The employee’s head-to-toe safety is paramount, especially for construction, factory, and hazardous jobs. Aside from annual checkups, workers should be equipped with the right safety gear. Worker footwear matters a lot, influencing productivity, health, safety, and overall job performance. One type of footwear includes waterproof work boots. But are they
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Billy Dolan as Operations Manager of their new Scottish scaffolding division in Glasgow, the next step in the company’s national expansion plan. Billy brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry in a management position, he has worked for a spectrum of multi-national, national and local
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery
Leading national scaffolding and access firm Lyndon SGB is proud to be supplying complex access solutions on one of the most prestigious and largest scaffolding projects in the country – the £330 million ‘Our Town Hall’ renovation of the iconic Manchester Town Hall. The vast refurbishment of the Grade 1-listed
A new look has been unveiled for a Newcastle former office block as scaffolding is removed by Kapex Construction. Eldon House at Gosforth’s Regent Centre is undergoing a £5.37million transformation to redevelop the former vacant office building into 66 luxury apartments. Construction work is three months ahead of schedule and
One the UK’s largest scaffolding suppliers has invested in two Hiab 188B-2 Hi Duo Cranes on a Scania chassis to boost its 70-strong fleet. Generation UK, part of global Altrad Group, has 17 locations across the UK and supplies commercial scaffolding and access solutions to major construction developments. The brand-new
Various industries around the globe continue to be affected by the ongoing pandemic. This is why companies are doing their best to survive or at least manage the coronavirus’ impact on their business operation. At this point, organizations need to adapt to change. One of the ways is to transform
Delivering safer, faster, more cost-efficient and traceable high torque bolt tightening for critical applications in the energy sector are the key objectives of a new range of cordless smart battery nutrunners, launched by Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions. Previously expensive and time-consuming installation and maintenance processes carried out
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the
The employee’s head-to-toe safety is paramount, especially for construction, factory, and hazardous jobs. Aside from annual checkups, workers should be equipped with the right safety gear. Worker footwear matters a lot, influencing productivity, health, safety, and overall job performance. One type of footwear includes waterproof work boots. But are they worth it? Find out the answer if waterproof work boots are worth it by reading below. Waterproof Boots Keep The Feet Dry Keep your feet dry with waterproof boots designed to repel water away from your feet. Also, this footwear is highly recommended for construction workers because they keep the boots dry and will still be in good condition for a long time. Even if the sun is high, the construction site can be full of mud. Hence, the waterproof feature of your construction boots can be highly beneficial, buying a branded one shouldn’t be easily damaged after getting off a muddy place. You can buy waterproof construction boots online conveniently from a reputable brand. Here are the advantages of keeping the feet dry when working on the construction site: Avoid smelly feet due to moisture and water penetration. Reduce discomfort while working in muddy construction areas. Prevent foot fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Waterproof Boots Protect the Feet Construction field workers such as engineers, architects, and construction workers should wear durable footwear to protect their feet from hazards that cause injury. Waterproof work boots protect the feet from water exposure. The materials used for creating waterproof construction boots are of good quality. Even if it rains, your boots won’t get wet for a long time. Waterproof boots are generally made with rubber, vinyl, nylon, neoprene, or polyurethane. Construction boots made of nylon, leather, and other coated materials are water-resistant. Here are the things that waterproof boots can protect the feet from: Flying and Falling Objects: Because construction workers usually operate and carry heavy equipment and materials. Objects can fly and fall accidentally, causing injury to the feet. Waterproof work boots can prevent foot crushing injuries. Punctures: Sharp objects are everywhere on the construction site. That’s why fieldworkers should wear work shoes with thick materials and heavy-duty soles, surrounding the foot for the best protection. Cutting Hazards: Construction and manufacturing machinery contain moving components such as sharp blades, exposing the workers to cutting hazards. Wearing construction boots help protect the feet from chainsaws and