The way we build is constantly changing, whether this is from the materials we use or to the actual design – and AI is contributing to this. Artificial intelligence is where machines exhibit their own intelligence through using algorithms to solve problems using inputted data. By harnessing robotics, construction managers
DEVELOPER KMRE and contractor Hollycroft Construction have started work on-site for a multi-million-pound residential development in popular Kirkstall Road, Leeds. The high-end scheme of 111 apartments has now been sold to Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) for £17.25 million Kam Mogul, MD of Leeds-based KMRE Group, said: “This is popular area
The ‘green energy champions’ initiative, announced 9th May, will see staff across more than 400 historic sites monitor energy consumption and work on energy efficiency improvements, at some of the UK’s most important English heritage sites. Priva UK, a leading supplier of building control systems and advocate for future-proofing the
SSE Enterprise Rail has been awarded a five-year programme of works through Network Rail’s building and civils framework. Awarded to SSE Enterprise Rail, the work has a potential value of more than £200m in multiple regions and will be delivered between 2019 and 2024 [with early works commencing in 2018].
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural
BoSS, the market-leading brand for access solutions, has launched a new range of configured access equipment, designed to make working over obstacles easier and safer. Manufactured using high-grade construction aluminium, the BoSS End-Linked Tower is ideal when working across obstacles such as buildings and large machinery. The BoSS End-Linked Tower
A report looking at the role that technology will play in the construction industry in the future, has revealed that 3D printed walls, drones and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the Ocean will all be possible by 2025, thanks to advancements in technology. The report, written by
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched its renewed HIAB light range loader cranes with a capacity from 4 to 11 tonne meters. This range of HIAB loader cranes combines strength and reliability with ease of use. Four options for remote and manual control systems ensure that the customer can choose
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is urging UK contractors to face up to the significant human rights risks in their supply chains, with the launch of a new report that finds both British and foreign workers at risk of exploitation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act, tackling exploitation in
Despite the regulations the landlords must follow, there has been new research that claims that gas safety checks are slacking within the UK’s five million privately rented properties. It’s also, not just property owners that are slacking, small business energy users are also in the firing line as one in
The way we build is constantly changing, whether this is from the materials we use or to the actual design – and AI is contributing to this. Artificial intelligence is where machines exhibit their own intelligence through using algorithms to solve problems using inputted data. By harnessing robotics, construction managers can utilise intelligent machines that can perform routine tasks that were once completed by humans, such as bricklaying. Alternatively, AI systems can collate and organise information for engineers to use within project planning and design implementation. With the help of Oasys, we look at the construction industry to see how artificial intelligence is helping. Artificial Intelligence: the fantastic four When it comes to construction, there are four areas that AI is used: Planning makes perfect To construct, you must plan – and this is an area that AI is performing well in. Autonomous equipment is considered as AI as it is aware of its surroundings and is capable of navigation without human input. In the planning stages, AI machinery can survey a proposed construction site and gather enough information to create 3D maps, blueprints and construction plans. Before this advancement, these processes would take weeks – now they can be done in one day. This helps to save firms both time and money in the form of labour. Project managing It can sometimes be overwhelming to manage an entire project single handed, but with the assistance of AI – it is becoming easier. For example, workers can input sick days, vacancies and sudden departures into a data system and it will adapt the project accordingly. The AI will understand that the task must be moved to another employee and will do so on its own accord. Construction When it comes to construction, AI systems not only have the ability to assist engineers through their work. For example, if engineers were working on a proposed new bridge, AI systems would be able to advise and present a case for how the bridge should be constructed. This is based on past projects over the last 50 years, as well as verifying pre-existing blueprints for the design and implementation stages of the project. By having this information to hand, engineers can make crucial decisions based on evidence that they may not have previously had at their disposal. In the construction industry, it is likely that you will come across projects that will be tall builds – this is where autonomous comes in. Using sensors and GPS, the vehicle can calculate the safest route while also helping workers to stay outside of the vehicle when it’s operating on dangerous routes. The use of artificial intelligence AI can be introduced inside the building too. In the US alone, $1.5 billion was invested in 2016 by companies looking to capitalise on this growing market. To make the customer experience better, Wynn Las Vegas Hotel said that they would be adding the Amazon Echo to every room by the end of this year. These devices can be used for aspects of the room such as lighting, temperature and any audio-visual equipment contained in the room. These systems can also be used within domestic settings, allowing homeowners to control aspects of their home through voice commands and systems that control all electronic components from one device. The importance of information It is important to hold as much information as you can about a project, including management decisions and this is easier to do with the help of building information modelling (BIM). Conversational features can be added with the use of virtual assistants (VAs) that will also provide a person with information. By combining VAs alongside NFC (near-field communication), VAs can give additional information to the building itself in real-time from various sensors in the building. For example, if there were structural problems with a building, then VAs could inform engineers specifically where the problem was and how it can be fixed. VAs, AIs and building design software can help make savings in the construction sector, whilst keeping up the same standard of work. As the future of AI becomes more of a reality within construction, only time will tell how reliant upon intelligent machines we will have to be in order to construct innovative building designs.
