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Electrician fined after apprentice left with life changing injuries

Roger Bisby
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Electrician fined after apprentice left with life changing injuries

A Birmingham electrician has been ordered to carry out unpaid work in the community after his trainee fell three and a half metres through a plasterboard ceiling.

Birmingham Magistrates’ Court heard that the apprentice electrician, Soheil Afrapour, spent 23 days in hospital after suffering head injuries. He was installing wiring above the false ceiling for Mr Soheil Alipour.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found there was no proper planning for work at height and Alipour did not fulfil his duty of care.

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Soheil Alipour of Selly Oak, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching Work at Height Regulations 9(2) 2005, was given 120 hours unpaid Community work and ordered to pay full costs of £1152.24.

HSE Inspector Gareth Langston said: “It’s important that employers put the safety of their workers, especially young inexperienced apprentices, at the forefront of their plans and consider precautions when working at height. This incident could have been prevented if there was proper planning in place using boards above or scaffolding below.”

www.hse.gov.uk

Maxtop launches challenge to find UK’s top tosser

Dylan Garton
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Maxtop launches challenge to find UK’s top tosser

Kitchen and bathroom surface specialist, Maxtop Quartz, is on the hunt for the UK’s top (tea break) tosser with the launch of a new paper-toss style game, which it launched to its 7,000 plus social community on the 3rd April.

Created with installers in mind and designed to be played on a smartphone, tablet or computer during a tea or lunch break, players have just 60 seconds to get as many tea bags as possible into the three mugs presented. Bonus points are available for anyone who manages to get the tea bag into the Maxtop branded mug.

Stephen Moss, managing director of Maxtop Quartz Ltd, said: “Fitting out a kitchen or bathroom can be a long and tiring job and one that requires regular breaks, so we really wanted to develop a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by all in these precious moments.”

To celebrate the launch of the game, the company is offering an £80 Amazon voucher and Maxtop merchandise to April’s top scorer, with monthly prizes up for grabs for the remainder of the year.

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Stephen added: “With just 60 seconds on the clock, the game is quite a challenge and will be sure to bring out the competitive nature in even the most laid-back of characters!”

The game features Maxtop’s Black Onyx Sparkle surface which boasts a patented interior honeycomb structure, offering the aesthetic benefits of a solid stone surface, with the advantage of a deeper 40mm profile.

The worktops, which are available in a further nine finishes, also benefit from engineered enhancements, delivering a lightweight product which is both stronger than traditional stone and easier to install.

Stephen concluded: “We are certain the game will be enjoyed by our social community and encourage anyone with a spare minute or two to have a go!”

Play tea break tossers now to see if you’ll be crowned the UK’s top tosser and stay up to date with the leader board by following Maxtop on Twitter and liking it on Facebook.

www.maxtopquartz.co.uk

Real Deals for You: Big Wipes review

Dylan Garton
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0
Real Deals for You: Big Wipes review

In this series of videos Skill Builder is taking a look at a selection of products from Real Deals for You, the consumer campaign which provides big brand tools at competitive prices through local independent retailers.

Real Deals for You is a year-round campaign run by one of Europe’s leading hand and power tool distributors, Toolbank, and created to support a network of participating retail outlets and trade merchants across the UK and Ireland.

Over 2,000 stockists throughout the UK and Ireland feature the Real Deals for You promotion, which is designed to provide significant savings on leading brand products while helping to support local trade. 

In the sixth and final instalment of this series Roger Bisby takes a look at the Big Wipes range.

www.realdealsforyou.com

Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless 22v Hammer Drill Driver review

Roger Bisby
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Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless 22v Hammer Drill Driver review

Roger talks to Phil Read about the Hilti SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver in the build-up to next week’s test.

With the new SF 6H-A22 Cordless hammer drill driver, Hilti says you can finish your applications fast, in comfort and with complete confidence.

The newest addition to the 22 V battery platform combines a powerful motor and gearing with the latest technology from Hilti.

