A self-propelled pontoon made entirely from standard scaffold components and fitted with a crane has been used for a project on the river Thames to install ladders, chains, and wooden fendering.
This project sees yet another significant evolution of the ScaffFloat system that launched in the UK just two years ago. The Cornish-based company has grown rapidly across multiple markets and this latest addition of a crane to their self-powered pontoons has got some in the industry likening it to the popular multicat style workboats.
For the project on the Thames ScaffFloat mobilised an 8m x 6.4m ScaffFloat, fitted with two 60hp, high-thrust outboards giving 0.8t of bollard pull and a 5-knot service speed. Thirty of the company’s small 0.5m3 patented plastic floats provided 15m3 of buoyancy giving it a comfortable 5t payload on the large open 50m2 wood deck.
A 2.8tm crane that can lift 600kg at 5m was fitted to a custom-made steel crane base. This was designed in accordance with Lloyd’s Register Code for Lifting Appliances in a Marine Environment, July 2021 (CLAME, 2021). After NDT testing it was then LOLER tested once fitted to the ScaffFloat, and a full stability assessment was provided in line with relevant IMO (International Maritime Organization) standards.
The ScaffFloat was also surveyed and licensed by the PLA (Port of London Authority) as a commercial vessel prior to commencing works.
Toby Budd, MD and Founder said ”We started off with simple pontoons that could be used for access. Then we added outboard pods to the pontoons turning them into workboats, suddenly they became much more useful to our customers and now 90% of our hires go out as a ‘vessel’. We then added spud legs, deck winches, and other bolt-ons to add further value. But there is no doubt that it is the addition of a knuckle boom crane that marks the biggest advance in the system from an engineering perspective. Lifting is a key component for most marine works and I am delighted we can now offer this to our customers”.
The company is now developing a crane base for larger projects and expects to soon offer a 7tm crane on their larger 750mm beam system.
The ScaffFloat was on hire for almost two months to GPS MACS who are a specialist marine contractor on the Thames. The ScaffFloat package provided the perfect tool for the job, it also had the benefit of very low draft (just 0.3m) and could be dried out on the steep mud banks giving the workers a much larger tidal working window than more traditional vessels that would not have been able to ground out.
Ross Albertyn, project manager, said “Thanks again for your assistance on this project. The ScaffFloat has been absolutely brilliant.”
As a former President of the NASC, you wouldn’t be surprised to read an article promoting the benefits of joining an industry association. In my view, there are lots of benefits – and very few drawbacks, if any – of joining an industry group, and based on my own experience, I’d certainly encourage it.
Of course, the most important thing for you as a business owner is to look carefully at the different associations available to decide which is the best fit for your organisation, and how you can get the most from your membership.
I was recently part of a panel session debating the merits of system scaffolding relative to the skills shortage in our industry at the first-ever Scaffolding Conference of its type, which was held in the West Midlands at the end of September. Hosted by the Scaffolding Association, the conference was uniquely open to both members and non-members and was a great success.
Events like this, alongside campaigns like National Scaffolding Week, and the annual awards ceremonies run by the NASC, are helping to raise the profile of our industry in a positive way, which can only be a good thing. In fact, at TRAD UK, we supported National Scaffolding Week by running a number of events, helping to showcase the depth of skill and professionalism across the industry.
What does an industry association offer?
Part of the role of an industry body is to promote the industry externally. It’s also to support businesses and practitioners within the industry with additional learning, training and focused business assistance. And these associations are not just for ‘traditional’ scaffolding companies.
They are open to all businesses involved in scaffolding, including building companies and the wider supply chain. Industry bodies provide a valuable forum for meeting other people in the industry, sharing views, updating practices and moving the industry forward.
For example, two of the main industry bodies in our industry – the Scaffolding Association and the NASC – offer a range of benefits to members. These include:
Free advice on certain business issues
Access to funding and support for applying for funding
Networking events
Preferential rates for certain business services
Access to training and development
Ability to have your say on industry issues or future direction
Audited membership
Sharing best practice across members
Guidance notes to support business development
A chance to showcase your company’s work and approach through annual awards
Are there drawbacks to joining?
Of course, there is a cost involved. Membership rates usually vary depending on the size and type of your business and what sort of membership you want to take up. There may be additional costs for things like attending conferences and meetings. And, if you want to sit on committees or be more active in the association, you’ll need to take time out of your business to do so.
It’s important to note, though, this can be time well spent – sharing your knowledge with others and learning from your peers.
