Scaffold firm robbed by burglars

ABC Scaffolding in Bridlington had £30,000 worth of equipment stolen by thieves in broad daylight. The break in happened at about 4:30pm on Saturday afternoon on Scarborough Road in the town. The thieves gained entry by cutting through the metal gates at the premises. The stolen goods included 3 Stihl saws, a white Transit van, a Volvo truck and other expensive tools. The Volvo truck was even spotted 10 minutes down the road at a petrol station filling up by the thieves. Brad Heaton Contracts manager for ABC Scaffolding said “it is a tremendous blow to the business. We have only been operating since December and have worked hard in these harsh economic times to establish the business in Bridlington”. During the daylight raid on the business the thieves used a forklift truck to move vehicles out of the way to get to what they wanted. Even after the loss of the tools and vehicles ABC Scaffolding has still managed to meet all its work commitments. Anyone with any information are asked to call the police 0845 6060222 quoting log 611.
Written By Daniel Norton

Massive scaffold collapses in China injuring 12 workmen

12 workmen were injured after the 10 story high scaffolding collapsed in Taichung China. The accident happened during rush hour on the Splendor Hotel, Firemen and rescue workers rushed to scene and sealed off the road. Government officials suspended the construction work on the site until increased safety measures are put in place. Officials said the collapse of huge scaffolding could have been caused by strong winds that shook the scaffolding and heavy anti-dust plastic sheets on the scaffolding. The investigations into the incident will continue.
Written by Daniel Norton

Scaffolder spots Ostrich and gets the fright of his life

Scaffolder Wayne Mclester, 21, was in his van on his way to work at 6:30am when the 6ft tall bird sprinted past him doing 40mph.
from Mirror.co.uk
The bird was seen sprinting through the streets of Dover and then finally stopped in front of the scaffolders van and just stared at him. Wayne said: “I was about to get out of the van and try and catch it but I remembered that I had seen a wildlife program which said Ostriches could kill a Lion with a kick, so I stayed in my van.” Instead Wayne used his scaffolding problem solving brain by using his van to herd the 6ft tall bird into a nearby car park where he then called the police for help. “Six police officers arrived and looked quite nervous surrounding the bird” said Wayne. They contained the bird in the car park for over an hour until the RSPCA arrived and took it away. Where the bird escaped from still remains a mystery but there are breeders in the area selling ostrich meat.
Written by Daniel Norton

Painter dies after 30ft fall from scaffolding on Merseyside

A painter and decorator has died after falling 30ft from scaffolding on a house in Heswall, Merseyside. Peter Cochrane, 50, from Irlam, Manchester who was employed by PPS Property Protection was working on the house with two other workmen they were painting the gable end of the house when the accident happened. Arthur Flower the Coroner’s officer said: “Mr Cochrane was on the top lift of the scaffold and while holding on to the handrail he reached over to his left and overstreched, causeing the scaffold to move back.” “He was then flung forward and fell 30ft to the ground below.” It was reported the Mr Cochrane was initially conscious and alert after the accident but tragically died later at hospital. Merseyside Police and the Health and Safety Executive have started a joint investigation.
Written By Daniel Norton.

Scaffolder arrested over jewellers robbery

A Scaffolder who was wanted by police has finally been tracked down and arrested in connection with an armed robbery at Goldsmiths jewellers, Ipswich. Scaffolder Dean Armstrong, 20, from Islington London was arrested yesterday by police at an address in Hackney. The armed robbery happened on 15th June at Goldsmiths Jewellers in Tavern Street Ipswich. The jewellers window was smashed with sledgehammers and a number of watches were stolen. Three other men from Essex and London aged between 21 and 25 have been charged for the raid on Goldsmiths.
Written By Daniel Norton

