Scotland’s First Minister has given the green light to a construction industry soft start – The move will allow a number of contractors to get back on site, under strict conditions – Council Leaders welcome the news and say public and worker safety will remain top priority for Edinburgh Construction
New images and details of a landmark development of 148 flats, office space and a café planned for Newtown Road in Hove have been unveiled by Yelo Architects. The plan was approved by Brighton and Hove City Council’s first virtual planning committee on Wednesday April 22 after lockdown began. The
As work resumes on many shut-down construction sites, an engineering expert is urging plant hire companies and site managers to check that their onsite machinery’s health and safety certifications are up-to-date and valid. In his address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged construction workers to go back
After the housing market was given the green light to reopen last week, following seven weeks of lockdown, demand for homes has doubled. However, four in 10 workers say they are concerned about social distancing in workplace. Cadline UK is introducing new technology: iTWOsafe., which enables staff to monitor safe distancing and
There are times when you choose to post some items in the mail which need more protection than common paper envelopes. And this type of envelope is also the perfect thing when it comes to transferring items and packaging online that are flat yet sensitive. Being available in different sizes, these envelopes
Everyone can’t afford to buy a 4000 sq. Ft. villa. Buying a house with master bedrooms, a spacious living room, an airy kitchen, and giant-sized washrooms requires a lot of money. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a small square feet house look spacious, comfortable, and airy. The
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Scotland’s First Minister has given the green light to a construction industry soft start – The move will allow a number of contractors to get back on site, under strict conditions – Council Leaders welcome the news and say public and worker safety will remain top priority for Edinburgh Construction workers across the Capital will be able to get back on site following an announcement by the Scottish Government. Speaking yesterday (Thursday 11 June), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon signalled that the industry is now able to move into Phase Two of its Six Phase Recovery Plan. This means site works and structural changes to domestic properties are allowed to restart – if Covid-19 guidance can be followed to protect workers and the wider public. Council Leaders have welcomed the move, which will allow many workers to return to their jobs and enable key projects to prepare for a safe reopening. Council Leader Adam McVey said: “This welcome change brings us another step closer to getting Edinburgh’s construction industry back on track. “From building much-needed affordable housing, schools and Edinburgh’s new Meadowbank, to improvements across our transport network, we have around 110 construction projects under contract worth £339m. Getting these projects back underway and progressing high profile developments like the Tram to Newhaven and new St James Centre will be a priority for the industry, the local economy and, crucially, hundreds of our residents who work in construction.” Depute Leader Cammy Day added: “We’ve been working closely with our contractors so that they can make their sites and working practices as safe as possible. It’s vital that no work gets underway until proper measures have been put in place to protect communities and workers against Covid-19. “Changes won’t take place overnight and must be gradual, and we’ll be looking at how we engage local communities at each stage.”
New images and details of a landmark development of 148 flats, office space and a café planned for Newtown Road in Hove have been unveiled by Yelo Architects. The plan was approved by Brighton and Hove City Council’s first virtual planning committee on Wednesday April 22 after lockdown began. The £60m scheme will be built on an under-used brownfield site at KAP Motor Group’s former Peugeot garage. This development comes in the wake of other Yelo Architects award winning housing schemes at nearby One Hove Park and New Wave. Newtown Road includes rooftop allotments and green spaces to encourage wildlife, while landscaping was designed by award-winning landscaper Nicholas Dexter. Andy Parsons, Managing Director, Yelo Architects, said: “This is our third major planning approval in the Hove Station area and we think this attractive and sustainable scheme will build on the character of the area as it transitions from industrial to mixed use. ”This is a high quality and well-designed scheme boasting big balconies with room for a table to seat four and space to grow food on every balcony. We also used perforated metal instead of glass on the balconies because it helps them feel more private. ”Newtown Road will be a catalyst for the area as it begins a transition phase where it moves from industrial to mixed use. Change is always challenging for residents, but it’s not ideal to have lots of industrial use next to residential either. There’s a masterplan for the whole area and it’s important for developers to follow this closely.” The three blocks range in height from 4 to 11 storeys and include a mix of one, two and three bedroom homes. There are 104 car parking spaces in a basement car park and there is also covered ground-level cycle parking. Parsons continued: ”We secured planning consent at the first virtual meeting of Brighton and Hove City Council’s planning committee, so it’s encouraging to see that even during a pandemic, it is still possible to move these major projects along. To stand the best chance of success of securing approval during lockdown, it’s crucial for architects to provide exceptional imagery, 3D visuals and clear annotated drawings.” The firm worked in partnership with Savills, Ardent Consulting Engineers, BECG, NuPlanet Sustain and Nick Dexter on the scheme. There will be a New Homes Bonus contribution of approximately £991,000 for Brighton and Hove City Council as well as Section 106 contributions. Around 110 jobs will be created during construction. Yelo Architects worked closely with Brighton and Hove City Council planning officers, local residents and community groups throughout the process. This included considering Hove Station Forum’s illustrative masterplan for the future of the Hove Station area.
