Thursday, July 31, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 76

V12 Puma IGS Work Boots Review

Roger Bisby
-
0
V12 Puma IGS Work Boots Review

Roger tries out a pair of V12 Puma IGS.

These boots certainly turn heads, I lost count of the number of people who said they liked them but all the time I was thinking that the wow factor would soon disappear as they got thrashed and trashed and ended up looking like just another pair of workboots.

If you really can’t bear this sense of loss you can buy these boots in brown or black but for me it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.

Price and value
I always think that you get what you pay for with work boots and shoes but I was really surprised to find that, although these boots feel like luxury footwear, the price is more down to earth.

I can’t quote exact prices because that tends to upset the retailers, but if you look them up you will see what I mean. They are, in my book, good value.

Comfort

No two pairs of feet are the same so I am prepared to accept that the last (former) used to make these boots may not be exactly the shape of your foot so they may feel different to you but I wore these boots all day long with no hint of fatigue.

The impact absorbing insole and the softer material now used on the sole and heel make for a really comfortable ride.

Safety
The metal-free toecaps have all the impact resistance of steel without the weight or the attraction to airport security scans or magnetism.

The Intelligent Grip Sole and heel has a hex honeycomb pattern to disperse water because research shows that most slips are caused by wet surfaces.

The outside of the sole has a ladder grip for working at height.

The angled heel strike also helps impact absorption and contributes to slip resistance.

It is amazing just how much research goes into making a pair of V12 boots and to the casual observer this technology is eclipsed by those good looks.

I suppose that is the essence of good design and the hallmark of a classy product.

v12footwear.com

See more safety boots with Skill Builder.

Four month wait for good builders, new research reveals

Dylan Garton
-
0
Four month wait for good builders, new research reveals

Home owners should book in their builder at least four months before their project begins or risk working with a cowboy, new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed.

The research also shows that many consumers don’t ask their builders for essentials such as a contract or references when embarking upon a major piece of building work.

Key statistics from the research show:

  • More than 40% of builders need at least four months’ notice from consumers who want to hire their firm
  • 90% of builders say that the majority of home owners do not ask for a written contract
  • 80% of builders report that most consumers do not ask for an agreed payment schedule

Fewer than 10% of builders say that clients normally request to see vital insurance policies such as public liability or employer’s liability insurance

If a builder is free to start work tomorrow, alarm bells should ring. Demand for building work is incredibly high at the moment and it should be no surprise that almost one in two builders need to be contacted at least four months in advance

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “If a builder is free to start work tomorrow, alarm bells should ring. Demand for building work is incredibly high at the moment and it should be no surprise that almost one in two builders need to be contacted at least four months in advance of when a client is looking to start a home improvement project.

“The workloads of builders have been rising steadily over the past two years and there’s no shortage of work. That’s why we’re urging home owners who are keen to crack on with their build or renovation projects to start getting in touch with prospective builders as soon as possible. Otherwise, they risk disappointment delaying their projects or worse still, working with a dodgy builder. So many building horror stories start with a client approaching a builder who’s free to start work sooner than the more professional builder who is really busy.”

Berry concluded: “There are also indications that home owners are leaving themselves vulnerable to problems in terms of how they approach their building work. The vast majority of builders say that most clients fail to ask for references and even fewer ask for a written contract on their work. There is a similar trend when it comes to asking for critical things like an agreed payment schedule and key warranties on work, as well as checking whether the builder has any external accreditation or recognition from professional trade association like the FMB. These protections really are essential to helping clients weed out the cowboys and mitigate against any issues that could crop up during the build. A quality builder will insist on these things and if they don’t, consumers ought to question why.”

Safeguard’s Dryrod Damp-Proofing Rods Gain WTA Approval

Dylan Garton
-
0
Safeguard’s Dryrod Damp-Proofing Rods Gain WTA Approval

Dryrod damp-proofing rods from Safeguard Europe – the UK specialist in damp-proofing and waterproofing technology – have been accredited by the German WTA organisation for creating remedial damp-proof courses (DPCs) against capillary absorption in masonry, otherwise known in the UK as rising damp.

The WTA, which translates into English as the Scientific and Technical Work Group for Building Conservation and Preservation of Monuments, was founded in 1977 and carries out research, testing and approval of technical practices and materials throughout Europe.

The WTA accreditation joins Dryrod’s British Board of Agrément (BBA) certification, awarded in 2015, which establishes that it is effective against the ingress of moisture for at least 20 years.

Dryrod Track Record

Dryrod was launched in 2014 and is designed to be the fastest, cleanest, easiest and most effective rising damp treatment on the market. It is a synthetic rod made from advanced polymers that is impregnated with a silane/siloxane material so that it forms a DPC in brick, coursed stone, rubble infill and cavity walls.

It has radically changed the way specifiers and contractors approach DPC installation, as it guarantees correct damp-proofing delivery each and every time. The standard 180mm long rods are simply inserted into 12mm drilled holes at 120mm centres along continuous horizontal mortar lines.

Not only does this method ensure deep penetration, but it also delivers the exact dose in each hole without the spillage and mess which can occur with other methods of installation.  Any thickness of wall can be treated because the rods can be inserted end-to-end or trimmed back, depending on the wall thickness.

The rods can also be installed effectively in highly saturated walls that are very porous and either highly alkaline – such as in new mortar – or with low alkalinity (old mortar). The rods are also effective when installed in warm or cold walls – even if the wall is freezing.

Heritage sites will also appreciate that the treatment can be invisible because rods can be removed from the mortar after six months when their active ingredient has dispersed into the surrounding masonry. Then the drill holes can be hidden by repointing with colour-matched mortar.

Backed by Safeguard Europe’s comprehensive technical support, Dryrod is supplied complete with all information needed for a successful installation. This includes the number and depth of drill holes required for various wall thicknesses and types, together with suggested drilling patterns to treat stretcher bond and Flemish bond brickwork and irregular stone.

safeguardstore.co.uk

About Safeguard

Safeguard Europe have been manufacturing and supplying building protection products to the UK market since 1983 from our warehouse in Horsham, West Sussex. Product quality and customer support form the cornerstone of our business philosophy.

