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Fly-tippers could have vans crushed in pre-Christmas crackdown

Roger Bisby
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Fly-tippers could have vans crushed in pre-Christmas crackdown

A pre-Christmas zero-tolerance nationwide crackdown on fly-tippers is underway  – as councils up and down the country use new powers to seize and crush vehicles used by the dumpers.

Councils are also calling for a legal loophole – which means enforcement officers have to give some fly-tippers seven days written warning before inspecting them and seizing evidence – to be closed immediately to help them tackle the growing problem.

The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents more than 370 councils in England and Wales, says the no-nonsense approach comes as fly-tippers are becoming increasingly brazen with some operators even dumping next to ‘no fly-tipping’ signs.

Councils are also reporting a significant rise in the so-called ‘man with van’ phenomenon. This involves cold callers offering to ‘dispose’ of unwanted household goods like fridges, mattresses, and furniture for cash, which are then fly-tipped. Households are being warned by councils to only use reputable operators who can prove they dispose of rubbish responsibly. Cash in hand is usually a sign they aren’t.

The call comes as the cost of clearing up fly-tipping in England has hit nearly £50 million, with councils having to deal with almost 900,000 incidents every 12 months. Latest figures show the number of recorded incidents rose by almost 6 per cent for 2014/15 compared with 2013/14, while the clear-up costs increased by 11 per cent. Councils are carrying out over half a million enforcement actions every year, costing local taxpayers almost £18 million.

Commercial waste is the second largest waste type contributing to fly-tipping incidents in England. Almost 9 per cent of incidents in England in 2014/15 were of commercial waste. There was a 18 per cent increase in commercial waste incidents from 65,000 in 2013/14 to 77,000 in 2014/15, latest figures reveal.

The LGA has long called for the system for tackling unscrupulous fly-tippers to be overhauled. It successfully campaigned for councils to be able to issue on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notices by council enforcement officers to help tackle small-scale fly-tipping, like dumping items such as pieces of broken furniture, old televisions and mattresses.

These new powers, which were introduced in May, allow councils to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £400 for fly-tippers who make residents’ lives hell and cost taxpayers millions of pounds.

These new powers, which were introduced in May, allow councils to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £400 for fly-tippers who make residents’ lives hell and cost taxpayers millions of pounds.

Residents and businesses play a key role in helping keep streets clean by reporting fly-tips. Many councils now offer smartphone apps to make this easier. Businesses are required by law to dispose of waste responsibly. Councils can advise on what they need to do, and how to find a reputable waste removal company.

LGA Environment spokesman Cllr Martin Tett said: “Councils are taking a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and this means using every power at their disposal – including seizing and destroying vehicles used by the dumpers.

“At a time when councils face difficult choices about services in light of reducing budgets, they are having to spend a vast amount each year on tackling litter and fly-tipping. This is money that would be better spent on vital services such as filling potholes and caring for the elderly. Litter and fly-tipping is environmental vandalism – it’s unpleasant, unnecessary and unacceptable.

“The Government has responded to our call for councils to be able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for small scale fly-tipping – and this is a big step in the right direction. Councils also need a faster and more effective legal system which means fly-tippers are given hard-hitting fines for more serious offences. Local authorities should also be able to recoup all prosecution costs, rather than be left out of pocket.

“Not only does fly-tipping create an eyesore for residents, it is also a serious public health risk, creating pollution and attracting rats and other vermin.

“There are a number of additional changes that would help tackle littering and fly-tipping, including sharing more of the responsibility with product producers – such as mattress and chewing gum manufacturers – to contribute to the costs of clear up.

“Councils use enforcement powers proportionately and take a range of different approaches to raise awareness and change culture. This includes providing advice and encouraging residents to report incidents and businesses to keep areas next to their premises clean and clear of litter and mess that can attract dumping.”

Fly tippers are increasingly being caught in the act on CCTV such as this fly-tipper in Croydon.

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Construction companies fined after failing to carry out basement excavation work safely

Roger Bisby
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Construction companies fined after failing to carry out basement excavation work safely

Two London based construction companies were prosecuted after a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspection identified serious safety breaches on a double basement construction project.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard that emergency services had been called to a property at Bathurst Mews, London, where excavation work to form a double basement was being carried out.  They rescued a labourer with a broken arm and reported their concerns about the dangerous site to the Health and safety Executive (HSE).

The HSE inspection found, despite the incident, workers were at risk from falling into deep excavations and there were no propping arrangements to ensure the stability of excavations or the existing building. The inspector immediatley shut down the site. The investigation by HSE found that an independent consultant had raised the same concerns a few months previous but the recommendations had been ignored.

workers were at risk from falling into deep excavations and there were no propping arrangements to ensure the stability of excavations or the existing building

The Principal Contractor Lifehouse (London) Ltd appointed Nu Space Design Ltd as the contractor to carry out the excavation work and one of its directors as the site manager.  Neither company appointed a competent person to inspect the excavations to ensure they were safe.

Lifehouse (London) Ltd of 28 Church Road, Stanmore, HA7 4XR pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM) and was fined £24,000 and ordered to pay £1,141.50 in costs.

Nu Space (Design) Ltd of 39 Wimborne Avenue, Hayes, UB4 0HQ pleaded guilty to breaching CDM Regulation 15(2) and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay £1,067.10 in costs.

HSE inspector Andrew Verrall-Withers commented after the hearing:

“Both companies were aware of the dangers on the site following the warnings in a consultant’s report, but they failed to act on the recommendations and a worker was injured.

“When carrying out any construction work, whether new build or refurbishments you have to ensure it is done safely. In this case they should have appointed a competent person to carry out regular inspections of the excavations to ensure they did not collapse onto workers or cause the building to become unstable during the work”.

Baxi supports proposed changes to Building Regs and encourages installers to have their say

Dylan Garton
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Baxi supports proposed changes to Building Regs and encourages installers to have their say

Baxi has welcomed and strongly supports the Government’s proposals on changes to Part L1b of the Building Regulations (Conservation of Fuel and Power in Existing Dwellings), outlined in a consultation document launched today (8 December 2016).

Incremental changes to boiler installations are being proposed to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes, which will result in lower household energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.

The consultation document from the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) proposes that, in replacement installations, boilers should have a space heating efficiency of no less than 92 per cent (based on the ErP Space Heating Efficiency metric) and that, as a minimum, a thermostat, timer and weather compensation controls should be fitted. The consultation document is open for public comment for seven weeks from today, after which BEIS will confirm the outcome. It is proposed that the new requirements will appear in the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide, a key supporting document to Approved Document L1b, from October 2017.

