Fein was the first to make an oscillating multi tool but since the patent ran out it’s been copied by a number of other manufacturers. However Fein is still innovating and staying ahead of the game.
Roger Bisby takes a look at the Fein MultiTalent, MultiMaster & SuperCut.
Volkswagen Van Centres across the UK have started taking orders for the new Amarok model which is priced from £32,493 (RRP OTR).
Replacing the previous model’s 2.0-litre TDI engine, the new Amarok features a 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine, making it the only six-cylinder model in the segment. The top-of-the-range version of this 3.0-litre V6 delivers 224 PS and 550 Nm of torque channelled through its standard eight-speed automatic gearbox, giving a top speed of 119 mph and a 0 to 62 mph time of 8.0 seconds. An overboost function on the 224 PS takes the power up to 240 PS. Further iterations of this V6 TDI engine include a 204 PS version which is available to order at launch with an automatic gearbox, plus a manual 204 PS and a 163 PS manual to follow later in 2017.
UK customers can choose from selectable (with manual gearbox) and permanent (with auto) 4MOTION four-wheel drive. An optional mechanical rear-axle differential lock is also available for demanding off-road use.
From the outside the new Amarok distinguishes itself from the previous model through new front bumper and radiator grille design including front fog lights, new alloy wheels and a third brake light with LED technology.
Inside the cab the changes are more prominent with an all-new dash panel design which incorporates Volkswagen’s MIB infotainment system with touchscreen, radio and new technology including the option of navigation, Guide & Inform, Car-Net and App-Connect systems. Bluetooth and DAB digital radio are also now standard features.
A comprehensive list of safety equipment comes as standard on every new Amarok, including four airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme and Volkswagen’s award-winning Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. Additional highlights including Park Pilot and a rear-view camera also enhance comfort, convenience and safety.
UK specifications follow the previous model’s pattern and are familiar to buyers of Volkswagen’s other commercial vehicles. As such they range from Startline (later in 2017), through Trendline to Highline. Special editions will also be offered during the model’s life, for example the Aventura, 240 examples of which are available from launch.
The Aventura adds a host of special features including 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 wide tyres and arch extensions. The bed of the Aventura’s cargo box also has a matt black Durabed coating. The interior is no less exclusive with ‘Discover Media’ navigation system and mobile online services. The Aventura also comes with ParkPilot automatic parking system, featuring front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera. This model is available in exclusive Ravenna Blue metallic paint finish.
At launch, prices for the new model start at £32,493 (RRP OTR) for the Trendline with 204 PS. The limited edition Aventura launch model costs £39,381 (RRP OTR).
A real estate lettings company has been sentenced for safety breaches after a self- employed builder suffered 1st and 3rd degree burns to his face, hands, neck and chest.
The injured worker, 50 year old Michael Phillips, suffered an electric shock in October 2015 when he was carrying out work for IPH Investments Ltd at an address in Station Parade Harrogate.
The premises were being converted into a sunbed and beauty salon. The usual supply for most domestic dwellings is 240v but because this supply was feeding both shop premises and residential flats a larger supply was needed. (400v). The company needed to carry out some preparatory work before the new supply could be installed. This involved the digging out of a small trench in the hallway of the site so that a new electricity supply could be installed into the property.
Whilst digging the trench Mr Phillips struck the existing live service cable with the small breaker he was using.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted the firm over the incident.
IPH Investments Ltd of Orchard House Haywra Street Harrogate pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £53,000.00 with £654.60 costs by Leeds Magistrates Court.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Jayne Towey commented: “This case was entirely preventable if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment before work began.
“The company could have used a cable avoidance tool (CAT) before any digging was carried out. This would have helped to locate the buried electrical service.”
Skill Builder recently teamed up with Bosch to give you the chance to win a Bosch 18V-EC Kit and the winner has now been drawn.
Keep an eye on the Skill Builder website and YouTube channel for more power tool giveaways coming soon.
A Derbyshire based engineering construction company has been prosecuted after a worker fell and suffered severe injuries.
A worker was repairing a fibreboard roof of a barn and using two homemade crawling boards when he fell 6meters on to the floor below, sustaining serious injuries to his head, hip, and lungs.
Derby Magistrates Court heard how at the time of the incident, 30 July 2014, he was working as part of a pair to replace the roofing panels. One of his colleagues was under the roof in a ‘man basket’ that has been attached to a telehandler, when the incident happens he had to climb down the boom of the machine to help the colleague.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there were not sufficient platforms or coverings for the roof to protect workers from the fall. The risk assessment and method statement, which would have told the workers how to run the work was in the office but also not specific to the job. There were also no separate controls for the man basket, leaving the worker stranded when his colleague fell.
