Dutch scaffolders complete giant scaffolding staircase in Rotterdam city centre
Dutch firm erects an impressive scaffolding staircase in Rotterdam city centre.
Amsterdam based scaffolding firm Dutch Steigers have completed a huge Layher system staircase in the heart of Rotterdam city centre. The staircase forms one part of several new exciting projects within the city by contemporary architects MVRDV. MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas believes the project is the first step in creating a new network of rooftop spaces around the city. Measuring 29 meters high and 57 meters long, the installation allows visitors to climb 180 steps leading to a rooftop observation deck on the Groot Handelsgebouw building – one of the first buildings constructed in the city after the end of the second world war. Winy Maas added; “The stairs are a symbolic first step towards a better use of our city’s second layer, and ideally would be replaced with a set of escalators in the next step,”. “It is, in this way, a second reconstruction, a ‘Tweederopbouw’, that gives access to, activates and connects the rooftops of Rotterdam.”
An exhibition is being held alongside the installation, reimagining how other buildings in the city can accommodate rooftop activities.
“With this installation and in our exhibition we show what this city could look like if we do that in many places, engaging a series of our existing buildings and giving access to their roofs, to create a new, much more interactive, three dimensional and denser urban topography for the next city generation,” added Maas. SG4 YOU Pocket Guide Launches
The NASC has launched the user-friendly SG4 You (2015) pocket guide further to publication of its core scaffolding fall prevention guidance note, SG4:15 ‘Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’ – with support from BuildUK.
The convenient, but detailed 86-page A6 pocket guide is designed for scaffolding operatives and managers to use as a handy reference document whilst out on site and to support the main, detailed SG4:15 A4 management guide – which is available as a free download via the NASC website: www.nasc.org.uk.
Copies of the SG4 You pocket guide will retail via the NASC website’s online shop, priced at:
- NASC Member 1-99 units: £3.00
- NASC Member 100+ units: £2.10
- NASC Information Members: £3.00
- Non Members 1-99 units: £6.00
- Non Members 100+ units: £4.20
The widely-recognised industry standard for safe scaffolding, SG4:15 was launched in its 2015 revised and updated format to the NASC’s membership at the 2015 AGM in November and has been widely praised by industry experts. The SG4 You guide completes the SG4:15 suite, offering both detail and convenience to scaffolding operatives, contractors, managers and those involved in scaffolding on construction sites.
Whilst many of the principles of SG4 remain unchanged, the fine-tuning “evolution not revolution” updates to the 2015 guidance (part of the NASC’s commitment to review guidance every five years) reflects the broader scope introduced by TG20 compliant scaffolds, changes to good practice and industry innovation in the scaffolding sector. These include:
- Erecting floor height lifts
- Bridging with beams
- Loading bay gate installation
- Cantilever scaffolding
- Chimney stack scaffolding
- Personal fall protection equipment
NASC Past President and member of the SG4:15 working party, Mr Kevin Ward said: “SG4 works! The NASC accident statistics speak for themselves and in light of these, this revision has been more of a fine-tuning exercise rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.”
And NASC MD Robin James added: “The updated SG4:15 safety guidance has been very well received as a free download, and we’re very happy to be launching the SG4 You pocket guidance note, as a condensed hard copy version. Since its inception 20 years ago, SG4 has stood the test of time and developed to become the established performance standard for the protection of scaffolders working at height. The A6 pocket guide only serves to strengthen its use and reference out on site.
“SG4 is a core NASC publication – supported by the the construction industry’s overarching trade association, BuildUK and used by principal contractors across the UK and beyond, internationally. It continues to focus on prevention and protection philosophy, like the ‘Scaffolders’ Safe Zone.’ But it now also includes a range of updates to reflect changes within the industry, such as the introduction of TG20:13 ‘Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding.’
“Work at height is by far the biggest risk faced by scaffolders and adhering to the principles in SG4:15 will not only serve to offer continual improvement in accident prevention, but will assist users to meet work at height legal obligations. And the affordable SG4 You pocket guide will only serve to assist in this process.”
To order copies of the SG4 You pocket guide, please visit www.nasc.org.uk or email: [email protected].
Safety and Access open CISRS Accredited Training Facility in Nepal
Safety and Access have announced the opening of their new overseas CISRS Accredited Training facility in Nepal.
Nottingham and Humberside based Safety and Access Ltd have today announced a strategic partnership with Aecor in Kathmandu and the opening of a highly commended CISRS Accredited Training facility in the capital. The training facility is already open for business and is offering scaffolder skills training along with scaffolding supervisor and inspection training. There are also plans to further enhance and expand the support services in the future. The accredited training centre is located in the capital Kathmandu and is equipped with a large high level practical area for scaffolder training along with excellent classrooms. Its facilities include accommodation and catering along with high quality welfare facilities.
Following an independent audit by CISRS represented by Dave Mosley (Scheme Manager) the centre was certified to be compliant with the high standards required by CISRS.
