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New system scaffolding lands in the UK
Insight into scaffolding on the Forth Rail Bridge
On 21st January 1890, two trains first crossed the Forth Rail Bridge, travelling across two and a half thousand metres of track suspended nearly fifty metres above the Firth of Forth. This feat of engineering remains an iconic structure and today requires equal feats of ingenuity to maintain. The exposed location, the extraordinary structure, 190 train movements per day and the busy shipping lane below, make this famous bridge one of the ultimate access challenges.
httpv://youtu.be/0k-U-rPYHIA
Scaffolding the bridge starts by reversing the conventional ‘ground-up’ approach. The evident complexity of the bridge, built with more curves than angles, means that every scaffolding member has to be individually designed, fabricated and suspended in position high above the Forth. Access platforms then have to be encapsulated in plastic sheeting, to prevent old lead paint being shot-blasted into the environment, and to protect the new, glass flake epoxy paint from the weather while it dries. The bridge is well over a hundred years old, but it takes 21st century technology and expertise to keep it in safe use, making Harsco Infrastructure’s experience on live industrial maintenance invaluable. To find out more about Harsco Infrastructure, visit: www.harsco-i.comLet us know your thoughts on this video in the comments below.
UK scaffolding and access giant unveils new look
Deborah Services employee wins Pride of Britain Awards
Deborah Services Ltd (DSL) employee and national hero, Matt Adams, a member of the Hartlepool Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), has won the Daybreak’s Emergency Services Award at the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards held last night at Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane. He has been with the company for 18 years, based in the Hartlepool office.
Matt born in Hartlepool is a volunteer crew member of the Hartlepool RNLI and Coastguard Rescue Team who saved a teenager from drowning on 30th September 2011. The volunteers had a race against time to save Peterlee teenager Neil Robson, who was trapped in sand with the tide coming in quickly. The 17-year-old had become stuck on Seaton Carew beach while trying to rescue his little brother, who escaped unharmed.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Matt said, “I’m honoured to receive the Daybreak Emergency Services Award with the volunteer crew from Hartlepool RNLI. This rescue was a fantastic team effort that managed to save a boy’s life, and I’m thankful I was there on the day to help free Neil and bring him to safety.”
Steve Flounders, Managing Director of Deborah Services said, “We are so proud to pay tribute to Matt and his team whose bravery saved Neil’s life. Matt is a national hero, and a committed employee at DSL who is dedicated to helping others through his role as a volunteer with the Hartlepool RNLI. We sincerely congratulate him for this outstanding achievement.”
The RNLI crew was first on scene in an inshore lifeboat under the command of helm Clare Gibbin. Other volunteers from Hartlepool lifeboat station travelled to the beach by car. Despite the risk of being trapped in the sand themselves, five RNLI crew members entered the water to help free Neil.
With sand and water levels reaching their chests, RNLI crew Liam Dunnett and Mark Barker fought to keep Neil’s head above water while Darren Killick, Rob Archer and Matt Adams dug sand away from Neil’s legs. During the rescue operation they had to remove their lifejackets to enable them to work under the surface of the water.
Coastguard Rescue Officers Colin Lodge and Chris Hornsey also arrived to help dig Neil free from the sand. The ordeal lasted 75 minutes and with just moments to spare, he was freed from the sand with the help of a high-pressure hose supplied by the fire service.
Neil, who escaped with mild hypothermia, cuts and bruises, said: ‘‘The RNLI and Coastguard did an amazing job. I’m very grateful for what they did for me under terrifying circumstances.’’
Matt born in Hartlepool is a volunteer crew member of the Hartlepool RNLI and Coastguard Rescue Team who saved a teenager from drowning on 30th September 2011. The volunteers had a race against time to save Peterlee teenager Neil Robson, who was trapped in sand with the tide coming in quickly. The 17-year-old had become stuck on Seaton Carew beach while trying to rescue his little brother, who escaped unharmed.
Speaking ahead of the awards, Matt said, “I’m honoured to receive the Daybreak Emergency Services Award with the volunteer crew from Hartlepool RNLI. This rescue was a fantastic team effort that managed to save a boy’s life, and I’m thankful I was there on the day to help free Neil and bring him to safety.”
Steve Flounders, Managing Director of Deborah Services said, “We are so proud to pay tribute to Matt and his team whose bravery saved Neil’s life. Matt is a national hero, and a committed employee at DSL who is dedicated to helping others through his role as a volunteer with the Hartlepool RNLI. We sincerely congratulate him for this outstanding achievement.”
The RNLI crew was first on scene in an inshore lifeboat under the command of helm Clare Gibbin. Other volunteers from Hartlepool lifeboat station travelled to the beach by car. Despite the risk of being trapped in the sand themselves, five RNLI crew members entered the water to help free Neil.
With sand and water levels reaching their chests, RNLI crew Liam Dunnett and Mark Barker fought to keep Neil’s head above water while Darren Killick, Rob Archer and Matt Adams dug sand away from Neil’s legs. During the rescue operation they had to remove their lifejackets to enable them to work under the surface of the water.
Coastguard Rescue Officers Colin Lodge and Chris Hornsey also arrived to help dig Neil free from the sand. The ordeal lasted 75 minutes and with just moments to spare, he was freed from the sand with the help of a high-pressure hose supplied by the fire service.
Neil, who escaped with mild hypothermia, cuts and bruises, said: ‘‘The RNLI and Coastguard did an amazing job. I’m very grateful for what they did for me under terrifying circumstances.’’
