Scaffmag Issue 15

scaffmag THE SCAFFOLDING MAGAZINE

ISSUE 15, 2022 SCAFFMAG.COM SCAFFOLDERS’ QUARTERLY

SOUND SYSTEM Is system scaffolding the answer to labour shortages across the industry?

PLUS

NET ZERO: Can we clean up scaffolding?

HAKI leading the way in sustainable scaffolding systems

Advanced-Guard: is it the future for scaffolder safety at height?

ABOVE AND BEYOND

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR THE UK SCAFFOLDING INDUSTRY SINCE 1945

NATIONAL ACCESS AND SCAFFOLDING CONFEDERATION WWW.NASC.ORG.UK

RAISING THE STANDARD

GET CISRS TRAINING, GET SMART FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.CISRS.ORG.UK

Contents 47

15

54 REGULARS

6

NEWS ROUNDUP The latest industry news including: is bullying just banter

in the workplace? The timber shortage abating, a new product launch, the Alimak Group, plus much, much more.

FEATURES

26

NET ZERO GKR Scaffolding Strategy Director Helen Gawor,

explains how sustainability has gone from being a buzzword to a strategic target for the whole industry. Embrace Building Wraps are helping lead the way in tackling climate change.

15

PEOPLE

Plus, after COP26, Isaac Morrison poses the important

Grahame Anderson talks to scaffolder Gordon Vandrill

question: can we clean up scaffolding?

16

BUSINESS

18

OPINION

substructure made from Layher modular scaffolding, erected

Billy Jones, Managing Director of scaffolding specialist

by Overlay Events and PHD Modular Access.

who has overcome a major car crash and the loss of a leg.

Millcroft wins a five-year HS2 contract plus The Altrad

Group has agreed a deal with Interserve to buy RMD Kwikform.

34

SYSTEM Labour shortages is one of the key problems facing the

sector and therefore increasing the demand for system scaffolding. HAKI Tripod’s full potential is only just being realised plus the 22.5m-high hill Marble Arch Mound has a

Millcroft, explains how an agile response to projects, partnership approach and in-house training adds value to clients and leads to repeat business

22

52

PROJECTS Lyndon SGB is providing all three core offerings of its

business, coming together in a hybrid access solution package

INTERVIEW

in London plus a collaboration between PERI and JMAC

Grahame Anderson discovers that Paul Price’s

Scaffolding on RoM Dome Tunnel is under way.

versatility has gone to a whole new level. The new Mechanical Access Director at Lyndon SGB and MD at Taylor’s Hoist’s greater responsibility comes naturally to this likeable industry leader.

63

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HEIGHT SAFETY. IT’S WHAT WE DO.

WORKING AT HEIGHT SAFELY IS OUR PRIORITY. CONTACT LEACH’S TODAY AND WE’LL HELP YOU CARRY OUT YOUR WORK IN THE SAFEST WAY POSSIBLE.

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Welcome The UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) held in Glasgow late last year brought leaders from around the world to act together in a bid to limit temperature rises and the effects of climate change. COP26 showed us that working together in collaboration to try to solve a problem is half the battle. The UK construction industry has pledged to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, but how can the scaffolding sector help?

On page 26, GKR Scaffolding Strategy Director Helen Gawor explains that sustainability is not just a buzzword anymore and shows how scaffolding businesses can reach net zero and win more business doing so. Meanwhile, on page 32, Isaac Morrison, VERTEX Scaffolding Solutions Managing Director, provides some handy tips for scaffolding businesses on helping the environment by reducing what we waste.

As many of our readers will know, the shortage of labour is one of the key problems facing the scaffolding industry right now. Firms across the country are really struggling to find skilled scaffolders and to attract new workers into the industry as older experienced scaffolders leave. On page 34, Manchesterbased Connolly Scaffolding explains how they have confronted this major problem head-on. The business is shifting from the traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolding to a modular system scaffold that requires far less labour to erect and is much quicker to complete projects, which their clients love.

Also in this issue, we speak to Paul Price, the new Mechanical Access Director at Lyndon SGB, about the firm’s Hybrid Access Solutions, see page 22. And we look at a new advanced guardrail system that is about to hit the market, developed by two leading health and safety advisers, that could be the future for scaffolder safety at height, see page 50.

Happy reading and stay safe!

Daniel Norton – Editor dan@scaffmag.com

EDITORIAL Editor Daniel Norton T 01472 476024 M 07776 218831 E dan@scaffmag.com @ScaffMagDan Features writers Grahame Anderson Richard Trenchard Design Demot Rushe Dermotrushe.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Billy Jones Helen Gawor Isaac Morrison

ADVERTISING Manager Jessica Norton T 01472 476024 M 07776 218831 E jess@scaffmag.com

PUBLISHED BY ScaffMag Ltd Office G8 The Enterprise Village Prince Albert Gardens Grimsby DN31 3AT

facebook.com/scaffmag twitter.com/ScaffoldingNews

SCAFFMAG.COM | 5

News

BANTER OR BULLYING? 21% of construction employees have experienced bullying in the last year with almost 3 in 10 saying the bullying was just labelled as ‘banter’. Industry workers have reported high levels of stress, anxiety and depression as a result ❖ Poor mental health in the construction industry has reached an all-time high, with over half of UK construction workers reporting mental health issues in the last year. According to the findings from a nationwide survey, 1 in 5 construction workers have been impacted by bullying alone in the last year.

The Mental Health in the Construction Industry survey, found that only 7% of workers raised feelings of poor

6 | S CAFFMAG.COM

mental health with their HR team.

Shockingly, when issues were raised, only 6% said they had sufficient mental health support.

The data was collected by London plant hire specialists Herts Tools, who surveyed employees from 88 construction companies in the UK, to highlight the impacts of poor mental health in the industry.

With the construction and trades

industries traditionally leaning towards ‘manning up’ or ‘cracking on’ as solutions to mental health issues, the findings suggest this attitude is still very much present. 50% of workers between the ages 21-24 were found to be the worst affected by bullying labelled as ‘banter’.

Workers surveyed also noted that the industry could improve its approach to confidentiality, with 56% of bullied employees wanting more privacy on issues

raised. Even those who hadn’t personally been subject to bullying felt more could be done to improve confidentiality around sensitive, personal issues (36%).

Stefano Lobban, Director at Herts Tools, said: “The UK construction industry is still experiencing a mental health crisis: workers continue to demonstrate a ‘suck it up and deal with it’ approach to poor mental health.

“The findings from our survey highlight that workplaces could be doing more. They could encourage workers suffering to come forward and share their experiences of poor mental health issues and/or bullying by having more confidentiality measures in place.

Companies could look at investing in workplace surveys, private spaces and more wellbeing measures, to give workers the opportunity to share any personal issues in a safe and supportive environment.

“We just hope that companies take these new figures as a warning and address their own workplace culture so that these difficult and sensitive issues can be discussed.”

Kasia Richter, Founder at Wellbeing Strategist, said: “Harmless joking is when it is enjoyed by both parties.

Banter can be a way of creating bonds

by sharing experiences and exchanging thoughts and feelings in a way that is mutually accepted. Bullying starts when boundaries of respect are crossed and certain behaviour is harmful, causing negative feelings such as emotional pain, sorrow, guilt or shame.”

WHERE CAN CONSTRUCTION WORKERS SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT?

Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity The charity has been delivering charitable welfare and support to the construction community since 1956. The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is funded by the industry, for the industry. www.constructionindustryhelpline.com Mates in Mind Mates in Mind is a leading UK charity raising awareness and addressing the stigma of poor mental health.

We promote and lead on the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace.

Mates in Mind works across industries, focusing on construction, as well as related sectors, including transport, logistics, manufacturing, and others. www.matesinmind.org

THE FINDINGS FROM OUR SURVEY HIGHLIGHT THAT WORKPLACES COULD BE DOING MORE. THEY COULD ENCOURAGE WORKERS SUFFERING TO COME FORWARD AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES OF POOR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AND/ OR BULLYING BY HAVING MORE CONFIDENTIALITY MEASURES IN PLACE

SHORTAGE OF TIMBER IS ABATING ❖ The timber industry expects there to be

significantly, more than 10% higher than

hardwood, plywood,

no more mass shortages in 2022.

the last time Q3 volumes exceeded 3

particleboard, OSB and MDF,

million m3 – in 2007.

have also seen clear increases in Q3

The Timber Trade Federation (TTF) has reported that more than 3.32 million m3 of

Softwood is being imported in larger

2021 as compared with the previous year.

timber and panel productss were imported in

amounts from a more diverse range of

Q3 of 2021, as the market achieves greater

countries over the past quarter, with Latvia,

under pressure amidst buoyant demand,

balance between supply and demand after

Finland and Germany growing to account

and logistics issues, the timber supply

nearly a year of record imports.

for 61% (1.1 million m3) of the 1.8 million m3

chain overall has proven resilient, with the

of softwood imported in Q3 2021.

timber industry in a strong position to

Statistics show these import levels are more than 23% above Q3 2020 and,

Other timber products, including

While some goods continue to be

meet demand in 2022.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 7

// News

ALIMAK & PERI PARTNER UP The Alimak Group has launched a new scaffolding product for the construction industry, making the scaffolding process as efficient and safe as possible ❖ The new product is called the Alimak STS 300 and has been designed in conjunction with PERI in Germany.

The new scaffold transportation system is an innovative scaffolding transportation system that offers a range of features that enhance safety in combination with efficiency. It provides scaffolders more productive erection and dismantling time, as well as better ergonomics, and it also supports horizontal movement on the ground level which makes it more user-friendly and efficient.

