Safety and Access expands training reach into west London

Scaffolding training providers Safety and Access has today unveiled the opening of a brand new CISRS Accredited Scaffolding Training facility in London.

The new facility is part of the West London College Campus which is conveniently located at Park Royal – the largest business park in the capital. It’s been set up as part of a construction related learning venture that also features a flurry of other trades including joinery and electrical training.

Strategically located for positive transport links and within easy reach of local tube and bus routes, the new scaffolding training facility includes excellent welfare and catering facilities, Safety and Access said.

The training company will be offering the following scheduled courses to its customers with immediate effect:

  • CISRS Basic Scaffolding Inspection
  • CISRS COTS New Entrant Course
  • CISRS scaffolding Manager and Supervisor Course.
  • CISRS scaffolding Manager and Supervisor Course. (Refresher)
  • Scaffolding Appreciation
  • SG4 / TG20 Appreciation Course

Safety and Access also say, there are plans to introduce CISRS Scaffolder CPD Course, CISRS System Scaffolding Course and PASMA training to the facility in the coming weeks.

Rick Statham (Joint MD for Safety and Access) commented. “We are extremely happy to finally have a permanent presence in the capital to support our clients. We have been planning this move for almost two years and we believe we have got this model right and can help to meet some of the demand in the region”

Dave Mosley (Scheme Manager for CISRS) added; “it’s is good to see that providers are willing to expand their services to meet the demand for training in different regions. There has previously been no CISRS provision in the West of London so I’m hoping this will make it easier for those in the surrounding to attend CISRS training.

For more details please visit the Safety and Access website www.safetyaccess.co.uk

Parliamentary report demands major review into work at height culture

A new report has been published by The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) calling on the government and industry to undertake a major review of work at height.

The report published yesterday (26 February) is the result of a 12-month inquiry by AAPG exploring the working at height cultures and, most importantly the number of deaths and accidents caused by falls from heights. A concerning 18% of people who die at work do so as a result of a fall from height. The APPG is now demanding a major review of the working at heights policies and is asking what the Government and industry leaders can do to help keep the millions of working at height in the UK safe. The report makes 4 primary recommendations to reduce the overall number of falls: • The introduction of an enhanced reporting system through RIDDOR. • The appointment of an independent body that allows confidential, enhanced and digital reporting of all near misses, to be shared with government and industry to inform health and safety policy. • The extension of the Working Well Together – Working Well at Height safety campaigns. • An equivalent system to Scotland’s Fatal Accident Inquiry process extended to the rest of the UK. Read the full report here Chair of the APPG and MP for Glasgow Central, Alison Thewliss commented, “Every fall from a height can have life-altering consequences for workers and their families. There is an urgent need to improve work at height culture, yet this issue is sadly not at the top of a ‘decision-makers’agenda.” A lack of empirical data prevents us from understanding the root causes of falls from height. This is compounded by a cultural obstacle when it comes to supporting people to report unsafe practices. We have made comprehensive recommendations to Government, but the APPG’s work does not stop here. Our report must be the first step in a wider process of systematic and cultural change.” The next step in this essential process is for the APPG to ask for an additional period of consultation. With a review of how to engage with difficult to reach sectors, the role of digital technologies in improving safety and also the appropriateness of financial penalties.

New Temporary Roof Guidance In Development

The NASC is working on a safety guide dedicated to the erection, maintenance and dismantling of temporary corrugated tin roofs.

