Review: Apache Heavy Duty Work Trousers

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Review: Apache Heavy Duty Work Trousers

A good quality no-nonsense trouser at a low price – ‘what more would you want’ ?

Welcome to another installment of our reviews. Over the last month we have been reviewing a series of workwear products all supplied by the guys at the Leeds based Active Workwear.

Apache Heavy Duty Work Trouserapache trouser

The UK based brand of workwear products never seems to disappoint on quality and these trousers are no different. If your looking to spend a small amount of your hard earnt cash on work clobber look no further.

Among many features, the heavy duty, low rise waist trousers benefits from a reinforced crotch, triple stitched inside leg seams, Cordura covered knee pad holders and a diverse range of velcro utility pockets. Notably the trousers also include a convenient Phone pocket designed to hold larger modern phones.

Other features:

  • Two tuck away holster pockets with Cordura
  • Reflective piping to rear of hem
  • Cordura reinforced hem
  • 280g Poly Cotton
  • Machine washable

Wearability

The trousers were very comfortable and stylish to wear, however they did feel a little heavy until I was used to them.

Available in Black, Grey/Black & Stone

Price £29.99 Incl VAT @ www.active-workwear.co.uk

Scaffolding Finance for the 21st Century

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Scaffolding Finance for the 21st Century

Independent Unbiased Third Party Finance Leaving Your Bank Line Free for Emergencies.

mcf Minaur Corporate Finance, (MCF) have worked with a wide range of scaffolding and construction companies arranging all types of facilities to fund their businesses. Twenty five years ago Paul Minaur financed his first “Hire to Sale” scaffolding transaction. When it became clear how much was being charged to hire equipment, coupled with the additional costs and complications of playing for “lost items” when returned, it was immediately obvious that there was a huge unsupported demand for finance in the Scaffolding Market. Our initial scaffolding client is now a multimillion pound concern. Many lenders do not finance scaffolding, except for the strongest credits, but MCF does!  We achieve this via a range of lenders who offer Leasing, Hire Purchase and Unsecured Commercial Loans for both Scaffolding and Accessories.  Some of our lenders only accept scaffolding business from MCF as they know we have a history in this market and for many years have had strong relationships with suppliers in the UK. Every Company is unique, so one solution does not fit all. From one source you can access MCF’s multiple lenders and funding options. With years of experience we can match each requirement to the most appropriate lender. We Have Financed: Traditional Tube , Fittings & Boards, Systems including Layher, Haki, Cuplock, NOR48, Accessories such as Brick Guards, Netting, Chutes and Skips. As well as Supplier Invoiced New Transactions, we arrange Refinancing of Assets already owned to raise Capital to make further purchases. We have arranged facilities for clients purchasing second hand stock from companies which are ceasing to trade. Suppliers introduce clients to us when there is a requirement which they cannot satisfy with their in-house extended credit terms (if they offer them).  A typical client will have an amount of stock which is hired already and they need more. MCF can arrange finance to cover the transfer of hire to sale or the cost of the new equipment to be purchased. This frees up the “Hire Account” so the supplier can provide additional stock when required. Historically, MCF has even secured facilities with underwriting being based on the Scrap value of Steel. Minimum deal size is £5,000.00 with no upper limit. The typical size requirement is between £50,000 and £150,000. The largest single facility we have provided for scaffolding to date is £750,000. The majority of our clients use a Full Payout Finance Lease as all the payments are tax deductable and title to the goods can be easily arranged.  (Lenders want a return on the money, not a pile of second hand scaffolding).  Unsecured business loans give clients the money to use as “Cash buyers” to negotiate terms with suppliers (or tarmac their Yard!). We can arrange facilities up to £50,000 for single tenant Director Companies with at least 2 years accounts. As well as scaffolding we also finance, Portacabins, Cars, Vans LCV & HGVs including Hook & Cable Lift Vehicles and Beds, JCBs, Telehandlers, Forklifts and Powered Access Equipment.  CCTV, Security Fencing and Shipping Containers. In short if your business has a finance requirement, MCF will know the lender and how to make it happen.  Whether a sizable requirement for an established business or a more modest value for a young or start-up situation we have the Funders to assist. For an initial No Obligation Consultation call us on:01600 860 013 or email [email protected]   http://www.m-c-f-ltd.co.uk/scaffolding-finance.html

New fleet of trucks for TRAD Hire and Sales

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New fleet of trucks for TRAD Hire and Sales

TRAD Hire and Sales recently took delivery of a new commercial fleet of Scania P320 trucks.

tradtruck2Fitted with Euro 6 compliant engines, these modern trucks are designed to help protect the environment and lower the company’s carbon footprint through greater fuel efficiency. The fleet is also making TRAD greener and cleaner by lowering levels of harmful exhaust emissions. 

