GKR Builds Highest Scaffold in Europe

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GKR Builds Highest Scaffold in Europe

GKR Scaffolding has successfully completed the build of what is currently the highest scaffolding in Europe on the construction of the UK’s second highest skyscraper. 

Construction of 22 Bishopsgate in the heart of the City of London, will complete this year. GKR has been working with principal contractor, Multiplex, at every phase of its construction. 

Now, 62 floors high, measuring 278m (912ft), GKR are currently supplying scaffolding to access the top ring beam, roof steels and façade brackets to be welded on level 61 and 62. 

After GKR successfully developed safe methods for working at extreme height when working on The Shard, these operational processes are now industry standard and applied to the work at 22 Bishopsgate. 

Located in the busy financial district, the challenge at this height is to guarantee the safety of the general public as well as those working on the project. Additionally, weather conditions and restrictions from the Civil Aviation Authority at this height needed to be taken into account. 

GKR’s 100% tethering methodology using the Elimin8 tethered fitting, although time-consuming, was necessary during the construction. All materials and tools were fully tethered until secured, minimising the risk of falling objects. 

The scaffolding had to also withstand turbulent weather with wind speeds 4 times stronger than on the ground. 

GKR Project Manager, Vincent Turner has led the programme of works without incident. He said: “Our experience is in complex and high risk works, and we have the right calibre of operatives to safely deliver a project at this level. Working at the upper levels has to be painstaking, but when the client can see not only an incident free job, but also the quality of work that is delivered despite the constraints of the environment, its work that we are proud to deliver.” 

Peter Cullen, GKR Health & Safety Director added: “Due to the processes we have developed for working at height on these specialist projects, we have zero incidents due to the use of Elimin8 tethered fittings and 100% tethering policy. Our operatives are trained to perceive the risks in this environment and work to mitigate them. 

When we developed these processes for The Shard, many in the industry thought they were damaging to our sector as they impacted on our pace of works operationally. However, as the number of high rise, higher risk construction projects in London has grown, these process have become industry standard and benefitted the safety and reputation of the scaffolding industry as a whole.” 

The finished building will house a gym and wellness centre, London’s biggest bike park, a market, viewing gallery and event space. As well as restaurants and bars there will be 1.275 million sq. ft of high specification office zones.

TRAD Safety Deck – Built on Established Safety

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TRAD Safety Deck – Built on Established Safety

TRAD Deck is a lightweight working platform specifically designed for the house building industry and is the UK’s market-leading product of its type. TRAD Deck provides internal fall prevention during the house building process, essentially replacing a birdcage scaffold. Just like a birdcage scaffold, TRAD Deck, can be loaded out with a capacity of 2kN per m2.

The major benefits of TRAD Deck over a birdcage scaffold is that you don’t need to be a scaffolder to install it – TRAD Deck can be installed by any competent person with the correct training. Furthermore it is significantly quicker to install than a birdcage scaffold; 60 m2 can easily be installed by two trained operatives. This means that there are significant labour and time savings when using TRAD Deck compared to a birdcage scaffold.

Workers erecting TRAD Deck

Features & Benefits

  • High Quality Fall Prevention Working Platform
  • Load Capacity of 2kN per m2
  • Various platform heights up to 3 meters available
  • Can be installed by 2 people and comfortably erect 60m2 per hour
  • Three main components
  • Various panel sizes available
  • Improves your productivity
  • Installation service available
  • Hire or Sale product
  • Full competence training available for installers
  • Compliance: Testing independently carried out by Loughborough University
  • Roof non fragility test in accordance with ACR (M) 001:2000
  • BS EN 12811-1 Part 3 for structural integrity and safety factor   for use as a General Purpose Working and Safety Platform

TRAD Deck is available nationally from any of our 6 UK depots. It is available to purchase, hire or on a fully installed contract basis.

  • TRAD Deck shown under roof trusses
  • Image showing the TRAD Deck in use on a construction site

Testimonials  

 Richard David Lee – Scaffold Manager at Taylor Wimpey 

TRAD Safety Deck is the way Forward. It is better in everyway to other fall prevention systems that I have used in the past. It is cleaner – sounds a strange thing to say but it makes it safer. It’s so much easier to handle and transport around the site: a win win for us. Threre are no drawbacks with the system, We just have to get more familiar with the system but with the help of Nick from TRAD Safety Systems Manchester we are quickly adapting.

Dan Reed – Scaffolder at Taylor Wimpey

Dan is an experienced Scaffolder working with Richard and was asked what he thought of the Safety Deck system.

It has so many benefits. Working on the scaffolding knowing the decking is there is massively reassuring, knowing your safer. We can walk across the decking with the gear rather than around the perimeter, making the whole process quicker and safer. It’s a plus in every way to anything else I have used in the past, airbags, bird cages and such.The time saving aspect of the system is massive. Its quicker to get on site and move to each plot and with the excellent training provided erecting the deck could not be simpler. Storage is another huge beneficial factor. The fork lift can pick it up and move it to storage until its needed. Bean bags need special storage, dry and covered, The decking is robust and all weather so ideal for site use. It stacks so easily it makes the job so quick and easy, its excellent. We are here to make money and with this system we can do that. With the knowledge that we are improving site safety as well is rewarding.

