Today is World Mental Health Day, an expert has shared their top pieces of advice for UK tradespeople on how to avoid burnout, after research revealed that more than four in five (84%) experience mental health problems due to work-related issues. The research was commissioned by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest
Rising humidity averages could have the potential to cause disruption to projects across UK construction cities, power and temperature control solutions company, Aggreko has warned. Statistics from World Weather Online [1]show that humidity averages have increased in major UK cities such as London[2] and Birmingham compared to last year’s figures
James Jones & Sons has announced that from October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Graham Blyth, Sales Director at James Jones & Sons,
Torbay, UK – Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, has announced a groundbreaking deal expected to be worth over £100 million. This monumental agreement comes as a direct result of Torbay Council’s participation in The ‘UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum’ (UKREiiF) annual event held
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act bill received Royal Assent on 20 July 2023, meaning it is now an Act of Parliament (law). Tool theft is a persistent issue faced by tradespeople, both those employed within a company and sole-traders. According to a recent survey by Markel Direct, who offer specialist
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest
Today is World Mental Health Day, an expert has shared their top pieces of advice for UK tradespeople on how to avoid burnout, after research revealed that more than four in five (84%) experience mental health problems due to work-related issues. The research was commissioned by IronmongeryDirect, the UK’s largest supplier of specialist ironmongery, and the results have been published in its annual industry report. To help tradespeople avoid burning out, and explain the importance of managing workload, IronmongeryDirect has partnered with Liz Sebag-Montefiore, director and co-founder of HR consultancy 10Eighty, to share some expert advice. What is burnout? What does it feel like? Liz says: “With burnout, some will be depressed, lethargic and lack motivation, while others will find it difficult to slow down, hard to focus and struggle with priorities. “Burnout is a state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from ongoing or repeated stress. The main characteristic of a burnout is that the person feels that they are not in control of how a job is carried out, nor in control of their workload and autonomy, and this compromises their sense of self.” What are the potential consequences of doing too much work? Liz says: “There are risks to physical as well as mental health. Overworking affects cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) which can lead to brain fog, high blood pressure and other health problems. “Fatigue, apathy, depression and dissatisfaction and a whole host of other symptoms can make it difficult to see for what it is.” “Burnout can also lead to slip ups, mistakes and accidents which could be serious for the tradesperson, their client, colleagues and employer.” How can you avoid or recover from burnout? Liz says: “Even the most committed employee who enjoys their work will find that long hours of intense work can lead to serious repercussions – stress, burnout, absenteeism, decreased job satisfaction and poor physical health. “When they feel that they have little in the way of resources to manage their situation, it can lead to the feeling of being ‘burned out’. They need to regain control, motivation and commitment to the job but that’s easier said than done. “Try to pace yourself and reward yourself for what you can do. You could try mindfulness to relax and reconnect with self, purpose and wellbeing. “Take a hard look at your priorities. Get clarity on what really matters. Is there a real deadline? Is it urgent because of who is asking for it? Will it impact productivity or profitability? Where can you adjust, what can you decline, who can help? “Take breaks from work. Be sure to use any annual leave and leave work behind when you’re off – don’t work in your downtime! Try not to check work emails when you are off and say if you are not contactable.” Why is it important to take breaks throughout the working day? Liz says: “We need to be aware of the importance of recovery time in maintaining the wellbeing of employees. We should aim to formulate strategies that build in time for breaks from work and routine, with time for recovery activities, and policies and guidelines that address workflow, overtime and availability. “Better work-life balance will make you more productive and healthier overall. It seems counter-intuitive but taking a break makes you more productive. You need to reset and recharge and reinvigorate from time to time.” Why do you think so many tradespeople suffer from burnout? Liz says: “There are skills shortages in many sectors, including the trades. The work is there to be done and it can be hard to turn down. It can also be difficult to refuse contracts and stay on good terms with employers and colleagues.” Do you have any specific advice for self-employed workers? Liz says: “Rethink priorities. Establish boundaries, make and stick to schedules that work for your whole life not just your working life. “It’s hard to talk about burnout at work. It’s perceived as weakness, or lacking control, ambition or toughness, which makes it even harder for the self-employed. Friends and family may not understand the pressures and when people are relying on your income, it may feel like you are letting them down if you can’t cope. You have to be realistic about how much you can take on without damaging your health and future earning potential.” What is the best way to speak to your manager if you think you have burnout? Liz says: “Take some time to identify your concerns and make notes. Outline your concerns and any adjustments to your work that might help. Ask for support, ask for time if you need it. Burnout can lead to mistakes and accidents; nobody wants that to happen. “A good manager puts workers first by understanding how they work and what they need to work well, then they focus on personalised interventions that maximize job satisfaction, high quality performance, and productivity. “ To read IronmongeryDirect’s full Mental Health in the Trades report, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Rising humidity averages could have the potential to cause disruption to projects across UK construction cities, power and temperature control solutions company, Aggreko has warned. Statistics from World Weather Online [1]show that humidity averages have increased in major UK cities such as London[2] and Birmingham compared to last year’s figures following a rise in rainfall over summer. This has led to humidity numbers sitting well above the recommended levels of between 40-60% on a construction site, with Birmingham having an average of 75% and London having an average of 63%. Aggreko says this is concerning as the UK heads towards the end of the year, where typically humidity tends to rise even higher, causing costly damage and delays on construction sites if not properly mitigated. As humidity rises, concern often falls on building materials and structures onsite suffering moisture damage, particularly for luxury residential developments and historical buildings. Compounding this issue, Tom Adlington – UK Sector Sales Manager for Building Services and Construction, is warning that further preventable damage and cost could be coming from incorrect drying and moisture control procedures on sites. Tom explains: “With the UK’s recent unpredictable weather, it is more important than ever to be on top of humidity. Moisture in buildings and on construction sites is inevitable, which makes correctly removing it an incredibly important part of the process. “However, many companies aren’t making the correct decisions when it comes to moisture and are not making the necessary considerations to remove it entirely. This can cause irreparable damage and huge costs for all stakeholders; alongside the potential harm it can do to reputations within the industry.” To support construction site managers and contractors as the UK enters the humid months, Aggreko is reinforcing information on overcoming moisture challenges in the report entitled ‘The Hidden Cost of Humidity on Site’. The guide details issues surrounding temperature and moisture control and looks at how sites can prevent problems arising from the increased humidity and the damage from any improper drying procedures. The report also reveals misconceptions over the most cost-effective solutions to drying a site in a controlled way. Construction companies often opt for an electrical heater on hire over a dehumidifier, even though it might not be as cost-effective. With further damage to the building and materials at stake – along with fines for any delays in the balance – the report provides a best practice framework for construction managers to deal with humidity and moisture on site. Tom continues: “What may seem the quickest and easiest solution at the time could cause changes to the composition of materials within a building, resulting in longer term damage and large delays for repair work. As humidity is set to rise over the coming months, it may be practical for construction managers and contractors to have strategies in place to deal with moisture on sites in a controlled way. Partnering with temperature control specialists like Aggreko can also ensure the correct equipment level is in place on site and moisture is dealt with in a controlled and monitored manner.” For more information and to download the report, visit: www.aggreko.com/humidity Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
