Construction National Autumn 2014 (1CHB) by DMMonline

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COVER STORY

Chimneys – there’s more to what goes up than smoke! The front cover of this issue shows an installation of a Metaloterm MF chimney system from leading UK manufacturer and distributor, Docherty Group. It marks the start of our special feature on chimneys which includes a report by Robert Burke, Technical Director of HETAS, on the implications for chimney and flue installers of Part J of the Building Regulations. read more from p11

7 Constructive Comment

NEWS 9 9 9 10 10

HS2: supply chain moves up the BIM levels A capital opportunity to show off your wares Water summit will see the ideas flowing Workforce socks are the perfect stocking filler! Born To Build off to promising start

CHIMNEYS 11 Chimneys – there’s more to what goes up than smoke! 12 FuranFlex – versatile hi-tech solutions for all lining restoration applications 14 Part J: the implications for chimney and flue installers 15 Sweeping can prevent a tragedy 15 New regulations require skills updating 15 Access panels: a simple guide 16 Silvaperl moves production to new flagship site 17 Leading camera company can be your ‘eyes in the dark’

HEALTH & SAFETY 19 Health and safety practitioners hail 40 years of legislation 20 CDM 2015: HSE – you cannot be serious! 23 Asbestos – from magic mineral to killer dust 23 Inspections stress the ‘H’ in HSE 24 Preventing legionella contamination through thermal insulation 24 Reelfix – serious about safety, driving out waste 25 Display system gets the message across about work place hazards 27 HSE inspectors are on the move! WORKING AT HEIGHT 28 IPAF reveals latest MEWP fatality figures 28 Crane guidance issued by CPA 29 NASC updates TG20:13 and eGuide 29 HSE Scaffold Checklist welcomed 30 XERVON Palmers use system scaffolding for Aberthaw Power Station contract 31 New CISRS scaffold training facility in South Korea 31 NASC Apprentice of the Year Award 2014 32 XSPlatforms now a PASMA recognised manufacturer 32 Total reliability of supply from George Roberts

TRAINING AND EDUCATION 33 CITB turns 50 and celebrates with a special awards ceremony 35 Employers lead the way in addressing skills gaps 35 Outsourcing – a remedy for the training manager’s headache 37 Leading house builders support drive to combat skills shortage 39 Constructionarium: industry looking to the future – now!

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For all other enquiries: Tel: 0161 710 3880 Fax: 0161 710 3879 Email: editorial@dmmonline.co.uk Suite 2, 61 Lower Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3AW Editor: Chris Stokes Copyright Construction National. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without prior permission of Construction National. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

1CHB

CONTENTS FINANCE 40 Annual Investment Allowance doubles to £500,000 in tax relief

ROOFING 42 Apprentices hit the heights with re-roofing project 43 Single ply education from Sika-Trocal 43 New foodbank has new roof 44 NFRC partners with Which? Trusted Traders 44 Low odour with no compromises – Decothane Ultra sets new standards RENEWABLE ENERGY 45 Minus 7 – new hybrid energy harvesting system provides low-cost heating 45 Tariff revisions will aid better choice of technology DEMOLITION 47 Line-up expands for Amsterdam conference 47 Decommissioning team achieves 10 accident-free years PLANT HIRE AND MODULAR PORTABLE BUILDINGS 49 Portable Sanitation Expo 2015 reveals new location and dates 49 Get tooled up at PLANTWORX 2015

TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY 50 Extending the global potential for coil pipe trailers 51 ‘Dry’ pipe cleaning comes to Europe with CJ Kelly Associates and Tomahawk NHBC 52 53 55 56 57 57 57 58 59 61 62 64

PRIDE IN THE JOB AWARDS The pace hots up in the race to be the pride of the housebuilding industry Double award-winning site enters final phase Spacious home with breathtaking views Barratt site managers lead the way Regional winner begins another quest Matt brings quality with him Hat trick beckons for Charlie Select location attracts one of the best in the business David proves that award-winners can make a real difference Victorian former school is now an award-winning mixed-tenure housing scheme Local expertise leads to award-winning performance Lots of Eastern promise from the dynamic duo – or should that be trio?

SECURITY 65 Action group aims to combat construction theft 67 A new perspective on safety and security in the world of construction 68 Are you ready for the increase in theft during the winter months? 69 Authority helps construction companies to buy the right security 69 New SmartTower technology helps to secure unique Ryder Cup TV coverage NEW PRODUCTS 70 R&M’s New Cat. 6A module sets new standards in connectivity technology 71 Rainguard system offers style with function – and saves time on installation 71 Hope extends range of performance concretes BOOK REVIEW 74 Interact with health and safety with new hardcopy manual and CD-ROM

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Constructive ‹ THIS YEAR IS A year of anniversaries. Perhaps most significantly, July marked the 40th anniversary of the

Health and Safety at Work Act, described by the TUC as ‘one of the most important and successful pieces of workplace legislation ever’. Of course the Act applies to all industry sectors, not just construction, but it can fairly be said that, together with the agricultural and chemical industries, construction has seen the greatest benefit in terms of reduction in fatalities and injuries. Those of us old enough to have dipped a toe in the labour pool before 1974 will remember the densely printed posters of the Factories Act and the splendidly-named Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act that were displayed in all workplaces and read by no-one. The essence of the 1974 Act that replaced them was its simplicity, placing the emphasis on risk rather than prescription. The 1974 Act set up the Health and Safety Executive, which has led the way in campaigning. It has been ably supported by a cohort of trade-related bodies which have developed their own safety codes and training processes. One of the most active has been the scaffolding industry, helping to reduce the number of injuries from falls at height. One cause of deaths in construction that is still, sadly, rising is asbestos. Mesothelioma deaths are expected to reach a peak in 2015, followed by a decline. The stuff is still there, though, and rigorous training is needed in its handling by maintenance and demolition workers in the main. • Another anniversary this year was 50 years of the CITB. It was established in 1964 following the passing of the Industrial Training Act, which allowed it to exert a levy on employers to fund training. In the ensuing halfcentury the board has become synonymous with excellence in the industry, acting as an example to similar organisations in other sectors. The great thrust of attention in terms of industry training has been on apprenticeships and the race to plug skills gaps at the trade level. However, the increasing importance of technology in the construction industry has led to a burgeoning need for graduate and post-graduate input. That gap is being addressed by the consortium of educators, contractors and the CITB who make up Constructionarium. The organisation has been running events since 2002 in both England and Scotland. Meanwhile, the emphasis on practical skills in education is also being addressed by a number of University Technical Colleges, or UTCs. One such that is currently on the drawing board awaiting planning permission is the West Midlands Construction UTC. With support from the local authority, CITB (again) and over 60 construction companies in the region, the UTC aims to make a career in the construction industry a more attractive option for youngsters frozen out of the traditional academic pathway. • One of the areas where there is projected to be a steep rise in career opportunities is the housebuilding sector. The sector is currently recovering from a low base but throughout the recession one organisation that has been instrumental in retaining standards has been the NHBC with its Pride in the Job awards. This year has seen another crop of successful site managers pocketing their Quality awards, together with those in the most recent category – the Single Home Commendation awards. We are pleased to be able to shine a spotlight on some of their achievements and look forward to reporting on the next stage of the process to find the national champions. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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HS2: supply chain moves up the BIM levels ‹ ON 15 OCTOBER HS2 Ltd published the

results of a study to test whether the supply chain for the project is ready to work to Level 2 Building Information Modelling (BIM). It also examined the industry’s ability to match HS2’s aspirations and recommend ways of closing any existing skills gap. An online self-assessment questionnaire, together with a number of workshops and interviews, were held with a selection of the supply chain to capture information on the industry’s current awareness of BIM and, more specifically, Level 2 BIM maturity. Key data from the study showed that: • 94% of the supply chain already use BIM • 60% have a BIM strategy with defined goals • 71% make financial provision for BIM • 60% work to a BIM standard as part of their • QA process. The study also found that over 50% of the supply chain has some degree of experience within

Level 2 BIM maturity, although further research found this applies to major projects as opposed to an overall organisational position. Overall, the study confirmed the belief that Level 2 BIM maturity, as a minimum standard, is a realistic and achievable goal for HS2 and its future supply chain. However, in order to achieve that, it is essential that HS2 drives upskilling to meet its programme and projected capacity. HS2 Ltd’s head of management systems, Jon Kerbey, said: “In order to maximise efficiency and ensure that HS2 is delivered on time and on budget, HS2 Ltd has made a serious commitment to use BIM to an unprecedented scale. The results and recommendations from this study will help to ensure that the supply chain’s capabilities match the requirements for the project. “BIM offers a unique opportunity for our whole supply chain to work collaboratively to find the best

A capital opportunity to show off your wares ‹ NEXT YEAR Construction National will be

acting as a media partner to London Build Expo 2015, where copies of the magazine will be distributed to those attending. The show will be staged at the O2 Arena on 18-19 June, with free tickets available from www.londonbuildexpo.com. The UK construction industry is set for high levels of growth in the coming years, with London and the South of England expected to be at the forefront. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has identified 33 key opportunity areas for development across the capital. London is already awash with construction activity. John Redwood reports that ‘new house building is leading the charge, followed by private and commercial development to provide the new offices companies require to expand.’ A staggering £21bn was invested in London's office sector last year and the residential market is being driven by housing shortages. So it’s no surprise that London is forecast to be one of the leading cities in the world for construction in the coming years. From office blocks to skyscraper construction, from residential buildings to embassies and from shopping centres to railway projects the number of forthcoming infrastructure and construction projects across the South East is vast and wide-ranging. London Build Expo 2015 is the ideal opportunity for exhibitors to access major developers, contractors and clients procuring work in London and the South of England. R

solutions for HS2 as a whole and to share crucial information on design data, stakeholder interactions and asset information before, during and after construction. “In order to unlock these and other benefits it is essential that HS2 Ltd creates the right environment to put Level 2 BIM into practice and help the supply chain upskill where required. We will also meet the need to upskill our own staff. “This process will help the UK industry as a whole in its continued journey towards digital leadership in the built environment.” R

Water summit will see the ideas flowing ‹ ON 10-11 DECEMBER Susdrain – the

community for sustainable drainage – will be bringing together local authorities, developers, highways, landscape architects, contractors, engineering consultants and sustainable drainage specialists for the SuDS Water Management Summit in Cambridge. Key issues at the event will include: • What makes a good SuDS scheme, with • reference to the National Standard and • exemplar case studies • How to implement the SAB, with a case • study from Cambridgeshire County Council • The multiple benefits of SuDS, including • their wider implications such as biodiversity, • community benefits and aesthetics • How to take a holistic approach to ensure • efficient surface water management and • make the most of the land available • How SuDS can be implemented without • proving costly • Cost effective ways to retrofit SuDS and • how retrofitting mitigates flood risk The SuDS Water Management Summit will be at the Menzies Cambridge Hotel. Details and booking are available from the website at www.sudssummit.com. R www.constructionnational.co.uk

Workforce socks are the perfect stocking filler! ‹ CHRISTMAS WILL SOON BE upon us once again and Workforce

Socks have the perfect gift idea. Their wide range of socks is great for anyone in the construction industry and designed to meet all the needs of anyone working hard on their feet and with PPE workwear. The range includes designs with advanced technology such as arch support, terry cushion panels, anatomically constructed left and right feet, Silverplus™ technology and heavy gauge rib, all engineered to provide the wearer with the comfort and security they need, no matter what they are doing! The Workforce range is supported by celebrity builder and DIY expert, television’s Tommy Walsh. Tommy knows how important it is to have the best clothing and footwear for when he is working and his socks are no different! q

• For further information visit Workforce’s website at www.workforcesocks.co.uk

Born To Build off to promising start

‹ A WEEK AFTER its launch, the ‘Born

To Build’ campaign has attracted over 1,000 views to its campaign launch video, 1,700 unique users to its website and over 1,100 tweets of support from construction, careers and educational stakeholders. The campaign’s focus on successful young professionals, who tell their own story of working in construction through blogs, video diaries and daily tweeting has been heralded as fresh and relevant but there is much work still to do. Stephen Ratcliffe, director of campaign partners UK Contractors Group, said: “It’s been an encouraging start with positive feedback from many, including young people who so far, seem to like the campaign. This is however just the beginning. “There is a significant, long term job to do to if we are to attract the 185,000 new recruits our sector needs over the next five years, in order to play the key role constructions needs to, in the full economic recovery of the UK. This is just the start of a continued focus to raise awareness of construction as a dynamic, exciting industry at the forefront of technology and sustainability, amongst a critical age group for the sector’s future.” q • You can read the stories of 17 young professional enjoying successful and varied careers in construction at www.borntobuild.org.uk.

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COVER STORY ‹ THE FRONT COVER OF this issue shows an installation of a

Metaloterm MF chimney system from Docherty Group, a leading UK manufacturer and distributor of flue and chimney systems and renewable fuel appliances. Metaloterm MF is a universal, multi-fuel and multifunctional chimney suitable for internal and external applications. It can be used for traditional high temperature applications, but also – because of its integral silicone sealing ring – it can be applied to condensing and positive pressure installations. It is suitable for use at continuous operating temperatures of 450°C for negative pressure applications and 200°C for positive pressure applications. R

Chimneys – there’s more to what goes up than smoke!

‹ RECENT CHANGES TO REGULATIONS regarding chimneys and flues are aimed at improving safety and energy efficiency, particularly in the case of the increasingly-popular forms of renewable technology. Specifically, there have been changes in the impact of Part J of the Building Regulations and a new requirement for the reassessment of engineers. In this special feature, Robert Burke of HETAS, the body charged with overseeing standards in the solid fuel industry, explains some of the effects of Part J. He explains the need to take into account a building’s airtightness when installing flues in modern properties. Technology advances constantly, as does the chimney industry. We profile some of the new specialist products and systems, as well as the use of technology to ‘see’ inside flues in ways never before possible. Finally, we report on the unveiling of a new production facility for traditional materials. R

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Part J: the implications for chimney and flue installers With solid fuel, wood and biomass heating systems becoming ever more popular, ROBERT BURKE, technical director at HETAS, looks at the impact of Part J of the Building Regulations.

‹ WITH THE INCREASE IN demand for

renewable technology, wood and biomass are being used for supplementary room heat as well as fully automatic central heating. Wood and biomass equipment manufacturers have responded by introducing more sophisticated equipment, including pellet stoves and highly efficient biomass boilers using pellets, chip and log fuels. There is also a huge choice of chimney systems. Installers, service engineers and chimney sweeps should be familiar with Approved Document J of the Building Regulations – Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems. The document looks mainly at dwellings, but much of the information informs the commercial sector as well. It was last updated in 2011, with some significant changes for chimneys, flues and stoves. A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is now a mandatory requirement for any solid fuel heating installation. CO is known as the silent killer because it is invisible, odourless and poisonous. It is produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. For example, if a flue is not installed and maintained correctly there is a possibility it won’t be able to extract the flue gases properly, and they could leak into the room or boiler house through the appliance. The advent of modern construction techniques and the drive for energy efficiency means new houses and other buildings can now be very airtight, and it is likely that a dedicated ventilation system is utilised. That must be considered carefully when providing air for combustion and flueing. Document J outlines the air requirements based not just on the output of the stove, but also taking into account the air permeability of the house. All solid fuel, wood and biomass appliances need an air supply for combustion. Air movement is also required to draw flue gases up the chimney. The lower the air permeability, the more airtight the house is. Air permeability is measured in m3/h.m2 and the requirements outlined in Document J are: • Solid fuel appliance with a draught stabiliser fitted • Air permeability > 5.0m3/h.m2 – 300mm² for each kW up to 5kW and • 850mm² for each kW thereafter. • Air permeability ≤ 5.0m3/h.m2 – 850mm2 for each kW • Solid fuel appliance with no draught stabiliser fitted • Air permeability > 5.0m3/h.m2 – 550mm² for each kW above 5kW • Air permeability ≤ 5.0m3/h.m2 – 550mm² for each kW In reality, a house built before 2008 is unlikely to have an air permeability of ≤ 5.0m³/h.m² unless it has had a lot of work done to it such as full double or triple glazing, draught seals on doors and windows, plus cavity wall and loft insulation. If in doubt, assume the air permeability is <5.0m3/h.m2, or there are specialist companies who can conduct an air permeability test. Dwellings constructed after 2008 should already have a design air permeability figure. In response to the design of airtight dwellings, manufacturers are introducing more sophisticated appliances and chimney systems. One new development that we are seeing in the UK market is the introduction of external air supply ducts to appliances. It’s a technology which is already quite popular in Austria and simply consists of a horizontal air intake and a traditional vertical flue to expel the products of combustion. For a while now, manufacturers have been offering them as an accessory for modern stoves.