In a statement, the confederation announced that the move to develop the guidance comes in response to calls from the HSE and the scaffolding industry as a whole. Many believe a definitive system of work related to the erection of temporary roofs is needed. With the assistance and input from scaffolding industry experts and stakeholders, the NASC held a Temporary Roof Workshop last week at Simian’s Waltham Forest CISRS training centre in East London. ‘The workshop was held to establish the methods scaffolders should abide by to erect a temporary roof as safely and efficiently as possible’, the NASC said. The good practice safety guide on Tempory Roofs is being produced by a working group consisting of the NASC’s H&S and Technical committees as well as HSE representatives, ASITO and CISRS. The new safety guidance document is expected to be published later in the year. Alan Harris, Chair of the NASC H&S Committee and Managing Director of Pro-Fix Access Ltd, said: “The NASC is recognised both nationally and internationally as the leading organisation in the scaffolding industry with a long and established track record of providing industry with the H&S and technical guidance it uses to carry out a wide range of scaffolding projects in a safe and compliant manner. So when we were asked to produce a guidance note for the erection of tin roofs we were more than happy to take on this task.
The Temporary Roof Workshop held last week.
“The Temporary Roof Workshop, attended by experienced scaffolding professionals with a diverse range of expertise, was the first step on this journey. The hands-on event gave us the opportunity to see how the erection of temporary roofs is currently taught as part of the CISRS Advanced Scaffolder’s course and how this differs to what we know is carried out on sites up and down the country. “Furthermore, it allowed us to agree on safe systems of works, which can now be converted into a guidance document and incorporated into the CISRS training course and provide a checklist for the all those involved in the erection of tin roofs and also a basis for checking and managing the safe methods used. It will also prove a great asset to the HSE teams that have to monitor and investigate the way our industry operates.” John Underwood, HSE Inspector and NASC H&S Committee member, said: “The workshop proved extremely useful and will lead to a new, practical temporary roof guidance document.  This will help end confusion and poor working practices relating to the erection of temporary corrugated iron roofs and provide scaffolders with all the practical information they require to carry out the job in a safe and effective way.”

PERI to showcase new developments at international trade show

PERI will be showcasing some new developments in formwork and scaffolding technology to customers and visitors at this year’s industry-leading international trade show, bauma in Munich.

The focus is on innovation, practice-oriented system supplements as well as other developments which cover a wide range of applications and target groups. The company’s latest digital solutions will also be exhibited alongside its comprehensive range of services which are used to make all aspects of formwork and scaffolding more economical and safer for all users. PERI has said they are well prepared for the seven-day trade fair, which is to feature live demonstrations and sharing expertise and knowledge with customers. Visitors can look forward to a completely redesigned PERI exhibition hall where the company will present its innovations and highlights in formwork and scaffolding technology. PERI Group’s Managing Director of Marketing and Sales, Alexander Schwörer commented: “bauma is and will remain the leading trade fair of our industry. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to show our customers and trade show visitors what we have been working on over the past three years. PERI’s products are designed to make operations more cost-effective, faster and safer for our customers. This is our mission and our driving force. At bauma 2019, visitors can experience first hand how our latest innovations and services, as well as our proven systems, can contribute to their individual project success. And of course, we are bringing a number of very special innovations with us to Munich for our customers.” “With us, everything can be obtained from one source. No breaks, no interruptions, with optimally matched solutions. Formwork, scaffolding and services go hand in hand at PERI – for ensuring the best possible customer success. In this way, we fully support our customers throughout the entire value-added process. In addition to products and systems, the areas of services, digitization and Building Information Modeling (BIM) all play an important role here. We have an excellent range of services and products available with which we want to accompany our customers into the digital future”, added Alexander Schwörer. PERI´s trade fair appearance will focus on the future of construction. By visiting the PERI stand, visitors will also gain an insight into the latest 3-D concrete printing technology that will be supplemented by corresponding reference projects. In autumn 2017, PERI announced that it had obtained a significant stake in a technology leading company in the 3-D concrete printing sector. There will also be the opportunity for visitors to see how robots may facilitate PERI jobsites in the future. Through live demonstrations, visitors will be able to see how robots will be able to provide more planning reliability and efficiency in the future when surveying construction sites.

BCM sale set to benefit scaffolding services in the capital

The Safe Rise Scaffolding Group has acquired BCM Scaffolding Services in a sale aimed at strengthening such services for the Greater London area.

