Construction National Summer 2017 (1CHN)

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COVER STORY

Albertopolis takes another step forward

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At the end of June the Victoria and Albert Museum unveiled the most extensive building project it has embarked on for over a century: the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter. The new spaces reinforce the ‘Albertopolis’ ambitions of the museum, seeking to promote intellectual curiosity in the population at large. That ethos was reflected in the week-long REVEAL festival mounted to mark the occasion.

In addition to new exhibition areas, there are a number of stunning new public entrances from Exhibition Road. Among them is the colonnaded Aston Webb Screen, featured on our front cover.

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NEWS 9 10 10 10 11 11

Phase One of HS2 brings £6.6bn of contracts Manchester towers receive planning consent Crossrail companies fined over worker’s death Modular building specialists Actavo announces major expansion and jobs boost CSCS causes card confusion for non-construction workers, says BDA Confidence dips North of the Border

HEALTH & SAFETY 16 When MASS barriers are the best fit for safety barrier hire 17 Over 13,900 health and safety professionals come together at Safety & Health Expo in London 18 Construction still sector with most fatal injuries – but numbers are falling 18 Using innovation to deliver safer construction 19 Is enough being done to manage risk, asks asbestos conference 20 Fire extinguishers explained – the uses and types of different extinguishers ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING 21 Birmingham to be showcase for monitoring kit – as used at Dublin hospital site

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ZOOS 22 22 23 25 25 27 29 31 33 34 34 35 37

Development never stops at our ever-evolving zoos Dudley Zoo celebrates birthday in style Chester visitors can now discover new Islands Founder’s house to be upgraded Award-winning engineering How do you recreate a tropical paradise? With mud, of course Specialist contractor – netting and aviary contract New learning centre takes schools on safari in the Midlands Walking tall on the plains of Gloucestershire Zoo dining takes on a new dimension It’s onwards and upwards for Isle of Wight’s primates South American habitat is latest on board the Ark New elephant house involves a Jumbo-sized engineering feat

WORKING AT HEIGHT 38 NASC introduces online membership application and audit process 39 NASC Health & Safety and Technical guidance titles now free to download 39 NASC present at London Work at Height Seminar 40 CISRS CPD courses go live 41 IPAF launches new audit regime 41 New MEWPs safety guidance

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CARE HOMES 42 Care homes form part of a wider community 42 Home care has led to blossoming family enterprise 44 CQC reminds homes of their duties regarding fire precautions 45 Door opens at lodgings fit for a king 47 Successful collaboration leads to a repeat performance 48 New home adds to existing facilities 49 Care home conjures its heating out of thin air!

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE 50 Galliford Try visualises BIM success for Birmingham Conservatoire

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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.

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CONTENTS ROOFING 51 There’s more to planting green roofs 53 Liquid waterproofing: finding the right solution 54 SnapIT – aluminium guttering install made easy 55 NFRC launches Safe2Torch guidance 55 Alumasc’s VAEPLAN protects stunning development

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LONDON BUILD 2017 57 Major construction expo makes its capital return 59 Awards recognise pride of London’s construction community 59 Tried, tested and trusted fire protection for timber 60 7 zones for 6 summits 61 Innovation is the name of the game when you’re on the level 63 ZoomLock helps drive growth at Quality Air UK 64 New Manchester office for Avantgarde FM 65 VIPs get more from their day 65 Expo flies north for the winter 66 TSI Environmental DustTrakTM Aerosol Monitor achieves MCERTS Certification THEME PARKS 68 Theme park building projects mirror the industry at large 68 Up, up and away! New ride expands families’ experience of thrill rides 70 Latest attraction gives kids a driving lesson 70 New range allows operators flexibility

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TRAINING & APPRENTICESHIPS 72 Greening: T-Levels the way forward to plug post-Brexit skills gap 72 Bradford offers tips on building walls – to the Chinese!

73 Construction academy for London is in the pipeline 74 CITB seeks Consensus on its levy proposal 74 CIOB brings its young guns to bear on schools 75 Beale confirmed as permanent CEO of CITB 75 Apprenticeship framework causes concern in Scotland DEMOLITION 76 NFDC and NDTG issue first virtual CCDO smart card 77 Resourcing company aims to change the industry’s perceptions 79 These are testing times for the construction and demolition industries 80 DDS Demolition – setting the standard for 40 years 81 Specialist demolition and site preparation contractors 82 Family business offers the complete demolition solution 83 Demolition industry hails success of Demo Expo 2017 83 Three industries meet to debate the future

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TIMBER 84 Notes on the durability and structural design of cross-laminated timber structures 85 The fabric of a building gives substance to its thermal performance - ‘Think Fabric First’ 86 Award-winning concert hall is timber specialist’s latest coup 87 Expo has the lowdown on all things timber CONCRETE 88 Education for all from the Structural Concrete Alliance WIND FARMS 89 World’s first floating wind farm is about to become a reality FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 90 Shopping centre maintenance made simpler LEGAL ISSUES 91 Retentions – Nichola Vine of Wright Hassall asks if they are fit for modern contracting HOUSING 92 Acorn Blue and Kensa Heat Pumps build sustainable luxury coastal community 93 NHBC announces first-round PiJ winners 93 Contractor’s own project is done and dusted 94 Safest site managers honoured 94 George nets a hat-trick 95 Tom joins the contingent from the North ON THE ROAD 97 Expert goes to great lengths to win award 97 Commercial vehicle production declines despite export success

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SUMMER WOULDN’T BE SUMMER without a trip to a theme park. As we swing and spin and dip and climb, we tend not to pay a lot of attention to the engineering effort that has gone into providing our families with their thrills or – in the case of this writer – a yearning for a return to terra firma.

In this issue we make an effort to put that right, with special reports on the construction of new rides at two popular theme parks. They really are a microcosm of the construction industry out in the wider world.

• A major engineering feat in that wide world is about to come to fruition and provide the first electricity generated for commercial consumption from an array of floating wind turbines. The turbines have been towed across the North Sea to their station off Peterhead in Scotland and are set to come on stream at the end of the year.

• Major wind and solar projects are just part of the panoply of renewable energy options. Many involve installations that stand alone and can operate without the need for network connection. The series of features we have been running on new social care facilities has highlighted the crucial need such facilities have for enduring energy supplies. It is an area where renewable installations can provide the ‘operational resilience’ required.

• Another sector that has environmental responsibility as a core ethos is the ever-evolving world of zoos – the subject of another on-going series of features in this publication exploring a whole range of specialist activities.

In this issue we revisit Chester Zoo’s Islands project as well as investigating new habitats for elephants, giraffes, bears, big cats, monkeys and – oh yes; a few facilities for humans as well!

• Every year we cover in some depth the progression of stages that lead to the crowning of the NHBC’s Supreme Winners in its Pride in the Job Awards for site managers. The first stage – announcement of the winners of the Quality Awards – takes place in June and has resulted in around 450 winners being announced this year. In our next issue we will be profiling some of the winners and their sites.

• In the meantime, we will be busy distributing extra copies of this issue at London Build Expo 2017 taking place at the Olympia exhibition venue on October 25-26. It is one of the must-see events in the construction industry’s diary and Construction National is proud to act as a media partner – as we also will be for Scotland Build taking place in November.

• An ever-present issue in the industry is that of the skills famine. Various remedies have been proposed – by government and industry bodies. None appear to satisfy everybody: in particular, changes to skills card systems are causing confusion. Could an ‘e-card’ system, as launched by the demolition industry, be the way forward?

• The government has announced the awarding of the major contracts for Phase 1 of HS2 – the bit connecting London to Birmingham. In total, £6.6bn of investment has been outlined, and that doesn’t even include the beginnings of the line north to Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. What that involves we wait to see.

• In the capital, however, the Victoria and Albert Museum has been busy creating its biggest ‘architectural intervention’ in over a century. The connection of the museum with the thoroughfare that is Exhibition Road has created a major new interaction between the museum and its environment. Some of the stunning creations can be seen in a special feature – as well as on the front cover of this issue. q

Chris Stokes Editor, Construction National

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Phase One of HS2 brings £6.6bn of contracts [

THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF £6.6bn of construction contracts for HS2 brought with it the prospect of supporting 16,000 jobs across the country.

The investment, announced on 16 July, covers the main civil engineering work on the first phase of HS2 between London and Birmingham. It includes the construction of tunnels, bridges, embankments and viaducts.

Making the announcement, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “This is a hugely important step in the construction of Britain’s new railway. HS2 will deliver vital links between some of our country’s biggest cities, helping to drive economic growth and productivity in the North and Midlands. As well as providing desperately needed new seats and better connecting our major cities, HS2 will help rebalance our economy.

“We will now get on with building the railway, while continuing to ensure affected communities get appropriate support and are treated with fairness, compassion and respect.”

David Higgins, chairman of HS2 Ltd, added: “These contracts will support 16,000 jobs here in Britain and will create opportunities for thousands of SMEs. “HS2 was always designed to be much more than just a high-speed railway and today we can see the opportunities it brings right around the country – spreading prosperity, acting as a catalyst for investment and rebalancing our economy 10 years before the railway even opens.

Business now has the surety to invest with confidence to build a legacy for Britain.”

In total, construction of the full HS2 route to the North West and Yorkshire will create up to 25,000 jobs. Another 3,000 people will operate HS2 and it is estimated that growth around new HS2 stations will create another 100,000 jobs.

Around 60% of the 7,000 supply chain contract opportunities are likely to go to small and medium-sized businesses and 2,000 apprenticeships are expected to be created.

The winning bidders to build the first phase of the route are four major joint venture enterprises. SCS JV comprises Skanska Construction UK Ltd, Costain Ltd and STRABAG AG. It will operate in the South Area with contracts for the Euston Tunnels and Approaches and Northolt Tunnels.

In the Central Area, the Chiltern Tunnels and Colne Valley Viaduct will be constructed by Align JV – comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics, VolkerFitzpatrick and Sir Robert McAlpine – while the North Portal Chiltern Tunnels to Brackley contract has been awarded to CEK JV (Carillion Construction Ltd, Eiffage Genie Civil SA, Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd), as has that for the Brackley to South Portal of Long Itchington Wood Green Tunnel.

In the North Area of Phase One, contracts for the Long Itchington Wood Green Tunnel to Delta Junction and Birmingham Spur, together with Delta Junction to WCML Tie-In have gone to BBV JV, made up of Balfour Beatty Group Ltd, VINCI Construction Grands Projets, VINCI Construction UK Ltd and VINCI Construction Terrassement.

Preparatory works are already underway, with main construction work starting in 2018/19 following a period of detailed design work.

In addition, work to develop designs for HS2 stations at Euston, Old Oak Common and in Birmingham is underway. Invitations to tender (ITTs) for the station design services contracts for all four Phase One stations, and the invitation to participate in dialogue (ITPD) for the Euston Master Development Partner have been released to shortlisted bidders.

On the same day – 17 July – Mr Grayling published a Bill to deliver the next phase of HS2, from the West Midlands to the West Coast Main Line south of Crewe, and also confirmed the route of the final phase, from Crewe to Manchester and from Birmingham to the East Midlands and Leeds.

Subject to Parliamentary approval the part of the route from the West Midlands to Crewe can open in 2027, six years earlier than planned. q

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Manchester towers receive planning consent [

ALLIED LONDON’S Trinity Islands development has officially received planning permission from Manchester City Council.

Flagged as the tallest residential scheme in North West England, Trinity Islands will provide 1,400 homes in five elegant towers. Designed

by Child Graddon Lewis, the major addition to Manchester’s skyline aims to set the precedent for future developments, reflecting the significant growth taking place in the region.

Allied London’s project director James Sidlow commented: “Trinity Islands is a scheme of scale; an ambition that reflects the city’s own. It’s about introducing height and creating a bold skyline in an area where it is appropriate to do so. Allied London are inspired by forward thinking global cities, but have also listened carefully to what Manchester wants. Residents want to feel part of a community with heart and soul, to feel connected to the city but also have all the amenities of a village on their doorstep.”

Greg Jones of Child Graddon Lewis added: “Achieving planning consent represents a significant step forward in the delivery of Trinity Islands. Since we started working

with Allied London on this scheme in 2014, we’ve focussed on creating a design that deals with the challenges of an isolated under-utilised site, bringing forward a development proposal that matches the city’s ambition and drive with the scheme’s architecture and social aspirations.” q

Crossrail companies fined over worker’s death [

A JOINT VENTURE of three companies building the Crossrail project has been fined a total of more than £1m following three separate incidents on the project, including the death of a worker.

Southwark Crown Court heard that Renè Tkáčik died after being crushed by falling wet concrete in March 2014. Two other men were injured following separate incidents within six days of one another, on 16 and 22 January 2015. All three incidents took place in the tunnels around the Fisher Street area.

The three workers were working for Bam Ferrovial Kier (BFK), an unincorporated joint venture made up of BAM Nuttall Ltd, Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Ltd and Kier Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd. BFK pleaded guilty to three offences and was sentenced on 28 July. In relation to the death of Renè Tkáčik it was fined £300,000. It was further fined £600,000 and £165,000 for the two other incidents in 2015. q

Modular building specialists Actavo announces major expansion and jobs boost [

ACTAVO, THE UK’S fastest-growing modular building company for the past three years, has expanded its presence with the July opening of a new 120,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Hull, initially creating 33 new jobs.

The new factory, located at 30 Freightliner Road in Hull, will produce bespoke, state-of-the-art modular accommodation for a variety of sectors, including education, healthcare, construction, commercial, rail and defence.

At the official opening (pictured) CEO of Actavo | Structural Division, Roger Hastie, said: “Today’s opening takes place against the backdrop of a revolution in the building industry, where modern methods of construction are increasingly being embraced. Faster, cost-effective and more flexible, there is now a groundswell of support for modular construction’s ability to address many of the challenges we face in terms of supply and demand for accommodation in both the public and private sectors. We look forward to operating from our new Hull base and to playing an active role in the locality in the years ahead.”

Matthew Goff, operations director for Actavo | Building Solutions, said: “Actavo is delighted to be establishing its new manufacturing facility and generating employment here in Hull. Initially, 33 new jobs are being created, and this number will rise over the next 12 months. Actavo chose Hull primarily due to the critical mass of industry and the skilled workforce in the city and surrounding areas. Our new premises is also strategically located, adjacent to the A116 Ring Road on the western side of Hull city centre, which is ideal for an offsite construction company.

“As a business, we have always sought to lead from the front. In addition to being the UK’s fastest-growing modular building company for 2014, 2015 and 2016, we were one of the first modular building companies to fully implement BIM Level 2 into our business.”

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Chairman and CEO of Actavo, Sean Corkery, commented: “As a company involved in many different sectors and geographies, we are extremely proud of the phenomenal growth of Actavo | Buildings in the UK in recent years. While the attention today is understandably on construction and innovative design techniques, essentially our primary focus is on people – the thousands of families, workers, teachers, pupils, students, healthcare professionals, patients, defence force members and others who will benefit from using these modular buildings into the future.” q • For further information tel 0330 102 5544, email building.uk@actavo.com or visit the website at www.actavo.com Photo by Paul Painter

CSCS causes card confusion for non-construction workers, says BDA [

CHANGES TO THE carding system of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) are causing confusion on site, according to the British Drilling Association (BDA). In particular, a stipulation that: “…card schemes carrying the CSCS logo must only certify those occupations with nationally recognised construction-related qualifications…” has led to BDA members reporting that non-construction related staff are being wrongly refused entry to some sites that operate a 100% CSCS workforce.

The wide range of services required on many construction projects means there are times when individuals may need to attend a site to perform a non-construction activity – such as catering, delivering materials, management or security. These are not construction workers and the CSCS has therefore stopped issuing cards for over 60 non-construction related occupations. That change to the scheme, however, is leading in some instances to people being wrongly refused access.

BDA chair Anne Baxter (pictured) commented: “The BDA’s members are not questioning the important role the Construction Skills Certification Scheme performs in improving safety and standards on site. However there appears to be a basic misconception that personnel arriving on site to perform non-construction related services should be in possession of a CSCS card. This

clearly demonstrates a misunderstanding of the scheme and undermines the construction industry’s desire for a fully qualified (not carded) workforce.”

She added: “We have reports from members of problems with principal contractors (PCs) applying a strict 100% CSCS card policy irrespective of the activity being undertaken.

Many site investigation companies undertake

on-site soils testing. Laboratory technicians who attend such sites do not undertake any construction work and yet they are having to obtain CSCS cards not appropriate to their disciplines simply to gain access.”

The BDA has called on CSCS to issue more guidance, aimed in particular at PCs, and put an end to the thinking that only CSCS-carded people can be allowed on site. q

Confidence dips North of the Border [

THE CONFIDENCE OF employers in the Scottish construction industry has taken a hit as fears over future work prospects grow. That is a key conclusion of the Scottish Construction Monitor, a quarterly survey of the membership of the Scottish Building Federation (SBF), which represents hundreds of building companies throughout Scotland.

Employers responding to the survey are asked to rate how confident they feel about the prospects for their business over the next 12 months compared to the past year. Following three consecutive quarters during which the industry’s confidence was rated marginally positive at plus 2, confidence has slipped into negative territory in the second quarter, down seven points to ‘minus 5’.

Industry employers point to growing fears over the future pipeline of new work as a potential explanation for the fall in confidence. Latest official statistics show strong output across many sectors of the industry over the year to March, with major infrastructure projects still making an outsized contribution to overall output at just under £3bn – more than 20% of the total.

Building employers are concerned that, as major projects such as the Queensferry Crossing and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR) draw to a close, the industry is likely to suffer a major contraction due to an apparent shortage of other work to fill the gap.

Commenting on the headline survey results, Scottish Building Federation president Stephen Kemp – who is managing director of

Orkney Builders – said: “Many building employers are increasingly nervous about the future prospects for our industry. There is a feeling that the underlying fundamentals of the industry are not nearly as strong as record output figures might suggest.

“We know that a period of record output from major infrastructure projects such as the AWPR and the Queensferry Crossing is about to come to an end. Strip away those numbers and the performance of other key sectors of the industry such as housing and private commercial don’t look that strong.

“As that infrastructure work dries up over the next year or so, we could see the industry suffer a real shock. Levels of industry employment, which have been very slowly recovering, could slip into reverse. I think that is what SBF members are now worried about – hence the reason why industry confidence has declined.

“In reality, the local community and economic benefits provided by these large infrastructure projects are limited. To ensure the long-term health of the construction industry and the wider Scottish economy, the Scottish Government now needs to focus on supporting smaller scale projects throughout Scotland. Such a strategy will help to sustain building SMEs that are the real drivers of employment and economic added value in Scottish construction. Without this, we could be facing a cliff edge that tips the industry – and the wider Scottish economy – into recession.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Albertopolis takes another step forward at the V&A

The Aston Webb Screen, V&A Exhibition Road Quarter

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ON 30 JUNE the Victoria and Albert Museum revealed its largest architectural intervention in over 100 years. In its V&A Exhibition Road Quarter the museum has created a beautiful and unique new civic space for London and a world-class gallery space for its internationally-acclaimed exhibition programme.

The new space offers a 21st-century interpretation of the museum’s founding principles: to make works of art and design available to all, to educate and to inspire designers and manufacturers today and in the future.

The V&A assembled a formidable team of construction professionals to realise the development, spearheaded by Stirling Prize-winning architect Amanda Levete and her practice AL_A. The practice was commissioned to design the V&A Exhibition Road Quarter in 2011, following an international competition. The lead contractors to deliver the project were Wates and the structural and building services engineers were Arup.

In their online description of the project, the architects stated: “AL_A’s project will unlock the potential to bring new audiences into the V&A, breaking down the separation between street and museum; and taking the V&A onto Exhibition Road and Exhibition Road into the V&A. The changes to Exhibition Road have already significantly increased the number of pedestrians who use it but this is just the beginning of a more ambitious intention – to make Exhibition Road a place where culture and learning are accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.”

The project has taken six years to realise and transforms the V&A’s former boilerhouse yard on London’s great cultural artery, Exhibition Road.

A new entrance connects the museum with its neighbours – reinforcing the ‘Albertopolis’ vision of intellectual ambition and innovation – and creates a sequence of major new spaces.

The Blavatnik Hall is a new entrance from Exhibition Road, which transforms how visitors experience and discover the museum and its collections. Connecting the newly-displayed Robert H N Ho Family Foundation Galleries of Buddhist Art and the Dorothy and Michael Hintze Sculpture Galleries, the hall gives views through to The John Madejski Garden. It leads on to a new shop and connects to the historic Ceramic Staircase as well as the Sackler Centre for arts education.

Meanwhile, the Aston Webb Screen allows visitors to enter the museum through 11 openings of a newly-created colonnade. The stonework of the Aston Webb Screen retains the damage inflicted on the

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museum during World War II. The 11 sets of new metal gates have been manufactured with a pattern of perforations tracing the imprint of the shrapnel damage on the stonework, as well as the Royal Crest in the central gate.

The Sackler Courtyard is the world’s first porcelain public courtyard, paved in 11,000 hand-made tiles that were inspired by the rich tradition of ceramics at the V&A. It reveals architecturally significant façades and details that have never previously been seen by the public. These include sgraffito decoration on the side of the Henry Cole Wing – a decorative Renaissance technique using multiple layers of coloured plaster, created by the first art students at the museum in the late 19th century. This new public space for London also houses a café with furniture designed for the space by AL_A and manufactured by Moroso.

Inside, the Sainsbury Gallery is a 1,100m2 exhibition gallery without columns that provides the museum with a purpose-built space for its world-leading programme of temporary exhibitions. The flexible exhibition space sits above a floor dedicated to art handling, conservation and preparation.

The new spaces reach as far as 18m below ground, directly beneath the Western Range of the V&A’s Grade I listed buildings. It is a daring engineering and construction challenge that is made visible to the public by steel columns and a beam painted in vivid international orange.

V&A director Tristram Hunt said at the opening: “This is a landmark moment in our history. The V&A Exhibition The Sainsbury Gallery Road Quarter is both the museum’s largest architectural The opening marked the beginning of a week-long public celebration intervention in over 100 years and the start of a new chapter in the form of the REVEAL festival, a free series of events offering of expansion, returning to our original mission at the same time as the public an opportunity to explore the new spaces before exhibition opening up the V&A for the future. programming begins in the autumn. q “With its mix of ingenuity and imagination, the V&A has always been All photos and front cover photo ©Hufton+Crow a meeting point for historicism and modernity. The V&A Exhibition Road Quarter bridges the two by offering fresh insights into our historic building with pioneering new architecture, creating London's leading exhibition space.”

The 6,360m² scheme was carried out while the museum remained fully accessible to the public. Over £48m was raised to carry out the project, which was opened on 21 June by the Duchess of Cambridge.

The Sackler Courtyard and Cafe

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TMC cuts it with the V&A [

TMC WATERJET, the UK’s premier water jet cutting company, are very proud to have been involved in the new exhibition space at the Victoria & Albert Museum.

The new Exhibition Road entrance provides extra gallery space and a courtyard which will be used to display large-scale sculptures as well as a space for café-goers to sit.

The above photographs demonstrate the quality of the cutting required to produce the beautifully designed grating, running along the sides of the exquisite porcelain tiled courtyard, which not only enhances the appearance of the courtyard but also provides important ventilation for the exhibition space below.

Cut from brushed stainless steel sheet, laser was not an option as the detail and design would have resulted in distorted panels, therefore water jet was the ideal solution. TMC Waterjet was chosen as the preferred partner to deliver high quality parts ahead of schedule.

TMC are specialists in all forms of water and abrasive cutting of virtually any material – from 3mm to 300mm thick. Parts produced use the very

latest dynamic technology, resulting in dimensionally superior parts to those produced on conventional machines.

With over 25 years experience in water jet cutting TMC were the perfect choice to contribute towards this very prestigious venture.

