Cape secures term contract at Longannet Power Station
Dixon Scaffolding Sold For £2M
Scaffolding Apprentices Success In NCC Awards
- NCC London and South:
- NCC Midlands
A Mixed Message by CISRS Says Industry Insider
Safety concerns affecting the Canadian scaffolding industry have been identified in a recent comprehensive study into the practise of mixing modular system scaffolding components. The article published by the Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) outlines the risks of mixing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) components.
Meanwhile, here in the UK the CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme) are making major changes to its SSPTS (Systems Scaffold Product Training Scheme). In a recent NASC/CISRS newsletter to its members CISRS reported that it will be splitting its SSPTS courses into just two “Generic Training” groups.
ScaffMag interviewed a current industry source for views on this subject: –
“This is a well written article from across the pond, that highlights many of the same issues and problems we are currently facing within the UK scaffolding and access industry. The NASC has simply chosen to ignore historically and more recent OEM complaints and requests for clear guidance on product mixing, surrounding concerns at the antics of many “copyist” product manufacturers operating in the UK.
There are clear cases of blatant marketing propaganda campaigns being executed, by some of these copy product manufacturers and even product hire/sales organisations, are now exploiting this same situation. They claim their respective modular system products are compatible with and fully “approved” to allow the mixing of their products, with those of OEM’s in the UK.
These statements are of course blatantly misleading and deliberately created to take advantage of the current industry confusion and lack of a clear statement from the industry decision makers. The blanket statement issued from sources such as the NASC, CISRS, HSE & MCG members is simply: – “Refer to the manufacturers guidance!” The guidance from OEM’s such as Haki, Layher & Peri is very clear: – “Our original manufactured products MUST NOT be mixed with other similar “copy” products!” It seems this particular piece of manufacturers guidance is not worthy of due notice or enforcement, within the UK scaffolding and access industry at present!?
This situation has been further exacerbated most recently by ASITO (Access and Scaffolding Industry Training Organisation) who are backing the CISRS in its latest decision to re-categorise system scaffolding product training.
No longer is it necessary to undertake SSPTS training on a product by product basis. “Generic Training” is the new terminology adopted for these training courses, which enables a scaffolder to undertake a 2-day course in for example, Plettac and can then be deemed competent to install other rosette type systems such as: – Layher Allround/Peri-Up/Ringscaff/Metalusa/AT-PAC etc.
However, the rationale behind this decision is critically flawed, demonstrating a distinct lack of understanding and appreciation of OEM product differences & modular system configuration in general within the UK industry.
There can be no argument or difference of opinion regarding the facts that the rosette type modular product ranges are all very different from each other, in both design, load bearing capacity and the respective variables that exist amongst the OEM’s products & component ranges, regarding structural configuration versatility and abilities.
Therefore specific training must be undertaken on a “product by product” basis as it is NOW and NOT on a “Generic Training” type basis for these type systems.
Similarly only one training course will now be required to achieve competency for the installation of modular systems such as Cuplock/Tradlock/Genlock etc.
On balance, there are only two manufacturers that produce the modular “cup type” products range which is then individually labelled and marketed as: – Cuplok/Tradlok/Genlok. In essence, there are no technical differences between the aforementioned individually labelled products from an installation viewpoint, but obviously respective standards and deviations may exist between the two manufacturers.
Therefore from a product training perspective, the rationale applied of only one product training course being required, to achieve competency for the installation & dismantling of this type product is understandable in this case.
It will be interesting how ASITO/CISRS intend to categorise the Kwikstage and Haki products, which are neither “cup” nor “rosette” type modular systems?
The various product copyist and hire/sales outlets operating within our industry will no doubt seize upon this “mixed” message being delivered by those aforementioned organisations. That marketing message will be the mixing of product training lends support and advocates the mixing of different OEM products here in the UK.
