If you are in the construction industry or if you work in a similar field, you must already know by now that one working at height have risks that workers or maybe even you yourself are not shielded from. In fact, statistics show that in the past year, accidents occurring
Ibstock Brick has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards which recognise its world-class apprenticeship programme. The leading brick manufacturer, part of Ibstock plc, has been named as a finalist in the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category at the Personnel Today Awards as well as the Best Apprenticeship Programme
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits
TODD Architects has submitted plans to redevelop an underused car park above a shopping centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, into 119 apartments.Totaling approximately 8,800 sqm, the mix of one and two bed units, alongside a number of three bed family homes, will sit above The Pavilions Shopping Centre in the
The important information you need to choose the right pipe can be found here. It’s no small task to choose the right steel pipe, and even if you’re experienced mistakes will be made. Following this guide will help with the process of buying steel pipes. Afterwards, you can always find
This November will see London Build once again take over the Olympia London, bringing together over 25,000 construction professionals across two days for the largest built environment show for London. This incredible event will also host the largest ever meeting of women in construction in the UK; the launch of
Medford is a beautiful city located in Jackson County, Oregon. It is believed to be the 4th largest metro area in Oregon. If a family is looking to build a new lovely home in this city, they will have to browse through various construction agencies. There are many agencies in
It’s fair to point out that the print industry, one that many industries rely upon, has gathered up negative associations of being particularly destructive to the environment. This is chiefly due to deforestation and the various oils which contribute to the creation of ink. However, the outlook is positive… the
When it comes to extrusion processing, Extrusion 2019 is the industry’s premier conference event. It is geared specifically for extrusion plant and production managers, engineers, technology leaders, maintenance personnel, and anyone else working in the extrusion industry. The 2019 conference takes place from September 17–19 at the Donald E. Stephens
As the consumer continues to move away from the high street, impacting the UK retail property market, distribution centres are evolving into huge large-volume order fulfilment premises with multi bay racking, mezzanines and narrower isles to utilise every square inch. The warehouse market has doubled in the last 10 years.
If you are in the construction industry or if you work in a similar field, you must already know by now that one working at height have risks that workers or maybe even you yourself are not shielded from. In fact, statistics show that in the past year, accidents occurring from falls from working at height is one of the most common workplace accidents that ever occur. What is more unfortunate however is that among all of the other types of workplace accidents such as getting struck by either a moving vehicle or object or machinery, or getting trapped by a collapsed asset, work at height falls actually have the largest percentage of fatalities which makes up 40%. Imagine what a huge percentage fatalities due to fall from heights already contribute to, what more are the non-fatal accidents that still leave the people involved in such accidents in a bad shape? If you find yourself in a similar situation wherein it is inevitable for you to not work from a height, then you could take the necessary precautions to actually avoid such accidents. One of the best ways you could do is to undergo PASMA Training that could eventually be a starting point to other safety training modules as well. Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) PASMA is the leading training association that focuses and specializes in training modules used primarily for the topic on the safety in use of mobile access towers. It does not only focus on the use of these towers, but their modules also aim to promote how to apply the best practices in the industry to ensure a safe workplace and environment for not only the mobile access tower users, but to everyone involved and on-sit as well. You are guaranteed of industry standard training modules for handling work at height safety precautions because PASMA is made up of expert individuals in their industries. Because work at height laws are already in place, there are a lot of accredited training facilities in the country who give PASMA training for those who want to go into such a profession who uses mobile access towers. Different Kinds of PASMA Training to Cover all Bases There are actually different kinds of PASMA training modules available so that you have all bases cover to ensure that you would be able to lower the risk of getting on-site accidents or even fatalities due to the false use of mobile access towers or improper work from height precautions practiced while working. There is the basic course of PASMA towers for users and you could also get a combined course should you wish. If you are already in the managerial level or if you are an owner of a construction firm, you would also want to have your managers undergo the PASMA towers for managers so that you would have greater guarantees of a safe workplace. There are also certain PASMA tower trainings for low heights such as training modules on stairs and on low level access, and even a PASMA tower with cantilever training course. All of which are as important as the other to have a safe workplace for all. PASMA as the Starting Point PASMA training is actually a pre-requisite to more advanced trainings such as training courses for IPAF operators. Since it is a huge equipment to work with, you should be able to prove that you are competent enough to not only work the equipment, but to work from a height safely more importantly. This holds true most especially for construction workers who need all of the knowledge and sufficient experience so that you would be able to fulfil and perform all duties on-site with ease and with all of the safety precautions in mind. It may be a bit costly but getting the basics solid first especially for your first in line workers is really important to avoid having additional medical or funeral expenses in the future due to unwanted accidents. How Long Does It Actually Take? A PASMA training does not need to take up most of your working time or your employee’s time because it only actually takes one day to complete. The training would include topics ranging from knowing the different components of mobile access towers to assembly, to making sure of its stability, to knowing all of the safety hazards and up to the inspection of the build. There would be hands on practical tests all throughout the training, but to better ensure that each individual are actually able to learn, understand and keep the knowledge, there would also be a written test regarding all of the legalities involved in working at height. Other standards relating to the equipment and even all of the potential hazards on-site and in the workplace brought about mobile access tower would also be included in the test. At the end of the course, a certificate is awarded which will be valid for a period of five years before the need to renew.