As the photos show, the possibilities of water jet cutting are endless. q

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When MASS barriers are the best fit for safety barrier hire [MULTI APPLICATION SAFETY SYSTEM BARRIERS – or MASS

barriers as they are better known – offer multiple uses across a range of applications, from construction and highways to events and site perimeter and movement flow. Their comprehensive and highly durable design features include: • Anti-vandalism and anti-climb options • Range of high visibility colours for warning • Superior wind resistance for all-weather deployment • Full compliance with European standards for optimum performance • when used in areas of restricted speed (under 30 mph) • Fully tested roll-off stability – specialist design means impact actually • increases rather than reduces the stability of MASS barriers • Can accommodate bends of up to 90º to offer flexible deployment • which most water-filled barrier systems cannot beat • Easy assembly and deployment with non-permanent fixing from secure • anchorage at terminal sections, using steel buffers and sandbag filling.

Roadside deployment MASS barriers are fully tested and proven to be ideal for use in roadside deployment, specifically in areas where speed is restricted to 30mph or less. The relatively light weight of each barrier means they can be quickly installed with minimum disruption to traffic, whilst the non-permanent but secure fixing makes the barriers easy to re-deploy

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or remove when required. The high visibility colour options make MASS barriers easily visible for alerting and guiding vehicles to roadside work and traffic diversion.

Pedestrian protection and guidance Highly visible and quickly installed, MASS barriers offer deployment options which include curves of up to 90º, making them highly flexible for use in pedestrian protection and in guiding pedestrians away from construction zones or into designated areas.

Because both sides of the barrier offer protection, this system offers many applications for creating pedestrian ‘safe zones’ inside construction sites, such as to separate moving plant from onsite workers.

Site perimeter marking When it comes to barrier runs, MASS barriers offer highly visible demarcation for perimeters, providing flexible arrangement options with easy repositioning as work progresses. For increased site security and safety, additional panels such as anti-climb fencing can be added.

In all cases, it’s not just deployment options which are flexible with MASS barriers, as there is also a choice of purchase or hire from SafeSite Facilities, complete with nationwide UK delivery and installation from an expert team. q

Over 13,900 health and safety professionals come together at Safety & Health Expo in London

[SAFETY & HEALTH EXPO was once again hailed a success by event

organisers UBM EMEA and those involved, attracting 13,942 health and safety manufacturers, consultants, distributors and experts from 64 countries across three days on 20-22 June 2017 at London ExCeL. The event was organised with full support from long-standing partners IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety & Health) and RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) as well as leading UK associations and professional bodies British Safety Council, BOHS, NEBOSH, APS, HSE, HSL and AIF to name but a few.

288 suppliers took part, delighted with the volume and quality of visitors who flocked to the event to see over 5,000 health and safety solutions on display – including safety harnesses, noise control solutions, footwear, training and risk assessment software – with many suppliers offering exclusive discounts of up to 50%.

Talking about his experience at the show, David Harris, general manager of the Safety Knife Company Ltd, said: “This year’s show was a true success. We had high footfall to our stand, capturing over 250 quality leads, many of which were people we wouldn’t normally have the chance to meet.”

Suppliers were joined by over 100 speakers, delivering Europe’s largest free-to-attend seminar programme of more than 75 CPD-accredited sessions. The seminar programme covered critical topics including ISO 45001, sentencing guidelines, the impact of Brexit, improving safety culture, mental health and wellbeing, how best to protect lone-workers, leadership and much more.

The Inspirational Speaker series returned to the Keynote Theatre, sponsored by Honeywell, for the third year running. Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, Falklands War veteran Simon Weston CBE and world renowned rugby referee Nigel Owens MBE took to the stage – with the biggest crowd of the show reserved for rock star physicist Professor Brian Cox OBE who led a packed audience on a whistle-stop tour of the theories of the universe.

On day two, Safety & Health Expo celebrated talent and diversity in the profession, gathering the community together for a series of networking and awards ceremonies under UK Health & Safety Week. The Women

in Health & Safety session kicked off the afternoon, re-launching the initiative and welcoming Jeremy Lewis from PDT to discuss unconscious bias, decision-making and safety.

This session was followed by the SHP Rising Star Awards Ceremony, and the taking home of winners trophies by Jamie Sutherland-Pownall, senior safety specialist at Sellafield Ltd, Matthew Hazleton, motivational speaker on behalf of Proud2bSafe and Emmanuel Uwalaka, a health and safety consultant covering Nigeria and other west African countries. John Green, director HSE of Laing O’Rourke, was then named as 2017’s ‘most influential’ in health and safety for his work on Safety Differently before the Diamond Boys took to the stage for some afternoon music and dancing.

The show floor witnessed new launches, demonstrations, exclusive discounts and more – with DEB Ltd offering visitors free 1:2:1 skin evaluations, Safety Media demonstrating their brand new Training Needs Analysis Tool and BACA, the safety and work wear specialists, showcasing their exclusive Veltuff range of high performance safety solutions including safety clothing, footwear, PPE equipment and gloves. A unique matchmaking programme allowed attendees to arrange 1:2:1 meetings with all these suppliers and more in advance of the show.

For the second year running, Safety & Health Expo also partnered with the Professional Clothing Show, bringing attendees more corporate wear, workwear and uniform than ever before alongside PPE. A lively Professional Clothing Show catwalk took place daily with brands such as Badgemaster, ØRN International, Dickies, FXD, Scott Safety, Berendsen and U-power showcasing their latest clothing solutions.

Chris Edwards, brand director at Safety & Health Expo, commented: “Thank you to all those who worked with us to create such an incredible event. Over the last few weeks, health and safety has come to the forefront of everyone’s lives, so to see the way this industry is pushing forward and acting as a catalyst for change is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing you all throughout the year and at Safety & Health Expo 2018.” q • Safety & Health Expo 2018 takes place from 19 – 21 June 2018 at ExCeL London. For more information about participating either as an exhibitor, sponsor or visitor please visit the website at www.safety-health-expo.co.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Construction still sector with most fatal injuries – but numbers are falling [THE HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) has published its

annual figures for work-related fatalities in the year to March this year.

The provisional data reveal that 137 workers were fatally injured during the year. That represents a rate of 0.43 per 100,000 workers – the second lowest year on record. It continues a long-term downward trend: fatal injuries have halved over the past 20 years, although in recent years the trend shows signs of levelling.

The figures highlight the risks to older workers: around a quarter of fatal injuries in 2016/17 were to workers aged 60 or over, even though those workers made up only around 10% of the workforce.

Construction traditionally accounts for the largest number of fatal injuries and last year was no exception. At 30 fatalities, however, the figure was the lowest on record for the sector. Over the past five years the number has fluctuated, with the annual average for the past five years being 39. That annual average rate is around four times as high as the all-industry rate.

HSE Chair Martin Temple said: “Every fatality is a tragic event that should not happen. While we are encouraged by this improvement on the previous year, we continue unwaveringly on our mission to prevent injury, death and ill-health by protecting people and reducing risks.”

At the same time the HSE released the number of people known to have died from the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma during 2015.

Mesothelioma is one of the few work related diseases where deaths can be counted directly, contracted through past exposure to asbestos.

The disease killed 2,542 people in Great Britain in 2015, compared to 2,519 in 2014. The current figures relating to asbestos-related cancer reflect widespread exposures before 1980. Annual deaths are therefore expected to start to reduce after this current decade.

A fuller assessment of work related ill-health and injuries, drawing on HSE’s full range of data sources, will be provided as part of the annual Health and Safety Statistics released on 1 November.

Martin Temple added: “We deal daily with the causes and consequences of work-related deaths, injuries and ill-health. Today’s updated figures continue to inform our understanding of which areas we need to target.

“We concentrate our interventions where we know we can have the biggest impact. We hold dutyholders accountable for managing the risks they create in the workplace. This benefits workers, business performance, the economy and wider society alike.”

• The reporting of health and safety incidents at work is a statutory requirement, set out under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). A reportable incident includes: a death or specified injury; any accident which does not result in a specified injury, but the injured person still has to take seven or more days off their normal work to recover; a work related disease; a member of the public being injured as a result of work related activity and taken to hospital for treatment; a dangerous occurrence which does not result in a serious injury, but could have done. q

Using innovation to deliver safer construction [SPECIALIST MULTI UTILITY and civil

engineering contractor, blu-3 (UK) Limited, has invested in a new quick response (QR) codebased identification system to further improve site safety.

Working alongside Olive Media, a leading production organisation, the company has rolled out an innovative solution for checking individual staff competencies on its project sites in real time.

A QR code is applied to each site worker’s hardhat, which can then be scanned via a bespoke blu-3 downloadable app by relevant personnel who require confirmation of the worker’s identity, training and suitability to carry out duties.

The worker’s unique QR code links to a company-wide database of blu-3 employees and subcontractors, which provides a photograph of the worker to ensure the correct person is on site, alongside their up to date training and compliance record.

Sarah Persad, lead developer of the new technology at blu-3, said: “This really is a breakthrough solution for ensuring staff are appropriately trained and certified for the roles they carry out on a site.

“Previously, if an employee was observed

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carrying out hot works one day, and then driving a forward tipping dumper the following, the observer (potentially a client or site manager) could only assume that he or she had the appropriate training for both roles. They can now simply scan the worker’s hat and check that the appropriate training and accreditations are in place, resulting in real time, quick and easy competence checks.

“The beauty of the system is that the complete training record of a worker is held alongside their medical and emergency contact details, which is in full compliance with current data protection requirements. This system enables us to ensure that our ‘boots on the ground’ are competent to do the task and we know exactly who is on site, which is particularly critical in today’s security conscious environment.”

Lee Lawrence, preconstruction director at blu-3, added: “The training identification system stores records of an employee’s training history from CSCS and First Aider to Asbestos Awareness, Confined Space Training and PPE Awareness.

“We are continuing to develop the system, adding more capability to support managers and supervisors on site, and will be rolling the

app out across its sites in the UK and Europe.

We’re excited by the potential of the technology and know that it increases a contractor’s ability to manage its workers and maximise its health and safety awareness – a key must for all responsible companies.”

Marcus Hammond, project lead at Olive Media, said of the collaboration: “Our strategy as a business is to listen to industry leaders and, guided by their expertise, to create ground breaking, practical-use products. This latest innovation from blu-3 reflects the cutting-edge vision we’ve come to expect of them.” q • To find out more about the blu-3 safety solution, please visit www.blu-3.co.uk or contact hello@blu-3.co.uk

Is enough being done to manage risk, asks asbestos conference [ THE UK’S largest asbestos

safety management conference for industry professionals will examine current techniques for air sampling and monitoring in the UK and ask whether enough is being done to manage the risk.

Organised by Lucion Services, the Asbestos the Truth conference – now in its eighth year and taking place on 8 November in Manchester – will see a keynote presentation by occupational hygiene and asbestos expert Martin Stear.

The former HSE principal specialist inspector will explain how modern air monitoring and analytical techniques can now detect much lower concentrations of asbestos fibre before participating in a panel debate that will tie in to the topic of effective monitoring in schools.

Further presentations will also include legal experts discussing in detail the Compensation Act surrounding exposure cases.

The conference is aimed at connecting industry experts and opinion formers while offering the chance for people to find out more about changes to legislation and new developments that can improve the management of asbestos in the workplace.

Delegates will be able to attend sector specific workshops this year which will cover asbestos in soil and contaminated land as well as a series of ‘Ask the Analyst' workshops to discuss questions presubmitted by attendees.

The national asbestos market for surveying and air testing work is worth in excess of £240 million and is expected to increase in line with growing demand for industry expertise and specialised advice. q • Details of sponsorship and exhibitor packages for the Asbestos the Truth conference are available together with tickets at the website www.asbestosthetruth.com. Alternatively contact via email sales@asbestosthetruth.com or call 0191 461 8999.

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Fire extinguishers explained The uses and types of different extinguishers BRADLEY MARKHAM, managing director at Bull Products, explains what every site worker should know about fire extinguishers – and the different types to use depending on the situation on site.

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EVERY BUSINESS in the UK is required to carry out a fire risk assessment, have appropriate fire extinguishers in place and ensure regular servicing.

With the obvious consequences of fire resulting in significant risk of injury to people and damage to property, it means that legislation is strict and failure to comply is not an option.

Many businesses choose to delegate their fire safety maintenance and compliance to fire safety specialists, but companies on a site or in the workplace may not know the difference between the types of fire extinguishers available.

Staff should be aware of the universal fire classification system (Class A-F) grades for each type of fire according to the combustible materials involved.

The colour-coded labelling that corresponds to the classification system has been created so that emergency fire responders are able to swiftly select the type of extinguisher required to tackle each type of blaze.

There’s no such thing as a universal fire extinguisher, and no single fire extinguisher can be used for every type of fire. Different materials burn in different ways, posing different hazards and demanding different responses.

Having the right extinguishers for the environment and the risks involved is essential. The different types of fire extinguishers available are: Water extinguishers • Usually one of the most common extinguishers found • on site.

• Colour-coded red and/or white • Should be used for Class A fires that involve • materials such as paper, wood, soft furnishings and • plastic. Water fire extinguishers work by soaking • and cooling the burning materials.

• If you are tackling an electrical fire, or burning • fat or oil, water extinguishers are unsuitable.

• However water extinguishers with chemical additives • increase the effectiveness of the extinguisher to provide additional • fire-fighting power.

Foam extinguishers • Labels are colour-coded cream.

• Foam extinguishers can be for Class A and B fires • involving paper, wood, cloth or plastic, and • flammable liquids including paraffin, petrol and oil.

• Foam fire extinguishers smother the fire with a foam • film, starving the fire of oxygen whilst also cooling • the burning materials.

• Much more versatile than water fire extinguishers, • foam extinguishers are typically safer should the foam • come into contact with live electricity.

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Powder extinguishers • Colour-coded with a bright blue label.

• ABC powder extinguishers, or dry powder extinguishers, • are multi-purpose extinguishers that can fight Class A, B • and C fires – solids, flammable liquids and flammable gases.

• There are some additional hazards staff should be aware of • including inhalation risks (they should never be used in • small spaces), limitations to vision, and the risk of the fire • reigniting. Plus, powder extinguishers leave messy residue, • making the clean-up operation an even greater challenge.

CO2 extinguishers • Colour-coded black and including a horn for increased • safety during use.

• Suitable for Class E fires involving electrical • equipment as well as Class B liquid fires.

• Carbon dioxide suffocates the fire leaving • no residue, unlike foam.

• If there is an electrical fire, it is important to eliminate • the source of the fire – for example by cooling the source • or turning off the power supply in the case of electrical • fires – to prevent the fire from reigniting.

• Staff should ensure they ventilate the area as soon as the • fire is under control in order to prevent asphyxiation.

Specialist wet chemical extinguishers • Colour-coded canary yellow.

• Mainly used in catering or cooking areas and used for • Class F fires including cooking oils and fats.

Staff may have worked on numerous sites and are likely to have seen or come into contact with each of the above extinguishers. However, we recommend regular reminder sessions as to which extinguisher should be used for each type fire, should it occur on site. In addition, staff should undergo regular training on how to operate extinguishers safely. q • For more information about Bull Products visit www.bullproducts.co.uk

Birmingham to be showcase for monitoring kit – as used at Dublin hospital site

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CAMPBELL ASSOCIATES – the industryleading suppliers of automated and cloudbased noise, vibration and dust (NVD) monitoring systems – will be demonstrating the full scope of their impressive product range from 10-12 October at UK Construction Week’s Civils Expo in Birmingham. Innovative systems from manufacturers AVA, Aeroqual, Sonitus and Norsonic will be on show.

These state-of-the-art environmental noise, vibration and dust monitoring kits utilise new technology with full automation, remote control via a five-month battery and access to real time data via the cloud to deliver maximum flexibility for all applications. They can also be tailor made to suit individual projects.

The equipment supplied by Campbell Associates is robust, weatherproof, easily installed and cost effective.

Sales and marketing director John Campbell (pictured) commented: “The Civils Expo show gives us the perfect platform from which to showcase our unique product range. The best way to appreciate the flexibility and potential of these NVD systems is to see them in action,

and our exhibition stand gives us a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate just that.

“Potential customers soon understand why our NVD systems are in high demand and are the ‘go-to’ solution for some of the biggest names in the construction industry.

We are looking forward to engaging with our key audience and to forging new customer relationships.”

That unique offer found recent practical expression when Campbell Associates provided global consultant surveyors Murphy Surveys with noise and vibration monitoring equipment for a project at the site of the new National Children’s Hospital in Dublin. It is a largescale project that has involved considering the environmental impact of a major construction site on residential neighbours, surrounding listed buildings and the hospital itself.

By using the AVA vibration monitor and the Sonitus Systems noise monitor (pictured top), Murphy Surveys is able to monitor site activity remotely around the clock throughout the project.

There were two key features that led the consultants to choose the AVA and Sonitus systems for their project. The first was the ability to access data remotely via the online portal – giving real-time measurement data, accessible anywhere, at any time and from any device, without the need for costly and unnecessary site visits.

The second feature was an automatic alert function, that alerts any designated contact via SMS or email whenever limits have been exceeded, saving time and manpower on

measurement collection. Murphy Surveys wanted flexible products they could rely on, which came highly recommended and they found just that in the AVA and Sonitus systems.

The equipment used in Dublin will be just a part of the range on view at the NEC. With an accumulated 19 years of experience, expert technicians and unrivalled customer support, Campbell’s stand is a ‘must visit’ at the Civils Expo. Moreover, every visitor will be entered into a prize draw for a bottle of Moet et Chandon champagne! q • For more information or to book an appointment with a member of Campbell Associates technical team email hotline@campbell-associates.co.uk or call 01371 871030. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Development never stops at our ever-evolving zoos [ THIS FOURTH IN our series of special features on developments at zoos emphasises the fact that zoos are constantly evolving in response to developments in our understanding of animal welfare.

When Chester Zoo was founded in the 1930s the watchword of its founder was ‘always building’. That sentiment was echoed over 80 years later by Chester’s development director, Simon Mann. Simon wrote recently: “I’m often asked if I’m proud of Islands, but in true Chester Zoo style my response is that we’re ‘always building’ and so

my team are already looking ahead to what’s next.”

That watchword is to be found around the country. In this issue we look at a new elephant house in Blackpool, monkey enclosures in a former island fort, tall storeys for giraffes in Bristol and bears in spectacles – also in Bristol.

Education is another on-going function and we look at a novel learning centre in the West Midlands. We start with celebrations for the 80th anniversary of Dudley Zoo. q

Dudley Zoo celebrates birthday in style

DUDLEY ZOO

[ ONE OF THE country’s best-loved zoos is celebrating its 80th

anniversary this year with a multi-faceted development programme.

Dudley Zoo in the West Midlands was opened in 1937 and is staging a number of events to recall how life was in those days, in addition to bringing a number of new facilities online involving an investment of £295,000.

Currently underway is work on a new £90,000 farm barn, which is expected to be open this summer.

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It follows completion of the second of the zoo’s redevelopment projects – a new home for the Carpathian lynx. Work was completed in time for Love Your Zoo Week at the end of May. Following the demolition of the former Geoffroy’s cat enclosure, external contractors and zoo staff transformed the space into a new internal section for the zoo’s three lynx: Daisy, Dave and Dakota.

Costing £25,000, the extension has doubled the size of their original outdoor enclosure, with the two parts linked by off-show dens.

Senior keeper Sam Grove said: “The lynx love the new indoor enclosure, which includes a large climbing frame. Daisy and Dakota went straight in and haven’t really ventured outside much since, as they’re too busy exploring. But the large viewing windows allow visitors to see them playing.”

The enclosure also features a mural wall of the Carpathian Mountains which was painted by keen amateur artist Colin Reddall – father of lower primates keeper Jade.

Earlier in the year work was completed on a new £25,000 enclosure for the zoo’s critically endangered yellow-breasted capuchins. The new house (pictured) includes a climbing frame and high platforms for the arboreal species, while new glass windows will enhance viewing opportunities for visitors. As part of the revamp the six capuchins have also seen their indoor quarters doubled in size, with the new-look enclosure incorporating the adjacent black and white lemur house.

Work was completed just in time to welcome another addition to the capuchin family! q

Chester visitors can now discover new Islands NEW ISLANDS HABITAT & OAKFIELD HOUSE - CHESTER ZOO

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THE LATEST PHASE in the Islands complex at Chester Zoo is due to be unveiled to visitors later this summer. The three new environments will see new habitats for the zoo’s sun bears and Malayan tapirs linked by a large ‘walk-through’ aviary.

The opening of the new attraction will boost tourism in the local area, potentially bringing an extra 150,000 visitors to the zoo and – importantly – helping to shine a spotlight on

The project’s themed mud banks were designed and installed by Nautilus

the biodiversity and threatened species of South East Asia.

The Malayan tapir is the largest of the world’s four tapir species and is listed as endangered, with fewer than 2,500 thought to exist in their native South East Asia. The three individuals now settling into Islands include baby Solo, the first of her species to be born at the zoo.

The development also includes a new enclosure for the zoo’s sun bears. The two bears, Milli and Toni, arrived at the zoo in October 2015 – the first new arrivals of their species since 1976.

Curator of mammals at the zoo, Tim Rowlands, said at the time: “Sun bear numbers are unfortunately rapidly declining as a result of deforestation and poaching, but we hope that with our new arrivals acting as fine ambassadors for the species, they’ll also help us to highlight the vital research and conservation efforts needed to protect the species in the wild.”

Sharing a space with the sun bears will be a brand new animal to the zoo’s collection – the

Solo, the baby Malayan tapir binturong, a vulnerable Indonesian mammal sometimes referred to as a ‘bear cat’.

Highlighting the need for conservation of wild species in South East Asia is a primary function of Islands.

In a blog looking forward to the developments, the zoo’s development director Simon Mann wrote: “These species have been specifically selected by our animal experts because they are native to South East Asia and because of their conservation status.

The sun bear and songbirds also give us an opportunity to tell visitors more about the illegal wildlife trade and the impact it has on these animals.”

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The two enclosures will be linked by a spectacular ‘walk-through’ aviary, replicating the very act of walking through a wild environment in Asia, with its many colourful birds and their songs.

Simon Mann said: “We want visitors to feel as though they really have stepped out of the UK and into South East Asia, so another immersive aviary, home to the songbirds, will bring together dense planting, streams and waterfalls – a completely immersive environment in which to enjoy these amazing birds. Visitors will also be able to step off the paths to take their time observing the mammals in world class viewing areas, many undercover to avoid the inevitable rain in Chester.”

The whole Islands area of the zoo was reconfigured during the construction work to enable visitors to complete a full ‘expedition’ through the exhibit and see every species and habitat.

The main contractor on the new phase of work is Wrexham-based Read Construction, who also carried out parts of phase one of the project. Islands is the company’s largest project for Chester Zoo to date, continuing a successful collaborative relationship spanning over a decade.

Read are justly proud of having helped

The netting system for the ‘walk-through’ aviary was provided by Huck Tek to transform what was once an unoccupied part of the zoo into far-flung islands, with buildings that architecturally replicate those found on the South East Asian islands.

The company are passionate about supporting the local supply chain and contributed environmental, economic and socially sustainable initiatives to ensure attainment of the national environmental standard CEEQUAL. The whole Islands project is estimated to have brought a £3.3m increase

in spend in the local and regional economy, with local businesses benefiting.

Commercial director John Prichard-Taylor commented: “The Islands project came with numerous challenges, but by working with the zoo and their professional teams we have contributed towards a project that is world class in terms of its design, quality and sustainable credentials. Read are proud to have helped deliver this project and look forward to continuing to support the zoo in the future.” q

Founder’s house to be upgraded

[CENTRAL TO THE history of Chester Zoo as the first zoo in the UK ‘without cages’ is

the magnificent Oakfield House, the family home of the zoo’s founder George Mottershead.

Oakfield House was built by the Mayor of Chester in the 19th century and was bought by Mottershead in 1931.

The story of Mottershead’s visits as a boy to Belle Vue Zoo in Manchester – with its traditional animal enclosures – and his sorrow at the conditions the animals were kept in are part of zoological folklore.

Those memories resulted in his creating Chester Zoo as an environment for animals to move around freely and be observed in a more natural environment.

Oakfield House is also at the centre of the site itself and until this year has been a venue for weddings, conferences and other events. It is also the administrative headquarters of the North of England Zoological Society.