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There are several advantages to using an appliance with an external air supply. For a start, warm air isn’t being taken from a room which is already heated. So from that point of view it’s more efficient. And with modern houses having low air permeability, using an external air supply will allow a more flexible ventilation strategy. Defra-exempt stoves and boilers can be connected to a 125mm chimney if they have a 125mm outlet, and wood pellet stoves and boilers can be connected to a 100mm chimney if the chimney size is correctly calculated. A Defra-exempt appliance is one which has been exempted under the Clean Air Act 1993 or Clean Air (Northern Ireland) Order 1981. These have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning an unauthorised fuel without emitting smoke. They are very clean burning appliances and you can find a list of them either on the Defra website or in the HETAS guide which is available in hard copy or on the HETAS website. The flue diameter should never be smaller than the size of the stove outlet. Up to 20kW burning smokeless fuel, the flue diameter must be at least 125mm. Up to 30kW burning any fuel, the flue diameter must be at least 150mm. Under the new changes, if the stove is Defraexempt and has a 125mm outlet and the manufacturer permits its use, then a 125mm diameter flue can be used. So, the new regulations recommend a minimum flue diameter of 150mm for any wood burning stove unless it is Defra-exempt. While most people understand that gas appliances must legally be installed only by Gas Safe registered engineers, the legal requirements for solid fuel and woodburning appliances are unfortunately less well advertised or understood. Many people undertake DIY installations with little or no knowledge of combustion, or of the Building Regulations which are there to ensure safety and efficiency. Householders wanting to install solid fuel or woodburning appliances must either apply for a building notice from their local authority building control department or they must use a registrant of an appropriate competent persons’ self-certification scheme such as HETAS. q

Sweeping can prevent a tragedy ‹ STATISTICS SHOW that each year, on

average, over 30,000 houses in the UK will have chimney fires. According to the National Association of Chimney Sweeps (NACS), that will be largely due to not having the chimney swept often enough or from burning fuel that is inappropriate for the appliance and causing tar to build up in the chimney. Most insurance companies will no longer pay out for claims made due to chimney fires unless the chimney has been swept by a professional chimney sweep and a valid certificate of sweeping issued that is recognised by insurance companies. If the fire brigade is called out to a chimney fire and it is proven that the chimney has not been properly maintained, the householder can be billed for the call out, which can be expensive. Slow-burning chimney fires don’t get enough air or have enough fuel to be as dramatic or visible as their more spectacular cousins. However, the temperatures they reach are very high and can cause damage to the chimney structure and nearby combustible parts of the house. Homeowners are urged to use only recommended fuels for the appliance and flue type. Regular sweeping will remove soot, bird nests, cobwebs and any other blockages. It also removes creosote, which will help to prevent dangerous chimney fires. Sweeping will also help to increase the efficiency of appliances. The

Access panels: a simple guide

‹ IN 2010 NEW guidance was added frequency of chimney sweeping will depend on a number of factors, which include the type of fuel used, appliance, duration of use, moisture content of wood fuel and the type of chimney. A local NACS member will be able to advise on the sweeping frequency during an appointment. Gas and oil flues also need to be swept. It is essential that all flues are kept clean and clear of debris and vermin nests. Sweeping will also help with the prevention of chimney fires and even carbon monoxide poisoning. Householders should always ensure they receive a NACS Certificate of Chimney Sweeping. q • For more information visit www.nacs.org.uk.

New regulations require skills updating ‹ FROM JUNE 2014 any solid fuel heating engineer who hasn’t completed a HETAS assessment

or refresher course in the past five years must undertake a reassessment or risk losing their Competent Person status. Michael Waumsley, managing director of Sure Fire Training Services, a specialist supplier of training and assessment for the industry, commented: “In the past, there has been no follow up provision after an installer has gained their original training qualification in solid fuel heating system installation. The new initiative will help to ensure that engineers undertake follow-on training and keep up to date with the latest regulations and safety directives. “New regulations are always going to be viewed as a challenge by some but the changes are designed to raise safety and competence standards in the solid fuel heating industry. Legislation, products and regulations are continually developing and these changes, along with the flexible structure of the refresher course, are to be welcomed.” q

to Part J of the Building Regulations applying to dwellings with fixed combustion appliances to safeguard occupants from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. The guidelines advise on the provision of access panels – or inspection hatches – to be fitted in properties where the flue or chimney system is hidden within a void. If a property has a room-sealed fanassisted boiler, with a flue that is hidden behind a wall or ceiling void, inspection hatches must be installed. Particularly relevant in flats and apartments where flues may pass through multiple dwellings, these inspection panels are to allow Gas Safe engineers to visually inspect the entire length of the flue for essential safety checks and maintenance. Online tool and equipment supplier Trade Counter Direct has produced a straightforward guide to choosing the correct access panel, available to view at www.tradecounterdirect.com/part-j-regs/. As the company points out: “Like their owners, every property is individual. With countless different factors to take into account such as fire safety, thermal and acoustic requirements, design, architecture and budget, there are many things to consider when choosing the right inspection panel for the job.” q

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Silvaperl moves production to new flagship site ‹ THE SILVAPERL INDUSTRIAL division of

William Sinclair Horticulture Ltd has in the last year moved its entire production facility to Sinclair’s new 40 acre flagship site at Ellemere Port. The company has taken all three of its existing Perlite and Vermiculite furnaces to where they can benefit from the new site’s improved mains gas supply and its close proximity to the local docks on the Manchester Ship canal, which can take up to 15,000 tonne vessels and is only a couple of miles away. Silvaperl supplies customers across a wide spectrum of industries as well as supplying Sinclair’s own in house horticultural requirements. The company has been the leading supplier of Perlite, Vermiculite and Expanded Clays to meet the high temperature requirements of the fireplace and chimney refurbishment market and any other construction situation where issues of elevated temperatures need to be addressed.

Vermiculite Cement bonded Vermiculite is used extensively around clay liners for both new build and retro

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installations. These include pipes, ducts and loose around stainless steel flexi /rigid liners or as a backfill for fires and stoves.

Perlite Perlite is primarily used as a cement bound product on expanded clay /pumice concrete chimney lining systems. Perlite based lightweight concrete is used for the cast-in-situ pumped chimney systems by qualified installers.

Expanded Clay Expanded Clay is the ideal medium for either loose pour systems or a cement bonded solution and is mainly for more heavy duty applications and larger flue ways. British Standards that apply for the backfill on the installation of these type of units, showing the mix design for both Perlite and Vermiculite, are covered under BS 8303 Part 3 Clause 14. It is imperative where all open and closed appliances are installed that, prior to any remedial work being carried out, all structures and flue

systems should be mechanically inspected and diagnosed by a qualified chimney engineer who is a member of the National Association of Chimney Engineers (NACE). q • All the other uses of Perlite, Vermiculite and Expanded Clay can be seen on the Silvaperl website at www.silvaperl.co.uk. This includes their use in other construction areas such as external paints and renders, screeds and all aspects of insulation from cryogenic tanks to high temperature refractory applications. • NACE can be contacted on 01526 233 555 or for technical enquiries on 01223 774477.

Leading camera company can be your ‘eyes in the dark’ ‹ RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN camera

technology have revolutionised the ability of chimney specialists to know exactly what problems they are faced with. The leading manufacturer of visual inspection cameras for chimneys and flues in the UK is West Wales based AMAC Engineering Ltd. With over 25 years design experience in CCTV inspection equipment for some of the major suppliers in the CCTV industry, the company now offers a range of systems for various applications. The latest great idea from AMAC is the Twin Eye diagnostic camera unit with twin lens CCTV – a colour camera that can look forward and sideways by switching between the two for a 360o view – purposely designed for ultimate chimney and flue inspection. It also features ultra-bright LED illumination. AMAC’s entry level offering is the Look See – a professional, compact and highly portable monochrome camera system for use in chimneys ducts and pipes. Purpose built for the chimney professional it is designed and manufactured in the UK. There is also a recordable version.

AMAC now also supplies a full range of optional extras for its chimney cameras. They include a short rod adaptor to make getting round tight bends easier. Using the optional swivel attachment any camera can now be attached directly to the Speed Rod continuous pipe and duct rodding system, designed for use in small to medium sized chimneys, as well as ventilation ducts and chutes. Other ‘extras’ include a protective sleeve that shrinks to fit the camera. It protects the camera from extreme soot and debris; and stainless steel or other more fragile chimney linings from abrasion. The whole range comes together the offer the ultimate inspection and maintenance regime. AMAC’s director, Quaerina Chorley, explained: “As a professional, don’t just do a smoke test and visual check; go one step further and provide your client with piece of mind that you can offer a professional and honest service. With installations and repairs, it is vital that you can provide to your clients a complete service that is backed by evidence of work carried out.” q

The new Twin Eye diagnostic camera from AMAC Engineering Ltd • All AMAC chimney cameras have a twoyear parts and labour warranty, backed up by UK after-sales support, and are available from a network of distributors or direct on 01559 371770.

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Health and safety practitioners hail 40 years of legislation

‹ ON 31 JULY 1974 Royal Assent was given to the Health and Safety

at Work Act and 40 years later the anniversary was marked by a myriad organisations whose purpose it is to promote the health and wellbeing of the workforce. Among them was the TUC, which described the Act as ‘one of the most important and successful pieces of workplace legislation ever’. In those 40 years, the TUC said, the number of fatalities in the workplace has fallen by 85%, while the number of injuries at work has fallen by 77%. The significant reduction in fatalities and injury is nowhere more apparent than in the construction industry, one of the highest risk industries. According to the HSE, although construction accounts for only about 5% of the employees in Britain, it accounts for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 10% of reported major injuries. The latest results for construction published by HSE show 39 fatal injuries to workers, of which 12 were to the self-employed. That compares with an average of 53 over the previous five years – including an average of 18 to the self-employed. In addition, there were an estimated 74,000 total cases and 31,000 new cases of work-related ill health. That, too, represents a steady reduction over time. The anniversary of the Act was also marked by the British Safety Council (BSC). That organisation pointed out that the main headline of the September 1974 edition of its Safety and Rescue publication read Work safety: A new era begins. The BSC averred: “The evidence since then does indeed support this headline. The dramatic reduction in workplace injuries and ill health over the last 40 years is attributable to the creation of an independent and unified regulator, the HSE, the duty placed on all employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all of their employees and the active involvement of employers and trade unions. This important legacy of the 1974 Act is still going strong 40 years later.” Its chief executive Alex Botha commented: “At the heart of the 1974 Act is the principle that those who create the risk of injury and ill health in the workplace must manage the risks. The 1974 legislation has attracted admiration and emulation across the globe and provided the model for many other regulators.” That principal was also highlighted by the chair of the HSE, Judith Hackitt. Writing in her regular blog on 10 February, she said: “The 1972 Robens Report concluded there were too many regulations and that what was needed was a regulatory regime that set broad, non-prescriptive goals for dutyholders, underpinned by a fundamental principle – ‘those that create risk are best placed to manage it’. “The Act that emerged from his review swept away detailed and prescriptive industry regulations. It created a flexible system where regulations describe goals and principles, supported by codes of practice and guidance. Based on consultation and engagement, the new regime was designed to deliver a proportionate, targeted and risk-based approach.”

Commentators also looked to the future of the legislation, identifying areas where there had not been so much success. Alex Botha continued: “Going forward we need a legal framework that is flexible and one that can adapt to changing risks. We cannot stand still. There remains so much to do including tackling the thorny issues around health and wellbeing – the sometimes forgotten part of the health and safety equation.” The TUC’s Francis O’Grady echoed that view. She said: “While the Act has been successful in bringing down deaths and injuries in the workplace it has been less effective at preventing occupational diseases such as cancers, asthmas, dermatitis, back pain and lung diseases. This is still a massive problem and I hope that the Act will be used much more vigorously to address this challenge in the years to come.” She also sounded a note of caution regarding recent developments aimed at ‘simplifying’ the regulations and removing so-called red tape. “Unfortunately the present government is hell-bent on chipping away at the Act by removing large numbers of self-employed from its coverage,” she said. “Ministers are planning to replace its universal coverage with complex new rules about which self-employed workers are covered and which are not. This will create huge challenges for employers, workers and regulators. Few pieces of legislation can be seen to have been as effective as this Act. We should be celebrating its 40th birthday and thanking those who drafted it.” Judith Hackett added her own tribute, saying of the Act: “Arguably it is one of the best pieces of legislation on the statute books – although we know it is often misunderstood and misinterpreted. It has protected millions of British workers and driven sharp reductions in incidents of occupational death, serious injury and ill health.” q

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CDM 2015: HSE – you cannot be serious! By Ted Goddard, executive director of the Guild of Builders and Contractors and Fellow of the Association for Project Safety

‹ SURELY THE Health and Safety Executive (HSE) cannot be serious about issuing revised CDM Regulations in 2015 that are seriously flawed and will have a detrimental effect on the number of fatal and serious injuries in the building industry. The HSE issued a draft of the proposed new regulations with a consultation document earlier this year and they have reviewed the submissions that they received. Their latest proposals make little sense and will produce unsatisfactory regulations. The CDM Regulations 2007 are powerful and workable and substantially protect the health and safety of all who work in the construction industry. The only intelligent revision necessary is to include domestic clients as duty holders as required by the EU Directive. The HSE were required to review the CDM Regulations by the incoming coalition government as directed by David Cameron to reduce ‘red tape’ and reduce misused health and safety law. This obsession of the prime minister has resulted in the proposed, but not yet implemented, new CDM Regulations being not fit for purpose. The HSE initially proposed removing all together the Approved Code of Practice and substituting ‘a suite of guidance’ in its place. We believe that regulatory requirements create the motivation for achieving higher standards and continuous improvements in health and safety leading to innovation and best practice. Omit regulation, and standards will fall and fatalities and serious accidents will increase. Guidance

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should assist in the understanding of regulations not replace them. Guidance can never have the same impact or standing in law as an Approved Code of Practice. It would appear that the HSE has seen the stupidity of its original proposal and will now issue a revised Approved Code of Practice. The intention of including domestic clients as duty holders was initially seen as honorable and progressive but in practice the proposed responsibilities and legally binding requirements are hopelessly inadequate. The HSE state that ‘two thirds or more of fatalities now occur on small sites – sites where fewer than 15 people work’. The EU Directive requires the UK regulations to include building work for domestic clients, much of which constitutes ‘small sites’. It is totally illogical to change the requirements for notification of a project to one that will have more than 20 workers working simultaneously at any point in the project as well as lasting longer than 30 working days. The current requirement of 30 working days or 500 person days is more logical and likely to be more effective in ensuring competent management of smaller projects. In addition, there are no specific and expressly defined responsibilities for the domestic client similar to those of the commercial client included

in the proposed new regulations. All domestic client responsibilities are forced on to other duty holders, principally the designers. The requirements of notifying the HSE of a project are so watered down for the domestic client as to make the point of including domestic clients a total waste of time. Domestic clients should have the same legal standing and responsibilities as commercial clients. The most significant and unwelcome proposed change to the regulations is the removal of the CDM Co-ordinator from the list of duty holders and replacing the role with a Principal Designer. The CDM Regulations were originally introduced in 1994 and created the role of Planning Supervisor. The Regulations were then redrafted in 2007 and these changed the Planning Supervisor's role into the current role of the CDM Co-ordinator that is a familiar part of the construction industry today. The CDM Coordinator is a trained and competent health and safety professional and is the principal advisor on health and safety matters to the entire design and construction team. The proposals to remove this role and incorporate the responsibilities in the new role of Principal Designer will mean removing the independent and professional role in health and safety planning and the continuity of responsibility from initial planning to practical completion of the construction process. The costs of instructing an independent CDM Co-ordinator are grossly overstated in the consultation document and the benefits are appreciated and acknowledged by architects and clients. This is the most irresponsible proposal that the HSE has made in the consultation document and now appear to be incorporating in the final 2015 Regulations. Only people who are competent and experienced enough to act as CDM Co-ordinators could possibly carry out the role of Principal Designer effectively. However, the title indicates that a person who is a designer is capable of performing the proposed duties. The training of an architect does not currently cover fully the duties envisaged in the consultation document. Many architects do not want to take on the role as it would involve additional training and increase their workload for which they may not be able to seek additional payment from clients.

The removal of the requirement for a competent duty holder to advise clients on the suitability of the Construction Phase Plan is extremely irresponsible. This requirement was effectively a final preconstruction check that ensured that the principal contractor had considered all of the risks associated with the project. Under the CDM 2007 Regulations, the CDM Co-ordinator often identified omissions in the Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan and therefore the removal of this requirement will undoubtedly lead directly to an increase in accidents and injuries. The HSE said in a statement published a short while ago: “There have been significant reductions in the number and rate of injury over the last 20 years or more. Nevertheless, construction remains a high risk industry. Although it accounts for only about 5% of the employees in Britain it still accounts for 22% of fatal injuries to employees and 10% of reported major injuries.” However, it is a fact that the annual rate of fatalities on construction sites has reduced by 62% since the introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 1994. Over the same period the rate of major injuries on construction sites has reduced by 38%. In the light of these facts, why is the Government about to make fundamental changes to the CDM Regulations? It is undoubtedly a grave error to remove the ‘competence’ requirement from the Regulations. There is overwhelming evidence that the lack of training and experience and pure incompetence is the root cause of the majority of accidents. It is not acceptable for the HSE to refer to the balance between costs and benefits in the competence arena as a reason for omitting a requirement for a high level of competence of all individuals and corporate bodies involved in the construction process. Proof of competence need not be excessively bureaucratic if it is engrained in the policies of corporate structures of any size. It is untrue for the HSE to say that competence is most effectively promoted through cultural change and leadership in the industry rather than regulation. Anyone involved in small and medium size building projects will have seen evidence of a lack of training and knowledge and simple incompetence resulting in avoidable and unnecessary accidents and injuries. When it comes to the lives and well-being of workers on building sites what should be the criteria of Government represented by the HSE? Should it be to do as much as possible or as little as they can get away with? We hope that the answer is clear. The construction industry has worked hard to reduce the appalling rate of accidents in construction. We hope that Government does not accept the current proposals by the HSE and set the construction industry back 30 years in terms of the number of fatal and serious injuries. We owe it to the hardworking men and women working on construction sites to do all in our power to keep them from preventable and sometimes fatal accidents. Removing the CDM Co-ordinator’s role or the competence requirements will be a disaster and will be seen as throwing the baby out with the bath water. q

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Asbestos – from magic mineral to killer dust By Eddie Strong, principal at Ferncroft Environmental and chairman of UKATA

‹ DESPITE YEARS OF campaigning by the Health and Safety

Executive, asbestos still remains the largest single occupational killer in the work place and now claims the lives of over 5,000 innocent workers a year, including plumbers, electricians and joiners to name but a few. For whatever reason, and despite employers having a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and others, the fact remains that some of the simplest of checks are often overlooked. In reality, in the United Kingdom, there should be absolutely no reason why we cannot prevent the exposure of our work forces to asbestos – especially as we have specific legislation in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012). Large amounts of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used for a wide range of construction purposes, in both new and refurbished buildings, until 1999 when all use of asbestos was banned. This extensive use means that there are still many buildings in the UK which contain asbestos. Where asbestos materials are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed they do not present a risk. However, where the materials are in poor condition or are disturbed or damaged, asbestos fibres are released into the air which, if breathed in, can cause serious lung diseases, including cancers. Workers who disturb the fabric of buildings during maintenance, refurbishment, repair, installation and related activities may be exposed to asbestos every time they unknowingly work on ACMs

or carry out the work without taking the correct precautions. The purpose of managing asbestos in buildings is to prevent or, where this is not reasonably practicable, minimise exposure for these groups of workers and other people in the premises. To prevent this exposure, information is needed on whether asbestos is, or is likely to be, present in the buildings, so that an assessment can be made about the risks it presents and appropriate measures put in place to manage those risks. In simple terms, non-domestic premises, in accordance with Regulation 4 of CAR 2012, should in essence have had the building assessed for asbestos with all locations of its presence recorded – a legal requirement since 2004. Under Regulation 5 ‘Identification of Asbestos’ refers to all premises and states that unless the materials have been checked and tested to confirm or refute, then you should assume that the materials to be worked on do contain asbestos. With all the different legislation associated with asbestos it is appreciated that help may be needed – be it training, advice, sample taking, surveys or audits – and Ferncroft Environmental, international health, safety and training solutions providers with many years experience and knowledge gained in the asbestos industry, are well placed to provide all these services. q • For further information see our advert on the inside front cover of this magazine, call 0845 257 1940 or visit www.ferncroft.co.uk.