As work resumes on many shut-down construction sites, an engineering expert is urging plant hire companies and site managers to check that their onsite machinery’s health and safety certifications are up-to-date and valid. In his address to the nation yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged construction workers to go back to work from today (Monday). Keith Short, machinery inspection engineer at UK Risk Management & Engineering Services (UKRMES), is issuing a warning that certificates on lifting machinery may have expired on many sites during the lockdown. Although emergency extensions have been granted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as MOTs and first aid certificates, the law for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) requirements remains in place. Keith said that engineering inspections should remain a top priority for fully operational, reopening and closed sites. “The construction industry is essential for both growing the economy and catering for the country’s growing population but, like other industries, it has been forced to pause many projects due the pandemic,” he said. “Whilst some sites have stayed opened during the coronavirus shutdown, many are just starting to resume operations, and many more will follow, after the Prime Minister’s address. “During this period of readjustment, it can be difficult to grasp what is ‘essential’ and what is ‘non-essential’ but when it comes to thorough examination and testing (TE&T) of plant and equipment, the law is clear. “In order for sites to hit the ground running when they reopen, dutyholders need to have met their statutory obligation to ensure that work plant and equipment is maintained and is safe to use. “TE&T is critical to ensure the safe operation of equipment and continues to be a fundamental part of the management process. Failure of machinery through deterioration can create dangerous situations, physical harm and business disruption – which is the last thing that businesses want or need when they are trying to get back on their feet.” PUWER and LOLER regulations require equipment used at work to be suitable and safe for use, correctly installed, maintained and used, and to have suitable health and safety controls and markings. PUWER applies to all machinery, whilst LOLER only applies to lifting equipment, including 360 excavators, backhoe loaders, foreloaders, fork-lift trucks and telescopic handlers to hoists, cranes on machines, and lifting attachments. With LOLER, some extra requirements apply. Dutyholders must have PUWER and LOLER inspections on machinery and equipment to comply with HSE Regulations, which are legal requirements. If through an inspection or incident investigation, HSE finds that the regulations were breached or there was negligence, the dutyholder faces prosecution or significant fines. PUWER and LOLER inspections should be undertaken by an inspector with the relevant engineering experience and knowledge. “Construction is Britain’s second most dangerous industry to work in, with 30 people killed in 2018/19 – taking unnecessary risks is simply not an option,” said Keith. “During the period of lockdown, HSE has said that dutyholders should ensure inspectors have access to equipment in a timely manner, that they should consider allowing inspectors access to closed sites so that equipment is ready for when the business reopens, and to make reasonable attempts to source engineers from another provider if their usual provider cannot provide the service. “HSE also said that dutyholders must be able to demonstrate that they have made all reasonable attempts to have the thorough examination and testing (TE&T) carried out within the required timescales. “However, if equipment is to continue in use without TE&T, then dutyholders must assess the increased risk and take appropriate action to manage it. “Construction workers face potentially fatal risks on a daily basis, and that is only magnified during times of upheaval, such as this. Now is certainly not the time for complacency and protecting employee safety should remain top priority.” Keith highlighted that social distancing measures should not be a barrier to inspectors visiting sites and carrying out examinations. “In this climate, it is understandable that other health and safety concerns are at the forefront of dutyholders’ and site managers’ minds and that they are reluctant to welcome visitors onsite,” said Keith. “But our engineers remain committed to their duties and will be taking every care and precaution so that they can continue to carry these out. “The health and safety of our engineers and our clients is paramount and enhanced protective measures will be taken during inspections, including the use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), robust cleaning procedures and social distancing. “Managing risk is an integral part of this industry and keeping construction workers safe during this pandemic is our prime concern.”
After the housing market was given the green light to reopen last week, following seven weeks of lockdown, demand for homes has doubled. However, four in 10 workers say they are concerned about social distancing in workplace. Cadline UK is introducing new technology: iTWOsafe., which enables staff to monitor safe distancing and assist with business continuity. The simple, user-friendly app is connected to a light-weight Bluetooth device, which can be worn as a wristband or attached to a uniform. The iTWOsafe app tracks your physical distance to other devices on-site so that you can work in confidence knowing you are at a safe distance. There is no personal information required, only a smartphone’s phone number in order to connect to the app. Key features of the technology include alerts before breaching the distance requirement, traceable contact history and comprehensive reporting to showcase precautions to health and safety officials. With pressure on for the housing market to bounce back, the app has already gained interest from major global construction and engineering groups in the UK, who sent letters of intent weeks ahead of the product launching. Richard Robertson, Business Development Director at Cadline, said “The UK has seen an outpour of concern from the British people on returning to work post lockdown. People are understandably nervous and are looking for guidance now more than ever on health and safety in the workplace. iTWOsafe complements businesses social distancing measures, allowing them to reopen safely and encouraging confidence both in employees and in consumers. The device can be worn on site or during property viewings while the property industry recovers. The technology has been developed by Cadline’s investment partners, RIB Group and A2K Technologies, and is a listed supplier by the government’s Crown Commercial Service. Robertson continues: “One of the most essential benefits of iTWOsafe is the ability to track a COVID-19 infection emergency. Should a member of staff test positive for the virus, health and safety departments can identify if their iTWOsafe device came into close contact with anyone, and inform the relevant employees to quarantine. This helps to keep control of the spread of the virus and avoid the closure of entire businesses.” Currently in production, first orders of iTWOsafe will be shipped out next week. There is already huge demand in Australia and USA, with enquiries for over 30,000 units.
