(Hillhead 2026, 23-25 June) Dräger, an international leader in medical and safety technology, will showcase a range of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) designed to protect construction and quarrying workers from harmful particles, gases and vapours. Central to Dräger’s lineup is the X-plore 8000. A versatile, customisable system, the X-plore 8000 combines a choice of blower units with headpieces including hoods, face shields,  helmets, and welding visors, as well as a comprehensive selection of filters, charging options, carrying solutions, and accessories.   The newly launched X-plore 8300 will be another important element of the Dräger’s stand. The smallest and lightest PAPR in its class, the 8300 is designed for safe and intuitive operation and easy cleaning. The rugged unit provides reliable respiratory protection, even in the demanding environments seen in construction and quarrying, and also offers excellent wearing and breathing comfort.  Visitors will also be able to see how the Dräger X-plore 8500 blower unit provides respiratory protection and comfort without breathing resistance. Built for daily use in tough industrial environments, it combines robust construction with low-maintenance operation. A wide range of accessories makes the system fully customisable to specific workplace needs, and safety functions help minimise user errors while ensuring reliable protection.   For hazardous atmospheres, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Ex is engineered for environments with flammable or combustible substances and potentially explosive atmospheres. ATEX-certified, the unit is approved for use in Ex zones 1, 2, 21, and 22. Encapsulated electronics, anti-static materials, and smart supervisory controls ensure both safety and operational reliability in the most demanding conditions.   Tom Pearson, Marketing Manager (Industry) Breathing Systems & Engineered Solutions at Dräger says Hillhead provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the breadth of Dräger’s expertise in respiratory protection: “Our X-plore PAPR range is built to deliver reliable, comfortable, and flexible protection for workers exposed to dust and hazardous particles, reflecting our commitment to safety in industrial environments.”  Dräger’s stand is located at RC7 in the registration Pavillion. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading tool manufacturer strengthens commitment to workforce development through comprehensive learner training programme MILWAUKEE® Tools has partnered with JTL, one of the UK’s largest work-based learning providers, to help address the growing skills shortage across the construction and building services engineering industry. The partnership will support apprentices in England, beginning with a pilot of the partnership at JTL’s Birmingham and new Thames Valley training centres, giving learners access to high-quality training, equipment and real-world experience. The partnership helps ensure the next generation of highly-skilled tradespeople are prepared for the demands of modern construction, mirroring what they will use on site and improving confidence, competence and safety. JTL has a network of 17 specialist training centres, and also partners with a number of colleges and other delivery partners, supporting around 8,000 electrical and plumbing apprentices. Expert-led training from experienced tradespeople Rather than simply supplying tools, MILWAUKEE® is also bringing its team of Job Site Solution Specialists to JTL apprentices. These experts will deliver regular, practical, on-site sessions across select training centres and colleges; complimenting the high-quality day-to-day training apprentices receive from JTL’s site-experienced Tutors and Training Officers. These sessions will give apprentices the chance to further get to grips with professional-grade tools, while also building confidence around safety and practical guidance in realistic working environments. This initiative also aims to challenge outdated perceptions of the trades. By introducing apprentices to modern technology, like the MX FUEL™ battery platform, M18™ and M12™ cordless systems, it highlights how construction today is driven as much by innovation as it is by skill. JTL Apprentices will also have the opportunity to visit MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, where they can explore the full range of tools and take part in specialist training sessions, competitions and events. Building confidence from day one For training providers, MILWAUKEE®’s collaboration helps reduce equipment costs and broaden access to high quality training. Independent Training Providers (ITPs) like JTL face significant funding constraints and are not directly funded for tools and equipment. For learners, it means learning with the same tools they’ll use on site, helping them feel job-ready from the very start. “The skills gap in construction isn’t just a recruitment problem, it’s a perception problem,” said Dan Abley, College Programme Manager at MILWAUKEE® Tools. “Young people need to see that the trades offer genuine career progression, with