Cambridge & Hertfordshire based company Royston Scaffolding Ltd were on hand to aid the Remembrance Sunday commemorations, with support in particular for one of their colleagues and ex-serviceman, Richard Wright, who previously served in Iraq.
Accounts Manager Jacqueline and her 6-year-old Grandson, Jesse also showed their support by raising money for the Poppy Appeal and joining in the tributes at the Royston Remembrance parade with which Richard was taking part in.
Richard Wright served in the army for almost ten years and was a Corporal (Section Commander) during this time he was deployed to Iraq, whilst on the roof of one of the buildings he wasn’t struck by enemy fire but was unlucky enough to be struck by lightning!
The ex-serviceman, now a Trainee Scaffolder commented: “I don’t recall much of the incident but I do remember when I was airlifted I was keen to see out of the window at the incredible view! I count my lucky stars and I try not to dwell on it too much as there are other servicemen who aren’t always so lucky.”
Partner of Royston Scaffolding Ltd, Elliott McGrath added: “We’re so grateful to have Richard on the team here. Ex-servicemen can provide so much to ours and others’ industries and Richard is an excellent example of that. Scaffolding day-in-day-out is a tough job and Richard’s teamwork and leadership skills not to mention his humour are incredible.”
CISRS has announced its overseas training scheme is now available in the Caribbean thanks to a new partnership between Scaffolding Manufacturers Trinidad LTD (SMTL) and Simian Skill.
Level 1, Level 2, Basic Inspection and Scaffolding Supervisor courses will soon be available at STML’s purpose-built training centre in Point Lisas, Trinidad, following a successful CISRS Overseas Scaffolders Training Scheme (OSTS) audit earlier this month.
Philip Archie, Managing Director at SMTL, said: “As we continue making mammoth strides, we are proud to announce this partnership with Simian Skill, through which we can offer CISRS scaffold training in Trinidad, setting the pace for the transformation of the scaffolding industry in the Americas.”
Ian Fyall, Managing Partner at Simian Skill, said: “We are pleased to open our ninth overseas CISRS partner centre, this time with SMTL, one of the most established scaffold companies in Trinidad. This goes to show the CISRS scheme has no boundaries with Simian having centres in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and now the Americas.
“This centre is finished to a very high standard, with excellent space for training delivery and first rate practical and classroom areas. All scaffolding materials, PPE etc are brand new and meet the required BS/EN standards. We cannot wait to get the training underway.”
Whilst in Trinidad, David Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager, and Ian Fyall were invited to give a presentation on the CISRS scheme to the health and safety department of Atlantic LNG, one of the world’s largest producers of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) with an established reputation as a safe and reliable operator.
The pair were also invited to take part in one of the twice daily health and safety site walk rounds with the health and safety department and contractors, which aim to highlight not only any potential issues which could occur but recognise and praise the safe practices of those working on the site.
David Mosley said: “We would like to thank Atlantic LNG for inviting us to the site at Port Fortin, these sorts of visits are invaluable for gaining an insight to Scaffolding practices in a region. Congratulations to SMTL and Simian. They have done a great job with the centre.
“We hope both clients and contractors will support them with their aim to establish recognised scaffold training qualifications in the Caribbean and wish them every success for the future.”
SMTL is one of the largest scaffolding companies in the Caribbean, with more than 45 years of service in the industry. SMTL continues to strive for excellence by providing every customer and stakeholder with the highest quality of service and putting safety first at all times.
A Romford based scaffolding company has been prosecuted for erecting scaffolding in South East London with no Pavement Licence.
JCS Scaffolding Services Ltd, based in Romford, has been fined £1,283 after pleading guilty at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
According to local media, the court heard that Bromley Council received a report in July 2019 that scaffolding had been erected at a property in the town without a licence, and JCS hadn’t adhered to the relevant requirements.
Under the Highways Act 1980 Section 169, the Council is meant to grant permission for a variety of structures to be placed on roads including scaffolding, builders skips, building materials and hoarding.
The Licences give permission for the structure to be on the highway for a set period of time.
Usually, certain conditions must be met before a licence is issued as this ensures that appropriate measures have been taken to safeguard the public and reduce disruption to other highway users.
Avontus announced 3D shading modes, export to 3D PDF, and a host of new features in Scaffold Designer 2020 update.
Scaffolding software company Avontus has introduced major updates to its flagship Scaffold Designer software, which they say gives its customers a clear path to success in 2020 and beyond.
Scaffold Designer 2020 has reached another design milestone with more advanced 3D capabilities that provides its customers access to the hallmark features of high-end CAD software. This enables its users to create detailed and professional 3D drawings in minutes rather than hours.