The consultation document proposes that, in replacement installations, boilers should have a space heating efficiency of no less than 92 per cent

Jeff House, regulatory marketing manager at Baxi, commented: “The proposals are centred on the introduction of relatively small, mandatory changes to retrofit boiler installations – involving measures that many installers will actually be doing already.

Through consulting with manufacturers such as Baxi, the Government has recognised that installing a modern condensing boiler along with a thermostat, timer and weather compensation is a relatively simple way to help householders reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. These measures will also be easy and straightforward for installers to implement, and cost-effective. This point was key for Baxi – when talking with Government, we strived for any new requirements to be easy for installers, and not too costly for end customers; we wanted all parties to get a good deal.

“While the proposals focus on small, incremental measures, the carbon, fuel and efficiency savings could be significant if implemented across the 1.2 million boiler installations that are carried out in England each year. It is important to remember that the UK has legally binding carbon reduction targets in place, and the Government must find effective, achievable, realistic ways to meet them. The proposals will not only help to make progress towards these targets, but will also result in reduced gas use, which will lower heating costs and help with security of supply. Baxi is therefore strongly supportive of the current proposals.

There haven’t been any substantial changes to requirements for heating systems under Part L since 2005, when the installation of condensing boilers was mandated

“There haven’t been any substantial changes to requirements for heating systems under Part L since 2005, when the installation of condensing boilers was mandated, so there is definitely room for improvement. Condensing boilers have become an accepted technology, but there is still scope to marginally increase efficiencies, and mandating the use of controls would offer many advantages. In order to achieve the best efficiency from any heating system, it is essential to have effective controls in place. The Ecodesign Directive (ErP) has already recognised the positive impact that controls have on an overall heating system, but under the current Building Regulations, time and temperature controls are recommended, rather than being mandatory, when replacing a boiler.

“We know that for many installers these types of controls have become standard practice, but the addition of weather compensation in BEIS’ proposals will be a change for some. Weather compensation is a particularly beneficial technology, as it improves boiler efficiency and helps to maintain consistent comfort levels. It should also be simple for installers to factor into a boiler installation, and the technology doesn’t require any end user input once commissioned.

“Overall, the proposals should be seen as good news for installers and householders; they involve low-cost measures that are easy to adopt, and which offer multiple benefits to end users and the environment.

“We would strongly encourage installers to get involved and have their say during the seven-week consultation period which ends on 27 January 2017”

The online consultation document/feedback form can be accessed at: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/heat-in-buildings-the-future-of-heat

Fluxaf Green review

Roger Bisby
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Fluxaf Green review

Roger Bisby goes Dutch with some Fluxaf Green.

Ever since the completely justified EU ban on using methylene chloride in paint stripper, the trade has struggled to find viable alternatives. Modern strippers just don’t have the instant, crackle and pop of the old stuff. All too often they require re-applying several times in order to penetrate the built up coatings.

Modern strippers just don’t have the instant, crackle and pop of the old stuff. All too often they require re-applying several times in order to penetrate the built up coatings.

We accept this as progress because the health risks were significant with the old product but we still hope that someone out there will come up with a product that is kind to humans but strips paint and varnish as well as the old products used to.

I am not going to pretend that Dutch made Fluxaf Green is it but it comes a lot closer than many other products I have tried and it even has a number of advantages over the more aggressive products of old. The colour of the gel is green, as you would expect from an eco friendly product. It is also surprisingly free of fumes and doesn’t appear to evaporate as rapidly as other formulations even in warm weather. This gives it a much longer open time. It remains active from 30 minutes right up to nearly 30 hours in ideal conditions. Obviously in heat or high winds it is going to evaporate faster so you may need to cover it on external surfaces. The other remarkable thing is that it works with both alkyd and water based paints so you won’t have that problem of paint coats of water based paint stopping the stripper penetrating right down to the host material.

My approach was to lay it on and leave it while I got on with something else then I went back every 30 minutes to check on the progress. It had done the job in half an hour but I wanted to see what happened after four hours so I left it on. I then decided to try some other products on the same surface to see the difference.

I was impressed by Fluxaf and it seems to have lot of loyal followers among decorators.

I was impressed by Fluxaf and it seems to have lot of loyal followers among decorators.

My reservation about all chemical strippers is the price. Where possible I would still rather send things like doors away to be dipped and I have even removed staircase spindles to have them dipped because it is cheaper, quicker and more effective. For surfaces that are a little too well fixed such as skirtings the Fluxoriteworks a treat but I still wouldn’t want to tackle those jobs on a price, there are just too many unknowns involved and if you are going to lose money you might as well do it on something pleasurable.

Word of caution
Having said this is a ‘green product’ I feel I have to finish this review with a word of caution. This is still a hazardous material. If you flick a bit in your eye it can cause serious damage so you need eye protection but if, despite this, you do happen to get some in your eye wash your eye with running water and keep doing it long after you think the contaminant has gone. This may be green and more pleasant to use but it is still paint stripper and you need to ventilate the room you are using it in and it will also eat into plastic so avoid getting it on cables.

Construction trio to face prosecution for Crossrail death

Roger Bisby
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Construction trio to face prosecution for Crossrail death

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today informed BAM Nuttall Limited, Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Ltd, and Keir Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd that they will be prosecuted in relation to three incidents that took place during the construction of the new Crossrail railway tunnel construction, which runs east to west across London.

All three companies will appear at Westminster’s Magistrates Court in January 2017 to face four charges, each. Two relating to the death of Rene Tka’cik on the 7 March 2014 and one each relating to injuries to Terrence Hughes on the 16 January and Alex Vizitiu on 22 January 2015.

Rene Tka’cik died after he was crushed by falling concrete on the 7 March 2014 while working on the Fisher street cross-over tunnel.

Terrance ‘Ian’ Hughes was working between the Bond Street and Paddington section of the tunnel on the 16 January 2015 when he was crushed by a tipper truck. He suffered severe leg injuries.

Alex Vizitiu was working in the same stretch of the tunnel on 22 January 2015. He suffered head and hip injuries when he was struck by a high pressure mixture of water and concrete during a routine operation to clean concrete lines.

HSE’s Head of Operations, Annette Hall said: “We have today informed the three contractors that they will each be prosecuted for the death of a worker and injuries sustained by two others, in three separate incidents on the construction project.