James Jones & Sons has announced that from October 2023, all timber and co-products supplied by the company will be dual certified as FSC and PEFC. This includes all timber delivered from that date, regardless of what date it was produced. Graham Blyth, Sales Director at James Jones & Sons, said “The dual certification offers our customers a greater choice when buying sustainable timber. The Soil Association, as our certification body, fully approved our ability to offer all our timber and co-products as dual FSC and PEFC certified. Our customers can continue to sell their timber as FSC certified but will now also have the choice to stock and sell as PEFC certified should their customers require this”. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Torbay, UK – Alan Denby, Director of Pride in Place at Torbay Council, has announced a groundbreaking deal expected to be worth over £100 million. This monumental agreement comes as a direct result of Torbay Council’s participation in The ‘UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum’ (UKREiiF) annual event held in Leeds. Denby expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’ve worked with UKREiiF and the team behind it for the first time this year. Being present in Leeds opened doors for us, allowing us to engage in pivotal conversations with investors, developers, and occupiers. These are conversations we wouldn’t have had the chance to partake in without being there in person. We’re on the brink of recommending a preferred value partner to collaborate with us on four key sites, a testament to the opportunities that arise from being in the room when significant investments are being discussed. UKREiiF is an event of paramount importance, and we wholeheartedly endorse participation.” Torbay is currently undergoing a transformative phase, with multi-million-pound projects unfolding across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. This surge in investment aims to rejuvenate the towns, bolster the local economy, and enhance infrastructure. The overarching goal is to create thriving spaces for the community and to ensure job and training opportunities for future generations. Torbay Council has been instrumental in this transformation, having devised a strategy based on feedback from residents, businesses, and investors. UKREiiF Director Matt Christie said: “We are thrilled to have played a part in this monumental announcement for Torbay Council. They were an early adopter of UKREiiF and have reaped the rewards of not only attending, but have been a valued partner that fully embraces the opportunities that UKREiiF offers everyone: wall-to-wall networking with thousands of organisations that genuinely want to invest £millions. Bravo, Torbay!” For more information about UKREiiF, visit [UKREiiF Annual Event 2024](https://www.ukreiif.com/event/ukreiif-annual-event-2024/). To learn more about Torbay Council’s regeneration projects, visit [Invest In Torbay](https://investintorbay.com/news/our-projects/regeneration/). Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
University Living, a leading global platform for student accommodation, and Londonist, an award-winning student accommodation agency, have partnered to launch Uninist, a revolutionary platform that provides tailored solutions to the unique and evolving needs of students. Uninist offers a range of flexible tenancy options, allowing students to customize their lease terms to fit their individual requirements. With over 18 years of combined experience working with students, University Living and Londonist recognized the need for more flexibility in tenancy options to better serve the dynamic needs of students. Uninist is specifically designed to address this gap in the market and provide students with the freedom to create their ideal living experience. Uninist offers modern and well-maintained properties in prime locations, in close proximity to universities, colleges, public transportation, and other amenities. The platform provides a variety of room configurations and payment plans, including short-term to long-term options, to meet the unique needs of each student. “University Living has over a decade of experience handling and expanding globally, and especially in and around the UK, catering to 110 plus nationalities globally. It’s a very good combination where Londonist is bringing the expertise on the on-ground operations and University Living is bringing in the market intel for outside London, a flawless way to conquer the rest of the UK, for the flexible contracts. University Living has been catering to 110 plus nationalities globally for a decade now, and we ensure safe and secure premium accommodation in and around universities to all the students,” said Mayank Maheshwari, COO of University Living. Asim Ertürk, Managing Director of Londonist DMC said, “At Uninist we are passionate about helping students thrive, and our flexible housing options empowers students to create their ideal living experience. We are also incredibly proud to have provided access to the top cities in the UK, and we have always been striving to deliver the best experience for students around the globe. Student wellbeing is at the heart of what we do and our spaces to study, exercise, social and relax will ensure the best journey for all students.