The Alimak STS 300 is designed to fit the PERI UP scaffold perfectly. PERI UP scaffold ensures that scaffolders are always in a guarded position when installing or dismantling scaffold.

“We are continuously focusing on adding customer value and are very pleased to be able to launch this new scaffolding product, which will not

8 | SCAFFMAG.COM

WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY FOCUSING ON ADDING CUSTOMER VALUE AND ARE VERY PLEASED TO BE ABLE TO LAUNCH THIS NEW SCAFFOLDING PRODUCT

only improve productivity and efficiency for our customers but also provide a safer, smoother and overall better working environment for scaffolders,” says David Batson, Executive Vice President for the Construction division at Alimak Group.

Thomas Imbacher, responsible Board Member for Innovation & Marketing of PERI AG, said: “We are very pleased to have this partnership with Alimak Group. The Alimak STS 300 will enable scaffolders to improve their entire logistic process, starting from the warehouse towards the job site and backwards. Due to the innovative approach, waiting times decrease and it is easy to assemble and dismantle scaffolding with a team of two scaffolders.”

According to a statement, the Alimak STS 300 will initially only be available in Germany but will be gradually rolled out to more markets, globally.

Alltask’s incentive to recruit new trainee scaffolders

NEWS IN BRIEF

❖ To help combat the skills shortage in the construction industry, Alltask is providing an incentive to recruit new trainee scaffolders and help support them in obtaining their driver’s licence.

The ‘Help to Drive Scheme’ will provide trainees with the opportunity of learning how to drive, assisting in obtaining social freedom and providing flexibility of movement to work at different site locations.

As part of the ‘Help to Drive Scheme’, Alltask is funding 20 hours of driving instruction which will act as a springboard for young people to obtain their driver’s licence. Some individuals will have prior experience, while others who do not, with the help of the scheme, will be close to finishing their lessons and be ready for their test. Alltask hopes that this will motivate trainees to complete their driving lessons and pass their test at the earliest opportunity.

To guarantee that driving lessons fit in with their working day, Alltask has arranged for trainees to be picked up from the yard, a nearby site, or their home address. Alltask aims to create bespoke solutions for each individual, to provide the benefit of driving lessons for all trainee scaffolders who do not have a licence. Alltask will ensure that everyone has the same driving instructor for the duration of their driving lessons,

construction industry’s card-

to provide continuity and develop the ideal learning relationship.

Taylor Curle was the first trainee scaffolder to benefit from the ‘Help to Drive Scheme’. He had his first lesson on Wednesday 8th December with his instructor Mitchell Peeke, from A-Class Driving School.

Taylor said: “It is benefiting me because I’m learning a life skill that will help me in and out of work, and driving will make me feel I have more independence. Thanks, Alltask!”

A-Class Driving School commented: “A-Class Driving School was delighted to be approached by Alltask and look forward to building a strong working relationship and foundation for young learners to not only learn to drive but get a vital skill they can carry throughout the rest of their lives. At A-Class, we strive for success for these young individuals and want them to succeed, hence why we offer both the driving lessons and theory training for the pupil as well. Driving is a skill for life, and we are delighted for the opportunity to be a part of that process with Alltask, and to get the wheels in motion for these young individuals is a pleasure and privilege,” Ultimately, Alltask wants to invest in their people and a positive future to ensure the business maintains a safe, well-trained and healthy workforce.

Alltask believes that giving their trainee scaffolders the opportunity of learning to drive will enrich the business for the future.

❖ CSCS SET TO ROLL-OUT NEW SMART CHECK APP A new app, developed by the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo, is set to radically improve the checking procedures and site safety.

The CSCS Smart Check app represents a major step forward as, for the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the CSCS logo can be electronically verified using a single app.

The roll-out of the app begins in April 2022, providing employers with a quick, easy and secure way of ensuring everyone on site has the right qualifications and training for the job they do. The app will be free to use and available for Apple iOS and Android devices.

❖ NASC’S CRISIS COMMS SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD The NASC has been shortlisted for the Trade Association Forum Best Practice award in the Crisis Management (Covid-19 Member Support) category. The award category recognises trade associations across the board that moved quickly and effectively to safeguard and support their members and the wider scaffolding sector throughout the coronavirus pandemic. NASC says its entry focuses on the various ways in which they kept scaffolding sector businesses up to date and informed, including the creation and distribution of its daily Covid-19 e-bulletins, the establishment of a dedicated Coronavirus News section of its website, and the production and dissemination of free-to-

Taylor Curle (pictured left) was the first trainee scaffolder to benefit from the ‘Help to Drive Scheme’, his instructor was Mitchell Peeke, from A-Class Driving School.

download Guidance for Scaffolding Operations during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic, and an associated Toolbox Talk.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 9

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// News

BACKING NEW SAFETY ALERT GUIDELINES

Excalibur Screwbolts Ltd has announced its support of the brandnew Safety Alert Protocol from the Temporary Works Forum (TWf)

❖ Released by the TWf on 6 January 2022, this important document aims to establish an industry standard for organisations to issue a safety alert following a temporary worksrelated incident.

The purpose of the guidance is to develop a standard approach to the generation and circulation of safety alerts to optimise their effectiveness.

Temporary works are the parts of a construction project that are needed to enable the permanent works to be built, e.g. access scaffolds, props, shoring, excavation support, falsework and formwork, etc.

It is the remit of the TWf to encourage best practice and give authoritative guidance and professional leadership to the industry. An additional benefit of the new protocol is the protection of brand reputations in avoiding

12 | S CAFFMAG.COM

unfounded allegations.

Excalibur Screwbolts is a double winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and, as such, fully appreciates the value of a reliable and trustworthy brand reputation – all of which has contributed to the company’s success with clients on high-profile construction projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Crossrail, HS2, Grand Paris Express and London Power Tunnels.

Director John Stevens commented: “As members of the Temporary Works Forum, we welcome the new Safety Alert Protocol, which we believe provides clear and concise guidance to the industry in terms of keeping the right people up to date should failures occur in equipment, process, procedures and substances used in the workplace.

“At Excalibur Screwbolts, safety is front and centre of our product development strategy. Our products are patented and incorporate our award-winning vibration-resistant twin helix thread design which makes them safe,

reliable, easy to install and cost effective. Our mission is to continue to provide the highest-quality, most reliable fixings to be used in any engineering or construction projects, wherever the location, whatever the material, whatever the challenge.”

Commenting for the Temporary Works Forum, David Thomas (Director and Secretary) noted: “At the Temporary Works Forum, we realise that the circulation of factually incorrect, misleading or poorly written information contained in a safety alert can, and does, cause unnecessary confusion within the industry and has the potential to damage a brand. Our remit is to establish and maintain industry best practice and we hope the new Safety Alert Protocol will be well received by our members.”

SAFETY IS FRONT AND CENTRE OF OUR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY. OUR PRODUCTS ARE SAFE, RELIABLE, EASY TO INSTALL AND COST EFFECTIVE

SCUNTHORPE SCAFFOLDERS TO STRIKE AGAIN Scaffolders employed by Actavo at British Steel in Scunthorpe have voted for more industrial action in 2022 ❖ After 12 weeks of strike action in 2021, 83% of the workers voted in favour of more action in 2022. The scaffolders have agreed to begin continuous strike action beginning on Wednesday 26th January.

In the long-running dispute over the scaffolders’ pay, Unite said Actavo and British Steel need to take responsibility for the “mess” they have created by refusing to apply the national agreement and pay workers the rate for the job.

The scaffolders are in dispute with their employer, Actavo (UK).

But Unite says that the client, British Steel, must also take responsibility for this long-running dispute.

Problems began in 2019, as a result of

the scaffolders not being paid in line with the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI). The rates for the workforce are currently between 10–15% (depending on specific roles) below these rates. The workers maintain over 500 scaffolding structures at the British Steel site.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Both Actavo and British Steel need to take responsibility and sort this mess out. I hope this overwhelming vote for more strike action in 2022 will focus minds and spur the management into action to resolve this dispute.

“The employers could have industrial peace in 2022. Or else we are prepared to fight tooth and nail to stop

the race to the bottom.”

Unite regional officer Richard Bedford said: “There is an unwavering determination to protect the national agreement and the rate for the job.

We call on both British Steel and Actavo to join Unite in tripartite discussions. It’s time to stop passing the buck and for all parties to get around the negotiating table so the scaffolders can get back to work.”

Training expands into northern India ❖ Safety & Access Ltd has recently

Northern India, is part of a range of

able to announce the opening of a new

supported AECOR International in a

international partnerships for Safety

international CISRS OSTS Training

partnership to open yet another

& Access primarily serving the oil and gas

facility in Punjab, Northern India.

international CISRS Training facility.

industries including CISRS-accredited

A virtual online audit took place

training centres in Nepal, Oman, UAE,

of the scaffolders that work hard in the

Malaysia and Qatar.

Middle East to provide for their families

over the Christmas break with Safety & Access, CISRS and AECOR reviewing

ScaffMag understands the UK training

“This region of India is home to many

and we are proud to now be able to

the facility and resources. The new

firm has further plans to open additional

enhance those job opportunities with

centre passed its strict criteria audit

facilities in the Caribbean region soon.

internationally recognised training and

and is now able to begin training.

The new facility, based in Punjab,

Rick Statham, Safety & Access Ltd

increased levels of safety whilst

Director, said: “We are delighted to be

adopting industry best practice.”