powerful technology, and career paths that rival any office-based role. This partnership puts professional-grade equipment in learners’ hands from day one, proving that construction is as innovative and technology-driven as any other sector. When you learn on the tools you’ll actually use in the field, you build the right habits and standards from the beginning, and that shapes your entire career.” “The construction sector is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tools reshaping how we work.” said Chris Claydon, Chief Executive Officer of JTL. “This partnership with Milwaukee ensures our apprentices continue to learn using first‑class, industry‑leading equipment. JTL’s training expertise, combined with the innovative solutions Milwaukee brings, will support our apprentices to develop the skills electrical employers need now and in the future.” Following a visit to MILWAUKEE®’s UK Experience Centre in Aylesbury, JTL’s Delivery Team Manager for the Western region, Kirstine Ginger, said: “It was fantastic for our delivery team to visit Milwaukee’s Experience Centre in Aylesbury and see first-hand the breadth of innovation shaping the electrical industry. Experiences like this really bring learning to life, giving staff greater knowledge and confidence with new tools and technologies to pass on to the next generation of apprentices, while reinforcing the practical skills they are learning in training with JTL”. By stressing the importance of education, mentorship and hands-on learning rather than focusing on product donation alone, MILWAUKEE® Tools and JTL are creating a sustainable model that benefits apprentices, education providers and the wider construction industry. There are also plans to expand the programme to more colleges and partners as it grows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The long days of summer should mean maximum output — but heat, fatigue and stretched schedules can just as easily grind productivity to a halt. Here’s how the right kit transforms the season’s challenges into your biggest opportunity.  Summer is a double-edged sword on any construction site. Daylight runs from before five in the morning to gone nine at night in parts of the UK and Ireland, and every hour of that window is an invitation to get ahead. But ask any site manager who’s lived through a heatwave in July or watched a team of groundworkers wilt by noon on a south-facing plot, and they’ll tell you the gains only come if you plan for them. “We hear the same thing every September from contractors who’ve had a good summer,” says Darren Binns, National Sales Manager at Jefferson Tools. “The ones who made the most of the long days weren’t working harder – they’d just made sure their kit matched their ambition. The ones who struggled were still running the same setup they use in February.” Light the edges of the day Early starts and late finishes are summer’s greatest gift, but they only pay off if the site can actually see. Temporary or inadequate lighting doesn’t just slow work – it creates risk. Jefferson Tools’ new 7,000-lumen portable site light is built precisely for this kind of flexible working. It runs off mains or directly from major power tool batteries — Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Makita — meaning no generator dependency if your crew is working at the far end of a plot before the compressors are running. The tripod extends from 800mm to 2,400mm, the head swivels 280 degrees and tilts 90 degrees, and it doubles as a power bank for phone charging. For tighter spaces or interior work, the 4,500-lumen runs on internal battery or mains, has six lighting modes including warm and cool colour temperatures, and fits into a storage pouch when the day’s done. “The battery compatibility was a deliberate decision,” says Binns. “If your crew is starting at five-thirty, you don’t want them waiting on a generator. Plug straight into the battery pack on the van and you’re lighting the job before the kettle’s boiled.”  Keep air moving, keep people working Heat fatigue is one of the most underestimated productivity killers in construction. Once core body temperature starts climbing, concentration dips, decision-making slows, and the risk of accidents rises sharply. The HSE is unambiguous on the duty of care and the practical answer on most sites isn’t air conditioning, it’s airflow. “People underestimate how quickly heat affects performance,” says Binns. “A good industrial fan on a confined site or in a welfare unit costs very little against the risk of someone making a bad decision at two in the afternoon in thirty-degree heat.” Jefferson Tools’ industrial rotomould drum fans are built to handle the dust, debris and rough handling of a working site. Available in 24-inch and 36-inch diameters in both 110V and 230V, the 36-inch model moves up to 16,200 cubic metres of air per hour, and units can be hooked together for combined airflow where a single fan won’t cover the area. For smaller enclosed spaces – welfare units, plant rooms, mezzanines – the 24-inch high-velocity drum fans offer a more portable option at an accessible price