New MAX One-piece Plastic Brickguard in Production

Max Scaffold Products (MAX SP) adds a new wider One-piece Plastic Brickguard to its product line after production gets the green light.

The Oxfordshire based company behind the successfully popular MAX One-piece Plastic Brickguard is in the production phase of creating a new brick guard. The initial design will remain the same in principle to the original, however the new design will benefit from a wider dimension (1100mm). The new brickguard also features a traditional speedier hook type design, that works with tube and fitting and system scaffolding products like Haki.

A New Plastic Brickguard Available

According to MAX SP, The All New One-piece Plastic Brickguard is expected to be available from July this year.

The original MAX One-piece Brickguard was launched back in 2012, it was widely accepted within the industry as a revolutionary product, after it relieved the pain for many scaffolding firms from using the metal variant, which in short, was a total nightmare to install for scaffolders.

“The original brickguard will still be in production but this new brickguard will give the end user more choice when choosing their brickguard” says Peter Westlake of MAX Scaffold Products.

“The main difference between the two is the unique one-piece hook design which has a more traditional feel to it and being an ex-scaffolder I have to admit I like brickguard’s that just drop over the guardrail for speed.”

“All the other features are the same in principle if not in design. They stack vertically, the spacing domes provide stability, the toe board clip reduces the need for additional fixings and the hooks fit inside each other without tangling.” Peter added.

SMART Scaffolder launches an inspection app

Industry software company launches new mobile scaffold inspection app.

Dorset based software company, SMART Scaffolder has launched an app called SMART Inspector. The app which went live on the app store last week, is said to make scheduling, conducting and reporting on scaffold inspections simple and efficient, and can now be done on an Apple or Android phone or tablet. SMART Scaffolder Inspection app SMART Scaffolder say the SMART Inspector app enables the user to store all inspection records online which can be easily retrieved back at the office via a simple separate desktop console. This prevents the build up of unnecessary inspection paper copies and retyping out onto an office computer. A spokesperson for SMART Scaffolder said: “Carrying out an inspection couldn’t be simpler: just set up the site on the desktop console and then follow the steps on the app when you’re onsite. You can capture photos of any defects you find and you record the client’s signature on your phone.” “The desktop console makes it easy to bring up reports such as unsafe scaffolds, completed inspections, inspection history and, coming very soon, handover certificates and scaffolds on extra hire.” You can find out more about this new app and arrange a free trial by visiting SMART Scaffolder  

Scaffolder narrowly avoids jail after scaffold collapse

A Wigan scaffolder has been sentenced after scaffolding collapsed at a retail site in Loggerheads, Staffordshire

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard how Mr Kinsley a scaffolder had been subcontracted to erect a scaffold, with debris netting attached along its full length, for roofing work on a Co-Op retail store. Mr Kinsley erected the scaffold with two of his employees, on 19 November 2015 but did not design the scaffold correctly or ensure it was tied to the building in any way. On 5 December 2015 the scaffold collapsed into a car park at the side of the store. Scaffolder, Scaffolding Collapse A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Mr Kinsley failed to properly design or erect the scaffold in a safe and appropriate manner and as a result put members of the public and workers at risk. Mark Kinsley of Little Lane, Pemberton, Wigan pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. He was fined £1400 and sentenced to 16 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay costs of £1648. Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Katherine Blunt said: “This was a very serious incident and it is fortunate nobody was injured as a result of it. “The case highlights the importance of following industry guidance and in order to design and erect scaffolding in a safe manner, which does not raise risk to members of the public and workers using the scaffold.”

The NASC slash the cost of TG20:13 Guidance

The NASC have announced a 50% price reduction for it’s popular TG20:13 guidance and eGuide.