Now, with the steady growth in visitor numbers and a constant effort to improve facilities, the zoo is upgrading the catering facilities at Oakfield House to enable it to be open to more zoo visitors and members every day, from next year.

The refurbishment work will bring the interiors of the building – including the ground floor facilities and toilets – up to modern standards, as the zoo continues the 'always building' philosophy of George Mottershead.

The £2.5m redevelopment, to be carried out by main contractor Read Construction, will be in keeping with the Grade Two-listed status of the building. q

Award-winning engineering [THE COMPLEX NATURE of the

first phase of the Islands project and its unique combination of structural and environmental requirements resulted in the project being awarded the 2016 IStructE award for Large Project.

The awards judges said: “This was the largest development project in the history of British zoos. The engineers dealt with very complex geometry, in the provision of new structures. They responded to a unique combination of structural and environmental requirements, along with physical and end user constraints, to provide a real boost to Chester’s Zoo.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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How do you recreate a tropical paradise?

With mud, of course

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ONE OF THE significant aspects of Chester Zoo’s Islands project has been the integrated nature of the exhibits – bringing the visitor into the very heart of South East Asia.

The latest three elements have been no different in that respect: each element leads into the next and the whole has been themed into a river environment.

Aquatic theming is the area of expertise of Nautilus, the Dorsetbased specialists in zoo and aquarium design and installation. Nautilus have enjoyed a long-term relationship with the zoo, whom it views as a particularly valued client, and were the obvious choice to design and install the water features and theming for the latest phase of development. The water features and theming were carried out as a design-and-build contract.

Nautilus’s Paul Bullimore explained: “We’ve built up a good level of understanding and a good way of working together over the years. That’s what we set out to do: we build relationships with clients.

Most of our work is repeat business and that’s because we work in a way that clients are happy to work with us.”

In the case of phase two of Islands that involved building two water features including waterfalls with pools and installing 700-800m2 of mud bank theming.

The journey downstream The journey starts with a small waterfall in the Sun Bear enclosure, leading to a 30m-long themed stream. This in turn leads to a themed pool, which empties into an underground sump. The sump contains the hidden engineering that runs the exhibit.

Said Paul: “In that sump you’ve got all the equipment – the pump, various valves, flow switches and controls that recirculate the water back down the waterfall.”

In the walk-through aviary, there is a further waterfall which also leads into a stream. As in the Sun Bear enclosure, the stream empties into an underground sump containing the control equipment.

Paul explained: “With both of those we had a rough idea of what the client wanted and we had to do the design and engineering – structural engineering and what have you – as well as the build, the installation and the theming.”

The third part of the journey is through the indoor Tapir enclosure and into the outdoor enclosure.

Mud, glorious mud!

The theme of the entire exhibit is one of a river running through the forest, primarily consisting of mud bank – and there was a lot of mud bank!

Said Paul: “As well as the waterfall, which was rock and mud bank, the aviary itself consisted of around 200-300m 2 of vertical mud bank theming that would have tree roots, aggregates, boulders, pebbles and the like.

“In total, we looked at about 700-800m 2 of mud bank theming.”

The Chester project was slightly different from the company’s usual way of working, in that the zoo has its own in-house design department who came up with the design for Nautilus to build. It was important, however, that the construction and theming was carried out as part of a package.

Paul explained: “If you’re in a water feature, the theming needs to be in line with the construction, which is why it is important that we can specify the construction – so we can ensure that it works from a theming point of view.

“It’s all about how you seal things and the interface between various elements. It’s so much easier if you do it turnkey.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Specialist contractor – netting and aviary contract [

THE CONTRACT FOR the specialist netting and rigging for the aviary that connects the Sun Bear and Malaysian Tapir Enclosures at the Islands Habitat was carried out by Huck Tek – the specialist division of Huck Nets UK dealing with zoo netting contracts.

Huck Tek have been employed as a specialist netting and rigging contractor

by Chester Zoo for the past 10 years, primarily assisting in the design and installation of new enclosures and aviaries for various exhibits. That has included new exhibits such as the Realm of the Red Ape and the Wetlands Aviary, and also the refurbishment of existing areas such as the Tzavo, Condor and Hornbill Aviaries.

Early in 2016 Huck Tek were approached by Christine Holt, a lead project manager at Chester Zoo, to appraise the design and installation of an aviary system for the Sun Bear and Malaysian Tapir Enclosures in the Islands Habitat.

The new aviary would have a footprint of approximately 625m2, with three inline central masts – each supporting a series of galvanised steel guy and rigging cables together with a polyethylene bird net.

The aviary would be installed between the two enclosures with a pathway running through the aviary allowing visitors to walk inside and enjoy the experience of viewing the Indonesian songbirds within their own environment.

Main contractors Read Construction Ltd appointed Huck Tek as the aviary netting specialist in November last year. The netting part of the works commenced this April and, although there were some restrictions on access to the site due to the number of on-going trades working on site, Huck Tek still managed to complete all their works within the programmed two-week schedule.

The three central masts are fabricated from a mild steel CHS, seven metres in height, with a hot-dip galvanised and paint finish. The masts are located in specifically fabricated, pre-cast reinforced concrete foundations. The foundations are similar in shape to a ‘top hat’, with the brim and most of the body installed

below ground level and only the top 150mm of the foundation left exposed.

The central masts were lowered into the concrete foundation sleeves and grouted into position. The top of the masts are guyed with a series of 13mm galvanised steel cables which radiate out from the top of the post down to a perimeter ring beam and posts approximately 4.0m above ground level, around the edge of the enclosure.

Each cable has been installed with an individual failsafe mechanism. In the unlikely event the aviary system should become overloaded with snow or wind a failsafe link will break and allow a controlled extension of each cable – thus relieving the load from the roof while retaining the integrity of the aviary, with each individual guy still operational and supporting the central masts.

The net is a 19mm knotted mesh and is fabricated from a UV-resistant 12/6 polyethylene twine. The zoo had requested that the gap between the perimeter lacing bar and wall should not exceed 10mm in order to prevent any native birds accessing the new aviary.

Because of the potential hazards of using steel hog rings or plastic cable ties to secure the net, Huck Tek stitched the net by hand onto the rigging cables and perimeter lacing bars with polyethylene stitching twine. That was a time consuming part of the work, but it offers a safer environment for the exhibits and is more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Huck Tek expressed their pride in having been involved in the prestigious project and their hope that they can continue their successful relationship with Chester Zoo and Read Construction Ltd on future projects. q

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New learning centre takes schools on safari in the Midlands

SAFARI ACADEMY - WEST MIDLANDS SAFARI PARK

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THIS SUMMER HAS been a busy one for education staff at the West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley, with the opening of their brand new Safari Academy. The sustainablybuilt facility, located near to the Safari Park’s Hippo Lakes, features five classrooms and has been designed specifially for visiting schools.

The Safari Academy is designed as a sustainable building set on helical pile foundations, avoiding the need for concrete on a site that borders on the lake. In addition to the building itself there is a suspended decking area overlooking the lake.

Each of the five classrooms is equipped with everything needed to provide interactive education for groups of all ages – from preschools and nursery to university groups and adult learners. Groups can take part in a variety of activities to enhance their inschool learning, including curriculum-linked guided tours, hands-on discovery sessions and workshops.

The sessions include ‘close encounters’ with some of the park’s smaller, friendly animals and a wide range of artefacts: all relevant to the chosen topic.

Head of learning at the park, Caroline Richards, said: “We have built a fantastic team of educators over the years, who are dedicated to providing wildlife education to visiting schools and colleges, as well as delivering accredited animal qualifications.

I am thrilled that we are able to expand our support for wildlife education in the West Midlands with our brand-new, purpose-built Safari Academy.

“This new state-of-the-art eco-building will allow us to grow our educational services to meet the needs of the local community and inspire even more young conservationists of the future. Not only will we be able to offer hands-on classes and courses, we will also be offering additional holiday clubs, evening talks and conservation events. We look

forward to welcoming guests to the Safari Academy throughout the summer months.”

The Safari Academy will also be home to accredited Levels 2 and 3 Animal Care courses, holiday clubs, career days and even open days and clubs for teachers.

A new website has been launched to coincide with the opening of the Academy at www.safariacademy.co.uk. As well as booking their trip, teachers can find out information such as what animal courses the park provides and how teachers can claim two free preview tickets, to familiarise themselves with the attraction before taking their school group. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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GIRAFFE HOUSE - WILD PLACE PROJECT, BRISTOL ZOO

Walking tall on the plains of Gloucestershire [

THE WORLD’S TALLEST ANIMALS have made South Gloucestershire their home – in a new £1.1m Giraffe House and paddock at Bristol Zoological Society’s Wild Place Project. The unique building has a high-level viewing platform, which provides a face-to-face encounter with the majestic animals and allows guests the opportunity to hand-feed them.

The project was carried out by Keynsham-based Dribuild Construction, who had to ensure the attraction stayed open and operational throughout the build process.

Dribuild’s managing director Matt Tyler said: “We are delighted to be involved in such a prestigious project: not only in its unique construction but also as headline sponsor of the Giraffe House for the coming years, which will assist in a small way towards the conservation of such amazing animals. We’re very excited to have been on site and to have created such an exceptional experience for Wild Place Project’s visitors and also having the unique opportunity to track the lives of the herd of giraffe once they’ve moved into their new homes and their progress over the upcoming months.”

The new exhibit, which is also home to Wild Place’s current zebra and eland residents, features a water hole and hard-standing area for the animals and themed dwellings and terraced seating for guests.

The original structure was removed to make room for the Giraffe House, which now also houses an impressive board room with a Juliet balcony, kitchen and welfare facilities. A timber ramp and viewing platform are on the outside.

Dribuild accommodated a number of VIP site visits, as well as facilitating the maximum possible public relations activity for Wild Place. That included a visit by 60 children from a local primary school, who were given a tour of the Giraffe House and were delighted to be able to participate in the burial of a time capsule. The children wrote descriptive pieces and drew pictures of animals, which were included in the capsule. Dribuild and the Zoological Society also placed mementos inside the capsule.

Nigel Simpson, head of operations at Wild Place Project, said: “This has been a long time coming and is a result of lots of planning and hard work. We were thrilled when the time came when we could finally announce our exciting plans and welcome these majestic animals to Bristol. We are extremely grateful to have received enormous support for this project and would like to say a huge ‘Thank You!’ to everyone who has donated, got involved in our fundraising events and stuck their neck out for our Giraffe House appeal.” q

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Zoo dining takes on a new dimension THE HIDE - BRISTOL ZOO GARDENS

It’s onwards and upwards for Isle of Wight’s primates

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A NEW RESTAURANT is wowing diners at Bristol Zoo Gardens – the world’s fifth oldest zoo. The Hide, designed by architects Barton Willmore and featuring interior design by Wildfire, opened in April this year and is housed in a completely reordered art deco building.

The new restaurant has an increased capacity of 300 guests and creates a fun and immersive dining experience, taking inspiration from nature and animal habitats around the world.

Tom Macklen, associate architect at Barton Willmore, said: “Our design ethos for the project was to strike a balance between responding to the internal needs of the restaurant and relating to its prominent location within the Zoo grounds. It was important that the space could work for a variety of needs – as a restaurant for visitors to the Zoo as well as a highquality events space for more formal events.”

The materials used are sustainable and of a high quality, providing an architecturally striking addition to the Zoo. The restaurant has made good use of glazing on all elevations, maximising the daylight and natural ventilation in the restaurant. A green roof is provided to enhance biodiversity, in line with the environmental approach of Bristol Zoological Society and its catering partner Levy Restaurants UK. “It’s in keeping with our former 1930s art deco restaurant, but with a modern twist,” explained Levy Restaurants’ Zoo general manager, Ben George. “We’ve preserved the wisteria tree and old clock tower, which were both prominent and much-loved features of the former restaurant.” q

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ISLE OF WIGHT ZOO

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AN OLD FORT built to repel a French invasion that never came is now home to revitalised zoological gardens. When the former Sandown Zoo, behind the walls of Sandown Fort, fell into decline in the 1970s it was taken into private ownership and revitalised. The zoo focuses principally on big cats – tigers are its ‘brand image’ – and Madagascan animals.

Earlier this year the zoo became a charity – the Wildheart Trust – and looks forward to playing an even bigger part in animal conservation. As part of the European Endangered Species Programme, the zoo has had success breeding several species of Madagascan primates, including the critically endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur.

Last year saw a number of revamps of the animal habitats, including the replacement of its wood-framed monkey enclosures with new primate houses.

The new enclosures are constructed from a rigid mesh panel system manufactured by CLD Fencing Systems of Cheshire. The three bespoke monkey enclosures were designed by CLD’s in-house CAD team and manufactured from their own specialist Dulok Zoo Fencing range. The enclosures were installed by Moore Fencing of Essex.

Among the many details that needed to be addressed was one of height.

The previous enclosures had not provided sufficient height for climbing for the primates. Also included within the build were three airlock gates.

The enclosures were open to the public in June and have been met with rave reviews. Zoo director Charlotte Corney told local press: “The monkeys are the hardest working animals at the zoo: they’re always out there in all weathers, so they deserved a new home. They’re a lot happier in their new enclosure.”

Later this year the zoo plans to upgrade four old tiger enclosures into two larger habitats for ‘rescue cats’. q

South American habitat is latest on board the Ark ANDEAN ADVENTURE & ELEPHANT EDEN - NOAH’S ARK ZOO FARM

One of the spectacled bears enjoying his hammock and Elephant Eden’s outside sand yard

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LAST YEAR SAW the opening of Andean Adventure – a new home for the spectacled bear – at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, the award-winning animal park and education centre at Wraxall, near Bristol. The spectacled bear, or Andean bear, is the only remaining short-faced bear and the only bear species native to South America. They are agile climbers and are known for their ability to build nests high up in trees.

To cater for the bears, Andean Adventure is a large and specially landscaped environment with a focus on enrichment for the bears, which are native to the mountainous regions of South America and have been found at altitudes up to 4,750 metres. However, they are very hardy creatures and are renowned for being highly adaptable to any habitat.

The species faces many threats, including hunting, human-wildlife conflict and habitat destruction, and numbers in the wild have dropped significantly in recent years. They are listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

The new habitat for Noah’s Ark’s two spectacled bear brothers, Sonco and Tupa, was constructed by the in-house construction team at the centre, around a bear house and a steel frame erected by specialists Wyatt’s Construction of Llandrindod Wells in mid Wales.

Wyatt’s are well known to the zoo, having been involved in the construction of the Elephant Eden environment in 2014. For that project they constructed the elephant barn, internal structures and pens, and a biomass boiler shed. Elephant Eden is the UK’s largest elephant habitat and it has been internationally praised for its welfare benefits: it was described as ‘a 5* facility for elephants’ by international elephant management expert Alan Roocroft. Hi-tech enrichment mechanisms were also built in.

Experience gained on that project led Wyatt's to go on to build other elephant facilities in the UK. Green energy technology is another watchword of developments at Noah’s Ark, which holds Gold status in the internationally recognised Green Tourism Business Scheme. For both the Andean Adventure and Elephant Eden projects green energy has been exploited, including solar power and biomass heating. q

Elephant Eden’s elephant pool www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New elephant house involves a Jumbo-sized engineering feat

PROJECT ELEPHANT - BLACKPOOL ZOO

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WORK IS ON TRACK for the opening in late summer of one of the biggest single zoo enclosures in the UK: Project Elephant at Blackpool Zoo. The project incorporates a ‘Jumbo’ indoor elephant house as well as a two-acre enriched landscaped outdoor area.

Work began on site at Project Elephant late last year. It includes a huge indoor area, specially designed around the complex welfare needs of the mammoth species. It features a raised viewing platform, meaning visitors can come face to face with the impressive creatures.

Externally, the public will enjoy unobstructed views of the elephants in their huge paddock, which will include a sanded area complete with bathing pool and a landscaped grass field.

The zoo’s director Darren Webster declared: “This project, which has been in the planning pipeline for five years, means we will successfully house these beautiful animals for years to come and everyone is extremely excited. My team of excellent zoo keepers will now assist me in my discussions with the Asian Elephant European Endangered Species Program to secure the future of this magnificent species at Blackpool Zoo.” The specially designed building has been created by specialist engineers Idom Merebrook, part of the Idom group. Working closely with Blackpool Zoo’s directors and specialist keepers, as well as to guidelines set down by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the team worked on the project for a year to create an environment that will encourage the elephant herd to thrive, as well as designing an exciting exhibit for visitors.

Project Elephant has been one of the zoo’s most ambitious projects, and the newly

designed enclosure has been created to accommodate not only the immense size and weight of the elephant herd, but also the animal’s natural intelligence and curiosity.

The elephant house itself is by far the zoo’s largest structure at 2,000m2 and has been constructed to house 10 Asian elephants, each reaching a height of three metres.

The five pens include a viewing pen and walkway for visitors, a care pen for sick animals, a bull elephant pen and a hay store.

Outside, the enclosure features a pool and wet area surrounded by landscaped paddocks for the animals to roam. The keeper’s office is located above the enclosure and allows keepers a 360° view of the animals.

A key consideration has been reinforcing the foundations to accommodate the size and weight of the animals. At least one metre of sand has been laid on top of the concrete layers below the surface to soften the base.

Idom Merebrook’s managing director Nigel Huish commented: “This has been a really interesting project to have been involved with – elephants present some unique design challenges! The sheer scale of the structure has challenged our designers to think big – this, along with prioritising animal and visitor

welfare, has really inspired some innovative design solutions from our team.”

Sustainability was a key factor in the design of the enclosure, but posed a logistical challenge as the enclosure needed to minimise the amount of surface water; however elephants love splashing, so the team came up with a solution that worked on both counts.

One of the enclosure’s special features is a 55,000-litre water tank which is filled from harvested rainwater and recycled water. The water supply is used to top up the pool and to clean and dampen the sand. A unique sprinkler system has also been installed to hose and bath the animals, giving them ample opportunity to splash.

The team has also had to include plans for access to carry out on-going maintenance work on the pens. That involved moderating the extent of the access that would be needed by engineers.

In order to minimise entrance requirements, service hubs such as the electricity room have been set against an external wall, while lights and heating panels have been installed on the same level as the gantry to reduce the need to access the pens.

One of the main challenges from a design perspective has been to conceal and protect the building and facilities equipment – keeping it out of the animals’ reach and sight, given their natural curiosity. To address that, all of the building systems have been fitted high up in the building.

Temperature has also been a big consideration. Inside the house a constant 20°C is maintained, through a radiant panel heating system. In the enclosure for sick animals temperature is kept at 22°C. A heated water trough has also been fitted to prevent thermal shock by ensuring drinking water is a constant mild temperature. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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NASC introduces online membership application and audit process

[THE NASC HAS introduced a state-of-the-art online membership

application system – streamlining the process for potential new members.

The process has been developed by London-based website technicians Deep and makes it simpler for scaffolding firms to apply for full membership of the 240 plus strong confederation – bringing the organisation into line with other similar pre-qualification membership audit systems.

NASC president Alan Lilley said: “NASC have pursued the online application process to simplify the desktop application and annual audit procedure, along with the site audit which is undertaken every two years.

“All the information required for the audit will be uploaded to the NASC portal a month prior to the site audit – allowing our auditors more time to carry out site audits, which is a time-consuming process.

The new online system will also replace the two-yearly self-certification required of our members.

“Once the first online information is completed it will be a simple

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exercise to amend the details and maintain each year. The records will be stored electronically by the NASC – thereby removing the need to store paper files, as is the current arrangement.”

In order to cope with the influx of current membership applications and efficiently manage the new online portal, NASC has taken on an extra member of staff. Stephen Allen-Tidy, an IOSH qualified health and safety advisor, will be responsible for assessing and verifying the information when it is uploaded.

And the confederation has also taken on two new NASC auditors, James Brierley and Craig Penketh, to cope with the additional demands of the expanding membership.

NASC audit committee chairman Mel Archer said: “Auditing our members has become more efficient with the introduction of the online application form. Enrolling new contracting membership applications digitally should mean that a new applicant will have quicker access to full membership of the NASC. “Our team of independent auditors will now have more time to focus on the scaffolding activities of our members, both on-site and at their depots, to ensure full compliance with membership standards.”

Putting the new system into context, Richard Barnes, operations director of Plymouth-based JEM Scaffolding Ltd, the latest member of the confederation, said: “Thank you very much. If you knew what a difficult year this had been, you would not believe how happy NASC membership has made us.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to working with the rest of the NASC members going forward.”

NASC managing director Robin James added: “With a record level of members and a continued growth in applications, the confederation needed to modernise and streamline its application processes, and boost the support behind the scenes to improve efficiency. We are confident the whole membership and audit process is now simpler, faster and more modern and we’re sure the membership will find it useful.” q

NASC Health & Safety and Technical guidance titles now free to download [

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT all NASC Health & Safety and Technical guidance titles, other than pocket guides and the TG20 suite of publications, will be available to download free of charge from the NASC website.

The NASC publishes a comprehensive and expanding range of industry guidance titles, all of which are regularly reviewed and updated by its Health & Safety and Technical committees.

Copies of these titles have always been available to purchase in hard copy format from the NASC website at www.nasc.org.uk.

Until now however, free downloads have been restricted to NASC member companies only, with one notable exception.

In 2015, and by agreement with HSE, the confederation issued the latest version of its iconic management guidance titled SG4:15 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations.

This 60-page A4 management guide has been freely available to download from the NASC website ever since publication.

In the foreword of SG4:15, Peter Baker, the then HSE chief inspector of construction, commented: “It is encouraging that the NASC continues to fulfil their commitment as a trade organisation to develop guidance for their industry. In taking ownership and establishing good practice it has enabled scaffolding contractors to better manage the risk and

demonstrates improved safety performance through their membership.”

The confederation has now taken this a step further and made all of its Health & Safety and Technical guidance titles freely available to the scaffolding industry, other than the pocket guides and the TG20 suite of publications.

NASC president Alan Lilley commented: “By continuing to refine and develop new and

existing guidance titles, the NASC recognises its responsibility to raise industry standards – not just for its membership, but for the scaffolding industry and the construction sector as a whole.

“By making this Health & Safety and Technical guidance freely available to the industry, the confederation is again demonstrating its commitment to making the industry a safer place in which to work.” q

NASC present at London Work at Height Seminar [

THE NASC TOOK PART in the London Work At Height Seminar 2017 at the City of London’s prestigious Guildhall on July 10 – presenting on developments within the scaffolding and access sector, as well as recently published guidance, to a substantial gathering of industry professionals.

The second London Work at Height Seminar built on the success of the highly regarded 2016 event – ‘providing opportunity for our industry to collaborate in the interests of safety awareness, best practice and knowledge sharing; and to demonstrate a variety of work at height methodologies and industry innovations.’

The event is largely aimed at local government authorities, procurement professionals, health and safety professionals, building and facilities managers and all other professionals who have an interest in work at height within the City of London and beyond.

In addition to the NASC’s presentation, and those of similar trade bodies and organisations such as the Access Industry Form (of which NASC are members), there were noteworthy presentations from the City of London Corporation, with Jeremy Simons and Toby Thorp speaking on safe working at height within the city.

The Health & Safety Executive was represented at the event by Ray Cooke, its head of construction sector safety unit. Paul Bussey, a technical

consultant for Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, was also one of the guest speakers.

Meanwhile, out in the ‘Courtyard’ area of the Guildhall, there were demonstrations of work at height equipment in use.

NASC technical officer Ken Johnson, who presented at the event on behalf of the confederation, said: “It’s been another tremendous gathering of industry minds, with a lot of very useful information disseminated and great positivity about successful safe working practices within the industry.

“There was great praise for the huge steps the NASC has taken in getting scaffolders, and those who use scaffolds, home safely. And there was plenty of interest in the TG20:13 eGuide, SG4:15 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations safety guidance and the Scaffold Specification Template, which was very well received amongst seminar delegates, along with the NASC 2017 Safety Report.”