Inspections stress the ‘H’ in HSE ‹ HEALTH, AS WELL AS SAFETY, was the message during this

year’s HSE Construction Initiative, as poor standards and unsafe practices on Britain’s building sites were targeted during a nationwide drive aimed at reducing ill health, death and injury in the industry. From 22 September until 17 October, HSE construction inspectors carried out unannounced visits to sites where refurbishment projects or repair works were underway. It was the ninth such annual ‘Initiative’. Building on previous campaigns, the HSE inspectors were looking to ensure that high-risk activities – particularly those affecting the health of workers – were being properly managed. The main aims of the initiative were: • To achieve an improvement in industry standards, in particular at • small sites • To increase awareness of HSE’s expectations of the industry • To demonstrate that HSE will use the enforcement tools at its • disposal to prevent immediate risk and bring about sustained • improvements During their inspections, the HSE inspectors considered whether: • Risks to health from exposure to dust such as silica are being • controlled • Workers are aware of where they • may find asbestos, and what to do • if they find it • Other health risks, such as exposure • to noise and vibration, manual • handling, hazardous substances are • being properly managed • Jobs that involve working at height

• have been identified and properly planned to ensure that • appropriate precautions, such as proper support of structures, are • in place • Equipment is correctly installed / assembled, inspected and • maintained and used properly • Sites are well organised, to avoid trips and falls, walkways and • stairs are free from obstructions and welfare facilities are • adequate HSE uses the inspection initiatives to reinforce its message to the construction industry that poor standards are unacceptable and liable to result in HSE taking enforcement action. q

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Preventing legionella contamination through thermal insulation ‹ LEGIONELLA ARE BACTERIA which can get

into the drinking water systems of large buildings such as hotels and hospitals through the central water supply. They are particularly likely to multiply in stagnant water at temperatures between 25 and 45°C. Contaminated air-conditioners and cooling towers are well-known sources of infection. Errors made in the design and installation of sanitary systems can also lead to a dangerous rise in legionella in drinking water as well as fountains, sprinkler systems and humidifiers for food display cabinets. Therefore, one of the most important preventative measures is to insulate both hot and cold water pipes using suitable materials. Armacell Insulation Materials protect hot and cold water pipes against unacceptable temperature fluctuations. During holiday periods water stagnates in pipework, making HVAC and plumbing systems an ideal breeding ground for hazardous bacteria. Apart from ensuring that the water circulates continuously through the pipework, it is also necessary to prevent unacceptable temperature fluctuations. According to the European standard BS EN 806-2, pipes for cold drinking water should not follow the same routes or run adjacent to space heating or hot water pipes. Cold water pipes should be protected against heat gain by ensuring sufficient clearance or preferably by insulating properly. Similar requirements apply for hot water

With Armaflex tubes, pipework can be insulated quickly, easily and reliably pipes to protect them against heat loss. When hot and cold pipes are laid in one duct or wall cavity, or wherever water is not circulated regularly, Armacell recommends using what is known as 100% insulation – an insulation thickness which roughly corresponds to the pipework outer diameter. On hot drinking water pipes this not only prevents legionella, but also protects the pipes against unnecessary energy losses. On cold water pipes the insulation provides protection against freezing as well as against unwanted temperature rises.

Suitable insulation materials also prevent unwanted condensation. Because of the risk of condensation, only closed-cell insulation materials with a high resistance to water vapour diffusion should be used on cold drinking water pipes. With open-cell materials the resistance to water vapour diffusion is concentrated on the vapour barrier, so even if the systems are installed carefully, water ingress can often not be avoided. This means that there is a danger of water vapour in the air penetrating the insulation, condensing and saturating the insulation material. As the material becomes damp, the thermal conductivity increases and insulation properties deteriorate, causing a rise in energy losses. Furthermore, corrosion and other expensive consequential damage can occur. Armacell insulation materials, including AF/ Armaflex Class O, Armaflex Tuffcoat and Tubolit, protect pipes against temperature fluctuations. Due to their excellent technical properties, they also reliably protect the installations against energy losses. The closed-cell material structure also prevents moisture ingress and corrosion of pipework. q • For further information Tel: 0161 287 7015, e-mail: info.uk@armacell.com or visit www.armacell.com/uk.

Reelfix – serious about safety, driving out waste ‹ REELFIX WAS ESTABLISHED back in 2004 by former steel fixer and

current managing director Michael Keen with the sole purpose of developing and bringing to market a tying wire dispensing system that would be cost effective and would offer a credible, safe alternative to the large coils used on UK construction sites. The Reelfix Rapid system was introduced in the summer of 2005 and is currently used on major projects all over the UK and Ireland. The multi award winning system has been developed as a simple, low cost solution to the many health and safety issues associated with the use of loose coiled tying wire for steel fixing. Since the product’s launch, Reelfix has revolutionised the way steel fixers work, making the process vastly more efficient, less wasteful and much safer. From simple problems such as the manual handling of 20kg coils of tying wire, to more serious concerns like wire trip hazards and flying end eye and face injuries, Reelfix delivers the solution simply and effectively by eliminating risk, reducing waste and facilitating a modern, proactive approach to hazard identification and management, as required in CDM regulations. Reelfix Construction Products Ltd operates from an office/warehouse facility in Wiltshire. They work with some of the biggest names in the accessories and rebar supply markets with a distribution network covering the UK and Ireland. Said Michael Keen: “We are committed to providing top quality service and a product that offers ‘added value’ to our customers. Not just tying wire but an efficient, robust system of wire delivery and a user friendly solution that is recognised by the industry as the very best product of its kind on the market.” Reelfix deliver next day to most UK locations and offer a 2 day service to their Irish customers. The sales and technical team are on hand 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday – Thursday and 8.30am to 4.00 on Friday. q • For further information call 0845 638 0733, email info@reelfix.com or visit www.reelfix.com.

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Display system gets the message across about work place hazards ‹ PROVIDING INFORMATION AND

communicating with staff and colleagues in the workplace is essential, particularly when hazards, incidents or near-misses occur which may impact on others. An effective, low-cost solution to ‘getting the message across’ is the Near Miss / Incident Reporting System available from T Cards Direct which is an easy way to manage and document health and safety issues. Compliance and accountability is becoming increasingly important in the workplace and this system provides a record and history with traceability from the time the incident occurred. The standard display board is available in a 3 column format with standard 50 or 30 cards deep and measures 409mm wide. It is supplied fully assembled, complete with headings and 200 Incident T Cards. There is also the option to have the system made to a bespoke format. A good example of where the T Cards Near Miss / Incident Reporting System has been appreciated is at the Greencore Grocery facility in Evercreech. The site is part of Greencore Group, a leading producer of convenience foods with 22 manufacturing sites globally. David Brady, health and safety manager at the Evercreech site, commented: “Safety is of

paramount importance at our site, identifying and communicating potential hazards to all staff is a crucial part of our day to day activities. The T Cards Incident Reporting System has proven to be an effective and very visible way of informing our staff of the situation and status of incidents. “A Near Miss / Incident Station is sited at the entrance to a specific department. The risk or hazard is recorded on a T Card and then placed in the Near Miss Station for all to view. “The information is then transferred onto a T-Card, inserted into the T-Card board and communicated to line managers who can decide on the best form of action. As our staff are very pro-active, the issue is often dealt with at the time and recorded into the T Card, demonstrating continuous improvement and ownership of the department. “Whenever there is a T Card raised it enters the ‘Issue Raised’ column and is discussed with the best possible outcome agreed. Once attended to, the card is moved to the ‘In Progress’ section until closed off. When completed, feedback is given to the person who raised the issue which encourages colleagues to raise further issues. The T-Card is then turned over to green which records the action taken to close off.”

The Near Miss / Incident Reporting System is one of a range of display and information systems available from T Cards Direct who offer over 45 years of experience in providing effective and affordable information systems. q • For more information visit the website at www.tcardsdirect.co.uk.

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HSE inspectors are on the move! ‹ WITH THE LAUNCH OF the HSE’s Safer Sites targeted inspection initiative now in full swing, construction managers and supervisors need to understand their health and safety responsibilities and take action to ensure they meet the required standards. Over the month commencing 22nd September, HSE inspectors have been looking at high-risk activities, particularly those affecting the health of workers, to ensure these are being properly managed. Any unacceptable standards found will result in immediate enforcement action being taken with Fees for Intervention being charged. Consultant Director for THSP, Michael Rimmer, says: “We are still seeing far too many sites where managers are failing to limit the dangers to their workers. However, for those who have a regular site inspection programme in place, we are pleased to find a steady change in health and safety culture. The employees are starting to realise that their employer’s investment in an independent consultant is actually for their benefit.” During the Safer Sites initiative, the HSE were concerned with employees’ exposure to dust, such as silica, being properly controlled. Where dust masks are provided, it is necessary to carry out face fit tests to ensure their effectiveness. According to the British Safety Industry Federation: “Perhaps greater than 50% are not issued with the correct respirator or the RPE does not fit properly”. THSP can carry out fit testing and give advice on the correct RPE for the job. Other health risks, such as exposure to asbestos, noise, vibration, manual handling and other hazardous substances are being focussed on to ensure they are being properly managed. Michael Rimmer added: “All site operatives should have received asbestos awareness training and this should be refreshed annually. THSP runs regular asbestos awareness courses in locations throughout London and the South East. “Whether you’re working at height or in a tight space, THSP has a large team of CMIOSH registered safety consultants who can inspect your sites before the HSE does. Save your business from Fees for Intervention – get your sites inspected and train your staff. It pays off in the long run.” q

“

The employees are starting to realise that their employer’s investment in an independent consultant is actually for their benefit.

”

Michael Rimmer, Consultant Director for THSP Risk Management Services

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IPAF reveals latest MEWP fatality figures ‹ THE INTERNATIONAL Powered Access

Federation (IPAF) has reported that there were 23 fatalities worldwide involving mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs) – also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs) – in the first half of 2014, according to figures from its accident database. The main causes of the fatalities were: overturn (9), fall from height (8), entrapment (3), electrocution (2), and technical/mechanical (1). One of the entrapment fatalities involved a person on the ground being crushed between the base of the MEWP and another structure. Mobile booms were involved in 11 of the fatalities, while 10 involved static booms. In two cases, the machine type is as yet unconfirmed. Of the fatalities, 13 occurred in the USA, two in Germany and one each in Australia, Austria, Colombia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain and the UK. “More companies are participating in the

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accident reporting project, which is generating more data in its third year, but it is too early to draw comparisons,” said Chris Wraith, IPAF’s technical and safety executive. “This is a unique ground-breaking programme by the powered access industry to undertake on-going analysis, to learn lessons and improve safety worldwide.

“Preliminary findings from the accident reporting project have provided a rich source for improving IPAF’s training programmes and safety initiatives, for example with regard to the safe loading and unloading of machines and managing electrocution risks when working near power lines.” q

Crane guidance issued by CPA ‹ A NEW DOCUMENT in the Construction Plant Hire Association’s Safety Publication series

has been published. It is a good practice guide for Requirements for Tower Cranes alongside Railways Controlled by Network Rail. The new guidance has been prepared to provide clarity about oversailing of Network Rail infrastructures by tower cranes, due to the inherent risks to Network Rail operations, personnel and the travelling public. According to the CPA: “Lifting operations by their very nature involve risk. The starting point for the reduction of risk should always begin with consideration of the need to carry out lifting operations, or whether other, less hazardous, techniques can be used. “Being temporary structures, tower cranes have the potential to present a risk to railways during erection, climbing, use, maintenance and dismantling. It goes without saying that if the crane or its load falls onto the track a catastrophic accident may well result. It is therefore essential that best practice is followed to eliminate or reduce this risk.” The guidance has been produced with the assistance of the Tower Crane Interest Group, CPA and Network Rail and is recommended to all contractors, crane hirers and operators. It can be downloaded free of charge from the CPA website at www.cpa.uk.net/tower-crane-interest-group-tcigpublications. q

NASC updates TG20:13 and eGuide ‹ THE NASC HAS updated its TG20:13 good practice guidance for tube and fitting scaffolding

with a new document entitled Supplement 1. This document is available now for download from the NASC website as a PDF and is accompanied by an eGuide software update entitled Version 1.1. The software update is available to existing TG20:13 users as a download from the NASC website for Windows, Mac and Android devices. Principal features of the update are as follows: • A specification for TG20:13 compliant 3.2mm wall thickness cold-formed high tensile steel • tubes to BS EN 10219-1 • An amendment to the sign off section of compliance sheets to state that illustrations are • indicative • Clarification regarding ties to the inner face of the scaffold only • Compliance sheets for sheeted scaffolds with transom units • Compliance sheets for scaffolds of 2.0m, 3.0m or 4.0m height • Clarification regarding the horizontal spacing of ties for scaffolds with a maximum bay length • less than 2.0m. Terry Roberts of CADS, the technical authors of TG20:13, said: “The NASC recommends that compliance sheets from the new eGuide are always used. However, the update has been designed in such a way that compliance sheets from the original eGuide (and from the TG20:13 Operational Guide) remain valid, so there is no need to differentiate between new and original compliance sheets on site.” Robin James, NASC managing director added: “These updates to TG20:13 demonstrate the commitment of the NASC to the continual improvement of TG20:13 to meet the demands of the UK scaffolding industry.” q • For further information visit www.nasc.org.uk.

HSE Scaffold Checklist welcomed ‹ THE NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION

(NASC) has welcomed the publication of the recently amended HSE Scaffold Checklist. The document is intended to clarify when scaffold design is required and the level of training and competence which those erecting, inspecting and supervising the erection, alteration and dismantling of scaffolding are expected to have. Information and advice contained within the revised document relates to all types of scaffolding structures. All key areas have been covered, including planning, client/user responsibilities, design information requirements, competence and supervision of operatives, inspection of scaffold structures and the requirement for adequate fall prevention measures. NASC president, Kevin Ward, said: “The HSE should be applauded for producing an excellent updated version of the HSE Scaffold Checklist. I think this will be a very useful and informative document for scaffolding contractors, users of scaffolding and persons affected by scaffolding operations. It is a job really well done. “The checklist will be an excellent reference point for all scaffolding industry stakeholders. It has been put together in an easy to understand and user friendly format, referencing pertinent industry regulations whilst also recognising new and established good practice guidance within the scaffolding industry, such as TG20:13. Justine Lee, HM Inspector of Health and Safety (Construction Sector Safety Risk Management Team), said: “The checklist

contains some good practice information which, when followed, can ensure a safe and robust planning process is followed for the benefit of everyone. I would urge all those in the scaffolding industry to take time to read this document and ensure that it is followed within your individual businesses.” Robin James, NASC managing director, added: “Documents such as the HSE Scaffold Checklist and our own TG20:13 can only help to improve the quality and safety of scaffolding across the UK. The NASC whole-heartedly supports the HSE approach and would encourage all to read this revised document and adhere to its principles.” q

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XERVON Palmers use system scaffolding for Aberthaw Power Station contract

‹ XERVON PALMERS HAS CONVERTED to system scaffolding for an

efficient large-scale industrial access job – to facilitate the bi-annual overhaul of the interior of a huge boiler at Aberthaw Power Station in South Wales. Working closely with client Doosan Babcock and their customer RWE, up to 47 XERVON Palmers operatives have constructed a 25m by 13m, 19-lift Layher system scaffold within the enormous coal-fired boiler at the power station, located near Cardiff on the north bank of the Bristol Channel. The decision to use Layher system scaffolding in preference to traditional tube and fitting scaffolding was made by XERVON Palmers’ management to improve the performance and efficiency of the scaffolding to suit the large, but confined space within the power station boiler and to meet the time constraints of the contract. A key factor of the job at Aberthaw was to help reduce the amount of time the boiler was offline – it helps the power station generate 1,555MW

of electricity to the national grid, enough for three million homes. Hence the switch from bespoke tube and fitting to modular scaffolding as the optimum access solution for this environment, due to safety and speed of erection and striking. In addition, the formulaic design of the Layher scaffolding provided a neat and space efficient access solution with much improved, safe, clear and unhindered access platforms enabling the many skilled operatives to complete their boiler overhaul works safely and efficiently. The operatives were working in hot, dusty and noisy conditions and had to manage carefully, with limited storage facilities, the significant amounts of manual handling required to get the Layher equipment initially through two small 48” x 18” holes to allow the erection of the first three scaffold levels. As work progressed above level three, materials were passed through larger doorway-sized holes. “The decision to move from conventional tube and fitting to modular system scaffolding has proved to be a wise choice at Aberthaw, as we were able to complete the installation of the Layher scaffold more efficiently with considerably less components. This helped make the overall work environment safer and quicker," commented Ian McFarlane, director at XERVON Palmers. “As a company, we are starting to see a rise in demand for system scaffolding jobs now – even in traditional tube and fitting areas like England. System is the scaffold of choice in Europe and very popular in Scotland too, so it’s interesting to see it taking a more prevalent role in England now,” he added. Palmers’ parent company, XERVON GmbH based in Germany, is one of the biggest scaffold companies in Europe, where system scaffolding is more commonplace than in the UK. XERVON utilise Layher scaffolding as their core scaffold system, with over 70,000 tons in stock, and are actively encouraging Palmers to use more system scaffold in the UK. A spokesperson for XERVON GmbH said: “System scaffolding, like Layher, is commonly used for many different access jobs in Europe and we are starting to see – and suggest – a substantial rise in its use in the UK by XERVON Palmers operatives. The job at Aberthaw Power Station lends itself perfectly to system scaffolding, thanks to its efficient, space and time-saving construction and dismantling characteristics and its ability to be used safely in tight, restrictive environments.” The job at Aberthaw Power Station has enabled clients Doosan Babcock and RWE to efficiently carry out their bi-annual overhaul and has been constructed and dismantled on time and on budget by XERVON Palmers. For over 120 years XERVON Palmers has provided a quality scaffolding service to all industries, working on some of the most important sites and prestigious projects within the petrochemical, power generation, construction, offshore fabrication, marine, nuclear, railway and airport market sectors. The company specialises in scaffolding and access contracts as well as offering additional services like steelwork repairs and specialist coatings, including shotblasting and thermal insulation. q • For further information visit www.xervonpalmers.com.