Dave Mosley commented; “The centre here in Nepal represents a world class international training facility and Safety & Access and partners Aecor should be commended for this. The added value for candidates such as the accommodation and excellent welfare facilities make this a prime example of how we can continue to promote and enhance safety and quality using best practice techniques”
Rick Statham, Joint Managing Director of Safety & Access added; “We are absolutely delighted to be able to offer CISRS international training here in Kathmandu. Nepal is widely regarding as an epicentre for scaffolders that work across the Middle East and beyond and we believe there is huge potential here. It is vitally important for Nepalese citizens to have recognised qualifications to enhance employability and to be able to support their dependants and the CISRS qualifications will enable this.
Following the tragic consequences of the major earthquake that occurred here just over one year ago that claimed almost 10’000 lives we are committed to supporting the Nepalese people and the international opportunities linked to the country”
Sandeep Lama Managing Director of Aecor Nepal commented;
“Nepalese scaffolders being considered one of the hardest working and best scaffolder’s across the Middle East for over 3 decades, it was only a matter of time that Nepal had its own international recognised scaffolding training.
With CISRS approved training centre we can be proud to provide international standard training to experienced scaffolders and aspiring scaffolders to have a safe and long career.”
Ricki Morgan, Area Scaffolding Manager for CCC Qatar has been involved from the early stages of the venture as technical adviser is also pleased with the outcome of the audit;
“This is the best thing to happen in the scaffolding industry relative to the gulf region in many years. I’m approaching 47 years in scaffolding and I fully understand the need for accredited, quality recognised training and certification. This will enhance the safety of the operatives and end user. The availability of CISRS training in GCC represents a huge step forward from current standards. In turn, this offers a career path for all participating”
For more details on the training in Nepal and course availability, please contact [email protected] or view the website at www.safetyaccess.co.uk for more details. Actavo secures contract extension at Grangemouth
Actavo Industrial Solutions secures two-year contract extension petrochemical plant
Actavo | Industrial Solutions was originally appointed as the resident scaffolding, insulation and painting (SIPs) team by INEOS Olefins and Polymers Europe at its Grangemouth facility for a three-year period, Actavo has now had its contract extended for a further two years. At Grangemouth in Stirlingshire, the Actavo team is working with Petroineos, an INEOS joint venture company, which operates Scotland’s only crude oil refinery as well as petrochemical plants. The plant produces 210,000 barrels of crude oil per day and one million tonnes per annum of products such as synthetic ethanol, ethylene, propylene and polymers. Actavo has a team of 448 operatives based on the site, providing access services and carrying out ongoing application of protective coatings, including a wide range of anti-corrosion and tank linings, and insulation on the plant. The work began in 2013 and the extension to the contract will now see the team remaining onsite until 2018. A combination of cost competitiveness, high performance levels and the ability to innovate are among the factors that have helped to secure the additional business. Actavo divisional director, Petrochemical Oil & Gas, Shaun Greaves, says: “The key factor in the success of our partnership with INEOS has been our ability to innovate as the contract has progressed. Working alongside businesses in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, we are acutely aware of the need to deliver solutions that meet tight timescales and budgets. We are always looking for new and more efficient ways of doing things which can make a time difference on projects without compromising either quality or safety.” During the course of the Grangemouth contract, Actavo has demonstrated a number of ways of raising performance levels whilst making cost savings. One example is a ‘tracker’, a reporting system which is an adaptable tool used for transition planning, quality management, asset and equipment management, as well as productivity analysis. Working with INEOS, Actavo has also developed a contract-specific quality assurance scheme. Safety is another key factor, with the necessity for working at height in what can often be adverse weather conditions. Shaun Greaves added: “As experts in working at height, our business is driven by safety and, at Grangemouth, we have implemented a range of initiatives that have helped improve the site safety record.” Initiatives include site and plant-specific safety schemes with training and issue awareness being an integral part of the relationship between Actavo and INEOS. The result has been a significant reduction in accidents and first aid incidents at the site. Commenting on the achievement of the contract extension, CEO of Actavo | Industrial Division, Chris Foulkes, said: “I would like to congratulate the whole team whose ongoing efforts have cemented our relationship with INEOS on this contract. This exemplifies our philosophy of continuously raising performance levels to the benefit of our business partnerships.”TRAD Scaffolding Celebrate Successful Client Seminar
Following recent changes to scaffolding safety standards, TRAD Scaffolding invited its clients to attend a seminar on Thursday 14th April 2016 in St Paul’s, London.
Pushing Boundaries – SG4:15 & Beyond outlined how TRAD Scaffolding intends to approach the new standards, which address the prevention of falls in scaffolding operations.
The seminar proudly featured a guest presentation from leading industry consultant Rick Statham, who is also Joint Managing Director at Safety & Access Ltd. Rick discussed the newly updated flagship guidance and how this will affect the industry in practical terms. Described by the UK scaffolding industry trade body as ‘evolution not revolution’, the new SG4:15 standards reflect the increase in TG20 compliant scaffolds and address changes to scaffolding best practice.
