Last week, PERI delivered its first 5-day CISRS-accredited BASE course to apprentices from J.MAC Scaffolding.
The course, which took place at NETA’s training centre in Middlesbrough, is one of many ways the business is helping to increase the number of skilled operatives in the industry and demonstrate the benefits of system scaffolding.
PERI’s Scaffolding Instructor, Mark Holmes, who led the course, believes that the BASE training course in particular will help meet the growing demand for skilled scaffolders.
He added, “I feel this course gives apprentices a good insight into system scaffolding as they embark on their scaffolding careers, including the opportunity to erect basic structures. It also gives them an understanding of Working at Height Regulations 2005 and safety guidance from NASC SG4.15 Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations. Seeing the apprentices learning and grasping the PERI UP system concept by the end of the course gives me great job satisfaction, and I think it’s definitely a step in the right direction for PERI.”
The BASE course is designed for non-scaffolders looking to pursue a career in the industry. It prepares them by replicating real-life site situations during training. Trainees are taught the fundamentals of scaffolding, which provides them with the basic skills and knowledge to erect, modify and dismantle system scaffolding in just five days.
Non-scaffolders gain practical experience by training with the PERI UP Flex system, which is the formwork and scaffolding provider’s response to high quality, flexible and safe system scaffolding.
Successful completion of the BASE course meant the apprentices from J.MAC Scaffolding qualified for a BASE scaffolding card endorsed by CISRS. This will enable them to carry out basic scaffolding operations on most project sites. Recognition from CISRS will also open up further career opportunities in the field.
PERI’s Scaffolding Instructor, Mark Holmes, presents certificates to candidates from JMAC Scaffolding, following successful completion of the BASE course.
Brian Ward, Lead Instructor at NETA, who shadowed Mark during the BASE course said: “We are extremely happy with how the BASE course was delivered. Giving candidates an insight into scaffolding is always great to see, and creating skills in the industry can only support the growing demand.”
Jack McDonald, Labourer at J.MAC Scaffolding and course attendee, said: “The BASE training course, carried out by PERI’s Scaffolding Instructor, has been excellent and delivered really well. I am a practical learner, so being able to learn through hands-on training and stepping outside of the classroom environment has helped me develop my skills.By completing the course, I am able to move forward in my role. Before, I was simply passing equipment to others. I am now able to erect, modify and dismantle basic system scaffold structures on a housing development site, which is something that I could never do before. Learning with PERI UP has also demonstrated just how easy system scaffolding is to use and how quickly any mistakes can be rectified. The training course is definitely an investment into the future of system scaffolding, and I will be using what I have learnt when I am on site. I would definitely recommend taking the course with PERI to anyone starting out in the industry.”
Jamie Brack, an Apprentice at J.MAC Scaffolding and course attendee, said: “I have recently joined the industry as a young apprentice, so I have not had any experience erecting or handling scaffolding. The way the course was delivered made it easy to follow and provided me with a real insight into system scaffolding. This is also the first time I have been out on site and away from the yard, so being able to receive practical training from an experienced instructor has been great. I am now aware of scaffolding operations like the erection sequence and understand how we build scaffolds. With the skills I have developed, I am eager to get onto my first project site and apply what I have learnt.”
With easier assembly and disassembly operations, PERI believes system scaffolds are the way forward for any access solution. In addition to the BASE course, PERI are offering advanced CISRS-accredited courses, such as the inspection course, enabling qualified scaffolders the chance to enhance their technical skills.
Due to industry demand, the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has increased the availability of its CPD courses.
The scheme says the increase in CPD training will be generated by now allowing core scheme centres, those that offer Part 1, Part 2 and Advanced Scaffolder CISRS courses at their main training centres. These will be able to deliver CPD at their network of facilities across the UK.
According to a CISRS statement, ‘These centres must have sufficient space to house the inspection structures and carry out the mobile access tower module, suitably qualified instructors, and approval from CISRS prior to any training taking place.’
The availability increase comes after a recent review of course availability and centre capacity, in which a shortage of CPD courses was identified in some areas.
The scheme says this increased availability is expected to alleviate this issue. However, CISRS will continue to review the situation.
As previously reported the PHD Group retained this year’s prestigious Access and Scaffolding Specialist award. Reflecting on the win the access firm has said much of its success is put down to its continued investment in staff development and welfare.
