August 26, 2024

Ipsum looks to the future with new Power acquisition

Ipsum looks to the future with new Power acquisition

Specialist utilities services provider, Ipsum, has announced its acquisition of Stoke-on-Trent based electrical installation and maintenance contractor, Site Energy Limited, together with its associated training business SES Training Solutions. It marks the seventh acquisition in its Power division and ninth overall.  The addition will complement Ipsum’s existing capabilities of electrical and

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Antique Caterpillar® club impressed with rebuilds at Finning HQ

Antique Caterpillar® club impressed with rebuilds at Finning HQ

Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland,

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TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating

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How Las Vegas Helped to Create the Modern Integrated Resorts

How Las Vegas Helped to Create the Modern Integrated Resorts

Integrated resorts is a term used by the casino industry to describe the mega buildings that cram hotels, casinos, restaurants, clubs, bars, swimming pools, golf courses, cinemas, theme parks, shopping malls, and more into a single complex.  They create a one-stop-shop for visitors to cities like Las Vegas, Macao, and

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Latest Issue

BDC 319 : Aug 2024

August 26, 2024

Ipsum looks to the future with new Power acquisition

Ipsum looks to the future with new Power acquisition

Specialist utilities services provider, Ipsum, has announced its acquisition of Stoke-on-Trent based electrical installation and maintenance contractor, Site Energy Limited, together with its associated training business SES Training Solutions. It marks the seventh acquisition in its Power division and ninth overall.  The addition will complement Ipsum’s existing capabilities of electrical and mechanical design, installation and maintenance of low and high voltage installations across the UK. The acquisition of the training facility also shows Ipsum’s commitment to developing its existing and new employees, while continuing to provide high quality training to the wider industry.  Richard Thomas, CEO at Ipsum, said: “We are delighted to have completed the acquisition of Site Energy Limited and SES Training Solutions. Not only does it broaden our capabilities and geographical reach in the Power industry, but it also allows us to support the development of current and future talent. We warmly welcome our new colleagues to Ipsum, and we look forward to working with Simon and Carl who are remaining with the business.”   Simon Blundred, MD at Site Energy Limited, said: “We’re looking forward to this new and exciting period. We have been working closely with Ipsum over the last few months to ensure a seamless transition so that we can continue to deliver for our customers. This acquisition gives us the opportunity to further enhance our offering and tap into Ipsum’s delivery at scale.”    Carl Thompson, MD at SES Training Solutions, continued: “The acquisition will allow us to further tap into the Power sector and work with some key players in the industry to provide essential training to the current and new workforce. Times are challenging and Power as an industry is facing the mammoth task of attracting new talent, however the acquisition presents a great opportunity to engage with people across the UK and show them how exciting it is to be in this sector.”  Ipsum is a leading provider of specialist utility and infrastructure services. It works in partnership with customers across regulated and non-regulated environments to optimise asset performance, supporting the security, resiliency of critical networks. Read more here.  The transaction was advised upon by Luke Rae, Corporate Deal Executive at KBS Corporate, the UK’s No.1-ranked mid-market company sales adviser (source: LSEG).  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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DPP Planning announces three key promotions to bolster the expanding consultancy

