June 16, 2023
Highways' providers transform "unsafe" Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Highways’ providers transform “unsafe” Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Pupils at the Stimpson Avenue Academy in Northampton have returned from their half-term holidays to a transformed garden space, courtesy of Kier, West Northamptonshire Council’s highways providers. The school first approached Kier regarding safety concerns over the space – such as its cordoned-off, disused pond and overgrown vegetation – seeking

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Nullifire (CPG UK) reveals the new “safe zone” in fire protection engineered for off-site construction

Nullifire (CPG UK) reveals the new “safe zone” in fire protection engineered for off-site construction

By Patricia Gabriel – Market Manager CPG UK Nullifire has developed a high-performance fire protection solution to meet the unique requirements of off-site construction. Nullifire FZ100 Fire Safe Zone has been engineered to provide best-in-class fire-stopping capabilities to existing and future service penetrations. Quick and easy to install, as well

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Robert Hairstans on the UK government inquiry into the use of RAAC

Robert Hairstans on the UK government inquiry into the use of RAAC

Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety

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Evolving Safety Standards in Construction: Impact on Project Planning

Evolving Safety Standards in Construction: Impact on Project Planning

Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

June 16, 2023

Highways' providers transform "unsafe" Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Highways’ providers transform “unsafe” Northampton primary school garden into vibrant learning space

Pupils at the Stimpson Avenue Academy in Northampton have returned from their half-term holidays to a transformed garden space, courtesy of Kier, West Northamptonshire Council’s highways providers. The school first approached Kier regarding safety concerns over the space – such as its cordoned-off, disused pond and overgrown vegetation – seeking help to return the space to its former glory. Kier was joined by Bridge and Highways Maintenance Ltd and five of its fellow supply chain partners – which spent three months designing the space and receiving donations to bring their vision to life. Over 30 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to support the cause, who spent three days during the half term renovating the space, with some parents donating plants and seeds to support the cause. Luci Clapton, Head of School at Stimpson Avenue Academy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the completion of our new garden. The response from our parents, and most importantly our pupils, has been fantastic. “What had become a disused and unloved area has been transformed into a wonderful outside space, which will be used at playtimes and lunchtimes as a quiet space for the children. It will also be used for community events such as our sports day and summer fete.” The garden is now equipped with a sensory footpath; a new pergola; recycled tyre planters painted as ladybirds and bumble bees; a wildflower garden space; raised planters; a compost area; bug hotels; and a log seating, campfire area. Luci continued: “The new garden will form part of our curriculum, as we are launching a new Forest School this year, which offers our pupils the unique opportunity to learn about nature and try a range of outdoor activities including den building and bug hunting. “Our Eco-Committee and the Junior Leadership Team are also excited to be leading some projects in the new garden, including planting and growing vegetables.” The works also included filling in an old disused pond which was unsafe for the children to play near but too costly to fill in.  The highways team filled in the hole and shredded the vegetation that had been cut down and filled the top of the pond with it over a membrane – making their own woodchip, before building a wigwam to place over the top. Parents were invited to see the final result alongside a class of pupils, and were joined by Cllr Phil Larratt Cabinet Member for environment, transport, highways and waste, and John Coombes, general manager for Kier Highways. John Coombes said: “After three months of hard work and planning, the school’s garden space has been transformed from a tired, overgrown safety concern to a fun, safe educational space for the children of Stimpson Avenue Academy to play and learn. We are proud to be able to leave a legacy at the school, with the garden now used to teach the children about the importance of sustainability and nature as part of this project. We’re thankful to Bridges and Highways Maintenance ltd and our partners for their role in bringing this project to life.” Cllr Phil Larratt added: “ We are delighted to be working with Kier Highways to deliver the Highways contract across West Northamptonshire. The fantastic work they’ve carried out at Stimpson Academy is just one example that demonstrates their commitment to making a real difference across the local community. It was great to see their hard work first hand, and I hope pupils enjoy this space for years to come.” Also generously donating materials and their time to complete the makeover were, PGR, NC & JC Construction, EM Pell & Partners Ltd, Hanson, R&C Williams, Swarco and Wickes. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Nullifire (CPG UK) reveals the new “safe zone” in fire protection engineered for off-site construction