NASC managing director Robin James added: “This seminar brings together all the major players in the work at height sector and is making a positive impact on working practices and safety guidance. We are very pleased to be involved as the national trade body for the access and scaffolding industry in the UK – producing industry guidance for scaffolding contractors, their operatives and clients since 1945.” q

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CISRS CPD courses go live [CISRS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses are

now live – making it a mandatory requirement to attend a two-day course at an approved training provider prior to scaffolder or advanced scaffolder card renewal.

The CPD course was formally announced in June 2016, giving the industry over 12 months notice prior to commencement. This was following lengthy discussions within the scaffolding sector and extensive correspondence with the HSE who pushed hard for what they felt was an omission to an otherwise very robust training scheme.

CISRS training has been around in one form or another for over 40 years. It was felt that it was time to bring it in line with other safety critical sectors and introduce a refresher element.

Ray Cooke, head of HSE’s Construction Sector Safety Unit, said: “HSE inspectors come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme.

“This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.”

The introduction of the new CPD courses is designed to ensure that all card holding scaffolders and advanced scaffolders are kept up to date with the latest legislation and industry guidance, and maintain the highest possible standards of scaffolding safety.

Dave Mosley, CISRS scheme manager, commented: “After some initial scepticism – ‘it’s a money-making venture’ and ‘I’ve been doing this 30 years’ – the majority of the industry are now behind the introduction of the courses and recognise it’s about raising standards and keeping people safe and up to date with legislation and changes within the industry.

“There has been a lot of time and effort put into creating the right balance and depth of useful content into the two-day CPD course.

CISRS are confident it will only serve to strengthen the safety and knowledge of those attending and help to raise the reputation of the trade amongst the wider industry.”

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CPD courses are now available to be delivered by CISRS-accredited training providers. Six fully funded (free) courses have been offered

by CISRS and participating training providers – National Construction College, LTC Training Services, Safety and Access and Simian Skill – across the country.

The majority of the course content will be the same for both scaffolders and advanced scaffolders – with the main difference being the scaffold structures used for the practical inspection sessions.

The course offers theoretical and practical sessions on scaffold inspection and aluminium tower modules, which if completed successfully can be endorsed on the rear of the new card. It also offers a CISRS Health, Safety & Behavioural Test, which if passed will negate the need for a separate CITB Health, Safety & Environment Test.

Dave Mosley added: “We really feel that the introduction of CPD is right for the scheme and the industry. We realise that this is a big change for the sector – which is why we gave everyone plenty of notice before it went live and we will be on hand to support the scaffolding community through these changes.” q

IPAF launches new audit regime [POWERED ACCESS rental companies that are

existing or future members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will soon have to pass a more stringent vetting and auditing process in the UK. From September this year, all IPAF’s current and prospective rental company members will begin the process of submitting to a new annual audit procedure and on successful completion will be accorded IPAF Rental+ status. The accreditation will be maintained through an annual site visit.

The existing IPAF Rental+ scheme will further be modified to allow members to achieve bronze, silver or gold accreditation dependant on them meeting certain key criteria during their audit process. IPAF’s Rental+ scheme recently became Safety Schemes In Procurement (SSIP) accredited, so SSIP status will also be conferred on all UK rental member companies under the new system.

Tim Whiteman, CEO of IPAF, said: “This is a really positive evolution of IPAF membership for rental firms in the UK. It is important to point out that this change has been driven from within. It reflects our members’ desire that end users should have the utmost confidence that using an IPAF member company is the best guarantee that their clients will always receive the highest possible levels of safety, expertise and customer service.”

The new audit regime will begin in September 2017 and all existing IPAF rental members in the UK will have until September 2019 to comply. q

New MEWPs safety guidance [THE Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group (SFPSG) has published new Mobile

Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) safety guidance which is designed to be an essential reference tool for all those who have management or supervisory responsibility for the safe condition and operation of MEWPs. Endorsed by the Health & Safety Executive, the new MEWPs safety guidance has been jointly developed by the Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) and IPAF for the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group.

The MEWPs safety guidance outlines the importance of keeping all machines in safe working condition throughout their working life to ensure continued safe and efficient operation. It identifies three key elements – inspection, maintenance and thorough examination – and details why each should be given equal emphasis to ensure optimum safety.

Kevin Minton, director of the CPA, said: “It is essential that MEWPs are maintained in a safe condition for use. The new guidance details how routines can be managed, and who is responsible for what, when a MEWP is on hire. It will prove to be an invaluable document for both hire companies and plant operators.”

The new MEWPs safety guidance is available for anyone to download for free from both the CPA and IPAF websites at www.cpa.uk.net and www.ipaf.org. q

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Care homes form part of a wider community [THE THREE NEW care homes featured in this issue all have a

common thread: integration into the wider community. Although one of them – Broomhill Care Centre in Chesterfield – is in the extensive grounds of a larger home, it borders on surrounding properties and access for deliveries had to be planned to cause least disruption.

The same issues were also evident at Kings Lodge in Camberley.

Although it is set in extensive grounds, access was via a lane from the road that required a ‘considerate’ approach towards the neighbours. Good relations were further cemented by the burying of a time capsule by local children.

The feature kicks off with a look at the latest in a group of homes founded by a nurse. The new home, Farnham Mill, will bring the community into its own space with the provision of day care for local residents with early-stage dementia.

One area where a home may need to stand on its own is where there is disruption to services or utilities. While loss of heat or power is an inconvenience to most of us, in a social care setting it can be catastrophic. Self-contained renewable energy supplies can add a measure of ‘operational resilience’ to the well-documented environmental and economic benefits. q

Home care has led to blossoming family enterprise [WHEN REGISTERED NURSE Gillian Lee

began to care for her grandmother back in 1976, she little knew that her efforts would lead to the establishment of one of the most respected groups of care homes in the Surrey and Hampshire area.

At that time Gillian was unable to find residential accommodation for her grandmother that she considered suitable, so she cared for her in her own home. She took in more residents and had an extension built onto the house, which became Woodlands Residential Care Home.

That momentum led to the building of her first purpose-designed home – Hill Brow – in 1986.

A specialist nursing and dementia care home, Hill House, was later constructed in the grounds.

Gillian’s daughter Alison, also a trained nurse with a degree from Barts and a Diploma in Elderly Care, took over the company – now known as Woodlands and Hillbrow – in 1998.

The next stage in the company’s development is due to open in October.

Farnham Mill is a 60-bed home in a waterside setting. The building is very modern in design and makes great use of the streams and ponds running through its ground.

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FARNHAM MILL NURSING HOME, FARNHAM

Said company director Gabriel Martinez: “We wanted to bring the environment and nature outside into the home. The home is designed to be a lovely place to live and work in, because I strongly believe in delivering outstanding care for the elderly.”

In fact, Farnham Mill’s whole ethos and objective is to help Woodlands and Hillbrow’s staff deliver the best care in the best setting and environment. Farnham Mill will be dual registered for residential and nursing and a large proportion of residents will have dementia.

Gabriel explained how that influenced the design: “Farnham Mill has been designed with living with dementia in mind. All the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, so they are light and bright and there is always something to see. In addition, there are level footpaths running around the gardens, ponds and courtyards – making the garden accessible, secure and safe for our residents.”

Inside, a generous 3500m2 of floor space for the 60 residents makes for large and spacious rooms and wide corridors displaying stimulating art – all served by equally large lifts.

Gabriel continued: “Our smallest bedroom is 23m2 and our larger bedrooms are 28m2 – much larger than a typical nursing or care home. All our furniture is purpose designed to be comfortable and encourage independence for our residents.”

Each floor is home to 20 residents, divided into two wings, meaning corridors are not too long, which residents prefer. There is a central lounge and dining area on each floor, with smaller lounges at the end of every bedroom wing.

Other facilities include a café and bistro, hair and beauty salon, training room and a day centre for local residents with earlystage dementia. The administrative and management offices are all on the ground floor and open to the view of the residents and guests – ensuring no-one hides away or is unavailable to the residents.

The main contractor on the project is HA and DB Kitchin of Alton in Hampshire, who built the company’s Hill House home. The building was designed by architects Re-Format, with project management by MEA. Gabriel commented: “All have been a pleasure to work with. We are really excited and are looking forward to welcoming new residents and staff into our home to carry on our long tradition of delivering outstanding care to the elderly in Farnham and Fleet.” q

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CQC reminds homes of their duties regarding fire precautions [ON 27 JUNE the chief executive of the Care

Quality Commission, Sir David Behan, wrote a letter to providers of care homes, hospices and independent hospitals – as well as their representative bodies – to encourage them to review their fire safety checks to ensure they are up to date, understood and applied consistently.

The letter was sent as a precautionary measure following the tragic events at Grenfell Tower earlier in the month. In it Sir David says: “As the regulator, our purpose is to ensure people receive safe, effective, compassionate and highquality care and to encourage improvement.

“With recent events in mind, I am writing to ask that you review your fire safety processes in your registered premises to ensure they are up to date and are being applied consistently in practice. In particular, I ask you to pay attention to the size and fabric of your registered premises.

You may have carried out such a review already; but if you have not, I encourage you to do so.”

He points out the legal responsibilities homes have under both the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

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“The Order requires the responsible person in a workplace to carry out a fire risk assessment. The assessment should pay special attention to those at higher risk due to issues such as mobility impairment or learning disability. The Order includes a range of absolute duties ranging from providing information and training to employees through to ensuring that premises and any equipment provided in connection with firefighting, fire detection and warning or emergency routes

and exits are covered by a suitable system of maintenance by a competent person.”

According to figures quoted by Nationwide Fire Sprinklers: “On average, there are over 800 fires in premises providing care for the elderly in the UK every year, with five people dying and over 90 injured. Primary causes of fires in care homes are faulty electrical appliances or wiring, cooking facilities, smoking related combustion, misuse of equipment and deliberate arson.” q

Door opens at lodgings fit for a king KINGS LODGE, CAMBERLEY

[ON 10 JULY a new home was opened in

Camberley by Aura Care Living. Kings Lodge is a magnificent new care home, providing a luxury living environment in a woodland setting. Aura Care has designed the home to offer personal, dementia and nursing care in luxurious surroundings.

Set in 15 acres of mature woodlands and just a two-minute drive from Camberley town centre and Sandhurst Royal Academy, Kings Lodge is an innovative building that is sympathetic to its natural environment. Yet it has been meticulously designed to provide the highest standards of residential and specialist dementia care in the most luxurious of surroundings.

The home boasts 64 en-suite bedrooms, elegant lounges and dining rooms and landscaped gardens – including a protected wetland.

Kings Lodge has been built by Aura Care Construct, a sister company formed to bring established experience in care home construction to the creation of homes for Aura Care and also to offer that experience to other care providers.

It is a traditional brick-and-block construction with piled foundations. The external envelope comprises composite cladding and stone, with feature cedar soffits and exposed cedar beams.

The roof is a noteworthy feature, being a mix of traditional and trusses supported on stone-clad columns. It has been designed to allow future development of a third storey.

The 64 bedrooms are evenly split between the ground and first floors, with each floor also boasting serveries for residents’ meals and snacks – one on each wing of each floor.

The main kitchen is on the ground floor, where an atrium houses the administration function and foyer with seating spaces. Other facilities include a hair salon, spa and cinema.

The pièce de résistance of the building is the Kings Bar and dining room, located at the rear of the ground floor and overlooking the gardens.

The grounds conceal their own installations.

A large groundwater attenuation tank has been installed to help control drainage into the surrounding woodland, with a hydro brake ensuring even flow and preventing flooding. In addition, fire precautions include a 500,000 litre hydrant tank.

The intricate nature of the design threw up a number of challenges for the construction team, as project manager Jason Vince explained. It also added to the interest of the project.

Said Jason: “It’s been a very interesting project – quite unique and a fantastic-looking building. The interior design is also superb. It’s one of the most interesting projects I’ve been on.”

Prior to the opening of Kings Lodge, pupils from a local school buried a time capsule in the grounds, to be opened 50 years from now. Toys, newspapers and a class ruler were just some of the items buried.

Aura Care Living director Peter Lloyd said: “It was great to have the children up here and to see what items they chose to put into the capsule. Community is important to us; we want to involve people from Camberley in the project.” q

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Successful collaboration leads to a repeat performance KINGS LODGE, CAMBERLEY

[ MIDWAY THROUGH last year Aura Care Construct contacted

London-based contractors Keane O’Connor with a view to their involvement in the Baycroft Care Home project in Orpington that Aura Care was carrying out for One Housing Group.

On that project Keane O’Connor carried out the installation of the roof structure, the 1st-fix carpentry and 2nd-fix carpentry. Following on from that the company has been engaged by Aura Care to carry out various elements of the works on their new care home, Kings Lodge in Camberley.

The scope of work carried out in Camberley involved a variety of joinery elements including the installation of the exterior cladding and the balconies.

Inside the building Keane O’Connor also supplied and installed feature panelling in the corridors, in addition to the installation of feature screens and sliding doors.

In the residents’ rooms the contract involved the installation of the doors, skirting and architraves, as well as the TV wall units, worktops, wardrobes and feature pelmet. They also supplied and installed bathroom accessories.

A spokesman for Keane O’Connor said: “We were delighted to be involved in such a great project. Many thanks to Jason Vince, Jason Steele and all the Aura Care team for making Keane O’Connor feel welcome in Camberley. We look forward to working on many more care homes with Aura Care in the future!” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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New home adds to

BROOMHILL CARE CENTRE, CHESTERFIELD

[ A NEW CARE FACILITY is set to open

in the coming months, designed to enhance provision for adults with learning difficulties in the Chesterfield area of Derbyshire.

Broomhill Care Centre is a new, 16-bed home set in the grounds of an existing, larger home in the Old Whittington area of Chesterfield. It is being established by specialist operator Intacare Ltd, which operates the larger home and who – together

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with sister company Step Forward – provide specialist services to people with acquired brain injury and learning disability in the North Nottinghamshire and North Derbyshire areas.

As with the existing home, which occupies the main building on the 1.87-acre site, Broomhill Care Centre will offer residents quality care, set in a homely environment with comfortable, modern surroundings.

The design and construction of Broomhill

Care Centre reflects that approach. It has been constructed by South Yorkshire-based Cadam Construction, which specialises in the care sector.

From the outset the project set the bar high for the company. All the trees surrounding the building are protected, while access was via a narrow, steep drive for all deliveries. This meant planning of the project’s logistics had to be thorough and revised daily.

existing facilities The groundworks included a 30m-long, 3m-high retaining wall close to a neighbouring boundary. That was constructed after removing 70 wagons of soil. A full tanking system was followed by a beam and block floor.

From design to completion, Cadam worked closely with the client to fully design and specify the building to provide large spacious living and service areas on the ground floor, with the 16 bedrooms spread over two floors including the roof space.

The roof is perhaps the most striking and most challenging element of the project. It comprises six dormers, varied pitches and a diamondshaped, vaulted entrance lobby with bespoke aluminium guttering. That was described as ‘difficult to design and install’ but was achieved with help from specialist fabricators.

The crowning glory of the building is a 9kW array of solar panels in the roof structure, helping to ensure the building is self-sufficient in terms of its energy needs.

The underfloor heating and hot water is

provided by two air source heat pumps installed by another specialist contractor.

The interior is designed to be as comfortable as possible for residents, with American oak flooring and neutral bathrooms.

The second floor also features a sensory room to aid stimulation for residents.

It is the latest in a series of projects in the care sector to be carried out by Cadam Construction and is set to add significantly to the scope of care provision for adults with learning difficulties in North Derbyshire. q

Care home conjures its heating out of thin air! [

ONE OF THE WATCHWORDS in the design of Broomhill Care Centre was energy efficiency. Energy – in particular heating – accounts for a significant proportion of the running costs of any care facility. Keeping warm is crucial for the wellbeing of anyone with reduced mobility.

In the case of Broomhill the heating is provided by two 16kW air source heat pumps, supplied and installed by Q-Gen Heat Pumps of Brighouse, West Yorkshire. The two NIBE 2040-16 units (pictured) provide more than enough heat to secure a comfortable environment for the residents of the home, as well as ensuring the facility is as kind to the environment as possible.

Air source heat pumps work by extracting heat from the air surrounding a building. They are installed outside – either wall mounted or free standing – and can produce heat even when the ambient temperature is as low as minus 20ºC. In addition to the underfloor heating chosen for Broomhill Care Centre, the system provides hot water for the crucial hygiene function of the home.

An added benefit comes in the form of the Renewable Heat Incentive, which results in a significant income from using a heat pump – in addition to the savings in energy consumption.

The project at Broomhill is just one of hundreds of heat pumps that Q-Gen has installed at care homes over the past few years.

Head engineer Dan Cannon explained that, in terms of heat provision, Broomhill is more of a large domestic installation.

Typically, the company’s projects have involved homes with more than 60 beds.

Most of those have involved the more large-scale ground source pumps. In those installations the heat is derived from within the ground, transmitted via water

circulation. In some cases that water can be taken directly from streams, ponds or even lakes within the grounds of the homes.

As Q-Gen point out, heat pumps are a simple cost-effective solution for the provision of hot water and heating for new build, retrofit, domestic or commercial properties.

Q-Gen Heat Pumps provides cutting-edge energy solutions for care homes that require renewable heating, cooling and electricity, as well as electrical and thermal storage. Their installations can provide valuable operational resilience for a care home – paid for by savings on running costs and a number of other ‘value pools’ that can be achieved within viable payback timeframes.

The company is based at St Peg’s Mill in Brighouse, which is itself an energy-efficient building. The mill is powered by a solar PV system on the roof and the first floor is heated by an air source pump installed by Q-Gen themselves. q

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Galliford Try visualises BIM success for Birmingham Conservatoire [THE £57 MILLION PROJECT for

Birmingham City University is creating the UK’s first new conservatoire since the mid-1980s. It has been designed around multiple performance spaces including a 500-seat main concert hall, a 150-seat recital hall and three other venues, as well as teaching facilities.

Having commenced on 3rd August 2015, the project is scheduled to complete in August this year and is due to open for the new academic year starting in September.

The high profile project was designed as a BIM project from the outset. Having always had a significant belief in quality standards, Galliford Try was among the first wave of contractors to secure its full BIM accreditation.

The project’s main technical challenges were presented by the client’s over-arching acoustic requirements. The building has been designed using a ‘box in box’ construction approach, incorporating five independent steel frames for each main space, isolated from the main building structures via resilient individual anti-vibration acoustic mountings, which effectively create completely floating floors. It meant the invlovement of some specialist sub-contractors. Innovative methods of construction and working processes were required.

4D BIM delivers extra perspective When the project started, graduate Ibrahim Patel had recently joined the group as a planner, with the new Birmingham Conservatoire as his first project.

He was given the task of creating a 4D plan that would give the project team an integrated view of activities and progress of the building in the form of a 3D visualisation. It provided a hub into which all the as-built information marked up on working drawings and documents could be integrated, to maintain a current view of progress.

“The 4D BIM model we created in Asta Powerproject BIM gave us a visualisation model alongside our main BIM model,” he explained. “We always have lots of as-built records and drawings on paper and markedup – we could now take that information, put it into the 4D BIM model, and gain a 3D representation of that information to see it more clearly. It instantly becomes easier to see both what is planned, and what has happened, in one place.”

The visualisation provided an integrated view of progress for the planners, and was made accessible via SharePoint to senior management, if they required it. However, it became most valuable when used as the basis for client

communication. Ibrahim continued: “The visualisation you create in Asta Powerproject BIM really benefits the client. When they come in for their monthly meeting we can easily produce a video to show the planned model versus an actual model. That shows them within just a few minutes exactly where the project should be and where it is. Without the video you’d spend lot of time trying to explain where we are and where we should be – with the video, they can see it straight away.”

Sub-contractor communication was also a beneficiary, as Ibrahim outlined: “We have progress meetings with individual sub-contractors where we pull up the Asta Powerproject programme and go through their works. As well as discussing how far they have come along and anything they are putting in place to get back on track, we can also look ahead. We can re-sequence works to save us time in the future or avoid several contractors working in the same space at the same time.”

The software was used to link as-built information to the visualisation. “Asta Powerproject BIM gives us a high-level overview of the project,” said Ibrahim. “As we get into the nitty gritty of activities, we capture information within our as-built documents. For example, for an elevation of brickwork, we have a drawing that’s marked up to show the brickwork that has gone up each week, which goes into the as-built document stack. We can take that information and put it into Asta Powerproject BIM, and the model then gives us a visual overview of what has happened too.” q • For further information visit the website at www.elecosoft.com/astapowerproject.

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There’s more to planting green roofs [WITH THE RIGHT substrate and plant

specification, green roofs can look vibrant and exciting without high maintenance, says Boningale GreenSky’s leading plant expert.

Maggie Fennell, manager of the innovative Shropshire-based company that pioneered the development of SkySuperstrates and SkyPlugs for green roofs, said that the range of plant species commonly used on green roofs can adapt to a lot of challenging situations, which is important when considering aesthetics and your maintenance programme.

She explained: “Maintenance of green roofs is a key issue, but with the right planning, growing medium and the right species, the maintenance programme does not have to be a challenging or laborious task. And it doesn’t mean that your green roof has to be boring either.

“When green roof designers use 150mm deep substrate, it opens up the types of suitable species that can be planted because there is room for extra root growth and more capacity for water storage.

“For example, extensive green roofs are traditionally dominated by sedums because they are extremely drought tolerant, or by wildflowers because they are a good support for biodiversity.

“These are natural candidates for any green roof because they can cope with extreme weather conditions and poor soils.

Image courtesy of Wild About Roofs www.wildaboutroofs.co.uk “However, there are also many more species that are suitable for sites that are dealing with shade, high aesthetic demands and tight maintenance access. Using ferns, alpines, Mediterranean herbs and evergreen plants with a wide variety of forms and flowering times helps to meet a broad variety of challenging urban conditions.

“Mediterannean herbs such as lavender, rosemary and thyme can be used on extensive roofs when they might otherwise struggle in a wet, winter landscape. The sharp drainage is beneficial as long as the plants have enough sunlight. It is a very

attractive option but requires slightly higher maintenance for the shrubby plants – they need trimming back correctly to maintain their form.

“Hardy and drought-tolerant alpines and cultivars, such as Petrorhagia saxifraga and Delosperma species also thrive brilliantly on lighter weight, extremely low maintenance extensive green roofs, as long as they have a sunny position.

“Ferns are increasingly used alongside other shade tolerant plants for lower level green roofs which might be overlooked but where sunlight is so restricted that traditional sedums and many wildflowers would struggle.

“Of course, in depths of 100mm or more bulbs should also be planted to boost seasonal and all-year colour.

“With all this choice, there’s certainly no excuse for a boring, high maintenance, green roof.” q • Boningale GreenSky is the award-winning green roof division of Boningale Nurseries and a member of BALI and GRO. The company has developed market-leading horticultural products and guidance in partnership with the technology experts at the University of Sheffield’s Green Roof Centre. This research is translated into award-winning design tools that are freely available at www.boningale-greensky.co.uk.

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Liquid waterproofing: finding the right solution The popularity of cold liquid applied waterproofing systems continues to rise due to a wide range of performance benefits. SIMON ASHWORTH, Technical and Product Manager at Icopal, looks at how high quality systems can help main contractors to become more efficient and overcome a number of challenges faced on site.

[

AS ANY CONTRACTOR will know, choosing the right waterproofing membrane can be vital to ensure a successful build. Selecting an incorrect product or one that is not fit for purpose can potentially lead to call backs and costly remedial work once the project is completed.

The good news is that there are a number of situations where cold liquid applied systems can help to overcome common issues. It is important to remember that liquid waterproofing can accommodate many applications and is not restricted solely to use on roofs. In addition, the versatility and wide range of liquid waterproofing systems available on the market means that there should be a product for any scenario that will achieve a robust and durable finish for both new build and refurbishment projects.

As such, it is important to understand the capabilities of such systems and consider where they are to be applied.

Fit for purpose products While there are many situations where a liquid system may be the preferred choice, it is vital to select the solution that meets the challenges or requirements of the project. Based on Polyurethane (PU) and Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) technology, Icopal’s Elastoflex and Enviroflex range of cold applied liquid waterproofing membranes offer specifiers and installers the opportunity to select the product that will best suit their needs.