All of our products are developed to be as effective as possible (without cutting any corners) and are produced under an ISO9001 / 14001 quality and environmental management system audited by the BSI. Our technical department can offer product support on 01403 210204 during normal business hours – alternatively, technical enquiries can be submitted through the enquiry form on this website.

More from Safeguard Europe on Skill Builder.

Roofing Company Fined After Worker Fell Through a Roof

Roger Bisby
-
0
Roofing Company Fined After Worker Fell Through a Roof

A London based roofing company has been fined after a 56-year old worker fell through two storeys onto a concrete floor.

Southwark Crown Court heard how 56-year old Ali Mucoj, while working for Wessexmoor Ltd, had been completing roof work at a site on Glycena Road in London, when he fell from an unguarded rear roof and suffered multiple injuries including internal bleeding on the brain and a broken left leg.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Wessexmoor Ltd failed to implement the required safety measures to ensure the roof work was conducted in a safe manner.

It was found the roof in question had no edge protection or guardrails in place to prevent falls from height.

Wessesxmoor Ltd of Baring Road, Grove Park, London pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

The company has been fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,580.85.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Gavin Pugh said: “Mr Mucoj suffered life-changing injuries as a result of Wessexmoor’s safety failings.

“Duty holders must ensure all work at height is properly planned and all necessary equipment is put in place to ensure workers safety.”

Bricklayer Turned Tax Agent Jailed for £1.5m Tax Scam

Dylan Garton
-
0
Bricklayer Turned Tax Agent Jailed for £1.5m Tax Scam

A self-appointed Essex tax adviser, who instructed his clients on how to fraudulently claim £1.5m in tax repayments, has been jailed for five years.

Former bricklayer Jeffrey Bakewell (69), of Cedar Avenue, Wickford, set himself up as a tax adviser and an investigation by HM Revenue and Customs revealed he kept around £300,000 from his clients’ false claims.

Bakewell’s clients were mainly crane drivers but also included builders and other construction industry workers.

They made claims for travel and subsistence payments but HMRC investigators found these had been covered by their employers.

A total of £1,507,965 was paid to Bakewell between 2009 and 2015. He kept £301,897 and used it to finance his gambling while the rest went to his clients.

Bakewell failed to register as a tax agent with HMRC as legally required, did not complete due diligence checks on his clients and failed to keep the records required by the Money Laundering Regulations.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

Paul Barton, Assistant Director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Bakewell had no financial qualifications and set himself up solely to advise people on fraud.

He charged for advice on how to steal money from our vital public services but his appalling conduct has now put him behind bars.

“We will not allow criminals to attack the tax system and cheat the honest majority. Anyone helping tax fraudsters can expect to end up in court.

We ask anyone with information about suspected tax fraud to contact our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

Bakewell admitted tax fraud and was jailed for five years at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday (26 June).

Confiscation proceedings to recover the money he stole have begun.

Money is being recovered from Bakewell’s clients for the false repayments by civil means.

App to help builders resolve disputes with ‘cowboy customers’

Dylan Garton
-
0
App to help builders resolve disputes with ‘cowboy customers’

You worked overtime for the new customer who was keen to have it finished on time, and sent your invoice promptly. Now you’re working on your next job, and need payment for the last one. The weeks tick by and no payment arrives. You call, text and email – nothing. Then you send a strongly worded letter, and the response is that the job is unfinished – so no payment.

This is becoming a common scenario for small businesses across the UK. Builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics and many others across the trades are finding late and non-payment crippling to their business according to ReportCam. Commercial disputes cost small businesses in England £11.6bn a year, according to a report in December 2016 by the Federation of Small Business (FSB)

In a survey of its members, the FSB found that 70% had encountered at least one dispute between 2010 and 2015. Almost three quarters of these were a result of late or non-payment

In a survey of its members, the FSB found that 70% had encountered at least one dispute between 2010 and 2015. Almost three quarters of these were a result of late or non-payment.

We are all very familiar with the term “cowboy” when referring to the trade sector, but what about cowboy customers? The people who refuse to pay for the work they have received, for example building improvements to their home or repairs to their car. In many cases, the customer will claim they are not satisfied with the quality of the work carried out or repairs, when in fact they had no intention of paying from the outset. For traders who have completed the works as requested this can be frustrating, costly and difficult to prove.

Often, small businesses write this off as bad debt and an uncomfortable experience, but for some the financial strain of a non-payment could put them out of business.

And they can’t expect customers pay in full upfront, so it’s a tough problem to tackle.

A new app has just been launched in the iTunes and Google Play stores. Report Cam creates video-based report pages at a single touch, showing sender details, a location map and a time and date stamp along with the video – and sends it by email and text to customers and colleagues, delivering evidence of circumstances. So it can be used to let people know of a problem, or to take a record of a job being fully completed, on time.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

Reports are stored securely on a remote server, making them tamper-proof and admissible as evidence – so the customer has no excuse, and disputes are prevented before they happen.

The FSB has reported small businesses are owed £18,000 on average and can spend a further £17,000 chasing debts and dealing with the problem. Around a fifth (19%) of small businesses have taken a recent dispute to court, however nearly half a million small businesses (17%) were left with their dispute unresolved due to lack of evidence.

With this in mind, its creators say ReportCam can significantly reduce the problem of unfair disputes and non-payments. It can also prove what was done during the course of a job, before it is covered-up.

“It can be used in many ways” says Report Cam founder Tod Yeadon, “but the one we had in mind when developing the functionality was dispute prevention for business users.  If a problem arises on a job, or when the job is done they can simply take out their phone and touch the app… and get all the evidence thy need to protect their businesses.”