Nullifire (CPG UK) reveals the new “safe zone” in fire protection engineered for off-site construction

By Patricia Gabriel – Market Manager CPG UK Nullifire has developed a high-performance fire protection solution to meet the unique requirements of off-site construction. Nullifire FZ100 Fire Safe Zone has been engineered to provide best-in-class fire-stopping capabilities to existing and future service penetrations. Quick and easy to install, as well as lightweight and easy to cut, it offers a fully tested system to BS EN 1366-3, up to EI120, delivering Nullifire’s renowed safety performance whilst supporting the fast-track nature of off-site projects. Typically installed at the drywall construction phase, one side of the partition may be fully constructed before application, and FZ100 is able to protect many bespoke off-site penetrations along with standard service requirements. FZ100 identification tape pinpoints the Fire Safe Zone, and within that perimeter, service requirements are marked out and installed with ease. For a fully optimised system from a single source, a cold smoke seal – which is required on both sides of the parition – can be achieved using Nullifire FS702. Paul Wright, National Sales Manager for CPG Offsite Solutions (UK) , said, “Nullifire FZ100 has been optimised to meet the specific needs of modular construction, delivering fire protection for off-site construction, which offers reassurance and peace of mind, as well as delivering time and cost benefits to projects overall.” “The system enables the simple installation of services, does not detract from the acoustic capabilities of the partition, is very low odour and being fully breathable foes not absorb mositure.” “Its high technology formulation is fibre free too, enabling it to be used in clean areas such as hospitals and food preparation areas.” Part of the Construction products Group (CPG UK) portfolio of brands, and previously available in the UK under the Firetherm name, Nullifire products are used extensively across built environments, with the benefit of highly knowledgable technical support and service, to ensure the ultimate peace of mind in the specification process. Paul Wright added, “FZ100 is backed up with the support of Nullifire’s renowed technical department, who understand the building regulations for off-site construction and work closely with designers, main contractors and contractors to ensure safety and performance comes as standard.” “There is assurance and support across the supply chain too. Due to in-house manufacturing all products from Nullifire undergo careful quaility management, are subject to rigourous testing methods and are developed in line with the markets requirements.” “Our focus is to protect people and buildings from fire” Nullifire understands the need to have confidence in the fire protection installed in modern buildings and our systems perform when they are called upon. We focus on making it simple for our customers to choose and install the optimum solution for every project.” Everything is focused on providing what our customers need at every stage of their project – smart protection. Contact Nullfire today for more information. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Robert Hairstans on the UK government inquiry into the use of RAAC

Robert Hairstans on the UK government inquiry into the use of RAAC

Professor Robert Hairstans, of Edinburgh Napier University who is also the Director of the Centre for Advance Timber Technology at NMITE said: “The current crisis regarding a form of concrete known as RAAC, highlights a failure within the construction sector, in terms of poor specification of materials, leading to safety risks. “It is concerning that RAAC, which has a lifespan of about 30 years and is prone to collapse when exposed to water, has been commonly used in low-rise structures with flat roofs. Even if the product isn’t for the roof, water can still get in and cause problems. The carbon impact of RAAC should also have been considered more thoroughly. Despite using less concrete, its short lifespan of 30 years contributes significantly to environmental impact. “In comparison, timber as a construction material offers longevity, durability and can capture carbon in the built environment for centuries – as evidenced by a vast array of buildings constructed generations ago that are still around today. If properly designed and constructed, timber buildings have low embodied energy and carbon emissions which, when combined with proper insulation for optimal operational performance, can achieve net-zero emissions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Develon Marks Plantworx Debut by Winning Coveted Best Live Demonstration Award