DPP Planning announces three key promotions to bolster the expanding consultancy

Two Principal Planners become Associate Directors and one team member is promoted from Assistant Planner to Planner DPP, one of the UK’s leading independent planning consultancies, has made key promotions at its offices in Cardiff, Leeds and Newcastle. Tom Molyneux Wright, Principal Planner at DPP’s Cardiff office, has been promoted to Associate Director, as has Oliver Corbett, who will be stepping up as Associate Director at its Leeds office. Assistant Planner Joe Kirtley, who is a member of DPP’s Newcastle team, has been promoted to Planner. Tom is a graduate of the University of West of England and relocated from a planning consultancy in Bristol in 2018 to join DPP as a planner. He worked his way up the ladder and has now been recognised by his peers within the consultancy and has been promoted to Associate Director. Tom is as a Corporate Member of the RTPI Cymru Executive Committee, helping inform and shape planning policy in Wales. Tom works on a range of sectors on projects across Wales and Southern England, recently securing consent at appeal for a 419-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Beeston, as well as the zero carbon in operation West Coventry Academy. Oliver Corbett is a graduate of Leeds Beckett University where he studied Town Planning. He worked at Kirklees Council as a graduate planner before joining DPP as a planner in 2018. Several promotions later, Oliver has now been named as one of DPP’s new Associate Directors. He also sits on the committee of Forum for Tomorrow (fft)Leeds, the young professional’s branch of the Forum for the Built Environment (fbe) Leeds construction industry networking group, where he organises various networking and CPD events throughout the year. Oliver works across many sectors at DPP and is currently working on major education redevelopment projects across the country. He is also leading on the regeneration of the Rheola Estate in the Neath Valley, South Wales, which includes three Grade II listed buildings and a Registered Park and Garden designed by renowned architects John Nash and George Stanley Repton. Joe Kirtley studied Urban Studies and Planning at The University of Sheffield and after graduating in 2021 went on to join firm of chartered surveyors as a graduate planner, before joining DPP as an Assistant Planner in August 2022. He is also a member of the Royal Town Planning Institute North East Young Planners Committee. Based out of DPP’s Newcastle office, Joe works across many sectors including education, residential, retail, leisure and health. He has worked on projects such as Culture House in Sunderland, Greenfield Academy in Newton Aycliffe and a major residential development in Easington Lane, Sunderland Gareth Hooper, CEO of DPP Planning, said of the promotions: “There is nothing I like better than seeing colleagues thrive at DPP and that’s just what we have witnessed with Tom, Oliver and Joe. “Being able to nurture talent is part of our DNA at DPP and seeing our younger staff members progress and contribute so much to not only us as a business, but also to our client’s work is so rewarding.” Gareth added: “At DPP we recognise that we need the best in the business on our team to win and work on the best projects. We are fiercely independent and so we are committed to succession planning and creating a culture of excellence in a supportive and fulfilling working environment.” More information about DPP can be found at https://dppukltd.com/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Nova, Oxford achieves a UK first with a perfect 100% score on its BREEAM Outstanding certificate.

Nova, Oxford achieves a UK first with a perfect 100% score on its BREEAM Outstanding certificate.

