The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008 | U.K. Edition
Safety Footwear – which boots are best ?
Welcome to our new reviews section,we will be reviewing work wear products over the coming months.
Thinking of buying some new safety boots? With winter on it’s way you’re going to need some hard wearing top quality footwear.
We as scaffolders all know that picking the correct safety boots is crucial to you’re working day, this is why I have put together a high to low priced comprehensive review of three different pairs of footwear all available from Active Workwear.
Each pair of boots was worn by me for 1 week while scaffolding in areas ranging from construction sites to petrochemical industrial areas.
I have had some top quality boot’s in the past, Timberland,Caterpillar to name but a few but my first impression of the Dewalt Challenger was that these were in the same league or maybe better.
They look stylish and expensive although a little chunky they feel quite light on the feet, and when you first wear the boots you can certainly feel the cushioned gel bag that is inside the sole while walking over rough terrain.
Normally with boots I have had in the past the first thing to go wrong is snapping the laces or the sole starting to split but with the Dewalt Challenger I don’t think you would have that problem as the laces feel very strong and the sole being attached to the boot via injection.
I think the only downside to the Dewalt Challenger is the price tag at a whopping £85 quid there not cheap!
Overall Performance:
Price:
£84.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Apache Vibram Sports Boots S1,P AP320SM
After wearing the Dewalt boots for a week i was eager to try out the Apache pair.
The Apache boots are the lightest out of all being reviewed and I could certainly feel they felt different, they just felt right.
With the boots feeling so light on the feet you felt as if you could walk and carry gear for hours in them, which I did.
The Apache gives you great support to the foot and supported the ankle well. The grip on the soles gives you a sense of support when climbing.
The only downside I could find with the boots was the laces they seem a little thin for a work boot.
Overall a fantastic pair of boots that don’t actually feel like work boots.
Overall Performance:
Price:
£ 59.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Black Leather Dealer Safety Boot
I know the saying goes you should never judge a book by its cover but I just couldn’t help it when I first set eyes on them I thought they looked like the sort of boots a young apprentice would be made to wear on his first day.
But after wearing them for a few days I realised they were comfortable and just good for just slipping on and off with no worries of having to tie the laces all the time.
The boots are made of leather with a steel mid-sole and petrol and chemical resistant so they are built to last.
If you are looking for some cheap no nonsense, does what it says on the tin kind of boots then these leather dealer boots are for you.
Overall Performance:
Price:
£ 27.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Gallery :
Reviews By Daniel Norton
Boots Supplied By Active Workwear with thanks.
We as scaffolders all know that picking the correct safety boots is crucial to you’re working day, this is why I have put together a high to low priced comprehensive review of three different pairs of footwear all available from Active Workwear.
Each pair of boots was worn by me for 1 week while scaffolding in areas ranging from construction sites to petrochemical industrial areas.
The Review
Dewalt Challenger 2 Black Goretex safety boot
I have had some top quality boot’s in the past, Timberland,Caterpillar to name but a few but my first impression of the Dewalt Challenger was that these were in the same league or maybe better.
They look stylish and expensive although a little chunky they feel quite light on the feet, and when you first wear the boots you can certainly feel the cushioned gel bag that is inside the sole while walking over rough terrain.
Normally with boots I have had in the past the first thing to go wrong is snapping the laces or the sole starting to split but with the Dewalt Challenger I don’t think you would have that problem as the laces feel very strong and the sole being attached to the boot via injection.
I think the only downside to the Dewalt Challenger is the price tag at a whopping £85 quid there not cheap!
Overall Performance:
Price:
£84.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Apache Vibram Sports Boots S1,P AP320SM
After wearing the Dewalt boots for a week i was eager to try out the Apache pair.
The Apache boots are the lightest out of all being reviewed and I could certainly feel they felt different, they just felt right.
With the boots feeling so light on the feet you felt as if you could walk and carry gear for hours in them, which I did.
The Apache gives you great support to the foot and supported the ankle well. The grip on the soles gives you a sense of support when climbing.
The only downside I could find with the boots was the laces they seem a little thin for a work boot.
Overall a fantastic pair of boots that don’t actually feel like work boots.
Overall Performance:
Price:
£ 59.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Black Leather Dealer Safety Boot
I know the saying goes you should never judge a book by its cover but I just couldn’t help it when I first set eyes on them I thought they looked like the sort of boots a young apprentice would be made to wear on his first day.
But after wearing them for a few days I realised they were comfortable and just good for just slipping on and off with no worries of having to tie the laces all the time.