other tools and equipment that may come in contact with the feet. Electricity: Electric shocks and the static electricity are safety risks in construction sites and other workplaces. Avoid an electrical accident by wearing waterproof work boots. A pair of high-quality waterproof work boots are non-conductive footwear, usually made from rubber, leather, or other materials. Slips, Falls, and Trips: These workplace accidents can cause injury to the feet. Aside from installing an anti-slip floor and avoiding walking on slippery floors, wearing proper footwear can provide extra protection against slips, falls, and trips because of appropriate traction. Burns: Fire can happen in any workplace, which may result in chemical burns. Footwear, such as construction work boots are made from durable materials. Waterproof boots prevent burns from molten metal splashes, chemicals splashes, and other dangerous substances, posing injury to the feet. Waterproof Boots are Comfortable to Wear Waterproof work boots are comfortable to wear. Workers feel good that they wouldn’t mind taking it off after fieldwork. When choosing waterproof construction boots, make sure to choose the right brand featuring great durability and promoting optimum foot comfort. Also, good brands of waterproof boots are stylish to wear, matching the rugged look of field workers. OSHA Compliant According to OHSA, employers should ensure that affected employees use protective footwear in work areas where there’s a danger of foot injuries caused by rolling or falling objects. Industrial and construction businesses should comply with OSHA requirements by following guidelines on appropriate safety shoes in the workplace. Regardless of the nature and size of your business or job, it’s crucial to follow OSHA guidelines to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. Are Waterproof Work Boots Worth It? Waterproof work boots are a worthwhile investment given the best features and benefits of this type of footwear. Choosing the right waterproof work boots will help protect both employees and employers from safety hazards in the construction industry. Conclusion Waterproof construction boots are worth the investment. They keep the feet dry and protected from all sorts of hazards. Also, waterproof boots are very comfortable to wear with less worry on your feet, improving productivity at the job site. Protect your feet from burns, punctures, cuts, electricity, injuries from trips, falls, and slips.
Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd (LMB) has appointed Billy Dolan as Operations Manager of their new Scottish scaffolding division in Glasgow, the next step in the company’s national expansion plan. Billy brings over 30 years of experience in the construction industry in a management position, he has worked for a spectrum of multi-national, national and local businesses over his career. Billy comments: “I am delighted to join the Lee Marley team in Scotland and to work alongside Michael Carr. We are extremely excited that we can now offer our clients a full package service of scaffolding and brickwork, as well as being flexible to offer them as standalone services.” Michael Carr, Commercial Manager – Scotland comments: “Billy is a great addition to our team in Scotland. In the five years that we have been operational in Scotland it has been an ambition of mine to offer a masonry and scaffold solution that mirrors our set-up south of the border. Billy’s wealth of experience in this sector allows us to offer our customers the same high standard from a scaffold perspective that we have become known for through our masonry side of the Scottish business.” Billy is excited to be part of the company’s continued expansion plans and with the investment that LMB have put into the Scottish market, he has high hopes for the future. As of next month, LMB will be working on several projects in Scotland that cover new build housing and social housing. The team are delighted to announce they will be working on a scaffold and brick package for Morrisons on their Winchburgh schools project. In Scotland, Lee Marley Brickwork Ltd are working on many brickwork projects including: Edinburgh: Longstone, Edinburgh St James – Edinburgh, Springside, Dundee Street, Longniddry and Ropeworks 7 Glasgow: New City Road, Clydebank Health Centre, Ropeworks 7 and Daragvel Primary LMB Joint Managing Director Dan Clarkson comments: “Having worked closely with Bill over a number of years it is great to have him join our team in Glasgow. His technical and safety knowledge is second to none and his appointment allows us to replicate the combined brickwork and scaffolding offering that has proved so successful in London and the South East. It will also allow us to offer scaffold only services to a wider range of clients on new-build, refurb and maintenance projects across the Central Belt” Lee Marley Brickwork (LMB) is one of the UK’s leading integrated brickwork, scaffolding and stone sub-contractors. For more information, please visit: www.leemarley.com.