An electronic clutch delivers the powerful performance you want, while Active Torque Control (ATC) offers the improved safety you need. Advanced sensors and a motor brake built into the tool prevent kickback by stopping the motor almost instantly – so you no longer need to hold on for dear life.

www.hilti.co.uk

 

Mira addition allows you to control your shower from your phone

Dylan Garton
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Mira addition allows you to control your shower from your phone

Mira Showers has enhanced its range of digital showers with the introduction of Mira Mode: a high aesthetic, accessibly-priced mixer that offers users the added convenience of app control from smartphones.

Screen Shot 2017 04 07 at 08.05.33

Mira Mode is said to respond to a growing consumer demand for technologically advanced home appliances that are also simple and intuitive to use; while meeting the needs of a demographic that increasingly requires multi-generational bathroom installations. As the ‘Smart Home’ concept takes hold, insights into consumer attitudes towards technology purchases suggest that digital could rise to up 59% of shower installations in time.

The Bluetooth app allows on/off operation, while enabling the user to programme maximum temperatures and shower duration. Additional features include switching the shower on via the app to warm-up, remote control set up and up to 10 personalised bath-fill settings (with the appropriate Mode variant).

As the ‘Smart Home’ concept takes hold, insights into consumer attitudes towards technology purchases suggest that digital could rise to up 59% of shower installations in time.

For the commissioning installer, the app allows for straightforward set up, maximum temperature setting and easy troubleshooting. A crucial benefit is the ability to configure feeds and outlets with the app. This means pipework can be installed as convenient or obviates the need for awkward additional work – such as passovers – when trying to align with existing pipework; as outlets can be nominated subsequently through the app.

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The Mira Mode wall-mounted main and remote controls are clean, contemporary devices that provide on, off or outlet selection at the touch of a button. Twelve Mode product options are offered with either ceiling or rear fed fittings available, and a choice of valves – a high pressure valve for mains pressurised systems or combination boilers or a pumped valve for low pressure or gravity fed systems – to choose from. Eight valve-only options are also available.

Outlet options include a single outlet shower; a dual outlet with a 200mm drench head and handset that can be used together or independently; a shower and bath fill option (rear-fed, single shower outlet only) and a solus bath-fill.

Installation is swift and simple. Connection between the controller and valve unit is by low-voltage data cable – typical for these kind of applications – and such is the flexibility of Mode that the valve can be sited somewhere discrete be it in the loft, under a bath or other convenient location up to 10 metres from the controller.

The launch of the Mira Mode provides upselling opportunities, flexibility and ease of installation to the trade

It comes complete with an elegant fittings kit, which includes the new 130mm Mira Switch handshower and a friction clamp bracket that can be operated single-handedly. Mira Switch enables users to choose between four unique spray modes by simply pressing a button at the base of the showerhead. Single-hand clamp bracket operation benefits elderly or vulnerable users with grip or balance issues; and is considered ‘inclusive’ by occupational therapists.

The launch of the Mira Mode is said to improve choice, convenience and control for the consumer; while providing upselling opportunities, flexibility and ease of installation to the trade.

www.mirashowers.co.uk

Two construction companies fined after worker suffers severe electric shock

Dylan Garton
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Two construction companies fined after worker suffers severe electric shock

BAM Construction Limited and Shoreland Projects Limited have been fined after a man suffered multiple life changing injuries including severe burns to his neck.

Winchester Crown Court heard how BAM Construction had been appointed by Network Rail to construct a new railway operating centre in Basingstoke. BAM later appointed Shoreland Projects Ltd as the groundworks contractor for this project.

On 26 January 2015, when work began to install lampposts on the site entrance road, the fifth lamp post touched the 11kV overhead power lines when it was being lifted into position by an excavator, causing Mark Bradley to suffer his injuries. A colleague rushed to Mark’s aid, using a piece of timber to push him away from the lamp column.

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An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a failure to properly identify the presence of the overhead power lines and appropriately plan this work activity.  No suitable control measures were in place to prevent contact with the overhead power lines.  A number of workers were put at risk, including Mr Bradley.

BAM Construction Limited, of Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The company has been fined £260,000 and ordered to pay costs of £9415.13.

