Actavo and Northseal constructing the perfect partnership

Grahame Anderson
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Actavo and Northseal constructing the perfect partnership

Actavo Hire and Sales Glasgow branch has constructed a partnership with Northseal to supply scaffolding for vital projects. Their latest joint activity is the supply of scaffolding for a £130,000 project on behalf of East Ayrshire Council.

The current contract with East Ayrshire Council involves Actavo supplying scaffolding solutions to install external wall insulation to homes on the New Farm Loch estate. This combination of medium-rise residential blocks and terraced homes, emerged between 1968 and the mid 1970’s. And now the properties are badly in need of new insulation, meaning large volumes of scaffolding are required. 

Billie-Jane Calder, Actavo’s area sales representative, said: “The local authority was carrying out insulation work throughout the estate to improve the energy efficiency of the older housing stock. As the appointed scaffolding contractor, Northseal needed a supplier to provide large volumes of scaffolding to cater for both the blocks of flats, and the long runs of terraced homes which were all being worked on concurrently. From the installation perspective, we needed to supply a quick and easy solution so that work could start as soon as possible, thereby minimising disruption for residents.”

The project will see Actavo utilising the K-Lock system, a unique method of connecting ledgers and transoms to the standards in one, single action without using nuts, bolts or wedges. This node-locking principle makes K-Lock one of the fastest systems to install. Northseal of course, supplies and erects scaffolding to commercial, private and local authority customers throughout Scotland, from their Galston base in East Ayrshire.

Actavo and Northseal
Aerial views of New Farm Loch estate, East Ayrshire

Speaking about the partnership, director at Northseal Scaffolding, Lara Zavaroni, explained: “We’ve been working with Actavo’s Glasgow branch for just over nine months and our business relationship has always been very professional. Our business with each other is expanding month by month. Actavo is our main supplier. We look forward to having a continuing relationship with such a progressive company.”

Actavo has worked with Northseal to supply scaffolding services for residential blocks at Prestwick Toll, the Stewarton housing project and the Kelloholm project.

HAKI to Hold Networking and Launch Event

Daniel Norton
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HAKI to Hold Networking and Launch Event
HAKI have announced a networking and launch event at their new state-of-the-art CISRS training center in Milton Keynes. In a series of events spread over four days HAKI will be raising awareness on some of the latest innovations in scaffolding and access. The system scaffolding giants will also be unveiling a range of new products with live demos, including the HAKI Public Access Stair, the HAKI Bridge System and the HAKI QuickDeck, that is said to be perfect for bridge under-decking or offshore applications. Adding to the event lineup, attendees will hear from a large list of guest speakers from industry leading contractors, trade associations, suppliers and manufacturers. HAKI UK Sales Manager Steve Coshall said:“HAKI are very excited about the forthcoming series of networking and launch days in June.  The aim is to help raise awareness of some of the latest innovations in scaffolding and access, to showcase HAKI’s new state-of-the-art CISRS training centre and to allow delegates to network with potential clients and subcontractors.  We are also keen to ensure a strong focus on education and awareness, so we have a great list of guest speakers lined up”. HAKI say There are also some great prizes up for grabs for delegates who attend, including 4 balls at the Belfry Brabazon, PGA and Derby courses and a weekend for two in the world’s first luxury tree-house on a crane! The event takes place from the 13th to the 16th of June 2017. to find out more or register your interest email [email protected] quoting ‘networking event’, or call 01827 282525 (option 1).

Actavo Appoints New CEO of Industrial Division

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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Actavo Appoints New CEO of Industrial Division

International engineering solutions company, Actavo, has announced the appointment of Charles Price as CEO of Actavo’s Industrial Division.

