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January 24, 2019

Facilities maintenance expert warns of serious health risks to the Scottish public from lax enforcement and lack of awareness of hygiene regulations

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

Lax enforcement and minimal awareness of vital hygiene regulations in both private and public buildings run huge risks with the health of people in Scotland, a leading Scottish facilities maintenance expert has warned. Colin Chambers, managing director of Hamilton-based Platinum Facilities Maintenance, believes that properties in Scotland are vulnerable due

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Royston Scaffolding Provides Solution for Emirates Stadium

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

Royston Scaffolding Ltd, the Cambridge & Hertfordshire-based company, has provided EOn and the Emirates Stadium with specialist confined-space scaffolding work. Home to Arsenal Football Club, the 60,000-seater stadium needed a unique scaffolding construction in an enclosed area underneath the stadium. Carrying out work underneath the stadium would enable engineers to gain access

Read More »

Prevent Fire from Spreading on Construction Sites

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

Every year construction sites and buildings undergoing refurbishment work catch fire, which results in workers being injured, destroyed properties, and unexpected costs that some businesses might never recover from. This is why it is important that protective fire measures are put in place to protect a construction site. Implement the right

Read More »

Bouygues Breaks Ground at Cambridge Laboratory

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

The ground has been broken on a new £300 million state-of-the-art physics laboratory and shared facilities hub at the University of Cambridge. Bouygues UK was joined by members of the university to celebrate the beginning of construction. “This is a great step in the development of physics research and learning at

Read More »

Altecnic’s Specification and Technical Teams Awarded CIBSE Accreditation as Heat Network Consultants

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

With district heat networks becoming a key solution to the UK delivering a low carbon energy economy, Altecnic’s Specification and Technical team members have been awarded CIBSE accreditation as heat consultants. Says Gary Perry, Managing Director of Altecnic: “Heat networks deliver reliable heating and hot water while reducing energy consumption and

Read More »

ETM achieves new occupational health and safety accreditation

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

A Bristol recycling company is celebrating after achieving ISO 45001 accreditation. ETM Recycling Limited has been assessed and certified as meeting the requirements of ISO 45001: 2018, the new international standard for occupational health and safety. The new management system has replaced the OHSAS 18001, which ETM previously had in

Read More »

Buyviu launches its new web portal in the UK

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

Buyviu launches a new website in the UK designed to be functional and intuitive, while providing a space for purchases for all inhabitants of the UK and who henceforth have their own space to acquire clothing, decorative items, DIY, for home and much more. It is like entering a giant

Read More »
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Issue 323 : Dec 2024

January 24, 2019

Facilities maintenance expert warns of serious health risks to the Scottish public from lax enforcement and lack of awareness of hygiene regulations

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

Lax enforcement and minimal awareness of vital hygiene regulations in both private and public buildings run huge risks with the health of people in Scotland, a leading Scottish facilities maintenance expert has warned. Colin Chambers, managing director of Hamilton-based Platinum Facilities Maintenance, believes that properties in Scotland are vulnerable due to a lax enforcement regime and an almost universal ignorance of the legal requirements in both the private and public sectors. He said: “Regular inspection simply doesn’t happen, and the risks are unacceptable. I have been in this sector a while now, but I am still shocked, quite regularly, by the bacteria that is trapped in all too many, water tanks because regular mandatory checks do not take place.” His warning follows reports of a £27,000 fine imposed earlier this month on Tendring District Council in Essex following a Legionella incident in 2016 at a council-run leisure centre at Walton-on-the-Naze in which a man almost died. The court was told that after a Council decision to bring Legionella controls in-house, those responsible were not properly trained. And in a statement which is sure to focus the minds of owners of all privately-run sports and leisure facilities throughout the UK, District Judge John Woollard said Tendring District Council’s fine would have been ten times greater had it not been a public body. Every organization in the UK with over five employees is legally obliged to carry out annual risk assessments, monthly monitoring and regular checks to ensure that no stagnant water, the source of Legionella, is present in their buildings’ systems. The legal obligations on property owners, introduced by the Health and Safety Executive, (HSE) are aimed at making all non-domestic buildings in Scotland safe and clean environments. Mr Chambers said: “I worry about the reality of what we see every day in our built environment. Both Scottish and UK governments, as well as local authorities and the various agencies like the Health and Safety Executive need to beef-up substantially their inspection regimes for compliance with building regulations and hygiene standards in water tanks. “It surprises me that we have not seen more outbreaks of Legionella and other infections in Scotland because the bacteria involved in stagnant water tanks breeds wonderfully well in polluted environments, and if you have a neglected water tank, in a hotel, a leisure centre, a golf club or a nursing home, it will build up horribly”. Mr. Chambers, whose business provides regular facilities maintenance programmes for a range of customers in both the public and private sectors, is also warning non-domestic buildings owners that failure to undertake full inspections, cleaning and maintenance of ventilation systems can have severe financial consequences when disaster strikes. “I have seen instances of insurance claims for damage being pared down significantly from 100 per cent to just that which reflects the proportion of the inspection and maintenance work that has been carried out on the system, and that financial shortfall can be fatal for business continuity. “Non-domestic property owners have a duty of care towards the public and need to be aware of the cost and time implications non-compliance with the regulations could have for their companies.  “They need to monitor water temperatures closely, carry-out visual inspections and make sure that their water tanks are cleaned regularly. If in doubt they should seek expert guidance to help mitigate the more damaging potential threats.”