The event was hosted by TRAD Scaffolding Managing Director, Neil Garner, who explained the current structure of TRAD Scaffolding. He also showcased the organisation’s leading products, the Plettac METRIX Scaffold System and the Altrix Temporary Roofing System.
There was also a presentation by Des Moore, TRAD Group Managing Director & NASC Vice President. Des spoke about the TRAD Group as well as the complementary products and services that TRAD Safety Systems has to offer. Also in attendance was Hayden Smith, Group Chairman and founder of TRAD.
Speaking after the event, Neil Garner said: ‘I’m really pleased with the high turnout we’ve received. I’ve spoken to a lot of our clients today and they’ve all said that they found the presentation really useful and insightful. As a company, TRAD Scaffolding is always pushing the boundaries of innovation and that’s why we named the seminar ‘‘Pushing Boundaries – SG4:15 & Beyond’’. We want to demonstrate to our clients that TRAD Scaffolding will not only meet these new standards but seek to exceed them wherever possible.’
Steve Clarke, Contracts Director at Coniston commented: ‘TRAD Scaffolding are without doubt the most professional scaffolding company that I’ve dealt with. Today’s event has been a real eye opener, in particular the breadth of design and R&D that TRAD are involved in – especially with Plettac METRIX System Scaffold.’
Heroic scaffolders rescue young woman from car blaze horror
Quick-thinking scaffolders sprinted down from the A1(M)’s hard shoulder and helped a young woman from her wrecked car, just moments before it went up in flames.
Scaffolder Craig Dean, from Letchworth, stepped in to help a young gym teacher Chloë Ward last Friday morning after a motorway shunt sent her car crashing through a fence and into some trees. She ended up needing plastic surgery to her face and lip, and has back and neck pain, but is already out of hospital – and hero Craig paid her a visit on Sunday. “I can’t thank him enough for saving her,” said Chloë’s mum Lisa. “He doesn’t think he is a hero, but he is mine.” Thankful dad Ian agreed: “Craig was the hero of the hour.” Chloë, 22, was on her way to work in Luton, and had only taken the A1(M) in the first place because she was early and fancied a change. Ian said: “We’ve got camera footage showing a grey vehicle veering into her lane, and you can see her being knocked off the motorway. “She went straight into a wooden fence, through an embankment and into the trees.” Craig was driving down the motorway on his way to a job in Stevenage when he saw what had happened. “Me and two of the lads were driving from the yard to work just like every morning,” he said. “Going past I saw the red Vauxhall and a girl down there. “I pulled up and sprinted down with my mate Gerry. She was leaning against the driver’s side of the car, bloodied all over her face. She’d climbed out the window. “I could see flames coming out of the engine so I wanted to get her away from the car as fast as I could. “As we got back to the hard shoulder, it just went up.” Craig and his workmates from First Choice Scaffolding, Gerry Fuller and Neil Stewart, stayed with Chloë while they waited for help to come, as did another passer-by Craig could identify only as ‘Cod’. Neil called an ambulance and Gerry helped to comfort Chloë. Chloë was discharged from hospital the same day, but returned for plastic surgery on Monday. The Ward family is appealing for the public’s help tracing the grey saloon car involved in the collision. Ian said: “He parked underneath a sign and had a look, then drove off.” In particular they are looking for the driver of a white van that was on the hard shoulder behind where the grey car stopped. Police yesterday appealed for the grey car’s driver to come forward. Anyone with information should call PC Philip Watts on 101, quoting ISR 67 of April 29, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Via: www.whtimes.co.ukScaffold company fined for safety failings
A Scaffold company in Bridgend has been fined for safety failings following a routine inspection.
Llanelli Magistrates’ Court heard how OW Scaffolding was working at Heol y Parc, Cefneithin when they had a routine inspection which highlighted several safety failings. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 30 September 2015 found that there was poor planning, inadequate risk assessments, inadequate site supervision and inadequate and insufficient equipment. OW Scaffolding Limited, of Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle, Bridgend, pleaded not guilty to breaching Regulation 4 of the Work at Height Regulation 2005 but was tried in its absence and found guilty and fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,700.Bilfinger appoints new Operations Director
Bilfinger Industrial Services UK Ltd has announced the appointment of a new Operations Director.
Paul Norton has joined the company as Operations Director, Prior to joining Bilfinger Paul spent the last two and a half years as a Director of a project portfolio management consultancy assisting EDF Energy in managing their capital portfolio across their coal generating assets. With managerial experience over a period of more than twenty years in the UK petrochemical and power sectors, Paul has worked his way from a trade level, through front line supervision to middle and senior management. Over his career Paul has demonstrated his ability in the consistent delivery of results, building high performing teams. He holds a Master of Science degree in Project Management along with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and is a full member of the Association for Project Management, the Association of Cost Engineers and AACE International. Paul will be based in Axis House, Runcorn but will spend much of his time on our client and operating sites.Betchworth Firm Refused Permission To Run HGV’S
