- Employers/employees of any-sized construction business and income
- Learners aged 18 and over from across the West Midlands/UK
- Anyone working in the industry who needs a relevant CSCS card
- Individuals who do not want to be away from work and want to avoid downtime (all courses involve remote learning bar a one-day site visit)
- Individuals with years of experience but no qualifications
Construction College Midlands launches new NVQ qualifications
‘You’ve got the experience, now get qualified’ is the message from Construction College Midlands (CCM) to all operatives, supervisors and managers.
The Birmingham-based college which was formerly CITB Birmingham was acquired by Walsall College in December 2020.
They have launched a new suite of NVQ qualifications that workers can study remotely.
Each of these programmes utilises existing skills, knowledge and experience within a nationally recognised, industry accredited qualification.
CCM say it’s the best opportunity yet for people to fulfil their day to day roles and responsibilities while accessing meaningful professional development in key industry areas.
Training courses are available from Level 2 all the way up to Level 7. They include specialist concrete operations, construction supervision, operations and site management as well as health and safety practice.
All courses are suitable for the following:
Scaffolding boss recieves suspended jail term after forklift death
The Managing Director of a scaffolding company has been slammed with a suspended prison sentence and fine after an employee died when he was struck from behind by a forklift truck.
Leicester Magistrate’s Court heard how in June 2016, Shaun Flynn had just finished loading a lorry in the yard of Boss Scaffolding (Northampton) Limited when he was struck from behind by the raised forks of a moving forklift truck.
He subsequently died from his injuries.
An HSE investigation found that Boss Scaffolding director Leon Gill and an employee of the firm failed to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who might be affected by the poor management of risks arising from the use of a counterbalance forklift truck in a state of disrepair.
Company director Leon Gill pleaded guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment suspended for eighteen months and ordered to pay £7,000 fine and £45,000 costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jenna McDade said: “This case highlights the importance of regular pro-active maintenance and inspection of work equipment, to ensure equipment does not deteriorate to the extent that it puts people at risk. Sadly the tragic death of Mr Flynn could have been prevented.
“Companies and individuals should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.
‘Our Town Hall’ the UK’s largest commercial scaffolding project
Scaffolding industry titans Lyndon SGB are deploying and expertly installing a huge array of complex access solutions for one of the country’s most prestigious renovation projects. ‘Our Town Hall’ in Manchester is said to be UK’s largest commercial scaffolding project currently underway. Scaffmag’s Editor Daniel Norton was keen to visit and learn more.
Standing proudly at the very heart of the city in Albert Square, Manchester’s iconic Grade 1 listed Town Hall has been a much-loved landmark for more than 140 years. Opened in 1877, the neo-Gothic architectural masterpiece has taken centre stage for council business and important large-scale city events for decades, from Manchester International Festival through to location shoots for Peaky Blinders.
Hosting presidents, prime ministers and even monarchs, this significant building has a formidable past. Suffice to say, though, after 14 decades in use, with only a minimal refurbishment carried out in 1977, a restoration is well overdue to ensure it can enjoy an equally storied future.
To restore, protect and improve this magnificent historic building to its former civic glory – which involves extensive internal and external repair work – main contractors Lendlease have been entrusted with the renovation. The £330-million, six-year contract will see the building lovingly restored and updated for the people of Manchester and the nation.
In December 2019, Lendlease called upon Lyndon SGB’s unrivalled expertise in supplying, designing and planning for all the external and internal access requirements for this massive renovation project.
Lyndon SGB is no stranger to giant challenging projects. Since its birth in 1919, the nationwide firm has provided a full range of temporary access solutions to some of the UK’s biggest and most prestigious projects. Recent examples include resurrecting the Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Arts following 2018’s devastating fire, London’s Coal Drops Yard development and work on Edinburgh Castle.
Although the COVID pandemic and nesting peregrine falcons slowed the project slightly, work is now in full swing, with up to 300 workers onsite on any given day. More than 50 Lyndon SGB scaffolding operatives have already safely erected a 32 lift large tube and fitting perimeter scaffold with Class-B protection fans, a multitude of crash decks and birdcages, a bespoke and highly technical 90m high clock tower scaffold and provided designed access for 34 huge chimney stacks.
