Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News
Building Safety Alliance releases crucial guidance documents to elevate competence standards in residential occupied sector

Building Safety Alliance releases crucial guidance documents to elevate competence standards in residential occupied sector

The Building Safety Alliance, a collaborative effort uniting leading industry figures, associations, and bodies, has announced the publication of two pivotal documents aimed at bolstering competence standards and fostering the recruitment of qualified professionals within the residential occupied sector. The newly unveiled documents, BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard

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MAJOR CHANGES TO THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

MAJOR CHANGES TO THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 aimed to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and constructed. While this was a major shift in the regulatory framework, further significant changes were introduced on 1st October 2023. Although the initial transitional period was set to end on 6th

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CIBSE, Introba and Amazon announce new guidance to calculate embodied carbon of warehouse equipment in logistics centres

CIBSE, Introba and Amazon announce new guidance to calculate embodied carbon of warehouse equipment in logistics centres

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is pleased to announce new comprehensive Europe-wide guidance, Embodied carbon in building services: logistics centres (TM65.3). This is a groundbreaking industry guidance that helps the logistics industry assess the embodied carbon of material handling equipment (MHE) and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP)

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‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

NBS’ 2024 Building Safety Survey reveals industry still ‘unsure’ of high-rise legislation… A new study by NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, has found that nearly half of specifiers are still unsure of the responsibilities attached to the Building Safety Act 2022, a worrying sign that a high number of ‘knowledge gaps’

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Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

With sustainability being a key focus for the built environment, encouraging conversation and educating industry professionals on the importance of designing and building future-proof buildings is absolutely essential. To that end, Pexhurst recently hosted an Industry Insights/CPD morning in partnership with Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.   The morning, held at

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Latest Issue
Issue 322 : Nov 2024

Business : Testing, Certification & Business Tools News

Building Safety Alliance releases crucial guidance documents to elevate competence standards in residential occupied sector

Building Safety Alliance releases crucial guidance documents to elevate competence standards in residential occupied sector

The Building Safety Alliance, a collaborative effort uniting leading industry figures, associations, and bodies, has announced the publication of two pivotal documents aimed at bolstering competence standards and fostering the recruitment of qualified professionals within the residential occupied sector. The newly unveiled documents, BSAS 01:2024 Organisational Capability Management System Standard and Guidelines outlining competence expectations for stakeholders involved in specifying, procuring, and managing services for occupied high-rise and higher-risk residential buildings in England, serve as essential resources for organisations seeking to enhance competence within their building safety functions. These initiatives align with the imperative of meeting the requirements set by the new building safety regime and its regulations pertaining to competence. In an evolving landscape where evidence of competence management, particularly organisational capability, is increasingly scrutinised, stakeholders across the sector must demonstrate their commitment to upholding rigorous standards. Clients will demand tangible proof of competence management, compelling organisations of all sizes and complexities within the supply chain to ensure the proficiency of their workforce, including contracted and subcontracted personnel. The development of these documents is a testament to the dedication and expertise of industry professionals who have tirelessly contributed to their creation. Anthony Taylor, Building Safety Alliance said: “The Alliance wish to thank all those who have given their valuable time and knowledge to developing common approaches to the requirements of the new regulatory regime. We would also extend our thanks to those representatives of BSR and DLUHC who acted as observers to the groups who have been developing these documents over many months.” The Standard and the Guidelines documents are immediately available through the Building Safety Alliance website https://buildingsafetyalliance.org.uk/ . The Standard will next become part of the British Standards Institute (BSI) standards development process, towards a Publicly Available Specification (PAS) or full British Standard (BS). Both documents are available free of charge – anyone interested in the Standard, will be engaged in a feedback process. For more information and to enquire about collaborating on the Building Safety Alliance’s work, please visit buildingsafetyalliance.org.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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MAJOR CHANGES TO THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