SCAFFMAG.COM | 13

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// People

Walk on Gordon Vandrill has overcome a major car crash, and the loss of a leg, on a long journey taking him back to work as a scaffolder on some major projects. Grahame Anderson has been looking at his inspiring and incredible story

G

ordon Vandrill is proof positive that all human beings can achieve things regardless of any physical setback. Just imagine being trapped inside a crashed car for 90 minutes, eventually having to be cut free by the fire brigade. Picture the medics realising the injury you have could be quite serious as they rush you off to hospital.

Just think about those hospital doctors discovering the full extent of your bodily damage before you’re rushed to theatre.

In the case of this amazing scaffolder, surgeons battled through the night to save his life, when all seemed lost.

In fact, Gordon was left in a coma for two months enduring many more procedures. He’d lost a leg and was facing his biggest-ever challenge. Two gruelling years of physiotherapy were to follow, but a fantastic will to overcome his problems coupled with a determination to get the most out of life began to win the day.

He takes up the story: “The most challenging aspect of being a scaffolder with one leg is if a lot of gear has to be walked a long distance. Even though I wouldn’t like to show it, this would be very challenging for my leg and I get tired quicker being an amputee as I have to use more energy. I still scaffold in all aspects of the role, including beam work, setting out, managing, traversing and completing all my training.

“When I completed my Advance Training at Bircham Newton in 2018 I was led to believe I was the only amputee to have completed the course and asked for no special treatment.”

Naturally, Gordon wanted to get back to work as soon as possible. Far from simply preparing for what might lay ahead, he thought a nice little trip on a

mountaineering expedition in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco would be just the job. A lover of mountaineering, he’d need all his previous experience to get the most out of this demanding adventure.

Base camp for the Atlas Mountains is 3,200m above sea level, far higher than Gordon had climbed before. After a successful training day, the first challenge was Jebel Ouanakrim at 4,088m followed by the highest peak in the mountain range, North Africa’s largest, at 4,167m above sea level. This was what Gordon signed up or, but on the morning of the climb he didn’t feel too optimistic: He told me: “I was aching and feeling sick, I really didn’t think I could make it, but I went for it.”

Through pain and long after his body wanted to give up, Gordon finally saw the summit!

When Gordon, who’s been in the industry for more than 20 years, starts a new job, the people employing him usually have little idea he has a prosthetic leg. If the question arises, does he have a firm way of dealing with it?

Gordon explained: “People are shocked to start with as they usually don’t have any idea; this also applies to work with new companies. I don’t wish to be judged any differently on my performance, so I choose not to highlight this to start with for fear of being wrongly judged in terms of mobility.

“When I do tell people, site managers or colleagues, I am met with disbelief and surprise, followed by positive comments on my scaffolding ability and work ethic, which I pride myself on.

“I get up, do a good day’s work, be confident in my work, and hopefully have a few laughs along the way.

“When it comes to having one leg,

the summers are the worst, as the hot weather is uncomfortable on my prosthetic held on with a rubber lining. The heat makes my skin sweat through lack of air, and wearing work trousers, this throughout the day becomes difficult as my stump becomes hot, swells and can blister.

“Over the years I’ve learnt to manage the best I can by going to the toilet to remove my prosthetic and dry my leg, which relieves the heat and the sweat.

Blisters would make my day extremely hard and painful.

“I don’t let it hold me back and generally no one notices, unless I’m in pain and start to limp, then people ask, but I don’t like to show this side as my determination drives me forward and I don’t like to show any weakness.”

Gordon has worked on some impressive projects including the Queen’s Terminal at Heathrow, Kew Gardens Temperate House, Earls Court, Olympia and HS2 Euston.

So, what advice does this charismatic young man have for anyone facing any sort of physical setback?

“Just be determined and be yourself.

I don’t see myself as disabled, more so I have a disability which makes me more determined and more focused.

“It was a state of mind to get myself back and go back into scaffolding and do my job well.

“My mental state of mind is to get up every day and go to work. I won’t let my leg be a psychological barrier. I push myself harder and pride myself I can hold my own with able-bodied scaffolders – if not better.

For those looking for any form of inspiration, just think of Gordon Vandrill who has well and truly proved that a problem is just a wonderful opportunity turned around.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 15

// Business

MILLCROFT WINS FIVE-YEAR HS2 SCAFFOLDING CONTRACT Millcroft has beaten strong competition to be awarded a five-year programme of scaffolding works for HS2 in central London. The contract will involve design, installation, adaptations and project management of access and safety scaffolding requirements

W

orking for HS2’s Main Works Civils Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV), Millcroft will leverage the company’s extensive experience in the rail sector to provide bespoke scaffolding solutions for ventilation shafts, head houses, bridges, abutments and tunnelling works.

The full scope of works is yet to be finalised, but Millcroft’s in-house design department will work collaboratively with the client to understand the missioncritical programme and safety requirements at each site and deliver solutions aligned to the needs of construction and engineering teams.

Millcroft will establish a dedicated HS2 team in place for the project, including project-management, design and logistics expertise. The move will enable the company to maintain an agile approach to answering the project’s changing needs as the work progresses, supporting industry-leading health and safety standards for SCS JV. Millcroft have already taken on an additional 10 staff on site, and are likely to recruit considerably more as the project continues.

The contract win builds on Millcroft’s wide-ranging track record on prestigious rail projects. The company was shortlisted in the Construction News Specialist Awards for its work on the cut line modifications to Euston Station as part of

16 | SCAFFMAG.COM

the HS2 terminus infrastructure.

Millcroft was also shortlisted in the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Excellence (Project Category) in the 2021 Construction News Awards for the company’s work on the Crossrail Elizabeth Line terminus project at Paddington Station. The company will also bring previous experience of working with large tunnel-boring machines (TBM) to the new HS2 contract, having previously worked for the Align JV on HS2 infrastructure works with the ‘Florence’ and ‘Cecilia’ TBMs. Billy Jones, managing director of

Millcroft, commented: “HS2 is the biggest rail project in Europe and the most important UK infrastructure investment in a generation, so we are delighted to be continuing to play a role in delivering this prestigious programme.

“Our experience in rail, and specialist knowledge of the challenges and safety considerations it involves, have been instrumental in our success in winning this contract. We will work closely with Costain Skanska STRABAG to ensure we respond quickly to site requirements and are proactive in providing design expertise.”

ALTRAD ACQUIRES RMD KWIKFORM IN £140M DEAL

NEWS IN BRIEF ❖ MORE HS2 WINS Lyndon SGB’s London division has bagged several major scaffolding and access contracts on Europe’s largest railway project, the High Speed Two (HS2) rail infrastructure programme, at various project

The Altrad Group has agreed a deal with Interserve to buy RMD Kwikform

I

n a deal reportedly worth more than £140m, the French industrial services group has agreed to buy RMD Kwikform (RMDK), a global formwork, falsework and shoring solutions provider.

Owned by previously troubled Interserve, RMD Kwikform employs more than 1,300 people and has been involved in various stages of construction at HS2, Crossrail, Battersea Power Station and Hinkley Point.

ScaffMag understands the sale of RMDK is part of the planned restructuring of the Group, which has also seen the sale of businesses including Interserve Healthcare to City & County Healthcare Group and Interserve Support Services to Mitie Group plc in 2020.

RMDK is headquartered in the west Midlands and employs over 1,300 people around the world including in its core

sites over the city. Bosses have confirmed the contracts will last half a decade and will see the UK’s largest scaffolding, hoists and mastclimbers firm, Lyndon SGB, work alongside

markets of the UK, India, Australia and the UAE. Ran Oren, joint Chief Executive of Altrad Group, said: “We are so excited to welcome RMDK to the Altrad family.

We have watched and admired RMDK’s specialist engineering skills and services for many years and strongly believe in its brand, client solutions and ability to return to growth. RMDK will enhance our portfolio of products, in line with our strategy of the geographic sector and product diversification.”

Altrad’s latest acquisition deal comes hot on the heels of the group announcing the agreement to buy the Hire & Sales division from Actavo.

Previous acquisitions by Altrad include Cape (2017), Hertel (2015), Trad, BarOmix, Belle Group, Beaver 84, NSG, Generation and MTD.

familiar main contractor clients in the form of HS2’s Main Works Civil Contractor, Skanska Costain STRABAG JV (SCS JV).

Lyndon SGB will be providing scaffolding and access to some of the tunnel works and multiple riser shafts along the length of track between Euston and Ruislip.

And the firm will also be invited to tender for any larger scaffolds throughout the SCS JV section of the HS2 route.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 17

// Opinion

Adding value for clients with a responsive service Billy Jones, Managing Director of scaffolding specialist Millcroft, explains how an agile response to projects, partnership approach and in-house training adds value to clients and leads to repeat business

C

onstruction companies are under pressure. Projects that have been months or even years in the design and planning stages often need to begin on site quickly after finally getting the green light, because time, as the adage tells us, is money, and added costs mean lower yields.

When a construction company needs to be on site quickly, its entire supply chain has to respond with equal urgency. For scaffolding companies, it is sometimes frustrating that there can be a significant hiatus between quoting for a job and getting the first boots on the ground, but this is an integral part of how we operate. The hazard and risk that needs to be managed in the scaffolding sector doesn’t only apply to site activities, but also to the commercial risk of bidding on projects and working around the client’s requirements.

But for those of us willing to go the extra mile to meet the client’s needs and the capability to offer an agile, rapid response, the rewards are significant, in terms of both reputation and repeat business.