Shoreland Projects Limited of Woodhouse Lane, Botley also pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 14 of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, has been fined £22,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8442.53.

Speaking after the case HSE inspector William Christie said: “While this entirely preventable incident has had a permanent and very substantial effect on Mark’s life, his very serious injuries could have been even worse had it not been for the quick thinking of his colleague.

“This case highlights the importance for all work to be planned properly by all duty holders. Overhead power lines pose a significant threat to the safety of workers.  Construction work in the vicinity of live conductors must be properly planned, managed and monitored to ensure the risks are controlled.”

For further information please visit www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/overhead.htm

Yes, yes, yes! Clever cot simulates car journeys

Dylan Garton
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0
Yes, yes, yes! Clever cot simulates car journeys

Not strictly a trade product but given that we love any products that can make you more productive we had to share this for any builders with babies out there. 

For many new parents, there is only one guaranteed solution to putting their baby down at the end of the day – a night-time drive that soothes, calms and eventually helps little one nod off.

But that still means a disrupted night for mum or dad, who research shows can typically expect little more than five hours sleep a night while losing the equivalent of 44 days sleep in just the first year of their child’s life. Help, however, could soon be at hand.

Ford has developed a cot that could simulate – in the comfort of your own home – the motion, engine noise, and even the street lighting of those night‑time drives.

Ford has developed a cot that could simulate – in the comfort of your own home – the motion, engine noise, and even the street lighting of those night‑time drives. To all appearances a regular cot, the Max Motor Dreams, comes to life using a smartphone app. This enables it to record and then reproduce the comforting movement, lights and sounds of a particular journey.

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“After many years of talking to mums and dads, we know that parents of newborns are often desperate for just one good night’s sleep. But while a quick drive in the family car can work wonders in getting baby off to sleep, the poor old parents still have to be awake and alert at the wheel,” said Max Motor Dreams designer Alejandro López Bravo, of Spanish creative studio Espada y Santa Cruz, which produced the award-winning design. “The Max Motor Dreams could make the everyday lives of a lot of people a little bit better.”

For now, the Max Motor Dreams is a one-off pilot. But following numerous enquiries, the company is considering putting the unique cot into full‑scale production.

Style a deciding factor when choosing a hard hat

Dylan Garton
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0
Style a deciding factor when choosing a hard hat

Research from Centurion, the above-the-neck PPE specialist, has  revealed that style is the fourth major trigger for customers changing a helmet or brand, after cost, comfort, and change in company policy requirements.

Renowned for its head protection systems, the global company conducted a survey of 250 wearers across UK organisations to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by the changing landscape.

The research revealed that 11% of people said style is a key contributor when changing a helmet – a factor more significant to workers than the design, quality and specific brand of a helmet.

The research revealed that 11% of people said style is a key contributor when changing a helmet – a factor more significant to workers than the design, quality and specific brand of a helmet.

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As a result of the research, Centurion has started developing new products, bringing in style as a core focus including its latest Safety Helmet range, Nexus. Bridging the gap between stylish recreational helmets and the standard industrial safety helmets of today, the Nexus range consists of the CORE, (a base, general purpose safety helmet), LINESMAN, complete with a four-point harness for added security, and the HEIGHTMASTER, a working at height helmet.

Stylish features include an ABS shell that provides a favourable strength-to weight ratio, with optional accessories including integrated eyewear and high-intensity reflective stickers available in six colours.

Andrew Gordon, Marketing Director at Centurion, said: “At a time of rapid change for our customers, we believe Centurion’s above the neck expertise and specialism is more important than ever, and carrying out this research has allowed us to further understand the needs of the market and more importantly, our customers.

The industry is changing and it’s evident that workers are becoming more conscious of how they look. Rewind 20 years, and this wouldn’t have been the case but now poor looks is one of the top reasons for non-compliance in wearing PPE

“The industry is changing and it’s evident that workers are becoming more conscious of how they look. Rewind 20 years, and this wouldn’t have been the case but now poor looks is one of the top reasons for non-compliance in wearing PPE.