Efficient, all-temperature solutions Inverted roof systems are a popular option. In these cases, liquid applied waterproofing is used below the insulation layer, instead of above it as in other forms of roofing. This helps to protect the waterproofing layer from extreme weather whilst also achieving a weatherproof barrier much earlier in the construction process.

Fast curing products are also beneficial for high traffic areas that need to be used as soon as possible. For example, Icopal’s Elastoflex Balcony & Walkway system is specifically designed for new or existing access walkways, terraces or balconies. The system is fast curing and has an anti-skid coating to create minimal disruption to homeowners and occupants.

For refurbishment projects where the internal use of the building is particularly sensitive to the occurrence of smells, use of a low odour or odourless resin will be critical to avoid any adverse impact on the building’s occupants. Both the new single component Elastoflex Ultima and Elastoflex Solvent Free membranes address this need as they can also be used for internal applications including plant rooms, mezzanines and wet rooms.

Difficult designs and challenging sites When selecting a waterproofing solution it is important to consider the area where the product will be applied, as this can often be a challenge in itself if it includes intricate design details, complex geometries or multiple surface penetrations such as ventilation ducting, air handling units or maintenance access points. For complex designs, a cold applied liquid waterproofing membrane can be an ideal solution due to the ability to mold the material to accommodate any difficult shapes. Furthermore, the seamless nature of these products ensures that the finished solution creates a more reliable and durable seal.

When sites are restricted or particularly challenging in their design, liquid waterproofing is often the only practical solution. Traditional systems generally require gas torches for application and need a higher level of equipment for installation. On an already congested site and restricted working area this can cause real issues. In comparison, liquid waterproofing solutions are packaged in a tin, applied by hand and require smaller tools so the application process itself dominates less of the space.

Make informed decisions By expanding their portfolio of services and offering cold applied liquid waterproofing, contractors and roofing contractors will develop confidence, efficiency and consistency in the install as their experience with the material evolves.

However, it is important to seek advice from respected manufacturers to ensure the most appropriate solution is specified and that products are installed in line with the manufacturer’s own guidelines and best practice advice.

Finally, no matter how simple a product may seem in its installation process, gaining training and guidance before, during and after the application can play an integral role in the project’s overall and long term success. As a world leader, Icopal supports its customers by providing technical and on site support throughout the project to help overcome any design, logistical or project challenges, to ensure products are fit for purpose and contribute to a successful building envelope. q • To find out more about the Icopal range of liquid waterproofing systems visit www.icopal.co.uk. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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The SnapIT half-round profile guttering and round downpipe in smooth finish slate grey

SnapIT aluminium guttering install made easy [ THE CONTEMPORARY SnapIT extruded aluminium rainwater

system from Rainclear Systems, the UK’s leading stockist and online retailer of metal rainwater systems, simply clicks together without the need for nuts, bolts or washers – saving significant time and reducing any hassle at install.

So, whether you are a seasoned developer, or are building or refurbishing your dream home, and you are looking for long lasting, high quality aluminium guttering without any hassle when it comes to installation, look no further – The SnapIT range of aluminium guttering fits the bill. It is a quality aluminium gutter system, which simply clicks together.

Available in 26 popular smooth finish colours for a contemporary look, and textured black or ivory white to add traditional heritage character to your property, SnapIT also comes in 2 profiles – the half-round profile in 115mmm and 125mm sizes or the vintage moulded profile in a 125mm x 100mm size. The round downpipes, with swaged neck to slot together without fuss, come in 63mm and 76mm diameters.

James Wright, sales executive and part of the friendly knowledgeable team at Rainclear, said: “At a significantly cheaper price than either cast iron or cast aluminium, SnapIT is the perfect choice for home builders or installers going for high quality but keeping a close eye on time and budget as well.

“If you’ve worked with SnapIT before, I think you’ll be impressed by the introduction of the ‘swept’ bends on the offsets, shoes and bends.

They have managed to improve an already stunning looking, longlasting and easy-fit system!

“Oh, and SnapIT is made in the UK from 80% recycled material, so it’s an environmentally friendly choice too!” q • For further information call the Rainclear team now on 0800 644 44 26, email sales@rainclear.co.uk or visit www.rainclear.co.uk

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NFRC launches Safe2Torch guidance [

THE National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) have launched their Safe2Torch campaign. The focus of the campaign is new guidance, developed in partnership with stakeholders across the industry, which aims to reduce the risk of roof fires when using gas torches on roofs. The campaign will directly affect at least 50% of all the flat roofs installed in the UK. Kevin Taylor, head of technical services at NFRC, said: “Roof fires caused by gas torches, no matter how minor, pose a serious threat to life, property, the image of the industry and possibly even the long-term future of torch-on as an accepted method of covering a roof. NFRC believe that by working together, fires of this nature can be prevented, which is why we have launched our Safe2Torch campaign.”

The Safe2Torch campaign is designed to support specification writers to comply with the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.

The CDM regulations state that: “The person who selects products for use in construction is a designer and must take account of health and safety issues arising from their use. If a product is purpose-built, the person who prepares the specification is a designer and so are manufacturers, if they develop a detailed design.”

The guidance includes an illustrated document which is free to download and includes an updated safe specification checklist. This checklist will form the basis of an electronic surveying app, which the NFRC will be launching.

Users will be able to upload photos and notes via a smart phone or tablet, with a webcast setting out the main points of Safe2Torch for those conducting the surveys as well as tips on how to use the surveying app.

The Safe2Torch guidance also covers the reduction of fire risks in general, including drying out decks and hot works permits. q • For more information please visit www.nfrc.co.uk

Alumasc’s VAEPLAN protects stunning development [A NEW Alumasc VAEPLAN waterproofing

membrane provides an effective, long-lasting roofing solution at Oyster Wharf, Mumbles – a stunning restaurant, retail and spa/gym development designed to transform and revitalise this prominent waterfront site at one of Wales’ most famous seaside destinations.

A full Alumasc warm roof system, with VAEPLAN’S proven durability qualities, makes it resistant to the Swansea Bay sea air - a key factor in the system’s selection.

Once the area/deck space had been cleaned and primed, using Alumasc Primer, Alumasc’s South Wales-based registered contractor, Span Roofing Contractors Ltd, installed the vapour barriers and PIR insulation. They then rolled the VAEPLAN single ply membrane over the insulation boards, flush with any upstands.

The membrane was mechanically fixed within the heat welded overlaps to provide added strength to the weld and increase resistance against the higher wind loads this coastal building will experience.

“A combination of the high levels of workmanship and product quality have

The Alumasc VAEPLAN-protected Oyster Wharf development in Mumbles, Swansea Bay provided Oyster Wharf with a reliable, durable and long lasting roofing solution,” stated Alumasc area technical manager Richard Powell. q

• Further details about Alumasc’s full range of waterproofing systems can be found at www.alumascroofing.co.uk or by calling 0333 5771 500. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Major construction expo makes its capital return

[LONDON BUILD RETURNS to Olympia

in October – with more content, more networking and more entertainment than ever before. Construction National is once more acting as a media partner for the event and readers can sign up for free tickets now, at www.londonbuildexpo.com.

Taking place on 25-26 October, London Build is the flagship event in Oliver Kinross’s suite of regional construction shows. And it’s more than just your standard exhibition. The seminar programme features over 100 hours of CPDaccredited content, allowing those attending to develop their skills.

There will also be exclusive contract and tender opportunities from the largest projects across the capital, in the residential, commercial and infrastructure sectors. The two days will offer endless networking opportunities, hundreds of facilitated one-on-one meetings to create new business and live entertainment to ensure visitors have a great day outside the office.

Across the two days London Build will see thousands of construction professionals, contractors, architects, developers and government representatives converging on Olympia to meet with over 250 exhibitors, who will be showcasing the very latest products, solutions and technology across the sector.

Around 150 top-level speakers will be delivering exclusive content in what promises to be the most diverse and progressive programme in the industry: covering topics such as BIM and digital construction, off-site construction, sustainability, skills, the future of London’s construction industry and much more.

The Department for International Trade will also be on hand in the Export Hub, to provide expert one-to-one advice to help companies take that crucial first step towards growing their business abroad.

A free entry ticket to the show will offer the opportunity to meet with key players from the biggest construction companies – including Mace, Balfour Beatty, Crossrail, Arup, BDP, Atkins, Brookfield Multiplex, Taylor Wimpey, Tideway and many more. Plus, there will be free copies of Construction National available to take home.

Away from the serious business of meeting, greeting and negotiating, a little light relief will be provided by a reprise of the popular Oktoberfest Beer Festival, where visitors can enjoy a traditional German stein with pretzels, schnitzel and live Bavarian oom-pah music.

For those looking to get more out of their visit, an upgrade is available, providing a VIP

pass to the London Construction Leaders’ Summit. There they can meet with ‘C-Level’ executives over exclusive networking breakfast and lunch sessions. They can access premium conference sessions throughout the day, with speakers from the Department of Health, Kier Living, London Borough of Southwark, London Borough of Hounslow, Transport for London and NHS Procurement among others.

The first evening – 25 October – will see a celebration of the most deserving companies in the industry, at the third annual London Construction Awards. Last year saw a range of companies winning awards for their dynamic approach to working in London. This year, at a ceremony presented by Canadian comedian Katherine Ryan at the Royal Garden Hotel, a host of companies will be receiving the plaudits of the industry, having been selected by an elite panel of global construction experts. q • For more details on visiting, exhibiting or sponsoring London Build, the London Construction Awards or The London Construction Leaders’ Summit, visit www.londonbuildexpo.com or email marketing@londonbuildexpo.com

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Awards recognise pride of London’s construction community [

A major highlight of London Build will see the show decamping to the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington on the evening of 25 October for the London Construction Awards.

Now in their third year, the awards are free to enter for companies working on any construction project across London and the South East of England. They are judged by a panel of industry experts comprising London's most credible construction heads and presented at a prestigious Gala Dinner, with over 500 movers and shakers in the London construction industry in attendance.

Categories include the London Build Excellence Award, Sustainable Construction Award, Regeneration Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year, Supplier of the Year, Architectural Design of the Year, Marketing Initiative of the Year, Health and Safety Solution of the Year, Offsite Construction Project of the Year and the Women in Construction Award. There are also three awards for Innovation of the Year: Process, Product and Technological.

This year the awards will be hosted by top female comic Katherine Ryan (pictured). A firm favourite with British TV audiences, Canadian-born Katherine shot to fame on satirical shows Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You. The awards’ charity partner is the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity – the only charity that provides financial and emotional support to the construction community and their families who have suffered an injury or long term illness, or simply need a helping hand.

The Construction Industry Helpline, which is managed and funded by the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, had by the time of writing received over 650 requests for help this year. q

Tried, tested and trusted fire protection for timber [ TIMBER CONTINUES to be a beautiful, sustainable and popular

choice for construction projects and industrially applied fire retardant impregnation treatments provide real protection assurance in the event of a fire. The treated timber will be able to withstand fire attack for longer, allowing more time to escape to safety and for fire services to attend, giving specifiers and building occupants real assurance and peace of mind.

Lonza Wood Protection offers a choice of tried, tested and trusted fire retardant impregnation treatments - DRICON for timbers and sheet material for interior applications and NON-COM Exterior for exterior timbers. These proven treatments are used on a wide range of construction projects throughout the world.

Tried: Both DRICON and NON-COM Exterior are maintenance free fire treatments that are fit for purpose, backed with 40 years of commercial use and independent third party fire certification.

Tested: Lonza has invested in a wide range of independent tests covering varying species and thicknesses and will only treat timber where a full Classification Report has been provided – giving complete peace of mind.

Trusted: DRICON is backed by extensive independent certification and is the only BBA certified fire retardant treatment for timber.

NON-COM Exterior treatment is fully in line with the National House Building Council (NHBC) standards for external timber cladding. q • For more information visit www.lonzafiretreatments.eu or see them at London Build 2017 stand F10. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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7

zones for summits

6

[

LONDON BUILD’S seven zones will this year host four of the show’s major ‘Summits’ – the BIM and Digital Construction Summit, the Sustainability Summit, the Interior and Fit Out Summit and the Off-site Construction Summit.

With speakers and discussions from leading architects, contractors and developers, the BIM and Digital Construction Summit provides a vast array of knowledge and insight to help keep companies moving forward with all the latest standards, insight and best practice in BIM implementation and the digital construction revolution.

Sessions include BIM Update, The Future of Digital Construction, Steps Towards BIM Level 3 and many more.

The latest opportunities and developments in sustainable construction will be under the spotlight at the Sustainability Summit. It will feature speakers from Skanska, RIBA and Wates amongst others.

In addition, 20 free training workshops will be available to all visitors, covering Modelling for Sustainability, Energy Performance in New Homes, the Circular Economy and much more.

The Sustainability Zone will also be connecting decision-makers and influencers at The Sustainability Experts Cocktail Reception on 26 October.

The Interior and Fit Out Summit takes place in the Interior and Fit Out Zone. Issues under discussion include designing an office for the future,

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some of the occupational health concerns around LEDs, a look back at a century of steel windows and the importance of brick in restoration.

All key areas of off-site construction will be explored at the free-to-attend CPD training workshops and high-level conference sessions during the Off-site Construction Summit. It will include debates and sessions on modular construction, off-site implementation, the demand for new construction models and the skills gap in off-site.

The Off-site Zone will also play host to the Off-site Managers’ Networking Breakfast on the morning of 26 October.

A further two Summits will bring together key figures to debate key issues.

The Future London Summit will allow visitors to engage, connect and collaborate with decision makers from key infrastructure and construction projects across London, throughout all stages of the supply chain. The programme will answer and debate the next steps for London's construction industry and analyse a wide range of case studies.

The VIP and invitation-only Construction Leaders’ Summit will gather together the leaders in London and UK construction to take part in high-level conference sessions on the state of London's construction industry, case studies on CEO experience, strategy and best practice for leading contractors, architects and developers.

Overarching issues will include Brexit, the skills gap and the housing shortage.

In addition to the six Summits, the second NAWIC Women in Construction Morning Tea will be taking place on 26 October. Women in all areas of the industry can learn of new opportunities and hear from the most influential women in construction through various conference presentations, panel discussions and open debates. The networking session will conclude with snacks and beverages.

NAWIC’s Cristina Lanz Azcarate commented: “It is great to be back at London Build and continue to be part of an event which has rapidly established itself as a regular fixture of our industry’s calendar as well as NAWIC's own. Last year’s Women in Construction Morning Tea was a success and we are looking forward to building on it through our 2017 collaboration.” q

Innovation is the name of the game when you’re on the level

[ A NEW NAME in the UK for frameless glass balustrade hardware

will be on show at London Build.

OnLevel was launched by industry veteran Gary Dean in February and it has already made quite an impact, with its strong brand image and a busy stand at the FIT show. However, Gary says there is more to them than what we have seen so far.

“Essentially, we are an ‘innovations in glass hardware’ company.

Our principle vision is to take common products and problems and to innovate new solutions – whether that be in the design or the use, or a combination of both. We ask the question ‘why do we exist?’ and if we can't give a complete and compelling answer to that then we are not adding value, and adding value is the cornerstone of OnLevel’s vision.”

OnLevel has already expanded its range of products to include Juliet balconies which can use 10mm to 21.52mm glass with spans up to 3m with only side fixings. “No need for ugly top and bottom rails,” says Gary.

Marketed under the brand name SkyForce, Gary calls it simply the ‘balcony in a box’ because it comes in three standard pre-cut sizes and three surface finishes, with all the materials needed in one slimline box.

“Just add glass and the correct fixings for the substrate you need,” he explained, “and you have an instant Juliet balcony that's fast and easy to fit while being incredibly strong.” Products in the range are certified under BS6180 up to 3kN, according to the company.

More new products are promised soon, including a revolutionary new version of the traditional glass clamp. “We have a clear objective of expanding the glass hardware range in line with glass railings and glass facade products, but the overriding principle is that the products must bring new and advantageous characteristics to the table,” said Gary.

“We are not motivated by the ‘regurgitated’ offer of the same old products from Asia, under a different brand name at a few pence cheaper than the next guy; we are motivated to be a specific and specialised solution provider,” he concluded. q • You can see OnLevel at London Build 2017 on Stand D80 or for further information visit www.onlevel.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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ZoomLock helps drive growth at Quality Air UK [

IN AN INDUSTRY where reliability is a key driver in purchasing decisions, tried-and-tested solutions are often attractive – but companies who are early adopters of the latest quality innovations can reap significant rewards. Quality Air UK, one of the first UK companies to use ZoomLock, has found that the system has directly led to valuable new business.

Phil Gray, installation supervisor at Quality Air UK, admits that before his trial of the compression joint solution for refrigeration and air conditioning applications, he wasn’t convinced of its value. “I was initially concerned about the cost, but actually, when you take everything into account, it’s cheaper than brazing. There’s a significant saving on labour because ZoomLock is so much quicker to use, both in terms of the jointing process itself and because there’s no need for purging or for a fire watch. And there’s cost reduction relating to bottle rentals, hot works permits and insurance, too,” he explains.

“Also, we found the system’s speed helped us exceed our customers’ expectations in terms of turnaround and minimizing business disruption, and of course fit in more jobs without having to expand our team and raise our labour expenditure.”

As well as offering a more efficient way of working, Phil has found ZoomLock to be a key selling point of Quality Air UK’s services. “It puts us ahead of the crowd when we’re discussing jobs with potential customers.

For example, because we could offer a compression joint solution, we easily secured a contract with an ophthalmic surgical equipment manufacturer who was concerned about the impact of dust and hot works on their clean room environment,” he adds.

“We also found it helped us win a contract at a Regent’s Park office block,”

Phil continues. “Space was tight, and there was only one access hatch, so if we were brazing then we’d have needed to take the ceiling down. Using ZoomLock we were able to complete the job within one day, without removing the ceiling, and we got the job done at a weekend so there was no impact on the tenant’s working week. If we had been brazing, the job would have taken six or seven days, taking into account the brazing and the ceiling works, which would have been both more disruptive and more expensive.”

The ZoomLock system has also been invaluable for securing work at sites with specific security requirements. “For example, we were asked to quote on a job where the fire systems had to stay online as there was a large quantity of money and gold on site. We won the contract easily, because we explained there was a way to complete the project without any hot works,” says Phil.

“The consultants for all three of those projects have since given us repeat business, precisely because we can cut out the complexity, risk and cost involved in hot works,” Phil explains. “So the ZoomLock system has really helped give our business a boost.”

Adopting ZoomLock as their go-to jointing method has also opened up new markets for Quality Air UK. “We didn’t previously take on work at airports, for example, because the high cost of the hot works permits and insurance meant it wasn’t really worthwhile. But all that has changed now we use ZoomLock; our potential markets have really opened up,” Phil explains. “With a ZoomLock tool in every one of our vans – and more planned as we expand our business with additional engineers – we’re ready to service our growing customer base.” q • See ZoomLock at London Build 2017 stand E67

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New Manchester office for Avantgarde FM [

FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF sustained year-on-year growth, Avantgarde FM is delighted to announce the opening of its new Manchester office.

On any given day the company secures in excess of £500m worth of assets across the UK and has grown to provide an increasingly popular facilities management service through rational synergies with an extensive client base.

Avantgarde FM currently deploys site based security management, asset protection, fire prevention measures, mobile patrolling and access provisions, along with soft FM and reactive maintenance.

After an exciting 2016, which saw the rebranding of the company to form Avantgarde FM following an expansion of service provisions, it is now in an excellent position to take advantage of a range of immediate followup opportunities.

The creation of the Manchester office generates increased local and regional support among existing and newly established clients throughout England and Wales. The Manchester team, supported by existing Avantgarde FM super-users, is composed of highly experienced and fully trained professional operatives, recruited for their extensive experience in facilities and security management.

Iain Warburton, national sales manager at Avantgarde FM, leads the Manchester team. With a decorated track record Iain has been personally

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responsible for generating a succession of robust well managed solutions among his clients. His stewardship will be central in leading the expansion of Avantgarde FM’s Manchester office.

Iain said: “Avantgarde FM’s Manchester hub will provide our national and regional client base with the localised service provision they demand. Our role here will ensure the protection of our clients’ high value assets going forwards, I very much look forward to the opportunity to strengthen Avantgarde FM’s reputation across England and Wales in the years ahead.” q • To contact the Avantgarde FM Manchester office directly please call 0161 914 6590. Avantgarde FM will be exhibiting at Scotland Build 2017.

VIPs get more Expo flies north for the winter from their day [ [

FOR THOSE WHO want to get even more out of their visit to London Build, an upgrade is available to the VIP Ticket.

The VIP Ticket gives exclusive access to the London Construction Leaders’ Summit on 25 October, featuring: • The London Construction Leaders Breakfast • High-level conference sessions featuring • exclusive project announcements, • government talks on future planning and • keynote speakers from FTSE100 companies • Buffet lunch and networking session with • CEO’s and construction heads from • contractors, architects, developers and • suppliers • Complimentary drink at the Oktoberfest • Beer Festival during the afternoon The ticket also carries a 15% discount on tickets to the London Construction Awards on the evening of 25th October, including three-course dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel, London and an evening of entertainment headlined by Katherine Ryan. q • VIP tickets cost £995 plus £225 fees plus VAT, available from www.londonbuildexpo.com/register/

HOT ON THE HEELS of London Build, the Oliver Kinross team heads north to Glasgow for Scotland Build. The SECC on the banks the Clyde will host the major expo for the construction industry in Scotland from 22-23 November.

Scotland Build carries the nowfamiliar hallmarks of the organisers’ suite of events. Alongside the extensive exhibition there will be over 50 hours of CPD-accredited seminars and five major ‘Summits’. This year there will be an Architecture Summit, debating developments in architecture north of the border.

Infrastructure will also come under the spotlight, as will digital construction, sustainability and the future of construction.

A novel departure from everything that has gone before will be the Digital Delegate Lounge, (pictured) where visitors can dive into a different world with a wide range of virtual reality showcases and features. They will be able to create works of art, travel the world or become a champion racer – all from the comfort of a laidback lounge environment.

As in the past, Construction National is a media partner for the event. q • For more information visit the website at www.scotlandbuildexpo.com or email marketing@scotlandbuildexpo.com

www.constructionnational.co.uk

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TSI Environmental DustTrakTM Aerosol Monitor achieves MCERTS Certification [TSI INCORPORATED, a global leader in

aerosol instrumentation for over 50 years, has expanded its innovative line of Environmental DustTrak™ Aerosol Monitors. The three new models meet the Environmental Agency Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for indicative ambient particulate monitors.

Businesses creating emissions that are released into the environment must comply with strict laws and regulations. The emissions monitoring instruments used by these businesses must meet these quality requirements. Having an MCERTS certification enables the Environmental Agency and the user to have the confidence that the instrument accurately monitors environmental emissions.

The Environmental DustTrak™ is a real-time, near-reference solution for facilitating short or long-term outdoor environmental monitoring and is easily setup to quickly begin monitoring levels of PM10, PM2.5 or both simultaneously.

The Environmental DustTrak™ is housed in a compact, robust, weatherproof enclosure for protection of the instrument. With the addition of a heated inlet, extended life pump (for monitoring higher exposure limits and minimizing maintenance) and 37mm gravimetric filter cassette for air sample collection, longer runtimes and reliable measurement accuracy with the ability to accommodate for varying temperatures and humidity are enabled.

Additional space inside the enclosure gives the option to add other third party, plug-and-play sensors to monitor other parameters such as metrology, gas and noise. The platform offers excellent flexibility to suit individual project needs. The cloud data management system allows all this multi-parameter data to be accessed remotely and is equipped to send alerts via text and email when user definable ambient concentration limits are exceeded.

The Environmental DustTrak™ Monitor is built upon proven and trusted DustTrak technology that thousands of people use every day.

