Thursday, November 27, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 94

How to remove a load bearing wall safely and easily using brick brace

Roger Bisby
-
0
How to remove a load bearing wall safely and easily using brick brace

In this video Roger Bisby demonstrates how to support brick work safely using the brick brace system during load bearing wall removal. 

“It seems like years ago that I was first introduced to the Brick Brace. It is no illusion, time flies and in all that time I have been waiting for the right job to try it out on. That’s strange because knock throughs are bread and butter work for small builders. So why has it taken me so long to get out on site with this little device? Well to be quite honest with you I was clinging on to the security of the Acrow prop and Strong Boy. For someone who has been testing new products for over 30 years this is a surprising confession. I was shown structural calculations and test certificates for the Brick Brace but it was the scaffold tube ingredient that worried me. The company told me that the tube is used to connect all the tools together. We are talking about a triangle of brickwork and the fact that the tube is clamped securely at each end means that in order for it to bend it needs to find the extra length to do so and the couplers bolted into the brickwork stops that. This was the bit I hadn’t really appreciated and is why scaffolding works, the tube has hardly any strength but it works like the wire in a PSC beam.

https://goo.gl/n35XvD

“So having accepted that it is possible to calculate the exact load on that triangle and prove that the tube will cope easily I felt a lot happier. If there is a point load, such as floor joists then you must prop the floor in the usual way so you are then certain that it is only the self weight of the brick triangle being supported. That, in essence, is how permanent lintel loads have been calculated since the Ancient Greeks built the Parthenon (still standing) in Athens.

“The second factor working in its favour is the compression that the brick courses are under. Anyone who has knocked out a prop by accident and seen that the wall doesn’t immediately collapse knows that the compressive strength is a significant factor. The Brick Brace system was originally developed for sand and lime to increase that linear compression but is also used in sand and cement mortar. In the case of sand and lime you need a safety tool every other joint but in sand and cement it is every third joint.

“Taking out the perps with an SDS bit proved a lot easier than I anticipated, so there is no need to kit yourself out with specialist tools. Once that bit is done you anchor bolt the scaffold clips (all supplied) to the course above and the safety hooks are then hooked onto the scaffold pole. That is the work done. You are now at the same point you would be if slotting in Strongboys.

“Now I wouldn’t say that you should remove the brickwork and leave for any longer than necessary but that is the same with all temporary support. If you are needling through with timber or using Strong Boys you will also be keen to get the lintel or steel beam in place and mortared up. Trying the Brick Brace you may feel that you would still want to use a prop or two but if the Brick Brace is nothing more than the braces to your belt then that is not a bad thing.

“A surprising number of these jobs go wrong for one reason or another. I am sure you can write a list of reasons as easily as I can and I will confess that when struggling to fit a steel with props in the way we have quickly angled other props above and removed the Strong boy for a few minutes, or hours.

It is unlikely that such actions end in catastrophe but it does happen. More common is that you end up with cracks which are often difficult to fill and never the same as before so why take the risk if there is a solution?

Having used the Brick Brace System I feel I have finally knocked that little nagging doubt out of my system and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them again. You might not need them for every knock through but they take up no space in your van and they certainly ease a difficult job.

Business as usual for two thirds of SME house builders

Roger Bisby
-
0
Business as usual for two thirds of SME house builders

Two thirds of SME house builders are yet to see any significant changes to their project pipelines in the wake of Brexit, new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has revealed.

The survey – which is the first to be conducted among SME house builders since the EU referendum – found that 69% of firms are yet to see any changes to their businesses resulting from the referendum.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “SME house builders are crucial to achieving the Government’s ambition to build one million homes by 2020, so Ministers will no doubt be bolstered by these initial post-Brexit findings. Despite some fears that the referendum result might put new projects on hold, the overwhelming majority of SME house builders are reporting that no decisions have yet been influenced by the referendum result. This matches the view expressed by many small construction firms that so far, the market appears to suggest that it’s ‘business as usual’. Only one quarter of small house builders have seen any negative effect on their projects from the Brexit decision, and most of these are the result of delayed decisions rather than actual project cancellations.”

