The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Avontus Case Study: Niles Plant Services LLC
The Company
Based in Bay City, Michigan, Niles Plant Services supplies scaffolding and related services to clients throughout the United States. The family-owned business focuses on customers in the chemical, automotive, manufacturing, industrial and utility sectors, managing around 100 scaffold builders at a time. Founded in 2013, the firm is building on the family’s nearly 50 years in the painting, blasting and coating business.
The Challenge
When Niles Plant Services got off the ground, project manager Kirk Stevens sketched scaffold designs and drew up materials lists by hand. As demand for the company’s services grew, several colleagues were pulled in to help produce drawings.
Stevens and his supervisors soon realized that manual drafting was slowing the company down. Drawings were taking hours, especially when designs were complex or included multiple structures. “Sometimes I could not respond to my customers as quickly as they needed,” Stevens says. It took even more time to produce material counts. That put a limit on how many jobs the company could bid for and carry out.
Drawing by hand could also cause hold-ups in the field. “If you have 10 different people build a scaffold, you’ll get a different result 80% of the time. The builders are forced to interrupt designs and sometimes change parts, and that can definitely cause delays in production,” Stevens says.
Company leaders realized they needed to incorporate technology to improve speed and quality. “We started looking ahead at what the trends are going to be and what’s going to set us apart from other companies. We wanted to take the next step and go further for customers, and we wanted to become more efficient and better at what we do,” says Mike O’Keefe, the firm’s vice president of scaffold operations.
O’Keefe considered developing software internally, but quickly decided that wouldn’t be cost-efficient. He reviewed several software options before settling on Avontus’ Scaffold Designer, in part because it was easy to use and had multiple scaffolding manufacturers preloaded. “I didn’t really see any other software that was comparable, to be perfectly honest,” he says. “We decided that purchasing Avontus’ Scaffold Designer software was the right move for us.”
The Solution
Niles Plant Services began using Scaffold Designer in December 2015. The company immediately saw drastic improvements in efficiency. “Creating drawings and material lists was easily 50% quicker if not more,” Stevens says. “With Scaffold Designer, you can add everything you need with one click.”
That meant colleagues who had previously helped with drawings could focus elsewhere. And the firm could take business to the next level. “Scaffold Designer allowed us to increase our bid volume, our capacity and our ability to get more work,” O’Keefe says.
Scaffold Designer is also helping the firm win clients and increase customer satisfaction. When customers receive a quote, they now get a drawing as well. “Customers want to know we have the ability to access certain areas and get around obstacles. This gives us the opportunity to show them before they even ask,” O’Keefe says.
Drawings produced in Scaffold Designer, including a 3D view, also help project managers clarify exactly what they want built in the field. “When we give a copy of the drawing to the scaffold team, it allows them to take some of the guesswork and redesign out of it,” O’Keefe says.
Communication got even smoother starting in March 2017, when Niles Plant Services began using Scaffold VR, a new virtual reality extension for Scaffold Designer. Company leaders and operations managers can virtually walk through a design from all angles before it’s built. “Viewing models in Scaffold VR helps identify clearance issues, distance from walls and other issues of concern. It puts it in perspective in a way that’s challenging for people in print,” O’Keefe says.
The firm is also using Scaffold VR to show designs to clients. “For people who aren’t sure how you’re approaching a project or how it’s going to function in real time, being able to walk them through a virtual build is fun and gives them the opportunity to see what it’s going to look like before it’s built,” O’Keefe says.
The cutting-edge tool is also helping Niles Plant Services win sales. “Models created in Scaffold Designer and Scaffold VR show potential customers that we’re taking the next step and looking ahead to consider all pitfalls and possibilities,” O’Keefe says. “Avontus’ Scaffold VR is one more way to show customers that we’re on top of our game and above the rest.”
Drawings produced in Scaffold Designer, including a 3D view, also help project managers clarify exactly what they want built in the field. “When we give a copy of the drawing to the scaffold team, it allows them to take some of the guesswork and redesign out of it,” O’Keefe says.