“These were all serious incidents and resulted in the death of one of their workers.

“We have concluded following thorough investigations that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute and it is in the public interest to do so.”

BAM Nuttall Limited of St James House, Knoll Road, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3XW, Ferrovial Agroman (UK) Ltd of 10th Floor, Bsi Building, 389 Chiswick High Road, London, W4 4AL and Keir Infrastructure and Overseas Ltd of Tempsford Hall, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2BD  will each face four charges:

One charge under section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

One charge under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

Two charges under Regulation 22 (1)(a) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

Scaffolding alternative helps school slash roof refurbishment time

Dylan Garton
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Scaffolding alternative helps school slash roof refurbishment time

For children, the school summer holidays can seem to stretch on forever. However, if you’re a contractor brought in to carry out building work during the summer break, you’re all too aware of just how quickly six weeks can pass. William Cooper was one such contractor, facing a tight window for project delivery when it was hired to refurbish the roof of Knightsridge Primary School in Edinburgh.

The company needed to replace the existing flat felt roof, which measured 3,200 m2 and had failed in places, with a pitched roof solution including external drainage.

While William Cooper had more than just six weeks to complete the work – the company began the project in the middle of the Scottish school holidays at the end of July, and were required to finish before the onset of the harsh Scottish winter – the timescale was still tight for the scale of the project, whose total value came in at a little under £1 million.

Carrying on the work into the opening weeks of the autumn school term also brought with it the significant added challenge of having to operate a construction site while surrounded by children.

“The key challenges were completing the roof before winter storms and working in a live primary school,” says William Cooper’s director Iain Grimley. “Working at height in an operational primary school creates a problematic interface with children and parents, especially when you consider that traditional scaffolding could encourage kids to climb.”

Working at height in an operational primary school creates a problematic interface with children and parents, especially when you consider that traditional scaffolding could encourage kids to climb

As a result, William Cooper was looking for a safety solution that could, on one hand, help ensure the project was completed before winter and, on the other, address the safety concerns about using traditional scaffolding around children.

The safety solution the contractor chose was an edge protection system provided by Combisafe, part of the Honeywell group. The company supplied William Cooper with 500 linear metres of its Counterweight System. Specifically designed to better protect those working on flat roofs, the system sits on the roof itself, eliminating the climbing risk that is exists with traditional, ground-anchored scaffolding.

Made of galvanised steel for maximum durability and fully compliant with the Personal Protective Equipment Directive 89/686/EEC and EN 13374 class A EU regulations, the Counterweight System comprises guardrails placed at the roof’s edge, which are anchored via a lever arm, connected to a weight pack that sits further back on the flat roof. The guardrails come in 1.57m and 3.07m lengths for flexibility in every environment, while the weight pack includes 3 x 15kg rubber weights and a weight holder.

Combisafe product sales manager Andy Gibbons says that what impressed William Cooper most was the speed of its installation when compared with traditional scaffolding. “The time it takes to erect the system saves both time and money through labour costs,” says Gibbons. “A 10-metre run would take two scaffolders two hours. With our system it only takes half an hour to protect the same area – a quarter of the time.”

One reason for the counterweight’s speed of installation is that it is very easy to move around the site thanks to its integrated trolley system.

The specially designed ergonomic Counterweight Trolley provides easy, single-person loading, transport and positioning of rubber weights to reduce manual handling and risk of injury. It also incorporates a lever-controlled gas strut to adjust the lifting height.

The first stage of William Cooper’s renovation of the roof involved installing a steel beam on the existing flat roof. The trolley system, combined with the lever arm’s ability to be moved sideways while still attached to the weight pack, enabled the contractor to quickly move the weight pack out of the way when a section of steelworks needed to be installed without any reduction in the level of worker protection.

Its impact on the overall project timescale for William Cooper was substantial. “This system helped us achieve a tight programme by saving two weeks of scaffold time,” says Grimley.

William Cooper’s refurbishment of Knightsridge Primary School’s roof was effectively completed on 23rd November 2015 – in good time for the school to be ready for the harsh Scottish winter.

www.combisafe.com

 

Band of Builders Christmas auction: Donations wanted

Dylan Garton
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Band of Builders Christmas auction: Donations wanted

Anyone who has followed Addam Smith and the Band of Builders story in 2016 will know he doesn’t do things by halves.

When at the beginning of this year the landscape gardening business owner found out his employee Keith Ellick had been diagnosed with terminal cancer he recruited a team of volunteers (the Band of Builders) from the Builder’s Talk Facebook group and completely renovated Keith’s family home.

Addam then went on to launch a website www.bandofbuilders.com and shop selling BoB merchandise to raise further money for good causes with the first target being to raise £100k to buy Keith’s council house.

It is testament to Addam’s tenacity that he is now well over halfway to reaching this target but there is still work to be done. Like any terminal cancer patient Keith’s future is uncertain and Addam would like nothing more for Christmas than to be able to hand him the keys to his home.

As 2016 draws to a close it’s no surprise then that Addam has got yet another fundraising venture up his sleeve, which, like many of the things Addam has done this year started as a little idea to raise awareness and a few pounds and has snowballed into a fundraising extravaganza.

At approximately 6pm on Saturday, the 17th December Addam and some of the BoB team will be getting together at the Pride of Lincoln pub to conclude a number of fundraising initiatives. This will be live-streamed on the BoB Facebook group and the Builder’s Talk Facebook group reaching a combined audience of nearly 50,000 tradespeople.

First, there will be the delivery of a Christmas Cake and a Christmas Card to Lincoln courtesy of the Builder’s Talk Facebook group. The cake was made by one of the group’s members and has been travelling the length and breadth of the country in recent weeks in a bid to raise awareness for the BoB campaign with builders signing the card with messages of support.

The Builders Talk group cake on its travels
The Builders Talk group cake on its travels

Secondly Addam is going to be shaving off his beloved beard which he is currently raising sponsorship for.

And, finally, Addam will be holding a live auction of BoB kit and other goodies for which he is currently appealing for donations from manufacturers and distributors. If you think you can help please get in touch with Addam via his facebook page asap or contact us and we will put you in touch.

As well as being mentioned in the live show everyone who donates an auction prize will be acknowledged in the post-event coverage.

And if you would like to watch the live streaming event and take part in the auction don’t forget to like the BoB page on facebook and tune in at 6pm on Saturday the 17th December.