DESIGN EXPERTISE

One of the ways in which Millcroft adds value for clients is with the capabilities of our in-house design team. Our experienced scaffolding design engineers

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do not simply follow the client’s brief, but look for ways in which to enhance it. This involves understanding any limitations of the location, site-specific health and safety considerations, how the scaffolding will be used and, critically, what the programme involves.

It is vitally important to us to understand the client’s priorities. Safety is always paramount, but a common mistake is to assume that cost is the next most critical factor, and often that’s not the case.

At Millcroft, when we value-engineer a project, our design team is looking for where we can introduce additional value into the design.

That might be in creating a scaffold that is quicker to install, or one that enables easier adaptations.

Cost is always a factor, but a well-designed scaffold can help a construction or demolition contractor to save costs on programme delivery, labour, and health and safety measures, so value should be considered more holistically.

Working in partnership with the client also demands that a scaffolding company accepts that change can happen, and it can often be last minute.

Amendments to the project scope, the programme, the start date and the risk assessment can all put additional demands on the design team and the operational management of the business.

At Millcroft, we work around these challenges with a skilled in-house team and a yard that has the resources to hit the ground running. Our skilled scaffolding engineers can revise scaffolding designs, to adapt to what the client needs and be proactive in suggesting strategies for minimising the cost and disruption of any changes.

Our directors also carry out site visits, to implement the highest quality standards and to connect management of the project with what’s happening on the ground.

Training has an essential part to play in delivering the correct level of skills and certification for this rapid response to site requirements. As demand for skills increases, our commitment to training, and our own CITB Site Safety Plus-certified training facility, enable us to nurture the skills we need and helps us to attract and retain good people because we’re able to offer them tangible career development.

For some projects, particularly where safety is highly regulated, such as the rail sector, there is often a minimum requirement for the certified skills on site at any one time. Our training capabilities, which include accredited in-house trainers, mean that we can upskill existing members of the team quickly if we need to. Overall, however, we have an exceptionally high level of advanced scaffolders on the team, as this means that we are ready to take on a brief of any complexity quickly, for any client sector.

Partnership Approach The most effective business development strategy for any company is to build relationships that lead to repeat business. The only way to differentiate and build those relationships effectively is to work in partnership and add value at every touchpoint in the project journey, from bid to handover.

Responding quickly and proactively to the client’s needs throughout the design and delivery phases is critical to the success of that approach.

OPPOSITE TOP: Millcroft Health and Safety in action on site at Euston.

OPPOSITE BOTTOM: Complex scaffolding design for a delicate heritage structure, Athlone House.

BELOW: Millcroft scaffolding for the Crossrail project, Elizabeth Line, Paddington.

SKILLED RESOURCE

Not everything that agile response clients need from scaffolding companies is centred around design capabilities; having the right mix of skills and experience ready to deploy at short notice is also vital.

At Millcroft, we have our own team of scaffolding professionals, which enables us to respond to clients’ needs on a day-to-day basis, reacting quickly to changing requirements as and when they arise.

Alongside the skills needed to erect, adapt and strike scaffolds, we also have in-house health and safety expertise, ensuring that site safety visits are carried out regularly and documented as part of a thorough approach to management and reporting.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 19

www.peri.ltd.uk

// Interview

UP,

22 | S CAFFMAG.COM

UP

…

AND AWAY As the new Mechanical Access Director at Lyndon SGB, the versatility of Paul Price has gone to a whole new level. Throw in the fact that this popular people-manager has an ongoing role as MD at Taylor’s Hoists, and you’ll realise great responsibility comes naturally to this likeable industry leader, as Grahame Anderson discovered

“I

t was a pleasure to accept the role as Mechanical Access Director leading Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™, as well as Taylor’s Hoists, as one,” he told me.

“After taking on the job, I met with the mechanical access teams in Glasgow and Manchester and witnessed first-hand the skill, dedication and effort each branch can offer their customers. We have decades of experience in both hoist and MASTCLIMBERS™, superb customer service and the very best machines – giving our clients the best possible mechanical-access solutions nationally.

“Our mechanical access teams always strive to treat each customer like they are number one – no matter if they only have small, single MASTCLIMBERS™ or 10 large, twin MASTCLIMBERS™ and multiple hoists on their project.

And this level of service quality goes back to the drawing board and in-house design teams, not just the on-site delivery

and completion from our many skilled operatives.”

Given these mechanical-access services run parallel to scaffolding divisions, what is a ‘total access’ or ‘hybrid access’ mission? It seems Paul is grasping the future with both hands.

“Having been part of Taylor’s Hoists’ growth in UK construction for more than 15 years and the BrandSafway era, my expectations are very high, but I already know the Lyndon SGB MASTCLIMBERS™ team is able to meet and deliver these high standards from what I have witnessed over the last month. We are all very excited about the future and the exciting projects we are currently, and will be, working on, in the whole of the UK.” BrandSafway is a leading global provider of access and specialised services.

With locations in Aberdeen, Barry, Birmingham, Bristol, Broxburn, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, London and Manchester along with Taylor’s Hoists in Duxford, England,

Lyndon SGB provides comprehensive total vertical and scaffolding access solutions for the commercial construction, industrial and infrastructure markets in the UK With vast experience across the industry, ScaffMag wondered about the biggest change Paul had witnessed? “There’s been a few,” he explained. “I would say standards of health, safety and quality within the mechanical access industry have definitely seen a vast improvement over the years.

The requirement for machines that are bigger, faster and offer greater payloads is definitely another.

“What’s more, I feel over the last 10 years, technology within the industry is facilitating the launch of safer products. This includes better-designed landing gate systems ,easier both to install and operate.

“Also, those manufacturers designing modular hoists have made life easier for the clients as well as the hoist hire companies. Enabling one main hoist

SCAFFMAG.COM | 23

// Interview

chassis to offer different lengths to suit different situations and scenarios; where the client may have a small footprint requiring a small hoist, or the client has long loads, which may need a longer hoist.

Just by adding extensions onto the main chassis, the hoist cage can be lengthened by over a metre on some cages.

“Newer machines now have a greater consideration, when designed, to be more eco-friendly and operate with a greater energy efficiency, using less power to move greater loads, more frequently.”

He cites the fleet Lyndon SGB/ Taylor’s Hoists run: the A3 unit – a device allowing remote access to monitor how the machine has been and is currently running. This also assists with the identification of faults, before anyone is deployed to rectify them, offering great potential to assist both client and supplier.

So how does Paul approach his working role? “I like to think with openness, honesty, and try to put myself in other people’s shoes to understand what and how I may be able to help. I see my role as a support role as well as a leader.

“I myself was once an apprentice and a few people I met along the way helped me

within my career. I owe thanks to them for the role I carry out today. To be able to do that for others that really want it and deserve it gives me a great sense of satisfaction.

“In my new role, I’ll be leading and supporting the Mechanical Access division of Lyndon SGB. I’ll take the great stuff each division does to build a division that can support all our clients to the best of our abilities.

“Going forward I see the construction industry building taller structures, quicker. To match this the hoist industry will need machinery able to lift bigger loads, quicker over larger elevations.

“Sustainability is a bigger consideration now than ever, so I also see the industry making sustainability a priority level with health and safety.

We will all need to start thinking smarter about what we do and how we do it to reduce our impact on the environment.”

There’s little doubt Paul has been a visionary within the industry he loves so much, so how does he see the long-term future, given the struggles of the past two years due to the pandemic? He told me: “My vision is that we continue to perfect

the great service we already offer, continue to invest in the newest, greenest fleets and ancillaries – assisting our clients with their mechanical-access needs, however complex. I look forward to growing and aligning the mechanical access business with the great, large-scale team we already have to support our goal – to be the best access provider in the country.”

It’s obvious to anyone that Paul Price is a talented man of vision who fully believes in the force of this incredible industry. Does he have a message for the industry?

“It’s been really humbling to have received such support from my team in my new role, from old colleagues to new, along with my peers within the industry.

My family have been my rock as I now travel around the UK much more than I used to before. I’m very proud of the team and the support I also receive which adds to the drive and passion I have for the business and the industry, 24/7/365. Thank you to all those that have helped me from an apprentice through to being a director of the UK’s largest scaffolding and access firm today.

It’s been emotional.”

GOING FORWARD I SEE THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BUILDING TALLER STRUCTURES, QUICKER. TO MATCH THIS THE HOIST INDUSTRY WILL NEED MACHINERY ABLE TO LIFT BIGGER LOADS, QUICKER OVER LARGER ELEVATIONS

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ESTABLISHED 1992 ESTABLISHED 1992

BRENT BRENT SCAFFOLD SCAFFOLD BOARDS BOARDS LTD LTD

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Operating 5 fully automatic Operating 5 fully automatic endbanding machines endbanding machines outputting 50,000 banded outputtingboards 50,000per banded week. boards per week.

All boards are manufactured All boards are manufactured in the UK to BS2482 under in thethe UK BSI to BS2482 under Kitemarked quality the BSI Kitemarked assurancequality scheme. assurance scheme.

Personalised banding, Personalised banding, branding and Fire retardant branding and Fire retardant treatments to Euro class B & C. treatments to Euro class B &service.

C. Worldwide export Worldwide export service.

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Tel 01757 289199 Email info@brentscaffoldboards.co.uk Tel 01757 289199 Email info@brentscaffoldboards.co.uk SCAFFMAG.COM | 25

Brent Scaffold Boards Ltd Breighton Airfield | Bubwith | Selby | YO8 6DJ | United Kingdom Brent Scaffold Boards Ltd Breighton Airfield | Bubwith | Selby | YO8 6DJ | United Kingdom

// Net Zero

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SCAFFOLDING’S

ROAD TO

NET ZERO GKR Scaffolding Strategy Director Helen Gawor explains how sustainability has gone from being a buzzword to a strategic target for the whole industry

T

he construction industry has made a pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2050, in line with the government’s national targets.

