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Diverts excess solar power to the immersion heater

Dylan Garton
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Diverts excess solar power to the immersion heater

The SOLiC 200 from Earthwise Products  automatically provides free hot water from new and existing PV panels, by offering the home’s excess solar energy to the immersion heater circuit instead of allowing it to be exported to the grid.

The SOLiC 200 is said to be the most efficient device of its kind on the market as it operates with a zero export threshold.

The SOLiC 200 is manufactured in the UK and complies with CE and British Standards. The unit has been engineered to last the life of a solar installation (25 years) and includes a reassuring 10-year return-to-base guarantee as standard.

www.earthwiseproducts.co.uk

Vufold Introduces Windows to Match Bifold Ranges

Dylan Garton
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Vufold Introduces Windows to Match Bifold Ranges

Vufold, the British manufacturing retailer of bifold doors has added matching windows to its Ultra and Supreme ranges of external bi-folding doors.

The windows will be manufactured in the UK to the same high standard as Vufold’s doors, and the company is sourcing its timber from the same suppliers to maintain consistency of quality.

 

Vufold Supreme Bifold doors

The windows will come in a choice of a grey or white aluminium external coating, with an oak veneer surface to the interior that has three coats of clear polyurethane finish that allows the beauty of the wood grain to show, adding a warm feel to the room. The Ultra windows also come complete with a powder-coated aluminium clip-on window cill and a choice of internal handles.

The Supreme range of windows is constructed from thermally broken aluminium frames set in a double glazed unit and comes with a choice of contemporary grey or stunning white aluminium powder coating. The Supreme windows also come complete with a powder-coated thermally broken aluminium cill and are finished off by a brushed graphite handle as standard.

The external aluminium surfaces on both ranges are guaranteed against defects for 15 years.

Customers will be able to choose from a range of 13 different windows including single, double and triple-paned sets. There will also be a choice of fixed and various opening options from left, right, bottom and one-third top of the frame. Widths will vary from 620 to 1720 centimetres, and heights from 1040 to 2090 centimetres. The windows will only be available in double glazed units.

The windows come complete with everything needed for installation, including fixing kit and easy to follow instructions.

Prices start from £449 for a Supreme range 620mm x 1040mm single window to £1,469 for a 1760mm x 1190mm Ultra range triple set.

www.vufold.co.uk

Database Launched to Help Assess Thermal Bridging

Roger Bisby
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Database Launched to Help Assess Thermal Bridging

Advanced Details is an online database providing builders and architects with a comprehensive selection of construction details complete with thermal bridging performance.

Addressing thermal bridging in a design is one of the easiest ways to improve its Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) score, the methodology used by the Government to assess and compare the energy and environmental performance of dwellings.

Thermal Bridging Tackled

The Advanced Details database allows users to input their thermal bridging performance into certification software such as SAP or PHPP in less than an hour.

Using typical details from the Advanced Details database users have been said to have seen improvements of over 15% in the Design Emmission Rate of CO2 for a standard 2 bedroom house, equivalent to thousands of pounds spent on renewables, all without changes to the built design.

Advanced Details is working with independent manufacturers whose building systems and products can help minimise thermal bridges in buildings.

The website allows users to create multiple live projects and share these with the design team. Once finished, the site provides the user with a report containing the calculation results and specified products for the contractor to sign off.

Advanced Details also offers a full thermal bridging calculation service from £200 per detail.

Advanced Details is currently providing full access to the database completely free until June 2016.

Globus enhances chemical-resistant gloves range

Roger Bisby
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Globus enhances chemical-resistant gloves range

Hand protection specialist Globus has enhanced its range of chemical-resistant gloves with the launch of SKYTEC Nero – combining chemical and mechanical protection with comfort, dexterity and grip.

The new SKYTEC Nero not only protects workers against water-based chemicals but also delivers abrasion and tear resistance performance. The result is a natural-rubber glove ideal for heavy-duty handling, processing and maintenance tasks.

