Leading Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has announced the completion of a new light manufacturing facility on Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield. The £10million scheme sees the construction of a two-storey facility and basement space for a UK leading aerospace manufacturer based in the East Midlands. The 80,000 sq
Morgan Sindall Construction and public sector procurement authority SCAPE have achieved CHAMPION level of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, joining HS2 (the project)and Skanska UK in this highest category level. The Code, which is a commitment scheme designed to facilitate action and collaboration in the built environment
H.E. Pascal Smet, Secretary of State for the Brussels-Capital Region, spoke last Friday at a net-positive cities event in London jointly organised by hub.brussels and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) addressing over 120 businesses and experts, and stated that, “We have to transform our cities into zero-net cities and that’s not going to be too easy. There are two
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is co-ordinating the industry response to the recent UK Health and Safety Executive (UK HSE) mast-climbing work platform (MCWP) safety alert, following a meeting of its UK & Ireland MCWP Work Group on 11 May. Angel Ibañez, IPAF’s Representative for MCWPs and Related Products,
Slaked lime is one of the common names that the chemical composition – calcium hydroxide is called. There are other names used to refer to this chemical composition especially depending on the form they take. There are some important things you should know about this compound. Well, this article is
Some jobs required you to handle several materials, ranging from mild to highly toxic stuff. For instance, waste management personnel might handle harsh chemical substances. And this can pose a threat to their health and lives. However, since there are always hazards in every working environment, they are almost unavoidable.
Timber cladding comes in a wide variety of species and finishes, making it confusing to choose the best one for your shed or garden room. The ideal choice would be able to blend beauty with durability. In addition, you’ll want to pick cladding that can stand the test of time.
Leading Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson has announced the completion of a new light manufacturing facility on Hamilton Way, Oakham Business Park, Mansfield. The £10million scheme sees the construction of a two-storey facility and basement space for a UK leading aerospace manufacturer based in the East Midlands. The 80,000 sq ft steel frame building features composite insulated cladding to the walls and roof to provide a production facility and headquarters comprising a ground floor with workshop, office and meeting spaces, including staff facilities and a basement level for storage. Adjacent is an external service yard with two artic loading bays and car parking spaces over three levels for 139 cars. Five gabion retaining walls are also in place across the site – totalling 170 metres in length with a height of 1.2 metres. As part of the project G F Tomlinson also carried out £3million M&E works, and worked alongside project manager and principal designer Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects – both firms the contractor has worked with previously on office and industrial schemes elsewhere in Mansfield and in Lichfield. Chris Flint, managing director of G F Tomlinson, said: “We are very pleased to have completed construction works for this impressive industrial facility in Mansfield, which has been designed to meet the end user’s growing manufacturing ambitions, storage and office requirements. “It is a pleasure to have worked once again with Jackson Design Associates and Webb Gray Architects – two local businesses which each have a wealth of experience in the Midlands region and in this sector.” David Grieves, senior project manager at Jackson Design Associates, said: “It’s great to see this project completed. The collaborative working relationship with G F Tomlinson helped overcome challenges along the journey, resulting in a successful project delivery. The client can now enjoy the impressive internal space for what they do best.” G F Tomlinson, which has offices in Derbyshire and Birmingham, has many years of experience across multiple sectors including industrial, education, retail, healthcare, leisure, commercial and residential. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
