Hong Kong is backing the innovative upcycling of bamboo previously used as scaffolding on construction sites in the region.
As a forward-thinking initiative, the practice is set to both revolutionise how this natural material is facilitated in future, and avoid unnecessary landfill.
Extremely strong and resilient, bamboo scaffolding is a familiar sight in this part of the world. It’s also ideal for creating temporary structures, being incredibly versatile and cost effective.
This year alone 49 tonnes of bamboo was used to set up stalls at 15 Lunar New Year fairs. And it was all collected as part of the Reuse & Upcycling Programme. The scheme was set up by the Environmental Protection Department and the Environmental Campaign Committee, together with non-profit organisations Green Come True and JupYeah.
Green Come True Co-founder Hill told Scaffmag bamboo can be made into a wide variety of objects including tables and swings. But there’s so much more to the story as the organisation has discovered at their workshops, with individuals producing a wide variety of things including wind chimes, pen holders and even rain sticks resembling the noise of rainfall. The possibilities are endless. Co-founder Ren Wan said: “If we want to solve our environmental problems we need creativity to explore more possibilities.”
Participant Ho Siu-yu firmly believes upcycling the bamboo helps lessen the burden on Hong Kong’s landfills. She said: “Our landfills are nearly at capacity, so I believe it will be good for Hong Kong if we recycle or upcycle more materials. Looking after the environment is really important for us all.”
It’s a feeling shared by all of those involved. The aim now is to get the message out to as many people as possible.
“The Reuse & Upcycling Programme for Bamboo shows upcycling can be a fun process”, added Environmental Protection Department senior administrative officer James Chan. “We would like to use the programme as a means to tell the public that if we unleash our creativity, we can really show our care to the environment and have fun along the way.”
The department plans to continue collecting used bamboo from Lunar New Year fairs, and to invite more organisations to participate in the programme. In essence, scaffolding in China can now serve a huge range of purposes. It’s also positive proof, some construction materials can be successfully upcycled, with the people of Hong Kong leading the way.
The TRAD Group are keenly aware of how important their people are to the success of the business. They believe in teamwork, mutual support and encouraging all their staff to continually develop their skills and extend their careers, and become the best they can be.
The TRAD Group is also well-known for its stance on encouraging women to pursue careers in the construction sector. With more than 50% of their office staff women, many in Senior positions it’s a principle close to their hearts. To highlight the commitment TRAD are founding sponsors of the ‘Inspire Me’ campaign hosted by Construction news.
Women are under-represented across construction generally, and in scaffolding in particular. While the nature of the work may be largely to blame, there are many positions at TRAD where women have made major contributions to their success, for example in areas such as surveying and estimating.
The TRAD Group are keen to build on this success and encourage more women to purse professional and managerial careers, with the chance to move into senior leadership positions.
UK legislation, of course, sets minimum standards for companies to support workplace diversity and equality. At TRAD, they want to go beyond these minimum standards and set the bar much higher. The aim is to establish a fully inclusive environment that contributes to their employees’ well-being and success.
One of TRAD’s key objectives is to create mentoring and training schemes to give women the chance to become operational heads within supervision and contracts management, with the chance to eventually become board directors.
Des Moore Group CEO welcoming Stephanie Betts to the team.
As an example, one of their employees, Stephanie, is currently being trained, coached and mentored to become a member of TRAD’s contracts team which manages more than 300 scaffolders on site. They are also supporting Stephanie through university day release as she earns academic qualifications, which will further help her professional career.
Des Moore, TRAD Group CEO and President of the NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation), is committed to increasing diversity across the industry, and in particular to inspiring more women to pursue careers in construction – especially in management and leadership roles.
TRAD hope the rest of the industry will follow the initiative shown by the NASC by supporting, encouraging and promoting the development of the ‘Inspire Me’ campaign objectives. At TRAD, they have found that encouraging women to pursue careers in our sector is not only the right thing to do in terms of equality of opportunity, it gives them a significant competitive advantage. How? By enabling them to draw on the different skills, ideas and perspectives that women bring to their business.
Working alongside Van Wijnen, a construction company on a project entitled Project Milestone, 3D printing specialists from Eindhoven University of Technology are using a large 3D printer to produce 5 pebble-style houses.
Using a large robotic arm with a nozzle attached that will follow the digital designs layer by layer, the houses will be printed using a cement mixture, which has a consistency that is not unlike whipped cream. The cement is printed out in very thin ribbons.
Compared to construction that uses cement moulds, this approach will help to reduce the waste as only the required amount of cement will be poured out at any one time.