Featuring a hexagonal textured pattern on the palm and fingertips for enhanced grip in wet and slippery conditions, SKYTEC Nero is also extremely comfortable thanks to its anatomical shape, designed to minimise hand fatigue. Part of the renowned SKYTEC hand protection range, the glove is 0.65mm thick – ensuring flexibility and dexterity. Comfort is further enhanced through the pure cotton flock lining which absorbs perspiration.

Available in sizes small to extra-large, the CE certified Cat III glove, has an EN388:2003 rating of 2020 providing good abrasion and tear resistance and is also EN374-3 certified, delivering in particular level 4 protection against chemicals including Sodium Hydroxide (40%) and Sulphuric Acid (96%).
www.globus.co.uk

58% of Contractors Turned Away Work in 2015

Roger Bisby
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58% of Contractors Turned Away Work in 2015

In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS, the employee benefits company for the construction industry has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began three years ago with 48% of respondents saying they feel confident about the year ahead.

But behind this upbeat outlook is a workforce under immense strain with close to half (41%) saying their business was under increased pressure to fulfil contracts.

Reflecting the increased demand for their skills, many tradespeople saw their work/life balance tip heavily towards work in 2015.

The survey found that over a quarter of tradespeople regularly worked evenings and weekends in 2015 with 60% saying they had felt more pressure to do so in the last year.

But despite working longer hours, shockingly, 58% had to turn work away in 2015, and more worryingly, 38% confirmed they had resorted to unskilled labour to help fulfil contracts.

Even more galling for tradespeople is that the hard work did not equate to higher earnings for all.  While 35% earned more in 2015 compared to the year before. This is a slight decrease from the 40% who earned more in 2014 compared to 2013.

Commenting on this year’s Healthcheck, Phil Scarrett, Sales and Marketing Director for ECIS, says, “Despite the fact that fewer tradespeople saw their earnings going up last year compared to the year before, contractors are generally feeling more confident about 2016 than they did this time last year.

And you can see why with a series of major construction projects underway and the knock-on effects of this.

Plus a focus by the UK Government on housebuilding. Just in the past week, we have seen new proposals to create competition for handling planning applications and a fast track application process.

“However, the fact that 22% of tradespeople would not encourage young people to enter the industry underlines the struggle many people in the trade are facing between earning a living, managing customer demands and having a life outside of work.

There is no shortage of work to go around but serving that demand is evidently a source of significant pressure for tradespeople – so much so that 38% have had to turn to unskilled labour.

“This can add further pressure in terms of training and ensuring the people taken on have the right level of competence to undertake the work needed.

2015 saw the introduction of the new Construction Design and Management Regulations which puts new requirements on the contracting sector to support risk management and part of this is having the right people for the right job at the right time.

For many contractors, this is so much easier said than done but it’s vital they remain focused on health and safety and where necessary continue to take the brave and difficult decision to turn work away.”

www.ecins.co.uk

Heavy duty latex glove

Dylan Garton
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Heavy duty latex glove

Following its introduction of the tough Black Mamba Nitrile Glove into the UK market back in 2012, Fortress Distribution is launching the new Pro Blu heavy duty latex glove. Manufactured from latex and at 14 mils thick it offers users the ability to work in a number of different applications.

Some of the key features of the new Pro Blu heavy duty latex glove;

• 14 mil (0.36 mm) thick powder free latex

• 12 inch (300 mm) cuff length extra protection against chemicals

• Textured grip for secure handling

• EZ glide donning system to pull on and off

This heavy duty extra long cuff glove is said to be ideal for automotive technicians, paint works, furniture refinishing, janitorial and agricultural uses. In particular, the latex material is good for use with ketones including MEK and acetone.

The glove is supplied in boxes of 50 gloves and available in sizes M, L, and XL.

Alan Matthews, director at Fortress Distribution, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing the new Pro Blu heavy-duty latex glove to the UK market. We have had tremendous interest in our Black Mamba product portfolio so far and expect demand for this product to be high too. Although the Pro Blue Glove has many differences to the Black Mamba Nitrile, users can be confident that the superior quality remains the same.”