Ibstock Brick has been shortlisted for two prestigious industry awards which recognise its world-class apprenticeship programme. The leading brick manufacturer, part of Ibstock plc, has been named as a finalist in the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year category at the Personnel Today Awards as well as the Best Apprenticeship Programme at the Training Journal Awards. Ibstock Brick offers two engineering apprenticeship programmes, both four years in duration; Advanced Mechanical Engineering and Advanced Electrical Engineering. There are currently 35 apprentices within the business, ranging from 16 to 25 years old. The main objective of its apprenticeship programme is to build on its skills base by nurturing a new generation of highly qualified employees – who will bring new skills, energy, ideas and enthusiasm to the business. Such has been the success of Ibstock Brick’s apprenticeship programme, it is being rolled out to include Ibstock plc’s Concrete division. Paula Wardle, Group Learning & Development Manager at Ibstock plc, commented: “We are delighted that our apprenticeship programme has been shortlisted for these two prestigious industry awards. It recognises the investment we have made in developing a comprehensive programme focussed on delivering world-class engineering skills and knowledge. “Our apprenticeship scheme contributes to our goal of growing the business by investing in people – from the start of their careers – and helping them achieve their potential. It also ensures that we create a pool of engineering and technical specialists who will help drive forward innovation and manufacturing excellence. We believe this approach makes an important contribution to delivering excellence in the way we operate. It is only by nurturing our future talent that we will have people with the technical expertise and skills to manufacture our products for years to come.”https://www.ibstockplc.co.uk/careers/apprenticeship-schemes
With Brexit causing uncertainty in the construction industry over the future availability of labour, and its costs, the issue of the UKs ‘housing crisis’ isn’t likely to dampen down any time soon. Positive initiatives and efficient processes are needed to help the sector deliver the number of homes that Brits can pay for — which is where LPG energy could come into play. In this piece, LPG suppliers Flogas take a look at how LPG is assisting in the provision of affordable housing for UK buyers and why it’s vital that the sector and government gets behind it if they want to hit targets and meet housing demands. An overview of the UK and affordable housing Recent research and data into housing in the UK show that there are clearly issues that must be addressed. A government initiative to build 200,000 discounted homes to first-time buyers had not produced a single home by the end of 2017, according to a report by the Independent. Similarly, approximately 12% of chartered surveyors doubt that the government will be able to achieve its 300,000-new-homes-a-year target in 2018, with even Parliamentary Affairs Manager of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Lewis Johnston, stating that it was “clear more radical action is needed.” Currently, there is also conflict between the government and local councils regarding affordable housing in the UK. In a bid to boost availability, the government has claimed that councils which don’t build enough new homes will lose the right to determine the location of subsequent new houses. This ruling is part of a planning policy framework which details regulations regarding the number of homes that each council must construct — which considers localised aspects of an area including local house costs and average wages. Essentially, if a location has a particularly high level of unaffordability, that council will need to build a greater number of new, affordable homes. But in cities and towns that are dense with built-up areas, could this mean that councils will be forced to build on rural areas? Perhaps. Former Housing Secretary and current Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, revealed plans in March to create several new towns between Oxford and Cambridge. He commented: “Along that corridor, there’s an opportunity to build at least four or five garden towns and villages with thousands of homes.” According to the Town and Country Planning Association (TCPA), garden villages are ideally constructed away from established settlements and created on a basis of industry and jobs, with an aim to create diverse, well-designed and affordable homes. Although this project is a potential solution to more affordable housing, the issue of powering and maintaining garden towns and villages in rural locations is a point that needs consideration. The role of LPG? There are approximately four million homes not connected to the mains gas grid in the UK. According to the Non Gas Map, which was created in collaboration with the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; the reliance on the mains grid varies significantly across the UK. Certain locations — such as northern Scotland and central Wales — appear to show less dependence on being connected to the main network, while others, including north-east England and the Home Counties, have a greater percentage of homes that rely on energy provided by mains gas. One of the concerns of placing new