I don’t see any of these issues as drawbacks, though. In fact, I think that, even for a small scaffolding business, the cost of an industry body membership is an investment. The benefits of being in a trade association raises the profile of your business, opens you up to new opportunities, gives you the support to help you grow and even raises your own personal profile across the industry.
Building a wider profile for the scaffolding industry
Although our associations are successful and work incredibly hard for their members, the combined membership of two associations referred to is still only a fraction of the total number of companies in our industry.
By joining an association, you give yourself and your business a voice. And the more voices there are in scaffolding, the bigger voice we have in the wider construction industry and beyond.
Take the time to do your homework so you choose the best association for your business now and in the future. In my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the costs, and I’d encourage businesses of all sizes to consider joining an association this year.
HAKI owners Midway Holding have signed an agreement to acquire Austrian firm EKRO Bausystem.
Midway Holding through HAKI has paid EUR 7.5 million for EKRO Bausystem which manufactures and sells products for work at temporary workplaces.
This new acquisition for HAKI follows an earlier business buyout when the system scaffolding firm acquired French height safety company Novakorp Systems in June this year.
HAKI says that both acquisitions complement the group’s Safe Access Solutions business area and provides further opportunities for geographical expansion.
“It is gratifying that we managed to complete our second acquisition of the year and through EKRO Bausystem take another important step in focusing on and developing the Safe Access Solutions business area,” says Midway Holdings CEO and CEO Sverker Lindberg.
“The acquisition is completely in line with our existing operations within the business area and is another important step in our journey towards an industrial group.We see good synergy opportunities on the cost side, primarily through opportunities for a joint supply chain with other businesses in the Safe Access Solutions business area. It is with great pleasure that we welcome the employees of EKRO Bausystems to the HAKI family.”HAKI CEO, Thomas Schuller
HAKI CEO, Thomas Schüller said: “EKRO Bausystem is a very good complement to the other activities within Safe Access Solutions.The acquisition provides interesting opportunities for product synergies as well as a strategically important broadening of our market to Central Europe with opportunities for further geographical expansion.”
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has published a new CAP 609 General Information Booklet.
The popular user-friendly booklet has been revised, reprinted and according to CISRS is ready for release.
Readers of the new booklet will find a very useful overview of the CISRS scheme and a great reference document for scaffolders, employers and others in the wider industry looking to complete any CISRS training.
The 36-page A5 booklet is designed to provide a detailed overview of the CISRS scheme and includes the full range and scope of courses including CISRS, COTS, Part 1, Part 2, Advanced, CPD, Manager & Supervisor, Inspection and Scaffolding Awareness.
The CAP 609 booklet and the recently updated ‘Have You Got The Right Card? Poster are available free of charge by contacting CISRS at [email protected]
A PDF version of the new CAP 609 booklet will also be available to download on the CISRS website.
The flame retardancy credentials of ITP’s Powerclad FR scaffold sheeting made it the ideal choice for an internal application in the deep retrofit and expansion of BT’s former headquarters near St Paul’s Cathedral.
The development by Orion Capital Managers and Pella Real Estate Partner will transform the 1980s office block at 81 Newgate Street into a sustainable, mixed-use building providing a new gateway destination into London’s ‘Culture Mile’. Main contractor, Mace Group, is overseeing the reconfiguration, extension and modernisation of the existing 10-storey BT Centre, including the addition of another four storeys.
Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF), the scheme comprises retail units, gym, swimming pool, and large, flexible office floorplates with increased daylight, improved internal experience and ample outside space. A large public roof terrace will include a restaurant, wildflower meadow and feature access stairs, all providing a unique view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The structural frame will be substantially retained and extended with commercial office space increased to more than 67,500sq m, partially achieved by the insertion of new cores into the existing atrium void and refilling of the remaining space.
The complex internal reconstruction is being supported by Powerclad sheeting on scaffold installed by award-winning scaffolding company, Benchmark Scaffolding, in partnership with Simian Risk, specialist consultants in scaffolding and construction safety.
Ojay Roynon, Site Manager at Benchmark Scaffolding, said: “We used Powerclad’s flame retardant grade which is third-party certified as fully compliant for interior use. That is a vital attribute in maximising safety throughout the internal reconstruction.”
Jamie Lyons, Scaffold Health & Safety Advisor at Simian Risk, said: “The scaffolding has been installed to a high standard and ITP’s Powerclad FR sheeting certainly meets the performance and safety demands of this major redevelopment.”
