With the awards ceremony fast approaching, 67 BALI members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have now been informed they have won a BALI National Landscape Award, with some members successful in more than one category. This year’s Awards, which are now run in-house by the BALI team
Tests on aluminium cladding panels, of the type used on the Grenfell Tower, have shown that the presence of water may cause violent chemical reactions and accelerate flames. University of Portsmouth civil engineering student Laurence Casey carried out experiments in a specialist fire laboratory to find out why the panels
An initiative which started late last year to repair more than 40 miles of drought damaged roads in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will enter its final stages this month, with multiple locations set for improvements. Having completed many of the routes, especially within the Peterborough area, attention has now switched to
It is some time now since the vacuum cleaner was invented but it triggered a revolution in how chores were done in the homes, and how much time those chores took. Everytime some new appliance or technology appeared in the home it made such a huge difference to how we
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has teamed up with iconic BBC television show Blue Peter to offer children the chance to design and engineer aspects of their very own music video for British pop-rock band New Hope Club. Winners will get to meet the band, as well as actively participate
In the first phase of improvements to Watford Woodside Leisure Centre in Hertfordshire, one of two state-of-the-art facilities in the town managed by Everyone Active, high performance weberfloor 4310 fibre flow by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified by main contractor Bosun Design & Construction Limited (BDC), Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. Everyone
Small house builders predict that skills shortages in the building industry will hamper housing delivery and will eventually overtake access to finance as a bigger barrier to building new homes, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Key results from the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey 2018,
National building and maintenance contractor United Living has put forward more than half of its entire workforce – 350 members of staff – to each donate a day of their time towards community projects across the country. From Altrincham to Bristol, Swansea to Wolverhampton and West London, the employees of
The CIOB Academy is launching a brand new course focussed on managing and delivering quality in construction. This follows months of work by a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Commission of Past Presidents into the issue of build quality, and what practical steps can be taken to support delivery of
Thousands of citizens in the UK die each year due to the prolonged inhalation of dangerous dust as well as fumes. This most often occurs at a workplace where proper control systems are not used. These deaths could be prevented if the employer were to utilise local exhaust ventilation (LEV)
With the awards ceremony fast approaching, 67 BALI members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have now been informed they have won a BALI National Landscape Award, with some members successful in more than one category. This year’s Awards, which are now run in-house by the BALI team at Landscape House, sees 101 National Awards made by the adjudication panel, which is chaired by landscape consultant and former senior lecturer in landscape studies at Writtle College, Greg Allen. Following a summer of visiting every entry, Greg and his team of judges – John Melmoe, Richard Barnard, Jason Lock, Robin Templar Williams, Steve Roberts, Andrew Legg and Mick Callahan – met at BALI Landscape House in late August for the adjudication process that selects the award-winning schemes. Judges Madge Moore, Peter Jennins OBE and Nick Coslett also put forward their recommendations for the Affiliate Exceptional Service awards and the Employer Excellence awards, which were subsequently considered by the wider panel. Deliberations over the 127 entries took three days, at the end of which the list of winners was confirmed. Reflecting on this year’s process, Greg said: “What a difference this year’s magnificent summer has made to the judges’ task of visiting the BALI Awards entries, albeit a real challenge for BALI members faced with drought conditions in many parts of the country. Keeping their schemes looking at their best for judging has certainly called on every ounce of their horticultural expertise! “We have been delighted with the achievements of BALI contractors and designers this year and, as always, the hardest task has been to stick to our stringent criteria and only reward real excellence across the board. In previous years this approach has inevitably resulted in disappointment for a percentage of members who, although justly proud of their schemes, had yet to achieve the exemplary standard required by the BALI Awards. This year, however, 77 per cent of entries receive an award, which speaks volumes for the incredibly high standards BALI members are now achieving. We offer our very sincere congratulations to those who have attained that level and are on our list of winners, and would encourage those who have not been successful this year to strive again next year to make the list and experience the thrill and satisfaction of winning a BALI National Landscape Award.” BALI’s Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, added: “The standard of