As the use of modular system scaffolding products in the UK is very much on the rise, it would seem prudent for the industry decision makers to address these problems now, rather than later. This is certainly a case of the proverbial ticking bomb regarding accident(s) just waiting to happen!”
Read : The article published by the Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) which outlines the risks of mixing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) components.
On balance, there are only two manufacturers that produce the modular “cup type” products range which is then individually labelled and marketed as: – Cuplok/Tradlok/Genlok. In essence, there are no technical differences between the aforementioned individually labelled products from an installation viewpoint, but obviously respective standards and deviations may exist between the two manufacturers.
Therefore from a product training perspective, the rationale applied of only one product training course being required, to achieve competency for the installation & dismantling of this type product is understandable in this case.
It will be interesting how ASITO/CISRS intend to categorise the Kwikstage and Haki products, which are neither “cup” nor “rosette” type modular systems?
The various product copyist and hire/sales outlets operating within our industry will no doubt seize upon this “mixed” message being delivered by those aforementioned organisations. That marketing message will be the mixing of product training lends support and advocates the mixing of different OEM products here in the UK.
As the use of modular system scaffolding products in the UK is very much on the rise, it would seem prudent for the industry decision makers to address these problems now, rather than later. This is certainly a case of the proverbial ticking bomb regarding accident(s) just waiting to happen!”
Read : The article published by the Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC) which outlines the risks of mixing Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) components.
Safety & Access Open The First Scaffolding and Access Training Centre in South Korea
Safety & Access are extremely proud to announce that they have become the first CISRS UK registered training providers to gain overseas accreditation for a commercial scaffolding and access training centre in South Korea.
The centre will primarily be serving Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) business from the Geoje Site in the south of the country with an additional management training facility located within the nearby city of Busan. Joint Managing Director Rick Statham commented: We are delighted to have achieved a long term partnership status with SHI for the delivery of scaffold and access related management and skills training. Work at height is a high risk occupation and we are committed to the delivery of safe, quality training standards. To be the first in Korea to achieve CISRS status is a huge boost to the independent credibility of our delivery and one that will only strengthen the commercial position of all involved.
Courses that are now available include:
CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Level 1 Course – 5 Day
CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Level 2 Course – 5 Day
CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Level 3 Course – 5 Day
CISRS Overseas Scaffolding Supervisor Course – 3 Day
CISRS Basic Scaffold Inspection Course – 2 Day
All training will initially be delivered by full time UK registered instructors and successful completion of the training will result in the Issue of CISRS official Certification and Skills Cards.
An Independent CISRS audit took place at the sites in Korea by Mr David Mosley (CISRS Scheme Manager) visiting from the UK which resulted in successful accreditation of the facilities for the CISRS Overseas Scaffolder Training Scheme (OSTS).
Mr Mosley commented: Whilst CISRS has been the recognised standard for Scaffolding training and qualification in the UK for 40 years the CISRS Overseas Training Scheme (OSTS) is still in its infancy as such we are extremely pleased to be working with a major international business such as Samsung Heavy Industry. We applaud their commitment to implementing scaffolding training standards which far exceed current practices in their region. It’s heartening to see an organisation that views investment in training which will in turn improve safety and efficiency on site as an added value to their company rather than a cost. By working with long established UK CISRS provider Safety and Access, we are confident that good practices delivered in training will be transferred to the scaffolding standards on site
Also pleased with the results and representing the ship owners using SHI construction facilities is Mr Jim Quaile CPF HSE Scaffolding Supervisor on the Ichthys Project for INPEX. Mr Quaile commented: “We have seen a significant improvement in the standard of scaffold which is directly related to the training package delivered on site by Safety & Access. We are looking forward to a continued commitment to raising even further the standards of quality and safety on site regarding scaffolding.”
The Scaffolding Association Opens it’s Doors for Membership
The Scaffolding Association is a not-for profit organisation which has been founded to improve the understanding, safety and standards of scaffolding across the construction industry, and will be opening its doors for membership today (9th of August 2013).