The new software is packed with various new shading modes in 3D view (Realistic, Flat, and Hidden Lines, for instance), Scaffold Designer can instantly render vector-sharp views of the 3D design from raster images. This feature makes it easier to visualise the scaffold model dynamically on different devices and screens for accurate scaffolding erection.
Scaffold Designer 2020 also gives Avontus customers an Export to 3D PDF function. Its users can now export the 3D model from Scaffold Designer and view and share the design using Acrobat PDF Reader; no third-party applications are required.
Sharing his vision for Scaffold Designer 2020, Brian Webb, Avontus Founder and CEO said: “Our goal is to provide customers with an immersive 3D environment with four different methods to view scaffold designs: 3D PDF, Interactive 3D, Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality. Having cutting-edge technologies that are comparable with premium CAD software, Scaffold Designer 2020 gives everyone a powerful way to communicate complex designs, enhance their bid strategy, and bring scaffold design to life and visualize success.”
More New Features
In addition to these enhancements, Scaffold Designer 2020 includes multiple design improvements. A new tool for Dome shapes makes it easy to design geodesic domes like tanks and vessels. It also supports vertical domes and horizontal caps at any angle, helping designers fulfill architectural demands when working with irregular structures.
Another addition to the Drawing tool is a U-head jack element for scaffold legs, which is adjustable in Bay View. It’s a small update yet carries a great impact. The detailed drawings of the U-head jacks convey the support components required for scaffolding safety.
Offering a comprehensive building shapes stencil, Scaffold Designer 2020 enables quick and precise planning for any scaffold project. It gives users the freedom to innovate while still meeting the requirements of unique structures.
Designers will enjoy a faster, more intuitive user interface. Scaffold Designer 2020 features enhanced user interface elements, new vector icons, streamlined ribbon navigation, and more.
Another significant update is the new Training Video Player, featuring over 20 short tutorials (with more to come). These training videos are topic-focused and derived from real support cases. They offer quick guides that are searchable, easy to digest, and accessible using a side-by-side viewing mode that enables real-time interaction with the software at the same time. This feature update aims to maximize users’ time and allow them to get up to speed with Scaffold Designer at their own pace.
“It’s easier than ever to create professional models in Scaffold Designer 2020,” explained Andrew Smith, Avontus VP of Operations. “Users can access and bookmark in-app tutorial videos and resume where they left off at any time. This helps them get around different parts of the software quickly, reduces the learning curves, and enables them to create amazing designs in next to no time.”
The new release is now available for download. For the complete Scaffold Designer 2020 release updates, please visit the Avontus Website.
Liverpool Scaffolder wins Inspirational Apprentice of the Year at the CITB Apprenticeship Awards 2019
Kenny Sandison, a 21-year-old scaffolder from Liverpool,was named Inspirational Apprentice of the Year at the 2019 Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Apprenticeship Awards for his natural ability in scaffolding and attitude to work. The CITB Apprenticeship Awards celebrate the achievements of apprentices and employers across the UK for their commitment and dedication to construction. The winners were presented with their awards at a ceremony hosted by broadcaster and property entrepreneur, Sarah Beeny. The ceremony took place at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London (7 November).Kenny started his apprenticeship with no formal qualifications from school, but with a passion to follow his dad’s footsteps to become a scaffolder. Kenny completed his level 2 in scaffolding and was taken on as permanent by Taylor Wimpey after his apprenticeship with them. He now has more responsibility on site and can supervise others. He has recently started mentoring new apprentices at the company.
Kenny said: “I am so pleased and at the same time shocked to win this award. My apprenticeship was a great experience and I would fully recommend it as a route to a brilliant career because, you get the balance of learning and practical experience. I’d like to thank Taylor Wimpey and Simian Skill as they supported me all the way in my apprenticeship”.
Nici Milner, Apprenticeship Officer at CITB, added: “I am so pleased to see the person Kenny has become. He has achieved through adversity and proved himself to everyone, but most importantly to himself. His employer saw qualities in him that others were distracted by. They invested in him which helped him realise how much he is valued there. He was always respectful and polite in our meetings and he was a joy to work with.I am so proud of Kenny, he is extremely deserving of this award.”
Kevin Mcloughlin, CITB board member and founder and Managing Director of Mcloughlin Decorating, concluded: “Congratulations to Kenny, a clearly dedicated apprentice – it’s great to recognise his hard work. Apprenticeships provide a fast track route into the construction industry. With so many rewarding careers opportunities in construction there is something out there for everyone. I wish Kenny all the best in his career in construction.”
