scaffmag THE SCAFFOLDING MAGAZINE
ISSUE 16, 2022 SCAFFMAG.COM SCAFFOLDERS’ QUARTERLY
f o o r e h t e s i Ra re esto rm r s o help fter St g n i old e O2 a amage ff a c d th ax S ory at e roof M l l l r We ium g seve s lenn use mil ice ca Eun
PLUS
Todd Scanlon: Britain’s first Down’s syndrome scaffolder
Mythbusting: A case against internal design teams
How Avontus brought technology to the scaffolding industry
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RAISING THE STANDARD
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Contents 20
63 41 REGULARS
6
NEWS ROUNDUP The latest industry news including: Layher’s new beam
launch; CISRS goes to prison; HAKI makes substantial donation to help Ukrainian refugees plus much more.
14
FEATURES SYSTEM Gary Griffiths, MD of UK System Scaffold Hire, explains how a short-term approach can be very costly plus
30
Grahame Anderson reports on St Helens Plant new partnership. BUSINESS
35
DESIGN
TRAINING The new CSCS Smart Check app launch plus CISRS have recently released an updated five-day Management & Supervisor course.
39
TECH
20
42
SOFTWARE
46
PRODUCTS
58
PROJECTS
JMAC makes £650,000 investment in fleet and Altrad
acquires France-based industrial maintenance company.
17
PEOPLE
We meet Todd Scanlon, Britain’s first Down’s syndrome scaffolder, who has recently been accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme which will see him work towards a CISRS qualification. Richard Trenchard finds out more.
24
Andrew Kitley, scaffold design specialist, argues that
internal design teams are not the be-all and end-all.
OPINION Billy Jones, Managing Director of Millcroft Services,
discusses the importance of lifelong learning at all levels plus Derrick Quinn, National Technical and Product Support Manager at TRAD UK, looks at software to improve efficiency.
How Avontus brought technology to the scaffolding
industry, and LIFTBOT opens access to the digital world.
Strikesoft Ltd and SMART Scaffolder continue to lead
the way across the industry with innovative software.
New and exciting product launches from GEDA
scaffolding, Lynch and HAKI.
This issue we focus on the Millennium Dome and O2
Arena in London and the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 3
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SINCE 1900
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Welcome In recent years, a diverse range of technology solutions has emerged that continues to promise to transform the scaffolding industry. Over the years ScaffMag has reported on such solutions from new scaffolding software, hoists, augmented and virtual reality, drones and even artificial intelligence. In this issue we have looked to focus on these technological and software developments that many scaffolding contractors can adopt into their businesses, helping them transition to new ways of working and giving them a competitive edge. Our Tech section in this edition is jam-packed with these developments, but on page 39 we look at how Avontus has been helping scaffolding companies realise the benefits of embracing new technology over the last decade. We also find out where it all started for this global software company. Meanwhile, on page 41, in the world of robotics KEWAZO is continuing to lead the way with its robotic material hoist LIFTBOT, and we discover here in the UK how major industrial scaffolding contractors Bilfinger and Altrad are tapping into this timesaving German robotic leader. Also in this issue, we meet Todd Scanlon, Britain’s first Down’s syndrome scaffolder, who has recently been accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme which will see him work towards a CISRS qualification. Our man Richard Trenchard finds out more about this apprentice bucking a trend, see page 20. And on page 35, scaffold design specialist Andrew Kitley argues that internal design teams are not the be-all and end-all for scaffolding firms. 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 Derrick Quinn Andrew Kitley Gary Griffiths Neil Stone
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
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SCAFFMAG.COM | 5
News
EXCLUSIVE: LAYHER SET TO LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING NEW BEAM AT UK EVENT The world’s largest system scaffolding manufacturer is poised to reveal a brandnew revolutionary beam at its UK open day in Letchworth later this year. Daniel Norton reports
6 | S CAFFMAG.COM
❖ Layher system scaffolding users and customers in the UK are set to benefit from the launch of a groundbreaking new multifunctional beam named the ‘TwixBeam’. The new two-piece beam, which is rumoured to be named after a well-known chocolate bar, is made entirely from high-grade aluminium and produced at the world-famous Layher Eibensbach factory
near Stuttgart in Germany. ScaffMag understands that bosses at Layher UK are planning to reveal the new TwixBeam at its invite-only open day later this year. The hotly anticipated event, which attracts hundreds of Layher system enthusiasts and customers alike, will be the first Layher UK event since the Covid pandemic hit our shores in 2020. The new TwixBeam that will be
headlining the event is marketed as a low-weight, easy-to-dismantle and incredibly strong beam that effortlessly integrates into the Layher Allround System. It even works perfectly in tandem with the highly successful and incredibly versatile Flexbeam that launched in 2018. Weighing just 12kg/m the new smart multifunctional beam will be available in an array of lengths from 0.8m to an impressive 6.6m and will have more uses than you can shake a stick at. According to sources the TwixBeam will have umpteen uses for specialist scaffolding contractors including conventional scaffolding, industrial scaffolding/boiler scaffolds and shoring, in combination with TG60. Speaking about the new TwixBeam, Sean Pike, Layher UK’s Managing Director, said: “We are proud of our long-standing reputation for being innovators in the industry, and the new TwixBeam is testament to our commitment to our customers and finding new fields of business for them with these solutions parts.”
SCAFFOLDING TRADE ASSOCIATION MEETS WITH GOVERNMENT MINISTER ❖ The UK’s largest trade association for the scaffolding industry has met with the Minister for Industry, Lee Rowley MP, to discuss labour and skills shortages in the scaffolding and access sector. The Scaffolding Association (SA) met with Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Industry at the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy. Rowley has been responsible for the construction industry since his appointment in September of last year. He is also the co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). As previously reported, the scaffolding and access sector has a growing labour and skills shortage, and the Association used the opportunity to raise its member’s views as to the causes and possible solutions. The SA said: “A week prior to
meeting with the minister, the Association had canvassed industry opinion, during a round of virtual member briefings that are held on a quarterly basis.” Labour and skills shortages are widespread throughout the construction sector which estimates over 200,000 new workers will be required in the next five years to meet demand. Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, said: “Government can support with resolving labour and skills shortages. However, industry and others have a part to play, too. We are grateful to the minister for listening to our concerns and for showing interest in helping to find solutions. We look forward to working more closely with the minister and officials from across government on this and many other issues of member importance.”
Millcroft bags top H&S award ❖ London-based scaffolding firm
Awards for their health and safety
Millcroft has achieved a RoSPA
achievements. Organisations
President’s Award for outstanding
receiving a RoSPA Award are
and consistent health and safety
recognised as being world-leaders
performance across all areas of the
in health and safety practice. Every
company’s operations. The RoSPA
year, nearly 2,000 entrants vie to
President’s Award is given exclusively
achieve the highest possible accolade
to companies that have achieved 10
in what is the UK’s longest-running
or more consecutive RoSPA Gold
H&S industry awards.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 7
// News
CISRS GOES TO PRISON
Young prisoners are now able to complete CISRS scaffolding training whilst awaiting release thanks to a new multi-partner skills and employment initiative ❖ The scheme will see inmates at HMP and YOI Thorn Cross, near Warrington, given the opportunity to gain a CISRS COTS card and real-life work experience, providing them with a greater chance of securing immediate employment within the scaffolding industry upon their release. The NASC, CISRS, CISRS-accredited training provider Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd, CITB and Procure Plus Ltd joined forces to work on this project, which took a major step forward recently following a successful CISRS audit within Thorn Cross. Fulcrum Managing Director Dave Abraham said: “We’re delighted to have successfully complete the audit to establish an accredited CISRS COTS accredited centre within HMP/YOI Thorn Cross, the first CISRS centre to be located in a prison establishment. “We will be delivering a five-day, hands-on programme where the learners will receive an
8 | SCAFFMAG.COM
introduction to scaffolding, constructing low-level structures such as towers, independents and birdcages. Within the five days the learners will complete a COTS course and a Level 1 health and safety course. “We’re hoping to roll this programme out across other prisons in the region in the coming weeks.” David Mosley, CISRS Scheme Managing Director and NASC Training Director, added: “This scheme will give people the relevant training to enter employment in the scaffolding industry. We’ve asked NASC Contractor members across the UK to do their part by committing to interview successful candidates for potential job opportunities and the response has been excellent. “The NASC is involved in a number of initiatives under the wider ‘Made Inside Britain’ umbrella that will better connect returning citizens with NASC Contractor members, a partnership that will be of huge benefit to both parties.
WE’RE HOPING TO ROLL THIS PROGRAMME OUT ACROSS OTHER PRISONS IN THE REGION IN THE COMING WEEKS
HAKI makes substantial donation to help Ukrainian refugees The global scaffolding access solutions company has donated 150,000 SEK to the United Nations Refugee Agency to support Ukraine ❖ HAKI, known across the world from its original base in Sweden and with a site here in the UK, have also released a statement reaching out to all those currently suffering in the most serious European crisis since the second world war. In doing so they’ve also sent out a powerful message across the industry with both operations, suppliers and transportation in mind, in the light of the Russian invasion. CEO Thomas Schuller exclusively revealed to us: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis in Europe has caused unspeakable suffering to innocent people with millions feeling its impact. We are very concerned about the situation in Ukraine and stand with the Ukrainian people and those around the world condemning the Russian invasion, and we support the global demands for peace. “Supply chains globally, and especially in our industry, were already in disarray because of the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in massive shortages, disruptions and price inflation. The war and resulting sanctions have immediately put further strains on supply chains, prompting skyrocketing energy prices and, even worse, fear of famine. “HAKI have no direct operations in Ukraine or Russia, and we do not procure raw material from these countries. However, we do have operations and suppliers in neighbouring nations, and we are in close contact with our partners, trying to fully grasp the direct consequence of the invasion. “In the short-term HAKI has enough inventory to fulfil immediate needs, and though we are looking for alternative suppliers, some disruption will be inevitable. At this point in time,
it’s impossible to predict how this will affect our business in the long term. “The war in Ukraine could drastically reshape the global transportation industry even more than the pandemic did. There will be an increased demand and limited supply that may result in goods being re-routed or having to use slower or more expensive modes of transportation. “Due to the uncertain situation, we have decided not to update our annual price list as of 1 April this year. We will keep the temporary surcharge in place reserving the right to adjust this with short notice due to the crisis. “We have made a donation of 150,000 SEK to UNHCR as a starting point, and the strong commitment and willingness to help people in need from all colleagues makes me proud as CEO.