Berry continued: “Brexit aside, we should not paint an overly rosy picture of the situation facing SME house builders. The barriers to building that existed prior to the referendum are still hindering delivery, and as the housing crisis continues to be a pressing concern, the need to empower smaller developers must be a priority for May’s Government. To this end, it’s worth noting that more than half of SME house builders state that the removal of unnecessary red tape should be the most important consideration for the new Government as they begin to negotiate the UK’s exit from the EU.”

Berry concluded: “More than one fifth of SME house builders are demanding that the Government finds a way of ensuring a sufficient number of skilled tradespeople from the EU are still able to enter the UK. The Prime Minister insists that freedom of movement is now over and if this is not likely to be replaced by a points-based system – as reported this week – crucial sectors like the construction industry must be reassured that whatever system does replace it, it is flexible enough to respond to our needs. Otherwise, the construction skills shortage will be exacerbated and ultimately, it will become a major barrier to delivering the housing and infrastructure projects we so desperately need.”

Wimbledon-based property developer chooses Lomax + Wood

Dylan Garton
-
0
Wimbledon-based property developer chooses Lomax + Wood

High performance, made-to-order wooden windows and doors have been specified by a leading London-based property developer who has  chosen Lomax + Wood for their most recent project in Wimbledon, South West London.

The four-storey, period style private residence, which includes a converted basement and contemporary light wells, is built of brick with lavish use of stone to back and front facades, around window openings and in the colonnaded portico entrance.

A deep, decorative soffit at roof height is a characteristic feature of this developers period property designs.  The home offers over 5,000 sq ft of living space, has six double bedrooms, reception rooms, a kitchen/family/dining room and a lower ground floor media and family room.

Double glazed Victorian-style spring box sash windows from Lomax + Wood’s Kensington & Chelsea collection feature a non-bar lower pane with lamb’s tongue mouldings, and an upper pane with a single vertical lamb’s tongue glazing bar, designed in single, double and triple window configurations.

Kensington & Chelsea semi-glazed wooden French doors with fixed glazed side panels allow light and space into the large kitchen diner which are set into a proud stone façade externally.  The master bedroom above has a feature double French door, flanked with non-bar spring box sash windows either side, lead to a Juliet balcony arrangement overlooking the patio and landscaped garden.

Kensington & Chelsea factory-finished, double glazed windows provide modern acoustic and thermal performance which meet and improve upon the requirements of current Part L Building Regulations’.  Suitable for both new build and heritage work the range offers a coordinated collection of high performance wooden sash windows; beautiful flush timber casement windows; single, Bi-folding and timber entrance doors in a variety of designs.

This property features a grand entrance door with vertical and horizontal insulated raised and fielded panels, crowned with a plain and elegant fanlight that allows maximum light ingress into the welcoming hall.  Kensington & Chelsea entrance doors meet Part L Building Regulations’ and incorporate a turn-key espagnolette which has been tested to Secured by Design standards.  Entrance doors incorporate the security features of the Lomax + Wood Heritage Locking System.  Hardware has been chosen in polished chrome from a range of designs and finishes.

Kensington + Chelsea products are delivered to site and factory-finished with three coats of highly durable, micro-porous paint as standard which is available in white and a choice of fashionable heritage colours, as well as stain and dual colour.

This property in Wimbledon offers the latest innovations and technology for contemporary living, including underfloor heating throughout, a Sonos sound system in the main rooms; Rako lighting; low emissions air-source heating and low energy lighting and air-conditioning.

Visit www.lomaxwood.co.uk for free CAD drawing downloads.

Alba Krapf Murxi Bar Review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Alba Krapf Murxi Bar Review

Roger Bisby takes delivery of two Swiss made heavy wrecking bars and goes in search of jobs that need this kind of leverage.

The Swiss made Murxi bar sounds like something you might want to eat but you would do serious damage to your teeth if you took a bite out of this drop forged wrecking bar from the Swiss engineering company Alba Krapf. There are wrecking bars that come out of China and have fancy names to make them sound stronger than they really are but these fellas are serious tools.

Give me a lever long enough and I could move the world said Archimedis in one of his more cocky moments. He was not taking into account the fact that a long lever would bend and therefore it needs to be, not only long, but very strong.

Never mind Archimedis, drop forges were thin on the ground in ancient Greece but we are a lot better equipped. If you are regulalry taking buildings apart and pulling nails from timber then these bars will do what other bars can’t.

