook the installation of the heat pumps, the underfloor heating and the controls, while Simon and Andy Carpenter fitted the Zehnder heat MVHR systems which will provide the ventilation in what are very airtight builds. Downstairs we installed the pipework over 100mm of Celotex insulation using the Staple system, which is very quick. Then upstairs we switched to OMNIIE’s LowBoard panels which are just so easy to fit and look really neat when they’re done. While OMNIE provides all the layout drawings electronically as well as in printed format, I normally print them out at A3 and laminate them, to keep them clean and dry on site. It took approximately two days per floor to do the install on each house before a flooring specialist laid all the limestone and engineered oak.”

Because they run so quietly, the outdoor units could be located close to each home’s back wall, where they will continue to harvest latest heat from the atmosphere even in sub-zero temperatures. The Cylinder and components have been fitted in ground floor plantrooms. As well as leaving the room interiors free of radiators, the OMNIE underfloor heating has the added benefit of keeping the heat pumps running efficiently over extended periods, which reduces component wear. Together with the MVHR, this will also ensure the occupants of the Gold Stone properties will enjoy low energy bills while the heat pumps themselves carry 7-year warranty cover.

“OMNIE was absolutely fine about it and the background heat did the job while once they’re occupied, the OMNIE room thermostats, as well as floor sensors in the bathrooms, will keep the system in perfect balance for the owners.”

For further information on OMNIE’s underfloor heating renewables, ventilation and control products, please contact :

OMNIE, 18 APPLE LANE, SIDMOUTH ROAD, EXETER, DEVON, EX2 5GL.

TEL: 01392 363605 FAX: 01392 364871 EMAIL: projects@omnie.co.uk WEB: www.omnie.co.uk

Britcon (UK) Ltd has been sentenced for safety breaches after a worker was struck by a falling load from a mechanical excavator.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard that Britcon (UK) Ltd were appointed as a contractor to construct a surge pit as part of a renewal and refurbishment project at the McCain’s Foods (GB) Limited site at Havers Hill in Scarborough. Part of the process involved removing sheet piles from the ground. The HSE’s investigation found that on 21 March 2018, 66-year-old Stephen Gouldthorpe was assisting with cleaning sheet piles as they were removed from the surge pit by a Doosan DX 225 LC3, 360-degree excavator. The excavator had an attachment known as an EMV 300 pile attachment fitted to remove the sheet piles from the ground. The mechanical excavator was removing a seven-metre sheet pile weighing approximately 190 kg to a lay down area when a safety chain slipped causing the pile to fall and strike Mr Gouldthorpe. He suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula and ankle, a fractured right clavicle, seven fractured ribs, pulmonary contusion and fractured vertebrae.

Britcon (UK) Ltd of Midland Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, DN16 1DQ pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health

& Safety at Work etc Act

1974. The company has been fined £570,000 and ordered to pay £40,054.68 in costs. After the hearing, HSE Inspector Paul Thompson commented: “There was insufficient supervision and communication during the lifting operations. There was no specific exclusion zone in place and workers had to approach the sheet pile to clean it. “This incident could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out the correct control measures and safe working practices”

Planter

Outdoor seating areas can be underrated and sometimes neglected but are a truly good investment as they are the shop window to your business. It has always been that true that the nicer it looks on the outside the more the customers will come inside.

As an independent supplier we are not tied to any brands and search worldwide, literally, for the best goods for our clients. Outdoor goods need to be hardy so we tend to look for longevity and source products that are particularly well made and will last many years. Materials and methods do vary so we visit every supplier we buy from to ensure standards are high enough for our customers and have changes and improvements made in the factories so goods are just right for us and you. Where we see areas we feel we can do better we make many items ourselves and our planters are probably the best you can buy made from rot proof, ever lasting artificial woods all built to order in our own workshops. You will also find an in-house neon sign making shop here to offer the beautiful art of neon which will draw the maximum attention to your premises. There are many areas we cover and if you don’t see it in our web site just ask as we will either know someone who does it or we can make if for you. Although not exhaustive our outdoor range includes:-

• Tables and chairs • Planter and plants (real and artificial) • Windbreaks and queue barriers • Outdoor restaurant screens to protect from the wind • Large and small parasols supplied, installed and repaired • Awnings and pergolas • Festoon lighting and outdoor heating • Neon signs made and installed

We’d love to hear from you so drop us a line at sales@cafeculture.biz or call us on 0800 917 5526.