The Pro Blu Mamba Glove will be officially launched at this year’s Health & Safety Event on stand A20.

fortressdistribution.co.uk

Contractor fined for health and safety failings on roof work

Dylan Garton
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Contractor fined for health and safety failings on roof work

A Bedford based contractor has been fined for failing to comply with a Prohibition Notice, which was served after the contractor was witnessed carrying out roof work in an unsafe manner at Premier Motor Company, Manton Lane, Bedford.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard how tradesman Bernard Buck continued the reroofing work at Premier Motor Company’s Manton Lane site with subcontractors, without adequate means in place to prevent falls.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 1 October 2015 found that Bernard Buck failed to properly assess the risks associated with the work and implement appropriate controls. He showed no indication of caring about the safety of his own or the subcontractors’ safety.

Bernard Buck of Prinknash Road, Bedford, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,018

For further information on work at height visit: hse.gov.uk/work-at-height

Alumasc Rainwater Reduces the Risks of Leaks

Dylan Garton
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Alumasc Rainwater Reduces the Risks of Leaks

A new prefabricated outlet has been added to Alumasc Rainwater’s high performance Steel range. The one piece component reduces the risk of leaks due to incorrectly cut materials on-site. It also makes on-site installation quicker and easier.

Suitable for traditional and modern buildings, quality steel systems provide limited risk of shrinking, leaking or colour fading.

“Our lightweight Steel range is scratch and corrosion-resistant,” says Pete Wainer, National Sales Manager for Alumasc Rainwater. “Steel is a contemporary, eco-friendly and cost effective alternative to plastic guttering for domestic and social housing.

“We’ve now extended our Steel range with a prefabricated outlet,” continues Pete, “so installers don’t have to go through the tedious process of cutting a hole in the gutter and fixing the wrap around outlet.”

Alumasc Rainwater’s steel guttering systems provide high flow capacity due to the larger inlet funnels on the outlets. It’s available in a choice of four widths, all in the popular Half Round profile along with connecting round downpipe systems.

There are additional downpipe sizes and associated fittings and accessories to complete it, including Rainwater Diverters and the unique Steel hopper head. The range comes in a plain galvanised finish or in a highly durable polyester pre-coated black finish.

It’s also supplied, by request, in a range of six alternative contemporary colours, which are galvanised to a highly attractive and quality finish.

alumascwms.co.uk

Dewalt extends XR 18v brushless drill and impact range

Dylan Garton
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Dewalt extends XR 18v brushless drill and impact range

Research by DeWALT  has shown that modern tradesmen and building contractors undertaking repetitive drilling and fastening work, require tools that offer reliable and powerful performance, a compact design, and ease of control. DeWALT has therefore expanded its XR 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless portfolio with the introduction of the DCD791 Drill Driver, DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver and DCF887 Impact Driver.

Improved power and speed of application

Improved power enables a faster speed of application, and the completion of high torque applications.

Enhanced ergonomics

The length of the Drill Drivers and Impact Driver has been reduced by 7mm and 6mm respectively allowing easy navigation around small and tricky spaces with minimum fuss. They are also ‘Guaranteed Tough’ to withstand the constant rigours of the jobsite, avoiding costly downtime.

Greater work area visibility

The LED light on the base of the DCD791 Drill Driver and DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver is angled for reduced shadow around the work area. The highest of the three switch positions provides a 60 lumen output with an impressive 20 minute delay, delivering greater visibility and productivity on site.

Variable impact control for light to high speed applications

For greater control, operators of the DeWALT DCF887 Impact Driver have access to three different control settings, including ‘Precision Drive’. A first for a DeWALT tool, this mode is suitable for delicate screwdriving applications. It gives users the optimum amount of turning force, avoiding over-driving screws, splintering, or damage to materials, bits or fasteners such as brass or machine screws.

By contrast, the high speed impact setting offers users market leading torque and speed of application to ensure that they have all of the performance they need to get even the heaviest applications completed quickly.