Around 450m of staircases have also been erected, enough to reach the summit of the Empire State Building. And, to top it all off, in August Lyndon SGB are set to install 10,000m2 of the most complex temporary weather protection roofs the industry has ever seen, covering both the central Great Hall and the perimeter structure.
Lyndon SGB northwest regional manager, Jon Cooke, described the project as “massive” and said: “You just don’t get jobs like this. It’s such a rarity in our industry to have a commercial scaffolding project on this scale. It’s not just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-100-year-job-opportunity. The scaffolders love it and feel privileged working on the site.”
Lyndon SGB has already provided millions of pounds worth of In-house designed scaffolds for the eight-year Town Hall project. Over 200 separate scaffold designs have been produced so far. Utilising cutting edge scaffold design techniques, Lyndon SGB’s design team – including manager David Flaherty, and engineers Jamie Robertson, Maarten van Dijk and Bram Sanders – have used 3D models and clash detection systems to avoid the need for re-designs mid-project.
“The building is totally unique. There is nothing mirrored on each of its elevations. We are using our Dutch engineers who have created complex 3D models of the whole building allowing us to detect clashes before the scaffolding was erected,” Cooke said.
As he guides us through the huge site, he’s quick to point out that “overseeing the work is the easy bit,” and the backroom staff are the ones that deserve all the credit due to the challenges presented each day at work on Our Town Hall. These include contracts manager Craig Parry and Nathan Maylett, alongside senior supervisor Shane Scoynes and commercial manager Paul Fishwick.
When quizzed about the defining project challenges, Parry said: “Other than the national shortage of materials the biggest challenge has been logistics and moving scaffolding materials around site. We are positioned in the very centre of Manchester, so strict early morning deliveries were essential.”
He went on to explain how attention to detail involved in the project is also commendable, from the placement of protective sheeting hiding the work taking place within, through to the historical information presented on perimeter boards.
“You’ve got to put the extra work in,” said Parry. “Otherwise it just looks like a nightmare. They’re just the little things that nobody really appreciates.”
The nature of the building itself has also presented some issues. As a listed structure, individual bricks that needed drilling into had to be approved by architects to avoid damaging priceless structural fabric. Meanwhile, much of the installation on the upper levels had to be lifted in through windows and doors which were never designed for modern construction requirements.
“You need a certain ability of scaffolder to be doing the work on here,” Parry said of the team involved, explaining not all hard hats on-site could be filled by Manchester residents. “This means that not everyone could be found in the region, but certainly a very high percentage of those here are from the area.”
Due to complete in 2024, the Alfred Waterhouse-designed Manchester Town Hall reflects both the complexity and grandeur of British neo-Gothic architecture, and represents the apex of modern scaffolding technology. With this in mind, the restoration itself is just as impressive as the end results will be, with the efforts to refurbish and future proof a work of art in itself.
Out Onsite
Although the COVID pandemic and nesting peregrine falcons slowed the project slightly, work is now in full swing, with up to 300 workers onsite on any given day. More than 50 Lyndon SGB scaffolding operatives have already safely erected a 32 lift large tube and fitting perimeter scaffold with Class-B protection fans, a multitude of crash decks and birdcages, a bespoke and highly technical 90m high clock tower scaffold and provided designed access for 34 huge chimney stacks.
Around 450m of staircases have also been erected, enough to reach the summit of the Empire State Building. And, to top it all off, in August Lyndon SGB are set to install 10,000m2 of the most complex temporary weather protection roofs the industry has ever seen, covering both the central Great Hall and the perimeter structure.
Lyndon SGB northwest regional manager, Jon Cooke, described the project as “massive” and said: “You just don’t get jobs like this. It’s such a rarity in our industry to have a commercial scaffolding project on this scale. It’s not just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a once-in-a-100-year-job-opportunity. The scaffolders love it and feel privileged working on the site.”