The Gessner: Way of Life to Launch New DesignLed Residences in Tottenham Hale this Autumn

Way of Life today announces that it has launched The Gessner, 164 brand new, beautifully designed apartments in Tottenham Hale, London, set to welcome the first residents in autumn 2021. The Gessner represents a new direction for Way of Life, taking as its base world-class design, service and amenity, reflective of and inspired by the shifts within modern lifestyle hospitality, to create a full-service, contemporary rental offer for London and the UK.

Rooftop terrace at The Gessner (image credit: Way of Life)

T

he Gessner will offer a selection of studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments with superb views across London, with discounted market rates for key workers living and working in the borough. Guest suites for visitors to stay for a minimum of two nights will also launch later in 2021. Amenities tailored to every element of residents’ life include a dedicated on-site café and shop, fully equipped gym, a large rooftop garden with BBQ, free super-fast WIFI, sitting and dining rooms, 24h on-site team, smart lockers for parcels, bike storage and cosy lounges with fireplaces. A rolling programme for residents will include resident clubs, talks and workshops with local creatives and wellbeing initiatives. Prices start at £1,300 per month.

Living room at The Gessner (credit: Way of Life)

All apartments are pet friendly and many include private balconies, while two bedroom apartments feature large bespoke kitchens and living rooms. Three bedroom apartments sit across over 1,000 sq ft, offering spacious living with bright entertainment areas, perfect for young families, and for accommodating guests. Shared spaces throughout the building create a sense of community for residents, including a shared dining room, sitting room and kitchen for socialising, working or just relaxing during free time.

The space has been brought to life by London- and LA-based interior architecture and design studio Fettle Studio, whose previous work includes hospitality brands such as The Marylebone Hotel, The Hoxton Portland and Rome, and aparthotel Schwan Locke.

Residents’ lounge at The Gessner (credit: Way of Life)

The neighbourhood of Tottenham Hale offers a wealth of independent restaurants, community spaces, cafes, artisans and nightlife, all at The Gessner’s doorstep. The location is surrounded by green space and flanked by the River Lea and natural reservoirs, plus excellent transport options with central London just 15 minutes away by train, and Stansted Airport one stop by train.

Apartments at The Gessner are available furnished or unfurnished, with furnished apartments including a dining table and chairs, a sofa, coffee table and more, and ottoman beds, all designed bespoke by Fettle, included in the monthly rent. Tenancies can start from six months all the way to five years.

Way of Life offers a full suite of property services - including viewings, putting down a deposit, and completing reference checks - all of which are handled through a unique online platform. Customers can manage the entire process via one simple digital journey, from viewing a flat through to moving in. This allows for a high degree of transparency for the tenant to fully understand contracts, their rights and status of their application at all times. The platform, built by Way of Life, will facilitate viewings, bookings, reservations, amenity searches and one-click extras all using best-in-class technology to make the process of renting a customer-centric experience from start to finish.

The Gessner is part of a new wave of residences from Way of Life set to launch in London over the next three years.

Gavin Chetty, Creative Director for Way of Life, said: “The opening of The Gessner marks a bold new direction for Way of Life. We are committed to raising the bar, offering apartments that marry the comfort of the home with the highest level of hospitality. Paired with world-class design, a dynamic community and streamlined service, in connected, exciting locations, The Gessner will be a blueprint for a better way to rent. We look forward to welcoming our first residents later this year.”

For more information visit www.wayoflife.com/thegessner

The Aspect range from Eurocell – Maximises light and sales

As homeowners and housebuilders seek to improve their homes and inject that elusive ‘wow’ factor, the stunning bi-fold style of door has become an increasingly popular choice.

Panoramic doors enable large glazed ‘walls’ to be created, flooding interiors with natural light and bringing the outside into the home.

The concertina-style folding and sliding design enables the entire doorway to be opened up, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces.

To help fabricators and installers meet this growing demand, Eurocell developed Aspect – a highperformance, secure and visually stunning PVC-U bi-fold door system that’s designed for hassle-free fabrication and fitting.

Aspect offers all the aesthetic and functional benefits of timber and aluminium alternatives, but at a more affordable price. It incorporates a host of intelligently designed and precision engineered bespoke components that enable accurate, consistent, straightforward fabrication and installation.

Whether you’re a fabricator or installer, Aspect enables you to set your business apart from the competition by offering your customers market-leading, qualityassured, lifestyle enhancing PVC-U bi-fold doors at attractive prices.

Eurocell pushes the boundaries of design and performance in the bifold door category with it being accreditation and Secured by Design status. Meeting the requirements of these two important standards means that Aspect bi-fold doors are perfect for all new build applications,

where Secured by Design is being specified to meet the requirements of Approved Document Q.