“This will have long-term consequences for humans and businesses and we are carefully monitoring the situation. I ask you to stay in close contact with your HAKI representative so that we together can try to find the best solution in these turbulent times.” For HAKI, sustainability is an integral part of their trans-global business. 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. Today, in the UK, there remains not only a focus on the areas in which HAKI, the access solutions company, operate, but also crucially in other areas where the company, as an industry leader, believes it can also have a positive impact.
CEO Thomas Schuller is extremely proud of HAKI’s donation of 150,000 SEK to UNHCR and their strong commitment and willingness to help people in need.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 9
// News
INDUSTRY FEELING EFFECT OF POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL CRISIS Financial experts have warned the price of both steel and timber won’t fall this year because of production costs and problems in the supply chain ❖ The pandemic, of course, had a huge effect, but the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and a possible world recession have all contributed to the problems many companies face, both across the UK and abroad. Throw the problems with energy into the mix and the situation simply gets worse. At the start of 2022 Russia and Ukraine together constituted the second-largest steel exporter in the world. Sadly, shortages in Europe could have a knock-on effect on the UK market. The CLC Product Availability Group’s co-chairs said earlier this year: “The worldwide condemnation and imposition of sanctions on Russia and Belarus in response to Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine will likely have enormous implications and an impact on global trade, particularly on commodities, for years to come. “The effect of the war on the building material supply in the UK is still to be determined. The region including Russia, Ukraine and Belarus accounted for only 1.25% of building products imported into the UK last year.” According to a recent BEIS Monthly Statistics of Building Materials and Components, year-on-year prices for all building work rose by 21% from February 2021 to February 2022. As we approach late spring the situation is little better. The situation is compounded by continuing fears over price inflation. In fact, the increase in the price of raw materials in March was the highest in six months. In the same month British Steel introduced a £250 per tonne increase to prices with immediate effect. At the time they cited the situation remained very fluid and as such only a limited amount of
10 | S CAFFMAG.COM
capacity remained available at this new level with the situation being monitored on a weekly basis. Staying in the UK there is a little glimmer of good news, however. In a statement John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability working group, said: “There has been little change in respect of overall product availability since our last report, with a good supply of most
products and materials across the UK. That said, previously reported challenges remain for bricks, aircrete blocks, some roofing products, some sanitaryware imported from Asia and gas boilers, all of which are experiencing longer lead times. “The impact of the war in Ukraine is only beginning to be felt by UK construction. Although there are no issues expected for structural timber, birch plywood (widely used as a finishing product) and Russian redwood (a predominant source for mouldings) will be affected.
GKR TRIALLING SUSTAINABLE WORKWEAR AND SHEETING London-based GKR Scaffolding are trialling high-quality sustainable workwear on a major HS2 project
“Otherwise, the biggest concern is the rate at which increased energy and raw material costs are driving up prices, particularly for steel, cement, glass and other energy-intensive products. The last three months have seen price inflation of 10-15%, on top of price increases introduced at the end of last year. “While this is challenging for UK construction firms, the impact is greatest for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SME), which account for most of the industry’s businesses and nearly all of the builders and contractors. While the first quarter was busy for those completing existing projects, there were signs of a dip in demand in home improvement work in March compared to a considerable uplift at the same time last year. “Without price continuity, it is harder for trades to quote for projects on fixed-price contracts, and then seek to pass on to their customers any price increases for materials that would otherwise erode their profit margin. “Discussions are taking place within CLC to identify ways and means to manage and mitigate price inflation. We will only achieve a solution that works for industry and clients if everyone collaborates and shares responsibility.” Meanwhile the vicious financial cycle seems set to continue for some time to come given the unfolding situation in Ukraine.
❖ As part of its drive to be a more sustainable business GKR operatives and management working on the Euston Station Redevelopment for HS2 are wearing workwear made from recycled materials. The reflective orange ECOVIS workwear products supplied for the HS2 are derived from recycled clothing, following a process that converts the material to polyester fabric that complies with ISO 20471. GKR say that the Earthpro range that is being used is made from a majority of recycled materials such as polyester, with the range including jumpers, T-shirts and polo shirts worn on the project as part of the GKR uniform. Sixty-five per cent of the recycled polyester is sourced from plastic collected from seas, rivers and landfill, with the logos embroidered using Polyneon Green recycled thread. According to the firm, this is part of a wider move into expanding the range of recycled and recyclable products in GKR’s supply chain. Recyclable sheeting is also being trialled on some GKR projects, as well as scaffolding tags that can be recycled at the end of their life. The fire-rated sheeting is certified to TS62 and manufactured with sustainable material that doesn’t contain any persistent organic pollutants. It can be
100% recycled and reused in other construction elements. GKR is trialling the products to ensure they maintain the standards of the products typically used, and encourages their use in the wider industry. GKR’s Commercial Director, Paul Hersey, is GKR’s Sustainability Lead. He said: “As more businesses use these products the costs will hopefully reduce and become more accessible for all scaffolding contractors to use on site. “It is important that any alternatives to our usual products do not compromise quality and we welcome our supply chain being proactive in helping the industry find sustainable, cost-effective alternatives to materials that usually end up in landfill. “Being a carbon neutral business, these switches also contribute to reducing our embodied carbon which is vital to achieving our net zero carbon target by December 2023.”
Success at International Championships ❖ After two years out due to the Covid
unfold via a live stream. Eight teams of
pandemic, organisers in Lithuania
scaffolders based in Lithuania, Finland
successfully held the second annual
and Sweden took part in the event.
scaffolding championships in Vilnius.
Defending 2019 champions Hot Rema
Hundreds attended and even more from
again defeated the competition and took
around the world watched the action
top spot for 2022.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 11
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// Business
JMAC MAKES £650,000 INVESTMENT IN FLEET JMAC has revealed it now has the daily capacity to deliver over 200 tonnes of scaffolding and fall-safety materials to sites throughout the UK
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T
he north-east-based scaffolding and construction company has invested over £650,000 in its industry-leading fleet since 2019 to increase operational efficiency and customer service. The vehicle investment brings the overall JMAC Group fleet to almost 60 vehicles, ranging from small vans and drop sides to articulated vehicles which can transport up to 44-tonne gross train weight. This represents a significant upgrade to its existing fleet of vehicles, one of the largest of its kind in the UK. The articulated vehicles will be used throughout the UK from JMAC’s
Stockton-based headquarters. The RNZ truck incorporates a state-of-the-art Hiab crane which enables easier positioning of products and equipment in heavily built-up areas, while improved lifting capacity makes stacking safety products easier and safer.
ALTRAD ACQUIRES FRANCEBASED INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE COMPANY Industry giant Altrad has announced the acquisition of the French leader in the field of industrial maintenance and services to the nuclear sector
T
he effective purchase became official on April 1 following months of exclusive negotiations with the Engie Group. This exciting agreement has been reached following regulatory approval of the transaction following consultation with the employee representative bodies. Endel is a leading French company with expertise and know-how in mechanical engineering and metallurgy, with unrivalled capabilities in many sectors, including the nuclear industry. For Altrad, Endel’s teams will be an important additional asset, as the group is always looking for qualified people with solid experience. Altrad will continue to invest in Endel’s success in the enlarged structure, to develop the skills of the teams, the Group’s network in France and its international activities. Mohed Altrad, President of the eponymous group, explained: “All the
conditions were in place for this operation to take place under the best possible conditions. I am delighted with this new combination. “Endel’s activities are highly complementary to those of Altrad, and our objective in working together is to create value, not only for our clients but also for our teams, by giving them the means to implement a structured and viable long-term strategic plan. Our confidence in this transaction is based first and foremost on Endel’s skilled and qualified employees, for whom we have the utmost respect.” Ran Oren, Altrad’s Co-CEO, added: “Altrad is pleased to welcome Endel within our Group. This is an important step and a major operation for us. We are all very enthusiastic about the idea of being able to build, with the Endel teams, a solid project for a sustainable future, over the long term. Besides,
this is one of the most significant steps in Altrad’s evolution in recent years.” In the past year Altrad has completed a significant number of acquisitions, adding more than €1bn to its turnover worldwide. In the coming years, the Group will continue to integrate new companies seamlessly, while generating value and developing and diversifying its portfolio of services and products. Altrad is a world leader in the provision of industrial services, offering high value-added solutions, mainly in the oil and gas, energy, power generation, process, environment and construction markets. Its multi-disciplinary activities include engineering, mechanical works and projects as well as specialist services, access solutions, insulation and coatings. The Group is also a leading manufacturer of equipment for the construction markets. Based in France, the company employs around 42,000 people.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 15
An Industry-Wide Pre-Qualification System Pre-qualification costs the construction industry up to £1 billion each year. Build UK is rolling out the Common Assessment Standard to improve efficiency and reduce duplication in the pre-qualification process. Accepted by a growing list of contractors and clients across the industry Annual certification from your choice of Recognised Assessment Body Two levels of certification – desktop and site-based – to suit your business Recognises other certifications such as ISOs saving time during the audit process Option to share your key pre-qualification data with other Recognised Assessment Bodies so it is visible to more contractors and clients
Find out more BuildUK.org/pre-qualification
// Training
CSCS SMART CHECK: ONE APP TO CHECK MILLIONS OF QUALIFICATIONS The new CSCS Smart Check app has launched, representing a major step forward in building quality and safety
F
or the first time, all 2.1 million cards displaying the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) logo can be verified using a single app. All construction sites should require everyone working in a construction occupation to hold a card displaying the CSCS logo and should check those cards regularly to ensure they are genuine and in date. However, with 38 different card schemes offering CSCS logoed cards, all using their own card checking systems, the process can be complicated. To resolve this issue the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) amended their existing card checking requirement to include the development of a solution which uses smart technology to validate all cards displaying the CSCS logo. Having one app to check all physical and virtual cards at site gates, or on project entry, will introduce greater efficiencies for employers and those responsible for checking cards on site. It does not matter which scheme card turns up at the site gates, from asbestos to welding, if it displays a CSCS logo it will be compatible with CSCS Smart Check.