Lyndon SGB has already provided millions of pounds worth of In-house designed scaffolds for the eight-year Town Hall project. Over 200 separate scaffold designs have been produced so far. Utilising cutting edge scaffold design techniques, Lyndon SGB’s design team – including manager David Flaherty, and engineers Jamie Robertson, Maarten van Dijk and Bram Sanders – have used 3D models and clash detection systems to avoid the need for re-designs mid-project.
“The building is totally unique. There is nothing mirrored on each of its elevations. We are using our Dutch engineers who have created complex 3D models of the whole building allowing us to detect clashes before the scaffolding was erected,” Cooke said.
As he guides us through the huge site, he’s quick to point out that “overseeing the work is the easy bit,” and the backroom staff are the ones that deserve all the credit due to the challenges presented each day at work on Our Town Hall. These include contracts manager Craig Parry and Nathan Maylett, alongside senior supervisor Shane Scoynes and commercial manager Paul Fishwick.
When quizzed about the defining project challenges, Parry said: “Other than the national shortage of materials the biggest challenge has been logistics and moving scaffolding materials around site. We are positioned in the very centre of Manchester, so strict early morning deliveries were essential.”
He went on to explain how attention to detail involved in the project is also commendable, from the placement of protective sheeting hiding the work taking place within, through to the historical information presented on perimeter boards.
“You’ve got to put the extra work in,” said Parry. “Otherwise it just looks like a nightmare. They’re just the little things that nobody really appreciates.”
The nature of the building itself has also presented some issues. As a listed structure, individual bricks that needed drilling into had to be approved by architects to avoid damaging priceless structural fabric. Meanwhile, much of the installation on the upper levels had to be lifted in through windows and doors which were never designed for modern construction requirements.
“You’ve got to put the extra work in, Otherwise it just looks like a nightmare. They’re just the little things that nobody really appreciates.”
Building for the Future
Our Town Hall isn’t just about safeguarding one of the UK’s most treasured civic buildings for the coming decades. The project also involves a large number of apprentices, not least given the advanced technical demands of the work, while the majority of the labouring crew are based locally. That means this undertaking is directly impacting the city region’s economy and up-skilling its workforce.
“You need a certain ability of scaffolder to be doing the work on here,” Parry said of the team involved, explaining not all hard hats on-site could be filled by Manchester residents. “This means that not everyone could be found in the region, but certainly a very high percentage of those here are from the area.”
Due to complete in 2024, the Alfred Waterhouse-designed Manchester Town Hall reflects both the complexity and grandeur of British neo-Gothic architecture, and represents the apex of modern scaffolding technology. With this in mind, the restoration itself is just as impressive as the end results will be, with the efforts to refurbish and future proof a work of art in itself. Avontus Software launches BeatMyScaffold Contest 2021
Scaffolding software company Avontus is bringing the popular scaffold design contest back for 2021.
Avontus Software is launching #BeatMyScaffold 2021, an industry-wide contest that showcases the best of 3D designs using Avontus Designer. The competition was last held in 2019, and they are bringing it back this year with more exciting prizes. This year, participants will have a four-week period to gain votes. Avontus will share the leaderboard via its social media channels and email. Participants with the top five most votes will move on to the judging round, where a panel of judges will decide the top three winners. The first-place winner will walk away with a DJI FPV Combo – First-Person View Drone UAV Quadcopter with 4K Camera, while the second prize is a Samsung Gear 360 (2017 Edition) Real 360° 4K VR Camera, followed by the third-place prize of a Portable Weather Devices Kit (Lightning Detector & Anemometer). The contest officially launches on October 25, 2021 and will run until November 28, 2021. Participants are encouraged to submit their entries via the official website within this time frame. Winners will be announced and notified via email on December 3, 2021. To enter the contest, simply visit the website and enter the relevant information, including your 3D scaffold design, company and project name. As a bonus Avontus say, you can also submit a 3D video walkthrough or YouTube exported video, on-site AR video, and completed project photo.Altrad secure North Sea contract for Serica Energy
Altrad has signed a three-year critical support services contract for Serica Energy, in support of the Bruce offshore oil & gas platform located in the North Sea, Scotland.
The contract commenced in October 2021 and includes the provision of scaffolding access, insulation, painting, deck crew services, heat exchanger maintenance and environmental services to support the platform’s critical asset integrity, maintenance and project activities.