Unfortunately I had a limited opportunity to try them out but even picking them up I was struck by just how much heavier they are than other bars I own. If you think that Swiss engineering is alll about fancy watches and cuckoo clocks then thing again.

For a start they are tunnellers which means they use massive machines that bore through rock and if they need a little leverage to free a jammed head or machine part then big bars are what they need and the Swiss know that the Alba Krapf forge is the place to go.

I have seen the process that goes into making these bars and the are still hand made by guys who sweat a lot and weild red hot heavy metal with big tongs.

What’s the state of the construction industry post-Brexit?

Dylan Garton
-
0
What’s the state of the construction industry post-Brexit?

Ian Anfield, managing director for construction audit, contract and payroll provider, Hudson Contract, comments on recent talk of a recession in light of the Brexit vote and  considers the state of the construction industry post-Brexit.

“Whether we’re entering a recession or not is a big talking point at the moment. Certainly, we at Hudson Contract have seen that the number of operatives averaged per client has dipped by 4.5% in the last three months, but it’s unclear if that means an output dip or the beginning of a long downturn.

“There are so many factors to be considered but I have an impression that any downturn may be relatively short-lived. I read a piece written by HSBC’s chief economist who commented that the government has done a number of credible things since the vote. These included; ensuring new leadership headed by Theresa May, ruling out an early General Election and ruling out an emergency budget. Taking time to speak with European leaders and not triggering Article 50 this year all seems to make economic common sense.

“It’s certainly not all doom and gloom. The latest reports from the Purchasing Managers’ Index reveals that construction output also recovered last month following a seven-year low in July. It appears that business confidence is stabilising and the feared short-term effects of the referendum have been short-lived to a certain extent.

“Overall I’m definitely one for seeing the glass being half-full for the construction industry. Private business can and will build if the government act in a decisive and positive way to minimise the uncertainty the Brexit vote created. We’ve all seen how Team GB performed recently – it’s time the whole country took on the ‘Believe’ mantra.”

What are your experiences of the construction industry post-Brexit? We’d love to hear them.

Scangrip Nova work lights review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Scangrip Nova work lights review

Although they’re not the cheapest models on the market, Roger Bisby finds the Scangrip Nova work lights are built to last.

Two or three (time flies) years ago I went to review some Scangrip LED work lights which shine their powerful beam under the name of Nova.

I was so impressed that I bought a pair together with stands and I am very glad I did. They certainly aren’t the cheapest work lights around but they are bright and robust. Before I bought the Novas I was using halogen (remember them?) which are hot, expensive to run and fragile. I used to buy the replacement filament bulbs by the box load because they were always going when the lights got knocked. The Nova Chip On Board COB technology gives you a brilliant daylight matched work light that is so powerful that most of the time I point them at the ceiling or a wall to deflect the beam and spread the light.

Working on loft conversions with halogen lights I used to find that they gave me a headache at the end of the day but since I changed to the daylight work lights those headaches have disappeared, that fact alone makes them worth the price but the ability to see the pencil marks and the bubble in the spirit level also makes the daylight colour temperature worth the money.

Since I bought my lights Nova has been busy upgrading its lights. It now has one that is twice as powerful as mine which is tempting in terms of being able to light up a large room but the one that really caught my eye is the new rechargeable unit.

This light has multi-stage control and an indicator to tell you how much runtime is in the battery. It also has a wireless control that can operate through your phone via the app. This allows you to remotely  switch up to four lights and also adjust the power settings on each lamp. This may be a bit more control than you need but it has a lot of benefits for people working on high end interior decorating and plasterers working on prestige developments with intricate mouldings. If you use a high quality daylight you are assured that you are seeing your work in the most critical light.

The other thing I really like about these lights is the new stands. They weigh a lot because they are tubular steel but they won’t get knocked over and you can set the lights high so they shine down onto your work area.

There are cheaper work lights but I don’t think there are better work lights and they are built to last. If you look at the cost in life you are probably not paying any more and you can be assured that they will work for you day in day out.

Scangrip

www.scangrip.com

Origin launches residential door

Dylan Garton
-
0
Origin launches residential door

Origin has introduced the Origin Residential Door available in the UK to trade from 1st September 2016, or consumers from 1st October 2016. The Origin Residential Door can be used as a front or garage door for an integrated front of house look.

