Construction Update - January 2023

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CT1 the specifiers choice of Sealant and Adhesives!

CT1

is used by construction professionals in every sector of the industry including roofing contractors, joiners, window suppliers, kitchen fitters, bathroom installers, as well as specialist fit out and building companies working on every possible scale of project from small one of extensions to massive high rise, multi-purpose develop ments across the country.

CT1 replaces several different sealants and adhesives in one tube. It’s the ultimate snag list eliminator providing permanent sealing and bonding solutions, saving time and money by delivering outstanding performance on almost every type of building material in virtually every application.

Creating Waves in Bristol

When building the groundbreaking Wavegarden Cove project in Bristol, engineering specialists Andrew Scott Ltd needed extremely high preforming, highly deformable and very durable adhesives and

sealants guaranteed to endure rigorous and testing conditions in consistently wet conditions, and even underwater. The Wave is a 180m inland surf lake generating up 1000 waves per hour ranging from 50cm to 2m in height, deliv ering unrivalled inland surfing experiences suitable for every level from beginners to the seasoned professionals.

With the originally specified adhe sives failing to meet the tough requirements of this complex build, Project Manager Steven Hunt turned to CT1. Needing products guaranteed to stand the test of time in harsh, wet conditions, on constantly moving platforms CT1 delivered while also meeting the client’s environment and sustain able build values.

With unique ‘Tribrid®’ technology CT1 sealant and adhesive is now 3 times stronger, with 350% elon gation, secured colour retention and enhanced performance in the harshest outdoor applications. Furthermore, CT1 is the high strength, solvent free, environ mentally compliant and most ecologically advanced sealant and adhesive available that’s used by construction professionals in every sector of the industry.

CT1 was put through every possible assessment for adhesion, flexibility and strength, exceeding every expectation and providing the architects, specifiers, engineers and clients with assurances and confi dence in the success of their project.

CT1 not only delivered during the build phase but it continues to deliver while being tested every day by the harsh environment exacer bated by the strength of moving bodies water and thousands of users. Such has been the unrivalled success and performance of CT1 it has been already specified on their next wave project in Scotland.

Creating Specifications with CT1

Now, it’s never been easier for leading architects and quantity surveying practices to find and specify the UK’s leading and adhe sive for their projects. CT1 has launched on NBS Source, the very latest cloud-based technology plat form facilitating specifiers to make environmentally and ecologically better construction specifications rich in technical detail and safe guarded for the future.

NBS Source enables architects, specifiers, and engineers to keep their finger on the pulse of the construction industry and write their project specifications with our market-leading sealing and bonding project solutions.

Specifiers can now add CT1 to their projects directly from NBS Source, complete with classification, certifi cation and performance data.

Made in Britain

CT1 is made in Britain with British technology and British design.

Officially voted the UK’s Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive by trades people nationwide, CT1 comprises the very best raw materials and is leading the way in quality, service and technological advancements being made in the construction industry.

CT1’s ‘Tribrid®’ technology provides unique adhesion on virtually any material in most applications without the need for additional fixings. Available in ten different colour options it offers specifiers and construction industry experts greater versatility for use in so many more applications.

Whether you’re an architect, surveyor, specifier, builder, plumber, joiner, roofer, landscaper or DIY enthusiast, CT1 should be the sealant and adhesive of choice for every project, packed in every toolbox and immediately on hand to provide the best solution every time.

Here’s just 10 of the reasons why:

1. Will bond on virtually every type of construction material in most applications including wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, stone, concrete and most plastics

2. Incredibly tensile strength of up to 2.9 N/mm2 when fully cured

3. Environmentally friendly with no detrimental impact on ecological biodiversity

4. Unique flexibility with excellent resistance to vibration and up to 350% elongation

5. Works in wet and dry conditions – ideal for marine and boat maintenance as suitable for all salt-water environments

6. Ultra-violet Resistant

7. Solvent Free and suitable for clinical and clean room environments

8. Excellent resistance to chemicals

9. Will not shrink, dry out or flake.

10. Can be painted

Its available now in all good builders’ merchants nationwide and online from www.ct1.com

CT1 – Often Copied but Never Equalled!

We Innovate – Not Imitate www.ct1.com

The “GO-TO” company for waste water pumps and sewage pumping systems

Not only is the company authorised by Jung Pumpen GmbH for the specification and supply of its products in the UK, but it is also a major stockist and supplier for other leading waste water and sewage pump manufacturers such as Saniflo, Whale, KSB, Sulzer, ABS and many more.

Pump Technology Ltd, is the UK’s largest supplier of Jung Pumpen equipment, including the waste water pump, Hebefix, or DrainMajor floor mounted pumping systems, or the Compli sewage pumping station range.

David Johnson, Business Development Manager for Pump Technology Ltd, says “Over the past 3 years we have devoted huge amounts of time and money to establish the company as the go-to supplier of Jung Pumpen equipment. We optimised our purchasing, stock and costs for maximum efficiency and have passed all these savings on to our customers. In addition, our extremely large stockholding of products for next day delivery, combined with excellent and reliable support from the dedicated Pump Technology Ltd. Jung Pumpen team, means that we can help to ensure that our customers businesses remain profitable”.

In response to demand from clients, plumbers, installers and merchants, Pump Technology Ltd. has just launched its new Saniflo SFA Webshop. www.saniflo-pumpshop.co.uk/

Picture: Saniflo Web Shop

The same reliable “old fashioned” service is still available, so the team is always there during office hours to assist with new selections, but for those engineers wanting to simply order a replacement Saniflo pump, or who are certain of their selection, this can now be done (out of normal working hours for example), easily and more conveniently on the web shop.

The first Saniflo SFA customer was Leon Fattal and the company surprised him with a full refund for the cost of the product.

The PumpMatic range is manufactured by Pegasus Pumps, (a Pump Technology Ltd. group company), enabling them to provide a comprehensive range of modular tank sizes as well as custom tanks built specifically for site inlet elevations and positions.

The Pump Technology Ltd team will respond immediately to calls or emails and will be happy to work with customers to ensure that they are supplied with exactly the right product for the job. The company philosophy is to make doing business easy with competitive pricing and readily available goods.

If equipment needs to be commissioned or serviced

Jonathan Barker, Pump Technology Ltd.’s MD comments: “This is all part of celebrating our 30th Year in business. Additionally, we are sponsoring the SoPHE (Society of Public health Engineers) Young Engineer of the Year and are currently purchasing defibrillators to donate to the West Berkshire Ambulance Service”.

Civil engineers are catered for with our range of below ground pumping stations which include the MiniMatic and PumpMatic ranges. The company has its own in-house drainage and pump consultant, Steve Murphy to ensure that this equipment is specified right first time and is compliant with appropriate regulations.

Pump Technology Ltd. has a national network of technical pumping partners to provide on-site support.

Situated in Alice Street, Derby and part of the Nottingham Road Conservation Area, the project – which has received planning permission – will see existing building transformed into workshops and offices for the charity.

Working alongside architect Matthew Montague Associates, the firm will convert the two-storey building into a brand-new premise for the Liversage Trust as well as courtyard for parking which will enhance the future viability and prosperity of the conservation area.

Founded in 1529 by Robert Liversage, the Trust’s objectives have been to provide relief either generally or individually to Derby residents who are in need, hardship or distress. The

Addison Hunt to transform disused site into new offices for Liversage Trust

Trust currently manages more than 160 almshouses, a 40-bed care home and a small number of other residential and commercial properties, as well as providing grants to assist residents with obtaining essential household items and limited financial support at a time of crisis.

Simon Collin, director of Addison Hunt, said: “The Liversage Trust is an incredible charity and we’re delighted to be assisting them in delivering a new workshop and office space, which will be situated nearby to Liversage Trust almshouses.

“We look forward to welcoming its employees into the new building, not only will they benefit from a modern and spacious facility, but it will make a difference to how they operate and the services they provide across Derby.”

Andy Mellors, general manager at The Liversage Trust, said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with Addison Hunt on this exciting project.

“As Derby’s oldest charity, we are keen to not only preserve the buildings of our past, but to adapt and improve them for the future, so that we can continue to provide our important services to local residents.”

Led by company directors Chris Hunt and Simon Collin, the business was set up by Chris in 2016 and in six years has grown to a team of eight professionals delivering multimillion-pound projects, working with sub-contractors, contractors, and developers.

To find out more information about Addison Hunt and its projects, please visit: addisonhunt.co.uk

BIM tags for doors

Assa Abloy’s Openings Studio building information modelling (BIM) software is described as “a cloud-based, custom configuration tool for the creation, visualisation, modification, and management of door openings”.

The Openings Studio Mobile App allows users to manage buildings and design, build and maintain doors – from product concept to product care.

Every door logged in Openings Studio is automatically assigned a unique asset tag, which can be

affixed to the door as either a QR code or RFID tag, giving access to the door data, including installation, inspection and service history.