Altrad’s Director of Upstream Operations – Chris Garland said, “The award of this contract builds upon our successful, long-term relationship with Serica Energy, and we look forward to using the ingenuity of our people to support the safe and efficient operation of these assets.”
Serica Energy and Altrad are both strong supporters of the SEQal initiative and which facilitates efficiency and transparency in the supply chain. This resonates with Altrad’s continued investment in the development of the 40 people who work on the platform, a number that is expected to reach around 60 during peak activity periods.
The contract was awarded to Altrad on the basis of its proven ability to enhance safety performance and improve operational efficiency whilst aligning with Serica Energy’s strategic objectives and goals during the past three years.
“We are delighted to have been awarded this contract from our long-standing client Serica Energy, which marks another exciting milestone in the repositioning of our upstream business – aligning with the objectives of the Altrad 2026 strategy – which will see Altrad transform into a business that is 75% larger than it is today, by 2026” added Peter Hughes – Altrad’s Director of Business Development & Strategy.
JR Group introduces new scaffold inspection service
The JR Group has launched a new scaffold inspection service as part of its new training services division.
The service will provide a thorough seven-day scaffolding inspection in accordance with the Working at Height Regulations, 2005.
The launch from the Paisley based firm, which has more than 25 years of expertise in the field, meets massive demand from the sector, offering a fully compliant service to comply with SG4.
As well as mandatory weekly scaffold inspections, the team will also provide one-off inspections, independent scaffold inspections, Anchor Tie Pull Out Testing, PASMA aluminium tower inspections, advanced design structure inspections and incident and accident investigations.
The firm will also offer expert advice on access solutions.
All audits and inspection reports will provide detailed information regarding remedial works required within an appropriate timescale, complete with photographs.
Ronnie Charters, HSEQ Manager for JR Scaffold will be leading with the new inspection service. He has more 30 years’ experience within the scaffold industry and is the current regional chair for Scotland / Northern Ireland for NASC.
As the NCC / CITB access instructor/safety advisor for all National Construction colleges throughout the UK, Ronnie has been carrying out safety site audits and scaffolding weekly inspections for various clients throughout the UK and abroad for more than 20 years.
Ronnie Charters, HSEQ Manager, said: “We are very excited to be able to offer this invaluable service to the industry considering the current high demand, and at the same time satisfying the shortage of accredited, competent personnel available to carry out this type of work.
“The demand for this type of service is massive as there is a conflict of interest once a company erects a structure and carries out its own scaffold inspections. Introducing an impartial company to carry out audits and inspections provides peace of mind for all involved.
“By using a service like this, it will ensure that all scaffold structures meet appropriate safety standards before first use, and they will be inspected at intervals of no more than seven days until it is dismantled. It will inspect structures after extreme weather conditions, high winds or any other events likely to affect its strength or stability, as well as after any substantial additions or alterations or after any unauthorised or third-party interference.
“We look forward to rolling this service out, providing much-needed support to the sector.”
The JR Group employs around 200 staff and was founded in Govan in 1995. It started as a scaffolding business and is now one of the largest building and construction firms in Scotland.
The business operates throughout Scotland and Northern England working on behalf of a number of the UK’s leading housebuilders, registered social landlords and private clients.
Safety warning issued after scaffolder falls from dropper
A warning has been issued by Network Rail after a scaffolder plunged into a river in Glasgow while dismantling a scaffold over water.
A safety advice bulletin published by Network Rail revealed that on Friday 24th September the scaffolder fell from a dropper tube that became loose from its coupler. The unnamed scaffolding contractor was tasked with dismantling a traditional tube and fitting scaffold between the south pier and the riverbank on a structure over a river in Glasgow, Scotland. According to the bulletin the scaffolder was standing on a dropper tube when it ‘slipped loose from its couplers’, causing the man and the tube to fall from the scaffold into the river. His harness and lanyard were clipped onto the same dropper tube. A nearby rescue boat on standby immediately mobilised and rescued the man by pulling him out of the water. The scaffolder was rushed to the hospital by emergency services but was discharged the same day.