entries this year has been really spectacular, indicating that private, commercial and public clients are prepared to invest in quality to achieve the schemes they want. Our members have delivered on a grand scale. They have used the latest techniques, technology and materials to push the boundaries in terms of solving the design, construction and maintenance challenges presented by budget constraints and climatic conditions. “The Awards also give us the opportunity to recognise both BALI Affiliate members who constantly deliver outstanding customer service, and companies from across the BALI membership who are exemplars in terms of their responsibilities as employers. I am always in awe of our members’ achievements and offer my very sincere congratulations to every one of this year’s winners.” BBC Breakfast anchor and sports journalist Dan Walker will host the ceremony at the Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, on Friday, 7 December when the winners of the Principal and Special Awards, and the coveted Grand Award, will be announced. Full details of the winning entries can be found at baliawards.co.uk along with booking details for the Awards Ceremony. The 2018 National Award winners are: Domestic Garden Construction – cost under £30k – sponsored by Derbyshire Aggregates Sandstone Design Solutions for Uplands Cottage Graduate Gardeners for Private Residence in Cheltenham Langlea Garden Design & Construction for Victorian Flavour Domestic Garden Construction – cost between £30k–£60k – sponsored by Gabriel Ash The Landscaping Consultants for Rose Bank PWP Landscape for Farm House Land Design Partnership for Elm Park Gardens Domestic Garden Construction – cost between £60k–£100k – sponsored by Johnsons of Whixley HG Landscapes for Private Residence in Kensington Graduate Gardeners for Yorkstone Terrace Land Design Partnership for Private Residence in Greenwich Graduate Gardeners for An Entertaining Courtyard Langlea Garden Design & Construction for Private Residence in Washington Domestic Garden Construction – cost between £100k–£250k – sponsored by Van den Berk Nurseries Tony Benger Landscaping for St Michael’s Mount Northumbrian Landscaping for For Your Eyes Only Landscaping Solutions for Private Residence in Barnet Graduate Gardeners for Private Residence in Painswick PC Landscapes for Private Residence in Ashstead PC Landscapes for Private Residence in Winchester Domestic Garden Construction – cost over £250k – sponsored by Europlants UK Landform Consultants for Private Residence in Leeds Buckland Landscapes for From Pit to Picture Gavin Jones for Private Residence in Kensington Esse Landscapes for Tickerage Mill Clifton Nurseries for Little Frankley Bowles & Wyer for Private Residence in Tring Landscape Associates for Private Residence in London Soft Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) – cost under £300k – sponsored by Adtrak Grace Landscapes for National Memorial Arboretum – Heroes’ Square and The Boyes Garden Goddards (Landscape Contractors) for Lillie Square Phase 1-1A Frosts Landscape Construction for London Wall Place Goddards (Landscape Contractors) for Olympic Way Zone A Tree Planting Soft Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) – cost between £300k-£1.5m – sponsored by Todds Nursery Alfie Bines Gardens for Buxmead Kingston Landscape Group for Colindale Gardens Kingston Landscape Group for Streatham Hill Frosts Landscape Construction for Holland Park Villas Hard Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) – cost under £300k – sponsored by Vander Moortel NV Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for The Royal Ballet School Brambledown Landscape Services for Segendunum Roman Fort Hard Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) – cost between £300k–£1.5m – sponsored by CWS Group idverde for Theatre Square, Royal National Theatre Hard Landscaping Construction (Non-Domestic) – cost over £1.5 million sponsored by Bourne Amenity Endrick Landscapes for Structural Landscape Works Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for Natural History Museum Maylim for Rathbone Square Blakedown Landscapes (SE) for Queen’s Square Frosts Landscape Construction for London Wall Place Horticon for Knowsley
Tests on aluminium cladding panels, of the type used on the Grenfell Tower, have shown that the presence of water may cause violent chemical reactions and accelerate flames. University of Portsmouth civil engineering student Laurence Casey carried out experiments in a specialist fire laboratory to find out why the panels could be a fire risk, despite having initially passed safety tests. His investigation looked at the role water, in the form of steam, might have played in the spread of flames at the North Kensington tower block after the fire broke out on 14 June last year. Mr Casey’s research stemmed from initial experiments conducted by Professor Laurence Harwood, of the University of Reading, for the BBC’s Inside Out programme. Professor Harwood found that a violent reaction occurred when he directed a fine spray of water onto aluminium cladding sheets that had been heated to 300 C. Mr Casey developed Professor Harwood’s experiments with his own research to gather quantifiable data. Mr Casey said: “Prior to the laboratory tests, I had doubts about the reaction between the aluminium and steam occurring. Although aluminium is a highly reactive metal, the chemical reaction does not always develop when steam meets aluminium because of the protective oxide layers present on the surface. Once I had completed the tests, my doubts were lifted and I was confident the reaction took place. The results were shocking and