housing projects in rural areas is the delivery of sufficient energy, both during the development and for the subsequent homeowners. However, the data above shows that there is an opportunity to construct homes in areas that aren’t connected to the mains network, granted that an equally-efficient alternative is implemented in its place. But how will this encourage affordable housing growth? LPG may offer those in affordable housing development and construction the chance to ease the pressure of building in inner cities and instead opt for open, rural spaces where there is greater space and opportunity. Currently, a small number of major commercial developers create the majority of the UK’s housing. By using LPG as an easy alternative to main network connection, we can widen the number of locations that a housing project can take place. Consequently, more small- and mid-size companies should have a greater chance of securing a plot for development in the sector and we may see a growth in affordable housing as a result. LPG also has a variety of advantages when it comes to affordable housing, one of which is the fact that gas bottles, cylinders and tanks make LPG easy to transport and simple to store during the construction process. Keeping production costs as low as possible is essential to all businesses — no firm wants to go over budget. However, the ease of supplying and stockpiling LPG may help developers keep a track of energy costs and ensure that mains grid issues, such as power cuts, won’t affect productivity — another potentially costly side-effect. It’s no secret that there’s a nationwide drive towards green practices and reducing our carbon footprints. In an industry like construction and housing, it’s easy to adopt less environmentally friendly products and practices. However, the demand to bring these down will only grow as the government strives to achieve its target of lowering carbon emissions by at least 80% of 1990 levels by 2050 — and not doing so may cost companies in the form of taxes and penalties. Fortunately, LPG is a relatively clean form of energy, releasing just 81% of the carbon dioxide that oil does and 70% of the carbon dioxide that coals emits. With tax relief offered to energy-efficient businesses, it’s helpful to be as eco-friendly as possible. If developers of affordable housing choose to utilise LPG, this could also work towards greater numbers of affordable housing projects. Evidently, there’s opportunity for affordable housing if developers take advantage of LPG. With demand increasing and only a few practical initiatives to ease the strain, such as garden villages, it seems as if they sector needs all the help
TODD Architects has submitted plans to redevelop an underused car park above a shopping centre in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, into 119 apartments.Totaling approximately 8,800 sqm, the mix of one and two bed units, alongside a number of three bed family homes, will sit above The Pavilions Shopping Centre in the heart of the town. The homes will be contained in two blocks connected by exterior walkways, with internal amenity space and a landscaped roof terrace and garden, accessible to all residents. Explains John Chapman at TODD: “We have worked closely with our client, Killultagh Estates Ltd, as well as Broxbourne Borough Council, to seize the opportunity and create a contemporary design that will turn underutilised car parking decks into a desirable and viable residential development. By bringing residents into the heart of the town, this development has the potential to boost the high street and its hard-pressed retailers.”TODD’s design replaces the dated and visually cluttered façade, removing the brooding red brick and establishing a light, clean palette with a gradation of tonal colour easing the structure into its surroundings and improving the backdrop for the nearby listed sculpture of Alexander of Abingdon, colloquially known as ‘Eleanor Cross’. Glass balustrades and glass clad panels on the upper levels will play with the natural light and help articulate the building. Expanded aluminium mesh will enliven the parking structure whilst a reconfigured retail area will include uniform shop fronts and an airy, welcoming glazed entrance to the shopping centre.External green spaces are a core element of the design, with landscaped areas and green roofs aiming to improve local bio-diversity as well as residents’ well-being. The main roof garden is interspersed with semi-circular and irregular rounded ‘planters’ which act as benches and create a meandering walk, whilst the roof terrace is designed with a mix of hard and soft landscaping, together with seating area, pergola, artificial lawn, games area and BBQ space.Concludes Chapman: “This is an important and exciting development, part of an emerging trend to add residential – and other – elements to shopping centres to improve their viability by creating a critical mass of people and attractions in one place. We’ve been able to use our experience of residential and retail design to ‘rightsize’ the underused car parking decks, replacing them with a dynamic and distinctive addition to the town’s architectural portfolio. The new apartments are in an ideally sustainable location, and its proximity to the local rail station will offer a unique opportunity for commuters when the town’s Crossrail 2 station opens, by 2030.”