Membership is open to all companies within the scaffolding industry. The initial level of membership available will be Associate Membership. There are no entry requirements or assessment process for this level of membership.
This is to ensure all companies within the scaffolding industry have access to an organisation which will provide them with guidance and support, irrespective of levels of competence or development. Associate Membership gives entitlement to all the available membership benefits of The Scaffolding Association.
Various membership groups are available at Associate level, including; Scaffold Erection Companies, Scaffold Designers, Training Providers, Health & Safety Advisors, Scaffold Inspectors, Manufacturing Companies, Product Companies, Service Providers and Construction Professionals.
It is the association’s intention to offer assessed levels of membership which will conform to current procurement, and current accredited assessment criteria. Further to this, Individual Membership will be available within some of the membership groups.
If you would like to be a part of an association looking to unite the scaffolding industry and would like more information please visit their website: www.scaffolding-association.org
Do you think the Scaffolding Association could be a viable alternative to the NASC ? let us know in the comments below.
Demanding Project Highlights Harsco’s Customer Service Abilities
A college refurbishment project in Rutland has thrown the spotlight onto the outstanding levels of customer service for which Harsco Infrastructure is widely recognised, and earned the company high praise from its client.
Despite the presence of asbestos and the need for frequent changes during the life of the project, Harsco was able to provide a CUPLOK® scaffolding system which allowed the windows at Uppingham Community College to be replaced in-line with an extremely demanding schedule.
“This was certainly a project which provided its fair share of difficulties, but the Erection and Dismantle team at our Birmingham branch in Tamworth was more than equal to the challenge“ explains Harsco’s Branch Manager Steve Bollans. “The scaffolding system itself was straightforward enough, but there were many other factors which made the job difficult.”
These included the fact that the school was live during the project, which required Harsco to schedule all deliveries to site outside of school hours. Limited road access also meant that delivery vehicles were halted some 70 yards away from the school. The Harsco equipment was then unloaded and transferred to site, past an adjacent nursery school, using lorry-mounted forklift trucks.
“We could only do this when there were no children in the nursery,” adds Steve. “Similarly, when we were installing the scaffolding we had to stop work every time pupils from the main school came outside at break times” Despite this, and the fact that the decision was taken part way through to extend the project to cover the school’s second storey windows, Harsco was able to help the project meet its very demanding 10-week schedule.
“From the outset the Harsco team were extremely professional, pro-active and advisory, managing an extremely short mobilisation period with ease,” says Chris Cuthbert, Project Manager for the main contractor, Kier. “We had regular site meetings to make sure any design changes were dealt with in a timely fashion. Unfortunately one of the three main sub-contractors under-performed drastically which put a lot of pressure on the Harsco team due to late changes. With this in mind, and with the Harsco people being so pro-active and reactive, the project finished on time. Without this support I’m sure the project would have overrun.”
The fact that asbestos was being removed from the building as the windows were replaced meant that Harsco’s scaffolding design had to allow the proper protective sheeting to be installed all round the areas which were being worked on. This also involved Harsco being asked to make frequent changes to the scaffolding as the project progressed, and often at a moment’s notice.
CUPLOK®
Harsco’s CUPLOK® is a multi-purpose steel scaffold system which is ideal for general access, shoring and vertical load support duties. A unique node point design allows up to four components to be connected in one fastening action, making CUPLOK® quick and simple to erect and strike. The fully galvanised, high grade tube is 20% lighter than conventional alternatives, has high resistance to damage and is compatible with up to 3 kN/m² platform loadings, making it strong enough for use in the most demanding applications.
New Instructors Appointed At Safety & Access
Safety & Access have appointed new scaffolding instructors to meet industry demands within the UK and Overseas.
The Nottingham and Humberside based training firm has appointed Terry Sennett, Steve Gregory and John Hall, all of whom have a wealth of experience and knowledge within the industry and bring with them skills within management, practical application and health and safety.
