SMART Scaffolder launches latest software update for 2019

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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SMART Scaffolder launches latest software update for 2019

Scaffolding software providers SMART Scaffolder have launched its 2019 SMART Estimator update.

SMART Scaffolder are constantly adding new functionality to their design, estimating and TG20:13 compliance software SMART Estimator. Having asked their customers what they would most like developed, the new 2019 release now provides for estimating chimney stacks for the first time! Easily created as a realistic looking 3D model, the estimates produce accurate prices for labour and materials in an automatic quote together with professional-looking drawings, material lists and weights. Commenting on the update Ian Chambers, Sales and Marketing Director at SMART Scaffolder, said: “we always listen to what our customers tell us and this year’s release really focuses on those most requested features. What’s really exciting is that we have even more requested new features that will appear over the next few months so that we are always delivering what scaffolders need most”. The software firm says there are plenty of other improvements in the 2019 release, including the ability to import and estimate from site plans & Google satellite images, new pricing options, greater design flexibility and improved speed & usability. According to the firm, when combined with the existing powerful functionality, the new features make SMART Estimator the most comprehensive estimating software scaffolders can buy. To see more details, visit the SMART Scaffolder website.

GTS Scaffolding Set For CITB Levy Hearing

Grahame Anderson
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GTS Scaffolding Set For CITB Levy Hearing

A Manchester-based scaffolding company is preparing for a court case that could have serious repercussions across the industry.

GTS Scaffolding is refusing to pay the annual levy imposed upon them by The Council and Industry Training Board or CITB, citing the company will receive nothing in return. As a result, they face proceedings at Guildford County Court on December 10th. The CITB Levy is a payment made by employers reinvested back into the construction industry to support the development of skills and training of the workforce. It facilitates company access grants to support the delivery of apprenticeships and upskilling the existing workforce. Levy’s are passed by Parliament of course, and so a legal requirement. But GTS argue they sometimes aren’t made for the real modern world. “We’ve been asked to pay a total of £8,000 and I feel they have not provided an adequate service to my company”, says Graham Tulet from GTS. CITB in effect subsidises The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC), but what if you don’t want to join the NASC? We are a highly reputable company always trying to keep standards as high as possible. “We have always tried to reward commitment by training labourers up to become fully fledged scaffolders, but of course they need certification. On five occasions when trying to book candidates on courses we were turned down as the courses were full, and at the time they could not offer an alternative date or course. On the few occasions in the past when we have sent candidates on a course, we have paid the full course fees and not been offered any grants which are supposedly available. And yet I could go to an agency and get 50 or 60 scaffolders quite easily. “How can I justify going to my Directors for £8,000 when we’ve literally got nothing in return? It just doesn’t make sense. why is it that we should pay a levy when other companies within the building sector are not paying because the CITB are unaware of them, therefore they cannot monitor or even police the levy properly. This also creates an uneven platform when quoting in competition against the non-levy paying companies. “I’d be interested to know if any other scaffolding companies have encountered the same problems or in fact, feel the same way given we are preparing our defence.” ScaffMag will be following the case very closely, as the final ruling could set a precedent going forward within the industry. Graham can be contacted at [email protected]

Inquest into Death of Scaffolder Crushed by Forklift Truck

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Inquest into Death of Scaffolder Crushed by Forklift Truck

An inquest has heard how a scaffolder died as a result of becoming crushed by a forklift truck with a dodgy handbrake.