to put things into perspective, the panels exposed to additional water produced more heat energy than burning petrol.” Using a cone calorimeter, which measures heat release, Mr Casey found that when water was applied to hot aluminium composite panels, a vast increase in the rate of heat release and heat of combustion occurred. This is thought to be a result of a chemical reaction producing hydrogen, a highly flammable gas, which subsequently burned, generating more heat and contributing to the acceleration of fire. The increase of heat energy released could pose a further risk to the ignition of flammable materials nearby, and could increase the rate at which the fire spreads across the façade. He believes in the case of Grenfell Tower, this phenomenon would have then entered a chain reaction, with more steam being released from the burning polyethylene core within the panels, which impinged on nearby aluminium panels, triggering another chemical reaction and repeating the process whilst accumulating additional heat. This would have caused an out of control and ferocious fire Professor Harwood has considered if weathering of the cladding could allow more water absorption in the insulating foam over time. The theory would be a possible explanation for the cladding passing initial tests but failing later ones. He also says that water from the fire brigade would not be a factor as the volume would quench the flames. Laurence Casey says that without speculation, the source of the water vapour and the process of how it reaches the aluminium surface is unknown. Therefore, future research will investigate the effect of inherent water in polyethylene layer cladding systems, absorbed rain water and water from the initial quenching of flames. The cladding used on the Grenfell Tower failed tests undertaken by BRE (British Research Establishment) during a fire safety programme launched after the tragedy. It has been concluded that this is primarily due to the use of a polyethylene inner core. Mr Casey said: “This research raises the question whether some tests used to achieve compliance with certain building regulations are fit for purpose, and if they present the true fire performance of materials used in façade systems. There are several factors that need to be taken into account regarding the fire performance of a façade system; such as the type of insulation used, the presence of a cavity causing a chimney effect and we now know in the case of aluminium panels, the presence of water. These need to be tested in combination before any system is approved by regulatory authorities”. Graduate Mr Casey carried out the tests for his dissertation under the supervision of Dr Laurie Clough, a teaching fellow in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying at the University of Portsmouth. Professor Harwood was also involved providing advice as an external expert. Professor Harwood has written to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry with his initial findings. He said: “This may explain why cladding removed from a number of buildings may have failed fire retardancy testing following the Grenfell Tower fire, despite the individual components having been found to be compliant with requisite fire regulations by the manufacturers.” This was a preliminary study and Mr Casey is hoping to continue investigating his results with more thorough studies. He said: “We need more concrete evidence and consistent testing methods to really understand the behaviour of aluminium during a building fire. But for a preliminary investigation, this is quite a significant result. There is clearly a knowledge gap in this area and Grenfell Tower is an example of the potential consequences of getting these things wrong.”
An initiative which started late last year to repair more than 40 miles of drought damaged roads in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will enter its final stages this month, with multiple locations set for improvements. Having completed many of the routes, especially within the Peterborough area, attention has now switched to finishing the remaining routes in Cambridgeshire, with local business Mick George Ltd permitting enabling at six separate locations on behalf of the principal contractor, Skanska. The locations include: B1104 Prickwillow Road, Isleham A1123 Stretham Road, Wicken B1040 Ramsey Road, Whittlesey B1096 Benwick Road, Ramsey A1123 Hill Row Causeway, Haddenham B1040 St Marys Road, Ramsey In its entirety, the scheme includes 21 sections of road affected by severe weather conditions and owes largely to an investment of £6.25million made up of £3.5m secured funding from the Department for Transport and the surplus £2.75m provided by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough County Council respectively. The major road reconstruction will include repairs down to foundation layers, and will also consist of maintenance to vegetation, drainage, signage and road markings along the specified routes. Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council and its contractor Skanska are working together to minimise disruption to local residents and those who use the road networks. It is anticipated that the long-term approach to the maintenance of the roads included within the scheduled upgrades will prevent any need for repeated costly repairs and any extra disruption for drivers, in the future. Michael George, Director of Contractor at Mick George Ltd commented: ‘’As a business who operates on the counties roads daily, we are all the more aware of the importance of the conditioning of road infrastructure from a practical and safety perspective.’’