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery and highlight some of the steel reinforcement accessories that you may come across or need to consider for your build. Rebar Tie Wire The use of rebar tying wire is necessary to ensure safety and security from within your steel structure. Rebar tying wire connects the loose rebars whilst the build is in progress to prevent movement of the reinforcement bars or rods during pouring and curing of the concrete. Tools such as tie pullers and tie nips make bending and cutting of the wire simple and easy to manage to achieve the desired shapes and rigidity in the framework. Plastic Grade Plate Spacers If you need to provide support and offer cover for mesh or steel reinforcement, the addition of plastic grade plate spacers is necessary. They are also used with polythene damp proof membranes where the wide base of the grade plate spacer enables the load to be distributed in such a way that membrane punctures are prevented. Damp Proof Membrane DPM may not be unknown to builders, but it is worthy of a mention, as it is an important element for any building project. Placed before any concrete is laid, it will prevent moisture from rising into the building and damaging the integrity of the concrete and to prevent subsequent damage to the building structure. Combined with the plate spacers mentioned previously to prevent punctures to this membrane, you can be sure that you are doing as much as you can for rising damp prevention. Builders’ Hessian During any project the last thing you want is damage from outside elements, using a biodegradable material such as builders hessian will offer protection for both your concrete and brickwork. Builders hessian is especially important during winter construction, where cold and frost can be an issue. Frost Blanket A frost blanket is used in the same way as builders hessian, but offers greater protection at even lower temperatures. Dowel Bars & Dowel Sleeves These are used to create a durable and tough debonded joint when placed over steel dowel rods. They are available in a range of sizes and are manufactured from high grade flexible PVC. Continuous High Chairs Also known as rebar chairs and rebar stools they add required spacing above and below any mesh reinforcement. Concrete Curing Agent When laying concrete, it is essential to ensure that water near the surface of the newly laid concrete does not evaporate too quickly. Using a concrete curing agent over the top of concrete forms a membrane which reduces the evaporation rate, to reduce both dusting and cracking. Concrete Sealing Agent Once the concrete has cured, the surface of the concrete should be protected with a coat of concrete sealing agent painted over it to protect it from corrosion and damage. Mold Oil An essential component to ensure that you can easily remove formwork on completion, and it also helps prevent your concrete from contamination, and is used as a greasing agent prior to concrete pouring. Expansion Joint Foam Used as an insulant, a stop end or grout check, expansion joint foam is a non-load transfer filler that is compressible but semi-rigid. It is resistant to the majority of oils and chemicals found on construction sites. K-Form Plastic Shuttering Offers an alternative to traditional screeding equipment. This plastic shuttering is a permanent formwork which is light, economical and easy to fit.While some of these accessories are designed to help you work more safely, others simply help to make the job easier. Why not consider the application of some of these helpful accessories for your next project?
Working in the construction industry or attempting a DIY home build project requires a knowledge of products commonly used in steel reinforcement accessories. Knowing which product to use and the specific applications they are suited to will help you get the job right. We help unravel some of the mystery and highlight some of the steel reinforcement accessories that you may come across or need to consider for your build. Rebar Tie Wire The use of rebar tying wire is necessary to ensure safety and security from within your steel structure. Rebar tying wire connects the loose rebars whilst the build is in progress to prevent movement of the reinforcement bars or rods during pouring and curing of the concrete. Tools such as tie pullers and tie nips make bending and cutting of the wire simple and easy to manage to achieve the desired shapes and rigidity in the framework. Plastic Grade Plate Spacers If you need to provide support and offer cover for mesh or steel reinforcement, the addition of plastic grade plate spacers is necessary. They are also used with polythene damp proof membranes where the wide base of the grade plate spacer enables the load to be distributed in such a way that membrane punctures are prevented. Damp Proof Membrane DPM may not be unknown to builders, but it is worthy of a mention, as it is an important element for any building project. Placed before any concrete is laid, it will prevent moisture from rising into the building and damaging the integrity of the concrete and to prevent subsequent damage to the building structure. Combined with the plate spacers mentioned previously to prevent punctures to this membrane, you can be sure that you are doing as much as you can for rising damp prevention. Builders’ Hessian During any project the last thing you want is damage from outside elements, using a biodegradable material such as builders hessian will offer protection for both your concrete and brickwork. Builders hessian is especially important during winter construction, where cold and frost can be an issue. Frost Blanket A frost blanket is used in the same way as builders hessian, but offers greater protection at even lower temperatures. Dowel Bars & Dowel Sleeves These are used to create a durable and tough debonded joint when placed over steel dowel rods. They are available in a range of sizes and are manufactured from high grade flexible PVC. Continuous High Chairs Also known as rebar chairs and rebar stools they add required spacing above and below any mesh reinforcement. Concrete Curing Agent When laying concrete, it is essential to ensure that water near the surface of the newly laid concrete does not evaporate too quickly. Using a concrete curing agent over the top of concrete forms a membrane which reduces the evaporation rate, to reduce both dusting and cracking. Concrete Sealing Agent Once the concrete has cured, the surface of the concrete should be protected with a coat of concrete sealing agent painted over it to protect it from corrosion and damage. Mold Oil An essential component to ensure that you can easily remove formwork on completion, and it also helps prevent your concrete from contamination, and is used as a greasing agent prior to concrete pouring. Expansion Joint Foam Used as an insulant, a stop end or grout check, expansion joint foam is a non-load transfer filler that is compressible but semi-rigid. It is resistant to the majority of oils and chemicals found on construction sites. K-Form Plastic Shuttering Offers an alternative to traditional screeding equipment. This plastic shuttering is a permanent formwork which is light, economical and easy to fit. While some of these accessories are designed to help you work more safely, others simply help to make the job easier. Why not consider the application of some of these helpful accessories for your next project?