Actavo
Charles Price CEO Actavo | Industrial Division
Charles joins Actavo from CLH Pipeline System Ltd, where he served as CEO. Previously, he held leadership roles at Oil & Pipelines Agency (Chief Executive & Accounting Officer) and Alderley Plc (working in Africa, the Middle and Far East and Russia), having started his career at ICI Plc, a FTSE30 company. A member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Charles has a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Management (University of Liverpool) and an MBA (University of Bath). Welcoming Charles’s appointment, Chairman and CEO of Actavo, Sean Corkery, commented: “Charles is a CEO with extensive international experience and a proven track record over 25 years in chemical, oil & gas, capital equipment and infrastructure across both the public and private sectors. His appointment comes as Actavo this month celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Industrial business. Under Charles’s leadership, we look forward to Actavo | Industrial Division embarking on a new chapter of sustained growth in the UK, Ireland, Kazakhstan and further afield, providing essential engineering services to the world’s leading industrial companies in the petrochemical, power, oil and gas, marine, nuclear and pharmaceutical sectors.”

NASC and Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand In Talks

Grahame Anderson
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NASC and Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand In Talks

Graham Burke CEO of Scaffolding, Access & Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) met representatives of NASC at their London office on the 17th of May.

The NASC have reported that the meeting proved to be the perfect opportunity to discuss a number of key issues involving the industry. According to a recent statement, Mr Burke was particularly keen to learn more from an established trade body in the work at height sector.
NASC, SARNZ
NASC MD Robin James (left) meeting with Graham Burke of SARNZ & NASC’s Ken Johnson (right)
Mr Burke had previously run a scaffolding business and latterly President of SARNZ, and made a tremendous contribution to the development of Australian and New Zealand scaffolding standards. With more than 100 members the New Zealand trade body is already making great strides. However administration and support is limited and Mr Burke is having to wear a number of hats as he tries to grow the organisation. The meeting was arranged to coincide with a family visit, offering the chance for this influential role model to further develop working relationships. NASC Managing Director Robin James said: “The confederation is delighted to develop a relationship with SARNZ. We had an excellent meeting with Graham and discussed many areas of common interest and concern. Unsurprisingly some these are identical to those which the NASC itself faces here in the UK construction industry. We look forward to supporting the continued emergence of SARNZ and seeing the benefits of this relationship for many years to come.” Mr Burke has been extremely influential on other important initiatives including the development of good practice guidelines for scaffolding in New Zealand, industry training standards and lobbying on skilled scaffolder shortages.

Introducing ScaffMag The Digital Magazine

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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Introducing ScaffMag The Digital Magazine

ScaffMag announce plans to produce a Digital Magazine.

We are pleased to announce our plans to publish a FREE quarterly digital magazine like no other. For over seven years ScaffMag has been continually reporting on our great industry. Through this dedication – and of course your loyal readership and social media following, ScaffMag has grown in popularity to become the industry’s leading source for latest scaffolding news, current affairs and jobs while profiling the best practices and industry standards.
ScaffMag the Magazine
An example of our front cover
Launching in the Summer our valued loyal readers will be able to immerse themselves in a exciting digital scaff-fest. Featuring glorious double paged in-depth exclusive articles and project reports, interviews, regular views and opinion columns from industry leaders, scaffolders spotlight.. the list goes on and on. Encompassing modern technology the magazine will be available to download and read on all mobile, tablet and desktop devices. Daniel Norton Founder and Editor of ScaffMag said: “I am really excited and thrilled to announce our new media offering to our readers. Ever since I founded ScaffMag back in 2009 it was always called ScaffMag ‘the scaffolding magazine’ with the website acting as the magazine. Now we have the opportunity to do both.   This is the natural next step in our company’s history, to produce a modern and edgy digital publication that can be consumed on the move”. If you have some news or if you would like to be featured in the first issue of ScaffMag please drop us an email to [email protected]

Gateshead Contractor Admits Safety Failings Following Scaffolders Death

Grahame Anderson
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Gateshead Contractor Admits Safety Failings Following Scaffolders Death

Contractors Pyeroy have admitted health and safety failings over the death of a man trapped between a cherry picker and scaffolding at Devonport Dockyard in 2013.