Wrenbridge and Buccleuch are delighted to have achieved a UK first, with their recently completed BREEAM Outstanding scheme, forward committed by IM Properties, scoring 100% in the final BREEAM Certificate, making it the highest UK certified assessment. Strategically positioned in a prime location, Nova is close to two of Oxford’s most influential science areas – Oxford Science Park and Arc Oxford. The BREEAM Outstanding certification demonstrates the ongoing commitment of all parties to bringing forward market- leading, highly sustainable developments, by attaining a perfect score. For Wrenbridge and Buccleuch, who have delivered multiple developments over a decade of business together, this is another proud milestone. For IM Properties, it underlines its belief in their ambitious plans to transform the site into a new best in class, state of the art 45,000sq/ft facility for mid-tech, R&D and lab use, bringing the site back into economic use. Wrenbridge and Buccleuch partnered up a couple of years ago to acquire the former gas holder site from SGN, in a prime location on the outskirts of Oxford. The gas holder was decommissioned and demolished and delivering their vision began. Due to the former use and challenging nature of the site, Wrenbridge engaged with the Local Authority right from the project’s outset, working collaboratively with the land contamination officer as well as the EA. Planning permission and funding by IM Properties followed and construction then commenced in the summer of 2023, with Parkway (Main Contractor) achieving Practical Completion in March 2024. Alistair Dunsdon, Director of Wrenbridge comments: “We are absolutely delighted to have turned our ambitious vision into a reality, through this landmark development. To be recognised as the first ever scheme to achieve a 100% BREEAM certificate is remarkable and something we are extremely proud of. This achievement was made possible by the innovation, commitment and collaboration with our trusted partners Buccleuch, our BREEAM consultant – Eight Versa, our Main Contractor – Parkway and the whole design team, they have all been sensational!” James Feltham, Director of Wrenbridge adds: “We are constantly pushing ourselves to provide the best possible buildings to suit occupiers’ requirements with a keen focus on sustainability, this achievement is testament to that. We hope that this sets the benchmark going forward and that we can continue to improve our product along with our trusted and valued design team and contractors.” Sandy Smith, Development Director at Buccleuch Property comments: “We are so pleased to have delivered another successful project with Wrenbridge, and in doing so, transforming what was a redundant gas holding tower into the UK’s highest scoring BREEAM project ever. Working collaboratively with all stakeholders has really helped deliver the vision that we and Wrenbridge had for this asset, and we are delighted to have funded another deal with IM Properties.” Nova adds to its green credentials with on-site renewables, 46 cycle parking spaces and 25 percent of its 50-space car park allocated for electric vehicles.  It’s sustainable design and attractive setting within a wildlife garden with pond and landscaped breakout and amenity space, also puts social responsibility and employee wellbeing front and centre. Agents acting on Nova, available for immediate occupation include Carter Jonas and Colliers International. SUPPLEMENTARY/TECHNICAL SUMMARY In addition to achieving BREEAM Outstanding and 100% on the final stage certificate, the scheme also achieved an EPC rating of A+, making it truly ‘best-in-class’. The building maximises sustainable travel with green-roofed cycle shelters (which also act as a haven for birds and insects), electric charging points for bikes and cars, shower, locker-room and change facilities, with a number of car parking spaces being dedicated for ‘car sharing’ users only. The team also worked collaboratively with the LA, to make improvements to the surrounding pedestrian and cycle routes. Occupiers can take advantage of the external breakout spaces and seating areas in the high-quality landscaped garden, which surrounds the building and includes a wildlife pond. Furthermore, ecological enhancement and biodiversity was maximised – the project achieved significant net gain. A number of low and zero carbon technologies are installed on site, including a substantial provision of roof mounted PVs, which generate significant energy savings for the occupier. Air Source heat pumps provide an efficient method for cooling and heating the building. The building is dressed in a brise soleil structure which acts as an architectural feature and a solar shading system, to control the amount of sunlight and solar heat that enters the building. Thermographic surveys were also carried carried out to determine if there was any heat leakage, but no remediation was required, due to the high performance of the building. Through the ventilation design, the building achieves good internal air and reduces the risk of external pollutants 15% of the warehouse roof is covered with rooflights and a generous amount of natural light floods into the office/reception, which prevents the need for artificial lighting and improves wellbeing. PIR lighting is installed throughout the office and switches off automatically when that area of the building is not in use. Best practice internal acoustic performance standards are achieved. Water efficient fittings and leak detection is installed, to prevent water wastage and ensure a 50% improvement over the BRE baseline for water consumption. Flood risk attenuation minimises run-off from site and minimises watercourse pollution. Materials were procured with a high level of responsible sourcing certification and EPDs. The maximum number of waste credits were achieved through good waste management, low waste consumption and high levels of recycling during the construction phase. Project team: BREEAM Consultant: Eight Versa  Architect: CMP Architects QS and EA: KAM  M&E Engineer: MBA  C&S Engineer: Sweco Planning and landscape: Stantec Environmental Services: TRC Transport: SLR  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Antique Caterpillar® club impressed with rebuilds at Finning HQ

Antique Caterpillar® club impressed with rebuilds at Finning HQ

Enthusiasts of antique Caterpillar® machines were given a tour of the latest Cat® machinery – and a chance to see a rebuild project in action when they were invited to Finning recently. The Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) was welcomed to the Staffordshire headquarters of Finning UK & Ireland, the world’s largest dealer of Cat machines, parts and services, to host its annual meeting. Founded in 1991, ACMOC has thousands of members from around the world with an avid interest in the history of Caterpillar machinery. Along with taking part in the annual meeting, members enjoyed a tour of the Finning site including an impressive display of static machinery including a Cat 395 hydraulic excavator, a Cat 770 off-highway truck, Cat D6 and D3 dozers, a Cat 14 motor grader and a Cat 986 wheel loader. The visitors were also able to get hands-on with the machinery in a challenge at the Cat Compact Store supported by Alex Clarke, CDI Qualified Operator Trainer and Graham Knighton, Senior Machine Demonstrator, who is also a member of ACMOC. Hayley Brown, Brand and Events Marketing Manager at Finning UK & Ireland, said: “The group all have a shared passion for Cat machines – old and new. While many of the members are collectors of antique machines, there are current owners and operators in the club too, including Tom Balls from J.C. Balls & Sons. “During their visit we took the members on a tour around the Cannock site and workshops. As part of this, the visitors were able to see a Cat 345C hydraulic excavator rebuild in action, which the group was impressed to see. “Engineers explained the rebuild process and how the machine would then proceed to the final paint stage before being handed over to the customer in early June. This was of particular interest to the group as they were able to see first-hand that Cat machines can be rebuilt to have many new lives.” ACMOC President Bodie Hunter said: “We are so grateful to Finning for inviting us to host our AGM at the Cannock site and making us all feel so welcome. It was impressive to see the site in action and share this with our members, who are all huge Caterpillar enthusiasts.” Finning and ACMOC also raised money via a raffle during their visit, splitting the funds raised between chosen charities – the East Midlands Air Ambulance, and Mind UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