PERI UP Crescent-shaped scaffolding

In Calgary, Canada, a 236 m high office tower is currently being constructed. “The Bow” is shaped like a crescent whilst the most striking feature of the building is the diagonal arrangement of the steel support structure. A sophisticated PERI UP scaffolding concept provides secure access and spacious working platforms for all subsequent sub-contracting work following the completion of the building’s shell. PERI was awarded the contract to supply work scaffolding and stairs that are temporarily required for all subsequent work on the 59-storey building shell. For painting, mounting of the fire protection cladding as well as the insulation and installation of the piping system, the sub contractors imposed various requirements concerning working area dimensions and potential loads. Installation of platforms at distances of 2.50 m over the entire height of the building was requested. One of the most important requirements to be fulfilled for all sub-contractors was to ensure that the working platforms were as close as possible to the complex steel structure whose main beams ascended at an angle of 76°. In addition, the front of the building is curved like a crescent. Together with the Ledcor team, PERI developed a solution based on the PERI UP Rosett Flex scaffolding. In the process, the modular scaffold system has once again proven its high degree of flexibility and has shown itself to be extremely adaptable to suit the curved building layout and special form of the supporting structure – all requirements of both the client and sub-contractors have been fulfilled. The modular PERI UP Rosett Flex scaffolding has a very wide range of applications. The metric grid dimensions along with the 25 cm and 37.5 cm decking widths provide maximum flexibility. Rosett nodes at spacings of 50 cm are especially rigid and allow connecting possibilities in all directions. Thanks to these characteristics, the modular scaffold has been able to fulfil the stringent technical requirements for construction of “The Bow”. This flexibility and high load-bearing capacity with only a small number of diagonals make the PERI UP solution quick and cost-effective. For work on the steel construction, the diagonally-positioned profiles must be accessible from all sides. The required cantilevers are realised with brackets and node bracing. The brackets have a high load-bearing capacity and can be mounted at any height – regardless of the decking or ledger levels already installed. Through the use of corner plates for the inside corners, the working areas can be adapted with minimum gap to the inclined steel components. In addition, adapting to the complex steel sculpture is also achieved by changing the direction of the decking: the span direction of the decks can be changed within a scaffold bay at any point – several times if required. Thanks to these possibilities, the form of the scaffold can be optimally adapted to match the steel structure of the building. The PERI UP industrial decking with system widths of 25 cm allow working platforms and access means to be completely covered without any gaps. The surface of the decking is perforated and extremely slip-resistant. Due to this, the decks are ideally suited for use in those working areas where safety against slipping has a high priority. Another big advantage is the quick and safe installation: the integrated lock against lifting secures the decking without the need of any additional measures, and immediately after mounting has taken place. For accessing the individual working areas, PERI UP steel staircases are used. The staircase fulfils the highest requirements regarding loads and accessibility: with a permissible load of 3.0 kN/m² and a width of 100 cm, the stairs are generously dimensioned and stable to allow site personnel to move in opposite directions at the same time. Installation is simple and fast. The stair stringers are mounted first and subsequently covered with the lightweight individual steps that interlock during assembly. The top step secures all the others. PERI logic simplifies and accelerates assembly of the PERI UP scaffolding – even at great heights. The low weight of the individual system components, and the fact that each system part can be handled by only one person, facilitates fast and effortless operations. The high rigidity of the PERI UP ledger connections reduces the number of levels that need to be braced as well as reducing the amount of required diagonals. All PERI UP system components are compatible with each other which means working platforms, stairs and guardrails are easy to install. The “gravity lock” self-locking ledger connection provides a very high level of working and assembly safety: when mounting the ledger, the wedge drops automatically into the opening of the rosette through its own gravitational force and securely locks into position. PERI UP has been tried and tested over many years and the modular scaffold system fully complies with system scaffolding requirements according to European Standards. “The Bow” is the future headquarters for the EnCana Corporation, a company operating in the oil and gas industry. Not only is the distinctive appearance of the office tower extraordinary but also the building concept itself: To create a best possible working environment, the London architects Foster + Partners first discussed the ideas and needs together with the companies’ employees before planning the building. The building provides employees with working areas with daylight and natural ventilation. The spacious architecture, open work areas as well as three “sky gardens” facilitate the cooperation of the teams Form and orientation of the building have also been ideally adapted to suit the local climatic conditions. A glass atrium extends in a south-westerly direction over the entire building height of 236 m, an intelligent energy concept for optimum utilization of solar energy and minimum energy consumption. The distinctive design with a diagonal grid of steel beams also provides an especially good structural behaviour. For the first time in North America, this combination of a diagonal support structure and, at the same time, curved shape of a building has been realised.
Via: www.home.nestor.minsk.by

Pyeroy scaffolding is well under way with Ensign Platform

GATESHEAD, UK – Heerema Fabrication Group is using Pyeroy scaffolding during the fabrication of the Ensign platform in Hartlepool, UK. The 700 metric ton (772 ton) jacket and 550 metric ton (606 ton) topside module are for Centrica. The Seaharvester-type platform will go 80 km off the Norfolk coast to Ensign gas field, and is scheduled to come onstream in the second half of this year.
Via: www.offshore-mag.com