For more information visit: www.tradsafetysystems.co.uk or call: 08450 50 70 50


Drax strikes called off as agreement reached

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Drax strikes called off as agreement reached

Scaffolders on Drax power station have cancelled their strike action that was due to start this week.

The 29 workers from Altrad-Hertel who are members of Unite the union have reached an agreement with their employers. As previously reported the dispute was over Altrad-Hertel’s apparent refusal to register the workers under the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI).

The series of 24-hour strikes were set to take place during a maintenance shutdown on Drax on Thursday 5 September, Thursday 12 September and Wednesday 18 September. This period would have had major financial consequences for Drax’s operators.

However, following fresh negotiations, Altrad-Hertel has agreed to the register the scaffolders under the NAECI agreement from 1 November 2019.

Successful negotiations

Unite regional officer Chris Weldon said: “Unite is very pleased that this dispute has been resolved through negotiations and strike action has been avoided.

“If strike action had occurred it would have caused major disruption at the Drax power station.

“Now that an agreement has been reached, Unite hopes that we can develop a far stronger relationship with Altrad-Hertel, during periods of shutdown and standard repair and maintenance work at the power station.”

Tender: Scaffolding Works Onward Repairs

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Tender: Scaffolding Works Onward Repairs
  • Location of contract: L1 4AA
  • Value of contract
  • Published date: 28 August 2019
  • Closing date: 17 September 2019
  • Contract start date: 01 November 2019
  • Contract end date: 01 November 2022
  • Contract is suitable for SMEs?: No
  • Contract is suitable for VCSEs?: No

Description

Onward seek Tenders from suitably qualified and experienced Contractors to enter into a Contract to undertake and deliver planned and responsive Scaffold Works for Onward Repairs, in and around the Lancashire Region.

Works will include but not limited to:

Provision of all Scaffold materials, personnel and plant and equipment as appropriate to individual project requirements, erect and dismantle as and when required.

All or part of these works will be provided to social dwellings, sheltered schemes and supported or special needs housing but not limited to properties owned or managed by Onward Homes.

About the buyer

Contact name: Procurement Admin

Address

Hanover Street
Liverpool
Liverpool
L1 4AA
United Kingdom

Telephone: 01618758045

Emai: [email protected]

Scottish scaffold firm moves to Layher with £1M investment

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Scottish scaffold firm moves to Layher with £1M investment

MJR Group Solutions has switched to become an exclusive user of the Layher system scaffolding on all aspects of their contracting and erection business.

MJR Group Solutions Ltd, based in Kilmarnock, Scotland has seen significant growth over the last few months and has already invested around £250,000, in Layher with a further £750,000 planned within six months.

Founded in 2017 by Managing Director, Ryan Orr, MJR Group Solutions has grown to have strong relationships with some of the largest housing contractors in Scotland and the UK.

Ryan said, “We want to provide our clients the best possible service and solutions that are available, and after extensive market research and testing, we were left with a clear leader in Layher.  Our scaffolders absolutely love working with the Layher product due to the lighter weights and speed it goes up. The clients equally appreciate the quality and appearance of the product. It really has been a great move for our business.”

Showcase Event

To demonstrate in more detail why the company has chosen to move to Layher, the benefits that this delivers for staff, business and for clients they will be holding an exclusive event for key decision-makers in the Scottish construction industry. 

The business event will be an opportunity for those in the construction industry who are responsible for the decision-making process of appointing scaffolding contractors to really see and feel why Layher scaffolding through MJR Group Solutions would benefit their projects.

The day will see presentations from members of Layher UK’, MJR Group Solutions, Q&A session plus a live demonstration of Layher and its applications.

The business lunch and live event will be held on Wednesday 23rd October at Lochside Hotel, New Cumnock from 12.00noon till 5.00pm.  If you would like to register for your free tickets to attend this event please contact [email protected]

Brogan Group bags scaffold package on former Fulham Gas Works

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Brogan Group bags scaffold package on former Fulham Gas Works

Access firm Brogan Group has been awarded the scaffold package on a former gas works in Fulham.

Nearly 2,000 new homes will be built on the site in a series of high rise towers of up to 37 storeys. The project also includes leisure facilities and commercial space.

Brogan Group will be providing a tempory roof encapsulated scaffold to two heritage buildings on the site that has been renamed Kings Road Park. Scaffolders from the firm will erect scaffolding for the protection and security of the buildings.

“We have been asked to wrap two of the listed buildings in scaffolding to protect them from deterioration until our client is ready to begin work on them”, says Brogan Group.

“We will be using Cuplok System scaffold around the façade of these buildings and corrugated steel sheets for the temporary roofs.