Leading national scaffolding and access firm Lyndon SGB is proud to be supplying complex access solutions on one of the most prestigious and largest scaffolding projects in the country – the £330 million ‘Our Town Hall’ renovation of the iconic Manchester Town Hall. The vast refurbishment of the Grade 1-listed Victorian gothic revival landmark built in 1877 aims to restore the building to its former glory and involves extensive repair work internally and externally, by main contractor Lend Lease. Lyndon SGB is the chosen scaffolding and access contractor, providing millions of pounds of in-house designed scaffolding and access solutions across the project, including large independent scaffolds, crash decks, a bespoke 90m clock tower scaffold, 34 chimney stacks/saddles and 8,000m2 of temporary roofing weather protection across the site. More than 50 Lyndon SGB scaffolding operatives will be working on the UK’s largest commercial scaffolding project – currently under strict COVID-19 secure protocols during lockdown. In addition, as part of the KPI (Key Performance Indicators) for the scaffolding program, a dozen apprenticeships will be launched on the project over the four-year contract. There are already seven apprentices in the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme and in-house training schemes, with three already operational on site and a further four working in the new Lyndon SGB single scaffolding depot in Manchester. All are employed full-time and working hard in their training, while preparing for college sessions run by learning provider The Growth Company. Lucas Findlay, 17, from Blackley, said: “Being an apprentice provides the skills and support in order to provide myself with a stable career in scaffolding. I have started at the bottom and the progression I can see ahead of me seems limitless. The opportunity to learn on the job on such a high-profile project shows the quality of training and trust we are given. I didn’t realise the extent of the challenges of building the scaffolding around such a building, until I saw it for myself and I am pleased to be a part of it.” Mark Davies, 24, from Collyhurst, said: “Working on the Our Town Hall project is an amazing learning experience, with the opportunity to get up close and personal to one of the oldest buildings in the city. I have walked past this building so many times over my lifetime without appreciating the details, including what it is like inside. From working in the Great Hall, checking out the views over the city and admiring all the statues, the whole project leaves you in awe.” Councillor Nigel Murphy, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Creating opportunities for local young people to build firm foundations for future professional careers across a range of trades is a key goal of the Our Town Hall project and will be an important part of its legacy for the city. “This is a building which has served Manchester for more than 140 years and through this once-in-a-lifetime scheme, it will continue to play an integral role at the heart of our civic life for generations to come.” Lyndon SGB Managing Director, Stuart Robinson said: “We are incredibly proud to have secured the scaffolding and access provision on this incredibly important national building renovation. Few firms in the UK could have been selected for such an enormous, complex and highly skilled project.” Kevin Fitzpatrick, Lyndon SGB Operations Director, said “The newly-operational single scaffolding depot at Manchester is perfectly placed to provide a slick, safe and efficient service on this enormous and iconic project.” Lyndon SGB North West Regional Manager, Jon Cooke, added: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to demonstrate our unique and unrivalled skills, we deliver projects like Our Town Hall because we have the ability to deliver on programme and on budget.” Lendlease Group’s David Cadiot said: “Our Town Hall is in the top 2% of important historical structures in the UK, we need and must have a supply chain that can deliver, that is why we chose Lyndon SGB.”