ITP Account Manager, Seb Carrick, said: “Our Powerclad FR sheeting has an advantage over many rival products because the system’s fire safety attributes make it suitable for both internal and external site application. We manufacture plain, flexographically printed and digitally printed sheeting which is approved under Certifire T62 for external installation and Certifire T63 for internal installation. Having both of those certifications within the same product is currently unique in the UK market. All our Powerclad FR systems are independently tested and have a Euroclass rating of B-s1,d0 EN 13501-1.”
The redevelopment of the BT Centre will improve the environmental performance of the building and minimise environmental impact by reusing its original Portland stone, employing modular construction methods, specifying low carbon materials and adopting a zero to landfill policy. The project aims to deliver a building which is air quality neutral, providing one of the highest ‘urban greening factors’ in London and to be the first net zero carbon enabled office development in London.
A scaffolder has died after falling from a platform into the water at an offshore services yard near Corpus Christi, Texas.
According to a US Coast Guard report the incident occurred around 1:30 pm. on Saturday 1 October. The man was last seen wearing a blue life jacket, safety harness and tool belt.
The US Coast Guard’s local unit reported receiving a call at 1:45 p.m. from Corpus Christi Police Department personnel stating a scaffolder fell off a platform at Kiewit Offshore Services and entered the water in La Quinta Channel.
The on-site safety officer reported the man did not resurface and had been missing for 15 minutes.
An air and sea search and rescue operation was launched involving the local Police Dept and US Coast Guard but was later called off the same day after commercial divers found the man’s body near the rig.
Local police later confirmed his identity as 29-year-old Ricardo Jazael Laredo Padron from Aransas Pass.
Police said in a report that despite the scaffolder wearing all the appropriate safety equipment for working at height over water, the man was deceased. His inflatable personal flotation device (PFD) failed to deploy, which likely contributed to his death.
An investigation into the man’s death continues.
The Scaffolding Association has held the UK’s first ever dedicated scaffolding and access conference that aimed to be both engaging and informative.
Around 150 people from all areas of the scaffolding and access sector attended the brand-new event held yesterday (29 September) in Coventry. Open to both its members and non-members the event aimed to bring the industry together to share views and ideas.
The conference was opened by the Scaffolding Association’s Chief Executive Robert Candy who welcomed delegates, guest speakers and thanked the event exhibitors Avontus Software, Citation, CITB, DESSA, G-DECK, Holmes & Hills Solicitors, ITP, Layher UK, PERI, Stay-Safe Scaffold Products and TRAD UK.
“I am so pleased to see an event like this taking place which is dedicated to the scaffoldingand access industry”, Robert Candy said.
“There are very few opportunities that openly allow business leaders, manufacturers, service providers and stakeholders to come together under one roof, today is long overdue.”
The jam-packed day covered a wide range of industry-relevant subjects that included a live contract review, National Scaffolding Week and awards, in-depth discussions on labour shortages, skills and training, scaffold insurance and the HGV price-fixing saga.
Discussion: System Scaffolding – Is This The Future?
An interesting discussion on the future of scaffolding and how System will play its part saw Dave Abraham, MD of Fulcrum Training and business rivals Des Moore, CEO of the TRAD Group and Sean Pike, Managing Director of Layher UK take to the stage. The trio discussed with the audience how system scaffolding could offer viable solutions to some of the skills and training issues the sector faces.
Guests also heard Keynote addresses on HR mistakes and myths from Citation and Tim Balcon, CEO of the CITB shared his vision for the future of how the CITB will be meeting the needs of the scaffolding sector over the next 12 months.
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Prior to the event, organisers at the Scaffolding Association said they had listened to what their members were saying about the industry and composed a conference program that would be engaging, informative and above all else relevant to their audience.
Robert Candy added: “I hope our guests had a great day, and we look forward to welcoming them back next year to what we hope will become a permanent and highly valued fixture in the scaffolding and access industry calendar.”
An investigation by Canada’s workplace health and safety board has found that scaffold design failures led to a major scaffold collapse which killed two workers and injured several others at a western Quebec paper mill in October 2021.
A report released on Wednesday by Canada’s workplace health and safety board says that an engineer working for Boileau & Associés which produced the design for the 16-storey scaffold ‘improperly calculated’ how much weight the platform could hold.
According to the report, the engineer underestimated the load capacity of the scaffold by more than 25 per cent, a difference of more than 4,000 kilograms.