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act bill received Royal Assent on 20 July 2023, meaning it is now an Act of Parliament (law). Tool theft is a persistent issue faced by tradespeople, both those employed within a company and sole-traders. According to a recent survey by Markel Direct, who offer specialist insurance for tradespeople, 57% of those that had their tools stolen suffered a loss of earnings as a result, with 41% of those reporting a loss of over £2500, a significant amount in the current cost of living crisis. This new law could help to reduce the number of these incidents. Rob Rees, Divisional Director of Markel Direct, explains the new law and gives advice on how tradespeople can protect their tools and livelihood from theft. What is the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act? The law states that it is “An Act to make provision to prevent the theft and re-sale of equipment and tools used by tradespeople and agricultural and other businesses; and for connected purposes.” The primary aim of tool theft is the resale value, whether that is through places like social network marketplaces, buy and sell groups, online auction sites or even at car boot sales. This law allows the government to create rules that limit the sale of certain equipment. The equipment in question includes vehicles meant for off-road use (such as quad bikes and ATVs) or equipment primarily used in agriculture or business (such as tools). These rules could require the equipment to have security features like anti-theft devices and markings with a unique identifier. The law also allows the government to introduce requirements for sellers of such equipment to record specific information about the sale, such as the name and address of the buyer, the make and model of the equipment, date of sale and the unique identifier. However, according to subsection (4)(b), the law doesn’t restrict the sale of equipment that has been previously used for its intended purpose. This implies that if the equipment was stolen after its primary intended use and then sold, it might not fall under the scope of this law’s restrictions, and therefore second-hand sales of stolen tools will still be an issue. So, how can tradespeople protect their tools? As a specialist insurer of tradespeople, we know first-hand the devastating impact tool theft can have on a sole trader or small business. In a survey we conducted earlier this year, more than half of respondents reported losing more than 3 days of work due to tool theft; an unwelcome cost to absorb at a time when the trades sector is already facing price inflation in materials, fuel and skilled labour. The act has the potential to deter would-be thieves by introducing forensic marking of equipment, and recording of the owner’s details, at the point of sale by retailers – but it’s important to note, however, the regulations cannot be imposed on the sale of second-hand equipment. As such, the existence of a stolen tool resale market is likely to continue in the short term. Enhanced safety measures on storage/vehicles According to our survey, the majority of tools stolen are taken from vans of tradespeople: 41% from vans parked at home and 27% from their vans while “on-site” – so upgrading security on work vehicles should be a priority. Our research shows that out of the tradespeople that had tools stolen, only 16% have invested in additional locks for their van in addition to the ones already on the vehicle. Installing alarms, immobilisers, and tracking devices in work vehicles can help to deter thieves. They should also ensure that the area the van is parked in is well-lit, or possibly secured. Consider fencing private drives and using motion lighting to increase security. Remove valuable tools when unattended Our study also revealed that just over a third (35%) of tradespeople go to the trouble to remove their tools from their vans overnight. However, only 2% of victims of tool theft reported that the tools were stolen from their home, compared to those who had tools stolen from their van while parked at home. For some tradespeople, removing all tools and equipment from a work van each night is an inconvenient and timely task. Ultimately, however, it is one of the most effective ways of preventing your tools being stolen. If removing all tools isn’t possible, prioritise moving the most valuable items (by cost and day-to-day use) to a secure location inside the property. Make sure they are insured Despite the risk of loss of earnings, the same study found that 58% of the tradespeople questioned didn’t have insurance for their tools, and of those 25% cited their reason for not doing so as “Didn’t know tools insurance was available”. Tools insurance is there to cover the cost of replacing or repairing your equipment if it is damaged or lost, for example due to theft, but also in cases of flooding or fire. This coverage typically extends to power tools (sanders, drills, nail guns, etc.) and handheld tools (saws, chisels, etc). Be sure to check your policy to ensure that where your tools are stored meets the criteria for claims against theft. This usually includes ensuring they are not left unattended, or in an unlocked van. It’s also worth keeping a record of the tools you own – including receipts, serial numbers, and photographs – as this can help insurers pay your claim as quickly as possible. Additionally, forensically marking your tools can help the police return them to you if they are recovered. Use visible deterrents Targets for theft are usually determined by opportunity and ease. If visible deterrents are used, such as a sticker warning of GPS tracking, an alarm that blinks to show it is activated, and CCTV on your property pointing at the van, the van is going to be less of a target due to the potential hassle and increased likelihood of being caught. Sometimes even dummy deterrents are enough, like dummy cameras and fake