Key features

  • Brushless motor for less servicing and downtime
  • Optimised tool length – reduced by up to 7mm
  • Super bright*, focused LED light with a three-position switch (Low – 2 lumens, Medium – 18 lumens, and High – 60 lumens)*
  • Three-mode impact selector with ‘Precision Drive’ for light screwdriving, Speed I for standard impact applications, and Speed II offering up to 207Nm for high torque applications**
  • Compatible with DeWALT XR 18V 2.0Ah, 5.0Ah and Bluetooth battery packs

* DCD791 Drill Driver and DCD796 Hammer Drill Driver only

** DCF887 Impact Driver only

www.DEWALT.co.uk

Product review: Gorilla brooms

Dylan Garton
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Product review: Gorilla brooms

Skill Builder’s Roger Bisby tries out the latest offering from Faulks the Gorilla brooms range.

Gorilla tubs, you’ve heard of them I’m sure, well these brushes and brooms come out of the same Faulks stable, except of course, you don’t keep Gorillas in a stable. The approach with the brooms is exactly the same as the tubs, find a problem and design a product that solves it in one fell swoop. So, just as the Trug Tubs looked at the humble bucket and worked out what was wrong with it you can ask yourself what you don’t like about brooms.  It is easy to answer; the heads fall off and the handles also disintegrate usually right in the middle of the job. As Trigger observed in Only Fools and Horses, if you keep replacing the heads and the handles a  broom will last you forever.

Gorilla 34
Gorilla sells the handles and heads separately and in different colours for the domestic garden market but we went for a serious colour. The heads and handles are made from the lightweight but extremely strong cut. resistant plastic that is slightly pliable so it will flex. The handles screw very securely into the heads on a large pitch nylon thread. The nylon bristles are also well attached so you shouldn’t suffer the same kind of bristle drop that affects some wooden heads.

The range includes hard yard brooms as well as softer brushes and hand brushes. I particularly like the combined rubber scrubber and squeegee. It would be great for wet rooms but I am sure it will also be good for slippery patios.

gorilla brooms
Having given these Gorilla brooms a go I really can’t fault them in any respect and I certainly can’t see myself returning to the heavy wooden heads. These brooms are not expensive so there is nothing to hold them back and I can see them flying off the shelves of merchants. No doubt, like Gorilla Tubs they will have their imitators but, like the tubs, making them strong enough to stand up to building site use  is a whole different game to the garden centre market. These are serious tools.

Worcester Greenskies Solar Panels demonstration

Roger Bisby
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Worcester Greenskies Solar Panels demonstration

Roger Bisby demonstrates Worcester’s Greenskies Solar water heating system.

It is a popular misconception that utilising solar energy is only possible in hot, sunny climates. The reality is that it is daylight and not just direct sunshine which is the important factor — which is why Worcester Greenskies solar water heating uses specially coated panels developed to collect as much energy as possible, even on the dullest of days. During the course of a year you are likely to get 50-70% of your hot water provided by solar.

Solar hot water systems (also known as Solar Thermal) harness heat from sunlight by capturing energy which is radiated by the sun within solar panels or collectors.

Solar Water Heating is not to be confused with Solar PV (PhotoVoltaic), which is designed to generate electricity. Worcester does not currently sell Solar PV as our main focus is delivering heating and hot water comfort.

This heat energy is then moved down pipes to the hot water cylinder within your home, reducing the need to use Gas, Oil or Electricity to heat the hot water you require; lowering energy bills as well as your carbon footprint. You can find out more on their Solar Water Heating Explained page.

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/products/solar

Product review: GPR steps and Stair-scaffold

Roger Bisby
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Product review: GPR steps and Stair-scaffold
Skill Builder  takes a closer look at two products from Youngman; their GPR steps and the Stair-scaffold.
Youngman is arguably the most famous name in ladders and their range seems to be growing particlularly as it includes Boss towers.
The latest product we have been sent to evaluate is their GRP steps. If you see a pair of GRP steps on top of a van you immediately think ‘electrician’ but these days it is also plumbers and general builders who are using GRP steps. It isn’t just the fact that they are non conductive, therefore depriving the current of a route to earth, they also happen to be robust steps in their own right.
The rivets are semi-tubular to reduce lateral movement. The large plaatform gives you a comfortable work area and the top bar has tool storage holes. The steps are rated to a 150kg load. If you weigh more than that you probably shouldn’t be going up steps. Youngman also has GRP quick towers which offer a larger more stable work area but give the same non-conductive protection against grounding.
Stair-scaffold

New Toyota Hilux debuts at Geneva motor show

Dylan Garton
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New Toyota Hilux debuts at Geneva motor show

Toyota has introduced its new Hilux at this year’s Geneva Motor show. Available in Single, Extra and Double Cab body styles, the eighth generation Hilux offers a new and stronger ladder chassis, reinforced deck structure, enhanced 4×4 capabilities and  an improved towing capacity.