The 5 houses created by the partnership will be located within a wood in the Eindhoven district of Meerhoven, with the first being relatively simple. By simple we mean a single floor property with the 3D printer only being used to make the internal and exterior walls.
Each house after that will be more sophisticated and complex, as the researchers will be using it as a learning experience to improve their technique. It is thought that some of the properties may even have additional installations such as plumbing fabricated as the process progresses.
In a press release regarding the project, it was noted that the area surrounding the location of these 3D homes is being transformed into a sculpture garden and will feature ambitious and high quality projects involving architecture used as sculptures in a constantly changing landscape.
Interesting and unique shapes are not normally how we envision budget housing, but that is what to expect from these creations. There will be irregular and exotic structural designs and softened, rounded edges to showcase the fact that 3D printing can create virtually any shape.
In the long-term, the idea is that if these 3D printed houses work well, it could prove to be a new and cost-effective way to build homes to the specific spec of buyers without the cost increasing too much. There is even talk of these buildings having electronics such as wireless controls and sensors embedded into the walls during the printing to create smart homes.
Van Wijnen have noted that this project could show that housing made from a 3D printer is a sustainable, customisable and affordable alternative as the country is seeing a shortage of skilled bricklayers and other workers in the construction industry.
Professor Salet from Eindhoven University added that this new printing technology allows things that couldn’t be done before to be achieved. Including the creation of shapes that were ordinarily very difficult to make and even when they could it would be in large batches. With the new printer they will be able to do very bespoke industrial work.
Furthermore, noting the point made further up the page, the professor highlighted that because the only concrete that is ever used is what is required, there is less waste.
This is not the first time 3D printers have been used to create homes. However, these 5 buildings are the first 3d-printed dwellings that can actually be inhabited. Once they are completed, they will be rented out via a real estate company, and they are looking to house the first occupants sometime during 2019.
A contractor and scaffolding firm must together pay out almost £65,000 after their safety failings led to a worker plunging five metres from a roof.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard how in December 2015 a subcontractor working for Centreco (UK) Ltd, was installing solar panels to the roof of Firth Steels in Brighouse, West Yorkshire.
The subcontractor slipped on the roof, sliding down to the edge protection. The toe board of the edge protection snapped and he fell through the scaffold, landing on a sub-station flat roof. He suffered life-changing injuries, including a fracture to his spine, a broken coccyx and nerve damage. The subcontractor was in the hospital for almost three months and is now unable to work due to ongoing mobility issues.
An investigation by the HSE found that the scaffolding firm had not erected the scaffold to a recognised industry standard or design. The investigation also found that the contractor had failed to take effective measures to prevent workers falling through fragile roof lights surfaces.
Oswestry Shropshire Scaffold Ltd, Oswestry, Shropshire pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £28,800 and ordered to pay £945.20 in costs.
Centreco (UK) Ltd, Chorley, Lancashire also pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £33,500 and ordered to pay £945.20 in costs.
HSE inspector Jayne Towey said after the hearing: “Falls from height often result in life-changing or fatal injuries. In most cases these accidents are needless and could be prevented by properly planning to ensure that effective preventative and protective measures are in place such as edge protection or barriers built to the correct standard.”
A box van became trapped under some scaffolding on a street in Holsworthy, Devon on Sunday, May 27.
Image Credit: Holsworth Post
The Holsworthy Post reports that the Mercedes box van became trapped under scaffolding, which had been erected whilst work on a building in a local street was carried out.
No vehicles could pass so the police and fire services attended along with a team of scaffolders from the company concerned. The scaffolders took down part of the scaffolding in order to free the vehicle, which was not local.
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said some damage was caused to the building as a number of bricks were knocked out on the first floor.
Details were exchanged by all parties. The police left the scene at 12.40pm but the scaffolders remained on the scene.
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) hosted a breakfast event in a bid to share what the NASC is doing to further improve working practices across the scaffolding industry.
The Future of Safe Scaffolding event was held at the UK Chamber of Shipping in London last week. Attendees to the event included Health and safety personnel, procurement representatives from major house builders and local authorities. They heard how the NASC aims to streamline their procurement process and create a safer and more effective and accountable supply chain. Furthermore, the confederation also discussed the advantages involved in only using scaffolding contractor members.
The NASC also expressed how keenly they were to actively collaborate with principal contractors and the wider construction industry much more closely in the future – with a view to further increase standards both in scaffolding and construction in general.
Expert speakers at the event
Expert speakers at the event included Des Moore, TRAD Group CEO and NASC President, Bob Whincap, former Chair of the Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation, and Lee Roswell, GKR Scaffolding Group Director and NASC Chairman for London and South East Region.