“ReportCam has quickly become one of the key tools needed for me to run my business. It allows me to send real-time progress reports to the customer, and helps me to nip any queries in the bud before they escalate. I’d highly recommend it to businesses in every sector and for a small monthly cost it gives me security and takes away the hassle and headache of chasing for payments”

Balfour predicts human free construction sites by 2050

Roger Bisby
-
0
Balfour predicts human free construction sites by 2050

Balfour Beatty believes the construction site of 2050 will be in stark contrast to what we see today – predicting it will be human-free with work moved off-site, remote control of machinery and new materials and techniques exploited to improve cost, safety and efficiency.

The international infrastructure group has laid out its vision in its paper “Innovation 2050: A Digital Future for the Infrastructure Industry”.

While Balfour Beatty’s prediction for a human-free construction site may seem far-fetched, technology has already revolutionised contemporary life to such an extent that it’s not so hard to imagine radical changes for construction not least the emergence of new roles and the requirement and evolution of new skills to support delivery of the future pipeline of construction projects.

In its latest paper Balfour Beatty sets out to examine the pace and rate of change within the industry, with digital technology the catalyst and driver to such change; change that is already happening and is inevitable.

In Balfour’s vision of the future they see robots working in teams to build complex structures faster and safer using dynamic new materials as elements of the build self assemble.

In Balfour’s vision of the future they see robots working in teams to build complex structures faster and safer using dynamic new materials as elements of the build self assemble. Drones will fly overhead scanning the site, inspecting the work and using that data collected to solve problems before they arise sending instructions to robotic cranes, diggers and builders.

Balfour suggests humans will simply manage multiple projects remotely accessing 3D and 4D visuals from data and onsite machines. Any humans found on site will wear robotically enhanced exoskeletons and use neural control technology to operate machinery reducing health and injury risk and enhancing productivity.

2050 is only 32 years away. 32 years ago a mobile telephone was an exclusive, expensive brick on which you could only make calls – now 75% of the world’s population has a smart phone.

To read the paper in full, click here and get involved in the conversation using #expertengineers.Or tune in to hear a quick audio overview of the paper here.

Fischer fixings review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Fischer fixings review
Roger Bisby tries out a dynamic duo from fischer fixings.

I am always interested in looking at new fixings. It seems to be one of those Dragon’s Den type products that every Tom Dick and Harry thinks they can improve and in the end most of these bright ideas seem to be variations on the same theme rather than radical departures.

Fischer 50

At first glance Duotec from fischer (sic) is no exception, there is nothing here that we haven’t seen before until you take a closer look. Then you see that this is a dynamic duo. The Duotec toggle fixing is a simplified (and we hope therefore cheaper) version of other toggle fixings you may have used. The strap is one piece and part of the wrap around. The red glass fibre component making up the duo is the toggle which has a metal insert to grip the screw thread and prevent stripping as you tighten. This works best if you use the correct size screw which is 4.5 to 5mm diameter. The screws are not provided. You can get an incredible amount of purchase on this fixing but in plasterboard you are only ever as good as the board.

The toggle fixing, however is only half the story. The second option is to use the fixing without the toggle going all the way through into a void. This is basically using the toggle as a conventional expanding plug. It has a hole in the end to take a screw. The illustration shows the fixing being used in a timber stud and you have to ask why you wouldn’t simply screw into the timber and save yourself a plug. I suppose you would prefer the plug in chipboard or similar materials which don’t always take a screw so well but softwood studs are perfect and I don’t see much point in this product for that application. Where I think it does win is in insulation board and other boards where you are uncertain if you will find sufficient void for the toggle to spring flat.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

The second product I tried is a Duopower plug. Again this employs nylon with wings to help prevent rotation and a harder closed end to expand in the hole and provide a secure wedge fixing. I tried a pull out test in dense concrete with a claw hammer and it was fairly easy with a smaller screw to pull them out. If you want them to be really secure in a hard host material you need to go for the maximum permissible screw.

Again this is a two function fixing and the second idea is to use it as a plasterboard or cavity fixing where the red end of the plug is in free space and can be drawn up into an expanded stop. This is an ideal fixing for Porotherm clay blocks.

www.fischer.co.uk/Home.aspx

Company fined after 500 scaffolding fixings dropped on workers

Roger Bisby
-
0
Company fined after 500 scaffolding fixings dropped on workers

Two South West based companies have been fined after a 44-year old woman was struck by scaffolding.

Weymouth Magistrates’ Court heard how employees of Carter Training Ltd were using a mobile crane on the building project in Queen Mothers Square, Poundbury, Dorchester when the attachment holding 500 scaffolding fittings weighing 2kg each was turned on its side emptying all contents onto workers and the concrete flooring 10.5 metres below.

The worker suffered two fractures to her left shoulder blade, a fracture to her left collar bone, a cut to the back of her head and bruising.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the stillage attachment used on the crane was not suitable for lifting heavy and large amounts of scaffolding. Lifting the scaffolding directly above a number of contractors working below also put them at risk of harm.

It was also found that principal contractor Zero C Holdings failed to carry out an audit of all lifting plans and as a result failed to manage the risks associated with this lifting activity. Zero C Holdings did not have clear lines of communication between the lifting company Carter Training Ltd and contractors working on the site below.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

Zero C Holdings Limited of Armitage House, Poundbury, Dorchester has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13 (1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and has been fined £145,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3500.

Carter Training (services) Ltd of Budleigh Hill, East Budleigh, Devon has pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 8 (1) Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, and has been fined £18,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3500.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Nicole Buchanan said: “The worker is very lucky that her injuries were not life threatening. Both Zero C Holdings and Carter Training put a number of workers at risk of harm when they failed to plan or identify the risks of heavy lifting.

“This case highlights the need for duty holders to properly plan all lifting operations before work is carried out to manage the risk of injury to workers. Lifting directly above workers is inherently unsafe and should be avoided wherever possible”

Marley Dry Verge Fixing System Review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Marley Dry Verge Fixing System Review

Roger Bisby visits Marley Eternit HQ in Burton on Trent to try the Marley Eternit Universal Dry Verge Fixing System.

