Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

Construction projects across Britain are being urged to act now to ensure the health and safety of their workers is protected as the second phase of a targeted inspection initiative gets underway this week. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says 43 workers were fatally injured in 2015/16, and an estimated ten times that number died from construction related ill-health, …

The latest full colour Snickers Workwear Catalogue can now be downloaded free of charge from www.snickersworkwear.co.uk The 148 page Snickers catalogue has all you need to know about the Snickers range of working clothes for professional tradesmen and women. According to the company, this workwear will work hard on site all year round, whatever the working environment you’re in. What’s …

Research undertaken by MoneySuperMarket has revealed that the nation has deep concerns about the impending smart home revolution, despite possible cost savings. 76% of Brits admitting to being ‘fearful’ of the smart homes concept, with unapproved data collection cited as the greatest worry. Other concerns about connected homes include the technology being hacked by criminals (51%), being made unusable by …

The CITB has one last chance to fundamentally reform and start facilitating quality training en masse among the construction industry’s smaller firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB has announced its qualified support for the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as part of the consensus process, submitting its official letter to the CITB’s Chief Executive Sarah …

The Revolution Infinity safety shoe from Solid Gear comprises a high degree of cushioning and comfort and has a ‘bounce back’ mid-sole which is designed to give a 55% energy return that will put a spring in your step to reduce fatigue and stress on the back, legs and feet. The shoe’s stretchable upper with Cordura is water-resistant and is said to offer excellent performance when it …

Two scaffold Inspectors have been prosecuted after a worker fell through a gap between the scaffolding and the building, resulting in serious injuries. Greater Manchester Magistrates’ Court heard how on 26th March 2014, the 49-year old worker was working on a re-roofing project. As he stepped down from the untiled roof onto a fixed scaffold, he fell through a gap …

The rapid rise in popularity of artificial grass in the UK over the last few years has prompted artificial grass manufacturer, NeoGrass to open up applications for approved installers.

Floor laying is a job that many builders hand over to the specialist but Roger Bisby explains why he is reluctant to kiss goodbye to what can be a good earner and shares his favourite tools for the job. My customer was fairly adamant that they didn’t want scotia or quadrant around the edge of their new oak flooring because …

In this video Roger gets a preview of the hotly anticipated Hilti SID 4-A22 Cordless Impact Driver. Hilti SID 4-A22 Cordless Impact Driver features Compact design allows easy use in tight corners and wherever space is limited Perfect balance and low weight Robust hexagonal 1/4″ quick-release chuck Brushless motor for long life and more work per charge 3 gears and …

IronmongeryDirect, the UK supplier of ironmongery to the trade, has partnered with supplier TIMco to donate a pallet full of fastenings and fixings which is being sent to hurricane torn Barbuda in the Caribbean. The pallet, which contains approximately 500,000 woodscrews, roofing screws, concrete screws, nails and masonry fixings, will help the residents of Barbuda rebuild their homes and communities …

Roger Bisby gets a demonstration of the Toggler High Performance Anchors at a trip to Toolfair. Heavy Duty Plasterboard Fixings, Solid Wall Anchors, Cavity Walls, Thermalite – we’ve all been there and had at least one nightmare experience trying to get a secure fixing, which will not only provide enough support, but will last the test of time in substrates …

Hultafors new Hi-Vis Tapes are said to provide excellent value and come with an EC Class II measuring accuracy. The Hi-Vis Tapes are also stamped with the Fisco brand hallmarks of quality and reliability. With a tough ABS case that has a high-impact rubber overmould, these tapes combine hardwearing reliability with ease of use. There are 3 different models, available …

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) says its supports Lib Dem Leader Vince Cable’s call on the Government to allow local councils to borrow to build. Responding to the Party Leader’s speech at the Liberal Democrats’ Party Conference, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Mr Cable is absolutely correct in saying the Government must be bold if it …

A survey of over 200 trainee roofers has suggested that fear of injury or death is the biggest concern for 43% of them. Of the 212 surveyed by Redland, 63 said that they were most worried about falling from height, 12 cited health and safety issues, 11 said injuries and five said they feared death. The budding roofers are all …

Roger Bisby weighs up the benefits of Dickies’ latest winter jacket. It might seem a little early to be thinking about winter and I for one keep my shorts on until October.  After that we are on the slippery slope into the cold and damp that has become the iconic image of this island, and what better for the cold …

Incomplete Scaffolding has led a roofing contractor to be sentenced for safety breaches after workers were left at risk of falling.

Insulation manufacturer Celotex, who supplied insulation to Grenfell Tower, has recalled five polyisocyanurate rigid foam board based product lines after one of the lines failed fire rating tests. In a statement the company, which is part of the Saint-Gobain group, said: “After careful consideration, we have taken the decision to temporarily suspend supply of some of our 5000 product range …