Attendees at the breakfast event also heard from motivational safety speaker Dylan Skelhorn. Dylan suffered a serious accident a few years ago while working for a now-defunct company who took safety very lightly. He spoke from experience about how the accident affected himself, his family and work colleagues, and of his daily struggles after being forced to work unsafely.
Motivational safety speaker Dylan Skelhorn. Image Credit: GKR Scaffolding Ltd
Speaking after the event Des Moore, CEO of the TRAD Group and NASC President, said: “This event gave us the opportunity to talk directly with procurement and health and safety professionals from a wide range of principal contractors.
“It was fantastic to be able to share what the NASC is doing to further improve working practices across the scaffolding industry with delegates and also learn what challenges they face.
“It was clear from the feedback during the Q&A session there is a lot of common ground between principal contractors and the NASC and its members and a strong will to collaborate more closely in the future.
“We look forward to further discussions exploring how the value of the services provided by our members might help these contractors achieve their goals in a safe, and efficient manner.”
Scaffolding dramatically caught fire in Sydney, Australia yesterday after the office block cladding was removed less than a week ago because of concerns sparked by the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze in London last year.
Local media reports the fire ignited the plastic sheeting on the scaffolding of the building, just before 8am and climbed the exterior in a matter of minutes.
Workers had to scramble up the scaffold to avoid the wall of flames.
Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter told local reporters it was hard to tell how today’s fire would have played out if the cladding was still in place, but said it could have been “dramatically different”.
The fire was contained before it could reach the internal structure of the building, which is on Macquarie Street next to the NSW Supreme Court and near state parliament.
Twenty people were evacuated and several were being treated for smoke inhalation.
An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way.
The 98-meter high scaffold surrounding the Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben was this week completed after the final piece was slotted in place at a rooftop ‘topping out’ ceremony.
In just over a year, with the worlds media watching, 800 tonnes of Layher has been expertly installed by PHD Modular Access on one of the worlds most iconic landmarks.
The Uxbridge based PHD began erecting the fully bespoke awe-inspiring structure in May 2017. A mind-boggling 23,500 Layher Allround components have been used to create the impressive scaffold. Interestingly, if all the scaffold standards, ledgers, transoms and bracing were laid end to end this would reach almost 20 miles.
With 47 working lifts and a temporary roof at the top, the scaffold is now fully in-place to allow urgent and vital conservation works to continue. The scaffold will encapsulate the world famous clock until 2021 when works to the Big Ben Tower are due to be completed. The upper section of the Tower however, will be uncovered as the project progresses. As the scaffold is dismantled, close inspection will take place of the finished works.
In a ceremony marking the achievement, main contractor Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects attached an evergreen bough to the scaffold — a centuries-old ritual celebrating the highest point of building work being completed. The Director General of the House of Commons, Ian Ailles, attending the ceremony thanked the team of experts managing the huge task of restoring the Grade I listed building to its former glory.
Ian Ailles said: “The steel structure encasing the Elizabeth Tower consists of nearly 24,000 elements, weighs 800 tonnes and has taken just over a year to complete. Despite a complex programme and challenging weather conditions earlier this year, we are on schedule, to the credit of all those working on this much-loved landmark and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to the Tower.”
Paul Hamer, Chief Executive Officer, Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd. added: “As one of Britain’s most iconic buildings, it is a privilege to be entrusted with the preservation of the Elizabeth Tower. We are proud to help keep this landmark a centrepiece of our country’s rich heritage through our skills and technical excellence and celebrate this milestone in the conservation work.”
A full project report will be available in the forthcoming Summer issue of our Digital Magazine.
The recent launch of a unique product has further enhanced the innovative Lynch Scaffolding System that is also improving safety in the workplace.
Their advanced double handrail and kicker board component works not just with this system but also with traditional tube and fitting scaffolds. What’s more, the designed patented coupler attachment of one fitting on top of the other allows for bay sections to be inserted level over the plain tube. Bay sections then need to be set to the required advanced double handrail and kicker board measurements.
This simple but effective piece of kit is expected by the makers to revolutionise how scaffolding is constructed in the future. It can be inserted from the working lift below without the need for scaffolders standing on steps. Given the dangers involved in the erection or dismantling of scaffolds, the take up is certain to be popular with companies across the board.
Paul Lynch told Scaffmag: “Our advanced double handrail and kicker board works with tube and fitting scaffolds by simply attaching a fitting also designed by the lynch scaffolding system, which then allows for the advanced double handrail and kicker board to be inserted before the transoms are positioned in place. On lots of other scaffolds you will see bolts or holders sticking out from the upright standards. It’s a common problem especially on new development sites when lifts are stacked with materials and walkways are then narrowed creating a greater safety risk to everyone involved.