How to install and set up a Foscam HD CCTV Security System

Roger Bisby
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How to install and set up a Foscam HD CCTV Security System

Roger Bisby shows how to install a Foscam HD CCTV Security System following which, Dylan Garton, Skill Builder’s technical expert talks through how to set up the system and breaks down some of the technical jargon associated with the technology.

The system has several attractive features such as motion detection which means you can easily identify any incidents the camera may have recorded saving you from scrolling through hours of footage.

The system comes with an app and you can view the footage through a web browser remotely.

You can support Skill Builder by purchasing your Foscam system from: www.reichelt.com

Fein SuperCut 18v winner announced

Roger Bisby
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Fein SuperCut 18v winner announced

Earlier this month Skill Builder teamed up with FEIN to give you the chance to win a SuperCut 18V with 2 x 5Ah batteries as tested by Roger Bisby.

The winner has now been announced in the video above.

Don’t forget to like us on facebook to keep up with all our competition news and winner announcements and follow us on Twitter.

Shortage of qualified engineers delaying smart meter rollout

Dylan Garton
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Shortage of qualified engineers delaying smart meter rollout

The Government’s pledge to rollout smart meters to 30 million homes by 2020 could be delayed because of a lack of qualified engineers, new research suggests.

Nearly one in five Brits, who have arranged for a smart meter to be installed in their homes, have experienced long delays because there are not enough engineers available to carry out the work.

The survey of 2,000 homeowners by ECTA Training also reveals that installation delays are costing people more money. More than 30% of people surveyed said they were missing out on reductions to their energy bills, while they waited for an installation.

Brits also had concerns around the environmental impact of the delays; with 15% fearing the Government will miss its target of meeting EU requirements on cutting carbon emissions.

The research, which forms part of a report called ‘Smart Meters: the consumer view’, found that homeowners in the North East and London are more likely to suffer a delay, with 26% of people in these regions revealing they had experienced problems.

People in the North East are also more concerned about missing out on energy bill reductions, with nearly 40% saying this was an issue they thought about. This was closely followed by homeowners in the East Midlands (35%) and Yorkshire (36%).

As a result of the delays and skills shortage, consumers are calling for more money to be invested in training to increase the number of qualified engineers.

More than half of the people surveyed believe that energy companies should be putting more money into training schemes for staff, while more than 20% believe the Government should invest more money as part of its smart meter target pledge.

Kerry-Anne Berry, director at ECTA Training, said: “Delays to smart meter installations, caused by a lack of qualified engineers, is denying consumers the chance to reduce energy usage and the cost of their energy bills.

“We estimate that up to 6,500 new smart meter engineers are currently required to help meet the Government’s ambitious targets. Therefore, more needs to be done to address this issue in order to recruit and train qualified engineers to meet the demand.

“While the skills gap is not good news for those waiting for a smart meter, it does present an opportunity for people looking for a new job or a career change. It’s therefore vital that energy companies do more to promote careers in engineering, whilst the sector needs to examine means of funding extra training and development opportunities to ensure the smart meter rollout is a success.”

For more information on the smart meter rollout and the report, please visit: www.ectatraining.co.uk/smart-meter-report

Softshell jacket

Roger Bisby
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Softshell jacket

New for this Autumn/Winter 2016, Scruffs has expanded its Expedition range to include the Scruffs Expedition Thermo Softshell Jacket.

The new jacket uses a body mapped design which balances insulation to protect against challenging weather conditions and it gives freedom of movement where it’s needed most.

The ultra durable outdoor jacket comes with secure zip pockets, zip thru fastening and velcro adjustable cuffs for added comfort. A padded 3M Thinsulate lining adds core warmth, and the softshell sleeves and breathable underarm panels help to regulate body temperature without restricting you on site.

www.scruffs.com

Removing load bearing walls: Brick Brace review

Roger Bisby
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Removing load bearing walls: Brick Brace review

Makers of the Brick Brace claim it will help you gain  fitting space, reduce repair time and achieve a superior and safer finish when undertaking masonry alterations. Roger Bisby takes a look.

Most builders hardly give a second thought to knocking away supporting walls and propping them with a small forest of screw-jacks or Acrows as they are generally called.

Structural engineers give us long hand calculations for the steels but hardly ever bother with guidance on how we support the structure temporarily. Like many people reading this I have been carrying out such jobs all my working life, sometimes taking away the entire back end of a house and the three floors above it.

My approach has always been to get in as many temporary supports as I have room for while realising that if you are to get the steels in you need room to work. That is always the trade off. Of course the best way is to have that steel positioned by the wall and to cut out a neat slot that stays open for the shortest possible time. That is the theory but there are times when you have to bend your own rules.

Often this requires you to support the opening from one side only with Strong-boys and that is where you can really start to push your luck. The tongue of the Strong-boy extends through to pick up both skins from one side but anyone with an elementary grasp of physics will know that the end furthest from the prop is not going to be as well supported.

anyone with an elementary grasp of physics will know that the end furthest from the prop is not going to be as well supported

In fact if you take the trouble to read the tables and guide lines for this type of prop you will see that they support surprisingly little in terms of tons. Hopefully the side best supported is the internal wall which is usually taking the load from the roof and floors but I have seen it done the other way round.

I remember clearly the time when I saw a gang of over-enthusiastic under-pinners lose the back addition of a house, it listed and opened up a gap of 30mm at the top. But to top that a builder (property speculator) I knew had a whole stone built house collapse, almost on the stroke of midnight. His men had spent the day removing internal walls to create that front to back open plan ground floor that everyone seems to like these days and the next day the house was a little more open plan than they had bargained for. The whole thing came down like a pack of cards and covered three streets in dust. From time to time you also hear of others coming badly unstuck with fatal consequences. Accidents of this sort are a lot more common than you might think especially with cellar dig outs. It has probably happened in most localities so you will probably have your own stories to tell.

a builder (property speculator) I knew had a whole stone built house collapse, almost on the stroke of midnight

Even if nobody is injured you may still find yourself under a great deal of scrutiny, not least from the insurance company. Did your risk assessment and method statement have the input of a structural engineer? If you are a small builder/ house basher, then the answer is probably no.

If you do get a structural engineer involved at any stage you will probably find that they will not allow the wall to be propped by screw-jacks alone. In many cases they will ask for structural scaffolding supports to be used as a way of tying all those loose Acrows together so they act as one. This can also prevent props from being knocked out accidentally,as often happens. This was the starting point for the development of BrickBrace, a temporary support system that can be used to provide additional support for openings when you are removing supporting walls.Before you even begin to remove any structural elements you can cut out the perps put in expanding steel wedges and tie then all together with steel scaffolding poles.That way the wall is put in tension and tied together.