It is some time now since the vacuum cleaner was invented but it triggered a revolution in how chores were done in the homes, and how much time those chores took. Everytime some new appliance or technology appeared in the home it made such a huge difference to how we live our lives. Well now we are seeing another home revolution with the introduction of the robot vacuum cleaner. It is so much more efficient to have help around the home We are so busy these days, we do not seem to stop moving. Keeping a clean and tidy home can seem such a burden when trying to keep on top of everything, and while hiring some help would be such a help, the cost soon makes it unsuitable for many households. A robot vacuum cleaner can pick up the slack for you. Especially if you have pets and children in your home which means the floors can be covered in dust and hair and crumbs within 5 minutes flat of the family being home. Simply set up the robot to go when you leave the house in the morning and by the time you are home it will have finished its job and you will have wonderfully clean floors when you walk through the door. It can even reach places you cannot, under beds and tables sweeping up the mess. The technology is smarter than you think Robot vacuum cleaners have been around a little while now, but the recent new developments are amazing. Take for example the iRobot Roomba, the world standard benchmark in robot vacuum cleaners. The new 800 and 900 series range have some fantastic features. It has iAdapt technology that helps the iRobot Roomba to learn about your home so it can work out the shortest and most efficient cleaning time. It also has cutting edge extractor brushes that can easily adapt to all types of floors, whether it is wood, parquet, pottery, rugs and carpets. It will carry out the best cleaning but without damaging more sensitive materials, and will even boost power on carpets to make sure it can pull up the dust. It can also be programmable 24/7 to suit your schedule, or even controlled via WiFi through a mobile phone app. And as you would expect the robot recognises your furniture to avoid crashes and damage to your belonging. The 895/896 model is particularly good for homes with pets, with excellent power from the lithium battery and central brush extractors are able to retain the smallest particles without getting blocked like a normal filter. The more recent models also include the ability to set up designated protection areas to avoid, for example if you have pet water bowls on the floor or a shoe area by your door. And of course the iRobot Roomba battery is well known for getting the best number of cleaning cycles before recharging so that you can be energy efficient as well as time efficient. There are robots for all budgets The great part about the robot vacuum cleaners available, is there are different types available to suit all home types and budgets. The 600 series for example has been around since 2012, and is more affordable than some of the latest models. And yet is has still seen many new improvements over the years. The new Roomba 696 for example also has a WiFi connection to be controlled by the iRobot Home mobile app, and also boasts a lithium battery. And you lose none of the efficiency and quality of cleaning. Do more of what you love instead Technology is making such a different to our lives, and the robot vacuum cleaner can do the same for you . Be sure to choose a company that will not only give you the best quality, but are also able to provide maintenance and parts for your new household appliance. Mirtux provide the best level of service for their customers, renowned for the best in parts, quality and service so be sure to choose your robot vacuum cleaner from a company that will truly look after you as a valued customer.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has teamed up with iconic BBC television show Blue Peter to offer children the chance to design and engineer aspects of their very own music video for British pop-rock band New Hope Club. Winners will get to meet the band, as well as actively participate in engineering the music video; from designing the storyboard for one of its key scenes to receiving mentorship from industry experts to perform the roles of lighting, video and production engineers on set. New Hope Club has been one of the UK’s most hotly-tipped bands since releasing their debut EP Welcome to the Club in May 2017. Fresh from headlining this summer’s CBBC Summer Social and supporting The Vamps on their recent world tour, eager fans will now get to join their idols, Blake, George and Reece, on set as they shoot the music video for a special exclusive festive song. Despite the breadth of sectors that the engineering industry supports, research by the IET[1] has shown that children view engineers in ‘Bob the Builder’ form, donning hard hats (44%), high vis jackets (40%), using protective eyewear and carrying a toolbox (37%). In reality, this couldn’t be further from the image of a 21st century engineer, working in sectors from aerospace to computing and music production to motorsports. This incredible competition is set to break down these stereotypes and misconceptions of engineering roles and show children just how thrilling the industry can be. Children aged 6-15 can enter the competition by submitting a storyboard for a short scene for the upcoming video where New Hope Club will be seen decorating their Christmas tree, and describing the key camera, lighting and design elements involved. Entrants are also asked to write about their favourite engineer and the impact they have had on the world. Elements of the winning storyboard will be incorporated into the final video, with the winner and two runners’ up joining New Hope Club on-set to receive mentorship and perform key roles in its production. Reece Bibby from New Hope Club said, “We’re incredibly excited and proud to be working with Blue Peter and the IET to offer children the chance to design and engineer our surprise Christmas song. Engineers play a key role when it comes to developing a music video and this is an incredible opportunity for fans to learn more about what these ingenious people do when on-set. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!” It is well documented that the UK faces a nationwide skills shortage. 203,000 people with engineering skills will be required each year to meet demand through to 2024, but it’s estimated that there will be an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineers and technicians to fill these roles[2]. Through initiatives like this competition, the Institution of Engineering and Technology is continuously working to excite and motivate young people about the industry and to inspire a new generation of engineering enthusiasts. Orla Murphy, former IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to see the variation that the engineering industry offers and to educate them about the impact and influence that engineers have on the world today. As an engineer and musician, I combined my two passions into a rewarding career at Jaguar Land Rover. Engineers support many of the world’s biggest industries, from computing and construction to sports and entertainment.” “Music video sets are usually reserved for artists and industry professionals only, so it is an enormous privilege to be able to offer young people this unrivalled access to help design, engineer and direct New Hope Club to bring their fantastic new Christmas track to life. I hope it inspires young minds to consider studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and the exciting possibilities engineering careers present.” The competition, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’, is open for entry from now until 12 noon on 3 October. The prize for the winning entry is the inclusion of the winning storyboard in the final music video, attendance at the video shoot with New Hope Club and mentorship and coaching from industry professionals to perform key engineering roles on-set. The winner will be joined by two runners’ up at the video shoot who will also experience and carry-out the roles of engineering professionals during the shoot. For more information on how to enter, please visit www.bbc.co.uk/bluepeter. New Hope Club will perform the song exclusively for the first time live on Blue Peter on 20 December 2018.
In the first phase of improvements to Watford Woodside Leisure Centre in Hertfordshire, one of two state-of-the-art facilities in the town managed by Everyone Active, high performance weberfloor 4310 fibre flow by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified by main contractor Bosun Design & Construction Limited (BDC), Chandlers Ford, Hampshire. Everyone Active is the trading name for Sports & Leisure Management Limited (SLM), the UK’s longest-established leisure contractor. It manages more than 170 leisure and cultural facilities around the country in partnership with 49 different local authorities and trusts, and is currently carrying out a £1.8million improvement project across its Watford Woodside and Watford Central leisure centres. “Working alongside Watford Borough Council, we are supporting local people of all ages and abilities to improve their health by offering them access to top-class leisure services and facilities,” said Gary Foley, Everyone Active’s contract manger in Watford. “This project to update both locations will make a huge difference to our members, providing them with a new fitness studio to cater for the growing demand in group exercise, refurbished changing facilities and a significantly improved fitness suite that will offer the latest state-of-the-art equipment.” “We undertake contracts for Everyone Active at numerous sites in the south east,” comments James May, director at BDC, which is carrying out the work in Watford. “Multiple contracts are on-going at any one time. The process of selection is via tender direct to Everyone Active, which then works with the local authority. It is at this stage a preferred contractor is proposed.” Included in the current phase of the works is the creation of a new mezzanine floor. It has been installed in the space above a former dance studio and adjacent squash court, and has enabled a brand new fitness studio to be created. The current studio has also been extended. The second phase of development is due to begin at both Watford sites shortly, for completion in early 2019. BDC is actively involved in both projects. Subcontractor C E C Plastering, of Southampton, undertook the application of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed. Director Chris Crosby says: “Together with Bosun Design & Construction we specified this fibre reinforced self-smoothing compound which we pump-applied at various thicknesses from 35-50mm. It was quick and easy to install, very versatile, and has produced an excellent finish. We’re fans of this product and have used it before but, even so, we benefited from Weber’s technical support.” weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed was applied to a steel framed block and beam floor construction which overcame the concerns around loading issues that might have arisen with the application of a traditional concrete screed. The new floor was initially primed with weberfloor 4716, a water-based primer designed for use with all cementitious and hemi-hydrate floor screeds. It regulates the porosity of the substrate, improves the adhesion of flooring products while reducing the formation of pinholes in the levelling layer. It should be diluted with clean water and can be spray applied on large areas. weberfloor 4310 fibre flow screed is designed for application at thicknesses between 5 – 50mm and formulated from special cements, aggregates, supplementary binders and chemical admixtures. It is supplied as a blended dry powder and designed specifically for renovation of existing floors and floating floor construction in domestic and commercial applications. weberfloor 4310 fibre flow can receive foot traffic after just 2 – 4 hours and can be tiled after 12 – 24 hours, dependent on ambient temperature following installation. The fibre