Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

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.

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 …

In its third Annual Healthcheck of the UK’s contractors and tradespeople, ECIS has found confidence at its highest level since the survey began with 48% saying they feel confident about the year ahead.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

A Dorset based joinery company has been fined after a sub-contractor fell through a window opening to the floor below. Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court heard how a self-employed carpenter of R A Winwood Limited was working on an extension to a domestic property in Upton Way, Broadstone, Poole. Part of the work included fixing plywood to the roof joists. A piece …

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

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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

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 …

Skill builder takes one small step for man as we try out a new footwear product from Base. It seems to me that every time I try out a new pair of work boots or shoes they blow my socks off. I am talking metaphorically of course but the innovation that now goes into protective footwear means that we are …