The important information you need to choose the right pipe can be found here. It’s no small task to choose the right steel pipe, and even if you’re experienced mistakes will be made. Following this guide will help with the process of buying steel pipes. Afterwards, you can always find more information at varnerpipe.com. Things To Consider Before Looking Find about two or three pipe comparison charts that specifically note material, applications and corrosion resistance. This can help narrow down a lot of close choices when price becomes the deciding factor. The charts will usually say the same thing about the steel pipes you are considering. When conflicting information is found, you can always add an additional chart to get a clearer picture of the details. Don’t underestimate the power of doing side by side comparisons when looking at steel pipes. That one feature you overlook could be the biggest thing you need when starting a new project. A Rundown Of The Different Steel Types There are three main steel types that are worth mentioning. Carbon, alloy and stainless steel are the three types that you will do the most business with. Carbon is strong and easy to work with. With its low number of alloying elements, carbon is also one of the least expensive pipes to get. Alloy is strong against impact while also being more resistant to stress. The many combinations of alloy means that high quality mixtures are more profound in the industry. Stainless steel does not rust, and therefore is a huge benefit for steel pipes. In industries where corrosion protection is mandatory, stainless steel reigns supreme. What Is The Grade Of The Steel? One of the first steps to getting steel pipes is to determine what grade is needed. Narrowing down steel pipes will always require knowing what grade will do the best job. But regardless off the grade, the sizing will remain the same since it follows the same industry standard. Consider that one less variable you have to worry about when getting a steel pipe. ASME and ASTM usually have piping specs that show which grades of steel are beneficial for your project. The main difference between the two is that they have different standards to go by. Even though the grades are similar across both spec sheets, their standards will often determine what testing is done for each. The SAE and AISI are two other organizations that should be looked at for steel pipe grades. Their numbering system simplifies a lot of the more complex classifications of steel piping. Keep in mind that the numbering system is only one part of the specifications needed when ordering steel pipes. This is a good example of where the information from the other organizations come in. SAE/AISI combined with ASME/ASTM gives you a full profile when deciding which steel pipe is better for your project. The last grade sort of sits by itself, and for good reason. API 5L is strictly used for the oil and gas industry. As its own category, the grade has multiple delivery conditions to choose from. Things can get complex when comparing the different options with API 5L. Just like the previous choices, the grades are there to help you narrow down what works best for your industry. Choosing Between Seamless or Welded Tons of customization options for steel pipes include the choice of seamless or welded. This requirement changes on each project, so you must know which one will get the job done. Welded pipes are more cost effective than seamless, especially when buying in bulk. The consistency from pipe to pipe enhances the wall thickness. To keep this consistency active, manufacturers can check the internal surface of the tubes. This is something you can’t do with seamless pipes due to the way they’re made. Seamless pipes have the advantage with consistent roundness and lack of seams. Often, a weak seam in a pipe can be a future headache for a project. By eliminating that issue with seamless pipes, you have one less problem to worry about. This feature becomes important when you’re worried about corrosion or breakage. Getting Bundles Buying in bulk will always have its advantages. When buying pipe bundles, you get the added benefit of mixing length and size. The discount you get by buying cut-lengths of pipe can save your company a ton of money. The savings don’t end there, and also apply to businesses that purchase pipes at full length. Depending on where you get it from, buying at full length may carry a larger discount than buying mixed. Pay attention to a manufacturer’s pipe page to see where the most savings are. Chances are full length steel pipes will see the biggest savings when purchasing or larger projects. Quantity Buyers that aren’t concerned about price still need to know the footage of pipe needed for a project. It is one of the requirements for a quote and should be one of the top things on your purchase checklist. With this information, you may be able to plan for future projects that require the same materials. When price is a concern, going over what you need will cost you more on both ends- purchase and cleanup. Trying to buy extra in case a mistake happens will lead you to a bottomless hole. Planning carefully is the only way to prevent this from becoming a problem with steel pipes. Pipe Size Sizing specifications often contain plumbing terminology that buyers are not familiar with. Know your fittings and what steel pipe sizes will be compatible before committing to an order. Pipe fittings and sizes can always be research using a manufacturer’s chart, if one is provided. When you’re left to figure it out on your own, it is a good idea to create a personal reference table for the company. Update and refer to this table whenever you need to make a purchase for new steel pipes. Verify Suppliers Someone telling you that a specific