Each roof verge unit is said to be simple and fast to install while offering the stepped appearance of a traditional mortar bedded verge – Roger puts these claims to the test.

Marley Dry Verge

Marley Eternit Universal Dry Verge is designed to be a strong, weather-tight and mortar free verge solution that can be used for the majority of roof tiles within all three main interlocking types: large standard, medium format (15 x 9″) and large format with a thin leading edge, regardless of manufacturer, as well as Marley Eternit’s Lincoln and Maxima clay pantiles.

Designed as a secure method of finishing the verge detail, the Marley Eternit Universal Dry Verge Fixing System is compliant to the requirements of BS 5534 as a means of mechanically fixing verge tiles.

Features of the Marley Eternit Universal Dry Verge Fixing System include:

1. Bendable hinge accommodates all profiles

2. Unique rail system allows for different tile sizes and profiles

3. Filler piece prevents ingress of birds and insects

4. Unique starter bracket to give the easiest and most flexible verge fixing

5. Fixing hole cluster creates increased compatibility

6. Multiple, unique drainage channels prevent staining from water run-off

See more at the Marley website: www.marley.co.uk/dryverge.

See more from Marley with Skill Builder.

UK Government urged to end health and safety deregulation following Grenfell Tower blaze

Dylan Garton
-
0
UK Government urged to end health and safety deregulation following Grenfell Tower blaze

The UK Government has been urged to scrap its approach to deregulation of health and safety legislation in the light of the Grenfell Tower blaze.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Theresa May, over 70 leading organisations and figures from the UK’s safety and health profession have jointly called for a political sea change in attitude towards health and safety regulation and fire risk management following the tragedy.

The collective has also pressed the Government to complete its review of Part B of the Building Regulations 2010 – the regulations which cover fire safety within and around buildings in England – as a matter of urgency, and to include a focus on improved safety in the forthcoming Parliament.

The letter is signed by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Park Health & Safety, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the British Safety Council.

The collective has also pressed the Government to complete its review of Part B of the Building Regulations 2010 – the regulations which cover fire safety within and around buildings in England – as a matter of urgency, and to include a focus on improved safety in the forthcoming Parliament.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM), National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH), Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Unite the union have also given it their backing, alongside senior health and safety professionals.

“We believe it is totally unacceptable for residents, members of the public and our emergency services to be exposed to this level of preventable risk in modern-day Britain,” the letter states.

“At this crucial time of national reflection and sorrow, we urge all politicians to re-emphasise the need for effective health and safety regulation and competent fire risk management. These are fundamental to saving lives and sustaining our communities.

“We believe it is vital that this disaster marks a turning point for improved fire safety awareness and wider appreciation that good health and safety is an investment, not a cost.”

In calling on the UK Government to complete its review of Part B of The Building Regulations 2010, the signatories add: “Together, we offer our organisations’ support in undertaking the review – we all have valuable links to experts in this area who can advise on best regulatory outcomes. In the meantime, we welcome the Government’s commitment to act and to implement the interim findings of the forthcoming public inquiry.

“You have it in your power to remove immediately a further risk to people at work and outside of the workplace – unwise deregulation – which threatens public and worker safety.

“We, leaders in health and safety in the UK, call on you to scrap the Government’s approach to health and safety deregulation and think again.”

The open letter, in full, is as follows:

Dear Prime Minister,

There have, understandably, been strong public reactions to the terrible fire at Grenfell Tower and its tragic consequences – the largest civilian loss of life from a single event in the UK since the Hillsborough disaster.

The occupational safety and health community is deeply saddened and disturbed by the Grenfell Tower fire and all the lives it claimed. We believe it is totally unacceptable for residents, members of the public and our emergency services to be exposed to this level of preventable risk in modern-day Britain.

Central Government and the Kensington and Chelsea local authority share responsibility for building standards and their enforcement locally, as well as for the funding and management of the maintenance of social housing. These responsibilities must be backed up with good, essential regulations.

However, for many years, Ministers and others with influence over them have called for, including in health and safety, regulations to be axed as a matter of principle. Arbitrary rules were imposed to establish deregulation of health and safety, such as a requirement to abolish two health and safety regulations (and more recently, three) for any new one adopted.

This mind-set has meant that, even when it was recommended and accepted that mandatory fitting of sprinklers would make homes or schools safer, this was rejected in favour of non-regulatory action. In practice, this approach favours inaction.

Good, well-evidenced and proportionate regulations in health and safety, based on full consultation, are developed and adopted because they save lives and protect people’s health and wellbeing. They are not “burdens on business” but provide essential protection for the public from identifiable risks.

At this crucial time of national reflection and sorrow, we urge all politicians to re-emphasise the need for effective health and safety regulation and competent fire risk management. These are fundamental to saving lives and sustaining our communities.

We believe it is vital that this disaster marks a turning point for improved fire safety awareness and wider appreciation that good health and safety is an investment, not a cost.

We call on the Government to accelerate and confirm the timeframe for completing its review of Part B of The Building Regulations 2010 and to include a focus on improved safety in the forthcoming Parliament.

Together, we offer our organisations’ support in undertaking the review – we all have valuable links to experts in this area who can advise on best regulatory outcomes. In the meantime, we welcome the Government’s commitment to act and to implement the interim findings of the forthcoming public inquiry.

You have it in your power to remove immediately a further risk to people at work and outside of the workplace – unwise deregulation – which threatens public and worker safety.

We, leaders in health and safety in the UK, call on you to scrap the Government’s approach to health and safety deregulation and think again. This could be announced immediately, it does not need to await the results of a public inquiry, and is the least that the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire deserve.