“One structure will be Buttress as it cannot be fixed to the building, while the other structure will be fixed. We will also be building a hoist landing platform into the scaffold to allow for hoists to be added to the package at a later date.”

https://www.brogangroup.com

Authorities seek witnesses after scaffolder dies in fall

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Authorities seek witnesses after scaffolder dies in fall

A scaffolder has died in a fall from height at a construction site in Stockholm, Sweden.

According to Swedish media, the accident happened on the morning of Saturday (31 Aug) at a new housing project in Barkarbystaden, northern Stockholm.

The man who is reportedly a resident of Lithuania fell from a ‘high altitude’ and died from his injuries.

“As soon as the accident happened, we contacted the police and the Swedish Work Environment Authority. Project managers from us were out in the workplace on Saturday”, says Rikard Hansson, CEO of the main contractor’s onsite Hansson’s House Entreprenad.

According to Hansson, the man was a scaffolder. He was employed by a Swedish scaffolding company that was a subcontractor on the housing project.

Investigations are now underway and the site has been closed since the accident.

Åsa Wallentin, press spokesperson for the Stockholm Police said: “We have conducted a technical survey and are now awaiting the result of it. We are also looking for witnesses that we want to hear from.” 

The Swedish Work Environment Authority will visit the workplace today to start an investigation.

‘Culturally Appropriate’ PPE Now On Offer

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‘Culturally Appropriate’ PPE Now On Offer

BCS Group has launched a range of culturally appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to support religious diversity, in what it claims is a UK first.

BCS Group which is a subsidiary of Civil Engineering firm Barhale says the collection of workwear, is recognition of the fact that women now make up 14% of the consrtuction workforce.

The new PPE includes culturally-appropriate tunics made to allow women of all religions to feel comfortable at work.

The company has also created maternity wear designed to reflect the physiological changes women undergo during pregnancy.

The clothing has already been trialled at BCS’s parent company, contractor Barhale.

The clothes offer a different cut from standard PPE ensuring the most comfortable fit.

Kirstie Fish, head of signs & supplies at BCS Group, said: “According to a recent Women into Construction report, there are now almost 300,000 women working in construction. As this number rises, construction companies have a duty of care to provide for women in their employ, and this includes providing the correct safety equipment such as PPE.

“A 2016 survey by the TUC showed that 57% of respondent women found that their PPE sometimes hampered their work. As the report pointed out, this is hardly surprising given that most PPE is based on the sizes and characteristics of male populations from the US and Europe.

“We have always seen ourselves at the forefront of encouraging diversity. The new range of maternity and culturally-appropriate PPE shows how seriously BCS Group takes its commitment and is part of a wider programme within the group to reduce the gender gap in construction. As a sector we want to attract more women and this can only help.”

Man Dies After Falling From Scaffolding In Cyprus

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Man Dies After Falling From Scaffolding In Cyprus

A man has been killed after falling 10 meters from scaffolding on a construction site in Cyprus.

Officials have said the 62-year-old man, died on Friday after he fell from scaffolding on the fourth floor of a building being constructed in Limassol.

Georgiou was working on a building in Linopetra and fell ten metres from the scaffold he was standing on.

Work at the site was stopped immediately after the incident.

Inspector Kypros Kyprou said the platform Georgiou had been working on was “not wide enough and did not have side rails.”

The labour inspection department said that they would wait for the results of the reports and investigation of the accident to take and further action.

Surgeons Save Chippy’s Hand In 17 Hours Of Surgery

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Surgeons Save Chippy’s Hand In 17 Hours Of Surgery

Plastic surgeons from St George’s Hospital in Tooting have managed to save a carpenter’s hand following 17 hours of surgery after a freak accident in which he cut his hand off in a chop saw. 

The accident happened when carpenter Anthony Lelliott, from Walton-on-Thames, was chopping floorboards. He was rushed to hospital where surgeons were faced with a hand that had been almost completely severed at the base of the palm and below the fingers.

For 17 hours surgeons worked on what they described as ‘the most complex amputation they have had to deal with’.

After the bones were fixed, nerves and arteries were taken from forearm and feet skin grafts and sewn into his hand. Surgeons painstakingly attached everything together to boost restore supply and sensitivity to his fingers.

In later surgery, his hand was attached to his groin for two weeks to promote skin growth in his palm, before the hand was detached and began healing.

Now, Lelliott, who had his middle finger amputated, is learning to re-use his hand and at this stage is able to pick up a pen. 

Lelliott said: “Words can’t describe it because I was expecting to wake up without a hand. It’s just trying to get it to work now. It’s unbelievable really, I’m so grateful.”

Recalling his accident, he said: “I threw myself off the saw. I don’t know whether it was my brain playing tricks on me, but it was like an out of body experience.

“I could see myself and see what I’d done. There was blood spurting out everywhere.

“All I remember was coming through the doors into A&E and being greeted by a phenomenal amount of people; I couldn’t count them.

“The care I’ve received has been fantastic and I’ve got so much gratitude for everyone.”

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