TICA welcomes new British Standard energy rating for industrial thermal insulation applications

The Thermal Insulation Contractors Association (TICA) has welcomed the introduction of a British Standard that sets out energy rating classifications for industrial thermal insulation applications. BS EN 17956:2024 is applicable to technical insulation systems of operational installations in industry and building services. Using the recognised A to G energy rating system, it specifies methods for the energy classification of insulation systems for components such as pipes, ducts, vessels, and equipment with an operational temperature range of −30 °C up to 650 °C. Research undertaken by the European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EiiF) found that the UK could save 1.183 kilotonnes in energy and reduce carbon emissions by 3.480 kilotonnes by improving insulation efficiencies in the industrial sector alone. These potential savings are equivalent to the annual energy consumption of more than 830,000 households or 1.7m cars. The EiiF has aligned its Technical Insulation Performance Check (TIPCHECK) system with BS EN 17956:2024. The standardised thermal energy auditing tool evaluates the performance of industrial insulation systems and has already helped thousands of clients on the continent reduce both carbon output and energy costs. As an EiiF member, TICA has access to TIPCHECK, and the trade body is already preparing the UK thermal insulation sector to become a key enabler of industrial decarbonisation. Chris Ridge, TICA’s Technical Director, said: “Trying to get either government or industry to recognise the gaping hole that exists in our national Net Zero Strategy deployment, due to uninsulated or badly insulated pipework, has proven challenging. “Anything that makes the specification of energy saving thermal insulation easier to understand and enact for clients is most welcome. I think the UK thermal insulation market will need to undergo a period of adaptation before the benefits of BS EN 17956: 2024 can be deployed at a national scale, but the conversations with Net Zero policymakers needs to start now. “At our national training centre, we are already training thermal insulation apprentices on the fundamentals of thermal imaging, so they understand the importance of pipe insulation as a means of reducing energy losses. We are also working with the EiiF to upskill the next generation of UK-based TIPCHECK experts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Sustainable Strides: NBS research confirms building projects are getting greener

Sustainable Strides: NBS research confirms building projects are getting greener

Latest findings show an uptick in Net-Zero projects and sustainability success NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has discovered steady growth in the sector’s efforts towards sustainability, showing that the number of Net Zero projects and those achieving environmental targets is on the rise. The ‘green gains’ were found in NBS’ Sustainable Futures Report, in association with Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Now in its fourth iteration, it shows the number of Net-Zero projects being commissioned is increasing. Six in ten industry professionals (64%) have worked on a Net Zero project in the past year – a sign of the sector’s growing focus on low-carbon construction. This is compared with around half of all respondents in 2022 (49%). The study, which surveyed almost 600 people working within the built environment, aims to understand sustainability attitudes and protocols in the construction sector. Since launching in 2022, it has provided an industry benchmark for evolving views and opinions, shaping best practice guides on the journey to Net-Zero. Figures on the number of people who had ‘accomplished sustainability’ were also included. 43 percent or around four in ten said they had been successful (vs a third back in 2022). Interestingly, this sentiment was felt most strongly amongst clients but was slightly lower for architects (35%). In addition to reducing the sector’s environmental impact, these stats could show that target-based construction is making a difference. This is alongside other factors such as product availability, and the increasing use of building product data – which is crucial for architects to ascertain the ‘greenest’ product or material. However, despite the optimism, barriers to sustainability persist. The primary reason is now cost, whereas in previous years it was due to a lack of client demand. This is unsurprising given recent external forces such as a stagnating economy, cost of living crisis, and price surges for building products and materials. Though clients are clearly starting to see the downstream value of sustainable assets, which is also backed up by the increase in certification to BREEAM within the commercial sector. Another notable difference is the number of organisations measuring their carbon footprint. Seven in ten firms now measure emissions (70%) compared with just five in ten (54%). Those setting carbon reduction goals have also risen by fourteen percent (76% up from 62%) as did the number of companies choosing to offset carbon. Over half of firms now have carbon offsetting strategies in place (53%) while in 2021 this figure was much lower, at just over a third (38%).  There were also some surprises in terms of the sustainability ‘priorities list’. ‘Embodied carbon’ ranked fourth, with ‘Net zero operational carbon’ taking the top spot. However, this is likely due to legislation covering operational efficiency but not embodied carbon. When asked to rank the importance of the life cycle analysis stages from environmental product declarations, embodied carbon took first place. The report also touched on the role manufacturers play in helping architects achieve low-carbon outcomes. Nine in ten (93%) agreed that robust specification is important for achieving sustainable outcomes. Within that, nearly all architects (94%) agree that manufacturers should supply digital information on the green credentials of their products to boost their chances of specification. Dr. Lee Jones, Head of Sustainability at Byggfakta Group, NBS’ parent company, said: “The construction industry’s green momentum is building, with NBS reporting a small boost in net-zero projects and environmental targets being met. These are welcome figures and show that, whilst much more must be done, the sector is progressively aiming for a sustainable future. “Certainly, I’d expect to see new significance given to areas like sustainable land use and biodiversity, especially given the recent introduction of new legislation as part of the 2021 Environment Act. “Going forward, I would like to see legislation around net zero building practices going further, covering embodied carbon as well as operational efficiency. For the industry to truly achieve sustainable outcomes, it needs the Government to take a stronger lead, supporting with policy and incentives.” Dr. Stephen Hamil, Innovation Director at NBS, said: “Research studies like the NBS Sustainable Futures Report are invaluable in guiding our industry toward a greener future and understanding our progress on the path to net zero. Yet it’s only by leveraging robust construction data, that we collectively drive the progress needed to meet our environmental goals and build a more sustainable world.” To download the NBS Sustainable Futures Report 2024, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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How Las Vegas Helped to Create the Modern Integrated Resorts