Manufactured with a high-grade aluminium, there are 35 panel choices on offer, available in over 150 different RAL shades; the Residential Door has been designed with heightened security and thermal efficiency in mind.

Front of house unity

Available as a front door (either as a single or French Door) or a garage door (French Door), means that homeowners can achieve a complete front of house integrated look.

When used as a garage door, it can be specified with no threshold for seamless access inside and out. In terms of threshold options, there are three available – weathered, non-weathered, or the specifically designed mobility threshold, standing at just 20mm when the doors are open. These are suitable for disabled access, internal use such as porches or flats, or exterior doors that aren’t highly exposed to the elements.

There are over 35 panel choices, ranging from traditional to ultra-modern. The Origin Residential Door has been engineered for optimum energy efficiency. Both the frame and sash feature an advanced polyamide break to limit heat transfer, while the panel is manufactured with a highly efficient Thermimax core and aluminium layers for optimum thermal performance.

Security

The Origin Residential Door locks and barrels and aluminium composition combine to offer an ultra-secure system. Two different locking systems are available; a 5-point multipoint lock, or Origin’s industry-leading 8-point multipoint locking system, with an offset spindle function for complete security performance. Additionally, Origin offer two barrel choices, both of which are 3 Star British Kite Marked, proven to protect against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping.

Bespoke

Personlisation on the Origin residential door is possible, from the size of the door, right through to the colour and handle choice.

An extensive colour palette is available with over 150 different RAL shades, ranging from bright primary shades to earthy tones. With a dual colour option also available on the frame, sash and the panel, it means the exterior colour can complement the building style, while the interior can suit the internal colour scheme.

A tailored range of handles and door pulls, unique door-knockers, spyholes and letterboxes are also available.

www.origin-global.com

Rockwool Sound Insulation review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Rockwool Sound Insulation review

In this Rockwool Sound Insulation review Roger Bisby finds the product has come a long way since it’s ultra itchy conception.

It seems to me from my visits to sites  that many builders and loft converters don’t attach very much importance to sound insulation. This is a great pity because good sound insulation is an important indicator of a quality  extension or loft conversion.

Who wants to hear the person upstairs peeing  in the loo or doing anything else for that matter?  It is important enough to be included in the Building Regulations but it is rare that I see Building Inspectors taking a close interest in what is being used in between the floors and walls. Having said that I did once see one diligent inspector pick up a board and see nothing at all in between the joists and he made the builders take the whole floor up again in order to lay the sound slab and he was insistent that they use the real thing. Of course it is not just about sound, the incorporation of  Rockwool Sound Insulation Slab is also important for the prevention of fire spread. It is non combustible and dense so can significantly slow the path of a fire.

As the name suggests Rockwool is made from rock fibres and the important thing is that these are non-directional fibres which means it traps airborne sound a lot more effectively than some of the straight laid glass wool general insulation products out there which are designed to be full of air.  This density also slows the passage of fire you can fire a blowtorch at it and if you do it long enough it will glow but that is all. This combination of fire resistance and sound resistance is such a winning combination that it would seem to me a no brainer,  but I have seen plenty of jobs where the drawing shows sound slab in the stud walls and floors and the builder grabs the nearest (and cheapest) insulation roll on the stack believing that this does the same job.

Now I have to admit that the Rockwool of old was not a builder friendly product and those with long memories may remember that you would itch for days if you had to put it in.  I have a lot of that old style Rockwool in my  eaves cupboards and it is a constant reminder of how things used to be. I keep clear of it if possible. The newer Rockwool is a completely different proposition. You will notice  in the pictures I am not covered from head to toe in protective clothing. I am not advising anyone else to do this because it is always good practice to cover up but I am making the point visually that modern Rockwool is a lot more pleasant to use.

Rockwool_3687

www.rockwool.co.uk

How to silicone seal a basin or bath with Abacus Bathrooms

Roger Bisby
-
0
How to silicone seal a basin or bath with Abacus Bathrooms

In this latest video on the Skill Builder You Tube channel Roger Bisby shares some tips on how to silicone seal a basin or bath and explains some cheats which can make the job easier.

Among Roger’s tips are making sure that the surface is clean and dry before beginning the job. Roger also demonstrates a tool from Abacus which he says can make up for a lack of talent in the siliconing area.