The safety warning issued to Network Rail line managers, safety professionals and its accredited contractors called for immediate safety action after the incident. These included:
- Always ensure you are wearing a harness when working at height and know where suitable anchor points are.
- Make sure documented erection and dismantling procedures are in place on-site and communicated.
- Wearing life jackets during all scaffold erection, dismantling and alteration works above watercourses.
- Make sure that personal fall protection equipment (such as your harness, lanyard, inertia reel, etc.) is relevant to the task being carried out, as well as being frequently inspected and maintained, and that suitable anchorage points are used.
- Guarantee all control measures are correctly implemented and followed.
Scaffolding designers celebrate 10 years in business
The engineering design consultancy firm, Independent Design House, (IDH)
To mark the occasion, the company, which has bases in the UK, Poland and Bahrain, celebrated by raising a virtual toast with all employees, as each team member raised a glass to celebrate the company’s success.
IDH was started by CEO, Tim Burt, and Wojciech Wisniowski, in 2011 in Rochester, Kent. The demand for services offered by the company outgrew expectations and larger office premises were quickly required.
In 2013, IDH unveiled its new head office premises in Maidstone, Kent. The firm has since expanded further and now has offices in Poland, Bristol, Chorley, and Bahrain in the Middle East, employing over 40 members of staff.
IDH which works with industry-leading clients such as ISG and Laing O’Rourke Construction Ltd, offers both temporary and permanent works design; with full 2D draughting and 3D modelling services along with all BIM requirements.
Predominantly offering temporary works design, to include design and support for all bridge installation schemes, both steel and concrete, and other steel industry works ranging from structural frame design to connection design and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and further temporary works design, plus full draughting services.
Tim Burt, CEO, attributes IDH’s exceptional growth to the “trusted and reliable” services provided to its clients. Tim Burt comments: “It’s brilliant to see the company expanding so organically and to see our approach continuing to reap rewards. I am extremely proud of the success IDH has achieved throughout its 10-year history and to be looking ahead to the next 10 years is very exciting. The team is exceptional, and we are very proud of the level of service we offer.”
“The next 10 years will involve opening more offices across the globe.”
Wojciech Wisniowski, Chief Engineer, adds: “To have been a part of IDH from the beginning of its journey has been a wonderful achievement. The next 10 years will involve opening more offices across the globe. It has been great to celebrate with the whole team in the UK and Poland virtually – let’s hope we are able to meet in person to continue celebrations in person very soon.”
A large Christmas gathering is planned for an in-person celebration. Previous annual celebrations have seen the entire team fly out to Poland for skiing and activity events and to Athens for a cultural exchange.
The company is eyeing rapid expansion in the UK, Poland and other European markets as well as further expansion in the Middle East market with an anticipated 100+ engineering roles.
UK innovation revolutionizes composite scaffolding and toe board clips
A UK based company is celebrating the arrival of new lightweight composite scaffold tubes set to change the way the industry utilises its materials. Scaffmag has been taking a closer look at the potential success of both lightweight tubing and brilliantly designed toe-boards clips.
Life is good when materials are easier to transport, handle and far less likely to lead to personal injury issues. It’s a goal the whole of the scaffolding industry is striving toward as we move deeper into the 21st century.
Thanks to the bods at Kapiti Engineering Ltd and Forefront Scaffolding Hire and Sales, a new form of tube is set to be snapped up by site professionals across Britain and beyond.
While the external diameter of com-tube is the same as conventional steel or aluminium scaffold tubes it has several other attractive features. Firstly, the resilience of the composite materials comprising the com-tube makes them resistant to corrosion even in hostile chemical environments.
What’s more, they are ideal for applications in both onshore and offshore marine locations. In fact, com-tube is ideal for operations in the vicinity of high voltage electrical works such as power stations, transmission lines and railways.
Due to their non-sparking properties com-tube provides an ideal solution when operating around potentially combustive environments such as chemical plants, and oil and gas facilities.
It’s important to note this innovative tubing is made from an advanced composite of resilient thermoset resin binding both longitudinal and spirally wound reinforcing fibres. This means it’s stronger in bending than traditional steel scaffolding tubes.