point. Compressors: Built for the long shift Summer is peak season for continuous compressor use. Pneumatic tools run longer, more operatives are on site simultaneously, and there’s less tolerance for an unexpected shutdown. This is not the moment to be running a machine beyond its duty cycle. Jefferson Tools’ V-pump compressors are designed for sustained output. The 270-litre tandem unit pairs two 3HP motors for large-volume air generation, while the screw air compressors, available with integrated refrigerated dryers, are engineered for high-capacity continuous industrial use. The refrigerated dryer matters more in summer than any other season: warm air carries more moisture, and that moisture in compressed air lines causes real damage to pneumatic tooling over time.  Pressure washers: Don’t let grime dictate the schedule End-of-day cleaning, plant washdown, surface preparation – summer brings more of all of it, and a pressure washer that can’t keep up with demand quickly becomes a bottleneck. Jefferson Tools’ petrol-powered range covers everything from daily site tidying to serious plant cleaning. The 7.5HP is the bestseller for good reason: 3,200psi maximum pressure, a direct drive triplex pump, and a turbo nozzle delivering up to 3,600psi effective cleaning power. Step up to the 13HP with an Annovi Reverberi triplex pump and 15 litres per minute flow rate for the heavy-duty work that larger sites demand. Both models collapse for storage and transit — a small detail that matters when every cubic foot of a van or welfare unit is accounted for. The Bigger Picture None of this is complicated kit. What it represents is the infrastructure that allows a site to actually use the hours summer provides rather than losing them to heat exhaustion, poor visibility, equipment failure, or slow cleans. “The sites that finish early and finish on budget in September are almost always the ones that got the basics right in May,” says Binns. “It’s not glamorous – fans, lights, a decent compressor setup. But that’s what keeps a programme moving when everyone else is struggling.”  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

In warehouses and factories, a regular day involves moving heavy and bulky items from one place to another. Doing all this manually is challenging and, sometimes, virtually impossible. That is where industrial handling tools come in. These tools make lifting, moving and storing of materials faster, safer and more efficient. In this article, we will look at the 10 most important handling tools that every industrial space needs to ensure smooth operations. 1. Forklifts Forklifts are perhaps the most popular industrial handling tools. They are commonly used for lifting and moving loads that no one wants (or can’t) carry. In an industrial setting, you will need them for tasks like loading trucks, stacking pallets and moving bulk goods. They provide serious lifting power, which speeds up operations. 2. Safety Gear Safety gear refers to essential warehouse protection equipment designed to protect workers while handling materials. They include things like high-visibility vests, steel-toe boots, helmets and safety netting. You will find them everywhere work is happening. These equipment are an essential addition to industrial workspaces because they minimise the risk of injuries in case of accidents. For example, a helmet can prevent serious injury to the head if a box falls on a worker’s head. 3. Pallet Truck Pallet trucks (also pallet jacks) are useful for lifting and moving heavy loads over short distances. You can use it to lift pallets slightly off the ground so you can just roll them to a different location. They are quick and simpler to use – perfect for working in smaller areas where forklifts can’t fit. However, pallet trucks can’t replace forklifts (especially when it comes to loading tasks). 4. Hand Trolley Hand trolleys (also called dollies) are like pallet jacks but for boxes. In an industrial setting, you use these to roll your boxes instead of carrying them. They are great for tight spaces where you need to move several boxes. Dollies save your back from unnecessary suffering by making movement low-effort. You can stack boxes once and move everything in one single trip. 5. Conveyor Belt Conveyor belts are indispensable when it comes to moving items seamlessly from one place to another. Industries used them to cut down on constant walking back and forth. You will find them in different use cases, including packing lines, sorting areas and production lines. Since items move on their own, they reduce the number of workers needed for moving stuff. It also speeds up tasks like packing and sorting. 6. Crane Cranes are commonly used to lift extremely heavy or awkward items vertically. You will often find them in construction areas and heavy manufacturing zones. Some loads are simply impossible to lift manually. For example, a machinery part that weighs more than a car. In such a case, you will need a crane – it handles extreme weights seamlessly and safely. 