Develon Marks Plantworx Debut by Winning Coveted Best Live Demonstration Award

Develon, formerly known as Doosan Construction Equipment, has underscored its very successful debut at the Plantworx Exhibition by winning the Best Live Demonstration Award from the organisers, recognizing the best overall use of outdoor space and best stand set up. The Best Live Demonstration Award is one of the onsite awards for those exhibitors at Plantworx who made a big impact on the onsite judges who assessed companies’ stands and demonstration areas. The awards were presented at the Exhibitor’s Reception on the first evening of the show. The Best Live Demonstration Award category was judged by Nick Drew (Earthmovers) and Peter Haddock (Content with Media) – who were unanimous that this prize should go to Develon. Their statement about the Develon stand read as follows: “There was a lot of thought and preparation that went into this stand – it really had the wow factor. The stand and the demo area have a really nice feel and flow and the whole stand was not just a ‘Tent in a field’ but a truly impressive stand.” Kevin Lynch, Marketing Communications Manager for Develon, said: “We are delighted to win The Best Live Demonstration Award, especially with the transition we are making with the Develon brand and making its first appearance at Plantworx. The excellent Demo show on the stand carried out by our operators, Nigel Horton and Alex Humpage, brings across the high performance, innovation, versatility and durability of Develon equipment in an exciting and very watchable way.” The Demonstration area on the Develon stand at Plantworx features the new DX250WMH-7 material handler being launched at the show. Joining the DX250WMH-7 in the Demonstration area is the Develon DL80-7 compact wheel loader, the DX55R-7 5.7 tonne mini-excavator, the DX225LC-7 23 tonne crawler excavator and the DL420CVT-7 wheel loader. The DX250WMH-7 is one of several products on display being seen for the first time in the UK. They include the new DX63-7 6 tonne mini-excavator and the new 14.6 tonne DX140LC-7K crawler excavator in the Static section of the stand. New Develon Excavators Together with the DX62R-7, the DX63-7 is one of two new 6 tonne mini-excavators from Develon, completing the roll out of the next generation of machines from the company, with a new shared global styling design. Both models are powered by the D24 Stage V compliant diesel engine providing 44.3 kW (59.4 HP) of power. Despite offering an 8% increased torque of 26.5 kgm/rpm, the D24 engine still provides a 7% decrease in engine fuel consumption. Like all of Develon’s new generation mini-excavators, the DX63-7 is designed to offer maximum performance, optimum stability, increased versatility, enhanced operator comfort, controllability, durability, ease of maintenance and serviceability. The new DX140LC-7K 14.6 tonne crawler excavator, replaces the company’s successful DX140LC-7 model. Whilst the performance and working range are the same as the DX140LC-7, the new machine incorporates many improvements that enhance safety and convenience both for the operator and for working on site, together with a better operator experience, particularly from a maintenance point of view.   The upgraded serviceability of the DX140LC-7K includes better access to the DEF tank and the fuel refilling hose. This is combined with a much easier approach for the operator to the engine compartment via new anti-slip steps and handrails positioned behind the cab. The DX140LC-7K also has a new flattened engine cover design that has reduced the maximum height of cover components on the back of the machine from 1285.5 mm and 1320 mm down to a uniform 1070 mm across all of the back of the machine. This now offers much better visibility for the operator both to the rear and to the right hand side of the machine.  Joining the DX63-7 and DX140LC-7K in the Static area of the Develon stand is the DX27Z-7 and DX85R-7 mini-excavators, the DX100W-7 wheeled excavator, the DL80TL-7 compact wheel loader and the DL280-7 wheel loader. New DX250WMH-7 Material Handler Equipped with an MG22 Sorting Grapple, the new DX250WMH-7 25 tonne Stage V compliant material handler is being demonstrated by Develon for the first time in the UK, for use in the solid waste, recycling, demolition and forestry industries. Designed to carry out the toughest tasks, the DX250WMH-7 is built with front and rear stabilizers, and a boom and arm specifically designed for material handling tasks. A standard feature is the hydraulic cab riser, which gives the operator better all-around visibility of the attachment and work area. The DX250WMH-7 material handler is easy to operate with ergonomic joysticks and a steering wheel. The machine comes equipped with two-way auxiliary and rotate circuit hydraulics to improve efficiency. The operator can use buttons on the joysticks or an optional foot pedal to control auxiliary attachments. The new DX250WMH-7 material handler is powered by the 6-cylinder, turbocharged Develon DL06V water-cooled diesel engine, providing an output (SAE J1995) of 141 kW (189 HP) at 1900 RPM. For more on Develon, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

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Evolving Safety Standards in Construction: Impact on Project Planning