DEVELOPER KMRE and contractor Hollycroft Construction have started work on-site for a multi-million-pound residential development in popular Kirkstall Road, Leeds. The high-end scheme of 111 apartments has now been sold to Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) for £17.25 million Kam Mogul, MD of Leeds-based KMRE Group, said: “This is popular area in the city and is in walking distance to the business district. KMRE saw a big opportunity and acted quickly to develop the scheme. These are stylish, yet affordable rental apartments which are ideally suited to professionals. “We are also delighted to have appointed Hollycroft Construction as the contractor for this significant development. Hollycroft has delivered a number of schemes for us and has continued to work on our ever-expanding portfolio of high-end schemes across the UK. “Kirkstall Road is a rapidly changing part of the city. Considering Kirkstall’s close proximity to Leeds city centre and the wide range of public transport options on offer, this is a popular area of Leeds. Each apartment is designed to be generously sized, to encourage long term tenancies in a great location with a range of amenities.” The residential scheme – which will complete in spring 2019 -will be made up of superior one, two and three-bedroom rental apartments close to Leeds city centre. “Considering the likelihood of significant investment in the area due to its convenient location, and high-speed poised to bring further investment, there was an excellent chance for investors to benefit from high levels of capital appreciation and ASI saw that opportunity,” Kam added. Ed Crockett, fund manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “This deal reinforces our long-standing commitment to the private rented sector in the UK, where we continue to target high quality stock in key cities. “The market is currently worth more than £1 trillion and is set to grow with an anticipated 24% increase in private renting by 2022. With its secure long-term rental streams, residential is a compelling opportunity for investors. But product is key. Our experience in Europe, shows that what really counts is being able to create communities that people want to live in for decades. We identified this development by KMRE as a major opportunity.” KMRE Group is a leading developer with schemes throughout Yorkshire and the UK. It is working on a number of schemes in the area including Mabgate Gateway, Leeds which is also on site and offers 92 one, two and three-bedroom apartments across two buildings and is located five minutes from the city centre. Toby Nicholson, head of build to rent at Colliers International, represented Aberdeen Standard Investments during the transaction. For more information, visit www.kmregroup.co.uk.