Gemserv is delighted to announce that £13.9 million has been awarded to local authorities, housing associations and private sector applicants in the first Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES) funding round. As a testament to the Government’s commitment to heat network infrastructure across Britain, Gemserv can today confirm that £13.9 million of capital and revenue grant funding has been awarded to improve the efficiency of existing district and communal heat networks. This equates to 45% of the total budget allocated to the scheme and will seek to improve heat networks serving over 11,000 residents, demonstrating its popularity and the demand for support. Heat networks present a vital technology that can deliver efficient, lower cost heating, cooling and hot water to the UK’s built environment at scale. HNES aims to improve heat network performance in existing/operational projects where customers and/or operators are experiencing sub-optimal outcomes. With a focus on reducing customer detriment, HNES supports heat network consumers impacted by the cost-of-living crisis by enhancing efficiency and combating poorly performing networks. Today’s announcement shows the positive engagement from heat network owners and operators across the country as they seek to embrace the technology, ensure customers are getting the best value for money and that networks are operating efficiently. The first three funding rounds have proven incredibly popular, and we anticipate that future rounds will be very competitive. Lord Callanan, Minister for Energy Efficiency and Green Finance, welcomed the announcement today: “Families and businesses shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will receive a reliable heating and hot water supply. This funding means improvements will be made to old and inefficient heat networks, preventing further breakdowns, and ensuring they use less energy. We’re investing millions to build new heat networks, reducing emissions, and providing low-cost heating to communities across the country. But it’s equally important we upgrade and maintain existing systems so everyone benefits. Heat networks offer carbon emissions savings by supplying heat to buildings from a central source, avoiding the need for households and workplaces to rely on individual, energy-intensive heating solutions – such as gas boilers. As such, heat networks provide a significant contribution to the UK’s carbon reduction commitment. But some heat networks haven’t been upgraded since they were installed more than 40 years ago, meaning many are inefficient due to not being installed properly, poorly maintained or the equipment wearing out. The Heat Network Efficiency Scheme (HNES), which opened in February this year, forms an important part of the government’s support for heat networks. This also includes the £288m Green Heat Network Fund, which supports the creation of heat network projects that use a low carbon heating source, such as a heat pump, solar or geothermal energy, to provide heat and hot water to connected homes and businesses.” Commenting on first funding announcement from the HNES scheme, Louise Singleton, Principal Consultant at Gemserv said: “Today’s announcement shows the substantial impact that HNES will have on the efficiency of heat networks across the country. Funding from the scheme today will play a huge part in improving the efficiency and lowering the costs of domestic heating for thousands of residents and businesses. Over £13 million awarded will ensure existing heat network infrastructure is fit for the future, ensuring the technology can provide the most efficient, economical heating for consumers, and preparing them for greater expansion to new and existing homes.” Capital Grant Funding Capital grant funding will go directly towards covering the cost of operational works to improve the efficiency of existing heat networks. In this round, nearly £13 million will directly improve the efficiencies of heat networks serving over 4,000 residents. Housing Associations and Social Housing Providers Notting Hill Genesis Notting Hill Genesis, one of the largest housing associations in London and the South East, has been awarded over £3.6 million for improving the efficiency of heat networks that serve over 800 residents. Building on optimisation studies funded through the HNES Demonstrator, the Glyn Street, Windmill Park, St Pancras Way and Factory Quarter Estate projects will use their capital funding to replace HIUs and pipework, install more efficient control systems and insulation, and for other general efficiency improvements. Southern Housing Southern Housing, one of the largest housing providers in the UK with more than 78,000 homes across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands has been awarded over £176,000 to improve a heat network serving homes on Dagenham Heathway & Church Elm Lane Dagenham, Essex. Additional insulation, new HIUs and other improvements will be installed using funding from HNES which will create a more efficient heat network and as a result a reduction in resident bills and the buildings carbon footprint. Great Places Housing Association Great Places Housing Association,with 25,000 homes across the North West, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, has been awarded over £1.6 million to improve the efficiency of its Richmond