MAJOR CHANGES TO THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT: WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the Building Safety Act 2022 aimed to revolutionise the way buildings are designed and constructed. While this was a major shift in the regulatory framework, further significant changes were introduced on 1st October 2023. Although the initial transitional period was set to end on 6th April, this was extended until 6th July to avoid the industry grinding to a halt. So, what should we look out for now that built environment professionals have longer to prove their competence? Seen as a more stringent regime for the regulation of all controlled building work, including the statutory registration of all building control inspectors, the amendments will create a category of ‘higher risk buildings’ (HRBs) that will be overseen by the Building Safety Regulator (BSR). In fact, the Act will create a more rigorous and demanding regime for the planning, design, construction and operation of prescribed classes of buildings, with new building control and planning gateways, safety cases, accountable persons, and a statutory golden thread of information, all linked to a formal certification of a building by the BSR. Additionally, the introduction of new regulations covering the competence of those who undertake building work and new statutory roles for designers and contractors on all projects will apply to not just HRBs but all building work, impacting any project that requires building regulations approval – with only limited exceptions.   While the transitional period has been extended, it’s imperative that industry professionals understand exactly how these regulation changes could impact the industry after 6th July 2024. What has changed and how will this impact the industry? Under the new regulations, the BSR became the building control body for new HRBs, overseeing safety standards and implementing the new regulatory framework for high-rise buildings. These are classed as any buildings at least seven storeys tall and over 18 metres in height. Additionally, they must contain at least two residential units, including care homes, student accommodation and hospitals. These buildings must have been registered with BSR by 1st October 2023. In fact, any building work on an HRB will need to be submitted to the BSR for approval. Local authority building control departments and approved building inspectors will no longer be able to handle these applications. Any construction projects face three safety checkpoints, with Gateways Two and Three now impacted by the new Building Safety Act regulations. Indeed, Gateway Two requires applicants to submit building control applications to BSR before construction can commence. Gateway Three sees the BSR assessing whether work has been completed in line with building regulations before occupation.  For higher-risk building projects to continue under the current framework, initial notices or full plans had to have been submitted and not rejected by 1st October 2023. Furthermore, the project must have ‘sufficiently progressed’ by the original deadline of April 6th 2024. Any projects that met these criteria won’t have been subject to Gateways Two and Three. All information submitted in support of an HRB application will also be stored in the ‘Golden Thread’ of information, a key recommendation of the Grenfell enquiry. This allows anyone involved in a project to understand the building and the steps needed to keep both the building and its occupants safe. Safety case reports, summarising major structural and fire hazards and risk management measures, are also mandatory. In fact, principal accountable persons must have identified and assessed safety risks, underlined how safety incidents can be prevented and revealed measures to mitigate their severity. Only registered building inspectors will be able to work in building control The amendments to the Act will also see the introduction of registered building control approvers and registered building inspectors, who will provide advice to those overseeing building work. Collaborating with the registered building control approvers, these inspectors will assess workmanship, materials and adherence to plans and issue completion certificates or notices of non-compliance. All building control approvers and inspectors now need to be registered, with a code of conduct and defined registration criteria established by BSR. These professionals will be required to complete their accreditation by the newly extended 6th July 2024 deadline. There are still many practicing professionals yet to start their applications to register According to the latest figures from the BSR, around 3,200 practicing professionals have started their applications to register. That means that as it stands, around 72% of all building control surveyors will likely be registered by the 6th July deadline. Any building control surveyors only registered at class one by the now 6th July deadline, will be unable to carry out building control functions unsupervised. While the deadline has been extended, there are fears in the industry that many professionals are going to be unable to get their credentials in order. This is partly down to the BSR’s schema of registration classes and sub-classes being so complex. Additionally, for higher levels, there are exams to be passed, not something therefore that can be done instantaneously. With the process being so important in establishing building control as a regulated profession, it’s imperative that action is taken without delay. This is especially pertinent given that the BSR has made it clear that there will be no further extensions to the 6th July deadline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CIBSE, Introba and Amazon announce new guidance to calculate embodied carbon of warehouse equipment in logistics centres

CIBSE, Introba and Amazon announce new guidance to calculate embodied carbon of warehouse equipment in logistics centres