This November will see London Build once again take over the Olympia London, bringing together over 25,000 construction professionals across two days for the largest built environment show for London. This incredible event will also host the largest ever meeting of women in construction in the UK; the launch of the world’s first-ever LinkedIn Networking Lounge; and an attempt to break the world record for the most Movember Moustaches at a single event! New for 2019 is the Humans of Construction photography exhibition. This brand-new gallery will display photography of up to 1,000 of the most influential and inspiring professionals working in the UK’s built environment. The Humans of Construction exhibition is an artistic and educational insight into the diversity and character of the UK’s construction industry. Each photograph will feature an individual from a wide array of fascinating backgrounds in the industry, from CEO’s to architects, pioneers to students and future leaders. Who will be featured? Elvin Box (Chair London Constructing Excellence & Movember Community Ambassador) is one of the inspirational professionals to be featured in the exhibition. Having been diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer in 2016, Elvin found himself becoming more involved in men’s health charities and well-being initiatives. “Recovering from prostate cancer led me to seek counselling to overcome the ‘Dog Days of Depression’,” Elvin explains. “All too often, the victims of this male-centric cancer endure life-changing side effects.” 35 years prior to his diagnosis, Elvin was a construction manager in Knightsbridge when he witnessed a young colleague fall six floors through a hoist tower, tragically passing away. The construction sector’s health and safety practice at the time was notably poor, and support and assistance were not offered to those impacted by incidents such as this one. Without that necessary support, Elvin found that the event had a severe effect on his mental health, and he experienced a deep depression. The effect that both of these experiences had on Elvin’s mental health led to his affiliation with men’s health charities, moving him to campaign for change within the sector “The construction sector’s performance in the realm of health, safety and well-being has improved beyond all recognition, from the battlefield that existed over 35 years ago. However, we are still one of the most dangerous and unhealthy industries to work in” Elvin told London Build. With his passion and dedication, he takes every opportunity to help the industry to be at the cutting edge of health, safety and well-being. Making connections Beneath Elvin’s photograph will sit his story, amongst 999 similarly inspirational stories, offering a glimpse into the lives of the humans that make up our industry. The Humans of Construction exhibition will include LinkedIn QR codes for many of the individuals featured, offering a chance for you to connect with them online. The photography exhibition will be displayed as part of the LinkedIn Networking Lounge at London Build. In the LinkedIn Networking Lounge, attendees will be able to network whilst using the LinkedIn app on their mobile to scan each others LinkedIn QR codes to connect. There will be a timetable of Speed Networking events as well as various other networking activities and entertainment. If you’re heading to London Build this November, be sure to visit what promises to be an inspiring and genuinely beautiful art piece – taking the seemingly ordinary and making it extraordinary. A wall adorned with the faces that make our industry what it is. You can nominate yourself, or any astonishing individuals within the industry, to be featured in the photography exhibition. Find out more: https://www.londonbuildexpo.com/humans-of-construction
Medford is a beautiful city located in Jackson County, Oregon. It is believed to be the 4th largest metro area in Oregon. If a family is looking to build a new lovely home in this city, they will have to browse through various construction agencies. There are many agencies in Medford. All of them are ready to make your dreams come true. The most important thing you should know is that they are licensed, general contractors. So, your homes are in capable hands. Apart from building a new home from scratch, construction agencies can do a lot more. Their services include remodeling as well. There are many households that have grown tired of looking at the same old boring walls and furniture. They can handle the interior as well as exterior painting. If you aren’t satisfied with your garden, they can do something about it. Construction agencies dabble in landscaping, too. There are no limits. If you want to find out more about the function of contractors, you can read more about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_contractor. Brand New Homes If you can’t find the home you are looking for, you will likely try to build it. It is undoubtedly exhausting for you to go through every house on the market and still be disappointed. The houses aren’t what you pictured your perfect home to look like. Whether you want a simple home or a more complex