Putting safety first

The trucks have numerous safety features to protect both employees and the general public. For example, the ‘fall prevention system’ fitted around the truck beds prevent people falling from height. Plus, there’s the top of the range four-camera safety system. Mounted in the cab, this system helps protect pedestrians and cyclists by reducing blind spots in the driver’s field of vision. There are also sensors along both sides of the lorry and audible warnings when the truck indicates left.

tradtruck3Another handy safety feature is the remote-controlled FASSI crane. This gives the operator full visual control of every aspect of the lifting process from anywhere around the truck, increasing visibility and helping create a much safer working environment.

TRAD Hire & Sales is dedicated to driver and vehicle safety. They are FORS Bronze accredited, and are committed  to achieve FORS Silver early next year.

Raising awareness

Added to all this is the new distinctive paintwork livery and visuals, featuring striking graphics and ground-breaking ‘chrome’ film. Not only will this help the trucks stand out and promote TRAD Hire & Sales, but it will also increase awareness of it’s product range including the innovative Plettac METRIX scaffolding system.

tradtruck

About TRAD Hire & Sales

TRAD Hire & Sales is the UK market leader in scaffold supplies; with Plettac METRIX and the ALTRIX Temporary Roofing System being the newest additions to their extensive product range, which also includes traditional scaffolding tube, fittings and boards, TradLok, Tradstage and Trad Stair Tower.

For further information on service and products please call 0845 899 0845 and speak to one of our nationwide Sales Team.

BREAKING: CISRS Release Statement on CPD

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BREAKING: CISRS Release Statement on CPD

CISRS has today released a statement in response to the reaction the industry has felt over impending mandatory CPD course.

CISRS have also announced the creation of a webpage to help dispel myths and misinformation surrounding the course

The Statement

There has been quite a reaction on social media since it was announced that CPD courses for Scaffolders will be introduced from summer 2017. CISRS has now set up specific CPD page on it’s website in a response to some of misinformation being circulated around the sector. The aim of the webpage is to provide background information surrounding the introduction of the new scheme, why CISRS has concluded that CPD is necessary, proposed course content whilst also answering some of the questions that have been raised by concerned scaffolders and employers. The Industry has had a mixed response to the announcement however there are many across the wider industry who have welcomed the idea. Graham Wren Chief Executive Construction Skills Certification Scheme said: “Following the publication of the Industrial Strategy for Construction in 2013, the construction industry has refocused its efforts on ensuring the workforce is appropriately qualified. Continuous professional development (CPD) is an effective method of ensuring all construction workers keep up to date with the latest developments and processes. CSCS welcomes the introduction of CPD as part of the renewal process for a CISRS card, further reinforcing the highly skilled reputation of UK scaffolders.” Much of the initial opposition to the introduction of CPD appears to be cost and who will pay for the course, rather than the principle of CPD itself. CISRS are currently in discussions with CITB to see if any additional funding can be sourced to help offset the costs of the CPD programme. CPD for Scaffolders has not been driven by Training Providers and cannot be described as a “Knee Jerk” reaction. It is an agenda that has been pushed by wider industry for many years, particularly the HSE in the case of scaffolding. CISRS and ASITO have been convinced it is the right thing to do for our safety critical sector. Ray Cooke Head of Construction Sector Safety Unit Health & Safety Executive said: “‘HSE Inspectors sometimes come across scaffolders on site who are not up to date on current accepted practices with respect to safe erection and dismantling of scaffolding. This is an issue that is easily resolved through CPD and HSE welcomes the introduction of this into the CISRS scheme. This brings the scheme into line with many other construction trades and it will have a very positive effect, particularly for those who may not have received any formal training in many years. It should help employers demonstrate that their operatives have the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to fulfil their duties under the Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015.” CISRS understands that there will always be a reaction to changes within a sector, but is hoping to dispel some of the myths that have emerged in recent weeks. The web page will be updated regularly and a Frequently Asked Questions section is currently being put together. Link to webpage http://cisrs.org.uk/cpd-2017/ 

Bilfinger Salamis awarded major North Sea contract

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Bilfinger Salamis awarded major North Sea contract

Bilfinger Salamis UK has secured over 200 offshore jobs after being awarded a multimillion pound contract with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK.