Communication got even smoother starting in March 2017, when Niles Plant Services began using Scaffold VR, a new virtual reality extension for Scaffold Designer. Company leaders and operations managers can virtually walk through a design from all angles before it’s built. “Viewing models in Scaffold VR helps identify clearance issues, distance from walls and other issues of concern. It puts it in perspective in a way that’s challenging for people in print,” O’Keefe says.
The firm is also using Scaffold VR to show designs to clients. “For people who aren’t sure how you’re approaching a project or how it’s going to function in real time, being able to walk them through a virtual build is fun and gives them the opportunity to see what it’s going to look like before it’s built,” O’Keefe says.
The cutting-edge tool is also helping Niles Plant Services win sales. “Models created in Scaffold Designer and Scaffold VR show potential customers that we’re taking the next step and looking ahead to consider all pitfalls and possibilities,” O’Keefe says. “Avontus’ Scaffold VR is one more way to show customers that we’re on top of our game and above the rest.” Palmers Provide Innovative Scaffolding Solutions at Carlisle Rail Station
Scaffolding contractor Palmers Scaffolding UK Ltd are providing innovative scaffolding, public protection decks and access solutions for Galliford Try at the historic Carlisle Railway Station in Cumbria.
The intricate, in-house designed, 1,400-tonne scaffolding temporary works began at the Grade II listed building (which forms part of the Carlisle conservation zone) in January 2016 – as leading principal contractor Galliford Try aim to refurbish the train-shed roof, maintain the station and extend the property’s life by at least 30 years.
Large sections of the roof had been damaged partly by seagulls, which had broken many of the historic glass panels dropping stones. These panels are being replaced with safer Ethlene tetra fluoro ethylene (ETFA) options, accessed via the Palmers scaffolding.
The in-house designed Palmers scaffold is required to provide access and protection decks and is 47m in span and 160m long, spanning 13 roof bays and the platforms below to create a working level 9m above the ground level. It has been created by more than 20 advanced scaffolders, with additional support by Palmers management and supervisors. And the modern access solutions will enable the historic roof to be refurbished, including glass removal and reconstruction together with steel repairs where necessary.
The state-of-the-art scaffolding supplied by Palmers is based on modular access and protection scaffold systems bespoke to the firm. The key component within the scaffold structure is ‘Palmers 1350 Bridge Panel System’ – which incorporates bracing and end panels, so the components can be used in either beam structures to span the railway or support columns to provide bases for the protection decks.
The use of the Palmers bridging panel system is a key factor in allowing Palmers to design a scaffolding structure which can span the railway lines. This system crucially allows the works to carry on without interfering with the running of the railway – as well as protecting the commuting passengers and railway staff who operate within the station 365 days a year, where there are in excess of one million passenger movements through the station each year.
In addition, all scaffolding works over the tracks’ electrified OLE System have to be erected during night-time possessions, which restrict the working time to a short five hour window overnight, from circa midnight.
Palmers design and construction team developed a scaffolding structure and solution that could be partially erected away from the main rail line to help minimise the risk of working at height and improve productivity by carrying out works away from the railway environment outside the short night time possession windows.
Palmers Scaffolding UK Ltd Director, Lindsay Harle said: “Palmers have been the scaffolding contractor of choice on some of the most significant railway station refurbishments in the UK – from St Pancras in London to Waverley Station in Edinburgh. And we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to support Galliford Try in the contract at Carlisle and look forward to a successful completion of this contract and working together successfully on many more projects thereafter.”
Donald Morrison, MD comments: “We at Palmers are proud that our people continue to make the difference. This is evident in the scaffolding works we have delivered safely during the erection phase at Carlisle, whilst minimising the Working at Height, through utilising the ‘Palmers 1350 Bridge Panel System.’ We look forward to a safe successful completion of the works at Carlisle.”
The state-of-the-art scaffolding supplied by Palmers is based on modular access and protection scaffold systems bespoke to the firm. The key component within the scaffold structure is ‘Palmers 1350 Bridge Panel System’ – which incorporates bracing and end panels, so the components can be used in either beam structures to span the railway or support columns to provide bases for the protection decks.