Mark Reynolds, CLC Skills Sponsor, said: “CSCS Smart Check forms part of the industry’s response to the findings of the Dame Judith Hackitt Review. It ensures people are suitably qualified, have the right training and experience for the role they are doing on site. Crucially, the information held by cards can be easily accessed by sites of all sizes and used to improve building quality and safety.” Alan O’Neile, Head of Communications at CSCS, said: “Developed by the 38 card schemes displaying the CSCS logo, CSCS Smart Check is a vital tool in certifying the qualifications held by individuals coming onto construction sites and projects in the built environment. Over the coming months, the project team will reach out
to employers and stakeholders to begin the process of enabling existing card-checking systems to become compatible with the new app. All sites are encouraged to migrate to the new app over time.” Initially CSCS Smart Check will function as a standalone application, incompatible with existing site entry systems such as turnstiles and desktop card readers. There will be no immediate impact on existing card-checking operations and employers can continue to use these systems if required. The app is free and available from the Apple iOS and Google Play stores. For further details regarding CSCS Smart Check visit www.cscs.uk.com/smartcheck
CSCS SMART CHECK FORMS PART OF THE INDUSTRY’S RESPONSE TO THE FINDINGS OF THE DAME JUDITH HACKITT REVIEW. IT ENSURES PEOPLE ARE SUITABLY QUALIFIED, HAVE THE RIGHT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE THEY ARE DOING ON SITE SCAFFMAG.COM | 17
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// Training
CISRS LAUNCHES NEW COURSES FOR 2022 CISRS has recently released an updated Five-Day Management & Supervisor course and also a new Two-Day Refresher course
A
s well as Construction Design Management Regulations, H & S Legislation, Toolbox Talk delivery, Contract Commercial Essentials, Rams and Employment Law, the new course also now includes Temporary Works Supervision which CISRS felt would be a useful addition for supervisors in the scaffolding industry. The bespoke scaffolding course is comparable to CITB SMSTS and is recognised by Build UK. Successful completion results in a five-year CISRS Management & Supervisor Card. The Five-Day Management & Supervisor course is aimed at personnel providing first-line management/ supervision for scaffolding contractors (i.e., contract managers, supervisors, and non-working charge-hands.) The Two-Day Refresher Course is currently open to CISRS Management & Supervisor cardholders looking to renew. It is also available to qualified Scaffolder/Advanced cardholders who are
looking to move into first-line management provided they hold a current SMSTS certificate. CISRS compliance manager Tony Barry delivered two standardisation webinars to CISRS instructors to update them with the revised course topics and contents. A scheme spokesperson said that the webinars were well attended and outlined the requirements for consistency for both the teaching and course standardisation required to cover the vast wealth of topics over the five-day course. CISRS Management & Supervisor delegates will be provided with a course folder, including CISRS modules and NASC Guidance Notes which will help prepare them for the course end project, it said.
SIMIAN offers fully funded training Scaffolding training provider SIMIAN is offering FREE career progression for scaffolders and trainees that live or work in the Greater Manchester area. If you live or work in a Greater Manchester Combined Authority postcode, you could be eligible to take the next step on your careerprogression ladder by securing a place on a fully funded CISRS Scaffolding training course. SIMIAN say they have secured a limited amount of skills-training funding for those who either live,
For further information about the new CISRS Management & Supervisor Courses, please contact your nearest approved CISRS Training Centre. https://cisrs.org.uk/training-centres.
work or are employed in the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area, and it can be used for CISRS Part One, Part Two and Advanced Scaffolder Training. The funding, secured via North West Skills Academy Limited (NWSA) and GMCA, will be used to upskill Greater Manchester’s workforce, and the application process is open to any individual who has a current CISRS card, ranging from CISRS COTS to Part 2. NWSA was awarded the funding by Greater Manchester Combined Authority as part of its three-year Skills for Growth programme. Skills for Growth is funded through the European Social Fund and aims to plug the skills gaps in priority sectors across Greater Manchester as outlined in the Combined Authority’s Local Industrial Strategy. For more info on the fund, search #SkillsForGrowthGM.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 19
// People
Todd Scanlon Meet Todd Scanlon, Britain’s first Down’s syndrome scaffolder who has recently been accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme which will see him work towards a CISRS qualification. Richard Trenchard finds out more about this apprentice bucking a trend
20 | S CAFFMAG.COM
W
hen people set out to become scaffolders, they are usually thinking about the buildings and other structures they will help restore, erect and protect. But for one new trainee, qualifying to work on-site rigging means breaking down walls, rather than putting them up. As ScaffMag reported last month, after almost two years of trying, Todd Scanlon has been accepted onto an apprenticeship scheme, which will see him work towards a CISRS qualification, after which he’ll be a master of scaffolding systems, and able to work on new developments and refurbishment projects across the UK, setting a precedent which exposes a shameful industry truth in the process. With a skills shortage leading to crisis at ground level in the construction sector, bringing more new talent into the sector is always going to be welcome. But this story goes well beyond bolstering the staff base available to developers and other firms in the business. Scanlon may well be about to claim the title of Britain’s first Down’s syndrome scaffolder, having overcome inherent prejudice and institutional short-sightedness to ensure his place on the course. It all started around six years ago, when Scanlon, then just a kid with an interest in construction, decided he wanted to work for Coles Scaffolding Limited, based in his hometown of Swindon. Understanding that the whippersnapper was both
Photos: SWNS
SCAFFMAG.COM | 21
// People
“What Todd’s message is showing is that anyone can achieve their goals if they want to and have the right people around them. All of the lads have been amazing with him and are helping him.” Martin Coles, Coles Scaffolding Limited
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strong and highly motivated, having known him for around two years already, boss Martin Coles offered him a job. Building experience and on-site expertise, Scanlon found himself drawn to the art of scaffolding and set his sights on a career in that field. Together, the pair have now spent the past two years campaigning and fighting for Scanlon’s potential to be recognised, after he asked to be sponsored for an apprenticeship in 2019. Bucking a historic and still-dominant trend – basically, people with learning disabilities not being offered opportunities within construction, scaffolding, and a slew of other fields – an application to CIBT was submitted and accepted in early 2022. Now Scanlon will spend his days working on building jobs that contribute towards the overall goal of getting the necessary NVQs to become a fully qualified scaffolder. While this usually would take around 18 months, in this instance the deadline for completion has been removed, and special one-to-one support is being offered to give him the best possible chance of getting to where he wants to be. “[There needs to be] more people like my boss,” Scanlon replies when we ask what might make it easier for more people with Down’s syndrome to find a way into the scaffolding sector. Crucially, part of this boils down to perspective. In this instance, neither employee nor employer see differences between those with the condition and anyone else who winds up working on a building site. Nevertheless, across the sector huge levels of prejudice still exist. According to the results of the Labour Force Survey 2017, less than 10% of the 2,139,068 workers in the industry consider themselves disabled – significantly lower than the rate in the general population, where almost 20% of
Britons are registered with some form of disability, whether visible or hidden. This lack of representation is a shocking and clear sign of just how much work there is to do before the sector – which has long struggled to improve its image when it comes to diversity – can claim any kind of equality success. Depressing as that may sound, there’s no denying that Scanlon’s news is something for us all to celebrate, not least given this comes after a 2019 On The Tools Award and Special Recognition trophy for his efforts at Coles Scaffolding. Real evidence of a promising career ahead, acceptance onto the apprenticeship is a major breakthrough, with the door now surely opening to others that may at one point have been put off from applying, or not encouraged to follow their dreams. A critical failure for any business when you consider how much passion, dedication and motivation count for; potentially making the difference between a great hire and someone managers will quickly want to fire. “At first, I think they were hesitant towards him working in the industry… but a lot of people – the majority of people – have seen him and seen what he’s capable of, and seen it’s not just a gimmick or a quick thing,” Coles told the Swindon Advertiser when Scanlon first found out he was about to become an apprentice. “What Todd’s message is showing is that anyone can achieve their goals if they want to and have the right people around them. All of the lads have been amazing with him and are helping him,” he continued. “There’s a good chance he will do it. No one’s done this ever, so it’s trial and error. No one with Down’s syndrome in the whole of the construction industry has done this, so we are setting the benchmark.”