Specialists in the supply chain, including those of us in temporary works, will need to contribute to this.

Not only is it simply the right thing ethically for our businesses to work towards, but the cold, hard fact is that having a clear, measurable sustainability strategy will win you more business. Procurement scoring will increasingly rate us for our net zero credentials, and all clients, large and small, will be expecting us to play our part.

But how do scaffolding businesses get to net zero?

volume and composition of our carbon emissions. This is probably the biggest hurdle for most SMEs because there aren’t enough simple tools to enable businesses to do this easily.

At GKR, we used a third party to audit our emissions under the current regulations, but many businesses will not have the budget or resources to do this.

You will find calculators online that give you a steer on what your carbon footprint looks like, from organisations such as the Carbon Trust and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. But you will also need to be familiar with some of the terminology and categories of emissions to understand what it actually means to become net zero carbon.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CARBON EMISSIONS

WHAT IS NET ZERO?

The first step is to understand the

Carbon emissions are categorised under three scopes:

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// Net Zero

SCOPE 1: Direct Emissions Produced from our business activities, such as our fleet and use of plant/machinery.

SCOPE 2: Indirect Emissions Secondary sources we use, such as electricity in our offices.

SCOPE 3: Supplementary Emissions Sources such as those our supply chain is responsible for and employee travel to work.

These categories of emissions need to be understood as reductions in particular scopes impact your status towards net zero carbon.

Net zero carbon can be achieved when our businesses make significant reductions in all three scopes and we are offset the amounts that cannot be reduced. If you search for approved offset programmes, you will find interesting options, from planting trees to supporting enterprises in developing countries.

Offsets, however, must be used on top of continuous reduction efforts.

You cannot achieve net zero status if you are offsetting emissions that you could possibly reduce or remove from your business.

BEING CARBON NEUTRAL

At GKR, we achieved carbon neutral this year as our first milestone to becoming net zero.

This means we have made significant reductions in our scope 1 and 2 emissions and offset the remainder, with a clear plan to reduce scope 3 emissions towards a net zero carbon target date.

Reaching this milestone required a clear understanding of our carbon footprint and which reductions we could prioritise and control. Our audit showed that over 60% of our carbon emissions derived from our fleet. By switching to and securing a future supply of HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) to replace diesel, we reduced carbon emissions from our fleet by 93%.

We were already using renewable electricity in all our buildings and investing in other areas of sustainability too.

The challenge now is for us to prove continued reductions in all three scopes towards our net zero carbon deadline of December 2023.

CAN WE BE NET ZERO WHEN USING STEEL AND PLASTIC?

The elephant in the room is that we are a steel-intensive industry. The manufacture of iron and steel is responsible for 11% of global CO2 emissions.

There is a misconception that our businesses can’t achieve net zero carbon while we use steel that is manufactured using fossil fuels. As it is outside our businesses’ control, this is not true, however, it should not be ignored.

Encouragingly, a growing number of steel manufacturers have made net zero pledges and there is active exploration of carbon reduction and carbon capture methods in steelmaking in Europe and even in China.

So, in the future, we will be able to establish green procurement policies and it will become possible to procure more sustainably manufactured steel products. In the meantime, our focus at GKR is on used rather than new materials, to reduce the demand for extracting raw materials.

Businesses in our sector will also

need to eliminate waste in all the materials we use. A growing number of contractors are introducing zero landfill policies which our non-recyclable materials, such as sheeting, will not comply with. We need to increase pressure on our supply chains to manufacture and distribute sustainable alternatives that meet the standards we require. At GKR we are trialling 100% recyclable sheeting with persistent organic pollutants removed, for example.

WILL THE SCAFFOLDING SECTOR BECOME A NET ZERO CARBON INDUSTRY?

Net zero carbon is achievable for scaffolding businesses. However, the roadmap to get there needs to be supported by better tools to calculate the volume and composition of our carbon footprint and provide information to empower businesses to make the changes needed to reach their targets.

Although some of us have charged ahead, we have done so not to be the first, but to prove it can be done and how. I’m chairing a working group at the NASC, where we are investing in building the tools and resources scaffolding businesses will need to start their net zero carbon journeys.

The good news is that all businesses are in the same place: finding our way through the clutter of useful information and less useful rhetoric.

Those that have made some progress, like us, are still learning.

One thing is certain, net zero will remain to be a priority for the industry.

The businesses in our sector which put the investment in now, will not only be future-proofing their businesses, but creating a better world for coming generations.

NET ZERO CARBON IS ACHIEVABLE FOR SCAFFOLDING BUSINESSES. HOWEVER, THE ROADMAP TO GET THERE NEEDS TO BE SUPPORTED BY BETTER TOOLS TO CALCULATE THE VOLUME AND COMPOSITION OF OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

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The best-read quarterly magazine in scaffolding At the very heart of the scaffolding and access industry, ScaffMag has been serving the industry since 2009 by championing best practice, raising awareness of safety issues on-site and promoting business excellence.

ScaffMag delivers its mixture of news, views, trends and product updates through digital channels and in print.

ScaffMag gives businesses and brands an unrivalled opportunity to advertise their products or services 24 hours a day, seven days a week to a highly targeted audience.

To find out more about advertising, contact Jessica Norton on 01472 476024 or email jess@scaffmag.com

// Net Zero

ALL WRAPPED UP Embrace Building Wraps, the UK’s leading printed scaffold and building wrap specialist, are helping lead the way in tackling climate change. As pioneers in PVC-free printed wraps and experts in repurposing spent PVC wraps, they know what it takes to make a difference, as ScaffMag discovered

T

he message from Greg Forster, Managing Director at Embrace Building Wraps, is clear: when it comes to the climate change challenge the company takes its environmental responsibility very seriously. He explained: “Our environmental commitments lead the field in the building wrap and printed scaffold banner industry, from PVC-free banners to carbon offset initiatives.

“We recognise climate change is a critical global issue carrying significant implications for us all. Here at Embrace we ensure there will never be a conflict between supporting the future of our

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planet and turning a profit. It is with a great deal of pride we are playing a role in the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally improved future through our policies, procedures and commitments.”

It’s a journey they embarked upon more than two years ago with the repurposing of the wraps they remove at the cessation of their clients’ display into the agricultural sector as part of the unique Banner Karma™ initiative.

In fact, they are working with the construction sector to reuse their mesh PVC wraps as permeable geotextile membrane alternatives, also supplying

end-of-life flexible substrates for upcycling into bespoke handbags.

“Vitally Embrace are the first operator in the UK to move away from PVC substrates to more environmentally friendly, PVC-free alternatives wherever suitable for our clients,” added Greg.

“We now actively offer PVC-free products on our printed scaffold and building wraps in every proposal we send out.

It’s helped us win more business.

“Our journey to recommend and use a suitable product took six months as the wraps we use need to be fit for purpose in terms of print, manufacture, installation and durability.”

The company carried out their own in-house testing on print quality to ensure the material delivered the same visual appearance and manufacturing process involving both heat and vibration welding.

It was vital to ensure the structural integrity of the material’s conducted pull tests to ensure it was robust.

Greg confirmed: “We sent our PVC-free substate for fire tests and these passed at SGS, a UKAS-certified fire test centre, both in its natural state off the roll and with our chosen cured inks to BS 5867 Type B. “The substate itself has the manufacturer’s supporting fire test reports to EN13501-1 and DIN 4102-1 standard, so we have a complete belt-and-braces approach on this front.

“Operationally, the PVC-free alternative is much easier for the lads to load up onto the print machines, onto vehicles ready for installation, lifting onto the scaffold and hoisting into position.

The same goes for the removal process.

The great news is we will still send the material to be repurposed as it offers a waterproof covering. Moreover, it’s lighter

down on the farms too, and then, even when the second life of the wrap is over, the material can be sent for energy-from-waste disposal.”

To ensure Embrace Building Wraps maintain a climate-positive workforce they signed up to the charity Ecologi, back in December 2020. It’s also company policy every time they install a building wrap or a printed scaffolding banner, to make an additional investment into 11 projects around the globe to remove CO2 emissions from the atmosphere.

“Every month we plant trees in Mozambique, Madagascar, Nicaragua and here in the UK. We also fund some of the world’s best climate crisis solutions to offset CO2e, such as clean energy through hydropower in Kanungu, Uganda, geothermal power production in West Java, Indonesia and converting landfill gas to energy in northern Turkey.”

It gets even better too, having recently installed the world’s largest scaffold wrap at more than 8,500m2, as they also have arrangements in place to ensure all of the printed substrate will be repurposed at the end of the display period.

Greg told us: “We chose to mark the landmark achievement by increasing the size of our global forest to match the same square-metre area. To this end we planted 6,000 trees in Marotoala, Madagascar, located in an evenly balanced mix of mangroves and non-mangrove sites.

“Collectively the expected coverage of the Embrace Building Wraps global forest will now exceed 11,000m2 which is approximately equivalent to the footprint of Trafalgar Square.”

There can be no argument that this combined effort is anything other than a force for good as this visionary company continues to make a difference.

They unquestionably play a significant role for the benefit of everyone across the globe. You can see more on Embraced Building Wraps’ Ecologi profile.

But everyone across the industry and beyond can make a difference too – so why not feel empowered, challenged and inspired in taking real climate action?