Allen and Hunt Construction Engineers Ltd of Thorpe, Derbyshire, pleaded guilty to Sections 4(1), 7 and 9 (2) of the Working at Height regulations and was fined a total of £267,000 and ordered to pay costs of £7,750 and a victim surcharge of £120.
The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, HHIC together with the boiler manufacturers has this month launched the ‘Retro Boiler’ Label. The scheme aims to tackle the UK’s 9 million inefficient boilers by raising awareness of boiler efficiency with consumers.
Registered gas engineers are now issuing an energy efficiency label, a ‘Retro Boiler’ label, on all non-condensing boilers with a permanent pilot light, when visiting homes to undertake servicing or maintenance work.
Speaking about the scheme which was launched at the Plumbing & Heating Exhibition (PHEX) Stewart Clements, Director at HHIC said “The scheme was incredibly well received by registered gas engineers attending the PHEX exhibition, as it offers them an easy and clear way to introduce boiler efficiency to their customers. Energy labels currently appear on a multitude of electrical products including washing machines and fridges so consumers are used to seeing them and this new label aims to build on this knowledge.”
Gary Wright, Heating Engineer at AC Wilgar said “On issuing my first ‘Retro Boiler’ label the customer had no clue that boilers had various efficiencies. This isn’t uncommon. Many people I visit are often unaware of how much they could save by upgrading their boiler. These labels are a great way to start the energy efficiency conversation with customers.”
The ‘Retro Boiler’ Label scheme has attracted support from Government with Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Government Minister of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, saying: “helping consumers to optimise their household heating fits perfectly our vision of ensuring that the UK has a reliable, low cost and clean energy system.”
‘Retro Boiler’ labels are available free of charge from most boiler manufacturers.
This morning’s autumn statement has at least one glaring omission according to GMB, the energy union – £14billion needed for the Government’s flagship smart meter project.
In his ‘mini-budget’ Chancellor Philip Hammond promised huge investment in infrastructure – but made no mention of the vast sums required to install the 53 million new meters across the country.
The project will see new smart meters installed in 30million homes and businesses at an estimated cost of £215 a go.
The initial price tag for the project is £11billion, but with massive staff shortages the cost of the project looks underfunded in the lead up to the target date of 2020.
The cost is nearly 30 per cent of the £55.7 billion needed for the High Speed 2 rail project.
Justin Bowden, GMB National Secretary, said: “It is ridiculous that the autumn statement did not even mention the biggest infrastructure the UK has ever had.
“Trying to install 53 million smart meters by 2020 is cloud cuckoo land – unless there is a massive Government led programme starting now to ensure adequate staff to do the work, alongside proper funding.
“Every electricity and gas customer in the country will want to know whether by leaving smart metering out of the autumn statement, the Chancellor has a cunning plan to try and sneak the costs onto them.”
In response to demand for a dependable and versatile handheld insulation tester capable of operating at up to 2.5 kV, portable test equipment specialist Megger, has introduced the new MIT2500 instrument, which offers accurate measurements up to 200 GΩ.
The MIT2500 insulation tester has feedback-stabilised test voltages to ensure that tests are always carried out to Megger’s tight specification.
The MIT2500 also incorporates a guard terminal that makes it possible to compensate for the effects of surface leakage currents.
Designed to offer long reliable service even when used in tough on-site conditions, MIT2500 insulation tester features rugged construction, with resilient rubber over-moulding, and an IP54 protection rating.
Designed with safety in mind, they incorporate live circuit detection and protection functionality, and they have a CATIV 600 V safety rating in line with IEC 61010.
Typical applications include testing of cables, motors and generators. In addition, as users can adjust the test voltage in 10 V steps from 100 V to 2.5 kV, the instrument can also be used for testing electrical installations, verifying the ESD of materials and testing of control panels, to name but a few.
Find out more about Megger’s MIT2500 insulation tester at: uk.megger.com
Baxi has welcomed the HHIC’s decision to launch a retrospective boiler labelling scheme.
The scheme aims to increase consumer awareness about boiler efficiencies and performance, and to highlight to consumers that upgrading old, inefficient boilers will reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
Jeff House, regulatory marketing manager at Baxi, commented: “There are approximately nine million inefficient boilers in the UK, a large proportion of which are over 20 years old. In comparison to modern condensing boilers, they cost homeowners more to run, and cost the planet because of the higher carbon emissions.
