Leach’s set for the best Scaffolder’s Day yet

SM Newsdesk
-
0
Leach’s set for the best Scaffolder’s Day yet

Leach’s Scaffolder’s Day is back tomorrow and its the best one yet!

2020 was a tough year, but Leach’s know scaffolders are made of strong stuff. That’s why the company is entering 2021 with a renewed sense of optimism… oh, and it’s biggest and best Scaffolder’s Day yet.

Put the date in your calendar and join Leach’s on Thursday 14th January. This year they’ve really gone the extra mile, putting together some truly exceptional rewards and offers.

Special Scaffolder’s Day Offers for January

  • FREE BIG BEN Scaff Snacks (orders over £150*)
  • FREE BIG BEN Deluxe Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoody plus Scaff Snacks (orders over £300*)
  • FREE BIG BEN Ultralite Height Safety Helmet plus Scaff Snacks and hoody (orders over £600*)
  • FREE BIG BEN Holdall Kit Bag plus Scaff Snacks, hoody and helmet (orders over £1000*) *prices do not include VAT

Two new BIG BEN products featured this Scaffolder’s Day

To celebrate Scaffolder’s day this year, BIG BEN is launching two brand-new products to its range. The first, catering exclusively for scaffolders, is the all-new Scaff Snack. Scaff Snacks deliver the opportunity to indulge in our mouth-watering Nacho pack including Crisps, Salsa, Guacamole, Cheese and Jalapenos, rounded off with a thirst-quenching can of coke.

All of this is packaged in a handy BIG BEN reusable lunch cool bag, and Leach’s has even provided the cheese grater! All you need to do is heat until the cheese has melted and wait for those taste buds to burst. The perfect on-site snack for scaffolders.

The second new BIG BEN offering this year is a Deluxe Heavy Blend Full-Zip Hoody, a trendy addition to the ever-growing BIG BEN workwear range, and certain to be a big hit with scaffolders and tradespersons.

Sounds good doesn’t it? Join Leach’s this Scaffolder’s Day on Thursday 14th January 2021.

Altrad Secures Oil Refinery Contracts Worth £30M

SM Newsdesk
-
0
Altrad Secures Oil Refinery Contracts Worth £30M

Altrad has signed two long term contracts with Total Lindsey Oil Refinery in North Lincolnshire, UK in support of their operations with an estimated value of £30 million.  

The first contract, for the provision of access scaffolding, insulation and painting (AIP) services, is an extension of Altrad’s existing Lindsey Oil Refinery contract for a period of three and a half years. The contract is supported by between 80 and 150 of Altrad`s highly skilled staff whereby every day, they provide critical services to support the asset operating safely and efficiently. Altrad told Scaffmag the second contract is for ‘General site services’ that will encompass Altrad extending the provision at the refinery, to include specialist environmental services for a period of five years. These contracts will be delivered by approximately 40 Altrad cleaning specialists together with some of the most advanced technology available in the market, to ensure the service is delivered in a safe, progressive and value-enhancing manner. Chris Smith – Maintenance Manager at Lindsey Oil Refinery said “Lindsey Oil Refinery is very much aware of the essential contribution to performance made by every member of the site team. Altrad proved from their earliest days on-site that they shared exactly these values, that have underpinned their year on year improvement in safety and productivity over the last seven years. As one of our key contract partners, they have always responded positively to new challenges and we have been able to continually evolve and adapt our contract together. Our decision to expand their scope of supply from AIP to wider site services from the beginning of 2021, followed a rigorous technical and commercial process, but one which has given us confidence that a similar trend of continuous improvement can be achieved during the next phase.” Altrad’s Business Unit Director – Karl Bramwell added, “We are delighted to have signed both these contracts with Total Lindsey Oil Refinery, which builds upon a successful strategic relationship that spans back over seven years. We look forward to using the ingenuity of our people to create extraordinary outcomes, as we deliver critical support services, which support the safe and efficient operation of the refinery.

New TG20:21 guidance set to launch in the spring

SM Newsdesk
-
0
New TG20:21 guidance set to launch in the spring

NASC’s eagerly-anticipated eGuide scaffolding design software update and expansion of TG20:21 will go on sale from March, it has been confirmed.