Evolving Safety Standards in Construction: Impact on Project Planning

Safety standards in the construction industry have evolved dramatically over the past few decades. With the incorporation of advanced technology, innovations in personal protective equipment (PPE), and the ongoing updating of safety regulations, these standards have become integral elements of project planning. This article delves into how the evolution of safety standards impacts the planning and execution of construction projects. Historical Overview: Safety Standards in Construction From the Industrial Revolution, construction has consistently been one of the riskiest industries for workers. Early construction work was characterized by high injury rates, inadequate protective gear, and little to no regulations. Over time, however, society recognized the importance of workers’ safety and began to implement regulations and standards. The establishment of organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States in 1970 represented significant leaps in prioritizing worker safety. Similar bodies were created globally, ensuring construction safety became a universal concern. This era marked the beginning of the integration of safety standards into project planning. The Evolution of Safety Standards Safety standards in construction have progressively become more sophisticated and stringent. This evolution has been driven by technological advancements, emerging safety theories, and an increasing understanding of human factors in accidents. For instance, in the early days, safety regulations focused on providing workers with rudimentary PPE like helmets and gloves. Today, the technology has evolved to include smart PPE, which integrates advanced technology like biometric monitors and augmented reality to enhance safety. Moreover, there’s been a shift in perspective. Safety practices have moved from a reactive approach — dealing with accidents after they happen — to a proactive one, focusing on prevention. Now, the focus is not just on safety but health as well, with mental health and ergonomic issues getting increased attention. Impact on Project Planning The evolution of safety standards has fundamentally changed the approach to project planning in construction. It’s no longer seen as an additional burden or cost but a necessity that can enhance efficiency and productivity. Below are some key ways the evolving standards impact project planning. Safety Integration in All Phases Safety measures are now integrated into all stages of project planning. From the pre-planning phase to design, construction, and maintenance, safety standards dictate various aspects of project execution. The concept of “Safety by Design” is now a cornerstone in the industry, which stresses on integrating safety measures right from the design stage. Cost Estimation In the past, safety measures were often seen as cost-increasing factors. However, with the evolution of safety standards, it’s now recognized that the costs incurred in implementing safety measures are significantly less than the potential cost of accidents, both in terms of financial impact and damage to the company’s reputation. Therefore, modern cost estimation in construction project planning now factors in the cost of safety measures. These might include the cost of advanced PPE, safety training, installation of safety infrastructure, and ongoing safety audits. Time Scheduling Safety considerations can affect project scheduling. Projects now need to include time for safety training, safety checks, and maintenance of safety equipment. The time required for safe working practices, which may be longer than less safe alternatives, must be accounted for in the schedule. Furthermore, preventing accidents through proactive safety measures can avoid unforeseen work stoppages and delays, contributing to better adherence to the schedule. Risk Management The evolution of safety standards has influenced the risk management approach in construction project planning. As safety risks can cause significant project disruptions, they are now identified, assessed, and mitigated in the initial stages of project planning. For instance, any hazardous activities are identified during the design phase itself, and steps are taken to mitigate them. Modernized Project Planning and Safety Standards Incorporating safety standards into project planning is not just about reacting to changes in regulations or technologies. It is about a fundamental shift in how project planning is conducted. Outdated practices, like physical paperwork planning, whiteboard outlines, or the classic construction site go-to: sticky note walls, are no longer sufficient. These methods lack the dynamic nature needed in today’s construction industry, especially with the continual evolution of safety standards. Traditionally, safety planning could be as simple as outlining areas on a site map where hard hats should be worn, or sketching potential danger zones on a whiteboard. However, these rudimentary methods have substantial drawbacks. They do not easily allow for changes, are prone to accidental erasure or damage, and rely heavily on manual updating. In the fast-paced environment of a construction project, such methods can lead to safety measures being overlooked or improperly implemented. Embracing Digital Tools for Safety Planning The advancement of digital technologies offers a solution to these issues. Digital planning tools provide a more secure, organized, and flexible method of project planning. Such tools allow project planners to integrate safety standards into their project plans seamlessly. For instance, with digital planning tools, safety measures can be built into the project plan from the start. Safety zones can be delineated on digital maps, and safety requirements for each task can be included in digital project schedules. As the project progresses, these safety measures can be updated in real time, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective. Digital tools also offer a way to centralize safety information, making it easily accessible for everyone involved in the project. Workers can consult the digital plan at any time to refresh their understanding of the safety measures in place. This helps ensure that safety standards are understood and followed throughout the construction process. Furthermore, digital planning tools can integrate with other technological advancements in safety, such as smart PPE. Data from these devices can be fed into the digital plan, providing a continuous stream of information on safety conditions on the site. This allows project planners to respond swiftly to any emerging safety issues, reinforcing the shift towards a proactive approach to safety. Examples of Digital Planning Integration A great example of digital planning tools enhancing safety planning is the use of Building