The contract award sees Bilfinger Salamis provide a full range of fabric maintenance, scaffolding and access services to Repsol Sinopec Resources UK’s Piper, Claymore, Tartan, Clyde and Bleo Holm offshore operated assets, as well as the terminal at Flotta.
The initial award is for period of two years, with options to extend for a further four years, and secures employment for over 200 Bilfinger operatives. The announcement follows Repsol Sinopec Resources UK’s move to an asset focused organisational structure, and is one of a number of major new service contracts awarded which aim to underpin the company’s long-term transformation. This includes focusing on rationalising and investing in the long-term integrity of its asset portfolio.
Bilfinger Salamis UK chief operating officer Sandy Bonner said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract which will allow us to support Repsol Sinopec Resources in their offshore operations in the North Sea. “Securing this long-term contract with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK was a major strategic target for us. Adding a further six large assets to our portfolio of North Sea contracts consolidates our position as market leaders in fabric maintenance and industrial support services for the offshore industry.
“On the back of several contract wins we believe that the investment made in innovation, technology and our people over recent years is being recognised by the marketplace, whilst continuing to benefit our employees and customers. “We look forward to a long and successful partnership with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK. ”
Bill Dunnett, Managing Director of Repsol Sinopec Resources UK said: “These awards will drive greater innovation and competition in the supply chain, and improve accountability within our own business.
“Performance of our new contracts is a fundamental element of our ongoing transformation to an effective and sustainable operation – even in the current challenging market. This is a great opportunity for the local supply chain that will help us deliver long-term value to our shareholders, partners and employees.”

Sellafield saves £300K using unique rolling scaffolding system

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Sellafield saves £300K using unique rolling scaffolding system

An innovative scaffolding solution has saved more than a third of a million pounds of UK taxpayer’s money in the clean-up of one of the most hazardous decommissioning projects at Sellafield.

scaffoldingThe unique rolling scaffolding system from Layher has been introduced for the first time to the Sellafield site to help speed up the decommissioning of the First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP) and save £300,000 for the UK taxpayer.

The structure (created in collaboration with Kaefer) uses a state-of-the-art railtrack system which creates one easily-moveable structure that can shift side-to-side as sections of work are complete along the external pond wall.

Unlike traditional scaffolding, the system is cost-effective, lightweight and quick-to-assemble.

The use of the system has helped the project team make a considerable cost saving by cutting the amount of equipment needed and slashing the amount of man hours spent constructing the scaffolding.

It also increases safety for those working on the project as it eliminates the need to climb the scaffolds.

Ryan Blinco, project team member said: “There’s a complex jigsaw of pieces that need to be in place to decommission FGMSP and the erection of the rolling scaffolding means we can take one step closer to seeing the picture on the box.

“It’s another example of the innovation we have here at Sellafield and the substantial progress we’re making in reducing the hazards on the site – our number one priority – while saving millions of pounds for our customer, the UK taxpayer.”

Built in the 1950s, FGMSP is one of the priority decommissioning projects on the Sellafield site that Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and its regulators want decommissioned in the earliest possible time scale.

Before decommissioning, the structural integrity and containment of the 60-year-old building has to be improved to counter the degradation which has taken place over the last 30 years.  The building was not designed with decommissioning in mind and considerable work is also being carried out on the plant, equipment and services to allow the pond to be emptied.

Dorothy Gradden, Head of Delivery, Legacy Ponds, said: “This is a fantastic example of innovative thinking from the FGMSP workforce.  

“We’re committed to accelerating decommissioning of the legacy ponds and silos here at Sellafield and we need to do this as cost effectively as possible, recognising the fact that we need to provide value for money for the taxpayer.  

“Saving a third of a million pounds on this project will mean the money can be spent elsewhere on the high priority decommissioning projects across the NDA estate.”