The asset tag functionality enables direct access from the Mobile App to information such as product specification, hardware schedule, product information, inspection reports, digital images, and change management tracking.

Assa Abloy managing director Brian Sofley explained: “Dame Judith Hackitt’s report outlined the need for a new regulatory framework and

an emphasis on the ‘golden thread approach’, providing transparency of information and an audit trail all the way through the life cycle of a building.

“Openings Studio has been created with this in mind, and our new mobile application and QR code and RFID asset tagging system enables direct access to door details, including installation, inspection and service history, which helps ensure accountability and a holistic approach.”

Door manufacturer Assa Abloy now offers doors that are electronically tagged to store not just the product details but their entire service and inspection history.

Surf resort plans for former Kent colliery

Plans for a surf wellness resort on the site of a former Kent colliery at Betteshanger Country Park have been submitted to Dover District Council

TheSeahive Ltd, founded by Jim Storey, has engaged architect Holloway Studio to work up designs for the £40m project near Deal.

Plans for the 15-acre site feature a Wavegarden Cove surf lagoon at the centre, which can generate more than 20 different wave types from 50cm to 2cm.

Overlooking the lagoon is a clubhouse featuring a surf academy as well as a restaurant and bar, conference facility, retail outlet, chill out spaces, dedicated work area and immersive balcony.

Surrounding the lagoon, a number of interconnected ‘hives’ of activity are planned, including a wellness facility with yoga and fitness zones, cold water therapy and meditation pavilions, pump track and splash pool. There are also a small number of sustainably-designed holiday lodges.

The project also aims to be carbon neutral from the start through the use of sustainable energy to power the waves.

Ecologically-led space

The developer also aims to create a separate area of over 28 acres dedicated to an ecologically-led regime of enhancements and management, including an ecology

warden. This area is 85% larger than the parcel of land on which The Seahive will sit, which TheSeahive Ltd claims will generate a net biodiversity gain in excess of 10%.

Storey said: “My vision has always been far greater than just creating an inland surf lagoon. The Seahive is a purpose-driven, inclusive business anchored around the power of blue health and its impact on both physical and mental wellbeing.

“We are passionate about creating an immersive, authentic destination that empowers people to push boundaries in a safe environment, improves and protects wellbeing, encourages communities to connect, creates environmental changemakers, equips kids with knowledge and self-belief, increases tourism, supports local businesses and generates hundreds of jobs.”

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HID , worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, announces today the successful implementation of its mobile access solution, HID Mobile Access,  and mobile-enabled Bluetooth® readers at the new Skyliner skyscraper in Warsaw, Poland.

Located in the vibrant Wola business district, Skyliner is one of the tallest buildings in the capital at 195 metres high. It is the first skyscraper commissioned by the developer, Karimpol Group, a developer of office and business parks in Europe. With 42 stories, it offers 49,000 m2 of leasable space with the lower levels dedicated to retail.

In terms of physical access control, the strategy has been to segment the building and create various zones based on usage: office space for tenants, free access areas for the public, along with underground parking. To meet security protocols, people are prevented from going directly from the garage to the office floors and are routed to the lobby area first.

Szymon Zduńczyk, Karimpol Group’s technical department head, explains, “Another key goal was to introduce touchless entry as people pass the turnstiles in reception, with a lift automatically called to take them to the correct level. We wanted to keep everything as simple as possible for people who work and visit the building.”

To achieve this and add value to tenants, Karimpol Group has installed a feature-rich workplace platform developed by Hellopark the SkylinerAPP.

The SkylinerAPP provides a range of functionality for each tenant and their staff: the ability to reserve car parking places, book desks and conference rooms, as well as receive information and news about the building or events going on within it. It is also a tool to log any maintenance requirements: the building’s facility managers are informed about them via the system so they can be dealt with promptly.

A HID Mobile Access solution has been integrated with the SkylinerAPP to allow physical access to the building, with both Apple iOS and Android-based smartphones supported. Leveraging Seos® as its underlying credential technology, the HID solution was sourced and installed by GMP Power, who also managed the programming of 300 door readers so they integrate with the mobile access solution.

Simplified setup and integration

To date, 1,600 users are registered in the SkylinerAPP. The process of adding and authorizing staff to use it is straightforward. On the backend, an office administrator first registers them in the building’s security management system. Each employee then downloads the SkylinerAPP by visiting Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Maciej Kizlich, Hellopark’s chief executive officer, explains further, “To make this work at the door level, we’ve integrated HID’s SDK into our mobile app, along with HID’s Origo portal which links to our admin panel. Origo allows us to manage the credentials based on available licences

and assign batches of virtual cards to specific tenants. It also integrates with the security management system, so that as long as the user is registered in it, all they need to do once they’ve downloaded the SkylinerAPP, is confirm their identity by clicking on a registration email and they get access.”

The system has also been designed so that tenants can manage the virtual credentials themselves from within the SkylinerAPP.

At the outset of the project, Karimpol Group specified an access control solution which offered the option to use physical cards as well as an appbased mobile approach. “We expected to run a dual system. As it turns out, 95% of tenants have only ever used the mobile one, with physical cards just given to visitors. That’s due to the success of the SkylinerAPP,” Zduńczyk continues.

Integrated mobile access control drives workplace app usage

Having mobile-based access control tightly integrated with the SkylinerAPP has added considerable value and driven its usage. Traffic is high and tens of thousands of requests are made within the app. “The amount of interaction people have had with it shows we’ve done a great job. It’s not just another building management app that no one uses. It really helps people get the most out of the building and be more productive in their day-to-day work,” Kizlich adds.

Tenants in the building are very positive about it, too. Bolt—the European mobility super app offering ride hailing, shared cars, e-bikes and scooters along with a food and grocery delivery—is one such organization.

Karolina Cieślak, Bolt’s regional office manager, explains, “In our previous building, we just used plastic

cards. But staff were always losing or forgetting them which wasted my time. Our reception would have to call me to confirm that an individual was really an employee and I’d then have to reissue a card. The attraction of the SkylinerAPP in conjunction with HID’s mobile access solution is one of convenience as frankly no one leaves their home without their phone, I can activate and deactivate virtual credentials easily and, as physical plastic cards aren’t used anymore, it helps us be more green.”

Looking to the future, Karimpol Group is preparing to start work on the second phase of the Skyliner masterplan. “We’re collecting feedback from tenants and going through a lessons-learned process, but the expectation is that we’ll implement a HID and Hellopark solution in the next project based on our experiences,” Zduńczyk concludes.

To learn more about HID Mobile Access, visit the website.

Base Structures install temporary weather screening to adapt to fast-moving building project

To aid protection from rapidly deteriorating weather conditions, the client was looking for temporary screening to secure a 15-storey office building, guaranteeing their programme of work could continue uninterrupted and meet pre-arranged turnaround times.

To meet the requirements of the proposal, Base Structures installed forty-four screens across the length of the building with a total fabric area of 1,800m². Designed to withstand all relevant British Standard wind loadings and

fire retardancy requirements, new attachment methods were devised with the client to circumvent existing columns not being appropriate. The results were cost effective, versatile, and offered much more flexibility when considering site conditions and access requirements.

The client, said: “The temporary weathering solution installed by Base Structures is a great design and fitted our needs perfectly. The installation team have maintained an extremely high standard of quality and safety and have delivered the install ahead of the anticipated programme.”

Any Traynor, Head of Installation on the project and Director at Base Structures, added: “These temporary fabric screens help solve a problem for a client at a vital time in their building programme, enabling them to work uninterrupted in areas where building exterior is yet to be completed. Tensile fabric is perfect for this job, as they can be installed quickly with minimal disruption, allowing contractors to get on with the job and fulfil tight turnaround times. These screens are also very easy to dismount, so when they’re no longer needed, we will also remove them”

Base Structures are committed to the upcycling and re-use of tensile fabric that has not yet reached its end of life, and our zero-landfill policy means that screens like this can find another useful life elsewhere. To speak to Base Structures about similar projects, or where expertise such as this can add value and timeefficiency to your building programme, get in touch on the details below:

CaberShieldPlus flooring provides safe and sustainable working platform

CaberShieldPlus, from West Fraser (Trading as Norbord Europe Ltd), is a durable, P5 flooring which features a permanent, waterproof coating on both sides.  Almost exclusively preferred now to P4 boards - for both new-build and refurbishment applications, the P5 particleboard panels are able to withstand the unpredictable British climate without deterioration.

In fact, if installed using CaberFix D4 adhesive, the boards have BBA approval for 60 days exposure to the weather while, for safety, the upper face is non-slip and colour-coded to distinguish this: making them an ideal choice for flooring - especially when working at height or where they will remain open to the rain until the roof is complete.  The lower face, meanwhile, is smooth in finish for ease of sliding the panels into place on site.