The ‘green energy champions’ initiative, announced 9th May, will see staff across more than 400 historic sites monitor energy consumption and work on energy efficiency improvements, at some of the UK’s most important English heritage sites. Priva UK, a leading supplier of building control systems and advocate for future-proofing the UK’s historic buildings, has welcomed the news. Gavin Holvey, UK & Ireland Sales Manager: “In the last year we have been calling for joined-up thinking to support the preservation of the UK’s unique architectural heritage. It is gratifying to see that English Heritage, in its partnership with Ecotricity on this project, has taken up the challenge. “Priva UK is on a mission to help conservators and heritage organisations conserve and optimise the internal environments of their unique spaces, without impacting on the fabric of the building, by using the same control-based technologies found in modern structures. “Priva’s technology, which is in use at sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Rosslyn Chapel, is delivering significant energy savings, improved indoor climate conditions, increased visitor comfort and easier monitoring of energy use. “There is no doubt about the vital role our heritage buildings play in UK life. Protecting the fabric of historic and listed buildings is of great importance to local communities. This news that local ‘green energy’ champions will be enlisted, will further reinforce that connection. Inspiring and enabling behaviour change among English Heritage members, staff and volunteers is crucial to helping preserve our heritage and to put it on a more sustainable footing.” Priva’s book ‘Future-proofing Britain’s Historic Buildings’ is packed with information explaining how their technology has transformed the visitor experience at some of the UK’s most important heritage sites. For a copy, call +44 (0)1923 813 480 or contact.priva@priva.co.uk
SSE Enterprise Rail has been awarded a five-year programme of works through Network Rail’s building and civils framework. Awarded to SSE Enterprise Rail, the work has a potential value of more than £200m in multiple regions and will be delivered between 2019 and 2024 [with early works commencing in 2018]. The framework consists of mechanical and electrical engineering services, building services and fabric works on a wide range of Network Rail infrastructure assets in the South of England and Wales. SSE Enterprise Rail has secured works in the Wales region which covers both the North and South Routes, and will use its new Taff Wells offices as its headquarters for all Welsh operations. Western region works comprise of both the West Country and Thames Valley routes. The business was also successful with bids for the Wessex route and London North West, where it will complete works on both the North and South routes. Tom Smith, SSE Enterprise Rail’s Director of Operations, said: “The award of this framework is fantastic news for SSE and our highly committed and focused Rail team. Competition for the work was incredibly strong. The contract underscores our team’s exceptional skills and capabilities and our exclusive geographical presence in UK rail – with 3,500 people available across 62 office and depot locations UK-wide. “We look forward to working with Network Rail over the coming months and years as we continue to demonstrate our ability to deliver projects safely and to a high standard. Our commercial team, under the leadership of Colin Robertson, put together a fantastic bid and we are delighted to have been awarded such a significant contract so early on in the CP6 process.” Raj Sinha Managing Director of SSE Enterprise Rail, said: “Our rail offer continues to grow stronger and, with a turnkey service incorporating financial support, design, deliver/build, maintenance and asset ownership, SSE is ideally placed to offer a very different strategic perspective and delivery system to support the rail industry. “This contract reinforces our clear intent to become a supplier of choice on Britain’s railways and signals how proficient we have become in this field of work. “With other strong opportunities on the horizon, we are working collaboratively to identify and deliver value-adding solutions through initiatives such as asset/project funding, asset ownership and alliances with Network Rail and other organisations including HS2 and Transport for London. “We believe we have something truly unique to offer the industry and this contract award, we anticipate, will be the first of many significant initiatives we will be actively involved with over the next five years and beyond.” SSE Enterprise Rail is a multi-disciplinary rail contractor that has worked across Britain’s railways for the last 17 years. Specialising in M&E and E&P projects, SSE Enterprise Rail has aspirations to support the ownership and funding of electrical infrastructure and provide greater energy services into the UK rail network. SSE Enterprise Rail is part of SSE plc, which employs more than 20,000 people UK-wide.
The ultimate guide to ceiling and wall solutions is now available from leading UK manufacturer Armstrong. The company’s new Main Line Brochure makes it even easier for architects and designers to specify ceiling and wall solutions thanks to a simplified but inspiring layout. The new catalogue illustrates with stunning architectural photography and technical drawings the interior solutions that help to enhance comfort, save time, improve building efficiency and overall performance, and create beautiful spaces for office, education, health, retail and transport applications. Available in 14 languages to reflect the company’s recently launched global website, the brochure guides specifiers through the myriad of design solutions available, from floating ceilings and suspension systems (including perimeter detailing and accessories), through materials such as mineral, metal, mesh and wood, to wall and special solutions for acoustic, healthcare and highly humid applications. A product selector by performance helps specifiers to select the right systems for acoustics, light reflectance, fire reaction, humidity and recycled content, with Armstrong’s pioneering recycling programmes and best in class Cradle to Cradle credentials featuring in their own section of infographics. The new comprehensive catalogue also advises on installation and maintenance, including a cleaning matrix, and offers a technical acoustical glossary as well as a route to Armstrong’s BIM files available through the new global website and BIMobject portal. It is available to download via https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/commercial-ceilings-walls/product-catalogue.html#catViewer. More information is accessible via the Armstrong Ceilings website https://www.armstrongceilings.com/commercial/en-gb/.
