An ambitious project aims to draw up a digital map of all UK underground pipes and cables to end strikes and save workers lives. To achieve that, the government’s Geospatial Commission plans to collate existing data on underground pipes and cables to create an Underground Assets Register. The feasibility of
A landmark acquisition comprising of a 928-home site near Leeds Docks, the largest in its history, has been secured by English housing association The Guinness Partnership in Leeds. The site is just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds Station and the new HS2, with Leeds South Bank set to provide
Company gears up to showcase innovative safety solutions at Safety and Health Expo For industries that are inherently dangerous and require men and women to work in hazardous situations and conditions, protecting people and sending them home safely at the end of each day is paramount. Developing a
Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has appointed Matthew Ellams, Partner, to the senior team of its Leeds-based Architecture & Building Consultancy. Ellams joins from Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, where he was Head of Construction – responsible for the planning and management of all construction activities
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has published the new Level 2 Facilities Services Operative apprenticeship standard and assessment plan. The Level 2 Facilities Services Operative (FSO) apprenticeship is ideal for those new to the profession who are looking for an entry level role in the industry. It offers
Property maintenance can often seem like an exhausting and costly endeavour, with numerous aspects of a building to consider. By implementing a planned maintenance schedule for your building you can ensure that all elements of your premises are taken care of in a timely and cost effective manner. Here we
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
An ambitious project aims to draw up a digital map of all UK underground pipes and cables to end strikes and save workers lives. To achieve that, the government’s Geospatial Commission plans to collate existing data on underground pipes and cables to create an Underground Assets Register. The feasibility of the project is being tested in London and Sunderland. “The creation of an underground map of utility assets has long been an ambition of Ordnance Survey. And over the last year we have been working closely with Northumbrian Water and a consortia of utility companies and local authorities in the North East of England, to explore how accurate geospatial data can improve underground infrastructure maintenance and inform new-build development projects,” said David Henderson, the managing director of Ordnance Survey Great Britain. “The investment being made by the Geospatial Commission will ultimately enable the utility industry to more efficiently access, use and share data describing otherwise hidden infrastructure, thereby reducing operational costs, minimising disruption and accelerating completion of site works,” he added. One of the biggest issues is that currently there is no comprehensive underground map of the UK’s service network. Organisations have their own maps showing where gas pipes and electricity cables are, but the lack of a combined map creates an increased risk of potentially lethal accidents. Once the project is in place, workers will be able to see all teh right details on mobile phones or laptop computers before they start a dig. It would be wise to gain knowledge in maps with the Chad Kimball course “Working alongside local authorities, other utility services and partners has meant that we are off to a good start in mapping Sunderland’s underground. We are looking forward to working with government and others to showcase the powers of data sharing for public good,” said Heidi Mottram, CEO of Northumbrian Water. It is estimated that the cost of disruption from accidental strikes on underground pipes and cables is £1.2bn a year to the UK’s economy.
A landmark acquisition comprising of a 928-home site near Leeds Docks, the largest in its history, has been secured by English housing association The Guinness Partnership in Leeds. The site is just a few minutes’ walk from Leeds Station and the new HS2, with Leeds South Bank set to provide 35,000 jobs and deliver 8,000 new homes over the next 15 years. The Hunslet Road site will offer 600,000 sq ft of homes and commercial space to contribute to this vision. “This site, within the Leeds South Bank Regeneration and Innovation District, is a fantastic opportunity for us to create over 900 homes in a vibrant new neighbourhood in Leeds. We intend at least 35% of the homes to be affordable,” said Catriona Simons, Chief Executive of The Guinness Partnership. Guinness has committed to ensuring at least 35% of the available homes will be for the affordable housing market. The site was purchased with the support of part of the funding recently granted by Homes England to Guinness to start building an extra 4,500 affordable homes across England by 2022. “The Guinness Partnership’s proposals are fantastic news for Leeds. That it is committing to its biggest ever scheme here and intending to deliver so many new affordable homes is a real mark of confidence in our vision for the South Bank, where we want to ensure regeneration and growth benefits all the city’s residents,” added Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council’s executive member for regeneration, transport and planning.