The tongue and groove profile (TG4) product is available as 18 and 22mm thick sheets, measuring 2400 x 600mm, making it easy to install and provides excellent load-carrying capacity without needing noggins.  As well as housebuilding, CaberShieldPlus is suitable for schools, hospitals and commercial applications.

Approved as a BIM object for architects by RIBA, CaberShieldPlus is considered ideal as an sustainable solution for flooring, as all the timber used in

West Fraser’s UK manufactured particleboard production is from responsibly managed forests, and carries the coveted FSC® (C012533) certification, along with the rest of the range.

Increasingly, environmental issues are coming to the fore for builders, specifiers and architects: and West Fraser is committed to playing their part in reducing their emissions with their UK manufactured net carbon negative.  This means the company locks up more CO2e in its products (and the lifetime of use) than it emits during their manufacture.  This has been independently audited by Wood - from the forest to the customer, including harvesting, production, sales and logistics - and certified by the international EPD system Secretariat in Sweden.

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke - email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit https://uk.westfraser.com/

Completion at Watford senior living scheme and interior concept revealed

Marchini Curran Interiors has announced the completion of a new 255-home retirement community in Watford, Hertfordshire.

Mayfield Watford retirement village, which is the first to be delivered by Mayfield Villages, consists of 255 contemporary one and two-bedroom apartments for over 55s, and is now open to property owners.

Located on Heron Place, close to Watford General Hospital and less than a mile to the town’s retail centre, the new community features landscaped communal gardens, swimming

pool, sauna and steam room, gym, beauty treatment rooms and a café-bistro.

Midlands-based Marchini Curran Interiors was appointed on the scheme in 2017, to create an interior concept and lead the procurement of furniture, lighting and artwork.

The now complete interior design scheme at the village is rooted in Scandinavian style, with a focus on biophilic design - bringing the outside in. The interior is

orientated around a central garden with all interior spaces having a visual link to it.

Christopher Taylor, design director at Marchini Curran Interiors, said: “This is a significant and impressive scheme which we are incredibly proud to have delivered. To create a concept from scratch, unlike anything else in the UK, was a real joy to bring to life.

“We undertook detailed market research in the UK and the US, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia for inspiration. With this intelligence we took a fresh approach to designing for contemporary retirement villages, with minimal, clean lines - moving away from the stereotype style often found at senior living developments.

“As part of the design process, we broke down the boundary between defined spaces synonymous with retirement living and instead created a largely open plan interior that can ebb and flow, expand and contract, allowing the spaces to adapt to the activities at hand.”

The village is part of the new urban development, Watford Riverwell, which will bring new homes, community, leisure and retail facilities, set in more than 4.5 acres of green open space.

Nick Sanderson, CEO of Mayfield Villages said: “Watford is our first Mayfield Village and it meets the ever-increasing demand for more high-quality retirement options across the UK. Helping people to maintain their independence and actively improve their health and wellbeing should be key to how we

look after people as they get older. Marchini Curran listened to what the market wants in terms of the environment they live in and have delivered this with great style.”

Marchini Curran Interiors offers a full spectrum of interior design services, from concept to creation through to launch, and can provide a full ‘turnkey’ solution, by sourcing furniture, lighting, artwork, objets d’art from around the world, bringing a unique interior to every project.

It is the sister company of architects practice Marchini Curran Associates, which marked 20 years in business this year.

To find out more about Marchini Curran Interiors, please visit: http://mc-i.co.uk/

Help improve productivity with Makita

power consumption, for longer run times per battery charge. It also has a variable speed trigger to provide fine control where necessary.

In the course of any job that involves plasterboard installation there will likely be a need to trim the board to shape or create cut-outs for light switches, power sockets or ceiling lights. A cordless cutter designed for this is a valuable investment as it can make this process much easier.

The Makita 18V LXT Drywall Cutter DCO181 uses a rotating bit similar to a router cutter, which allows the cut to be started at the edge or in the middle of the sheet and efficiently cuts the material. A drywall cutter can also be useful for easily removing damaged areas of plasterboard that need to be replaced.

The DCO181 has a bit speed of up to 32,000 rpm for fast and easy cutting. The in-line tool design makes it comfortable to operate and can either be used free-hand or with a template or guide to make the alterations or cut outs. The DCO181 has an adjustable guide around the bit to allow the maximum depth of the cut to be set and avoid damaging anything that may be behind the plasterboard, such as wiring or pipework.

Due to the nature of the material, plasterboard must be handled, cut and fixed correctly to ensure a high quality finish. The plasterboard can easily be damaged if the screws are driven too strongly into the material and often standard combidrills produce too much force.

Specialist screwdrivers for use on plasterboard are designed to drive the screws securely into the material without damaging the board. The screwdriver does this by disengaging the bit when it reaches a set point to stop it driving the screw too far.

Furthermore, the weight of plasterboard means that the large number of screws may

be required to ensure it is fixed properly. For example, National House Building Council (NHBC) guidelines recommend screws be fixed every 230mm for ceilings and 300mm for walls, meaning as many as 32 screws per sheet may be required for walls. Therefore, improving the speed and efficiency of fixing these screws can create a significant time saving. For example, the unique Push Drive Technology featured in the Makita 18V LXT Brushless Screwdriver DFS250 makes it quicker and easier. With the lock-on button engaged, the motor will run automatically when the screw is pressed into the surface of the board and will drive until the screw is properly located. This has the added advantage of reducing overall

To ensure user safety and a clean work area, the Makita DCO181 has a dust extraction attachment that can fitted to the tool to capture and remove the plasterboard dust. It also has Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) technology that connects the tool to compatible dust extractors using Bluetooth to run the extractor automatically when the tool is in use.

Plasterboard installations, repairs and alterations can be made simpler and quicker by investing in specially designed power tools. A drywall screwdriver and cutter are valuable additions to your kit when tackling these jobs.

To find out more about Makita’s range of specialist tools for interior fit-out and finishing visit https://makitauk.com/

Battery system for pros expands

• 18V system already has more than 200 tools from different manufacturers

• 300 compatible tools planned by the end of 2023, including 50 new Bosch Professional tools alone

• Save time, money, and space with one battery and one charger for all brands

• Even wider range of applications and far more flexibility for professionals

• AmpShare – powered by Bosch: This is the name of the new, global multi-brand

• battery alliance just launched by founding members Bosch, Fein and Rothenberger.

AmpShare advances the shared vision of its founders and members to offer profes sional users the best and widest 18V system, with full compat ibility across numerous brands, appli cations, and countries. Professionals can already use more than 200 tools from the brands Bosch, Brennenstuhl, Cox, Fein, Klauke, Ledlenser, Lena Lightning, Ramset, Sonlux and Wagner with the same 18V battery.

With the establishment of the AmpShare alliance, the multi-brand battery system will grow to include more than 25 brands. It offers trades people from all trades a wider range of applications than before, covering nearly every application with just one AmpShare battery. This saves users money, space, and time – and

contributes towards greater sustain ability since they require fewer batteries and chargers overall.

AmpShare – powered by Bosch: More ease, flexibility, efficiency

“Thanks to AmpShare, the cordless construction site is becoming a reality for professionals. Work is becoming easier, more flexible and more efficient”, says Henk Becker, President of Bosch Power Tools. “In this multi-brand alliance, we’re bringing together all our performance – Amp – and push ing forward our vision of a universal battery system through the ‘sharing’ of one battery and one logo across all brands.”

A major advantage for users is that the already more than 80 million Bosch Professional batteries bought since 2008 will stay compatible. They can still be used with every profes sional tool from Bosch – and with every tool in the AmpShare alliance in the future – because the underly ing leading Bosch battery technology remains at the heart of the system.

According to Dr. Christoph Weiss, CEO of Fein, the leading supplier of multi-functional tools, the founding of the alliance represents another milestone in collaboration with Bosch: “In 2016, we jointly developed the Starlock System for universal tool mounting with multi-tools. By founding the AmpShare alliance, we are reinforc ing this decision and supporting our shared vision: To one day be able to operate all tools, no matter from which manufacturer, with just one battery. In addition to our Multimasters, we will be adapting the entire 18V portfolio at Fein to the AmpShare interface to make our customers’ daily work easier.”

Meanwhile, Rothenberger will contribute its expertise and compe tence in power tools for joining, installation, and pipe maintenance to the AmpShare alliance.

Dr. Christian Heine, CEO of Rothenberger, says: “We believe both in system

solutions and in the cordless construc tion site. And a multi-brand battery system with a long range combines both! So, we have decided to bring all our battery-powered products into the AmpShare universe.”