7. Lift Tables Lift tables are used for raising and lowering items to a comfortable/ergonomic working height. You will commonly find them in shelving, packing and loading areas. Workers will love this equipment because it reduces the need for bending and unnecessary strain during work. For example, they can use it during the assembly of items, ensuring better ergonomics and safety. 8. Industrial Racking (Shelving) Industrial racking is basically shelves that you can use to store items. They are essential for keeping everything organised and accessible – you will find them everywhere (whether in a warehouse or in a factory). Without these shelves, you might have to stack everything on the floor. And finding anything in such a storage setup is a nightmare. So, instead of piling everything on the floor, install these racks and have a place for each item. 9. Barrel Handler If you run an industrial space that deals with barrels or drums, barrel handlers are a must-have. That’s why they are common in industrial storage areas where workers move chemicals and oils. Can you imagine trying to lift a barrel full of chemicals by hand? They are not only heavy but also annoying to control. A barrel handler makes handling such loads less awkward. 10. Packaging Tools Packaging tools do exactly what their name suggests – secure items so they stay in place during transport. In an industrial setting, you will often find them in packing and shipping areas. They are essential because loose goods can easily get damaged while in transit. Conclusion With the important role each plays, these tools are not just ‘nice to have’, they are what keep your daily operations moving. Some of the benefits of investing in them include saving time, reducing effort and improving safety. They can make a huge difference in terms of workflow and productivity. Remember, the right equipment can turn hard, slow work into something manageable and efficient.

MSA Safety, Inc., a global leader in the manufacture and distribution of PPE and safety systems, welcomes this week’s harmonisation of EN 17235, a European test standard for permanently installed anchor devices used in horizontal construction applications. EN 17235 sets out a comprehensive testing methodology for anchor devices that are permanently fixed to a structure, assessing not only the device itself, but also its fixings and the base material to which it is attached. The standard was harmonised on 9 February, 2026, with an 18-month transition period. After the transition period, manufacturers across the UK and Europe will be required to test products to EN 17235 in order to produce a Declaration of Performance and apply CE marking. The harmonisation of EN 17235 is expected to significantly improve safety levels industry wide by requiring consistent, robust testing across the built environment, and by preventing the use of inadequately tested products on construction projects. MSA Safety has long been an advocate for rigorous, up-to-date testing of all safety devices and welcomes the move to make compliance mandatory. Tim Bissett, technical expert at MSA Safety, is part of the working group that developed this standard. He comments: “This harmonisation of EN 17235 is a major step forward for safety in the construction sector. By making robust testing a legal requirement, the standard helps to level the playing field and helps make sure that anchor devices are properly assessed as complete systems, not just as individual components.” MSA’s development approach already reflects many of the principles now set out in EN 17235. For instance, its Constant Force Post range has long been tested as a complete system, looking not just at the anchor device itself, but also its fixings and the substrate it’s installed into. That mirrors the standard’s focus on assessing products in realistic installation conditions, helping give a clearer picture of how they’ll perform in practice. The company is now progressing a programme to test both new and existing products directly to EN 17235, with its next-generation Constant Force Post among the first scheduled. MSA has historically carried out equivalent testing through the German DIBt approval process, whose methodology aligns closely with EN 17235 requirements, meaning many of its established testing practices are already consistent with the new framework. “Testing to the latest standards has always been fundamental to how MSA designs and validates its safety solutions,” Bissett added. “EN 17235 formalises best practice and provides greater confidence for specifiers, installers and end users alike. Our mission is to send workers home safely to their families at the end of each day, and this helps us to do it.