The latest updated version of TG20 builds on TG20:13, the NASC’s innovative, user-friendly and widely-adopted eGuide software, with a number of revisions to make the process of producing a compliant scaffolding design even simpler and additions to make the software even more useful. As demonstrated at the trade body’s AGM in November these additions include exterior birdcages, tube and fitting mobile towers, tube and fitting loading bays without beams and tied independent scaffolds with three inside boards. Also, TG20 compliance sheet will now be double-sided with the illustration and principal compliance criteria on the front side and the detailed compliance criteria listed on the reverse in landscape format. The NASC has said users will be able to access TG20:21 – and the associated and updated Operational and Design guides – via a link from their website using a unique serial number and login credentials rather than via a file download or CD. NASC members will benefit most with a set price of £75 per eGuide subscription per year while non-members will need to part with £300 for the same subscription per year. A full price guide can be found here. However, the scaffolding trade body has said that existing users transitioning from TG20:13 to TG20:21 will have a short period of free use of the new software. All TG20:13 users will have three months of TG20:21 free, while those that purchased TG20:13 in 2019 will receive nine months of the new software free. Those that purchased TG20:13 in 2020 will be entitled to use TG20:21 for free for 15 months before subscription fees apply. NASC President Lynn Way said: “TG20:13 was a huge step forward for the scaffolding industry, revolutionising the way scaffolding contractors produce day-to-day scaffolding designs and ensure their scaffolding projects are safe and compliant. “TG20:21 is another step forward. Not only has the scope of TG20 been expanded but it’s also been further simplified – making it easier than ever to use and covering a broader range of scaffold designs. “On top of this, the TG20:21 suite will be accessible via a dedicated digital portal, again, making it much more user friendly. I’d like to thank all the NASC Committees that played a part in working on TG20:21 as well as our long-standing software developers CADS for their efforts in bringing it to life. “Of course, the work doesn’t stop here and we’ll continue to innovate and improve in any way we can to make the scaffolding industry safer for all.”

Business Secretary writes open letter to construction

SM Newsdesk
-
0
Business Secretary writes open letter to construction

The new Business Secretary has written an open letter to all within the UK’s construction sector praising workers, and stating ‘It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times.’

In his first move as Business Secretary, The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP has written an open letter to everyone working in the UK’s construction sector. He confirmed it was vital that firms and tradespeople in construction and its supply chain continue to operate during lockdown. His letter reads: “On 4 January, the Prime Minister announced new national lockdown restrictions across the country to help us control and push back against the spread of a new variant of Covid-19. This brings new restrictions, including asking people to stay at home apart from essential travel.” “As the new Business Secretary, I would like to take this opportunity to restate the Government position, which is that firms and tradespeople in the construction sector and its supply chain, including merchants, suppliers and product manufacturers, should continue to operate during this national lockdown. I would also like to make it clear that where it is essential to travel or to stay in accommodation, whether to get to your work or for the purposes of carrying out your work, those in the industry are able to do so. “It is vital that construction continues through these unsettling times and I want to reassure you that the Government values the crucial contribution your sector is making. Whether delivering on large or small construction sites, and in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making a major contribution to the economic recovery following Covid-19.” “To help ensure that it is safe for you to operate whilst carrying out your work, the Construction Leadership Council has published the Site Operating Procedures (SOP) and Branch Operating Procedures, which reflect the latest guidance from Government. The Government and devolved administrations continue to update their safe working guidance which can be found on GOV.UK.” “My Ministerial team and I are in regular contact with industry leaders about the risks, issues and challenges you face. Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.”

Scaffolding Association celebrates booming membership levels

SM Newsdesk
-
0
Scaffolding Association celebrates booming membership levels

Scaffolding trade body, the Scaffolding Association has become the largest of its kind after hitting 500 member milestone.

The Scaffolding Association is celebrating its booming membership numbers, with more than 500 companies now working together to help raise industry standards and expand work opportunities. It is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and was established to represent scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants.  The trade body says it offers scaffolding contractors, who have often felt marginalised by the myth that there is only one place to go for representation, a dynamic voice. Since its inception, the Scaffolding Association says it has been breaking down those beliefs and providing a fair and accessible platform for scaffolding contractors who are committed to effecting change in the sector. Chief Executive Robert Candy said: “2020 has undoubtedly been a difficult year for everyone, and the strength and resilience our sector has shown is astounding. At the start of the pandemic I could never have imagined that we could have sustained such levels of growth and be welcoming our 500th member. As a trade association, it is our responsibility to ensure that everyone within our industry has access to advice and support that will help them work safely and grow their business. We have created an open and inclusive community of scaffolding businesses, and our growth last year demonstrates that our approach is one that really resonates with the forward thinkers operating in our industry.” The Scaffolding Association provides assistance and advice to scaffolding and access contractors, client organisations, manufacturers and consultants of all sizes across the country. Offering various levels of membership, it works closely with trade, government and accreditation organisations, to provide a robust support network designed to help its members deliver safe and quality services.