Wider expertise and range of applications than ever before

From now on, members of the new AmpShare alliance will also include: Fischer, the technological world market leader in important areas of fixing technology; AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH, a manufacturer of electric stair climb ing systems; Bepo, a specialist in mortise and joint cutters for fitting and window renovation; Förch, a supplier of power tools for construc tion, woodworking, metalworking, building services trades, as well as for the commercial and industrial auto motive sectors; Honsel, an expert in riveting and fastening solutions; Kolektor, an expert for multi-func tional cordless pressure sprayers; Kummert, a leading manufacturer of sewer inspection systems; Leister, the leader in plastic welding and process heat solutions; Mato, expert in lubri cation equipment; Signode; Orgapack and Strapex, packaging experts with strapping tools; PerfectPro, a leading producer of construction site radios; and Rexroth, a specialist in reliable tightening solutions.

Furthermore, Medmix plans to convert the MK series in addition to the Cox series, to the AmpShare interface. “300 tools, more than 25 brands, one battery: By the end of next year, we plan to offer you more than 300 compatible tools in the AmpShare alliance, including 50 new 18V tools from Bosch Professional alone, through which we will further expand our own portfolio” , says Henk Becker. And more brands are to come.

Best system performance: Battery technology for innovative key brands

Bosch battery technology, which serves as the AmpShare batteries, offers users many other advan tages. These advantages include full compatibility with all Bosch Professional 18V products since 2008, including the powerful Biturbo tool series, unique CoolPack battery technology for long runtimes and service life, the high-performance ProCore18V batteries – the most powerful batteries by Bosch thanks to innovative cell technology, and the fastest charging time on the market. For example, the ProCore18V 4.0 Ah battery can be charged to 50 percent in just nine minutes.

You can find further information about AmpShare - powered by Bosch at: www.ampshare.com.

RYOBI Unveils 18V ONE+ Cordless Multi-Material Saw

RYOBI’s newest cordless product, the 18V ONE+ Cordless Multi-Material Saw, is designed to cut through a variety of materials—including plywood, PVC, drywall, thin non-ferrous metal, or tile—through the use of three easily interchangeable blades.

The tool is optimized for small, quick cuts, especially plunge or straight cuts in tight spaces, according to the manufacturer. The motor operates at up to 4,200 RPM, and offers variable plunge depth settings of up to 1 inch. Onboard storage for the blade change/removal tool is included.

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ Cordless Mult-Material Saw is available online only and retails for $99. The full kit includes the tool plus an edge guide, a dust port, an Allen wrench, a 3 3/8-inch wood blade, a 3 3/8-inch diamond abrasive blade, a 3 3/8-inch HSS metal blade, and an operator’s manual. The battery and charger are sold separately.

ryobitools.com

The tool is optimized for plunge cuts of up to 1 inch in plywood, PVC, drywall, tile, or thin non-ferrous metal.

Taggart helps Ukrainian families by delivering 90 Shepherds Huts

Taggart Shepherds Huts has delivered 90 of its Shepherds Huts to help house Ukrainian families.

The team are in the process of delivering another 60 huts, which have been purchased through a buyer in Ireland, with multiple being provided at discounted rates to help many families in need.

Designed and manufactured in Ireland, the bespoke and exclusively designed Shepherds Huts prices start at £42,500 and are available as one or two bed varieties, sleeping up to five, and showcase a beautifully designed modern kitchen with hard wooden worktops, bifold doors, stylish metro tiles and high-end finishes.

Offering approximately 200 sq. ft of fully insulated living space, the huts

feature an open plan living area – with kitchen and dining space, double bed, single bed, and a separate shower room with hot running water and heating.

Taggart Shepherds Huts is currently producing four huts a week and is working to increase this to ten, with further new facilities and employees, to meet the current demand within the glamping market.

Michael Taggart at Taggart Shepherds Huts said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve seen an uplift in our Shepherds Huts and, more importantly, 150 fully fitted huts will help to house a number of Ukranian families.

“Our clients, who have purchased the huts, chose them because of their versatility and it’s an opportunity to generate an additional income. Not only are the huts indulgent and a beautifully designed place to stay, which could be offered as an Airbnb, they can provide an extension to a hotel or holiday cottage business.”

For purchasing the new huts in the UK please contact Grainne on 07341 200 100, and for the Republic of Ireland please contact Jackie on 07864727889, or by emailing sales@ taggartgardenrooms.com. Buyers also have the opportunity to choose bespoke fixtures.

To find out more about Taggart’s Shepherd Huts, please visit: taggartshepherdshuts.com

South London loft conversion specialist finds multiple uses for West Fraser’s SterlingOSB Zero

Afamily-run firm from Surrey, which specialises in loft conversions and the creation of bespoke garden rooms, is making extensive use of SterlingOSB Zero from panel product manufac turer, West Fraser, based on the board’s value, perfor mance and ease of installation.

MB Loft Conversions, based in Caterham, was estab lished eight years ago by Mark Bell and undertakes contracts right across South London, Surrey, Sussex and Kent.  Typically, the company completes up to a dozen loft conversions and other projects each year. Mark purchases his SterlingOSB Zero from Selhurst Timber and other builders merchants’ local to clients’ proper ties.  While he mainly prefers to use 18mm tongue and groove boards for their strength and excellent alignment when laid, some of MB Loft Conversions’ builds also use quantities of 11mm (square edge) SterlingOSB Zero.

Mark Bell commented: “I started out in the building trade as a carpenter but soon began concentrating on loft conversions and really enjoy the work which is all for private clients.  The jobs vary in size; we have done quite a number of larger projects typically with two rooms in the loft, along with two en-suites. The garden rooms can be very large as well.

“There is a number of reasons why we prefer to use both West Fraser’s 8x4 and 8x2 T&G Sterling OSB Zero, apart from it being a product I’m very familiar with.  We know we can rely on the quality, while the 18 mm T&G boards are like gold when it comes to doing flat roofs and make a really good deck.  We also use them for the cheeks of the dormer windows, while we switch to the 11mm for internal walls. There are also many applications for SterlingOSB Zero when it comes to our garden rooms.”

As part of a comprehensive, overall carbon negative prod uct range, SterlingOSB Zero T&G presents specifiers with precision-engineered tongue and groove boards, which are typically specified for pitched or flat roof decking and timber frame construction, as well as for flooring and other applications.

Also from an environmental viewpoint, the ‘Zero’ in the name means no formaldehyde is added during its manu facture, which is a first in the UK – encouraging its specifi cation on improved health and safety grounds.

Available in thicknesses of 18 and 22mm, the boards are produced in 2400 x 1200mm and 2440 x 1220mm sizes with T&G joints on two edges, as well as an 18mm thick version with T&G profiles around all four edges and face dimensions of 2400mm or 2440mm by 625mm. They are strong enough for use in most load-bearing applications, while BBA certification and recognition by both NHBC Technical and Zurich Municipal are key assurances for housebuilding applications.  SterlingOSB Zero T&G also bears the coveted UKTFA Q-mark, a quality certification which provides a benchmark for manufacturers and offers confidence to designers and end-users across the UK.

To find out more about West Fraser’s products for housebuilders, get in touch with Dan Clarke – email Daniel.Clarke@westfraser.com or download product brochures from the housebuilder page of the West Fraser website https://uk.westfraser.com/housebuilders/

For further information, call 01786 812 921 or visit UK.WestFraser.com

For further information on MB Loft Conversions, email mbloftconversions@gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/MBLoftConversions/

Victorian masterpiece is restored to life as Spectrum Properties nears completion of Mansion House transformation in Tollcross Park

The Mansion House at Tollcross Park is coming back to life.

The jewel of the East End of Glasgow, which blazed with candlelight and rang to the music of waltzes and polkas in its Victorian heyday, is nearing the end of a detailed and sympathetic refurbishment which will return the voices and laughter of families to the house once again.

By November this year, 13 spectacular apartments will be brought to the market, some of palatial size, some with floor-toceiling shuttered windows and all retaining the characteristics, class and craftsmanship of the A-listed Scottish baronial masterpiece.

The restoration of the 174-year-old centrepiece of 80 undulating acres of parkland at Tollcross is already being spoken of in the same terms as the transformation of the Great Western Road mansion of art collector and Glasgow benefactor Sir William Burrell, which was effected by the same company, Spectrum Properties.

Bill Roddie, Managing Director of family-owned Spectrum Properties, said: “This magnificent building is of massive historical importance to the East End – it is part of its heritage –and the work carried out had to be commensurate with its grandeur.

“The highly skilled team has, in effect, been paying its respects to the building while refurbishing windows and doors, replacing sills and seals, rewiring, installing energy efficiency measures, bringing the roof up to scratch and repointing the entire building.

“The tenants of the new flats will have the whole park on their doorstep, but importantly they will also have a

private garden to the back and the side of the building and a barbecue area for summer nights.”

The architecturally stunning development is the latest sign of the commitment to the area of Spectrum Properties, which has already contributed hugely to the preservation and enhancement of some of the East End’s most outstanding buildings. Remarkably, the project is being progressed with no grant funding, or any requests being made for such funding.