Yours sincerely,

Park Health and Safety
​Lawrence Waterman OBE

Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)
Graham Parker, President
Bev Messinger, Chief Executive

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
Errol Taylor, Acting Chief Executive

British Safety Council
Lynda Armstrong OBE, Chair
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive

Also supported by:

Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH)
Anne Godfrey, Chief Executive

Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)
Peter Crosland, Civil Engineering Director

International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM)
Siobhan Donnelly, President
Phillip Pearson, Chief Executive

National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH)
Teresa Budworth, Chief Executive

Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Hugh Robertson, Senior Health and Safety Officer

Unite the union
Susan Murray, National Health and Safety Adviser

Stephen Asbury CFIOSH
James Barnes BSc (Hons) LFOH
Karen Baxter CMIOSH
Roger Bibbings MBE
Joe Brannigan LLB (hons) DipLP PgDip Construction Law CMIOSH
Melanie Boucher, MSc CMIOSH
David Brown RSP FIIRSM DipNEBOSH MIOSH MILM
Professor Neil Budworth MSc CFIOSH FIIRSM HonFFOM
Dr Tim Carter
Iris Cepero, Editor, Safety Management magazine
Professor John Cherrie PhD CFFOH
Arnold Clements BSc, MSc CMIOSH CEng MEI
Philip J Cullen BSc (Hons) CMIOSH
Declan Davis CMIOSH
Brian Donnachie BA (Hons) CMIOSH
Phil Dyson-Hurrell MIIRSM
Coenraad Fourie
​Lisa Fowlie MSc BSc CFIOSH FIIRSM
Shelley Frost BSc (Hons), Post Grad DipOHS, Executive Director – Policy, IOSH
Professor Alistair Gibb PhD CEng MICE MCIOB, Loughborough University
Melodie Gilbert
Dr David Gold PhD CMIOSH, Chair, IOSH Fire Risk Management Group
Robert Hackett
Neil Hancox CMIOSH, Managing Director, Safety Intervention Services
Anne Harris
Cllr Ali Hashem
Andy Hawkes, Deputy President, IIRSM
Angela Hayden CFIOSH
Clinton Horn CFIOSH
Andrew Hoskins MSc CMIOSH FIIRSM PIEMA
Chris Hughes BSc, LTT Consultancy
Ian Hughes MSc BSc (Hons) Cert Ed Dip2OSH SPDipEM CMIOSH
Kelvin Hughes CMIOSH
Dr Roberta Jacobson OBE
Clive Johnson, Council Member, IIRSM
Ann Jones MBE CFIOSH
Wayne Jones, Chair, Cardiff & South East Wales Occupational Health and Safety Group
Wendy Jones
Martin Lovegrove CMIOSH MIIRSM PIEMA
James McDonald BSc CMIOSH MREHIS
Denis Murphy CMIOSH MIIRSM RMaPS
Cllr Caroline Needham
John O’Keeffe CMIOSH
Shirley Parsons MSc CMIOSH
Louise Phillipson
Stu Pollard BSc, PgCert CMIOSH
Ian Rabett CMIOSH
Dylan Roberts
Angela Rudkin Tech IOSH
Mike Salmon MSc, CFIOSH
Jonathan Schifferes MA
Jim Senior CMIOSH
Phil Sidman MIFE, MIFPO
Karl Simons MSc MIoD CMIOSH
Dr Susan Tannahill CMIOSH
Mohammad Torabi BSc MSc MA CMIOSH
Ceiran Trow CMFOH
Graham Twigg MSc CMIOSH PIEMA
Michelle Twigg MSc CMIOSH
Alex Vaughan
Dr Emma Wadsworth, Cardiff University
Professor David Walters, Cardiff University
Louise Ward BSc (Hons) CMIOSH
Selina Woolcott BSc (Hons) DipOHS CMIOSH

Day in the life: Tim Bryant (CCF’s Trade Superhero)

Dylan Garton
-
0
Day in the life: Tim Bryant (CCF’s Trade Superhero)

Skill Builder’s ‘Day in the life’ feature takes a look at a typical day in the life of different tradespeople. Here we talk to Tim Bryant of T Byrant Builders Ltd, who was the winner of insulation and interior building products distributor CCF’s Trade Superhero competition winning a trip to New York City in May 2017.

Tim was crowned victorious after an independent panel of judges read about his superhero efforts to fix a drain in time for a children’s Christingle Service, and freeing a toddler who was locked inside a house – all in the same day.

Tim Bryant

Name: Tim Bryant
Trade: “The Boss” – No formal trade qualification – but can turn my hand to most trades.
Company: T Bryant Builders Ltd

What time does your day start?
My alarm goes off at 6.45am

What gets you out of bed in the morning?
No choice – I’m self employed!!

What does a typical day entail for you?
No day – is ever a typical day. Generally I go to the site or the job where we are working and ensure my sub contractors and employees are all working and know what they are doing. I’ll liaise with the customer, order the materials, assist when I am needed (skip filling is my forte), visit new and old customers, estimate and price jobs, sometimes I have to pick up the children from school – we have four and my wife works full time as a Nurse, so we share the cooking for our family and I walk the dog. Often my day will change especially if I get an emergency call to deal with something like a blocked drain, a leak or slates that have fallen off a roof in a storm. It’s also not uncommon for me to still be pricing work into the early hours.

What’s the best thing about your job?
It’s always really satisfying when we finish a project and everyone is happy. Along with receiving
positive feedback about our work and hearing that customers are recommending us.

What’s the worst thing about your job?
I can be called out in the night and at weekends and often I take calls or have to sort out jobs when on holiday. Being self employed means that no day off is truly ever a day off.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

What qualifications do you have?
O levels, A levels and an HGV licence.

Are you a member of any professional alliances/associations?
NHBC

What tool couldn’t you live without?
“Knife and fork!”

What do you drive?
Ford Transit – Custom.

What do you do to unwind?
Eat, listen to music and read.

What piece of advice would you give to an up and coming apprentice?
Do as you are told and listen!