BoSS, the market-leading brand for access solutions, has launched a new range of configured access equipment, designed to make working over obstacles easier and safer. Manufactured using high-grade construction aluminium, the BoSS End-Linked Tower is ideal when working across obstacles such as buildings and large machinery. The BoSS End-Linked Tower can be used to provide a large continuous working area by joining two BoSS access towers with the use of a new Step-Through Ladder Frame. With a 3.2m fixed deck, the uninterrupted area provides a bigger working platform with minimum components. Ideal for overcoming obstacles such as porches, garages or stairways, the BoSS Extended-End Cantilever frame system can be used to convert a double width access tower, providing an additional platform area of up to 1.8m. Both systems are lightweight to allow easier handling and feature a step through frame that provides a multi-level walk through structure. Sturdy stabilisers with interlocking clips improve the overall stability of the towers and a new plan brace ensures a rigid structure for improved performance. Colour coded Boss claws ensure braces are easily identifiable when working on site and a link brace system on the Extended-End Cantilever also prevents frame separation for added safety. Sophie Ellam, Product Manager for BoSS, said: “The Boss End-Linked Tower and Extended-End Cantilever have been designed with ease of use in mind. We identified that some job sites have restricted access and a usual access tower isn’t enough to ensure a safe working environment. Each product is a convenient solution as both use existing access towers that are then configured, meaning the system can save time and is more convenient. “Our Do More With BoSS philosophy ensures that our products are as efficient as possible while meeting more tailored requirements. By being able to make modifications to the standard towers that are already in a fleet it means more complex structures can be achieved as and when required. The Boss End-Linked Tower has a load capacity of up to 275kg per platform level and the expansive deck area can be erected at varying heights allowing for several people to work at once. The Boss Extended-End Cantilever has a platform height up to 6.2m providing a working height of 8.2m. Both systems come with an integrated ladder with anti slip rungs. Both configured towers conform to BS1139-6, which is the British standard for towers that fall outside EN1004 but utilise the same components to build more complex structures. To find out more about the Boss product range, visit www.bossaccesstowers.com
A report looking at the role that technology will play in the construction industry in the future, has revealed that 3D printed walls, drones and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the Ocean will all be possible by 2025, thanks to advancements in technology. The report, written by renowned future gazer, Dr. Ian Pearson BSc DSc(hc) and commissioned by Colmore Tang Construction and Virgin StartUp, also revealed that floating buildings or apartments will be possible by 2050 thanks to carbon foam, which is lighter than air. Renowned futurologist Dr. Ian Pearson has given an insight into how the future of the UK construction industry could look Drones that carry materials up building sites; 3D printed walls; and a roof made from recycled plastic bottles from the ocean will all be mainstream by 2025 Future-gazer Dr. Pearson was commissioned by Colmore Tang Construction, who has partnered with Virgin StartUp to deliver a £10m innovation fund ‘ConstrucTech’ which is open to entrepreneurial companies By 2025, drones will be able to carry large materials up construction sites and even more remarkably, plastic bottles recovered from the world’s oceans will be recycled to create a roof. Over the next decade, artificial intelligence (AI) will be commonplace, linking to sensors and cameras around construction sites, ensuring that buildings are being developed according to the architect’s plans. Humans will work alongside AIs and will not only see these robots as clever tools, but also colleagues and even friends as they start to develop unique relationships. Looking more than 50 years into the future, by 2075 Dr. Pearson suggests that self-assembling buildings under AI control will allow a new form of structure – kinetic architecture – where a structure is literally thrown into the sky and assembled while gravity forms the materials into beautiful designs. However, it is 3D printing that will steal most of the construction headlines in the immediate future, according to the future-gazer. Cheap homes, built quickly using 3D printing, will essentially put an end to the housing crisis. The report was launched by Colmore Tang Construction, who has partnered with Virgin StartUp to deliver a £10m innovation fund that is open to entrepreneurial companies in a construction industry-first technology accelerator programme called ‘ConstrucTech’. The fund will be provided to those companies that can successfully show how their innovation and technology could improve the sector’s productivity, sustainability and skills issues. Futurologist, Dr Ian Pearson BSc DSc(hc), said: “By 2025 we will