reinforcement aids durability and allows it to be used in conjunction with under floor heating systems and floating floors. weberfloor 4310 fibre flow has excellent spreading and smoothing characteristics. It has low alkalinity and low emissions during drying and is casein free. Almost 500 bags of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow were required to finish the 190m² mezzanine floor in preparation for a final wood sprung floor suitable for dance and other physical education where shock absorption is essential to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. weberfloor 4310 fibre flow is featured in Weber’s one hour long RIBA-Assessed ‘Introduction into Flowing Floor Screeds’ CPD which can be presented by Weber’s Specification Team at your premises or at a Saint-Gobain facility or Training Academy anywhere in the UK. It is free of charge and available on request. This comprehensive CPD presentation covers many subjects from why and where to use floor systems; the attributes of commercial floors; design considerations; the demands of the finished floor that will have an influence on specification, through to renovation, fast-track construction and drying times. The CPD includes an application video showing the attributes of weberfloor 4310 fibre flow smoothing compound which is of specific interest to both designers and applicators. Weber’s floor screeds and tile fixing products are manufactured in sustainable, modern manufacturing facilities in Bedfordshire, Shropshire and Ireland, ensuring product quality, conformity and availability, with reduced transportation costs and CO₂ emissions. Weber has a team of experienced technical advisors who are available to provide advice both at the specification stage and during application. Detailed specifications can be provided for specific projects while site visits and on-site support can be arranged. For more information about the Flooring CPD, to make a booking, or for technical support including award winning training courses, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.uk.weber . CPD bookings can be made by email: mail@netweber.co.uk. A free download of the Weber App for iPhone and iPad users is also available from the App Store and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
Small house builders predict that skills shortages in the building industry will hamper housing delivery and will eventually overtake access to finance as a bigger barrier to building new homes, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Key results from the FMB’s House Builders’ Survey 2018, the only annual assessment of small and medium sized (SME) house builders in England, include: • The percentage of SME house builders saying that a shortage of skilled workers is a major barrier to their ability to build more new homes rose to 44% (up from 42% in 2017); • A lack of available and viable land tops the list as the most commonly cited barrier (59%) to increasing housing delivery and almost two-thirds of SME house builders (62%) believe that the number of opportunities for small site development are actually decreasing (up from 54% in 2017); • Nearly half of small house builders (46%) say access to finance is a major barrier to their ability to build more new homes; • More than half (51%) of SME house builders view the planning system as a major constraint on their ability to grow and ‘inadequate resourcing of planning departments’ was again rated as the most significant cause of delay in the planning application process for the third year in a row; • When asked to look ahead over the next three years, more firms cited skills shortages as a likely barrier to growth than access to finance. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Nearly half of builders believe the skills shortage is a major barrier to their ability to build new homes. The construction sector is heavily reliant on EU workers with just under one in ten workers in the sector born in the EU. Brexit, coupled with the end of free movement, threatens to further intensify the skills shortages we already face. Given that the UK will leave the EU in less than six months, house builders are understandably concerned that skills shortages could worsen and choke housing delivery. In order to combat this skills crisis, the construction industry needs to encourage more entrants into the industry and develop higher quality qualifications. It is critical therefore that the Government doesn’t pull the rug out from under the sector by introducing an inflexible and unresponsive immigration system.” Berry continued: “Our research also shows that the Government must continue to address the issue of access to finance for SME house builders. Although concerns over access to finance have eased slightly in recent years, in part thanks to the Government’s funding schemes such as the Home Building Fund, there is more that can be done. Our research suggests that it is the low percentages of project cost that builders are able to borrow that remain the greatest financial barrier to increasing their levels of house building. This latest research suggests that if firms were able to borrow 80 per cent, rather than the current 60 to 65 per cent of project cost, SME builders would be able to bring forward on average 40 per cent more new homes. Given the ambitious house building targets the Government is working towards, we cannot afford to ignore such a chance to significantly increase housing delivery.” Berry concluded: “A lack of available and viable small sites tops the list of frustrations for SME house builders for the fourth year in a row. Worse still, nearly two-thirds of these small builders believe that the number of opportunities for small site development are decreasing. However, the recent reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework, which specify that 10 per cent of a local authority’s housing delivery must be on sites no larger than one hectare, will help to address this problem. This will help to speed up the delivery of homes and lead to a more diverse and resilient housing supply.”