The Vice-President of the Insitute of Demolition Engineers has said his industry should think twice before using scaffolding to cover buildings under demolition.
VP, Richard Dolman, who is also the managing director of AR Demolition, said it was time for the demolition industry to consider new ways of dust suppression and protection from flying debris during the demolition of buildings.
His stark comments were captured in a ConstructionIndex article following a flurry of recent demolition incidents that involved the collapse of scaffolding in Reading, Liverpool and Nuneaton.
Speaking to Theconstructionindex Dolman said: “For many years, I’ve never understood why people think is a good idea to fasten scaffolding to a building, then demolish the structure behind the scaffold using a machine.“Scaffolding is useful if it’s used to take a building apart in reverse of how it was constructed, but I’ve never thought that it goes well with big machinery. It’s not even great for stopping dust because the minute you dismantle it, the dust goes everywhere. If there’s a structural collapse, you’re in real trouble as the recent incidents show.”Richard Dolman
However, his company AR Demolition has invented an alternative solution in the form of a modular debris protection frame and blast mats.
“Our modular frame system took six months to design and can be transported in sections and bolted together in a day. The mats hang off a crane or a demolition rig – they’re six metres wide, 15 metres high and act as shield to stop debris and dust,” he said.
“Only a few companies use it and as far as I know we’re the only one which uses an incorporated jet system to spray water back on to the work face.”
He concluded in saying: “Let me emphasise that I’m not saying there is no place for scaffolding in demolition. There are occasions – mainly during floor-by-floor, very controlled, small-scale demolition – when it is the most appropriate method of dust suppression and protection against debris. I just think that there are better methods which should be more commonplace.”
Stork has bagged a five-year contract to provide services for the Heather, Thistle and Magnus offshore platforms in the North Sea.
Global maintenance firm Stork has been awarded a five-year contract by EnQuest PLC to provide multi-skilled deck crew services for its offshore oil and gas assets located in the northern and central North Sea.
Stork hasn’t disclosed the contract value.
However, ScaffMag understands that The Muehlhan Group has retained the scaffolding contract. They will continue to supply and erect scaffolding services on EnQuest platforms in the North Sea.
“Stork is pleased to once again work with EnQuest by providing operational support services and continuing to help improve the efficiency of the company’s North Sea assets,” said Taco de Haan, Stork’s president.
Stork’s multi-skilled crew will provide services for the Heather, Thistle and Magnus offshore platforms in the northern North Sea and the floating production, storage and offloading vessels in the northern and central North Sea.
The five-year contract began in September and includes two one-year extension options.
48.3 is driving the evolution of scaffolding by integrating all aspects of temporary and permanent works design, which results in a much more time-effective, cost-effective and safe solution. 48.3 Managing Director, Ben Beaumont, proudly introduces the future of scaffolding.
Albert Einstein once stated that “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This is exactly the case when it comes to processes and procedures in the temporary works sector of the construction industry as we know it today. We are continuously going through the process of instructing scaffolding contractors without considering the scaffolding design, designing scaffolding without taking into consideration any other temporary works, and racing to the end of the scaffolding part of a construction project without taking a step back and considering the bigger picture (i.e. the permanent works). The process is arduous and generally unsatisfactory, and yet the industry continues to work this way.
The need for change
Scaffolding is often the first thing people need, and the last thing people think of. The result? A round-the-houses solution which usually ends up incorporating multiple aspects of temporary works, with unnecessarily more risk due to the combination of said temporary works, increased miscommunication between all the different interfaces (the strife of a Temporary Works Coordinator) and, ultimately, unbelievably high contract growth (I’m talking 75-80%). Seems ludicrous – and yet on it continues. Why? There’s potentially an element of habit and tradition (i.e. that’s how it’s always been done) and probably something to do with the principal contractor not necessarily knowing what they will ultimately need (scaffolding is a skilled niche after all). But with the update of BS 5975 published in May this year, this code of best practice has significantly updated its Section Two on the procedural control of all temporary works and how all involved parties should operate their procedures.