As a leading access provider with impressive accreditations BCM serves a strong blue-chip client base operating in the commercial construction, residential construction and maintenance sectors. The company has a high reputation for supply and hire services, capable of meeting the demands of very large sites. Based in the South East of the capital they pride themselves on supplying a first-rate service delivered with safety at the forefront. The sale will be seen as a positive move by all parties enabling the industry to help raise the standard bar even further in London and the surrounding areas. Adèle McLay, Director of Safe Rise Scaffolding Group Limited led the transaction for the acquirer drawing on her significant business advisory, accountancy and investment banking experience. Her business partner and husband, David Hayde, Director of Safe Rise Scaffolding Group also played a vital role in the acquisition process. His expertise involving both London commercial construction projects and corporate finance and management consulting as a former Partner, KPMG in New Zealand, proved invaluable. Adèle from Safe Rise Scaffolding Group explained, “We are thrilled to have acquired BCM Scaffolding Services. It has a long and proud history of serving leading construction companies in the wider London area, and we look forward to continuing to meet our clients and to providing excellence in scaffolding services to our existing and new clients.” BCM’s General Manager Fergal Shaw will stay with the company reporting to the new Directors who will be hands-on within the business in the early stages of the acquisition. BCM founder Peter Commane has left the company to enjoy retirement. The Camlee Group was the lead financial adviser to BCM Scaffolding Services on the deal. Andrew Rath, Corporate Finance Executive at Camlee, was lead advisor alongside Managing Director Cameron Varley. He added: “The Camlee Group was very pleased to have facilitated the sale of BCM to Safe Rise Scaffolding Group, and we wish the new owners tremendous success”. Camlee is a boutique corporate finance advisory with specific expertise in company disposals, management buyouts, acquisitions and raising development capital. Ramatu Banga of Fieldfisher Solicitors was adviser to BCM Scaffolding Services, withSafe Rise Scaffolding Group ably advised by Stephanie Kleyman and Nick McEwen at Kleyman & Co. Solicitors. The sale offers a modicum of good news given the current gloom hanging over business because of Brexit.  

SafeTime launch new passive inspection system

The digital scaffolding inspection company SafeTime has launched brand new hardware for scaffolding inspections, the ‘Inspect7 Label’.

The Inspect7 Label is a new passive inspection system from the London based company. The label works in the same way as their traditional inspection device Inspect7 but with no digital display. SafeTime say this will help their customers reduce hardware costs whilst keeping all the benefits of the Inspect7 cloud system.

The double-sided label allows inspectors to show the assignment has been failed by displaying it’s red “Do Not Use” side when the structure becomes unsafe.

Inspectors still inspect the label digitally using SafeTime’s award-winning Inspect7 app, which uses NFC (Near Field Communication) – The same technology as contactless credit card payments – making it a completely paperless solution.

For more information visit: www.safe-time.co.uk

Scaffolding Works 2019 – 2022

Location of contract

SN14 0GU

Value of contract

£150k

Published date

13 February 2019

Closing date

22 February 2019

Contract start date

18 March 2019

Contract end date

17 March 2022

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

GreenSquare Group Limited wish to procure a scaffolding works Contract and the works will cover the activities in accordance with the enclosed Specification. Works could be carried out to any of the properties owned or managed by GreenSquare Group across the three counties. Interested parties may Express Interest in this opportunity upon which you will receive electronic documentation. Please be aware that once registered on the GreenSquare supplier portal you will be required to upload various mandatory documents before you can submit your quotation and in addition to the tender documents. Please allow plenty of time to complete the mandatory document(s) upload before the deadline. Tenderers must respond via In-tend: o Indicating whether they intend to submit a Tender; and, if so, o Confirming they are prepared to accept the conditions of Tendering set out in this ITT. This must be sent via In-tend no later than Friday 22nd February 2019 at 17:00. Requests for clarification or further information in respect of this ITT or the procurement are to be received by on or before 17:00 on Monday 25th February 2019. The ITT submission must arrive via the in-tend portal no later than 17:00 on Friday 8th March 2019. Please note that the ability to submit your tender will automatically close after the time and date specified above.

About the buyer

Contact name

Rosie Clarke

Address

Methuen Park Chippenham Wiltshire SN14 0GU UK

Telephone

01249 478869

Email

[email protected]

Other information

Attachments

Additional information on how to apply for this contract https://in-tendhost.co.uk/greensquare/aspx/ To express an interest in this project please follow the link below which will take you directly to GreenSquare Group’s E-Tendering Portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/greensquare/aspx/Home If you wish to express an interest in this project please ensure you are registered and logged into our Portal. The `Express Interest` button will only appear on the Tender Management page if you are logged in. Interested parties may Express Interest in this opportunity upon which you will receive electronic documentation. Please be aware that once registered on the GreenSquare supplier portal you will be required to upload various mandatory documents before you can submit your quotation and in addition to the tender documents. Please allow plenty of time to complete the mandatory document(s) upload before the deadline. Tenderers must respond via In-tend: o Indicating whether they intend to submit a Tender; and, if so, o Confirming they are prepared to accept the conditions of Tendering set out in this ITT. This must be sent via In-tend no later than Friday 22nd February 2019 at 17:00. Requests for clarification or further information in respect of this ITT or the procurement are to be received by on or before 17:00 on Monday 25th February 2019. The ITT submission must arrive via the in-tend portal no later than 17:00 on Friday 8th March 2019. Please note that the ability to submit your tender will automatically close after the time and date specified above. Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No

HAKI launch eBook to support contractors in offshore projects

HAKI has launched the first in a series of industry-focused eBooks, to help contractors and end clients understand how HAKI’s unique modular systems can safely overcome common challenges faced in specific project environments.