“Being safe never looked so good and our ambition is to continue creating products that are safe, innovative and stylish – something which our Nexus range epitomises perfectly.”

www.centurionsafety.eu

Baxi Joins Carbon Connect to Help Shape Future of National Heating Strategy

Roger Bisby
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Baxi Joins Carbon Connect to Help Shape Future of National Heating Strategy

Boiler manufacturer Baxi has joined Carbon Connect, an independent, cross-party forum that aims to inform and guide the transition to a low carbon future underpinned by sustainable energy.

Together with its members and a variety of sector experts, Carbon Connect analyses the opportunities and challenges presented by moves to a low carbon future, and provides a platform for discussion between industry, academia and policymakers.

It has built up a portfolio of parliamentary roundtables and conferences, detailed policy briefings, research and highly respected reports by drawing on the expertise of Carbon Connect members, which include manufacturers, low carbon industries and chartered professional bodies.

It also works with politicians, civil servants, business leaders and academic experts.

As a member, Baxi will be actively taking part in a programme of events and meetings in Parliament, and supporting and contributing to policy research.

Jeff House, regulatory marketing manager at Baxi, said: “Through our continued activity in this area, Baxi is helping shape the future of heating, and we continually work with industry colleagues to help implement and improve associated policy.

Joining Carbon Connect will put Baxi at the forefront of important discussions that affect the heating industry, and will enable us to contribute further to the debate.

“Carbon Connect is currently undertaking a cross-party research project to investigate the opportunities offered by low carbon gas and how policy can support it.

In particular, it is investigating how low carbon gas can contribute to heat decarbonisation and help the UK to meet 2050 emission targets.

“The project will examine issues related to the gas distribution network and local storage, the production and bulk storage of low carbon gas, consumer challenges and the development of compatible appliances.

As a leading gas boiler manufacturer that has been in business for over 150 years, it is essential for us to be part of these discussions, and we are proud to support research like this.”

www.baxi.co.uk

Real Deals for You: Rapid Hammer Tacker review

Roger Bisby
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Real Deals for You: Rapid Hammer Tacker review

In this series of videos Skill Builder is taking a look at a selection of products from Real Deals for You, the consumer campaign which provides big brand tools at competitive prices through local independent retailers.

Real Deals for You is a year-round campaign run by one of Europe’s leading hand and power tool distributors, Toolbank, and created to support a network of participating retail outlets and trade merchants across the UK and Ireland.

Over 2,000 stockists throughout the UK and Ireland feature the Real Deals for You promotion, which is designed to provide significant savings on leading brand products while helping to support local trade. 

In the fifth installment of the series Roger Bisby takes a look at the Rapid PRO R311 Quick-load Hammer Tacker.

www.realdealsforyou.com

Fine for two companies following asbestos investigation in Surrey

Roger Bisby
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Fine for two companies following asbestos investigation in Surrey

Two companies have been fined after unsafe asbestos work was carried out on a property in Leatherhead, Surrey.

Milwaukee M18 CHPX Drill – Vibration issue discussed

Roger Bisby
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Milwaukee M18 CHPX Drill – Vibration issue discussed

Continuing our series from Milwaukee Heavy Duty Fest held in Berlin. Roger chats with Milwaukee’s Kom Shepherd and hears a different take on the problem of limiting exposure to vibration.

Get the job done quickly so you reduce your exposure.

Featuring the Milwaukee M18 CHPX SDS PLUS Hammer Drill.

Hardest hitting cordless SDS hammer in its class. Powerful hammer mechanism delivers 4.0 J (EPTA) of impact energy at low 8.6 m/s² vibrations thanks to the new dual rail anti-vibration system.

REDLITHIUM-ION™ battery pack delivers up to 2.5x more run time, up to 20% more power, up to 2x more battery life and operates better down to -20°C than other lithium-ion technologies.

uk.milwaukeetool.eu

Atlas Bolts review

Roger Bisby
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Atlas Bolts review

Roger Bisby says Atlas Bolts are opening up a whole new world of fixings.

I have written several times on the dangers of using cheap fixings. All too often unbranded bargain screws and bolts lack adequate corrosion protection and are also made from inferior steel.

