HAKI Scaffolding Unveils New Stair Chart

Following the 2018 release of a number of updated versions in the product range, HAKI Scaffolding has released a new Stair Chart PDF – reviewing the full range of its market-leading stair tower systems. The handy one-page PDF chart is designed for all sector users of the HAKI Stair Tower range – which are designed and built to meet global working at height regulations simply, safely and adaptably. It includes:
  • HAKI Symmetrical Stair Tower, now in Mk2 revised format.
  • HAKI Public (& Events) Access Stair Tower (PAS), released in 2018.
  • HAKI Compact Stair Tower, updated in 2018. &
  • HAKI Traditional Stair Tower.
  • HAKI Twin Stair Tower.
Suitable applications and sector uses, accurately tested load classes and permissible people per lift are all now included in the new chart. Charles Stratford, HAKI UK Engineering Manager said: “There’s a real movement right now to make identification of suitable temporary works equipment easier, including better visibility of the limitations of such equipment. “We always need to keep in mind that users on site may not have the same level of understanding as the manufacturer in terms of product limitations, such as the number of people permissible per lift. The challenge with any stair system is that it can be purchased for one application, then moved to various sites and be exposed to different volumes of footfall, etc. The question is; does the user or site team understand the limitations of that product? Is it really suitable for their needs? “At HAKI, we took the opportunity to re-test our stair tower range from our light-duty Compact Stairs through to our heavy-duty Public Access Stairs. The results have led to some increased ratings in some cases – so the good news for customers is that our popular MKI and MKII Stair Towers have been upgraded to 4kN/m2, which puts the HAKI Stair back where it belongs as a product leading the market in both strength and safety. All of this is clarified in our new Stair Chart, now available on our website.” The HAKI Stair Chart can be downloaded at: https://www.haki.com/product/haki-stair-towers/

Nuclear plant Hinkley Point C continues to power ahead

New photos and film footage released by EDF shows the scale and construction progress of the new nuclear power station.

The construction of Hinkley Point C began two years ago after the government signed a deal with French firm EDF and its Chinese partner CGN. More than 3,200 people are now working on the project in Somerset. EDF has said it would be a ‘significant moment and major milestone’ when a 4,500 tonne concrete platform supporting the reactor buildings was completed in 2019. The project is also setting its sights further ahead with preparation for the MEH phase (Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC – heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Yesterday (Thursday 27 September) four major UK contractors signed the “MEH Alliance” to work together on the complex installation of cabling and pipework in the power station’s 2,500 rooms. The innovative approach means that Altrad, Balfour Beatty Bailey, Cavendish Nuclear and Doosan Babcock will pool their expertise to work as a single entity.  The alliance aims to create new industrial capacity and jobs by manufacturing specialist pipework in Britain. Hinkley Point C Managing Director, Stuart Crooks said: “Everyone working on the project should be proud of what they have achieved so far. Unions, contractors and suppliers are successfully working together with a complete focus on quality and safety. Innovation and experience from other projects is helping us boost productivity and get ready for the next stages. I am also proud of the positive impact that Hinkley Point C is having on the South-West. We are determined to create a positive legacy here for people, communities, jobs and skills.” The power station will supply the UK with reliable low carbon electricity to meet 7% of the country’s needs. The project is mobilised for an objective of initial delivery for unit 1 at the end of 2025.  

Video: Motorbike rider wiped out as scaffolding falls four storeys

A video published by the Mail Online shows the utterly horrifying moment a motorbike rider is knocked unconscious when a steel scaffolding frame falls on his head as he passes a four storey high construction site.

The Mail reports the footage was captured on CCTV in the Sultanpet area of Bangalore, India. As the 38-year-old rider, known only as Chandan, rode to his office on August 31 the film shows how the piece of scaffolding knocks him out.

His helmet flies off and he falls to the floor while shocked onlookers rush to his aid.

The man was rushed to a local hospital. Despite the horrific accident, his condition is said to be improving under the care of hospital staff, who say that he is now out of danger.