As a market-leading manufacturer of PVC-U profiles, Eurocell understands that to remain competitive fabricators and installers need high-quality products designed for simple, fast, accurate fabrication and fitting. We know that if you can quickly and repeatedly complete jobs to a high standard, you will keep your costs down, improve your profit margins and keep your customers happy.

Aspect panoramic doors have been purpose designed by Eurocell’s technical specialists to include a host of features that enable quick and simple fabrication and fitting, without compromising on the quality or appearance of these stunning bi-fold doors. Doors feature a standard Eurocell Logik gasket and are compatible with our patented Logik Chamfered and Ovolo beads – so if you’re already fabricating Logik windows and doors, there’s no need for additional stockholding.

The door profile and outer frame glazing gaskets are coextruded, so you won’t have to buy gaskets separately and fit them yourself – saving you time and money.

Aspect has been designed with no need for a dummy mullion, reducing the number of components you need to fit – for faster, more efficient fabrication, and a neutral-coloured anodised aluminium track is used to complement all door colour options, so you won’t have to stock a different track for every door colour.

Aspect doors feature a large clearance around door leaves, allowing easy on-site adjustment for hassle-free installations.

Butt hinges are also adjustable, providing greater tolerances when fitting the leaves. It means all doors can be fabricated at the same time, since adjustments can be made on site to ensure a precise fit. The slimstepped outer frame reduces the amount of plaster cutback required on site, speeding up installations and generating minimal dust and waste.

Adjustable roller sets allow the doors to be easily jacked or lowered into position on site.

The outerframe can also be mechanically jointed together on site, so the whole unwieldy frame does not have to be delivered in one piece. That makes transportation and handling much simpler and safer. All hinges positively locate into the steel reinforcing for a strong, secure finish. Combined wool-pile and gasket slots give you the freedom to choose the type of seal required for each job. Both types of seal fit into the standard slot, so they are easily interchangeable.

Like all Eurocell PVC-U products, Aspect comes with an exact colourmatch guarantee. That means the colour is precisely matched to all Eurocell window, door and conservatory roof products, creating a co-ordinated, consistent look across any property. A range of external colours is available to complement existing architectural style, as well as a choice of hardware colours. Aspect has a white internal finish as standard, to maintain a bright, fresh interior, with some colours available with colour both sides from stock.

Aspect bi-fold door profiles are guaranteed for ten years, and door furniture is guaranteed for five years. That means you can give your customers the assurance of a robust, well-designed, precisionmade product that’s built to last.

The Aspect range now also includes a flush sash French door option, the door design uses the stylish profile, attractive chamfered glazing rebate and patented gasket cover trim of Eurocell’s Aspect bi-fold door system and offers a perfect complement to the seamless look of our Logik S Flush windows.

For more information about the Aspect door range from Eurocell, call our customer services team on 0333 321 2353, or visit

eurocell.co.uk/aspect

Boundary monitoring can support construction site control by minimising potential contamination, protecting the public from jobsite hazards and allowing for adherence to the appropriate public health requirements. Consequently, more companies are turning to boundary monitoring technology to measure the risks and ensure they adhere to environmental limits and guidelines.

To help site management teams make the most of the technology, Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at occupational hygiene and workplace hazard monitoring expert Casella, shares the Do’s and Don’ts of boundary monitoring. You must understand the area that surrounds your site and which locations to monitor. Large sites may need monitoring in more than one location, depending on the receptors around the site. For example, sites with nearby receptors such as schools, hospitals, or housing, will be more sensitive to disruption and require more monitoring. You may also have to measure vibration to avoid disruption or damage if sensitive buildings or people are working around the site.

Being aware of the prevailing wind around your site is also essential. Ideally, a dust monitor should be both upwind and downwind of your site so that you can see the dust levels accumulating in your site and leaving it. Coupled with a wind speed direction sensor, this will allow you to mitigate and provide evidence against any complaints should they arise, with accurate data on whether excessive dust resulted from your site’s activity.

Don’t mount monitors incorrectly

Understanding how to mount any environmental monitor is essential to obtain accurate results. For example, noise monitors should not be mounted against flat surfaces because this will result in noise levels being overestimated.

Any microphone should be above hoardings with a clear line of sight to the nearest receptor. Inlets for any real-time dust measurements should also be clear of obstacles and be mounted away from buildings, ideally between 1.5 and 4 metres above the ground. When measuring vibration, the sensor should be mounted to a concrete plinth firmly attached to the ground to ensure accurate measurements.

Don’t just monitor at the start of construction

It might be tempting to start monitoring at the beginning of the project’s construction phase, but a period of baseline monitoring before the start of construction activities can be beneficial. Doing so will give you an understanding of dust and noise levels in the area prior to your site’s work commencing, providing a benchmark comparison that will enable you to assess and demonstrate the impact of your site once work begins.