Shaun Flynn, 36 a scaffolder from Rothwell died in hospital from his injuries sustained at premises of his Northampton-based employer Boss Scaffolding on 20 June 2016. Northampton Coroner’s Court heard he had been using the forklift truck before he became trapped. He had head, neck and brain injuries. The assistant coroner said Flynn, had left the vehicle to make some checks when it rolled forward. He became trapped between the forklift and a lorry, causing severe injuries which affected his brain stem. Flynn was taken by air ambulance to University Hospital Coventry. Shaun Flynn’s mother Janice gave evidence at the inquest, she described her son as a “gentle giant, joker and a hard worker”. On the day of the accident, she said Flynn was able to communicate when family members arrived at the hospital. He had been in “good spirits,” she said, despite his pain and told her he was sorry for taking a “risk” by using the forklift truck, which he said had a “dodgy” handbrake “that hadn’t worked for weeks”. After the family returned home that day, he had a heart attack and was placed in an induced coma before his death on 25 June. The consultant neurologist, Mr. Muhammad Siddique, said he agreed with a post-mortem examination which concluded he had suffered a hypoxic-anoxic brain injury. The doctor said it was likely Mr Flynn had suffered a heart attack as a “natural evolution” of his injuries because the brain stem helps control breathing and heart rate. The inquest continues.

Special Access Solutions at Euston Station

Daniel Norton
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Special Access Solutions at Euston Station

Large-scale access solutions are being provided by Palmers Scaffolding for the St James Park London Euston Station HS2 enabling construction works.

Palmers £3M tempory works contract for principal contractor CSJV began in July 2018. A 10,000m² temporary roof has been erected by the firm — supported below by 15 towers and 300m of bespoke Palmers special access spine beam. This was erected to house CSJV’s archaeology programme to carry out a number of operations in a cemetery that is buried underneath St James Park. Over 30 Palmers Scaffolding operatives are involved in the project that is set to remain erected for approximately 18 months, whilst the archaeology works are carried out. The firm has said, 90% of the works will be completed from the confines of a safe working platform (fully boarded and hand railed) and then be traversed into position, to avoid the risk of working at height. “This is a marvellous project in every sense. The design process has taken a long time to perfect, but the solution is proving to be ideal for purpose,” said Palmers Managing Director, Donald Morrison. Palmers Operations Director for Special Access, Paul Duggan added: “The design has involved months of planning and constructing demonstration rigs for the client at our base in Chester, prior to installation on site. We are all proud of the works. We believe Palmers are unique at producing something with a design this innovative.” Ian McFarlane, Palmers Director of Business and Project Development concluded: “It is fantastic to be working at Euston station on such large-scale, high-profile construction works, within the rail sector. It is an specialised piece of scaffolding requiring specialist knowledge to erect and manage and Palmers are proud to be providing the modern special access here.”

Peri Group Acquires Stake In 3D Printing Company

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Peri Group Acquires Stake In 3D Printing Company

The Peri Group has bought a ‘significant’ stake in the Danish 3D Concrete printing specialist COBOD International.

Peri, a global maker of formwork and scaffolding systems believes printing will play an important role in the construction industry. The German company will now make COBOD’s 3D concrete printers available to their customers worldwide. COBOD International is a newly established sister company of Denmark’s 3D Printhuset, which carried out a government-funded, three-year research project into advanced 3D construction printing. The technological breakthrough was achieved last year in Copenhagen when the so-called ‘BOD’ (Building On Demand) was printed with a 3D concrete printer from COBOD. The ‘BOD’ building was Europe’s first printed building. “As the market and technology leader in the field of formwork and scaffolding, we at PERI are closely following the development of 3D concrete printing in the construction industry. COBOD is a leading company in this business. The currently available BOD2 3D printer from COBOD shows that the technology is now ready for the market. With the BOD building in Copenhagen there is a first successful reference project”, says Leonhard Braig, member of the Group Management of the PERI Group. “We are convinced that 3D printing will become considerably more important in the coming years in certain segments of our industry, especially in residential construction. Together with COBOD, we now want to help this technology to a breakthrough on a broad basis.” “We are pleased and proud of PERI’s investment in our company. The fact that PERI is committed to COBOD impressively underlines the potential of 3D concrete printing in the construction industry”, says Henrik Lund-Nielsen, CEO of COBOD. “The investment brings together two technologically leading companies in each of their fields. We look forward to the completely new opportunities that the partnership with PERI opens up to us and our customers around the world.”