The much-coveted title comes from the Construction News Specialist Awards 2019 evening, held last month at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.Judges described PHD Group as ‘setting the pace in an incredibly tough sector’ and highlighted the complicated scaffolding work the company has carried out around Big Ben as the iconic 96 metre tall tower undergoes an extensive restoration programme.But the judging panel was equally impressed by the business’s commitment to its staff.The judges commented: ‘While Elizabeth Tower was a flagship project in 2018, the firm also provided innovative solutions on high-profile jobs such as Harrow Square (working for Barratt) and Deptford Foundry (Anthology/John Sisk), both of which were adjacent to live rail lines and had restricted access.‘For staff, the firm offered free health checks, regular mental health talks and flu jabs. It also handed out 25 of its own health and safety awards for operatives last year.‘The group invests in training and professes to offer clear career-development paths, while promoting fairness, inclusion and respect in the workplace.’Danny Dwyer, Managing Director of PHD Group, said he was delighted that the judges had highlighted the investment the company makes in its staff as well as the access solutions it provides to complicated projects.Mr Dwyer said: “Any company is only as good as its staff and its an important part of our ethos that employees at all levels have the best possible training, welfare and working conditions.“We believe that by investing in our employees we are helping to create a happy, productive workplace that ultimately benefits the customer as they have a highly motivated team working on their projects.“Because we are an innovative firm that comes up with specialist solutions to difficult problems its important that our staff are trained in a particular way and buy into that ethos.We took on 22 apprentices in 2018 and hope to take on a further 30 this year. We’re delighted that the judges recognised our commitment to people and building up a good company culture.”Earlier this year PHD Group announced that it planned to create a national infrastructure of access companies across Britain through an acquisitions programme.The company plans to create regional hubs in key geographical areas and is already targeting Cambridge, The Midlands and the Northern Corridor.Alan Brockhouse, CEO of PHD Group, said: “It’s a huge achievement to win this award for consecutive years and we feel that it puts us in great stead as we look to start creating a national infrastructure for the company in 2019.“One of our key considerations when looking to buy a company is that they will have the ability to take on and adopt the company ethos that we have created.“All the staff have worked incredibly hard and deserve huge credit.”
System scaffolding provider, HAKI Scaffolding has just secured a significant multi-million-pound investment from Enigma Industrial Services Ltd (formerly Interserve Industrial Services).
The purchase involves more than 2,500t of scaffolding equipment, making Enigma one of the largest stockholders of HAKI Universal in the UK.
Details of the deal were announced this week via HAKI Scaffolding’s parent company, Midway Holding AB, who revealed Enigma Industrial Services would be making a “considerable asset purchase” consisting of HAKI Universal Scaffolding and various HAKI stair tower systems and loading bays.
The large-scale purchase is from ’consigned’ long-term hire stock, as used on recent projects, such as The Ropeworks in Edinburgh, maintenance contracts, such as the Syngenta Manufacturing Site in Yorkshire and multiple housing, office and student accommodation developments throughout the country.
The deal has been brokered by HAKI Scaffolding UK’s Chris Stokes, working with Enigma Industrial Services MD, Scott Hardie and Procurement & Asset Management Director, Alan Scott.
HAKI’s Chris Stokes said: “This deal is fabulous for HAKI and represents great business for Enigma Industrial Services too. It cements the relationship between Enigma and HAKI and supports the ongoing collaboration on some of the UK’s biggest and brightest projects”. “Their exceptionally high standards and unrivalled safety record can only be aided by the purchase of this huge amount of HAKI Scaffolding product, which will help them continue to deliver, fast, cost-efficient and safety-focused design solutions in the future. It’s been a pleasure doing business with them and providing them with the equipment to offer outstanding levels of productivity and safety for decades to come.”
The International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) and The Scaffolding Association (SA) have been working together for their Temporary Works events.