Keith Stevens
Keith Stevens
57-year-old scaffolder Keith Stevens was caught between a large scaffolding tube and the bar of the cherry picker he was working on over a submarine in Eight Dock. The Gateshead based company admitted before city magistrates to failing to ensure work at height was planned, supervised and carried out safely. The charge specified failings included planning for emergencies and rescue. They could face a hefty fine when sentence is passed at Plymouth Crown Court on May 25th. An inquest into the death heard Mr Stevens had suffered from a ‘cardiac event’ due to cardiomegaly. The jury however, could not decide in February 2015, whether his death was caused by his heart problem following the crush or the other way around. As a consequence jury members found the cause of the accident was ‘unclear’. It seems colleagues tried to move the arm of the cherry picker with Mr Stevens bent over the controls – but were unable to do so. As a result, there was a 24-minute delay before Mr Stevens, from Newton Abbot, could be lowered to the ground.
cherry picker
The cherry picker involved in the accident
A solicitor for Mr Stevens’ family revealed there was no-one on the ground at the time competent enough to operate the cherry picker. The family’s lawyer Lara Spencer said: Mr Stevens could have been lowered in just one or two minutes and the company was guilty of a ‘gross failure’. “There is nothing to suggest he couldn’t have been resuscitated. The company had needed an emergency rescue plan.” HSE inspectors had not been able to find any fault with the cherry picker, the inquest heard. Coroner Ian Arrow recorded an open verdict stating: “This is a rare case. The only verdict is an open verdict”.

Generation Demonstrate Why The Future is Futuro

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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Generation Demonstrate Why The Future is Futuro

Generation believes the Future is Futuro. Over the next 6 months over 300 scaffolders have signed up to find out why at a series of nationwide demonstrations.

In April, it was the turn of the Edinburgh branch to show scaffolders how Futuro can transform their business and profits. Over 30 scaffolders, braved bad weather, to attend either a morning or afternoon session. Working on a Futuro scaffold, attendees saw how the innovative tension-optimised socket plate makes Futuro one the best ring systems on the market.  Stress-engineered for maximum strength and weight savings, it has eight formed openings that can all be used simultaneously to house ledgers and/or diagonals set at virtually any angle.  Whilst not ideal for an open-air demonstration, the hail and freezing conditions perfectly demonstrated how the connections flat shape reduces wear and prevent ice, mortar, grit and dirt accumulation.  The shape also allows the standards and socket plates to interlock to reduce the storage volume by over 5% and make it roll resistant to allow safer stacking and transportation. Attendees were impressed with the strength of the structure relative to the number of components required to achieve this.  The use of steel boards as part of the integral structure means better integrity with fewer ledgers and components.  The attendees saw that Futuro was 50% quicker to erect than Lok systems and 300% faster than tube fittings and boards.  Gary Watson, area director for Scotland and the North East remarked on the day: “The feedback we have had has been very positive.  Attendees were so impressed by Futuro we have already had enquires.  The very next day we received an order for an 8-month hire. It is great to know that the demonstration was useful and underlines our commitment to our customers to provide them with the best value equipment in the market.” Combined with Generation’s design engineer team and commitment to value, Futuro provides scaffolders with quality at the best price. If you want to find out more, Generation’s demo days are FREE to attend across the country.  Talk to your local branch, or check out our website for updates to see for yourself.

Wood Group wins Shell Brent decommissioning contract

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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Wood Group wins Shell Brent decommissioning contract

Wood Group has been awarded a contract to support Shell in the decommissioning of their Brent Bravo platform in the North Sea.

Effective immediately, Wood Group will prepare the platform for removal via single lift methodology. This includes conductor removal, structural strengthening and installation of under deck lift points, in addition to the modifications required to enable the platform to operate on minimum manning mode. Dave Stewart, CEO for Wood Group’s Asset Life Cycle Solutions business in the Eastern region, said: “We have over four decades of experience supporting Shell’s Brent field and this new contract clearly demonstrates our client’s trust in our consistent delivery of innovative and efficient technical services that have been designed for offshore decommissioning challenges. “We will leverage our learnings from the delivery of the Brent Delta decommissioning scope.  Our commitment is to continuing to work in partnership with Shell to ensure the safe, cost efficient and timely execution of the contract.” Wood Group is a multinational energy services company headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland.