already see huge changes in the construction industry thanks to technology with drones, AI and 3D printing all becoming commonplace. By 2050, we could see floating buildings or apartments that could save the housing crisis using carbon foam that’s lighter than air – the possibilities for this really are endless.” Andy Robinson – Group CEO, Colmore Tang, said: “The forward-thinking report has shown that technology can have a positive impact on the construction industry, however, we need to discover those exciting and innovative start-ups, whose products and services could deliver the technologies and innovations that will be the key to future success. “We are hopeful that our partnership with Virgin StartUp to create the ConstrucTech programme and £10m innovation fund will be the start of a new dawn within the industry, where the future innovations predicted become a reality.” Virgin StartUp is a leading business support organisation which has run a number of successful accelerators and supported 11,000 entrepreneurs across the UK. Construction in the UK has been slow to embrace innovation and adopt new technology and Colmore Tang has identified a number of key areas within its business, and the industry as a whole, which it believes could benefit from the contribution of enterprising start-ups. Colmore Tang and Virgin StartUp are calling for businesses to apply to the ConstrucTech programme to address the following problems: – People: improving analysis of performance, sharing best practice across building projects, measurement of quality and also implementation of health and safety. – Data: using data to pre-empt potential delays, more efficient material ordering, more effective use of labour along with use of performance data to improve cost, timescales and estimates of new projects for future clients. – Smart Materials: design and implementation of materials to improve sustainability; improve safety and finding materials which are digitally connected. Colmore Tang is providing start-ups with the opportunity to use the programme as a test bed and development platform to bring products and ideas to the construction sector. It’s hoped the £10m innovation behind ConstrucTech will be the spark to improve lacklustre productivity levels and also begin addressing the need to re-skill over half a million construction workers to suit the industry’s future Mace Report – Moving Construction 4.0. Interested start-ups can apply to be part of ConstrucTech here: http://virginstartup.org/constructech
Hiab, part of Cargotec, has launched its renewed HIAB light range loader cranes with a capacity from 4 to 11 tonne meters. This range of HIAB loader cranes combines strength and reliability with ease of use. Four options for remote and manual control systems ensure that the customer can choose between the systems that meet specifically the level of precision needed when operating a crane. “When we started the development of this HIAB loader crane series, we wanted to ensure that the renewed equipment will make work easier for the operators, keep it safe and increase efficiency, as we have learned that these are our customers’ priorities when choosing a loader crane. The unique X-4 SPACE system on the light range loader cranes enables the operator to handle the crane with the greatest ease and with higher load cycling speeds” says Jan Vink, Director, Light Range Loader Cranes, Hiab. As the HIAB light cranes are made with durable high-tensile steel, they combine low weight with the capacity to deliver heavy loads. Also, an external display gives a better overview of the active crane and service status. Depending on the choice of control system, a range of features are available for improving capacity, durability, flexibility, as well as safety. These features include Semi-Automatic Folding system, Load Stability System and remote control systems. “To avoid unnecessary downtime in our end customers’ operations, HIAB light cranes are designed for easier everyday maintenance. Key parts and components that require regular attention are located where they are easy to access. A good example is the integrated oil tank in the crane base, which can be installed without rearranging truck components and is quicker and simpler to reach. Also, these new models can be configured with various options, to enable easy mounting on the truck chassis. The whole installation is designed for the lowest possible overall weight,” Mr. Vink continues. The light range loader cranes come with the market’s only two-year warranty as well as a five-year warranty for the steel structure, as with other HIAB loader cranes. “The reliable performance and productivity are guaranteed through the offering of our comprehensive service network,” Mr.Vink says. “At Hiab, we set the standards for the loader crane industry. We want to be the number one loader cranes brand and partner to our customers, offering the best solutions on the market. Over the past two years we have renewed successfully both our medium-range cranes and now light range cranes. The positive feedback from our customers ensures that we are on the right path with our development work,” concludes Joakim Andersson, Senior Vice President, Loader Cranes, Hiab.