The use of the Palmers bridging panel system is a key factor in allowing Palmers to design a scaffolding structure which can span the railway lines. This system crucially allows the works to carry on without interfering with the running of the railway – as well as protecting the commuting passengers and railway staff who operate within the station 365 days a year, where there are in excess of one million passenger movements through the station each year.
In addition, all scaffolding works over the tracks’ electrified OLE System have to be erected during night-time possessions, which restrict the working time to a short five hour window overnight, from circa midnight.
Palmers design and construction team developed a scaffolding structure and solution that could be partially erected away from the main rail line to help minimise the risk of working at height and improve productivity by carrying out works away from the railway environment outside the short night time possession windows.
Palmers Scaffolding UK Ltd Director, Lindsay Harle said: “Palmers have been the scaffolding contractor of choice on some of the most significant railway station refurbishments in the UK – from St Pancras in London to Waverley Station in Edinburgh. And we are delighted to have been given the opportunity to support Galliford Try in the contract at Carlisle and look forward to a successful completion of this contract and working together successfully on many more projects thereafter.”
Donald Morrison, MD comments: “We at Palmers are proud that our people continue to make the difference. This is evident in the scaffolding works we have delivered safely during the erection phase at Carlisle, whilst minimising the Working at Height, through utilising the ‘Palmers 1350 Bridge Panel System.’ We look forward to a safe successful completion of the works at Carlisle.” Mercer Scaffolding aims high with new Mercedes-Benz trucks
Mercer Scaffolding has continued to raise its ambitions by investing in three state of the art Mercedes-Benz trucks.
They include a 15-tonne Atego 1518, and two 26-tonne Arocs 2530 models with factory-fitted four-man benches behind the two front seats. This enables each to carry a driver and a crew of five scaffolders in safety and comfort. These new trucks are fitted with specialist dropside flat-bed bodies, used to carry scaffolding equipment such as tubes, boards and fittings. All three vehicles have Classic-space cabs – L-cab versions for the two Arocs, an S-Cab for the Atego, finished in bright orange. These feature the Mercer logo alongside that of Help for Heroes – the operator is an enthusiastic backer of the charity, supporting servicemen and women injured in the line of duty. As a family company they are based at Longfield in Kent, overseeing ongoing projects in both London and the South-East. The firm takes pride in offering its clients competitively priced, ‘all-in-one’ scaffolding solutions. Solid in construction the impressive Mercedes-Benz Arocs range of rigid trucks from 18-32 tonnes GVW and tractor units, are purpose-designed for construction-related applications. An advanced Atego, flies the flag for the three-pointed star in the 6.5-16 tonnes GVW segment. A popular choice for operators in the construction and associated sectors, most are used for light- and medium-duty distribution work. As a forward thinking business Mercer has introduced new management systems and procedures, as well setting up its own transport operation to service larger projects. It achieved Bronze accreditation from the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) last year, and sees the new vehicles as vital to securing Silver status towards the end of 2017.
Scaffold firm fined 27K after untrained worker falls
A scaffolding company has been fined after a worker was left in a coma after falling from scaffolding.
Bristol Magistrates Court heard how an employee of R J Scaffolding (Bristol) Ltd was in an induced coma for two weeks after falling more than six metres from the scaffolding.
The worker suffered several serious injuries including losing the sight in his right eye and five fractures to the skull.
An HSE investigation into the incident which occurred on 2 June 2016 found the employee was untrained, the supervisor was unfamiliar with the current expected safety techniques and the appropriate equipment had not been provided to the worker to conduct this work safely.
R J Scaffolding (Bristol) Ltd of Hengrove, Bristol pleaded guilty to breaching safety regulations and was fined £26,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £1657.76.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Ian Whittles said: “We want all workers to go home healthy and safe. Those in control of work have a responsibility to ensure safe methods of working are used and to inform, instruct and train their workers in their use.