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Royston Scaffolding Provides Solution for Emirates Stadium

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

Royston Scaffolding Ltd, the Cambridge & Hertfordshire-based company, has provided EOn and the Emirates Stadium with specialist confined-space scaffolding work. Home to Arsenal Football Club, the 60,000-seater stadium needed a unique scaffolding construction in an enclosed area underneath the stadium. Carrying out work underneath the stadium would enable engineers to gain access to various points that powered certain areas such as the changing rooms. Confined-space scaffolding projects have specific requirements and need to follow a strict installation process to meet high safety regulations. Royston Scaffolding Ltd became qualified in confined-space scaffolding over three years ago and since then it has seen growth in a number of these unique projects. Working in confined spaces can be a difficult and demanding task, where safety is key in often sometimes hazardous conditions. However, the team at Royston is confident in its abilities to offer a safe and professional service to its clients. Business partners Elliott McGrath and Craig Nettleingham have both been lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fans, however they were still eager to meet the demand. “While we of course were always going to take the project on, we did take an extra second to think about it! Since moving into confined-space scaffolding though we have been able to diversify our services as well as increase our extensive scaffolding knowledge,” said Elliott McGrath, Managing Director. “What we didn’t take into account was that the work began the day after the north London derby where Spurs lost 4-2! Talk about rubbing salt in the wounds,” he added. Elliott went further to add that fans of the “other” North London club can rest-assured they did not tamper with anything.

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Prevent Fire from Spreading on Construction Sites

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

Every year construction sites and buildings undergoing refurbishment work catch fire, which results in workers being injured, destroyed properties, and unexpected costs that some businesses might never recover from. This is why it is important that protective fire measures are put in place to protect a construction site. Implement the right products A crucial step to prevent a fire from spreading is implementing the correct safety products, with fire extinguishers being one of the most life-saving products that one can have on site. Fire extinguishers should be located at identified fire points around the site and should be appropriate to the nature of the potential fire: Wood, paper and cloth – water extinguisher Flammable liquids – dry powder or foam extinguisher Electrical – carbon dioxide (C02) extinguisher Consider how to detect fires Although a standalone alarm unit may be sufficient for a smaller site, as a construction site grows, there is a higher risk of a fire breaking out. By installing fire detection and wireless alarm systems, one can ensure workers are alerted in the event of such an incident. Carry out thorough staff training It is so important to ensure staff are confident when using any type of fire safety equipment – they need to know what risks to be aware of and what actions to take in the event of a fire. All new employees should also receive fire safety training. Review and update your risk assessment According to The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (FSO), a ‘responsible person’ must carry out, and keep up to date, a risk assessment and implement appropriate measures to minimise the risk to life and property from fire. The HSE recommends following these five steps when carrying out the risk assessment: Identify hazards: consider how a fire could start and what could burn Identify those at risk: employees, contractors, visitors and anyone who is vulnerable Evaluation and action: consider the hazards and people identified in 1 and 2 and act to remove and reduce risk to protect people and premises Record, plan and train: keep a record of the risks and action taken. Make a clear plan for fire safety and ensure that people understand what they need to do in the event of such an incident Review: your assessment regularly and check it takes account of any changes on site.    