The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is urging UK contractors to face up to the significant human rights risks in their supply chains, with the launch of a new report that finds both British and foreign workers at risk of exploitation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act, tackling exploitation in the UK is published as the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and National Crime Agency (NCA) jointly lead a national enforcement campaign involving police forces and other agencies aimed at tackling labour exploitation. NCA analysis has identified construction as one of the most common sectors for labour exploitation in the UK. Criticising the industry’s slow response to the Modern Slavery Act, CIOB’s report highlights the aggressive business models that are creating an environment for unethical procurement and recruitment practices, and the systemic auditing failures that are allowing criminals to infiltrate major projects undetected. Problems are set at the top of supply chains with lowest cost tendering, abuse of the retentions system and late payment pricing out ethical practice. The situation is creating an imbalance of power that leaves all nationalities vulnerable to exploitation. Illegal activities such as blacklisting are also believed to be continuing, despite recent high profile court cases. Major contractors in construction typically have long and fragmented supply chains, with little visibility beyond tiers one or two. They are also heavily reliant on temporary migrant labour, a significant indicator of risk. Nevertheless, the report found examples of complacency and disbelief that major projects were vulnerable to criminal infiltration and human trafficking. This contrasted with incidents of modern slavery being found on major UK infrastructure programmes, PFI hospital projects, power plants, recycling centres, renovation projects, demolition sites and local authority schemes. The report highlights: How industry is conflating immigration checks with modern slavery checks. This is ineffective because many people trapped in modern slavery have a legitimate right to work in the UK. Severe weaknesses in commercial auditing models, with auditors disincentivised to report problems to the police. Poor transparency in supply chain reporting standards, with many eligible companies failing to produce a modern slavery report in the first annual reporting cycle. A significant number of published statements do not follow minimum legal requirements, including being visible on the company homepage and being signed off by a board director. A tendency for companies to water down their modern slavery statements to remove mention of risk, against the spirit of the Modern Slavery Act. Examples of sharp practice, with major players defaulting to legal compliance exercises that push responsibility onto their less well-resourced suppliers. This is also against the spirit of the legislation. Construction and the Modern Slavery Act includes interviews with a number of leaders and influencers, including: Independent anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE The late Paul Broadbent, former chief executive of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) Leading barrister Caroline Haughey QC Chief constable for Devon and Cornwall Police and national policing lead for modern slavery Shaun Sawyer Justine Currell, executive director of Unseen and the Modern Slavery Helpline The report explores the legal, investor and social pressures for driving change. It also highlights examples of industry best practice as well as platforms for information sharing, such as the GLAA’s construction forum. Strategies for rehabilitating survivors of slavery are included through the Co-op Group’s Bright Future programme. CIOB is calling for a new industry narrative: asking contractors to acknowledge that every supply chain is at risk and collaborate more widely to combat crime. It is launching a Routemap to Fair Business which sets out steps for raising standards for all workers and suppliers, encouraging a more proactive approach to tackling systemic issues. Chris Blythe OBE, chief executive at the CIOB said: “It’s time to get real about the challenges facing UK construction. Contrary to public perceptions, modern slavery is not confined to small illegal operators. Criminals are attracted to big business because of the greater profits that they can earn. Unscrupulous labour providers, operating in the grey area of the law, are also creating misery for thousands of British and foreign workers. “We need to change the conversation that we have with clients, our peers and the media. Suppliers and labour agencies should be rewarded for finding and reporting problems, contractors need to promote fairer business models and clients need to be more explicit about their ethical expectations. This goes to the heart of professional leadership. We need to empower everyone working in this industry to act, share and collaborate for the greater good.” Independent anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland OBE said: “The construction sector is recognised around the world as one of the highest risk industries for workers to be exploited in forced labour. It is therefore crucial that construction companies take meaningful action to prevent this crime from taking place within their operations and to ensure that anyone working in the sector within the UK or abroad are protected from abuse. “This new report from the CIOB builds on its previous good work highlighting the issue. It provides clear ways for responsible companies to tackle slavery and ensure their labour supply is protected. I hope to see many construction businesses taking up its recommendations and making real changes, so that it can set an example to other high risk sectors.” Roger Bannister, interim chief executive of the GLAA, said: “There are huge profits to be made for those unscrupulous enough to exploit vulnerable workers and the building industry is extremely lucrative for them. We have carried out operations targeting those who traffic migrant workers into the UK and then force them to work on construction sites, often with false IDs. “The protocol we developed in the autumn with the construction industry was a step in the right direction with some big names committing themselves to share information and play their part in tackling exploitation. We’d like to see more companies put their name to it and work with the GLAA in helping eradicate slavery altogether.” Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of anti-slavery charity Unseen, which operates the Modern