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is pleased to announce new comprehensive Europe-wide guidance, Embodied carbon in building services: logistics centres (TM65.3). This is a groundbreaking industry guidance that helps the logistics industry assess the embodied carbon of material handling equipment (MHE) and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment commonly used in logistics centres. The guidance was developed with the support of Introba and Amazon. This is the first industry-wide guidance and methodology that aims to foster informed data-based decision-making as the logistics industry works towards reducing its environmental footprint. The guidance enables the industry to gain a deeper understanding of its environmental impact and identify opportunities for decarbonisation. According to a Research and Markets report, the global market size of MHE was $128Bn, and is estimated to reach $193Bn in 2030*. Embodied carbon encompasses greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials and construction processes across different lifecycle stages. The guidance finds that MHE can represent an additional 17-53% of a typical logistics building’s embodied carbon. This shows that companies can reduce their environmental impact by making more informed decisions about the type of equipment used in their warehouses, and equipment manufacturers have the opportunity to differentiate and lead by developing equipment with lower carbon footprints.    TM65.3 builds upon the methodology outlined in Embodied carbon in building services: A calculation methodology (TM65), a calculation method for embodied carbon emissions in building services design that provides a robust framework for understanding and mitigating environmental impact. TM65.3 will benefit a wide array of stakeholders, including logistics building owners, manufacturers, retailers, architects, engineers, policymakers, researchers and students. By providing comprehensive insights into the embodied carbon impact of MHE and MEP strategies, the document empowers those stakeholders to make informed decisions aligned with their organisation’s sustainability goals. CIBSE’s Technical Director, Dr Anastasia Mylona stated: “This launch marks a significant milestone in understanding the embodied carbon implications of logistics buildings and underscores our commitment to sustainability within the built environment. By pooling our expertise with Amazon and Introba, we will empower stakeholders across the logistics sector with actionable insights to drive positive change.” Frank Lindner, Director, Operations Engineering EMEA, Amazon: “Calculating and understanding embodied carbon is a challenge across many sectors, and we’re proud to have supported CIBSE in their efforts to create robust industry guidance that will help Amazon and all those in the industry better understand their footprints and make more informed design and buying decisions.” Introba’s Head of Sustainability for UK & Europe Andy Stanton said: “TM65.3 is our first step along the journey to quantifying the embodied carbon across various logistics building typologies, particularly material handling equipment. There is no sign of demand for goods and services decreasing any time soon, so the need to understand the embodied carbon of the fast-growing logistics sector is paramount.” As the logistics industry continues to evolve, TM65.3 will serve as a dynamic resource, with information continually updated as more manufacturers disclose data and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) become more prevalent. This ongoing collaboration between CIBSE, Amazon and Introba underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation within the logistics sector. For more information on TM65.3 please visit CIBSE TM65.3 Embodied carbon in building services * Global Material Handling Equipment Markets Report 2023: Market to Reach $193 Billion by 2030 – 3PL, E-Commerce and F&B Manufacturing & Retail Driving Growth (yahoo.com) Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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RTPI echoes National Audit Office's concerns over lack of support for Biodiversity Net Gain implementation

RTPI echoes National Audit Office’s concerns over lack of support for Biodiversity Net Gain implementation

The National Audit Office has stated new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements have been launched without all the necessary elements for successful implementation. In February, as BNG laws came into effect, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)  noted that 81% of planners in the public sector needed further ‘guidance, advice, and support’, 68% of all planners needed more staff and skills, and 61% require more case studies of best practice, according to a survey of RTPI members. The RTPI is closely monitoring BNG’s impacts on the planning system. The Institute is encouraging members to share their experiences by filling out its BNG survey and sharing case studies of best practice. Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “Our members in public and private sectors said that they felt unprepared for Biodiversity Net Gain in the lead up to its implementation. We worked to voice these concerns to the government, calling for clear guidance on BNG and sufficient resources to local planning authorities operating this new system. “We would like to see the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain succeed and are pleased that our engagement on this subject helped secure further funding for planning services to implement BNG. “However, the conclusions outlined by the NAO today reflect what our members have been consistently telling us for some time: that planning services have not been given sufficient guidance, advice, and support, and lack the staff and skills to avoid delays to an already stretched planning system. We strongly support the principles of BNG, but any new burdens to the planning system need to be adequately supported. “We agree with the recommendations made by the NAO. To facilitate local delivery, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs must ensure local authorities have sufficient funding, monitor the biodiversity units market, identify regional impacts, and work with planners and ecologists to coordinate best practice among local authorities.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

‘There’s still work to do’: Study finds alarming ‘knowledge gaps’ on Building Safety Act responsibilities