The company, which operates all over Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirlingshire, is spending more than £1 million on the conversion of the Mansion House, which was built by the architect David Bryce for the mine-owning Dunlop family and features classic crow-stepped gables, corbelled turrets and pointed roofs.

The new homes will have ultra-fast broadband and will be served by a private road sweeping through the park, with its mature trees, dramatic ravine, internationallyfamous Rose Garden and the

classical Winter Gardens – which are just a short stroll away and which are themselves undergoing a £1 million+ restoration.

Spectrum Properties has been instrumental in saving much of Glasgow’s Victorian architectural and industrial heritage and has invested tens of millions of pounds in creatively repurposing properties of recognised architectural merit.

Although Spectrum Properties has moved into residential development in the last 10 years, its primary focus remains on commercial property. It owns some 700 commercial properties across the city, comprising 70% of its group holdings.

Spectrum Properties directly employs 75 people and the same number of sub-contractors. It is actively recruiting to cope with rapid expansion. Established by Mr Roddie in 1988, the company now has a portfolio valuation of £60 million and a turnover in excess of £5 million.

Appeal for Help – Proposed Recruitment Initiative, Liverpool

The scheme needs the urgent help of roofing contractors in the area to get in touch and express their willingness to offer jobs to individuals following basic training.

Recruitment Initiative

Funding has been secured for the initiative by the combined authority of the Liverpool City region (which includes Liverpool, the Wirral, Sefton, Knowsley, Rainford, Halton) to offer jobs to unemployed people in the area.

The City of Liverpool College has agreed to provide its facility for practical training plus classroom space for health & safety training. Industry support has already been pledged by Stewart Rowles at Manchester-based NCTS/ Master Roofers Academy who will offer a short roof slating/tiling course; Mark Dunn has offered

support for flat roofing training; Mat Woodyatt from BMI has offered virtual reality training in site experience.

Fulwood Roofing, Rainford is the first employer to show interest.

The scheme is being spearheaded by Sue Wharton, Group Training Officer of the North West Roof Training Group.

Sue explains: “Working together, and showing commitment to our sector, we are asking those with businesses in the Liverpool area, or who are looking for labour in the area, to help, initially, by contacting us.

“Our first hurdle is to demonstrate that those of us in the roofing sector are all on the same side, share the same goals, and are prepared to consider every avenue in our search for new recruits.”

A PROPOSED new Liverpool initiative to encourage roofing employers to consider recruiting unemployed people as operatives is appealing for help.

Connecting European operators online with Y.O.U. Club

Yanmar is bringing together thousands of equipment operators across Europe through Y.O.U. Club – its brand new app.

Available as a free digital download in four languages on smartphone, tablet or desktop, the growing online community makes it possible to immerse yourself in Yanmar’s exciting world at a glance.

Alongside accessing exclusive content shared by the Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA team and other members of the Y.O.U. Club community, members can earn points by taking quizzes, sharing pictures and viewing exciting company updates. With three levels to progress through –bronze, silver and gold – a special gift is unlocked when you reach each milestone.

New members will be sent a free welcome pack comprising a personalised membership card, lanyard, keyring and cap. Alongside enjoying immediate entry to the Y.O.U. Club community, you’ll also be given exclusive access to a dedicated merchandise range

on Yanmar’s online shop. From branded hoodies and sweatshirts to tote bags and high-vis jackets, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.

The latest in a series of digital downloads designed for equipment operators across Europe, Y.O.U Club is also seamlessly linked to Yanmar Scan, the company’s virtual platform that makes machine ownership easier than ever before. Simply point your smartphone camera at a Yanmar Scan QR code (included on the latest compact models) and wait to be redirected to the relevant machine page. As well as detailed user information, you can immediately access machine safety instructions and daily maintenance guides.

Users can also navigate through every model in Yanmar’s compact equipment range via easy-to-use menus and simple online search fields. This makes it easier than

ever to compare products, get to grips with key features and decide which units are right for you with a few simple clicks. For more frequent use, operators can even add a shortcut to their smartphone homepage for instant digital access.

Whether you’ve been a Yanmar operator for years, or you’re completely new to the brand, downloading the Y.O.U. Club app immediately connects you with thousands of professionals across Europe.

For more information about Y.O.U. Club, go and watch the motion design video. Available in four languages, it can be accessed via the Yanmar YouTube channel or by following this link.

For more information about Yanmar Compact Equipment EMEA, or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.yanmar.com/gb/ construction.

CT1 Partners with Band of Builders to Deliver Life Enhancing Projects!

CT1, the Number 1 Sealant and Adhesive, is both humbled and privileged become an official corporate partner with Band of Builders, an amazing charity delivering life enhancing projects for tradespeople and their families who are dealing with life’s most challenging circumstances.

Band of Builders is a National UK Construction charity initially founded by Addam Smith, a landscaper who simply wanted to help his friend Keith who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. It has now completed scores of practical projects to help members of the construction industry, their families and their dependants who are battling illness or injury. As well as making physical adaptations to properties to suit their beneficiaries needs, they also promote Mental Health and award grants for those in urgent financial need.

CT1 is the No1 sealant and adhesive in the UK and always leading and providing the construction and landscaping industries with the very latest solutions for every type of project.

The Perfect Partnership

As a family owned company with strong community bonds it’s the perfect fit to partner with Band of Builders and provide practical support to members of the UK construction industry facing life changing or limiting circumstances.

In times of need or upheaval, everyone pitches in to help their neighbours and to have a unique and remarkable charity like Band of Builders helping a construction brother or sister in need is amazing, and CT1 jumped at the chance to be involved.

CT1’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Nicola Walsh, said the company wholeheartedly supported the work of the charity – which is affectionately known as BoB –and becoming a corporate partner was a great way to cement the flourishing relationship.

“We have a long history of supporting a range of projects and charities at a local level, but the time has come for our business to take our support to the next stage. Band of Builders embodies everything that’s amazing about the construction industry.”

“Tradespeople are often forgotten, being self-employed. They encounter daily struggles and often risk their health and lives attending to certain jobs. Those of us working in or supplying the building industry should try to help our fellow tradespeople in any way we can. We salute you BoB and are proud to be part of a growing movement in the construction industry that is a force for good.”

Delivering Life Enhancing Projects

One heart-warming and very emotional 8-day project has recently been completed for Kevin McGowan from Toomebridge in Northern Ireland. Kevin was a hardworking and enthusiastic brick layer turned contractor from Toomebridge, who has been living with a significant disability. His wife Margaret has adopted the role of his primary carer.

In 2011 aged just 54, Kevin began to notice difficulty walking, talking and swallowing. His symptoms progressed aggressively over a period of 8 months and he was eventually given the devastating diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). It causes irreversible brain damage with no successful

treatment that usually results in death within a year of diagnosis.

Despite defying the odds and surviving, Kevin’s disease has destroyed his life, stripped him of his independence and resulted in insurmountable financial pressure on his young family. Instead of enjoying retirement, he is bed-bound, fed via a tube and has incomprehensible speech.

Band of Builders rallied, and volunteers come from all around to help extend the rear of Kevin’s home, create a living area downstairs where he could interact with family and build a wheelchair accessible paths and landscaped gardens to provide outside space he could use.

CT1 is the number 1 product of choice for trades in every sector of the industry including roofing contractors, joiners, window suppliers, kitchen fitters, bathroom installers, as well as specialist fit out and building companies. The construction industry is the driving force of our country and trades people are the central core of it. That’s why CT1 is delighted to partner and support Band of Builders, a unique and remarkable charity doing something special and delivering life enhancing improvements when its needed most.

Making a Difference

Band of Brothers and the almost 50,000 volunteers across the UK that have come together to help their fellow tradespeople through renovations or repairs truly make a real difference to the lives of colleagues in the construction industry who are faced with lifechanging or limiting circumstances.

Getting Involved

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or know of someone who is or was in the building industry and has fallen on hard times, please contact Band of Builders - www.bandofbuilders.org.

Or visit www.ct1.com

CT1- Often Copied, Never Equalled.

MKM Gloucester launch glides to success, with a little help from Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards

MKM Gloucester has officially opened its doors in a flurry of excitement, with a helping hand from skiing superstar and national treasure Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards.

Ex ski-jumper and Olympian Eddie was delighted to lead the official opening of the new branch in Gloucester, located just around the corner from the dry ski slope where he learnt his legendary skills.

Coming from a long line of plasterers, Eddie was firmly at home at the builder’s merchant, where he delivered a motivational speech to the newly formed MKM Gloucester branch team, receiving a blizzard of applause.

Customers in branch were thrilled for the opportunity to meet and take pictures with the local legend, as Eddie soared down the heating and plumbing aisle like a pro and showed off his snowplough in the warehouse.

Local charity Gloucester Feed The Hungry – one of MKM Gloucester’s official community partners – were on hand to receive the proceeds of the fundraising efforts of the MKM Gloucester team, with a cheque for £580 presented to Founder Hashim Norat.