Construction firms can measure dust while minimizing downtime, so the Environmental DustTrak™ can help keep projects on track. The instrument is field serviceable, contains replaceable photometers and has a long pump life enabling users to monitor a project 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Environmental consultants and engineering firms can obtain real time, near-reference data for environmental monitoring. This instrument is compatible with a variety of sensors to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs), gases, wind speed and more. q • Please contact tsi.emea@tsi.com if you would like to receive further information on the Environmental DustTrak™.

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67

Theme park building projects mirror the industry at large [WHEN WE LOOK at projects involving civil engineering input, we

think of bridges, highways and major infrastructure activity. As with most industries, however, there is a more small-scale and engaging side to the industry. One element of that small-scale activity is to be seen in the intricate and sometimes highly-complex world of the theme park ride.

The only time most people hear about the engineering challenges of theme park rides is, sadly, when they go wrong. That only serves to

illustrate the generally successful and ingenious projects that go to provide many millions of people with the thrills and spills that characterise days out at our favourite parks.

In this first of a series of spotlights on the lighter side of our industry, we look at two rides that mirror the civil engineering efforts of society in general: one is reminiscent of modern off-site infrastructure projects, while the other is an everyday highways job. q

Up, up and away! New ride expands families’ experience of thrill rides [

THIS SUMMER Woodlands Family Theme Park in Devon has issued a challenge to its visitors – if they choose to accept! The challenge is a brand new ride unlike any other the park has offered to its many visitors: Vertigo.

Imported from Italy, the ride involves riders blasting into the sky while spinning out of control with their hands in the air. It is a variation of the Spring Ride 12 Rotation ride from Moser Rides of Mantua. The ride has a circular gondola with 12 seats and a rotating tower.

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The Vertigo tower being craned in and the finished ride lit up at night Upgrades to the ride, including bucket seats and better safety harnesses, has enabled Moser Rides to increase its safety rating so that it can be used by smaller children. As a result the thrill of the ride can be experienced by children of 96cm accompanied and 106cm unaccompanied – compared to 110cm for similar rides at the park.

That allows the park operators to expand their philosophy of providing mixed rides at the various ‘zones’ on the site – the new Vertigo ride is in its Sea Monster zone. That means whole families can find rides appropriate to different members without having to split up.

Providing that new experience has involved some serious engineering.

The ride came as a modular structure from Italy, with the main tower arriving in a single element on a low-loader. The subsequent task of

craning it into an upright position provided its own challenges.

The job of assembling the ride was made easier by the presence on site of a team from Moser Rides themselves, overseeing the installation. That enabled the ride to be constructed in only two days.

Local companies were involved at various stages, in particular constructing the steel base for the entire installation. Finishing touches include colour-coded tarmac in red.

Vertigo was successfully installed and operational in time for a flurry of activities over the summer, leading to the influx of young thrill-seekers following end of term in July. q • For more information and to keep up to date with the park visit the website at www.woodlandspark.com

www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Latest attraction gives kids a driving lesson [

EASTER SAW THE opening of the latest ride for children at Crealy Adventure Park and Resort in Exeter, Devon. The Junior Driving School allows young drivers to manoeuvre colourful, scaled ‘minis’ around a speciallydesigned track, while learning and obeying the rules of the road. Some even took a parent for a spin in the spare seat!

The new ride was designed and installed by the theme park’s in-house team, with specialist surfacing and paving provided by local Devonbased contractors.

The cars were supplied by World of Rides, the County Durham-based company that has been the UK’s leading manufacturer and distributor of children’s amusement rides for nearly five decades. They are from the firm’s latest range of ‘Parent & Child’, 24v battery-operated driving school cars, which aim to promote children’s road-safety education as well as providing a colourful, popular and very profitable new attraction for visitors to enjoy.

The right-hand drive, side-by-side cars are started with an ignition key and have fullyoperational seat belts, horn, headlights and direction indicators, along with the World of Rides exclusive colour-coded accelerator and brake pedals, with working brake lights. In addition, they have reverse gear and can be driven on a road layout, allowing children to

experience all the skills and thrills of real driving on normal roads.

The Junior Driving School has young visitors twisting and turning around a tricky course, complete with traffic lights, road signs and other obstacles to navigate. Drivers must be over 90cm and under 140cm tall – and must be able to reach the pedals when sitting in the usual

driving position. Adults can ride to supervise but are not allowed to drive the vehicles.

Jodie Hodgkins, marketing support manager at Crealy Adventure Park, commented that the ride is now fully operational and proving very popular. q • Find out more at www.crealy.co.uk

New range allows operators flexibility [

THE NEW RANGE of Parent & Child side-by-side driving school cars from World of Rides was launched in January.

Said spokesperson Andrew Robinson: “Although our main purpose is to ‘edutain’ the children, we never forget that all our cars are Powered by Play! Our initial site testing with leading operators across both the UK and Europe was boosted by many additional all-year-round bookings by road safety groups, youth clubs, police forces, schools and education authorities: resulting in very much higher levels of income.

“Our larger sized car bodies also allow two persons to ride side-by-side much more comfortably, which resulted in many more repeat rides by family members.”

Andrew is pictured with Crealy Adventure Park’s general manager Josh Haywood (seated) at a launch event for the Junior Driving School.

To add to the flexibility for operators, the World of Rides cars can be coin-operated, run on free-play – for use during parties – or supervisoroperated by remote control, so that classroom-based learning sessions followed by a hands-on driving lessons can be run. At the end of each session the children can be presented with their very own special Driving Licence and a copy of the Highway Code to take home! q • For further information call Andrew Robinson on 0191 492 0999 or email info@worldofrides.com.

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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 3880 or email ian@dmmonline.co.uk

Cable Management Systems

Saving Time, Saving Money

Innovative Manufacturers of Adhesives, Grouts, Cements and Coatings

New & Used Portable & Modular Building Sales.

• Alteration • Refurbs • Installation • Relocation

Online Tradesman Search Facility & Directory

Suppliers and Distributors of Scaffolding and Access Equipment

Construction Finance Specialists

Think Roofs, Think NFRC

High Speed 4G Wireless Broadband Routers

Working within the Construction Industry • Health & Safety Training • Roofing Training

Your partner for working safely at heights

www.astapowerproject.com/bim

www.competentroofer.co.uk

www.cotacabin.co.uk

www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk

www.nfrc.co.uk

www.nimrod-training.co.uk

www.skyhook-gb.com

www.rotafix.co.uk

www.stockporttradesmen.com

www.ultimatefinance.co.uk

www.4grouter.co.uk

www.xsplatforms.com

atoz

Asta Powerproject BIM – affordable 4D planning

construction national website

Welcome to our A to Z guide of the websites of some of the industry’s leading players.

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Greening: T-Levels the way forward to plug post-Brexit skills gap [

EDUCATION SECRETARY Justine Greening has spoken of her ‘mission to spark the skills revolution’ that Britain needs make a success of leaving the European Union.

In a keynote speech to business leaders at the British Chambers of Commerce Education summit, the minister told business leaders that the country can only rise to the challenge of developing the skills and talents of young people if government and business work together. That includes developing plans for the new T-Levels, backed by an extra £500m of government investment per year announced in the Budget.

Ms Greening also outlined plans to deliver the huge range of skills needed to make Britain a success: everything from coding to engineering and construction to design, at a time when migration remains high on the political agenda.

She told her audience: “I want to create an army of skilled young people for British business. But I need your help. Government can’t do it alone. Because that’s what we need – never more than now: a skills revolution for Brexit Britain. That’s the real strategy on migration.

Education Secretary Justine Greening “Great companies need great people. And my department has a mission to give our young people the very best start – to become those great people.

“The introduction of T-Levels will be the next stage in this journey: a gold standard for technical and professional excellence.

Offered alongside apprenticeships, they will form the basis of our new technical education system.

“Delivering these reforms will be a challenge. I am clear there is only one way to get this right – through a genuine partnership between business, government and education professionals. This means we need a collective plan.”

Among the practical measures the minister announced were £50m investment to fund work placements – seen as a key component of the T-Level qualification – and £15m to fund improvements in further education to deliver the new T-Levels.

She also announced plans to bolster the role of current Further Education Commissioner Richard Atkins, who will take on responsibility for further education colleges and sixth form colleges, and a Department for Education summit with businesses in the autumn to start developing the T-Level curriculum. q

Bradford offers tips on building walls – to the Chinese!

[A DELEGATION OF TUTORS from the Shaanxi Polytechnic Institute in the city of

Xianyang in North West China were recently treated to a site visit at Wellington Place, in the heart of the new Leeds City Centre development.

The visit was hosted by Wates Construction and was organised by the Construction Department at the HE Faculty of Applied Science at Bradford College.

Project manager Dan Miller explained the process of how the external walls are put together on the new building – somewhat differently than the Great Wall of China! He explained how the stone cladding – which comes from Portugal – is shipped to Germany and then processed into the stonework that is used, complete with backings and fixings ready to be hung on the framework of the external walls on top of a watertight membrane and insulation.

The tutors from the Construction and Civil Engineering department at Shaanxi Polytechnic were particularly interested in the process.

The Construction Department at Bradford College will be providing the new RQF, HNC and HND Construction and the Built Environment Programmes this September, as well as a Level 6 (BSc Hons) Construction Management. It has invited the Chinese tutors to sit in on some lessons early in September and hopes to be able to exchange ideas and information on the teaching and learning process, in an attempt to develop and improve the attraction and appeal of courses at both colleges.

That kind of exchange will enable Bradford College to become a recognised Higher Education University Centre, not only in the UK but also throughout the international education environment. It already has links with India, Panama, Pakistan and Holland. q

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Construction academy for London is in the pipeline

Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Basingstoke College of Technology T: 01256 354141 E: information@bcot.ac.uk W: www.bcot.ac.uk

Worting Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 8TN

Central Bedfordshire College T: 01582 477776 W: www.centralbeds.ac.uk Main Campus, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU5 4HG

Blackpool and The Fylde College T: 01253 504 343 E: info@blackpool.ac.uk W: www.blackpool.ac.uk

Bispham Campus, Ashfield Road, Bispham, Blackpool FY2 0HB

Bradford College

T: 01274 433333 E: information@bradfordcollege.ac.uk W: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

[ LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN is to establish a Construction

Skills Academy later in the year, in partnership with the housebuilding industry. This will aim to close the gap between the demand for new housing in the capital and the need for more skilled construction workers.

The proposal was announced in April and will form part of his Skills for Londoners initiative. The Skills for Londoners Capital Fund will invest £114m in high-quality equipment and facilities at London’s further education colleges and other education and training providers.

The Mayor believes that an effective skills system is also critical to meet the needs of London’s businesses. Employers repeatedly report skills shortage vacancies and skills gaps in their workforce, impacting on growth and productivity. Given the uncertainty surrounding the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union, ensuring a more responsive skills system – as well as continued access to global talent – is more important than ever, he says, in meeting employers’ needs.

Sadiq Khan declared: “While London is a great place to learn, there is no doubt that not enough Londoners are getting the skills they need to live up to their potential. This also impacts businesses, hampering their growth and forcing them to look further afield for talent.

“Now that we are leaving the European Union, it is more important than ever that we make sure more Londoners gain access to the skills they and our economy truly need.

“Through Skills for Londoners, we will address these problems head-on, giving Londoners the chance to train in the skills that will boost our economy and creating a pipeline of local talent and expertise for our businesses to tap into.” q

Great Horton Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1AY

Cambridge Regional College T: 01223 418778 E: training@camre.ac.uk W: www.camre.ac.uk

Kings Hedges Road, Cambridge CB4 2QT

Chichester College

T: 01243 786 321 E: info@chichester.ac.uk W: www.chichester.ac.uk Westgate Fields, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1SB

Croydon College

T: 020 8686 5700 E: info@croydon.ac.uk W: www.croydon.ac.uk College Road, Croydon CR9 1DX

East Coast College

T: 0800 085 8860 W: www.eastcoast.ac.uk E: Apprenticeships@eastcoast.ac.uk Lowestoft Campus, St Peter’s Street, Lowestoft NR32 2NB Great Yarmouth Campus, Suffolk Road, Southtown, Great Yarmouth NR31 0ED

Hertford Regional College T: 01992 411400 E: info@hrc.ac.uk W: www.hrc.ac.uk

Broxbourne Campus, Turnford, Herts EN10 6AE

Kendal College

T: 01539 814700 E: enquiries@kendal.ac.uk W: www.kendal.ac.uk Milnthorpe Road, Kendal LA9 5AY

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CITB seeks Consensus on its levy proposal [AT THE BEGINNING of July CITB set in

motion its latest Consensus process. The board undertakes its Consensus vote every three years in order to gauge support across the industry for the proposed Levy Order. In the current case it is for proposals which would come into effect next year.

This year CITB completed its biggest consultation ever. It hosted 38 employer events and attended 79 others, held meetings with over 2,000 companies face-to-face and spoke to many others by phone. Now, the official Consensus process has begun and will run to the end of September.

In a statement CITB said: “It’s important CITB hears views from right across the industry, so now is the opportunity for employers to get their voices heard either through an independent survey or through their Consensus Federation.”

The CITB survey is run by independent research firm IFF Research and has been expanded to interview 6,000 non-federated levy-payers to ask their views on CITB’s offer to industry, including the levy proposals.

That is more than three times the size of previous Consensus surveys, so many more companies will be contacted for their views by a short phone call. All responses are anonymised and the sample is carefully balanced to represent employers of different sizes and locations.

The statement continued: “For firms who are members of a Consensus Federation, clear plans have been set out by each federation on how they will engage their members. After consulting, each organisation will write to CITB to indicate if their membership supports the levy proposal on offer. This two-part process will ensure CITB gets the views of employers who are registered for its Levy and are likely to be paying it.”

In weighting the responses from the Consensus Federations, CITB will use the 2016/2017 Levy Assessment, which offers the most accurate record of which firms are registered to pay the levy and the Consensus Federation of which they are a member.

Full details of the levy proposal and the Consensus process are available on CITB’s website at www.citb.co.uk/levy/. q

CIOB brings its young guns to bear on schools [ SCHOOLS ARE THE target of a major

new recruitment drive by the Chartered Institute of Building which aims to address the poor image construction still suffers among pupils in the 14-19 age group and their teachers. In May the CIOB launched Think Construction – a toolkit developed in partnership with teachers and young people to help CIOB members structure careers advice sessions.

The kit contains film, presentations, case studies, games and content to describe the many managerial career opportunities on offer across the sector that are open to those without a degree, as well as graduates. To help put schools and CIOB members and their firms in touch with each other, the CIOB is working with Inspiring the Future to provide a match-making service which facilitates introductions.

CIOB’s commercial director Jacqueline Balian said: “We are very conscious many pupils and schools are only aware of the trade level jobs in construction and that is hampering the sector’s recruitment scope. We aim to show the full range of management positions and help our members attract the new people they need.

“Now that they have clear targets in terms of careers advice, schools are looking for people to talk to pupils about careers, and CIOB members can volunteer to do that. We are particularly keen to get our Novus members involved where they can talk in schools about their job and what it’s like to work in construction. We are asking members to give us just one hour of their time to inspire young people into the sector.”

Novus is a group of young construction professionals within the CIOB. The group prepares young people to be the next generation

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of construction industry leaders and provides a direct link from undergraduate to chartered membership. It also provides a network for students, post-graduates and young professionals to develop their career in construction.

Jacqueline Balian continued: “We think this will also help our members develop their presentation skills and the pack gives them all the content they need to do a really engaging presentation including video clips, games, information and presentation templates.”

Think Construction is the latest in a series of initiatives from the CIOB that engage with young people. It follows the institute’s work in taking construction challenges into more than 4,000 UK schools and colleges through My Kinda Future and the development of Craft Your Future, the industry’s first Minecraft lessons. q

Beale confirmed as permanent CEO of CITB [

SARAH BEALE HAS been confirmed as CEO of CITB on a permanent basis, having served as interim chief executive following the resignation of Adrian Belton in December. The appointment has been approved by the Department for Education.

CITB chairman James Wates CBE said: “I am very pleased that we have been able to agree terms to retain Sarah Beale in a permanent appointment as chief executive. She has proven herself admirably since taking over as interim CEO, winning the confidence of the industry and demonstrating her ability to lead the CITB through a very challenging phase of change. I have every confidence that she will continue to excel in the role, so am delighted to announce her permanent appointment.”

Following her appointment Ms Beale outlined her view of some of the challenges ahead. Referring to the current Morrell Review of industry training boards, she said: “The review being led by Paul Morrell has indicated that the CITB should be retained but needs significant reform.

“As its new chief executive, I agree with this and have my foot down hard on the accelerator to make this happen. We still have to secure industry’s agreement to continue with the levy, but we are working hard to secure it this summer.

Apprenticeship framework causes concern in Scotland [

SCOTTISH CONSTRUCTION employers are becoming increasingly concerned by plans to introduce a new framework for the training of apprentices from the start of the 2017-18 academic year.

Senior representatives of more than 300 Scottish construction companies recently co-signed a letter to the CITB, the body responsible for introducing the proposed new framework. The letter raises serious concerns about its potential impact on the standard and quality of apprenticeship training and collectively bargained terms and conditions of employment that currently apply to apprentices working in the industry.

In particular, the new framework proposes to end the existing mandatory requirement for building apprentices to be registered with the recognised apprenticeship registration bodies – the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council (SBATC) and the Scottish Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship Council (SPADAC). Those are the bodies currently responsible for monitoring and regulating the working conditions, wages, recruitment and training of apprentices working in the Scottish construction industry.

The Scottish Building Federation’s managing director Vaughan Hart said: “Many of our members have expressed very real concerns about the impact this new framework will have on the overall quality of apprenticeship training and on the terms and conditions of employment of apprentices in the Scottish construction industry.

Spanning many decades, we have a proud tradition of championing high-quality skills, training and career opportunities for the many thousands of young people entering the construction industry each year. All of that will be placed at risk if these proposals go ahead.”

Scottish Decorators’ Federation chief executive Ian Rogers added: “It is deeply concerning that CITB, who are meant to carry out the industry’s instructions, are acting in this very high-handed and intransigent manner, positioning themselves as working against the wishes of the industry in Scotland.” q

“If we achieve this, we will have the launch pad to really make a difference. But more importantly, construction is now talking more seriously about modernisation and I will ensure that the CITB is a key part of that conversation.” q

Construction training courses and/or apprenticeships are available at the following colleges: Leeds College of Building

T: 0113 222 6061 E: info@lcb.ac.uk W: www.lcb.ac.uk/higher-education North Street, Leeds LS2 7QT

Institute of Technology...for training in all aspects of construction, engineering and manufacturing skills Find out more at:

http://www.liv-coll.uk/the-engineer/

College information: 0151 252 3000

The Manchester College T: 03333 222 444 E: enquiries@tmc.ac.uk W: www.tmc.ac.uk

Ashton Old Road, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WH

Wakefield College

T: 01924 789789 E: apprenticeships@wakefield.ac.uk E: s.black@wakefield.ac.uk W: www.wakefield.ac.uk Wakefield City Campus, Margaret Street, Wakefield WF1 2DH

North Warwickshire & Hinckley College T: 024 7624 3000 E: the.college@nwhc.ac.uk W: www.nwhc.ac.uk

Nuneaton Campus, Hinckley Road, Nuneaton CV11 6BH

Weymouth College

T: 01305 761100 E: igs@weymouth.ac.uk W: www.weymouth.ac.uk Cranford Avenue, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 7LQ

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NFDC and NDTG issue first virtual CCDO smart card

[WITH THE INTRODUCTION and promotion

of smart technology remaining a key priority for the construction industry, the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) and the National Demolition Training Group (NDTG) have announced the launch of a new virtual smart card for the Certificate of Competence for Demolition Operatives (CCDO). The card has been developed by Reference Point for the CSCS Go Smart platform.

The NFDC is the first organisation in the construction industry to offer the virtual smart cards to its members and the first card was issued on 18 July to John Rawlings of NFDC member Erith. He received it whilst attending a Supervisor Refresher course at the NDTG Training Centre in Hemel Hempstead (pictured).

It was downloaded and scanned within minutes, and ready to use on site immediately.

“We are really pleased to be the first scheme in construction to issue the new virtual CCDO smart cards to our members,” said Howard Button, chief exec of the NFDC and NDTG. “We have a very successful working relationship with Reference Point and were really keen to be the first to offer the virtual CCDO cards as it offers immediate benefits to both workers and supervisors. Both parties have instant access to updated records and qualifications, reducing

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the need to carry a physical card on site and the possibility of fraud.”

Probably best known in construction for the development of the technology behind the CSCS SmartCard and Go Smart card reader apps, Reference Point has now extended the platform to include virtual smart cards – a digital card that is stored in an e-wallet called Vircarda on smart phones, removing the need to carry physical cards.

“Vircarda is a creative and innovative solution that uses clever new technology to provide faster, more flexible skill card solutions for the construction industry,” declared Reference Point CEO Beric Davis. “It’s important to us that we continue to deliver high-quality, robust solutions that our clients want and need.”

The new virtual smart card solution can be used across many sectors and Reference Point is already working with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to develop a virtual smart card for the construction sector.

Graham Wren, chief executive of CSCS, commented: “It’s great to see the NFDC and the NDTG taking the lead on the adoption of the virtual smart card. The technology will improve safety and efficiency on construction sites by making it easier for the employer to check that workers hold the appropriate qualifications and

training for the job they do on site.

“The technology is something that all card schemes, including CSCS, will be taking a great interest in. CSCS is already working with Reference Point on a virtual smart card and we look forward to making further announcements later this year.” q • For further information visit the websites www.demolition-nfdc.com and www.ndtg.training

Resourcing company aims to change the industry’s perceptions [WHEN RUGBY UNION legend Zinzan Brooke

transferred his famous All Blacks shirt number to his new venture – supplying human resources to the construction and demolition industry – he also applied the same uncompromising standards he was known for on the field.

From its beginnings in 2008, Number 8 Resourcing has anchored its business around three core principles: Compliance; Ethics; Confidence. And as an active member of the NFDC since 2013 the firm has always treated membership as a privilege.

Historically the industry’s opinion of temporary labour suppliers has been tarnished by what has been seen as a ‘profit by any means’ approach – which can involve an element of unethical practice. Number 8 has made every effort to distance itself from that past and to attempt to change and improve these traditionally held perceptions.

Said the company’s managing director Pete Hart (pictured): “The three core principles referred to are at the heart of this shift and what we think sets us apart from the pack. As the construction industry continues to improve standards and professionalism across the board, compliance has become a significant factor influencing the contractor’s reputation and suitability.

“As a supplier of labour and other staffing resources, the agency has the ability to expose its clients to unwanted negative attention if they themselves are not adhering to the same levels of compliance as their clients. Number 8 has always made every effort to ensure we are aware of the regulations and legislation that governs our industry and that we remain on the compliant side

of this ongoing and constantly changing environment.”

The second principle – ethical practice – is at the core of the Number 8 ethos. Pete explained: “This relates to our interaction both with our clients and the workers who engage with them. Our reputation is very important to us and remains the key marketing tool we rely on. The positive relationships we have developed with clients and workers are a direct result of the respect we have for both and the acknowledgment we make as to how important they are to our business.”

The final principle is confidence. Pete continued: “Number 8 has been in business for around nine years but our vision has always been long term. We pride ourselves on the strong relationships we have built with our clients. Those relationships are founded on their confidence in us as a business and the principles on which we have been established. Our people know this industry; we understand the challenges and, crucially, the importance of having access to competent resources.

“If you want a supplier who offers shiny incentives to put workers on your sites, then we are probably not right for you. However, if you want a supply partner who understands your business and feeds off your success, then Number 8 Resourcing can help and hopefully we can change any negative preconceptions about our industry. We are always available to come and meet with you anywhere in the UK to talk about how we can work with you and your teams.” q

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These are testing times for the construction and demolition industries [THE EVER-GROWING NEED in the

construction and demolition market for on-site testing, inspection and monitoring of structures, installation and materials led to the formation, four years ago, of specialist provider Swantest.

Since then the company has progressed to working on some of the most complex and prestigious projects across London – alongside such major players as Mace, Brookfield Multiplex, Ardmore and The Berkeley Group.