Morgan Sindall Construction and public sector procurement authority SCAPE have achieved CHAMPION level of the Carbon Reduction Code for the Built Environment, joining HS2 (the project)and Skanska UK in this highest category level. The Code, which is a commitment scheme designed to facilitate action and collaboration in the built environment towards reducing carbon emissions (CO2eq) related to design, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning of built assets, forms part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Construct Zero initiative. The Code is structured around commitments that stimulate action in different aspects of carbon reduction. All organisations who comply to the Code must set out and publish plans to meet Net Zero by 2045, including annual targets, recognising that the majority of cuts need to be made by 2030, and publish progress against it annually. This is the minimum commitment for achieving PLEDGER status. There are three levels of compliance to the Code, PLEDGER, SIGNATORY, and CHAMPION. To comply with the criteria required to achieve CHAMPION level, an organisation must sign up to all of the Further Commitments of the Code in addition to the core commitments. “We are delighted that Morgan Sindall Construction and SCAPE have achieved CHAMPON level of the Code. They join fellow CHAMPION organisations HS2 and Skanska UK, and PLEDGER level organisations – the National Association of Construction Frameworks (NACF), City Building Engineering Services (CBES), Interclass and SCF Construct,” said Dr Jennifer Schooling OBE, Director of CSIC which hosts the Code. “There are already a number of additional organisations in the Code pipeline which is promising because carbon reduction is more likely to happen when all organisations within a value chain are committed to reducing their footprint and saving costs. The Code provides a framework for organisations to make a public commitment to and report on progress towards achieving Net Zero.” Pat Boyle, Managing Director of Morgan Sindall Construction said: “We are delighted to have been recognised as a Champion according to the Carbon Reduction Code, which raises the bar for organisational carbon management standards. Our commitment to be a Champion of the Code highlights the relevance of our Decarbonising Communities approach, and underlines our ongoing efforts to work openly and collaboratively with stakeholders across the value chain to deeply decarbonise our own operations and the assets we deliver for our customers.” Mark Robinson, chief executive of SCAPE commented, “Addressing the climate emergency with practical action is a national imperative, and it is one we take very seriously at SCAPE. The Carbon Code is a hugely important initiative, and so I am absolutely thrilled that our team has achieved Champion status. The code is vital to driving the systemic and behavioural change needed within construction and will serve as a barometer against our ambitious plans to enable a direct response to the climate challenge through procurement, design and delivery innovation. With the support of our passionate delivery partners, our talented teams and the robust governance that has been laid out in the Carbon Code, we are committed to working hand in glove with industry to chart a course that will improve the environmental performance of the public estate. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
H.E. Pascal Smet, Secretary of State for the Brussels-Capital Region, spoke last Friday at a net-positive cities event in London jointly organised by hub.brussels and the Urban Land Institute (ULI) addressing over 120 businesses and experts, and stated that, “We have to transform our cities into zero-net cities and that’s not going to be too easy. There are two domains in which we have to act, in the mobility issue and the building issue.” “We have an opportunity to make our cities a better place to live […] The public and the private sector have to work together in order to build these better cities.” Welcoming guests to the event, Chair of the Urban Land Institute of Belgium and Luxembourg, Gabriel Uzgen, warned, “We will soon reach critical thresholds [of greenhouse gas emissions], consequences which we cannot reverse.” He went on to say that, “We need to reconceive our buildings and redesign them to be more sustainable. Because of the scale of these issues, it is critical that city officials and businesses work together to achieve this change. “There is no longer time for procrastination or asking questions. It’s time for action. We need to work together to share knowledge and find solutions.” In her keynote speech, Director of Savills Earth Advisory, Marylis Ramos, echoed his sentiment stating, “The data is clear: the direction of travel is away from fossil fuels but not everyone will admit that the train has left the station, let alone how fast that train is travelling or that it may skip some stations along the way.” Minister Smet is visiting the UK as part of the Belgian Economic Mission, a 4-day trade and political visit presided over by HRH Princess Astrid, organised to strengthen the economic and diplomatic ties between the two countries. The UK could benefit greatly from Belgian learnings in green architecture and construction, as Belgian policy is some years ahead in this area. Both countries hold huge potential for innovation, with 40% of the UK’s carbon emissions estimated to come from the built environment and an increasing preference in Belgium for buildings made from circular concrete or sustainable timber. Later in the