The funds raised will provide 1160 hot meals (enough meals to keep the project going for two and a half weeks) for those in need in the local community, including those experiencing homelessness and vulnerable senior citizens.  The branch is also partnering with Gloucester City AFC, a club that is committed to giving back to the local community as well.

MKM Gloucester is headed up by Branch Director’s Charles McArthur and Rob Caren.  Dubbed the dynamic duo in the merchanting sector in the South West, both Charles and Rob have developed excellent reputations in the local area and have extensive experience in the building and construction industry.

Charles McArthur, Co-Branch Director at MKM Gloucester, said: “Whether you’re an expert trades person, DIY enthusiast or looking to renovate your property, MKM Gloucester has everything you need to keep your project on track!

“We had a great day officially opening the branch to both trade and retail customers and we cannot wait to deliver excellent service to the region. From a first-class trade counter offering

to our stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom, there’s something for everyone at the branch. We can’t wait to welcome people from the local community and beyond through the door over the coming months!”

Rob Caren, Co-Branch Director at MKM Gloucester, added: “We were so excited to welcome the brilliant Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards in branch – his unbelievable energy and enthusiasm certainly rubbed off on our team! To welcome someone who holds such a special place in the hearts of the people of Gloucestershire to support the launch was fantastic.

“At MKM Gloucester, our aim is to provide the best merchant experience to our customers.  As an independent local business, we are also committed to making a positive impact on our local community and giving back.  The team has committed to raising funds

for Gloucester Feed the Hungry and will also be giving up their own time to help Hashim and his volunteers. This is just the beginning though, as we continue to identify more partners in the immediate area who we look forward to working with in the near future.”

Creating 17 new jobs for the local area, MKM Gloucester, conveniently located on Newhaven Road in Quedgeley, is a one-stop-shop for all building materials. No matter the project you’re working on, the company offers an extensive product range with first class service, including free same day or next day delivery.

And if it’s home and garden inspiration you’re looking for, the branch has a stunning kitchen and bathroom showroom, with MKM’s expert team offering free kitchen and bathroom design services.  There’s also an impressive outdoor landscaping display. Featuring all the latest styles and trends, from the traditional to contemporary, MKM’s friendly team are on-hand to help you every step of the way and bring your home visions to life.

For more information, visit: MKM.com

Schöck Bole prevents punching shear risk on major Manchester project

With flat slab construction preventing any risk of punching failure is critical; and conventional solutions involving increased loads in the stress areas bring their own particular challenges. The widely used and trusted Schöck Bole shear rail system offers a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution that is up to ten times faster to install than traditional loose links.

Sitting adjacent to Manchester Victoria station, the £185m New Victoria mixed development is a twophase scheme which will initially provide two residential towers of 20 and 25 storeys comprising 520 one, two and three bed apartments. An eight-storey, 150,000ft² office block is scheduled for the second phase. The residential first phase will deliver some of the best amenity space in the region, including a state-of-the-art gym, communal lounges and a rooftop garden. The residential structures are solid in appearance, with the depth and quality of the facades taking their cues from the surrounding historic listed estate along Corporation Street. The façades profiled panels run at regular intervals from top to bottom giving the buildings a clear vertical expression. The panels also extend and wrap around the top of the buildings, providing shelter for the rooftops terraces. The layout of the two structures has been driven by a need to maximise the number of apartments with dual aspect views. As a result there is one central core with three wings of accommodation. The concept for the façade is a ‘hooped envelope around a glass box’ with the ‘envelope’ consisting of vertical panels from the first floor to the roof level in a mix of profiled and flat, matt finished panels.

Punching failure risk is a critical issue

The buildings are concrete frame, constructed using a slip-form method. An economical form of construction with many benefits, such as shuttering time minimisation, simplification of reinforcement work, ease of underslab work and importantly, the optimum

use of space. However, with flat slab construction the risk of punching failure is always a critical issue. When increasing the loads in the stress areas, a great deal of consideration has to be given to variables such as the quality of the concrete itself, improving the reinforcement content and even enlarging the column heads. None of these options is necessarily time efficient or cost

effective. They rarely solve the problem to an optimal performance level either. So the ideal solution to resolving any potential problems involving punching shear, needs to be cost-effective, easy and fast to install – and certainly dependable.

Schöck Bole up to ten times faster

The Schöck Bole shear rail system has been incorporated to prevent any such risk – and enable costeffective installation that is up to ten times faster than traditional loose links. The dramatically reduced fixing time far outweighs any additional material costs that may be involved with a prefabricated system. Also, when compared with a typical stirrup reinforcement system, an increased shear force resistance of around 70% is achievable with the Schöck Bole. It is a widely trusted and popular solution consisting of double-headed studs and anchors, with spacing bars, which enable installation after the bottom reinforcement and

before the top layer. Two spacer bars are welded to the vertical studs, which ensure the correct distance between uprights. The forged stud heads guarantee a perfect finishing bond with the concrete.

Other variants in the range

In addition to the standard Bole solution, Schöck has developed two other punching shear reinforcement variants. The type U, designed for installation before the lower mat and type O for installation after the top reinforcement layer. All products in the range are supplied ready for installation. There is downloadable user-friendly Schöck design software available too, which enables fast and simple dimensioning of the product to British Standards and the export of CAD drawings with dxf-format.

For further information on the Schöck Bole system contact the company on 01865 290 890 or visit www.schoeck.co.uk

Zentia renames one of its most popular ceiling tile ranges

Zentia’s new Fission range will incorporate the former Tatra, Cortega and Fine Fissured tiles.

For more information about the Fission range please visit www.zentia.com/en-gb/the-fission-family/

eading UK ceiling manufacturers Zentia are bringing together and renaming three of their most popular mineral tiles.

The new Fission range will comprise Fission (formerly Tatra), Fission ND (formerly Cortega) and Fission FT (formerly Fine Fissured) which are all fire rated to Euroclass A2-s1, d0.

Despite the renaming, there are no changes to the products or their technical performance, and they are still warrantied for up to 30 years (when fitted with the Zentia grid system). Alongside this, they are manufactured with up to 51% recycled content and remain 100% recyclable.

Fission and Fission ND are white tiles available in two different edge details - Board (600 x 600mm and 1200 x 600mm), and Tegular

(600 x 600mm) for greater design flexibility. The Board edges fully expose the suspended ceiling grid, while the Tegular tiles are rebated, creating a semi-bevelled visual.

Featuring directional and nondirectional fissured patterns, they balance the need for sound absorption and sound attenuation in open plan spaces such as atriums, libraries, storage facilities and warehouses.

The premium product in the Fission range is Fission FT which is available in black as well as white and in three different edge details (Board, Tegular and MicroLook). The MicroLook edge is designed for use with Zentia’s 15mm grid range, with a vertical edge creating crisp shadowed effects. Its ultrafine non-directional fissured

pattern offers an optimum balance between sound absorption and sound attenuation.

All three ceiling tiles are suitable for new-build and refurbishment projects in the commercial, industrial and retail sectors.

Zentia’s sales and marketing director Graham Taylor said: “In 2020, we began our journey transitioning from Armstrong to Zentia. It is an exciting time that will deliver opportunities for us and our customers. As part of this process, we’re renaming our products and reshaping our ranges. But there’s no need for our customers to worry, their favourite ceiling solutions won’t disappear, and they can still rely on us to manufacture and deliver the same quality suspended ceilings we always have.”

Health

WELCOME

There are a wide range of substances in the workplace that have the potential to cause harm to health if ingested, inhaled, or in contact with skin, often leading to irreversible respiratory diseases, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For example, dust in the workplace continues to receive national attention as a hidden killer. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations (COSHH), the levels of inhalable dust in the workplace should not exceed 10mg/m3 and the level of respirable dust must not exceed 4 mg/m3. Employers are advised to control levels constantly to ensure such maximums are never reached.

From the thousands of substances that can be found within a working environment, around 500 are given specific limits, under Workplace Exposure Limits regulations, commonly referred to as WELs.  For example, cobalt metal has an exposure limit of 0.1 mg/m3 and silica is 0.1 mg/m3, meaning workers can only be exposed to a small amount before the substance potentially becomes hazardous to health. If such substances are identified in the working environment, employers must be familiar with the relevant exposure limit figures.

Latest Health & Safety Executive Reveal the Prevalence of Occupational Lung Disease in Great Britain

The latest Health & Safety Executive (HSE) statistics reveal that 12,000 deaths were reported as a result of lung disease from past exposures at work. Annually, there are an estimated 19,000 new cases of lung or breathing problems believed to be caused or made worse by the working environment.

Personal monitoring in the form of personal dust sampling pumps is the preferred method to measure dust exposure levels in the work place, allowing employers to remain compliant to government standards of safety with a completely accurate record of individual exposure levels.