Although predominantly London based, the company has worked on projects throughout the UK. They include nuclear power stations at Dungeness in Kent, Bradwell in Essex and Trawsfynydd in North Wales. With its team of experienced structural, civil and mechanical engineers Swantest has the depth of knowledge to provide clients with a high-quality service across a range of sectors.

With a wide variety of new techniques and materials being utilised in the industry, it is essential to ensure that they are fit for the purpose they have been designed for. And although many products and installation techniques are factory approved, it can be vital to inspect and test how they have been installed and are utilised on site. That applies to such areas as chemical and mechanical anchor installation, welded connections, balcony and barrier installations and scaffolding and tower crane erection.

Swantest is an associate member of the Construction Fixings Association and all of its engineers are CFA-approved testers.

Swantest can also provide bespoke testing solutions for varying situations. Project and operations manager Conor McHugh explained: “We have carried out tests on new types of cladding systems – testing the impact resistance of external cladding panels as well as the friction resistance of the fixings brackets that secure the panels. We have the capability to carry out these types of tests at our test facility. Similarly, we have tested cladding panels in situ on buildings to check the fixings and the panels’ integrity against wind loading.”

As well as the product or technique being used, Swantest has developed methods of testing the existing structure on which they are to be used to ensure it is capable of supporting the load. That includes load capacity tests on existing floor slabs for the use of heavy machinery, such as excavators for demolition or mini-cranes for cladding installation.

Conor McHugh continued: “By using a series of hydraulic cylinders we can

physically test the structure and record any deflection or movement in the slab. Compared to a calculated design check or analysis, this type of test can demonstrate that larger machinery can be used on the slabs, which can result in time and cost savings while maintaining high standards of safety.

“We have tested numerous buildings in this manner and also applied similar principles to test existing timber floors, suspended slabs and areas where there is to be a change of use of a building. That type of load capacity testing can also be applied to new installations on buildings, such as balconies and barriers.”

On refurbishment projects which utilise the existing steel frame of a building and are either adapting or adding on to it, then on-site welding is likely to feature heavily. Swantest can provide a comprehensive array of weld inspection and consultancy services anywhere in the UK. That includes magnetic particle inspection (MPI) and visual inspection (VT). All the company’s welding inspectors and consultants are fully trained and qualified to CSWIP and PCN standards and are skilled in maintaining welding quality to the latest standards and regulations.

Alongside carrying out on-site weld inspections Swantest can act as a company’s responsible weld co-ordinator (RWC) for all their welding-related activities and manufacturing processes. A robust weld quality management system is an essential part of a production and manufacturing process.

Swantest can ensure that the highest standards of quality are maintained and identify specific areas of a welding process that require attention.

In the modern era of complex construction and engineering projects, Swantest aims to be at the forefront of on-site testing, inspection and monitoring. They can also offer a complete package of services, including geotechnical tests, 3D laser surveys, environmental monitoring, hydraulic jacking solutions and non-destructive tests such as concrete ferro scanning and borescope inspections.

Conor McHugh concluded: “As a company, we pride ourselves on being able to provide a solution to all of our clients’ needs. All our works are carried out in accordance with the relevant British and European standards and to approved methods. Should you have any queries, or would like to know more about how Swantest can be of assistance on your project, do please get in touch.” q • For further information call 0370 950 7707, email info@swantest.co.uk or vist www.swantest.co.uk www.constructionnational.co.uk

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DDS Demolition – setting the standard for 40 years [

DDS DEMOLITION is a national demolition contractor celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Throughout this time, DDS has stealthily become a key player within the demolition industry.

Managing Director Wesley Ray said: “With the company turning 40 years old, the timing is perfect to reflect and reminisce on our humble beginnings. Downfast Demolition and Salvage, as we were known back then, was established to undertake demolition projects in East Kent with high volumes of architectural salvage – such as bricks and tiles – which we cleaned, processed and resold back into the local market place. As time progressed, so did our reputation as an honest and fair family-run business. This spurred our growth in the construction industry and began our evolution into DDS Demolition.”

Over more recent times, the company has extended its DDS family even further with DDS Environmental, licensed asbestos removal specialists, DDS Reclamation Yard, which stocks salvaged items such as bricks and flooring, and DDS Building Supplies which provides the raw materials to primarily trade and independent customers.

So, how did DDS grow so steadily? Wesley Ray continued: “In a nutshell, we began to prove ourselves. With every top down multi-storey car park, paper mill dismantling and demolition, explosive power station project, marine demolition, tower block or various high reach projects, DDS further cemented

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our position as one of the UK’s leading demolition contractors.

“Of course, the projects are only as good as the people who deliver them. As the company has grown, our colleagues have grown with us – with some even approaching their Platinum anniversaries! Our colleagues are our best asset, their experience and competency execute amazingly successful projects across all levels of operations.”

But what makes DDS so different? “Quite simply, there is no magical formula, no predetermined sales strategy,” added Wesley.

“DDS has built a reputation on safety, integrity and professionalism. We have undertaken challenging projects, high profile projects, sensitive projects – the list is endless but the high calibre of workmanship remains the same. The proof, as they say, really is in the pudding and subsequently our clients are happy to work with us again and refer our services to others.”

With DDS Demolition now steered by the secondgeneration Ray family, the company blend the practice and history of 40 years’ experience with the ever-advancing technology and innovative engineering required to dismantle and demolish the most imposing of structures.

Wesley concluded: “DDS Demolition looks forward to setting the standard for the next 40 years.” q • For further information visit the website at www.dds-demolition.co.uk

Specialist demolition and site preparation contractors [

FOUNDED IN 1948, Thompsons of Prudhoe are award-winning specialists carrying out every aspect of demolition, site clearance, preparation and earthworks projects, including asbestos removal, site waste management, recycling and ground remediation.

From its base in Prudhoe, Northumberland, the company operates across the whole of the UK – primarily in the North of England and Scotland.

Thompsons have extensive experience of civil demolition, safely bringing down houses, factories, leisure facilities, tower blocks, bridges, car parks, commercial properties and local authority properties, as well as providing a highly technical industrial dismantling service under the banner of TOPDECOM™ – its special projects division.

The business has a specialist asbestos removal unit within the demolition division. Fully licensed and experienced teams follow stringent industry regulations to remove and dispose of all types of asbestos, no matter where it is found.

Recent major contract wins for the civil demolition team include the former Passport Offices in Durham and the complex dismantling of four plants at one of the UK’s largest petrochemical facilities, as part of a massive site investment programme by the owner, for the special projects division.

Thompsons place great importance on sustainability – sustaining jobs and workload at a profitable level whilst taking careful consideration of the environment. Thompsons’ approach is to take on a level of work that can be managed, controlled and delivered safely by existing staff and resources, rather than relying on any outside agency.

Ongoing training of employees and new apprentices, along with an annual multi-million pound investment programme in specialised equipment,

ensures its high standards of quality and safety are maintained. The company currently has a recycling rate of over 97% and on many projects achieves a rate in excess of 99%.

Having completed numerous complex projects for clients within the development, construction and industrial sectors, Thompsons have vast experience of handling the entire demolition and site preparation process as principal contractor.

The company was one of the first of its kind to achieve ISO 14001 Environmental Management System certification and holds accreditation for ISO9001, OHSAS18001, ISO50001, CHAS, Safecontractor, Achilles and the specialist trade associations ARCA and NFDC. For the last four years in a row Thompsons of Prudhoe have been selected as finalists at the prestigious Construction News Specialists Awards, winning the category of Demolition Specialist of the Year in 2014, cementing its reputation as one of the leading and most consistent demolition and site preparation specialists in the UK. q

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Family business offers the complete demolition solution [

THE INDUSTRIAL HEARTLAND of the North West is the base for a specialist demolition business that has been intimately involved in regeneration projects across England and Scotland.

Widnes-based S Evans and Sons is a family business at heart, that over the years has developed a wide network of highly-skilled workers. All are trained well above the industry standard, with an average of 15 years in the trade. It's a rare combination that allows them to provide the personal service of a family-run firm, matched with the efficiency, manpower and machinery you'd expect from an industry leader.

The company’s approach was epitomised in the demolition of a number of bridges and warehouses as part of the Ordsall Chord project in Manchester. That included the remote demolition of warehouse buildings, licensed asbestos removal, removal of a steel bridge over water using 600-tonnes cranes and demolition of rail bridges. All that was achieved while protecting a listed structure.

Consulting and assessment: Sound demolition work depends on sound paperwork, so the team at S Evans and Sons are as hard-working in the office as they are on site. Because of the company’s integrated structure there's no big division between teams, which leads to clear continuity of service.

Demolition and remediation: From road and rail bridges to petrochemical and nuclear plants, the team can take down any kind of structure in any sector – private or public, industrial, municipal or residential. They see remediation as part of the job and offer a breadth of options, from simple waste clearance to removing all pollutants.

Recovery and recycling: S Evans and Sons aims for zero waste as standard.

They can also preserve specific materials and elements – picking apart delicate structures to save listed features, building façades and other valuable assets, ready to be re-used or reinstated.

A complete recycling service for all materials is also available. They can either be processed on site or dispatched to licensed partners. Anything that can't be recycled is removed and disposed of safely.

As the company proudly proclaims: “We’ve always looked to the future.

Every time we do a job, we know that something will follow in our footsteps – even if it’s just a better view.”

Hazards and emergencies: From asbestos to lead, silica and biological hazards like rats and pigeons, S Evans & Sons is fully equipped to remove them all effectively, efficiently and with all due diligence. They’re also on call for emergency response, taking on any challenge and completing the job to the same high standards – and within a 24-hour turnaround. q Photo Matthew Nichol Photography©

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Demolition industry hails success of Demo Expo 2017 [

JUNE WAS A busy month for the demolition industry. A highlight was Demo Expo 2017 – the third joint event run by the NFDC and the Institute of Demolition Engineers (IDE). This year the biennial event was held at the Herts Showground, close to the offices of the NFDC. This year’s show was extended to a three-day event to include two trade days on June 22-23, plus a Family Day on Saturday 24 June. All three days proved to be huge successes.

Big names exhibiting at the Build UKpartnered show included Marubeni Komatsu, Atlas Copco, Finning CAT, JCB Sales and Liebherr GB. On the trade days visitors could view a huge display of demolition machines and equipment, including high reach, excavators and skid steers.

Some of the machines were also in action at the

processing area. In all, Demo Expo 2017 proved to be the ideal opportunity to network with the biggest and best in the demolition industry.

There was also a seminar programme which included Questionable Demolition: a lighthearted look at some of the reasons put forward for demolition of various structures, presented

by Dr Terry Quarmby of Dorton Group. Dr Quarmby is a past president of the IDE. The Family Fun Day offered families the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the giant machines. A special children’s arena also provided fun and games for all, including a simulator that allowed children to experience what it’s really like to knock down a building!

The event also saw the presentation of the Demo Expo 2017 Awards in three categories.

Two of them defeated the judges in finding

a single winner and attracted joint awards: they were Best Innovation (Rammer Hammer and LDH Attachments) and Best Stand (Asset Funder and JCB). The outright winner for Best Vintage went to Terry Marshall. q

Three industries meet to debate the future

[

MID-JUNE SAW the first-ever event in Europe to bring together the continent’s demolition, decontamination and recycling trades. Described as a ‘foundation stone for the future’s circular economy’, DDR Forum and Expo 2017 was held in Brussels from 14-16 June.

It was organised by the European Demolition Association (EDA) in collaboration with the European Decontamination Institute (EDI) and with the support of national associations and other institutions, including the European Commission.

DDR Forum & Expo 2017 offered professionals from different but related trades the opportunity to meet each other and work towards the same goal: the circular economy.

That, together with the place chosen for the event, allowed the participation of stakeholders from different European institutions as speakers and panellists at the various conference sessions. Those institutions – representing all three sectors across Europe – also

supported the event as institutional partners.

In addition to the conference programme, the event featured a major exhibition – showcasing machines, products and services to contractors and potential clients attending the event. At the exhibition Caterpillar launched its new 340F UHD track excavator – an event that met with resounding success.

DDR Forum and Expo 2017 was also the venue for internal meetings by several national associations, culminating in the Annual General Assembly of the European Demolition Association.

At the meeting members reviewed the main issues facing the association and decided how to face those issues in the future. An overview of the demolition situation in each country was undertaken, with the delegates sharing their forecasts for the future.

The next annual event of the EDA will take place from 7-9 June next year, in Vienna. q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Notes on the durability and structural design of cross-laminated timber structures MARTIN MILNER, technical consultant at the Structural Timber Association (STA), outlines some of the key principles that are evolving for designers and constructors to achieve robust and durable cross-laminated timber (CLT) buildings

[

CLT REMAINS A relatively new product, but its market share is increasing – not just in the UK and Europe, but also in the US and Canada. It has progressed from single-storey developments in the 1990s to 15-storey developments some 20 years later.

CLT is a wood panel typically consisting of three, five or seven layers of dimension timber oriented at right angles to one another and then glued to form structural panels. It typically forms the wall, floor or roof elements of buildings.

As is common with new products, the uptake is in advance of specific dedicated engineering codes, standards and guidance documents; but that does not mean that CLT cannot be used.

There will always be some debate while it is specifically outside of a code and standard, where first principle timber engineering approaches are needed. There are now industry-recognised strategies and company guidance that has evolved to provide best practice and draft code clauses.

Compliance with standards – CE-marked panels CE marking of CLT is possible through the harmonised European Standard BS EN 16351:2015 Timber structures – Cross laminated timber – Requirements. The CE mark can only be applied to CLT once compliance with the harmonised standard is demonstrated; a Notified Body has successfully audited the factory production control system in place and issued the CE certificate; and the Declaration of Performance has been drawn up by the manufacturer.

CLT applications – use class to BS 8417 When considering the durability of timber structures, one of the most obvious points is to ensure that the product does not have high levels of moisture that will cause the wood to decay, with consequent structural failure. In the UK we are covered by the British Standard that still stands in the current days of EN standards. BS 8417:2011+A1:2014 Preservation of wood – Code of practice is the British Standard that presents recommendations and guidance for the preservative treatment of wood to provide protection against bio-deterioration in end-use situations. It makes recommendations for determining the need for treatment.

The use of CLT as a wood-based material would fall into that code.

However, the code was written at a time when CLT was not considered to be a standard structural option, as it is today. Careful review of BS 8417:2011 is needed to identify whether the CLT structure being considered requires preservative treatment or not.

The approach to determine if CLT requires treatment is based on its ‘use class’. For finished buildings, the CLT is typically on the room side of insulation, which in simple terms means the CLT is on the warm side.

In this respect the use class is UC1.

CLT applications – service class to BS EN 1995-1-1 Correctly designed and installed, CLT is suitable for use in service class 1 and 2 conditions, as indicated by the CLT manufacturer’s CE certificates.

Service class in accordance with Eurocode 5 (BS EN 1995-11:2004 + A2:2014, clause 2.3.1.3) is used to provide engineers with the correct factors and understanding of the moisture conditions of wood structures during the life of the structure. A service class does not necessarily take into account the impact of the construction phase, where moisture can get locked in if inappropriate site control is allowed.

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Service class 1 conditions are for timbers that are within the building envelope and are not exposed to external humidity and temperatures, but are generally heated to keep the timber in a dry condition at 12% moisture content or below.

Service class 2 applications are those where timber can be in contact with external humidity and temperatures, but are not exposed to direct wetting – such as timber balcony structures or parapet walls protected from direct rain exposure by waterproofing membranes and claddings.

The use of CLT in that environment requires additional consideration and review for durability when untreated material is used.

Moisture and CLT panels during the use of a building Correctly detailed and constructed CLT walls and roof components are protected from water ingress.

The advice for non-preservative treated CLT is to ensure the external walls and roofs are designed as ‘warm’ construction, as the CLT is on the internal face of the insulation and so there is no condensation risk to the CLT. As with all designs, an interstitial condensation check will be needed on the make-up as a whole to ensure the appropriate insulation is specified.

It is also important to protect CLT from wetting that may be channelled into insulation by providing a drained and ventilated cavity behind the external wall cladding.

The internal walls of buildings are not at risk of wetting unless there is a leak in the roof or internal water leakage. In such circumstances, any construction material will be subjected to damp and there will be signs that repairs are required. CLT is of such a size and scale that local wetting is unlikely to cause structural distress before necessary repairs are undertaken to correct the water ingress. q

Structural design – key principles [

CLT PANELS ARE typically used to create cellular structures of timber loadbearing walls, with timber floor slabs constructed using the platform frame approach.

It is envisaged that in 2020 BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A2:2014 (Eurocode 5) will be updated to include a design procedure for CLT. Until such time, CLT should be designed using the principles given in BS EN 1995-1-1 and BS EN 1995-1-2, together with data from the manufacturer of the product.

For both wall and beam/floor components, bending stresses are typically calculated using effective section properties. The most common approach to structural design of CLT among European CLT manufacturers – and the method believed most likely to be adopted in the forthcoming revision of Eurocode 5 – is based on effective section properties determined using a modified version of the theory of mechanically jointed beams to BS EN 1995-1-1:2004+A2:2014 Annex B. However, other methods can be used. q

The fabric of a building gives substance to its thermal performance

‘Think Fabric First’ [IN PRACTICE THE energy

efficiency of a building boils down to a couple of things. How much fuel is required to power its heating and water systems and how well the building manages to retain the heat that is generated.

The better a building performs in these two areas, the less fuel its occupants will use on a daily basis and the lower its emissions will be. As such the fabric of a building is central to its green credentials. Increasingly this is becoming a significant factor in the decision making process for all house builders.

In the same way that fuel consumption for cars has become an important factor, people are being encouraged to look at the energy performance of a property, understand its ongoing running costs and include this in their purchasing decision.

For those looking to build their own house, constructing a property that meets not only today’s standards, but also those of the years to

come, has significant benefits in relation to the day-to-day costs of living in the property. A well performing property will also be a lot more attractive to prospective buyers come the time to sell.

Scotframe has embraced this approach to construction and in using the very latest techniques and materials has recently brought to the market place an innovative and unique injected PU closed panel timber frame system called Val-U-Therm®.

Val-U-Therm® panels are factory injected with a high performance PU material, which fills every void, making it exceptionally thermally efficient and virtually airtight.

In short, the fabric of the building and the way it is put together means homes of this type can be heated up very quickly and retain their temperature for incredibly long periods of time. This reduces their energy needs significantly. This is where the focus should lie, rather than with using renewable energy to make up for poor design and build quality. q

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Award-winning concert hall is timber specialist’s latest coup [THE STRUCTURE OF the roof of the new Cedars Hall at

Wells Cathedral School was supplied and installed by Inwood Developments of Lewes, East Sussex, using a specially-machined beech LVL framework. The inverted convex roof, designed by Eric Parry Architects, is 18m long with a 15m span. Its construction involved complex three-dimensional profiling with special joints between the main and secondary ribs, with graduations of up to 1.7m in depth in the centre of the roof.

Inserted panels were set at varying depths to accommodate lighting and services. Inwood worked with project structural engineers Momentum to achieve very tight tolerances for the structural roof elements which formed the finished ceiling to the main hall. The ceiling also had to be acoustically balanced to provide a world-class music venue for the school.

In June the building was announced as winner of the RIBA South West Building of the Year at the 2017 RIBA Awards. It will progress to be considered for the national prize later in the year.

Principal of Wells Cathedral School, Elizabeth Cairncross, commented: “We loved the design from the beginning and now we love the building. Every day it shows us what it can do for us and the way it enhances all our music and all our learning. We’re delighted for the whole design and construction team that it has been acknowledged like this – and very proud of them all!”

Inwood are a pioneering manufacturer of glulam timber frames using oak, sweet chestnut, Douglas fir and whitewood, together with special timbers. They provide frames for a full range of public buildings and specialised houses as well as individual beams.

Inwood Developments Ltd was formed in 1999 with an ambition to create the highest-quality engineered timber for the construction industry, sourced from well managed and sustainable UK forests. Its range of bespoke products are produced to the highest standards – tested and approved by BRE for strength and weathering.

The company now provides a comprehensive service to meet the ever-widening range of enquiries for bespoke developments, including a team of highly-skilled craftsmen capable of carrying out the most demanding of projects to the highest possible standard.

Cedars Hall is just the latest in a series of award-winning buildings Inwood have worked on. Last year the timber-framed Winchester Cathedral Learning Centre won a RIBA Regional Award in the South region.

In 2015 the Arnold Laver Gold Award in the Wood Awards, as well as the Private category, went to The Fishing Hut, on which Inwood carried out the joinery, while the previous year the Small Project Award went to the James Wyman Studio, where Inwood were the joinery and timber supplier. q

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Expo has the lowdown on all things timber [

THE UK'S ONLY EVENT dedicated exclusively to timber – Timber Expo – will return to Birmingham’s NEC from 10-12 October as part of the UK Construction Week group of shows. The expo will explore a wide range of timber applications – from timber frame to plywood, CLT and timber cladding – and explore the latest developments across the industry as well as new products and innovations from around Europe.

Exhibitors from across Europe will be there. Leading names include fastenings and fixings provider Schmid Scrauben Hainfield, Czech distributor of plywood and packing Orlimex and manufacturer Intumescent Systems – a leader in fire containment technology.

Vudlande Sawmill from Latvia will showcase the newest form of sawmilling technology. Gaujas Koks Ltd, with 25 years of CLT manufacturing at two major sawmills and a total output of 300,000m3 of finished products, will also be exhibiting.

In collaboration with TRADA, the Timber Focus Theatre will introduce a range of speakers. Topics to be explored include how the industry is pushing the boundaries on the use of wood, wood for good health, technical timber and how designers are working directly with fabricators.

Students from the Emergent Technologies and Design Programme at

the Architectural Association School of Architecture are also developing an innovative timber installation, co-ordinated by TRADA and sponsored by Hanson Plywood. The design derives from extensive research on plywood composite material systems, focusing on the integration of doubly-curved plywood forms and tensile cables.

It has been developed from an initial understanding of 'tensegrity' (floating compression) systems and departs from a pure tensegrity through a three-dimensional structure, where doubly-curved plywood members coexist in equilibrium.

The show has also introduced a series of free CPD sessions bringing together leading authorities to deliver advice and guidance on key issues, including: • Up-to-date advice on fire prevention in all types of buildings • Changes to legislation on safety • Advice and guidance on construction product safety • Your responsibilities in the construction process and protecting you • and your employees Nathan Garnett, event director at show organisers Media 10, said: “In addition to showcasing the latest products and innovations across the timber sector, Timber Expo will deliver the latest information on safety and quality in buildings for all in the built environment – from architects and contractors to local housing authorities and developers.

“This is crucial in the current climate and only by coming together, through shared knowledge and learning, will we be able to tackle the issues surrounding building safety head on.”

UK Construction Week consists of nine exhibitions under one roof. In addition to Timber Expo, the NEC will host Build Show, Civils Expo, Plant & Machinery Live, Energy 2017, Smart Buildings 2017, Surface & Materials Show (featuring Kitchens & Bathrooms Live), HVAC 2017 and Grand Designs Live.

Together they will cater for the entire spectrum of the construction industry.

Each show will provide exhibitors with the opportunity to network alongside decision makers and purchasers, while showcasing their services and products to thousands of visitors. q • For more information and free registration visit the website at www.ukconstructionweek.com. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Education for all from the Structural Concrete Alliance [THE STRUCTURAL CONCRETE ALLIANCE is encouraging industry to

attend a variety of free CPD events this autumn. Having already held two successful CPD seminars and a Practical Demonstration Day this year, the organisation is now preparing for its autumn events, which form a key part of the Alliance’s education programme.

Designed to provide delegates with an introduction to Structural Asset Protection and Repair, the half-day CPD seminars offer an introduction to corrosion as well as techniques for repair, protection and strengthening.

This year’s CPD events have been fully revised and feature new presentations, offering an introduction to each of the key protection and repair techniques. Each event will cover causes of corrosion, electrochemical systems, concrete repairs and coatings, carbon fibre strengthening and sprayed concrete, as well as inspection and testing techniques. Recent case studies will be offered to demonstrate the application of each technique.