Worker dies in London scaffold fall

SM Newsdesk
-
0
Worker dies in London scaffold fall

A worker has been killed in a fall from a scaffolding project in South East London.

The Health and Safety Executive is currently investigating after a man died falling from the top lift of a temporary roof scaffold in Orpington, South East London. The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene on Thursday 7, at around 1 pm, reports MyLondon. Emergency services and the London Air Ambulance arrived at the scene and found a man in his 50s with serious injuries. The man, thought to be a construction worker was pronounced dead at the scene. A Met Police spokesperson said: “The death is being treated as unexplained, but at this stage is not thought to be suspicious.” Police confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the incident. My Bromley tweeted; “Really sad news coming out of Petts Wood. A builder falls from the top floor of the scaffolding our thoughts are with the family.” Scaffmag reached out to the main scaffolding contractor on site for comment, we still await their reply.

Scaffolding training continues despite UK national lockdown

Daniel Norton
-
0
Scaffolding training continues despite UK national lockdown

Several CISRS training providers are still supporting the industry, despite the UK national lockdown, it’s been revealed.

In a bid to curb the second wave of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic the UK government ordered the country to enter its third national lockdown earlier this week. Schools, colleges and universities also had to close with a number of scaffolding training centres following suit, leaving many scaffolders in training limbo. However, Scaffmag understands that several independent CISRS training providers not linked to Further Education colleges or apprenticeship delivery are continuing to operate throughout the lockdown. One such provider Safety & Access Ltd is continuing to support the industry by providing key training and assessments to meet their customer’s needs and the needs of scaffolders generally. Rick Statham, Safety & Access Joint Managing Director told me: “We have worked very hard to ensure that the very latest COVID precautions are in place at our training facilities including social distancing, sanitisers and hygiene facilities, one-way systems, staggered breaks, temperature checks, PPE etc as the safety of our staff and customers is paramount. There are several CISRS training providers in the UK that have taken a similar view to support their customers and I would urge Scaffmag readers and followers to contact their local providers and enquire.” “As a business that provides safety-critical training in support of construction, infrastructure, oil and gas and a wide range of essential sectors we are continuing to offer safe short duration courses and VQ development to enable our customers to renew or complete their qualifications to access sites and to achieve the relevant CISRS Card.” “We are also continuing with much of our statutory scaffold inspections and on-site assessment to meet the regulatory needs of our customers.” Rick added: “As the current situation is constantly changing regarding COVID in the UK, we will obviously monitor and review this on an ongoing basis and make any decisions based on best practice and government guidelines.”

Major Midlands Hotel A Perfect Host for Sky Scaffolding

Grahame Anderson
-
0
Major Midlands Hotel A Perfect Host for Sky Scaffolding

A prestigious Birmingham hotel has been reaching for the sky in search of the perfect safe access scaffolding solution.

Now, the Clayton Hotel in the city centre has a rooftop extension to be proud of having remained completely operational as works were carried out by CField Construction. None of this would have been possible, however, without the expertise of Sky Scaffolding Midlands Ltd who provided an interim solution for the two-storey scheme. In order to maintain guest vistas and natural light pouring into the building, the scaffolders formulated a plan utilising Layher Allround towers installed between the existing windows of the lower floors. The towers were tied into the existing floor slabs and were bridged at high level to provide the first working lift at existing roof level. As the contractor was unable to install any new permanent structure through the existing roofing membranes until the scaffolding structure was watertight, the experts at Sky began work from the project start date. In fact, the risk of water ingress into the operational hotel below would be too great once the waterproofing of the existing roof was broken.  Because there wasn’t a permanent structure to tie to above the existing roofing level, the scaffold had to extend a further 8m and support a 19m clear span temporary roofing structure. In terms of the original design, buttresses anchored to the existing roof slab were a possibility – alternatively, they could use tie beams between the two external elevation scaffolds. After a lot of skilled planning, the company set about bracing and anchoring each frame of the scaffold back to the existing concrete roof slab. This involved using 4x band and plate fittings and concrete anchors per frame, drastically reducing the amount of material needed to support the scaffold. The result was a superb view from the road level as the scaffold appeared to be built four lifts above tie level without lateral support. Shrinkwrap was chosen as the best sheeting system for most of the temporary roof covering, due to the unusual shape of the roof at the interface with the existing higher-level part of the hotel. The scaffolders elected to work alongside A HAKITEC roof system for the remaining section of the roof as the Contractor required the ability to pull sheets back and crane materials into the worksite. It all depended on the weather conditions of course. It was then time to construct a full-height site staircase and two large crane loading bays on the Moor Street Queensway Elevation. The scaffolding was so strong fully sheeted it comfortably survived Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis in February 2020.  JP Burke, CField Construction Contracts Manager, explained: “Sky Scaffolding were appointed to execute access requirements and temporary roofing solutions for our Clayton Hotel project in Birmingham. CField decided a temporary roof was critical for the execution of the project as the existing building remained live throughout our construction period. The temporary roof, supplied and installed by Sky Scaffolding, proved a perfect solution and was an impressive structure greatly admired by all. Sky Scaffolding provided fantastic site personnel with great experience, knowledge and care. Their attention to detail was excellent throughout their element of works. Many thanks to the Sky team for contributing to the success of this complex scheme.” Thoroughly safe access was provided for the successful completion of the project last summer despite the pandemic. Both CField and the hotel had certainly reached new heights as Sky Scaffolding elevated their already high reputation for quality and innovation to a whole new level.