The first step to change
The first step in 48.3’s evolution came to fruition around two years ago, with the introduction of its commercial and management services offering. This provides principal contractors and tier 1/2 sub-contractors with an effective scaffolding procurement strategy, where we take full responsibility for scaffolding and access requirements. As mentioned earlier, the ‘usual’ process of scaffolding design is to incorporate the design requirements into the scaffolding contractor’s package. There’s no upfront design as is expected with other temporary works. A scaffolder’s scope of works is understandably focused on the scaffolding, therefore other temporary works or permanent works are not usually considered. This culminates in the Temporary Works Coordinator needing to manage the integration of multiple interfaces, contacts and designs which all need to align and conform. It’s a chaotic approach which becomes very consuming of time, cost and resource. We have been encouraging principal contractors to remove design from the scaffolding package, to make design an up-front requirement of a scaffolding project and to improve the visibility and understanding of a project (i.e. how much it will cost and how long it will take). It’s a shift in habitual behaviour, but ultimately, it provides more time and more opportunity to provide a much better scaffolding solution in a much safer way.
48.3 and Mercer Scaffolding working collaboratively with an integrated design approach. Edwardian Hotel, Leicester Square, London.
Integrated design services
In July, 48.3 announced that it has joined the Richter Associates group of companies. The combination of scaffolding and access design expertise from 48.3 and Richter’s civil, structural and geotechnical know-how means that there is now a provider of fully-integrated design services to the industry. The benefits that this brings to principal contractors and scaffolding contractors are extensive.
Being able to provide principal contractors with a full circle design service, which includes both temporary and permanent design from one team, means that all requirements from the start to the finish of a construction project are considered at the very beginning. It removes the need for multiple contacts with multiple tasks and removes any conflicts of interest or miscommunication. For example, instead of scaffolding being designed on a concrete slab that requires backpropping, we’ll consider how to reinforce the slab more effectively (permanent work) so it can safely support the scaffolding without the requirement for additional temporary works (the backpropping). We can consider all requirements to create a much more cost and time effective solution. If it is decided the backpropping is the best solution, then we design that too, along with checking the ground and foundations. We want to put an end to “design by others” or “design by principal contractor” notes on the drawing. That way, it is as simple and easy to manage for the TWC (temporary works coordinator) as possible.
We recently presented our proposition to a principal contractor, who spends £10 million a year on scaffolding (with an average contract growth of 74%). By managing their scaffolding packages from tender stage and providing an integrated design service, thoroughly planning and establishing what is actually needed, taking into account the requirements of both the temporary and permanent works, we committed to reducing their average contract growth to around 35% (an annual saving of £2 million). No changes to what they need to do, no revision of any internal procedure – just a pure saving. Even more importantly is the positive effect this approach has on safety. ‘Slips, trips and falls from the same height’ and ‘working at height’ are two of the most frequent causes of accidents. Scaffolding, or working from scaffolding, is a significant contributor to both categories.Our approach to scaffolding design means that we provide the right solution, the first time, with scaffolding going up and down once, and with few unplanned modifications or updates. The reduction that this has on Accident Frequency Rates is fantastic, which drives us even more to transition the industry into well-managed procurement and planning combined with an integrated design mindset.
For scaffolding contractors, the benefits of an integrated approach are also significant. Whilst the scaffolding contractor doesn’t have to take any more responsibility than they typically would now, the responsibility of the surrounding interfaces is taken by 48.3. For example, 48.3 will design the scaffold as per the scaffolding contractor’s requirements to satisfy the design brief, but then also check the ground (or any supporting structure) upon which it is standing and if necessary, design suitable footings and foundations. 48.3 will check the structure to which the scaffold is tied, both locally and globally, under the temporary load case imposed by the scaffold. We can include all aspects of civil, structural or geotechnical design. All other things being equal, this will give a scaffolding contractor a significant competitive advantage over rivals in tender; significantly easier and more straight-forward design delivery and temporary works management for the principal contractor.
The future of scaffolding
One of our fundamental values at 48.3 is ‘See the finished structure before you start.’ This means planning, vision, direction, understanding, reverse engineering and foresight. All of these components are what makes our integrated design approach a success. Incorporating temporary works and permanent works all into the original, up-front design ensures no unnecessary integration requirements of multiple temporary works, safer working environments due to thorough planning and considerable saving of time, cost and resource. It’s gives scaffolding contractors quite the competitive edge and equips principal contractors in a unique way. It is the future of scaffolding design, driven by 48.3.
Towards the end of 2019, the Temporary Works Forum will be releasing ‘The Management of Scaffolding’ – a guidance document on how to satisfy the procedural management requirements of the updated BS 5975. Ben Beaumont of 48.3 is convenor of the working group creating this.
As the pride of the city the charismatic Leeds Town Hall was opened back in September 1858 by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Today it’s a live venue hosting concerts, civic functions and even world-famous organ recitals. An icon of this effervescent city, imagine the responsibility of any scaffolding company asked to erect a system so much needed refurbishment work can be carried out as the building stays live? Add to this, the fact ground-based scaffolding isn’t an option, and a major challenge quickly emerges alongside a strict time-line. In essence, all works would need to be completed on time to meet concert dates. No pressure then? Certainly not for IBN Scaffold Access Ltd, working for Bermar Building Company Ltd to provide a quality service with safety at the forefront.