Events are scheduled to take place in Central London on 3 October and Birmingham on 7th November.

Having held two successful Practical Demonstration Days in the south, the Alliance is now planning a third event. Demonstration Day North will take place on 6 September in Leigh, Lancashire. Running from 9am-3pm, it will offer delegates an opportunity to witness interactive demonstrations of key repair, protection, strengthening and sprayed concrete techniques.

Following an initial welcome and introduction, delegates will be divided into groups to visit five separate demonstration stations. Each station will feature live displays highlighting the key preparation, skills and techniques involved in concrete repairs, carbon fibre strengthening, concrete testing, sprayed concrete, and cathodic protection and monitoring systems.

Delegates will also be given an opportunity to discuss their queries with members of the Corrosion Prevention Association (CPA), Concrete Repair Association (CRA) and Sprayed Concrete Association (SCA) who will be exhibiting at the event.

For those unable to make the seminars or demonstration days, the

Alliance also offers CPD presentations which can be delivered on-site to interested parties.

The Structural Concrete Alliance brings together the CPA, CRA and SCA to provide authoritative guidance on the repair, refurbishment and renovation of concrete; cathodic protection of steel and concrete structures; and sprayed concrete technology and application techniques. The associations offer a wealth of technical advice documents which are free to download from the Alliance and individual association websites.

The Corrosion Prevention Association has recently released two new guides to help newcomers to the industry and those with overall responsibility for structures to understand the available cathodic protection systems and how they work.

Technical Note 11: Impressed Current Anodes for the Cathodic Protection of Atmospherically Exposed Reinforced Concrete summarises the anode systems currently commercially available in the UK, detailing the main features of each system including their installation, typical application and performance.

The document explains that impressed current cathodic protection is widely used to provide corrosion control on reinforced concrete structures suffering from reinforcement corrosion. It is also applied to early 20th century steel framed masonry and brick clad buildings and monuments.

The association has also produced a useful glossary of terms. Technical Note 28: A is for Anode provides a brief overview of the technical terms used in cathodic protection of steel in concrete. The glossary is intended to help newcomers to cathodic protection to understand the terms which may be used during a project. Both documents are available for free download from the CPA website at www.corrosionprevention.org.uk/publications.php.

The Sprayed Concrete Association last year released a new edition of its popular document An Introduction to Sprayed Concrete. The document, which aims to demonstrate the wide uses and versatility of sprayed concrete, describes the broad range of commonly used processes and materials available in the marketplace.

It also offers best practice advice, explaining to the user the best ways of carrying out these processes safely to produce a high quality end product. The document is available for free download from www.sca.org.uk or a hard copy can be purchased for £20.

Meanwhile, the Concrete Repair Association has released a new edition of its Standard Method of Measurement for Concrete Repair. The document provides a uniform basis for measuring concrete repair and for fully itemising all aspects of the work involved.

Now in its third edition, it has been fully revised to reflect new and current methods, practices and standards. It provides notes on repair measurement, explaining that the repair area must be defined and outlined with regard to the method to be used and the area to be treated.

There are also detailed instructions for quantifying all aspects of a repair project, along with a specimen Bill of Quantities. The framework includes advice on items to consider when putting together a quotation. It is available for free download from the CRA website at www.cra.org.uk. q • For further information contact the Structural Concrete Alliance offices on 01420 471619, email admin@structuralconcretealliance.org or visit the website at www.structuralconcretealliance.org.

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World’s first floating wind farm is about to become a reality [AN IMPOSING NEW presence has taken up station off

the coast of Scotland, with the arrival of the turbines for the world’s first operational floating wind farm. The turbines are set to begin generating electricity towards the end of the year.

Developed by Norwegian company Statoil using its Hywind technology, and with a 25% holding by Abu Dhabi-based renewables specialist Masdar, the 30MW Hywind Scotland array will rest on huge floating structures at Buchan Deep, 25km off Peterhead. It is expected to be capable of powering around 20,000 households.

The first of the five installations arrived off Peterhead on 21 July after being assembled outside Stord in Norway. Each turbine journey takes four days of sailing across the North Sea. On arrival, work immediately starts to install anchor lines and to perform hook-up operations, taking 2-3 days per turbine. Turbine installation is scheduled to be finished by the end of August.

Statoil’s executive vice president for New Energy Solutions, Irene Rummelhoff, said: “Statoil is proud to develop the world’s first floating wind farm. Our objective with the Hywind pilot park is to demonstrate the feasibility of future commercial, utility-scale floating wind farms. This will further increase the global market potential for offshore wind energy, contributing to realising our ambition of profitable growth in renewable energy and other low-carbon solutions.”

The turbines were assembled in Norway after the substructures were shipped from their manufacturing base in Spain. The 90m-long foundations were turned onto the vertical using ballast water and aggregates.

Irene Rummelhoff added: “We are very pleased to develop this project in Scotland, in a region with a huge wind resource and an experienced

supply chain from oil and gas. Through industry and supportive policies, the UK and Scotland is taking a position at the forefront of developing offshore wind as a competitive new energy source.”

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister John Swinney commented: “The momentum is building around the potential for floating offshore wind technology to unlock deeper water sites. The ability to leverage existing infrastructure and supply chain capabilities from the offshore oil and gas industry creates the ideal conditions to position Scotland as a world leader in floating wind technology.”

Statoil has worked with several Scottish suppliers and partners on the project, as well as companies from elsewhere in Europe. The onshore operation and maintenance base will be located in Peterhead, also drawing on resources from Statoil’s existing office in Aberdeen. q

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Shopping centre maintenance [ WELCOMING THOUSANDS OF visitors

and hundreds of vehicles a day, shopping centres prove to be among the most complex and exhaustive examples of facilities maintenance. Because they cover such vast areas, site management requires constant attention, ensuring that the facilities not only remain intact aesthetically but comply with health and safety measures.

One such shopping centre, situated in the Bayside Suburbs of Brisbane, Australia, was no different. Presented with many of the same issues that can affect the daily function of any facility, Belzona’s Australian distributor, Rezitech, contacted the shopping complex with a range of potential solutions.

This was back in 2013 and, over the space of four years, Rezitech has completed a variety of buildings and structures applications alongside the facilities maintenance company who oversees the site. These repairs have extended to the car park, access ramps, kerbs, shop floors and walls, as well as concrete surrounding steel gratings and expansion joints.

Revamping indoor floors The 33,102 m2 of retail floor space is home to 110 stores and businesses, all of which are subject to high levels of foot traffic as customers traverse the concrete, tiles and linoleum every day.

Significantly, these pedestrian areas are prone to continual wear and abrasion and are closely monitored for excessive deterioration. In partnership with the facilities maintenance company, Rezitech has helped to alleviate many of the issues brought about by these factors, on one such occasion in the fruit and butcher shop on site.

In this instance, there was a need to recoat the floor as several

Delamination of floor coating left concrete exposed to damage concrete areas were damaged and the old coating had delaminated in many places. Highlighted as an issue during a health inspection audit, Rezitech tackled the damaged concrete floor using Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz), a fast-curing concrete repair material. Accompanied by a two-part floor coating, to improve abrasion and slip resistance, the shop floor was reinstated quickly with minimal disruption.

Concrete damage curbed Constant traffic from customers and deliveries is something that cannot be curbed, but the progressive wear and deterioration of car park areas certainly can be. After speaking to the site’s operations manager, Rezitech were made aware of several areas that could easily be repaired using Belzona materials, including the concrete floor and expansion joints. However, kerbs navigating traffic around the car park were needing immediate attention due to spalling or detachment from the concrete substrate beneath.

Sometimes this required refitting or even the creation of a new kerb. In Winter 2013 this specific application was required after damage to the kerb warranted its removal and replacement. Using a wooden former, Belzona 4111 (Magma-Quartz) was applied into the design, re-creating the original kerb profile. Once the concrete repair material had sufficiently cured, the former was removed leaving the perfectly-formed kerb, ready to be painted.

Shopping spree

Concrete repaired and coated for improved abrasion resistance

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At the last inspection in late 2016, these repairs were still in excellent condition, some of which have been in place for over three years. Additional repairs have since been

made simpler

LEGAL ISSUES

Retentions

By NICHOLA VINE, partner at Wright Hassall

[ RETENTIONS ARE A standard

Damaged concrete kerb needed a complete overhaul

Kerb re-created using fast-curing Belzona 4111 conducted at the shopping centre, all being repairs to broken sections of concrete or replacing sections of failed cement-based products.

These successes highlight the facilities maintenance company’s confidence in Rezitech and its provision of long-lasting Belzona solutions. Robert Visser, operations manager for the shopping centre, commented: “At first, we were sceptical of the products’ performance, as many others had made similar claims. However, we soon revised our scepticism. The quick curing time of Belzona 4111 (MagmaQuartz) is a substantial benefit, as repair areas are reopened quickly, minimising the disruption to shoppers. I am still amazed at how small an area can be repaired with a minimal amount of surface preparation. These materials required no excavation works.”

Following Robert’s recommendation, Rezitech has already begun associated applications with some of the other sites managed by this company, which includes the maintenance and upkeep of 20 centres across Queensland, Australia. q • For further information call 01423 567641, email belzona@belzona.co.uk or visit the website at www.belzona.com.

method of protecting employers from the risk of defective works. They are subject to quite complex rules within the various standard form construction and engineering contracts. But are they fit for modern contracting and the current economic climate?

A ‘retention’ is a sum of money withheld from a payment for work completed, usually until all defects have been rectified. It provides a ‘fund’ for the employer to rectify any defects should the contractor be unable or unwilling to do so.

Retention mechanisms try to balance risk. The JCT forms require the retention to be kept separate to avoid problems for the contractor if the employer becomes insolvent. Other forms specify that the money is held on a fiduciary basis for the contractor – after all, it is his money unless, and until, a defect arises. In line with the NEC ethos of resolving issues in real time, their approach differs with retention included only as an Optional X clause. ‘Saving’ money for possible future defects would not sit well with this.

Retention is often 5% of payment due which is probably insufficient for the employer to cover serious defects, but is likely to cause significant cash flow problems for the contractor.

In April 2017, Alan Brown MP tabled a bill for the safeguarding and release of cash retentions in the construction industry. Although that bill was derailed by the general election, he raised some interesting points: • In 2015 insolvencies in the supply chain caused small firms across • the UK to lose £50million in retentions • Around £3billion of retention monies are withheld at any one time • A BIS survey found that 25% of SMEs felt a debt of £20,000 or • less was enough to jeopardise their business As banks will not generally allow companies to borrow against sums due to them, this can easily stifle productivity and innovation across the industry, hitting contractors’ cash flow and profits.

Alan Brown noted that the 1964 Banwell Report, the 1994 Latham Report, the 2002 and 2007 Business Select Committees and the 2016 Enterprise Bill Committee recognised that cash retentions in the construction industry are outdated and often unfair and called for reform. But what is the answer?

In the long term, legislation is probably the only way to change industry practices. In the short term, for both parties’ benefit, the money should be held in a separate bank account in trust for the contractor with clear rules about how and when it can be used.

Alternatively, a retention bond could facilitate cash flow while still protecting the employer. Interest penalties for late payment should cover the retention and be sufficient to discourage one party keeping money that is due and owing. q • Nichola Vine is a partner at Wright Hassall in the firm’s construction and engineering team. She can be contacted on nichola.vine@wrighthassall.co.uk or 01926 884673. www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Acorn Blue and Kensa Heat Pumps build sustainable luxury coastal community

[

A LANDMARK LUXURY housing development comprising forty apartments and houses, currently under construction amongst the famous dunes of Perranporth beach in Cornwall, is using pioneering architecture and sustainable development to breathe new life into a former derelict hotel site.

‘The Dunes’, set for completion in June 2018 by developers Acorn Blue, has completed the groundworks stage for Kensa’s Shoebox ground source heat pumps, which will be sited inside each of the dwellings to provide 100% of the heating and hot water for two apartment blocks, five coach houses and four beach houses. The first heat pumps will be installed this summer.

Utilising local companies and ground source heat pumps manufactured by Kensa Heat Pumps just 10 miles from the former hotel site, the development has sustainability and community at its heart.

Simon Lomax, Kensa Heat Pumps managing director, said: “Given its spectacular location alongside one of Cornwall’s premier beaches, we applaud Acorn Blue’s pioneering decision to specify ultra-low carbon heating systems for The Dunes. Investing in ground source heat pump systems will ensure the lucky purchasers benefit not only from the lowest possible running costs but also a technology which is remarkably reliable and durable. Best of all, this renewable installation is entirely unobtrusive so there is no visual intrusion on such a stunning setting.”

The ground source heat pump system features communal boreholes dug in the periphery of the site, six metres from the edge of the dunes, to depths up to 130m. In total 3km of borehole pipework has been installed.

The communal system, based on Kensa’s award-winning micro-ground source heat network design, sees five district arrays consisting of 19 boreholes in total; on one array 17 individual apartments will receive heat to their own individual Kensa Shoebox heat pump from one double-probe borehole.

The micro-ground source heat network approach qualifies The Dunes for 20 years of income via the Government’s Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). It is expected that the RHI income for The Dunes will more than offset the cost of the system.

David Stein, Acorn Blue pre-construction director, commented: “Aside from the inherent advantages associated with the adoption of renewable energy in respect of improved SAP rating, lower carbon footprint, RHI payback and generally ‘feeling good’, The Dunes was a natural candidate for ground source heat pumps. There is no natural gas in the area and the geology is known to be highly suited to GSHP’s. Furthermore, by adopting Kensa’s Shoebox and micro-district design we realised we could eliminate any centralised plant, thereby increasing sales area and at the same time offering direct individual control and metering of their heat source to individual purchasers.”

The individual Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump located within each property overcomes traditional setbacks of plant room designs and is exempt from the Heat Network (Metering and Billing) Regulations, and unlike traditional district heating schemes provides complete heating and hot water control to the homeowners, offering individual bills and freedom to switch suppliers.

The Shoebox heat pump offers simple installation from both a mechanical and electrical standpoint. Kensa Heat Pumps will be working alongside Acorn Blue’s M&E contractor to install the ground source heat pump unit’s and ensure compliance with the Microgeneration Certification Standards (MCS).

Each dwelling is to be fitted with Heatmiser thermostats which will talk to smart phone controls.

Individual heat and electric meters will email daily heat and electric consumption data to Acorn Blue, enabling performance monitoring and compliance with RHI requirements. q • For further information call 0845 680 4328 or visit the website at www.kensaheatpumps.com.

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Marking the borehole locations

The borehole drilling rig

The Kensa Shoebox ground source heat pump

NHBC announces first-round PiJ winners [ JUNE SAW THE announcement by NHBC of the first round

of winning site managers in its annual Pride in the Job Awards.

Around 450 site managers were recognised for their commitment to building homes of outstanding quality.

Pride in the Job, now in its 37th year, is dedicated to recognising those site managers – the people in charge of actually building homes – who achieve the highest standards in housebuilding.

Judging for this year’s awards began in July last year, with each site manager assessed across 44 areas of site management. They include technical knowledge, consistency in the build process and the quality controls in place.

More than 16,000 site managers compete for the awards, making the first round Quality Award winners the best in their profession.

Those site managers go on to compete for a Seal of Excellence and Regional Award in their category, with the Supreme Award winners announced at a gala ceremony in January next year.

The awards are split into four categories according to the number of NHBS registrations their company lodges annually. The Small Builder

category is for firms with 1-50 registrations, Medium Builder is for 51-1,000 and Large Builder is for more than 1,000. A further category – Multistorey – is for firms who construct buildings of five storeys or more for multiple occupancy.

Commenting on the awards, NHBC managing director Neil Jefferson said: “Congratulations to all the 2017 Quality Award winners: the strength of this year’s entries, coupled with the judges’ long and hard deliberations over selecting around 450 winners from more than 16,000 site managers, should give great pride to them all and their teams.

“Every year, the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards give us the chance to celebrate the efforts site managers go to promoting continuous improvement in the quality of new homes, year on year, for homeowners and their families to enjoy.”

The next issue of Construction National will be covering some of the first round winners and profiling their sites. Future issues will follow their journey to the Seal of Excellence and Regional Awards, and to the National Finals in London. q

Contractor’s own project is done and dusted [CONSTRUCTION IS NOW complete at Wilson and Mawhinney’s Old

Mill development in Whiteabbey, near Newtownabbey in County Antrim.

The development was unusual in that Wilson and Mawhinney were themselves both builder and developer – a role they have been taking on increasingly, being also well known as building and civil engineering contractors for major clients. On this occasion they brought all their considerable expertise to bear on another of their own projects.

The Old Mill is a collection of three and four-bedroom semi-detached homes near to the village of Whiteabbey. The four-bedroom Furrow is complemented by the three-bedroom Cullin, Weaver and Spinner styles.

The Weaver and Spinner combine to form a single building, while the other styles offer two side-by-side. They are all contemporary energy efficient homes.

In addition to the high specification of the homes themselves, a management company has been formed among the residents to organise the upkeep and well-being of the development.

Last year the site manager on the development, Alan White, landed a NHBC Pride in the Job Quality Award for the quality of work on the site. q

The four-bedroom Furrow

The three-bedroom Cullin www.constructionnational.co.uk

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Safest site managers honoured [THE NHBC kicked off its awards

sequence in May with the announcement of the first round in its annual Health and Safety Awards – those awarded Commended status.

The NHBC Health and Safety Awards are now in their eighth year and are designed to recognise and reward the very best in health and safety, and are also helping to drive up safety standards in the industry by showcasing and sharing best practice.

Every year several thousand construction workers are injured whilst working on a building site. Through effective management of working areas and access routes many of

these could be avoided, whilst also helping to reduce the number of working days lost to a business.

This year 56 site managers were awarded Commended status for their sites and went on to compete for the Highly Commended and National titles in four categories, which mirror the builder categories in the Pride in the Job Awards.

Stephen Ashworth, NHBC health and safety services manager, said: “In 2017 we saw a record number of entries and an outstanding shortlist of finalists. This underpins the importance given to health and safety on

house-building sites across the UK.” The awards reached their climax on 7 July with the national awards ceremony in Birmingham which was hosted by impressionist John Culshaw. At the event, the winners and runners-up in the four categories were chosen from the 25 site managers named as Highly Commended.

The National Award winners this year were Jan Ruddick from Bellway Homes (Large Builder), Colin Berry from Lendlease Residential (Multistorey), Mike Loughran from Mactaggart & Mickel (Medium Builder) and David Mills from Duchy Homes (Small Builder). q

George nets a hat-trick [ONE OF THE site managers who is more familiar than most with the

NHBC Health and Safety Awards gala is George Carty of Bellway Homes Scotland. George (pictured) was there for the third year on the trot, adding a Commended award to his two previous Highly Commended accolades.

George has become well known at Bellway Homes for his innovative approach to promoting health and safety among both the workforce and visitors on his sites. Commenting on the first of his hat-trick of wins, in 2015, Bellway said: “George Carty implemented a range of activities to ensure safe working conditions on his site.”

Those activities included ensuring ‘the basics’ were completed to a high standard. George also played HSE health and safety videos in the site canteen

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on a continuous loop to subconsciously drive home key safety points.

Bellway’s health and safety policy statement reads: “It is the policy of Bellway to do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent personal injury and danger to the health of all within our employ and others who may be affected by our activities. Employees at all levels, including subcontractors, are to actively support the company in its efforts to ensure the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act and all other relevant legislation are met.”

George’s current site is Manor Park in Cumbernauld – a development of three, four and five-bedroom homes. Built to the highest level of specification, these elegant new homes feature modern fitted kitchens and contemporary bathroom suites, and come in terrace, semi-detached and detached variations. The development boasts idyllic views over the Campsie Fells and Manor Park Kilsyth Hills.

At Manor Park George is already further filling up his mantelpiece with a Pride in the Job Quality Award to add to the clutch he won at his former site, The Marches in Steppes. q

Tom joins the contingent from the North [

SWELLING THE RANKS of award winners from north of the border was Tom Hill of Barratt Homes West Scotland. Tom’s Commended award in the NHBC Health and Safety Awards was one of four scooped by Barratt site managers from Scotland – more than any other housebuilder from that country.

Tom’s fellow award-winners were West Scotland colleague Ian Grant, Allan Barclay from Barratt North Scotland and Gareth Lewis from Barratt East Scotland.

Newton Farm in Cambuslang

Douglas McLeod, managing director of Barratt Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of our four winning site managers at this year’s national awards.

The commendations reflect our commitment as a housebuilder to operate some of the best-run and safest sites in Scotland.”

Tom’s site is Newton Farm in Cambuslang, Glasgow – a sought-after development featuring a range of three and four-bedroom terrace, semi-detached and detached homes.

Tom Hill (left) raising money for charity with Barratt colleagues Tom’s role in ensuring site safety was intensified in March with the launch of the Drummond and Culzean show homes – both four-bedroom detached homes. On the weekend of 4-5 March the public were invited to wander round the stunning new homes – with their attention to detail and design features – and picture themselves in a new home at Newton Farm.

The Health and Safety Award proved just the start for Tom’s NHBC collection this year – he’s also scooped a Pride in the Job Quality Award for his work at the site. And he’s no stranger to publicity. In 2014 he joined colleagues in raising cash for the Movember foundation by growing a moustache. q

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Expert goes to great lengths to win award [

IT’S BEEN A busy year for the New Peugeot Expert. The marque introduced the longest version of the panel van – the New Expert Long – at the Commercial Vehicle Show in April. The Long version has a load floor length of 2.86m – that’s 350mm longer load floor than Standard models and 700mm longer than in the shortest Compact variant. That can be extended to 4m with a load-through flap in the full steel bulkhead of the Moduwork variant.

The New Expert Long is also available as a crew van, providing the flexibility of seating for a driver and up to five passengers, combined with 4m3 of load space.

In the passenger compartment, the crew van features twin glazed sliding side doors with fixed side windows, equipped with noisereducing, dark-tinted glass. A toughened plastic bulkhead is fitted behind the second row of seats with a polycarbonate window enabling cab occupants to view the load area.

The new model launch came as the New Expert was named joint winner in the Best Newcomer category of the 2017 Trade Van Driver magazine awards. The award was presented on the first day of the Commercial Vehicle Show on 25 April.

It was the fourth award the New Expert has scooped, following success in the Light Commercial of the Year and Medium Van of the Year categories in the What Van? awards in December and the Small Panel Van of the Year award at the VansA2Z Awards in March.

The Trade Van Driver judges said: “The Expert is Peugeot’s new medium panel van contender and it’s fresh – from the nuts and bolts upwards. With stylish exterior looks, a range of new safety features and best-in-class fuel economy figures, it’s a worthy winner of this title.”

Louise Neilson, head of business sales at Peugeot, said, “Yet another award for the New Expert comes as we display the full Expert

range at the 2017 CV Show, including the latest additions to the range: the Expert Long and Expert Crew vans. The new models provide an extended load area and give many trade buyers the flexibility of carrying both people

and a load. I am delighted to receive the Best Newcomer award from Trade Van Driver at a show where visitors can see the New Expert range and a wide range of Peugeot light commercial vehicles for themselves.” q

Commercial vehicle production declines despite export success [

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MANUFACTURING in the UK declined by 8.1% to 43,782 units in the first half of this year, according to figures issued in July by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That decline slowed in June, however, to 4.7%.

Exports drove the sector – up 11.9% in the year to the end of June, with 27,818 of the vans, trucks, buses and coaches built in the UK heading abroad, bolstered by a strong European market. That was the highest level in seven years, but could not offset the ease in domestic production. That fall followed two years of very strong growth in the UK market.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While domestic demand eased following years of significant growth, these figures demonstrate the importance of exports to commercial vehicle manufacturing. With such high levels destined for overseas markets – the vast majority going to Europe – maintaining competitive trading conditions with our most significant partner will be vital in order to future-proof the success of the sector.” q www.constructionnational.co.uk

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ACCESS EQUIPMENT

DRILLING CONTRACTORS

DUST MONITORING

ACCOUNTANCY RAINWATER SYSTEMS

BUILDERS & PLUMBERS MERCHANTS

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