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New CISRS scaffold training facility in South Korea ‹ CISRS HAVE OPENED a brand new

scaffolding training facility in South Korea for their CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) courses. Following a recent trip to the Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) Scaffolder Training Centre in South Korea by CISRS training manager, Dave Mosley, the facility has gained accreditation for the delivery of scaffolder skills training, scaffold inspection and scaffold supervisory qualifications. The new facility, run by CISRS-approved training provider Safety & Access Ltd, will provide key support training services to Samsung and their scaffolding operations, for at least the next two years – which will provide a great boost in the number of CISRS OSTS qualified operatives in the region. Since the introduction of the CISRS scheme last July over 1,000 CISRS cards have been issued relating to Level 1 and 2 Scaffolder, Scaffold Inspection and Scaffold Supervisor Training. Dave Mosley conducted a full, independent audit of the new centre and said: “We are delighted to be able to grant accreditation to Safety & Access. This centre demonstrates the growing popularity and recognition of the CISRS scheme across the globe. We are thankful to Samsung Heavy Industries for supporting and promoting the OSTS overseas

Representatives of Safety & Access (Korea), Samsung Heavy Industries and CISRS outside the brand new facility in Geoje, South Korea scheme. They really are leading the way in this part of the world and we would like to think that the other major players within the shipbuilding sector will follow their lead based upon the improved standard of scaffolding on site since the introduction of CISRS training.” CISRS training in the Far East region has been led by Safety & Access for almost 18 months – almost exclusively for their client Samsung Heavy Industries, who operate a huge shipyard at the Geoje Island site in the south of the country.

Safety & Access joint managing director, Rick Statham, commented: “As a provider that has delivered CISRS training for many years in the UK, we are delighted to be able to offer the similarly accredited scheme to our clients on an international basis, having exceeded the 1,000 mark can only serve to provide a benchmark for other heavy industries and clients within the oil and gas business.” q • For further information visit www.cisrs.org.uk.

NASC Apprentice of the Year Award 2014 ‹ NASC AND CISRS ARE proud to announce the launch of the NASC

Apprentice of the Year Award which is to be sponsored by both CITB and CISRS. The award is aimed at individuals who are currently directly employed with an NASC member company and are either part way through a formal scaffolding apprenticeship with an approved CISRS provider or alternatively have successfully completed the apprenticeship programme in 2014. The successful candidate must be conscientious, have shown a willingness to learn and develop skills and have gone above and beyond the call of duty whilst working their way through the qualification. The judges would like to see evidence of someone who through hard work, personal development and a commitment to the industry would be viewed as a shining example to others looking to enter the scaffolding sector. Nominations must be received by Friday November 7th 2014. The winning apprentice will receive a trophy and a cash prize of £500, while the apprentice’s employer will also receive a trophy and £500 to be spent on CISRS training with an approved provider. The winner will be announced at the NASC AGM Friday 21st November 2014 in Manchester, with the presentation of the award to take place at the workplace of the winner at a mutually convenient date. Dave Mosley, NASC director of training and CISRS scheme manager said: “We would like to thank CITB for their

kind offer to support the establishment of an NASC Apprentice of the Year Award. The membership have always been great supporters of scaffolding apprenticeships and it is fitting that we should we should have some formal recognition for candidates that excel in this area.” q • Those wishing to enter the NASC Apprentice of the Year 2014 Award should go to the CISRS section in the member’s area on the NASC website at www.nasc.org.uk.

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XSPlatforms now a PASMA recognised manufacturer ‹ XSPLATFORMS HAS BECOME a manufacturing member

of the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association (PASMA). As the lead trade organisation for mobile access in the United Kingdom, PASMA ensures that the products’ level of safety and quality is represented. XSPlatforms highly values organisations that advance safety, standards and best practice in their respective industries. With the PASMA membership, XSPlatforms gains official recognition that its mobile scaffold, the SafeTower, is indeed a quality product and completely safe to work with. The SafeTower is already an EN1004:2005 certified tower. The fact that it is now recognised by PASMA as a product that enhances safely working at heights, clearly proves XSPlatforms’ high regard of providing safe access at any height. Being compliant with EN1004 means the SafeTower guarantees safe assembling and dismantling, offers built in access to ascend and descend without risk and is capable of providing safety with the 3T method while using an advanced guardrail. R • For more information email safescaffolding@xsplatforms.com or visit the website at www.safescaffold.com.

Total reliability of supply ‹ ESTABLISHED IN 1992, George Roberts (North West) Limited

has developed and expanded to become one of the leading suppliers of scaffolding and access products in both the UK and international markets, exporting equipment to more than 40 countries worldwide. The company’s reputation for service, quality, price and customer satisfaction is supported by the belief that their most important assets are their clients. Maintaining and improving this reputation will remain the key to future investment in their people and infrastructure – and to further strengthen their position as the first choice provider of access equipment. With a product range of over 2,500 items and in excess of 15,000 tonnes of equipment available immediately for both sale and hire, George Roberts have the capacity to meet the most demanding requirements on all types of scaffolding and access materials. From traditional tube, fittings and boards to system scaffolds, falsework support systems, alloy beams, temporary roofs and much more, they truly are the one stop shop for all access requirements. Supplying the best quality products available is of course essential to meet the requirements of an increasingly health and safety conscious scaffolding and access industry. In recognising this, the company has successfully achieved accreditation to ISO 9001:2008 with regards to all of their quality management systems, and they are planning to implement ISO 180001 and ISO 140001 in the near future. All products supplied by the company conform to current UK and European standards, with certification available to all customers. Currently supplying onshore and offshore to the oil and gas, nuclear power, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, together with many major construction and scaffolding contractors, their customer base is continuing to grow. According to chairman George Roberts: “We are proud to provide our services and support to all our clients and look forward to doing so for many years to come.” R

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CITB turns 50 and celebrates with a special awards ceremony ‹ ON 10 SEPTEMBER THE CITB celebrated its 50th anniversary

with the staging of its inaugural Pride of Construction Awards. Hosted by television presenter and comedian Alexander Armstrong, more than 700 guests from across the sector attended the awards at Old Billingsgate in London, which recognised the best and brightest the construction industry has to offer. Among the awards were those for the CITB Personality of the Year, Suzannah Nichol MBE and the CITB Outstanding Strategic Partner, the Federation of Master Builders. A special Lifetime Achievement award was also given to Sir Michael Latham, chairman of CITB between 2002 and 2010 and the man responsible for the influential Latham Report in 1994. Sir Michael’s sons, James and Richard, received the award on his behalf. James Latham said: “It is an honour to be here this evening to receive the award on behalf of my father on such a momentous evening for CITB and the construction industry. “My father is justifiably proud to have been associated with the industry, but is characteristically modest about the role he has played in helping to shape it into the economic powerhouse it is today.” The awards were launched this year to celebrate CITB's 50th anniversary and to give recognition to individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the sector. Speaking at the awards, the CITB’s director of policy Stephen Radley said: “Tonight has been a great opportunity to showcase the best of British construction talent. “It’s been terrific to see so many people recognised for their work and

hear real stories about the people who have built successful construction careers and left a lasting legacy for generations to enjoy. You can’t help but feel very, very proud”. The winners of the CITB Gold Awards were: • Lifetime Achievement Award: Sir Michael Latham • Pride of Construction Award 2014: Network Rail Engineers – Dawlish, • Devon • Personality of the Year: Suzannah Nichol MBE • Outstanding Employer – Large: Laing O’Rourke • Outstanding Employer Highly Commended – Large: BAM Construct • UK Limited • Outstanding Employer – SME: Lloyd and Gravell Ltd • Outstanding Strategic Partner: the Federation of Master Builders • Outstanding Strategic Partner – Highly Commended: JCB • Outstanding Training Partner: Jones Bros There was also a full list of awards for individual apprentices and their employers and training providers. The list is available to view on the CITB website at www.citb.co.uk. The CITB was established on 21 July 1964 as a result of the Industrial Training Act. Over the ensuing 50 years the organisation has helped to inspire a generation of construction workers and their families, taken the lead in delivering skills for some of the country’s most iconic construction projects and helped the industry to shine on a global stage. It has paid out £2.3bn in grants, helped 1.3m people to pass vocational qualifications and trained 500,000 new apprentices. R

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Employers lead the way in addressing skills gaps ‹ FIVE EMPLOYER-LED project groups in the UK offsite construction

industry are coming together to look at innovative ways to tackle current skills shortages, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has announced. It is the first round in the UK Futures Programme – an on-going government-backed programme to encourage innovative employer-led solutions to long-standing or emerging skills issues. The offsite construction sector accounts for 7% of total construction output in the UK, worth over £1.5bn to the economy. Offsite technologies have the potential to address some of the industry’s most pressing challenges, including the need for new housing and the low carbon agenda, increasing jobs and economic growth in both the construction and manufacturing sectors. The five projects – led by Skanska, Laing O’Rourke, The Steel Construction Institute (SCI), Edinburgh Napier University and the Comparator Project – will receive a total of over £630,000 investment from UKCES over the next six months. Bringing offsite construction employers and partners together they will improve collaboration and provide better training opportunities for both new and existing workers. Skanska will create an employer-led Offsite Construction School, offering online training and a resource library to cover common skills gaps such as project management, design and IT skills. Developed by leading employers, trade associations and academics, it will provide access to knowledge and best practice at the forefront of the industry. Laing O’Rourke will focus on creating and testing training solutions from realtime findings and feedback from a live site scenario. Using a live project that is

currently utilising offsite manufacture with onsite assembly, they will monitor, analyse and evaluate its delivery. SCI’s project will focus on the growing and developing technologies of light steel and modular construction. They aim to help those working in these innovative areas to achieve high standards of operation by collecting and sharing good practice information on different construction systems, as well as designing training and guidance on site management. Edinburgh Napier University will create an offsite construction hub in collaboration with Heriot Watt University, Stewart Milne and CCG. The hub will act as a centre of expertise, responsible for defining and showcasing skill requirements and ensuring collaboration between professions. Comparator aims to improve the way that offsite and onsite solutions are compared in terms of whole-life costs and sustainability, and to facilitate the early introduction of that process. Expanding an existing online comparison tool, they will provide accessible information about offsite solutions to those working in the early stage of design development. Dr Bill McGinnis CBE, former chair of the McAvoy Group and a commissioner at UKCES, explained: “These five projects are set to lead the way in tackling offsite construction skills shortages. In collaboration with partners, and with each other, employers are using innovative solutions to develop high-quality training and implement learning across the sector. We hope that these projects are just the start of the process to better equip the workforce and ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of the offsite construction industry.” q

Outsourcing – a remedy for the training manager’s headache ‹ AS EVIDENCED IN the CDM regulations, proof of competence in

the workplace continues to be an important feature in the contractual arrangements for major projects provided by both the public and private sector. The National Vocational Qualifications, with their structure of industry agreed standards and concomitant qualifications assessed in the workplace, still provide the beating heart of this system, not withstanding the many and repeated attempts to displace them with impractical and nigh on impossible classroom based ‘learning’ and assessment. According to Graham Morley of The Morely-Young Partnership: “The small and specialised training provider now scores significantly over the more traditional based institutions who often simply do not have the facilities, procedures or expertise to satisfy frequently complex requirements. “They have an in-depth understanding of the wide and daedal card system now required by so many authorities and, although general funding is becoming less and less, they can point to where it may be available. They have access to a wide network of colleagues and contacts, through whom they satisfy all but the most abstruse of demands – from the small and delicate world of wheelwrighting, to the large scale engineering of marine construction. “Managers have long had access to government funding to meet their training costs and many a finance manager has become reliant upon this to boost their budgets. As funding starts to dry up, so they once again look to training as the first thing to be cut, despite repeated reports and research which shows unequivocally the value of training to a company’s bottom line. This atmosphere makes life increasingly difficult for the hard pressed training manager caught between the two worlds of regulatory demand and decreasing budgets. Where is he or she to turn in such a situation? “If all of this is proving to be a headache, The Morley-Young Partnership (MYP) can supply the analgesic,” said Graham. “Our expertise and experience means that should you require it, we can provide administrative facilities for your programme. MYP can supply a total package designed to meet all your NVQ Diploma management and training requirements. We can offer consultancy, training and assessment to help develop your staff to enable

them to both implement and gain NVQ Diplomas efficiently and effectively. “If you work in an area that is too specialised to have a recognisable award, MYP can work with you to formulate such an award and have it accredited through a nationally recognised awarding body. Just pick up the phone and dial the number in our advert below for an informal discussion.” q

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Leading house builders support drive to combat skills shortage By Trevor Cook, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB)

‹ EVERYONE, FROM THE Governor of the Bank of England to first-time

buyers who can’t afford a mortgage, agrees that we need more homes. Yet the solution remains elusive. The government target of over 200,000 new builds a year is regarded by the vast majority of house builders as unrealistic. According to a survey by estate agent Knight Frank earlier this year, the figure proposed by the Home Builders Federation as a ‘modest’ objective, is considered unachievable in the long term by 94 per cent of developers. Threequarters thought an annual output of fewer than 180,000 was more realistic for the UK. The picture is improving, with recent data showing house building in England rising by about a third, to 134,000 starts in the year since the Help to Buy loan scheme began in 2013. However, estimates of annual demand, driven by demographic changes, range from 240,000 new homes, according to the Town and Country Planning Association, to 320,000, estimated by the House Builder’s Federation. While access to finance and other factors are outside the control of the construction sector, one huge area in which the industry can greatly help is in skills. Quite simply, we need more skilled construction workers. 390,000 workers left the industry due to the 2008 recession and over 410,000 construction workers could retire between now and 2015. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has trained over 300,000 construction apprentices. It works to ensure that construction employers have the right skills in the right place at the right time by providing a wide range of industry-led skills and training solutions. Data from CITB’s 2013 Construction Skills Network shows that there will be over 180,000 new jobs in the construction industry in the next five years and a demand for 120,000 construction apprentices. Construction jobs have something of an image problem in this country, and CITB research shows that careers advisors can be guilty of under-selling the prospects of learning the skills the nation needs for house building. However, in the West Midlands we are seeing positive action by construction firms who have joined the alliance supporting the West Midlands Construction UTC. The former Springfield Brewery site in Wolverhampton is set to become home to the new multi million pound college for 14 to 19 year olds, opening in September 2015 at fully refurbished premises in the city. Subject to planning permission, the WMCUTC will move to its new site in 2016, where it will ultimately have places for 600 students learning skills in technical and professional roles, with options to go into construction-related higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

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I’m confident that with construction firms like Lovell and Redrow helping us embrace the skills challenge now, that the nation will reap dividends in the future. Tom Macdonald of WMCUTC

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The WMCUTC has the strong backing of Wolverhampton City Council and over 60 construction companies in the West Midlands, including house builders Redrow and Lovell. UTC students will benefit from increased work experience and personal employer mentoring, with between 40% and 60% of a learner’s programme taught through employer led construction projects in purpose built facilities. The UTC aims to have its own dedicated mock construction sites, 2 large Design studios, a large construction workshop, 7 other purpose built construction labs and seminar rooms, a ‘maker space’, an innovation lab and at least 2 further bespoke ICT labs alongside state of the art 3D visualisation facilities and augmented reality devices. The University of Wolverhampton will also be moving its School of Architecture and the Built Environment on to the Springfield Brewery site to form a unique construction campus. Bruce Boughton, people development manager for Lovell, said: “We look forward to developing an employer mentoring programme that involves individual support, extended work experience and the opportunity to directly influence the lives of young people.” According to Karen Jones, group HR director for Redrow: “We are designing a curriculum that ensures that employability is at the heart of everything we do. We will be creating real life projects that give students the right knowledge and experiences from the word go.” WMCUTC principal, Tom Macdonald added: “The committed engagement of firms like Redrow and Lovell to the WMCUTC will create real learning and adds significant value to the whole student experience. It enables UTCs to not only teach knowledge but also to prepare for employment. “It’s so positive to see employers playing their part in helping educational institutions in their target of reducing the number of young people not in employment, education or training – helping them choose a career and not just an education. “I’m confident that with construction firms like Lovell and Redrow helping us embrace the skills challenge now, that the nation will reap dividends in the future. In the years to come, the West Midlands Construction UTC will transform the career prospects of its students, who will in turn play their part in boosting the numbers of new houses which are so sorely needed.” q • If you know a young person in the West Midlands who might be interested in knowing more about the UTC in Wolverhampton, or if you are a construction firm which wants to join the 60 firms already supporting us, please contact WMCUTC via the website www.westmidlandsconstructionutc.co.uk.