Meanwhile Mark from Abacus Bathrooms takes up the challenge of perfecting silicone sealing with no cheats.

www.abacus-bathrooms.co.uk

Construction Firm in Court After Worker Fractures Spine in Roof Fall

Roger Bisby
-
0
Construction Firm in Court After Worker Fractures Spine in Roof Fall

Construction firm Montway Ltd has been fined £144,000 after a worker was seriously injured when he fell off a roof during demolition work.

Southwark Crown Court heard that on 25 February 2013 two workers were working on the roof of a two-storey detached house at 17 Basing Hill, Golders Green in London.

Romanian Worker Fractures Spine

Romanian labourer Mr. Ioan Vancea fell from the partly demolished roof and suffered serious injuries.  No scaffolding had been provided and the work was not being supervised.

Mr. Vancea fell some five metres from the roof to the ground and sustained a series of injuries including a fractured spine.

He was in an induced coma for two weeks and remained in the hospital for three months.

The site was inspected by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) two weeks after the incident and unsupervised demolition work was still being carried out.

A number of serious matters were identified including asbestos which had been removed from the house and was found in a pile by a neighbouring property’s hedge and in broken pieces mixed in with other debris.

Worker Fractures Spine in Roof Fall
Worker Fractures Spine in Roof Fall

Enforcement Notices were immediately served to ensure workers and members of the public were protected.

Montway Limited of Batchworth House, Batchworth Place, Church Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, WD3 1JE pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £144,000 and ordered to pay £43,606.15 in costs.

Montway Ltd originally pleaded not guilty, but changed their plea and sought a Newton Hearing to determine numerous issues it disputed.

The Newton Hearing took place before District Judge Roscoe between 23-24 May 2016.

HSE inspector Andrew Verrall-Withers commented after the hearing:

“Mr. Vancea’s injuries were life changing and he could easily have been killed.”

“This serious incident would have been avoided if scaffolding had been provided. Montway Ltd’s site documents even identified it was needed.”

“Montway Ltd sought a Newton hearing so they could dispute numerous issues in front of a District Judge. They were unsuccessful and the Judge’s ruling confirmed she was satisfied that their approach towards the welfare of their employees was lax and casual, and it was their overall poor management of health and safety that directly led to this incident.”

See more on safety failings with Skill Builder.

Limited edition Irwin tool organiser

Roger Bisby
-
0
Limited edition Irwin tool organiser

Skill Builder went to Toolbank‘s headquarters to take a sneak preview of their Real Deals Christmas promotion (yes sorry to mention it so early) and among the things we saw was this Irwin tool organiser packed full of Irwin’s best selling tools. It is ideal for the jobbing builder who never knows quite what they are going to come up against and it is particularly suitable for people working in properties with limited vehicle access. In other words if you have to carry all your tools in and out of the site then this soft sided organiser will help you do that in fewer journeys.

This is a limited edition so when it is gone it is gone and we know from previous years that there will be a phenomenal  uptake on the Christmas offers so we asked Toolbank if we could do a preview on this. This set will be in the merchants in October/November but to make sure you secure one of the sets before they go you can pre-order it from your merchant. The saving on this tool set is not to be repeated so it is well worth asking your merchant to reserve you one.

In the soft sided organiser you get 45 tools:

2 Quick-Grip 6 inch clamps
1 15 inch Jack Saw
1 3 piece set of Marples chisels
1 folding knife
1 8 metre tape
1 bolt grip set
1 Joran cordless drill bit set
1 Blue Groove auger set
1 Vise-Grip 10 inch plier
1 Hacksaw
1 Vise-Grip Fast Release 2 piece plier set
1 Vise Grip Combination Plier 7inch
1 T handle hex key set 8 piece
Twin pack hacksaw blades
Record Block plane
2 heavy duty G clamps

We fully expect these quality Irwin kits to be snapped up as soon as they hit the shelves so Skill Builder readers are among those to get first dibs.

Could a jacket make you more productive?

Dylan Garton
-
0
Could a jacket make you more productive?

Snickers thinks so which is why performance and comfort are integral features of the company’s new water-resistant, padded jacket

Top athletes have long enjoyed the benefits of performance wear – so Snickers thinks its about time tradespeople can too. Snickers Workwear is one of the first manufacturers of working clothes to introduce 37.5® Technology into their clothing.