 

Godiva wins sustainability award at Coventry Telegraph Business Awards

Godiva Access and Scaffolding was the proud recipient of the Sustainability award at last night’s (25 September) Coventry Telegraph Business Awards.

The Coventry Telegraph Business Awards aim to celebrate success, recognise achievement and highlight the innovative people and companies in Coventry and Warwickshire who are putting the region on the map by boosting the economy while making a positive contribution to the local community. Godiva was crowned the winner of the Sustainability Award in recognition of its commitment to making its processes more and more environmentally friendly year on year. Additionally, judges were impressed by how it had used sustainability to improve its performance and by the investments made into its products and services to make themselves more sustainable as a company. Karl De Groot, managing director at Godiva, said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. We have worked really hard to ensure our work is as sustainable as possible and this is something that takes the whole teams’ commitment to achieve. A huge congratulations to everyone who’s contributed to this success. “Thank you also to the Coventry Telegraph for hosting and to the Liberty House Group for sponsoring the award.” The event took place at the Ricoh Arena and was attended by hundreds of Coventry and Warwickshire’s business elite.

Cornish scaffolding firm to feature on TV show ‘Grand Designs’

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Cornish scaffolding company 7 Bays Scaffolding (SW) Ltd is set to feature on the popular Channel 4 Grand Designs television show.

The episode, which is due to air on Wednesday 26th September at 9pm, will showcase an impressive property in North Cornwall and the highly skilled tradesmen that helped to make the owners’ dream a reality.   The ‘Padstow episode’ sees presenter Kevin McCloud follow the construction journey of a beautiful surf retreat near St Mawgan in North Cornwall. Owners Harry and Briony plan to build an ambitious steel and glass surf house which is inspired by The Ben Rose House which was famously featured in the cult 80s film, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.   7 Bays Scaffolding (SW) Ltd was delighted to be selected as the scaffolding company to support such an ambitious project and see it to fruition. Company owner Adam Luce says, “We relish working on exciting build projects such as this. 7 Bays Scaffolding are experts when it comes to working on specialist scaffolding projects and architects recognise us as the ‘go to’ firm for scaffolding excellence. To have our work featured on a prestigious television show such as Grand Designs is awesome, and we can’t wait to see the show air on Wednesday!” 7 Bays Scaffolding Grand Designs Grand Designs is one of Channel 4’s biggest factual series and has grown into a global phenomenon with millions of viewers the world over.

Swedish scaffolding association given CISRS training centre tour

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) arranged for more than 70 Swedish scaffolding industry professionals to gain a first-hand feel for scaffolding training in the UK during a visit to the National Construction College near Glasgow. The Swedish group consisting of members of the STIB, an association of Swedish scaffolding contractors had travelled to Scotland for their Annual General Meeting (AGM). With the UK regarded as leaders in scaffolding training, STIB contacted the NASC to see whether they could take a trip to a CISRS approved training centre. STIB members were given a tour of the centre, witness CISRS training taking place and received short presentations from CISRS Scheme Manager David Mosley on the goals and objectives of the NASC and CISRS and an overview of the UK scaffolding market from Haki Ltd’s Charles Stratford, Engineering Manager, and Steve Coshall, Sales Manager. David Mosley said: “It was great to meet all the members of STIB, an association which we have developed positive working relationships with through our mutual membership of UEG, the representative body for scaffolding in Europe. “I’d like to thank Alastair O’May, Head of the Access department at NCC Scotland for hosting the event.” Hakan Carlsson, STIB Permanent Secretary, said: “Our members really enjoyed the tour. It was great to witness first-hand how scaffolding training is delivered in the UK. I’m sure our members have picked up more than a few ideas from CISRS in relation to scaffolding training which they can put into practice in Sweden.”