The Brick Brace system can be used to tie screw-jacks together to stabilise them and make them act as one or it can be used to provide the sole support for openings up to approximately 3 metres.

brick brace review

As most builders know the critical area of brick that needs supporting is a triangle above the opening but if that triangle is interrupted by a window or door then the support needs to be recalculated as two or more triangles. With the Brick Brace system you can put in two or three tiers of support and it is proving to be a very popular item for underpinning firms.

the critical area of brick that needs supporting is a triangle above the opening but if that triangle is interrupted by a window or door then the support needs to be recalculated as two or more triangles

Accidents aside there is also the possibility that the brickwork may move slightly during the propping stage and that then gives you the added hassle of re-pointing it and repairing any internal cracks. When the steels are in and properly supported on the pad stones or steel posts it is hoped that the structure will be stronger than it was before the alterations, certainly that has always been my goal when carrying out this kind of work, but, like most builders I am happier when the steels are in and the brickwork above is nicely wedged up.

The use of the Brick Brace system gives you added peace of mind not least because it is all tied in to act as a single unit. It takes up no room in the van and is always there when you need it. Personally I would still try and use steel screw-jacks where possible and any other support I can bring into play because, if ever there was a case for belt and braces, knocking out supporting walls is it.

Eye protection: A site for sore eyes or a vision for safety?

Dylan Garton
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Eye protection: A site for sore eyes or a vision for safety?

Every year, construction workers suffer from eye injuries ranging from temporary sight loss to long-term impaired vision and even blindness. Julien Clair, product manager for eyewear at Honeywell Industrial Safety, outlines the key measures required for effective eye protection.  

What are the hazards?

Construction sites create a significant risk for eye injuries. Every day, workers face a myriad of hazards whether it’s flying objects like nails, wood splinters or metal fragments or finer particles like dust and grit created by construction activities like cement mixing, sawing or chipping. The implications can be serious, ranging from temporary blurred vision, irritation or burns, to severe and long-term impaired vision or even blindness. In other cases, where direct contact with substances such as liquid mists or sources of radiation may not cause instant injury, it can have a slow, steady and ultimately damaging effect on the eyes. The tragedy is that most eye injuries are entirely preventable, which highlights the importance of ensuring effective protection.

Every day, workers face a myriad of hazards whether it’s flying objects like nails, wood splinters or metal fragments or finer particles like dust and grit

The causes of eye injuries will depend on the type of work undertaken on site so the first line of defense should be to carry out a risk assessment to identify the potential risks. Ideally, the priority would then be to remove any eye safety hazards. However, this isn’t always practicable due to the nature of work carried out. For example, flying objects are very difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate. As a result, safety eyewear is critically important for eye protection.

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Legal duties

Employers have legal duties that cover the provision and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). They must choose the PPE carefully and make sure that workers are trained to use it correctly, and know how to detect and report any faults. The first consideration for employers is to provide the correct eyewear solution for the work environment. There are different types of eyewear and managers will need to assess the risks that workers face and then provide the most appropriate eyewear to protect the worker against the hazards they face. Safety spectacles, goggles and face shields are all used in construction environments and each has a specific use.

Spectacles, goggles or face shields?

Safety spectacles are suitable when full enclosure of the eye area is not required. Similar to normal spectacles, they should be tested to ensure they meet EU safety standards and provide a level of impact resistance against high speed particles. In addition, they should benefit from a range of advanced lens treatments such as anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. The anti-fog technology enables construction workers to carry out tasks indoors and outdoors without worrying about the spectacles fogging up as this can increase the risk of an accident.

Goggles should be selected when workers come into contact with more serious eye hazards such as dust, flying particles, molten metal and hot liquids – in other words, whenever a tight seal is required to protect the eyes. This prevents any objects or liquid from slipping through the space between the face and the eye wear and damaging the eyes. It’s advisable to look for goggles with anti-scratch and anti-fog ventilation or with an anti-fog lens coating as this provides additional benefits.

Goggles should be selected when workers come into contact with more serious eye hazards such as dust, flying particles, molten metal and hot liquids – in other words, whenever a tight seal is required to protect the eyes.

The final level of protection is the face shield, which protects not only the eyes but the full face. This is the best protection when workers are coming into contact with hazards such as solid particles flying at high speed. It may also be important to opt for a face shield tested to withstand strong impacts from objects and that also provides protection against arc flash, molten metal, hot solids and chemical droplets, which may be a hazard in certain construction environments.

Working outdoors or indoors can make the difference when it comes to selecting safety eye wear. The contrasting work environments will require different lens tints and shades to block out sunlight, to enhance colour or to accommodate the diverse work applications. UV protection is really important and it is always advisable to purchase eye wear that offers 99.9% UV protection and are K&N marked, which means the product has superior anti-scratch and anti-fog properties.

Will workers wear it?

Another important consideration is ensuring worker buy-in. It is all very well providing the correct eye protection but the worker needs to wear it. While it may be an obvious point to make, it is important to remember that PPE is not always comfortable to wear, especially eyewear if workers aren’t used to wearing spectacles daily for personal use.

To resolve this issue, many proactive employers will involve employees in buying the kit. This gives the user the opportunity to test out the eyewear and to provide feedback before a final decision is made. Workers should also provide feedback once the eyewear has been bought and if they have any issues. Two important points that influence user buy-in are comfort and style. Any eyewear needs to provide maximum comfort as this is a significant factor in determining worker acceptance and uptake. Remember, the construction worker needs to wear the eyewear over the course of an entire day, in what can be tough, uncomfortable environments. Style also needs to be taken into account because workers are more likely to wear something that looks good.

Is it compatible with other PPE?

On a building site, construction workers will also be required to wear other PPE such as hard hats, hearing protection and gloves. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the PPE is compatible and the use of one item does not negate the use or performance of another. The interoperability of the PPE is therefore an essential consideration and the best eyewear will be designed with this in mind.

It is crucial to ensure that the PPE is compatible and the use of one item does not negate the use or performance of another

Another important consideration is a demographic one. Like other European countries, the UK has an ageing workforce and research reveals that most over 40-year-olds wear spectacles all or part of the time. Some workers choose to wear their regular prescription glasses in place of protective eyewear. This does not protect them as regular prescription glasses do not provide the right level of safety and protection required. Others choose to wear their regular prescription glasses under protective googles. However, this can be uncomfortable and at worst can impair overall vision, which compromises their safety. PPE manufacturers like Honeywell have been working to overcome this challenge, introducing prescription safety eyewear, which combines a corrective lens with a safety frame. This tailored eyewear solution provides vision correction while also keeping the workers safe.