A new look has been unveiled for a Newcastle former office block as scaffolding is removed by Kapex Construction. Eldon House at Gosforth’s Regent Centre is undergoing a £5.37million transformation to redevelop the former vacant office building into 66 luxury apartments. Construction work is three months ahead of schedule and is due to complete in early 2021. Kapex Construction, part of Newcastle-based Morton Group, was appointed by Regent Centre owners Omnia Property Group to deliver its 2nd phase of its residential scheme, with Broadfield Project Management acting as client representative. Construction work started on the Eldon House development, which will create a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments over 8 floors, in March 2020. The extensive redevelopment project was originally due to complete in Spring 2021 but despite lockdown it is scheduled for completion in early 2021. Work on the scheme involves the complete removal of the existing façade, new cladding of the existing structure, along with thermal upgrades, a complete new MEP installation and internal fit out. It will be the second ‘office to residential’ conversion at the Regent Centre – the first being Northumbria House – and will be available to rent through Omnia Space. The area is known to be popular with students and employees based within the business park. Gary Morton, CEO of The Morton Group, said: “It’s fantastic to see the scaffolding come down on Eldon House and I hope people are pleased with the transformation so far. Work will continue on the development and we’re pleased to be able to deliver this office to residential development three months ahead of schedule. “Our track record in converting concrete frame office blocks into sleek, high quality living spaces is second to none, and we have drawn on our experience gained through the conversion of Eagle Star House into Regents Plaza apartments just 300 metres away.” Dave Lovatt, Commercial Director at Kapex Construction, said: “It’s exciting to see the progress starting to take shape at Eldon House, which will breathe new life into the 1970s office building and provide much needed housing in a highly sought after residential location. “In the past, Eldon House has been home to tenants such as Rolls Royce so it’s exciting to prepare the building for a fresh wave of tenants who will benefit from the close proximity to Gosforth High Street and bus and Metro transport links into Newcastle. It will be a thriving space tailored to modern, active lifestyles.”
One the UK’s largest scaffolding suppliers has invested in two Hiab 188B-2 Hi Duo Cranes on a Scania chassis to boost its 70-strong fleet. Generation UK, part of global Altrad Group, has 17 locations across the UK and supplies commercial scaffolding and access solutions to major construction developments. The brand-new hi-tech cranes are operated by remote control and are connected with Hiab’s HiConnect technology which tracks real-time data on crane usage and operator performance. Jamie Whale, national fleet and transport manager for Generation UK said the investment would help the business retain its Silver Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) accreditation. “As the UK’s largest supplier of scaffolding we deliver materials to some of the biggest construction sites which have stringent requirements around site safety,” he explained. “Commercial sites require lifting plans from delivery suppliers like us and we often have site-specific guidelines to adhere to, which helps to manage risk and improve health and safety. “Space can be challenging and we often have a small window to deliver, so we need to make sure we can deliver safely and swiftly; investing in the right equipment helps us to do that. “Our business needs to evidence year on year reductions in our carbon footprint to maintain our Silver FORS accreditation. The HiConnect software which monitors crane usage will play a major role in that. “The Silver FORS accreditation is a requirement for several of our customers, so I’m really pleased we have a tool which makes it easier for us to evidence our sustainable credentials and continue operating on those sites. “The platform gives us real-time insights on operator performance and actual crane usage, we fully expect to reduce our fuel emissions over time.” David McDonald, northern key account manager and area sales manager said: “These two cranes are perfectly-suited to Generation UK’s needs. The remote-control operations combined with HiConnect software gives incredible visibility for the operator and the fleet manager. “Jamie explained to us that reducing downtime was a priority for Generation UK. Our ProCare essential service contract combined with HiConnect will make sure trucks and cranes are on the roads for as long as possible. “HiConnect’s real-time operational data pin points when maintenance is due and our engineers can connect to the crane to trouble shoot any issues ahead of a call out, giving us the opportunity to respond quicker to maintenance and repair needs. “We know it’s possible that HiConnect can calculate productivity cost savings of over £1,000 per crane for one year based on idling time alone, which I’m confident Generation UK will benefit from.”