National building and maintenance contractor United Living has put forward more than half of its entire workforce – 350 members of staff – to each donate a day of their time towards community projects across the country. From Altrincham to Bristol, Swansea to Wolverhampton and West London, the employees of United Living, whose company headquarters are based in Swanley, Kent, were involved in everything from laying concrete slabs to painting fences, gardening, helping with foodbanks and supporting homelessness charities over the course of a typical 9-5 working shift on Friday 7 September. With support from 20 sub-contractors, United Living employees worked together to donate more than 2,800 hours – equivalent to a full year’s worth of work for one person (including weekends). The projects included: Improvement works to the outdoor areas of a Dementia inpatient ward at Grenoside Grange Hospital in Sheffield. With the support of 11 volunteers including United Living staff and members of the Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust, work was undertaken to install an outdoor tap and an electrical point, and to paint outdoor fences and planters and install a new working shed. Upgrading the Venture Community Association’s site in Wornington Green. To save the management team from applying for additional funding, United Living employees refurbished and redecorated a dilapidated stage area at the community arts centre, as well as building new storage units, removing unwanted items and making improvements to the interior décor. At Rhodes Moorhouse Court – military charity Haig Housing’s biggest new build development in the UK since the 1950s – the site team extended a patio paving area for a shared apartments block. The extension of the space was much-needed for the elderly, ex-military residents who live in the 12 surrounding properties and had previously made use of a relatively small outdoor area. Supporting Swansea City Council with the refurbishment of Brynmelyn Community Centre, which is run by a voluntary management committee and provides a range of services for local disadvantaged people in the community. United Living staff painted and decorated the external building and doors, and railings leading to the single storey property. Improving facilities at a Nursery in Retford with the support of ten members of staff. This included tidying up the garden and play areas, painting fencing and putting up outdoor screening. One of United Living’s joiners built a wooden container to store children’s toys and has built a small kitchen area. Another joiner made some planters and a new game was created by the team to fit to an outdoor wall. Working with Merlin Housing to help re-instate a local children’s reflective garden at a Primary School in Pucklechurch, Bristol. United Living staff weeded the entire site, painted the surrounding fencing, and repaired benches and planters to bring the garden back to life. Supporting Manchester Central Foodbank, with United Living staff volunteering for the day to help with sorting and delivering food parcels, arranging new donations, and meeting and assisting with the foodbank clients. Revamping a large section of grounds within The Kingswood Trust’s outdoor learning centre in Wolverhampton, which is used by local schools and charities. Supporting Kent homelessness charity Porchlight by laying decking and painting at a community garden in Northfleet. The team of United Living staff spent the day cutting, painting and laying decking and also painting garden fencing to create a space for the community to use. Refurbishing a scout hall in Crockenhill. A team of 65 people spent the day painting walls, ceilings and the outside of the building, as well as hanging noticeboards, tiling the bathrooms and giving the garden area a makeover. Ian Burnett, chief executive of United Living, said: “People and communities are at the heart of everything we do as a construction and maintenance business. That’s why every year, we ensure that one day in September is dedicated exclusively to supporting projects and initiatives which are making a real difference in the areas where we work. Our community day is a way of celebrating our core values and bringing our team together to dedicate extra time towards some of the many projects that we strive to support as a business throughout the year. These are projects in which all of our staff can contribute in some shape or form; whether that’s by making donations, volunteering time, proactively transforming residential and community spaces, or providing work opportunities through training and apprentices.” United Living’s Community Day took place on Friday 7 September.