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We look forward to developing an employer mentoring programme that involves individual support, extended work experience and the opportunity to directly influence the lives of young people. Bruce Boughton of Lovell

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We are designing a curriculum that ensures that employability is at the heart of everything we do. We will be creating real life projects that give students the right knowledge and experiences from the word go. Karen Jones of Redrow www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Constructionarium industry looking to the future – now! ‹ FOR A NUMBER of years towards the end

of the 90’s, the construction industry had become concerned about the lack of practical knowledge and experience of university graduates joining the industry. In 2002, Stef Stefanou, former chairman of John Doyle Construction, Ed McCann and Chris Wise of Expedition Engineering, joined with Imperial College London to research and develop a solution to this on-going problem. The result, Constructionarium, a practical handson programme that introduced undergraduates to real life construction projects and site experience. With the support of contractors and consulting engineers, students would attend a 6-day residential programme during which they would build, from scratch, structures based on nationally and internationally recognised civil engineering projects. Since its humble beginnings in 2002, Constructionarium has grown steadily with over 1,000 students now participating each year at CITB in Bircham Newton and at the Scottish Constructionarium site in West Lothian. More than 10,000 students from some 21 UK universities, plus students from Italy, Russia and the USA, have taken part, building structures based on the 30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin), the Millau Cable Bridge, Naples Airport Underground Station, Ravenspurn Oil Platform and other iconic structures. In 2008, Stow College became the first Scottish participant at Bircham Newton. In 2010, the Dunne Group hosted both Stow College and the University of Strathclyde at its premises in Bathgate. This pilot programme led to the establishment of Constructionarium (Scotland) Ltd in 2011 and a base at Sibbald Training in Blackridge, West Lothian. Since 2011, there has been a steady growth in the number of universities, contractors and consulting engineers taking part. However, growth would have been greater had it not been for the onset of the recession in 2008 and its detrimental effects on the construction industry. Since 2008, and all across the UK, major building projects have been suspended or cancelled altogether due to the recession, with the obvious calamitous result of redundancies, earlier than planned retirements and other major job losses. With no apparent upturn in the industry envisaged for some years, many young people who may have been considering their future careers in construction or civil engineering tended to steer away from the industry. Enrolments for civil and built environment programmes dropped dramatically in the past 3 or 4 years, in some cases by as much as 50%. Now that the UK economy appears to be on a more sound footing, suspended projects have

been resurrected, new projects established and the industry is looking forward with renewed confidence. But, there is a caveat. Having lost so many professional and trade skills during the recession, and with fewer young people entering higher or degree level programmes in the civil and built environment, contractors and consulting engineers are struggling to find the right people to fill the roles necessary to support projects that have been hard won. Although not geared to provide a solution for trade skills, Constructionarium does offer contractors and engineering companies the opportunity to have a direct input to the quality and experience of undergraduates and FE students who will be required to fill professional roles. Contractors and engineers who support student project weeks have the opportunity of assessing the calibre of participating students and recognising the potential leaders and other skills that they need now, or for the future. Effectively, they have first pick of the crop. And, of course, the students themselves, recognising the value of taking part in Constructionarium, are usually determined to ‘showcase’ themselves during their project week.

All in all, the Constructionarium project week can be a win-win experience for the contractor, consulting engineer and the student. It may be worth noting that the Joint Board of Moderators (ICE, IStructE, CIHT and IHE) recognises Constructionarium as a best-practice model by those universities and colleges who participate. Constructionarium (Scotland) Ltd, is a not-forprofit organisation and welcomes the support of contractors and consultant / design engineers to ensure the industry in Scotland continues to grow and that the most talented university and college students are part of that growth. Constructionarium (Scotland) Ltd can only exist with the support of the industry, so it is fitting to thank all those contractors, engineers and other professional bodies who have already given of their time and other resources. Particular thanks are due to the Dunne Group, Sibbald Training and CITB Construction Skills, without whose incredible support it would not have been possible to establish Constructionarium in Scotland. q • For more information visit our website, www.constructionarium.co.uk or contact Brian Keenan, bkeenan@constructionarium.co.uk.

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Annual Investment Allowance

£500,000 in tax relief Nigel Greenaway, of JCB Finance, explains some unexpected changes in the Budget that represent a £500,000 tax saving opportunity for UK businesses contemplating purchasing plant and machinery. ‹ THE MARCH 2014 Budget announced a

temporary increase in the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) from £250,000 to £500,000 with it scheduled to revert back to £25,000 on 1st January 2016. The enhanced AIA of £500,000 is available for capital expenditure on plant, machinery and commercial vehicles (not cars) purchased from April 2014 until 31st December 2015.

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This is an important tax incentive which accelerates the tax relief so that 100% of eligible expenditure can be offset against taxable profits in the first year instead of taking up to 12 years to reclaim 90% of the original cost using the normal 18% annual writing down allowance. In effect, for every £1 spent the Government will give you £1 back in the form of relief

against your taxable profits. The net benefit will depend on the rate of income tax or corporation tax that your business pays – which could be between 20% and 45%. It is the equivalent of a subsidy to encourage businesses to invest in plant and machinery. Capital expenditure via a Hire Purchase (HP) agreement is also eligible for exactly the same AIA, just as if you had paid cash,

doubles to

but you will also gain a terrific cash flow advantage. Potentially your business could gain up to £500,000 in tax relief after only having paid the deposit and the interest charged is also 100% tax deductible. All businesses, including plant hire businesses, can claim the AIA – the only exceptions are mixed partnerships or trusts (i.e. those in which a company is a member). If you have not already planned how to maximise the benefit speak to your accountant or finance director now.

Timing is critical Proper advice is needed because different financial years that straddle either the tax year or calendar year end may result in complicated calculations that could result in a lesser AIA being granted in that financial year. The chart opposite illustrates the maximum amounts available by showing four different financial year end companies and how vital it is to spend the right amount within the right periods in order to maximise the tax benefits. For financial years ending in 2014 and 2015 the maximum AIA actually available may be lower than the amounts indicated in the chart, depending on the timing of the expenditure. Given the lead times of some plant and machinery, from order to delivery, this also needs to be carefully factored in to your buying plans. Get the timing and / or the amounts wrong and your business could either miss out on available tax relief, or worse still, end up paying far more tax then is required. Other factors being equal, if your business is contemplating purchasing plant in the near future, there are some strong tax-based and cash flow arguments to carefully plan these purchases before the end of your financial year and certainly before 1st January 2016, so that you can maximise on the available £500,000 tax relief. R • JCB Finance Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. JCB Finance provides asset finance for UK businesses for both JCB and non-competitive plant, including vehicles and cars, but it is not a tax or financial advisor. Always seek advice from your accountant or finance director, because all business circumstances are different. Businesses should not make investment decisions purely on a tax basis. www.constructionnational.co.uk

Apprentices hit the heights with re-roofing project ‹ TEENAGE APPRENTICES AT

in sport I decided I didn’t want to be stuck in a classroom. I wanted to be A Nottinghamshire roofing company out there, gaining real experience and came together with Keepmoat, learning a real skill and trade. Nottingham City Homes and the Sheriff “I am currently working alongside my of Nottingham Jackie Morris to celebrate assigned gang for 10 weeks, which is a rejuvenation project of hundreds of a great experience for me. My favourite properties across Nottingham. aspect of the apprenticeship has been J Wright Roofing has been employing working closely with the gang, who local apprentices to work on a re-roofing have been a great support for me project of council owned homes in the throughout the process.” city. The apprentices, taken on through Curtis Walker, also a new recruit, Bulwell Academy – where J Wright added: “We have all been given so Roofing’s MD Jason Wright is a governor much more responsibility during this – took centre stage in September, during The apprentices at Nottinghamshire based J Wright Roofing scheme and we are treated like adults a celebration at J Wright Roofing’s here, which makes the apprenticeship offices in Bulwell. a great experience. I think that more apprenticeships should be made Jason said: “It is great to see all our apprentices growing and developing available, as they are great for those of us that don’t want to pursue within the company. The new recruits make up about 20% of our current university and want a real hands-on job when we are young.” workforce, which is a testament to our faith in the scheme. Jackie Morris, who is also the local councillor for Bulwell, said: “I’m so “Working on such a large project in partnership with Nottingham City impressed with this apprenticeship scheme, it is encouraging to see local Homes and Keepmoat is fantastic. We are not only improving residential businesses come together and bring a strong skill base back to Bulwell. dwellings, but also generating jobs for school leavers, which is something As a local councillor, my prime concern is to get employment back in the local businesses should invest their time and money into, as the outcome is area and also to invest in the young people here and provide them with a so rewarding.” proper apprenticeship scheme where they can develop.” q One of the apprentices, Corey Parkin, said: “After completing my BTEC

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Single ply education from Sika-Trocal ‹ SIKA TROCAL, a market leading

manufacturer of single ply roofing membranes, has launched a new CPD seminar aimed at educating architects and specifiers. The new CPD, entitled ‘Effective Design of Single Ply Roofing Systems’, has been produced by the flat roofing experts at Sika-Trocal. “We know technology is constantly evolving and it’s imperative specifiers and architects are aware of the benefits of single ply membranes,” commented Shay Casey, senior sales manager for Sika-Trocal. “This material is highly versatile and cost

effective but, most importantly, provides waterproof protection for flat roofs. Our new CPD will help keep the industry abreast of new product innovations in this field,” he concluded. Single ply membranes have been widely used in the UK for many years and as the UK’s oldest supplier Sika-Trocal now has more than 40 years’ experience in the industry. Its comprehensive range of products has high levels of performance as well as a design life in excess of 30 years. There are a number of different methods

that can be used to restrain single ply membranes against wind uplift forces and, along with other design considerations, all are covered by the new CPD which is also RIBA approved and allows attendees to gain 8 CPD points. Single ply can be considered for use in many types of build and sectors, as the material is very versatile with easy application methods, yet represents excellent value. q • For further information visit gbr.sika.com.

New foodbank has new roof ‹ MORE AND MORE people in New Addington are finding themselves

unable to afford to eat which prompted the requirement for a new food bank – offering food parcels, and renewed hope, to those in need. The new Salvation Army Vine food bank in New Addington is providing vital support to those in difficult financial circumstances providing food, directing people to relevant services and offering a listening ear in times of crisis. The Salvation Army property department provided the Croydon based facility with an old scout hut which was in much need of refurbishment. This resulted in the specification of a Sika Liquid Plastics Decothane waterproofing system for the roof refurbishment to ensure longevity and protection for the building. Registered Sika Liquid Plastics roofing contractor, Surrey based Heartfelt Roofing, was specified for the job. The company discounted their labour and materials in order to help The Salvation Army with major cost savings on the project. In order to ensure durability, prolonged existence and protection of the building, Sikalastic 625 was specified which has a 10 year material guarantee. Each bolt head and fixing was bridged with Sika Flexistrip then installed with Sika Reemat Premium patches which were pre-cut to requirements. The Vine was opened earlier this year by the leader of The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland, Commissioner Clive Adams. Representatives from Croydon Council, which provided the building, attended along with many of the businesses and volunteers who participated in the renovation of the property. “It was a lovely opening and everyone here at The Salvation Army is delighted with the outcome. The Sika Liquid Plastics membrane really enhances the look of the building and the transformation is great,” said Salvation Army church leader Emma Spencer. Mark Baldock, contracts manager at Heartfelt Roofing, commented on the

Salvation Army Foodbank, New Addington challenge of working with asbestos and controlling the works. “As a company we aim to provide the best service possible – working with asbestos is difficult but the finish from our perspective looked great. The project was completed on time, on budget and to everyone’s satisfaction,” he said. Led by The Salvation Army, the Vine food bank is supported by Churches Together in New Addington and Fieldway, an alliance of local churches including St Edward’s and New Addington Baptist. 0 • For more information visit the website at www.liquidplastics.co.uk or call 01772 25978. www.constructionnational.co.uk

NFRC partners with Which? Trusted Traders ‹ THE National Federation of Roofing Contractors has announced a new partnership with Which? Trusted Traders. Which? is keen to recommend the best traders to consumers and therefore relishes the opportunity to work with an association like NFRC. The partnership will provide NFRC trade members with an additional route into the UK’s house and home market and also give consumers another way of finding reliable and expert roofing companies online. Announcing the partnership, Which? Trusted Traders said: “NFRC was founded in 1892 and has since established itself as the UK’s major and most influential roofing trade association. Over 70% of the roofing industry by value is represented by NFRC, who set the standards for all roofing disciplines. “NFRC doesn’t only look after contractor members involved in conventional types of roofing, but also skilled solar panel and green roof

installers as well as specialist heritage roofers.” The NFRC added: “NFRC partnering with the UK’s most influential and trusted brand ensures that consumers have the very best protection and guarantee of quality workmanship.” To mark the launch of the partnership, NFRC is offering its trade members a 50% discount off their first year’s membership fee of the Which? Trusted Traders scheme. q

Low odour with no compromises Decothane Ultra sets new standard for the roofing industry ‹ THE NEXT GENERATION of liquid applied

roof membranes has been launched by Sika Liquid Plastics. Decothane Ultra is a low odour, non-disruptive roofing solution that achieves more than 80% reduction in odour strength five minutes after application and greater than 95% reduction after just one hour compared to a similar one-component competitor – results which were established by independent testing. Decothane Ultra utilises a range of new novel curing agents developed and patented by Sika. This new chemistry offers a versatile platform from which to formulate extremely low solvent content and low odour liquid applied membranes for a wide range of applications. Extensive field tests have been undertaken on the product prior to launch and a large number of these applications were in odour sensitive areas such as food manufacturing plants, hospitals and schools. They were all successfully applied without disruption to activities within the buildings. Commenting on the introduction, Nigel Blacklock, head of technical and product development at Sika, said: “Over the past decade, concern about construction product emissions has grown significantly, especially from those involved in their supply and installation. European regulation now imposes strict controls on Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) contents, together with a growing focus on ensuring relating chemicals are non-hazardous in their use. “This backdrop posed a significant development challenge for us but we were keen to achieve a successful outcome without compromising other aspects of the product. In particular, there are problems that occur with low solvent and solventfree products which often handle poorly, exhibiting high viscosity at lower temperatures and sagging on vertical applications at elevated temperatures. Additionally, they do not permit the use of glass fibre reinforcement and are therefore forced to rely on fleeces that can be more time-consuming to

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Decothane Ultra – the next generation of liquid applied roof membranes from Sika Liquid Plastics install. Our goal with Decothane Ultra was to tick all the boxes and make no compromises.” During the development of Decothane Ultra, Sika Liquid Plastics worked closely with a consultancy specialising in the testing of occupational health exposures to develop a test method intended to replicate ‘worst case scenarios’ on roofs using a closed test area without ventilation. A cross-section of single component polyurethane liquid membrane products were tested under these conditions and all were found to breach workplace exposure limits however, through careful engineering and innovation Sika Liquid Plastics has produced Decothane Ultra, a single component polyurethane that when tested within a confined space was found not to breach any workplace exposure limits. “We see this as the new benchmark for liquid applied roof membranes,” commented Nigel Blacklock. Sika Liquid Plastics’ quality assured contractors have been trialling the product prior to launch and have already identified its increased advantages.

Martin Eyre from Surface Protection commented: “Surface Protection has worked with Sika Liquid Plastics for many years and so we were more than happy to take part in trialling Decothane Ultra, testing it in sensitive areas such as hospitals. We’ve now used Decothane Ultra on more than 15,000 sq m of various hospital roofs.” He added: “Surface Protection has even been able to use it at a highly sensitive nuclear site, as it was the most suitable roofing membrane for this challenging project.” While Daniel Devlin of Designed Roof Systems said: “I would happily recommend Decothane Ultra – it’s an excellent product, applying it is even easier and the odour is hard to detect. This makes it the ideal choice for sensitive areas which are highly populated, such as shopping centres, food manufacturers, schools or hospitals.” q • Decothane Ultra is available in the UK from Sika Liquid Plastics. For further information visit www.decothaneultra.co.uk or call 01772 259781.

Minus 7 – the hybrid energy harvesting system that provides low-cost heating and hot water ‹ THE MINUS 7 hybrid energy harvester is a

new, innovative and highly effective renewable energy system that provides hot water and heating. It’s up to 60% cheaper to run than a gas boiler helping to future-proof against the rising cost of fuel in line with government strategy to provide low carbon solutions and affordable warmth. The system is designed to keep a property at a comfortable temperature of at least 21°C even in the worst case scenario of mid-winter. The system is capable of servicing up to four apartments at once making it highly suitable for housing associations or commercial buildings.

An innovative type of roofing One of the innovative parts of the system is that the primary source of heat harvesting is the roofing system, so no bolt-on solar collectors are required. The roofing system is weather-tight, interlocking, endothermic tile planks which are made from an aluminium extrusion, dressed in a powder-coated, hard-wearing finish. The roofing system is flooded with a heat transfer fluid which absorbs heat energy and solar thermal energy, harvesting both day and night. Although there is no direct solar gain at night, the system still harvests heat energy by means of an endothermic process absorbing at least 130 watts per m2 per

hour. A 20m2 roof would harvest up to 14.0 kWh in the daytime and as much as 2.6 kWh as a steady state process.

A true hybrid The system can harvest heat energy from various sources such as a back boiler fitted to a log, a multi-fuel burner or other ‘waste’ heat, which means it can be used in a variety of buildings. It’s fully autonomous and the solar energy processor intelligently prioritises harvesting heat from lower carbon energy heat sources. This means that the heat pump, which requires electricity to run, is always a secondary, or even tertiary, source of heat.

Mini-district heating The system can be set up as a mini district heating system capable of delivering up to 200 kWh/day. Apartments connected to the system do not require individual conventional gas boilers – reducing maintenance and service charges. Fully UK manufactured, the roofing component is expected to last for more than 50 years and the solar energy processor for more than 20 years. All components are fully recyclable at end-of-life. “We developed the Minus 7 system to create a visually pleasing renewable energy system that was

highly efficient and provided low cost heat and hot water,” said Mark Wozencroft, managing director of Minus 7. “It’s our mission to make renewable energy a sensible investment that will be beneficial to customers, provide affordable warmth, cut carbon emissions and reduce humanity’s negative impact on the environment.” q • W: www.minus7.co.uk, T: 01922 419405 or E: info@minus7.co.uk. Quote ‘PR / Sept 14’.