residence, construction agencies are here for you. They work according to your budget. That way, everything will be planned accordingly. You will undoubtedly get the most out of your savings. When you contact a construction agency, the first thing you are going to do is explain your dream home. After the design and specifics have been discussed, they contact engineers, architects, and sometimes real estate agents. They build up a team to build your perfect home. They work according to your needs from scratch up till the finishing touches to make sure everything is perfect. Even though most construction agencies are focused on residential work, they do not back off from commercial work. They can build office buildings as well. Remodeling It is not surprising to hear that some households are searching for contractors to help them in remodeling. You can certainly do some stuff yourself. But in some cases, it is best if you leave it to the professionals. So many things can go wrong if you aren’t experienced in house remodel. The majority of people are actually doubtful to contract someone for this type of construction. This is mostly because they think contractors cost a lot. What they do not know is that it can cost you more if you try to do it yourself and end up screwing it all up. Home Additions If you have a vacant place in your home, you may have a vision for what it could become. Many people dream of their own personal space in their households. They may want to get away from all the chaos and just relax. Some people dream of a spacious garage. Construction agencies can handle anything. The first thing you should do is show them the place you have and the size of it. They have to calculate the budget also. Whether you have to enlarge an already existing room or just add more rooms to your home, they can do it. You should know that they have to follow the construction laws to pass the Medford inspection. So, you do not have to worry about anything. They use the best materials out there that can withstand all kinds of weather. If you want to read more about various home additions, click here. Fences Some families enjoy more recluse homes because they like to have privacy. However, not many homes have that. So, people have to settle down for whatever they can get within their budget. Contractors can help you achieve more privacy by building you any type of fence you want. That way, you will be protected from all those noisy neighbors you may have. With a high enough fence, you could comfortably relax in your own backyard without worrying about prying eyes.
It’s fair to point out that the print industry, one that many industries rely upon, has gathered up negative associations of being particularly destructive to the environment. This is chiefly due to deforestation and the various oils which contribute to the creation of ink. However, the outlook is positive… the print industry is forward thinking and making a conscious effort to become recognised as more economically sustainable. Browse our guide which explores a few of the companies making inroads to implement sustainability into their practices, to help shape their businesses into being more environmentally responsible. Action needs to be taken to reduce deforestation Forests cover approximately 30% of the world’s land area, however the rate at which they are being cut down is a serious cause for concern — 502,000 square miles getting the chop between 1990 and 2016. These trees are vital for absorbing carbon dioxide alongside a host of other dangerous greenhouse gases. Tree felling not only causes an increase in air pollution, but it also one of the primary causes of flooding. One study has pointed to the fact that 10% of deforestation has been carried out to cater for the supply of wood products — which includes paper. Recycled paper So, what’s being done in terms of reducing the amount of paper we use? In order to be classified as eco-friendly paper, the paper must have been created in a greener way than traditional paper would have been, therefore having a smaller carbon footprint. Recycled paper is beneficial because it doesn’t involve the use of fresh trees, it’s simply using the ones that have already been cut down. This process of reusing paper starts at home with your recycling bin. After the paper is collected it is taken to the recycling centre, where it is then shredded and pulped. Following this, the paper is rinsed thoroughly to remove any ink or glue-like substances. Reports have suggested that this process can be repeated a further six times before the usable life span of the paper reaches its climax. FSC paper Alternatively, as opposed to recycling paper, another option is available. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international not for profit organisation who certify the sourcing of paper to be sustainable. The group assess forest management agencies using 10 rules, which include the impact the deforestation has on both the workers, and those who live indigenously in the forest or the land around it. Unlike recycled paper, which does not return high quality prints and can often cause gritty imagery, FSC paper is undistinguishable from normal paper. This sustainable certification has led certain companies to opt for it as opposed to recycled paper. So far, FSC has certified 174 million hectares of forests worldwide. Ink Unfortunately for the printing industry, resolving the issue of the paper being environmentally unfriendly, is only half the battle. Initially, ink was made from plant-based sources, however by the 1970’s, everything had changed. Due to a particularly high demand, vegetable oils were no longer able to meet the needs of the country, and so manufacturers turned instead to petroleum-based products. These petroleum oil inks are otherwise known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Reports have suggested that offset printing uses more than three million tons of hydrocarbon-based inks and chemicals every year, releasing large quantities of greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Less environmentally damaging technological methods need to be employed Companies have however, started to invest in alternative methods that are less damaging to the environment. These include vegetable based eco solvent inks, and waterless-based ink. Vegetable based inks consists of 51% sustainable materials, and unlike their petrol counterparts, which release high amounts of VOCs, vegetable-based inks only contribute between 2-15%. Similarly, thanks to technological innovation, significantly less water can be used in the production. In the past, vast amounts of water were used to make the ink and in the same sense, keep it dry, whereas now, waterless technology is helping the industry develop. Bio: Gary Peeling is MD at Where The Trade Buys, one such company who is placing an emphasis on becoming an industry leader within sustainable printing. The commercial print business has significantly invested in becoming an FSC partner, helping talking care of forests and the people who live in them. The company is a specialist in brochure printing, with bases in London, Sunderland and Surrey. Sources
When it comes to extrusion processing, Extrusion 2019 is the industry’s premier conference event. It is geared specifically for extrusion plant and production managers, engineers, technology leaders, maintenance personnel, and anyone else working in the extrusion industry. The 2019 conference takes place from September 17–19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. This year’s program will cover the latest research, trends, solutions, and best practices in film, compounding, sheet, and pipe, profile, and tubing. These various areas in extrusion will be discussed in specific breakout sessions that you can plan to attend based on their relevance. Throughout the weekend, there will be over 75 technical sessions led by experts and more than 80 different exhibitors showing off their knowledge and wares on the conference floor. You’ll also be able to network with some of the best and brightest in the industry. It’s worth noting that over the past few years, Rosemont has become a premier destination for startups, industry, and business. Its attractive location right by Chicago gives it a big city vibe without as much congestion. If there’s any chance you’ll need a ride, discover Rosemont transportation options. Here’s a complete overview of the various options for transportation available to travelers visiting Rosemont and nearby areas. Chicago Area Transit El Train Available at the Rosemont bus station, this is a classic way to get across. If you don’t mind navigating the schedule, hopping on a train with other locals might for you. Pace Bus – Rosemont City Bus While the bus line isn’t at the top of everyone’s list of things to do, there are times when it’s a convenient way to roll around town and take care of business. Not to mention, it’s a more scenic approach to be able to take in different parts of town while seeing what each one offers. Rideshare by Lyft/Uber of Rosemont Lyft was the latecomer to the scene in Rosemont as it only came after Uber came in and disrupted the marketplace to shift it in the direction of rideshare dominance. However, they did show up finally in 2018, making Lyft and Uber both great transportation options. There are accommodations galore in the Rosemont area. Befitting a growing economic zone, there are plenty of great hotels in the Rosemont area. The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago is a popular choice. It’s the largest hotel outside of the city and offers guests great service with tons of amenities. Its on-site Red Bar & Lounge provides great food and drink. The spacious rooms, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi make your stay comfortable. The Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare is also frequented often by business travelers. It is actually connected to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center via an enclosed sky bridge, making it perfect for attendees to Extrusion 2019. Don’t go hungry! Embrace a nice meal from one of the best places to eat in Rosemont. As far as keeping your tummy full while you’re in town for this event, you’re surely not going to be disappointed at what the community has to offer at its many fine restaurants. Here’s a list of the top 5 restaurants in Rosemont as determined by the opinions of travelers who’ve passed through and shared their experiences for the world to discover. It’s the only way to do it and will ensure our readers don’t get misguided when they trust us as their source of the info they need. 1. Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse 2. The Capital Grille 3. TruLuck’s 4. Morton’s The Steakhouse 5. Hofbrauhaus Any of these restaurants is the perfect place to continue conversations from Extrusion 2019 and get a great meal at the same time. You can really work up an appetite learning about extrusion!