SCAFFMAG.COM | 23
// Opinion
There’s always one more thing to learn… no matter how senior you are Billy Jones, Managing Director of Millcroft Services, discusses the importance of lifelong learning at all levels within a scaffolding business
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S
uccessful people are often asked about the secret to their success and there are many different answers, depending on the nature of their role and how they measure achievement. But there is one thing they all have in common: an ability to learn and keep on learning. As the late Steve Jobs, founder of Apple, said: “Learn continually – there’s always ‘one more thing’ to learn.” At Millcroft, that’s a philosophy that we have put at the heart of our business. Training and personnel development are so central to how we operate that we have our own CITB Safety Plus-accredited training centre at our headquarters in Greenwich, and certified trainers on our team. But skills development is not just a priority for the site team and those seeking to further their career through training; it is also a priority for our leadership team who embrace the concept of continuous learning and understand the value of constantly adding to their skills and experience. Our leadership team has decades of experience gained in both hands-on site activity and managerial responsibilities. As directors who have grown up within a family business, myself and my brother, Sam Jones, have been learning about construction and scaffolding since we were practising our times tables. But we both subscribe to the theory that there is always something new to learn and new ways of applying skills and knowledge to overcome challenges and enhance our service delivery. Moreover, we work
in a sector where there is constant change across all kinds of operational areas, from health & safety and compliance, to construction methodologies and client requirements. Both myself and Sam have recently successfully completed NVQ Level 6 qualifications in construction management, as have our Operations Director Mark Stimpson and Health & Safety Advisor Richard Ramkissoon. The qualification is equivalent to a degree and the course content complements the knowledge and experience our directors have already acquired during their careers, covering disciplines as diverse as programme planning, health & safety, quality control and relationship management. Meanwhile, our Group Head of HSEQ, Mike Wright, has completed an NVQ Level 6 in occupational safety and health, building on his knowledge, experience and qualifications in this important aspect of our business. At Millcroft we lead training in-house, both for our own team and for the clients that come to us, so it’s critical that we have current and wide-ranging knowledge. It’s also important that everyone who trains with us has complete confidence that they’re learning from people with certified expertise and authority. Training and skills development at a senior level within Millcroft delivers value for the business and our clients in multiple ways. As a dynamic and ambitious business, learning is part of our commitment to delivering best practice and offering a smooth and efficient service for our clients. It is integral to quality-oriented operational management and our culture of continuous improvement. Learning is the process of questioning everything, so, when our directors invest time in training, it develops their ability to problem-solve and innovate in an ingrained discipline that influences the way they lead the business. The senior team’s commitment to learning also influences the rest of our team. For many businesses, there is an emphasis on staff training, but the mandate is not carried through to management level. This can be especially true of family businesses where the leadership team has been born and bred in the scaffolding sector and does not perceive a need for training at director level. At Millcroft, we have seen the value of training for the senior team, not only in
building the skills and knowledge of directors and heads of departments, but also in inspiring the whole team about the benefits and value it brings. When we developed our mental health awareness training and rolled this out to the whole team, we ensured that the initiative involved everyone at all levels. Mike Wright, our Group Head of HSEQ, developed and delivered the training in a workshop style so that he was personally involved in exploring the topic with each cohort of staff, and all the directors also completed the course, establishing the importance of both training and mental health within the business. Finally, it is our clients who benefit most from the training that our directors and senior managers complete. For them, this investment means that we offer a service that provides a best-practice approach across all areas of project planning and delivery, operational management, financial management and collaboration. The skills our senior team develop when they pursue advanced learning permeate through the company, along with a culture of always being the best that we can be. Fundamentally, therefore, at the successful completion of every job, we are firmly focused on what we have learned and how those lessons can be applied to do even better on our next project.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 25
// Opinion
FROM CREATIVE TO COMMERCIAL:
how imaginative use of software can improve product innovation and customer service Using software to improve efficiency, drive product innovation and improve customer service is critical to the successful and profitable future of businesses within the safety and scaffolding sectors, says Derrick Quinn, National Technical and Product Support Manager at TRAD UK
“U
sing software imaginatively and with our customers in mind has helped TRAD to drive innovation for many years,” says Derrick. “We use our software packages to help us design, model and improve our products, as well as offering customers the ability to overlay our systems onto drawings of their project buildings, which helps us to help them design and estimate the quantity and type of product they need, including vital components like connection details.” But companies who are using legacy software, or limit the use of software to basic tasks could end up falling behind and not making enough of the opportunities in the market. “We have invested in industry-standard software packages, including AutoCAD and AutoCAD Inventor so that we can not only produce highly accurate 2D and 3D drawings, but ensure that those drawings can be used by our manufacturing and production partners and by our clients,” says Derrick. “This means we can be extremely responsive when it comes to product design or alteration – we have a complete bank of drawings and specifications for our in-house product developments and so we can
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easily access files to help us stay ahead of the game, keeping customers and sites safe at all times.” THE IMPORTANCE OF SOFTWARE TO HEALTH AND SAFETY
“When we are developing new products, there are a range of things we need to take into consideration,” says Alan Slater, Head of Technical and Product Support at TRAD UK, who works closely with Derrick Quinn and the team to get innovative new products available to customers and on site as quickly as possible. “New product development is triggered by a number of factors: sometimes by changes in standards or health and safety requirements, sometimes by suggestions or requests from customers and sometimes by ideas from within the business.” Whatever the trigger, the process for product design within TRAD is the same, and pays significant attention to products: • • • •
being made from suitable materials meeting all health and safety requirements being commercially viable pushing safety and scaffolding equipment and supplies forward.
“Using the right software is critical to getting this right at the very start of the process,” says Derrick Quinn. “We design carefully, collaborating across the team and with our chosen manufacturers to make sure we are producing high-quality, affordable products that are completely safe to use on site. Some of our products are obviously designed specifically to aid site safety – such as our lift-shaft gates or catch fans – but every single product is rigorously tested by external providers and meets European and British Standards or NASC guidance where required. Working with our software suite allows us to build this element in from the very beginning.” USING SOFTWARE TO GIVE CUSTOMERS MORE
Thinking more broadly about how you can use your software opens up opportunities to improve processes and services across your organisation. For example, TRAD UK uses AutoCAD Inventor as the basis for product development and design, enabling 3D models of componentry which can help customers plan the best product for their project,
adding value to every stage of the buying process. “We realised that we could help our customers work out exactly what they need to buy or hire,” says Derrick. “Because we use standard software, we can take architect drawings or building plans, which are usually also now created in AutoCAD, and overlay our safety products to help customers find the best design for each project. This is particularly useful with complex projects – with bridges, for example, we know what sort of concrete is used in the bridge and so we can show customers how we would recommend a specific product, such as our catch nets or one of our edge-protection systems, to work. This goes into detail such as choosing the right connections and materials. It speeds up the process and gives the customer a value-added element to our relationship.” Investment in software is an investment in the business. “Try not to see software as a cost,” suggests Derrick Quinn. “Once you have invested in the right software, and developed efficient processes and ways of using it, you will be able to expand your services, operate more cost-effectively and build a competitive edge.”
BECAUSE WE USE STANDARD SOFTWARE, WE CAN TAKE ARCHITECT DRAWINGS OR BUILDING PLANS, WHICH ARE USUALLY ALSO NOW CREATED IN AUTOCAD, AND OVERLAY OUR SAFETY PRODUCTS TO HELP CUSTOMERS FIND THE BEST DESIGN FOR EACH PROJECT
SCAFFMAG.COM | 27
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// System
IS IT MORE IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT VALUE OR COST? COST
VALUE
Sometimes the day-to-day pressures of running a business make you react to the latest challenge without keeping an eye on the bigger picture, but a short-term approach can be very costly, as Gary Griffiths, MD of UK System Scaffold Hire, explains
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O
ver the last two years the scaffold industry, like so many others, has had to cope with a barrage of unprecedented challenges. First it was the trading cliff-edge created by Covid-19, then came the shortage of skilled labour and the rocketing price of raw materials, and now it’s the impact on transport costs of sky-high fuel prices. Simply responding to each crisis in turn can lead to knee-jerk reactions that take you ever further away from an effective long-term business strategy. Take the current cost of fuel as an example. A short-term response for us could have been to concentrate on local customers where increased haulage costs will have less impact, but at UKSSH we tend to steer away from short-term decisions and keep focused on the bigger picture. As a result, far from reducing our geographic reach, UKSSH is currently involved in projects as far afield as the far western Scottish Highlands, Norfolk and Plymouth – as well as a host of projects in London and even on the continent. The ‘secret’ of our continued growth over the last 10 years has been to remain true to our core values. We know that HAKI products deliver significant cost and time savings – particularly with high-end products such as temporary public access bridges and staircases, temporary roofs and shelters. We also know that to optimise these products we need to offer the highest levels of product support and expertise – and despite the unprecedented challenges that the last few years have thrown at us, we haven’t waivered in our commitment to those values. The result hasn’t simply been the development of a loyal clientele who appreciate the added value that we offer, but an expanding customer base who have discovered how our commitment to service and support will help them to overcome the specific challenges faced by their businesses.
SCAFFOLD HIRE IS A VITAL ELEMENT IN STRATEGIC PLANNING.
In the current climate, UKSSH has seen an increase in the hire side of its business – often as a short-term ‘bridge’ leading to eventual purchase. The flexibility of hire or sales gives customers the opportunity to grow while minimising the need for capital outlay. Hiring provides the opportunity to protect cash flow and protect capital reserves. In addition to being the quick and low-cost way of supplementing your own stocks, scaffold hire can offer significant additional benefits, too. Customers don’t just tap into UKSSH’s stock levels and yard management, the company’s unrivalled product knowledge means we offer expert advice to help you develop niche markets and reduce labour costs. WEATHERING THE STORM (QUITE LITERALLY).
A prime example of putting UKSSH’s philosophy into practice is the temporary roof that we helped to erect on the Kyle of Localsh in the far north of Scotland. It may be a beautiful part of the world, but the West Coast of Scotland can provide unique challenges when you have a prestigious building project to complete. It can be one of the wettest places in Europe with annual rainfall nearing 180 inches a year and can experience gale force winds for 30 days a year. To keep projects on track, creating a controlled work environment is essential – and having a temporary roof that you can trust to withstand the very worst that the Scottish weather can throw at it is of paramount importance. McDonald Scaffolding Services of Invergordon specialise in building projects in the Scottish Highlands and, despite the challenges that the weather can create, are proud of their record of delivering projects on time and on budget, as Steve Strang at McDonald Scaffolding Services explains: “We are proud to put our efforts into realising projects and outcomes in which our customers and ourselves can take pride.
That’s why we plan meticulously and collaborate closely with our clients and suppliers. Despite the distances involved, UKSSH undertook site visits whenever required and undertook trial erections at their HQ to demonstrate the product. “Choosing a temporary building on price alone ignores considerations relating to adaptability (we are effectively building a building within a building), functionality (allowing the roof to be opened to allow materials to be craned in, and then closed again in minutes), not to mention the crucial question of whether it is waterproof (a critical requirement to ensure that work can continue uninterrupted and materials are not spoilt). That’s why we chose to work with HAKI specialists UKSSH, and use the HAKI temporary building and roof system. We are particularly impressed with the speed and ease with which the roof can be opened and closed to crane in materials.” For their project on the Kyle of Lochalsh, where tight project deadlines were also a consideration, working with UKSSH was the obvious choice, not least because of our ability to demonstrate how HAKI is the most weatherproof system available. HAKITEC’s offset beam and track joints ensure a robust and watertight seal, holding the lightweight, but ultra-durable, PVC-coated polyester fabric firmly in place. The HAKI system has the additional advantage that its sturdy yet remarkably open superstructure provides a clutter-free work environment. UKSSH’s collaboration with McDonald Scaffolding Services proves that, despite rocketing transport costs, for prestigious projects where quality and expertise are the prime considerations, distance is really no object.