If you thought one superb creation would suffice however, how about a versatile toe board clip designed to allow toe-boards to be secured against adjacent standards without the need for tightening bolts? Once again industry experience has been put to good use. As a result, the new com-clip has emerged made from a material that will never corrode.
Now, toe boards can be attached to the adjacent standards with a reasonable manual force. Once attached to the tube they should remain in position requiring a small force to manually slide them into place over the board. when positioned over an edge toe-board the locking arms should protrude far enough to allow a second end toe-board to be secured between the arms. Correctly positioned they certainly won’t be a safety hazard in any way, and in carrying a low weight the construction task is made even easier.
There is currently no specified regulatory requirement for the strength of toe-board clamps. “For toe boards, the horizontal point load is 0.150kN.” This relates to the strength of the toe board itself to an outwardly directed force from operations on the platform. These outwardly directed forces on the boards would be resisted by the toe board bearing against the standards against which they are attached meaning com-clip® toe board Clips are more than adequate. NASC TG 20 has a similar requirement to BS EN 12811-1.
Looking even closer it’s also necessary for the clip to be able to resist an inwardly directed wind force of between 0.06 and 0.08kN (6 and 8kgf). Tests have demonstrated the com-clip toe board Clips have a pull-off capacity of 0.075kN (7.5kgf).
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 14
Toe Board Clip
If you thought one superb creation would suffice however, how about a versatile toe board clip designed to allow toe-boards to be secured against adjacent standards without the need for tightening bolts? Once again industry experience has been put to good use. As a result, the new com-clip has emerged made from a material that will never corrode.
Now, toe boards can be attached to the adjacent standards with a reasonable manual force. Once attached to the tube they should remain in position requiring a small force to manually slide them into place over the board. when positioned over an edge toe-board the locking arms should protrude far enough to allow a second end toe-board to be secured between the arms. Correctly positioned they certainly won’t be a safety hazard in any way, and in carrying a low weight the construction task is made even easier.
There is currently no specified regulatory requirement for the strength of toe-board clamps. “For toe boards, the horizontal point load is 0.150kN.” This relates to the strength of the toe board itself to an outwardly directed force from operations on the platform. These outwardly directed forces on the boards would be resisted by the toe board bearing against the standards against which they are attached meaning com-clip® toe board Clips are more than adequate. NASC TG 20 has a similar requirement to BS EN 12811-1.
Looking even closer it’s also necessary for the clip to be able to resist an inwardly directed wind force of between 0.06 and 0.08kN (6 and 8kgf). Tests have demonstrated the com-clip toe board Clips have a pull-off capacity of 0.075kN (7.5kgf).
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 14 Chemical plant scaffolders to strike over ‘shocking pay disparity’
Scaffolders working for less than £12.50 an hour at a chemical plant will strike in November over ‘shocking pay disparity’.
Around 25 Altrad scaffolders based at Mitsubishi Chemicals in Billingham, Stockton-on-Tees are planning a mass walk out over a row with employers over pay. Official strike action will begin on 4 November at the site until 4 December. Scaffolders, insulators and painters, who all work at height on the site, voted unanimously for strike action earlier this month. Unite the union said the basic pay for a scaffolder at the chemical plant is £12.06 an hour, when the rate for their job under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) is £17.45 an hour. These new planned strikes come just weeks after other industrial action by scaffolders continues at British Steel in Scunthorpe.“Altrad and Mitsubishi must pay the proper rate for the job.”Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Working at height at a chemical plant is a difficult and dangerous job, which is reflected in the NAECI rate. It is not acceptable that our members are being subjected to an outrageous pay discrepancy of more than £5 an hour. Altrad and Mitsubishi must pay the proper rate for the job.” The Mitsubishi Chemicals Billingham plant produces battery electrolytes and methacrylates, which are base chemicals for the manufacture of acrylic plastics. Unite regional officer Neil Howells said: “If strikes go ahead there will be major disruption to the site’s maintenance and repair schedule. Altrad and Mitsubishi can avoid this by paying NAECI rates. The current pay scale is well below industry standard and is an insult to a committed workforce.”