Do be proactive

Traditional monitoring techniques such as dust deposit gauges limited the ability to be proactive.

However, modern boundary monitors provide real-time noise, dust and vibrations levels with email or text alerts whenever prescribed levels have been exceeded.

Having instant access to this data allows your site operators to act rapidly before any legal limits have been passed.

For example, operators may move operations to another part of the site to reduce noise or measures such as dust suppression may be implemented, ensuring your site remains compliant.

Do educate staff

Guidance will need to be given to site operatives in order to know how to control noise and dust, such as what the limits are and how the site needs to perform.

In addition to basic training on what the monitor does and how it works, knowledge on maintenance is key. For example, ensuring that units are not knocked or damaged and sensors such as noise monitors are calibrated on a regular basis.

Ensuring you manage the impact of your construction site

A comprehensive boundary monitoring program is a key part of any compliant, safety and environmentally focused construction project, ensuring your organisation adheres to environmental limits and guidelines and that your finances and reputation are protected.

Focussing on Fire Safety

GEZE UK has revised a piece of lifesaving learning – the popular RIBA-approved CPD Specifying, Installing and Maintaining Ironmongery for Fire Doors has been completely revised and updated and includes new visuals and updates to regulations all in GEZE’s new branding.

The CPD explains what fire doors are, identifies their various components, how they work, the standards and regulations which surround them and why smoke is so dangerous. It incorporates the latest statistics for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the number of people that die from smoke inhalation every year.

It is intended for Chartered members of RIBA but is also suitable for facilities managers, property managers and architectural ironmongers and completely updates the previous version.

Offering architects and specifiers invaluable advice and guidance, which contributes to their continuing professional development, this updated training seminar gives a better understanding of the standards and regulations surrounding fire doors to ensure fire safety is paramount. The 40 minute seminar covers all the relevant standards and regulations and is included in RIBA’s core curriculum: Design, Construction and Technology and Health, Safety and Wellbeing for the General Awareness knowledge level.

It can be presented in person or virtually via a variety of online platforms and at a time to suit, usually lunchtime but breakfast seminars or afternoon sessions can be accommodated.

To find out more or to book a CPD seminar, email cpd@geze.com or visit www.geze.co.uk/en/services/

trainings-and-seminars-cpd.

National Specification Manager Richard Richardson-Derry said: “More people die from smoke inhalation than fire itself, especially when smoke can travel freely through a building. This seminar explains how important fire doors are and how they can save lives. Understanding the effectiveness of fire doors, where they can be placed and how they should be maintained, could ultimately save people’s lives.”

RIBA Chartered Architects are obliged to undertake a minimum of 35 hours a week to maintain their competence:

www.architecture.com/educationcpd-and-careers/cpd/fulfillingyour-cpd-obligations

Other presentations offered by GEZE UK, include EN 16005 - Safeguarding Pedestrians from Accidents at Power Operated Doorsets; Designing Effective Natural Heat and Smoke Ventilation, and Removing Barriers to Access.

For more information about GEZE UK’s comprehensive range of automatic and manual door closers call 01543 443000 or visit

www.geze.co.uk

The fourth emergency service - Rescue Tape

We have all been there when we have an emergency leak that requires immediate attention but you can’t get hold of anyone to come out and fix it; this is why having a roll of Bond It Rescue Tape in the house or in your tool box is a huge benefit; Rescue Tape is one of those products that, once you use it, you wonder how you got by without it.

Not only is this self-fusing silicone repair tape an incredible solution to stopping leaks but it also has infinite uses in and outside the home that you may never have thought about. Silicone Rescue Tape can be used for 1,000’s of applications. From emergency repairs to electrical wiring to waterproofing and even medical situations, it is truly an amazing product with a variety of uses.

A quick description: Rescue Tape is silicone and sticks to itself — well, actually, it fuses to itself — when wrapped around an object. The tighter you pull it, the better the seal. It’s great on hoses and plumbing and unlike electrical tape, it won’t get gummy, and it won’t dry out like duct tape can — even in the sun.

Rescue Tape is a waterproof repair tape which seals live leaks on pipes made from copper, PVC plastic, steel, malleable iron, and many other materials. Ideal for fixing leaks in applications ranging from small domestic plumbing problems through to large scale industrial pipe repairs, it avoids costly and disruptive shutdowns of systems. The versatility of the product makes it suitable for wrapping car exhausts, hoses and other types of pipes, and can also be used as an electrical tape with insulation protection up to 8000 volts.