35-storey scaffolding demolished by mother nature

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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35-storey scaffolding demolished by mother nature
This unbelievable video captured by a bystander, shows the actual moment strong winds brought down a huge 35-storey scaffolding structure. The video captured earlier this month shows tubes and boards falling away from the building as winds of 72kmp were reported across Tehran, the capital of Iran. The footage looks to show the entire scaffolding start to move in an upward motion before collapsing to the ground below. Storms were predicted across the region in the days leading up to the collapse of the huge scaffold. Those working on construction sites across the region were warned of the dangers posed by the extreme weather.  

PERI provides unique scaffolding solution at Farringdon Station

Scaffmag Newsdesk
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PERI provides unique scaffolding solution at Farringdon Station
PERI Ltd, the UK’s largest manufacturer of scaffolding and formwork, has provided a unique scaffolding system to help the installation of waterproofing lining at a complex escalator shaft at the new Farringdon Station for the Crossrail project. Crossrail is building 42km of tunnels, 10 new stations and improving 30 more. The finished railway will be named the Elizabeth line when it opens in central London in 2018. After providing an intricate scaffolding system to the tunnel works on the same project, PERI utilised a combination of its Rail Climbing System (RCS), PERI UP scaffolding and heavy duty rollers to provide contractor Bam Ferrovial Kier JV (BFK) with a safe and reliable climbing system for the complicated escalator shaft. The shaft’s 30° incline meant that PERI’s technical design team had to tailor its previous solution used on the horizontal tunnels, while also taking into consideration the various access points and climbing stability. PERI utilised a tailored mobile scaffold system on heavy duty rollers to complete the task of waterproof lining the tunnel walls. The system was able to move along the tunnel and as this method was successful, PERI and BFK took the decision to use the same system for the escalator shaft providing the safest and most beneficial solution. The main challenge for PERI’s design team was the 30° incline. To climb up a standard vertical shaft, PERI’s RCS can be used thanks to its ‘climbing shoes’. The RCS shoe, which is normally fixed to the core walls, allows the rail to be guided up the shaft. However, on this occasion, the RCS shoe required some additional support as the weight from the scaffold, and subsequent friction, would have potentially been too heavy. PERI’s technical team decided to deploy the same heavy duty rollers (as used in the tunnel) for the escalator shaft, meaning the scaffold was securely supported and able to move freely. The heavy duty rollers can withstand more than 250KN of weight, meaning that, when positioned next to the standard RCS shoe, the system would work efficiently and safely. Additionally, the system was pulled up the shaft using an electronic winch, provided by the contractor, which lifted from the RCS system (rather than from the scaffold). Another significant engineering challenge for PERI was the positioning of the platform levels used to access the surface of the tunnel. As the contractor required access to specific points, PERI had to design the scaffolding to have staggered platforms. For a standard horizontal design, the platforms can be positioned at two metre intervals, however for the 30° angle, the platforms needed to be staggered as the heights on the different angles continuously changed. After extensive research and development of the 3D designs, PERI’s team were able to plan and implement a cost-effective and optimised scaffolding solution that allowed three access stations at different heights along the 7.5m long scaffold. Tony Austin, Regional Technical Manager, South at PERI Ltd, commented: “The escalator shaft was a really rewarding project to work on thanks to the originality of the design. The Farringdon project provided our first ever rolling tunnel scaffold designs, and utilising this to an inclined application was another first for us. The end result was ideally suited for the complexity of the project, as the waterproofing could be quickly and safely installed prior to the secondary tunnel lining.”  Nathan Bond, Engineer at BFK, added: “We were happy to once again work with PERI Ltd in the construction of the station. Given the unusual design and incline, we were delighted with the system proposed. The solution was ideal for our needs and the up-front planning, technical expertise and support from the PERI team meant that we were always in safe hands when erecting the system.” To ensure a smooth process, PERI’s dedicated scaffolding site demonstrator regularly visited the site to help with the assembly of the equipment, providing technical advice throughout the duration of the project. PERI’s equipment was delivered to the site in late March and was on-site for just four weeks. For more information.
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