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Harsco closes scaffolding business in Jersey
By Daniel Norton
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Man dies and two injured in London scaffolding collapse
A sub-contractor has died and two other men been injured after an incident at a building site.
It is believed he fell from the fifth floor of the Langham Square development, in Upper Richmond Road, Putney, at about 10.15am. A statement from the police said it is thought the man fell from a scaffolding platform and made contact with two other men as he fell. Three ambulance crews, London air ambulance, police and thirty firefighters were at the scene. The sub-contractor was treated by paramedics, but was pronounced dead at the scene at 11am.A second man was taken to hospital with chest and abdominal injuries, while a third man suffered minor injuries. Police have launched an investigation alongside the Health and Safety Executive. A spokesperson for the police said: “Enquiries continue into the circumstances of the incident in liaison with the Health and Safety Executive. “At this early stage it is believed to have occurred after a man fell from a scaffolding platform at the site and subsequently made contact with the other two men.” It is not known yet what caused the accident at the eight-storey office building formerly occupied by Capsticks law firm, which is being developed into flats and shops by St James. A spokesperson for St James said: “This morning we were alerted to an incident at St James’ Langham Square Development. “It is with great sadness that we learned that a sub-contractor had been fatally injured. “We are investigating this incident as a matter of urgency. Our sympathies are with the family of the contractor at this time.” Via: thisislocallondon.co.ukScaffolding partially collapses in Exeter
A section of scaffolding on a building in Exeter city centre has partially collapsed after being hit by a lorry on Saturday.
Police and fire crews were called to the three storey building near the Harlequin Centre at 10:35 BST after the accident.
Queen Street and Paul Street were closed after the scaffolding was deemed unsafe.
Police said scaffolders had been called in to make the remaining section safe.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Via: bbc.co.uk Turner Access launches Scaffolding Olympics
UK firm Turner Access Ltd is to hold a scaffolding competition in 2013 which it claims will not only showcase the fastest scaffolding teams in the country but will also highlight best practice and statutory regulations.
In 1995, two scaffolders from Turner Access entered into the Guinness World Record book for erecting a 100m² scaffold in less than 26 minutes. While the assembly was speedy, by today’s standards it may not have met health and safety guidelines. Bearing this in mind, Turner is to hold another scaffolding competition next year, to measure speed against today’s statutory regulations.
“The previous world record was established before 1996 when UK statutory regulations changed; the scaffolding industry introduced double guardrails and began to consider method in relation to use of harnesses,” explained Ian Wilson, managing director, Turner Access.
Further work at height regulations were introduced in 2005. Today’s regulations require that everyone working at height prevent the risk of fall, and maximise work activity on the ground.
The competition will be open to all qualified scaffolders. Turner Access will make available all necessary equipment and training to scaffolders wishing to compete. The dates of the competition are to be announced.
“Britain performed exceptionally well in London 2012 and it was a fantastic celebration of competition and achievement. The top medals this time are for scaffolders and we look forward to recognising the very best in our business,” said Mr Wilson.
Story Via: khl.com / Image:
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Astra Access Safety Training completes contract in Africa
A training company which began in a house in the Huddersfield has moved into the international market with contracts in Africa.
Now Astra Access Safety Training Ltd – which was set up in 2008 by director Mick Aston in his spare room at home in Honley with the help of a £2,000 grant – is aiming to further expand its business overseas
Astra has just completed a month-long project in Uganda and Cameroon after being asked to deliver training in use of scaffolding and working at heights at the two locations in the African oilfields.
Mr Aston said: ” Our name had been given to the HR department at the London office of the oil company.”When they asked if we would be interested in the training, I presumed it would be in the UK or offshore, but when the girl said it was in Africa, it was a bit of a shock.”We sorted out the logistics of flights, accommodation and transport whilst in Africa, then the next thing we were there delivering the training courses.”
Said Mr Aston: “Although the training was in Africa, the UK health, safety and scaffolding criteria was followed as it is highly regarded as the benchmark throughout the world.”
This year has also seen Astra delivering overseas training in France, Ireland and on a barge in the North Sea that is installing wind turbines. Another trip to Africa looks likely and training in Dubai, America and Europe are in the pipeline.
Back in Yorkshire the company has invested £100,000 at its 18-metre high, 50,000sq ft workspace in Wakefield by creating a full-size four-bedroom house and 10-metre high steel-frame structure, both for demonstration and scaffold training purposes. The firm has also put in a suite of classrooms and will incorporate new offices soon.
Said Mr Aston: “The huge base means we can improve and expand our comprehensive package of health and safety consultancy and training services – all designed to support workers operating at height, whether that is on scaffolding, mobile towers, elevating work platforms such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, or simply on ladders and steps.”
Astra has worked with clients in the construction, utilities, cleaning and other industries for the last four years.
Their services are targeted at any business where people get their feet off the ground.
Story Via: examiner.co.uk Images Via: astratraining.co.uk
Said Mr Aston: “The huge base means we can improve and expand our comprehensive package of health and safety consultancy and training services – all designed to support workers operating at height, whether that is on scaffolding, mobile towers, elevating work platforms such as cherry pickers and scissor lifts, or simply on ladders and steps.”
Astra has worked with clients in the construction, utilities, cleaning and other industries for the last four years.
Their services are targeted at any business where people get their feet off the ground.
Story Via: examiner.co.uk Images Via: astratraining.co.uk
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Cape Abu Dhabi achieves 40 million man hours without a lost time incident