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Eminent Domain Abuse: How to Protect Your Property in North Carolina

Eminent Domain Abuse: How to Protect Your Property in North Carolina

Eminent domain is a legal principle that allows the government to take private property for public use in exchange for just compensation. But what if this power is not used responsibly?  Across the United States, there have been cases where eminent domain was wielded without ample reason, leading to unfair treatment of property owners.   In North Carolina, residents have faced their fair share of these struggles. It’s essential to be informed and proactive to protect your property rights.   One of the most effective ways to combat eminent domain abuse is by seeking legal assistance. For instance, eminent domain attorneys in Raleigh defend property owners against unjust seizures. They can guide you through the complex legal process and help ensure you’re properly compensated if your property is taken.  This article explores more strategies for protecting your property in North Carolina from eminent domain abuse. Keep reading. Knowing your rights is the first line of defense. In North Carolina, the government must demonstrate that taking your property serves a legitimate public purpose. Additionally, they must offer you just compensation. Don’t hesitate to challenge the seizure if you believe your property is being unfairly targeted.  After understanding your rights, consult real estate lawyers in Raleigh. They’ll provide invaluable insights into the specific laws and regulations surrounding eminent domain in North Carolina. Real estate lawyers are well-versed in property law and can offer advice on protecting your interests best.  Regularly monitor local government actions and plans that could affect your property. Attend community meetings and stay in touch with your neighbors. By being informed and vigilant, you’ll be better prepared to take action if your property becomes a target.  Another key step in protecting your property is documenting its value. Keep records of your property’s current condition, improvements, and market value. This information will be vital in negotiations for just compensation.  Don’t accept the initial compensation offer without evaluating it. Engage in negotiations with the government, and don’t be afraid to assert the true value of your property. Make sure to have all relevant documentation ready to support your claims.  Building public support can be highly effective in protecting your property. Share your story with local media and on social networks. The court of public opinion can sometimes be as influential as a court of law in these cases.  Consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or arbitration if negotiations reach an impasse. These options can be less adversarial, often leading to faster, more agreeable outcomes for both parties.  If all else fails, be prepared to go to court. It’s where having a knowledgeable eminent domain attorney becomes essential. They’ll help build a strong case to defend your property rights. Additionally, gathering all the evidence and documentation about your property is crucial. It includes property appraisals, photographs, improvement records, and other relevant materials. An eminent domain attorney will help you compellingly organize this evidence.  They’ll also assist in developing legal arguments and ensuring that all court procedures and deadlines are followed. Being well-prepared for a legal battle can distinguish between losing your property and securing a just resolution.  Building relationships with other property owners, community organizations, and local leaders is essential. By establishing a support network, you can collectively take action to prevent eminent domain abuse. Attend neighborhood meetings, participate in local events, and communicate with others facing similar challenges. The strength in numbers can sometimes tip the scale in favor of property owners.  Utilize the power of media to highlight eminent domain issues. Write opinion pieces, letters to the editor, or contact local reporters to cover your story. Positive media attention can sometimes sway public opinion and pressure the government to reconsider its actions.  Fighting eminent domain abuse is often a long and arduous process. Stay committed and resilient, even if the initial outcomes aren’t in your favor. By being persistent and exploring all available avenues, you increase the chances of achieving a favorable resolution.  Different municipalities might have various regulations regarding property rights and eminent domain. Ensure you’re educated in the local laws and regulations pertaining specifically to the area where your property is located. This knowledge can be instrumental in forming your defense strategy.  Conclusion  In wrapping up, remember that protecting your property from eminent domain abuse is an ongoing effort that requires vigilance, dedication, and the right support. By understanding your rights, seeking expert legal counsel, staying informed, and building a support network, you can effectively safeguard your property against unwarranted seizures. Your property is not just land; it’s a part of your legacy and should be protected.

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