Scaffolders provide essential work for NHS during lockdown
Royston Scaffolding has provided essential work for the NHS during the lockdown highlighting that work is still possible despite taking longer.
Cambridge and Hertfordshire based company Royston Scaffolding were recently on hand to help the NHS by providing essential work for St Michael’s hospital in Bristol during the Covid-19 lockdown. With social distancing restrictions and the understandably tight on-site measures put in place by the NHS, it meant that the scaffolding work took longer to construct than usual – But, it proved that even in these extreme conditions, it was still possible to continue. The project involved Royston Scaffolding erecting various structures to enable the pipework in the boiler room of Bristol’s St Michael’s hospital to be changed safely. St Michael’s is a maternity hospital and provides services to the south areas of Bristol. The team originally began work in Bristol just before the lockdown measures were introduced by the government on 23rd March 2020. As a result, the site was cleared temporarily until it was determined how work could continue safely. When work was allowed to continue, a team of three traveled to Bristol in separate vehicles with a letter from the hospital outlining the essential work they were doing. This came in handy when the lorry containing all the scaffold equipment was stopped by police to ask why they were traveling! To further add pressure to the situation, the power to the hospital would be turned off for 9 hours at a time to enable engineers to conduct their work safely. So, it was essential that the scaffolding crew worked quickly building the structures in time for this window. The largest scaffolding was a lifting frame structure, that allowed the engineers to lift the new pipework up and slide them through a hole in the wall on a Niko Track system. The team had to adhere to the 2m social distancing rule and follow a one-way system which made logistics very tough. And in addition to wearing their normal PPE, the team also wore face coverings which were reportedly difficult to wear initially, as they would steam up restricting visibility. But once the team got the hang of them this no longer became a problem and they were able to continue working at height safely. Although the work took longer than planned, the Royston Scaffolding team was able to complete the scaffolding structures in time for the engineers to conduct their work at the hospital.The Importance of Installing and Checking Scaffold Ties
The recent high winds from storm Ciara and Dennis have highlighted the potential damage and destruction that can be caused by improper scaffold installation. Jonathan Craig from Hydrajaws guides us on the importance of installing and checking scaffold ties.
Scaffold Ties
A scaffold tie is an important connection that fastens the scaffolding to a solid building or body to prevent it from collapse. When installed properly in a system they enable a resistance to forces trying to pull the scaffold away from the structure, such as high winds. From the initial design of the scaffold structure, the predictable loads of the scaffold on the main structure will be identified.
Why Test Anchor Ties?
There are a variety of anchor ties that a scaffold designer can specify. Each have their strengths and weaknesses, either in terms of achievable loads or suitability in base materials. The designer of the scaffold may initially specify the required anchor ties to be used to ensure that the scaffolding does not collapse away from the main structure. However, if the anchor ties are installed incorrectly, or even installed correctly into a weak material they will be compromised and potentially fail. That is why testing on-site in the actual working conditions is so important.
BS 8539:2012, Code of Practice
In BS 8539:2012, Code of Practice for the selection and installation of post-installed anchors in concrete and masonry, there are two types of site testing to be considered with scaffolding, Preliminary Test and Proof Tests:
Preliminary Tests
As the names would suggest, preliminary tests are performed on anchors before the scaffold is erected at a site. This is normally required when tying into masonry or other base materials where the anchor manufacturer cannot provide characteristic load data. This generally involves installing anchors into the masonry and pull testing the anchors to a required load. A minimum of 5 tests per base material is required.
It is strongly suggested to avoid pull testing these anchors to failure, as this is likely to cause unwanted damage to the building. When preliminary tests are carried out at site, it is important that the results of these tests are communicated effectively to the scaffolding designer.
At this point, the scaffolding designer may wish to increase the number of anchor ties, or use a different anchor tie. It is important to note that should a different anchor tie be used, that preliminary testing of the new tie is performed.
Proof Tests
On all jobs, proof tests of scaffold ties are required. These proof tests are not designed to be a check on the manufacturer’s load test data, but a check that the anchors have been installed correctly (to the manufacturer’s recommendations) and that the substrate is capable of taking 1.25 times the working load of each anchor. Proof testing to 1.25 times the working load rather than just the working load gives a ‘safety factor’ to the installation of the anchor tie in the substrate.
A minimum of three anchors or 5% of the anchors installed (whichever is the greater number) are to be tested per scaffold. It is best practice to spread these tests around the scaffold, in particular if different anchors have been used in different sections or if these anchors have been installed by different teams. Should a scaffold tie fail a pull test, then the frequency of anchor testing doubles.
The frequency doubles again should a second anchor fails. Should more than two anchors fail, then 100% of the anchors require proof testing. It is advisable that the anchor used and the installation method are re-visited. Should this be required, then it is important to use a reputable anchor company with a strong technical department.