The boots are made of leather with a steel mid-sole and petrol and chemical resistant so they are built to last.
If you are looking for some cheap no nonsense, does what it says on the tin kind of boots then these leather dealer boots are for you.
Overall Performance:
Price:
£ 27.99
Click here to find out more information at Active Workwear
Gallery :
Reviews By Daniel Norton
Boots Supplied By Active Workwear with thanks.
How to become a Scaffold Designer
The guys at 48.3 Scaffold Design have written this great Q & A on how to make the big step from being a Scaffolder to Scaffold Designer.. Enjoy.
People in the scaffolding industry often ask us “how do you get into scaffold design?” and some are interested in making the change themselves. It is not an easy transition to make, as Andrew Kitley from the 48.3 Scaffold Design team explains in this Q & A. Andrew began the transition from scaffolder to scaffold designer in 2008 and has now gained experience of a wide range of design work, as well as providing valuable practical insights through his first-hand knowledge of scaffold erection. Here Andrew explains how he started in the scaffolding industry, followed by the trials, tribulations and triumphs of his personal journey so far from scaffolder to scaffold design engineer. How long were you a scaffolder for, and what level did you reach? I first started scaffolding in 2000 when one of my friends asked me to help out at his Dad’s company for a week. I loved the laughs I had on site that week and decided to take it up full-time. I progressed through the ranks overs the years as most do, from labourer, to second-hand, charge-hand and, finally, supervisor. What made you want to become a design engineer and when did you make that decision? In 2008 I decided that I should try to find a career that has more longevity and not put my body under the continuous physical strains that scaffolding does. What was the first step in your transition from scaffolder to scaffold designer? I was in a very fortunate position where the person who taught me how to scaffold had recently started the transition to a design engineer himself. We discussed different routes I could try in order to get a job within a company that could train me, and in a lucky twist of fate the company where he was working was looking for trainee designers. How long have you been designing scaffolding and has design work made you think differently about scaffolds? I have now been designing scaffolding for three and a half years, but it has not been without its struggles. When I started designing I found it frustrating that the people around me were telling me how to draw scaffolding, when I had been erecting it successfully for years. In my opinion you have to forget what you think you know because your ‘say-so’ or experience doesn’t actually mean anything if the scaffold cannot be proven (in calculation). What qualifications have you gained and what do you plan to achieve in the future? This summer will see me attain my HNC in Civil Engineering and I am looking forward to continuing on the degree course at Southbank University. Engineering is an amazing subject to learn and I find it really enjoyable. How has your previous experience in scaffolding helped you? I try to use my knowledge of erection procedures (i.e. how I would safely carry out the work) in my designs and the rest of the team will tell you I am not shy when it comes to details on drawings. What has been the hardest part of becoming a designer? The hardest stepping stone for me has been continuing education. I have struggled at university; this is not to do with the work but with managing my time correctly around my studies. The first day of university was the first time I had written anything other than my name and address in over 8 years. To study the correct amount you need three evenings a week and probably most of your weekend. From start to finish it will take me a minimum of six years to attain a degree in engineering. What is the most enjoyable thing about being a scaffold designer? There are many rewarding aspects of designing scaffolding: not hating your job throughout the whole of winter; solving problems theoretically and then being able to see it work in practice; and the one I enjoy the most is the respect you receive from everyone for your knowledge. Finally, do you have any advice for anyone who would like to make the switch from scaffolder to scaffold designer? For anyone wishing to become a design engineer, I would say you must consider that you will take a considerable pay cut, depending on you ability as a scaffolder it could be up to 50%. To reach a proficient engineering level you will need to work towards a degree, this will mean studying and if you have children or even a very active social life/long work hours you will find this difficult.With Thanks to 48.3 Scaffold Design, visit their site for more information
BAM erects huge scaffolding birdcage inside Bluewater
Over 280,000 feet of tube, 12,000 scaffold boards and 90,000 fittings were used to create this huge scaffolding birdcage inside the new Events Venue at the Bluewater shopping center in Kent.
New Harsco guide takes safety to a higher level
A new publication issued by Harsco Infrastructure has been designed to help construction industry professionals re-appraise their safety procedures for operations which involve working at height. Intended for use by client and
contractor staff at all levels, the new Harsco Infrastructure Guide to Working at Height is set to become an invaluable source of relevant information and best-practice guidance.