In a statement, SA report that their London event held in March was very successful and their next conference takes place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU on Wednesday 3rd April 2019.SA says the event will stress again the importance of managing temporary works effectively and fill the gaps for those responsible for planning and monitoring the temporary works phase of a construction project. With both organisations firmly believing in practical and straight to the point training, the sessions will be delivered by industry specialists with extensive experience in the construction sector. Booking details can be found on www.iirsm.org/tempworksRobert Candy, CEO of The Scaffolding Association said: “There are still major gaps in how temporary works are managed due to the lack of understanding by those thrust into the role. We frequently see cases that highlight that a wider understanding is needed, not just from those who fulfil the role of TW designer or co-ordinator. Giving more confidence and knowledge to everyone involved in the process can only be of benefit.” Clare Fleming of the IIRSM said: “With around 40% of our membership working in the construction sector, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to partner with the Scaffolding Association on such an important topic.”The speakers will be Robert Candy (CEO, The Scaffolding Association), Professor Rudi Klein (CEO, The SEC Group) and Dr Mike Webster (MPW R&R Consulting).
A large section of scaffolding has collapsed at a building site in Sydney killing an 18-year-old apprentice and seriously injuring another.
Apprentice Christopher Cassantiti was reported to have fallen from a height of almost eight-storeys when a large section of scaffolding suddenly collapsed at Macquarie Park worksite. The collapse occurred today (Monday 12:20pm) (ACT).
Due to the amount of debris at the scene, rescue crews sadly had difficulty reaching the apprentice. He was pronounced dead a few hours later. A 39-year-old co-worker was also severely injured in the collapse, he was taken to hospital in a critical condition.
An investigation by SafeWork NSW is now underway to ascertain why the 17-meter high scaffold collapsed.
A spokesperson for construction union CFMEU said: “Such tragedy should not occur. We will update members as more is known.”
London based MR Scaffolding Services Ltd are set to take part in a revolutionary project aimed at meeting new government requirements on vehicle pollution in the capital.
By using specially modified heavy-duty drones to deliver materials to sites both in and around London, the company will avoid breaking Ultra Low Emission Zone requirements introduced by the City’s Mayor aimed at improving air quality. From April 8th 2019, any HGV vehicle not carrying a low emission engine will be fined £100 each time it enters the zone. The move will ensure London has the world’s toughest standards on emissions.
Taking A Stand
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “The air in London is lethal and I will not stand by and do nothing. But the scale of our air quality challenge is so big that I need to go further. I want to expand the ULEZ from 2020 for heavy vehicles such as buses, coaches and lorries so that all of London will benefit from cleaner air. Then from 2021, I want to expand it up to the North and South Circular roads for light vehicles, including cars and vans. These measures will help improve the air that millions of Londoners breathe.“Now I urge the Government to step up and match my ambition to transform the appalling air we breathe. Ministers need to deliver a national vehicle scrappage fund, reform fiscal incentives like vehicle excise duty and pass a powerful new Clean Air Act to Act end the toxic smog in London once and for all.”
Jonathan Grigg, Professor of Paediatric and Environmental Medicine, Queen Mary University of London added: “The Mayor of London is to be congratulated in bringing forward the date of the ULEZ. Reducing diesel emissions in the congestion charge zone will reduce exposure to toxic soot particles and gases. To maximise the effectiveness of this initiative, the Government must now act to remove the current toxic fleet of diesel cars, vans and buses from all our roads”
The Cutting Edge
Sir Richard Branson / Shutterstock
As a company at the cutting edge of the industry MR Scaffolding has been working closely with British drone designers funded by Virgin Group founder and business magnate Sir Richard Branson, to help refine the technology together with specialist autonomous landing engineers at Space-X. The intelligent machines have been modified with Space-X safety and autonomous control technology to carry and auto-land heavier payloads safely, avoiding the need for large HGV vehicles to spend long periods of time in central London traffic. The £1.2million pilot scheme will begin in early April.
Firms in both the scaffolding and construction sectors along with many other interested parties will be watching the project carefully. Should it prove to be a success, more of the drones will be built to meet several potential long-term contracts.
Delivering Materials
John Trayfoot
John Trayfoot MR Scaffolding Services Managing Director recently met with Sir Richard and Elon on Necker Island to finalise the four drone contract, leased to the firm for a one-year trial period.
John told me: “As a company, we’re very proud to be the forerunners of what could be the way forward in terms of delivering materials in our big towns and cities. We believe this is the future, and thanks to the backing of Sir Richard and Space-X technology, we can all contribute to the environment and bring something new and innovative to the industry. We’re all very excited.“The drones will be monitored and controlled from a secure central point, they all meet and exceed all the necessary safety guidelines. The world is changing rapidly, and we need to meet the challenges of the 21st century.”