“Upgrading the efficiency of UK boiler stock would have a significant impact on the UK’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions; replacing a Band F or G boiler with an A-rated appliance could reduce the carbon footprint of a typical UK household by 0.7 tonnes of CO2 each year, and would reduce gas bills by approximately £150.
“The voluntary retrospective labelling scheme launched by the HHIC will involve heating engineers applying a pre-completed label to any existing, inefficient, permanent pilot light boilers that they service or repair. The label is similar to the EU energy label that is now supplied with boilers of up to 70kW through the Energy Labelling Directive (ErP) and is designed to help homeowners to quickly and easily assess how efficient their boiler is, and whether it would be worthwhile to replace it with a modern, condensing equivalent.
“Consumers are of course already very familiar with energy labels, with them being found on domestic appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. The Energy Labelling Directive and other energy label schemes have proven that consumers do react to clear label ratings, and respond to them by trying to maximise their efficiency.
“Baxi is strongly supportive of the HHIC retrospective labelling scheme, and we are committed to bringing it to fruition. It represents an easy, straightforward way to highlight boiler inefficiencies to consumers, who in turn can take action to reduce their fuel bills and help the environment. It should also increase demand for new boilers, resulting in business growth for heating engineers.”
Baxi will work with heating engineers to help them adopt the labelling scheme, so that it becomes a standard part of their service and repair work. The company will provide HHIC retrospective labels to installers who are members of its Baxi Works loyalty scheme free of charge, to help increase their boiler installation and servicing work and grow their businesses.
An international engineering company has been sentenced following the death of a worker who fell 30 feet from an electricity pylon.
Vincent John Richards, 49, from Walsall was installing fall arrest lines for painters to use on the pylon at Great Orton, Carlisle on the 5 July 2014 when the incident happened.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and prosecuted Bilfinger Industrial Services (UK) Limited for serious safety failings.
Carlisle Crown Court heard that Mr Richards who was employed by the company as a “Rigger”, had been working with a colleague preparing the pylons in readiness for painters to carry out maintenance work. On the morning of the incident, Mr Richards arrived at pylon FT37 and found that the painters had already commenced painting even though the pylon had not been rigged. Mr Richards had climbed approximately 30ft up the pylon, when he fell backwards, narrowly missing one of the painters working directly below him. As a result of the fall, Mr Richards sustained serious multiple injuries and died at the scene.
The HSE investigation found a number of failings by Bilfinger Industrial Services (UK) Limited in the management of risks arising from work at height. Although the company had a system of work they failed to implement, monitor and enforce this system. This failing exposed their employees to the risk of death.
Bilfinger Industrial Services (UK) Limited of Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn today (17 November 2016) pleaded guilty to a breach of Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £200.000 and ordered to pay costs of £59,320.10
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Susan Ritchie said: “The company were clearly aware of the hazards involved with pylon work and had a system in place to manage the risks. Unfortunately they failed to implement, monitor and enforce this system of work. In addition they failed to ensure the proper inspection and provision of safety critical personal protective equipment.
For more information on fall arrest equipment go to: hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg367.pdf
Roger Bisby wears JCB’s latest trousers.
JCB has introduced two stand out work trousers to its range.
The Camo trousers are a popular look for builders, especially those who enjoy country sports, but these are dedicated work trousers. They have knee pad pockets and a zipped thigh pocket but no external pouches so they wouldn’t look out of place in the pub. Unlike many army surplus trousers they aren’t particularly heavy so they are good for summer and the cut is generous so they should be ideal for those on the move or even those on manoeuvres.
It reminds me of one of my favourite jokes:
“Wilkins I didn’t see you at camouflage practice this morning!”
“Thank you sir”.
Sorry I couldn’t resist it.
The second pair of trousers we took out and about are a Western jean work trouser with 85% cotton. Most work wear manufacturers have now introduced a heavy denim jean into their range which has a certain irony because they spent years weaning us off jeans and into something more suitable. But these are jeans with workwear functionality. They have knee pad pockets and a good deep cargo pocket with zip on the thigh but again no pouch pockets. To make up they have two large rear pockets with hook and loop fastening. Just don’t try putting nails in there and sitting down.
Both pairs of trousers come with a 32 inch leg so if you are shorter you need to turn the hem up and if you are longer you will have what we used to call ‘half mast’ which is not quite pirate. Luckily for me I am a 32 incher which meant I only had to find one other 32 inch leg person to try out the other pair and he happened to be standing right next to me.