Sign up to Ecologi (https://ecologi.com/ plan), and they’ll add 30 trees to both your new global forest and that of Embraced Building Wraps.

SCAFFMAG.COM | 31

// Net Zero

The COP26 summit brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Managing Director of VERTEX Scaffolding Solutions Ltd, Isaac Morrison, poses the important question for the scaffolding industry

Can we clean up scaffolding?

W

ith the recent COP26 conference in Glasgow, and the nationwide ‘Insulate Britain’ demonstrations gathering pace (or reducing it, depending on which motorway you’re travelling on), we in the scaffolding industry have the opportunity to look inwards and reflect on the way we operate, and perhaps even outwards at what a greener, more sustainable construction industry might mean for us.

At VERTEX, we’ll be the first to admit that often, balancing the books takes precedence over reducing our impact on the environment. We are, after all, a young business with big plans of scaling to become a household name in the industry.

Every penny counts at this stage in business, and so, sometimes, a good deal is not always necessarily a green deal.

However, as the old saying goes, a penny saved, is a penny earned. It can be difficult to envisage how a scaffolding business might have a positive effect on the environment, but in the simplest sense, reducing what we waste, and in many cases, what we spend as a result, can have a profound impact, both on the planet and on our balance sheets.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO CLEAN UP?

While the list of things we could do to reduce waste in our operations is

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seemingly endless, below are just a few of the measures we’ve taken that can help to eliminate waste and emissions while saving money in the process.

• Resizing scaffolding boards – While the use of timber as a sustainable building material is not without debate, one thing that cannot be argued is that every part of the product is reusable. A 13ft board can become 10ft, • or an 8ft or a 6ft board, right the way down to a sole pad. Even a split down the middle doesn’t stop you using it to stack on. I’ve even heard they make a snazzy rustic bar, not that we’d encourage you to drink ;) • Invest in ‘light gauge’ steel – Not only is high yield (BSEN 10219 Grade S355) tube less expensive, contrary to popular belief, it is also much lighter and thus less expensive to transport. This means less fuel burnt, fewer carbon emissions and fewer complaints from the people carrying them. Win, win, win!

• Route planning/car pooling – We’ve all been at those big companies, and made that joke about teams from different cities driving past one another on the motorway to get to a site in the city that the other team has just come from. Poor planning no only gets people’s backs up, it also costs money and burns unnecessary fuel.

• Upgrade to a cleaner fleet – What!?

Spending money on new vehicles is going to save me money? Well, as we’ve

mentioned above, cash flow is key, especially for SMEs, but the harsh reality is that not only are newer vehicles cleaner and less expensive to run, love it or hate it, many local authorities, Greater Manchester included, plan to introduce charges to drive within their boundaries in vehicles with a Euro emissions code lower than 6.

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHT

Lastly, we mustn’t forget the opportunity in all of this. As the government rolls out initiatives and incentives to grow the green revolution, we in the scaffolding industry are ideally placed to benefit.

At the top end of the spectrum, you have scaffolders taking home fantastic wages to their families from nuclear power station projects such as Hinkley Point. Elsewhere, companies like VERTEX are helping contractors to install external wall insulation (EWI), solar panels and even good old double glazing.

We are no doubt, a small cog in a huge machine, but we mustn’t underestimate the power of compound interest and our collective roles in paving the way to a greener future.

As a wise man once said: “A society grows great when old men (or women, hee hee) plant trees, in whose shade they shall never sit.”

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// System

SYST E 34 | SCAFFMAG.COM

M AT I C Anyone involved in the scaffolding and wider construction industry knows that labour shortage is one of the key problems facing the sector and therefore increasing the demand for system scaffolding

SCAFFMAG.COM | 35

I

// System

n mid-2021, the Planning, Construction and BIM Today online magazine reported that construction employment was at its lowest level since 2013, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics. Firms are struggling to find skilled labour and to attract new workers into the industry as older, experienced people leave.

For the scaffolding industry, this presents a significant problem – particularly for those companies that rely on tube-and-fitting scaffolding, which requires skilled, qualified scaffolding teams to erect and dismantle. It’s a problem that Wayne Connolly, founder and MD at Connolly Scaffolding, has confronted head-on – by moving to system scaffolding, supplied by TRAD UK. “Labour is a big challenge for all scaffolding contractors,” says Wayne. “For us, finding skilled and qualified scaffolders is hard – and expensive.

So, in order to keep our business running and to give us a chance to grow, we need to look at how we can provide scaffolding without needing a big bank of skilled scaffolders. For us, that’s system scaffolding.

In most cases, all you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s published guidelines. And that can be done with a much smaller team with a broader mix of skills. It might not give us a cost advantage, but it does mean our scaffolding goes up quicker, with fewer people on site, and our clients love that.”

TRAD is seeing increased demand for its Plettac Metrix system scaffold, something that is driven by a range of factors, but particularly by labour saving.

“The skills shortage is a real problem across all of construction, as we know,” says Colin Dobson, MD at TRAD UK. “Our system means we can offer options to our customers, giving them the opportunity to realise efficiencies in their own businesses. As we’ve seen with businesses like Connolly Scaffolding, switching to system scaffolding has had great results – the company has grown exponentially because its clients love the speed at which it can erect scaffolding without compromising safety, even in the most challenging circumstances.”

In fact, TRAD and Connolly Scaffolding have had a close working relationship since the firm was founded. With a reputation for building great relationships and supporting its customers to grow their own businesses, TRAD has developed a

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long-standing working partnership with Wayne and his team, giving them the support and service they need to make their business successful.

PLETTAC METRIX & ALTRIX IN ACTION

Lime Tree Primary Academy, Manchester, needed a full roof refurbishment with a full encapsulation.

Situated in the Borough of Trafford, the school has extensive grounds incorporating a working farm and several dedicated Forest School areas. The large school building boasts spacious, light-filled learning spaces and state-of-the-art technology and resources.

The challenge for the repair team was to keep the school completely open to pupils during the repair work. The solution: to split the project into three phases over a 10-month period.

Connolly Scaffolding won the contract and chose to use the Plettac Metrix system, together with the Altrix temporary roofing system supplied by TRAD UK. The company produced a bespoke design, because the building is timber-framed and there were a number of site constraints that meant the structure had to be free-standing and independent of the building.

In order to be both time- and cost-efficient, Connolly Scaffolding needed to be able to put the structure up quickly, to allow the main contractor to start work. The temporary roof needed to be erected during a weekend because of its position above live classrooms. So, sections of the roof were assembled at ground level before being lifted up by crane.

“We find that system scaffold brings huge efficiencies to a site,” said Wayne Connolly.

“On projects like this where speed, accuracy and health and safety are extremely important, it makes absolute sense to go with the system option. It’s faster, I can use a smaller crew and my client can get on with their work sooner. In a world where we are struggling for labour, this can only be a good thing.”

WHY PLETTAC METRIX & ALTRIX?

Designed to make scaffolding erection safer and quicker, TRAD’s Plettac Metrix system is a proprietary modular rosette scaffolding system that, since its launch seven years ago, has been used on a wide range of residential and commercial construction projects in the UK and beyond.

The system is significantly faster to erect than standard scaffolding – up to 50% faster, in fact – and can be used on all building types. Components are colour-coded for easy identification of size and, with an allowable safe working load of 6.0 kN/m² dependant on the global configuration, the

SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING IS GENERALLY FASTER AND SAFER TO USE THAN TRADITIONAL TUBE-ANDFITTINGS, WE ARE INCREASINGLY FINDING THAT CUSTOMERS ARE ASKING US FOR SYSTEM, BECAUSE THEY CAN PUT IT UP WITH A SMALLER TEAM

Lime Tree Primary Academy, Situated in the Borough of Trafford in Manchester, was in need of roof refurbishment with a full encapsulation.

The school has extensive grounds incorporating a working farm and several dedicated Forest School areas.

galvanised steel decks which form the platforms of the system are hooked directly onto the tubular support, and come complete with integral handles, wind-locking components and anti-tilting devices to ensure complete safety on site.

“System scaffolding is generally faster and safer to use than traditional tube-and-fittings,” says Alan Slater, Head of Technical & Product Support at TRAD UK. “We are increasingly finding that customers are asking us for system, because they can put it up with a smaller team. This means they can deploy their skilled labour across a number of projects simultaneously, rather than having to commit a big team of people to a single site.

As projects become more squeezed in terms of delivery, and scaffold contractors are asked to demonstrate their efficiencies, system is likely to become the scaffolding of choice in the UK – as it

already is around the world.”

In addition to the straightforward nature of the system, which is due to its metric measurements, there are additional benefits – a Permanent Advanced Guardrail system allows scaffolders to work in complete safety from the level below, while complying fully with the NASC’s guidance note SG4. Both of these unique features of the system lead to significant benefits, including reduced equipment levels, labour savings, decreased assembly times and improved safety.

Although Altrix has been designed to work particularly efficiently with the Metrix system, it can be safely used with almost any type of scaffolding. Made from aluminium, it is a fully modular system which can be installed from the supporting structure below, and can be used for even the most demanding applications.

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INNOVATION, SAFETY & EXCELLENCE PROUD TO BE LEADING OUR INDUSTRY FOR OVER 50 YEARS At TRAD, we’ve been dedicated to championing innovation within our industry for over 50 years. This is why we continually work to improve efficiency and safety, to meet and exceed our clients’ ever-changing needs, while setting new standards for access equipment and safety systems.