Impending CPD causes unrest amongst Scaffolders

Daniel Norton
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Impending CPD causes unrest amongst Scaffolders

Scaffolders across the UK are voicing their anger over the recent announcement of the CISRS CPD course with a petition to protest against the mandatory training.

Early last month CISRS announced that from 1 June 2017 it will introduce a two day Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, which will become a mandatory requirement prior to Scaffolder or Advanced Scaffolder card renewal.

Snip20160708_18A petition has been set up at change.org by angry scaffolders to protest and cut the cost of the CPD that has been rumored to cost around £500. Within 48 hrs the petition has already received nearly 1,000 signatures in protest from scaffolders across the country.

Social media has played a key role in the protest, with over 3,000 scaffolders jumping on board to join Facebook communities to vent their anger of yet another impending expense.

However, no official costings for the 2 day course have yet been announced by CISRS, this will take place later in the year.

In a recent press release from CISRS, Scheme Manager Dave Mosley said: “We are aware that good employers strive to keep their workforce up to speed with changes within the industry, but this is not always the case. With a transient workforce and no formal programme for achieving this we cannot be sure exactly what information has been passed onto whom. 

“The basic principle of CPD and/or refresher training is a good one. However, we are all too aware that this comes at a cost not only for the training itself, but also loss of production etc. As such we are looking to ensure that the course provides the most gain for the least pain and offers the scaffolder and their employer some real value added training,”

In a statement to ScaffMag from Simon Vassallo who set up the petition said:

“Enough is enough! All our scaffolding careers we have been paying for courses just to get work, everything from our scaffolding courses,safety passports, cscs touch screen tests, asbestos awareness training, the list goes on. Of course we do it, we all need the money and we all need to work”.

“This time NASC and CISRS have introduced a CPD course in which every scaffolder from June 1st 2017 will have to attend, it’s a 2 day course setting out new rules & regulations. This we can all agree is a good idea. EXCEPT, this means that’s the price of the course, plus losing 2 days wages could come into the region of £500”.

“For any man this is a lot of money, for the smaller firms it could be crippling, as those scaffolders who do not attend this 2 day course their cards will be void. Even though this course was 10 years in the making, there are still questions to be answered”.

“Overall we think it’s a good idea, but the cost is far from great. This petition is set up on behalf of the working man who has had enough of these money making schemes, we wish the powers that be to stop this course coming in on June 1st 2017. Surely there’s a better, cheaper solution”.

To see the original CISRS announcement click here 

TRAD Hire & Sales Ltd – First for Scaffolding in the UK’s Second City

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TRAD Hire & Sales Ltd – First for Scaffolding in the UK’s Second City

TRAD Hire & Sales Ltd held a second, highly successful open day at their Birmingham Depot, showcasing their PLETTAC METRIX Scaffold System and the ALTRIX Temporary Roof System.

Commencing with a thought-provoking indoor presentation by John Paterson, TRAD Hire & Sales’ Managing Director, the guests were introduced to the two systems’ main features and benefits.

The indoor presentation was followed by an outside live demonstration by TRAD Hire & Sales’ Technical Manager, Alan Slater, which displayed to all in attendance how quick, safe and highly adaptable both systems are.

Birmingham_2

In comparison to other scaffold systems and tube & fitting, the attendees could appreciate the advantages PLETTAC METRIX holds. The versatility, time saving and excellent safety features, such as the optional Permanent Advanced Guardrail makes this scaffold system second to none.

The new ALTRIX Temporary Roof System is suitable for use with all scaffold types, and offers unrivalled weather protection solutions. The lightweight, strong all-aluminium construction, along with simple but effective, colour-coding and Push-Fit technology, enables small or large weather-proofed areas to be constructed safely, quickly and with ease.

“…more than just a roof…”  The ALTRIX system has been designed with stock utilisation in mind. Its components can be employed in other scaffolding applications, such as bridging sections within independent scaffolds, or in the forming of large flush decked areas in conjunction with the PLETTAC METRIX system.

The open day came to a close with a Q & A session with Des Moore, TRAD Group’s Managing Director, which covered a wide range of topics including how the use of PLETTAC METRIX and ALTRIX have provided commercial benefits to the TRAD Group’s business model.