It says the seventh floor on which the collapse occurred was not properly braced and unable in certain places to support the weight of the workers.
The two workers who died were Yan Baillargeon, 39, and Hugo Pare, 22.
The Canadian Press says the men worked for contracting firms that were doing maintenance on the plant in Windsor, Que.
Many young offenders are being given a second chance through a scaffolding initiative involving the Made Inside Britain project, a CISRS-approved training provider and NASC Contractor members.
As previously reported the scheme sees inmates at Thorn Cross, Lancaster Farm and Berwyn prisons undertake a five-day introductory scaffolding course delivered by Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd whilst awaiting release.
Upon leaving prison suitable candidates are then matched with participating NASC Contractor members for interviews, leading to full-time employment.
Made Inside Britain partners also include CITB and Procure Plus Ltd as well as New Future Networks and Antz Junction offer support, guidance and mentoring to participating operatives and employers.
To date, more than 70 ex-offenders – or returning citizens – have passed through the scheme, taking up positions at NASC member companies including Abbi Access Services Ltd, Allied Scaffolding Ltd, BSL (Systems) Ltd, Connolly Scaffolding Ltd, Craven Scaffolding Ltd, Deva Scaffolding Ltd, Lyndon SGB and Summit Marine Scaffolding Ltd.
Rose System Scaffolding Ltd and Lea Scaffolding & Access Ltd have also signed up to offer employment opportunities to returning citizens and have recently completed the relevant risk assessments required to take part in the project.
The NASC has said it aims to achieve similar employment successes through its Returning Citizens Scheme, through which it has partnered with a number of key stakeholders including HMP institutions, several charities and third-party mentoring services to promote the scaffolding industry as a career path for ex-offenders and develop a pipeline of referrals.
Image: NASC
Fulcrum Managing Director Dave Abraham said: “This scheme simply requires a will to succeed; firstly, the returning citizens’ willingness to learn new skills and grasp a fantastic new career opportunity, and secondly the scaffolding employers’ willingness to provide these learners with a chance to thrive.“I’m delighted to say that there’s been no shortage of willingness from all parties so far.“We’re immensely proud to play a part in this story, providing young inmates with a five-day, hands-on programme where they receive an introduction to scaffolding, constructing low-level structures such as towers, independents and birdcages, and complete COTS and Level 1 health and safety courses.”NASC Training Officer Henry Annafi
NASC Training Officer Henry Annafi said: “We’re so pleased to see NASC members come together to give returning citizens both scaffolding skills and a chance of employment. I’d like to congratulate Fulcrum Scaffold Safety & Training Ltd and participating members on their success so far and also welcome the new trainee scaffolders into the industry.”“We’re looking to build on this initial momentum and are highlighting this and other similar initiatives around the UK to NASC members during our current round of regional meetings. The response has been excellent, there’s much more to come from us in this space.”
You can find out more on the NASC’s Returning Citizens Scheme visit: https://scaffoldingcareers.nasc.org.uk/returning-citizens/
HSE inspectors are set to carry out 1000 inspections on construction sites in October and November after launching a campaign to combat serious aches, pains and strains.
Inspectors from the HSE will be checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials on construction sites across the country.
Experts at the HSE are warning that the lifting and moving of heavy objects on construction sites are harming the health of thousands of workers to such a degree every aspect of their lives is affected.
The injuries and conditions picked up can stop them from working and leave them struggling to stand, walk, or sit down.
The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains.
The HSE states that moving and handling risks should be considered and prevented where possible at the design stage. Once on site and before work starts, employers should talk to workers about controlling existing risks to make sure that the right training, aids and equipment are there to prevent injuries.
If moving and lifting is managed properly, a physical job on a building site should not result in aches, pains and strains which affect every part of workers’ lives.
Matt Birtles, principal ergonomist at HSE, said: “Serious aches, pains and strains can affect every part of someone’s life. They can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, they can be unable to pick up their children or grandchildren.“They can struggle to sit down and stand up, they can struggle to keep still and move around. The most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected – they might be desperate to go the toilet but find themselves unable.“It’s not something that many people feel comfortable talking about, perhaps particularly on a building site, but if your back has gone or if you’re in agony whenever you move your arms, measures need to be put in place to address the causes.”
HSE’s head of construction, Sarah Jardine said: “Inspectors are visiting a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected.“Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.“We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.“This is a significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains. The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift safely.“Thankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Doing so is good for workers and good for the construction industry. It’s good for business.”