What are the chances of that? Well apparently they are very high unless you are in China or Holland which is probably why JCB and many other workwear manufacturer go for that size. The bottom line is that it costs a lot more to make all those different leg lengths. Years ago you used to get trousers unfinished at the bottom so you could mark them off at the correct length. Whatever happened to that?
In the second part of this video Roger Bisby continues his explanation of how to fit a wall hung WC and basin from British company Abacus Bathrooms.
As a British company Abacus has a good understanding of British plumbing and the WC and Basin in this video have been designed to work with British systems so you’re not running around different merchants looking for a non-existant adapter for a continental system; everything you need to do the job is in this kit.
Roger shows you how to replace an old broken fill valve with a Fluidmaster Bottom Entry Fill Valve.
Using a Fluidmaster Fill Valve is a quick and easy way to fix your toilet for less than £10.
Thanet District Council has been fined £250,000 after a worker was left with permanent injury after being diagnosed with hard arm vibration (HAV).
Canterbury Crown Court heard how a worker from Thanet District Council was diagnosed with suffering from HAV after visiting his GP. Symptoms of the condition can include tingling, pins and needles, numbness and pain in the hands. This affects sleep when it occurs at night and sufferers have difficulties in gripping and holding things, particularly small items such as screws, doing up buttons, writing and driving.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that the worker would typically spend up to 6 hours a day using a range of powered equipment including mowers and hedge cutters, depending upon the season. He was not under any health surveillance or told how he should report his symptoms.
The council had not taken steps to eliminate or control the exposure of their workers to HAVs. They also failed to educate their workers on the risk and train them on how to control their exposure to the vibrations caused by the power tools.
At the time of the investigation the council were issued with an improvement notice, as soon as they started to rectify the problem and implement the appropriate health surveillance a further 15 cases of ill-health relating to vibration exposure were identified and reported to HSE.
Thanet District Council pleaded guilty of breaching Regulations 6(2) and 7(1) of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and was fined a total of £250,000 and was ordered to pay £18,325.84 in costs.
HSE Principal Inspector Mike Walters, said: “Hand Arm Vibration is a serious disease that impacts on people’s lives and impairs their ability to work. It is entirely preventable but once the damage is done it is permanent. Any business, council or employers can learn from this case. If you have workers who use heavy machinery you need to ensure you properly manage the risks from HAVs, control or eliminate the exposure and train them so they can identify the symptoms.”
Free guidance on how to manage the risk from HAVS can be found on HSE’s website:
www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/index.htm
So what’s it like to work in the cold with freezing hands? Well, as you may know, it’s not pleasant.
Everything you do is that bit harder and it can be extremely dangerous. With cold hands and fingers, you are more likely to fumble with numb fingers, which is not only dangerous to yourself but also to others.
Gloves for cold weather
The TraffiGlove range of Thermic gloves can prevent you from the harsh winter bite and are also water resistant. Whilst offering excellent dexterity for use in wet and dry conditions, the range protects workers from cold and wet hands, to reduce the risk of being susceptible to HAVS (Hand-arm vibration syndrome), which occurs when circulation is reduced while operating power tools. To understand more about HAVS, see: www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/.
TraffiGlove offer a product, which can be worn inside any other of their products, in order to provide that extra warmth required. TG105 TraffiTherm glove liner has ‘Thermalite Yarns’, which is ideal for working in exceptionally wet and cold conditions. This would be perfect to be combined with the TG180, which is a fully coated water resistant glove.
Find out more about TraffiGlove’s gloves for cold weather: gloves for cold weather: www.traffiglove.com
The ‘Feeling FEIN’ reviews focus on getting FEIN’s products into the hands of professional tradesmen. Each tradesman has been using a specific FEIN power tool and has given their honest feedback on camera.
In this review Si Flory, a carpenter and owner of Flory Works, has been testing the new FEIN Cordless SuperCut AFSC 18 QSL.
You can keep up to date with the ‘Feeling FEIN’ reviews on twitter using #FeelingFein
www.fein-uk.co.uk
With smart technology becoming a part of daily life, it’s unsurprising that homeowners are looking for the same level of functionality when it comes to heating. However, while smart home technology is a hot topic, there is still ambiguity about what smart and connected actually mean when it comes to heating systems. Jon Phillips, head of product management at Baxi, breaks down the need-to-know terminology.