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Bouygues Breaks Ground at Cambridge Laboratory

Cristina Diaconu January 24, 2019

The ground has been broken on a new £300 million state-of-the-art physics laboratory and shared facilities hub at the University of Cambridge. Bouygues UK was joined by members of the university to celebrate the beginning of construction. “This is a great step in the development of physics research and learning at the University of Cambridge. We look forward to moving in to our new facilities and opening our doors to the wider research community and the public to increase understanding and foster discovery,” commented Professor Andy Parker, Head of Department of Physics at the University of Cambridge. The development will provide a purpose-built centre for world-leading physics research, bringing together all of the Cavendish Laboratory’s research groups under one roof. Located at the West Cambridge campus off Madingley Road, the flagship building of the development will be named the Ray Dolby Centre to recognise a £75 million gift from the estate of sound pioneer Ray Dolby. It will house a range of laboratories, offices, clean rooms, workshops and multiple lecture theatres. “Bouygues UK and our sister company Bouygues Energies & Services have been involved from the start on this exciting scheme, working alongside the University of Cambridge’s existing project team to develop proposals for a new world-class laboratory. It is exciting to break ground on this project that will see us bringing innovation, a collaborative approach and our technical expertise to create a new home for major academic research,” said Fabienne Viala, Chairman of Bouygues UK and UK Country Manager for Bouygues Construction. The new facility is expected to be completed in 2022.

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Altecnic’s Specification and Technical Teams Awarded CIBSE Accreditation as Heat Network Consultants

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

With district heat networks becoming a key solution to the UK delivering a low carbon energy economy, Altecnic’s Specification and Technical team members have been awarded CIBSE accreditation as heat consultants. Says Gary Perry, Managing Director of Altecnic: “Heat networks deliver reliable heating and hot water while reducing energy consumption and lowering bills for the end user. Heat networks allow easy integration of various low carbon heat sources.  When decentralised systems are done well, it is a real win win for all those involved as well as the environment”. “While the technology is well proven in the UK and across Europe, it is still relatively new to some specifiers and heating engineers. Sadly, because of this, some networks have suffered and aren’t performing as well as they should and this has led to some high profile bad press”. “In response CIBSE and the Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE) have collaborated and produced a code of practice for heat networks, called CP1.  Its aim is to raise standards and the understanding of heat networks right across the supply chain.  As a manufacturer of heating interface units (HIUs) for such systems, we have always championed the CIBSE scheme“. “As CIBSE approved heat network consultants our specification managers and technical team are qualified to advise and help in the specification, sizing and design of schemes.  It is in all of our interests that such schemes are successful and we have always gone above and beyond as a manufacturer by not only attaining CIBSE accreditation for our specification team, but also in the training and technical help that we provide for installation and maintenance engineers. Our CIBSE approved CPD seminars are another example of our will to improve the knowledge and understanding of heat network systems” The CIBSE CP1 code of practice on heat networks covers all forms of district heating from communal building heat to large city-wide schemes.  It is designed to apply to both new networks and extensions of existing networks. The code specifies minimum requirements which must be met in order to produce a successful scheme and comply with the code.  It then details further information on best practice for those looking to move beyond the minimum requirements. To speak to one of Altecnic’s CIBSE accredited heat consultants, telephone 01785 218200 or email specifications@altecnic.co.uk.