NBS’ 2024 Building Safety Survey reveals industry still ‘unsure’ of high-rise legislation… A new study by NBS, the UK’s leading specification platform, has found that nearly half of specifiers are still unsure of the responsibilities attached to the Building Safety Act 2022, a worrying sign that a high number of ‘knowledge gaps’ persist within the industry. Findings from NBS’ Building Safety Survey showed that half of respondents were either unsure or had no idea of duty holder responsibilities for Higher Risk Buildings (HRB). What’s more, just 12% felt ‘very clear’, demonstrating that more industry-wide training is needed in the run-up to the 1st of April 2024, when the grace period around the Act ends. The figures could be seen as concerning given that around two in three respondents (66%) have past experience working on HRB projects (although these are more likely to be suppliers and contractors than architects). Delving deeper, nearly half (44%) of respondents are unsure or have no idea what steps to take within the new building safety regime. These figures come nearly a year after the BSA was passed in Parliament, first introduced back in July 2021. Surprisingly, the figures are almost identical to that seen in NBS’ 2022 report (43%), showing that understanding of legislation has seen little improvement in this area. Worrying still, was that attitudes towards the Golden Thread and the crucial role it plays within HRBs appeared lax. As well as providing a continuous flow of information throughout the entire lifecycle of a building, it ensures all relevant safety-related information is readily accessible and up to date. However, only around half of respondents (45%) were clear as to how they would manage building information to realise the Golden Thread and just one in ten had a solid plan in place. Again, these are similar to 2022 figures, where in fact, more people felt confident managing building information than they did in 2023 (+2%). This is despite the increasing number of advanced construction-tech platforms designed to help specifiers capture each decision-making stage to form the Golden Thread. However, despite the obvious informational disparities, the study did highlight some more reassuring stats, particularly around third-party testing and the information being supplied by manufacturers – which is increasing safety within specifications. The report flagged that nine out of ten suppliers now provide ‘clear and accurate’ building product data in a digital format. At least eight out of ten also provide third-party certification with their products and have robust internal sign-off and version control processes. Commenting on the survey’s results, David Bain, NBS’ Research Manager, said, “Consistency is the backbone of progress and the stakes have never been higher when it comes to HRBs. These studies serve to highlight ‘trouble spots’ and importantly, offer an understanding of how to take the industry forward as a whole.” Russell Haworth, Chief Executive Officer UKI at Byggfakta Group, NBS’ parent company, said “At our Construction Leaders’ Summit last October, Dame Judith Hackitt told the audience, in no uncertain terms, that regulatory change is coming, and it’s unstoppable, so the construction industry needs to be fully prepared. Fast-forward to April 2024, and our research shows many specifiers are struggling to get to grips with the requirements, and this needs to be resolved. All designers must have the correct approach to specifications if the industry is to raise the bar on building safety. This includes getting to grips with the ‘nitty gritty’ of the BSA if they want to operate in the new regulatory landscape.” To download NBS’ Building Safety Whitepaper, click here. To find out more about NBS, its services, and expertise, click here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

Pexhurst Hosts Informative Industry Insights Event on Sustainability

With sustainability being a key focus for the built environment, encouraging conversation and educating industry professionals on the importance of designing and building future-proof buildings is absolutely essential. To that end, Pexhurst recently hosted an Industry Insights/CPD morning in partnership with Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.   The morning, held at Bread Street Kitchen & Bar in Liverpool Street, London, began with a warm welcome and registration at 8.15am, followed by breakfast that provided all attendees with an opportunity to network and connect with like-minded professionals from various sectors across the industry. Landways delivered the opening CPD session on multi-use digital and DC power infrastructure design and how this can help deliver smarter, greener solutions. The in-depth Q&A session that followed allowed those attending to engage directly with the experts, address queries about the sustainability advantages it could bring and deepen their understanding. Mitsubishi Electric then took to the stage to present the importance of retrofitting building stock and why choosing heat pump technology as a low-carbon solution could be pivotal for the future of the industry. Additionally, the session highlighted what good looks like and how it can be achieved. Following the event, the attendees completed a survey to review the Industry Insights morning and give their feedback. The respondents highlighted the importance of face-to-face interactions and the networking opportunities in-person events offer. One attendee commented: “The morning was incredibly informative and there was a good mix of clients and consultants in attendance. Great work team Pexhurst!” Delighted with the turnout for the event and the conversations created, Pexhurst Director Nick Tagliarini said: “This was our second Industry Insights/ CPD morning, following the success of our first, last year. We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout and the attendees were keen to learn and engage with the content. “It was another hugely successful event and we were incredibly grateful for the valuable contributions from our partners, Landways and Mitsubishi Electric.” Pexhurst remains committed to industry excellence and creating opportunities for professionals to keep up-to-date on the latest advancements and best practices in the industry. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay informed on all relevant industry news –  https://www.linkedin.com/company/pexhurst-services-limited/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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Builders share their mental health experiences for Mental Health Awareness Week