The CIOB Academy is launching a brand new course focussed on managing and delivering quality in construction. This follows months of work by a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Commission of Past Presidents into the issue of build quality, and what practical steps can be taken to support delivery of quality construction and development projects. The Commission considered what the CIOB could do to promote a culture of quality in construction, focusing on potential solutions. One of the outcomes is the creation of the CIOB’s Construction Quality Management course. Chair of the Commission, CIOB Past President Paul Nash, said: “Last year the CIOB established a Commission to look into the issue of quality in our industry following a series of high profile failures. We urgently needed to understand what was preventing or promoting the delivery of quality at all stages of the construction process so that we could act to bring about the change that was so obviously needed. Our research highlighted that there was a need to raise standards across the industry. But more than this we needed to change the culture of our industry; we needed people to take pride in the buildings and infrastructure that they were creating. To achieve this, the CIOB has committed to provide practical advice and training to our members and the wider construction community. By creating and promoting the right culture and behaviours I do believe that our industry will change for the better.” Adrian Montague, Head of the CIOB Academy, said: “Poor quality is costing the industry annually more than the combined profits of companies in the industry1. Construction quality management can deliver customer satisfaction and value. Setting and meeting quality objectives requires a sound knowledge of processes, legislation and compliance – the core of our new course. We want to see a “get it right first time” approach embedded in the industry, which should prevent these unnecessary costs and improve customer retention. Quality management is as important to a company’s efficiency and reputation as meeting time and cost targets. Our new Construction Quality Management course comes from the extensive research conducted by the CIOB’s Quality Commission, and will cover all the fundamentals of construction quality management.” Those attending the two-day course will gain an understanding of widely-used quality management systems, and will be given the tools to initiate quality management on their own projects and, ultimately, work towards achieving quality on every programme. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand the fundamentals of quality management for a project-based industry Demonstrate knowledge of the theories, principles and processes in quality management Recognise the differences between quality control and quality management Apply quality management best practice in construction in terms of both processes and attitudes The first course dates are 14 and 15 November 2018. Venue: CIOB’s London office, Kingsway, WC2B 6XF. Cost: £549. More information: https://www.ciobacademy.org/product/construction-quality-management/
Thousands of citizens in the UK die each year due to the prolonged inhalation of dangerous dust as well as fumes. This most often occurs at a workplace where proper control systems are not used. These deaths could be prevented if the employer were to utilise local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems. A LEV is a specifically designed system that will reduce a worker’s exposure to dust, vapour, fumes, gas, or mist. Each LEV is unique and designed specifically for the task at hand. For example, a LEV designed to extract sawdust from a circular saw is not going to be the same as a LEV that is designed to extract fumes from a spray gun. In each situation, a LEV system must be designed by an engineer for the particular work environment. Legal Requirements For A LEV Employees are now legally required to install LEV systems to protect their workers from potential hazards. Furthermore, the LEV must meet certain quality and safety standards. Legislature requires that each individual LEV system in a business be tested at least once every 14 months. However, there are some cases where the legislature demands testing at different intervals, such as every month or every six months. Any process where blasting is carried out incidental to the cleaning metal castings will require a LEV inspection once a month. The same applies to any process relating to the manufacturing of jute cloth. Six-month testing intervals are for processes that give off fumes or dust where a non-ferrous metal casting is being produced. Finally, non-wet processes where certain metals are ground and polished for more than 12 hours in a week will require LEV testing every six months. It is the employer’s obligation to ensure that these tests occur as scheduled. The machine operator’s exposure to fumes and dust must be controlled and limited to a reasonable amount. These requirements are outlined in HSG258, which pertains to controlling airborne contaminants in a place of work. Employers must remain up to date with all standards outlined in HSG258. What Types Of LEV Systems Are There? As previously mentioned, different LEV systems will be needed for different work environments. However, there are certain design features that are present in the majority of these systems. Furthermore, a LEV system in one workplace may not differ much from the LEV in another workplace if they are used for similar machines, though their size and complexity may vary. The components present in most of these systems include a hood, duct system, fan, a discharge area, and an air cleaner. Each of these components performs an important function that is very similar whether it is meant for dust extraction or fume extraction. The first part of the LEV system is the hood. This is the component that captures the contaminants that will make their way through the system. A capture hood is a type of hood located very close to the source of the contaminants. It uses some means of pulling the contaminants into the system. A receiving hood is often located further away from the contaminants because the process of producing the contaminants is enough to cause them to move into the hood. An example of a receiving hood would be a canopy located above a furnace or an oven. The contaminants produced by the oven or furnace will naturally rise and enter the hood. In either of these cases, fans are typically used to expedite the process and increase efficiency. The fans help pull the contaminants into the hood and then through the duct system. At the end of the duct system is the discharge bay where the contaminated air is safely released. A LEV may have an air cleaning system that will filter the air prior to discharge. Two major types of LEV systems are full enclosures and partial enclosures. As the name implies, a full enclosure system is completely enclosed on all sides. The process is completely contained inside the LEV system. A machine with a glove box would be considered a full enclosure. It is also used frequently with CNC machines and blasting cabinets. Partial enclosures are more common because it is easier for the operator to perform their duties. There will usually be walls on either side of the operator and in the front, but they are free to step away from the machine. The hood and fans pull the contaminants past the operator and into the machine. Of course, some LEV systems have no form of enclosure. The oven with a hood above is an example of such a system. These only require that a hood and extracting fan be located in a close enough proximity to extract the contaminants. Whether to use a full enclosure, partial enclosure, or no enclosure at all will depend entirely on the work being performed. But in all of these cases, the systems must meet HSG258 regulations and must be tested for safety and efficiency on a regular schedule.