“If industry recognised safe systems of erecting scaffold had been in place prior to the incident, the life changing injuries sustained by the employee could have been prevented.”
Safety & Access to Hold Networking Event
Scaffold training specialists Safety & Access Ltd are holding a free Networking Day at their Humber Training Centre CATCH in Stallingborough on 27 September 2017 – Start time 09:30 – 14:00
Apart from the free lunch, trade stands and demonstrations, attendees will hear interesting and stimulating input from many speakers. The line up includes a legal update from Health & Safety legal expert Gary Lewis and leading industry stakeholders that include CISRS/NASC.
Additionally attendees will hear a moving account from Paul Blanchard on how an accident can change everything.
Paul works as a motivational and behavioural safety speaker. Having been in a major accident falling from height several years ago while fixing a roof at a farm, Paul speaks on the emotional perspective of why Health and Safety is not just about ticking boxes.
Paul’s story is really about the realisation that his life had changed, and having the determination to adapt to the new direction in life and trying to inspire others. Paul, broke his back, 18 ribs and suffered severe head injuries and a punctured lung. He was in an induced coma for three months and in hospital for six months. He now needs a wheelchair after being left paralysed from the chest down.
His story of his life before the accident, the day of the accident, the time spent in hospital and learning about the injuries and new way of life. His struggle with life since his accident is an honest and sometimes graphic account of the devastation the accident has had on Paul, his family (wife Jenny and 2 grown-up children and grandchild), friends and workmates.
For more information about the free event please contact Sarah Cockell on 07810551491 or email [email protected] to request an invite.
Industry Stunned After Death of Safelinx Inventor
Industry in shock after news of well known industry pioneer and inventor dies suddenly
Its with great sadness I have to inform our readers of the sudden death of well know industry pioneer Nick Flynn who passed away from a heart condition late Tuesday afternoon.
Adam Riley – Angelwest Ltd said: “I sadly never met Nick but his comments & appreciation towards others was second to none and that was just on Linkedin, thoughts go out to the family & friends.”
Mark Parkin – Tiger Scaffolding Ltd said: “I feel like I’ve lost a brother, what a great guy he will be sadly missed in this industry, I got to speak to nick on a daily basis discussing innovation & new product ideas and if I get the chance I will bring them to the market in honour of him and his family.”
The family have asked us to pass on details of Nick’s Funeral arrangements as follows:
A service will be held at Burnley Crematorium at 12pm on Thursday 7th September 2017 All are welcome !
I would like to offer my personal condolences, my thoughts are with Nick’s family, friends and work colleges. Nick will be so sadly missed.
The industry has lost a pioneer. RIP Nick Flynn..
Simian Partner with NTI to Open Oman CISRS Training Centre
Simian Skill International and National Training Institute (NTI) part of the Babcock International Group have joined forces in order to gain CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS) accreditation for their new centre in the Sultanate of Oman.
CISRS Manager Dave Mosley traveled to Oman back in April for a pre-accreditation visit, Simian/NTI took the decision to source a new location for their new CISRS OSTS practical facility, which is adjacent to another of NTI’s training establishments in the Ghala Industrial Area of Muscat. NTI Business Development Manager Mohammed Atif Uzzaman commented: “NTI Oman are proud to be working in association with Simian Skills and to become the first CISRS approved training centre in the capital (Muscat) which can offer scaffolding programmes that meet PDO’s revised criteria. We are committed to offering world class learning solutions to the Omani market,” said NTI Business Development Manager Mohammed Atif Uzzaman. In a press release CISRS say, The training centre has been fitted out to a very high specification, Simian/NTI has gone to considerable expense to provide new materials and equipment for the centre audit which took place on 9th/10th of August. The new centre boasts newly fitted out air-conditioned classrooms and an on-site restaurant ensure that delegates will enjoy a very comfortable training experience. The investment in the facility has paid off as the centre has gained approval to deliver the following CISRS OSTS courses Level 1, Level 2, Basic Scaffold Inspection and Scaffolding Supervisor training.