event, experts covered industry issues and trends such as: The potential for retrofitting homes to make them more energy efficient – Annette Simpson, Director of Development and Partnerships at Legal & General Wooden buildings for environmental and social benefit – Pertti Vanhanen, Managing Director of the Cromwell Property Group The development of flexible timber to meet changing building needs – Ana Gatóo, a PhD candidate at the Centre for Natural Material Innovation in the Department of Architecture at Cambridge Creating a local value chain for wood from urban forests – Stephan Kampelmann, Ecological Economist and Founder of the Sonian Wood Coop Reducing inequality through affordable and sustainable housing solutions – Annette Simpson, Director of Development and Partnerships at Legal & General The Belgian Economic Mission is hosted from 9th – 12th May 2022. Belgian Ministers, HRH Princess Astrid and 406 business leaders are visiting the UK. A key international economic player, Belgium is ranked 13th in the world for both exports and imports by the World Trade Organisation in 2021. The country’s central European location matched by its prosperous ports makes it an ideal gateway for UK businesses looking to trade in Europe – it makes up 75% of the EU market (GDP) and 40% of consumers. For more information on the Belgian Economic Mission and its upcoming events please visit belgianeconomicmission.be. For any questions or commentary from H.E. Smet, or any other speakers from the event, please contact Whitehouse Communications using the details below.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) is co-ordinating the industry response to the recent UK Health and Safety Executive (UK HSE) mast-climbing work platform (MCWP) safety alert, following a meeting of its UK & Ireland MCWP Work Group on 11 May. Angel Ibañez, IPAF’s Representative for MCWPs and Related Products, who convened the meeting, comments: “The meeting of IPAF’s UK & Ireland MCWP Work Group was attended by more than 30 participants and sought to formulate a response to UK HSE BSCD1-2022 issued this month. “That the meeting was so well attended is testament to the significance and gravity with which MCWP rental companies, manufacturers and equipment end-users in the UK are addressing this safety alert. The group is clear that a co-ordinated response is required, with short, medium and long-term corrective actions agreed.” Among the actions agreed by the meeting was a resolution to urge all users to continue to adhere to a rigorous policy of risk assessment when installing MCWP equipment, which should conform to industry safety standards including EN1495. MCWPs should be subject to recommended maintenance, inspection and thorough examination. IPAF continues to recommend that installers, demonstrators and operators of MCWPs should be trained and familiarised on the machines being used, and thorough pre-use inspections must be routinely carried out. The MCWP Committee also requested IPAF to convene an urgent meeting with equipment manufacturers, including IPAF members and non-members, with a view to discussing the safety alert and developing understanding of its implications. IPAF will also seek to make collected representations to the UK HSE in order to establish maximum clarity about the safety alert and the ramifications for the MCWP sector. Ibañez adds: “IPAF seeks to aid and assist all users of MCWP equipment in understanding and reacting appropriately to this UK HSE Safety Alert, to ensure that the sector continues to maintain the highest possible standards of safety. We also wish to assure end-users of this equipment that it remains one of the safest ways to conduct work at height. “Furthermore, it was resolved that IPAF and its MCWP members stand ready to assist in the urgent review of the relevant industry design and safe-use standards, including both BS 7981 and EN 1495. We acknowledge that MCWP equipment has been subject to a number of technological advances in this past 20 years, and it is important that the relevant standards reflect this. “IPAF and its members can offer significant technical expertise in respect of the use of MCWPs; we emphasise our collective commitment to assisting the wider industry to respond proactively to this UK HSE Safety Alert. All machines must conform to relevant design and engineering standards and good safety practice should be adhered to at all times when using this equipment.” Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News