Company gears up to showcase innovative safety solutions at Safety and Health Expo For industries that are inherently dangerous and require men and women to work in hazardous situations and conditions, protecting people and sending them home safely at the end of each day is paramount. Developing a safer world Global Safety company, MSA, is getting ready to showcase its range of safety solutions at the upcoming Safety and Health Expo, taking place at the ExCel in London from 18th to 20th June 2019. As one of the UK’s biggest health and safety events, the company will be taking the opportunity to talk to customers and industry peers about the latest trends in safety, and how it is continually innovating its products and solutions to meet the latest safety needs. From its V-Series range of fall protection harnesses, to its latest SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) for industry, the company is excited about the opportunity this event brings. “Protecting people is what MSA is all about – be that while working at height, fighting fires or maintaining oil rigs and telecoms towers,” said Jennifer McGurrin, General Manager of Global Fall and Industrial Head Protection at MSA. “For us, innovation must be a constant, from developing new products to enhancing what we already have. We hope through this event to demonstrate some of our successes in the UK market. Visitors can see, touch and feel out products – they will even be able to have a go on our virtual reality experience, which really gives a feel for our products in action.” Creating a Safer Workplace with Software as a Service Making its Expo debut will be Safety io – MSA’s first subsidiary focused entirely on leveraging MSA’s market-leading gas detection technology with industry-leading innovation in cloud-based software. Safety io uses wireless technology and cloud-based computing to enable a broad range of “connected” safety activities. With MSA’s gas detection products serving as enablers, Safety io delivers the ability to remotely monitor gas level readings in the workplace, track the safety of associates, monitor instrument maintenance status and, in the event of an emergency, notify workers of the need to evacuate with the push of a button. “In many respects, Safety io challenges safety-minded organisations to expect more from their gas detection systems and programs,” said Gustavo Lopez, General Manager for Safety io. “The services we offer are designed to enable worksite managers to make informed decisions, reinforce best practices and pursue a safety-first, injury-free workplace.” Software platforms currently available from Safety io – which are available as subscription-based services – include Fleet Manager and Live Monitor. Fleet Manager allows organizations to proactively track and monitor the calibration of their gas detection equipment and make standard operating procedures more efficient. Live Monitor enables the remote tracking and monitoring of all workers performing difficult and hazardous job functions in real time fashion. Customers, safety experts and the public can explore these and other new product solutions and latest technological advancements from MSA, as well as speak with the company’s team of safety specialists, at this year’s Safety and Health Expo at stand number SH2270 from the 18 to the 20 of June. Hi-res images available on request. About MSA Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company’s comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA’s core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter protective apparel and helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2018 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information visit MSA’s web site at www.MSAsafety.com.
Carter Jonas, the national property consultancy, has appointed Matthew Ellams, Partner, to the senior team of its Leeds-based Architecture & Building Consultancy. Ellams joins from Kings College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, where he was Head of Construction – responsible for the planning and management of all construction activities undertaken by the Trust, including the installation of a helipad on an existing 10-storey building. Having worked in the field for over 20 years, Ellams is relocating from London to Leeds to develop the Architecture & Building Consultancy across the North. Operating across all sectors, the Consultancy offers a range of services, including specialist architectural services and building surveying, as well as cost consultancy and project management. A high-calibre professional with a wealth of experience across the built environment sphere, Ellams is particularly adept at delivering projects in the healthcare and commercial sectors. He also has the added advantage of having previously worked in an international context – in Middle Eastern locations including the United Arab Emirates. Ellams has complimented his vocational experience with academic rigor, having received an MBA in Construction & Real Estate from the University of Reading. In 2017, Ellams was awarded a Fellowship by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in recognition of his individual achievements. Richard Love, Head of Architecture & Building Consultancy, Carter Jonas, said: “This is an exciting time for the Building Consultancy team and we’re proud to announce Matthew’s appointment and welcome him into the team. Matthew is well placed to take forward this section of the business, and drive its development in the northern region.” Matthew Ellams, Partner, Carter Jonas, said: “I am excited to be returning to my roots – to the area in which I initially started my career in construction. Within the industry, the Consultancy has a reputation to be proud of, and I am up to the challenge of replicating this success and taking it to new places.”