There are times when you choose to post some items in the mail which need more protection than common paper envelopes. And this type of envelope is also the perfect thing when it comes to transferring items and packaging online that are flat yet sensitive. Being available in different sizes, these envelopes are available in plastic or paper covered outer layer and these also feature bubble wrap layers inside the envelopes. One of the best things about this type of envelope is that you can easily get this from different reputable sources in the UK like Bestbuyenvelopes. Why do businesses prefer bubble envelopes? Businesses often have to send mails or some other delicate items through posts. And the padded envelopes work as the safest bet in these cases. These envelopes come with stronger paper made outer layer and an additional protective lining made of recycled fibers or plastic bubble wraps, which protect the items placed inside the envelopes during handling and transition. Some of the reasons why businesses bubble envelopes are: These envelopes are puncture resistant and strong mailbags that can protect the items against all the hazards of shipping. Apart from being highly cost-effective, these mailers are also lightweight and therefore these require less postage cost than shipping boxes. Some of these envelopes also come with self-sealing abilities, which save the time of insertion and fastening. Besides, there is no chance of tampering security. These envelopes can be used numerous times and can also be recycled when needed. Different use of bubble envelopes: Bubble envelopes are used to carry different products. Here is a list of items for which these envelopes are the best packaging option: Small gifts: There are times when companies have to send some gift items to the clients or employees. In these cases, the use of padded envelopes ensures the safe arrival of the gifts at the desired destinations. CD and DVD: These are one of the items, which need some additional protection when these are sent through the mail. Here the bubble wraps in the padded envelopes protect CDs and DVDs from the heavy pressure of other items. Besides, using this kind of envelope also eliminates the requirement of using cardboard boxes, which are heavy and result in additional postal charges. Photographs and documents: When it comes to sending photographs from one place to another, it is important to choose the safest delivery option. It is because if the photographs are folded or pressed hard while handling or during transit, then the quality of the image can suffer a lot. Besides, this type of packaging solution plays an important role when it comes to transferring important official documents in a good and safe condition. Using bubble envelopes ensure that the documents are transferred in undamaged, unfolded, properly packed, and clean condition. Promotional items: This is especially true for the eCommerce businesses where companies need to send some promotional goods, company leaflets, magazines etc. to the existing customers, potential buyers or clients, resellers, and employees to allure them. Sending these items through bubble envelopes ensure that these things reach the recipient’s address in intact condition.
Everyone can’t afford to buy a 4000 sq. Ft. villa. Buying a house with master bedrooms, a spacious living room, an airy kitchen, and giant-sized washrooms requires a lot of money. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t make a small square feet house look spacious, comfortable, and airy. The way you decorate your place, choose furniture, select color palette, and organize things can really sprinkle incredible impact in a small space. The good thing is that despite having a small space, you don’t have to live with the feeling of living in a cramped and messy place. It is easier to break the code of coming up with a living room that looks bigger than it really is. Here are some tricks and tips to fool your eyes, and make your space look bigger: Don’t Cramp Up Space: You might like to put a giant sofa to give an expensive touch to your place, but it really does no good for space. Big-size furniture, unnecessary cupboards, useless tables, and excessive art pieces do nothing to make a living room look plush and beautiful. In fact, they blow up the whole comfy vibes and leave little space to walk without bumping into stray furniture. So, avoid overstuffed sofas and unnecessary space eaters and go with sleek designed, and multipurpose furniture that can serve multiple functions in one go. For example, a tufted ottoman can serve as a coffee table, footrest, and an extra sitting option. Use Bi-Folding Doors: Making a small room look bigger is all about playing your cards smartly and getting the best out of your space. Using elements to splash the vibes of openness and movement do wonder when it is about tricking the spacious vibes. So, instead of going with a solid door, insert a bi-folding door between the living room and the dining room. This way, we can use this door as a wall when required, and fold all the doors and connect both places if you want to add some more space if you have to host a party. See? Like Bi Fold Doors UK, the addition of just one thing can change the whole dimension of your room without much effort. Light Up the Room with Lights: Using the right lighting can really change the feel of the room like magic. It goes without saying that you should let natural shine light up the room during the day. It makes your room brighter and cozy. But for the night, let lights do the trick for keeping the brightness of the room intact. If you feel that floor light will take a massive chunk of useful space, go with pendant lighting, wall or ceiling fixtures, string lights, or/and slimline bar. Use lighting throughout the space to bring a bright and warm feeling. Use the Right Color Palette: The colors you splash on your walls play a huge role in defining the feel of the space. We all know that lighter colors reflect light, giving your room a feeling of calm and brightness. So, instead of using dark hues, light colors, like white, beige, and lighter tones of blue, open up your space. The living room is a place where you spend most of your day watching television, chit-chatting with family members, or simply cozying on the couch. So, it feels good if your living room looks organized, airy, and spacious. Use the tricks mentioned above to get such feels – they really work!