Training & supervision

Training and supervision are also important considerations. While safety eyewear may not be as complicated as respiratory or fall protection, employers should still provide information on how the eyewear works, particularly if they are adjustable spectacles. Adjustable spectacles allow workers to reduce the space between the face and the eyewear and as such reduce the risk of objects or liquids getting into the worker’s eyes. They also need to supervise construction workers on-site and make sure they are wearing the eye protection and remind them if they are not. Hanging posters in common areas like the changing rooms or regular safety briefings can help to alert workers to the potential risks.

Finally, workers need to undertake regular checks to make sure that the eyewear is still usable and if necessary they should replace the eyewear with a new one in order to ensure a good level of protection and safety. Eye protection may not seem like an important priority on a busy construction site compared to other risks but the consequences of failing to take action can literally change lives.

www.hse.gov.uk

www.honeywellsafety.com 

Stone wool insulation: Where there’s a wool, there’s a way

Roger Bisby
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0
Stone wool insulation: Where there’s a wool, there’s a way

As those in the insulation manufacturing process know, not all mineral wool insulation is the same. For builders, however, it’s sometimes difficult to understand where the distinctions lie, what benefits there might be and how the insulation choices they make can impact upon a project or application. Paul Barrett, Product Manager at Rocwool looks at where stone wool insulation began and how it evolves into thermal, sound and fire safe insulation that’s capable of long-lasting performance in a wide variety of applications.

History
It sounds improbable, but the raw ingredient for stone wool insulation is a 200 million year old rock. Basalt is actually a base rock from when the Northern Hemisphere was first laid down.

Around the Pacific Rim and Hawaii, in particular, volcanic activity produces violent eruptions of dust pumice and strands of a material which the locals refer to as Queen Peles hair. It is formed as the molten lava falls through a cold air draft. These strands are nature’s version of what we now recognise today as stone wool.

It was around 1900 that scientists started to look more closely at the material as a potential insulant for a range of applications. The clever part was in creating their own mini volcano in factory conditions, to produce the wool in commercially viable quantities.

Production
The production process for stone wool is a technological replica of the inside of a volcano, with the molten lava then cooled and spun in a controlled environment.

The process begins with the base rock being graded and crushed along with other carefully selected ingredients, such as, recycled stone wool to form a raw material. This charge, as it is known, is then melted in a cupola furnace at a temperature in excess of 1500°C. As the liquid rock pours from the furnace, nature’s process is recreated. Lava flow is directed into a chamber where it is spun and transformed into rock strands and stone wool.

The spun strands are then mixed with a binder. Trillions of these strands are collected to form a primary fleece which is compressed and then cured. Cut to various lengths and thicknesses it is then prepared and packaged to form an extensive range of products for a wide variety of applications.

Benefits
Not only is stone wool a naturally renewable and sustainable material, it also boasts a unique combination of benefits. It absorbs sound, provides a barrier to fire and retains warmth.

1 – Sound
Superior Acoustics
Stone wool insulation is renowned for its excellent acoustic properties. With its dense, non-directional fibre structure, it effectively traps sound waves and dampens vibration to provide an enhanced noise reducing solution.

Fully tested to meet the rigorous demands of today’s legislation, stone wool insulation is proven to reduce ambient, impact and reverberation noise.

2 – Thermal
Reliable thermal performance
Stone wool insulation also delivers on thermal performance. Its insulating properties derive from tiny pockets of air trapped within the physical structure of the stone wool.

As well as reducing the heat needed to keep buildings warm in winter, stone wool insulation also maintains a cool interior temperature in summer. It’s energy efficient as well as being environmentally friendly all year round.

Stone wool insulation is not just for new builds. An effective way to improve the thermal performance of existing buildings is to add insulated external render systems. This causes minimal disruption to occupants and can contribute to the reduction of fuel bills year after year.

3 – Fire
Fire Safe Solutions
Created using the same process that occurs at the heart of a volcano, stone wool tolerates temperatures of up to 1000°C and does not burn.

In the event of a fire, stone wool products are designed to remain stable and slow the spread of flames. The products are fire-safe and help to protect the building’s load-bearing structure, buying valuable time for occupants to safely escape and also help to protect the building’s load-bearing structure, thereby protecting lives and investment.

We’d suggest that contractors look for stone wool insulation products that have been awarded the highest possible European classification: A1 non-combustible.

Flat roofing
From volcanic rock to high performance building insulation, rock has been re-engineered for a fast, easy and perfect fit. As part of the Hardrock Multi Fix range, the Rockwool Hardrock Multi-Fix Overlay Board has been specifically developed for use on flat roof refurbishment projects.

A comprehensive sound, thermal and fire safe solution, the Overlay Board acts as an ideal base layer to install new waterproofing membranes. It simplifies flat roof repair jobs, lowers material costs, is easily cut and simple to fit.  Ideal for both domestic and commercial projects, it is compatible with all commonly used flat roof membranes, including Single-Ply and EPDM, Bitumen membranes, GRP and  other cold applied liquid membrane systems.

Summary
When you understand the origins of the material and its physical characteristics it’s clear that, for contractors, stone wool should be the first choice for building insulation. Rockwool is easy to build to your clients’ requirements for practical, durable and highly effective thermal, acoustic and fire insulation.

View “The Rockwool Origins” video to discover why its origins in natural stone make Rockwool the insulation material of choice for your building project. To watch the video, visit www.rockwool.co.uk or search ‘Rockwool Origins’ in YouTube.

Bosch launches two new 18v rotary hammers

Roger Bisby
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0
Bosch launches two new 18v rotary hammers

The GBH 18V-26 Professional and GBH 18V-26 F Professional are the latest additions to the Bosch range of 18v rotary hammers with EC motors.

Both generate an impact energy of 2.6 joules – 50 percent more than the current strongest 18 volt rotary hammer. This makes them comparable with corded tools such as the GBH 2-26 Professional. This is where the EC motor steps in. It is highly efficient and maintenance-free. The user can choose between the model with fixed chuck and the model with changeable chuck (F), which is also supplied with a keyless chuck for round shank drill bits.