Slaked lime is one of the common names that the chemical composition – calcium hydroxide is called. There are other names used to refer to this chemical composition especially depending on the form they take. There are some important things you should know about this compound. Well, this article is born out of the need to help you understand this essential chemical compound. This is advised considering how it is used for several applications. This knowledge will also ensure you get the right one if/when the need ever arises. To this end, you are advised to read on as we fill you in on some things to know about slaked lime. What Is Slaked Lime? It is another word used to describe the calcium hydroxide compound. This is a compound that presents itself in a white power state under standard pressure and temperature. A lime slaker manufacturer specializes in equipment for the slaking process of lime, specifically calcium hydroxide. Slaked lime finds diverse applications such as pH regulation in agriculture, water treatment, lime mortar preparation in construction, and usage in the food and chemical industries. It is an alkaline substance historically used for medicinal purposes, but caution is necessary during handling due to potential skin and eye irritation. As mentioned above, slaked lime is not the only term used for this compound. Pickling, caustic, and slack – lime; are some of the others names used as well. To understand the chemical formula explaining this compound, you can start by understanding that its type of compound is ionic. This is considering how polyatomic hydroxide ions get the two electrons lost by the calcium element. There is a long technical explanation for this but simply put, slaked lime’s chemical formula is Ca(OH)2. For more on this, you can visit: https://www.vedantu.com/ Things Involved In The Preparation Of Calcium Hydroxide This chemical composition is used in many places for various reasons. Two of the places where it is used mostly are laboratories and for commercial production of several things. In light of this, it is prepared from things such as: Calcium Chloride Especially for applications in laboratories, it is made by mixing the compounds – sodium hydroxide and CaCl2. However, the compounds would have to be in the form of aqueous solutions before the mixture. Calcium Oxide The use of the compound – CaO, for this purpose is mostly for commercial production. This involves the treatment of the CaO compound with water. Slaking of lime is the term used to explain the production processes involved in making Calcium Hydroxide from CaO. Calcium Hydroxide Properties Pointing out the properties of Calcium Hydroxide means that we have to touch on both the chemical as well as physical properties of this compound. Chemical Properties Some of the chemical properties of slaked lime include the following: Decomposition It has chemical properties that enable it to decompose at a certain temperature. Specifically, this happens when it is exposed to a temperature of 512℃. The decomposition will cause Calcium Hydroxide to break down into water and CaO which is also known as quicklime. Carbonatation Water and CaCO3 can be formed by this compound because of how its reaction with carbon dioxide unfolds. Reaction with Some Acids This compound would react to some acids. They include Dilute HCI and concentrated acid. When a reaction with the former occurs, water and calcium chloride is formed. When it is with the latter, calcium sulfate in precipitates form, and water is formed. Ammonia Formation Ammonia, water, and calcium chloride are formed when there is a reaction between slaked lime and ammonium chloride. Physical Properties Some of the physical properties of slaked lime include the following: Melting Point at 580℃ You may have come across details explaining that decomposition of slaked lime happens at 512℃. Well, its melting point is a lot higher as this happens at 580℃. Solubility Solubility is one of this compound’s physical properties but this only happens in a select few aqueous solutions. These solutions are glycerol, acids, and water. In addition to this, its physical ability to become or stay soluble is threatened when faced with increased temperature. And just so you know, its ability to be soluble does not apply when alcohol is involved. This is even though there are alcohols that fit the description of aqueous solutions. So, you should take note of this. Alkaline or Basic Natural State Slaked lime is alkaline or basic in its natural state. This is unless some activities have been carried out to make it otherwise. Molar Mass Based on Avogadro’s amount of molecules, slaked lime has a molar mass of 74.9mol/g. If you would like to know the chemical concept behind Avogadro’s amount of molecules, you can read this article. Choosing a slaked lime supplier is a crucial decision. So, it is important to request detailed product information and samples, evaluating production capacity and logistical capabilities for a consistent and timely supply. Prioritize effective communication and customer support. Compare quotes, mindful that low prices may indicate compromised quality. Obtain references and reviews to gauge supplier performance and reliability. Consider environmental practices and, finally, review and negotiate contractual agreements, ensuring clarity on pricing, delivery, and quality specifications. This comprehensive process helps choose a supplier aligned with requirements, contributing to operational success. Connect with professionals and industry associations for recommendations on reputable suppliers adhering to quality standards. Consult manufacturers of lime-related equipment and engage with environmental experts for insights into sustainability practices. Additionally, consider input from experts in procurement, logistics, and quality control. Leveraging their knowledge and experience will help them make an informed decision when choosing a slaked lime supplier. Conclusion Understanding basic things about slaked lime such as we have discussed are important. This is because of its use for so many reasons. Some of its applications have to do with sewage treatment, aiding digestion, water processing, sugar production, whitewashing, and paper production. Seeing that it is used for so many reasons, you should not make light of the need to know about this important compound. This