Atlas Bolts have been producing fixings since 1896 and are used in many of America’s skyscrapers so they better be good.

There are plenty of good quality fixings out there and the price difference is not the deal breaker that people might imagine it to be. Ohio based Atlas Bolts (distributed in the U.K by Samac) is a brand of world renown. They have been producing fixings since 1896 and are used in many of America’s skyscrapers so they better be good.

 

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Atlas self-tapping boron steel bolts come in all popular sizes with a choice of torx or hexagon. Self tapping masonry fixings are now commonplace but it is not commonly appreciated that as well as working in brick and concrete these fixings are also suitable for timber, slate, natural stone and even marble. This means you can provide a threaded fixing through the timber into the substrate so the whole fixing acts as one. These fixings are now favoured by window fitters because the fixing is often close to the edge of the bring. They also don’t suffer from the line up problems you get with a screw and plug. If you use a multi-construction drill bit you can go straight through the frame into the masonry in one hit and not have to knock plugs through the frame.

The self tapping thread produces a secure fixing without placing any expansion stress (bulb pressure) on the material and the load is distributed deeper into the material than an expanding plug.

This means they can be used a lot closer to the edge than tapered fixings or wall plugs. The fact that these are resin free fixings means that you can use one at a time and keep a few on the van for all the times when a screw won’t do.

The pilot holes size is indicated on the side of the pack and you should drill very slightly deeper than the length of the bolt.

We took a closer look at the Atlas Bolts in this recent video:

Scott Safety Launches AVIVA Half Mask

Dylan Garton
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0
Scott Safety Launches AVIVA Half Mask

Wearer comfort is a key feature of the latest half mask from Scott Safety, the designer and manufacturer of respirators and personal protective equipment. 

The AVIVA half mask, which is silicone-free but designed with silicone-like comfort, offers a reflex seal which allows the wearer added movement and flexibility, and a positive fit check button is built into the device which is said to guarantee a secure fit of the half mask.

The half mask’s low-profile head harness is said to offer greater stability and compatibility with safety helmets and eye protection.

Enhanced voice intelligibility enables the wearer to be clearly heard by those around, ensuring clear lines of communication.

The AVIVA half mask is available for use with a wide range of filters, permitting use of the device in a variety of applications and industrial situations, including asbestos removal.

Last year, around 33,000 workers suffered breathing or lung problems thought to be caused or made worse by their working environments.

One of the industry’s biggest issues is badly fitted, uncomfortable equipment, discouraging workers to use their kit correctly.

Scott Safety is helping to eradicate this problem with the introduction of this easy-to-use mask that provides complete respiratory protection, low breathing resistance and increased comfort and fit.

The AVIVA half mask is available in small, medium and large sizes and a variety of packaging types including Readypak options for specific applications, some of which have the advantage of permitting the user to regularly store the half mask, keeping it clean and correctly formed for optimum fit.

scottsafetyuk.co.uk

Worker Loses Fingers in Unsafe Mixer

Dylan Garton
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Worker Loses Fingers in Unsafe Mixer

Coldmac Limited has been fined after one of its workers suffered life-changing injuries to his hand using an unsafe mixer which required surgical intervention.

Nuneaton Magistrates Court heard how Coldmac Limited had been appointed specialist contractors for a new footway. On 8 April 2015 the worker was using a screwdriver to scrape asphalt residue off the mixer they had been using when the screwdriver slipped causing the worker to catch on the lip of the mixer and causing him to lose middle and index fingers.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the guarding on the mixing machine was below the safety standard required in order for people to safely operate the machinery.

Coldmac Limited of Midland Road, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire pleaded guilty of breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and has been fined £6,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1995.92.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Luke Messenger said: “This case highlights the importance of safety checking equipment and machinery, ensuring that they have the appropriate guarding in place to avoid serious injuries like this.”