Park heat network, serving 299 residents across the development. Drawing on the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation study, capital funding will seek to remedy high heat loss issues, bad insulation and old equipment. The Guinness Partnership The Guinness Partnership, with over 140,000 customers across the country, has been awarded £2 million for the improvement of four heat networks serving almost 700 residents. Taking learnings from HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies at Whitfield Street and Loughborough Park, these heat networks alongside Bearbrook Place and Edgeley will utilise funding to reduce heat network costs and heat losses, improve insulation and replace outdated infrastructure. Local Authorities Leeds City Council Leeds City Council has been awarded over £2.2 million to improve the efficiency of heat networks serving 837 residents across the borough. Using the recommendations from their HNES Demonstrator funded optimisation studies, Cottingley Heights & Towers, Ebor Gardens and Saxton Gardens will use HNES capital funding from the first round to improve their heat networks’ efficiency through improving insulation levels, reducing heat losses and leakages and for additional improvements. The London Borough of Hackney The London Borough of Hackney will receive over £114,000 to improve the
Key points from a RIBA-approved CPD on changes to Part L will be shared with builders, specifiers, building control officers and architects in the South West when they attend LABC’s virtual regional roadshow next week. A mini version of the RIBA-approved Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards CPD, which covers part L, will be presented by one of the Actis regional specification team at the monthly LABC technical seminar on Friday September 29. The event, aimed at LABC members in the South West, is the latest of LABC’s monthly informative sessions, which are a mixture of face-to-face and virtual activities. This is the sixth year in a row in which Actis is working with LABC as a CPD partner. Delegates drawn from building, specification, building control and architecture backgrounds will be treated to a selection of modules which between them will offer two hours of CPD training. The face-to-face options equate to three and a half hours of CPD training. Actis, along with LABC’s other CPD partners, will each offer 20 minutes of insight into a specific technical issue and a proposed solution designed to educate and inform delegates. Actis’ contribution will focus on insulation to meet the new tighter Building Regulations Part L requirements, while other experts will talk on issues such as warranty defects. The free seminar will also see LABC looking at the latest building regulations news. The roadshows are aimed at helping other industry members gain greater insight into issues affecting the construction sector, with the Actis component focusing on thermal efficiency. The Zoom doors open at 12 noon and close at 2pm. Reserve your place here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The extent to which Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is present in residential buildings and the risk levels presented is currently unclear, and we appreciate that media coverage, conflicting reports and misinformation may be leading to questions and concerns from clients and residents alike. RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete sometimes referred to as panels. It was used primarily in roof planks of some public buildings built between the mid-1950s and mid-1990s. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in conjunction with the Cabinet Office and other government departments have set up the RAAC Industry Response Group. The group met up for the first time yesterday in early September 2023 and over the coming weeks will investigating scale and risks and developing further guidance. We are pleased to report that The Property Institute and our sector is represented on the group by Mark Snelling, our health, safety and fire consultant. Whilst further investigation is carried out into the scale and risks, and guidance for the residential sector is developed, please be assured that The Property Institute is engaging with our technical colleagues and industry peers to help shape guidance specifically for managing agents, landlords and residents, which we will share with you as soon as any is available, particularly in relation to high-rise buildings and the Building Safety Act 2022. We are also in communication with the Building Safety Regulator at the HSE on this issue, so please look out for further updates. Please ensure that, if you are undertaking any investigate or survey work, you seek advice to ensure that such costs incurred are reasonable and proportionate. It would be useful if you could inform us whether you have completed any structural surveys in relation to an HRB and if so, whether the presence of RAAC was a consideration in the survey, and whether any RAAC was found. Please email jthorburn@tpi.org.uk with your findings. There has been extensive media coverage on this issue, particularly for schools and other public premises, and whilst technical guidance is being formed, we wanted to provide you with some existing and updated sources of information and