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The winter months and their wet and cold weather bring many challenges to the construction sector and its workers, with one of these being the need for extra workwear maintenance. The harsh weather conditions can exaggerate dirt and debris, leaving PPE looking worse for wear and uncomfortable to use. Correct upkeep during these months helps maintain garment performance and wearer visibility, but laundering mistakes are common. Adam Halewood, Head of Sales at custom workwear supplier Clothes2order, reveals the most common winter workwear maintenance mistakes, the issues these cause and how to avoid them. Don’t skip the pre-wash tasks Adam says, “When you’ve changed out of your wet and muddy clothes after a day at work, most of us will throw them straight into the washing machine with little thought, but this is the first mistake many make. With workwear becoming heavily soiled with mud, dust and other debris from building sites in the winter months, it’s important to remove as much of this before clothing items go into the washing machine, not only to ensure all dirt is removed during the laundry process, but to keep your washing machine in top condition. You can usually shake excess dry debris from clothing or gently wipe items down with a damp cloth to remove surface marks, so it doesn’t have to be a time-consuming step. Always avoid harsh scrubbing, especially on hi-vis pieces, as this can damage reflective material, leading to non-compliance with safety guidelines. Once surface grime has been removed, always fasten up items and turn them inside out before putting them in the washing machine. This stops zips, Velcro and other fastenings from snagging on the items during the wash cycle, protecting from pulls, scratches and holes being made in the material.” Avoid harsh wash cycles Adam explains, “Once PPE is ready for the washing machine, the next most common mistake made is using harsh cleaning cycles, which can cause fluorescent-coloured fabrics to fade fast and shorten garment lifespan. When washing workwear, you should follow the manufacturer’s care label instructions in the first instance, but generally it’s advised to avoid running hot water cycles; instead, opt for a cool temperature of 30°C. Whilst it may be tempting to use stain remover or bleach on stains, these harsh chemicals can damage the fibres within clothing, leaving it at risk of developing holes and needing to be replaced more frequently, so they should also be avoided unless the care label suggests otherwise. The best practice is to use only mild detergent on a cool wash and a gentle cycle. To be extra sure that all the detergent residue has been removed and won’t cause any future damage, an extra rinse can also be used at the end of the cycle.” Check before you tumble dry “Most workwear needs to be air-dried, unless the label specifies it is safe for the tumble dryer”, Adam says, “The high temperatures used in tumble dryers can cause clothing to shrink, and with hi-vis items, this can lead to reflective strips becoming dull, degrading and in some extreme cases,  melting. Whilst we typically have our radiators on during the winter months, drying PPE directly on these should also be avoided for the same reasons. If you find your items are still holding a lot of water after their wash cycle, never wring them out, as this can cause damage to the material. Instead, put them back into the machine for a spin-only cycle to help remove the excess moisture, before hanging them to dry on an airer in a well-ventilated room.” Adam concludes, “It is really important to keep on top of PPE workwear maintenance all year round, but in the winter months, extra care should be taken to ensure protective clothing remains in good condition. The weather in winter not only brings more dirt to construction sites, but days with little daylight, rain and fog bring poor visibility, making compliant hi-vis clothing even more vital to workplace safety.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Power tool leader opens carbon-neutral training hub in Aylesbury, tackling the UK’s shortage of practical, trade-ready skills MILWAUKEE® Tools, industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, accessories, and hand tools, has officially opened its new UK Experience Centre at Westcott Venture Park, Aylesbury. The 13,250-square-foot carbon-neutral facility represents the company’s largest investment in UK training infrastructure, backed by a 10-year lease agreement. The facility addresses a growing need in the trades sector for comprehensive, practical training environments where professionals can test equipment in realistic conditions before making significant investment decisions. Unlike traditional showrooms or brief product demonstrations, the centre provides extended access to MILWAUKEE® Tools’ full product ecosystem in both indoor training spaces and dedicated outdoor testing areas. Built using MILWAUKEE® tools to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to efficiency and reduced emissions, the state-of-the-art hub will be used to upskill approximately 300 employees annually through expert training programmes. The centre will enable MILWAUKEE® Tools to enhance customer relationships and support direct end-user interaction, with hands-on training and product testing opportunities available. From the established M12™ and M18™ cordless platforms to the expanding MX FUEL™ light equipment range, visitors will gain access to cutting-edge battery technology including REDLITHIUM™ FORGE™ batteries, power tools, hand tools, and outdoor power equipment. “We’re