New 2.4-litre D-4D engine

The introduction of a 2.4-litre D-4D Global Diesel (GD) engine featuring Stop/Start combines improved torque delivery in the low and medium speed ranges with improved fuel economy. The 16 valve, DOHC four-cylinder engine is equipped with a variable nozzle turbocharger with intercooler. The 2393cc unit generates 148bhp @ at 3,400rpm, and maximum torque of 400 Nm between 1,600 and 2,000 rpm.

Two-wheel drive Hilux versions are equipped with six-speed manual transmissions, whilst all-wheel drive models offer a choice of six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. Both transmissions have been revised to improve durability, enhance low-speed driving performance and offer drivers quieter, smoother gear changes whilst realising the full potential of the new engine. All versions achieve a top speed of 170 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.8 (6A/T) or 13.2 (6M/T) seconds. The new 2.4-litre D-4D returns an average fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as low as 39.8mpg and 187 g/km.

Driving dynamics & off-road ability

The all-new Hilux features a new ladder-frame chassis offering a 20 per cent  increase in torsional rigidity. It is designed to combine improved handling, ride comfort, noise and vibration performance and collision safety and durability.

The tough, durable leaf spring and twin shock absorber rear suspension system has been revised to combine the off-road articulation capabilities with SUV-like ride comfort and handling stability. The vehicle is equipped with a switchable all-wheel drive system featuring a high and low-ratio transfer case, and both front and rear locking limited-slip rear differentials. Acting in combination, the improved low and medium speed torque delivery of the new diesel engine and the increased strength of the new ladder-frame chassis have raised the towing capacity to 3.5 tonnes (for the UK market).

Higher levels of active and passive safety

The new Hilux sees the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense.  Processing information provided by a compact, windscreen head-mounted unit housing both a laser and a camera, Toyota Safety Sense offers customers a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Automatic High Beam (AHB) and Road Sign Assist (RSA) systems.

Exterior design

At 5,335 mm long, 1,855 mm wide and 1,815 mm high, the new Hilux is 75 mm longer, 20 mm wider and 45 mm lower than its predecessor.

The combination of toughness and refinement is expressed in the new front with the sleek styling of a unified upper grille and headlamp design with a deep, powerful bumper housing the large lower grille. The bonnet wraps over the front wheel arches to reinforce the solid, road presence while the second horizontal bar of the upper grille extends into the new headlamp clusters to form a unique Daytime Running Lamp (DRL) signature featuring 12 white LEDs.

Below the bumper, the placement of the fog lamp housings at the bumper extremities reinforces the solid, stable front stance. The lower corners and bottom of the bumper have been shaped to optimise ground clearance under even the most extreme off-road driving conditions. To the sides, the design favours a more seamless transition of the front bumper into the muscular front wheel arches for a more refined appearance.

The new Hilux is available in a choice of five popular base colours, and three new eye-catching colours: Orange Spice, Volcano Red and Hydro Blue.

Interior design

Accessed via a Smart Entry and Start system the all-new Hilux interior combines the durability and functionality required of any working vehicle with SUV levels of refinement, and equipment. The horizontal emphasis of the clean, uncluttered dashboard design incorporates new, cross fin-type air vents with rotary dial adjustment.

The centre console is dominated by the integration of a robust, tablet-like seven-inch touch-screen multimedia system. Operated simply and intuitively using fingertip control, the unit has been moved closer to the front seats for ease of use. A new driver’s instrument binnacle locates large, clear, analogue speedometer and tachometer dials either side of a full-colour 4.2-inch TFT multi-information display. Its content changed quickly and easily via a steering wheel-mounted switch, the display places the most pertinent driving information at the highest position on the screen to minimise the shift in line-of-sight whilst driving. Featuring a horizontal spoke design steering wheel it incorporates reach and rake adjustability, thumb rests, and a thicker, stitched rim to guarantee a comfortable grip for all drivers.