Precision and control

To allow installers to stay in complete control even when carrying out work on hard materials – when drilling into reinforced concrete, for example – Bosch has equipped the GBH 18V-26 Professional and the GBH 18V-26 F Professional with KickBack Control. If the rotary hammer turns suddenly or unpredictably on its drill axis, as can occur if the drill becomes jammed in reinforced concrete, the integrated sensor shuts off the motor in a fraction of a second. This prevents unexpected kickback of the tool and, therefore, can reduce the risk of injury. The integrated Electronic Precision Control (EPC) feature supports tradespeople when drilling into delicate materials such as tiles.

If the EPC function is activated, the maximum power of the rotary hammer is limited to 70 percent with slower run-up. It enables tradespeople to work in impact mode from the very start of their task by omitting one work step. The bit is prevented from slipping off when the user starts to drill, and precise results can be achieved quickly and easily.

Ergonomics and low vibrations

When developing the new generation of 18 volt rotary hammers, Bosch also redesigned the shape of the tools and optimized them for ergonomic work. The handle is now in line with the drill axis on both tools. This L shape reduces the effort and fatigue involved in working with the tool. In addition, both rotary hammers feature efficient vibration damping. A damping element uncouples the main handle from the hammer drive, reducing vibrations actively.

Integrated dust extraction

To enable tradespeople to work in building stock in a dust-free environment for example when retrofitting light fittings – Bosch is offering the new 18 volt rotary hammers with active integrated dust extractor for the first time: The GDE 18V-16 Professional can simply be attached to the rotary hammer when required. It has its own motor which is also supplied with power by the rotary hammer battery. To allow drilling to be carried out easily and cleanly using dust extraction, the dust extractor has an automatic power on/off function. It automatically starts at the same time as the rotary hammer. However, to ensure optimal dust extrac- tion, it continues to function for two seconds after the drilling operation is ended. The integrated HEPA filter also provides reliable dust protection and, like the dust container, can be cleaned and emptied in just a few easy movements.

Further features of the 18 volt rotary hammers include an LED light on the housing which illuminates the working area, as well as a powerful 6.0 Ah battery. With its accompanying GAL 1880 CV Professional quick charger, the battery is fully charged in just 50 minutes – 30 percent faster than the previous model. The new generation of 18 volt rotary hammers is part of the Flexible Power system and is therefore compatible with Bosch’s entire professional 18 volt system.

The 18 volt GBH 18V-26 Professional and GBH 18V-26 F Professional rotary hammers will be available in various scopes of delivery from specialist retail outlets from January 2017. The GDE 18V-16 Professional dust extraction system will be available from May 2017. Subject to change.

www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/

All wrapped up: Snickers winter workwear

Roger Bisby
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0
All wrapped up: Snickers winter workwear

Roger Bisby takes a look at some ideas from Snickers to make your winter working happier.

Hi Tech fabrics have undeniable advantages and I am very happy to wear them but there is something reassuring about a natural wool sweater. It is probably the only fabric that stays warm even when it is wet which is very handy for all those sheep stuck out on the hill side in mid-winter.

Wool is also highly breathable so (let’s get back to humans) the moisture can be absorbed and evaporated out.

If you combine this sweater with a 37.5 technology first layer and then maybe top it off with a Snickers Gortex jacket there isn’t going to be much in the way of cold or wet that you can’t take on.

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The sleeves have those funny thumb holes to make sure they stay tucked down inside your gloves so there is no cold wrist. There are also Polyamide reinforced elbow and lower arm patches.

I really like this jumper, especially the way it zips up to make a high neck collar. You could almost hibernate in there and come back out in the spring. In fact there was a call recently from one of the unions to stop work on sites when the temperature drops much below freezing, I applaud their caring approach to their members but there are bills to pay and most building workers I know would rather soldier on than sit indoors waiting for the temperature to lift. If on the other hand they wanted to pay us a few extra quid as a cold weather bonus that would be very welcome, thank you.

snickers-winter_5392

And if you are going to work a pair of nice warm Snickers socks will keep your feet nice and warm.

Happy feet, happy head as Confucius used to say and a pair of good quality socks is a small investment to make especially when you consider the engineering (no other word for it) that has gone into their socks.

Cordura reinforced panels around the heal and toe, stretch fit, and air panels for ventilation. Confucius didn’t think of that; it was a Swedish design. Volvo, Abba and Snickers, not a bad contribution to civilisation.

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk

Dickies crowns UK worker of the year

Roger Bisby
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0
Dickies crowns UK worker of the year

Kevin Skeith, 39, a flooring specialist from Sleaford, has been crowned UK Worker of the Year 2016, winning a Honda Crosstourer 1200cc motorbike and a year’s free shopping at ASDA.

Kevin attended Brands Hatch over the weekend, along with five other finalists, all vying to become UK Worker of the Year, a competition run by  workwear brand Dickies, in association with Honda and ASDA.

An overwhelmed and shocked Kevin commented: “It still has not sunk in that I have won the UK Worker of the Year competition, I genuinely love my job and have been a self employed flooring specialist for the last 18 years. I take great pride in what I do and I get tremendous satisfaction from it every day.

“I am a massive British Superbike fan and I am delighted to win the motorbike and I am looking forward to taking it for a spin. I would like to thank Dickies for organising such a fantastic competition.”

Kevin a father of two, sources, orders and fits all the flooring used, he also provides all quotes and estimates, devises marketing and advertising plans and maintains the tools that are crucial to his job.

He has a built up a strong reputation over the years and he gains his work through social media and word of mouth.

Rob Haines, sales director at Dickies said: “Sitting on this year’s judging panel was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. All six finalists were incredibly deserving of their position in this year’s final, but it was Kevin’s passion and dedication to his job that made him stand out to me.”

Kevin had the opportunity to choose a luxury holiday or from a choice of several Honda vehicles, including a Jazz car, motorbike, rib boat, as well as a years shopping from ASDA. The chance to win a potentially life changing £250,000 should they correctly predict the outcome of the top six rider positions in the weekend MCE British Superbike race was missed.

This year’s £2,000 in holiday vouchers runner up prize went to electrician Christine Vaghela with electronics engineer Paul Harris scooping £1,000 in holiday vouchers after finishing third.

www.dickieslife.com

New custom Transits revealed

Roger Bisby
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0
New custom Transits revealed

Ford has revealed exclusive new variants of the Transit Custom one-tonne commercial vehicle.