As any athlete will tell you, when it comes to clothing, performance and comfort are closely linked says David Clark, MD of Snickers Workwear: “It’s proven that an athlete’s performance can improve by up to 26 per cent through the use of this advanced technology. So the same could be said of skilled craftsmen and women on site”

This new 37.5 Allround Insulated Work Jacket has all the features and functionality of the other Next Generation working clothes, but without the heavier weight fabrics. It’s a super-light, quick-drying garment that promises to keep the wearer looking and feeling comfy wherever they are on site in colder weather.

Snickers’ Allround garments have become known for their contemporary designs packed with must-have features that focus on fit, comfort and freedom of movement as well as using innovative fabrics that deliver long lasting protection.

Laying Cempolatex Fibreflex: Lessons learned

Roger Bisby
-
0
Laying Cempolatex Fibreflex: Lessons learned

I chose to put down some Cempolatex Fibreflex in a loft conversion on what turned out to be the hottest day of the year. It was a foolish undertaking and I should have known better. Last year I made a video for YouTube on applying this very self-levelling compound and in it I talk about the need to store bags in the cool and to use cold water. On a day as hot as that I should have put the water in the fridge or used ice cubes to cool it but I did none of these things. The result was that the screed had gone off almost as soon as I poured it out. I knew something was wrong because the last time I used this product it flowed. I bravely continued to trowel it down but in the end I had to abandon it and scrape it up before it set hard.

You live and learn. It isn’t a cheap product so the lesson was hard won but on my next go on a much cooler day with cold water from the fridge it went down with time to spare.

Fibreflex is a protein free latex compound with fine chopped fibres in it. This makes it very flexible but strong. As far as I am aware it is unusual because the manufacturers say it can be laid on firm floorboards. It is important that they are well fixed down which often means screws not nails. You need to caulk the gaps first with acrylic sealer and prime the boards to reduce suction but once you have done that you are good to go.

The advantage over using 6mm plywood is that ply tends to follow the undulations of the floorboards so you end up having to lay self leveller over the ply and I have known occasions where the plywood has de-laminated when I have screed over it and that makes a bad surface for tiling onto.

The floor-covering for this job is Karndean and as many people know Karndean needs a perfectly flat sub-floor to stop the pattern telegraphing through. With a quick rub over the next day with a carborundum I got rid of any ridges and snots and was ready to go.

www.bostik.co.uk

Bond It confirms Tiling Show plans

Dylan Garton
-
0
Bond It confirms Tiling Show plans

Bond It, the manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, grouts, waterproofing products and building chemicals, has announced its plans for the 2016 Tiling Show.

At the brand new event for the UK’s tile and stone industry, which runs from the 18th to 20th September at the Harrogate International Centre, the business will promote an array of products targeted at the tiling sector – including some new additions to its range.

It will also run special offers and stage a number of exclusive Tiling Show giveaways and competitions.

Specifically, visitors to the manufacturer’s stand – Stand Q19 – will be able to learn more about Bond It’s recently re-launched LMN (Low Modulus, Neutral cure) silicone sealant, The Gist.

This immensely versatile product is suitable for most sealing applications and is designed to be the only sealant most trade users will ever need.

It can be used on sanitaryware, mirrors, concrete, plaster and metals.

It is also said to be particularly well suited for use with granite, travertine, marble, slate and other natural stone tiles because it will not react with or bleed into these frequently porous surfaces.

In addition, The Gist contains a powerful antibacterial agent. This helps to prevent black mould and other fungal growth which often occurs in warm, humid and frequently tiled environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

To help create tiled surfaces with maximum aesthetical appeal, The Gist is available in six different colours – white, sandstone, translucent, charcoal, limestone and ivory.

This enables users to choose a colour that most attractively complements their choice of tiles.

Bond It will also use the Tiling Show to showcase its tile adhesives and grouts. This range features both cement-based and ready mixed products for use on walls and floors. It meets a wide variety of needs and includes specialist solutions such as ceramic tile, fast set and high flex adhesives.

Finally, Bond It will also be encouraging footfall onto its stand by offering visitors the chance to pick up free Bond It merchandising and to enjoy exclusive, ‘show-only’ deals.