SsangYong announces increased towing capacity for Musso pick-up

Roger Bisby
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SsangYong announces increased towing capacity for Musso pick-up

SsangYong has announced an increase in the towing capacity of its Musso one-tonne pick-up to 3,500kg following approval by the VCA – the UK Vehicle Certification Agency responsible for Vehicle Type Approval.

increased towing capacity

Powered by a smooth and refined 2.2 litre Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine, the Musso pick-up is designed to appeal to those who need a competitively priced work truck, the practicality of 4-wheel drive, the towing capability to haul up to 3.5 tonnes yet also the appointments of a family car – it’s ideal for towing a horse box, boat or work trailer.

“This is great news for customers looking for a value for money pick-up and who need to tow a heavy trailer,” says Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK.

“With one of the most powerful engines in its class, a refined automatic gearbox and car like ride – thanks to its multilink rear suspension, Musso sales have really taken off since its launch last autumn”, adds Mr Williams. “Tough and robust with a specification, price and warranty no others can match, the facts clearly position the Musso as the top value truck in the pick-up market.”

The Musso features a newly developed Euro 6 turbo-diesel engine to meet the demand for a more powerful performance and lower CO2 emissions at the same time. Maximum power is 178PS and torque 400Nm, with maximum torque delivered from a low of 1,400rpm and maintained through a wide range up to 2,800rpm for smooth, progressive driving from the start.

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The Musso is fitted with multi-link rear suspension and progressive rear coil springs – the only pick-up at this price to offer such a system – which gives a relaxed and comfortable car-like ride, while also carrying over a tonne weight on its load deck.

There are two models in the range. The SE includes a new-look front grille and dashboard, as well as silver finish 18” alloy wheels and hard wearing ‘leather look’ TPU seat upholstery. It is priced from just £16,395 ex VAT.

The EX is distinguished by black 18” alloy wheels, roof rails, front LED daytime running lights, leather with heated front seats, power operated driver’s seat, automatic air conditioning, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, 7” touchscreen RDS radio with iPod and Bluetooth. The EX with manual transmission is priced at £18,395 ex VAT, and with a six speed Aisin automatic £19,395 ex VAT.

www.ssangyonggb.co.uk 

Bosch GCL 2-15 review

Roger Bisby
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Bosch GCL 2-15 review

Roger Bisby looks at the latest Green Beam laser from Bosch.

It seems that manufacturers spent years getting people to buy red beam laser levels and no sooner had everyone got one than they introduced green beam lasers, brighter clearer, four times the visibility and ten times the price. The price has started to drop  to the point where jobbing builders, plumbers and electricians are giving them serious consideration the question is  ‘should you put your red beam laser on eBay and embrace green beam?’

The price has started to drop  to the point where jobbing builders, plumbers and electricians are giving them serious consideration the question is  ‘should you put your red beam laser on eBay and embrace green beam?’

The  Bosch GCL 2-15 Professional has lots to offer. This is a compact self levelling cross hair laser with the usual functions of vertical and horizontal lines as well as a plumb spot in red for the ceiling and floor. You can lock the horizontal and vertical line to establish a gradient or a pitch. This is perfect for setting out rafters because you can be sure they are all absolutely in line without having to run a string across them. The same goes for setting out a patio. You will of course need a start and finish point as there is no display to tell you the angle you are at.

This is not a rotating laser but it does come with a nice little rotating stand so you can work your way around a kitchen, for example, to establish a datum around the room. There is also a nice little rack and pinion bracket which gives you fine adjustment on the magnetic back. Also in the box is a soft case for holding the laser on your belt and a target.

The sequential switch will turn the laser off without locking the gimble or pendulum which I don’t like because it is all too easy to put the laser in the case with the pendulum still active. If you are aware of this then you may remember to check that the slide is in the locked position but I can’t understand why they have moved away from the idea of the locking switch turning off the power.

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That small niggle aside this is a well thought out instrument, I particularly like the side access panel for the batteries because you can change the batteries without having to remove the level from the tripod.

Having a good strong case to store and carry your laser is very welcome but it surprised me to find that this is not an ‘ I’ case for stacking with your other Bosch tools.

Bosch GCL 2-15 review

Safety footnote
There are  rules governing the use of lasers on building sites but in my experience they are hardly ever followed.  You should put up warning notices and you should set the laser above or below eye level to avoid people staring into the beam accidentally.  Class 2 lasers are considered safe for site use only because the natural reaction is to close your eyes or look away if the beam catches you. So it follows that nobody should ever stare into the beam, it is as damaging as staring into the mid-day sun.