Some jobs required you to handle several materials, ranging from mild to highly toxic stuff. For instance, waste management personnel might handle harsh chemical substances. And this can pose a threat to their health and lives. However, since there are always hazards in every working environment, they are almost unavoidable. Nevertheless, businesses and industries still take some actions to prevent or reduce the effect of these dangers associated with the job. And this is why you can find fire extinguishers, warning signs, safety data sheets, and more in these firms. Also, some companies go the extra mile to organize safety training for their staff. Several industries use hydrated lime as a raw material in production. However, the colorless crystal is dangerous when improperly handled. So, companies will need a safety data sheet (SDS) for the chemical. An SDS for hydrated lime contains vital information regarding safe handling, hazards, proper disposal, threshold limits, etc. And learning more about these data sheets can help keep you safe. So, we will discuss SDS for hydrated lime in this article. Hydrated Lime Hydrated lime or Calcium Hydroxide Ca(OH)2 is a chemical substance produced in the laboratory by mixing quicklime with water or slake. And though the chemical might be dangerous, it has a wide application in several firms like food industries. Calcium Hydroxide has a chemical property that makes it less toxic when compared to other raw materials. And this makes it very useful in various aspects of food production. For instance, sugar industries use it to extract raw juice from sugar beets or sugarcane through carbonation. You can read this article to learn more about carbonation. Furthermore, hydrated lime is used in processing water for soft drinks and alcohol. In short, the chemical has several applications. However, unprotected exposure can cause rashes, skin irritation, blindness, chemical burns, or lung damage. Therefore, an SDS for this chemical is a handy tool for users. Safety Data Sheet for Hydrated Lime There is a possibility that you could come in contact with a toxic chemical substance at your workplace. And this can harm you if you are not well prepared. However, a safety data sheet can help you understand how to handle contact with such materials safely and swiftly. There are over 800 hazardous materials used in workplaces around the US. And the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has a database listing each of them. Furthermore, OSHA demands that every workplace have SDSs for each of the chemicals they use. This will help keep employees informed about the dangers and hazards of those chemicals and how to handle accidents that may arise during use. Hydrated lime SDS is usually found in food processing industries. It contains vital details about the chemical and how you can handle them safely. Some of what you might find in a hydrated lime SDS include. Details about the Nature of the Substance This section contains details about the physical and chemical features of the material. Due to this, it can be a bit boring to read. So, some employees skip this page and miss vital information. While reading this area seems tasking and boring for some, it contains some vital details. They include trade names, synonyms, the contact information of the manufacturer, and more. Composition and Ingredients This section explains the components and ingredients of the material. In addition, it tells how each of them behaves. This knowledge is only known to chemists, but using an SDS can enlighten you in such aspects. Physical Properties Knowing about the chemical properties alone is not enough. Understanding the physical composition of these materials and how they react with our surroundings can help us store them properly. One of the benefits of using an SDS is learning how to use, store, and dispose of hazardous chemicals. Also, the sheet shows details of the stability, reactivity, and biological implication of the material. You can read more about the physical properties of hydrated lime here: https://www.researchgate.net/. Hydrated Lime SDS Sections There are over sixteen sections in an SDS. And they each cover different details about the material. Some information you will find include handling, hazards, storage, disposal, exposure limits, manufacturer’s contact, first