Firms told to get safe or face the tragic consequences after scaffolders death

Scaffolder Dean Marden died back in March (View our past report on this) while erecting scaffolding in Ryde, Isle of Wight. The investigation by the Health & Safety Executive is still under way. Deans mother Molly, is supporting and urging other scaffolders and tradesmen on the Island to attend a series of Health & Safety workshops. She said “Losing Dean has been a total tragedy for our family and friends. He has left a hole in our lives that we will never be able to fill. We would encourage other scaffolders and builders to do anything to avoid becoming a victim of this kind of accident, and support the training events organised on the Island. We urge people to attend.” The Health and Safety Executive is organising the free events, taking place on 20 and 21 July on the Island. The HSE are concerned that Island tradesman aren’t being responsible ,and said “The gut feeling is that the overall standards on the Isle of Wight for safety in construction are probably lower than on the mainland. “If they don’t turn up to the event, the people who really suffer are themselves and their families because accidents will come.” To confirm attendance, please email [email protected] by 15 July 2011. For more information, please call Nicola on 01983 535 208. Related Stories:  Man in serious condition after 35ft Scaffolding fall , Man dies after falling 35ft from scaffolding
Written By Daniel Norton Via: www.iwradio.co.uk

Scaffold Innovations: ScaffGap

Since the Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into force the industry have seen rapid growth of innovative safety products that are collectively improving safety standards. Over the coming months I will highlight some of these innovations in a series of featured posts.

ScaffGap ‘The Scaffold Platform Gap Bridging System’

When a scaffold is erected with inside boards you always have that ‘age-old’ problem with the gaps between the standards. The measures previously to combat this hazard were strips of plywood cut down and nailed to scaffold boards which intern causing a trip hazard…not anymore! ScaffGap solves this ‘age old’ problem using there simple but effective Scaffold Platform Gap Bridging System. The product which is made from 100% PVC-U is strong lightweight, reusable and recyclable. ScaffGap’s conception was born out of the requirement to address the serious inherent risks on working platforms. It has taken two years of research and development to reach their final production of ScaffGap. ScaffGap has an international patent pending and design copyright. ScaffGap limited was founded in July 2009, The two directors and shareholders have over 30 years experience in the scaffolding industry and are both practising health and safety professionals. ScaffGap was also a finalist in the SHP IOSH awards 2009 ScaffGap’s ultimate aim is to incorporate the product into a working platform as an every day integral component, as is toe-boards and guard-rails. There product will provide a safe solution to the millions of people who use scaffold platforms as a daily place of work, thereby reduce the risk of injury. The product is already being widely used and recognized by some of the largest and leading UK scaffold companies which include: Cape Industrial Services, Hertel, NSG UK Ltd, Palmers Scaffolding, Trad Scaffolding and Benchmark Scaffolding to name but a few. For more information on ScaffGap please visit there website: www.ScaffGap.com George Roberts NW Ltd is the sole distributor of ScaffGap please visits there website for prices: www.scaffoldingsales.co.uk
Written By Daniel Norton

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€100,000 fine after scaffold board kills Irish worker

Eddie Fowler,28,was killed when a scaffold board blew off scaffolding in high winds causing massive head injures.
Charlestown Centre where Eddie Fowler died on the site
G & T Crampton was fined €100,000 for the man’s death Dublin Criminal Court heard that the accident happened during the construction of Charlestown Center in Finglas in January 2007. Mr Fowler was on his way to his tea break when he was struck on the head by the flying scaffold board. On the day of the incident record high winds were recorded and severe weather warning were issued. A Health and Safety inspector said workers should not of been allowed into that section of the site. It was only after Mr Fowler was struck by the scaffold board that the decision to evacuate the site was taken. The court heard that T & G Crampton was aware of problems with scaffold boards blowing off in lesser winds and would of been aware of the severe weather warnings issued. T & G Crampton apologised and expressed its ‘profound regret’ for the death of Mr Fowler. Judge Martin Nolan said “This was a very sad case and added that the company had made the wrong  judgement on the day to allow workers on the site while knowing the risks of scaffold boards being lifted by the extreme weather on the day.” Mr Fowler’s mother and his widow said the company had ‘walked away’. The fine amounted to two years’ salary for a worker, they said, asking if that was the price put on a life.
Written By Daniel Norton