Despite the regulations the landlords must follow, there has been new research that claims that gas safety checks are slacking within the UK’s five million privately rented properties. It’s also, not just property owners that are slacking, small business energy users are also in the firing line as one in five are failing to have an annual gas safety check which could invalidate their insurance. It’s important that gas safety is taken serious and it’s not just about ticking the right boxes. A poorly fitted gas appliance can cause fuel leaks, fires and even explosions, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. As a result, landlords who fail to comply with gas safety regulations can face tens of thousands of pounds in fines. With so many properties in the UK, and many lives-at stake, are the UK’s gas safety rules simply too lax? And how can landlords make sure their premises stay safe? Are we doing enough when it comes to gas safety? Currently, the gas safety regulations that impact landlords differ from place to place. Under the Landlord Licence Scheme, landlords must prove they’ve met the legal requirement for an annual gas safety check in all their properties before they can let them out. However, just 40 local authorities across the country currently operate a Landlord Licence Scheme in their area. This discrepancy has created a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to gas safety. It’s true that most landlords are quite aware of what’s required to keep their properties maintained and their tenants safe – yet there are still many properties being neglected by landlords who carry out suspect DIY heating repairs or skipping annual gas checks altogether. What’s more, with 7,500 unregistered gas fitters responsible for 250,000 illegal gas jobs in the UK every year, rogue traders are still very much a problem nationwide. As well as the limitations of the current rules and regulations, there’s also a lack of awareness amongst energy users to contend with. For example, a shocking number of small businesses that are using mains gas are failing to stay on top of gas safety in the workplace. In fact, a recent survey found that 23% had no idea that their gas appliances need to be checked on an annual basis – and a worrying 18% haven’t had a visit from a Gas Safe Engineer in the last year. What gas safety regulations mean for landlords With so many factors at play, the landlord’s role in keeping properties gas safe is crucial. So, how can landlords ensure their premises are fit for purpose – and keep energy users in the loop? Business gas supplier Flogas Energy gives a rundown of the steps to take: Keep all gas appliances and systems properly maintained This means always using a Gas Safe registered engineer to service your boiler and any other gas appliances, and to maintain any gas pipework and chimneys or flues. The manufacturer’s instructions should outline how often appliances should be serviced, but if these are not available then the Gas Safe Register recommends servicing once a year. Appliances owned by tenants don’t fall within this remit, and neither do flues that connect only to tenants’ appliances. Carry out an annual gas safety check You must arrange for a full gas safety check once a year – this is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer and covers all gas appliances and flues. Again, you don’t need to organise checks for any of your tenants’ own appliances (or flues that connect only to appliances owned by the tenant). Keep a record of all checks (and provide copies) All gas safety checks carried out in your property must be recorded on a Landlord Gas Safety form. As well as keeping a copy for yourself (for at least two years, or until a further two checks have been carried out), you must provide your tenants with their own copy within 28 days. For new tenants, it’s at the start of the tenancy, and for any rental periods shorter than 28 days, simply display the record in a prominent place in the property. What’s new in 2018? As of April this year, new regulations have been introduced that allow landlords to arrange their annual gas safety check up to two months in advance without impacting on the expiry date of the existing certificate. You can now arrange a new check any time within 10-12 months of the last one – and when the old certificate runs out, the new one will simply run for the next year. If for any reason you need to carry out a gas safety check less than 10 months (or more than 12 months) after the last one, the expiry date will be a year from when your new certificate is issued. It’s worth noting that landlords who make use of the new rules must keep their gas safety records until two further gas safety checks have been carried out. This new ‘MOT-style’ approach allows landlords to arrange a new check in plenty of time before the old one expires (without shortening its lifespan) – instead of rushing to book a visit from a Gas Safe engineer just before the deadline. It also makes it easier to keep track of renewal dates, as these stay the same each year. Because of this, the new 2018 rules have been welcomed by landlords. They’re a way to uphold the very highest gas safety standards – whilst making the checks process more flexible and straightforward all round. To find your local Gas Safe registered engineer, visit: www.gassaferegister.co.uk.