guidance from relevant and authoritative bodies and organisations, which may be helpful. GUIDANCE FROM THE INSTITUTION OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), who are leading on the technical aspect of the Industry Response Group’s response, have issued guidance about RAAC to enable building managers and their consultants to manage the situation, established a RAAC working study group, and created a list of professionally qualified structural engineers (Chartered or Incorporated Members) who have declared their experience in providing technical solutions for managing RAAC planks. In a statement issued on the 1st September 2023 IStructE have said: “If properly designed, manufactured, in good condition and with good bearing, RAAC installations are considered safe. However, the panels can creep and deflect over time, and this can be exacerbated by water penetration. A more recent incident indicated that if they have insufficient bearing and their structural integrity is compromised, they can fracture and collapse with little or no warning.” Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS-UK), a confidential reporting system which allows professionals working in the built environment to report on fire and structural safety issues, have recently issued a report about a RAAC assessment that was carried out by persons who did not appear to have appropriate experience, potentially putting building users at risk of harm. The Key Learning Outcomes in the report for building owners, managers, surveyors, and other persons responsible for the safety of buildings are: STRUCTURAL SAFETY GUIDANCE & REPORTS Below, we’ve collated the most informative resources and guidance on RAAC, from The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), The Department of Education (DfE) and Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS): Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
SELECT Managing Director Alan Wilson has told thousands of radio listeners across the UK that proper training and apprenticeships are essential to protect the safety of consumers and others in the construction industry. Speaking on the popular Building Ideas Show with Mark Millar on Fix Radio, the MD of Scotland’s largest construction trade association said that young people gain a thorough and rigorous grounding in quality and site safety via industry recognised apprenticeships. And he said that regulation of the electrical industry and protection of title for suitably qualified electricians was also essential to maintain and improve standards and safety in consumers’ homes. Alan told listeners: “The fact is that awareness of safety starts at the very beginning, and that means with apprentices, which is why our industry has run a successful electrical apprenticeship programme for many years. “This year, we have recruited almost 900 apprentices which is testament to the businesses in Scotland who put their faith in young people and as adults they take on. That’s where safety starts. “These people go through a proper apprenticeship. It’s not one of these short apprentice programmes which lasts six months or a year. It’s four-year programme in which the apprentices attend college and receive comprehensive health and safety training.” Alan also used his appearance on the show on Sunday 10 September to outline the importance of protection of title for electricians – a campaign which SELECT has been spearheading for many years. He said people were now talking about the electrification of society through heating, lighting, cars, computers and day-to-day devices, so it was increasingly vital that work was done by qualified electricians. Alan said: “Electricians do safety-critical work and if they get it wrong it can have potentially life-ending consequences for them or the people they do the work for. It’s not overstating the situation to say that work carried out by unqualified people can be fatal. “There are some 70 protected titles, from obvious ones like teachers, dentists and nurses to other trades like farriers and nightclub bouncers. So if you want to shoe a horse in the UK, you need to have qualifications and it’s a protected title, yet that doesn’t apply to electricians. “If electricians had protection of title, people would know that if someone came to their door claiming to be an electrician then they could confirm they were qualified. “We are trying to get rid of people who have no training – it’s about protecting the public and the perception of the industry.” SELECT has been campaigning for regulation for years alongside the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT) and Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and has created a Wall of Support to show the depth of support from individuals and organisations. Recent additions include Foysol Choudhury MSP, SELECT Associate Members Building Safety Group, LINIAN, Flexel and Hager andmember firms Stirling Electrical Services, RW Bell, John McNicol & Co and FT Davidson. As well as more than a third of MSPs, other bodies that have contributed a brick to the wall include the Unite the Union, Electrical Safety First, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the Scottish Association of Landlords, the and the Energy Saving Trust. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