WE ARE PROUD TO PUT OUR EFFORTS INTO REALISING PROJECTS AND OUTCOMES IN WHICH OUR CUSTOMERS AND OURSELVES CAN TAKE PRIDE SCAFFMAG.COM | 31
// System
St Helens Plant lock into pivotal European partnership St Helens Plant have recently established a new strategic partnership with German-based system scaffolding manufacturers MJ Gerüst. Grahame Anderson reports
W
hen the best in automated scaffolding teams up with a diversity in solution specialist, great things are bound to happen. And in this case ‘Ringlock’ users in the UK are set to benefit from the new relationship. Why? Because St Helens Plant is the primary supplier of MJ Gerüst’s innovative system presented as Combi Metric, carrying the ability to combine with other Ringlock systems. What’s more, the manufacturing process is fully robotic encompassing all the latest cutting-edge technology. St Helens Plant have said they are
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looking forward to sharing more updates on the state-of-the-art, high-performance machinery and manufacturing processes, provided by MJ Gerüst. A spokesperson explained: “Any type of ‘Ringlock’ currently in use or invested in, can be used in conjunction with St Helens Plant’s Ringlock (COMBI/ COMBI METRIC). “For many years we have identified a common issue in the traditional system manufacturers such as Kwikstage or Cuplock. “We have the ability to ensure you have complete utilisation of your stock, enabling us to convert any unusable stock back to useable product, to put your assets back in use. To also ensure you get full product utilisation, we can assist in cutting down the product to the next usable size, again to provide full utilisation of your stock. “The great thing about St Helens
Plant is that we can provide a complete care package, by offering a repair and reconditioning service, alongside UK supply-chain ability. This means we not only sell the equipment, but also have the ability to repair and recondition damaged equipment.” As part of a strong group of companies, MJ Gerüst, since the early ’70s, has specialised in the production and sales of top-quality scaffolding systems leading the market and complying with the provisions of DIN EN 74-1 and EN 12810 + EN 12811. Their product philosophy consists not in developing new systems but in improving their overall performance. The company has a state-of-the-art automated manufacturing plant, spanned over more than 200,000 square metres. They rank among the top three German scaffolding manufacturers Partner company the JUNIOR-
Group, boasting 3,000 employees and based in the Sauerland region of Germany, has seen significant growth over recent years. They recently purchased much larger premises in Plettenberg. Back in the UK, St Helens Plant are building up a large stock of fully automated manufactured Ringlock on site and in stock. They told us: “We are in a prime position to supply, repair and recondition Ringlock of any brand for any customer. Through our new COMBI/COMBI METRIC Ringlock system, customers can take advantage of competitively priced components and full systems.” The bottom line is that the creation of a complete care, repair, replacement and supply service – for fully compatible Ringlock systems – is set to strengthen the market. It’s clear this dynamic European partnership can look forward to long-lasting success across the scaffolding industry. www.sthelensplant.co.uk
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// Design
MYTHBUSTING: A CASE AGAINST INTERNAL DESIGN TEAMS Andrew Kitley, scaffold design specialist and Managing Director of structural engineering consultancy KITALL, argues that internal design teams are not the be-all and end-all
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// Design
I
’ve noticed something recently: the structural engineering industry is rife with company directors touting their internal scaffold design teams. In this era of FOMO, where we all feel our shortfalls keenly, it’s enough to make the average small- to medium-sized player feel inadequate. But I call BS. Most companies don’t have an internal design ‘team’, but one engineer. Claiming to have a team made up of just one is faking it ’til you make it… to the extreme. It’s time to own up to the fact that you don’t do everything – and there’s really nothing wrong with that. To be effective, especially in a complex industry, a team needs a depth of experience and competence. This simply can’t be attained from just one or two team members. When I talk to people in the industry and ask them what advantages they think relate to an internal design team, they usually tell me that most tenders for larger projects require concepts and internal designs, and doing this internally gives them the illusion of no cost. Secondly, they say that if they need to reduce their bid, they can throw the design in for free. Thirdly, they can tell their clients that they have an internal team, as clients like this. Lastly – and this is not something anyone would admit to, but I’ve definitely experienced it myself first-hand – they can bully an internal engineer into doing something they probably shouldn’t. BUSTING THE MYTHS
I’ve come across so many misconceptions around internal design teams in my 15 years in the industry. Let’s take a look at a few of them. Internal teams are cheaper, as you’re only paying their wages. This seems true if you compare hourly rates, but hourly rates alone don’t tell the full story. Let’s say your internal team costs you £22 per person per hour and your external contractor costs £65 per hour. You’ll probably find that your internal team will take four hours to complete the job, while the external team takes two hours – so that’s £88 versus £130. Then you have to factor in the company overheads, which might bring the costs to almost equal. Internal teams are good at innovating because they’re supported by a team of experienced scaffolders. Innovation is so important, but this argument fails to take into account the expertise of most external design contractors. What would be better than being supported by a team of, say, 20 or 30 great scaffold contractors across the country and the world
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who have the most diverse set of experiences possible? External engineers are exposed to all sorts of challenging construction projects, large and small. At KITALL, we’ve delivered some of the country’s largest construction projects. Our experience means we can look at complex problems from different angles and challenge the status quo. We come up with innovative cost-saving solutions that others don’t, because we’ve already seen five different solutions across similar projects and can devise the best solution by merging those into one. INTERNAL TEAMS ARE WELL TRAINED.
This may be the case with some companies, but certainly not many. Most large scaffold design consultancies like KITALL hire engineers with vast experience in temporary works and even permanent works. This means their people have a deeper knowledge of engineering as a whole. This also means that consultancies can solve any complex problems you and your clients might face – something that 70% of scaffold designers can’t. For example, those on my team have the ability to check the foundations and advise on impacts to the existing structure – I’ll share more on this in a future article. At KITALL, we spent £92,000 on developing software and software systems last year, plus £23,000 on training courses, and we allowed significant time for our staff to undertake professional development.
ABOVE: Twickenham Stadium, Autumn Nations Cup, erected by Focus Rigging
IT’S TIME FOR SCAFFOLD DESIGNERS TO STEP UP AND TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERTISE AND CHALLENGE THE STIGMA THAT SO CLEARLY EXISTS
This year will see us hire 12 external specialists to teach skills that will develop the team and business for the future. I interview engineers all the time and I know this is not happening in most internal teams. But I want to add a caveat here to say that this does not apply to all companies – large corporate companies don’t seem to suffer the same problems as small- to medium-sized enterprises. Companies like Actavo, BrandSafway and Enigma definitely have a solid reputation. TIMES ARE CHANGING AND WE MUST KEEP UP
Scaffold design is changing, and most people in the industry don’t seem to see that. In two to three years’ time, we’ll see the same shockwaves travel through our industry as we did the demolition industry, and many will be left sitting here wondering what happened. It’s time for scaffold designers to step up and take ownership of their skills and expertise and challenge the stigma that so clearly exists. We sometimes forget that we’re an engineering practice. If you ask a civil engineering student what sort of work they want to do when they graduate, you won’t hear them say “temporary works”. As a group, temporary works specialists are looked down upon within the engineering industry. But the truth is that companies would simply not be able to deliver ambitious projects without us.
In the 70+ interviews I’ve either been part of or have chaired, I’ve mentioned freestanding structures and have asked the interviewee what’s the first thing they would consider. Approximately 60% of respondents get the answer wrong. The ones who do respond correctly have either come from good design consultancies or have worked in other engineering disciplines. This figure should be 100%, we have to work to change this. I often hear people say, “It’s always been done like this,” or “It’s only scaffolding.” Well, times are changing. The majority of our work now is in checking buildings that are having scaffolding constructed around them, and the main contractors are, these days, much less likely to suffer fools. If you’re not following the British standards or Eurocodes for drawing standards, completing full, carefully considered and understandable calculations, prioritising career development through the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) or the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), and demonstrating an understanding of the structure you’re founding on, then you won’t survive in this industry. It’s clear that we all have a lot to do to move with the times and, if I’m honest, not much time to do it in. So, let’s support each other to help elevate the industry, because change is going to happen whether we like it or not.
SCAFFMAG.COM | 37
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// Tech
HOW AVONTUS BROUGHT TECHNOLOGY TO THE SCAFFOLDING INDUSTRY Technology is a big part of the scaffolding industry. Many scaffolding companies have realised the benefits of embracing technology as it ensures their jobs are done in a swifter, smarter, safer and simpler manner. But with all the scaffolding technology around us, have you ever wondered how and where it all started? Meet the Pioneer of Scaffolding Technology: Avontus
T
his is the tale of Avontus and how its presence in the industry for 20 years has helped many scaffolding companies reach new heights. Ever since its inception in 2002, Avontus’s dedicated team of software and scaffold industry professionals has pushed the boundaries of what is possible, to simplify the complexities of scaffold design and management. Avontus is well-known for its Avontus Designer solution. With it, scaffolders can import even the most complicated building plans and add scaffolds within minutes. Gone are the days where scaffolders would have to constantly draw and redraw whenever they made a mistake. With Designer, scaffolders can now add and remove scaffold pieces in an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. The resulting 3D designs are also universally beloved since they can be effortlessly shared with clients via YouTube or Avontus’s other native apps that provide a walkthrough of the proposed scaffold. Being able to provide such visualisation helps reassure clients that high-quality work was being done according to their specific requirements. Notably, Avontus is the first company to bring virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) technology to the scaffolding industry with Avontus Viewer®. The ability to walk through scaffold designs in VR was a game-charger in terms of safety
LEFT: AR-enabled scaffold model generated by Avontus Viewer
and client presentation. Safety hazards were more easily caught, while it was much easier to convince clients of the effectiveness of a scaffold design after the VR experience. While VR was the first immersive experience developed for users, Avontus knew the next step was to introduce AR through Viewer, allowing clients to see their designs brought to life on the boardroom table or even job site utilising mobile phones or tablets. TECHNOLOGY MADE EASY
Knowing how daunting it can be to learn new software, Avontus prides itself on two things: the intuitiveness of its product as well as the quality of its after-sales support and training. That is why all Avontus products come equipped with userfriendly interfaces and easy-to-use features, which users can start working with in mere hours! Avontus also provides round-theclock support and a vast repository of documentation and manuals, so their users are never left high and dry. These factors are why we believe Avontus boasts its current retention rate, which exceeds 95%. As a matter of fact, their oldest customer has been with them for close to 20 years! WHAT’S NEXT FOR AVONTUS?