Scaffolding Finalists Revealed for NASC 2018 Awards

Daniel Norton
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Scaffolding Finalists Revealed for NASC 2018 Awards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has announced the finalists for the forthcoming NASC 2018 Awards

The sellout event which showcases the very best scaffolding projects, processes, products and personnel, is to be held in Edinburgh at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa on Friday 23 November. The NASC has said that over 40 entries were submitted for this year’s awards, these were scrutinised by a panel of judges comprising of main contractors and industry experts. Four finalists for each of the seven categories have now been selected.

Apprentice of the Year

  • George Duke – Connect Scaffolding Ltd
  • Jordan Edwards – TRAD Scaffolding Company Ltd
  • Robert Grant – ASC Ltd
  • Callum Ward – KAEFER Ltd

Health and Safety Award – 1-66 Employees

  • Allen & Foxworthy Ltd
  • Complete Access Scaffolding Ltd
  • Focus MDC Ltd
  • Malvern Scaffolding Ltd

Health and Safety Award – 67+ Employees

  • Connect Scaffolding Ltd
  • GKR Ltd
  • SCA Group Ltd
  • TRAD Scaffolding Co Limited

Innovation Award

  • GKR Ltd
  • KAEFER Ltd
  • PERI Ltd
  • TRAD Safety Systems

Project of the Year – Turnover up to £5 million

  • CCS Scaffolding Ltd – Waterloo International Terminal Upgrade
  • Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd – Longrock Depot, Penzance
  • Coventry Scaffolding Ltd – The London Mastaba
  • LTC Group 87 – UK Hydrographic Office Taunton

Project of the Year – Turnover in excess of £5 million

  • GKR Ltd – Wimbledon Court One, London
  • Millcroft Services plc – Athlone House, Highgate
  • PHD Modular Access Services Ltd – Big Ben Conservation Project, London
  • TRAD Scaffolding Ltd – Intu Watford Shopping Centre Roof

NASC President’s Award

  • Chris Sedgeman Scaffolding Ltd
  • High Peak Scaffolding Ltd
  • RPF Ltd
  • TRAD Group Ltd
Robin James, NASC Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to reveal the finalists for this year’s NASC Awards, which once again shine a spotlight on the exceptional working practices and technical capabilities of our members. “I’d like to thank each and every member that submitted an entry this year for taking part.  The judges were overwhelmed by the standard of submissions and had an extremely difficult task of whittling them down to just four finalists for each category. “It’s clear from reading the diverse range of entries that our members are not only incredibly proud of the work they do but also how they go about it – ensuring projects are completed to the highest standards regardless of the scope or complexity of the task in hand.”

TRAD Hire & Sales Release New Plettac Metrix User Guide

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TRAD Hire & Sales Release New Plettac Metrix User Guide
TRAD Hire & Sales are proud to announce the launch of the new User Guide and Component Capacity Manual for their revolutionary Plettac Metrix® System Scaffold. An innovative ring based system, with horizontal dimensions that are completely metric, which allows both the tubular transoms and ledgers to be substituted by components of a smaller size, permitting the use of extra verticals within a bay length or width. This feature further advances efficiency and vastly increases the ease by which adaptions can be made. Compliance to SG4 takes a further step forward with the use of the optional, system exclusive, Permanent Advanced Guardrail System. Providing collective fall protection for scaffold operatives (and all other trades), the advance guardrail is an integral part of the Plettac Metrix® scaffold structure from erection to dismantle. There has been a real shift towards system scaffolding over the last few years, especially as the industry keeps pace with developments in Health & Safety and Training, whilst also maintaining its drive to be more cost-effective. The market has embraced the simplicity of the Plettac Metrix® System Scaffold, which is enhanced by the aforementioned unique divisibility and optional Permanent Advanced Guardrail, allowing both time and cost savings to be easily achieved. Plettac Metrix® System Scaffold is exclusive to TRAD Hire & Sales and is offered on both a Hire and Sale basis. They offer an unrivalled commitment to service, including extensive User Guides, Nationwide Training, Engineering and Design Support, Estimating Software, and a full on-site support service – their UK-wide network of depots have the resources and capabilities to meet every demand. TRAD Hire & Sales are updating their full range of manuals and user guides. Look out for further releases including the new Altrix® Temporary Roof User Guide, over the next few months.