Safety & Access was the first UK training provider to be delivering CISRS Training over three continents from centres at Nottingham and Humberside and the recently opened facilities within the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.
The company has also stated that they have plans to develop new training courses around Scaffold Awareness, Work at height Rescue and System Scaffold Inspection as well as the new CISRS Operative and Supervisor refresher courses. Guest design article: How Do Ties Work ?
Guest Technical Article By IDH, The Independent Design House
IDH was incorporated in July 2011 and established to provide specialist Scaffold Design, Formwork Design & general Temporary Works Design consultancy serving Sub-Contractors, Main Contractors and Client developers.
How Do Ties Work ?
To stabilise a scaffold we tie it to the adjacent building as the scaffold is erected. Conventionally this is done by means of an anchor fixing in to the façade and then a tie tube on doubles across both standards and all within 300mm of the ledger / standard interface. This point being a node (point of NO DE-flection). Depending on a number of factors such as geographic location, netting, sheeting, height and load we determine in the design process what tie pattern to adopt and the frequency of ties. Ties however, undertake more than one function. Firstly they prevent the scaffold from pulling away from the building – but if this is the case why not fix them at all standards, or for that matter at every 4 standards for instance. In addition to providing this pull restraint, they also stabilise the scaffold from swaying parallel to the building and contribute to the effective length of the standard in question.
Sway stability parallel to the building is provided by a combination of the tie tube and the face brace. By installing the correct sway bracing, the outside line is prevented from moving parallel to the building. By securing the tie tube to the building façade and the outside line we now have a tube which is prevented from movement at both ends. When the inside line is now secured to this tube (with doubles) the inside line is now also prevented from moving parallel to the building by the bending resistance of this tie tube. This is why inside lines are not sway braced!
In some designed circumstances it may be a requirement to tie to the inside line only or miss ties altogether. When these scenarios occur the scaffold should be designed as we no longer have that sway restraint present and alternative measures need to be considered such as plan bracing or V-ties.
For more explanation on this and other technical scaffold design subjects visit the IDH blog: http://www.idh-design.co.uk/blog/
Author: Tim Burt on Google+ Hertel retains major access and insulation framework contract
Hertel, the Preston Brook-based multi-disciplinary construction and maintenance services company, has retained a contract to provide access and insulation services within the nuclear industry.
Magnox Ltd, responsible for managing 10 of the UK’s first generation of nuclear power stations, has named Hertel to provide access requirements, including scaffolding rope access, asbestos removal, insulation maintenance and mechanical in a four-year framework contract, which can be extended to six.
Hertel has worked with Magnox since 2005 and will provide these services at Hunterston A, Berkeley, Bradwell, Chapelcross, Dungeness A, Hinkley Point A and Trawsfynydd sites, which are currently being decommissioned; Oldbury and Sizewell A currently being defueled; and Wylfa the only remaining Magnox site generating.
Paudie Somers, Hertel UK & Ireland Operations Director, says: “This is a significant achievement for Hertel. An important part of our work with Magnox is our ability to work collaboratively with other contractors on site, which enables us to provide an efficient and effective service.”
David Fitzsimons, Hertel UK & Ireland Managing Director, adds: “As the third major nuclear framework contract we have won in the last year, with the deplanting demolition and asbestos framework win at Magnox last year and the MDSW framework at Sellafield this year, the new contract reinforces our position as a leading provider of access and insulation services to the UK nuclear industry.”
Steven Lock, Magnox Project Support Services Category Manager, comments: “The Access and Insulation Framework provides a sustainable solution to all of the Magnox sites and is key in supporting the safe delivery of our work programme – ranging from generation right through the various stages of decommissioning as we approach Care and Maintenance.”
Hertel specialises in working at oil refineries, chemical plants, power stations and nuclear facilities. The company employs 2,500 nationally, of which more than 500 are in the North West working at sites such as Sellafield and the Stanlow Oil Refinery 