Even as Avontus consolidates its position as a leader in the scaffolding technology industry, it doesn’t seem keen to rest on its laurels. For months now, the company leaders have hinted at the launch of a product that would revolutionise industrial scaffold management as we know it. We, for one, cannot wait to see what this industry giant has in store for us. www.avontus.com
SCAFFMAG.COM | 39
// Tech
LIFTBOT OPENS ACCESS TO THE DIGITAL WORLD Since receiving CE certification in December 2020, KEWAZO has delivered its robotic material hoist, LIFTBOT, to its customers throughout Europe. While the German market leader Bilfinger arnholdt has relied on LIFTBOT since April 2021, now, and among others, Bilfinger UK as well as Altrad Services, with its facilities in the UK and Belgium, have followed suit
I
n addition to LIFTBOT, the Munich-based startup also provides its data analytics platform KEWAZO ONSITE as part of its comprehensive solution. Operational data crucial for the construction progress and performance is collected via an array of sensors. This data is analysed and displayed on KEWAZO ONSITE in real time using an integrated LTE interface via a cloud-based infrastructure and services. KEWAZO ONSITE focuses on three key metrics: 1. Efficiency: Weight transported, target height of the scaffold and utilisation rate. 2. Internal factors: Status of individual LIFTBOT components such as motors, brakes and battery. 3. External factors: GPS, the worksite itself and local weather conditions. The analysed data presents KEWAZO’s
customers with a generated digital twin of their scaffolding project. If BIM planning is available, an automated live target vs. actual comparison enables maximum transparency. Instead of entering key performance indicators manually, KEWAZO ONSITE overtakes this automatically. If a project does not go according to plan, the team lead receives messages and can intervene promptly and directly. Project management now runs proactively in realmtime, supporting client companies to prevent cost overruns. Sebastian Dietrich, Project Manager of KEWAZO’s lead customer Bassenberg & Schwarting, appreciates the motivating character of KEWAZO ONSITE. Now, Dietrich has a new way to set concrete targets for his site managers and scaffolders. The project progress is communicated through automated WhatsApp notifications from KEWAZO
ONSITE. In this way, all employees receive daily feedback on their performance and progress automatically and without additional effort. To further increase motivation at work, KEWAZO is currently piloting a gamification concept, where scaffolders have the opportunity to compare their performance with each other and even with peers from other companies. Awards, in the form of gift cards and/or vouchers, will further serve as motivating incentives for outstanding achievements. In the future, KEWAZO plans to expand its digital products and services. The data collected will soon, for example, be used to create the basis for automated project planning. Artificial intelligence via machine learning will enable KEWAZO’s customers to use resources more efficiently, as well as to enhance their logistics strategies. www.kewazo.com
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// Software
Cutting edge software company, Strikesoft Ltd, continues to lead the way across the industry, Grahame Anderson finds out more
Strike it lucky A Hertfordshire-based company providing scaffolding software for the industry is celebrating 25 years of success. StrikeSoft Ltd began life as a contract management system able to speed up the day-to-day processing of information. This vibrant business now provides a wide range of software solutions to both contract scaffolding and industry-related firms. In short, they focus fully on what their customers want. Company founder and director Toby Cave revealed: “Our customers are the ones who really drive the continual development and improvement of the software. We have built many longstanding partnerships over the years and we’re extremely grateful to all our clients for their input. “There are lots of reasons people like using Strike. They really appreciate having one system to work with, so they don’t need to do the same things in different places. Information is shared and it’s easy to find.” ScaffMag has learned since they launched the StrikeMobile app a couple of years ago, enabling scaffolders and supervisors to communicate directly
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with the office wherever they may be, things have gone from strength to strength. Why? Because it removes old-fashioned paper trails that often got lost. Environmental and cost benefits aside, customers have said it gives them huge peace of mind knowing everything is being completed correctly and monitored. StrikeMobile carries lots of great functions and reports configured to suit each customer’s requirements. Job sheets and handovers, variations, e-forms, documents, tie-tests, pre-start safety checks, vehicle defects, photos, messages, inspections, holiday requests and approvals can all be done from a single app on anyone’s phone or tablet. What’s more, it works on both iOS and Android devices. Toby added: “We really believe this has the potential to transform and improve working practice, lowering your carbon footprint in the process. “I think we’ve all learned the value of having systems in place which allow people to continue working in tough conditions like the recent pandemic. When technology is used in the right way, it becomes a valuable asset to any
firm, and software is at the heart of it all. “Our customers were able to continue trading without the need for office staff to be together, reducing the potential spread whilst maintaining close control of the business. “We pride ourselves on our quick response to any issues our customers might have. Having spent many years running a scaffolding business, I’m only too aware how important it is to respond quickly when issues or requests arise. “Scaffolding is a fast-paced business with many aspects to it and firms need to concentrate on their day-to-day operations to be successful. They don’t have time to waste waiting for help, so we do everything possible to solve things immediately. Business needs change too, but by concentrating on one industry, i.e. scaffolding, it’s easier to stay ahead of the curve on most things.” In this fast-moving digital age, it’s not all about heavy-duty scaffolding. In fact, the industry couldn’t function efficiently without the type of quality software StrikeSoft provide. Indeed, the company have lots to celebrate as they look forward to another 25 years at the top. www.strikesoft.co.uk
// Software
Smart thinking SMART Scaffolder are continuing to improve the popular SMART Manager package, which already enables users to complete inspections and handovers digitally, with automated client email reports and extra hire tracking
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O
ver half a million digital documents were created last year across 17,000 sites. On average, a digital certificate is produced every 12 seconds in the UK using the SMART Manager mobile apps.
SMART VARIATIONS
In addition to allowing you to produce digital handovers and inspections, SMART Manager Advanced offers you the ability to produce variations through the mobile apps and eliminate lost revenue from missing or lost records for additional chargeable work carried out on-site. If you have an agreed schedule of rates, your users can capture variation instructions
with detailed descriptions of the requirement, photographs, and a customer-approval signature to be relayed to the office for invoicing, providing a clear evidence trail for justifying the charges to the customer. Without a schedule of rates the users can capture variation requests and email them automatically to the estimator, and a cost assigned. The user can then complete the variation and capture the customer signature along with the description and photos of the work. All of the variations can be emailed to the accounting team automatically for inclusion in applications for payment and can easily be collated from the web console when required. SITE DIARY
SMART Manager now includes a digital site diary section to allow users to store additional site-specific documentation, such as signed risk assessments, method statements or any image or document relevant to the site. From within the mobile apps, users can add further media to the site diary, such as photos, videos and audio files. The web console includes a transcription function allowing you to record safety meetings such as toolbox talks on the app, and store both the audio file and a written transcription of what has been discussed automatically in the site diary on the console.
ABOVE: Screenshot of the Time entry screen to record labour hours for staff on site.
STOCK CONTROL
The stock control feature allows you to record material tonnage in standing scaffolds, and produce reports on tonnage in scaffolds due to be struck, as well as material stored on-site but not in use, to give you an oversight of the distribution of your material across your operation and plan for future works. TIMESHEETS
The timesheets feature on the web console allows you to log and record labour time on-site against the phases of work. By setting the total labour hours estimated for the work you
can track the progress of your project in real time and see if you’re likely to finish under or over your estimated hours. In addition to recording the time taken, you can report on the wage costs for the employees on-site. You can refine your future estimate pricing with real-world productivity data from your previous hours to price your work more effectively. For more information please contact sales on 01202 603031 or by email – sales@smartscaffolder.com. More info on our website – www.smartscaffolder.com
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// Products
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES The sector is faced with a variety of different challenges on a daily basis. GEDA scaffolding hoists make it easier to overcome these. They are versatile, quickly installed and can transport scaffolding material up and down rapidly and safely. Moreover, reducing the employee workload pays off in many areas
offered by the Bavarian height-access specialist. Always with an eye on the market, GEDA offers a perfectly adapted hoist solution for all scaffolding elements and tools that require safe and fast upwards transport. The tough everyday conditions at construction sites often present great challenges for the equipment used. Thanks to their robust workmanship, GEDA hoists master these challenges with ease. GROWING SHORTAGE OF SKILLED AND UNSKILLED WORKERS
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ew sectors of the construction industry are as challenging and complex as scaffolding. Of course there are simple projects, but scaffolding requires a vast amount of expertise, from planners as well as from all scaffolders. New challenges keep appearing in this field, which seemed unlikely or negligible
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at this scale only a few years ago. With its longstanding experience in this industry, GEDA is the optimum partner with a variety of different scaffolding hoists. In the construction sector, the name GEDA has stood for competence and unparalleled quality, ‘Made in Germany’ for over 90 years. Today it is difficult to find a construction site that does not use one of the hoists from the extensive range
One of the greatest challenges is the shortage of skilled and unskilled workers. Many companies – not only in the scaffolding sector – are faced with this problem today. In view of the booming construction industry, there is no change in sight for the coming years. Wages need to be increased to attract and retain employees. GEDA scaffolding hoists enable faster and more efficient working and can compensate for a lack of workforce. HIGH REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTH AND SAFETY
Good industrial legislation is socially
necessary and important, but many regulations that support employees come at the employer’s expense. In light of such changes to industrial laws, scaffolding companies have to budget for additional costs for every existing job. The safety standards that must be met, not only at large construction sites or in industrial settings, but also at smaller sites, are continuing to increase. This generates costs and reduces the profit margin. The costs for personal protective equipment alone are much higher than a few years ago, even when the general inflation rate is taken into account. Generally, significantly higher sums have to be invested in employee safety to protect the workforce and benefit from it in the long term. The health of all employees must be a priority for all employers – now and in the future! The one-off cost for purchasing practical equipment, on the other hand, is hardly worth mentioning. GEDA hoist solutions can also pay for themselves by being loaned out for other projects later on.
GEDA MINI/MAXI
GREAT POWER FOR A SMALL PRICE With two lifting speeds, overload protection and a slack rope switch as well as a variety of load handling devices, the compact scaffolding hoists from the GEDA Mini/Maxi series are the ideal helpers for efficient, yet safe
GROWING AWARENESS FOR PERSONNEL AND HEALTH ISSUES
transport of scaffolding elements and construction materials. The handy
The topics of considerate building sites and the health of employees are increasingly becoming the focus of those responsible in the construction sector. Carrying heavy loads over many years often has a negative impact on the health of employees, resulting in sickness absences, in particular due to back pain. Even the smaller wire rope hoists and material hoists from GEDA allow construction workers to conserve their
lightweight swivel arm is attached at the top of the scaffolding at the
rope drum drive is easily mounted at the base of the scaffolding while the desired height. The GEDA Mini/Maxi series offers great advantages primarily thanks to fast assembly and the option of quick location changes. The maximum working height is 40m, and 76m with a winch placed at a greater height. Depending on the model – GEDA MINI 60 S, GEDA MAXI 120 S or GEDA MAXI 150 S – the hoists feature an impressive load capacity of up to 150kg. In addition to scaffolders, the quick helpers are used primarily by roofers and painters for transporting materials on the scaffolding. A variety of different load-handling devices and optimally adapted accessories allow for flexible and efficient transport of scaffolding elements, painting supplies, insulation and much more. The GEDA Mini/Maxi series of wire rope lifts also includes a convenient transport frame. The scaffolding hoist is mounted safely with a quick-release mechanism and can be mounted onto the scaffolding directly within the transport frame.