Integral switchgear -including a four-way rocker switch- allows for quick, easy control of the six-speaker audio and multi-information display systems, as well as linked operation of the seven-inch centre console and multi-information displays. In keeping with the more leisure-oriented interior design, the gear lever has been shortened to give a slicker, more passenger car-like shift action. In addition, drive mode selection, including all-wheel drive, is now simply made via adjacent, easy-to-use switches. The premium appearance of the new Hilux interior is reinforced by metallic coated ornamentation to the dashboard, door trim, driver’s instrument binnacle, steering wheel and gear lever bezel. Interior lighting sees the adoption of consistent blue illumination and instrument backlighting throughout.

The black seat upholstery of the new Hilux interior is available in a choice of three finishes. Entry grade models feature a tough, hard-wearing fabric, mid-range feature a high quality, soft-textured durable fabric, while high grade models are upholstered in full leather.

Exeter Plumber Prosecuted for Leaving Gas Works in Dangerous State

Dylan Garton
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Exeter Plumber Prosecuted for Leaving Gas Works in Dangerous State

An Exeter plumber prosecuted for leaving a gas meter and gas pipe in a dangerous state in a customer’s home after he had undertaken unregistered gas work.

Colin Jones, aged 59, moved a gas meter at the property in The Mede in Exeter and then connected a new gas boiler to it.

Shortly after this work the homeowners smelt gas and called Wales and West Utilities who found two gas leaks, one on the gas meter supply pipe and one on the gas pipe from the meter to the boiler.

They classed the situation as ‘immediately dangerous’ as had the leaking gas ignited there was a real risk of an explosion.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), investigated the incident and prosecuted Colin Jones at a hearing before Exeter Magistrates on 17 February 2016.

Plumber prosecuted for leaving gas in a dangerous state
Plumber prosecuted for leaving gas in a dangerous state

The court heard that Colin Jones had moved the gas meter as part of refurbishment works at the property. He then connected the gas meter to aa new gas boiler that had been fitted by a properly registered gas engineer.

Colin Jones, of Linda Close, Exeter, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was given a 32 week prison sentence, suspended for 2 years and was also fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay £692 in costs.

Plumber Prosecuted Justly

HSE Inspector Simon Jones, speaking after the hearing, said: “Colin Jones put his customers’ lives at risk by carrying out work on gas pipes and a gas meter which he was not legally entitled to do.

A gas meter and a gas pipe that he installed were found to be leaking gas which is an incredibly dangerous situation and it is only by sheer good fortune that the escaping gas did not ignite

“All domestic gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”

Further information on domestic gas safety issues can be found on the HSE website at www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/

See more on gas safety failings with Skill Builder.

Kee Safety launches ladder safety kit

Dylan Garton
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Kee Safety launches ladder safety kit

Kee Safety, the fall protection equipment expert, has launched the KeeGuard Ladder Kit, a permanently fixed guardrail system that can be used in conjunction with safety ladders and self-closing gates.

KeeGuard Ladder Kit has been designed to provide a working at height safety solution that complies with EN 14122-4. This standard recommends that ‘to prevent falling through the access opening at arrival areas, the opening shall be provided with a gate.’  It also states that at drop edges of arrival areas, ‘a guardrail should be provided at least 1.5m either side of the ladder.’

The KeeGuard Ladder Kit is a ‘retro-fit’ guardrail solution that fits to existing fixed ladder or cat ladders, providing 1.5m guardrailing on both sides of the ladder. Quick and easy to install, it simply clamps on to the existing fixed ladder, forming a continual link from the guardrail to the stringer. The kit’s unique fitting can clamp around a flat or tubular stringer up to 75mm in width/diameter does not need to be mechanically fixed to the roofing membrane or building’s structure.

“Awareness of the dangers of working at height has increased in the past few years, with legislations such as the Work at Height Regulations of 2005 coming into play” explains John Ingram, Group Product Manager – Fall Protection at Kee Safety.  “Great steps have been made to ensure the safety of workers undertaking work at height, and we believe that the introduction of this new product is another step in the right direction.

