Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction
Roger and Robin review and demonstrate the Triton TPL180 Triple Blade 1500w Power Planer which they find to be big but easy to handle.
Read More »Triton TPL180 Triple Blade Planer Review
Firms dash to comply with new electrical wiring regs
Develop Training Ltd (DTL), is warning that firms will face a dash for compliance when new electrical wiring regulations are released next month. DTL says many firms will be caught unawares by the scope of the changes in the new British Standard requirements for electrical installations. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s 18th Edition Wiring Regulations, which form the basis …
Read More »Step towards universal battery system for cordless power tools: Roger comments
At long last it looks like we might be moving towards a universal battery system for cordless power tools following an announcement this week that nine manufacturers have joined forces to create the Cordless Alliance System (CAS). Metabo, Rothenberger, Mafell, Eisenblätter, Collomix, Haaga, Starmix, Eibenstock and Steinel power tool and machine manufacturers held a joint press conference in the German …
Read More »Knocking down a wall: 5 tips to minimise dust
Few people are prepared for the amount of dust that knocking down an internal wall creates but thankfully there are some easy steps that can be taken to reduce the spread of dust. In this video Skill Builder Editor, Georgina Bisby, shares some top tips for minimising the spread of building dust when knocking down a wall. Products used: Max …
Read More »Balfour Beatty fined half a million pounds for HAVs exposure
Contractor Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions has been sentenced after exposing workers to a debilitating health condition over a nine-year period. Balfour Beatty Utility Solutions Ltd was fined £500,000 after the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that workers at the company were exposed to hand-arm vibration between 2002 and 2011 which put them at risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome …
Read More »Roofing’s Young Bloods Shortlisted for National Apprentice Final
The country’s leading roofing apprentices are gearing up for the two-day final that will reward the best in each of the two roofing disciplines: pitched and flat roofing. BMI, the UK manufacturer and supplier of flat and pitch roofing systems, is offering the two awards backed by its market-leading brands. The Redland Apprentice of the Year will recognise the best-pitched …
Read More »Nuaire launches retrofit whole-house ventilation system with carbon filter
Ventilation manufacturer Nuaire, based in Caerphilly, Wales, hopes to prevent thousands of deaths caused by air pollution with what they consider to be a revolutionary technology for existing homes. To coincide with national Clean Air Day on 21st June, the company is launching the Noxmaster whole-house ventilation system for the retrofit market. The Noxmaster combines a powerful carbon filter with …
Read More »Auto-start dust extraction added to Makita plunge saw
In 2017 Makita launched the in-demand DSP600 Twin 18v Brushless Plunge Saw. Now, the same model, but featuring a 36v motor and the Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) has landed. AWS technology allows the new DSP601ZJU plunge saw to automatically connect to the compatible Makita dust extractor saving the effort of manually switching it on. A unique chip is supplied …
Read More »Weather Partly to Blame for Sharp Drop in Construction Output
The Beast from the East, rising costs and Brexit are to blame for the drop in construction output, the FMB responds to ONS construction output figures.
Read More »Expandable toolvest
Snickers’ new versatile and adjustable Tool Vest features a wide range of hard-wearing pockets for a variety of tools fixings and accessories. It’s lightweight, hard-wearing, comfortable and easy to keep clean. The Tool Vest’s ergonomic comfort also looks after your back by providing for comfortable heavy tool carrying through the specially designed wide shoulders, elasticated back and an integral waist …
Read More »Snickers Hi-Vis summer workwear
Snickers Workwear says the new range of cool and functional Snickers Hi-Vis summer clothing is streets ahead of anything else. With an extensive range of Jackets, Trousers, Shorts, Toolvests, Shirts and Fleeces from Snickers’ LITEWork, FLEXIWork and ALLROUNDWORK families, there’s a host of different garments in the range to satisfy the specific requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection …
Read More »Solid Gear VENT safety shoe offers precision safety & comfort
Combining a lightweight athletic look with maximum breathability and safety features, the new Solid Gear VENT safety shoe is said to be ideal for workers who are constantly on the move. The Solid Gear VENT’s upper is made from lightweight mesh combined with Cordura and a TPU reinforcement to ensure cool comfort, maximum breathability and enhanced durability. While the shoe’s …
Read More »Korniche Roof Lantern – Quick & Easy Installation
In this video Roger Bisby demonstrates how to install a Korniche Roof Lantern from Made for Trade which is engineered and developed specifically with the trade and installer at the heart of the process. Although this video is sponsored by Made for Trade this is Roger’s genuine experience of fitting a Korniche Roof Lantern for the first time. The Korniche …
Read More »Landscaping Company Fined After Worker Injured by Wall Collapse
A landscaping services company has been sentenced after a worker was seriously injured when a retaining wall collapsed into a trench.
Read More »How to install a bathroom
A longer video from Roger this time talking through how to install a bathroom which contains useful information for plumbers, installers and householders alike. Roger is installing a bathroom from Abacus because he likes the way the British manufacturer designs its bathrooms with British plumbing systems in mind making them easy to install.
Read More »Hackitt Review Provides a Blueprint for Wider Change
The Dame Judith Hackitt Review into Building Regulations provides a blueprint for ensuring competence in construction should be extended across the industry.
Read More »Construction worker suffers multiple injuries after being crushed by dumper
A groundworks company has been fined after an employee suffered serious internal injuries while working in an excavation at Ghyllgrove Junior & Infants School in Basildon. Southend Magistrates’ Court heard how a site dumper was parked at a slight incline on a heap of excavated soil, adjacent to a partially backfilled trench. The dumper had been left unattended with the …
Read More »Makita DLS110Z Review – Cordless Slide Mitre Saw
Following his video review Roger looks at the Makita DLS110Z Twin 18v Cordless LXT BL Slide Compound Mitre Saw in more detail. I have always had my reservations about cordless mitre saws and that includes all makes and sizes. It isn’t that they don’t work, it is just that they don’t work as well as mains powered machines and, for …
Read More »Time for a General Builder Qualification, Says FMB
Almost 80% of builders are calling for more regulation in the construction industry to end the tyranny of cowboy builders, according to the FMB.
Read More »Home Improvements Company Fined After Worker Falls From Garage Roof
A home improvements company has been fined after a worker was significantly injured falling from a garage roof and the company failed to report the incident for nine months.
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