Installation of UK’s biggest printed scaffold wrap underway

Daniel Norton
-
0
Installation of UK’s biggest printed scaffold wrap underway

The UK’s biggest printed scaffold wrap installation gets underway.

This week sees the start of a colossal project to wrap the access scaffolding that is being erected around the iconic Selfridges store in Birmingham. Industry specialists Embrace Building Wraps have begun the installation of the record-breaking 10,400m2 digitally-printed scaffold banner. During renovations to the property scaffold measuring approximately 42m high and 260m long will follow the contours of the building along Moor Street, Park Street and into Spiceal Street at the Bullring. This will enable the replacement of the façade for improved energy efficiency and the removal and reattachment of the signature 15,000 silver discs. The printed scaffold wrap design entitled ‘The Dogtooth Flower’ has been created by Birmingham-born Osman Yousefzada and is the designer’s first piece of public art. Each of the dogtooth flowers measures 6.7m high and 7m wide. Embrace is delivering the largest digitally-printed scaffold banner in the UK working closely with BAM Construction and Midland Scaffold Services. A network of 28 separate offset frames is being installed to form the structure in phases over the next six months. Site hoarding graphics will also be installed to complete the high impact design. Managing Director at Embrace Building Wraps Greg Forster comments: “We are delighted to be working on such a high-profile project at this landmark location. What we have here is an über-large puzzle made up of 28 different shaped pieces. On average each piece measures 371m2 – about the same size as seven double-decker buses.” Greg continues: “To fully appreciate the scale of the project the entire banner installation is about half the height of Big Ben and as long as 3.5 Boeing 747 jumbo jets!” When the works are complete and the enormous wrap ultimately comes down it will be repurposed as agricultural waterproof covers through the National Farmers Union as an alternative to tarpaulins.

NASC hands over more than £50K in training fund payments

SM Newsdesk
-
0
NASC hands over more than £50K in training fund payments

Members of the scaffolding trade body the NASC have received more than £50,000 from the NASC’s four training funds during 2020, it has been revealed.

It’s been announced that NASC full members collectively claimed £25,500 in Continual Professional Development (CPD) funding – paying for 204 experienced operatives to complete the two-day refresher course – and £16,500 in CISRS Operatives Training Scheme (COTS) payments – bringing 132 new recruits into the scaffolding industry. Their members also made 58 applications to receive funding through the NASC’s Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training fund, receiving £7,250 in total. There were also three £1,000 claims made to the NASC’s Armed Forces training fund, dedicated to the training and upskilling of ex-services personnel. The figures were announced at the NASC’s annual general meeting that took place online in November 2020. Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “The NASC is passionate about safety, training and recruitment and committed to helping its members succeed in these areas. “The established CPD and COTS funding pots, through which members can claim payments of £125 for employees at the start of their scaffolding industry career and those renewing their CISRS Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder cards, remain extremely popular among members. “We are delighted to see that members continue to take advantage of the MHFA training fund, making more than a claim per week during 2020 collectively. Mental health and wellbeing is a huge issue in the construction industry, evidenced by the fact that every working day, two construction workers take their own life. “This fund aims to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health and promote the importance of focusing on employee wellbeing in the workplace, giving members a payment of up to £125 to pay for mental health first aid training. “The Armed Forces fund, through which NASC members can claim up to £1,000 towards the training of an ex-forces employee or employees, has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. We’re sure that once normality returns, they will make as much use of this fund as they have the other three.”
1...165166167...353Page 166 of 353