The new 34-page document is believed to be the most up-to-date, comprehensive and authoritative of its kind and draws on Harsco Infrastructure’s experience as a world-leading supplier of access, formwork, shoring and maintenance services and products to the construction and industrial markets. Its contents have been designed to help the reader understand the many implications of working at height, adopt best practice procedures, select the most appropriate equipment and access and offer guidance on its safe use.
Harsco’s Health and Safety SHEQ Director, Tony Horsfall said:
“Today more than ever, markets are converging rapidly to create an increasingly universal standard of safety, Our aim in creating the new guide has been to help people understand the many issues which surround working at height – a common, everyday situation which can have dramatic consequences unless it’s managed properly.”Included in the new publication is information on the selection of different types of access, collective fall and personal protective equipment, plus references to examples of site equipment and operator-related hazards. This is complemented by principal design standards for different types of access equipment, and explanations of the variations in safety requirements that exist between different European markets. Copies of the new publication are available by emailing [email protected] or visiting there members’ area at www.harsco-i.co.uk/register
Scafftag UK offers a free download
You can now download a free digital harness register from Scafftag UK.
The register also comes with a guidance booklet compiled to provide management with a summary of health and safety legislation, and to enable them to be better informed regarding the management and use of safety harnesses, lanyards, and fall arrestors within the workplace.
Click here For more information and the FREE download Peri to showcase new products in Dubai
Peri will showcase their state of the art products at the MEC 2011 during November 21 – 24 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre in the Saeed Halls.
Professionals will be treated to a wealth of information at the Peri stall including intensive discussions with Peri team of experts, tours of the exhibited products, latest documentation and live product demonstrations which will highlight the advantages of the Peri products.
On an area of around 72 m² Peri will be presenting proven system equipment, solid product enhancements and numerous new developments. As one of the leading formwork and scaffolding suppliers in the Middle East with offices throughout the entire MENA region, Peri will not only exhibit already wellknown and established products, but also launch a new product targeted at the high demand within oil and petrochemical projects.
Presentation of proven and innovative systems
Among the products showcased at the Peri stand are proven formwork systems as well as the flexible Peri UP Rosett Flex modular scaffolding system.
With interactive live demonstration and product experts from Germany, Peri will demonstrate how easy it is to erect Peri SKYDECK, the light-weight aluminium panel slab formwork for faster assembly. Equipped with a drophead, early striking is possible after only one day (depending on the slab thickness and concrete strength). On-site material requirements can be reduced as the beams and panels are then available for the next concreting cycle.
SKYDECK is made of aluminium; no component weighs more than 15 kg. Thanks to the low weight of the individual components, SKYDECK enables easy and tireless erection and striking. The SKYDECK main beam reduces the number of props needed – only 0.29 props per square metre of slab are required. This saves time and offers more workspace which simplifies the transportation of formwork materials across the site.
Wildcat strikers at Lucite to return to work
Scaffolders who have been demonstrating outside an industrial site were expected to return to work today.
And talks are being sought to resolve the situation regarding the 14 temporary contractors who sparked unofficial industrial action at chemical firm Lucite.
Dozens of workers have been protesting outside the company’s Billingham site over the last week.
It came after 14 temporary scaffolders and labourers were escorted from the premises.
That prompted other workers on the site to join the dispute.
David Massey, Hertel’s HR and Communications Director said: “We are pleased that this unofficial dispute has now ended. We will be having discussions with Unite and GMB about the issues that have been raised over the last couple of days and see dialogue as a positive step forward.”
A source at Hertel, which employs the temporary workers at the Lucite site, said yesterday that Hertel had ended the temporary scaffolding contract due to a reduction in the planned work required at the Cassel Works site. It meant “around 14 scaffolders out of a total workforce of 160 contractors employed by the company” were given a week’s pay in lieu of notice.
But workers claimed their action was prompted because they were laid off following a pay review request.
A spokesman for union Unite said it had been agreed they would return to work today “under the condition that once there was a return to normal working we will be endeavouring to hold a meeting as soon as possible through the offices of Acas.
Advanced scaffolder Tony Seaman, of Ormesby, told the Gazette: “Negotiations can now take place. I am happy that things are moving.”
Via: www.gazettelive.co.uk
And talks are being sought to resolve the situation regarding the 14 temporary contractors who sparked unofficial industrial action at chemical firm Lucite.
Dozens of workers have been protesting outside the company’s Billingham site over the last week.
It came after 14 temporary scaffolders and labourers were escorted from the premises.
That prompted other workers on the site to join the dispute.