Ian Fyall Operations Director for Simian Skill added: “Simian has partnered a reputable worldwide company in NTI who are part of the Babcock Group. We look forward to working together delivering quality scaffold training in the region for years to come. The centre is in pristine condition and it shows the commitment of both companies to deliver a quality product.”
The first courses will start in a matter of days, with a waiting list for CISRS scaffolder training already building up. Initial courses will be delivered by experienced Simian Instructors Andy Sharp and Abid Gul, who will train and mentor local instructors until they are suitably qualified and experienced to deliver OSTS courses themselves.
Dave Mosley CISRS Manager said: “Congratulations to Simian/NTI. They have created an excellent facility here in Oman, they have been very keen to come on board with the CISRS OSTS scheme and already have a number of clients seeking CISRS training, we wish them every success in this venture.” SCA Group Appoints New Industrial Services Director
SCA Group takes on ex-Cape Operations Director, Mark McHale as their Industrial Services Operations Director.
The new appointment comes after significant growth in 2016 for the SCA group and a growing order book in Industrial services in 2017. SCA say Mark brings a wealth of experience to the company with Mark holding previous positions as Operations Director of Cape Industrial Services where he managed over £110m of operation revenue stream and previous to that with Interserve Industrial managing the Industrial services Portfolio.
Brickguard designed by Scaffolders hits the market
A new brickguard designed by scaffolders has hit the market and is about to create a storm within the scaffolding industry says it’s makers.
The new brickguard called Sureguard is made from a highly durable polypropylene material that has an unrivaled windspeed resilience. Sureguard is simple and easy to stack and reuse and benefits from eco friendly replaceable hooks. Its maker Alan Clark, Managing Director of Taunton based Montana Scaffolding Ltd explains how and why Suregaurd was created:Like many busy scaffolding contractors we were looking to replace our current stock of plastic coated wire brickguards which were always difficult to handle and visually unappealing. We were looking for a robust brickguard to withstand the day to day rigours of our industry.
The brief was to easily stack for delivery and site storage, be flexible to reduce gaps along scaffolding edges, stand up to severe weather conditions/high winds and save costs.
Nothing we found on the market was assessed to be suitable in all areas, so the decision was made to design our own brickguard, suited to our needs. Perhaps our design would benefit the industry as a whole, as we knew other firms were experiencing similar frustrations which ultimately have an effect on company performance and bottom line.
The result of the design process is the Sureguard, a resilient brickguard which exceeded our expectations, particularly when wind-tunnel tested. Whilst achieving an upper wind-speed limit of 78mph the unique patent protected replaceable guardrail hooks stayed firmly attached to the scaffolding. The guardrail hooks are made from strong nylon and are fully replaceable. In the event of any damage occurring to the hooks there is no need to replace the whole Sureguard.
The patented dual toe board restraint clips were undamaged in the wind tunnel; no falling or flying objects. The mesh at the bottom of each panel and the two independent toe clips are designed to enable guards to simply interlock, eliminating all gaps between brickguards and the risks they cause. Sureguards follow the shape of scaffolding, effortlessly bending around corners, fully secured to both sides of toe boards. Fiddly zip ties are not required, reducing associated labour and material costs.
The brickguards are easy to handle and are stackable. The unique moulded shape makes them compact to transport palletised on vehicles and around the yard or site by forklift truck, to reinforce your companies’ commitment to improving site tidiness and safety.
Made from fully recyclable materials Sureguards are available in 7 standard colours – black, blue, red, green, pink, grey and yellow with the option to have your company logo moulded into the plastic for added security when manufactured. For quantities over 2400 units additional colours are available to match your branding.
The Sureguard brickguard is designed and manufactured in the UK to a high standard and is ideal for use in all weather conditions.
Sureguards exceed our original brief. Bringing them to market now enables other scaffolding companies to benefit from reducing costs associated with waste, labour and brickguard replacement, improved site safety and so much more.
Read more about Sureguard in ScaffMag Quarterly our digital magazine coming soon.