Builders share their mental health experiences for Mental Health Awareness Week

For Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19th May), UK builders have shared their own mental health experiences, to encourage other people in the industry to speak about their feelings.  IronmongeryDirect’s latest Mental Health in the Trades report revealed that more than four in five (82%) tradespeople experience some form of mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression, due to work.  Ahead of the company’s Match for the Mind tournament – a charity football event being held at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium (25th May) to raise money for Mind – IronmongeryDirect asked workers to share their own mental health stories to inspire others, and reassure people that they are not alone in their feelings.  Frazer Budd, Builder  “I have struggled with my own mental health, but am lucky enough to have my children as a constant reminder of why I have to get up and carry on every day. Sadly I’ve worked with a lad that didn’t have the same family network, and one day he didn’t show up for work. He never spoke to anyone about his struggles and tragically died by suicide. It is so important to remove the stigma around people talking to someone about their feelings.”  Craig Brown, Builder  “I struggled massively through and after lockdown with really bad anxiety. I struggled to even leave the house at times. At some of my lowest points, I found myself laying bricks with tears running down my face. I managed to get through it with a great support network, speaking to my friends and family and two sons,  and speaking to some people on site that had been in the same situation.”  Paul Blanch, Builder  “Our work is so dependent on weather and this becomes stressful, and can interfere with other parts of your life. I have experienced this on occasions, and in the last few years, I have had a few sessions with a therapist to release this pressure and talk openly about personal issues. I find this really helps and refocuses your mind.”  Daniel McConnellogue, Builder  “My father has been on the building sites since he was 16 and was in an accident in 2005, where he sadly lost two of his toes. This led to him being stuck in hospital for months, which led to his business being shut down. These unfortunate events meant he then suffered from PTSD a few months after the accident, which sadly saw him fall into a deep state of depression, which took him ages to escape. But he has now done it. He is the strongest and most hardworking man I’ve ever met.”  Frankie Mason, Builder  “Someone I worked with on site with always came to work with a smile. He was always positive no matter how negative the days could be. Last month, he died by suicide after experiencing mental health problems. No one noticed his symptoms, but no one asked. They just assumed his smiling face meant he must be feeling ok. It takes 5 seconds to text an old friend, a friend, or a family member to see if they’re ok. For them to know someone cares.”  Ellis Osborn, Ecommerce Manager at IronmongeryDirect, said: “From both our research and from speaking to tradespeople across the UK, it’s clear how prevalent mental health problems continue to be within the industry. We thank the players from our upcoming Match for the Mind charity tournament for sharing their own stories, to encourage others to seek the support they need.”  To read the full Mental Health in the Trades 2024 report, visit:  https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/research/mental-health-in-the-trades   To find out more about the Match for the Mind, visit: https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/blog/enter-now-for-your-chance-to-play-football-at-chelsea Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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ARCO Lends its Safety Expertise to UK’s New Tallest and Fastest Rollercoaster

ARCO Lends its Safety Expertise to UK’s New Tallest and Fastest Rollercoaster  

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has completed the installation of fall protection systems on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster- brand new Hyperia!   Due to open on Friday 24 May, Hyperia is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey.   Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at an intimidating 72m (236ft) and will reach speeds of over 80mph.  The safety systems installed by working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services provide a continuous safe connection on the rollercoaster, allowing maintenance crews to carry out routine and reactive tasks with confidence.   Arco installed Two MSA Latchways BridgeLatch fall arrest and restraint systems along the entire 111m (364ft) incline and crest of the rollercoaster, allowing workers to access the lift portion of the rollercoaster safely.   They also fixed MSA Latchways Mansafe fall arrest systems along the station return brake platform and the station exit maintenance platform.  Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We were thrilled to be a part of this project for the Hyperia coaster, the latest attraction at one of the UK’s top theme parks.  “This installation is the latest in a longstanding partnership with Merlin Entertainmentsthat has allowed Arco, the Experts in Safety, to demonstrate our expertise in working at height safety and love of (safe) thrills.   “I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to getting to experience the UK’s new tallest and fastest ride when it opens.”  Dan Warwick, health & safety director at Thorpe Park, said: “Arco have been an instrumental part of the team, assisting us with the installation of working at height lines – a vital element of the Hyperia ride construction.   “With the ride standing at an epic 236ft tall, these lines will be used to safely enable our engineering team to get up and down the incredible lift hill for all maintenance and daily pre-opening checks.   “The lines will also be used by our staff and guests in the event of an evacuation being required on the ride. As part of this, the Arco team worked closely with us to ensure we have well-planned and expertly curated evacuation plans, which form a critical part of the overall project.”  Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios, specialising in working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management.  Find out more at arcoservices.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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CIE Rings in 60th Anniversary with Showcase of Cutting-Edge Security Solutions at TSE 2024