Various industries around the globe continue to be affected by the ongoing pandemic. This is why companies are doing their best to survive or at least manage the coronavirus’ impact on their business operation. At this point, organizations need to adapt to change. One of the ways is to transform the suite of goods and services they offer to their customers. By adopting technology during these difficult times, many businesses have seen a growth in online sales for their products. However, to ensure quality for the different industries they serve, industrial companies continue to utilize both traditional and modern processes. Industrial Coatings And Sealants For Various Industries For many decades, diverse industries have utilized protective coatings and sealants. Despite the changing requirements and standards, there will always be a use for these industrial products. Here are some of the numerous industries that benefit from high-quality industrial sealants and coatings: Aerospace: Protect the surfaces of aerospace vessels from wear and degradation. Architecture: Fixtures and windows get decorative protection from reflective coatings and paint. Automobile: Cars’ body panels are applied with sealant and coatings to protect against wear and exposure. Construction: Coatings and sealants protect the materials of various structures from improving their durability. Engineering: To enhance durability and performance, mechanical and electronic parts may be coated with protective material. Furniture: Sealants are used to make furniture more stable while coatings add a layer of protection to the surfaces. Industrial: Most coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers are used for industrial and manufacturing operations Marine: In addition to blocking water from seeping inside the ship, industrial sealants prevent leaks and rust on the surfaces of water vessels. Printing: Coatings and sealants are used in the printing industry as well as in the paints and coatings industry Textile: Coatings are utilized to produce patterned fabrics and clothing Protective coatings and sealants fall under the category of CASE materials (coatings, adhesives, sealants, and elastomers). These materials aim to improve the appearance, durability, performance, and resistance of various products, tools, and equipment. Top 3 Uses Of Protective Coatings and Sealants Businesses and organizations that utilize protective coatings and sealants know that these materials are essential in creating top-quality, industry-standard products. These are the top 3 ways industries use coating and sealants: Enhance Performance And Durability One of the most important purposes of coatings and sealants is to improve the material’s performance. A common use for industrial protective coatings is in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers that utilize metals overcome the disadvantage of working with the material by using protective coatings to prevent rust. It also protects against harsh conditions, corrosion, and impact. The lifespan of products, tools, and machinery pieces is also extended with industrial protective coatings and sealants. The choice of protective coating ultimately depends on the type of surface it’s being applied to. On the other hand, industrial protective sealants are used to effectively bind materials because of their gluey properties. Adhesives typically have greater strength and flexibility than sealants. So, the primary application purpose for both may differ. 2. Add Waterproof Protection In most construction-related applications, sealants’ function is to block sound, heat, or dust from passing through surfaces. Industrial protective sealants also work by preventing fluids and moisture from seeping through various surfaces’ joints or openings. Industrial coatings, on the other hand, are used to protect or enhance the substrate. Sometimes, these chemicals or substances are used as a decorative and protective coating for substrates–the underlying layer where the coating or sealant is applied. Examples of industrial protective coating are those applied to wooden decks and machine parts. Coatings not only protect the surface of various substrates, but it can also change the product’s surface properties. 3. Boost Aesthetic Appeal Aside from the functional purposes of industrial protective coatings, these materials are also used to enhance the products’ aesthetic appeal. For example, lacquers and paints are coatings that enhance the physical appearance of various substrates, like wood, paper, metals, foil, and film. Industrial sealants and coatings protect and improve the performance of materials, making the end-product more appealing, which is very important. Manufacturers should aim to produce durable but aesthetically appealing items. This is where protective coatings and sealants can help. Takeaway No matter how technology or time may change industries’ requirements or processes, protective sealants and coatings continue to be essential materials for the manufacturing or finishing of products. Since coatings and sealants come in many forms, choosing the best one will depend on the application’s purpose and the composition of the substrate.