The new Transit Custom Colour Edition van offers four colour schemes that feature contrasting roof, mirror caps, skid plate and side stripes, along with unique black 17‑inch alloy wheels.

The Transit Custom Sport series van with its signature twin bonnet stripes is also now available in a much wider choice of bodystyles. Sport series customers can now select van and double-cab-in-van models in both short and long wheelbase versions; in addition, the latest Tourneo Custom people mover can be specified with the same Sport package.

The demand for sporting and distinctive Transit models has continued to build since the original Sport Van was introduced by Ford in 2007. During the first 10 months of 2016, sales of the current Transit Custom Sport are up by 52 per cent in the UK compared to the same period the previous year.

New Colour Edition – bold contrasts, sports style

Available for delivery in spring 2017, the Transit Custom Colour Edition provides van customers with an exclusive new appearance option with just 400 units available in the UK.

Inspired by the bold contrasting colours of Ford’s successful passenger cars like the Fiesta and Focus Red and Black Editions, the new model can be specified in Race Red, Deep Impact Blue and Frozen White with Jet Black contrasts, and Shadow Black with Race Red contrasts.

All Transit Custom Colour Edition vehicles have a short-wheelbase, standard roof van bodystyle, and are based on the 290 Trend series model featuring the powerful all-new 170PS 2.0-litre Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with 6-speed manual transmission, with the enhanced chassis settings from the Sport series van.

29445797-6c49-4c06-91b4-309fec0802a3-1

Transit Custom Sport series with expanded appeal

Responding to customer demand for a wider choice of body and seating options, the Transit Custom Sport series is now available in six different variants.

As before, the Sport series features a muscular body kit and a fully colour-coded exterior, with body-colour bumpers, side mirrors and door handles, along with body-side mouldings and wheelarch extensions that have been redesigned for the latest model. The bold appearance is finished off with new 17-inch alloy wheels in a two-tone silver and black design – with optional silver 18-inch alloy wheels – and twin bonnet stripes in a contrasting colour.

The sporting style also features partial leather interior trim combining Pewter seat fabric with charcoal black leather bolsters, including second or third seat rows where fitted, and the latest interior technologies such as the Ford SYNC connectivity package.

The standard powertrain combines the 170PS Ford EcoBlue diesel engine with a 6-speed manual, but customers can also specify the new 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option on three of the Sport series variants.

All Sport models are based on the 290 series Transit Custom, with driving dynamics further optimised with a unique chassis specification delivering enhanced steering, handling and ride, and a more responsive and agile feel.

Compared to a standard vehicle, roll control is improved by a thicker front anti-roll bar and the addition of a rear anti-roll bar. On the van model, this is combined with softer rear springs for increased comfort when lightly laden, along with unique damper tuning, with firmer settings on the rear, for enhanced ride and steering control. Double-cab-in-van models have different spring and damper settings optimised for both handling and rear passenger comfort.

The expanded Transit Custom Sport series is available to order at the end of the year for customer delivery in spring 2017.

www.ford.co.uk/CommercialVehicles

 

 

Ironmongery Direct launches bespoke graduate scheme

Roger Bisby
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0
Ironmongery Direct launches bespoke graduate scheme

IronmongeryDirect, the online and mail order supplier of ironmongery products, is on the hunt for graduates to join its Graduate Management Scheme, as expansion across the business continues.

As part of the bespoke programme, graduates will spend time working across all departments within the company, helping to develop their leadership skills and business expertise in a range of areas, such as product management, operations, sales, marketing, ecommerce, IT, and finance and HR.

Designed to shape future leaders within the business, the year-and-a-half long placement will provide talented young people with personalised leadership and technical training, giving them the skills needed to kick-start their careers straight after leaving university.

During the training, new recruits will be teamed up with a mentor, a line manager and a buddy who will all help guide, support and challenge them throughout the programme. After completing the course, graduates will also be in with a greater chance of securing a permanent leadership role within the firm.

To support the search for talented individuals, IronmongeryDirect has also created a dedicated careers website, making it easier for candidates to see the roles available and then submit their applications.

Dimitra Koutsochera, who completed the course and is now a supply chain and inventory planning manager at the company, believes her time on the Graduate Management Scheme has been incremental in helping her to achieve her career goals. She said: “During my time on the Graduate Management Scheme I learnt a great deal – not just when it came to improving my skills and business knowledge, but also in terms of my personal development and people management skills. I was able to gain a better understanding of my own talents and interests, which helped me to follow a career path that was personal and right for me.

“By completing the course, I have been fast-tracked into a successful and rewarding role and have been given some amazing opportunities to progress my career – opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had. I would definitely recommend the programme to anyone looking to take that first step along their career journey.”

Wayne Lysaght-Mason, managing director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “For many graduates leaving university, it can be tough to land the first job that will see them on their way to a successful career. It’s particularly difficult finding opportunities that will allow them to progress up the ranks quickly, with many having to start from the very bottom.

“We have created our bespoke Graduate Management Scheme to make this process easier for those driven, hardworking individuals who are looking to find the right career path for them. We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and creative young people who can become future leaders and help us drive forward our continued success.”

www.IronmongeryDirect.co.uk

Milwaukee redsticks review

Dylan Garton
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0
Milwaukee redsticks review

Roger Bisby tries out a few Milwaukee redsticks for size and accuracy.

Milwaukee is continuing its journey into the wonderful world of hand tools with the introduction of a range of Redstick spirit levels. On paper they seem to tick all the boxes but it is early days so we will have to see how they stand up to life out on the test sites where they will be spending the next few months of their lives.

The Lifetime Accuracy Warranty is certainly a sign that they should do well and there is a Limited Lifetime Warranty which basically allows for normal use rather than using them for jobs a level is not designed to do. No company is going to give you that kind of guarantee unless they are sure that their product is up to the job.

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These levels have rare earth magnets in them which are ridiculously strong. This is both good and bad. All too often I plonk down the level on something and then discover that one end has picked up a stray nail or screw. There are also times when it will catch the trowel as you are laying on a brick wall and that is off putting. What would be nice is a magnet you could remove when you don’t need that feature.

The rigid box construction with an all metal back-bone and milled edge should help the level stay straight and true provided you don’t use it as a lever. Who would do that to a precision instrument? Well there are people. The high-visibility vial has a best-in-class rating.

Like many levels these days there is shock absorbency built in the end bumpers and the extra wide grips allow them to be used with gloves. The levels come in a full range of the usual popular sizes and a few less popular ones.

www.milwaukeetool.com

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