CIE Rings in 60th Anniversary with Showcase of Cutting-Edge Security Solutions at TSE 2024

The Security Event (TSE) 2024 was a landmark occasion for CIE Group who marked its 60th year in business with an impressive display of innovative security products and a champagne drinks reception on the first two days of the show. Long established for its unique and value-added distribution model in the audiovisual industry, CIE is now making a significant impact in the security sector. Consequently, TSE 2024 served as a powerful platform to unveil the company’s latest brand offerings and solidify its position as an emerging distribution frontrunner in the security field. The CIE stand became a busy hub for security professionals to experience the future of access control firsthand. Partnering with industry leaders like 2N, Akuvox, Volo, Stid, Freevolt S-Key, and Safr, CIE presented a comprehensive overview of each brand’s most recent advances in access control systems, intercom technology, video surveillance solutions, and mobile credentialing. “This was our fourth year exhibiting at TSE and our return to the show really felt significant,” commented Chris Edwards, Marketing Director, CIE-Group. “We had an excellent product line-up that proved to be of great interest to many of the show delegates, and we also got to celebrate our 60th anniversary in style – what more could you ask from a show! Following this success we’re now looking forward to being part of the vanguard of new product innovation in the security sector.” TSE 2024 also witnessed the exciting new partnership between Freevolt S-Key, the next generation of fingerprint-activated access control. Unlike traditional systems, S-Key integrates the biometric scanner directly into individual RFID cards, offering unparalleled user convenience and enhanced security. CIE’s partnership with Real Network’s SAFR Scan also offered a glimpse into a future without physical keys or cards. Its high-speed, high-security facial recognition technology eliminates the need for traditional access credentials, providing a truly keyless and streamlined access control solution. While CIE may be a relative newcomer to the security industry, its 60-year heritage in distribution translates into a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to innovation. This spirit of progress is echoed in further words from Chris Edwards: “Rather than 60 years old, we prefer to view ourselves as 60 years young in the security industry. We’re tremendously enthusiastic about introducing next-generation products to the security industry and shaping the future of access control and related areas.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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No Falls Foundation launches first of its kind research into falls from height

No Falls Foundation launches first of its kind research into falls from height

Falls from height remain the leading cause of workplace fatalities and injuries in the UK, accounting for an alarming 30% of all deaths in 2022/2023¹. In order to gather more comprehensive data on the underlying causes and circumstances of falls from height, the No Falls Foundation, the first and only UK-based charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector, is embarking on the largest study of its kind in the UK to date. Released to coincide with the charity’s safe work at height campaign, No Falls Week, the UK falls from height research study is aimed at anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated falls from height. Year on year, falls from height statistics show little improvement, with up to 425,000 non-fatal falls estimated to have occurred over the past decade, according to the Labour Force Survey. And behind every statistic is a human story. No Falls Foundation ambassadors Jason Anker MBE, Paul Blanchard and Dylan Skelhorn’s stories serve as stark reminders of the long-term and life-changing consequences of a fall from height; mental health problems, financial worries and long-term care needs. While ‘Abbi’s Story’ highlights the wider reaching implications of loved ones. The effects for all can last a lifetime. Along with the lives, families and businesses affected by these accidents, up to 992,000 working days were lost through non-fatal falls from height in Great Britain last year alone². Not only that, the total cost of falls from height in 2022/23 is estimated to be over £847 million³, made up of costs to the employer and the individual, government tax losses and benefit payments. Despite statistics provided by the Health and Safety Executive and a call from industry to introduce a simplified system of reporting to more accurately reflect the cause of workplace accidents, there is still a lack of data available surrounding falls from height at work and at home. Hannah Williams, Charity Manager at the No Falls Foundation said, “Current reporting focusses on the type of incident, as opposed to what caused it in the first place. We want to gain insight into the root cause which will inform future research projects and focus resources to prevent falls from height. “We encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed, or investigated a fall from height to participate in this important research survey to help us ensure everyone who works at height comes down safely.” Take part in the UK falls from height research study: https://nofallsfoundation.org/index.php/research/study/ Sources ¹ RIDDOR – Kind of accident statistic in Great Britain, 2023 ² Labour Force Survey ³ Labour Force Survey Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

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