Tariff revisions will aid better choice of technology ‹ GOVERNMENT POLICY IS to pursue a massive increase in the

electrification of the nation’s heating, primarily through the use of heat pumps. To date, this policy has been at odds with practice as Biomass is dominating the show. John Findlay, director of Rutland based Carbon Zero Consulting, believes there are underlying causes of the lower level of uptake of GSHP systems and reasons for DECC to consider further tariff revisions to allow choice based on the right technology for the right application – and not simply based on RHI income: • The initial low level of non-domestic RHI for GSHP made selection of • biomass a financial ‘no-brainer’. This is a difficult impression to • change, even though the GSHP tariff has improved. • The GSHP tariff is tiered in the same manner as biomass. The • biomass tier avoids over-production of heat by over-sizing of a boiler, • which is cheap and easy to achieve. It is economically impossible to • over-size a GSHP system, so there is no need for a tier. • Heat pumps operate for longer than an equivalent biomass boiler, so • the tier acts as a disincentive to GSHP uptake. • Most modern buildings require cooling. GSHPs provide heating and • cooling – and are at their most efficient when they do. This is not • recognised in the RHI structure. q • For more information contact John Findlay on 0844 855 0115 or email john@carbonzeroco.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Line-up expands for Amsterdam conference ‹ THREE MORE SPEAKERS HAVE been confirmed for the World

Demolition Conference that forms the first part of the World Demolition Summit in Amsterdam on 6 November. They are Jeremy Hunt of Sellafield, Ruud Schreijer of Rusch Special Products and Martin Bjerregaard of d3-consulting. Jeremy Hunt is head of projects for site remediation and decommissioning at Sellafield. He will present a report on The accelerating pace of demolition at Sellafield. Since the establishment of a demolition capability there in 2005, approximately 100 buildings have been demolished across the site, with innovative approaches being adopted to remove hazardous structures in a more timely manner. The presentation will outline the difficulties of undertaking demolition work on an operational nuclear site and celebrate some of the successes of the past few years. Ruud Schreijer is managing director of Rusch Special Products. He will describe a project currently under way in Saudi Arabia – MATAF, the expansion of the Holy Mosque in Makkah.

In addition to supplying three RS4500 demolition machines, Rusch is responsible for the provision of experienced operators for the machines. He will discuss the challenges involved in the co-ordination of the project, as well as a background to the project itself. Martin Bjerregaard, of d3-consulting, will discuss the North Sea decommissioning market. His company is currently involved in nine gas platform decommissioning projects, advising clients on issues including waste management and onshore disposal. d3 has previously worked on three other platform decommissioning projects in the northern and central North Sea. He will also examine the opportunities and methods of entry for contractors looking for work in this lucrative but challenging sector. The World Demolition Summit is being organised and presented by KHL Group, publisher of Demolition & Recycling International, in partnership with the European Demolition Association (EDA). More detailed information about prices and online registration can be found at www.demolitionsummit.com. q

Decommissioning team achieves 10 accident-free years ‹ WORKERS ON THE decommissioning

project at Calder Hall, the world’s first commercial nuclear power station, have reached 10 years without an accident – and the occasion is being marked by a donation of £2,000 to local charities. The landmark achievement equates to over four million man hours in a unique and challenging nuclear environment. The project is being carried out by Sellafield Ltd, the company set up under the Energy Act 2004 to deliver the safe decommissioning of the UK’s nuclear ‘legacy’. George Mossop, head of the team at Sellafield Ltd tasked with decommissioning Calder Hall, said: “We carry out a lot of heavy industrial work in order to reduce hazard and risk on the site, but throughout all the work our first priority is always to do this safely. “In 2010 it was home to the biggest asbestos removal project in Europe – with 2,600 tonnes being removed safely – not to mention the explosive demolition of the cooling towers in 2007, all without a lost time accident. “We are now removing Magnox fuel from the four reactors, which is a huge piece of work including steel stripping from the exterior of the building and removing the 46 tonne top ducts from the heat exchangers using one of the biggest cranes in Europe. The team really does have a lot to be proud of, staying

safe while hitting the important targets in our programme. We are a very close team and look out for each other, so there is very much a family feel here.” In 2012 the team were awarded the URS Corporation’s prestigious ‘safe facility of the year’ award, the first time in history that the award had gone to a project based outside of the US. They won on the grounds of achieving

seven and a half years without a lost-time accident while tackling one of the most complex decommissioning challenges in the world. Built in an age when little thought was given to how today’s generation of workers would decommission it, Calder Hall produced electricity for the national grid for 47 years, before closing in 2003. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Portable Sanitation Expo 2015 reveals new location and dates ‹ THE PORTABLE SANITATION EXPO will

return for 2015 on 25-26th February at a new, larger venue – the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The only event that is 100% dedicated to the portable sanitation sector will host exhibitors and attendees from across the industry for two days of networking and knowledge building. The Modular Portable Buildings Association (MPBA), the UK’s only not-for-profit trade association for the modular and portable building industry, will be supporting the Expo, which is predominately aimed at the hire rental market, including the construction industry. Event organisers Portable Sanitation Europe (PSE) will be hosting the Expo for the first time at the Ricoh Arena to accommodate its growing popularity. Martin Murdoch, PSE’s general secretary said: “The portable sanitation sector is worth approximately £2.53 billion in Europe. This market size and the increasing demand for information on both products and the regulations affecting the sector have driven our move to a larger, more central venue. “This exciting platform will help push and facilitate the essential networking and business opportunities the portable sanitation sector has to offer in the UK, and give us an

external space for exhibitor demonstration and display. It is great to have the support of the MPBA and their additional input into the content of the show.” There has been considerable investment with PSE appointing McCullough Moore, a specialist exhibition sales and management company, to support and drive the success of the event. Visitors can expect top suppliers, show floor demonstrations and FOC training workshops on topics such as carbon footprint and energy efficiency issues, how to safely dispose of effluents, new CDM regulations and much more. Discussing the market’s business opportunity, Jackie Maginnis MPBA’s chief executive commented: “Portable sanitation remains a growing industry and portable toilets are an integral part of almost every building site. This ever increasing demand provides an excellent business opportunity for innovation and opportunities for new or established companies who wish to diversify into this sector.” Last year’s Expo was held at the Telford International Centre and the feedback from exhibitors and visitors gave it a resounding ‘best event to date’. As the Portable Sanitation Expo enters its 9th year, 2015’s event is set to be bigger and better. q

Get tooled up at PLANTWORX 2015 ‹ PLANTWORX, the UK’s new biennial exhibition for the construction equipment and services industry, is to hold its next event at Bruntingthorpe Aerodrome in Leicestershire from the 2nd to 4th June 2015 After the first successful PLANTWORX held at Stoneleigh Park last year, with more than 11,000 visitors in attendance over three days, the organisers say next year will see an even larger event which will be a working machinery show for all construction professionals. Promoted by the Construction Equipment Association, PLANTWORX 2015 will feature live construction applications and working machinery – a chance for visitors to operate and exhibitors to demonstrate. Visitors to PLANTWORX come from all sectors in the construction industry – plant and tool hire, civil engineering, groundworks, contractors, utilities, highways and demolition to name just a few. A live demonstration event, PLANTWORX is designed for everybody involved with purchasing and operating construction equipment. Its target audience includes plant managers, plant and tool hire managers,

construction managers, contractors, machine operators, owner operators, machine specifiers and construction professionals. q

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Extending the global potential for coil pipe trailers ‹ IN SEPTEMBER, THE EAGERLY anticipated HyPower 500 debuted

at the No-Dig Live 2014 exhibition. Demand drove the design of the HyPower 500 and interest prior to the unveiling had been extensive, following the exhibition it can only be described as unprecedented. Pipe Trailers Ltd, the designer and manufacturer of the HyPower 500, is urging potential purchasers to order now as delivery dates for 2014 are now limited. The HyPower 500 is a revolutionary coil pipe trailer. The unique design not only transports and dispenses up to 500 metres of 90 mm pipe but also pipe in all other sizes and wall thicknesses up to 125 mm. Pipe Trailers Ltd claims that the HyPower 500 is the trailer the industry has been waiting for because of its versatility, flexibility and safety features. Remote-controlled, powered hydraulics keep the operator at a safe distance from the trailer during the setting up and dispensing of the pipe. The innovative hydraulic arm lifts and encloses the coil in one operation, eliminating the risk of the coil springing outside the confines of the trailer. The incorporated electric winch safely releases the end of the pipe eradicating the need for operators to place hands inside the trailer to perform a manual release. The HyPower 500 has been developed so as to design out the risks and build in the safety to the coil pipe handling operation. The HyPower 500’s lifting mechanism means no pipe snagging and pipe jamming, unlike traditional trailers which use pipe end clamps and ratchet straps. Additionally, the auto-adjusting side rollers avoid pipe straying from the coil, even when too many bands have been cut, which not only prevents kinking and damage to the pipe but also the need to rotate the pipe by hand, saving both time and money. The HyPower 500 is designed to be heavy duty but has a lightweight and robust sectional construction that can be towed by a standard long wheel base vehicle. Features of the HyPower 500 include: • Innovative Tri-Arm design • Dispenses coil lengths up to 500 metres • Tandem axle offering superior safety and stability compared to single • axle trailers • Ground level loading, dispensing and operation, therefore no • requirement for operators to climb upon or place hands inside • Electric hydraulics as opposed to labour intensive hand pumps • Parts can be repaired or replaced quickly and effectively due to • sectional construction • Type-approved running gear and 12/24v LED lights. The HyPower 500 also offers a range of operational benefits, aiding contractors, reducing the cost of ownership and improving safety: • Can be towed using a standard long wheel base vehicle • Sectional hydraulic hoses reduce repair times thereby maintaining • productivity • The Tri-Arm Assembly is lowered during transit to give the trailer a • height of less than 2.8 metres, minimising height associated road • risks including low bridges • Back-up manual hand pump • A 12V 3,000 lb electric winch with powered in/out function enabling • total control of dispensing pipe. To ensure smooth and effective operation the HyPower 500 Hydraulic Power Pack comprises: • 12 VDC power unit • 2.1cc/rev gear pump • 1.6 kw 12 VDC electric motor c/w relay and plastic motor cover • 8.0 l hydraulic oil tank c/w drain plug • Power pack complete with suction strainer, return oil conveyor and • filler breather • Maximum operating pressure of 200 bar • Maximum flow of 5 l/min • 2 button detachable remote control on a 4 metre lead • A manual hand pump back up.

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The HyPower 500 unit in loading mode (above) and with the coil pipe enclosed (below)

Additionally, the hydraulic and electrical system is designed with: • Flow divider to ensure an even lift and descent • Hose burst valves in case of hose failure • 12V 200 A battery with a battery cable rated at 240 A • 175 A in line fuse to protect up to a 240 A draw • Battery cut off/isolation switch • A battery that can be trickled charged by the towing vehicle if vehicle • is wired up to 13 pin specification The HyPower 500 has been designed to accommodate overseas demand. Once manufactured and tested, it can be disassembled and shipped as a ‘flat pack’ for ease of transport and delivery either to the distributor or direct to the client as necessary. Pipe Trailers Ltd and its approved distributors offer on-site and off-site support and training. Pipe Trailers Ltd designs and manufactures in-house using a team with over 30 years of experience in the development and production of coil pipe trailers. According to Matt Bryant, chairman of Pipe Trailers Ltd: “The design of the HyPower 500 has been based extensively on feedback from the industry and we have put great store into providing the wide safety features and handling qualities that have been asked for by site operators. “Safety has been at the forefront of the design throughout the development phase. The HyPower 500, we believe, meets pretty much all of the current needs of pipe handling contractors across the globe and we are looking to expand our international markets over the coming years.” q • Pipe Trailers Ltd is actively seeking to appoint overseas distributors. Interested applicants are invited to contact Pipe Trailers Ltd by email at matthewbryant@pipetrailers.co.uk or telephone on 01225 723846.

‘Dry’ pipe cleaning comes to Europe with CJ Kelly Associates and Tomahawk partnership ‹ AT THE RECENT No-Dig Live event in

Peterborough, CJ Kelly Associates announced a major step forward for pipeline cleaning with the introduction of the TOMAHAWK™ pipe cleaning system to the European market. With its new partnership agreement with Canada-based Envirologics, the company will be the European representative for the system under the banner of CJ Kelly International Ltd. John Kelly, senior partner at CJ Kelly Associates, said: “We see this as a major opportunity to bring this latest Canadian technology to all parts of Europe. The unique operation of the TOMAHAWK™ system will drastically reduce the level of contaminated waste production that is usually associated with both basic and more specialised pipe cleaning operations. “In the current European climate of waste reduction, and with the high cost of disposal where waste production is unavoidable, this new technology will be a major cost saver for pipeline utilities across the continent.” The waste production using TOMAHAWK™ is in the order of up to 98% less than the waste produced by conventional pipeline cleaning operations.

How it works The system is unique in that, unlike almost all other pipeline cleaning systems, it does not use water as the waste removal medium. Instead it utilises a high volume, low pressure air flow to both introduce the cleaning agent and to remove the debris and spoil produced during the cleaning operation. TOMAHAWK™ is currently designed to work in metal pipes, usually water mains, from 100 mm to 200 mm in diameter which covers most water delivery mains, where tuberculation over time is a major problem. The system works over pipe lengths of up to 140 m where there is up to 35% tuberculation in the host pipe. It also has the capacity to work in pipes with bends (elbows) of up to 45o. The cleaning process, whilst appearing relatively simple, has taken some years to perfect and relies on the introduction of stone chippings into an established air flow in the pipe being cleaned. First, the pipe section to be cleaned is exposed and opened to allow the TOMAHAWK™ unit to be set up at one end with a standard hydro excavation vacuum unit being set up at the other. The two units work in tandem to establish the high volume, low pressure air flow through the pipe. Once the air flow is established, stone chips of various sizes are continuously introduced into the flow. Due to the turbulence of the air flow, these chips strike the pipe walls removing the tuberculation piece by piece. The spoil created also then enters the air flow and is carried to the suction pipe of the vacuum unit where both the remains of the stone chips and the waste are removed.

A TOMAHAWK™ pipe cleaning system set up in a street is very non-disruptive

A pipe before and after cleaning using TOMAHAWK™ and (right) The TOMAHAWK SCOUT™ As waste material production lessens, the introduction of the stone chips is stopped and the pipe is allowed to clear. At this point a specially designed piece of equipment called the TOMAHAWK SCOUT™ is introduced into the pipe within the air flow. It has a built-in CCTV camera which allows the operator to view the inside of the pipe wall to determine if all the tuberculation and other waste material have been removed. If a section of the pipe requires further cleaning the stone chips are reintroduced. The shape of the TOMAHAWK SCOUT™ is designed to ensure that at the point where there is an additional cleaning requirement these stone chips are forced against the pipe wall to complete the cleaning process. This also allows the final cleaning to be very precise so that no section of exposed metal in other areas that are already cleaned is overexposed to cleaning and therefore potential and unnecessary damage. The introduction of the TOMAHAWK SCOUT™ also ensures that liquids trapped at the pipe joints are also removed as the air flow is deflected into all the joint areas of the pipe length. This further ensures a dry final pipe once cleaned. Not only will the stone chips clean tuberculation but also bitumen and tar coatings. The system will also clean cement mortar lined pipes of biofilm as well as also removing loose pieces in preparation for secondary lining if required. Furthermore, although work continues to prove the process, it is believed that TOMAHAWK™ can also be used to clean and dry asbestos cement (AC) pipes in preparation for lining. The vac system would however require HEPA filters to be fitted

to capture any AC fibres that would be produced during the cleaning process. Whilst TOMAHAWK™ has not as yet validated this process in the field, it is believed it could be a ‘tremendous opportunity’ according to Brian Thorogood, program manager at Envirologics. Once fully cleaned, back to the bare metal, the pipe is ready for lining offering a dry surface for the liner to bond with. Brian Thorogood said of the TOMAHAWK™ development: “The development of this system would have been a much longer and potentially more difficult process without the support of the Canadian Government, which provided some of the project funding. “What we now have is a system that we can take across the globe to provide answers to many of the problems faced by water engineers, not just in developed countries but also in developing countries. The need to maintain existing pipelines without the need to excavate and install whole new pipelines is fast becoming the ‘norm’ in the water industries of the world. “The cost of keeping pipelines in use at their original capacity is far less than replacing the old pipeline with new. The TOMAHAWK™ system now offers a trenchless way of doing even this at less cost, in a shorter time, with less waste production and with much less disruption to the local community than ever before. Our new partnership with CJ Kelly Associates, which has long worked in the European market, gives us a major foothold in in this major global market.” q • For more information call 01832 293030, email john@cjkelly.com or visit www.cjkelly.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

The pace hots up in the race to be the pride of the housebuilding industry ‹ IN SEPTEMBER THE FIRST site managers to be named Regional Winners in

this year’s NHBC Pride in the Job awards were announced. It marked the beginning of the second stage in a process that began in June and will end in January when the Supreme Winners in each of the various categories will be crowned. Our coverage looks at some of the first stage winners, the Quality Award and Single Home Commendation winners, from around the country. Representatives from some of the country’s biggest names in the housebuilding industry are profiled alongside their colleagues from local builders awarded for bringing craftsmanship to private clients. The Pride in the Job awards – now in their 34th year – recognise the unique contribution site managers make in the creation of UK homes of outstanding quality. As the NHBC points out, site managers have a greater influence over the outcome of a project than anyone else involved, overseeing everything that happens on site. NHBC chief executive Mike Quinton said: “For nearly 35 years Pride in the Job has been a fundamental component of NHBC’s work to raise standards through the celebration and sharing of best practice. Our winners are at the forefront of the housebuilding recovery, making sure that quality is maintained and improved year on year, as they raise the bar for success in the competition.” This year 446 individuals, selected from around 15,000 site managers working on NHBC-registered sites across the UK, won either a Quality Award or Single Home Commendation. By November around 100 will have received a Seal of Excellence, the next stage award, and the best in each of the 10 regions will be named Regional Winners and go through to January’s final in London. In addition to winners of Single Home Commendations – the newest category – there are awards in the categories of Small Builder, Medium Builder, Large Builder and those building Multistorey. In the next issue of Construction National we will be continuing our coverage and profiling some of the second stage winners. q

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“

Our winners are at the forefront of the housebuilding recovery, making sure that quality is maintained and improved year on year, as they raise the bar for success in the competition

”

Double award-winning site enters final phase

Two of the prestigious homes at Euxton Fold include the five-bedroom Pentrich (left and middle) and the four-bedroom Astley (right)

‹ TONY LYNCH of Bloor Homes is no stranger to awards ceremonies. Formerly a site manager on the multi award-winning Gatewen Village development in Wrexham, in early 2013 he moved to the Euxton Fold site near Chorley and has not looked back. This year he has netted a second successive Quality Award for the site in the North West region of the NHBC Pride in the Job awards. Euxton Fold is located near to the village of Euxton itself. Bloor Homes sales director Christine Kynaston told local press at the launch of the development: “Euxton Fold…offers a

welcome choice of spacious, energy efficient new homes that will appeal to families and people down-sizing. “We are delighted to have secured such a prime location and keen to show homebuyers the quality and traditional values of a Bloor Home.” Now, two PiJ awards later, the final phase has been released. That phase will feature six four-bedroom house designs, described as ‘showstopping’. Christine Kynaston again commented on this latest phase: “Our first phase has been hugely popular, so this really is the last opportunity for

buyers in the local area to secure a stunning family home in an idyllic location – we don’t anticipate that they will be available for long,” she said. One customer posted on a review site: “We have bought a Bloor home on the Euxton Fold development and are delighted with it. The quality and attention to detail were the key factors for us. From beginning to end we have been looked after, had everything explained clearly and received a large welcome pack to cover the all the information required with a new build and more.” q

