Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Travis Perkins has revealed the industry’s biggest headaches as part of its pledge to support customers by promoting and encouraging innovation. After speaking to contractors, housebuilders, manufacturers and staff, a number of common industry-wide problems became clear. The UK weather was a shared frustration, with high levels of rain blamed for construction delays, muddy working environments and the reduced effectiveness …

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has launched an updated version of its user-friendly, free Scaffold Specification Template (Guide to Managing and Appointing Scaffolding Contractors). The popular scaffolding guide  is designed “to improve the quality of scaffold structures erected on construction sites and other works of engineering maintenance in accordance with current legislation, guidance and protocol and to minimise …

Mumford & Wood Conservation sliding sash windows are now SBD certified to meet Approved Document Q – Security. “To the untrained eye the Conservation sash window looks no different to its predecessor, so much so that even burglars won’t see this until they have struggled with the security features and, of course, timber offers better strength to weight ratios than …

A London based construction company has been fined for safety failings. Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard how RS Construction UK (London) Limited was working at a site on St Dionis Road, London which was inspected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The inspector found there was an excavation directly behind the front door, which was the only entrance and exit …

UKATA explains the importance of following HSG247 guidance – particularly concerning respirators The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has highlighted the importance of government guidelines surrounding Asbestos: The licensed contractors’ guide (HSG247) to ensure proper removal of asbestos. One area of particular concern is people often not being aware of rules on wearing respirators, and thus significantly increasing the risks …

Staff from building chemicals manufacturer Bond It have helped to raise money for a worthy cause. A team drawn from across the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives and building chemicals recently took part in a five-a-side football tournament for Bond It’s chosen charity, Overgate Hospice. Located in Elland, West Yorkshire, close to Bond It’s head office and main manufacturing site, Overgate …

With over 10,000 female members to date, trade vetting service Checkatrade.com recognises the need to attract women into the industry. Craig Phillips, TV personality, DIY and construction expert and ambassador for Checkatrade said: “If you’re an aspiring female tradesperson, I really do recommend becoming a member of Checkatrade. Not only will your potential customer be able to find you by …

A self-employed contractor has been fined after an employee was fatally crushed when the trench he was working in collapsed on him.

A Hertfordshire based contractor has been found guilty for a series of safety failings across two separate sites. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) received a complaint in March 2014 from a member of the public living close to the former Chesham Community Hospital site in Buckinghamshire, concerning activities taking place on the premises. When HSE inspectors arrived they found …

UKATA explains what to do when the best laid plans fail. In the light of several cases where asbestos has been incorrectly removed, or improperly disposed of, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) is reminding everyone of best practice on how to handle asbestos and while all steps should be taken to avoid accidents, what needs to be done in …

The partial collapse of a school wall in Scotland has led to the closure of 17 other schools in Scotland while urgent checks are carried out.  Thankfully nobody was killed or injured in this incident but it does raise some interesting points; first about the design of these 10 year old buildings and also about the inspection during the build. A …

A plumber arranged for fraudulent gas safety checks at landlords’ properties leaving a gas boiler in a dangerous state, putting lives at risk.

New from DEWALT is the DCP580 Planer which the power tool manufacturer says is the world’s first 18V brushless, cordless planer. The new technology pairs an efficient brushless motor with a high capacity XR battery, working in tandem to provide maximum output and excellent runtime. DEWALT says the DCP580 has enough runtime for a typical day’s work from just one …

Labour’s Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning John Healey MP visited a housing development in Aston, Sheffield last month to highlight the importance of local house building companies being able to deliver more new homes. Mr Healey was visiting the Parklands View development in Aston, built by Sheffield-based firm W. Redmile & Sons. The visit was organised by the Federation …

If you're thinking of buying an 18v drill and you're wondering which 18v drill is best, Skill Builder has some useful resources that might help you to make a decision.

Roger Bisby tries out the Innofix clip from Redland, a useful clip that prevents storm damage by stopping roof tiles from being blown off when it’s windy. Despite the change in the standard BS 5534 Code of Practice for roof slating and tiling there are still a lot of cowboy roofers out there laying interlocking tiles without any fixings.  Nobody …

Roger Bisby share his findings on Knauf’s new airless spray plaster, the Knauf Airless Finish Light. Knauf has had an unenviable task in the UK; trying to take on British Gypsum with trowel applied traditional plasters was always going to be a challenge but they have certainly established themselves with boards and made good inroads with projection plastering. But projection …