aid procedures, and more. The hydrated lime SDS sections include: Identification This section includes the restrictions, recommendations, and product identifier of the chemical. It also carries an emergency contact number and details of the manufacturer. Hazard Identification This contains the OSHA’s signal words, precautionary statements, and hazard statements. The section is usually updated as new hazards are discovered during classification. Chemical Composition This is the third section, and it contains the chemical names, its CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number, synonyms, and stabilizing additives or impurities the product contains. Also, since hydrated lime is a combination, this area will tell its exact mixing percentage, concentrations, and health hazards. First Aid Since accidents are inevitable, this section is very vital. The measures given here vary based on the impact and exposure. Fire Extinguishing Measures This section lists all the methods for fighting fire incidents caused by the product. It also contains the precautions firefighters should take while controlling the incident. Other sections include: Accidental release control Storage and handling instructions Protective control and exposure limits Chemical and physical properties Reactivity and stability Toxicological information Ecological information Disposal considerations Transport information Regulatory information Other information, like the SDS preparation date. Conclusion Working in some industries exposes you to several chemicals that might be harmful. However, learning about these dangers and steps to take during exposure can save you from worse damage or death. So, before using any chemical at your workplace, ensure you have read the safety data sheet.
Timber cladding comes in a wide variety of species and finishes, making it confusing to choose the best one for your shed or garden room. The ideal choice would be able to blend beauty with durability. In addition, you’ll want to pick cladding that can stand the test of time. Durable materials may be expensive, but they add better value to your investment. Here are some of your best options in terms of profiles and materials. Profiles Shiplap. Ideal for rainy climates, shiplap is a popular cladding profile that exudes timeless, versatile style. It is installed horizontally, with overlapping panels and lips that interlock to create a flat surface for weather resistance. Log lap. Log lap cladding resembles a log cabin for a rustic appeal. That means the outer profile of the timber boards is that of a log, and the weather resistance is almost the same as shiplap. Feather-edge. Also called weatherboarding, this profile uses a sawn board that is cut diagonally to produce tapered, overlapped panels similar to roof tiles. It is also fitted horizontally and is traditionally used for cladding homes. Tongue and groove. Ideal for larger sheds, this profile uses boards built from planks that slot into each other, leaving no gaps since they are interlocking. It is solid and durable and creates flat walls. This type of construction produces strong cladding among the four, though it is more costly. It is not recommendable for wet climates as it traps water inside the connections. Materials Western red cedar cladding. Cedar is durable, slowly grown, and available in various colours, from brown to red. Among North American softwood, it has one of the most extended lifespans. It is lightweight and easy to work with. It produces long, clear timber with natural, straight grains. It makes an excellent exterior cladding because it is attractive, stable, and durable. European oak cladding. Oak has long been used for cladding because of its durability compared to other hardwoods. It has a distinct grain with silver grain. Oak is a lovely cladding material for it is straight-grained. In addition, it is durable and low-maintenance, making it a popular choice for garden sheds or garden rooms. Siberian larch cladding. Siberian larch is also a durable cladding option for gardens because it is resinous. The clear annual rings account for stunning panelling, and the colour varies from pale yellow to dark brown. It is highly dense, making it more stable. It is regarded to have a nice finish, so you can stain it or leave it untreated. Lunawood cladding. Lunawood is built using thermal modification, a process that uses steam and high temperature. It results in natural, chemical-free timber that can be recycled safely. It is also stable and durable and comes in a dark brown shade. Conclusion Wood is the most popular material for garden sheds and rooms because of its natural appeal, durability, insulation property, and sustainability. In choosing the type of timber cladding, the cost, durability, and appearance are primary considerations. The abovementioned material options are recommendable because they can combine these three factors. When choosing the cladding profile, consider the climate in your location. Building Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction & Property News