Twitter: @bimdadto4

Builders ‘bringing home the bacon’ at free demo day

Dylan Garton
-
0
Builders ‘bringing home the bacon’ at free demo day

The South East may have been enjoying a heatwave, but builders visiting DW Nye on Monday 19th June were getting ready for winter by finding out about the latest products on offer including a new waterproofing system that can be applied to roofs in as low as -5 degrees celcius.

In the first of a series of demo days being hosted in 2017, the builders merchant, which is located on the A24 in Kingsfold, gave away free bacon butties and hot drinks to all visitors. A selection of key suppliers was on hand to provide advice and showcase their new products.

One of the demonstrations being displayed during the day was Easy-Trim’s new liquid waterproofing membrane, which has been formulated to produce a fast curing, seamless, tough and elastic system that can be used on flat and pitched roofs.  The innovative waterproofing system negates the need for primer and will cure in less than 30 minutes.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

Rex Nye, owner and Managing Director at DW Nye, said: “Thanks to all our suppliers who took part in our demo day and to everyone who attended. The bacon butties certainly went down well, despite it being one of the hottest days of the year.

“There’s some great new products out there that we wanted our customers to hear about, whilst benefiting from discounts, so we hope they found it useful and informative.”

DW Nye’s next Demo Day will be in September.

www.dwnye.co.uk

Top Ten Roofing Apprentices Tough it out in National Final

Roger Bisby
-
0
Top Ten Roofing Apprentices Tough it out in National Final

Ten of the country’s best roofing apprentices are gearing up for the two-day final that will see one of them awarded the title of Redland Apprentice of the Year.

The elite cadre will compete for a £1,000 cash prize to invest in the future, the title of Redland Apprentice of the Year 2017; together with a trophy, and a lifetime supply of free-of-charge courses at the Redland National Training Centre.

The roofing apprentices are selected from building colleges throughout England and Wales, from County Durham to Truro and from Tonypandy to Chelmsford.

And they come from all manner of backgrounds, proving the attractions of a skilled trade in construction.

From youngsters, fresh from school, to those seeking a second career after serving in the forces, roofing offers a rewarding and fulfilling career for those with the right attitude.

Liam Smy is typical. Aged 17, Liam trains with Eastern Region Roof Training Group and works at Ipswich-based roofers Scofield and Lait. “He’s a conscientious lad,” says Phil Gant, Scofield and Lait’ owner and director. “His timekeeping and attitude are spot on and he is very reliable. He has the talent and the nous to go far in this industry”.

Ceiran Peel-Price, 28, of Irby on the Wirral in Merseyside, is another relatively late starter. He started his working life in the army, but was discharged on medical grounds.

His boss, Les Perry, of Les Roofing Contractors, encouraged him to start an apprenticeship. “He’s a good lad and a quick learner and we thought that the apprentice scheme would encourage him”, says Les.

The competition is part of a strategy by Redland – the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of pitched roof systems – to address the challenges faced by the industry in meeting the ambitious Government housing targets.

The sector must recruit 700,000 more people to replace those retiring or moving on, plus an extra 120,000 if the government’s aim to build one million new homes by 2020 is to be achieved.

“We recognise the need to ensure new joiners to the industry receive the necessary levels of support that they need to develop and succeed which is why we launched this programme,” commented David Patrick, Redland’s Head of Marketing.

The final takes place over two days – 27th and 28th June – at the Redland National Training Centre. Finalists will receive professional coaching on all aspects of running a roofing business – including business planning, presentation skills, and technical skills – before being assessed, making this a complete learning experience.

A selection of leading figures in the roofing industry will be judging the candidates.

They will also take part in “knowledge-sharing sessions” over the course of the two days to answer questions and share the benefits of their experience to help pass the baton on to this next generation of roofers.

The competition peaks with the Apprentice of the Year Awards Dinner – consisting of the 10 finalists, their tutors and employers, and judges – where the winner of the 2017 competition will be announced.

The 10 finalists in the Redland Apprentice of the Year competition are:

1. David Crank, Stanley, County Durham. Training with Newcastle College and apprentice to Hodgson Sayers.

2. Thomas Knight, Truro, Cornwall. Training with South West Roof Training Group and apprentice to Wheeler Roofing Services.

3. Kieran Langhan, Selby, Yorkshire. Training with Leeds College of Building and apprentice to David Langhan Roofing Contractor.

4. Gavin Metson, Chelmsford, Essex. Training with Eastern Region Roof Training Group and apprentice to Avonside.

5. Ben Kearns, Stoke-on-Trent. Training with NCC Midlands and apprentice to Novus Property Solutions.

6. Ceiran Peel-Price, Irby, Wirral, Merseyside. Training with Bolton College and apprentice to Les Perry Roofing Contractors.

7. Liam Smy, Ipswich, Suffolk. Training with Eastern Region Roof Training Group and apprentice to Scofield and Lait.

8. Joe Stradling, Frome, Somerset. Training with NCC South and apprentice to West Country Tiling.

9. Moy Trott, Tonypandy, Wales. Training with Wales National Roof Training Group and apprentice to Trottsco.

10. Ollie Young, Bath. Training with Cornwall College and apprentice to Young’s Roofing.

Quick drying plaster review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Quick drying plaster review
Roger Bisby tries out British Gypsum’s Thistle Bonding 60 that is designed to dry in one hour and accept any type of finish you care to use.
British Gypsum 29
You have to hand it to British Gypsum they keep going after new markets for their bagged plasters.

The latest target in their sights is the making good and small repair market. This is not just plasterers, who will probably always have a half bag on the van anyway, but plumbers, electricians and jobbing builders who make good and repair as they go rather than calling in a spread. Now you might think that British Gypsum would have this market sewn up but you may have noticed there are a lot of companies making small bags of patching or repair fillers and doing well out of it. Some days it is hard to make up your mind whether to buy a big bag of regular plaster or go for something smaller and more versatile. The trouble is that you often find that a 10 kilo bag of Easy Sand filler for example costs more than a 25 Kilo bag of multi finish.