just getting started,” says Dan Stringer, Head of Training at MILWAUKEE® Tools UK. “Since our founding in 1924, MILWAUKEE® has been driven by a commitment to solving the real-world challenges faced by professional tradespeople. This Experience Centre embodies that heritage while spotlighting the innovations that will define the next century of our industry. Investing in this hub demonstrates our growing support of the British trades sector, and we look forward to industry professionals, as well as other key stakeholders, exploring the range of training and testing opportunities we have on offer.” Trade professionals, dealers and media representatives interested in experiencing the centre firsthand are encouraged to get in touch with MILWAUKEE® to arrange a visit or request a product demonstration. For more information about the MILWAUKEE® Tools Experience Centre, please contact – uk.milwaukee.marketing@TTI-EMEA.com  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Foot injuries contribute to a huge number of lost workdays in various industries. This makes choosing the right safety and working boots from RS a key part of work safety and compliance, as it helps prevent serious injuries.  When well chosen, these boots go beyond safety, as they enable workers to move, lift, and focus on the task at hand without worrying about things like slipping or chemical exposure. However, they also come in a wide variety, as they are used in multiple industries and different environmental conditions. This makes choosing the right type a key part of safety, compliance, and productivity.  Why safety boots are important In most cases, professionals come to appreciate work boots as part of personal protective equipment (PPE) when they are working in a risky environment. These are more than just foot covers, as they act as a worker’s first line of defence against environmental hazards. The boots can absorb impact, keep out unwanted elements, and provide grip when you need it most.  But that’s just one aspect of work boots. Higher-quality safety wear is designed to reduce fatigue and support a worker’s posture, which helps them move with confidence. Things like walking, bending, lifting, and climbing become much safer and less exhausting. How to choose the right safety boots for your job To pick the right safety boots, you need to match the type of footwear to the specific risks and demands you or your workers face. Is it heavy objects that can drop on the feet, sharp objects that can puncture the sole, or wet and muddy conditions? This consideration also goes hand in hand with environmental factors like cold conditions and electrical hazards. Fit and comfort are also important, as a boot that’s too tight or too loose can lead to issues like fatigue, blisters, or even long-term foot and joint issues. There’s also the durability aspect, but this one is more about using the right shoe for the job and environment.  Main types of safety boots To choose the right safety boots, you first need to understand the different types available and what each of them is designed to protect against.  Steel-toe boots These boots usually have a reinforced steel cap over the toes. They are designed to protect a worker from impacts, falling objects, and compression. They are the shoes that are most common in warehouses and are a major part of construction site safety. But while the toes provide much-needed protection, they also make the shoes a bit heavier than other options. You also need to ensure that they are a proper fit and have proper cushioning. Composite-toe boots These are also meant to offer extra protection to toes, but they use non-metal materials for the same purpose. Some common ones are carbon fibre, Kevlar, and hard plastic.  The materials used make them lighter than steel-toe boots, and the lack of metal is also useful in workplaces that use metal detectors or where there are risks of electrical hazards. Safety trainers These ones look and actually feel more like athletic shoes. However, they have several protective features like reinforced toes, anti-slip soles, and puncture resistance. They are mostly meant to be used in light-duty work and indoor environments.  You can use them when you need to ensure worker mobility and comfort, besides protection. They are mostly used by warehouse staff, logistics teams, or technicians who need to move around to ensure everything is working well. Wellington boots These are mostly meant to offer protection against water. They tend to be high-cut and are made from rubber or PVC. Some also have reinforced toes. Wellies, as they are often called, are mostly used in agriculture and food processing. Insulated or thermal boots This type is designed for cold or extreme environments. They are mostly meant to provide heat, so they often have layers of insulation and don’t allow water to enter. The boots are particularly useful in winter and when working in cold storage facilities, as workers can be exposed to freezing temperatures for extended periods. The boots will keep their feet safe from frostbite and discomfort but also not cause excessive sweating.