David Massey, Hertel’s HR and Communications Director said: “We are pleased that this unofficial dispute has now ended. We will be having discussions with Unite and GMB about the issues that have been raised over the last couple of days and see dialogue as a positive step forward.”
A source at Hertel, which employs the temporary workers at the Lucite site, said yesterday that Hertel had ended the temporary scaffolding contract due to a reduction in the planned work required at the Cassel Works site. It meant “around 14 scaffolders out of a total workforce of 160 contractors employed by the company” were given a week’s pay in lieu of notice.
But workers claimed their action was prompted because they were laid off following a pay review request.
A spokesman for union Unite said it had been agreed they would return to work today “under the condition that once there was a return to normal working we will be endeavouring to hold a meeting as soon as possible through the offices of Acas.
Advanced scaffolder Tony Seaman, of Ormesby, told the Gazette: “Negotiations can now take place. I am happy that things are moving.”
Via: www.gazettelive.co.uk Scaffold collapse in Fulham UK
This is the scene after the scaffold collapsed at around 1pm on Monday in a busy stretch of road in Fulham.
The scaffold fell onto the pavement that hundreds of schoolchildren use everyday. Miraculously, no cars or people were near at the time of the collapse.
A local shop keeper heard the collapse from behind his counter he said:
“It’s amazing no one was passing – this is one of the busiest roads in the area and is used by hundreds of people a day. There is no doubt this could have killed someone.” “It was a huge bang, you could really feel the power of it.”
Another eyewitness saw the incident and said:
“I was standing outside smoking and out of the corner of my eye I saw something moving. It seemed to come down in slow motion, the polls were bending 90 degrees and then it crashed to floor.
“If someone had been underneath they would have died, unless they were a very small child. It’s really lucky no one was walking down there at the time.”
The scaffolding was on a three-storey block of flats that are being built on the footprint of a former council building.
The local shop keeper said that activity at the site had died down recently, but he was concerned about the scaffolding for some time as the structure had been swaying in the wind.
More Photos : Courtesy of fulhamchronicl.co.uk
Written By Daniel Norton
The scaffold fell onto the pavement that hundreds of schoolchildren use everyday. Miraculously, no cars or people were near at the time of the collapse.
A local shop keeper heard the collapse from behind his counter he said:
“It’s amazing no one was passing – this is one of the busiest roads in the area and is used by hundreds of people a day. There is no doubt this could have killed someone.” “It was a huge bang, you could really feel the power of it.”
Another eyewitness saw the incident and said:
“I was standing outside smoking and out of the corner of my eye I saw something moving. It seemed to come down in slow motion, the polls were bending 90 degrees and then it crashed to floor.
“If someone had been underneath they would have died, unless they were a very small child. It’s really lucky no one was walking down there at the time.”
The scaffolding was on a three-storey block of flats that are being built on the footprint of a former council building.
The local shop keeper said that activity at the site had died down recently, but he was concerned about the scaffolding for some time as the structure had been swaying in the wind.
More Photos : Courtesy of fulhamchronicl.co.uk
Written By Daniel Norton
UPDATE: 14 Scaffolders sacked over pay rates
ATTEMPTS are being made today to bring an end to an unofficial strike which has seen dozens of workers protest outside an industrial site see our first report on this here.
It is thought the Unite union was due to meet with representatives of a group demonstrating outside Lucite in Billingham.
Crowds of around 100 workmen have been reported at the company’s entrance in recent days in an action which has delayed planned maintenance work.
The protest comes after 14 scaffolders and labourers were escorted from the chemical company’s site – triggering a disagreement which saw other workers join the dispute.
A source at Hertel, which employs the workers at the Lucite site, said the “unofficial strike action” had been going on for several days and involved the “unlawful secondary picketing” of the premises.
He claimed many of the demonstrators had no direct connection with the work in question, adding the firm had written to its employees to “counter false allegations that the dispute is in any way linked to pay or that the men were forcibly removed from the site.”
The source said Hertel had ended a temporary scaffolding contract last week due to a reduction in the planned scope of scaffolding work required at the Cassel Works site. The decision meant that around 14 scaffolders out of a total of workforce of around 160 contractors employed by the company were given a week’s pay in lieu of notice.
The company says that is in line with the agreed terms of the temporary contracts.
But the workers claim their action comes after they were laid off following a pay review request.
A Hertel spokesman said the situation all of the 14 were employed as temporary scaffolders and labourers.
“The process was managed in accordance with standard procedures with appropriate notice issued to each of the affected employees,” he added.
It is believed that the spokesmen for the parties involved in the dispute were due to meet today.