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Spacious home with breathtaking views ‹ ONE OF THREE WINNERS of Pride

in the Job Single Home Commendation awards in the Northern Ireland and Isle of Man region was Joe Edge of O’Prey Developments Ltd. A spacious and modern home, the property is located off the Crawfordsburn Road on rolling green hills on the outskirts of Newtownards, Co Down. The elevated site has breathtaking panoramic views of Strangford Lough, scoping around the coastline of the Ards Peninsula. The design of the home was specifically intended to capture the awe-inspiring view available from all angles. Award-winner Joe Edge described the design concept: “The home was designed in such a way that it would appear out from the rock face – and that meant we had a lot of rock breaking and excavating to complete before we could start our foundations. The superstructure was mainly of traditional block cavity walls with a mixture of Z Stone external cladding, to incorporate the existing barn featured on the property, and white render finish which complemented the surroundings. The steel portal frame design enabled us to achieve the large glass openings to make the most of the views available to the client.” One of the most striking external features of the home is the round, barn-style roof. Aesthetically it appeals to the soft contours of the surrounding landscape. The barn style of the roof was formed by means of a portal frame with rolled steel trusses and was finished in zinc with standing seam joints. The house also boasts natural slates that were used to cover the remainder of the roof. Upon entering, the attractive detached dwelling offers a spacious entrance hall with a stunning curved staircase. The bespoke staircase was constructed with a metal spine clad in oak and fitted with metal balusters to give an amazing finished product. With an abundance of space, the layout was able to cater for a lounge, an exceptional-sized library that benefits from the spectacular views, a study, utility room, laundry room and a spacious kitchen/dining and living area. There are four bedrooms, with two grand en-suite, a deluxe main bathroom and separate WC. The kitchen/dining room is home to an oak beam and truss feature, introducing character and warmth to the room. A wood burning stove fits snugly in the lounge. The library yields a spectacular view from the fulllength arched window and the bathroom contains an elegant free-standing bath. The property exudes both light and warmth – due to the presence of large double-glazed windows and the oil-fired central heating and pressurised hot water system. The external grounds are vast, with a mixture of hard and soft landscape that is particularly pleasing to the eye. The historic granite setts sweep

from the front to the rear of the dwelling, edged with shrubs and complementing the contour of the surrounding landscape and the barn style roof. The expertly built house was designed by Hawthorn Associates and constructed by O’Prey Developments Ltd – a family-run business of over 25 years located in the rural village of Kircubbin, Co Down. In keeping with the ethos of the project, crafts and materials were sourced from Northern Ireland, in particular from within Co Down. Joe Edge commented: “I have benefited from the help and expertise of all our tradesmen working as a team. With their hard work and dedication we have ensured that this home was finished to an exceptional standard. This house turned into an outstanding home and we are delighted to have achieved the NHBC Pride in the Job 2014 Single Home Commendation award.” q

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Barratt site managers lead the way ‹ FOR THE 10TH YEAR in a row site managers working for Barratt Group

have picked up more Pride in the Job awards than any other housebuilder – this year those in charge of Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes developments won 90 Quality Awards. Steven Boyes, chief operating officer at Barratt Developments, said: “Site managers play a pivotal role across our business. It’s a great achievement for our team to win more Quality Awards than any other housebuilder – 10 years in a row! We feel this further demonstrates our dedication and commitment to building new homes of the very highest standard.” q

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Regional winner begins another quest ‹ ONE OF BARRATT’S serial award winners

is Martin Beard. Last year Martin scooped the South West Regional Award in the Large Builder category for his Hanham Hall site near Bristol and he has set off on the quest to repeat that success with a Quality Award this year. Based around a Grade Two-listed house which is being restored as part of the development, Hanham Hall is an important development of energy efficient homes, set in 12 acres of open space. When it is complete it will comprise 185 ecohomes, of which 61 will be affordable homes offered by Sovereign Housing Association. Launched in the summer of 2012, the development – which is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency – proved a success from day one and the sales success has continued. Barratt sales director Andrea Pilgrim said at the time: “We knew the homes would be popular but to be taking reservations now for homes which will be ready at the end of this year really shows that we are producing what buyers want.

“Location has been key, as has the style of home we are building, the environment and the fact that Hanham Hall is setting the standards for sustainable living for the future.” Innovative design gives the houses first-floor lounges with south facing balconies and large windows to enhance natural light. David Bond, technical director at Barratt, said: “Within the industry it is seen as a roadmap for future sustainable, energy efficient

Matt brings quality with him ‹ MEANWHILE, NORTH OF THE border in the NHBC’s Scotland region, Matt McLaughlin is establishing a reputation for quality wherever he goes. Matt’s current site is The Scholars, a development being built on the site of the former Clydebank College. Matt began his career in construction as an apprentice joiner. This year’s Quality Award for the site follows similar success at his previous site, Montgomerie Brook in Irvine, Ayrshire. The Scholars is a collection of two and three-bedroom terrace, semidetached and link-detached homes from Barratt West Scotland’s 2012 Caledonia and Aspirations ranges – 86 in total, of which only a handful are still available. The designs include the innovative Quartz, a three-bedroom link detached with a sun deck. Reminiscent of seaside properties on the near continent, the Quartz is a striking design built over three storeys. Speaking of his success Matt told local press: “The NHBC inspires me and everyone in my site team to produce a first-class product for our customers. Construction is very much a team effort and I’d like to thank all my colleagues who have played a large part in helping me win this award. “I work with some great guys at The Scholars and we have invaluable support from the wider Barratt West Scotland team.” q

living. The key is to make the homes practical and affordable to run through a ‘fabric first’ approach, so that the features can be replicated in future developments throughout the country to meet the anticipated 2016 Zero Carbon Building Regulation standards.” Double success at Hanham Hall for Martin Beard follows two Pride in the Job awards in succession for his previous site, Jasmine Place in Shepton Mallet. q

Hat trick beckons for Charlie

‹ ANOTHER MULTIPLE AWARD-WINNER for Barratt in

the South West is Charlie Jury. Charlie is celebrating his third successive PiJ for St Mary’s Park near Hook, in Hampshire. In the last two years he went on to add Seals of Excellence to his Quality Awards and is after the hat trick. St Mary’s Park is situated in Hartley Wintney, a picturesque and popular Hampshire village, and is now approaching the conclusion of its second phase. Phase two offers selection of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, including chalet bungalows. The whole development follows the Hampshire vernacular style. Recognisable the world over that means hanging tiles, red brick and render, soldier courses and highly-decorative detailing. The house styles are equally evocative of rural England, including as they do the Eliot, Hardy, Chaucer and Galsworthy. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

Select location attracts one of the best in the business

The bespoke new property that earned Rob Ward (right) and Trendgrey Construction the award

‹ THE VILLAGE OF Upper Boddington lies some 10 miles from

Daventry in Northamptonshire and is a sought-after location – being far enough away from the urban centres to retain its village character, yet close enough to the motorway system to allow for a daily commute. It is appropriate, then, that a bespoke new property in the village should attract the attention of the judges in the NHBC Pride in the

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Job competition, earning a Single Home Commendation for site manager Rob Ward of Trendgrey Construction Ltd. Congratulating Rob, the company said he had displayed ‘the utmost care, professionalism and attention to detail in his work.’ Rob is one of a tight-knit team at Trendgrey. He has worked within the construction industry for over 30 years and has been with the company since 2004. In that time he has worked on a number of projects ranging from basic refurbishments to complex new builds. His excellent communication skills enable him to develop successful relationships at every level. Rob’s project is a dormer bungalow on Frog Lane, designed by locally-based practice Paul Upfield Associates. It is built over three storeys, including a basement that contains a wine cellar and office. Features of the design include a vaulted ceiling and truss in the living room and a garden room with 180o views of the landscaped garden. All three bedrooms – one of which is on the ground floor – have en-suite facilities, including a master bathroom. Externally, there is ironstone facework setting off the property. Renewable energy is a key feature of the property, with photovoltaics on the south-facing rear of the roof and an air source heat pump providing the underfloor heating. The 40-week contract also involved demolition of an existing property. Trendgrey was established in 1985 by a management team with many years of experience in the construction industry. In addition to individual residential projects, the company’s expertise covers

David proves that award-winners can make a real difference

Flanagan Homes’ award-winning property in Twyning

‹ FROM TIME TO TIME the NHBC’s Pride in the Job awards commercial, local authority and community projects, education buildings, sports pitches and pavilions, marinas and large local authority tenders. Its skilled team provides the core building services and a pool of reliable partners – including a network of highly qualified, local architects – enabling the firm to bring in expertise wherever it’s needed. One client, Clearwater Group, had this to say: “Clearwater Group has worked with Trendgrey Construction on several significant projects over recent years and is pleased to recommend and endorse them. The company is professionally led and has an excellent team of skilled tradespeople. Their approach is to put the project and therefore the customer first, even when this not always convenient for them.” q

highlight projects that are a little different from the norm. That is certainly true in the case of Single Home Commendation award-winner David Flanagan of Flanagan Homes Ltd. David’s site is in Twyning, a village near Tewkesbury. The 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom property comprises a main house and a studio with further living accommodation. It has been designed and constructed to give level access throughout for a mobility-disabled client. The further living accommodation in the studio building is designed to be home to a full-time, live-in carer. The buildings are of timber frame construction with the exterior constructed of brick, render and hanging slate panels. Flanagan Homes was founded in 1969 by John Flanagan, to build superior homes to suit all budgets. Today, after some 45 years, his son David continues to build homes in the local area and carries on the tradition of attracting awards for his work. q

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Victorian former school is now an awardwinning mixed-tenure housing scheme

The Mayor of Poole and officials of Spectrum Housing Group pictured at the official tree planting to mark the completion of the project

‹ SOUTHAMPTON-BASED Drew Smith Ltd is celebrating its 25th anniversary by toasting site manager Chris Allworthy (pictured right) for his NHBC Pride in the Job award. Chris won the Quality Award for an imaginative new mixed-tenure development in Poole. The former Hamworthy First School had lain unused for nearly a decade when a project to redevelop the site began last year. The 30 new homes include four splendid town houses in the restored and converted old school building, a listed Victorian structure. Of the new buildings, five more were offered for open sale, five are for shared ownership and the other 16 are for affordable rent. The 16 rental properties have been classified as ‘lifetime’ homes’ – homes that are suitable for people of any age including those in need of mobility aids. The project was handed over to local housing association Spectrum in June. Announcing Chris’s success, Drew Smith Ltd said: “Congratulations to site manager Chris Allworthy, contracts manager Leigh Phillips and the all the team involved with the 30 units at the former school site. “This award was won for meticulous and consistent attention to detail, scoring high for

the quality of workmanship on site at every stage of the build. Chris also demonstrated excellent leadership, technical expertise and robust health and safety processes.” The centrepiece of the project is without doubt the conversion of the school building into four homes, which itself won a ‘Best Refurb Award’ from Poole Building Control. According to Spectrum Housing that was not an easy job. Severe weathering had occurred to window mullions and entrances and the school crest had been severely eroded. The roof had also collapsed. The conversion was carried out by local specialists Poole Bay Building Co. Their stonemason Steve Higgins is a former pupil of the school. Steve recast many of the

finials and completely remade two which had deteriorated beyond repair. Christine Turner, chairman of Spectrum Premier Homes – the development subsidiary of Spectrum Housing Group – said: “We are proud to have regenerated a local heritage asset and improved a once derelict area. This positive contribution will help fulfil a housing need and help improve the character of the area. Builders Drew Smith Ltd and specialist contractors Poole Bay Building Co. have done a great job and we look forward to seeing the first people move into their new homes.” Cllr Karen Rampton of the Borough of Poole added: “This new development has preserved an important Victorian building, as well as providing much-needed housing for local people. The lifetime homes in particular will provide their new residents with the assurance of an affordable home for as long as they need it.” In 2006, a fire damaged the school building and also a number of trees in the old courtyard. The had been planted in memory of former pupils Martin and Maureen Liddell, who had died in a fire at a restaurant in Poole 40 years previously. Two crab apple trees have now been planted in their memory. q

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Local expertise leads to award-winning performance â&#x20AC;š THE VILLAGE OF WOOLASTON, near Lydney is set in the

beautiful Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, close to the border with Wales with spectacular panoramic views over the Severn estuary. A very desirable location, it is here that Andy Jones and his team from MG Contractors carried out the construction of a single residence, Laburnums. Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work so impressed the judges of the NHBC Pride in the Job competition that he has pocketed a Single Home Commendation award for the quality of his site. This unique and brand new 4-bedroom detached property, constructed in traditional brick block, has provided the most robust, flexible, long lasting and sustainable home. It offers luxury accommodation including spacious living areas, three bedrooms to the first floor with luxury en-suite and a walk in dressing room to the master bedroom. Based locally in the Forest of Dean, at Coleford, MG Contractors carry out a wide range of construction work in and around

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The award winning site and (above) Andy Jones of MG Contractors Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire, as well as farther afield across the South West and South Wales. With a full-time staff of over 20, the company offers a turnkey construction package covering all trades. All of their contracts – of whatever size – are run by experienced site managers like Andy, backed up by a contracts manager and a professionally staffed office. The team has successfully completed a variety of projects including new builds, extensions, conversions, alterations and renovations. They also specialise in the healthcare and leisure sectors, constructing and renovating nursing homes and hotels. Clients include private individuals, commercial and industrial businesses and local authorities. Among the many satisfied customers was one private client who commented: “Some time has passed since this build was completed and the quality of the building work has stood the test of time and weather. Every day we enjoy the view looking out over our garden thanks to the work done by MG Contractors.” q • For further information call MG Contractors on 01594 811164 or visit their website at www.bestbuildingcontractors.com.

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Lots of Eastern promise from the dynamic duo – or should that be trio? The Creswell at Buttercup Meadow (left) and the Monyash at Weavers Gardens (right)

‹ TAYLOR WIMPEY site manager Christian

Hartshorn has certainly got into winning ways at his Buttercup Meadow development in Duston, Northamptonshire – this year he has been celebrating a hat-trick of Quality Awards for the site in the East region of the NHBC Pride in the Job competition. Christian said of his recognition: “This award recognises the hard work of the whole team at Buttercup Meadow who all take great pride in ensuring that the homes we build are completed to the highest possible standards. I’m delighted to have reached this stage of the competition and to be externally recognised by the industry in this way.” Dominic Harman, managing director at Taylor Wimpey East Midlands, declared: “We are really proud to see Christian rewarded with such a prestigious industry award.” Buttercup Meadow occupies an attractive, elevated location on the fringes of Duston village, nestling within a Conservation Area. Some 60 acres of private parks, woods and open areas, with planned football and cricket pitches and village greens, contribute to the development’s ‘delightful’ backdrop.

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One satisfied purchaser commented: “At Buttercup Meadow we’re just one road away from the open countryside and can see field upon field from our upstairs windows. It’s also very simple and quick to get to the M1 motorway and we’re close to the A43 for me to get to work.” Also in the NHBC’s East region, Taylor Wimpey’s Weavers Gardens development in South Normanton, Derbyshire is proving a happy hunting ground for more than one of its site managers. Andy Rogers, the current incumbent, has scooped a Quality Award for the site following on from colleague Shaun Roddis, who pouched the award last year. Particularly popular is the four-bedroom detached Lydford home, according to local press reports. Anne Bagshaw, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire explained its popularity: “The Lydford is a statement home that offers

families a real taste of luxury living. It is stylish and spacious and with a starting price of just £179,995 it offers families a significant amount of home for the money. “The Lydford does not compromise on quality or lifestyle and appeals to both the price conscious and the style conscious. With the availability of both Help to Buy and Part Exchange buyers can land their dream home without breaking the bank for a deposit.” One delighted couple who have purchased their new home at Andy’s site said: “We always dreamed of enjoying a relaxed pace of life in a superb rural location for our retirement and Weavers Gardens has delivered on every count. Taylor Wimpey provided fantastic and extremely personal service. We absolutely love our new home and would recommend the process to anybody househunting in South Normanton.” q

Action group aims to combat construction theft ‹ IN 2015 THE CONSTRUCTION and agricultural sectors could pose a problem for the security industry and place particular pressures upon police resources. Combined Industries Theft Solutions (CITS) is a not-for-profit body with unpaid board members from across the construction plant industry. Among its functions is to represent members in discussions with other like-minded bodies and it is recognised by the Home Office Plant Theft Action Group. CITS aims to reduce theft by encouraging the adoption of best industry practice. It seeks to engage all sectors of the industry to make plant theft more difficult and unattractive to criminals. According to CITS: “The construction industry suffers annual plant theft losses in excess of £650m. Items of plant and equipment in daily use on sites are becoming increasingly more valuable and complex. Although the primary target of thieves is often plant, it is not uncommon for other materials to be stolen. “The potential for theft due to intruders or malicious persons will vary from location to location or type of development. Remote locations, poor perimeter security and the presence of high value plant and equipment in the open all increase the probability of theft.” To allow site operators to guard against theft, CITS publishes a Code of Practice which is available to download from its website at www.theftsolutions.org. CITS also organises an annual forum looking at the latest advances in the area. This year’s event, Scams that trash your bottom line, looks at how construction and related sectors can take a proactive stance on theft issues in a time of scarce funding and competing policing priorities. The event takes place at JCB’s world headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, on 12 November. R

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A new perspective on

safety and security in the world of construction

‹ EACH AND EVERY one of the UK’s

construction sites possesses a unique profile, built up by layers of risk and challenged by a diverse range of threats – from health and safety concerns to risks created by theft, trespassing or protests. As major safety and security incidents in this type of high risk environment can easily lead to serious injury, loss of life and damage to business, it is essential that safety and security are treated as key concerns throughout any project. Put simply, construction sites and the teams that operate them demand – and deserve – the best provision of security and safety. So, how can the construction industry most effectively put this into practice? To answer this question, it is necessary to look at wider trends in the field of security. Historically, security across most industries has been standardised as an offering where officers guarded people, places and physical assets. Times are changing. The emphasis is moving more and more towards complementing traditional security services with a strong emphasis on safety, tailored to the specific demands of individual sites – a trend with powerful implications for the UK’s construction industry.