But I suppose when you need it you need it. If, for example, you are an electrician and you need to fill in a chase and you don’t want to come back the next day to apply the finish you need a base coat that goes off super fast or you need a one – coat plaster that you can dub out and build up to a good finish. There are a lot of products out there which do this job well and you can build them up but they usually take a few hours to go off which means you could be hanging around waiting for the base coat to go off before you can get the final coat on.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

My solution in the past has been to mix a bit of cement with a bit of bonding and use that to fill with but when you apply the finish you find you will often get bubble trouble as the base coat continues to cook and push moisture out through the face.

British Gypsum’s scientists have now come up with a special Thistle Bonding 60 that will dry in one hour and, more importantly accept any type of finish you care to use. You can apply a Thistle finish or, if you aren’t that good at plastering, you can apply Easy Sand or jointing compound which is basically the same thing in a different bag. To be honest I couldn’t tell you exactly how long a normal bag of bonding would take to set. I thought it was fairly quick but I must admit I have never put a stopwatch on it.

I can find plenty of jobs to do with a product such as this so I opted for a big bag but if you are a spark or plumber you might prefer to have a plastic tub on the van rather than a dusty bag that could spill out all over you nice clean tools.

I hadn’t got any chases to do but I found a badly damaged corner behind a front door that needed a quick repair. I mixed it up a bit on the sloppy side to see if it would hang around longer, not that I wanted it to but this was research. It turned out to be a warmish day and after my obligatory tea break and sit in the sun I went back and found it was good to go.

I used some multi-finish for the top coat and, just as they promised there was no bubble trouble. So it was a quick in and out job, if you’ll pardon the expression.

www.british-gypsum.com

Housebuilder invites people to learn heritage skills

Dylan Garton
-
0
Housebuilder invites people to learn heritage skills

The UK retirement housebuilder, McCarthy and Stone, is inviting people across the country to celebrate the heritage skills of older people throughout it’s developments across a number of regions in June and July.

The event comes alongside McCarthy and Stone’s 40th year celebrations. In January, at the start of its anniversary year, McCarthy and Stone pledged its support for Royal Voluntary Service and the charity’s annual ‘GrandFest’ event.

All are welcome to join staff and homeowners at selected McCarthy & Stone developments for GrandFest, a special event which will put the spotlight on accomplished older craftspeople – or ‘GrandMakers’.

Attendees will have the opportunity to pick up a new hobby or interest, or to perfect their own skills, when GrandMakers – those selected for their involvement in a particular craft – lead workshops in a variety of different skills.

McCarthy and Stone, said: “It is a privilege to welcome our talented GrandMakers to our developments for what promises to be a fun and inspiring set GrandMaker event. The older generation undoubtedly has a wealth of talent and knowledge; and, as part of our 40th year celebrations, we wanted to provide a forum for sharing these skills. The masterclass will provide the perfect opportunity for McCarthy and Stone homeowners and members of the local community to come along and pick-up a new craft, or to brush-up on their own abilities – whatever their age or level of expertise.”

A cut above: Knipex grips review

Roger Bisby
-
0
A cut above: Knipex grips review

Roger Bisby tries out a few Knipex grips and laments a life of losing tools.

Having spent a great deal of my working life as a plumber/builder Knipex is a brand I know very well and it seems I’m not alone. When I recently used a pair of inferior slip joint grips in a plumbing demonstration and struggled, the calls from the audience of plumbers put me right. “You should’ve used Knipex ” someone shouted and there was unanimous agreement.

Knipex 705

“Yeah Knipex all day long” another said and my face went as red as the handles of the pilers I should’ve used. As much as I knew how good they were it is not often that you hear such a resounding endorsement for a brand and Knipex weren’t buying the drinks. And well they could because Knipex is not a cheap brand but the plumbers and builders I spoke to would rather have two pairs of Knipex than half a dozen pairs of lesser quality pliers. In fact I took that cheap pair and threw them in the recycling bin after that embarrassment because there is something very frustrating and annoying about having a pair of slip joint pliers that do more slipping than joining.

Knipex 7

Looking at this sparkly new range of different grips and pump pliers I was surprised by the variety of variations on the theme.There are round jaws for tightening waste fittings (not that you should need them) and more importantly underground water supplies.

Knipex is not a cheap brand but the plumbers and builders I spoke to would rather have two pairs of Knipex than half a dozen pairs of lesser quality pliers

There are also smooth jaw slip joints to prevent damage to chrome nuts and there are replaceable soft jaw pliers for use on chrome shrouds and those gold plated taps that used to be all the rage. The only time I see the gold stuff these days is when I am taking it out but chrome is the new gold and it can be an equally expensive mistake to scratch chrome plating. So no more wrapping the teeth in bike inner tube to try and prevent damage.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

As a footnote to this piece I went to a loft I have not been in for 20 years to replace a float valve and there beside the tank was a not so shiny pair of Knipex grips. I had no idea I had been using or losing them for so many years. I could be a rich man if I had not lost so many tools, had so many kids or married a woman who helps me spend more than I earn.

www.knipex.com

Company & Contractor Fined After Member of Public Struck by Fencing Wire

Dylan Garton
-
0
Company & Contractor Fined After Member of Public Struck by Fencing Wire

A civil engineering company (R M Contractors Limited aka RMC), and a contractor working on behalf of a tree surgery company Complete Tree Services (CTS) have been sentenced after a member of the public was injured by fencing wire.

Redditch Magistrates’ Court heard a member of the public was in her garden, when she was sprayed with pieces of fencing wire that had become entangled in a mechanical flail.

As the head of the flail was lifted, ejected pieces were directed towards her garden. She was struck twice, once in the leg and once in the neck. She needed surgery to remove the piece of metal from her neck.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident, which occurred on 18 May 2015, found the contractor RMC who had engaged the sub-contractor CTS to carry out the flailing, who had failed to properly plan this work to ensure the suitable controls had been identified and implemented.