Today, TRAD UK’s sector-leading range, which also includes a variety of Altrad products, makes it easier than ever before to acquire the right solution for your requirements. Supported by our vastly experienced team, who deliver the highest levels of service through our nationwide super depots, TRAD UK should be your foremost choice for quality and industry-leading scaffolding and construction safety products.

GLASGOW | LEEDS | MANCHESTER | BIRMINGHAM | LONDON | ANDOVER

traduk.co.uk | 0845 899 0845

// System

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SAFETY FIRST HAKI Are leading the way in sustainable development in scaffolding systems

F

or HAKI, the access-solutions company, sustainability is an integral part of their trans-global business.

Today, in the UK, there remains not only a focus on the areas in which they operate, but also crucially in other areas where the company, as an industry leader, believes it can also have a positive impact. Always striving to provide safe and healthy working conditions, HAKI plays a key role in environmental progress and continues to strive to be a role model for high ethics and equality within the industry.

Sustainability is key to HAKI’s strategy for long-term growth, with the company focusing on three main commitments: being the front runner in safety, becoming the environmental partner and being recognised as a responsible company.

Over the past year, key strengthening changes have been made to ensure that these pillars are realised through day-to-day operations, with each activity and change being another step closer to achieving HAKI’s sustainable development goals.

As an environmental partner, HAKI has introduced clear sustainability aspects in the process flow of their product development. The intention is to consider the finished product from a life cycle perspective already in the development stage.

Also, through their collaboration with waste-management partners, HAKI measures its production waste with the goal of being able to distinguish between materials that can be recycled and reused in either its own or in other companies’ production.

As part of the work to be a responsible company, HAKI, together with its parent owner, Midway, has chosen to develop the exiting whistle-blower function to facilitate user-friendliness and availability throughout the group during the summer of 2021.

All employees, and suppliers, can now anonymously report violations, deviations or a direct violation of the company’s Code of Conduct. Should reports arise, these are handled and investigated by an independent third party.

Being an organisation that never compromises on safety, HAKI continues to be the frontrunner in safety by creating a

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// Transport System

robust safety culture throughout the company. HAKI has actively created an empowered working group, which includes representatives from all aspects of the business, to review wide-ranging issues related to the work environment.

This group is focused on looking at solutions, exchanging and learning from experiences that can lead to solution models being shared within the company, in-person and via a digital tool, that will facilitate the follow-up of workplace accidents and information-sharing between the offices.

Sustainability and the quality of a product work go hand in hand in the scaffolding sector, and if one or the other are compromised this can have an impact on the soundness of a structure, potentially weakening the overall health of the environment. Therefore, HAKI sees it as essential to always select solutions which deliver on quality, safety and sustainability.

A tight project timeframe should not have a negative impact on the quality of a build, nor the health of our natural world and environment. The need for building quickly and

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SUSTAINABILITY AND THE QUALITY OF A PRODUCT WORK GO HAND IN HAND IN THE SCAFFOLDING SECTOR, AND IF ONE OR THE OTHER ARE COMPROMISED THIS CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE SOUNDNESS OF A STRUCTURE efficiently, together with stringent adherence of all health and safety regulations, means construction companies require access solutions that allow for quick erection, whilst maintaining the highest standards.

By adopting the HAKI Universal system scaffolding and being able to effectively utilise the huge range of product types, partners can find the answer to many of these challenges, with the added-value support of HAKI’s highly skilled design, training and support technicians assisting in making sites safer and in meeting project milestones.

For further information contact: sara.bertram@haki.se

UKSSH: The UK’s leading Haki Systems Specialists

Hire or buy with total confidence

PUBLIC ACCESS STAIRCASES PUBLIC ACCESS BRIDGES WEATHER PROTECTION TEMPORARY BUILDINGS TEMPORARY ROOFS HAKI SYSTEM SUSPENDED SITE STAIRCASES TRIPODS UKSSH are there to support you every step of the way.

With over 150 years of collective knowhow and experience, substantial stocks and a commitment to excellence, you can trust UKSSH to get it right every time.

To find out more visit www.UKSSH.co.uk

HIRE & SALES THE HAKI SYSTEMS SPECIALISTS

hire partner

Telephone: 0800 304 7670 or E-mail: enquiries@ukssh.co.uk Midlands: Magnus, Tame Valley Industrial Est, Wilnecote, Tamworth B77 5BY North: Meadow House Way, Buttermilk Lane, Chesterfield S44 6AE

// System

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Some scaffolding products are launched with a loud fanfare only to drift into obscurity, while other products have been there in plain sight for years before their true potential is realised. The HAKI Tripod certainly falls into the latter category. It has been part of the product portfolio for years, but, championed by UK System Scaffold Hire, its full potential is only just being realised

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T

he concept of the HAKI Tripod Heavy-Duty Support is simple – a component designed for really demanding scaffolding jobs where leg loads are high, delivering leg loads of up to 200kN it is ideal for propping and shoring applications.

It’s a description that may explain why, until relatively recently, its use has been largely confined to civil engineering projects – but with a footprint less than 200mm2 it is now recognised as the perfect solution for the base of scaffolding where space is limited, for example on city centre streets, and where the minimum pavement gantry is required to both ensure that pavements are kept as clear as possible and to provide a clear view of store frontages.

One of the key reasons that demand for HAKI Tripods has rocketed is its versatility: HAKI Tripods are fully compatible with HAKI System Scaffold and with tube and fittings; start with the HAKI Tripod as an upright and use your preferred standard scaffold when the load has decreased.

HEAVY-DUTY SUPPORTS SAVE TIME AND MONEY

The other consideration is that HAKI Tripod Heavy-Duty Supports save time and save money. To achieve comparable leg loads using tube and fittings will require double – even triple – standards.

Using HAKI Tripods reduces the number of components and man hours by 90%.

Just how these advantages have a positive impact on a project is demonstrated by the refurbishment work on one of Kensington High Street’s most famous buildings.

Even with the reduced footfall and lower traffic levels created by Covid-19 at the start of 2021, scaffolding an iconic building in Kensington High Street posed major challenges, including the need to minimise impact on pedestrian traffic and the requirement to ensure that store windows and access routes were not obstructed, not to mention the fact that the scaffold had to be erected during night-time possessions.

JDC Scaffolding were responsible for erecting scaffold on what was formerly Barkers Department store, one of the most recognisable buildings in the Kensington Square Conservation Area.

Contracted by PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd, who were undertaking extensive refurbishment of the spectacular Grade II*-listed art deco facade, JDC Scaffolding worked closely with UKSSH to develop an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to span over the existing lightweight canopy. Once the 10m-high tripod element had provided the foundation for a working gantry above the building’s decorative canopy, it supported doublewidth access scaffold constructed from tube and fittings.

TRIPODS HELPED ACHIEVE HUGE TIME SAVINGS

Each single tripod carried a permissible

JDC SCAFFOLDING WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR ERECTING SCAFFOLD ON WHAT WAS FORMERLY BARKERS DEPARTMENT STORE, ONE OF THE MOST RECOGNISABLE BUILDINGS IN THE KENSINGTON SQUARE CONSERVATION AREA

load of 60kN which reduced enormously the amount of scaffolding that had to be used at street level.

This had multiple benefits, as Adam Callow, Design Manager at JDC Scaffolding, explains: “Using the HAKI Tripods helped us to achieve huge time savings compared with using tube and fittings. It also enabled the pavement to be kept open throughout the project (even allowing the free movement of mobility scooters), and also provided clear visibility of display windows while work was progressing.”

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS ON OTHER APPLICATIONS TOP: A permissible load of 60kN and a footprint less than 200mmx200mm helps to keep footpaths clear.

ABOVE: Haki Tripod Heavy Duty Supports proved their worth in Kensington.

RIGHT: Tripods deliver greater standard loads for stair towers, loading bays and hoist run off towers.

It’s not just on the high street that the HAKI Tripod Heavy-Duty Support is flexing its muscles, either. UKSSH are seeing an increased demand to incorporate them on high-rise projects, for example to deliver greater standard loads for high scaffolds with multiboarded lifts, for public stair towers with high footfall, for HAKI Site Stair Towers in excess of 100 metres, for large loading bays and for greater standard loads on hoist run-off towers and gantries.

To find out more visit www.ukssh.co.uk or phone 0800 304 7670

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// System

ALL

ROUND 46 | SCAFFMAG.COM

COVER Situated on the north-eastern edge of Hyde Park is an artificial, 22.5m-high hill with a difference – the Marble Arch Mound has a substructure made from Layher modular scaffolding, erected by Overlay Events and PHD Modular Access

T

he Layher Allround birdcage support scaffolding, which also included two Layher public stairways and a viewing platform nearly 40m2 in size, was constructed in just eight weeks.

With Allround scaffolding forming the skeleton, the artificial hill has a ground plan of 2,168m2 clad all over with a wooden structure.

“A water-resistant tabletop was made from phenolic ply, with edges sealed using a special waterproof membrane, which was mounted on top of the Layher support structure,” says Garreth Hannon, Director of Overlay Events. “Special water-retaining fibres were bonded to the board to act as a sponge to hold water and feed the sedum and turf rolls, along with additional tree planters, with their roots buried in large tubs directly below the visible surface, all supported by Layher steel decks. Together,

they convey the impression of a real hill with, overall, the completed Layher scaffolding material bearing a load of 400 tonnes.”

“The steps on the Layher staircases take visitors along a winding path up to the summit,” adds Danny Dwyer, Managing Director of PHD Modular Access.

“A separate lift was also installed on the inside of the structure to enable wheelchair access to the viewing platform, while a further internal Layher public stair tower allows visitors to descend safely into the heart of the Marble Arch Mound.”