Originally launched in April 2014 TG20:13 Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting has according to NASC been widely adopted throughout the UK scaffolding industry and the wider construction sector in the UK and increasingly abroad. The NASC have now announced a review of the existing TG20:13 publications and eGuide pricing structure following meetings held between the NASC working group. The following new pricing structure came into effect on 1 March 2017 NASC TG20:13 The aforementioned meetings were held in September and November of 2016, they were setup to review feedback and agree on modifications and amendments to TG20:13 in time for the next TG20:13 revision. The NASC invited and received a considerable amount of feedback on the guidance, from member companies and non member purchasers of TG20:13, outlining what they would like to see incorporated in the next revision. The NASC say some of the suggestions received included, ‘varying the number of boarded lifts, production of basic drawings and calculations, and increased leg load information’. An eGuide software upgrade is expected to be issued free of charge in the spring of 2017, however the NASC say the timescale for full review has not been agreed. It is unlikely that a fully updated version of TG20 will be published for at least two years.    

Construction firm fined after Scaffolder is left paralysed

A construction company has been fined £100K after a scaffolder fell 4m through an opening.

Construction firm Structural Metal Decks Limited (SMDL) has been fined £105,000 after a scaffolder was left paralysed following an accident at a building site in Kilsyth, Scotland. The Scaffolder suffered injuries to his spinal cord and is now paralysed from the neck down following the incident. Airdrie Sheriff Court heard how Structural Metal Decks Ltd had been sub-contracted to lay metal deck flooring by John Graham Construction Ltd who were building a new health centre in Kilsyth. On 22 April 2015, a scaffolder was moving scaffolding components when he stood on a section of decking which had been put in place by SMDL. The decking sheet gave way and the man fell more than four metres to the ground.
Scaffolder
An image of the scene, Credit:ppconstructionsafety.com
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the metal deck sheets on the first level of the building had not been secured properly and the access to the first level of the decking was not adequately controlled allowing non-decking workers onto the deck. Structural Metal Decks Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 3 (1) and 33 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and were fined £105,000. Speaking after the verdict, HSE inspector Graeme McMinn said: “This is a tragic incident, which has had a devastating effect on a young man’s life. The accident could have been avoided if the Structural Metal Decks Ltd had taken appropriate safety precautions and ensured the decking sheets were properly secured.”  

PASMA Launches Major International Safety Campaign

PASMA has announced the launch of the PASMA Safety at Height Advisory Panel

The new initiative is designed to promote height safety and the safe use of mobile access towers. The Panel is intended to make the specialist knowledge, operational guidance and resources of the association available across different regions of the world, starting with the Middle East Gulf States. PASMA will be working in partnership with government departments and agencies, other trade and professional bodies and industry at large, the Panel will promote advice and information designed to keep people safe when working at height – one of the biggest causes of death and injury in the global workplace. PASMA Middle EastChaired by Mike Palmer – Regional Quality, health, safety, environment and Training Manager at Rapid Access; the Panel comprises industry experts from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences with the common objective of advancing safety and good practice through standards, guidance and training. Mike said: “We all have first-hand experience of working in the region and therefore know and understand the way in which the local access industry operates. We want to offer insight and advice and to encourage a good practice mindset based on accepted standards and skill.” Sarah Nunn, PASMA’s Head of International Development, is delighted with the positive response that the Panel is already receiving. “Here at PASMA we are passionate about making work at height safer for everyone. The launch of the Panel is a practical demonstration of that commitment to reducing falls from height.”

Shocking Video: Man Pulls Scaffolding Over onto Busy Street

A video has emerged online showing a man purposely pulling a fully erected scaffold over onto a busy street and parked cars.

The five minute sickening video originally posted on Facebook shows an unidentified man calmly dismantling the bottom lift of a scaffold, which had been erected on the front of a house somewhere in the UK. The video continues on to show the man wait for the traffic to clear on the busy street before pulling the full scaffold over with a rope crashing down onto parked cars and the road. The video then falls into darkness but the unidentified man and accomplice or accomplices are heard running away laughing. No further information about the video or the location is available at this time.