Personal sampling pumps offer a more enhanced monitoring system able to provide data records all the time.  Data can be collected through out seasonal and weather changes – in the summer months, there may be better ventilation, where windows might be open, as opposed to winter months where lower ventilation can make for a dustier environment.  Based on the findings, further prac tices to dust control can be modified. Workers may be required to wear

additional respiratory protective equipment, or the location may need to be fitted with ventilation systems.  When new processes are introduced including new machinery and ventilation equipment systems the sampling pumps enable tests to ensure exposure limits are kept to a minimum. Ultimately, this allows workforces to become more engaged, with more insight than ever before on the steps being taken to measure and improve their health in the workplace.

As the latest HSE statistics show that occupational lung disease continues to be an issue impacting the lives of workers in Great Britain, Casella urges businesses to put measures in place to protect employees from hazardous exposure.

INDUSTRIES WHERE YOU NEED A BENZENE GAS DETECTOR

Benzene gas is found in a wide range of applications, mostly being environmentally related such as petroleum and process industries. It is a liquid at room temperature but quickly turns vaporous in the atmosphere, meaning this can be highly prevalent in these industries. Benzene gas is very carcinogenic and is a mutagen, thus it is vital to implement a Benzene Gas Detector in applications where Benzene gas be present, including as a byproduct of your process. This is because very low levels of this gas could be detrimental to the health of personnel (just 1 parts per million). This article will delve into where benzene gas is found, the dangers associated with this substance. Also discussing IGDs detectably better Benzene Gas Detector solutions to help mitigate the risks of this gas.

Where will I find Benzene Gas?

Benzene is characterised as a colourless or light yellow liquid that evaporates quickly in the atmosphere. Its vapours are generally heavier than air, thus will sink into low-lying areas. This gas can be produced both naturally and by human processes, from smoking a cigarette to being found in volcanos. It is constantly present at safe levels in the air but can be produced in mass amounts in industry.

Benzene gas is most commonly found in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries. This is because it is a natural part of crude oil and gasoline. Due to the processes performed, such as drilling and refining, a large amount of Benzene gas can quickly be released into the surrounding area. Therefore, it could easily drift into confined spaces and areas with a lot of foot traffic unnoticed. Quickly becoming a hazard to personnel. To mitigate this, a Benzene Gas Detector should be employed into the area to help control the amount released or alert to a hazard.

Additionally, portable Benzene Gas Detectors can be used in soil remediation and hazmat applications, as Benzene gas can be found for a number of reasons. Industrial accidents, improper disposals, leaks and spills of dangerous chemicals, oils and petrol’s can lead to an accidental release of a potentially high level of Benzene gas. This substance can be present from the moment of the spillage to months and years after. So, when hazmat teams visit these areas, they need to ensure their team aren’t put into any unnecessary danger. Therefore, a portable Benzene Gas Detector will be employed to help in mitigating these risks.

Moreover, Benzene gas can be found in a variety of other industries, including manufacturing and potentially construction. Thus, requiring the implementation of a Benzene Gas Detector. But why is Benzene gas so dangerous?

What are the risks associated with Benzene?

With a TWA of 1ppm over 8 hours, Benzene can quickly become a very dangerous substance to personnel. Ultimately causing a plethora of health issues. People exposed to high levels of Benzene for a short amount of time can develop symptoms such as headaches, tremors, tiredness and nausea. This can also happen when ingesting Benzene or when exposed to your eyes, skin or lungs. Benzene is also highly carcinogenic and a mutagen, thus longterm exposure can cause leukaemia and various other cancers. In addition to excessive bleeding and circulatory issues. Therefore, even low exposure can be very dangerous.

It is a requirement under the UK COSHH standards to implement a mitigation technique based on the level of protection required. This is commonly in the form of a Benzene Gas Detector as this is the most effective way to mitigate Benzene exposure.

Detectably better Benzene Gas Detectors with IGD

IGD have recently partnered with mPower, allowing us to offer the NEO portable Benzene Gas Detector

The Benzene NEO comes with 10 easily replaceable Benzene filter tubes at no additional cost. This measuring in a range of 0.05-200ppm. Our Benzene Gas Detector offers the most accurate Benzene detection available on the market, easy cleanability and field serviceability. This revolutionary new product from mPower is more durable than any alternatives on the market. Equipped with a full range of approvals to ensure your competence in the product.

NEO Benzene Gas Detector

The NEO Benzene Gas Detector offers a 45 second sampling time compared to the market standard of 130 seconds: the fastest on the market! Offering a flow rate of 400cc/min compared to the market standard of 220cc/min. This feature is vital in industries such as oil and gas where every second counts. With a 35cm length (including the tube holder) the NEO Benzene Gas Detector provides clients with a smaller monitor size. This massively increases portability and ease of use.

This device also boasts an efficient pumping system, ensuring the tube doesn’t become overly saturated if used for a large period of time, whilst offering reliable sampling for up to 30 meters. Additionally, this Benzene Gas Detector comes equipped with a stainless steel cap and tube holder. Thus, ensuring your tube holder is safe from breaking in more dangerous environments. With 5x the datalogging capabilities compared to the market leader, this Benzene Gas Detector is the perfect device for detectably better Benzene detection.

IGDs aftercare team can provide all clients with a full demo, servicing and training on this Benzene Gas Detector. All from the UKs mPower approved distributor. This is backed by our century of expertise in gas detection, guaranteeing a detectably better gas detection experience. Our knowledgeable service team span across the UK and Ireland to ensure clients are cared for with IGD. Contact our team today to find out more about our Benzene Gas Detector range.

2022 ‘SAFETY AT WORK’ REPORT: UK FACES SAFETY ‘BRAIN DRAIN’

New research into the state of safety in UK workplaces has been published by Draeger Safety UK.

Key findings include:

• Despite Covid serving as a catalyst for health & safety improvements, offering ‘unprecedented’ opportunity for businesses to create a lasting health and safety legacy, UK busi nesses expressed concerns about a major industrial disaster amidst safety ‘brain drain’ as older, experi enced workers leave the workplace.

• Positives: The majority of British workers (52%) feel safer at work than they did a year ago, with the top three reasons for this being:

1. ‘My business is taking safety more seriously’ – 67%

2. ‘Safety training at my workplace following Covid’ – 54%

3. ‘My company is ‘spending more money on workplace safety than before’ – 33%

Concerns: Despite the positive headlines, significant threats were highlighted, including:

• Safety ‘brain drain’ – amidst record employment flux, the research showed that the leading reason for people feeling less safe at work was the loss of older, more experienced workers from the workforce (32%).

• 37% stated that there needs to be more effort made to make sure that experience is handed down to the next generation of workers.

• Younger people (25 – 34 year olds) feel the least safe of any age group, with almost one in five (18%) saying they feel increasingly less safe at work.

Matthew Bedford Managing Director, Draeger Safety UK said: “Our 2022 research shows that 77% of British workers feel that workplace safety is more impor tant as a business priority than it was a year ago.

“It is clear that Covid has created an unprecedented opportunity to initiate a positive and long-term legacy when it comes to work place safety. Not only are most employees now familiar with who their business’s health & safety

• Concerns about a major industrial disaster on the scale of Buncefield or Piper Alpha, more than half (55%) of managers have concerns about such an incident happening in the next five years.

• Supply Chain issues – Four in ten (40%) managers stated that the current supply chain problems posed the most significant current threat to workplace safety, due to lack of availability of parts such as sensors and semiconductors.

lead is, but health and safety professionals have had board recognition like never before.

“Now that the impact of Covid in the workplace is reduced, there is a significant opportunity for health and safety to retain the more prominent, often boardlevel, position that we saw during Covid, with the potential to have a lasting positive legacy on health & safety in businesses in years to come.”

http://www.draeger.com/

Whatever industry you’re in, there’s nothing more important tham keeping your workforce safe - that’s where we come in. Our emergency safety showers and eye wash equipment provide you with a safer working environment, greater protection against serious injury and peace of mind that you’re compliant with crucial safety standards.

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European Commission Acts to Better Protect People from Asbestos and Ensure an Asbestos-Free Future

Asbestos is a highly dangerous, cancer-causing substance that is still present in many of our buildings and is responsible for many avoidable deaths in the EU. The Commission presents a comprehensive approach to better protect people and the environment from asbestos and ensure an asbestos-free future.

Although all forms of asbestos are banned in the EU since 2005, as bestos remains present in older buildings. It poses a health threat, particularly when materials containing asbestos are disturbed and fibres are released and inhaled, for instance during renovations.

As much as 78% of occupational cancers recognised in the Mem ber States are related to asbestos. When inhaled, airborne asbestos fibres can lead, for example, to mesothelioma and lung cancer, with an average lag of 30 years between exposure and the first signs of disease.

Therefore, addressing the health risks of exposure to asbestos is essential to protect people’s health and the environment, while ensuring decent living and working condi tions. This is even more relevant in the context of the green transition and our EU ambition to increase the renovation rate of buildings. Reno vations will improve the health and living conditions for residents, and reduce their energy bills. However, they will also increase the risks of exposure to asbestos, in particular for construction workers.