Training Scheme Pilot Scaling New Heights

Grahame Anderson
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Training Scheme Pilot Scaling New Heights

A pre-employment training scheme aimed at lifting barriers for those entering work is set to enhance opportunities within the scaffolding industry.

The pilot 10-day scheme will also include individuals looking to return to work, up-skill or change career direction. It’s all part of a collaboration between The Simian Risk Group, The Department Of Work And Pensions, Construction Wales Innovation Centre, College Cambria in Wrexham, 4c Access UK Ltd, Martin Scaffolding Services and The Arctic Scaffolding Company Ltd.

A Qualified Success Story

Simian Business Development Manager, Simon O’Donnell told us: “The delegates work towards a number of qualifications including Level 1 Award in Work Preparation, Level 1 Award in Mental Health Awareness & Well-being, Simian Aluminium Towers and CISRS COTS. “The course then involves a 4-day work placement with a local scaffolding contractor. Delegates will be working either in the yard or on-site, carrying out general labouring duties over four consecutive days, and by this stage they will already have gone through their CISRS COTS training, So will be ‘site-ready’. “The delegates are all recruited by the local jobcentre and all currently unemployed. The first stage of the process involves one of Simians consultants visiting the jobcentre to offer their insights and experience of working in the scaffolding industry. From there, interested delegates are invited to attend the course. For the pilot course this week eight delegates were offered the chance to participate and seven have attended, all who appear to be engaged and genuinely interested in completing the training. “We regularly hear about the skills shortages facing our industry and the recruitment issues faced by employers so we thought we could step in and help. By partnering with the jobcentre, local colleges and scaffolding employers, we are bringing all of the stakeholders together. This helps delegates gain a recognised CISRS qualification, which will hopefully give them the opportunity for employment and progression with the scaffolding industry.”

Course Highlights

Highlights will involve responsible work practice, Health and safety in a practical environment, team-work skills, rights and responsibilities in the workplace, mental health and well-being and of course a work placement at a local scaffolding company. There will be a final review and feedback together with advice on the next steps to be taken. The whole project is aimed at both addressing the skills shortage and recruitment issues facing the industry. It’s been welcomed by a number of colleges and the Department for Work and Pensions. Simon added: “The qualification will help to obtain the generic and transferable skills needed to perform with confidence in a range of workplaces in the sector. It will also provide a range of employability skills needed for a career in scaffolding.”

Looking Ahead

It’s hoped this will be the first of many with all parties hoping at least one person on the pilot course will be offered employment.

One dead after scaffolding collapse in Belgium

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One dead after scaffolding collapse in Belgium
Seven stories high scaffold has collapsed killing one and seriously injuring another at a hotel building in Antwerp, Belgium. The collapse is positioned directly outside the busy central station. Emergency response teams were in attendance at the scene to see if anyone was trapped. One person has died and another has been seriously injured in the collapse according to reports. It is still unclear why the scaffolding collapsed.

Altrad Cape awarded three-year scaffolding contract in KSA

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Altrad Cape awarded three-year scaffolding contract in KSA
Altrad has announced its Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) subsidiary, RB Hilton Saudi Arabia, has secured a three-year maintenance contract with Sadara Chemical Company for the provision of scaffolding services. The contract value for the three year period (plus 2 years optional) is estimated to be US$ 5M starting from December 2018. Established in October 2011, Sadara is a joint-venture developed by the Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Saudi Aramco) and The Dow Chemical Company (Dow). It is an unprecedented undertaking – the world’s largest chemical complex ever built in a single phase, with 26 integrated world-scale manufacturing plants and capacity of over 3 million metric tons per annum. Sadara supports Saudi Arabia’s industrial and social diversification by extending key value chains downstream. Altrad Cape says this award is a major strategic win for RB Hilton, providing them with an opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with Sadara chemical company. Managing Director of the KSA Business Paul Cockerill commented: “We are delighted to secure this long-term contract with Sadara and increase our maintenance coverage within the kingdom”.
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