This includes the opportunity for qualifying customers to receive a discount of up to 10% on orders placed on the day.

www.bond-it.co.uk/

Evolution Rage saw review

Roger Bisby
-
0
Evolution Rage saw review
In this Evolution Rage saw review, Roger Bisby finds a variety of applications for the Evolution Rage 3 sliding mitre saw.

The Evolution Rage range of saws are made in China to a British design and manage to sell across the globe. When you consider the competition this is no mean feat but the Rage saws have some interesting features and benefits not often found on other saws. The other noteworthy thing is the price; they are extremely good value.

The sliding rail mitre saw I was testing is the 10 inch Rage3Plus single bevel. Evolution also sell a double bevel mitre saw but this single bevel saw is a more popular choice. The remarkable feature of this saw is the multi-purpose TCT blade which cuts metal and wood with ease. If you cut through metal the saw still performs well on timber which is not the case with a nail biter blade. The Evolution blade achieves this dual role by limiting the depth of cut of each tooth. In between each tooth is a depth stop so the blade can only chip tiny pieces of the wood or metal. It follows that the saw blade won’t cut as fast as a dedicated wood blade but you can also buy a blade for wood.

The motor on this saw is geared to provide a lot of torque rather than high speed and that relatively low speed means the blade is less likely to over-heat. You can also fit a diamond blade for cutting tiles. I was originally thinking about ceramic wall and floor tiles but these days those tiles are so huge that they wouldn’t fit under this saw. It was then pointed out to me that tiles can also mean roof tiles and for this it is ideal. If you hook it up to a dust extractor you can cut mitres for hips and valleys with a great deal of ease. It makes a lot of sense to use this kind of saw rather than an angle grinder and I wouldn’t mind betting that you can speed the job up no end. Once you set the angle you can call down the long measurement to your mate on the scaffolding and get a real production line going.

The unsung hero of this saw is the optional folding stand. It is compact, and being made from tubular steel it is heavy but it is also incredibly sturdy. Even with the chunky square extending arms pulled out it is still rock-solid. If you are looking for a new stand for your existing saw this is well worth a look.

Evolution -1

Gas engineer fined for unsafe installation

Dylan Garton
-
0
Gas engineer fined for unsafe installation

A Gas Safe registered engineer from Middlesex has been fined for safety failings after he carried out an unsafe installation.

In a one day trial at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court it was heard how Michael Efthymiou, a self- employed gas engineer, carried out an unsafe installation of a gas combination boiler and flue at a domestic property in Crossfield Road, Clacton-on-Sea.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found that on 7 February 2015 Michael Efthymiou left the boiler in place with significant failings that left the tenants at risk of exposure to dangerous products of combustion.

Michael Efthymiou, of Nursery Gardens, Enfield, Middlesex was found guilty of breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and Regulation 27(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was fined £2,460.00 and ordered to pay £6722.37 costs.

For further information on Gas Safety visit:

www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/

Roofing firms fined after worker fell to his death

Dylan Garton
-
0
Roofing firms fined after worker fell to his death

Two roofing companies and one of their directors have been fined after a worker fell to his death through a skylight.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how 46 year old Lance Davies, a father of seven, died after falling over seven metres through a roof light at industrial premises in the Crumlin area of South Wales.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident which occurred on 15 December 2011 found that the work at height on the roof was not properly planned, managed or monitored. There were inadequate control measures in place to prevent a fall through the roof lights.

SPAN Roofing Contractors Limited, of Sunnyside Road North, Weston Super Mare, North Somerset, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007, and was fined £65,000 and ordered to pay costs of £37,500.

B & T Roofing Solutions Limited, of Arthur Street, Ystrad, Pentre, pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and was fined a total of £20,000.

Kristian Griffiths, of Arthur Street, Ystrad, Pentre, a director of B & T Roofing Solutions Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by virtue of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at work etc Act 1974, and was given a 160 hours community service order.

B & T Roofing Solutions and Kristian Griffiths were ordered to pay costs of £32,500 between them.

Following the hearing, HSE Principal Inspector Paul Harvey said: “Falls through fragile roof lights and roofs are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injury in the construction industry.  The issue is well known in the construction industry and there is plenty of guidance available.