The actions put forward are part of the prevention pillar of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and will con tribute to the objectives of the Euro pean Green Deal, the Zero-Pollution Action Plan and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

Protecting workers from exposure to asbestos

Workers are at greatest risk of being exposed to cancer-causing asbes tos. To improve their protection, the Commission presents a proposal to amend the Asbestos at Work Direc tive. This includes a reduction in the exposure limit of asbestos at work to 10 times lower than the current value (from 0.1 fibres per cubic centi metre (f/cm3) to 0.01 f/cm3), based on the latest scientific and techno logical developments.

Together with awareness-raising and other improvements in health prevention and treatment, this pro posal will bring us closer to our EU aim of beating cancer. It also creates a level playing field for businesses operating across the EU, while de

creasing health care costs related to medical treatment.

Next steps

The Commission calls upon all EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders to accelerate action to achieve an asbestos-free EU for current and fu ture generations. The Commission’s proposal to amend the Asbestos at Work Directive will be discussed by the European Parliament and Mem ber States, with the Commission calling for a swift approval. Once adopted, Member States will have two years to transpose the Directive into national law.

Read the full version here

Over 5,000 people die in the UK each year due to asbestos related diseases.

It

is a

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Asbestos can

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in

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Have you received asbestos training?

UK

Asbestos Training Association

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UK’S LARGEST ARCO SAFETY CENTRE OPENS IN BRACKNELL

Company brings joined-up health and safety expertise, products, and training to south of England

HEALTH and safety experts Arco have opened their latest safety centre in Bracknell, Berkshire, bringing their knowledge, products, and training to the south of the UK.

expertise, expansive product offering, and practical training capabilities to more customers, nationally.

‘The expansion of Arco’s capabilities in Bracknell allows us to provide joinedup health and safety solutions for businesses UK-wide. The Bracknell safety centre demonstrates the future of health and safety – end-to-end service, combining risk assessment, training, and equipment provision, all under one roof.’

Representing an investment of more than £2million, the new location will be Arco’s largest dedicated safety centre, hosting practical learning environments – including a 20m external tower for working at height training, as well as confined space labyrinth training facilities –together with an on-site safety store where customers can purchase products, all under one roof.

At the centre, highly qualified experts will be on hand to provide joined-up safety solutions – a complete offering encompassing assessment of an issue, the training of employees, and the provision and maintenance of appropriate equipment to protect against future risks, all of which can be organized on site.

Helping businesses to mitigate, manage, and reduce risks, the Bracknell safety centre features advanced practical training facilities, respiratory protection and maintenance workshops, drop-in face-fit testing facilities, six training classrooms, and a fully stocked Arco safety store providing PPE, workwear, and workplace safety equipment from brands such as Trojan, Snickers, Berghaus, Regatta, Puma, DeWalt, Cat, and Mascot, among many others.

Jaime Sadler, commercial director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: ‘The new Bracknell safety centre is a significant milestone for Arco. As our largest dedicated safety centre, it is ideally placed to bring our industry

Ben Haughton, technical director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: ‘Our safety services teams provide practical advice and bespoke training for a variety of safety-critical industries and scenarios. Seeing, first-hand, the value of practical training facilities at our other safety centres allowed me to design and implement structures and systems unique to our Bracknell safety centre.

‘A significant number of people are killed or seriously injured working at height or in confined spaces in the UK each year. Despite legislation and health and safety measures, working in these environments still poses a very high risk.

‘Bespoke training to provide people with the correct skills and capabilities they need is essential. A generic ‘onesize-fits-all’ approach leaves workers and organizations open to huge risks. Dangerous working environments require consultancy and expert support that suits the specific scenario. Whether it’s equipment, training, or support, our experienced teams can offer a complete solution.’

Suit Up for Work with Snickers Workwear Mid-layer Clothing.

Outdoor clothing for Autumn and Winter to make you feel warm on the inside.

Snickers Workwear’s innovative and sustainable Mid-layer clothing has excellent breathability for efficient body-temperature management when you’re working hard.

The body-mapping designs and sustainable fabrics keep you venti lated as the heat from your body is regulated to give you winter warmth and cooling comfort when you need it.

The new autumn-winter styles include the FlexiWork High-Vis Hoodie which is stretchy, versatile and made from a 2-layer mesh fabric and recycled polyester fibres. This Class 1 Hoodie comes with glow-in-the-dark and flashes and plenty of features to deliver comfort and functionality.

Use FlexiWork Jacket underneath an outer layer on cold days or on its own in milder conditions. It’s made from a functional fabric with a high content of recycled polyester fibres and an ergonomic design for plenty of free dom of movement.

For comfort freedom of movement on chilly workdays, the FlexiWork Fleece Hoodie is ideal. The recycled polyester fleece fabric offers great insulation while long cuffs with thumb grip provide extra protection against cold air.

All Snickers Workwear Mid-layer Jackets, Fleeces, Sweatshirts and Knitwear come in a range of styles and High-visibility options for

different working environments and weather conditions.

So, to make sure you get the right protection, visibility, flexibility, durabil ity and ventilation, you should check out all the layered Climate Control garments from Snickers Workwear that work together to suit your workday.

For more information on the Snickers Workwear Mid-layer clothing range, call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email sales@hultaforsgroup.co.uk

WHAT IS A SEWER GAS DETECTOR?

In the sewer industry (wastewater) there can be a plethora of hazards encountered by personnel. Not only do personnel frequently enter confined spaces, but these areas are filled with decomposing waste and other hazardous materials. Gases emitted from these materials and O2 depletion levels are of the utmost importance to monitor in these environ ments. Therefore, we would need to employ a Sew er Gas Detector, otherwise known as a multi gas detector. Read on to find out more about the sewer gases, the industry around it and the ideal Sewer Gas Detector for your industry.

What is Sewer gas?

Sewer Gas Detectors are fitted with multiple sensors due to the multitude of encounterable gases in these areas. H2S and Methane are the most common ‘sewer gases’. Both Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S) and Methane (CH4) are given off from waste material as it begins to decompose. These can cause both toxic and flammable hazards. H2S in particular is highly poisonous and can cause death within minutes. Exposure to concentrations as low as 10ppm can severely affect personnel, thus demonstrating the importance of monitoring this gas. Both CH4 and H2S are highly flammable, with an LEL of 4.3% for H2S and 5% for CH4. Confined space environments in particular can become explosive very quickly due to the lack of ventilation and low percentage flammability. Thus utilising a Sewer Gas Detector is vital for safety of personnel.

Other gases that may be consid ered sewer gases include CO and O2, particularly for monitoring O2 depletion. There is constantly a 20.9% volume of Oxygen in the air and the volume must stay within this percentage to keep personnel healthy and alive. However, as personnel work in confined spaces, O2 can easily become replaced by CO2 as humans breathe as well as reacting with CO. Even a volume change by as little as 3% can be detrimental, therefore monitoring is vital. CO may not be commonly thought of as a sewer gas but can appear in these environments. It is a product of combustion, so may leak into sewers through generators being used in these environments, or from outside traffic. It is highly toxic in low concentrations, there fore monitoring with a Sewer Gas Detector is essential.

Other sewer gases that can possible be encountered include Ammonia, Sulphur Dioxide and Nitrogen oxide, although these are less common.

Why is it called Sewer Gas?

These substances are known as sewer gases as they are commonly found in sewers and are collected and emitted from sewer systems. These gases are also found in sewers as waste product begins to combust. Hydrogen Sulphide in particular is most commonly known as sewer gas as it is the most common hazards encountered in a sewer, as you can find it in abun dance due to it being a by-product of decomposition.

What is a Sewer Gas Detector?

Sewer Gas Detectors are also known as Multi gas detector, equipped with H2S, CO, CH4 and O2 sensors. One commonly used version of this is the Senko MGT Sewer Gas Detector. This device is ideal for use as personal detection equipment as it is fitted with all of the ideal sensors needed to monitor sewer gases. IGD offer the perfect Sewer Gas Detector solution, suited for sewage treatment as well as for use in various other applications including confined spaces and the automotive industry.

The MGT Sewer Gas Detector

IGD offer the Senko MGT Sewer Gas Detector, providing detectably better multi gas detection in one light weight and small portable. This is ideal in the sewer industry as it does not weigh the user down as well as being the most durable device on the market, suited to survive the harshest environments. This is also equipped with a large battery life, so there is no chance of battery downtime whilst in a confined space as well as the reduced need for constant charging.

The MGT Sewer Gas Detector also offers clear visual, audible, and vibration alarms for clear indication of a gas presence in any environ ment in addition to a 2 year warranty for peace of mind in your MGT’s competence.

Contact our team of experts today, or visit the MGT product page on our website to find out more.