Roofing Companies Fined After Worker Falls Through Skylight

Roger Bisby
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Roofing Companies Fined After Worker Falls Through Skylight

Two roofing companies have been fined after worker falls through skylight nine metres through a skylight onto concrete flooring below.

The man suffered life-changing injuries and required surgery to install metal rods into his back.

Coventry Magistrates Court heard how ACG Roofing Limited had been subcontracted by JDB Industrial Roofing Limited to complete re-cladding work on the fragile roof.

At the time of the fall, on 15 December 2015, no nets or guardrails were being used.

The Mobile Elevating Working Platform which had been provided as an anchor point for the fall arrest equipment did not have enough capacity.

When he fell the injured person did not have his harness attached to anything.

Worker Falls Through Skylight

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that JDB, the principal contractors of the work, failed to have effective management systems in place to control the risk associated with working at height and on fragile roofing.

JDB Industrial Roofing Limited of Brooklands Court, Kettering, Northamptonshire pleaded guilty of breaching Section 13(1) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, has been fined £112,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2216.68.

ACG Roofing Limited of High Street, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire have pleaded guilty of breaching Section 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and have been fined £35,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1721.78.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Edward Fryer said: “This incident could have been fatal; the worker has suffered life-changing injuries due to the company failing to properly plan and supervise work at height.

“This case highlights the importance of proper planning, supervision and implementation of work at height especially on fragile roofing.”

See more on health and safety on Skill Builder.

Extended range of break-back Torque Wrenches

Roger Bisby
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Extended range of break-back Torque Wrenches

Designed to be robust, reliable and easy to use, the new 2R (270 N·m) and 2AR (340 N·m) torque wrenches, featuring a break-back torque signal, are the latest products from Norbar Torque Tools.

The new 2R and 2AR responds to the need for a smaller model of the enduringly popular industrial break-back torque wrenches.

Simple to use, the 2R and 2AR’s design offers a profiled cam and reaction plate, providing a much clearer ‘torque break point’. For the operator, this means that the possibility of over-torqueing has been reduced dramatically in comparison to traditional clicker torque wrenches, optimising performance and precision in any task.

The unmistakable torque signal that the break-back provides, means that the wrench can be safely used in noisy environments where the ‘click’ signal of other wrenches may be missed, such as when changing a tyre on the roadside.  Furthermore, the ‘break’ can not only be seen by the operator, but also by supervisors, meaning they can visually check for correct operation of the wrench from many metres away.

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The 2R and 2AR also feature an improved scale, which is said to be easy to read and set, and is fitted with a protective lens to shield the screen from dust, dirt and spray.

Offering impeccable control, the 2R and 2AR are calibrated to deliver accurate results within +4% of a reading, despite the demanding working conditions expected for the wrenches.

Additional features include the push-through ratchet which is easily replaceable and allows two direction torqueing, and the integral pull-out adjustment bar which means no additional torque setting tools are required.

The 2R and 2AR wrenches also come with a padded fabric shoulder bag, which also holds a set of instructions and a copy of the calibration certificate. This ensures all important documents are kept in one place, and alongside the wrenches.

Real Deals for You: Roughneck tote bag review

Roger Bisby
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0
Real Deals for You: Roughneck tote bag review

In this series of videos Skill Builder is taking a look at a selection of products from Real Deals for You, the consumer campaign which provides big brand tools at competitive prices through local independent retailers.

Real Deals for You is a year-round campaign run by one of Europe’s leading hand and power tool distributors, Toolbank, and created to support a network of participating retail outlets and trade merchants across the UK and Ireland.

Over 2,000 stockists throughout the UK and Ireland feature the Real Deals for You promotion, which is designed to provide significant savings on leading brand products while helping to support local trade. 

In the fourth installment of the series Roger Bisby takes a look at the Roughneck 50cm Wide Mouth Tool Tote Bag.

www.realdealsforyou.com

 

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