Delivering safer, faster, more cost-efficient and traceable high torque bolt tightening for critical applications in the energy sector are the key objectives of a new range of cordless smart battery nutrunners, launched by Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions. Previously expensive and time-consuming installation and maintenance processes carried out using hydraulic wrench methods, on wind turbines for example, have been made much faster and more cost-effective, as a result of Atlas Copco’s proven tensor motor technology, which delivers the world’s most productive output. Enhancing safety and comfort further, the ergonomically optimised SRB HA smart battery nutrunner is the only product of its type on the market equipped with a dual trigger, designed to minimise the risk of finger pinch injury. The single operator tool has a torque rating of up to 4000Nm and an internal torque transducer for maximum control and reliability. Clear operator feedback is provided with multi-functional LEDs, displaying OK/NOK status messages based on torque and angle readings. With three models available, the entry level SRB HA Digital version has a ‘Set and Go’ function, so it’s ready for use straight out of the box. The Smart and Connected models feature an internal WIFI server, allowing the tools to be linked to any mobile device. This enables torque, angle and batch data collection without the need for additional software. For the ultimate in functionality and process control, the SRB HA features an accessory bus for a barcode scanner and can also be integrated into overlying systems for live data feed and analysis. Commenting on the launch of its new smart nutrunner range, powered by Lithium-Ion 36V battery technology with charging and health indicators, James McAllister, General Manager, Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions, said: “By combining market-leading safety and performance with mobile connectivity, the SRB HA enables operators to take the smart factory into the field, making it the world’s most advanced and productive battery nutrunner. Being able to control and measure torque in real time with precise accuracy adds significant value to customers operating in challenging environments, as it not only improves safety but also reduces time spent on tasks and saves money. This frees up operators to work on different applications and we believe some companies could save over £40,000 per year in direct costs alone. “Atlas Copco’s launch of the SRB HA range represents an innovative addition to our portfolio of smart tooling solutions, in pursuit of zero defect assembly and maintenance. This superior level of traceability and data-driven insight is a real asset in helping companies improve both human and business performance, which is all the more compelling in the current economic climate.”
If you are an avid “do-it-yourselfer,” you enjoy working on different home projects and repairs without needing to hire professionals. However, some projects may require you to rent or purchase equipment, such as a Scaffold, to complete your project safely. Here are the steps in making sure that you use the scaffold correctly. Step 1: Realize the Need to Use Scaffolding When planning to work on home projects that are too high for you to reach, consider using scaffolding instead of ladders. Scaffoldings will give you a stable and wide platform where you can work on. This platform will also allow you to place your tools safely without them falling to the ground. Scaffolding can also save you a lot of time and energy since you do not need to constantly move a ladder when the area you need to work on is already out of reach. Scaffoldings also have guardrails that prevent you from falling over. However, it is still important not to rely on the guardrail by leaning your full body weight against them. When using scaffoldings, it is better to give an allowance from the guardrail and your body. The most common Scaffold that you can purchase or hire for home projects consists of 5 ft by 5 ft standard end frames and cross braces, which will make a 7 ft long Scaffold with a working height of 4 to 6 feet. If you need to work at much higher heights, you can combine two scaffolding sets. However, when working on a DIY home project, limit your height to two combined scaffolding heights to ensure stability. Step 2: Assembling the Frame and Base The most important part of assembling the scaffolding is to set up a solid foundation. The best way to do this is to assemble the base on solid and flat ground. If you need to set up your scaffolding on grass, gravel, or soft material, assemble them on top of 2×10 lumber to prevent the base from sinking. Never use bricks or scrap woods to level your scaffolding base since they may slip and cause accidents. Most scaffolding sets have adjusting screws to level the foundation. Step 3: Adding the Planks and Guardrails Do not cut costs on your scaffolding purchase or rental by not including the special planks and guardrails that come with the set. Specialized planks have hooks that secure your working platform in place. Please do not attempt to use ordinary wood planks as a working surface since they may not be strong enough or may slip when stepped on. Guard rails may be installed only on the outward-facing side of the Scaffold as long as the side facing the building is within 14 inches away from the wall. Step 4: Create Your Workstation Become more efficient by setting up a workstation on your scaffolding platform. Please put all your materials and tools in a bucket and raise them using a rope once you are on top of your platform. Step 5: Scaffolding Accessories and Safety Tips Most scaffolding sets may come with different types of casters that allow you to move the scaffolding without taking it. However, when using casters, it is important to install a horizontal brace between the two outside frames to make the scaffolding sturdier. Never attempt to roll the scaffolding with workers or materials still on top of the planks. Make sure also to lock the casters before climbing the scaffolding.