How Las Vegas Helped to Create the Modern Integrated Resorts

Integrated resorts is a term used by the casino industry to describe the mega buildings that cram hotels, casinos, restaurants, clubs, bars, swimming pools, golf courses, cinemas, theme parks, shopping malls, and more into a single complex.  They create a one-stop-shop for visitors to cities like Las Vegas, Macao, and Singapore, because patrons have everything they need for an exciting and enjoyable trip under one roof.  Casinos were not always like this, however. We have Las Vegas to thank for their creation. Over the history of the famous city in Nevada, Vegas as gradually created an industry and then repeatedly reinvented it as it has adapted to the ever-changing needs of players.  Sawdust Floors And Early Days Las Vegas began life as a small settlement of farmers but it became a destination for works on the nearby Hoover Dam who were looking for a place to blow off some steam in their downtime.  During this time, saloons with sawdust-covered floors offered a place for eating, drinking, and various forms of entertainment. Quickly small gaming rooms opened where workers would have a flutter with their wages from the dam construction, helping to create a burgeoning casino industry.  These evolved into some of the earliest iterations of Vegas casinos, offering little more than a gaming floor and some refreshments. During this time, they experimented with the games that they offered to patrons, leading to the creation of many of the popular titles we know and love today.  For example, modern online casinos offer a choice of different variants of games like blackjack, including classic, premium, and high roller that use the same basic mechanics but with varying wagering limits and side bets. However, Las Vegas casinos offered rules like “black jack” which offered additional payouts for hands that contained the jack of club or spades.  Increased Competition As the business of casino operations began to mature, owners began building larger and larger establishments. The first proper casino was the Pair-o-Dice Club but it was expanded multiple times over the years, becoming Hotel Last Frontier in 1942 with 105 rooms, expanding to 650 in 1967, and then 984 in 2007. Owners began competing to have the biggest and best establishments in the city, with industry legends like Kirk Kerkorian helping to drive the industry forward.  They began offering more than just rooms, dining, and casino games. One early foray into other forms of entertainment was the move to attract professional boxing to the city as casinos competed to host the biggest bouts between the best fighters. Legendary artists were also coaxed to Vegas to become resident performers. Some of the most famous examples include Elvis Presley, Celine Dion, and Penn and Teller, though many of the biggest names in showbiz have appeared on stage in the city through the years.  Mega-Resorts The mega-resorts of today began to take shape in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with The Mirage being the first of its kind in 1989. It took theming to a new level, with tropical landscapes, an erupting volcano, and even waterfalls.  This was quickly followed by around a dozen more such venues, each vowing to be bigger and better than the last. This included the Luxor, Mandalay Bay, and Excalibur. The biggest and most famous of these was The Bellagio, which cost a whopping $1.7 billion to construct back in the 1990s.  This began to drive many of the smaller casinos out of business, with venues like the Dunes beginning to close their doors and be demolished to make way for a more modern venue.  Export The success of mega-resorts caught the attention of other cities as they provided a way to generate large incomes for the local authorities whilst also offering a much broader mix of entertainment than simply just casino games.  This led to Macao becoming the Las Vegas of the East, with both Chinese and overseas games heading to the territory to have a flutter. Singapore soon followed with the opening of the Marina Bay Sands in 2010 and Japan planning to do the same in the coming years. 