“Because this reduces the risk of impact-related injuries, it’s perfect for a whole range of media and entertainment events where restrictive access is necessary. It’s excellent for both barrier and roof protection, and it also means no adjustable jack plates are required on ground surfaces as standard base plates will suffice. And let’s be honest, the stability of all structures starts from the base.”
The benefits of the product are certainly impressive beginning with the fact no leveling is required, as the component just sits on top of any single fittings. There are no dead men, and you simply tighten bolts with an extended ratchet spanner. It’s also worth remembering this innovative product introduction reduces time-scales hugely, which can also have a long-term knock-on effect on business profits.
Paul added: “There are three different sizes of the advanced double handrail and kicker board bay sections, and they can be purchased with an extra added brickguard if required which is welded permanently to the handrail. They all carry a galvanised steel finish.”
According to Paul the handrail and kicker board component has been thoroughly and professionally tested that has been proven to be an excellent product for handrailing, during the process of erecting high scaffolds. Scaffolders just move the bay sections up on the scaffold lifts whether erecting or dismantling.
Paul says, there is also a reversible stop end double handrail and kicker board component which has an optional inside board attachment. This all means no restrictions are needed on correct levels of working platforms, there are no costly upright standards required, and no complete restocking of materials. You just add to existing stock.
1 of 5
Whats it Cost?
2m .385 mm length x 1 m high bay section: £ 51.50
1m .935mm length x 1m high bay section: £48.00
1m.245mm length x 1 m high bay section: £44.60
Reversible stop end 990mm x 1m 90mm high with an extended inside board attachment: £45.70
“More products will become available with the system in the coming months to improve the safety of scaffolders when erecting or dismantling of scaffolds and also improve access for all users of scaffolds” Paul added.
The Lynch Scaffolding System is certainly on the way up in making an impact in the world of scaffolding, and it seems their advanced double handrail and kicker board component is another interesting timesaving product.
Under the new law in France, wolf whistling may soon be deemed as an act of sexual harassment.
Other forms of harassment that will be included under this law include blocking of someone’s path, following women/men and bugging men/women for their number.
Credit: Rex Features
Here in the UK, catcalling and wolf whistling has on several occasions resulted in serious consequences for construction workers. Workers in the construction industry, including the scaffolding industry, are the most notorious for catcalling and wolf whistling.
There have been numerous reports made by women who have fallen victim to this unlawful acts. According to a report, a roofer lost his job after subjecting a passerby to catcalls from his van’s window. The ordeal started as a backhand compliment quickly escalated and left the victim crying. Men too have fallen victim to this type of sexual harassment with one man reporting that a female mail worker catcalled him.
The fines to be issued on the spot in France with penalties are up to a maximum of £656. These changes are said deemed as important to ensure that people, especially women are not afraid to go outside and that they can report these issues to authorities if they feel they were being harassed.
While catcalling and wolf whistling have been seen as a form of flirting in the past, one should feel free to report the matter if they feel that the way they were delivered was unwelcome which can be tantamount to sexual harassment.
According to police reports, men who have been convicted of carrying out serious sexual harassment cases have in the past took part this type of low-level targeting of women. What seemed like innocent ‘banter’ on the streets has often led to heinous acts of sexual crime against women.
With this new law, French authorities expect the number of sexual crimes such as rape and other forms of sexual harassment will be on the decline.
The TRAD Group are keenly aware of how important their people are to the success of the business. They believe in teamwork, mutual support and encouraging all their staff to continually develop their skills and extend their careers, and become the best they can be.
The TRAD Group is also well-known for its stance on encouraging women to pursue careers in the construction sector. With more than 50% of their office staff women, many in Senior positions it’s a principle close to their hearts. To highlight the commitment TRAD are founding sponsors of the ‘Inspire Me’ campaign hosted by Construction news.
Women are under-represented across construction generally, and in scaffolding in particular. While the nature of the work may be largely to blame, there are many positions at TRAD where women have made major contributions to their success, for example in areas such as surveying and estimating.
The TRAD Group are keen to build on this success and encourage more women to purse professional and managerial careers, with the chance to move into senior leadership positions.
UK legislation, of course, sets minimum standards for companies to support workplace diversity and equality. At TRAD, they want to go beyond these minimum standards and set the bar much higher. The aim is to establish a fully inclusive environment that contributes to their employees’ well-being and success.
One of TRAD’s key objectives is to create mentoring and training schemes to give women the chance to become operational heads within supervision and contracts management, with the chance to eventually become board directors.
