Skill Builder Guides & reviews for building and construction

A Derbyshire based engineering construction company has been prosecuted after a worker fell and suffered severe injuries. A worker was repairing a fibreboard roof of a barn and using two homemade crawling boards when he fell 6meters on to the floor below, sustaining serious injuries to his head, hip, and lungs. Derby Magistrates Court heard how at the time of …

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC together with the boiler manufacturers has this month launched the ‘Retro Boiler’ Label. The scheme aims to tackle the UK’s 9 million inefficient boilers by raising awareness of boiler efficiency with consumers. Registered gas engineers are now issuing an energy efficiency label, a ‘Retro Boiler’ label, on all non-condensing boilers with a permanent …

This morning’s autumn statement has at least one glaring omission according to GMB, the energy union – £14billion needed for the Government’s flagship smart meter project. In his ‘mini-budget’ Chancellor Philip Hammond promised huge investment in infrastructure – but made no mention of the vast sums required to install the 53 million new meters across the country. The project will …

In response to demand for a dependable and versatile handheld insulation tester capable of operating at up to 2.5 kV, portable test equipment specialist, Megger, has introduced the new MIT2500 instrument, which offers accurate measurements up to 200 GΩ. The MIT2500 insulation tester has feedback-stabilised test voltages to ensure that tests are always carried out to Megger’s tight specification. The …

Baxi has welcomed the HHIC’s decision to launch a retrospective boiler labelling scheme. The scheme aims to increase consumer awareness about boiler efficiencies and performance, and to highlight to consumers that upgrading old, inefficient boilers will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Jeff House, regulatory marketing manager at Baxi, commented: “There are approximately nine million inefficient boilers in the UK, …

An international engineering company has been sentenced following the death of a worker who fell 30 feet from an electricity pylon. Vincent John Richards, 49, from Walsall was installing fall arrest lines for painters to use on the pylon at Great Orton, Carlisle on the 5 July 2014 when the incident happened. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the …

Roger Bisby wears JCB’s latest trousers. JCB has introduced two stand out work trousers to its range. The Camo trousers are a popular look for builders, especially those who enjoy country sports, but these are dedicated work trousers. They have knee pad pockets and a zipped thigh pocket but no external pouches so they wouldn’t look out of place in …

Thanet District Council has been fined £250,000 after a worker was left with permanent injury after being diagnosed with hard arm vibration (HAV). Canterbury Crown Court heard how a worker from Thanet District Council was diagnosed with suffering from HAV after visiting his GP. Symptoms of the condition can include tingling, pins and needles, numbness and pain in the hands. …

So what’s it like to work in the cold with freezing hands? Well, as you may know, it’s not pleasant. Everything you do is that bit harder and it can be extremely dangerous. With cold hands and fingers, you are more likely to fumble with numb fingers, which is not only dangerous to yourself but also to others. Gloves for cold weather The TraffiGlove range …

With smart technology becoming a part of daily life, it’s unsurprising that homeowners are looking for the same level of functionality when it comes to heating. However, while smart home technology is a hot topic, there is still ambiguity about what smart and connected actually mean when it comes to heating systems. Jon Phillips, head of product management at Baxi, …

Ahead of this winter’s ‘BIG FREEZE’ prediction, DR. Martens has revealed that the majority of outdoor workers suffer with cold, wet feet every winter, with many complaining of blisters and even chilblains. The survey, conducted on behalf of the iconic footwear specialist interviewed the UK’s outdoor workers in order to identify the core issues faced during the winter months. Key …

November 16th is World COPD Day, an event held each November to raise awareness of COPD worldwide. Sadly tradespeople are seriously affected by this disease with exposure to construction dust still a significant cause of COPD.  See Skill Builder’s video about the JSP Force 8 half mask for some useful tips on how to protect yourself against dust. World COPD …

A company, its director, and a self-employed contractor have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after Terry Lewis (a 65 year old retired mechanic) was fatally injured by falling through a roof light. Warrington Crown Court heard how on 11 June 2013, Terry Lewis was working with his friend, Leigh Bakewell. They were cleaning roof lights on …

Volkswagen is launching a new Caddy Black Edition at the end of November with just 500 on offer in the UK. Although this is the first Black Edition to join the fourth-generation Caddy range, previous models are said to have have proved popular. Exterior highlights include Deep Black pearl effect paint, black roof rails, body-coloured bumpers, door mirrors and handles, …

For all those who think that bathroom mould and mildew is unavoidable in the British climate, the fact that it rarely, if ever, exists in up-market bathrooms is telling. You may think this is simply down to being able to afford a good cleaner, and admittedly that helps, but a lot of the things that cause mould are built into …