Available in a galvanised steel finish, KeeGuard Ladder Kit has been independently tested and complies with EN 14122-4.

KEEGUARD Ladder Kit 

Marley extends 160mm solvent range

Dylan Garton
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Marley extends 160mm solvent range

Marley Plumbing & Drainage has strengthened its commercial soil product offering by expanding its solvent soil range with new 160mm fittings and pipe.

This latest offering strengthens Marley’s existing commercial portfolio which includes its kitemarked HDPE (high-density polyethylene system) and dBlue acoustic soil systems, which have been manufactured to withstand the high daily usage commercial properties entail and for easier handling on site.

David Barker, Category Manager, commented: “We continually invest in our research and development of product solutions, basing a lot of this on our customers’ needs. With an increased demand for commercially sized soil products, we decided to extend our already popular solvent weld soil range offering and create 160mm fittings that are just as robust and reliable.

“What’s more, we have created a suite of BIM files for our soil ranges that can be downloaded on Marley’s website or via BIMstore, which will help our customers meet the requirements of using BIM on all Government funded projects.”

www.marleyplumbinganddrainage.com

Kensington and Chelsea bans weekend construction work

Dylan Garton
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Kensington and Chelsea bans weekend construction work

Noisy construction work will not be allowed on the weekend in Kensington and Chelsea after the Council’s Cabinet agreed a new Code of Construction Practice on Thursday 11th February.

Residents have long complained about noise from construction work and what they believed to be its unrelenting nature. In response the Council produced a draft Code of Construction Practice which was put out for a 16-week public consultation which ended on 21 October.

The Code sets out best practice/standards expected in the borough. It recognises the importance of, and need for building projects but seeks to lay down what is expected from contractors and developers to ensure that disturbance to residents is kept to a minimum level.

Following adoption of the new code generally ‘permitted hours’ for noisy works will no longer include any time on a Saturday. As before, works are not allowed on a Sunday. The code also introduces a further set of restricted hours for high impact activities such as demolition and concrete breaking.

The code will be phased in and enforced in the borough through the use of Control of Pollution Act 1974 powers.

An important part of the code is the emphasis it places on developers and contractors establishing good communications with neighbours close to construction sites and those likely to be disturbed by noisy works.

Councillor Tim Ahern, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, said: “We completely recognise the importance of building and construction work in the borough. However, we must appreciate that for people who live close by it can have an enormous impact on their lives.

“This is why we have introduced this new Code of Practice. It will help bring peace on the weekends and require developers to work far more closely with people who live close to their sites to mitigate, wherever possible, the problems associated with noise, dust and disturbance.”

Geberit extends darts sponsorship

Roger Bisby
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Geberit extends darts sponsorship

Geberit, the sanitary products expert, has extended the sponsorship of darts champion Adrian Lewis for a further three years.

Ranked number three in the world, Adrian ‘Jackpot‘ Lewis will wear the Twyford logo on the front of his shirt for all matches played in the UK, with the Geberit logo on his shirt for matches played outside of the UK.

Adrian Lewis has established himself as one of the sport’s leading stars over the past decade since emerging as a teenage prodigy. Two times winner of the PDC World Championship, Adrian has also racked up titles including the UK Open 2014, the European Championship in 2013 and the World Cup of Darts in 2012, 2013 and 2015.

“Darts has become a hugely popular spectator sport in the UK, so much so that the World Darts Championship is the most watched non-football programme on the major sports channels,” comments Geberit Marketing Director Raffaela De Vittorio. “We are therefore delighted to be continuing our sponsorship of Adrian Lewis when his original contract with Twyford ends in May. We’ll be watching his efforts to claim the world title with interest and wish him all the best.”

www.geberit.co.uk

Scaffolding Firm Fined for Serious Fall

Roger Bisby
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Scaffolding Firm Fined for Serious Fall

Hemel Hempstead Scaffolding Limited has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when he fell from the roof of a barn.