The Importance of Recording the Test Data
In line with BS 8539, the results of the pull tests need to be formally recorded and retained with the site documentation relating to the scaffold structure. Traditionally, these results were recorded manually, noting down the load achieved. As with many aspects of inspections and testing, a recent development is a digital way to record the results of these tests.
This digital method enables whoever performed the pull tests to show that they have complied with the testing element of BS 8539, 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 to be retained for the lifetime of the scaffold, not just the erection phase.
Keeping full records for on-site tie testing the lifetime of the scaffold as part of a Technical File on-site is not only good practice, but demonstrates that you as a scaffold company are professional, methodical and takes safety very seriously.
This article was first published in the ScaffMag Magazine Issue 9Altrad secures North Sea offshore gas platform contract
Altrad has announced the penning of a contract for the construction, hook-up and commissioning of the Tolmount gas platform in the Southern, North Sea.
The company will be providing temporary access, engineering design, insulation, corrosion and fire protection, rigging and LOLER support to enable the hook-up and commissioning of the Tolmount offshore gas platform. Altrad has said the contract will commence immediately and will encompass the firm mobilising resources to Ravenna in Italy for the construction phase of the project. Altrad’s Director of Operations for Offshore Services, Chris Garland, commented: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with our long-term partner Rosetti Marino SpA for the Tolmount platform and we look forward to using Altrad’s skills and expertise, to add value, during the life-cycle of this project.” This latest contract award comes after Altrad successfully supported the construction, hook-up and commissioning of Total’s West Franklin and Elgin B platforms in the UK North Sea. Peter Hughes, Director of Business Development & Strategy added: “The award of this contract, marks the beginning of Altrad’s transformation strategy in the UK offshore sector, wherein we have restructured the business, to put our client’s objectives at the heart of our decision making. This opportunity allows us to prove we can deliver enhanced value for our client, which exceeds that available from our competitors, and we will demonstrate that, not in our words, but in how we deliver a superior outcome for our client.”HSE issues safety alert over dodgy face masks
The Health and Safety Executive has issued a safety alert over dodgy Chinese face-masks which are flooding the UK market.
The HSE has stated that these sub-standard face-masks should not be used as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) in the workplace. Within the HSE’s safety alert titled Use of facemasks designated KN95 it said: “A substantial number of face masks, claiming to be of KN95 standards, provide an inadequate level of protection and are likely to be poor quality products accompanied by fake or fraudulent paperwork. These face masks may also be known as filtering facepiece respirators. The government agency continued to explain that KN95 is a performance rating under the Chinese standard GB2626:2006, the requirements of which are broadly the same as the European standard BSEN149:2001+A1:2009 for FFP2 facemasks. However, there is no independent certification or assurance of their quality and products manufactured to KN95 rating are declared as compliant by the manufacturer. Personal protective equipment (PPE) cannot be sold or supplied as PPE unless it is CE marked. The only exception is for PPE that is organised by the UK Government for use by NHS or other healthcare workers where assessments have been undertaken by HSE as the Market Surveillance Authority. The HSE stress that KN95 masks must not be used as PPE at work as their effectiveness cannot be assured.
CIOB calls for Covid testing stations on major construction sites
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has called on the Government to set up Covid-19 testing stations on major building sites.
The institute said it would help the industry bounce back quickly and safely by ensuring any outbreaks are tracked and traced quickly. The recommendation for large construction sites in Britain to be integrated into the new NHS Test and Trace system is one of a number of recommendations submitted to the UK Parliament’s Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committee. The professional body said: “The construction industry is set to play a key role in restarting the economy and facilitating national recovery, and it is, therefore, crucial that the industry receives the support it needs to return to work and cope with the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.” More than 86% of construction sites in England and Wales are open. The CIOB said major sites would make good locations for testing stations. Eddie Tuttle, director of policy, research and public affairs, said: “This will help the construction sector – which is a vital part of the UK economy – to get back to full strength with confidence. It will also help improve public trust in the sector, which has been battling to keep essential infrastructure projects moving. Under our proposals, the public will be sure that construction is doing everything it can to keep the virus under control.”Trade body signs ground-breaking partnership deal
The Scaffolding Association and UK construction sales leads and market intelligence provider Builders’ Conference has penned a groundbreaking partnership.
Under the terms of the agreement, every audited & assessed member company of the Scaffolding Association will be granted access to Builders’ Conference premium information as part of their subscription fee.
This comprises approximately 11,000 UK construction projects and includes the unique ability to promote their own business by using Builders’ Conference technologically advanced real-time platform Serino.