CARRYING HEAVY LOADS OVER MANY YEARS OFTEN HAS A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES, RESULTING IN SICKNESS ABSENCES, IN PARTICULAR DUE TO BACK PAIN
The robust undercarriage is suitable for any foundation. While wire rope lifts are ideally suited for the assembly of smaller scaffolds, pure material lifts such as the GEDA 200 Z and GEDA 300 Z construction hoists are designed for higher load capacities and are perfect for larger scaffolding structures. The convenient equipment can also handle tight spaces with ease.
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// Transport Products
strength and make the tough work at construction sites considerably easier. Lugging heavy scaffolding materials to higher levels is a thing of the past with a GEDA construction hoist. Personnel will be grateful for this relief and significantly lower absences will become evident. LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS AT THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
Vertical transport at a construction site has to be quick and easy. The economic efficiency increases due to the minimised time requirements. This is a very simple formula, which is not always that simple in practice, though. Transporting scaffolding elements can be time consuming and complex as numerous employees have to work together to transport the elements up or down. The right equipment can produce enormous time savings here; fewer mistakes are made and the transport processes become safer. A customer survey conducted by GEDA showed that these challenges occur throughout the entire scaffolding industry. While these vary from Germany and throughout the Scandinavian peninsula and the United Kingdom down to the countries on the Iberian peninsula, the core issue remains the same. At this point, the question is how to tackle the existing problems. We believe that the results of the survey clearly indicate that the solution can partially be found in the clever use of vertical transport equipment. An experienced scaffolding company with a number of wire rope hoists and material hoists can stay ahead of competitors who are equipped only with human resources and maybe tools such as manual winches. Wind and bad weather are no problem at all for GEDA scaffolding hoists. Thanks to the high GEDA quality, the hoists have become extremely popular in the scaffolding industry. One would be hard pressed to find comparable equipment at a construction site that is manufactured and sold to these high standards. GEDA scaffolding hoists help to overcome the everyday challenges in the scaffolding industry
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GEDA 200 Z
THE COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT SOLUTION The compact and lightweight GEDA 200 Z is the ideal support for scaffolders and construction workers and wins over workers at all types of construction sites with its many benefits. Once it has arrived at the construction site, the material hoist scores with its simple installation directly from the platform and its extremely minimal space requirement. The patented quick-release system of the ladder sections replaces complicated threaded connections and allows for quick and easy installation of the device. The base unit – consisting of a 2m foot section, trolleys with drive and safety gear, a control, spring cable drum and trailing cable, bogie and overload protection, together with the platform of the GEDA 200 Z – requires a footprint of only 1.5 x 1.5m. This means that it is possible to easily load the lightweight 44kg platform parallel to the building, for example. The platform can also be swivelled by 90 degrees to the left or right, providing a perfect solution for unloading at different landing levels. With a load capacity of up to 200kg and a lifting speed of 25m/min, the GEDA 200 Z travels up to heights of 35m, safely transporting scaffolding materials as well as tools up and down.
GEDA 300 Z
MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY GEDA also has the right solution for very bulky and heavy materials. The GEDA 300 Z eases the workload for personnel and also saves a lot of time due to its large platform size and high load capacity. This is particularly interesting for hiring out the hoist because the purchasing costs can be recovered quickly. Whether scaffolding elements, tools or other construction materials, the GEDA 300 Z is the compact and robust partner for efficient material transport at construction sites. The lightweight 2m aluminium mast elements can be assembled by one person. The convenient loading and unloading ramp ensures comfortable access to the platform, which is approved for up to 300kg. Once at the landing level, the car of the GEDA 300 Z, which can be swivelled by 90 degrees, allows for a safe transition and comfortable loading and unloading. The GEDA 300 Z is available in a 230V or a 400V version and can therefore be adapted optimally to the power supply at the particular construction site.
LEADING THE WAY IN BEING A RESPONSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNER. Sustainability is key to HAKI’s strategy for long-term growth. We are committed to being a pace-setter for sustainability in the workzone safety industry and are working towards being carbon neutral. By 2030, we’ll aim to have reduced our direct greenhouse gas emissions by 50%.
Find out how we could work together at:
haki.com
// Products
The Advanced Guardrail System from Lynch is set to be snapped up across the industry, as Grahame Anderson discovers
SAFETY GUARD I n these days of world-class safety products, Lynch Scaffolding have added to the market with their revolutionary Advanced Guardrail System. Everyone across the industry knows working at height means following a complete hierarchy of controls to avoid, prevent and arrest possible accidents on-site and outside. This also means asking the question – can the work be done safely from the ground? Fall restraints should only be considered as a last resort if other safety equipment cannot be used. Lynch told us: “Employers and those in control of any work-at-height activity, must first assess the risks, taking precautions and issuing clear work method statements for everyone who will work at height. They must select the safest type of equipment available for their workforce who are working at heights on their behalf. The most important thing, of course, is to ensure employees return home safely each day.” This is a superb system working in combination with tube-and-fitting scaffolds, installed and secured in place from the lower-level position without the need to use podium steps, further enhancing a safer working practice. What’s more, the patented design of one fitting connected on top of the other allows for guardrails to be installed level over any required lengths. This can only
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be achieved through this unique design. Strength in any scaffold structure is paramount and it’s a fact that most guardrails are connected by coupler fittings, not internal or external joints, which is a weakness in scaffold failures. With the Lynch approach there are no pro-tuning bolts or holders, thus creating a safer working platform. The unique connection of one fitting on top of the other also improves scaffold structure to the benefit of everyone involved. The company added: “The Lynch Advanced Guardrail System is secured in position by tightening of the upright guardrail bottom fitting to the outside ledger. “Once tightened the guardrail is secured and the top guardrail fittings can
EMPLOYERS MUST FIRST ASSESS THE RISKS, TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND ISSUING CLEAR WORK METHOD STATEMENTS FOR EVERYONE WHO WILL WORK AT HEIGHT
be tightened when decking boards are in place and the scaffolder has ascended safely onto the lift.” The are some huge advantages in utilising this brilliant new system. Firstly, this is the safest type of all scaffold guardrails as there are no pro-tuning bolts or holders requiring scaffold pad covers, reducing timescale massively. Secondly, it can prove to be a cost-effective procedure in the long term, something every company is very conscious about in what continue to be difficult days financially. Thirdly, guardrails can be folded in the collapsing position for transportation and manual handling and extended open with the insertion of clevis pin and R clip. Guardrails can be used to set scaffold bays correctly by opening guardrails and installing the clevis pin and R clip. And we mustn’t forget, the Lynch Advanced Guardrail System has two different-sized bay sections – guardrails can also be manufactured to various requested measurements offering flexibility to potential purchasers. To give complete peace of mind, the system has been approved by Lloyds British as being safe to both use and operate efficiently. This Advanced Guardrail System is clearly a winner offering greater safety, whatever the size of project. It seems Lynch are leading the way. www.lynchscaffoldingsystem.co.uk
DESIGN INNOVATION HAKI are delighted to launch another new innovative system, the Trimble X7 3D laser scanner, to its already impressive digital offering
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he Trimble X7 allows HAKI to scan buildings as part of a seamless integration with the HAKI Building Information Modelling (BIM) design tool, which has been nominated for awards. The new launch will make it quick and easy to create and import detailed 3D models and drawings across complex environments. Already regarded as the market’s most adaptable and sustainable scaffolding system, this new launch allows HAKI to offer even more advanced services for planning and implementing projects, which can save a substantial amount of time and reduce the risk of errors both in the planning phase and on-site. As many as 54% of construction companies state that they are in great need of digital drawings. And now, with the robust Trimble X7 3D laser scanner that has a built-in IMU that registers when the scanner is moving, 3D models are created which are 99.9% accurate and seamlessly integrated with the HAKI BIM design tool. “The integration with our design tools opens up new possibilities,” says HAKI CEO, Thomas Schüller, about the advantages of the scanner that can be used on bridges, buildings, complex industrial buildings, castles and churches; places where you usually either don’t have drawings at all or very old, inaccurate ones. “It’s not just about being able to quickly produce exact 3D models, but also being able to handle them in a smooth way in the project. Now everything is in one service, and we are proud to be the first in the industry to implement this type of solution. Through technology, complex projects can become more efficient, both in terms of time and costs.” HAKI are excited to showcase examples of the self-adjusting Trimble X7 in the future.
IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT BEING ABLE TO QUICKLY PRODUCE EXACT 3D MODELS, BUT ALSO BEING ABLE TO HANDLE THEM IN A SMOOTH WAY IN THE PROJECT
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To find out more about PERI UP Scaffolding speak to an expert on: 01788 288092 For more information, scan the QR code or visit: link.peri.ltd.uk/PERI-UP-Easy
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
H I R E PA R T N E R
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
// Technical
TIED & TESTED THE IMPORTANCE OF RECORDING THE TEST DATA
In line with NASC TG4:19, the results of pull tests need to be formally recorded and retained with the site documentation relating to the scaffold structure. Traditionally, these results are recorded manually, noting down the load achieved. This is a cumbersome task fraught with many disadvantages including data being damaged, incorrectly recorded or simply lost. Even if this manual data is kept safely, there is still no legally verifiable proof that the safe-working loads were achieved and that the load was held for a required length of time. ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY
Using technology can drastically improve the way forward-thinking companies operate. As with many aspects of inspections and testing, digitally recording testing results makes viable sense. Not only are administration tasks streamlined, having automated processes mean less time setting up and more efficient time spent on site. Technology has also paved the way in which data is securely stored. An Evident Proof platform ensures that when real-time data is collected it gets a ‘proof seal’ onto an unchangeable and unhackable blockchain. This system mitigates the risk of someone tampering with the results by providing a fully auditable and transparent data provenance trail that is admissible in a court of law.