Toby Budd, MD and Founder said ”We started off with simple pontoons that could be used for access. Then we added outboard pods to the pontoons turning them into workboats, suddenly they became much more useful to our customers and now 90% of our hires go out as a ‘vessel’. We then added spud legs, deck winches, and other bolt-ons to add further value. But there is no doubt that it is the addition of a knuckle boom crane that marks the biggest advance in the system from an engineering perspective. Lifting is a key component for most marine works and I am delighted we can now offer this to our customers”.
The company is now developing a crane base for larger projects and expects to soon offer a 7tm crane on their larger 750mm beam system.
The ScaffFloat was on hire for almost two months to GPS MACS who are a specialist marine contractor on the Thames. The ScaffFloat package provided the perfect tool for the job, it also had the benefit of very low draft (just 0.3m) and could be dried out on the steep mud banks giving the workers a much larger tidal working window than more traditional vessels that would not have been able to ground out.
Ross Albertyn, project manager, said “Thanks again for your assistance on this project. The ScaffFloat has been absolutely brilliant.” 
Toby Budd, MD and Founder said ”We started off with simple pontoons that could be used for access. Then we added outboard pods to the pontoons turning them into workboats, suddenly they became much more useful to our customers and now 90% of our hires go out as a ‘vessel’. We then added spud legs, deck winches, and other bolt-ons to add further value. But there is no doubt that it is the addition of a knuckle boom crane that marks the biggest advance in the system from an engineering perspective. Lifting is a key component for most marine works and I am delighted we can now offer this to our customers”.
The company is now developing a crane base for larger projects and expects to soon offer a 7tm crane on their larger 750mm beam system.
The ScaffFloat was on hire for almost two months to GPS MACS who are a specialist marine contractor on the Thames. The ScaffFloat package provided the perfect tool for the job, it also had the benefit of very low draft (just 0.3m) and could be dried out on the steep mud banks giving the workers a much larger tidal working window than more traditional vessels that would not have been able to ground out.
Ross Albertyn, project manager, said “Thanks again for your assistance on this project. The ScaffFloat has been absolutely brilliant.” 
Ojay Roynon, Site Manager at Benchmark Scaffolding, said: “We used Powerclad’s flame retardant grade which is third-party certified as fully compliant for interior use. That is a vital attribute in maximising safety throughout the internal reconstruction.”
Jamie Lyons, Scaffold Health & Safety Advisor at Simian Risk, said: “The scaffolding has been installed to a high standard and ITP’s Powerclad FR sheeting certainly meets the performance and safety demands of this major redevelopment.”
ITP Account Manager, Seb Carrick, said: “Our Powerclad FR sheeting has an advantage over many rival products because the system’s fire safety attributes make it suitable for both internal and external site application. We manufacture plain, flexographically printed and digitally printed sheeting which is approved under Certifire T62 for external installation and Certifire T63 for internal installation. Having both of those certifications within the same product is currently unique in the UK market. All our Powerclad FR systems are independently tested and have a Euroclass rating of B-s1,d0 EN 13501-1.”
The redevelopment of the BT Centre will improve the environmental performance of the building and minimise environmental impact by reusing its original Portland stone, employing modular construction methods, specifying low carbon materials and adopting a zero to landfill policy. The project aims to deliver a building which is air quality neutral, providing one of the highest ‘urban greening factors’ in London and to be the first net zero carbon enabled office development in London. 
HSE’s head of construction, Sarah Jardine said: “Inspectors are visiting a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected.
“Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.
“We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.
“This is a significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains. The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift safely.
“Thankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Doing so is good for workers and good for the construction industry. It’s good for business.” 
HSE’s head of construction, Sarah Jardine said: “Inspectors are visiting a range of construction sites to check the action businesses are taking to ensure their workers are being protected.
“Everyone involved in construction has a role to play in keeping people safe. Risks must be managed where they can’t be prevented, and risk management arrangements must be reviewed frequently to ensure they are effective.
“We want everyone in the industry, from designers to contractors and their workers, to be aware of the risks associated with any moving or lifting task and put appropriate measures in place.
“This is a significant health issue for tens of thousands of construction workers and can lead to a lifetime of terrible aches and pains. The health of workers must be considered when planning construction work so that they can carry out their jobs without fear of injuring themselves, including being provided with the correct equipment to lift safely.
“Thankfully there are measures that can be taken to prevent injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves. Doing so is good for workers and good for the construction industry. It’s good for business.” 