In the age of the iPhone, consumers expect a certain standard of connectivity from their products. What’s more, they are becoming more aware of how smart technology has the potential to help them save money when it comes to household controls.
In fact, a recent report conducted by Barclays Mortgages found that the rising demand for smarter homes is directly linked to financial savings and the potential added value to a home. Nearly a third of homeowners reported a belief that connected technology can not only make a home far more economically efficient, but can add worth too.
But what are the key terms to be aware of when it comes to smart and connected heating systems? And what are the differences between the two? Here is a quick and easy guide to the related jargon an installer may encounter.
First things first, what exactly defines a smart control? In general terms, a smart system incorporates various sensing functions and controls in order to analyse a situation, and make decisions based on the available data in order to perform smart actions.
Relating this to a smart heating system, the smart control unit is linked to the boiler and the internet, and is able to provide information to the user about what the boiler is doing, for example, if it is on/off, or any fault codes. These controls can be remotely operated to adjust and schedule temperature levels via an app on a smartphone or tablet.
What’s more, certain smart control units are capable of learning from user behaviour and the temperature response of the home, and can operate independently without user input.
Unlike a smart control, an intelligent control may not be connected to the internet. In simple terms an intelligent control unit is similar in function to a smart control (so it can control temperatures and take into account outdoor weather conditions), but without a connection to the internet and the associated features which go with that. This means that this type of control is not enabled for remote operation, and cannot be controlled via an app.
OpenTherm is a system of communication which is not specific to any particular manufacturer. It allows boilers and controls to communicate information from one to the other. Products which are optimised for OpenTherm will display the logo.
The level of what can be communicated depends on the individual unit, and the functionality built in by the manufacturer.
One major benefit of OpenTherm is that it allows the amount of heat provided by the boiler to be altered to match varying demands by reducing the flow temperature to a minimum as it leaves the boiler. This modulation helps boiler efficiency by running at lower flow temperatures for longer periods of time. Now that more and more OpenTherm compatible boilers are available on the UK market, installers can offer this additional layer of ‘smart’ to customers.
A connected boiler can report internal information related to its running, diagnostic and performance back to the manufacturer over the internet. The communication system between the boiler and the manufacturer varies, using different protocols and gateways.
This means that the manufacturer can monitor the unit remotely, and advocate preventative maintenance if a possible fault is identified.
Similarly, a connectable boiler will be optimised so that it can become a connected boiler at a later date.
Baxi has just launched its first range of smart boilers, exclusively for independent merchants. The new Baxi 200 and Baxi 400 high efficiency combi boilers are compatible with the latest smart controls, meaning that customers can control them from wherever they are, via a tablet or smartphone.
Baxi also offers smart home technology training. Recently, Baxi partnered with Nest to give installers the chance to become an expert on the Nest Learning Thermostat and remain on the pulse of smart technology. Installers who complete the course receive Nest Pro accreditation.
As the market for smart technology continues to mature, it is inevitable that it will become an increasingly central part of heating system installation. In light of this, it’s crucial for installers to cut through the ambiguity and develop an understanding which will allow them to help their customers choose the right smart or connected option for them.
Ahead of this winter’s ‘BIG FREEZE’ prediction, DR. Martens has revealed that the majority of outdoor workers suffer with cold, wet feet every winter, with many complaining of blisters and even chilblains.
The survey, conducted on behalf of the iconic footwear specialist interviewed the UK’s outdoor workers in order to identify the core issues faced during the winter months.
Key findings revealed:
• Over half (51%) of outdoor workers are unhappy with their boots
• 65% of outdoor workers suffer with cold feet
• Other complaints included wet feet (40%), smelly feet (25%), blisters (21%) and chilblains (16%)
• Comfort and price are the top considerations for people buying outdoor workwear (73% and 40% retrospectively)
• 58% of outdoor workers purchase their boots from conventional high-street stores or online retailers
Furthermore, it was revealed that three quarters of outdoor workers purchase their own boots, meaning the onus can’t be attributed to employers.
Jon Marchant, Global Category Manager at Airwair International Ltd – Dr. Martens, says: “In our experience, the problem comes from a lack of information. If outdoor workers are focusing on comfort and price, they run the risk of overlooking features that are critical to outdoor working, such as water resistance and warmth. It’s important that anyone working in extreme weather conditions is investing in the right product and buying from a supplier that can guarantee adequate protection and comfort.”
Dr. Martens’ own fully waterproof collection is said to be particularly suitable for outdoor workers enduring prolonged exposure to the cold weather offering additional features such as antistatic properties, composite safety toe cap and Smartmask puncture resistant midsole.