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education has published the new Level 2 Facilities Services Operative apprenticeship standard and assessment plan. The Level 2 Facilities Services Operative (FSO) apprenticeship is ideal for those new to the profession who are looking for an entry level role in the industry. It offers the opportunity both to master practical workplace skills and gain IWFM professional recognition. On completion of this standard – typically in 12 months – FSOs will be able to provide facilities services support to customers and facilities management departments in a wide range of workplace environments. The FSO role is outward-facing and will involve substantial liaison with customers, as well as compliance with legislation and organisational policies. IWFM played a key role in the Trailblazer group which created the new standard, working alongside sector employers, training providers and educational institutions. This built on our earlier collaborations developing the higher level FM apprenticeship standards critical to providing the industry with the professionals it needs to help address its productivity and skills challenges, whilst also promoting social mobility. IWFM Head of Professional Development Fraser Talbot, said: “This key entry level pathway to our profession couldn’t have come at a better time for those wanting an opportunity to take the first step to a career in workplace and facilities management. “Apprenticeships provide a valuable alternative to academic routes and they are crucial to bringing new talent into the profession. As an apprentice you earn as you learn, gain a professional qualification and get an experience-based launchpad to a career, irrespective of your background. Employers gain assurance that their workforce has the knowledge and skills they require. Investment in professional development also provides a more engaged and productive workforce. It’s a perfect win-win” For full details of the apprenticeship standard click here.
Property maintenance can often seem like an exhausting and costly endeavour, with numerous aspects of a building to consider. By implementing a planned maintenance schedule for your building you can ensure that all elements of your premises are taken care of in a timely and cost effective manner. Here we explore the top 5 reasons to employ a planned maintenance schedule. Compliance As a building owner or tenant there are numerous legislations and regulations which you must stay in compliance with to ensure a safe environment, and to stay within the law. From water safety checks, to electrical and fire equipment, each aspect must be carefully inspected and regularly maintained to confirm their compliance. A planned maintenance schedule ensures that your building undergoes necessary and regular compliance checks and receives appropriate maintenance as and when required. Minimise Breakdowns Without regular maintenance checks smaller and more inconsequential issues can turn into larger, more unmanageable repairs, and even complete breakdowns. Checking equipment and the fabric of the building regularly for potential faults will help to detect any issues before they progress. A comprehensive maintenance schedule will ensure that the entire facility undergoes regular maintenance checks and breakdowns of equipment will be minimised. Time Saving Whilst in the initial planning stages a planned maintenance schedule may seem time consuming, this process will help to save time in the long run. As equipment is checked on a regular schedule, the building or business owner can spend time more effectively elsewhere, without concerning themselves with the prospect of breakdowns or repairs. A blended strategy of reactive and planned maintenance would be suitable for most buildings to ensure there is regular maintenance occurring, along with having a qualified team on hand to respond quickly to a unexpected and reactive issues. Cost Effective Waiting for breakdowns or maintenance issues to arise before fixing them may seem like a preferable option, with no need for outgoing cost of regular maintenance checks. However, this strategy can be a very costly way of maintaining a facility, and lead to longer downtime whilst larger repairs take place. A planned maintenance strategy will help to reduce costs as unexpected maintenance issues are spotted during the regular checks, and can be dealt with before escalating into larger more costly repairs or replacements. Without planned maintenance it can be easy to ignore potential maintenance issues which can have knock on effects further down the line. Equipment Lifespan Replacing equipment within the fabric of a building can be expensive and time consuming, therefore being able to reduce the likelihood of replacements being necessary is highly preferable. Regularly checking equipment around the facility and repairing minor issues as and when they occur will help to maximise the life expectancy and value of the equipment, keeping it safe and efficient for longer. By employing a planned maintenance schedule and a qualified team to take care of the tasks in your facility, will help to ensure your building continues to function safely and within the law. Whilst having the appearance of being time consuming and costly, planned maintenance will inevitably help to prevent major issues and expenditures from occurring.