We often highlight the importance of checking scaffold anchors ties, and with safe-working load test procedures being documented in NASC TG4:19, many safetyconscious scaffolding companies ensure that their scaffolding anchor ties are tied and tested – but how many can prove their results? Neil Stone from Hydrajaws guides us in the proving process interface and connects to the Hydrajaws App on a mobile phone or tablet. The secure cloud-based system enables whoever performed the pull tests to show, in a visual graph, that they have complied with the testing element of NASC TG4:19, not only in the load applied, but that the load was held for the specified length of time and collates the data into a site test report. These records are retained for the lifetime of the scaffold, securely stored, ‘proof sealed’ and easily retrieved should an inspection by HSE take place. The Hydrajaws digital gauge will link with a mobile device at up to 10 metres, providing important safety advantages when tests are carried out at height. The tester no longer needs to make notes of results or even to handle the mobile device, which can be safely operated by a colleague on the ground. Keeping full records for on-site tie testing for the lifetime of the scaffold as part of a technical file on-site is not only good practice, but demonstrates that the scaffold company is professional, methodical and takes safety very seriously.
DIGITALLY RECORDING TEST RESULTS
HYDRAJAWS BLUETOOTH DIGITAL SYSTEM ADVANTAGES
Used in conjunction with any Hydrajaws Digital Gauge, manufactured since 2017, the Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital System is powered by a user-friendly, browser-based
The Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital system has many advantages over a paper-based system including:
• Unchangeable digital results recorded with time, date and GPS location of each test giving indisputable proof of test results. • Accurate and efficient paperless reporting reduces time spent on site. • Consistent and personalised reports show how professional you are to your clients. • Graphs and photos demonstrate to clients why tests may or may not have met the required standard. • Automated processes allow for quicker testing and less set up time – especially on sites with many identical repetitive tests to perform. • Test results are sent electronically from site to clients in a completed report, making the process more cost-efficient (requires wifi or mobile network signal). SPECIAL OFFER
Hydrajaws are offering ScaffMag readers 12 months free use of the Hydrajaws Bluetooth Digital System and App with every purchase of an M2000 Scaffold Tie Tester with Digital Gauge (ScaffMag offer price of £899.00 + VAT). Simply quote ‘SCAFFMAG04’ when placing your order. Not sure how this system can work for you? Request a demo and we’ll arrange a convenient time to come and show you how it all works. Call 01675 430 370 to arrange a time. www.hydrajaws.co.uk
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The past, present and future of system scaffolding Approved Training Provider
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// Projects
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PROJECTS ●
The Millennium Dome and O2 Arena, London ● The Burlington Hotel, Birmingham
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// Projects
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CALM AFTER THE STORM WellMax Scaffolding reach for the sky to help restore millennium glory. Grahame Anderson discovers that although working to very tight deadlines and various challenges, this iconic London structure was able to open its doors again after falling victim to Storm Eunice
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// Projects
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he venue has the second highest capacity of any indoor arena in the UK and was originally constructed to house an exhibition celebrating the turn of the new millennium. But even this brilliantly designed super structure can suffer in the face of mother nature and the worst weather she can unleash. In fact, Storm Eunice well and truly left her mark on the building’s roof, ripping away some of the famous white material, leaving it seriously exposed in parts. In terms of its repair, it needed a project team well versed in such emergencies – a group of highly skilled, specialist contractors able to handle the pressure to enable the dome to reopen safely in a short timeframe. These essential repairs would not have been possible without a protective temporary gantry to allow safe pedestrian and emergency service vehicles access to enable the arena to reopen as quickly as possible. WellMax Scaffolding were the ideal choice to provide such a solution, renowned for their experience and technical expertise in projects both of this scale and stature. It was important to get the site back operational again following a tough two years due to the pandemic, let alone expensive damage from one of the fiercest storms the capital has ever experienced. With the entertainment industry suffering heavily, everyone involved needed to be fully focused on the task ahead. Across the weekend of 19–20 February, the area had to firstly be assessed by the fire marshals, venue management and the client. Site visits and meetings could then take place with the necessary trades to determine what was required. A WellMax spokesperson takes up the story: “Following our initial first visit and awaiting further instructions from our client, WellMax senior management set the wheels in motion preparing for our attendance on site. “In collaboration with our scaffolding design engineers, discussions took place to classify the loadings and design requirements and also to get RAMS prepared. Materials were then loaded onto our lorries at our yard as the scaffolding site team became fully operational. Everything had to be ready on-site at the O2 for a cold start on Monday morning, 21 February. “Basic principles, regulations and specifications were discussed with the specialist trades, with a completion date of works by all trades set at noon on Friday of that week. The reality was that it left just
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EVERYONE SET TO WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO MEET THE FRIDAY DEADLINE. THERE WAS CONSTANT COMMUNICATION WITH THE SCAFFOLDING DESIGN ENGINEERS, CHECKING AND CLARIFYING POINTS AS THE WORKS PROGRESSED
over four days to get the job done. “Prior to our works commencing, WellMax Managing Director Russell Maxwell-Smith met with our scaffolding team on-site to speak about the importance of this project. This included the tight deadline and the need for close cohesive working with the other trades, and asking for their support to deliver his commitment to the client. “Everyone set to working around the clock to meet the Friday deadline. There was constant communication with the scaffolding design engineers, checking and clarifying points as the works progressed. Whilst undertaking our own works, we worked hand in glove with the hoarding contractors to ensure maximum productivity completing sections of the gantry together.” ScaffMag has learned a planned methodical programme was utilised in order to achieve smooth progress stages throughout the project. This involved electricians and fire engineers along with the highly trained scaffolders. The scaffold structure was effectively a T-shape, with the body of the T being a 60m long, 11m wide and 6m high gantry. Where the gantry met the arena gate entrance, this formed the head of the T-shape creating a further 35m long area. The entire gantry was bridged and suspended throughout to maintain pedestrian and emergency vehicle access. WellMax added: “We installed a 5kn/m2 protection deck with a mono-pitched temporary roof, tied back to the main structural foundations with a bespoke beamed raking system. By developing and installing this tying in system, we were able to remove the need for 100 tonnes of kentledge. “Throughout the entire challenge, everybody worked with the sole objective of delivering the project
for the Friday 12pm deadline. There was no status/ hierarchy amongst any of the trades, everybody got involved and every trade pulled together.” Behind the scenes, back at WellMax offices, the yard staff, drivers, management and engineers were all busy ensuring a smooth flow of support and resources needed by the team working on site. The company continued work on the emergency project as everyday business carried on. Thanks to an impressive and well-managed labour resource allocation and owned stock, WellMax were able to mobilise teams and materials quickly to site for the Monday morning start. More than 200 tonnes of scaffolding materials were installed to an engineering standard in a little over 96 hours, often in the pouring rain. The timescale of Friday was critical as the venue was due to host a UB40 concert that evening – no pressure then! Incredibly, the noon deadline was met by all the
trades to enable a full multi-disciplined inspection and sign off to be achieved. What’s more, no remedial works were required. In terms of the UK scaffolding industry, once again proof positive emerged; we have some of the best scaffolders and construction workers on the planet. Russell Maxwell-Smith told us: “I would like to thank everyone involved on this project including, but not limited to, the client’s team, Deconstruct (UK), other subcontractors, our supply chain and lastly, most importantly for me, the WellMax team, both on- and off-site, for their cohesive teamwork and approach to this timely critical project.” And so, former UB40 member Ali Campbell was able to ‘tear the roof off’ again in the nicest possible sense when he reopened the venue in a show honouring his late bandmate Astro. Raise a glass to WellMax – Red Red Wine anyone? www.wellmax.co.uk
ABOVE: More than 200 tonnes of scaffolding materials were installed to an engineering standard in a little over 96 hours, often in the pouring rain, in what was a very timely critical project.
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// Projects
A ROOM WITH A VIEW A central Birmingham location, scaffold above a glass atrium, ensuring businesses can operate normally below and a very precise timeframe – the use of scaffolding from Layher Ltd. during the refurbishment of the Burlington Hotel in the city has had to meet clear challenges
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hese have been addressed by Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd. – appointed by building restoration specialists Quadriga Contracts Ltd. – who have used Layher scaffold, access and protection systems throughout this high-profile project. Repairs to brickwork, chimneys and windows on the building have been key elements at the heart of the refurbishment programme which had to accommodate the twin timeframes of Birmingham’s Christmas Market and the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2022. “We installed scaffolding to nine levels to provide full and clear trade access, all connected by a ground-to-roof Layher staircase system – itself kept separate from the public via a lockable Layher Protect panel door,” says Jack Davies, Project Manager at Sky Scaffolding. Protection for the public areas below was provided by fan installations with shrink wrapping across the scaffold structure creating a further safety feature. “It was also important that full public access to the shops at ground level was maintained, so the scaffolding was removed at key points with multiple standards then taking the weight above,” he adds. One of the key needs – arguably one of the most dramatic – centred on the requirement to provide scaffolding access above an internal glass atrium.
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IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT FULL PUBLIC ACCESS TO THE SHOPS AT GROUND LEVEL WAS MAINTAINED, SO THE SCAFFOLDING WAS REMOVED AT KEY POINTS WITH MULTIPLE STANDARDS THEN TAKING THE WEIGHT ABOVE
“This was achieved by creating a birdcage from Layher Allround which was then suspended from anchors fixed to the hotel’s internal wall,” explains Jack Davies. “This also helped us follow the principle of minimal intrusion into the fabric of what is a celebrated Victorian building.” Safe multi-level access, clear walkways that optimise the movement of materials and the workforce, as well as the ability to accommodate very specific project needs – all are factors that, according to Layher’s Design Engineer responsible for this job, Jon Armitage, demonstrate the suitability of the company’s equipment for the project. “Everything about the access provision for the hotel refurbishment is impressive and Sky Scaffolding deserves great credit for meeting the specific needs,” adds Andrew Gee, Layher Area Sales Manager. It is a comment that is echoed by Sean Pike, Layher’s UK Managing Director: “We are delighted that our equipment, particularly its versatility, has come to the fore in Birmingham and has contributed to the new lease of life being brought to this famous hotel.”
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