Stewart Thomas from Hemel Hempstead, 31 at the time of the incident, was carrying out scaffolding work in preparation for the installation of solar panels on a barn roof at Gaddesden Home Farm, Bridens Camp on Red Lion Lane on 25 July 2013.

St Albans Crown Court heard that father of one Mr Thomas was placing scaffold boards along the roof ridge when he fell through the fragile roof to the concrete floor eight metres below.

He suffered multiple injuries to his head and neck including a brain stem injury, a punctured lung, broken ribs and a lacerated liver. Mr Thomas is now unable to talk, move or feed himself and requires residential care.

Scaffolding Firm Fined

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found Hemel Hempstead Scaffolding Limited had never provided a written method statement or risk assessment for this work.

Critically there were no fall protection measures in place, and there was also no appropriate supervision of inexperienced and trainee scaffolders on the site.

Hemel Hempstead Scaffolding Limited of Seymour Crescent, Hemel Hempstead pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, 1974 and were fined £110,000 and ordered to pay £22,596 in costs.

After the hearing Stewart’s mother Karen Coffey said: “I have had to move from my home and family in Hemel Hempstead to Northamptonshire to be near Stewart.

“My other children find it very hard to see Stewart the way he is now, but along with my mother I visit every day. I have also taken a job nearby that keeps me close to Stewart but also gives me something else to concentrate on.

“My granddaughters are going to miss out so much on the things they would have done and learnt from Stewart.

“Since my son Stewart’s accident all our lives have been dramatically changed – hopefully we can try and move forward to make Stewart’s life as best we can with his family close by him.”

Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Stephen Manley said: “The company’s approach to health and safety was poor.

They failed to properly and safely plan the work they were contracted to carry out and failed to supervise inexperienced young workers. The particular works would have been unfamiliar to the team and so the lack of thorough supervision was lamentable.

“As a result of their failings a young father has been left being unable to communicate or look after himself and he will never be able to play with his young daughter.

When working at height, there is a high likelihood of serious injury or death if safe procedures are not put in place and adequate steps taken to ensure they are followed”.

More information on safe working on fragile roofs can be found here: www.hse.gov.uk

See more on safety failings with Skill Builder.

Checkatrade and Trustatrader commit to improve practices

Roger Bisby
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Checkatrade and Trustatrader commit to improve practices

After engaging constructively with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Checkatrade and Trustatrader have agreed to improve their practices. These improvements address concerns that were raised following a call for information by the CMA on online reviews and endorsements.

The CMA’s call for information highlighted a number of general concerns about the review sector, including the potential for some review websites’ practices to prevent some genuine negative reviews from being published, some review websites not checking reviews sufficiently rigorously, and important information not being brought to the attention of the users of some websites.

The operators of both sites have worked with the CMA in relation to their practices and have committed to making bespoke improvements in response to the specific concerns that were relevant to them in one or more of the following areas:

  • Ensuring that all genuine, relevant and lawful reviews are published. Checkatrade will make it clearer that, in line with its existing policy, if people would like their negative review to be published they can do so whether or not they would like further contact with the trader.
  • Ensuring that reviews received are checked properly as to whether they are genuine. Checkatrade and Trustatrader will build on their existing verification processes to strengthen their checks.
  • Ensuring that important information is brought to the attention of users. Checkatrade and Trustatrader will improve the information that is given to users about how reviews are collected, checked and published, building on their existing practices.

Nisha Arora, CMA Senior Director, Consumer, said:  “Millions of people look at online reviews and endorsements before making buying decisions, and so it is crucial that review websites check and present reviews in a way that ensures consumers can trust them.

“Review sites play a critical role in giving consumers this valuable information and ensuring that consumers can trust the reviews they see. We welcome the constructive engagement we have had with the 5 review sites which will mean that people using them will have a more complete picture when reading reviews.

“The CMA’s action is part of a wider package of work aimed at improving practices in the online reviews and endorsements sector. As well as writing to the operators of other review websites for tradespeople and care home sites, we are issuing further advice and information to review sites across all sectors to remind them about their legal obligations. In addition, we have opened investigations into a number of companies involved in reviews and endorsements, and expect to make further announcements about these in the coming weeks.”

 

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