Internally, a suspended Allround FW System supports a 324m2 exhibition hall that includes a light exhibition called ‘Lightfield’ by W1Curates and artist Anthony James.

“This is a highly innovative and dramatic structure and one which we are delighted has Layher at its heart,” concludes Sean Pike, Layher UK Managing Director.

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The past, present and future of system scaffolding FS 554413

Approved Training Provider

Layher UK info@layher.co.uk | www.layher.co.uk

Z-8.22.64 and Z-8-22-64.1

07 P

VGS-L 10

It’s why we remain the past, present and future of system scaffolding.

La yh of t NA WI h S er N Al e Y C In NE lro ea n un r o R d A Aw vat GS ar ion Fa d 2 0 ça de 21 Sy st em

For more than 75 years, Layher has focused on innovation not imitation.

// Products

A new scaffolding system developed by two leading health and safety advisors is about to hit the market, advancing the future of safety at height, enter Advanced-Guard

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

I

magine a groundbreaking scaffolding system enabling work to be carried out to SG4:15 and Working at Height Regulations 2005 fully erected underneath.

Think about the benefit of a system utilised by both scaffolders and labourers. Picture a scenario where units are quickly moved, transported and carried to site saving hugely on time management and easy on the company budget. Contemplate a safety-first strategy involving operatives always working behind a completely protective barrier on a solid working platform.

As you keep those thoughts in mind ScaffMag can reveal this isn’t all a pipe dream, but an exciting reality.

Enter Advanced Guard, designed and developed by two leading health and safety advisors whose feel for the workers they’ve always tried to protect has resulted in the emergence of a product embracing all those ideas we’ve touched on. And yes, it’s in the here and now, set to take by the industry by storm and help eradicate falling from height.

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How does it work? Well, in simple terms, a newly designed scaffold panel coupler locates and locks lightweight an Advanced Guard panel in place from the safety of the lift below.

This is done by installing ledgers and transoms for the next lift. The scaffold panel brackets are then fixed to the outer standards sitting above the transoms.

The lightweight panels are then located onto the scaffold panel coupler and the locking device dropped to retain the panels in a vertical position. The panels are designed to overlap to accommodate varying bay sizes and once the full elevation is handrailed, the boards for that lift can be installed again from the safety of the lift below. Once the lift is fully boarded the scaffolders can gain access to it and fix the top coupler, which stops any movement at the top of the panel.

A scaffold board is then placed on the inside of the scaffold running around the outskirts of the framework. From below, the stanchion post is then lifted into position on the standard. The top cup is strategically placed on the standard and

pushed up until the bottom cup comes to rest. The bottom of the post will rest on the board. From here the bottom locking pin is hammered into position.

Advanced Guard panels can now be carefully lifted into position. The panels are put in the order shown below in every other bay, then a further panel is placed over the gap.

Once panels are in position, transoms are placed on every bay at appropriate spacing. Scaffold boards can now be lifted into place from below. This means all work carried out comes from a safe working platform with the entire lift being erected from below. Once the above platform is fully boarded it can be accessed to enable an operative to secure the stanchion on the standard at the top by hammering the pin into position.

Ledgers provide a staggered joint arrangement between bays and lifts connected to the upright using loadbearing couplers. The ledger and upright can be plumbed horizontally and vertically using the bracing.

It’s simple, extremely safe,

THE EASY-FIT SYSTEM IS THE MOST FLEXIBLE, TOTALSECURITY SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM AVAILABLE. NOT ONLY DOES IT PROVIDE A SINGLESYSTEM SOLUTION TO ALL SCAFFOLDING REQUIREMENTS, THE SYSTEM ALSO SAVES YOU LABOUR TIME AND DOES NOT REQUIRE QUALIFIED SCAFFOLDERS TO ERECT THE SAFETY ZONES ON EACH LIFT

and wonderfully innovative. It can remain in place once erected – enabling any faults to be rapidly spotted and rectified on inspection.

Keith Alexander, one of the inventors behind the system, told us: “I’ve been a health and safety advisor for more than 20 years and of course you gain a lot of valuable experience in that time, noticing day-to-day problems on-site – what works and what doesn’t.”

Keith and Mark Bowman came up with the concept of Advanced Guard quite quickly, not only designing the system themselves, but also getting it onto a project within a year. Their ultimate dream is to have all the parts manufactured here in the UK. At the time of writing the cost of exporting

materials from China has increased to more than £18,000 per container.

Any savings made would enhance the overall value of the system here in Britain, and there’s already been a great deal of interest from people across the industry.

“It’s a great feeling knowing we’ve introduced an idea making it impossible for people to fall from height during the construction process. In truth, it’s probably becoming too big for us to handle, but if the industry benefits, we’re delighted. There really is no need for companies to take unnecessary risks, and we’ve ensured the cost of the system can easily be met.”

“The easy-fit system is the most flexible, total-security scaffolding system available. Not only does it provide a single-system solution to all scaffolding requirements, the system also saves you labour time and does not require qualified scaffolders to erect the safety zones on each lift.

“And it’s important to remember, if erected as instructed, operatives will always be working from behind a safe barrier and on a safe working platform.

The entire scaffold handrail can be safely positioned without the need to go onto the lift being erected.

“A well-known insurer across the construction industry has recognised its effectiveness, so that’s a big plus for those considering a purchase.”

Advanced Guard has recently been used by Phaze Scaffolding of Blaydon on Cale Cross House, an 18-storey high-rise building in Newcastle upon Tyne. It took just 18 days to facilitate 19 lifts. Normally the process would have taken four months. Proof positive this incredible system can revolutionise any long- or short-term project.

Advanced Guard is advancing the future of safety at height, and there’s l ittle doubt this could see a major change in how we erect scaffolding in the years to come.

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// Projects

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PROJECTS Paddington Green, London ● RoM Dome Tunnel, Woodsmith Mine ●

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// Projects

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HYBRID ACCESS SOLUTIONS Lyndon SGB is providing all three core offerings of its business, coming together in a hybrid access solution package – scaffolding, hoists and MASTCLIMBERS™ – on a private residential construction project at Paddington Green for main contractor Clearline

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// Projects

M

ore than 30 Lyndon SGB operatives will be on-site for one year, offering in-house designed tube-andfitting scaffolds and stair towers, as well as external mast climbers and mechanical hoists by Taylor’s Hoists.

The £1.2m access and scaffolding package – on three 13-storey blocks and one 11-storey block and featuring a 140m-long pavement gantry to Hermitage Street and some 1,388 tonnes of scaffolding material – forms part of a complete building recladding project.

Regional Manager Joe Freaney said: “Paddington is the first hybrid access solution we have undertaken in London where all three aspects of the business – scaffolding, hoist and MASTCLIMBERS™ – have come together on one project.

It’s very exciting, going extremely well and the client is really liking our ability to boost productivity on the project through the simultaneous provision of all forms of access equipment.”

New Lyndon SGB Mechanical Access Director Paul Price added: “It has been another successful delivery from the multiple Lyndon SGB disciplines of scaffolding and mechanical access – and great to be working these hybrid access solutions in the city of London.

“We have been working closely with the client to deliver and evolve the access they need on this exciting project. And we are looking forward to working on this complex project for the next year, delivering the access solutions required.”

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TUNNEL VISION A collaboration between PERI and JMAC Scaffolding involving access requirements and shoring on RoM Dome Tunnel is under way

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// Projects

P

ERI is currently supplying scaffolding products to fulfil the shoring and access requirements for Tolent on the RoM Dome Tunnel – part of the Woodsmith Mine development.

Once complete, the tunnel will be the longest of its kind in the UK. The project marks the first time PERI and JMAC Scaffolding will be working together.

The latter is providing a labour-only service where it will use the PERI UP scaffolding range for the first time to fulfil the erecting and dismantling works.

PERI UP Flex is being used for various applications, from shoring for the tunnel roof to access in the form of an ‘up-and-over’ tower, which will enable operatives to access the formwork shutters shaping the tunnel walls and roof slab.

PERI engaged JMAC early in the design process to deliver the 61-tonne shoring solution. By working collaboratively, it was possible to incorporate end-user requirements into the design to ensure a seamless build on site.

The compatibility between PERI UP products enabled stair-access to be incorporated into the shoring structure. Similarly, the integration of

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scaffolding and formwork components like GT girders and plywood made it possible to deliver the project requirements and provide the right level of support as the tunnel was constructed.

Aaron Kitson, Group Head of Estimating and Commercial at JMAC, said: “The usability of the PERI UP system was a huge benefit on this project. The staircases were simple to assemble because of the minimal number of components required for the project, making the end-user’s job easier and safer. On a project of this size, it was important to have support around the clock, and PERI went above and beyond to provide the service we needed.”

PERI UP’s high-load bearing capacity reduced the scaffolding material required to support the 1.4m-thick slab. Fewer components also meant that a 2.5m opening could be created, enabling mobile elevating work platforms to move freely underneath the shoring structure.

To complement the supply of its scaffolding systems, PERI’s Field Services team made regular visits to the project site. As part of the on-site demonstrations, operatives were shown the system’s key features and how they optimised the build.

THE USABILITY OF THE PERI UP SYSTEM WAS A HUGE BENEFIT ON THIS PROJECT, MAKING THE END-USER’S JOB EASIER AND SAFER

The best-read quarterly magazine in scaffolding At the very heart of the scaffolding and access industry, ScaffMag has been serving the industry since 2009 by championing best practice, raising awareness of safety issues on-site and promoting business excellence.

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