“The tragic death of Mr Davies could easily have been avoided had the work been planned, managed and monitored effectively and simple and cost effective control measures put in place.”

For further information on working at height visit: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg33.htm

Skills shortage lowering quality of construction work

Dylan Garton
-
0
Skills shortage lowering quality of construction work

Nearly 85% of public sector construction managers, and 58% of private sector contractors and suppliers say the current skills shortage is negatively impacting the quality of their workmanship, as well as one in ten citing it as critically impacting their ability to keep to budget.

Sustainability in the Supply Chain, a new report from built environment specialist Scape Group which surveyed over 150 contractors, subcontractors and senior managers at public sector organisations highlighted the realities of a skills shortage that’s at “breaking point”.

Critically, the report highlights a juxtaposition between the public and private sector when it comes to how they define a healthy supply chain, and what their primary aims are. Within the public sector 70% of those surveyed felt that providing long-term benefits for the local economy should be one of the biggest priorities, compared to 58% within the private sector.

Similarly, 67% of those surveyed in the public sector believed that local skills and suppliers is the most important element, whereas those surveyed in the private sector saw operational stability and minimising waste as more important factors.

Mark Robinson, Scape Group Chief Executive, comments: “Our research has shown that the skills shortage is at breaking point, not only severely impacting the quality of what we are building but also our ability to build it on budget. While there is a mountain to climb to overcome this challenge, basic recommendations can be put in place to ease the burden, for example, 19% of contractors and subcontractors still do not have an apprenticeship scheme.”

Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw REVIEW

Dylan Garton
-
0
Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw REVIEW

In this latest product review Roger Bisby looks at the Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw which is said to to cut steel, aluminium & wood with one saw and one blade.

These are the claims for the Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw. See Roger put these claims to the test.

  • Multipurpose cutting
    Using patented professional RAGE® technology; the Evolution RAGE3-S 255mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw easily cuts Steel, Aluminium, Wood (even wood with nails) and Plastic, using just one blade. Features a hi-torque gearbox, which reduces motor stresses, improving performance and durability.
  • Virtully no sparks
    Advanced performance. When cutting Steel, it leaves an instantly workable finish, producing no heat, no burr and virtually no sparks – unlike alternative methods.
  • Slide action for cutting
    Compound tilt and slide mechanism, for long angled cuts, offers a solution to almost all common applications. See the Evolution Mitre Saw Cutting Guide.
  • Laser guided accuracy
    Laser guidance for optimum accuracy. Other features include a robust outer casing which enhances durability on even the most demanding metallic applications. Supplied with Multipurpose Blade, Top Clamp and Manual.
  • Sliding tile cutter
    The 255mm Diamond Blade transforms this Mitre Saw into a sliding tile cutter; ideal for roof tiles. Sold separately.

Bulgarian firm fined for poor work at height

Roger Bisby
-
0
Bulgarian firm fined for poor work at height

A Bulgarian construction firm has been fined after a member of the public reported unsafe working practices during the construction of an adventure course in Markeaton Park, Derby.

Derby Magistrates’ Court heard how a passing member of the public noticed work at height being carried out from a pallet on the forks of a telehandler at the site in Markeaton Park, where a high ropes adventure course was being constructed by Bulgarian based firm Walltopia.

The member of the public first reported this to the company but despite receiving assurances the matter would be dealt with, unsafe work at height continued. They then reported it to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

HSE’s investigation at the site found work was taking place on a section of roof 11 metres off the ground, without the use of any means to prevent two workers falling from the open edges. In addition, these workers were accessing the roof by climbing from the basket of a cherry picker.

Walltopia of Bulgaria Boulevard, Letnitsa, Bulgaria, was fined £500,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,013.25 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.

After the case, HSE Inspector Lee Greatorex said: “Using a pallet on a telehandler for planned work at height is an unacceptable means of access. It appears that the company failed to put in place control measures after being alerted about this.

“Walltopia failed to follow recognised industry standards during work at height and did not make effective changes to the control of their working methods following the matter being brought to its attention. Work at height should always be sufficiently planned and managed to protect workers from being exposed to extreme risks from falls from height. In this case someone could have suffered significant injuries or death”.

For more information about working safely at height visit: www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safetytopics/workingatheight.htm

1...939495...109Page 94 of 109
Skill Builder Amazon Shop

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© SkillBuilder