Totally Shocking

The general feeling and reaction to the video on social media is utter shock and condemnation to the man’s actions. Many people are asking why someone would do such a thing, and endanger innocent people and cause such damage.

Cape wins five year contact with Qatar Petrochemical Company

Cape plc has announced its Qatar operations have been awarded a five-year framework contract for scaffolding, insulation, painting and refractory lining works by Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO). QAPCO Q.S.C. is one of the most successful producers of low-density polyethylene – a basic plastic polymer that is derived from natural gas. QAPCO is the operator of the QATOFIN linear low-density polyethylene plant. QATOFIN Company Limited is a joint venture between QAPCO Q.S.C., Total Petrochemicals France and Qatar Petroleum, located in Mesaieed Industrial City in Qatar. Samir Chopra, Operations Director Qatar, commented: “We are very proud to have won this framework contract from QAPCO and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationships.”

Beaver 84 opens 2.5 acre mega depot

Beaver 84 has merged two of it’s busiest southern depots to create a 2.5 acre mega depot in Hampshire.

Established in 1984 the non mechanical hire firm specialises in the hire of fencing, scaffolding, shoring and other non-mechanical construction equipment. In a strategic merger, Beaver 84 has merged its Romsey and Guilford depots to a new 2.5 acre site at Bordon. The new site will offer the company twice the space of Romsey and Guildford depots combined. In addition, the new bypass currently under construction around Borden will improve transportation links for the company, making it easier for its four dedicated Hiab vehicles to serve central London, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Devon as well as the south coast. “This is an exciting time for Beaver 84 as the additional space will enable us to expand our business over the coming years. The new 2.5 acre site will mean that we can grow our stock levels to offer our full range of products to the construction industry and reach more customers across the southern region, where previously we were somewhat restricted due to lack of space.” Says Steve Tysoe, Managing Director. The new Bordon depot at Prince Phillip Barracks, Bordon is now open with Romsey having moved first on 25 February. The Guildford depot will join them on 6 March. Steve added: “We are delighted to say that the hardworking dedicated teams from both depots will be making the switch to the joint site under the leadership of branch manager Helen Jones.” The merger means that Beaver 84 now has 10 branches throughout the UK, plus its head office in Wickford, Essex as well as its subsidiary, Star Events Ltd which the company acquired in 2014.

Scaffolders Fundraiser Smashes £100K Target

Over £100,000 has been raised for scaffolder, Jamie Mines, after he lost both hands and a foot in accident at work in December.

As previously reported the scaffolder, footballer and father-of-two, was seriously injured before Christmas by an electric shock while working in Swindon.

According to reports Jamie is still in hospital recovering, but thousands of people across the country have come together to raise over £100,000 to donate to him and his family.

Jamie’s friend, Ian Kennedy, started the fundraiser in December with a target of £10,000. After finding out Jamie had to have three amputations, Ian upped the target to £100,000, and has so far raised over £106,000.

Ian said, “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of money that has been raised, and by the fantastic support. It’s a huge amount and I think it’ll keep going; it’s just the start of the help Jamie will receive from everyone around him.”

The fundraiser was spread widely online – with over 7,000 shares on Facebook, and football legends including Alan Shearer, Michael Owen and David Seaman have all sent video messages of support.

See also: Scaffolder loses leg and arms after being electrocuted 

Ian says Jamie is still in isolation and recovering, but can communicate and has sent an email thanking him for starting the fundraiser.

Ian added, “Jamie’s got a long road ahead of him but he’s got so much determination and personality, I think he’ll be alright. He’s got his two girls for inspiration and, from what I hear from his brother, he is being positive about moving forward.

“I think so many people have gotten involved because it was such a freak accident. It happened just before Christmas and his daughters had just been born – the story has really touched people because it’s so horrific for him and his family.”

You can still donate to the fund by going to www.gofundme.com/raising-money-for-jamie-mines