They both failed to check the area for obstructions or follow safe procedures should such an event occur.

R M Contractors Limited, of Pipers Road, Park Farm Industrial Estate, Redditch, Worcestershire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, and was fined £180,000 and ordered to pay costs of £22,000.

Matt Lea of Little Luddington Farm, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc.

Act 1974, and has been sentenced to 120 hours community order and ordered to pay costs of £3600.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Chris Gregory said: “Members of the public have a right to expect to be able to enjoy their garden without any risk of being hit by flying debris from neighbouring work activity.”

www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/2015/contractors.htm

Tower’s cladding “went up like a matchstick”

Dylan Garton
-
0
Tower’s cladding “went up like a matchstick”

Shocked witnesses have described seeing people jump from as high as the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower in London as flames engulfed the building last night.

Over 200 firefighters attended the 27-storey building near Ladbroke Grove just after 1.15am as fire tore through the block of flats.The cause of the fire is still unknown but according to witness accounts there are fears that the exterior cladding may have played a role in the fire’s rapid spread.

The building has recently been refurbished at a cost of £8.6 million which included an upgrade to the exterior cladding. A resident of the 17th floor of the block, named as Methrob, told LBC Radio the “real issue was when it caught fire to the cladding outside”. He said: “That’s when I noticed the fire from outside when I looked out the window.

“By the time that we got downstairs, the fire had gone all the way up and it was just about reaching our windows on the 17th floor.”The whole one side of the building was on fire. The cladding went up like a matchstick.”

Festool Launches Cycle Challenge to Promote Lung Health to UK Trades

Roger Bisby
-
0
Festool Launches Cycle Challenge to Promote Lung Health to UK Trades

Festool, the supplier of high-end power tools and accessories, has launched a new Cycle Challenge to raise money for the British Lung Foundation (BLF) and to promote lung health to UK tradespeople.

The Cycle Challenge will feature two static Wattbikes that will join Festool’s impressive UK roadshow on its European leg in July. Members of the trade will have the chance to win £500 of Festool prizes if they bike the fastest mile, three miles or five miles.

Featuring Festool’s premium range of tools, the fully equipped truck will also provide visitors the opportunity to receive information, get hands-on with the tools and learn from a team of experts.

With approximately 200 sq m of space, visitors will find new products for 2017, as well as Festool’s complete range of dust extractors that help safeguard a dust-free work environment.

The company has been selling cycling tops as a fundraising initiative on its eBay page and will be raising thousands of pounds for the BLF as part of the Breathe Easy with Festool Dust Extraction campaign.

The truck tour will begin in Portsmouth on 5th July and will call at Twickenham, Sittingbourne, Leyton, St Albans, High Wycombe, Nuneaton, Derby, North Shields, Glasgow, Dunfermline, Blackburn, Warrington, Belfast and Dublin.

Jonathon Burcham, Marketing Manager at Festool, said: “With carpenters and joiners four times more likely to contract asthma compared to other workers, the HSE says tradespeople must always use dust extraction.

“We’ve previously promoted the importance of safer, dust-free working conditions with the help of the BLF. Our latest Breathe Easy campaign is attempting to raise awareness of lung health amongst tradesmen who are most at risk of lung problems.”

The money made from the limited edition cycle shirts will go towards research into life-threatening lung diseases, as well as the care provided by the BLF for those suffering from conditions like asbestosis, asthma, lung cancer, COPD, IPF, mesothelioma and more.

 

Exposure to wood dust, a known carcinogen, can also increase the risk of lung cancer. Alongside heart disease and non-respiratory cancer, lung disease is one of the UK’s three biggest killers.

The British Lung Foundation’s Battle for Breath study found that more than 43,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer each year. Around 12 million people, one in five of the UK population, have been diagnosed with lung disease. Respiratory disease costs the UK £11 billion each year.

Last year, the BLF’s report found that lung disease mortality rates haven’t improved in the last 10 years and the UK now has the fourth highest mortality rate in Europe.

Ideal for mobile use and assembly, the Festool range of safe and robust dust extractors are lightweight and compact, ideal to transport from job to job, again saving time for the tradesperson.

Festool offers a range of dust extractors that are suitable for any job from low to high-class dust, including general work to anything that is a known carcinogen including lead, cadmium and asbestos.

Find the Festool truck at the following dealers:

5th July – Elliott’s, The Pompey Centre, Dickinson Rd, Portsmouth PO4 8ER
6th July – Harlequins, The Twickenham Stoop, Langhorn Drive, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW2 7SX
7th July – Axminster Sittingbourne, Sheppey Way, Bobbing, Sittingbourne ME9 8QP
10th July – Lee Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL
11th July – Elsons, Unit 1 Brick Knoll Park, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 5UG
12th July – Isaac Lord, 185 Desborough Rd, High Wycombe HP11 2QN
13th July – Axminster Nuneaton, Bermuda Trade Centre, Hamilton Way, Nuneaton CV10 7RA
14th July – DIPT Derby, Sidney Robinson Business Park, Ascot Drive, Derby DE24 8EH
17th and 18th July – Axminster North Shields, North Shields Retail Park, Norham Rd, North Shields NE29 7UJ
19th and 20th July – Kelvin Power Tools, 22 Kelvin Avenue, Hillington Park, Glasgow G52 4LT
21st July – Engineering Agencies, 78 Halbeath Rd, Dunfermline KY12 7RS
24th July – Mercers, Pump St, Blackburn BB2 1PG
25th July – Axminster Warrington, Gateway 49 Trade Park, Kerfoot St, Warrington WA2 8NT
27th July – SIA Belfast, 2, 96 Beechill Rd, Belfast BT8 7QN
28th July – Hafele, Unit N3, North Ring Business Park, Santry, Dublin 9

www.festool.co.uk

1...757677...108Page 76 of 108

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© SkillBuilder