November 16th is World COPD Day, an event held each November to raise awareness of COPD worldwide. Sadly tradespeople are seriously affected by this disease with exposure to construction dust still a significant cause of COPD.
World COPD Day is organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease, or GOLD (www.goldcopd.org), a World Health Organization collaborative and 501(c)3 organization. This year’s World COPD Day theme, “Breathe In The Knowledge,” emphasizes the meaningful actions patients can take to improve their respiratory health, at any stage before or after a COPD diagnosis.
COPD is diagnosed using a breathing test called spirometry. This test, which is painless and takes only a few minutes, measures the amount of air a person can breathe out, and the amount of time taken to do so. Researchers are also studying additional ways to identify COPD earlier in the course of disease.
The early stages of COPD are often unrecognized, in part because many individuals discount symptoms such as breathlessness, chronic cough, and bringing up phlegm as a normal part of getting older or an expected consequence of cigarette smoking.
There is no cure for COPD, which may also contribute to underdiagnosis of the disease. People whose breathlessness is more severe may find the possibility of finding out that they have COPD frightening, and avoid seeking treatment.
COPD occurs most often in patients who are over age 40 and who have a history of exposure to COPD risk factors. Worldwide, the most commonly encountered risk factor for COPD is cigarette smoking. Other important risk factors include dusts and chemicals encountered on the job and smoke from biomass fuels burned for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated dwellings, especially in developing countries.
Patients may be able to slow or even stop the progress of COPD by reducing their exposure to risk factors for the disease. “For people who smoke, the most effective strategy to prevent COPD or slow its progression is to quit smoking,” says Dr. Claus Vogelmeier, Chair of the GOLD Science Committee. “It’s never too late to quit smoking.”
In addition, GOLD leaders emphasize that not just cigarettes but other forms of tobacco smoking such as water-pipe smoking are dangerous for the lungs. And because the potential damaging effects of E-cigarettes in the lungs are unknown, these should be considered like regular cigarettes until more information is available. Likewise, the role of E-cigarettes in helping smokers quit is not yet established.
Without treatment, COPD is generally a progressive disease, and as the disease gets worse patients become breathless during everyday activities such as climbing a flight of stairs, walking the dog, or even getting washed and dressed in the morning.
COPD treatment is most effective when begun early in the course of the disease. However, at all stages of disease, treatments are available that reduce symptoms such as breathlessness and enable people to participate more fully in daily life.
A company, its director, and a self-employed contractor have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after Terry Lewis (a 65 year old retired mechanic) was fatally injured by falling through a roof light.
Warrington Crown Court heard how on 11 June 2013, Terry Lewis was working with his friend, Leigh Bakewell. They were cleaning roof lights on the roof of a building at Radnor Park Industrial Estate, Congleton. Mr Lewis fell approximately 7m through a roof light to the work-shop floor underneath, and subsequently died. Both the roof and the roof lights were not able to support the weight of a person.
The HSE investigation found that Leigh Bakewell, who primarily was a gardener and not a roofer, did not take precautions to prevent a fall through the roof, nor off its edge. He did not have the necessary knowledge or competence to carry out the work.
Roman Lodge Asset Management Limited failed to have adequate systems in place to ensure a competent roofer was appointed. Both the company and Jonathan Marshall failed to adequately plan and supervise the work, due to their own lack of understanding of standards and the law relating to work on fragile roofs.
Roman Lodge Asset Management Ltd, of Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) and Regulation 5 of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, and were fined £20,000 with £8,010.00 costs.
Its director, Jonathan Marshall pleaded guilty to breaching two counts of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was sentenced to four months imprisonment on each count (suspended for 12 months) and was ordered to pay £8,010.00 costs.
At a hearing on 18 August 2016, Leigh Bakewell pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was sentenced to six months imprisonment (suspended for 12 months) and was ordered to pay £8,610.47 costs.
HSE inspector Warren Pennington said after the hearing: “This is an incredibly sad case all round. Each defendant knew that the roof was fragile and each accepted unsafe working practices. Terry Lewis was only on the roof in order to help out his best friend. If Roman Lodge and Jonathan Marshall had asked questions about Leigh Bakewell’s experience and knowledge (of roof work standards), they would not have employed him. Leigh Bakewell should have recognised he was not competent and should not have carried out the work. With these simple considerations, Mr Lewis would not have been on the roof and would not have died in the way he did.”
More information regarding safe working on fragile roofs can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis5.htm