The contract will bring much-needed evidence-based, accurate construction project information to all audited and assessed businesses at the Scaffolding Association at a time when new construction projects across the UK have seen a significant decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of the contract, every audited and assessed member of the Scaffolding Association will receive a secure unique company login that allows access to construction project information across the UK, a unique “expression of interest” tab, a bespoke report writing feature and an easy to use businesses intelligence and diary system that is compatible with Microsoft Outlook.
Every company will also be able to promote its own business by adding a company logo to its online profile as well as images of projects carried out. Furthermore, the company profile can include details of the activities of the business together with areas worked throughout the UK, all of which is visible to thousands of companies and their decision-makers.
“We are absolutely delighted that the Scaffolding Association has become the first trade body to sign such a ground-breaking partnership. It shows their forward-thinking and their desire to provide maximum value to their members in these extraordinary times. We have a passion for sharing validated information and never before has our independent, verified real-time construction information and research been more important in allowing the construction industry to emerge from this difficult period,” says Builders’ Conference CEO Neil Edwards.
“We look forward to working closely with the Scaffolding Association to develop our platform to meet the needs of everyone and the wider construction industry”.
The Scaffolding Association CEO Robert Candy said, “Despite the turbulent times COVID-19 has brought to the industry we have continued to grow as an organisation and we are really pleased to be entering into this new partnership with Builders’ Conference.
Providing our assessed & audited members with the facility to access this type of project data, while showcasing their individual business capabilities is the perfect addition to our membership offering. Cultivating strategic relationships with organisations that operate with a similar mindset to us is really important, and we look forward to working with Neil and his team moving forward.”
TRAD Group To Create Six ‘Super Depots’
The TRAD Group has announced that it will be restructuring TRAD Safety Systems and TRAD Hire & Sales to become TRAD UK.
The move will create six super-depots in major conurbations across the UK – in London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Andover. This new development will bring increased technical and sales expertise, as well as catering for increased levels of online services. They will also be providing an extended range of products from the ALTRAD Group giving customers an even wider online choice as well as simplifying online payment. Des Moore, TRAD Group CEO told ScaffMag: “We had already planned to combine both companies’ operations in Glasgow and Stockport before the COVID-19 lockdown.” “Like most of the construction industry, we have experienced a reduction in business over the past three months, which has necessitated us considering ways to reduce operational costs.” “However, we feel that this move will enable us to increase our offering and levels of service and support to customers by combining the products, knowledge and expertise of both companies.” “We are building resilience into our company and our operations to ensure that we emerge from the impact of COVID-19 even stronger. As we look ahead to 2021, when the TRAD Group celebrates its 50th anniversary, we believe that this move to increase our capabilities and product offering will benefit both us and our customers in the short and the long term.”Scaffolders Business Success Despite Lockdown
MG Scaffolding continues to increase its market share with larger premises despite the COVID-19 lockdown.
MG Scaffolding (Oxford) Ltd has posted another successful trading year for 19/20 as they continue to expand. Established in 2002 the NASC members opened their third depot in Rowley Regis, Birmingham in 2018 to run alongside its two established depots in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire and Banbury, Oxfordshire. Due to the success of the depot and increase in turnover, the firm has told ScaffMag its Birmingham depot has relocated to larger premises in Brierley Hill to service its ongoing and new clients. MG Scaffolding (Oxford) Ltd has become one of the largest independent stockists of scaffold equipment, resourcing high profile projects in the Midlands and throughout the South of England. Since the COVID-19 government lockdown rules eased, the business has secured new projects in all three depots, which has helped the business plan for the short term future in these difficult and uncertain times. The firm has said it directly employs a workforce of around 100 CISRS scaffold operatives and continually invests in training to deliver the best services possible for its clients. Carl Fallon, Managing Director of MG Scaffolding (Oxford) Ltd puts the success of the business down to the management’s teams in place at each of the depots and the skills of the workforce whom many have been with the business since the early foundation years of establishment and growth. “If we did not have the effective management teams in place who we have to put our trust and faith in, we would not be able to implement the disciplines and controls our industry requires in delivering our services,” Carl said. “Having said that we also require our scaffold teams to deliver the safe systems of works we are renown for and this requires a positive professional attitude in working to the highest standards that give our client base the confidence to use and rely upon our services.”Workers start to remove melted scaffolding on Notre-Dame
Work to remove the melted scaffolding from the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris is now underway.
Scaffolding was already encasing much of the 850-year-old world-famous cathedral when a huge fire broke out in April last year. The roof and spire were destroyed in the inferno and the giant scaffolding that included over 50,000 scaffold tubes became a tangled melted mess. Now, this week workers are tasked with the delicate job of cutting the melted steel tubes away after building another complex scaffold structure over the fire-damaged cathedral. Officials have said, two five-man teams hanging from ropes 40 to 50 meters in the air will be using electric saws to safely cut away the scaffolding piece by piece.