As the consumer continues to move away from the high street, impacting the UK retail property market, distribution centres are evolving into huge large-volume order fulfilment premises with multi bay racking, mezzanines and narrower isles to utilise every square inch. The warehouse market has doubled in the last 10 years. In 2018, the third largest number of warehouse transactions took place with the average new build warehouse now reaching 300,000 square feet. Market specialists are projecting an additional requirement for at least 44million square feet in the UK by 2021**. Alpine Fire Engineers have also experienced growth, in excess of 30% in 2018 as they continue to support the sector and the new challenges that are being presented. The demand and availability in key arterial locations is resulting in ground-breaking thinking to maximise the use of precious land banks held by developers. In a bid to offer new and innovative ways to keep up with increasing delivery volumes in shorter time periods, one provider, Gazeley, is to offer its clients a multi deck, 3-storey warehouse which is the first of its kind. The facility will comprise 426,000 square feet of space over the three levels, allowing for either multiple or single customer occupancy. As buildings become more complex with high density racking and automation the risk for property and life safety due to fire is increased. A mechanical fire suppression system is an active method of protection and is often a requirement of insurers and building control to mitigate that risk. The most commonly used consists of a water supply and pipework distribution system with strategically positioned sprinkler heads. Fire sprinkler systems are extensively used worldwide, with over 40 million sprinkler heads fitted each year. Key industry facts are that there has been no loss of life in a fire where the property has had sprinklers installed and in buildings with 100% protection, 96% of fires were controlled by the sprinklers alone. A sprinkler system can be linked to a fire alarm remaining on standby 24/7 and whilst the reduction of risk is the most compelling factor, insurance premiums can often be dramatically reduced and the loss to trade minimised, even after activation. One system does not suit all types of warehouse; therefore, it is essential to choose the right level of protection such as a roof-only system, in-rack sprinklers or both. It is also imperative that consideration to the ongoing use of the storage facility is thought through to ensure positions of sprinklers and likelihood of changing layouts is planned. In-rack sprinklers systems are most effective when careful thought is given to the goods to be stored, type and size, in addition to the shelving specification to ensure water can pass through if required. Steven Nanda, Alpine’s CEO, states ‘… Alpine work extremely hard to keep pace with our customers. Our latest projects involved extreme height solutions and have demanded that we use the latest in VR and BIM system design technology. This use of technology, ensures we are able to integrate and co-ordinate with other services, reduce on site challenges and deliver on time and to budget for our customers…’ Alpine Fire Engineers have unrivalled experience in the Logistics and Distribution sector delivering highly integrated bespoke fire protection solutions. With regulatory reforms, various insurance requirements, numerous design standards and a constantly evolving service sector it is vital that a project is supported and commissioned by an accredited company. Alpine are an LPC level 4 accredited company which ensures that their clients receive accurate, up-to-date and invaluable information at whatever stage of the process it is required. The Project Engineering team, who are fully conversant with both LPC BS EN 12845 and FM Global specifications, engage early to support their customers from the initial planning stage right through to interpreting employer’s requirements. They will also comfortably liaise directly with insurers to ensure design standards and specifications are met whilst delivering a cost effective and high-performance solution to mitigate their customers risk. As important as the design and commissioning is the ongoing planned maintenance and testing of the system by appropriately trained personnel or certified companies as noted by the LPCB guidelines. Alpine directly employs a nationwide team of highly skilled Service Engineers who will inspect automatic fire suppression systems as part of a planned and preventative maintenance regime, which is vital to ensure deployment and optimal performance when the system is needed. Planned maintenance schedules are tailored to the needs of each site ensuring that the requirements of LPCB 1048 guidelines and those of the insurers are met. Alpine provide specific sprinkler training and awareness courses for employees, delivered at the site where they work, with programmes to suit each business and complement our planned maintenance products. For more information on our design, project management and aftercare solutions please contact Louise Plant on 0161 791 4500, or l.plant@alpinefire.co.uk or visit www.alpinefire.co.uk