NASC Releases TG20:13 Version 1.3

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has released an update for its TG20:13 eGuide. It’s not a major update, it’s more of a maintenance upgrade in response to recent changes in the way Google Maps works. The NASC say these changes to Google Maps sometimes caused the eGuide version 1.2 to crash when trying to progress from the wind map screen section to the compliance sheet. This upgrade is required by all existing users of the TG20:13 eGuide version 1.2. Version 1.3 can be downloaded for free here for Windows, Mac and Android operating systems. The NASC has advised existing users of 1.2 to uninstall their current eGuide before installing the maintenance upgrade. This glitch does not affect users with version 1.0 or 1.1 of the eGuide. The NASC will be updating its DVD eGuide for new customers. For technical support, you can email CADS via [email protected] or alternatively call 01202 603733.

New Eggborough Power Station gets green light

Development consent has been granted to Eggborough Power Limited (EPL) for the development of a new gas fired power station near Selby in North Yorkshire. The new combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant will be built on the site of the existing coal-fired power station creating 1,200 construction jobs. Once operational it will be capable of supplying electricity to more than 2 million homes. Plans for the construction will also include a new underground gas pipeline connecting the site to the UK’s natural gas network. There will also be an electrical connection to the existing substation located at the coal-fired power station site and water supply connections. Speaking to the York Press James Crankshaw head of engineering at EPL said: “We are delighted with the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent. “Eggborough has been a significant part of the UK energy landscape for over 40 years and this consent provides an opportunity for the site to continue to play a key role in both the local economy and in the security of electricity supplies nationally.” Eggborough coal-fired power station was originally built in the 1970s which had an expected lifespan of 25 years. It closes this month having failed to win a contract for providing back-up electricity generating capacity for 2018/19 and will be demolished. According to sources, the construction of the new plant could start as early as summer 2019.

Scaffolder stranded after HGV smashes into pub scaffolding

A West Midlands street was brought to a standstill yesterday after a lorry smashed into a scaffold while being erected on a pub leaving a scaffolder stranded on the top lift. The heavy goods vehicle came in contact with the scaffold at around 11am outside The Castle pub in Willenhall, Walsall in the West Midlands. Local media suggested the lorry was turning into a narrow side street towards the town centre, before striking the scaffold – forcing the independent scaffold to come away from the pub’s facade.
Scaffolding HGV
Image credit: Twitter (Michelle L Jones)
The road was taped off by local police officers while the scene was made safe. No injuries were reported.

Irish Scaffolding Company Gets Top International Quality Award

Martin Scaffolding based in Raffeen, Co. Cork have been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001 2015 Quality Management System Award which is presented to organisations that demonstrate the ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. Martin Scaffolding are celebrating 30 years in business this year and employ 80 full time workers with a fleet of 20 trucks. Martin Scaffolding are currently the only Irish Scaffolding company to be awarded the accolade and are delighted with such an achievement. Brian Martin, Managing Director of Martin Scaffolding says “We are proud to be an early adopter of the updated standard as it provides further proof that we are very serious about the service we supply and will always strive to deliver top quality for our customers.” The road to certification requires time and commitment but this is something that Martin Scaffolding have embraced and considered it a valuable investment in their service, staff and clients. “It is great to be recognised for our hard work and dedication to quality. We want our clients to feel secure in knowing that by choosing Martin Scaffolding they are working with an internationally recognised company whose commitment to safety, quality and customer service is at the core of the business. This award coupled with our continued Grade A Safe T-Cert is a credit to everyone who worked hard to achieve it.” International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 is the most updated standard of its kind and focuses on quality management systems and performance. There is a huge advantage of using suppliers accredited with this certification as it ensures consistent and good quality products and services, which in turn brings many business benefits.  Dermot Murray, Head of Health and Safety in Martin Scaffolding is proud of the company’s achievement, “We are excited to earn this certification and feel it provides additional assurance to our customers that we are focused on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction. Ultimately it demonstrates our desire to perform at the highest levels of quality and efficiency. It’s essential to delivering high quality to our customers.”