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The Gamble of DIY: Balancing Ambition with Health & Safety in Home Renovations

The Gamble of DIY: Balancing Ambition with Health & Safety in Home Renovations

Do-it-yourself is the slogan for many homeowners. With the rising cost of materials, people are more interested in spending their money navigating the list of new UK slots and fixing up their homes themselves. Whether it’s a money issue or just for the fun of the DIY, doing it yourself should also mean doing it safely.  Safety Precautions For a DIY Project Working on a home renovation DIY project is not as easy as launching the Who Wants to be a Millionaire game on your favourite casino site. You’ll need a guide and the right tools for the perfect project. The tips below are the health and safety precautions you require while navigating the gamble of DIY home renovations. Take Notice of Your Surroundings  Your environment matters a lot during your DIY project. Focus on lighting, ensuring you can see clearly to prevent mistakes and reduce the risk of hazards. Clean up as you go, removing tools and materials so you don’t slip or trip. Cover or remove your furniture to prevent dust into the fabric. Wear Appropriate Gear The first step to safety is protecting yourself with the right gear. Begin with your protective overalls, helmets, and the right gloves for the task. If you are spraying, you require a respirator, ear muffs, and safety glasses for sawing. A sturdy pair of work boots is ideal, as a barrier against punctures. Wear fitted clothes and keep your hair out of your face.  Use the Right Tool for the Job Don’t just jump into work without picking out the right gadgets. We know you’re not being paid, but using the appropriate tool is the only way to do the job. Invest in safe tools that are in good condition. Avoid broken handles, chipped blades, and missing parts to prevent safety hazards. Read the user manual and follow instructions when assembling and using the tool. Ensure All Blades Are Sharp You’ll use a few blades in your renovation project, but have you considered the safety aspect? Don’t get cut up on how counterintuitive it sounds. The sharper the tools are, the safer they’ll be. Remember to cover your bases, chisels, hand saws, utility knives, hand planes, circular saws, table saws, and mitre saws. The sharper the blades, the easier cutting through wood will be. Don’t Ignore the Hand Tools You’ll probably think that safety only matters for power tools, but that is far from the truth. Hand tools can just be as hazardous, if not more so, because users tend to neglect the dangers associated with using them. Apply the same caution you will give to your power tools. All machinery should be associated with the same level of danger, irrespective of whether they have a power cord, battery, or handheld. Maintain Proper Footing You’ll likely need to increase your height while you work on your DIY project. Ensure you use ladders and not stools or paint buckets to get up. Your balance is incredibly important, so tread carefully during your projects. Whether you are on or off the ground, be careful while handling tools. Use Guides and Guards Read the guides and follow instructions before using any tools. You may think reading the guides would take time, but they’ll save you more time in the long run. Some tools have retractable blades, and others need to be positioned, probably for the right cut. Using the guards would ensure you can work safely. While they may be annoying, learn to work with them. They are there to protect you from any hazards. Fatigue Can Be an Issue It is normal to get tired during your project, especially if it’s a big one. The beauty of a DIY is that you aren’t paying by the hour. You’re not paying at all. Take time to rest between the job. Take some hours off or a day, as the case may be. You’ll perform better and make less mistakes when you are well-rested. Take a break and play a fun casino game for a change. Eat and ensure you are well-hydrated before commencing your task for the day. It won’t do you any good to pass out, especially while operating a tool. Staying Safe & Healthy While Renovating When you’re ready to get your DIY groove on, ensure you take your time. It’s not about how fast, but how well. Don’t rush to finish, or else you may leave screws unfastened or tools in the way. You should also take on only the tasks you can do safely from start to finish. Remember, it’s okay to seek help when you need it. Just ask.

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