The new multimedia ‘Mastering Scaffolding and Access Solutions for Offshore Projects’ eBook – loaded with useful facts, images and embedded videos showcasing HAKI products in various sector, specific scenarios – has been designed to help educate contractors about the benefits of using HAKI systems offshore. The interactive eBook focuses on meeting common client objectives – such as lowering production costs, reducing risks and increasing project productivity – and covers these in three main areas: HAKI Adaptability – How contractors can adapt to the challenge of offshore projects quickly and easily through use of the HAKI Universal scaffolding system. The section highlights what makes HAKI unrivalled in adaptability – including compatibility with tube and fitting, the unique load-bearing ledger beam, options of both steel and aluminium components, and the ability to build suspended and move as necessary. Suspended Simplicity – How HAKI overcomes challenges and inherent safety issues faced with suspended scaffolding – reducing risk, whilst simultaneously enhancing efficiency. Integrating several videos, readers can see how HAKI Universal provides moving leading- edge protection and safe assembly of bays. They will also learn how the lightweight Universal system requires fewer components that tube and fitting, which enables reduced project timescales, through increased productivity. Safety First – How HAKI products and services have been designed to help improve safety in high-risk offshore environments. The safety section highlights how HAKI’s Advanced Guard Rail system can be used offshore to create and maintain a ‘scaffolder safe zone’, and how HAKI’s expert design, engineering and training services provide clients with unrivalled, highly experienced back-up. Also featured in the eBook is a few recent offshore projects HAKI has had the privilege of being involved in – including the Total Dunbar Crane Boom Change, maintenance and upgrade of Equinor Njord A platform, and the build of Eldfisk II and Edvard Grieg platforms. The eBook is available to read and download here

On Site CPD Training Delivered at Fawley

Scaffolders working at Fawley Refinery received CPD training on site as part of a pilot CISRS scheme.

The operatives underwent the two-day training at the Hampshire oil refinery last week. The pilot scheme was organised by CISRS and run by AIS Training. It came about following a request from Altrad Cape made during an Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation (ASITO) committee meeting. With no approved training provider in the local area and high demand for the course from the hundreds of Altrad Cape and Bilfinger scaffolders working on the refinery, CISRS sought to bring the training to the site rather than require operatives to travel to different centres across the country for CPD training. David Mosley, CISRS Scheme Manager, said: “The logic is sound; why force large groups of operatives to travel far and wide for training when we can bring the training to them? “We’ll now review the pilot with a view to rolling CPD training out at large projects or sites when and where similar supply and demand scenarios emerge. We’re constantly looking at improving the CISRS scheme and are happy to respond to requests from industry so long as quality and standards are maintained.” The pilot CPD training course met CISRS guidelines relating to classroom and instructor training area criteria. The rules relating to the number of delegates and course duration were also consistent with existing CPD course frameworks. In a press release, CISRS have said the course was well received by the scaffolders on site. Scaffolder Matthew Weir said: “It was a very informative course that was well delivered by the instructor. I’d recommend it to the other scaffolders on site.” Instructor Gary Burke of AIS Training added: “The course went really well and I found both the delegates and management very professional. I look forward to continuing our relationship with both the Altrad and Billfinger team at Fawley in the future and would like to thank in particular Dave Burchett and Luke Chorley from Altrad Cape and Terry Whitby from Billfinger for their support.” Demand for CPD courses continues to be very high and feedback from attendees is very positive, CISRS are currently considering ways to make more courses available.

Scaffolding firm and Tata Steel to go on trial over scaffolders fall

A scaffolding contractor and Tata Steel are due in court accused of health and safety failings after a scaffolder was seriously injured in a fall.

Scaffolder Stephen Kift was seriously hurt while working at Port Talbot Steelworks, Wales on 18 January 2014. According to media reports, Scaffolding specialist and NASC members Rowecord Total Access based in Swansea face a charge relating to the erection, use and dismantling of scaffolding. While Tata is accused of failing to plan, manage and monitor the construction phase of refurbishment work at Morfa coke ovens at its Port Talbot site. The court case is due to take place at Swansea Crown Court from 3 June.