Book your place today at one of TRAD’s Open Days.

To be one of the first to experience the cost saving benefits of TRAD Hire & Sales’ new products, book your place at one of their upcoming open days – places are limited, so book now on 0845 899 0845 or email [email protected].

About TRAD Hire & Sales

TRAD Hire & Sales is the UK market leader in scaffold supplies; with Plettac METRIX and the ALTRIX Temporary Roofing System being the newest additions to their extensive product range, which also includes traditional scaffolding tube, fittings and boards, Tradlok, Tradstage and Trad Stair Tower.

For further information on service and products please call 0845 899 0845 and speak to one of our nationwide Sales Team.

Opinion: CISRS Mandatory CPD Course

Mark Bisset
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Opinion: CISRS Mandatory CPD Course

Our new industry blogger Mark Bisset gives his opinion on the recent announcement of the mandatory CPD course from CISRS.

The latest hot topic within the UK scaffolding industry, is the planned introduction of continuing professional development training (CPD). This is for any individual involved in the scaffold industry, renewing or updating their competence levels. Negotiations regarding these changes has been ongoing for the past decade with input from the HSE. This in my opinion is definitely not, as many in the scaffold industry think, a knee jerk reaction, nor is it another “money making scheme” from the CISRS. This new approach has been inevitable, as the changes within the industry are moving at a rate of knots that requires a robust structured vocational education, for all personnel from the Scaffold Labourer through to the Managing Director. This latest mandatory training addition announced by the CISRS earlier this month will be introduced from June 2017 onwards. With this change it should bring with it, in my opinion, a much needed robust stepping stone structure, that wasn’t in place before. cisrsFrom my own personal experience being an apprentice scaffolder completing my CISRS Part 1 and Part 2, There was then a six year gap where I never went near a scaffold training facility before obtaining my advanced status. I’m sure this may be same with many other operatives throughout industry. With this in mind I think the (CPD) will bridge the gap when it comes to educating our workforce, by keeping all scaffolding operatives up to speed with all changes within technical and safety guidance documents. This will also allow our workforce to fine tune their broader knowledge regarding the industry. Many colleagues in this ever progressing industry will appreciate the fact that the sector has been through numerous changes in the past decade or so, with much of the responsibility to cascade any changes to the “coalface” left to the employers. This in turn will now be done through CPD, then followed up via toolbox talks etc… By the employer. There are the ‘big majors” and other professional scaffold contractors out there, that are also members of trade associations like the NASC, these firms continue to keep their workforce up to speed regularly with these changes, via toolbox talks and frequent safety meetings etc., that have concerns with this recent change. I can understand their concerns at potentially being liable for the cost of further training, whilst still being members of their respective associations, where each organisation pay a yearly levy, to receive regular updates regarding changes, in turn allowing them to act accordingly within their own organisations. All being said I think CPD has pro’s and con’s, however the pro’s outweigh the con’s. This new change must be embraced by all companies, large and small to help cement this thriving UK sector which is at the forefront of scaffolding worldwide. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.

Ferrybridge £360m power plant gets the green light

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Ferrybridge £360m power plant gets the green light

500 new construction jobs will be created after power firm SSE has taken a final decision to proceed with the Ferrybridge Multifuel 2 project in West Yorkshire, construction is expected to begin later this year.

News outlets have today suggested that the project will be built next to the recently completed FM1 project on land at Ferrybridge ‘C’ Power Station in Knottingley. News website ConstructionEnquirer has reported that an EPC contract has now been signed with Swiss engineering contractor Hitachi Zosen Inova, which built the neighbouring FM1 plant. More than 500 construction jobs will be created during the three-year FM2 build. Charlie Cryans, Head of Construction for SSE said: “We will be holding a meet the buyer event in the coming weeks which will provide local businesses and suppliers with the opportunity to meet the main contractor for the project, and pitch their products and services.” Franz-Josef Mengede, CEO of HZI said: “Our experience during the construction of the now operational FM1 plant will be invaluable in helping us to deliver this second plant and meet the high standards required by SSE.” Details of the upcoming meet the buyer event will be advertised in due course. Like the first multifuel plant, FM2 will have a generating capacity of 90MW and will produce enough energy to power around 160,000 homes.
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