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ETM achieves new occupational health and safety accreditation

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

A Bristol recycling company is celebrating after achieving ISO 45001 accreditation. ETM Recycling Limited has been assessed and certified as meeting the requirements of ISO 45001: 2018, the new international standard for occupational health and safety. The new management system has replaced the OHSAS 18001, which ETM previously had in place, and enables an organisation to provide safe and healthy working conditions, prevent work-related injury and ill health, and continually improve its occupational health and safety performance. The standard was developed by a committee of occupational health and safety experts and follows other management system approaches such as ISO 14001 and ISO 9001. Amy McCormack, Director of Bristol-based ETM Recycling, said: “We are delighted to have achieved ISO 45001 accreditation as it puts us in an elite category of businesses and the level of excellence is internationally recognised. “Our staff are hugely important to us, so it is vital that we provide them with a safe place to work. ISO 45001 accreditation is also about being proactive about health and safety and continuous improvement, which we strive for at ETM Recycling. Part of the ETM Group, ETM Recycling offers waste management, recycling and skip hire from a fully equipped waste transfer centre at Ashton Vale in Bristol. The Group, which is also made up of ETM Contractors, has also achieved ISO 45001 standard. “Achieving ISO 45001 across the whole group has been important as it creates a consistency throughout ETM that is built around best practices,” said Amy. “It has been a great effort from everyone involved and we are excited to be at the forefront of this new accreditation.” It rounded off a great 2018 for the company, having achieved a 35% increase in turnover for the year, and having been appointed on a three-year deal by Bristol Sport to handle all Ashton Gate stadium’s waste. And it’s set to be an even better year for ETM Recycling in 2019, with its new £4million state-of-the-art zero waste to landfill recycling facility set to open in April. The new facility will double the amount of waste the company can process, as well as increasing efficiency and effectiveness. Amy added: “It really is an exciting time at ETM Recycling and we are looking to grow even further this year. The ISO 45001 accreditation is another feather in our cap and will contribute to us moving forward in the future, and 2019 is going to be a great year for ETM.”   For more information, visit https://recyclingbristol.com/ or telephone 0117 953 3654.

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Buyviu launches its new web portal in the UK

Kenneth Booth January 24, 2019

Buyviu launches a new website in the UK designed to be functional and intuitive, while providing a space for purchases for all inhabitants of the UK and who henceforth have their own space to acquire clothing, decorative items, DIY, for home and much more. It is like entering a giant shopping center where there are shops of all kinds, offers, brands and a great variety; with the added advantage that there are no border barriers that prevent you from obtaining that product that you can’t get at a local store. New online shopping platform available to everyone Nothing better than having a website like buyviu.com uk that works according to your locality, where they will certainly offer that necessary space to those products that you are used to getting, only that here you can find them at very competitive prices. On the other hand, it is a very complete website that also offers users an unparalleled selection of highly organized articles by categories, sections and brands, which makes the shopping experience much more rewarding. The purchase process is very simple. When you select the item of your choice you buy it and you just have to wait for it to get home, being these simple steps  that the consumer knows how to appreciate very well. The idea of ​​this online shopping portal is to make it easier for customers to make purchases, of course, in the case of a platform as large as this one, where there are endless suppliers of brands, services and products, it is necessary to have an impeccable, friendly and intuitive design. In fact it is so easy to get what you are looking for, that once you are in the category that interests you, you will be able to count on a series of filters that minimize the search field, such as:   The price ranges Gender (boys, men, unisex women, etc.) For the size For color By the type of manufacturing material By the brand By the seller Advantages of buying online After applying this filter we assure you that you will be able to easily find what you want to buy. It is clear that not all filters are useful in all cases, but without a doubt that when you are used to making purchases online, you know how to use them according to your convenience. Also each department consists of several categories that are very helpful to minimize the search field; everything is to know what you are looking for in such a way that you find it quickly. Compare before buying If there is something that adds value to your purchases is the ability to compare models, brands and of course prices, this being entirely possible when you use online shopping portals with the selection of products. You can even establish the advantages between buying in a physical store and in an online store. Buyviu UK has the best prices This is definitely a tremendous advantage, since not only do you have a wide variety of products, but you will always be able to get them at the best price, something that will allow you to make some extra purchases, like that belt that goes with the pants that you just bought and that was definitely not within your initial budget. Buying at the outlet is much cheaper If it is already very economical to buy in the store, buying at the Outlet is simply great, since here there are only products with discounts that can go over 70%. Best of all, they are quality products that for reasons seasonal, for the sizes or some other small detail are sold at crazy prices. Another of the particularities of these platforms for online purchases, is that they keep the stock of goods available continuously updated, which guarantees that if the product is there is because you will be able to buy it.

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