Combination Thinking
This is also of course, where state of the art modern conference and meeting facilities meets the splendor of vibrant Victorian architecture. In terms of restoration, the project has involved a new heritage trail around the Victorian cells, work on the courtroom, Victoria Hall and clock tower, alongside the strengthening of the roof, improved acoustics and a 21st century bar.
IBN Scaffold Access Ltd Called in the services of Creator Scaffold Designs to come up with a combined plan to create the perfect system for the task. In short, this amazing scheme was all about access solutions and temporary roofs. This was their brief:
No ground-based scaffolding
No public disruption
Wind loadings on the clock tower
No supported scaffolding from existing roofs
Complete safety around the site
And naturally, as is the case with most buildings these days – it had to look aesthetically pleasing, from hoist supports to beamed support walkways. Weight was crucial, as all scaffold would be erected from supporting beam work or gallows brackets. Every step of the way excellent management combined with great skill and continual flexibility, offered up a perfect demonstration of how scaffolding in the modern industry is accomplished.
Red Letter Day
Sunday, June the 16th was a red-letter day for the company when a team of ten highly skilled operatives began work erecting trusses at ground level, before they were lifted by a temporary crane to cover the roof of the town hall. The nearby road was closed as every single truss was lifted and put into place on the same day. Having reviewed all roof options they discovered a rolling roof system wasn’t possible due to a restriction of imposed loads on the roof structure itself. Everything went according to plan thanks partly to the efficiency of the Generation Uni Roof design. In fact, the timing was superb.
In terms of the famous clock tower, both Asterix and Deep X Beams were used for support work on the base of the clock tower. Taken overall, the project has involved 145 tonnes of scaffolding – It was 36.00 metres from the support work to the top of the lift of scaffolding.
Stuart Smith, Surveying Director for Bermar Building Company Ltd told us: “IBN was the scaffolding company of choice on the major re-roofing project we undertook with Leeds City Council on the listed buildings of both the Leeds art gallery and library. The project was successfully completed in no small measure thanks to IBN’s exceptional services.
“When we were awarded the recent re-roofing project of the grade 1 listed Leeds Town Hall, we were keen to use them again.”
Managing Director of Creator Scaffolding Design Ryan Berry added: “Through forward-thinking IBN instructed Creator to attend regular visits to ensure compliance with design and to assist the site team with engineering complexities. This, ultimately ensured a safe structure.”
A Go-Ahead Enterprise
IBN Scaffold Access Ltd is an independent Scaffolding Company offering an extensive range of scaffolding services from Depots based in Barnsley and Manchester. The company has grown to be one of the leading Scaffolding Companies in the North of England, offering clients a bespoke service, from initial design advice right through to a successful completion of the works on site.
Success is measured by clients choosing scaffolders like IBN Scaffold Access Ltd because of their belief in their ability to meet or exceed expectations when it comes to safety, price, service and experience.
All deadlines and expectations were indeed met and even exceeded in some cases. All staff involved on this momentous project could rightly feel very proud of the result. Yet again, the scheme proved there’s much more to scaffolding than the public think.
With everything due to be dismantled in mid-autumn, it seems IBN have as usual, exceeded expectations in delivering another first class job. 21st-century innovative scaffolding at its best – Original designer Cuthbert Brodrick and Queen Victoria would have surely been impressed.
A new version of the TG20 scaffold design software is currently being developed.
A small team from the NASC is again working with scaffolding software experts CADS, who produced SMART Scaffolder and the original groundbreaking scaffold design software TG20:13 eGuide.
The TG20:13 eGuide was one of the biggest changes within the UK scaffolding industry in recent times when it was officially launched in February 2014. The scaffold design software came part of a suite of guidance from the NASC that included the Operational Guide, Design Guide, eGuide and the TG20:13 User Guide.
ScaffMag understands that the new version of the eGuide is being built from scratch and the NASC team is currently reviewing feedback from the industry on the original software. It’s looking at ways to update and improve the program.
The trade body said in the recently published NASC Yearbook 2020, “With the consensus being that TG20:13 is still fit for purpose. Work is focusing on how to modify the software rather than make wholesale changes.The planned updates include better and more uniform functionality, making it easier to use, while also slightly increasing the scope of the software.”
The new version of TG20 eGuide is expected to be released sometime next year.