The enhanced guarding model Security companies are increasingly training their staff in additional competencies, in order to provide their customers with a higher level of skill and service – a logical step in the evolutionary cycle of high risk sites. This ‘enhanced guarding’ concept is a move to effects-based security in a hazardous industry, rather than treating security solutions simply as a commodity appended to high risk sites. Security officers with enhanced health and safety training and equipped with the appropriate competencies to identify, escalate and make site-specific hazards safe, can provide an extra layer of vigilance in safety. This could potentially involve everything from supporting construction workers during incidents to ensuring visitors remain safe and containing any safety or security risks caused by trespassers. All training and certification provided should therefore reflect the unique aspects of the construction industry and its safety procedures, such as knowledge of the Incident and Injury-Free® (IIF®) approach and earning CSCS cards.

As we have already established, risks to sites in the construction industry are multifarious and complex. However, by bringing security and safety closer together, the service security officers provide is significantly broadened, leading to overall levels of security and safety being increased. Consider this: between 2012 and 2013, there were five fatal injuries to members of the public on construction sites, along with 39 fatal injuries to construction workers (including self-employed workers). Although this certainly represents a decrease in fatalities from the previous year, further integration of safety and security can help maintain this trend and ensure such serious incidents are kept to the absolute minimum.

Safety and strategy The enhanced guarding model reinforces the culture of safety that is already deeply engrained in the construction industry. Adherence to regulations and adoption of the IIF® approach is already woven into CEOs’ business plans, as without the pillar of safety, their businesses will not survive. Moreover, with greater transparency planned in the regulation of high risk sites, CEOs will be increasingly keen to ensure their plans for each construction-based project are both understood and inspire confidence. The enhanced model can help operators

comply with industry regulations in support of their own security and safety strategies. A combined safety and security offering can best render a hazardous incident safe, as well as maintaining the security integrity of the site where necessary. This will help ensure construction workers and visitors alike can operate in a safe, secure environment at all times.

Conclusion Being culturally vigilant, the construction industry recognises the need for enhancements and improvements wherever and whenever possible. Just as new technology is adopted as the pace of change demands, security in the world of construction should also be seen through the prism of continuous product/ service development. Now is therefore the time to take enhanced security and safety officers seriously in order to maintain the integrity of construction sites around the UK and minimise the chance of incidents becoming costly, or worse, fatal. The enhancement of security and safety measures in the construction industry should be seen as a part of the wider emphasis on safety in the workplace. With this trajectory already established, the construction industry is well positioned to lead the way and serve as a model for other industries that operate high risk sites. q

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Are you ready for the increase in theft during the winter months?

‹ AS WINTER GETS EVER closer and the nights draw in, the cost of

theft and vandalism on UK construction sites is expected to increase to well over £1 million per day. One UK security company with a very successful record of protecting construction sites in the UK and Europe is Dorset based OnGarde Ltd.

Prevention is better than recording a theft Mike Fleck, director at OnGarde, puts the success of their CCTV towers down to one key factor – that prevention is better than recording a theft. “Preventing a crime is better than detecting it, and so the OnGarde tower has been designed as a highly visible deterrent to would be criminals,” he said. “If the OnGarde tower’s imposing 3 metre high tamper proof structure and its 6 metre high CCTV tower with LED floodlights is not enough to deter criminals then the tower’s live audible warning system will. “When an intruder is detected by our monitoring centre they will issue a live audio warning that they are being watched. If they do not leave the area immediately, the authorities will be called.”

So does prevention really work? According to Mike Fleck the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’ “During many hundreds of deployments, some on high risk or prestigious sites, OnGarde have only needed to call upon the audio warning challenge a handful of times and, when this has been used, unsurprisingly the intruders left the site immediately,” he added.

Easy to set up Despite its imposing structure the OnGarde tower can still be easily transported to site and deployed in less than 2 hours, ensuring that customers’ valuable assets are safe and secure under the OnGarde gaze. q • For more information visit the website at www.ongardecctv.com.

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Authority helps construction companies to buy the right security ‹ IN AUGUST THE Security Industry

Authority (SIA) announced the launch of Buying Right – a new campaign to support security buyers. Buying Right will see the SIA work alongside HM Revenue and Customs and UK Visas and Immigration, to help protect security buyers against risks such as the exploitation of illegal immigrants, tax evasion and security licensing offences. From September, the SIA has been working with security buyers in the construction industry. SIA investigators have been meeting buyers to offer advice on due diligence and best practice. The intention of the campaign is to support construction companies in purchasing good security, while at the same time identifying and removing security suppliers that put people, places and the reputation of the security industry at risk. Businesses can mitigate the risk of buying from security providers engaged in unlawful practices by purchasing security from an SIA Approved Contractor. SIA chief executive Bill Butler said: “Buying

SIA chief executive Bill Butler

help security buyers understand their security purchase. “Buying from companies that are members of our Approved Contractor Scheme gives buyers further reassurance as to the quality and standards of a security supplier. With the support of our partners, we will help the construction industry improve the standards of their security provision, supporting legitimate businesses and driving out security companies that are operating outside of the law.” A leaflet giving more information on due diligence when procuring security services or labour providers is available to download from the HMRC website. q

Right allows the SIA to work with our partners to support businesses in developing their understanding of how to procure legitimate security services that help protect the public. “There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether a security company is providing labour legally and safely. A supplier’s hourly rate is one of the key indicators that this is the case, and this is where we can

• The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

New SmartTower technology helps to secure unique Ryder Cup TV coverage ‹ AS THE EYES OF the sporting world watched the 2014

Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in September, an innovative piece of VPS Site Security technology was helping to keep the TV coverage onair for the millions of viewers. VPS, the European leaders in vacant property management, supplied their award-winning SmartTower CCTV system to help protect and secure the television and media compound at Gleneagles during the event. The SmartTower CCTV is designed specifically for use in remote, vulnerable or temporary environments such as this prime bi-annual golfing event. It combines an alloy sub frame and pneumatic mast which allows it to be deployed in any terrain. The top of the tower houses a high-end, wireless pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera with on-board storage capacity of up to 64GB. As it can be powered by AC power, wind, solar or hydrogen fuel cell, the SmartTower can operate even if core utilities are not easily available. “This is the first time the Ryder Cup in Europe will be broadcast live in its entirety to America, and it’s great to be helping our The VPS SmartTower installed at the Gleneagles television and media security partner at one of the major sporting events in the world,” compound and (right) the PTZ camera at the top of the tower commented Anthony Owen, managing director for VPS Site Security, at the start of the event. month won a New Product of the Year Award from Security Products The VPS SmartTower CCTV is used to protect remote or challenging in the USA, with B & B Electronics, who developed the high-reliability environments such as construction sites, utilities and critical cellular wireless communication system. q infrastructure locations. It was designed by VPS’ innovation centre, Quatro Electronics, at their Lytham St Anne’s workshop and earlier this • For more information visit the website at www.vps-sitesecurity.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

R&M’s New Cat. 6A module sets new standards in connectivity technology ‹ R&M, THE SWISS SPECIALISTS for network cabling solutions,

has unveiled a second Cat. 6A connection module. The first has been available since 2010 and is still considered the high-end module with the greatest performance reserves. Along with this first module, the second Cat.6A EL module sets new standards in connectivity technology. The new RJ45 jack with the short designation Cat. 6A EL (‘easy lock’) simplifies the installation of copper cabling for local data networks and supports high-speed broadband applications such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet. It meets the component specifications according to IEC 60603-7-41/-51 and is suitable for setting up permanent links and channels categorised as Class EA under ISO/IEC 11801. That makes R&M the only provider capable of precisely adjusting its range to meet its customers’ needs by adding two fully-fledged Cat.6A modules. The Cat. 6A EL module consists of two parts only. It can be wired and mounted without special tools in a few easy steps. It is available shielded (STP) in the die-cast version and unshielded (UTP) in the special plastic version that suppresses alien near-end crosstalk. IDC ensures the reliable termination of the wires. A clamping ring serves as integrated strain relief. It fixes all types of cables in place without pinching them and cable ties are things of the past. With shielded

The R&M Cat. 6A EL connection module shielded (above) and unsheilded (below) consists of just two components, the wire guide and the socket part. – Image source: R&M

twisted pair (STP) cabling the clamping ring also provides 360º shield termination because it wraps completely around the braided shield. R&M chief marketing officer Andreas Rüsseler said: “The goal R&M was pursuing with the development of the Cat. 6A EL was to greatly simplify the installation procedure at the place where a large part of the work arises, namely during the connection of the RJ45 modules on the various storeys of buildings. It was important to R&M that no concessions be made with respect to reliability and longevity.” Each module is fully tested for return loss (RL), near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and dielectric strength as well as to determine whether it is short-circuit proof. R&M is directing this new product at installers of structured cabling in offices, buildings, industry and homes who are looking for a fast, efficient and high-performance alternative. With the Cat. 6A EL module, installers can provide their customers with copper cabling of the highest performance level and guarantee broadband service complying with standards. Cat. 6A EL is highly suitable for office applications but also meets requirements in industrial settings and home wiring as regards functional reliability and mechanical stability, longevity and ease of installation. The Cat. 6A EL module is generic. It terminates all installation cables with wire and flexible cables with strands of all common diameters according to the system 568A or 568B. It is compatible with the triedand-tested R&M cabling and security systems and tolerant of connectors made by other manufacturers. The Cat. 6A EL module can be used in the proven outlets or patch panels of the R&M freenet system or also in outlet combinations of other manufacturers with the aid of special adapters. Installers have to purchase and stock only one module for a number of purposes. q • For more information visit the website www.rdm.com.

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Rainguard system offers style with function – and saves time on installation ‹ WHEN A LEEDS HOME owner added

an extension to his 16 year old contemporary detached house, he decided to replace the whole house’s failing PVC rainwater system with an XL Aluminium System from Yeoman Rainguard, a leading supplier and manufacturer of rainwater systems. “Even though the plastic system was only 16 years old, I was constantly faced with having to attend to leaking joints in the downpipes and gutters. Building the extension gave me an opportunity to install a more robust and better designed aluminium system on the whole house,” Rainguard’s client commented. Yeoman Rainguard received measurements and drawings from the builder from which they were able to offer a bespoke system designed to reduce the number of joints and resulting in a quicker and easier installation. 125 x 100mm gutter and 75 x 75mm square downpipes in XL Aluminium were fitted to the sandstone fronted house. Finished in a textured black polyester coating,

the Yeoman Rainguard XL Aluminium System gives a classic, stylish finish to the exterior of the home. Once installed, the system will offer years of service requiring no maintenance or repainting. “Not only was the PVC system inadequate but the white box style didn’t look very attractive either. Now the XL Aluminium System is installed I get function and style with no more leaking,” concluded the satisfied customer. Yeoman Rainguard offer a full range of rainwater systems to choose from – in aluminium, cast iron, GRP, zinc, copper and stainless steel – perfect for new build homes, extensions and renovations. q

• For further details on Yeoman Rainguard products contact Sally Moores on 0113 279 5854, email sallyann@rainguard.co.uk or visit www.rainguard.co.uk.

Hope extends range of performance concretes ‹ BRITAIN’S LEADING INDEPENDENT

concrete supplier, Hope Construction Materials, has extended its range of high performance mixes to complement its existing array of qualityassured readymix concretes. The performance mixes – including HOPEFast®, HOPEFoam®, HOPETough®, HOPEEco®, HOPESeal® and HOPEFibre® – have been designed by the company’s technical team to meet specific construction needs, from high early strength and extra durability to waterproof and lower carbon mixes. The formal introduction of this range follows last year’s successful launch of HOPEFlow®. These free-flowing, self-compacting concretes, which are proven to increase efficiency, were recently confirmed as meeting NHBC standards for strength, durability and structural design. All Hope concretes meet the BS8500 standard and are available virtually nationwide. HOPEFast® is designed to achieve rapid strength. With increased durability and faster curing time, it’s ideal for applications that require high early strength such as structural repairs or ground areas. HOPEFoam® is a foamed concrete designed for void-fill and trench reinstatement. It is thermally insulating, lightweight, freeflowing and self-levelling, so no compaction is required. This makes it perfectly suited to pipe, void and tank infills and swimming pool surrounds. HOPEFoam® has also been specifically developed to comply with the UK Highways Authorities and Utilities Committee

recommendations so it can be used for trench reinstatement. HOPETough® is a suite of microsilica concretes that has high surface strength, greater resistance to impact and low permeability and dust properties. It is easier to pump than conventional concrete and is ideal for infrastructure and in-situ construction such as beams, columns and walls. HOPEEco® is a range of more sustainable concretes designed to have a reduced

environmental impact. The lower-carbon, recycled concretes offer the same performance levels as conventional mixes. HOPESeal® is a suite of waterproof mixes designed specifically for structures that require efficient waterproofing. HOPESeal® removes the need for external membranes and has increased durability, making the product ideal for basements, swimming pools and underground parking. HOPEFibre® is a range of concretes which contain fibres for extra reinforcement and improved resistance making them ideal for slabs, overlays, metal decks and pavements. They have a lower risk of cracking and are quicker and easier to place than conventional steel mesh systems. The company’s technical director, Mike Bull, said: “After an intensive development programme and live trials with construction partners, we’re delighted to formally introduce these highperformance, specifically-designed concrete ranges, each of which has a role to play in better construction. “We are continuing to invest in product development to expand our range of concretes even further, resulting in some unique solutions for our customers. Our product development strategy is customer-centric so that we can help to make all projects as efficient and cost-effective as they can be.” q • For more information please visit www.HopeConstructionMaterials.com or call 0207 647 6220. www.constructionnational.co.uk

atoz construction national website

Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players. If you are one of our many online readers simply click on any of the logos listed below and you will be automatically directed to that company’s website. To get your company’s website listed on this page just give us a call on 0161 710 3873 or email cathy@dmmonline.co.uk

The Construction Publication Specialist

All The Protection You Need Under One Roof

www.cip-books.com

www.nfrc.co.uk

Saving Time, Saving Money

Cable Management Systems

www.competentroofer.co.uk

www.skyhook-gb.com

Workplace Testing for Drug & Alcohol Abuse

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

www.csidrugsandalcohol.co.uk

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk

Safety, Health, Environmental and Employment Law Services

T: 08456 122 144 W: www.thsp.co.uk

Asset Finance Solutions

Construction Finance Specialists

www.jcb-finance.com

www.ultimatefinance.co.uk

Professional Solutions for Heating, Drying, Cooling and Ventilation

High Speed 4G Wireless Broadband Routers

www.masterheaters.co.uk

www.stockporttradesmen.com

www.constructionnational.co.uk

www.4grouter.co.uk

BUILDERS & PLUMBERS MERCHANTS

HEALTH & SAFETY

BUILDING CONTROL

PORTABLE BUILDINGS

CONCRETE

TRAINING & ASSESSMENT

DUST MONITORING

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BOOK REVIEW

Interact with health and safety

with new hardcopy manual and CD-ROM ‹ AFTER MORE THAN 40 years, the CIP’s

Construction Health and Safety Manual has undergone a substantial change in format to both its hardcopy and CD-ROM versions. Written by health and safety directors and advisors who represent a wide cross section of the UK’s leading construction companies and clients, the manual aims to provide construction companies working in the UK with a useful and pragmatic tool to help them comply with their legal duties and to improve the way health and safety issues are managed throughout the construction process. The new manual is presented as six ‘volumes’, each one colour-coded and dealing with a particular range of topics. The CD-ROM version – the one trialled by this writer – was pointed towards the individual pdf sections within the six volumes by a flash overview. Thus, from the home page, choosing ‘Complying with the Law’ takes you to a menu of law-related topics, each of which has a short introduction and a link to the appropriate chapter. There are a number of new sections, such as Health and Safety Management, Managing Project Health, Safety and Welfare and Site Set Up as well as a complete volume on the environment. There is updated guidance in the Training, Lifting Operations, Demolition, Environment and Electricity sections and new guidance on cycle safety. Indeed, one guide to the comprehensive nature of the manual is the fact that the index alone runs to 15 pages, covering topics from abatement notices and abrasive wheels to wrenches and young workers. The accurate and readable manual is endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive, which had this to say on the subject: “The Construction Health and Safety Manual has been written by Construction Industry Publications to help people working in the construction industry to make health and safety improvements. It is recognised that this guidance contains some advice that may go further than the minimum needed to comply with health and safety law.” Another enthusiast is Dave Carr of Callsafe Services Ltd, who is quoted as saying: “We

always suggest to our course delegates that the manual is an ideal way of having a single source of construction health and safety, providing accurate and practical information for effective management and standards.” The introduction to the manual sets down a marker for its ethos: “Health and safety, like any other aspect of a business, needs to be managed in a systematic manner. Getting organised and being able to demonstrate that a company has in place some simple arrangements for managing key issues can address the majority of an employer’s legal duties for health and safety. Importantly, they can reassure clients and other contractors when competing for work.”

The manual can be easily updated as amendments and new sections are normally published twice a year and are available to manual owners who pay a subscription. By signing up to the automatic subscription service you will automatically receive each update twice yearly. Its text is strictly monitored by an editorial panel of health and safety experts, who check its content for accuracy and topicality. The new electronic version of the Health and Safety Manual joins the growing number of volumes from Construction Industry Publications which are available in that format, providing an easy-to-access and transport suite of important information sources to use on site. q

• Construction Industry Publications (CIP) publishes a range of construction, health and safety and environmental titles. As well as its own publications, including the iconic Construction Health and Safety Manual and the new Environmental Manual, CIP supplies a range of DVDs, books and report forms from all of the leading specialist publishers including the HSE, Construction Skills and CIRIA for construction professionals, architects, designers, civil engineers and specialist consultants. All can be purchased from the CIP website at www.cip-books.com or ordered by phone on 0870 078 4400.