A government source told ScaffMag: “We welcome the new innovation once again showcasing British technology at its finest. We need to think of even more ingenious ways to combat the threat of pollution especially in densely populated areas like London.”
MR Scaffolding is a well-established family run business and provider of access solutions to the construction industry since 1974.
UPDATE: You might have already guessed, today is April Fools day!
Paisley-based construction business, The JR Group, has appointed three new Directors to the Board which will include a shareholding in the business for the promoted colleagues.
Andrew Dallas becomes Projects Director; John Murdoch has been appointed Construction Director, and Craig Whyte becomes Commercial Director. The trio will join Gary McGregor and John Horne on the Board from 2 April 2019.Gary McGregor, Managing Director, said, “We have ambitious growth plans and to fulfill them we need to be attracting the best talent. Andrew, John and Craig all have a very different skill set and we are delighted they have taken up our offer. Their experience will add depth to the Board.”The move comes as the company celebrates a planned rise in turnover and the launch of a new Commercial Property division which will further compliment the Group’s core services. There are also plans to diversify further in 2020 with the introduction of the Group’s first bespoke private housing project.Since Gary joined the business in 2016, Group turnover has risen from £6m to £16m. A projected £30m turnover is anticipated for the coming year. Originally a successful scaffolding and light access business, the company has grown to provide both construction and specialist building services throughout Scotland. John Horne, Director, added, “These appointments demonstrate our desire for sustained growth and we will look at future opportunities to strengthen the Board further as required. We are keen to position the Group as a market leader and provide a complete service to the construction industry. We are fortunate that the Group has secured a number of high profile projects recently, but we are always looking forward to pursuing new opportunities.”Based in Paisley, the company employs around 170 staff. Founded in 1995 by John Horne and his wife, Anne-Marie, the JR Group started as a scaffolding business and is now one of the largest in Scotland. It operates throughout Scotland and Northern England working on behalf of a number of the UK’s leading housebuilders, registered social landlords and private clients.
PHD Modular Access has retained their title as the Construction News Access and Scaffolding Specialist of the Year and also scooped Project of the year.
Image Credit: CN
At a plush ceremony held at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday (27 March) over 750 attendees from the UK’s leading specialists firms and clients came together to celebrate the best in construction.
Uxbridge based PHD Modular Access was announced winners of the Access and Scaffolding Specialist 2019 category for the second year running. The company also picked up the Project of the Year (subcontract between £1m to £3m) award.
The firms work on the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben in London was highly commended as being innovative and paid tribute to the company for “setting the pace in what can be an incredibly tough sector”.Image credit: ScaffMag
While the Elizabeth Tower project took centre stage in 2018, the business also provided innovative solutions on high-profile jobs such as Harrow Square and Deptford Foundry both of which were adjacent to live rail lines and had restricted access.
The Construction News reported that the ‘judges said the firm demonstrated strong initiatives on sustainability. It was also employee-focused and displayed a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation through an impressive apprenticeship scheme. What is more, judges said the company’s all-round understanding of the sector stood out’.
Access & Scaffolding Specialists of the Year 2019 Finalists:
A Salford builder has been given a suspended sentenced for his cutting corners approach to health and safety.
Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how, in July 2018, whilst carrying out repointing work at a house in Altrincham, Kenneth Morris allowed his employees to work on unguarded platforms six metres in height. The workers were also not provided with adequate protection from silica dust during the removal of mortar.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) began investigating after receiving information from members of the public. During the investigation, it was found that Kenneth Morris had made a deliberate decision not to provide the correct scaffolding or means of dust capture in order to save money. Mr Morris had also failed to insure his employees against any injury or ill health sustained during the course of their work.
Kenneth Morris, trading as K & M Pointing of Basten Close, Salford pleaded guilty to breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and breaches of the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. He received a 26-week prison sentence suspended for two years, 180 hours community service and ordered to pay £2,000 in costs.
After the hearing HSE inspector Matt Greenly said: “HSE receives thousands of concerns from members of the public each year and we investigate those which show serious risk. Corners must not be cut when dealing with employees’ safety, such as working at height.”
With easier assembly and disassembly operations, PERI believes system scaffolds are the way forward for any access solution. In addition to the BASE course, PERI are offering advanced CISRS-accredited courses, such as the inspection course, enabling qualified scaffolders the chance to enhance their technical skills. 