It is easy to use and depending on the size and pressure of the pipe, repairs can be carried out in under 15 minutes. The tape stretches by three times its length and once applied, it fuses to form a solid rubber band which exerts maximum pressure over the hole or crack in the pipe. Using multiple tapes creates a repair

which is pressure resistant up to 8 bar and is temperature resistant up to 260°C. You wrap it around an item, and overlap it by 50%, pulling tight — stretching it to at least double the length — and going 3 to 5 inches on both sides of the leak (not necessary for things like rigging, chain marking, line whipping and so on where there’s no leak). That means for a 1″ split in a hose, the total repair is going to be 7 to 11 inches long! The tighter it’s wrapped, the faster and stronger it will fuse. For high pressure leaks, you may need to put a second layer on. But the result will be water-, fuel- and airtight. Consider it permanent, too — if you need to remove it, you’ll have to cut it off.

What can Rescue Tape be used for?

The tape has no adhesive so there is no sticky residue like regular electrical insulation tape, so you can’t accidentally stick it to things you don’t want it to stick to which also means items can be repositioned easily to get the perfect bond. The uses are only limited by your imagination but here are some great ideas where you can use it:

• Fix a leak on a garden hose, a radiator hose or a vacuum hose. • Wrap on camera grips and tripods, tools, bike handle bars to make a protective non-slip grip that leaves no residue on expensive equipment. Or apply to golf clubs, rackets and bats for better sports grip and less vibration. • Use on sailboats as rigging tape for turnbuckles and spreader boot covers or repair bilge, sanitation or fridge hoses. • Tidy up wiring bundles by using silicone tape instead of electrical tape. • Fix leaky PVC or copper pipes on household plumbing or sprinkler systems. • Cover foam pipe insulation with silicone tape to make an air tight waterproof protective layer. • Make an emergency silicone

gasket or an emergency o-ring or make a temporary repair on a truck air hose. • For emergency first aid - wrap silicone tape around a bleeding injury on fingers, arms or legs. • Wrap silicone tape around electrical connections, wires (especially connections near pools and hot tubs) to seal out moisture. • Wrap silicone tape around cups and glassware to help disabled people grip their drink. • Cover your luggage handle with bright coloured silicone tape for an easy-to-spot and comfortable grip. • Wrap tape on wire or wooden hangers to prevent clothes from slipping off onto the floor. • Cover iron cookware handles for a non-slip grip that prevents you from burning your hands.

And many, many more uses! Its not just a plumbers tape, Rescue Tape can be utilised in the automotive, marine, agricultural, landscaping, engineering, electrical and even military sectors. It’s easy to see why Rescue Tape is the World’s most recognized and bestselling brand of self-fusing silicone tape.

Plus if you send in pictures of your Rescue Tape applications you have a chance of winning £500 – see our competition details on the website for more information.

Tel: 01422 315300 or visit www.bonditgroup.com

Knauf continue to improve sustainability credentials with recycled plastic packaging

As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Knauf UK & Ireland is making the move to recycled plastic packaging. Its new packaging will contain at least 30% recycled plastics and is often also recyclable at the end of its life so the circle can be continued.

The Company has added easy to recognise logos to the packaging to identify when it has been made from recycled plastic, and if it is recyclable. Knauf will start by changing the packaging of key products within its portfolio and continue the move for other products over the coming months.

The Company is using Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) plastics – materials which have been used by consumers, recycled and given a new life.

Lucy Hall, Sustainability Leader for Knauf, gives an insight into the importance of the new packaging: “Our Product Manager, Becky Newell, has worked collaboratively and consistently to achieve Knauf’s goal of improving the recycled content of our packaging. Realising her goal to make a difference on a bigger scale, the recycled content of plastic packaging will now also be high on the agenda of new product development. This is a fantastic achievement in Knauf’s drive to fulfil its sustainability goals”

Greenhouse gas emissions are associated with single-use plastics, and the National Geography Society estimates that more than 40% of plastic is used just once and that there are more than 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the ocean. This is a significant reason for Knauf adopting PCR plastics and a recognition of the Company’s commitment to Build for the World We Live In.

This switch will see some small changes to the appearance of product packaging, such as a grey rim and base. This is simply due to a number of different coloured plastics being recycled to make a new product, and not adding in unnecessary dyes.

It is important to note that it is just the packaging that is changing, not the product, so customers can rest assured knowing they’re still getting the same, trusted Knauf product.

This move is part of Knauf’s ongoing sustainability initiative and ties in with its ‘people, planet, prosperity’ ethos. Sustainability considerations are becoming more prevalent across the construction industry and Knauf is keen to lead the way in meeting customers’ expectations for environmentally friendly products.